You felt cold.
Noises swarmed your senses as your head felt much heavier than it was previously. It was a mix of many different voices, noises, and sounds that you didn't recognize and it felt very overwhelming. One noise in particular kept repeating in your ear, a voice you didn't recognize.
<<if $him is true>>"Is he awake?"<<else>>"Is she awake?"<</if>> Some shuffling was heard as you groaned, pulled abruptly from your slumber. The voice of who spoke was unfamiliar to you. A headache was pulling at your temple, what was that noise? You could faintly hear something but before you could pinpoint it, another voice spoke.
A scoff. "Obviously <i>not</i>, do you see <<if $him is true>>him<<else>>her<</if>> awake?" This voice was more feminine, but sounded younger, both sounded young.
//Who are these people?// You groaned inwardly, //and why are they so loud?//
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<!-- wrapping this bit in a nobr tag helps avoid weird spacing -->
<<link '<div class="choice-item">Open your eyes.</div>' 'prologue.2'>><</link>>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>><i class="fa-solid fa-feather"></i> Codex Updated<</notify>>$him You quickly followed behind them, turning into a small section with pipes and crates as they were scaling the side of the wall with agility that made you question where this person knew such actions.
The list of questions grew longer as you followed their same path, climbing atop of a few crates before pulling yourself up to the home's rooftop.
Heaving yourself up, you see the figure briskly move their head from left to right, as if searching for something.
"Stop!" You yelled, grabbing their attention once again.
They exhaled outwardly, their hands clenched by their sides as they looked at you over their shoulder.
If you had something to say, this looked to be the perfect time to say it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<<link '<div class="choice-item"> "You come willingly and I will convience the Guard to let you live." </div>' 'wont escape'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="choice-item"> "You will not escape Liye, not alive. And you know that."</div>' 'wont escape'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="choice-item"> Take a step closer to them.</div>' 'wont escape'>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="execute-item"> Kill them.</div>' 'wont escape'>><</link>>
<a data-passage="next next passage"><i class="fa-solid fa-caret-down"></i> kill them.</a>
</div><</nobr>><!-- story interface
stuff goes here -->
<div id="container">
<div id="header">
<span id="header-text" onclick="toggle(this)"></span> <div
class="menutoggle"><span id="zero" onclick="toggle(this)"><i
class="fa fa-bars" aria-hidden="true"></i> </span> <span
id="one" style="bottom:-180px;">
<div class="menu-flex">
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
<div id="story">
<div id="passages">
<!-- actual game content appears in here -->
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- im v bad at javascript dont judge me too hard -->
<script>function toggle() {
var x = document.getElementById("one");
if (!x.style.bottom ||x.style.bottom === '-180px') {
x.style.bottom = '0px';
} else {
x.style.bottom = '-180px';
}
}
$("#story").click(function() {
var x = document.getElementById("one");
if (x.style.bottom == '0px') {
x.style.bottom = '-180px';
}
});
$("#one").click(function(event) {
event.stopPropagation();
});
</script><!-- storyinterface
doesn't let you code variables in, so this is how u cheat the system -->
<<replace ".menu-flex">><<include
"menu-flex">><</replace>>
<<replace "#header-text">><<include
"header-text">><</replace>><!-- a little script to
boop longer passages back up to the top when going to new pages -->
<script>var myDiv = document.getElementById('passages');
myDiv.scrollTop = 0;</script>
<<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>01</b>
settings</div>'>><<script>>UI.settings()<</script>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>02</b> profile</div>'>>
<<run slideWin("profile")>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>03</b>
saves</div>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>>
<<link '<div class="menu-item"><b>04</b>main menu</div>'>><<goto "main-menu">><</link>>$gamechapter
<<if $him is true>><img src ="images/miklan_alde_port.jpeg" alt="him" class="center-profile"><<else>><img src ="images/milan_alde_port.jpeg" alt="her" class="center-profile"><</if>>
<div class="profile-text"><<if $him is true>>Miklan Alde<<else>> Milan Alde<</if>></div>
<img src="images/pagebreak.png" class="divider-pic" class="divider-pic">
<div class="bio-text"><<if $him is true>>Miklan Alde is a Verunian countryman from Kone, being raised in a small town by the large city of Arthal. Living a relatively quiet life, he worked with his mother as a merchant but now finds himself very far from home.<<else>>Milan Alde is a Verunian countrywoman, being raised in a small town by Arthal. Living a relatively quiet life, she worked with her mother as a merchant but now finds herself very far from home.<</if>></div><<set $gamechapter to "the chase">>
<<set $him to false>>
<<set $her to false>>
<<set $starlightUsage to 20>>
<<set $prostarlightUsage to 0>>
<<set $jorinapp to 50>>
<<set $isadoraapp to 50>>
<<set $verunaapp to 70>>
<<set $inquisitive to 0>>
<<set $diplomatic to 0>>
<<set $reserved to 0>>
<<set $aggressive to 0>>
<<set $kind to 0>>
<<set $feared to 0>>
<<set $blunt to 0>>
<<set $money to 45>>
<<set $caughtKiller to false>>psst psstbeep boop, here is map
<img src="images/mini-map.jpeg"><div class=“main-title”><span class="main-title-item">BROKEN KINGDOM</span></div>
<div class='subtitle'><span class='subtitle-item'>[[NEW GAME|character-creator]]</span>
<<if visited("beta-selector")>><div class='subtitle'><span class='subtitle-item'><<link RESUME>><<run UI.saves();>><</link>></span></div><</if>>
<div class='subtitle'><span class='subtitle-item'><<link SETTINGS>><<run UI.settings();>><</link>></span>
</div><div class='header-title'><span class='header-title-item'>WHICH ALDE ARE YOU?</span></div>
<a data-passage="beta-selector" data-setter="$him to true"><img src ="images/miklan_alde_port.jpeg" alt="him" class="miklan_port"></a> <a data-passage="beta-selector" data-setter="$her to true"><img src ="images/milan_alde_port.jpeg" alt="her" class="milan_port"></a>
This choice does not affect gameplay and only affects how characters refer to you.<div class='end-screen-title'><span class='end-screen-item'>END OF $gamechapter</span></div>
<<if visited("prologue.1")>>With orders directly from General Edmond, <<if $him is true>>Miklan <<else>> Milan<</if>> is set on their path to Agral. Armed with only their knowledge from others of the land, <<if $him is true>>he will find much more than he bargined for in the land without magic.<<else>>she<</if>> will find much more than she bargined for in the land without magic.
<<elseif visited("chase.1")>>After a chase around the city<<if $caughtKiller is true>> to what was almost a fruitless endeavor, <<if $him is true>>Miklan caught the assasin that murdered the royal apothecary and a dear friend and is bringing them before the highest governing heads in Agral, the Crown.<<elseif $her is true>>Milan caught the assasin that murdered the royal apothecary and a dear friend and is bringing them before the highest governing heads in Agral, the Crown.<</if>><<elseif $caughtKiller is false>> to what became a fruitless endeavor, <<if $him is true>> Miklan now finds himself having to stand before the highest governing body in Agral, with no evidence to his claims. Not wanting to draw any unwanted attention to himself and his mission, he will have to find a way to make himself useful or draw the ire of the five most powerful people in Agral.<<elseif $her is true>> Milan now finds herself having to stand before the highest governing body in Agral, with no evidence to her claims. Not wanting to draw any unwanted attention to herself and her mission, she will have to find a way to make herself useful or draw the ire of the five most powerful people in Agral.<<if $killedAssasin is true>><<if $him is true>>After a very long chase around the city, Miklan found himself face to face with the killer of the royal apothecary and a dear friend to him. After a short fight, Miklan ultimately decided to kill the assassin, the weight of their crimes too much for him and now he finds himself with a dead body and he will stand before the highest governing body in Agral, the Crown, to explain what has happened.<<elseif $her is true>>After a very long chase around the city, Milan found herself face to face with the killer of the royal apothecary and a dear friend to her. After a short fight, Milan ultimately decided to kill the assassin, the weight of their crimes too much for him and now she finds himself with a dead body and she will stand before the highest governing body in Agral, the Crown, to explain what has happened.<</if>><</if>><</if>>
<</if>><</if>>
<span style="font-size: 2em; float: right;">
<a data-passage="end-stats"><i class="fa-solid fa-arrow-right-long"></i></a>
</span><div class='end-screen-title'><span class='end-screen-item'>END OF $gamechapter STATISTICS</span></div><div class="end-screen-line">
<<if $him is true>><<if $aggressive gte 5>>Miklan //acted// more on his instincts, letting his gut lead him through situations and made sure no one slightest him. He was assertive in his views and stuck to what he knew would grant him the results he wanted.<</if>><<if $aggressive lte 5>> Miklan chose not to act on his instincts and solely trust his gut. He did not act //combative//, instead following where the situation took him and not forcing anything.<</if>>
<<if $reserved gte 2>>Miklan showed //restraint// when the situation asked for it, keeping cool and not making any unnecessary conversations or arguements. Keeping a level-head and a watchful eye on any situation that could turn bad or simply keeping to himself.<</if>><<if $reserved lte 2>>Miklan //acted// more than he kept to himself, keeping himself and his intentions open and forward through his interactions and different situations.<</if>>
<<if $inquisitive gte 3>>He was //curious// of the world around him, wanting and learning more as time went on. Miklan showed interest in understanding people he interacted with, asking questions where others wouldn't.<</if>><<if $inquisitive lte 3>>He opted to stick to what he needed to know, not looking //deeper// on the world around him and the people who he interacted with.<</if>>
<<if $diplomatic gte 3>>Miklan relied more on his ability to be //tactful// and showing an predilection towards dealing with people in a sensible and effective way. Choosing words first over might and strength, Miklan used his wit and tact to navigate situations.<</if>><<if $diplomatic lte 3>>He relied more on his //strength// and might to carry through in conversation more than his wit and tact, navigating situations bluntly and discernible methods.<</if>><</if>><<if $her is true>><<if $aggressive gte 5>>Milan //acted// more on her instincts, letting her gut lead her through situations and made sure no one slightest her. She was assertive in her views and stuck to what she knew would grant her the results she wanted.<</if>><<if $aggressive lte 5>> Milan chose not to act on her instincts and solely trust her gut. She did not act //combative//, instead following where the situation took her and not forcing anything.<</if>>
<<if $reserved gte 2>>Milan showed //restraint// when the situation asked for it, keeping cool and not making any unnecessary conversations or arguements. Keeping a level-head and a watchful eye on any situation that could turn bad or simply keeping to herself.<</if>><<if $reserved lte 2>>Milan //acted// more than she kept to himself, keeping herself and her intentions open and forward through her interactions and different situations.<</if>>
<<if $inquisitive gte 3>>She was //curious// of the world around her, wanting and learning more as time went on. Milan showed interest in understanding people she interacted with, asking questions where others wouldn't.<</if>><<if $inquisitive lte 3>>She opted to stick to what she needed to know, not looking //deeper// on the world around her and the people who she interacted with.<</if>>
<<if $diplomatic gte 3>>Milan relied more on her ability to be //tactful// and showing an predilection towards dealing with people in a sensible and effective way. Choosing words first over might and strength, Milan used her wit and tact to navigate situations. <</if>><<if $diplomatic lte 3>>Milan relied more on her //strength// and might to carry through in conversation more than her wit and tact, navigating situations bluntly and discernible methods.<</if>><</if>>
</div>Opening your eyes, the sunlight shined brightly into your eyes as you brought your hand up to cover the sun. You saw two forms towering over you with wide eyes, curiosity evident on their features.
Your mind was muddled as you tried to remember where you were and who these people were.
The one on the right, the young girl, was the first to break the silence as they watched you get up. "Way to go, Jor, you woke<<if $him is true>> him<<else>> her<</if>> up!" The girl had thick, curly hair that was tied up into a bun as she smacked the young boy's arm scoldingly.
The young boy only rolled his eyes in response, the two of them still standing above you as you rose from your bed.
You didn't know who these two people were and, truth be told, your head was hurting the more they spoke. Looking around, the inside of whatever room you were in was...dreary to say the least. The small beds, if they could be called that, laid on the floor with small bags beside them as there were other children around your age walking about.
There were windows, high above and far from reach. The floor was dirty and the occasional bug scurried on by and the smell reminded you of why you were here, it smelt like ash.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Ask them who they are. It seemed they were curious enough about you. |prologue.3.0][$inquisitive+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Keep quiet. It's better to keep to yourself in these situations. |prologue.3.1]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You rose from the makeshift bed beneath you, it was only a piece of linen separating you from the ground so saying it was a bed was being generous.
From what you could gather, there were handful of other children playing and walking about the very large room everyone was in. There were other beds, placed hapazardly in any available space.
You were continuing to take in your surroundings before the same small figure from before blocked your view.
The boy rubbed his arm with a frown before turning to you, "I'm Jorin. This one is Isadora."
You nodded, the names not familiar to you as you took a long look at them. Jorin and Isadora looked distinctly Verunian, dark skinned and dark brown hair. He wore a tattered overshirt and Isadora wore a thin blanket over her shoulders.
"You're quiet, huh?"
Ignoring the girl's comment, you were now certain you heard something. It sounded almost like a...song? Soft, distant music played, but there wasn't anyone playing anything.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |music]]
</div><</nobr>>"Who are you?" Your voice was hoarse from lack of use, the thin sheet on your body moved with you as you crossed your legs. The two kids turned to you, surprised you were speaking to them.
You rose from the makeshift bed beneath you, it was only a piece of linen separating you from the ground so saying it was a bed was being generous.
From what you could gather, there were handful of other children playing and walking about the very large room everyone was in. There were other beds, placed hapazardly in any available space.
You were continuing to take in your surroundings before the same small figure from before blocked your view.
The boy rubbed his arm with a frown before turning to you, "I'm Jorin. This one is Isadora."
You nodded, the names not familiar to you as you took a long look at them. Jorin and Isadora looked distinctly Verunian, dark skinned and dark brown hair. He wore a tattered overshirt and Isadora wore a thin blanket over her shoulders.
Now, you were certain you heard something. It sounded almost like a...song? Soft, distant music played, but there wasn't anyone playing anything.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |music]]
</div><</nobr>>"What //is// that sound?" You muttered, more so to yourself than to anyone, but to your surprise, Jorin responded.
He shared a quick look with the girl, "sound?"
You ran your hand through your hair, shutting your eyes tightly and trying to focus on the noise. It was very, very far and you couldn't make out where it was coming from but you know you can hear it.
"It's...It's like some sort of music."
"You hear it too?" Isadora blurted out, which earned her a quick hit on her shoulder for Jorin this time.
"You aren't supposed to say anything, Isa!"
That caught your attention.
"What do you know about this?" You shifted in your makeshift bed, brows furrowed as any sleepiness that lingered quickly went away. Your body felt sore as you moved, for some reason.
There was a pause, the sounds of other children playing and talking behind Jorin and Isadora filled the space as your eyes peered into the young girl's.
"I shouldn't..." She muttered, seeing the seriousness on Jorin's face.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Push Jorin for an answer. |ask jorin]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Push Isadora for an answer|ask isadora]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You turned to look at the boy, "why shouldn't she say anything? Where am I?"
Jorin pursed his lips, his face turning serious as he avoided your gaze, "we're in Arthal, from what I overheard. I //also// overheard that this is where they ship out everyone like us before taking us to Cove D'Vacana."
//Ship out everyone like us?//
"Don't make it sound so bad, Jor, it's not like we have anywhere else to go."
"Start—!" You exclaimed loudly, your confusion starting to become overwhelming the more this conversation progressed. "Start from the beginning."
The two stopped talking once you raised your voice, Isadora's brows furrowing as she bit the inside of her cheek. You inhaled shakily, "please."
There was a pause before Jorin sighed, taking a seat on the ground beside your makeshift bed. He crossed his legs under him, gaze on his fiddling hands. Isadora follows his lead, sitting beside him as Jorin was the first to speak.
"I don't really know all that much, but..." He pursed his lips, a somewhat solemn look crossing his face, "I do know you're here because you have nowhere else to go."
"What are you talking about? I-I had a home," your memories blurred as you tried to think of the past and how you arrived to this place, "my parents! What happened to them?"
A silence carried over the three of you as you searched the faces of both of these strangers, looking for anything.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |talking about what happened]]
</div><</nobr>>
You turned to look at the girl, "you should, where am I?"
Isadora pursed her lips, letting out a soft sigh before she spoke, "We are in Arthal, from what I overheard. I //also// overheard that this is where they ship out everyone ike us before taking us to Cove D'Vacana.
//Ship out everyone like us?//
"Look, you're scaring <<if $him is true>>him<<else>>her<</if>>. It's not completely bad, and it's not like we have anywhere else to go."
"Start—!" You exclaimed loudly, your confusion starting to become overwhelming the more this conversation progressed. "Start from the beginning."
The two stopped talking once you raised your voice, Isadora's brows furrowing as she bit the inside of her cheek. You inhaled shakily, "please."
There was a pause before Jorin sighed, taking a seat on the ground beside your makeshift bed. He crossed his legs under him, gaze on his fiddling hands. Isadora follows his lead, sitting beside him as Jorin was the first to speak.
"I don't really know all that much, but..." He pursed his lips, a somewhat solemn look crossing his face, "I do know you're here because you have nowhere else to go."
"What are you talking about? I-I had a home," your memories blurred as you tried to think of the past and how you arrived to this place, "my parents! What happened to them?"
A silence carried over the three of you as you searched the faces of both of these strangers, looking for anything.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |talking about what happened]]
</div><</nobr>>
"And what do you remember of them?" Isadora asked.
You blinked quickly, trying to sort through the haze of your memories but it felt so distant and vague that you couldn't make sense of any of it.
"I don't know."
She nodded with a small frown on her features, "it'll come back to you in time, but for now, I wouldn't hold out hope for them. Most of the kids here lost them too."
Arthal... You knew the name of the place and your memories were lacking but you knew you weren't from here. The city was to the west of where you lived, but too far to stop in for a visit. How did you get here?
"What... happened?"
"It looks like most of us had some kind of accident and then they bring us here. We're only been here for a week or so, but they won't let us leave. I'm..." Jorin took a look around before continuing, "I'm not sure but I think it has to do with that music, some sort of magics or another."
"Magic? We didn't have any magi in our town... which was surprising, to other people for some reason."
He nodded, "Baba used to work in a university so he knew all about it. He used to study the stars and moons, loved studying it, but he didn't have it."
Isadora piped up, "but Mama did say magics was in our family, no? Her dad had magics."
Jorin nodded, "he did and he told me all about it."
The music swelled in your ear, instruments you've never heard before played louder in your ears and your body felt different. Felt lighter. Felt //better//.
Your eyes fluttered shut, your energy was already sapped from before so you felt yourself slip into the sound of the beautiful melody. All the instruments worked in perfect harmony, every note hit at the perfect moment.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |getting snapped out of it]]
</div><</nobr>><<notify>>Autosaving... <i class="fa-sharp fa-regular fa-hourglass-half"></i> <</notify>>"Hey, hey! Snap out of it!" A hand grabbed your shoulder, pulling you out of your reprieve and making you snap your eyes open. Concern was stitched on Jorin's face, the music abruptly stop.
You blinked a few times, feeling yourself return to your body as a heavy, invisible weight crashed onto your chest.
You saw Jorin and Isadora exchange a look, which added to the sinking feeling in your stomach.
"Try..." Jorin trailed off for a moment, "try to stay with us, yeah? I'm not certain but the music is the magic, try to ignore it best you can. For now, at least?"
He squeezed your shoulder tightly as you gave a nod, "okay."
Jorin pulled his hand back, his eyes staying on you as you looked down at your hands. Silence lulled between the three of you, you couldn't tell if it was tense or peaceful silence because you were trying to understand what happened within you. Your chest still felt tight, but you didn't hear the music anymore. You didn't feel the lightness, the softness that took over your body and you couldn't help but miss the feeling.
You debated asking your ever-growing list of questions, Isadora and Jorin seemed to know and understand what was happening but your mind couldn't wrap around everything they were saying.
You landed on one question.
"This is what you meant by //'everyone like us?'// "
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro 0.7]]
</div><</nobr>><<if visited ("ask jorin")>> Isadora gave a sad nod, "but like I said, it's not all bad. Me and Jor choose to go to Cove D'Vacana, they're going to teach us how to use it and use it for the better."
Jorin pursed his lips, his tone serious as he spoke, "and they're going to make sure we're never helpless again."<<else>> Jorin gave a sad nod, "but like I said, it's not all bad. Me and Isa choose to go to Cove D'Vacana, they're going to teach us how to use it and use it for the better."
His tone turned serious as he spoke, "and they're going to make sure we're never helpless again."
<</if>>
The question of what happened to these two died on your lips as you saw the look that crossed Jorin's face. They looked to be about your age, they had to be early teens at the latest. Whatever happened must've been bad for them to choose to come to where ever this is.
You paused for a long moment before deciding to speak again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[ Who are they? |pro 0.8]]"
</div><</nobr>>That question caused a shift and the difference was noticable. You saw Isadora stiffen, her eyes avoiding yours as you became aware of the loud noises behind the two of them, the noises of different kids playing loudly. There was a pair that created a rough version of playing swords out of scraps and pretending to fight one another, laughing as they poked one another.
Did they hear the music? Does every single one of them have magic?
There was a group of them gathered together, some of them were drawing on the ground as they were talking lazily amongst each other, laying on some crates and boxes they scrounged up together. They looked to be laid-back, relaxing and sitting with one another.
Did all of them have something happen to them?
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro 0.9]]
</div><</nobr>>Isadora stood up suddenly, putting a hand on Jorin's shoulder as a signal him to follow. Your eyes shot up and followed Isadora, the abrupt change taking your attention.
"You should eat. The food runs out pretty quick, especially with new people around."
With that, she walked away from your small section you have for your bed with Jorin standing up and following her. He said nothing as he walked away, the two walking across the room and to what you assumed is their spots.
You were left with your questions, having answered some questions started to lift the fog from your memory but not everything made sense. It was something tampered with your memories and you couldn't access them.
With the two having left you alone, you were left to your own devices for now.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Find the food Isadora was talking about. |pro 0.10.1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Talk to the other kids around. Isadora and Jorin weren't the only one with answers. |pro 0.10.2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Look around the building. Maybe you could get some idea of where you are. |pro 0.10.3]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>With one last look to the pair, who was now sitting together along with two other kids, you stood up and took a good look of what was happening within the room. From what you could tell, it was daytime outside with the rays peering in from the high windows along the walls.
Within the room you resided in, there were plenty of different groups of people grouped together and talking amongst themselves. There was a lot of commotion, a lot of things happening, you saw a handful of kids lining up for what you could see was some sort of stew or soup, other kids placing cards atop some spare crates and others across the room.
You had a few options to choose from, which group or which kids to speak to. There were the group playing cards to your far right, they looked to be around your age with some of them being a bit younger.
There were the people in line to eat, chatting amongst themselves. There were also what looked to be people posted by a large wooden door. They were double your size, taller than any one in the room and you were almost certain it would take two people to just open it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item>[[Talk to the people playing cards. |pro .10.2.1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item>[[Talk to the people in line. |pro .10.3.1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item>[[Go to the people posted by the large wooden doors. |pro.10.4.1]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>With one last look to the pair, who was now sitting together along with two other kids, you stood up and took a good look of what was happening within the room. From what you could tell, it was daytime outside with the rays peering in from the high windows along the walls.
Within the room you resided in, there were plenty of different groups of people grouped together and talking amongst themselves. There was a lot of commotion, a lot of things happening but one thing in particular drew your eye.
In the right side of the room, there was a flickering light that had a few people drawn to it. You walked closer to it to get a better view and you could see that people were standing in line in front of it. What seemed to be a large pot atop a fire, there was someone stirring the broth and filling bowls handed to them. He looked to be older than average, his skin beige as his light colored hair was pulled behind him with a simple tie. Despite him looking older, he was much skinner than the bunch.
You stood at the end of the line, you ran your hands through your hair and found a tanged and dirty mess atop your head.
//I don't suppose they have baths here,// you huffed silently. //Mama would never let me leave the house with my hair looking like this.//
The thought made you stop, Isadora's words ringing in your head as you swallowed thickly. If you were to believe the two strangers, then it would mean that your family was truly gone.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro .10.2]]
</div><</nobr>>You inhaled deeply before you stood up from your very small spot on the floor, scanning the room for anything interesting. From what you could tell, it was daytime outside with the rays peering in from the high windows along the walls.
Within the room you resided in, there were plenty of different groups of people grouped together and talking amongst themselves. There was a lot of commotion, a lot of things happening, you saw a handful of kids lining up for what you could see was some sort of stew or soup, other kids placing cards atop some spare crates and others across the room.
The largest piece within the room was the massive double doors that had people posted by it. It was double your size, taller than any one in the room and you were almost certain it would take two people to just open it.
There was also a large window that was across from the doors, closer to where Jorin and Isadora were now sitting. It was still a bit of distance between them and the window, but you could swear you could see a seam in the window — a chance for it to open.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Go to the large door. |pro.10.3.1]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You ignored the numbness you felt, your breathing turning shallow as you followed the flow of the line and moving when they moved.
Were they really gone?
They wouldn't leave you in an unknown place like this, by yourself and especially without saying anything to you. Everytime you tried to think back, it felt like your body itself was fighting against you.
You felt a slight nudge forward, telling you to move up as you didn't notice they moved. Shaking your head, you moved closer to the older boy who was serving everyone their food.
People spoke amongst themselves as they were in line, chatting about odds and ends. You made no effort to speak to anyone else, the two you last spoke to left you with much to think about and you weren't sure you liked it.
With the already loud noises of this room, the chatter of the people in line reached your ears without much resistance. Different topics from what the food was going to be to what they planned on doing today. One conversation, however, caught your attention.
"They're supposed to be coming soon, aren't they?" A meek voice spoke, the origin was a few people behind you in line.
A scoff, "they better, we're starting to get cramped like fish in here."
"It's been a long while since they've picked up—"
"I know the smell is enticing but it can't be that good."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro .10.3]]
</div><</nobr>>A new voice made you turn your head forward with your eyes wide, looking at the boy serving the stew. He gestured to the pot with a raised brow and it took you a moment to understand but you nodded.
"You got a bowl?" His voice wasn't rough nor demanding, simply asking with a tired expression.
You shook your head, "I don't."
The boy took a long look at you before letting out a soft sigh, putting the ladle down and bending over to grab what you assumed was a bowl.
"You one of the new ones?" He asked as he rummaged through his belongings.
"Yeah, it looks like it."
"North Verunian, right?"
You paused for a moment, "yeah, small place called Kone. Not far from here, I'm told."
The boy pulled on a few things, stuff clattering to the ground before he pulled out a small black bowl. He gave a small nod as he checked out the bowl, making sure it was clean before he righted himself and grabbed the ladle again.
"Saw Jorin and Isa talking to you," he poured some stew into the bowl, filling it up a good way before stopping and giving you a small spoon.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Take the bowl silently. |pro .10.4.1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[What do you know of them?|pro .10.4.2][$inquisitive+=1]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>You took the bowl silently, scrutinizing the boy and giving a small nod.
He started to take the bowl of the next person, still speaking to you.
"They're decent folk, is all. Only people I know crazy enough to come //here// willingly." He poured stew into the person's bowl, "well, Jorin's the crazy one, Isa takes care of him, though."
You pursed your lips, nodding after a long moment.
You took your bowl and found an empty spot amongst the different crates and barrels, drinking the warm stew you had. You tried to ignore the loud sounds around you, focusing on this meal since your stomach was rumbling.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro .11]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You took the filled up bowl and spoon, "what do you know of them?"
You felt another nudge on your back, telling you to move out the way, but you ignored it. The boy shrugged, taking the bowl of the next person behind you and going back to work.
"They're decent folk, is all. Only people I know crazy enough to come //here// willingly." He poured stew into the person's bowl, "well, Jorin's the crazy one, Isa takes care of him, though."
You pursed your lips, nodding after a long moment.
You took your bowl and found an empty spot amongst the different crates and barrels, drinking the warm stew you had. You tried to ignore the loud sounds around you, focusing on this meal since your stomach was rumbling.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro .11]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You inhaled deeply before you walked over to the stacked crates and group of kids playing and chatting with one another. They all looked vastly different from one another, some tall and lanky whilst others were short and stout. A few of them had lighter skin tones, you assumed them to be from the coasts of Veruna whilst the others had brown and darker ones.
There were three of them playing cards, one who looked to be human and the other two were notably elven. Sharp, long features identified them, other than their signature sharp-tipped ears. The human had adornments in her hair and on her face, a hoop in her nose that connected to her thick, wavy hair was the most striking feature.
The others in the group were sitting around them and eating the stew you saw earlier, chatting quietly as they stretched and moved.
"Care for another player?" You approached the main table, the face of a flat crate with some sheet throw atop of it.
The one sitting in the center, an elven woman with hair as red as yours, looked up at you. The human woman also drew her attention away from her cards and to you as you spoke, leaving the elven boy to keep his eyes on his cards.
"Sprites is a three person game." The elven boy spoke without looking up.
The elven woman rolled her eyes at him, "ignore Zahir, social graces is not his strong suit. Have a seat."
She gestured to a small crate close to where you were standing. You nodded, pulling it over and sitting in between Zahir and the human woman.
Zahir threw a card in the middle, into a pile of other cards as he still didn't look at you. "Doesn't change the fact Sprites is a three person game."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Don't mind me, I'll just watch then. |pro .10.2.2]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[I'm sure Zahir wouldn't mind trading his spot then, no? |pro .10.2.3]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>Making your way to the large door, you squeezed through groups of people with a muttered //excuse me's//. After a few moments, you stood a few paces away from the large doors, and face to face with the two people standing on either side of the door.
You inhaled softly as you looked through the seam of the door, seeing the light of outside on some grassy landscape.
"Hey! Can I help you?"
The loud voice made you jump away from the door, turning to the right side to see one of the guards of the door. They were wearing similar clothes to you, tattered overshirt with dark colored trousers. He was taller than you and looked to be Verunian as well. His skin was beige, a bit lighter than yours but he had a tuft of dark brown hair. He didn't looked to be armed, he appeared to just be rested beside the large doors.
Blinking rapidly, you gathered yourself up again to respond.
"Y-Yeah, yeah, you can actually."
He raised a brow, his arms crossing over his chest as he waited for your response.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[What can you tell me about this place? |pro.10.4]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[When can we leave here? |pro.10.4.1]]"</div>
</div><<nobr>>You straightened yourself back up, "when can we leave this place?"
The guard stares at you, a few moments more than you'd like but he responded after a long sigh, "look... You look like you've had a long day, I know I've had a long day."
You furrowed your brow as you tilted your head, not the response you were expecting.
"I'm sure there are plenty of other people in here you can ask your... very repetitive questions to. Because I'm sure you can tell, but this isn't the first time I've been asked that and it is most certainly not the last time. So please, make my life marginally better," He uncrossed his arms and gestured off to his right, "and //leave.//"
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro .11]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"I'll just watch then," you smiled before turning to look at the boy, "if, of course, that's alright with you?"
Zahir pulled his eyes away from his cards with a frown, staring blankly at you as that made a wide smirk find it's way onto your features.
The elven woman laughed loudly at the interaction, her smile infectious as the other woman grinned as well. She hummed quietly before throwing a card in the same pile Zahir did.
"I haven't seen you before, you newblood?" The human woman asked, folding her cards downward and shifting her body towards to you as she spoke.
You drummed your fingers on the table, tilting your head to the side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Happen to be, it seems. |pro .10.2.4]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[[LIE]I've been here a while, rather keep to myself, though. |pro .10.2.5]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>"I'm sure our //gracious// friend wouldn't mind giving up his spot then," you smiled before turning to look at the boy, "you don't mind, Zahir, do you?"
Zahir pulled his eyes away from his cards with a frown, staring blankly at you as that made a wide smirk find it's way onto your features.
The elven woman laughed loudly at the interaction, her smile infectious as the other woman grinned as well. She hummed quietly before throwing a card in the same pile Zahir did.
"I haven't seen you before, you newblood?" The human woman asked, folding her cards downward and shifting her body towards to you as she spoke.
You drummed your fingers on the table, tilting your head to the side.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Happen to be, it seems. |pro .10.2.4]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[[LIE]I've been here a while, rather keep to myself, though. |pro .10.2.5]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>><div class='selector-title'><span class='selector-title-item'>WHICH BETA WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY?</span></div>
<a data-passage="prologue.1" data-setter="$gamechapter to 'prologue'"><img src="images/prologue-choice.png" class="beta-icon1"></a> <a data-passage="chase.1"><img src="images/beta-choice2.png" class="beta-icon2"></a>
<div class="beta-selector-title1">[[A. The Prologue. |prologue.1][$gamechapter to "prologue"]] <div class="beta-selector-title2">[[B. The Chase. |chase.1][$gamechapter to "the chase"]]</div>The sun bore down on the bustling town below, the heat was starting to become unbearable around this time of year but natives to Liye were used to the torment that was Agralian summers.
You stood on the outskirts of the roaring crowd, the crowd was alive before him and if one wasn't careful, the current would pick them up and throw them away. It wouldn't be your first time in the <i>Baled,</i> but you had a specific goal for this shopping trip.
Huffing slightly, you pulled your thin hood over your head, your only protection against the blistering sun.
Vendors shouting alongside you, attracting some customers but mostly stares as they passed, as you weaved your way through the stalls you have memorized.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |chase.2]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>><i class="fa-solid fa-minus"></i> LOST 45 COINS<</notify>>Different scents and smells hit you all at once, no matter how many times you come to the shops, you doubted you would ever get used to it. The variety of spices and smells was almost enticing enough to make you stop your search, find the source, and fill your stomach to your hearts content but you had just enough self-control not to.
<i>Focus,</i> you thought harshly, <i>you're here to find Omar, not to eat.</i>
Pushing through the crowd with newed energy, you kept your sights in front of you with your head slightly down.
You suddenly felt a small form hit the lower half of your body. Confusion on your features, you looked down to see a child turn away from your gaze as you took a step back.
The child, you now recognized was a small boy, dark brown curls covered his face as he held his hands behind his back.
<<if $him is true>> "S-Sorry, <i>gēge,</i> I-I wasn't looking."<<elseif $her is true>>"S-Sorry, <i>jiějie,</i> I-I wasn't looking."<</if>>
You frowned slightly, eyes softening slightly as the little boy kept muttering under his breath, his feet starting to move him backwards. You couldn't see his features and you didn't recognize his voice but little boys running around the <i>baled</i> was not uncommon, especially if their mothers were shopping or walking around.
"That's alright. You need to watch where you're going." Placing your hands on your hips as you spoke, your fingers landed on an unfamilar material, that of cut thread.
Cut purses were <i>also</i> more than common around here. <<set $money to 0>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Hey! What do you think you're doing? |chase.3.1][$aggressive+=1]]" </div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[If you're going to cut purses, be sure not to get caught. |chase.3.2][$blunt+=1]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Don't say anything to the kid. |chase.3.3][$reserved+=1]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" You snapped, grabbing the boy's hand to stop his attempt to leave.
He yelped loudly, his eyes finding anywhere else to look but yours. He looked around nervously as you frowned.
<<if $him is true>> "I-I didn't mean to, gēge! We-I, I needed some tiz's and-and you looked like you have money, I'm sorry!" <<elseif $her is true>> "I-I didn't mean to, jiějie! We-I, I needed some tiz's and-and you looked like you have money, I'm sorry!" <</if>>
The boy was recoiling away from you, obviously expecting a physical punishment for his transgression, which made you hesitate.
You pursed your lips, scrutnizing the child from head to toe.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Take your coins back. You weren't certain your relationship with Omar was good enough for him to not get paid for his work. |agg get coins back][$aggressive+=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Let the boy keep the coins. He needed it more than you by the looks of it and The Royal Apothecary gets paid handsomely by the Crown, he can wait on one payment. |agg reaction cont][$diplomatic+=1]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"If you're going to cut purses, be sure <i>not</i> to get caught by the purse your cutting, yeah?"
The boy stopped in his tracks when he heard you, eyes growing much wider as he risked a look in your direction. You kept your hands on your hip as you tilted your head slightly. A lazy grin came to your features, the air between you two playful.
He looked speechless, his hand behind his back as his body read defensive. The boy didn't look a day over eleven summers, a small cut on his cheek adnored his face and his bright blonde hair was ruggedly cut at his shoulder, a slight translucent fade at the end of the strands.
You squinted, looking at them for a moment longer as the boy didn't move a muscle.
That certain hair color... It was a rare quality to have, translucency and colorful ends in hair mostly lended it's hand to be glamor or this boy was not human.
Non-humans and non-elves were rare in and around Agral, even rarer to find them within the cities so running into one in the most central part of Agral's capital made you even more curious.
"You're not from Agral, are you?" You asked, more surprised than accusitory. Humans, alongside Elves, were the dominant race in Agral and Verunia, even before the Agralian territories became one, hundreds of years ago. A very small number of How lived amongst them, but their sharp features, textured skin, and a keen sense of sight and smell made them stand apart from the other two. The pureblooded Avians still possessed their wings and were capable of flight, but the ones who resided in this continent were mixed race, with a toss up of being capable of such things.
Some resided in the mountain range between Felra and Kornes, where the most ancient of How lived as well as one of the oldest civilazations in all of Cein. Not much was known of the How or the anciety city, but what was known was that How was much older and lived much longer than any other race, with the Celine coming in a close second. If they didn't live in the Ancient City, they turned to a more nomadic lifestyle, moving from the mountain range to different plains and valleys across the East.
The boy's eyes grew even wider, fear now crossing his features as he took another step back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |chase.4]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You eyed the young boy momentarily before giving him a gesture with your head, telling him to get going.
He looked at you, fully for the first time since this interaction started, his eyes wide as he nodded in response. He muttered thank you's under his breath as he backtracked slowly before he turned and ran into the crowd. His small body disappeared as a group of people passed in front of him and he was suddenly gone.
<i>With my coin purse, too.</i> You huffed, stuffing your hands into your pockets as you continued on your path to the potions stall, but this time with no money for your dear friend.
Trying to keep your annoyance down, you clenching your jaw as you returned to your path to the potions shop and to Omar. He's not going to be happy that he wasn't going to paid today, but if he had that much of a problem, he could find the kid himself.
A small smile did creep on your face at the thought, <i>Omar? The Royal Apothecary chasing down some cut purse? I'd pay to see that.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |getting to the shop]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You put your hands up, "I mean you harm, kid."
He looked tense, the purse still behind his back as his eyes darted from you to the crowd beside the two of you. He looked ready to run off and disappear, his small and agile form would be easy to hide and disappear in the mass of people and stalls and shops.
Biting the inside of your cheek, you would have to choice your words and actions carefully or the kid would run, and your coin purse with him.
He was understandably fearful, the more //exotic// races were treated differently in Agral, especially ones that relied on magic. Agral's distain for magic also led them to dislike the associated races with it and that caused a major rift between many countries in the East.
After Agral's formation from city-states to country, they had severed every tie with nearly every magic-wielding country and established one of their most revered and respected laws – magic was forever outlawed and will never to be used within Agral's borders. From this, the more magic-attuned races stayed away from Agral and Agral was more than fine with that.
To find a How within the capital brought a few questions to mind.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Is there anything you need help with? |help offered]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Head to the potions shop. The Royal Apothecary was not known for his patience and you didn't want to push on sensitive topics for the kid.|chase.3.3]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $diplomatic +=1>>The boy remained silent for a moment, he looked to be weighing his options at your offer. He chewed the side of his lip nervously, his entire body language read as nervous.
"T-Thank you,<<if $him is true>> gēge,<<elseif $her is true>> jiějie <</if>>" he started, but... I-I don't think..."
You just smiled softly, "that's alright. If you do decide that you or someone else may need help, I live in the Gardens District, the district across from here. Do you know it?"
He nodded.
"Good. The big, brown building with the gate with the letter <i>C</i> is mine. I can't guarentee I will always be there, but I can help with what I can. Sounds good?"
He nodded silently again.
You stood up to your original height, the smile still on your lips as you were acutely aware that you still didn't have your coin purse, in which you were going to pay Omar for his efforts.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<<if visited("chase.3.1")>>
<div class="choice-item">[[Head to the Apothecary. It was high time you went to your appointment with your friend. |getting to the shop]] </div><<else>>
<div class="choice-item">[[Ask for your coins back. You weren't certain your relationship with Omar was good enough for him to not get paid for his work. |ask for coins]] </div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Let the boy keep the coins. He needed it more than you by the looks of it and Omar gets paid handsomely by the Crown, he can wait on one payment. |chase.3.3]] </div><</if>>
</div><</nobr>>Minutes later, you find your way to a very familiar place. Before you hung a wooden sign with a few different colors and the words <i>Saydaliy.</i> Colored fabrics covered the door frame as well as a small sitting area in front of the shop, some pillows and cups of tea laid out.
You mused over the small area, seeing the tea was still hot and steaming. Tilting your head slightly, you pursed your lips slightly as a bit of confusion came. <i>Omar isn't the most favorable of people, who would sit for tea with him?</i>
Whoever it was, they seemed to not be here anymore. You pushed through the fabrics and entered the apothecary's shop.
"<i>Salaam!</i> Anyone in here?"
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|meeting omar]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Now," you started softly, "I hate to ask this of you, but I am going to need those coins back."
The boy pursed his lips, <<if visited("agg reaction cont")>> the coin purse was nowhere visibly on the boy <<else>> his hand still behind his back.<</if>> He was hesitant, the moment dragging on longer as he tried to make up his mind.
You placed your hand out before him, analyzing him as he <<if visited("agg reaction cont")>>reached back behind him, but not pulling his hand out. <<else>>looked down at your hand.<</if>>
<<if $aggressive >= 21>>The boy, whose name you hadn't gotten through this interaction, just shook his head as he took another step back.
"I'm sorry, but... we need this." Was all he said before taking another cautionary step backward to see if you would chase after him or not. Once he saw you not react, he turned around and ran off into a side alley between different shops, disappearing from sight.
Pursing your lips, you put your hand back into pocket and watched the small form disappear. Despite your initial disappointment, you were empathetic with the small boy. Finding enough to scrounge up for food or a place to stay for the night was increasingly difficult in recent times.
With foreign tensions becoming increasing with no sign of it stopping, it was the smaller folk that were the first to be overlooked.
"He needed it," you muttered to yourself as you restarted your trek to the apothecary.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |getting to the shop]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<<else>><<notify>><i class="fa-solid fa-plus"></i> GAINED 45 COINS <</notify>>The boy, whose name you hadn't gotten through this interaction, pursed his lips as he abruptly shot the coin purse back into your outstretched hand. He did it so quickly, you barely had time to register it.
You looked at your hand, opening your mouth to respond but looked back up to see the boy's retreating figure into the crowds, the cloud of dust from beneath him the only reminder of where he previously was.
You pursed your lips, watching him until he completely disappeared from view.
"I'll make it up to you, kid." You muttered to yourself as you squeezed the coin purse before putting it in your pocket. You hesitated for a moment before letting out a soft breath and turning to continue to where you were going before this entire interaction.
Time to meet with Omar.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |getting to the shop]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>
<</if>>You let go of the boy's hand, feeling a slight shiver of biting cold despite it being the summer. Rubbing your fingers a bit, you knew this was residual magic off of the boy's skin.
<i>He isn't human,</i> you thought as you pressed your lips together.
Fear was still evident on his face but had lessened with you letting him go, he rubbed his wrist with his other hand and you noted how your coin purse was nowhere to be found.
You looked the boy deeper this time, seeing a discolored cut on his cheek marred the left side of his face and, something that made you surprised, you saw that the ends of his hair was almost see through. You could've almost swore that it was a trick of the light, the ends of his shoulder-cut hair an array of different pastel and light colors.
Though you haven't seen many, you knew this boy was a How, an avian race from across the sea.
He was understandably fearful, the more //exotic// races were treated differently in Agral, especially ones that relied on magic. Agral's distain for magic also led them to dislike the associated races with it and that caused a major rift between many countries in the East.
After Agral's formation from city-states to country, they had severed every tie with nearly every magic-wielding country and established one of their most revered and respected laws – magic was forever outlawed and will never to be used within Agral's borders. From this, the more magic-attuned races stayed away from Agral and Agral was more than fine with that.
Non-humans and non-elves were rare in and around Agral because of that, even rarer to find them within the cities so running into one in the most central part of Agral's capital made you even more curious.
"I mean you no harm," you started, putting your hands up in a show of good faith but he eyed you wearily.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Is there anything you need help with? |help offered]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Head to the potions shop. The Royal Apothecary was not known for his patience and you didn't want to push on sensitive topics for the kid.|chase.3.3]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $money to 45>><<notify>><i class="fa-solid fa-plus"></i> GAINED 45 COINS <</notify>>You emptied the boy's hand, letting go once you have your now-cut coin purse in your possession.
The boy stumbled backward, keeping his eyes downcast as he fubbled backwards. You said nothing as you put the coin purse into your overcoat, sidestepping the young boy as you started to walk off.
You paused for a moment, debating whether or not to say something to the young boy. Moons above know that life was rough to those dealt a bad hand, you found that out the hard way.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Say something to the boy. Might as well find out why and who he's picking pockets for |talking to boy][$aggressive -=1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Forget it. Keeping Omar waiting any longer would meant your head and you'd rather not. |getting to the shop]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Picking pockets of a member of the King's Court isn't the smartest idea, <i>wal'id,</i>" You start, trying to keep your voice even as you raise a brow at him, "<i>Imm Yaz</i> isn't putting you up to this, is she?"
The kid slowly rose from the ground, shaking his head softly as his head was still downward.
"Then—"
Before you could finish your line of questioning, the boy bolted off and ran into crowds. The soft cloud of dirt was the only remnant of the pickpocket's presence as you couldn't find the small form in the aggressive mass of people.
Sighing, you suppressed a groan as your legs carried you back to your original path, back to the potions shop and to the Royal Apothecary.
"Omar is going to give me an earful for being this late," you huffed.
Best to make up for lost time then and get there.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |getting to the shop]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>The shop was filled with incense, the smoke filled the dimly lit shop. The windows were covered in the same patterned fabric that covered the entrance and despite it looking very thin, they covered the sunlight coming through excellently.
You pulled down your hood, bright red curls coming loose as you ran a hand through your hair, waiting for someone to answer your call.
You were used to Omar being behind the counter, ready with some quick-witted retort to whatever you had to say, so it was rather strange not to see the smart-mouthed shop owner.
<i>Is something wrong?</i> You thought, frowning.
The silence carried on, doing nothing to ease your thoughts.
You looked behind the counter, seeing a small room behind the shop front but the fabric covering it blocked you from seeing anything inside.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Investigate Omar's absence, he's never left his shop unattended like this.|investigate]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Wait for Omar. There's no need to panic over nothing, not yet at least.|wait for omar][$reserved+=2]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>Your frown deepened, a hand reaching behind you and to your dagger that was hidden away. Your footsteps made no noise against the wooden floors as you went around the counter and your hand touched the fabric covering the secondary room.
<i>He better not be...</i>
Whatever thought you were about to finish was abruptly cut off with a loud shattering sound, the origin just a few feet ahead of you. The hand hovering above the dagger quickly pulled out the jagged dagger, holding it close to your chest and the knuckles turning white against the steel.
Crouching, you pushed the fabric to the side and you were greeted with the sight of the back room of Omar's shop. Despite the low lighting in here, you could very clearly see a figure laying face down on the floor.
Your eyes went wide, legs moving on their own accord and to the laying figure on the floor. You didn't have to turn him over, you knew who this was – Omar.
You turned him over, then seeing a pool of blood sitting under him as well as his bloody mouth.
"What in the..." You muttered, seeing the amount of blood almost made you recoil but something else caught your attention, the blood was still fresh. The blood hadn't even dried around his mouth yet.
<i>This was recent.</i> You thought, horrified.
A quick glimpse of a shadow snapped your head away from Omar and towards the back door where you saw a hint of something. No details or anything identifying, but there was something. <i>Or rather, someone.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Chase after what you saw. |chase beginning]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You took a last look at the small opening, deciding it to be best not to intrude on whatever was keeping Omar away from the front. An easy decision between getting your head chewed off or waiting longer.
With that, you took a seat on the chairs beside the entrance, an eye on the glass containers on the walls as there was little in the way of decoration. Each of the containers had small notes on them, which you guessed was their names and what they were used for.
Alchemy was far more complex than you ever studied, Agral was full of natural resources and with as big and wide a country as this, it was not surprising.
The order you were picking up was most definitely was not going to be presented in the front side of the shop, that much you knew. The supplies you were tasked with retrieving for the engineers was not easily acquired materials and thus they weren't accessible to most of the public.
A minute passed with silence throughout the shop, the only noise coming from the sounds of people outside which only made your confusion deepen. Where was he?
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |waited]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>//Something's wrong,// you frowned as the moments became minutes and your anticipation turned into frustration. This was taking too long and your suspicion was starting to take hold.
You stood up from your seat, your brows furrowed as you peeked at the curtains that lead to the back.
"Omar?" You called out, walking past the counter, "<i>Salaamit den'ak!</i> You in here?"
Your confusion grew with each step as you reached the curtain, your hand hovering before it. You kept one hand by your side and easily accesible to your dagger as you moved the curtain and revealed the backroom.
Your eyes widened, the scene before you making your stomach drop.
You found Omar, but not in the state you would've liked. He laid on the wooden floors face down and an ever-growing puddle of crimson liquid stretched beyond his body. He remained motionless, with the exception of some movements of his chest but you knew that was a symptom of recent death.
"What the hell happened," the words left your mouth as you fell to your knees in front of him, grabbing his still body and turned him over. His eyes were still open, his brown eyes staring in front of him as blood ran down his mouth.
Your eyes dropped to the source of all the blood, a gapping hole in his stomach. The blood ran down his silk robe, the red staining the blues and whites that colored the robe.
//Omar's dead.// The thought itself sounded absurd but you were looking at him with your own two eyes. //No, no, this was a murder.//
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Investigate the body. |investigate omars body]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Look around the room. |look for killer]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You scanned over Omar's body, hesitant to touch or move him any more than you already had but you had to see what caused this. //Who// did this.
You looked down at source of all the blood, a gaping hole in the middle of his stomach and back. The cut looked jagged and rough, the edges of his skin was torn as if the blade itself was meant to cause the most pain on exit.
//The blade went all the way through,// you thought with a furrowed brow. //They wanted to make sure you wouldn't survive this.// At least not in Agral. If in Verunia or any magic wielding countries, there could have been a chance at saving him.
Who would want Omar dead? Who would kill an apothecary appointed by the Crown themselves? Questions started piling up and no answers would be provided.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |waited cont]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You gently put Omar back onto the ground, trying to ignore the blood that stained your hands as you stood up. You opted to look around the room, trying to see if that would get you any indication of what happened.
There were notes scattered along the table he sat behind, ink spilled on a handful and covered whatever he was writing. There also seemed to be alchemical books on the corner of the desk but there was nothing of interest or note on the desk.
You frowned, looking behind it as well as opening drawers to see if he was hiding anything and you couldn't help but feel guilty the more you searched.
After searching for a few moments, you found nothing to help point you in the direction of who may have done this.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |waited cont]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You let out a shaky breath, looking up to see the backdoor was slightly ajar. You furrowed your brows, walking to it as you saw it led to an alleyway.
A bootprint was visible from the sand and dirt gathered up on the stone as your eyes widened. You entered the alleyway, looking around to find it empty but you saw a glimpse of a figure peak around the corner of the alleyway once they had seen you exit the shop.
Your legs moved before your mind could catch up, bolting down the alleyway and behind the figure and to the corner.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |chase cont]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $caughtKiller to false>>You followed their sharp turn, keeping your footing steady as you could see them at the end of this new alleyway.
They were dressed in all black, not dissimilar to what you were wearing, and they looked to be a normal build and nothing to distinguish who this person may be.
<i>All the more reason to catch them.</i>
They turned their head, catching the sight of you on their tail made them quicker as they reached a crossroads, darting right as they tried to evade you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[ Call out to them. Maybe calling out to them would slow them down, giving you time to catch up to them. |call out][$diplomatic+=3]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Throw your dagger once you turn the corner. They aren't too far ahead of you, once you turn this corner, they should be within distance to be the receiving end of your dagger. |throw dagger][$aggressive += 5]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You put Omar back down gently before you bolted out of his shop, finding yourself in an unfamiliar alleyway, barrells and garbage lined the sides as you saw the retreating figure turn left into another alleyway, you started your chase.
Holding your dagger closer, you ran after this person. Your mind was only focused on catching up with them, finding out <i>who</i> this person is and why they had done this.
Even with his official title to the Kingdom, Omar was more for the common person than for the Crown and any nobles. It's what he wanted to do, to make sure there was no disconnect for what the people need as well as what the Crown asked for. It was why he remained in the <i>Baled,</i> to stay closer to people who needed medicine and needed or wanted magical resources.
<<if $aggressive >=1>><i>And look where that got him,</i> you thought bitterly.<</if>><i>Who the hell is this?</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |chase cont]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"The longer you run, the worse this gets for you!" You shouted, quickly turning the corner and finding the person you were chasing pause to look back at you. Their pace slowed ever so slightly, but you continued pushing.
They let out a grunt, shaking their head before continuing to run forward and what looked to be a deserted street. You didn't recognize what district you were in and couldn't find any people in the street which made you confused.
Getting lost in these series of alleyways made you lose your sense of direction, you could be far from the //Baled// by now.
The noise of the crowds was gone, but that could mean you were on the outskirts of it. You knew the Gardens District was close to the //Baled,// but there was also the Silver District as well as Orange District. The Silver and Orange Districts were both on the west side of Liye and away from Gardens District and away from the Golden District, home of the Crown and their laboratories.
You don't know the streets well enough to tell where you were and you certainly didn't know Liye's alleyways to know where they could potentially run away to.
You stood in the middle of the empty street, shops and mostly homes lined the streets as you saw a glimpse of a figure slipping in between houses and you quickly set off again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |rooftops chase]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You feel the burn starting to crawl up your legs but you ignore it, your mind too focused on the task before you and the suspect running away from the crime.
You quickly turn the corner, fighting the urge to tap into your reservoir of starlight but you knew that was too risky. Instead, you fling the dagger as soon as you entered the new alleyway, aiming it straight down the middle.
"Argh!" The figure yelled as you widened your eyes.
Unrelenting with your pace, you kept moving even after the dagger was thrown and after you heard the sound of it impacting. You saw the figure's pace slow down and reach for their shoulder, the drops of blood on the ground further confirming that you hit your target.
Their slowed pace made it easier for you catch them, you were steps behind them as they still tried to escape.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|dagger threw]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You quickly followed behind them, turning into a small section with pipes and crates as they were scaling the side of the wall with agility that made you question where this person knew such actions.
The list of questions grew longer as you followed their same path, climbing atop of a few crates before pulling yourself up to the home's rooftop.
Heaving yourself up, you see the figure briskly move their head from left to right, as if searching for something.
"Stop!" You yelled, grabbing their attention once again.
They exhaled outwardly, their hands clenched by their sides as they looked at you over their shoulder.
If you had something to say, this looked to be the perfect time to say it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[You come willingly and I'll convience the Guard to let you live. |convincing figure][$diplomatic +=3]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[You won't escape Liye, not alive. And you know that. |wont escape][$diplomatic +=2]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Take a step closer to them. |take a step]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>
"Listen," you started as you put your hands up, "come willingly and I'll convince the Golden Guard to let you live. I swear it."
They stared at you, their figure unmoving as moments passed by in tense silence.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Wait for them to respond. |wait for response]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Take a step towards them. |take a step]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You took a step towards them, keeping your hands beside you and visible as you felt your heart race. You felt the familiar hum of magic burn in your veins, crawling down your arm and the soft melody started to play in your ears.
<i>Stop,</i> you tried to chastise yourself, closing your eyes and turning your head as is physically recoiling from the sensation. <i>You know you can't,<<if $male is true>> Miklan.<<elseif $female is true>>Milan.<</if>> It's beyond risky.</i>
"Don't take another step." Their voice was hoarse, you couldn't tell from the chase or if their voice was naturally that way.
You stopped in your tracks, listening to them as they shifted their stance to the side, the side of their body now facing you as they were still in position to bolt away if they felt threatened.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Got it. Can we talk amicably then? |talking on roofs][$diplomatic +=2]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Run as you like, but the best way out of this is giving yourself up. |wont stop][$blunt +=2]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Take another step. |getting closer]]</div>
<div class="star-item">[[Use Starlight. It's risky but the quickest and most effective way of capturing them would be to subdue them with a light rope. |using starlight roofs]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"You won't make it out of Liye, not alive at least. And you know that." You spoke with confidence, your hands at your sides but more than ready to unsheathe your dagger depending on how they reacted. Violence wasn't going to get your answers, at least not right now.
You were more than capable of continuing to chase this person, but your words were starting to get somewhere with them. It did make them pause but they didn't seem to be giving up yet.
They said nothing, but their eyes were still trained on you. You had their attention.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Tell me who sent you and I'll let you go. |tell and let go]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Tell me who sent you and I'll make sure you live. |tell and turn in]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Turning yourself in is your best, and only, bet. |turning self in]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>
"Okay." You spoke, putting your hands up slightly in a show of good faith. "So, you are willing to talk?"
They didn't respond, their sharp gaze still on you as you spoke. No movements from their end, no reaction nor any indication of what they are thinking.
//They aren't running away.// You thought, //I'll take what I can get.//
"Come to the Golden District with me. You prove you're useful for information and the Crown will let you live." Your heart replaced the song of starlight in your ear, a small fact you were happy for, but some part of you longed to use the magic.
"No."
Their response was immediate, the word curt and simple as it left their mouth. They made no indication of moving, a hopefully good sign, you tried to reason.
"No?"
"And if I don't //prove myself useful?// What will the Crown do with me then, hm?"
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |talking on roofs cont]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"You can keep running, but this ends with you coming to the Golden District with me," you negotiated.
You didn't take another step towards them but you shifted your weight from foot to foot, the dagger you had sheathed on your belt became ever so present in your mind as the silence carried on between you two.
//Always an option,// You mused, //but they most definitely are armed and deft with a weapon.//
"From where I'm standing, I have quite a few options." They hissed back, stance not changing as they remained still, eyes still trained on you and what you'd do.
You gave a half-hearted shrug, "you act as if I'd let the killer of my friend escape. Who would have thought, we have an optimistic assassin on our hands." You let out a sardonic laugh, the laugh growing as their frown deepened.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |rooftop fight]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You ignored their warning, taking another step as you decided you wanted to test the waters. The figure let out an outward sigh, glaring into your form.
"I said, don't take another //step.//" They seathed, jaw clenched as you saw their hand disappear behind their cloak.
//They still have a good twenty feet in front of me. If they run now, they'll have the head start.//
"Alright," you put your hands up higher, "alright, I get it."
A moment passed.
"I meant what I said, the longer you run, the worse this gets for you."
They tilted their head, "I //love// how you assume you will win this little cat and mouse game we have. Makes it much easier and sweeter when I do evade your claws."
You clenched your jaw.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |killer evades]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $aggressive += 5>> <<set $starlightUsage +=5>>You were close enough to them to quickly restrain them and they could tell. A small smile made its way on your face as you kept your hands in front of you. Your patience had snapped and you had given in. You gave in to the melody that was swelling in intensity in your ear. The instruments all played in perfect harmony, every note, every sound, every beat was perfect and you were the conductor.
Magic was not only frowned upon in Agral, but was completely outlawed. The usage of magic was largely equated to the years and years of brutal bloodshed from the previous internal wars more than a hundred years ago and since then, the law never changed. The Agralians abhor magic of any kind and will and have treated magi with disdain and death.
The string instruments grew louder in your ears, the rhythm joining that of your heartbeat as you unclenched your right fist.
"Can't say I didn't try to talk."
A pale blue glow starts to emit from inside of your veins, the magic inherently a part of you and always will be a part of you. You felt the cold run down your spine, sending shivers and goosebumps on your skin, a feeling you've more than missed.
You shot your hand forward, the burning now replaced with a icy, tingling feeling as you felt a weight lift off your chest. From your hand extended a bright, pale blue intangible rope and it was hurling at the unmoving figure at inhumane speeds. The further the light rope extended, the more weight felt lifted from your chest as the music lowered in intensity but still played ever so softly in your ears.
The figure froze, stunned for a moment before they tried to regain their senses and move away from the light rope's trajectory but it was to no avail.
The intangible rope was not meant to be touched unless the user allowed it, starlight was exactly as it said, it is pure light and energy. You clenched your jaw, trying to not let your grin grow.
The light rope found its intended target, wrapping around the figure's arm as they tried to parry the blow but the light attached themselves to their arm and it crawled up their shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |starlight on roofs]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You swallowed silently, waiting anxiously for their response as the moments started to drag on.
"How can I trust anything you say?" Their voice was hoarse, the sound almost surprising you as you were half expecting them to not respond at all.
They were right, how could they trust anything you say?
You bit the inside of your cheek, weighting your options. What could you offer them?
//Escape,// you thought after a moment. You didn't particularly like the thought of Omar's killer running free but, in exchange for answers did give you pause.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Tell me who sent you and I'll let you go. |tell and let go]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Tell me who sent you and I'll personally make sure the Golden Guard let you live. |tell and turn in]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>"You're listening to me right now so you're interested. You don't trust me and I sure as hell don't trust you." You made no movements, keeping your feet planted where you were but you did look past the figure and on to the expanse of the tops of these buildings. A few of them were taller than the others, some had chimneys and other extrusions whilst some laid flat.
The figure didn't respond, waiting for you to finish whatever it was you were going to say.
"So," your eyes landed back to the person, "you tell me who sent you, what organization or company you're a part of, and I'll let you walk out of this. I can't ensure you'll last too long out there, but that's your business, not mine."
They were silent for a few moments, their tense body language slightly lessened as they turned ever so slightly to fully look at you. You couldn't read their expression but you would feel the mistrust coming off of them.
"But, for this to work, I'm going to need names. Names, places, and the //truth.//" You emphasized the last work, giving them a pointed look.
You heard a sigh, their head dropping slightly as they turned to look at the ground.
This gamble better work because if it didn't, you could be in a world of trouble for negotiating with a murderer and allowing them to escape.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |get info gamble]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"You tell me who sent you, what organization or company you're a part of, and I'll personally make sure you live."
The figure clenched their fists, distrust obvious but you continued. "The Crown may be powerful but they are not completely bloodthirsty. Prove you're useful and they'll let you live."
They were silent, soaking in your words as you bit the inside of your cheek. This was a complete gamble and you had no idea what would come out of it. Making promises to this person may backfire because despite you having influence with the Crown, you didn't have enough to be making promises that you might not be able to keep.
You looked out across the sea of rooftops before you, a few of them were taller than the others, some had chimneys and other extrusions whilst some laid flat.
"But, for this to work, I'm going to need names. Names, places, and the //truth.//" You emphasized the last work, giving them a pointed look.
You heard a sigh, their head dropping slightly as they turned to look at the ground. They looked to be weighing their options and considering what you offered.
"Or what?" They muttered, looking to be testing the waters.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |or what]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Turning yourself in only serves to help you." You shifted your weight from one foot to the other, letting out a soft breath. "Let me help you, because it only gets worse here."
The figure remained unmoving, their eyes trained completely on you and any actions you may take. The soft melody of the starlight played to the same rhythm as your heart beat, the number of instruments dwindled to one as the string instrument played in your ear. The silence only allowed the pull, the //tug// of starlight to come to the front of your mind.
"Why would I trust you?" They spat.
You pursed your lips, why would they trust you? You could have been feeding into whatever they want to hear so they would come with you.
"Because I'm currently the only one in Liye that gives a shit what happens to you. And you're on a ticking clock, and it will run out."
They didn't respond, taking the moment to fully turn to face you but one of their hands were behind their back and that caught your attention. You swallowed slightly, keeping your eyes on the hidden hand but you tore your eyes away to look back at them.
They weighed their option silently before they shook their head.
"I will only talk to you."
You almost didn't hear them, their voice barely above a whisper. "What?"
"If I go with you, I will only speak to you."
Your lips parted, a bit of shock but you nodded after a moment. You could agree to that much.
"Okay. You'll only speak to me."
They nodded, hesitating for a moment before putting their hands in front of them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |give selves up]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>>Autosaving... <i class="fa-sharp fa-regular fa-hourglass-half"></i> <</notify>>"Haytham al-Gani." They said simply.
//Haytham al-Gani?// You've never heard of that name.
"He give you these orders?"
The figure nodded silently.
"Where?"
The figure shook their head, "wrong question."
You frowned, shifting your weight from one foot to the other.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Al-Gani runs your operation? |ask about al-gani]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[How many people are in this organization? |ask about org]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[What's your next orders? |ask about next]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>You raised a brow, "or I stop you here and now, and let the Crown... //convince// you by their own means."
They had no reaction, opting to continue to size you up as you placed your hands in your coat pockets. <<if $money is 0>> Your coat pockets were notable empty, thanks to the cutpurse.<<elseif $money gte 1>> You felt your coin purse in your pocket, a reminder of your encounter with the small boy.<</if>>
After a few long moments, they fully turned to look at you.
"What's your name?"
Pursing your lips, you pushed down your shock as you licked your lips. It was the least you could offer them, you supposed.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<<if $him is true>>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Miklan. |told real name]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">Lie "[[ Amir. |lied about name]]"</div><<elseif $her is true>>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Milan. |told real name]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">Lie "[[Zelina. |lied about name]]"</div>
<</if>>
</div><</nobr>>You gestured to the edge of the rooftops, telling them to get back to ground level.
They followed, retracing their footsteps to go back down the side of the home as you were right behind them. As the two of you reached ground level, you grabbed their wrists and tied it with small piece of rope you grabbed off one of the crates. They didn't resist, allowing you to tie them as they just kept looking forward.
The two of you walked out into the empty street and you let out a small sigh. It looks like the two of you were walking to the Golden District.
You starting walking towards the left, what you assumed was away from the //Baled// and towards a main street, you hoped, and from there, you'd make your way to the Crown with an interesting person by your side. <<set $caughtKiller to true>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<if $him is true>>"Miklan, my name is Miklan."<<elseif $her is true>>"Milan, my name is Milan."<</if>>
For the first time since your interaction started, you saw them react. They looked at you, fully looked at you before they let out a laugh.
The sound caught you off guard, the laugh echoing off the rooftops as you tilted your head to the side, confusion evident on your face.
"How fickle fate is."
"What do you mean?"
They didn't respond, but the chuckle still remained on their lips and their entire demeanor fully changed. Instead of the tense, distrusting figure of before, they stood before you calm and almost carefree.
"How do you know my name?"
They shook their head, a smile still on their lips as they pulled their hood off of their head, revealing a thick head of pale white hair. Their hair was pulled into a ponytail behind their head as you were baffled.
//What the hell happened?//
"Haythem."
That snapped you out of train of thought, "what?"
"Haythem al-Gani. He distributes the missions and orders but he isn't the one making them," they spoke leisurely, as if they weren't on the run moments before.
"Who does?"
"Wrong question."
You frowned, waiting a beat as you thought of the //right// question but you blinked a few times. This isn't the place to be talking about this, and their new attitude made you think they were compliant.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |killer came willingly]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<if $him is true>>"Amir, my name is Amir."<<elseif $her is true>>"Zelina, my name is Zelina."<</if>>
They scrutinized you for a moment too long for your liking but they gave a small nod before turning to face you fully.
"Right," they started, their body still tense but not as much as before. "If I come with you, then I will need your help as well. I won't speak on anything if you don't agree to it."
You pursed your lips and taking a moment to think before you responded, "depends on what you need help with."
"I need to find someone."
You shifted your weight from one foot to the other, yet another bargain was added to list of suspicious things you were doing. You were going to need more than that to go off of, "you'll have to be more specific than that."
"I'll need your word you'll help me find this person." They persisted.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[You have my word, I'll help you find this person. |agreed to help figure]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">Lie "[[You have my word, I'll help you find this person. |agreed to help figure][$liedToFigure to true]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[I can't agree without details. |killer escapes]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Not here. I take it you won't run off now?" You asked with a raised brow.
They smirked slightly, tilting their head to the side.
"Then, to the Golden District." You gestured for them to go in front of you and go back to street level.
They followed, retracing their footsteps to go back down the side of the home as you were right behind them. As the two of you reached ground level, you grabbed their wrists and tied it with small piece of rope you grabbed off one of the crates. They didn't resist, allowing you to tie them as they just kept looking forward.
The two of you walked out into the empty street and you let out a small sigh. It looks like the two of you were walking to the Golden District.
You starting walking towards the left, what you assumed was away from the //Baled// and towards a main street, you hoped, and from there, you'd make your way to the Crown with an interesting person by your side.
"Seems like you'll have time to think of the right question, <<if $male is true>>Miklan.<<elseif $female is true>>Milan.<</if>>"<<set $caughtKiller to true>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You nodded, "you have my word. I'll help you find them, after you tell us everything we need to know."
They nodded curtly, the tension leaving their body as they let out a long sigh.
"Take me to them, then." They spoke, putting their hands in front of them.
"Then, to the Golden District." You gestured for them to go in front of you and go back to street level.
They followed, retracing their footsteps to go back down the side of the home as you were right behind them. As the two of you reached ground level, you grabbed their wrists and tied it with small piece of rope you grabbed off one of the crates. They didn't resist, allowing you to tie them as they just kept looking forward.
The two of you walked out into the empty street and you let out a small sigh. It looks like the two of you were walking to the Golden District.
You starting walking towards the left, what you assumed was away from the //Baled// and towards a main street, you hoped, and from there, you'd make your way to the Crown with an interesting person by your side. <<set $caughtKiller to true>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"I can't agree with that much vagueness, who are you looking for?"
They clenched their fists, "then I can't help you then, <<if $male is true>>Amir."<<elseif $female is true>>Zelina."<</if>>
Before you could respond, the figure bolted across the surfaces of the rooftops. You set off after them, your footsteps noisily clacking against the terracotta roof. You grumbled, your legs growing tired from the running but you ignore it.
"Wait!" You called out to the figure, but you were too late as they jumped down into a side street in between the houses. You made it to the edge of the roof, looking down at the side street and not finding the person you were chasing.
You continued searching, moving across to another vantage point to the streets it connected to and still couldn't find them.
They escaped.
"Fuck!" You yelled, kicking the top of the house as you ran a hand through your hair. With their escape, this brought you back to square zero, you had a murdered friend and the murderer within your grasp, but not caught.
You shut your eyes tightly, clenching your jaw as you tried to curb your anger.
Now, you had to face the Crown empty-handed and with more bad news than good.
You climbed down from the rooftops, exhaling outwardly as you walked back to the main street, going back to Omar's shop to retrieve his body. He deserved a proper burial.
You walked silently back to the //Baled,// keeping your mind focused on the two tasks before you, grabbing Omar and going to the Golden District to inform the Crown. <<set $caughtKiller to false>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>The figure tilted their head to the side, not responding immediately. They looked at you fully as you heard an exhale.
"Not fully."
You ran a hand through your hair, "I'm going to need full answers."
They let out an annoyed sigh, their posture changing to respond to their mood.
"Al-Gani runs a small extension of the larger group. He's not worth looking into."
That got your attention.
"Is that right? Then who is?"
A smile appeared on the small part of their face that you could see, and you couldn't tell if they were mocking you or liked your question.
"Whoever al-Gani gets his orders from."
"I take it you don't know who that is."
"We wouldn't be talking if I did." They responded simply.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<<if visited("ask about org")>>
<div class="choice-item">"[[What's your next orders? |ask about next]]"</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Why? You don't like your guild? |pushing about al-gani]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[How many people are in this organization? |ask about org]]"</div>
<</if>>
</div><</nobr>>"How many people are in this... guild?" You asked, trying to find the right question to ask. If you were going to gamble with their freedom for information, you were going to get all the information.
They mused, looking at you as they thought before responding.
"Mm, I don't know."
You supressed a sigh, "I said I was going to need the //t–"//
"Don't patronize me." They hissed, their fist clenching. "You think I would know every member? You don't think that would be a risk to //every single person// involved? I know Agralians are dull, but //Creator–//"
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[I would watch what you say, I can still bring you in. |threaten figure][$aggresive +=2]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[What do you know, then? |what know about org]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>"What's your next orders?"
The figure looked to pause for a moment, considering your question before answering.
"I don't have them yet."
"Don't bullshit me," you started, pressing your lips together.
"I //don't//. I was suppose to get them once I finished this job."
"Back to my original question then."
"I told you that's the wrong question to ask," they sounded annoyed by your persistence.
Clenching your jaw, you relented.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<<if visited("ask about al-gani")>>
<div class="choice-item">"[[How many people are in this organization? |ask about org]]"</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Al-Gani runs your operation? |ask about al-gani]]"</div>
<</if>>
</div><</nobr>>"What? You don't like the assassin line of work?" A mocking smile came to your face as it was their turn to give you a pointed look.
"You know //nothing// about the guilds, so I would suggest you shut it. As if I'd allow an Agralian to look down on me," they scoffed as they crossed their arms.
Your attitude shifted, "I am not Agralian and do not refer to me as such."
They looked at you for a moment, you could assume with a surprised expression as your response. The words left your mouth before you could stop yourself and you slightly widened your eyes as they now knew something about you.
"Touchy subject."
"It isn't."
They hummed, self-satisfied.
You rolled your eyes, shaking your head slightly as you didn't particularly like the turn in conversation.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<<if visited("ask about next")>>
<div class="choice-item">"[[How many people are in this organization? |ask about org]]"</div><<else>>
<div class="choice-item">"[[What's your next orders? |ask about next]]"</div> <</if>>
</div><</nobr>>"You've seem to get comfortable, let's remember who's being extended grace."
Silence carried between the two of you, all the playfulness and joviality was gone. It seemed with the idea of being let go, you felt like they were toying with you. Reality hit the two of you again, the image of Omar's body flashed in your mind for a moment, causing you to clench your jaw.
You started to worry they'd change their mind about talking or giving you any sort of information but they shifted, their head turning to look at the landscape of rooftops.
"Or what?"
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |talking on roofs cont]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"So, what //do// you know then?" You asked exasperatedly. These games were starting to get annoying.
"We aren't a guild. Guilds are relative to Felra, what we are is an organization."
So, none of the answers you were going to get were going to be straight answers it seems.
When you didn't respond, they took it as a sign to continue.
"And organizations are funded by... external factors. Doesn't matter if you take out the organization, another will pop up. So, the people in the organization do not matter–"
"The people funding it do," you finished.
They nodded, crossing their arms in front of them. "Exactly."
"I'm going to need the name of your organization to find the funders."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |name of org]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You let out a sharp breath.
"You killed our apothecary – you killed a friend." Your voice lowered as you spoke, eyes drifting downward.
The silence stretched out, the sound of the city died down with your chase and no noise came between you and the killer.
"So, <<if visited("threaten figure")>>//now//, <</if>>you leaving isn't going to be an option," you said coldly, eyes glaring back into their covered eyes.
Your heart pounded in your chest, your anger rising as the reality of the situation settled. They killed Omar. You didn't care to what end, or who they did it for, or any politics of the situation. You didn't intend to let them walk after this.
"Knowing that," you started again, taking a step closer to them, "you either come with me willingly." Another step. "Or I break you and drag you to the Crown."
You now stood almost ten feet away from them, if you chose, you were in range to tackle them before they decided to set off again. They, however, didn't move. You didn't understand them, not fully, but at this point, you were too set off to care about understanding them.
They've tested your patience long enough and you were at the end of your fuse.
The moment kept dragging on, your eyes locked on theirs before they spoke again.
"Okay." <<set $caughtKiller to true>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |talking roofs came willingly]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Nazar el Sayf," they spoke, "the eye of the sword."
You pursed your lips, "that's... that's Agralian. The tongue, the //name//. You're based here?"
The disbelief was evident in your voice and the figure tilting their head to the side, their turn to be surprised.
"You heard of us?"
//Every soldier in Verunia has,// you almost misspoke but caught yourself just before you exposed yourself. What was they doing killing Agralians?
Better yet, who wanted them to kill Agralians?
"I have, unfortunately." You paused, mind racing with new questions. "How do I begin to find the funding for a group that large and //active// in Agral?"
The figure grinned, "that sounds tricky, doesn't it?"
<<if visited("pushing about al-gani")>>"Right, if you knew, you wouldn't be here."<<else>>//I forgot they are allergic to giving straight answers,// you thought, annoyed.<</if>>
"Luckily, I have just the assassin for answers," sarcasm dripped off of each of your words.
The figure shrugged, "I'm doing my part of the bargain, as you will do yours."
You nodded, you hadn't forgotten what you exchanged for this information.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |keep talking]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Haytham, where could I find him?"
They hummed, the soft wind from the rooftops making their black cloak shift behind them. They looked to be thinking deeply about the question, eyes drifting to the side before returning to yours.
"I had swiped a letter from him days ago, he seems to be in contact with a man by the name of Thalin. Ring any bells?"
You shook your head, "should it?"
"Not surprising, he seems to be a minor lord with some land in the north, by the border. Regardless, Haytham should be meeting with him in two days time, at his estate."
Your brows raised, "rather bold of him to meet in the open."
The figure made a noise, "Haytham's name is clean, the Golden Boys wouldn't dare touch him."
A laugh escaped your lips at the name, a derogatory name for the soliders in the Golden District.
"Are we done now?"
You scrutinized them before nodding.
"Yeah, we're done."
They nodded, looking you up and down before starting to walk to the edge of the rooftop.
<<if visited("pushing about al-gani")>>"You're not bad, Not-Agralian."
You let out a chuckle, against your better nature.<</if>>
They let out a small sigh before speaking again,"if fortune favors you, may we never see one another again."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[I don't believe in fortune.|let killer go decision]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Fortune doesn't smile upon me often, but I'll ask him to spare me this once. |let killer go decision]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>They let out a loud laugh, standing at the edge.
"Wait, wait." You called out, walking a bit closer to them before they disappeared. "The letter you took. I need something physical."
They paused for a moment before reaching a hand into their cloak, searching for something before they pulled out a thin, folded piece of parchment. They handed it to you, seeming to remain while you took the letter.
You opened it up, finding a short letter adressed to a Ser Al-Gani and signed by a Yinen Thalin. You quickly scanned the letter, finding what they said to be the truth. Al-Gani was set to meet with a Lord Thalin in two days.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |decision]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $caughtKiller to false>>You gave them a small nod, which was returned by the hidden figure before they jumped from the edge and back onto street level. You remained there for a moment, letting out a sigh before you slowly walked to the edge of the flat roof.
Retracting your steps and climbing back down from the top, you reached street-level and returned to the deserted street you were on before.
With the silence came the thoughts of what happens next. You were going back to the //Baled// then the Golden District, but once the Crown learns of everything that has happened here, where does that leave all of you?
//With one less apothecary, and one less friend.//
You walked with your eyes downcast as well, your fist clenching as you let out a shaky breath. It's for the Crown to decide what happens next.
The walk continued silently, even with the sounds of the //Baled// drawing nearer and nearer, all you could hear was your pounding heartbeat as you went to retrieve your fallen friend and give him a proper end.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $caughtKiller to true>>They turned around to leave but you interupted them one last time.
"Right," you spoke as you walked up behind them, "about keeping my end."
Their head shot to the side to look at you, eyes wide as you gave a small grimace.
"The Crown will kill me if they found out I let an assassin run in their country, let alone their capital." You grabbed their wrists tightly as they tried to fight your grasp.
"You bastard...You bastard! I told you everything!" They screamed as the two of you descended back to street level, you made sure the grip on them was solid as they fought against your grasp, grunting as you only hardened your grasp.
You ignored their grunts and yells, returning back to the deserted street where the two of you were before as you started walking to the Golden District with a rather unwelcomed guess in tow.
"I will make sure you pay for this, bastard," they seethed as every word was laced with venom.
It was earned, from your end, you did bargain with an assassin but you knew there was no other way an assassin would give you the true without something they wanted, and they wanted their freedom.
"I'm sure you will." You muttered as you push them in front of you, your mind racing with the thoughts of what comes next and what the Crown will do next.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"I can offer you–"
"//Nothing//, you can offer me nothing." They stood up straighter, their voice almost teasing if it wasn't as aggressive. "So what will you do now? You have nothing to give me and I have all the cards. Convince me, Agralian, convince me why I should even considering staying on this rooftop for a moment longer than I already have?"
You swallowed slightly, your mind racing as to how to get you out of this situation. They're toying with you and you know it but they were right, you had nothing you could offer them.
When you didn't respond, they let out a loud chuckle. The sound crossed the expanse of the rooftops as they turned to look at you over their shoulder.
"Exactly as I thought," they took a breath, "now, to ensure you wouldn't be inclined to follow..."
Their voice trailled off as you furrowed your brows, about to take another step in their direction and reach for them, they quickly turned around and threw their dagger into you. White hot pain shot down your torso and arm as you yelled out in pain as the dagger lodged itself in between your shoulder and your chest. <<set _gotHurt to true>>
"Fuck!" You screamed as you bent down, your hand going to the source of the pain.
They paused for a moment, looking at your kneeling figure before they turned around and ran across the rooftops.
Your vision blurred, the pain burning in your veins as you gritted your teeth as the blood started to flow down your arm. Your blood started quickly drain from the lodged, jagged dagger as you tried to stand up.
You stumbled for a moment, trying to regain your balance as by the time you stood up, they were nowhere to be seen. The rooftops laid empty before you as you blinked rapidly.
You had to go. Now.
You tried to not focus on the blood dribbling down your fingers as the movement from climbing back down the wall into the alley made the pain worsen. You knew better than to remove the dagger, especially with this much blood was escaping the wound, but the amount was starting to become concerning.
//Get to the Golden District.// You repeated to yourself, trying to push yourself. You made it to the street, your vision had cleared up as you started walking towards the left, what you assumed was back to the main roads.
You swallowed thickly, telling yourself that this was not the first nor the last time you'd be caught at the recieving end of a blade and you made every other time. You just had to make it to the doctors in the Golden District.
You walked a bit quicker, your body adjusting to the new sensation as you were acutely aware of how you were walking to the Crown empty-handed and that left a bitter taste in your mouth.
//Nevermind that,// you thought, //you just need to get there.//<<set $caughtKiller to false>>They let out a grumble as one of their hands went beneath their cloak and that immediately got your attention.
"That's rich," you said under your breath as your hand also went to reach for your daggers, your brows raised questioningly. "You certain you want to do this?"
No verbal response came, but the familiar sound of metal unsheathing rang out across the rooftops as they drew a shortsword from beneath their cloak. The shortsword had a colored tassel at the end of it and they also drew a dagger in their other hand, now turning to fully face you.
You shook your head, pulling out your own to daggers as you clicked your tongue, "can't say I didn't warn you."
They lunged at you, shortsword pointed directly at your chest as you took a defensive positon.
<<timedprogressbar 30 40em>>
<<goto "gothit">>
<</timedprogressbar>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Block their attack. |block fight]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Sidestep the blow. |sidestep]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You took slow, intentional steps forward but you knew they couldn't put much of a fight once you had latched onto them. You didn't put too much pressure on them, but the light continued to wrap around until it reached their neck, the figure trying to pry off the light rope with their free hand.
Once you reached the figure, you clenched your right hand into a fist to extert pressure on their arm as you placed your hand on their hood. You pulled it back, finding a pair of non-human green eyes glaring back you, thick wavy hair covering their face as they had a scowl. Light scars littered their face and went down to their neck when you saw the end of the light rope moving ever so slightly.
"Now," you started, keeping your fist clenched as you tilted your head to the side, "let's have a nice little chat with a few friends, yeah?"
They opened their mouth to respond, but you didn't give them the chance as you jammed your elbow into the side of their head, effectively knocking them unconscious. As their body slumped, you retracted the light rope, the almost weightless item returning to your hand and wrapping up your arm before it disappeared into your skin, no trace of you using starlight.
You caught their body, heaving them onto your shoulder with a huff. Despite their size, their body was heavy on your shoulder, some weapons making noise as you moved them. The thought of them having weapons and having a fight with this assassin made you glad you acted quickly when you did.
The music silenced in your ears, the reality of what happened hitting you all at once as you let out a uneven breath. Omar, using starlight, and a murderer. What the hell is going on?
You quickly looked around, making sure they were no onlookers to your little situation as you knew you had to get out of here and quickly.
You took off, walking towards the Golden District with some very interesting news for the Crown.<<set $caughtKiller to true>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Give it up, you're not making it far with that in your arm." You gestured to the jagged dagger, the figure hissing at your comment as the started drifting towards the wall and using it for support.
They pulled the dagger out their arm with a yell, blood spraying across the ground as they quickly turned around to face you.
"Don't follow me," they seethed as they pointed the dagger at you, their hood still covering most of their face. You pressed your lips together, hands clenched at your sides.
You felt the familiar hum of magic burn in your veins, crawling down your arm and the soft melody started to play in your ears.
<i>Stop,</i> you tried to chastise yourself, closing your eyes and turning your head as is physically recoiling from the sensation. <i>You know you can't,<<if $him is true>> Miklan.<<elseif $her is true>>Milan.<</if>> It's beyond risky.</i>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Try to talk to the unknown person. You could try convince them to stop running and they could get their arm treated. |talking to hooded figure][$diplomatic += 1]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Keep chasing them. They're hurt and they won't make it much further. |chase figure]]</div><<if $aggressive gte 5>>
<div class="star-item">[[Use Starlight. It's risky but the quickest and most effective way of capturing them would be to subdue them with a light rope. |using starlight]]</div>
<<else>>
<div class="choice-item">[You have not met the qualifications for this choice.]</div><</if>>
</div><</nobr>>You clenched your jaw, not partically enjoying how your weapon became theirs but also how this figure doesn't seem to understand the situation they're in. They made a mistake letting you see them.
"You can keep running, but I'm not going to stop chasing."
They pressed their free hand against the wall, their eyes never leaving you. They were silent, their back foot retreating as you looked behind them. Getting lost in these series of alleyways made you lose your sense of direction, you could be far from the //Baled// by now.
The noise of the crowds was gone, but that could mean you were on the outskirts of it. You knew the Gardens District was close to the //Baled,// but there was also the Silver District as well as Orange District. The Silver and Orange Districts were both on the west side of Liye and away from Gardens District and away from the Golden District, home of the Crown and their laboratories.
You don't know the streets well enough to tell where you were and you certainly didn't know Liye's alleyways to know where they could potentially run away to.
"Fuck off," they spat as they took a step backwards, in which you took a step forward.
"I can fix your arm," you started as you took another step forward, "but you need to stop."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |figure gives up]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You opened your mouth to retort but they didn't give you a chance to speak before they bolted away from you and onto the street behind them.
"Never make it easy, huh." You muttered to yourself as you followed quickly behind them, finding yourself in the middle of a deserted street. You didn't recognize what district you were in and couldn't find any people in the street which made you confused.
You looked around, trying to find the black-clad figure in or around the streets as shops and homes lined the sides.
"You're not getting away that easily!" You called out, circling around to see any shifts or any movements around you but you couldn't.
//Where the hell did they go?// You thought bitterly.
Continuing down the street, you could've sworn you heard movement on top of one of the roofs of the small homes. Your head snapped in that direction, craning your head up and as you did, you locked eyes with the person whom you've been chasing.
You could clearly see their face now, their features were not Agralian but nor were they Verunian. They looked to be Gine, a giant race that was found off continent and in the Old Hinterlands, not in Agral. Their features were strong, a square face that held a few scars and bright, non-human green eyes peered into your own.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |chase figure finish]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $aggressive += 5>> <<set $starlightUsage +=5>>"Fuck," you muttered under your breath, feeling yourself give into the melody that was swelling in intensity in your ear. The instruments all played in perfect harmony, every note, every sound, every beat was perfect and you were the conductor.
Magic was not only frowned upon in Agral, but was completely outlawed. The usage of magic was largely equated to the years and years of brutal bloodshed from the previous internal wars more than a hundred years ago and since then, the law never changed. The Agralians abhor magic of any kind and will and have treated magi with disdain and death.
The string instruments grew louder in your ears, the rhythm joining that of your heartbeat as you unclenched your right fist.
"Can't say I didn't try."
You shot your hand forward, the burning now replaced with a icy, tingling feeling as you felt a weight lift off your chest. From your hand extended a bright, pale blue intangible rope and it was hurling at the wounded figure at inhumane speeds. The further the light rope extended, the more weight felt lifted from your chest as the music lowered in intensity but still played ever so softly in your ears.
The figure froze, stunned for a moment before they tried to regain their senses and move away from the light rope's trajectory but it was to no avail.
The light rope found its intended target, wrapping around the figure's arm as they tried to parry the blow but the light attached themselves to their arm and it crawled up their shoulder.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |using starlight on figure continued]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>They don't move immediately, you can see them weighing their options as they wobbled ever so slightly. Their chest moved up and down at an erratic pace as they pushed themselves off the wall.
You ignored the swell of the rhymatic song in your ear, the burning starting to subside within you as you let out a long sigh. It was starting to go away, but it wasn't quick enough for your liking.
The figure shook their head as they took a long look at your dagger, looking thoughtfully at the handle and the reflective jagged edges.
"//M.A,// huh? Suppose that's you."
You furrowed your brows, trying to push your impatience to the side to see where they were going with this.
Pursing your lips, you responded, "it is."
They nodded thoughtfully, looking at the inscription of your initials on the hilt.
<<if $male is true>>"Miklan Alde."<<elseif $female is true>>"Milan Alde."<</if>> They gave a dry laugh, "looks like fate works in damned ways, huh."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[["How do you know my name?" |figure gives up finish]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"How you do know my name?" You asked, stunned.
The figure didn't respond, instead tossing your dagger at your feet and putting their back against the wall. They tilted their head up, a long, tired sigh came from them as they put a hand on their shoulder to stop the bleeding.
It took you a second to register what they did, too stunned by the fact that they knew you, and knew you by name.
You quickly grabbed the dagger, ignoring the blood on it and placing it back in its sheath on your belt. Your legs worked on their own accord as you walked to the now-exhausted figure, their head lolling as you looked down at them.
"How do you know my name?" You pressed, confusion covering your features.
They were silent, their lolling coming to a stop as you heard one last sharp inhale before the black-clad figure leaned forward and collided into your body.
Your eyes completely wide as your hands went to push the person off of you. Your left hand became completely drenched in blood, the steading oozing wasn't visible due to the dark clothes they wore but you could tell that they were losing a lot of blood.
They passed out, you figured as they made no more movements.
As you went to pick up the now unconscious person before you, one thought repeated in your head – //What the hell just happened?// <<set $caughtKiller to true>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $caughtKiller to false>>They said nothing as they stared at you, the two of you unmoving.
You weighed your options carefully as you knew they held the upperhand. The melody of starlight simmered to a soft song, barely heard above the sound of your heart pumping. You bit the inside of your cheek as you thought of your next move, but the figure made the decision for you.
Wordlessly, they turned around, disappearing across the rooftops and the only sign of your chase was your missing dagger. With that, they were gone.
You yelled out in frustration, running to where you saw them last and searched thoroughly for the assassin but you found nothing. You knew they put some distance between the two of you by the time it took you to reach the rooftops and even if you knew what direction they went it, they more likely than not have completely disappeared into the city.
"Damn it all!" You spoke through gritted teeth, kicking the roof tiles beneath you.
They managed to escape and you got nothing from them.
They took a friend. They killed him and remained free. Your anger was rising every passing moment you remained on the roof and your grief was quickly overtook with anger, consuming the rest of your emotions.
"Fuck, fuck!" You walked back to the edge, jumping back down to street level as your thoughts started racing.
The Crown were not going to take this lightly and the mere fact that you have no evidence for your words made this even worse. The absolute last thing you needed was suspicion to be on you, any more scrutinious eyes onto you would only make your mission harder than it already is.
//Lillana already doesn't trust me as it is,// you thought as you went back to the deserted street, planning on retracing your steps and return back to Omar's shop. //As if she trusts. anyone.//
With the silence came the thoughts of what happens next. You were going back to the //Baled// then the Golden District, but once Omar receives a proper burial, where does that leave you?
//With one less apothecary, and one less friend.//
You walked with your eyes downcast as well, your fist clenched as you let out a shaky breath. It's for the Crown to decide what happens next.
The walk continued silently, even with the sounds of the //Baled// drawing nearer and nearer, all you could hear was your pounding heartbeat as you went to retrieve your fallen friend and give him a proper end.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You took slow, intentional steps forward but you knew they couldn't put much of a fight once you had latched onto them. You didn't put too much pressure on them, but the rope continued to wrap around until it reached their neck, the figure trying to pry off the light rope with their free hand.
Once you reached the figure, you clenched your right fist to extert pressure on their arm as you placed your hand beneath your dagger. They groaned as they released the dagger and you caught it quickly.
"Now," you started, keeping your fist clenched as you tilted your head to the side, "let's have a nice little chat with a few friends, yeah?"
They opened their mouth to respond, but you didn't give them the chance as you jammed your elbow into the side of their head, effectively knocking them unconscious. As their body slumped, you retracted the light rope, the almost weightless item returning to your hand and wrapping up your arm before it disappeared into your skin, no trace of you using starlight.
You caught their body, heaving them onto your shoulder as you placed your dagger back in it's sheath. Despite their size, their body was heavy on your shoulder, some weapons making noise as you moved them. The thought of them having weapons and having a fight with this assassin made you glad you acted quickly when you did.
The music silenced in your ears, the reality of what happened hitting you all at once as you let out a uneven breath. Omar, using starlight, and a murderer. What the hell is going on?
You quickly looked around, making sure they were no onlookers to your little situation as you knew you had to get out of here and quickly. You readjusted the person on your shoulder, trying to ignore the oozing of crimson blood as it fell from the person's hand.
You took off, walking towards the Golden District with some very interesting news for the Crown.<<set $caughtKiller to true>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $caughtKiller to true>>You didn't move, waiting for them to continue.
"I will come with you." Their figure relaxed, or finally acquiesced, as they walked towards you.
You gave a small nod as you extended your hand out, "your weapons."
They stopped just before they reached you, sighing outwardly before pulling out a sheathed sword and a dagger, hidden under their cloak. They handed the weapons to you, dropping it in your outstretched hand as you furrowed your brows looking at the weapons.
You looked at the weapons curiously and they immediately stuck out to you as odd – They weren't human made. There was decorative carvings on the sheath of the long sword as well as a brown colored tassel hanging off the edge. <i>This isn't even of elven or anything of the sort. This is from off continent.</i>
You watched the figure reach the edge of the rooptops and start to descend back down to street level. With that silent interaction, the scary thought came, just how big is this organization?
You didn't know too much about off continent countries, people and their way of life, but you did know that there were some races and cultures that never came to Agral and Veruna. One of them was Gine, you didn't know anything about them, beside that they live in the Old Hinterlands, or newly renamed Felra.
After a moment of looking at the Gine weapons, you followed the figure back down to the street level. They looked to be waiting for you, their gaze downcast as they crossed their arms in front of them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[You're Gine? |ask about figure][$inquisitive += 3]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Don't make any conversation with the person. The impending conversation with the Crown was making your stomach turn. |dont ask about figure][$reserved+=2]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>>JOURNAL UPDATED <i class="fa-solid fa-feather-pointed"></i><</notify>>"You're Gine?" You asked as you made it down the pile of wooden crates.
They didn't move their gaze from the ground, only tilting their head slightly in your direction.
"I may be." They responded curtly, not defensively or sarcastically much to your surprise.
You gave a small nod, holding their weapons at your side as you gestured for them to walk in front of you. They obliged, their footsteps making no noise as the two of you walked onto the still empty street.
"You're a long way from home, if that's the case."
You heard a <i>hmph</i> in response as they followed you down back to where you assumed the <i>Baled</i> was, when you had no idea if you were going the right way or not.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Keep talking to them. |ask about felra]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Finish the rest of the trek to the Baled quietly. |finish talking to figure]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You landed as you climbed down the wooden crates, seeing the figure waiting for you. Their arms were crossed in front of them as their gaze was downcast. You held their weapons at your side, gesturing with your free hand for them to walk in front of you a bit as they quietly obliged.
The two of you made it back to deserted street, still having no clue where the two of you ended up after the chase.
Biting the inside of your cheek, you pointed towards the left and the figure nodded, following in pace with you as the two of you walked. You were grateful for the silence, you didn't have much to say to them and you doubted they wanted to chat about anything.
With the silence came the thoughts of what happens next. The two of you were going back to the //Baled// then the Golden District, but once they get locked up and after all of that, where does that leave all of you?
//With one less apothecary, and one less friend.//
You walked with your eyes downcast as well, your grip on their weapons tightening as you let out a shaky breath. It's for the Crown to decide what happens next. I just have to deliver this person and Omar to them.
The walk continued silently, even with the sounds of the //Baled// drawing nearer and nearer, all you could hear was your pounding heartbeat as you went to retrieve your fallen friend and give him a proper end.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>>Autosaving... <i class="fa-sharp fa-regular fa-hourglass-half"></i> <</notify>>You put your daggers in front of your body and the metal clashed against one another, the sound loud in your ears as they tried to press the advantage.
"You talk too much." They muttered as their shortsword was slowly starting to inch closer to your chest, the jagged daggers putting up some resistance but not enough.
Gritting your teeth, you plant your feet on the rooftop and push them off of you. They stumble backward but quickly regain their footing.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Throw the dagger. |rooftop throw dagger]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Swipe at them. |rooftop swipe]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>>Autosaving... <i class="fa-sharp fa-regular fa-hourglass-half"></i> <</notify>>The attack was obvious from their end, giving you more than enough time to move out of their way. You moved to the right, letting their momentum carry them forward as you swiped at their arm as they passed you.
They let out a shout, their arm cut as they repositioned and faced you once again.
You gave a small smirk, satified with yourself as you were the first to draw blood. Perhaps they weren't as trained as you thought. //Or not as trained as me.//
"Your first mistake was letting me see you at Omar's shop."
They went to attack again, their shortsword aimed high as they scowled. "You talk too much."
"And you are too rash."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[ Continue. |roof fight cont]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"What is Felra like?" You decided to keep the conversation going, the two of you walking in pace as the sun had shifted towards the horizon, but the heat was just as intense.
There was a long pause, long enough to make you question whether they had heard you or not. You opened your mouth to repeat yourself, but they cut you off before you started.
"Why do you want to know?" Their voice was curious and a bit hesitant, unsure your motives on asking that question.
You gave a small shrug, "I've never been to the East before, nor have I ever meet a Ginean. I thought you'd be..."
"Taller?" They say pointedly, this time looking at you with a raised brow.
You looked at them, the first time you've fully seen their face. Their eyes were a sharp, emerald green, striking to the point you didn't think they were real. Their features were larger, a long cut going down the side of their forehead to their nose as smaller scars littered their face.
"I was going to say bigger."
"Not all Gineans are... what do you call them? Forest Gine?" They said, "a good portion of us are not a huge, hulking mass of meat."
You nodded, you never really thought you'd meet a Gine, least of all in Argal.
"Do you miss it?"
That made their shoulders drop, their eyes leaving yours.
Their response came moments later, voice small as you heard them swallow sharply.
"Who wouldn't miss their home?"
The air felt heavy as you let out a small sigh. They were right. Who wouldn't miss their home when they were thousands upon thousands of miles away from it? You felt the loneliness, the longing for your home every day. Every day longer you spent in Agral, the more the feeling grew.
Silence engulfed the two of you and, this time, you weren't going to do anything to stop it. With the silence came the thoughts of what happens next. The two of you were going back to the //Baled// then the Golden District, but once they get locked up and after all of that, where does that leave all of you?
//With one less apothecary, and one less friend.//
You walked with your eyes downcast as well, your grip on their weapons tightening as you let out a shaky breath. It's for the Crown to decide what happens next. I just have to deliver this person and Omar to them.
The walk remained silently, even with the sounds of the //Baled// drawing nearer and nearer, all you could hear was your pounding heartbeat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You nodded, choosing to back off on the questions and sit with what happened.
The two of you walked together, the figure making no attempt at conversation and you were okay with that. The silence allowed you to think about what is going to happen next.
The two of you were going back to the //Baled// then the Golden District, but once they get locked up and after all of that, where does that leave all of you?
//With one less apothecary, and one less friend.//
You walked with your eyes downcast as well, your grip on their weapons tightening as you let out a shaky breath. It's for the Crown to decide what happens next. I just have to deliver this person and Omar to them.
The walk remained silently, even with the sounds of the //Baled// drawing nearer and nearer, all you could hear was your pounding heartbeat.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>Their next attack was quicker, but you knew better than to block with shorter weapons. <<if visited("roof fight cont")>>You threw both of your jagged daggers at their advancing form, but not completely weaponless as you had their own dagger beneath your feet.<<else>>You threw one of your jagged daggers at their advancing form, keeping one with you so you weren't weaponless.<</if>>
<<if visited("roof fight cont")>>One of the daggers hit its intended target whilst one of them missed as the figure yelled out in pain,<<else>>The dagger hit its intended target with a yell,<</if>> slowing them down with the hit.
The dagger lodged into their shoulder as you went towards them, the figure groaning in pain as they wobbled slightly before falling to one knee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue |roof fight end]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You saw them approaching once again and brought down both of your daggers into their side as they swung their shortsword at your head. The daggers reached their targets, a loud shriek confirming it as you stepped away.
They put their hand to their right side, their dark attire not showing just how much blood was escaping them.
You made no sign of initiating and they took note of that. Huffing slightly, they groaned as they turned to face you.
"Persistant bastard," they muttered as they pressed harder onto their side.
"You about ready to give up now?"
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue |swipe cont]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>Their sword came downward as you put your dagger upward and directed it away from your body, keeping an eye out for the dagger in their other hand as they tried jamming it into your stomach.
You brought your knee up, jamming the bone into their wrist with a grunt as they dropped the dagger, clattering to the ground below you.
They took a step back, now glaring daggers into your skull as you let out a breath.
"There's still time to yield."
"Not on your life."
You shrugged, "it won't be my life on the line."
They hissed as they ran towards you once again, movements starting to become erratic from your taunting and their lack of success. You grinned, looks like your antics were good for something.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Throw your dagger. |rooftop throw dagger]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Swipe at them once again. |rooftop swipe]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Allow me to help." You stood above them, your hand reaching down to the hilt of your dagger before twisting it in both directions. They screamed out in pain, their weapons forgotten as they released them and they felt onto the ground.
Their head slumped down, their breathing coming out erratically as you looked down at them.
The chase was over.
The assassin was now at your mercy.
Your heart was beating loudly in your ears, your chest rising and falling fast as you looked down on them.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |rooftop choice]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>They ignored you and went to attack you again. They thrusted the sword towards your chest as you dodged the attack, but the sword caught a piece of your side and the blade made contact there. <<set _gotHurt to true>>
You clenched your jaw, feeling the warm liquid start to fall from the cut as you jammed your dagger into their shoulder, their proximity making it an easy attack.
They yelled in pain, stumbling backwards as they wobbled for a moment before falling to one knee.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue |roof fight end]]</div>
</div><<nobr>>The choice laid before you.
<<timedprogressbar 10 40em>>
<<goto "didn'tdecide">>
<</timedprogressbar>>
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="execute-item">[[Execute them. |kill assassin][$aggressive +=10]]</div>
<i class="fa-regular fa-user" style="color: #FFFFFF;" style="margin-right:1em;"></i> [[Spare them. |spare assassin]]
</div><</nobr>><<set $assassinKilled to true>>Your face didn't hide your disdain for them, your eyes glaring into their skull as their head lulled over hunched shoulders. They were defeated, but you were going to make sure they stay that way.
You pulled your dagger out of their form, a yell coming from the figure beneath you but you ignored it. Their blood sprayed out before them, some of it spraying onto your clothes as you made no movement to evade it.
They huffed, chest moving erratically as they weakly looked up at you.
You stared blankly at them, the dagger slowly moving up from their shoulder until you reached their outstretched neck.
They opened their mouth to speak, but you disregarded whatever they had to say. The dagger slid across their throat, blood pouring out of the wound as their hands immediately went to their neck. They let out a croak, eyes wide as they stared at you.
Wordlessly, you watched as they lost their strength, crimson blood staining all of their clothes and until they lost the strength to hold themselves upright. Then, the assassin was no more.
Their body remained lifeless atop the rooftops as you let out a small sigh, sheathing your bloodied dagger. You picked them off the ground and went back to street level.
It was time to have an interesting conversation with the Crown, it would seem.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $sparedAssassin to true>><<set $caughtKiller to true>>You hesitated, watching their head lull over hunched shoulders. They were defeated and there was no honor in kicking them while they were down.
//And they have answers. Answers to questions I have.//
You pulled out the dagger from their shoulder, a loud yell coming from them as you tried your best to ignore it. Their blood sprayed out before them, some of it spraying onto your clothes as you made no movement to evade it.
"If you're going to kill me," they huffed, chest rising and falling erratically as they weakly moved to look up at you, "hurry up and do it."
You sheathed your bloody blade, pursing your lips as you tried to keep your irritation in check.
"You're testing the limits of my patience. Get up."
A beat.
"What are you doing?" They seethed, anger dripping off of every word.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm saving your damn life, now move. We are going to the Golden District."
"No, no, you're supposed to kill me!"
You raised your brow, "oh?"
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |spared assassin]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>They scrambled to their feet, one hand covering the large gap in their shoulder as they tried to charge at you one more time.
You easily dodged out the way, the damage on their body slowing them down immensely as you grabbed their arms, stopping them from doing any more damage to themselves.
"What is //wrong// with you?" You yelled.
"Kill me! I can't go back with you to the Golden District, you're supposed to kill me!"
You furrowed your brows, there was something completely wrong with them.
You clenched your jaw, letting go of their arm as you jammed your elbow into their temple and causing their body to fall. You grabbed them before they completely fell, their form heavier than you expected them to be as you heard the rattle of more weapons on their person.
Heaving them on your shoulder, you frowned. You had no need for understanding the motives of whoever this was, but they seemed to confound you the more time you spent with them.
No matter, you grabbed their fallen weapons and made your way back to the street level and back to the deserted street. You swallowed thickly, thoughts racing with what comes next.
//That's for the Crown to decide.//
With that, you made your way to the Golden District with an unlikely attendee in tow.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $gotHurt to true>><<set $caughtKiller to true>>You hesitated, not knowing what to do as you looked down at the defeated figure. Your indecision gave the figure just enough time to decide for you.
They pulled out the dagger that was embedded in their shoulder with a yell as they spun it and stabbed it into your thigh.
White hot pain shot up your body as you bent down with a yell, the suprise intensified the pain. The figure huffed as they stumbled onto their feet, blood spilling out their gaping wound and onto the top of the roof.
"Asshole," they muttered as they tried to shuffle away from you, brushing past their fallen weapons and trying to escape as quickly as they can. You were not going to let that happen.
You tried to ignore the searing pain in your leg as you rose to your feet, your vision going blurry for a moment before returning to normal.
"As if I'd let you escape," you muttered as you followed behind them but you knelt down and grabbed their fallen dagger and sword. Blood was running down your leg, the warm liquid leaving a trail behind you as you readied the assassin's dagger.
The weight was foreign to you as well as the handling but you didn't care, you had one thing on your mind and that was making sure they don't escape.
They didn't get too far ahead, their wound greatly affecting their speed as you aimed the dagger at their back.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Throw the dagger. |tried escaping]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>The dagger impacted, landing in the middle of their back with a yell from the figure and completely stopping them in their tracks.
Your heart raced as the pain in your leg was quickly disappearing from your mind. You caught up with the figure, you heard their labored breathing and confirmed they were still alive.
"Now," you huffed slightly as you grabbed their arm and jerked them up beside you, "to the Golden District."
They were drained, body physically tired as they had no more energy to argue nor fight with you. You walked them off the side of the roof and the two of you returned to street level. You kept their weapons with you and away from them.
You had no idea as to where you were going but you know where you needed to go. You didn't have the energy nor the care to think of what came next, other than a trip to the Crown's medical center and getting patched up. It was up to the Crown to decide what happens to this person and what to do with them.
The two of you walked towards the Golden District, bloodied and hurt and both looking worse for wear. It was going to be one interesting conversation with the Crown.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>>Autosaving... <i class="fa-sharp fa-regular fa-hourglass-half"></i> <</notify>>Your hesitation costed you as the figure swung at you, their blow connecting as you yelled out in pain. The gash was deep, blood spraying outward as you physically recoiled away from them.
You gritted your teeth, stepping backward as you readied yourself once again.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Throw your dagger. |rooftop throw dagger]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Swipe at them. |rooftop swipe]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>Making your way to the large door, you squeezed through groups of people with a muttered //excuse me's//. After a few moments, you stood a few paces away from the large doors, and face to face with the two people standing on either side of the door.
You inhaled softly as you looked through the seam of the door, seeing the light of outside on some grassy landscape.
"Hey! Can I help you?"
The loud voice made you jump away from the door, turning to the right side to see one of the guards of the door. They were wearing similar clothes to you, tattered overshirt with dark colored trousers. He was taller than you and looked to be Verunian as well. His skin was beige, a bit lighter than yours but he had a tuft of dark brown hair. He didn't looked to be armed, he appeared to just be rested beside the large doors.
Blinking rapidly, you gathered yourself up again to respond.
"Y-Yeah, yeah, you can actually."
He raised a brow, his arms crossing over his chest as he waited for your response.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[What can you tell me about this place? |pro.10.4]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[When can we leave here? |pro.10.4.1]]"</div>
</div><<nobr>>You straightened yourself back up, "what can you tell me about this place?"
The guard stares at you, a few moments more than you'd like but he responded after a long sigh, "look... You look like you've had a long day, I know I've had a long day."
You furrowed your brow as you tilted your head, not the response you were expecting.
"I'm sure there are plenty of other people in here you can ask your... very repetitive questions to. Because I'm sure you can tell, but this isn't the first time I've been asked that and it is most certainly not the last time. So please, make my life marginally better," He uncrossed his arms and gestured off to his right, "and //leave.//"
[[Continue. |pro .11]]<<notify>>Autosaving... <i class="fa-sharp fa-regular fa-hourglass-half"></i> <</notify>><<if visited("pro.10.3.1")>>You opened your mouth to retort, the insult dying on your lips as you saw the guard's face suddenly change and his entire demeanor change. He turned towards the door, his hand going to the wide handles as the other guard did the same, opening the doors. <<elseif visited("pro.10.2.8")>>"Don't make it sound so...pleasant," You muttered sarcastically, a seed of nervousness starting to grow in the pit of your stomach as it seemed every person you spoke to was bent on being vague and unnerving.
Zahir opened his mouth to retort but the retort died on his lips as his head turned to the large, wooden doors across the room suddenly. You followed his gaze and as, you did, two guards were pulling the massive doors open with a loud screech.<<elseif visited("pro .10.4.1") + visited("pro .10.4.2")>>You were finishing up your stew, the food surprisingly really good, that or you were hungry enough not to care, when you heard a massive screeching noise. You saw everyone's gaze turn to the front of the room and you turned to look at the origin of the noise.
You furrowed your brows, getting off your crate and starting to push your way to the front of the crowds to see what was happening.<</if>>
The wide, wooden doors slammed open, drawing the attention of every person in the room. As if the air itself stood still and awaited whoever was on the other side of that door, you could feel yourself waiting with bated breath.
You made your way to the front of the crowd, some of the poeple more than happy to not be towards the front whilst others were climbing in front as well. It took a minute to reach the front, but once you had reached it, you felt your blood turn cold.
Before you, the doors were wide open. The cool air from the Verunian autumn was fresh on your face as you made it through the last row of people until you reached the front. With the massive doors open, before you stood three angels atop horses. At least, that's what they looked like to you. The light behind them made their figures outlined but you could tell they rode atop horses and were looking at each one of you.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro .12]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"So everyone tells me," you responded a bit cheekily.
That got a small laugh out of the human, which you almost confused for a scoff if it weren't for the smile on her face.
"I'm Yasemin," she ran a hand through her wavy hair, stretching her arms a bit afterward as the elven woman drew a card from the deck, a finger thoughtfully on her cheek. She hummed quietly, her brow furrowed before she tossed a card into the pile.
You gave a small smile in response, bowing your head slightly in greeting.
Yasemin was still turned to look at you, her eyes not leaving you as you felt her look over you. She didn't say anything for a long moment, a small furrow of her brows made it hard for you to ignore her hard gaze.
"They choose //you//?"
You stopped, your breathing felt like it stilled in your chest as your eyebrows shot up. If she didn't get a good read on you before, she most certainly did now.
"What?"
The elven woman rolled her eyes slightly, "great, now you got <<if $him is true>>him<<else>>her<</if>> all scared, Yasemin."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Don't say that. |pro .10.2.6]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Whose they? |pro .10.2.7]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>"No, actually. I've been here for a bit. A lot of kids here, prefer not to make an impression if I don't have to."
The human woman nodded mindlessly, you couldn't tell if she believed you or not. If she didn't, she didn't make any indication she cared. You weren't sure how the people here operated, whether she was keen on who came and went but seeing the amount of kids here, you were certain no one can keep track of every single one of them.
"I'm Yasemin," she ran a hand through her wavy hair, stretching her arms a bit afterward as the elven woman drew a card from the deck, a finger thoughtfully on her cheek. She hummed quietly, her brow furrowed before she tossed a card into the pile.
You gave a small smile in response, bowing your head slightly in greeting.
Yasemin was still turned to look at you, her eyes not leaving you as you felt her look over you. She didn't say anything for a long moment, a small furrow of her brows made it hard for you to ignore her hard gaze.
"They choose //you//?"
You stopped, your breathing felt like it stilled in your chest as your eyebrows shot up. If she didn't get a good read on you before, she most certainly did now.
"What?"
The elven woman rolled her eyes slightly, "great, now you got <<if $him is true>>him<<else>>her<</if>> all scared, Yasemin."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[Don't say that. |pro .10.2.6]]"</div>
<div class="choice-item">"[[Whose they? |pro .10.2.7]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Don't say that," you said bitingly towards the elven woman, gazing shifting to her momentarily before immediately returning to Yasemin. She raised her eyebrows, slightly taken aback by the change in attitude but you didn't have time to care, you were about to get your information.
Yasemin looked older, older than the average of people here so she may know something, and perhaps willing to spill what Jorin didn't want to. You didn't know how long people stayed in this... orphanage, but you did want to know who exactly was behind all of this.
She smirked knowingly, seeing your posture change from lax to rigid in a matter of seconds. With that, she knew you were new here.
"Had a rough day, have you?" Her tone turned slightly jeering with that smirk plastered on her face.
You opened your mouth to retort, the sharp comment on your tongue but before it left, you held back. She had information you wanted and pushing her was not going to be helpful, she had the upperhand and she knew it.
Sighing inwardly, you straighted up your figure. "I have questions, some of which I think you will have answers to."
She nodded, her attention turning back to the game the three were playing as she hummed, "there we go. No point in this song and dance, being upfront saves us //so// many time, hm?"
You held back your retort, choosing to lick your lips instead.
"So," she sighed dramatically as you fought the urge to roll your eyes. "Ask your question, you're starting to bore me."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro .10.2.8]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Whose they?" The question flew out of your mouth before you had a chance to even think about it. The question you've been left with for a good while, leaving you with more questions that you doubted you would get from anyone within these walls.
Yasemin looked older, older than the average of people here so she may know something, and perhaps willing to spill what Jorin didn't want to. You didn't know how long people stayed in this... orphanage, but you did want to know who exactly was behind all of this.
She smirked knowingly, seeing your posture change from lax to rigid in a matter of seconds. With that, she knew you were new here.
"Had a rough day, have you?" Her tone turned slightly jeering with that smirk plastered on her face.
You opened your mouth to retort, the sharp comment on your tongue but before it left, you held back. She had information you wanted and pushing her was not going to be helpful, she had the upperhand and she knew it.
Sighing inwardly, you straighted up your figure. "I have questions, some of which I think you will have answers to."
She nodded, her attention turning back to the game the three were playing as she hummed, "there we go. No point in this song and dance, being upfront saves us //so// many time, hm?"
You held back your retort, choosing to lick your lips instead.
"So," she sighed dramatically as you fought the urge to roll your eyes. "Ask your question, you're starting to bore me."
[[Continue. |pro .10.2.8]]<<if visited ("pro .10.2.7")>>"Again," You started, your own annoyance growing, "whose they?" <<else>> You sighed, knowing you were probably going to get one answer out of her, you decided the biggest question might as well get answered. "Whose they?"<</if>>
To your surprise, it wasn't Yasemin who answered.
"//They// are none of your concern. You will find out who //they// are soon enough," Zahir huffed, obviously annoyed by your intrusion. You shot a look at him, confusion on your face as you tilted your head.
"Find out who they are soon enough?"
"They'll teach you to hone your starlight, take care of you and shape you up to your potential." Yasemin sounded bored as she responded, making you think about the credibility of what she is saying but she had no prerogative to lie — as far as you knew.
"So we're recruits?"
She nodded, "exactly on the nose, newblood."
Zahir scoffed, "//exactly// right. You'll meet your '//saviors//' soon enough. Word is they are to arrive within the week."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro .11]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>Silence laid over the entire room like a thick blanket, your eyes wide in awe but you also felt nervous. The air was tense and nerve-racking, you swallowed thickly as you stood frozen.
For one very long moment, they did nothing.
Atop their steeds, they looked down on the crowd of children stoically.
Then finally, they moved. The one who stood in front of the other two unmounted from their horse, the sound of metal hitting metal rang out across the entire room. The clatter sounded once again as the person slowly, agonizingly, walked towards the front of the row of childs, towards you.
As they moved towards you, you got a good glimpse of figure for the first time. He stood in a polished black and white chestplate as he had a cowl covering the right side of his body. He brandished no weapons but, from the looks of him, he was of a high station. His leather boots made nearly no noise as they hit the ground and drew closer to you and the large mass of people with you. He had striking light hair as his shoulders were drawn back and a neutral expression rested on his face.
//Military?// The thought sputtered from your half-frozen brain. You knew what that chest plate stood for, anyone could see it from miles away and know it belonged to the Verunian Army. Veruna's army was renown and of one of the most upmost esteem. It was an honor to be among their presence and even moreso an honor to be a fellow combatant.
The man stopped, a few feet before the group and remained impossibily silent. Your eyes were wide, the nervousness fading as awe started to overcome. You were in the presence of a highly regarded solider, you could tell that much from his demeanor.
You heard a few soft noises coming from behind you, repetitive in nature as it drew your interest but you couldn't tear your eyes away from the man in front of you. You felt a tug on your arm, which made you turn your head to see who it was.
To your surprise, it was Isadora. She was pulling your arm downward with her as she knelt to one knee. As you turned, you saw a majority of the kids had already knelt down to these men whilst there were a few stubborn ones who remained standing and looking straight at the men.
"You're supposed to kneel," Isadora hissed as she knelt to one knee, trying to get you to do the same.
You looked back at the high-ranking soldier.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.12.1]]
</div><</nobr>><<timedprogressbar 20 40em>>
<<goto "pro.13.2">>
<</timedprogressbar>>
The moment passed quickly as you felt Isadora tug your arm down, but your eyes were still locked with the soldiers.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Kneel. |pro.13.2][$diplomatic +=2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Remain standing. |pro.13.1][$aggressive+=2]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>>Isadora Disapproves <i class="fa-solid fa-caret-down"></i><</notify>>Feeling Isadora's imploring glare into the side of your skull, you ignored her grip on your arm and remained standing. You kept your gaze on the soldier, feeling of determination starting to rise in your chest as you swallowed. You felt your heart pound in your chest, your eyes locked with the soldier's dark brown ones.
It was a very long moment before you heard the soft footsteps of the solider slowly draw closer.
"You."
The soldier's voice was resonant, loud and clear. You didn't flinch, certain he wasn't speaking to you until a beat passed and no one moved.
Slowly, the soldier's gloved finger rose to point directly at you. You blinked, uncertain of what to do but your legs started working on their own accord. You squared your shoulders, standing at your full height, which was barely at the soldier's ribs, and walked towards him.
He paused for a moment, taking you in before you saw his eyes slowly become brighter, the white encompassing his irises and a small hint of light traveled down his shoulder to his hand, inching its way downward as he pulled the gloves off his hands. With structured finesse, he drew his index finger before him and lightly tapped the air in front of him. The space responded to him, where his finger had touched, a light came forth. It was small, almost circular but more shapeless and formless the more you looked at it.
//So this is starlight...// You thought, wonderment evident.
He tapped once again but downward, the same shape appeared once again and he drew them shapes together with his finger, connecting with them a thin, straight line. Once he drew three more shapes and connected them, he gestured for you to step forward. His hand was still on these pale blue shapes, as if holding them in place.
You gave Isadora one last look before stepping forward and separating yourself from the mass and standing before the soldier.
"What's your name?" His voice wasn't commanding, though it was deep and loud. You could imagine the kids in the back had no trouble hearing what he had to say.
You cleared your throat, <<if $him is true>>"Miklan, ser."<<else>>"Milan, ser."<</if>>
He nodded before gesturing to himself, "I am Amir Edmond," then gestured to the shapes he was holding in his other hand. "I like your spirit, <<if $him is true>>Miklan.<<else>>Milan.<</if>> Please, place your hand within these."
You looked back at the floating design, the shapes twinkling in the light as they slowly turned and rotated freely. The Amir was still holding the shapes still, keeping them from drifting away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.14]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<notify>>Isadora Approves <i class="fa-solid fa-caret-up"></i><</notify>>Feeling Isadora's imploring glare into the side of your skull, you mimicked her motions and knelt down onto one knee and bowed your head slightly. It was a very long moment before you heard the soft footsteps of the solider slowly draw closer.
"You."
The soldier's voice was resonant, loud and clear. You didn't raise your head, certain he wasn't speaking to you until a beat passed and no one moved.
Slowly, you lifted your head to find the soldier's gloved finger pointing directly at you. You blinked, uncertain of what to do but your legs started working on their own accord. Rising to your feet, you stood at your full height, which was barely at the soldier's ribs, and looked directly at him.
He paused for a moment, taking you in before you saw his eyes slowly become brighter, the white encompassing his irises and a small hint of light traveled down his shoulder to his hand, inching its way downward as he pulled the gloves off his hands. With structured finesse, he drew his fingers before him and lightly tapped the air in front of him. The space responded to him, where his fingers had touched, a light came forth. It was small, almost circular but more shapeless and formless the more you looked at it.
//So this is starlight...// You thought, wonderment evident.
He tapped once again, the same shape appeared once again and he drew them shapes together with his hand, connecting with them a thin, straight line. Once he drew three more shapes and connected them, he gestured for you to step forward. His hand was still on these pale blue shapes, as if holding them in place.
You gave Isadora one last look before stepping forward and separating yourself from the mass and standing before the soldier.
"What's your name?" His voice wasn't commanding, though it was deep and loud. You could imagine the kids in the back had no trouble hearing what he had to say.
You cleared your throat, <<if $him is true>>"Miklan, ser."<<else>>"Milan, ser."<</if>>
He nodded before gesturing to himself, "I am Amir Edmond," then gestured to the shapes he was holding in his other hand. "Please, place your hand within these."
You looked back at the floating design, the shapes twinkling in the light as they slowly turned and rotated freely. The Amir was still holding the shapes still, keeping them from drifting away.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.14]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You bit the inside of your cheek as you extended your right hand and slowly started to faze it through the design the Commander had made. As soon as your hand started to go through the design, you felt a shot out white hot pain crawl up your arm. The sensation lasted but a moment, but you gritted your teeth.
You looked down at your arm, seeing the stars and shapes react to your hand and draw closer to it. As if almost mimicking the same thing that happened the Edmond, a pale blue light arose from under your skin and blossomed from your palm and inched up your shoulder. It was an odd feeling, a soft prickling under your skin as it spread and the man before you gave no reaction to it.
It was only after a moment of witnessing this that he locked gazes with you and spoke in what felt like an eternity.
"You possess a divine gift for the stars," He spoke matter of factly, no emotion seeping into his voice except for a hint of wonder. You wondered if it was the same for all magi, to have that sense of awe a such a gift. "You do want to learn how to wield such a gift?"
Moments passed as you merely stared at the solider before you, swallowing thickly as you thought over his proposition — although you were not entirely certain if this was an offer you could refuse or not.
No matter, your mind was already decided.
"I do."
He nodded, "then I will teach you. Along with any one here who wishes safe refuge, shelter, and protection."
He turned to address the entire room of people for the first time, every person's attention was already on him before he even spoke at them.
"I will teach you the ways of the starlight and, if you want to use your gift for good, to fight for Veruna with this gift."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.15]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><div class='selector-title'><span class='selector-title-item'>NINE YEARS LATER...</span></div><div class="choices"></div>
"Oh, you're going to have to do better than //that!//" You teased cheekily as you ran a hand through your hair. The weather in the Cove had turned towards the beautiful and it would have been a waste to spend it inside.
You saw Jorin roll his eyes at you, pulling off the outer layer of his clothing as he put his other hand behind his back. The two of you had been couped up inside long enough, as Jorin decided for the both of you, and proposed a fantastic idea.
With this perfect weather, you would be remiss if it wasn't the right weather to be sparring outside.
Jorin folded his coat, placing it in a small patch of grass, a small distance from where he decided was out of bounds for the sparring. He placed the black coat down, turning back to you with his all-knowing smirk.
"You know I was going —"
"Jorin, by the one's above, if you finish that sentence with '//easy on you,//'" You playfully threatened him as you stretched the soreness out of your arms. It has felt like endless reports for the last month, why Edmond was punishing you, you had no idea.
He chuckled, his smirk turning into a self-satisfied grin as he returned to the spot he was before.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.16]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>"Right, you done stalling now? Or would you not like a rematch?" Jorin pulled his shoulders back as he readied his hands in front of him, his usual swords were not in play for this session as it was moreso who was the better starlight user.
It was your turn to roll your eyes as you mirrored his stance, taking a long inhale and allowing the air to remain in your chest and regain your focus. As you breathed in, soft notes began playing in your ears as you started to lean into it. The music felt like... a question at times, as if asking if it would be alright to use the gift. Other times if felt more like a demand.
"Ready when you are." You spoke, choosing to keep your breaths shallow once you had started to hear the music once again. It was a soft melody, the notes not completely clear yet as the instruments were beginning to pick up pace, starting to find their rhythm with one another.
Jorin nodded, running his right hand above his left arm and the white light emerged and started to form a solid figure. It got thinner the longer he stretched it until it reached his palm and he gripped it, the light turning semi-solid and Jorin pushed against it and caused jagged spikes to split from almost all around it.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="star-item">[[Form your own weapon. You would be using a lot of starlight, tiring you out quicker, but it would put you on an even playing field.|pro.17.1][$aggresive+=2]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Stick to the defensive. Keeping your starlight in the reserves would prove useful depending on how Jorin plans to fight. |pro.17.2]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<set $prostarlightUsage to 25>>You smiled as you outstretched your right hand, the same light that travelled down Jorin's arm did the same to yours as slowly, a translucent form started from the hilt and all the way to the tip.
You felt the light travel down your arm, the familiar feeling of lightness and the soft touch of the stars trailed downward as it is slightly stung as it moved and started to create from nothing. Not //completely// from nothing, but from your starlight reserves.
It materialized once you gripped it, the light becoming semi-solid as in your hand now laid a short sword, created from muscle memory by this point as there was a small design that was etched into the hilt and starlight-steel that was reminiscent of your crafted blade.
The music started to crescendo in your ear, the string instruments playing in perfect harmony and tempo as you twirled the blade in your hand. It weighed almost nothing, the only reason you felt the blade's weight was because it was connected to you, it's energies were your energies and you controlled the weight of it.
"C'mon, let's see what you got," you tried to goad him, planting your feet into the grass below you and putting your hands in front of you.
He chuckled, stepping forward as he held his sword in front of him and locked eyes with you, "so eager to lose."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.18]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You readied yourself, keeping the music in your ear tamed but you still tapped into your reserves, ready to use and create at a moment's notice. Jorin noted your lack of weapon with a slight tilt of his head, the grin still on his face.
"C'mon, let's see what you got," you tried to goad him, planting your feet into the grass below you and putting your hands in front of you.
He chuckled, stepping forward as he held his sword in front of him and locked eyes with you, "so eager to lose."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.18]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<timedprogressbar 30 40em>>
<<goto "let killer go">>
<</timedprogressbar>>
You nodded, folding the letter and placing it in your pocket as you looked back up at the assassin.
You got your information now, and they were making to leave, as was agreed for the information. You //could// bring more than just a letter to the Crown and more than just the trust in your word.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Keep your end of the bargain. Let the killer go. |let killer go]]</div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Break your word. Take the killer in. |take the killer in]]</div>
</div><</nobr>><<timedprogressbar 20 40em>>
<<goto "pro.19.1">>
<</timedprogressbar>>
Jorin lunged at you, sword swinging down towards you as the sunlight hit the sword, you could see the shimmery translucence through the blade itself, see the sun's rays difuse from the starlight.
You could see to an opening in his defense, Jorin was right handed so his left side was exposed during the attack — You could use that.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Swipe at his side. |pro.19.2]] </div>
<div class="choice-item">[[Block the blow. |pro.19.3]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>
Jorin pressed his advantage, swinging his sword and meeting his target as you felt a large burst of wind hit your chest. It knocked you back, sending you a few paces back as your hand went to your chest.
//He's pulling punches,// you thought as you rubbed your chest. He opted to use his momentum to send you flying instead of slicing you.
You stood back up to your full height as you shook your head slightly.
"Someone's not paying attention," Jorin teased in light tone, his stance ready to attack once more.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.20]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You took the opportunity and met Jorin's lunge with your own, <<if visited("pro.17.1")>>using your own blade to take a slice of his side. You had dulled the blade in your hands, not wanting to cause actual injury, and you felt your blade hit his side. At the same time, you felt resistance as you looked down and saw Jorin drop his blade and meet your attack, blocking it.<<else>>you kept your fists in front of your face as you went for a jab at his side. The blow connected, your knuckles hitting a slightly cold surface as you furrowed your brows. You looked down and saw Jorin drop his blade and meet your attack, blocking it.<</if>>
You gritted your teeth as Jorin pushed against you and gave himself some space, taking a few steps backward.
Wasting no time, you pushed forward and lunged once again, your focus slightly slipping as the sword in your hand started to disappear from view.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.20]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>You waited for Jorin's attack, crossing your arms in front of you and planting your feet into the ground. He lunged, the dulled blade meeting your defensive stance as you felt a strong gust of wind hit from the impact.
Your heels dug into the grass from the strength of the blow and you pushed the blade and Jorin off of you, giving you some space and breathing room from the attack.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.20]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>As you went for your next attack and rushing towards Jorin, a booming voice ripped through the air and stopped your movements completely.
<<if $him is true>>"Miklan!"<<else>>"Milan!"<</if>>
Both of you froze in your spots, your training kicking in as you two immediately recognized whose voice was calling out to you. Amir Edmond.
Your mind started running, possibilities of why the commander needed you playing in your head as <<if visited("pro.17.1")>> your light blade simmered away into nothing and<</if>>your attack stance was completely forgotten.
The two of you shared a look of confusion as Jorin grabbed his outer coat and you started walking in the direction you heard your name being called from.
Not to your surprise, the origin was the massive building in the center of camp, Amir's personal station. You came here frequently, most notably when you were receiving orders or having meetings with the higher up's within the military.
Jorin rejoined your side, walking in pace with you as you were walking closer to the Amir's station.
"Is he handing out new orders?" He asked.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">"[[I don't know. |pro.21]]"</div>
</div><</nobr>>You shrugged, "I don't know. I've just gotten back from the base in Siloa mere days ago."
Jorin hummed, "the Amir is a very diligent man, no doubt how he reached this position."
You nodded in agreement, not having anything to say to that. The two of you reached the Commander's station, drawing the door open into the beautiful decorated room. For a military commander of high station, you would not expect one to have a predilection towards keeping a decorated room but the Amir was not one to fill standard expectations.
The two of you walked in, seeing the Commander stand behind a wooden table as he looked down on a map before him. There were markings on it, it was easily recognizable to you as a map of Western Cein, Veruna and Agral.
"Commander," you placed a fist to your chest and bowed your head deeply.
He nodded, gesturing for you and Jorin to join him at the table.
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue.|pro.22]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>Jorin took the left side of the Commander, straightening his posture and holding his head high as he looked down at the map as well.
"New orders have been delegated from the Generals and they have asked me to choose one of my soldiers for a very important mission." He started, his voice serious as his expression mimicked that.
You nodded, your expression stoic as you absorbed the information.
"This mission is one of perilous missions I have to hand out. I am telling you this, <<if $him is true>>Miklan,<<else>>Milan,<</if>> because I trust you. I trust you as a soldier and I trust you as a capable Verunian."
The more he went, the more nervous you got. You were anxious to know the details of this mission already, but if the Amir was prefacing like this, there would be a very good possibility it is a highly dangerous mission.
"I appreciate your trust in my abilities," you mustered out, trying to not let your nerves get the better of you.
He gave a long sigh before continuing, "well...I will speak candidly then. What I'm asking you to do is to infiltrate the Agralian government and be our watchful eye within our enemies land."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |pro.23]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>Your eyebrows shot upward as a ragged breath escaped your lips.
//What did he just say?//
"We will be sending you as a diplomatic envoy, under the guise of a sign of peace in these tumultuous times, you will keep your eyes and ears on the Crown and especially for shipments of plavoxin. Any more dangerous and threatening materials should end up on Agralian soil, I want you to know about it." He was staring at the word //Agral// on the map, his eyes completely focused with every word he spoke.
//Plavoxin...//
"We have already established contacts within Agral, different members within the military as well as out connections from off-continent. I nominated you for the position because I trust you are able to handle yourself and to take care of yourself, and especially to take care of the mission." He paused, eyes raising from the map to look at you. "Are you capable of handling such a mission, Alde?"
You swallowed thickly, looking at Jorin for a brief moment as he gave you a small encouraging nod with a small smile before you turned back to the Amir.
He looked at you expectantly for your answer.
You nodded.
"I am."
<<nobr>><div class="choices">
<div class="choice-item">[[Continue. |end-screen]]</div>
</div><</nobr>>