The Gilded

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

Loading…

<<set $chapternum to "Prologue">>You still remember that night, the awful scream that shook you from sleep. You jolted upright in bed, shivering, with your heart in the pit of your stomach. It felt like the scream went on forever, and then stopped abruptly like it was cut short. The walls rattled and floors shook, and you didn’t dare to get out of bed. You heard your father’s muffled shouts, and then a series of terrible thuds at the stairs, just outside your bedroom door. The back door slammed downstairs, and the pictures in the hall fell off their nails, shattering glass on the wood floor. You still couldn’t move as your door shook, and then creaked open. You stared into the dark eyes in the hall as a hand crept around the door, clicked the lock on the handle, and slithered back into the shadows. The door closed, and you sat there shaking for what felt like hours, waiting for another sound. You heard the glass crunch, and another door closed down the hall, and your mother started crying. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You must have fallen asleep at some point.|Prologue 1.5]]</li> </ul>

When your little brother Leo turned eight, you thought he would take over some of the chores around the house. You’d started maintaining the charms and wards at his age, and it would have made your life easier if you only needed to handle half as many tasks each week. Instead, your parents gave Leo simpler chores, like cleaning the mirrors and washing the dishes. “You’re so good at it now, Leo couldn’t possibly keep up!” Your mother told you, as if your chores weren’t still under constant scrutiny. You’d already told your parents that you were planning to leave town for college, and Leo needed to learn how to defend against the Fae without your help. For some reason that you still can’t understand, your parents decided to keep him from learning your chores. You still braided his daisy chains and gave him a handful of hypericum in the mornings, but he never needed to know why, or where the berries came from, or how any of it worked, just as long as you did it all for him. On weekends, when you were supposed to be taking Leo to the arcade, you tried taking him to the woods. You snuck the ash wood hiking stick from the coat closet and started the trek to find rowan berries and wild daisies, but inevitably one of your parents spotted you before you’d gotten halfway down the road. Each time you dutifully returned the hiking stick and set off for the arcade, and each time you promised yourself you’d be sneakier the next weekend. Maybe your parents didn’t see it, but you were just trying to be a good <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mcsibling" autoselect>> <<option "brother">> <<option "sister">> <<option "sibling">> <</cycle>></a>. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Set Gender]]</li> </ul>

Maybe your parents didn’t see it, but you were just trying to be a good $mcsibling. Leo needed to be ready to take care of himself on his own, because you weren’t going to be there to protect him forever. On your walks to the arcade, he didn’t see all the dangers you could see because he’d never been taught. He didn’t see all your old bullies watching you cross the street, and he didn’t see the ripple in the air beside the gas station as a woman with big, curling horns walked inside. Actually, it seemed that nobody else saw that. You strained your eyes to watch her as you followed Leo, trying to catch another glimpse, but the front of the convenience store disappeared as you turned the corner toward the arcade. The Fae were getting bold, walking around in the daylight and casting glamorous in public. Maybe the people around town were getting lazy, forgetting their four-leafed clovers. Maybe they didn’t want to see through the illusions any more, and they left their clovers at home. That day, you grabbed Leo’s shoulder a little tighter, and pulled him into the arcade after you. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 4]]</li> </ul>

Back then, the arcade was your weekly ritual. Leo was obsessed with saving up enough tickets for one big prize from the counter, so you helped him out by playing along. He liked to play a little bit of everything, from the dance games to the pinball machines, but he had a favorite: the carnival shooting gallery. For a high enough score, a kid could snag a whole bundle of tickets at that cabinet, so Leo made it his mission to score a little higher every time he played. The cabinet was old, with faded colors and a flickering screen, but that didn’t make Leo love it any less. He always urged you to play first, so he could stand just behind you and watch you line up each shot, like he was studying your technique. He’d mutter your score to himself as you gathered your tickets, and then jump up to grab the gun for his turn. While he wasn’t looking, you added some of your tickets to his pile. Whether he beat you or not wasn’t Leo’s concern; he only really cared if he’d beaten his last score. He’d pump his fist in the air, then grab his tickets and race off toward the prize counter to have them counted. It was just before the school year started, just before your senior year of high school, that Leo finally saved enough tickets for the big prize. It was a backpack in the shape of a calico cat’s head, with patches of “real” fur on its ears and chin. Leo had fallen in love from the moment he first laid eyes on it, and he’d spent the whole summer saving his tickets. When the day finally came, Leo dug all the ticket counter receipts from his pockets and deposited them on the counter, squirming while he waited for the worker to count up his total (Leo already knew the total, of course, because he’d obsessively recited it to you on every trip to the arcade). After an agony of waiting, the arcade worker unceremoniously retrieved the backpack from its hook and tossed it on the counter, where a pom-pom fell off and rolled to the ground. At first Leo didn’t notice, preoccupied with stroking his new “pet,” but after a moment the prize counter worker held up a tiny, fuzzy keychain that matched the backpack. Leo grinned, and then pointed at you. “That one’s <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mctheirs" autoselect>> <<option "his">> <<option "hers">> <<option "theirs">> <<option "[input]">> <</cycle>></a>!" <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Set Pronouns]]</li> </ul>

<<if $mcsibling eq "brother">> <<set $mcgender to "male">> <<set $mcsiblings to "brothers">> <</if>> <<if $mcsibling eq "sister">> <<set $mcgender to "female">> <<set $mcsiblings to "sisters">> <</if>> <<if $mcsibling eq "sibling">> <<set $mcgender to "nonbinary">> <<set $mcsiblings to "siblings">> <</if>> <<goto "Prologue 3">>

<<if $mctheirs eq "his">> <<set $mcthey to "he">> <<set $mcthem to "him">> <<set $mctheir to "his">> <<set $mcthemself to "himself">> <<set $mcsingular to true>> <<goto "Prologue 5">> <</if>> <<if $mctheirs eq "hers">> <<set $mcthey to "she">> <<set $mcthem to "her">> <<set $mctheir to "her">> <<set $mcthemself to "herself">> <<set $mcsingular to true>> <<goto "Prologue 5">> <</if>> <<if $mctheirs eq "theirs">> <<set $mcthey to "they">> <<set $mcthem to "them">> <<set $mctheir to "their">> <<set $mcthemself to "themself">> <<set $mcsingular to false>> <<goto "Prologue 5">> <</if>> <<if $mctheirs eq "[input]">> <<popup 'Input Pronouns' 'Set Your Pronouns'>> <<goto "Prologue 5">> <</if>>

“That one’s <<live $mctheirs>>!” Leo proclaimed, and the worker held the keychain out for you with barely-restrained disinterest. It was small, just a couple of inches wide, but it did almost perfectly match Leo’s backpack. Leo immediately insisted that you clip it to your house key, and so you did, as all good older $mcsiblings should do. “Now we match!” He told you, proudly strapping on his new backpack. “Just like best friends!” And so you did. Everywhere you went, Leo wore his new backpack, even if he didn’t need it. He decided that it was his own pet cat, since you were never allowed to have pets in the house, and named it “Pocket.” He told everyone who would listen about his pet cat, and made up stories about teaching it tricks or taking it on adventures. He also told them all about your matching “kitten,” who was in fact Pocket’s baby, named <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mccat" autoselect>> <<option "Pita">> <<option "Button">> <<option "Jeremy">> <<option "Noodle">> <<option "Pom-Pom">> <<option "[input]">> <</cycle>></a>. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Set Cat Name 1]]</li> </ul>

For he/she/they you use <<textbox "$mcthey" "xe">>. For him/her/them you use <<textbox "$mcthem" "xem">>. For his/her/their you use <<textbox "$mctheir" "xir">>. For his/hers/theirs you use <<textbox "$mctheirs" "xirs">>. For him-/her-/themself you use <<textbox "$mcthemself" "xirself">>. Your pronouns are <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mcsingular" autoselect>> <<option "singular, as in 'he/she says.'" true>> <<option "plural, as in 'they say.'" false>> <</cycle>></a> <div id="ch-settings-button"> <<button "Save Settings">> <<update>><<dialogclose>> <</button>> </div>

<<live $mccat>> was Pocket’s kitten, who didn’t go on quite so many cool adventures, but had once successfully eaten an entire human-sized bowl of Cheerios. Leo loved both those cats like they really were the family pets. Everyone around town recognized him for his cat backpack, and while it was cute, something about $mccat always felt eerie to you. Sometimes, when you looked at your keychain, it reminded you of a day in kindergarten. It was the first time your classmates noticed your gift. While your parents knew about your sight, they never revealed it to the rest of Haverill. The town was paranoid about magic, and revealing your ability would only make them paranoid about you. At the same time, that paranoia made it impossible to hide anything magical from their scrutiny for very long. On that particular day in kindergarten, your classmates were fawning over the calico cat that had wandered into the classroom. They crawled around him on the floor, reaching out with their chubby five-year-old hands to pet his mottled fur, cooing and calling him sweet names. The teacher hadn't yet noticed, but you were sitting face to face with a furry little hobgoblin. He was barely two feet tall, but he hunched over on the carpet to make himself smaller, like a cat would be. His gold eyes flitted back and forth between all of the fawning children, and his yellow, jagged nails skimmed their clothing, threatening to steal their daisy charms. Then, he turned to you. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 7]]</li> </ul>

"Why, hello." He rasped as soon as he noticed your worried gaze, crawling toward you on all fours. His breath stank of molded cheese and grass, and his smiling teeth were just as yellow as his nails. While the hobgoblins you knew were usually household helpers, this one was much more sinister. In retrospect, it’s easy to see that he came to the school to pull some terrible "prank," but at the time you only remember being confused. "How can a little child like you see me?" The hobgoblin prowled closer, stretching his terrible claws out toward your small, black shoe. You didn’t move, frozen as if a wasp was about to land on you, like you thought it was safer to just hold still. "Are you so charmed that you cannot speak?" <ul> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[[You screamed, crying for the teacher's attention.|Prologue 8-Anxious][$anxious += 10, $curious -= 5]] <i>[Anxious]</i><<else>>[[You screamed, crying for the teacher's attention.|Prologue 8-Anxious][$anxious += 10, $curious -= 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["Go away," you said in your most commanding five-year-old voice.|Prologue 8-Fierce][$gentle -= 10, $anxious -= 5]] <i>[Fierce]</i><<else>>[["Go away," you said in your most commanding five-year-old voice.|Prologue 8-Fierce][$gentle -= 10, $anxious -= 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["Who are you?" You asked, truly curious. You'd never seen a creature like this in your own home.|Prologue 8-Curious][$curious += 10, $honest += 5]] <i>[Curious]</i><<else>>[["Who are you?" You asked, truly curious. You'd never seen a creature like this in your own home.|Prologue 8-Curious][$curious += 10, $honest += 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["Here, kitty!" You called, lying. Maybe you could pretend that you hadn't really seen him.|Prologue 8-Deceptive][$honest -= 10, $stoic += 5]] <i>[Deceptive]</i><<else>>[["Here, kitty!" You called, lying. Maybe you could pretend that you hadn't really seen him.|Prologue 8-Deceptive][$honest -= 10, $stoic += 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[[You stayed silent, staring him down. You wouldn't show him any fear.|Prologue 8-Stoic][$stoic += 10, $anxious -= 5]] <i>[Stoic]</i><<else>>[[You stayed silent, staring him down. You wouldn't show him any fear.|Prologue 8-Stoic][$stoic += 10, $anxious -= 5]]<</if>></li> </ul>

<<if $mccat eq "[input]">> <<popup 'Set Cat Name' 'Choose Cat's Name'>> <<goto "Prologue 6">> <<else>> <<goto "Prologue 6">> <</if>>

In the morning, you didn’t leave your room until you were fully dressed. You found no glass on the floor, but saw a stack of cracked picture frames on the kitchen counter as you descended the stairs. Your father looked up at you from his coffee, and told you a bogun had slipped into the house during the night. The scream, that one you still can’t forget, was the sound of your mother waking up to its cold, clammy fingers on her face. You imagined what she must have seen - bloodshot, yellow eyes staring back into hers from just inches away, and a reeking mouth hanging open in some twisted imitation of awe. A shiver ran up your neck as your father explained that it came in through a window, one that you hadn’t salted properly. After he’d fought the creature off, he’d dumped piles of salt at every door and window in the house. He found one window where the line at the sill was broken, and you must have forgotten to fix it after cleaning the windows. You apologized, of course, but your father just shook his head. He went to the store that day and bought iron horse shoes - 50 dollars each! - to hang over every doorway. He started checking your chores every day, ensuring you would never forget that night. You were only ten when it happened, but even at eighteen you couldn’t put bread and milk on the back step or go out to gather berries without your father checking every step of the process. <ul> <li class="ch">[[It seemed that you would never live it down.|Prologue 2]]</li> </ul>

<<addclass 'html' 'statshield'>>Welcome to <i>The Gilded</i>! You are preparing to embark on a journey into the dark and magical Fae forests, and you should be warned… The forest is full of Fae folk good, bad, and in between. Some will help you, some will hurt you, and some only wish to delight in causing you trouble. The journey ahead may be dark and full of terror, but you would not be the first mortal to survive such a journey. Hopefully, you will not be the last. This game comes with some content warnings for your safety. While the game does not include explicit sexual content, it may be best suited for more mature audiences. <b>Content Warning:</b> This game includes descriptions of blood, gore, and (human/animal) death. Some scenes are intended to be frightening to the reader. The plot revolves around the kidnapping of a young child. There may be some instances of violent combat for the player to engage in. Some scenes involve the usage of alcohol and recreational drugs. Some strong language will be included. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Click here to continue.|Intro 2]]</li> </ul>

This game involves a personality stat monitor and a relationship monitor. Your dialog choices will sometimes modify these stats. When a choice appears that will modify your personality or relationship, a tag like <i>[Deceptive]</i> or <i>[Flirt]</i> will appear. Would you like to see these hints, or hide them? Remember, you can change this from the settings menu at any time. Click this statement to change your setting: <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$emotehints" autoselect>> <<option "Show me the hints!" true>> <<option "No hints, please!" false>> <</cycle>></a> Similarly, when encountering a combat or problem-solving challenge, you may encounter choice tags like <i>[Strength]</i> in the scene. These indicate which stat will be checked or improved in that scene. Would you like to see these hints, or hide them? Click this statement to change your setting: <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$stathints" autoselect>> <<option "Hints, please!" true>> <<option "Hide them!" false>> <</cycle>></a> <ul> <li class="ch">[[Click here to save settings.|Intro 3]]</li> </ul>

<<if $emotehints>><<set $changeemote to "Off">><</if>><<if $stathints>><<set $changestat to "Off">><</if>>Finally, you have the opportunity to set the genders of the romanceable characters in this game. Would you like to do that now, or wait until you meet them? <ul> <li class="ch">[[I'd like a random mix!|Set Chara Pronouns][$agender to either("male", "female", "nonbinary"); $jgender to either("male", "female"); $ngender to either("male", "female"); $wgender to either("male", "female", "nonbinary")]]</li> <li class="ch">[[I'd prefer women!|Set Chara Pronouns][$agender to "female"; $jgender to "female"; $ngender to "female"; $wgender to "female"]]</li> <li class="ch">[[I'd prefer men!|Set Chara Pronouns][$agender to "male"; $jgender to "male"; $ngender to "male"; $wgender to "male"]]</li> <li class="ch"><<link "I want to set them individually!">><<dialog 'Set Companion Genders'>><<include "Select Chara Genders">> <<onclose>><<silently>><<if $agender eq "male">> <<set $athey to "he">> <<set $athem to "him">> <<set $atheir to "his">> <<set $atheirs to "his">> <<set $athemself to "himself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $agender eq "female">> <<set $athey to "she">> <<set $athem to "her">> <<set $atheir to "her">> <<set $atheirs to "hers">> <<set $athemself to "herself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $agender eq "nonbinary">> <<set $athey to "they">> <<set $athem to "them">> <<set $atheir to "their">> <<set $atheirs to "theirs">> <<set $athemself to "themself">> <<set $asingular to false>> <</if>> <<if $jgender eq "male">> <<set $jthey to "he">> <<set $jthem to "him">> <<set $jtheir to "his">> <<set $jtheirs to "his">> <<set $jthemself to "himself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <<elseif $jgender eq "female">> <<set $jthey to "she">> <<set $jthem to "her">> <<set $jtheir to "her">> <<set $jtheirs to "hers">> <<set $jthemself to "herself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <</if>> <<if $ngender eq "male">> <<set $nthey to "he">> <<set $nthem to "him">> <<set $ntheir to "his">> <<set $ntheirs to "his">> <<set $nthemself to "himself">> <<set $nsingular to true>> <<elseif $ngender eq "female">> <<set $nthey to "she">> <<set $nthem to "her">> <<set $ntheir to "her">> <<set $ntheirs to "hers">> <<set $nthemself to "herself">> <<set $nsingular to true>> <</if>> <<if $wgender eq "male">> <<set $wthey to "he">> <<set $wthem to "him">> <<set $wtheir to "his">> <<set $wtheirs to "his">> <<set $wthemself to "himself">> <<set $wsingular to true>> <<elseif $wgender eq "female">> <<set $wthey to "she">> <<set $wthem to "her">> <<set $wtheir to "her">> <<set $wtheirs to "hers">> <<set $wthemself to "herself">> <<set $wsingular to true>> <<elseif $wgender eq "nonbinary">> <<set $wthey to "they">> <<set $wthem to "them">> <<set $wtheir to "their">> <<set $wtheirs to "theirs">> <<set $wthemself to "themself">> <<set $wsingular to false>> <</if>><</silently>><</dialog>><<goto "Intro Final">><</link>></li> <li class="ch">[[I want to set them as I meet them!|Intro Final][$agender to "unknown"; $jgender to "unknown"; $ngender to "unknown"; $wgender to "unknown"]]</li> </ul>

<<if $agender eq "male">> <<set $athey to "he">> <<set $athem to "him">> <<set $atheir to "his">> <<set $atheirs to "his">> <<set $athemself to "himself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $agender eq "female">> <<set $athey to "she">> <<set $athem to "her">> <<set $atheir to "her">> <<set $atheirs to "hers">> <<set $athemself to "herself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $agender eq "nonbinary">> <<set $athey to "they">> <<set $athem to "them">> <<set $atheir to "their">> <<set $atheirs to "theirs">> <<set $athemself to "themself">> <<set $asingular to false>> <</if>> <<if $jgender eq "male">> <<set $jthey to "he">> <<set $jthem to "him">> <<set $jtheir to "his">> <<set $jtheirs to "his">> <<set $jthemself to "himself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <<elseif $jgender eq "female">> <<set $jthey to "she">> <<set $jthem to "her">> <<set $jtheir to "her">> <<set $jtheirs to "hers">> <<set $jthemself to "herself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <</if>> <<if $ngender eq "male">> <<set $nthey to "he">> <<set $nthem to "him">> <<set $ntheir to "his">> <<set $ntheirs to "his">> <<set $nthemself to "himself">> <<set $nsingular to true>> <<elseif $ngender eq "female">> <<set $nthey to "she">> <<set $nthem to "her">> <<set $ntheir to "her">> <<set $ntheirs to "hers">> <<set $nthemself to "herself">> <<set $nsingular to true>> <</if>> <<if $wgender eq "male">> <<set $wthey to "he">> <<set $wthem to "him">> <<set $wtheir to "his">> <<set $wtheirs to "his">> <<set $wthemself to "himself">> <<set $wsingular to true>> <<elseif $wgender eq "female">> <<set $wthey to "she">> <<set $wthem to "her">> <<set $wtheir to "her">> <<set $wtheirs to "hers">> <<set $wthemself to "herself">> <<set $wsingular to true>> <<elseif $wgender eq "nonbinary">> <<set $wthey to "they">> <<set $wthem to "them">> <<set $wtheir to "their">> <<set $wtheirs to "theirs">> <<set $wthemself to "themself">> <<set $wsingular to false>> <</if>> <<goto "Intro Final">>

Ayre is <<listbox "$agender" autoselect>> <<option "male">> <<option "female">> <<option "non-binary" nonbinary>> <</listbox>>. Jolenn is <<listbox "$jgender" autoselect>> <<option "male">> <<option "female">> <</listbox>>. Nex is <<listbox "$ngender" autoselect>> <<option "male">> <<option "female">> <</listbox>>. Wren is <<listbox "$wgender" autoselect>> <<option "male">> <<option "female">> <<option "non-binary" nonbinary>> <</listbox>>. <div id="ch-settings-button"> <<button "Save Settings">> <<update>><<dialogclose>> <</button>> </div>

You are ready to embark on your journey. Remember, you can change your settings at any time from the Settings menu on the sidebar. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Prologue|Prologue 1]]</li> </ul>

<<replace ".left-menu">><<include "left-menu">><</replace>> <<replace "#camp-button">><<include "camp-button">><</replace>> <<replace "#statbardisplay">><<include "statbardisplay">><</replace>> <<replace ".historybar">><<include "historybar">><</replace>>

<ul class="left-menu-links"> <li><<link '<div class="menu-link-big">Main Menu</div>' 'Main Menu'>><</link>></li> <div id="mobile-stats"><li><<link '<div class="menu-link-big">Stats</div>'>><<popup 'Stats Page' 'Detailed Stats'>><</link>></li></div> <li><<link '<div class="menu-link-big">Settings</div>'>> <<dialog 'Game Settings' 'settingsmenu'>>\ <<include "Settings Menu">>\ <</dialog>> <</link>></li> <li><<link '<div class="menu-link-big">Save/Load</div>'>><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>></li> </ul>

<<if $camping eq 1>> <<removeclass "html" "campshield">> <<link '<div class="camp-button-link">Make Camp</div>' 'Make Camp 1'>><</link>> <<elseif $camping eq 2>> <<removeclass "html" "campshield">> <<link '<div class="camp-button-link">Make Camp</div>' 'Make Camp 2'>><</link>> <<elseif $camping eq 3>> <<removeclass "html" "campshield">> <<link '<div class="camp-button-link">Make Camp</div>' 'Make Camp 3'>><</link>> <<else>> <<addclass "html" "campshield">> <</if>>

<<set $camping to 0>>You drop your bag to the ground, <<if $walkingstick eq true>>leaning your walking stick against the nearby tree,<</if>> and set to assembling your campsite. The gear in your backpack was sparse to begin with, only including what you’d stuffed into it years ago, the last time you even had a family hiking trip. Now, it feels like even less than that. Your little hiking tent, while thankfully light, feels dreadfully flimsy as you set it up at the base of the tree. It certainly wouldn’t stand up against some sort of attack, but that’s what you brought the rest of your supplies for… right? When the tent is assembled, you carefully tuck your walking stick inside and roll your sleeping bag out beside it. Your horseshoe hangs well enough above the zippered entrance, and you carefully lay out a ring of salt with what limited supply you’ve brought along. Stepping back to consider your work, you can’t help the stir of fear that wells up inside you. <<if $anxious >= 50>>It’s hard to swallow that feeling back down, especially after everything you’ve seen just tonight. It’s going to be a difficult night for sleep.<<else>>Despite your circumstances, you force the feeling back down. You’re going to have to be brave if you want to survive here; not just for tonight, but for the nights to come as well.<</if>> Finally taking a seat for the first time in hours, you consider your options. It seems impossible to fall asleep right now, no matter how tired your legs might feel. You could find some way to occupy yourself until you’re either certain enough of your safety or just exhausted enough to go to sleep. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Exercise. You can’t know when you’ll need to defend yourself.|Camp 1 Str][$mcstr += 2]] <<if $stathints>><i>[Strength]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Draw a map. You’ll probably need one if you want to find your way back.|Camp 1 Log][$mclog += 2]] <<if $stathints>><i>[Logic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Patrol the campsite. At least that way you can burn some energy and scope the area.|Camp 1 Both][$mcstr += 1, $mclog += 1]] <<if $stathints>><i>[Str/Log]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $fontsize to false>> <<set $changefont to "Larger">> <<set $contrast to false>> <<set $changecon to "Darker">> <<set $sansserif to false>> <<set $changeserif to "Sans-Serif">> <<set $emotehints to false>> <<set $changeemote to "On">> <<set $stathints to false>> <<set $changestat to "On">> <<set $mcstr to 1>> <<set $mcdef to 1>> <<set $mclog to 1>> <<set $stoic to 50>> <<set $honest to 50>> <<set $curious to 50>> <<set $gentle to 50>> <<set $anxious to 50>> <<set $mcname to "MC">> <<set $mcthey to "they">> <<set $mcthem to "them">> <<set $mctheir to "their">> <<set $mctheirs to "theirs">> <<set $mcthemself to "themself">> <<set $mcsingular to "false">> <<set $mctitles to "neutral">> <<set $lrel to 50>> <<set $arel to 0>> <<set $jrel to 0>> <<set $nrel to 0>> <<set $wrel to 0>> <<set $chapternum to "Intro">>

Strength: $mcstr Defense: $mcdef Logic: $mclog <div class="barsbox"><div class="container-l"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $stoic + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Stoic</b></div><div class="statlabelr"><b>Friendly</b></div></div> <div class="container-l"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $honest + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Honest</b></div><div class="statlabelr"><b>Deceptive</b></div></div> <div class="container-l"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $curious + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Curious</b></div><div class="statlabelr"><b>Oblivious</b></div></div> <div class="container-l"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $gentle + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Gentle</b></div><div class="statlabelr"><b>Fierce</b></div></div> <div class="container-l"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $anxious + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Anxious</b></div><div class="statlabelr"><b>Brave</b></div></div></div> <<link '<div class="statslink">View Detailed Stats</div>'>><<popup 'Stats Page' 'Detailed Stats'>><</link>>

As the hobgoblin's claws stretched out toward your leg, you let out your best, most terrified scream. The sound burned in your throat, but it successfully got the teacher's attention. She jumped up from her desk where she had been gathering craft supplies, letting the colored papers scatter on the floor, and crossed the room to you in three long strides. "Idiot child!" The hobgoblin growled, throwing himself at you to snatch the chain of daisies from around your neck - the one that would protect you from his persuasive magic - but he fell short. His nails snatched at your shirt instead, tearing the fabric and a bit of your skin before the teacher scooped him up. You continued to wail as your teacher valiantly fought off his attacks and removed him from the classroom. After taking some time to calm down, you straightened your clothes and tried to return to your group of friends, but they all shuffled away from you. You recognized the looks in their eyes: it was the same shocked look you'd given that hobgoblin. Another teacher came into the room to check on the class, and sent you to the nurse for your scratches. There, you got some bandages and an oversized tee shirt to wear for the rest of the day, practically branding you as the kid who was different. After that day in kindergarten, your fate was sealed. Your classmates all knew something was different about you, and spent their time watching for more evidence of your secret. They always noticed when you came to class without a pocket of rowan berries, or if you forgot your salt. They noticed when one day, you closed the classroom door and the horseshoe fell off the wall. By first grade, everyone knew that you were the first human born in Haverill with the gift of true sight. You certainly weren't the first human <i>ever</i> born with it, but none of your peers had ever heard of someone else with the Sight. For the rest of your life in that town the other students treated you like you were one of the Fae, but you were still just as vulnerable as the rest of them. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 9]]</li> </ul>

The hobgoblin paused in his approach when you spoke up, commanding him to go away. His awful nails still remained by your shoe, but his golden eyes narrowed. Was it possible that you had actually commanded him? Had you discovered yet another gift? He studied you for a moment, then a smirk split his face. "Go away?" He mocked your voice and wrapped his fingers around your shoe, tugging painfully at your ankle. "You have no power to control me, fool child! Without a name, your will is too weak." He pulled hard on your leg, drawing you closer to him. You kicked, trying to pull away, but he was unreasonably stronger than you. He had the muscles of a man packed in a body even smaller than your own. "A fool like you would be a fine prize, though…" He whispered, snatching the daisy chain from around your neck - the one meant to protect you from the persuasion of the Fae. "I might just take you home with me." His grin was wicked, far more wicked than you ever thought a hobgoblin could be. Before you could yell for the teacher, she was already there beside you, scooping the hobgoblin into her arms. He thrashed and cursed, scratching her furiously, but she carried him out of the room. Your hand landed at your throat unconsciously, feeling for a wound that wasn’t there. Your chain was gone, but you were still in one piece. Relieved, you looked up at your friends, but you only saw the same look of worry that you had given the hobgoblin. After that day in kindergarten, your fate was sealed. Your classmates all knew something was different about you, and spent their time watching for more evidence of your secret. They always noticed when you came to class without a pocket of rowan berries, or if you forgot your salt. They noticed when one day, you closed the classroom door and the horseshoe fell off the wall. By first grade, everyone knew that you were the first human born in Haverill with the gift of true sight. You certainly weren't the first human <i>ever</i> born with it, but none of your peers had ever heard of someone else with the Sight. For the rest of your life in that town the other students treated you like you were one of the Fae, but you were still just as vulnerable as the rest of them. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 9]]</li> </ul>

The hobgoblin's golden eyes flashed at the very moment you asked "who are you?" His mouth curled into a cynical smirk as he wrapped his gnarled fingers around your shoe. "Who am I?" He repeated, squeezing tightly on your foot. "You might call me Fool if I so easily gave my name." His foul breath seemed to flow straight to your nose, making you flinch as she spoke. "Call me Rumpelstiltskin. That’s from one of your tales, is it not?" As the hobgoblin stretched out his other hand to grab your leg, he suddenly hit the carpet. One of the other children had grabbed his leg, [i]still[/i] believing that he was a cat, and tried to pet him once again. He let out an angry shriek and struck the child across the face, leaving a trail of bloody scratches from his long nails. The boy started crying immediately, finally catching the teacher's attention. She rushed over, stepping over your cowering body, and snatched up the hobgoblin. He proceeded to slap at her as well, leaving scratch marks on her neck and arms, but she hurried him out of the room, leaving your classmate still sobbing on the floor. Another teacher came in moments later to help him, and you tried to return to your friends. They all backed away, as if they feared being hurt as well. You raised a hand and watched their eyes follow it… They weren’t scared of the hobgoblin - they were scared of you. After that day in kindergarten, your fate was sealed. Your classmates all knew something was different about you, and spent their time watching for more evidence of your secret. They always noticed when you came to class without a pocket of rowan berries, or if you forgot your salt. They noticed when one day, you closed the classroom door and the horseshoe fell off the wall. By first grade, everyone knew that you were the first human born in Haverill with the gift of true sight. You certainly weren't the first human <i>ever</i> born with it, but none of your peers had ever heard of someone else with the Sight. For the rest of your life in that town the other students treated you like you were one of the Fae, but you were still just as vulnerable as the rest of them. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 9]]</li> </ul>

The hobgoblin frowned and narrowed his eyes at you, clearly not trusting your lie. The Fae were incapable of lying, but that just made them even better at spotting the truth. Maybe this solitary hobgoblin wasn't as smart as the High Fae, or maybe… "You shouldn't speak falsely to me, fool child!" He growled, pouncing on you. He knocked you back onto the carpet, huffing his putrid breath straight into your face as he swiped at your face and neck with his sharp nails. You tried to slap him away, but he was far stronger than his size suggested. He was fully grown, after all, and you were just a child. He snagged your daisy chain - the one meant to protect you from Fae magic - and leaned close to your ear. "Listen and obey, child," he whispered as you writhed underneath him, trying to get free. He pinched your nose, hard, and stared into your eyes with his inhuman gold ones. "S-stop!" You gasped, feeling the prick of the scratches on your neck as you tried to speak. Thankfully, he did. Your teacher, arriving just in time, snatched up the hobgoblin as he tried to make his command, and he shouted a stream of curses your little ears had never heard before. Though he scratched and bit at your teacher, she carried him out of the room and down the hall until you couldn’t hear him any longer. You sat up to look at your classmates, but they all looked back at you in terror - as if you were the monster! You wanted to explain yourself, but you didn't have the chance before another teacher came in to take you to the nurse's office. You had your scratches bandaged and went home with your parents, but it was too late for them to do anything about what your classmates had already decided. After that day in kindergarten, your fate was sealed. Your classmates all knew something was different about you, and spent their time watching for more evidence of your secret. They always noticed when you came to class without a pocket of rowan berries, or if you forgot your salt. They noticed when one day, you closed the classroom door and the horseshoe fell off the wall. By first grade, everyone knew that you were the first human born in Haverill with the gift of true sight. You certainly weren't the first human <i>ever</i> born with it, but none of your peers had ever heard of someone else with the Sight. For the rest of your life in that town the other students treated you like you were one of the Fae, but you were still just as vulnerable as the rest of them. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 9]]</li> </ul>

You locked eyes with the hobgoblin, staring him down with all the confidence you could muster. You knew that most hobgoblins weren't nasty, but something had clearly gone wrong if this one had come to prowl among a bunch of children. If only you'd had a piece of bread, then you could have bargained with him! The hobgoblin blinked his golden eyes at you, then laughed a cackling, raspy laugh that peppered your face in his terrible breath. He turned around, back to your classmates, and started snatching their daisy charms. They squealed and jumped, like they thought the cat was playing a game with them. They didn't even seem to notice that he was taking away their only defenses. "Now listen to me, you foolish children." The hobgoblin rasped, turning to make eye contact with you once again. "You will all-" He was cut short as your teacher scooped him up from the ground. Thankfully, the squealing and screeching of your classmates had got her attention just in time. The hobgoblin yelped and scratched at your teacher, leaving dark red trails on her arms as she carried him out of the classroom. You caught one last glimpse of his inhuman eyes as she left. You turned back to your classmates, who were all trying to gather the remains of their daisy charms from the floor. They looked up at you, and you realized that you were the only one with a chain still left around your neck. Your friends eyed you warily, even as another teacher stepped into the classroom. They knew that something was wrong, that something had changed, and they didn't speak to you for the rest of the day. After that day in kindergarten, your fate was sealed. Your classmates all knew something was different about you, and spent their time watching for more evidence of your secret. They always noticed when you came to class without a pocket of rowan berries, or if you forgot your salt. They noticed when one day, you closed the classroom door and the horseshoe fell off the wall. By first grade, everyone knew that you were the first human born in Haverill with the gift of true sight. You certainly weren't the first human <i>ever</i> born with it, but none of your peers had ever heard of someone else with the Sight. For the rest of your life in that town the other students treated you like you were one of the Fae, but you were still just as vulnerable as the rest of them. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 9]]</li> </ul>

<<removeclass "html" "statshield">>Leaving town for college was a small blessing, in some ways. It meant you could get away from what people thought they knew about you, and you could create something new for yourself. Everyone thought of college as an opportunity to reinvent yourself, but they had no idea just how much reinventing you were prepared to do. On the other hand, leaving for college meant leaving Leo behind. He hadn't ever needed to learn all the wards around the house, and you still had this sinking feeling that he wouldn't be able to figure it all out. Certainly he would mess up just like you had at his age, but hopefully his mistakes would be more harmless than yours. Before you left, you made a promise to Leo that you'd come back on breaks and take him to the arcade. He even tied a ribbon onto your $mccat keychain so you wouldn't forget. It made the keychain stick out even more than before, but it meant a lot to Leo for you to keep it that way. The day you left, you sat down with him and taught him the steps to braid a daisy chain. It couldn't save him from everything, but maybe a good chain could give him a head start, a chance to start running if trouble hit. You said goodbye to your family and left, looking forward to a new town, a fresh start, and a chance to stop worrying about the damned Fae. <ul> <li class="ch">[[...Or so you thought.|Prologue 10]]</li> </ul>

Your first history class in college taught you that the troubles with the Fae were far more widespread than you had been raised to believe. In Haverill, all the kids were taught about the old battles with the Fae that happened deep in the forest. Back in the 17th century, the settlers of the area were constantly plagued by Fae curses and tricks. Babies were stolen, crops rotted, and livestock scared to death. What the people originally thought were witches turned out to be the Fae. After nearly 100 years of struggle, the human settlers finally made an agreement with the Fae. The forest would be divided, leaving a small section for the humans to use (as long as they didn't destroy it), with a magical barrier marking the entry into the Fae territory. As long as the humans agreed to stay on their side, the High Fae and their people would remain on their side. This treaty didn't account for the solitary Fae, but the humans slowly worked out some wards and charms that would keep them safe from those, as well. Your childhood history classes failed to mention that the settlers of Haverill had fled the Fae presence in the Netherlands, and that hundreds of other colonies in America faced the same struggle. Your new college town had its own story about the battles with the Fae of the lake, just a few miles from campus. <ul> <li class="ch">[[So much for that fresh start.|Prologue 11]]</li> </ul>

Eventually, you learned the rules of the local Fae. They weren't bound nearly as tightly as the ones in Haverill. The language of the treaty specified their land as "All that Earth which remains wett by the Lake's water." Or, that's what you were able to understand. Pilgrim English was weird. In essence, the treaty gave the Fae justifiable access to any area within a sight-line of the lake, and the tricksy ones could talk their way into even more than that. It was a tenuous peace in your college town, and you never felt quite the same calm that you remembered from home, but that couldn't stop you from living a regular college student life. Each semester, you had an elective to choose. It was a great opportunity to decide what sorts of people you wanted to hang out with: you could make some friends and workout buddies in an athletic class, meet some peers from your major and maybe a study group in your favorite subject, or you could meet some people with similar interests in a completely different course. Maybe it wasn't the <i>biggest</i> decision ever, but it gave you some control over your life that you'd never really had before. <ul> <li class="ch"><<if $stathints eq true>>[[You decided on an athletic course, since you already liked exercising.|Prologue 12-Strength][$mcstr += 2]] <i>[Strength]</i><<else>>[[You decided on an athletic course, since you already liked exercising.|Prologue 12-Strength][$mcstr += 2]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $stathints eq true>>[[You used your elective to work on your major requirements.|Prologue 12-Logic][$mclog += 2]] <i>[Logic]</i><<else>>[[You used your elective to work on your major requirements.|Prologue 12-Logic][$mclog += 2]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $stathints eq true>>[[You picked out an open elective in a class that seemed fun!|Prologue 12-Both][$mcstr += 1, $mclog += 1]] <i>[Str/Log]</i><<else>>[[You picked out an open elective in a class that seemed fun!|Prologue 12-Both][$mcstr += 1, $mclog += 1]]<</if>></li> </ul>

It felt good to exercise and get your mind off of other things… things like the local Fae. When you were playing sports, there was no time to worry about the rest of the world. Plus, sports came with their own built-in friend group and social opportunities, and it was easy to feel like you'd found a place to fit in among a bunch of other students that shared your hobby. You all had different majors and backgrounds, but you really enjoyed meeting up.Taking a class you liked made the semester fly by, and you soon realized that you were staring down finals week… and your winter break. The weekend before the break, there was a party held every year at the massive arcade and bowling alley near campus. Its proximity to the lake wasn't really talked about, but you likely could have left the party and stumbled right into one of the Fae if you weren't properly protected. Nobody liked to talk about the stories of Freshmen going missing right before finals week, but the rumors still made their way to you. Every year, the university sent out a reminder to students to avoid drinking and hanging around outside, and every year two or three students went missing. The party was risky enough for everyone else, knowing that one of the Fae could turn up at any moment, but it was especially dangerous for you. You'd managed to keep your secret so far, but would you really be able to keep it hidden if you saw a kelpie lurking around your friends? It was a gamble, to say the least. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 13]]</li> </ul>

What better way to ignore your other problems than through good, hard studying? You really did learn a lot, even if most of it had nothing to do with escaping the dark, looming presence of the Fae. Even better, there were some genuinely nice people in your class. While you didn't do much hanging out, you always had study partners available when you needed them. Taking a class you liked made the semester fly by, and you soon realized that you were staring down finals week… and your winter break. The weekend before the break, there was a party held every year at the massive arcade and bowling alley near campus. Its proximity to the lake wasn't really talked about, but you likely could have left the party and stumbled right into one of the Fae if you weren't properly protected. Nobody liked to talk about the stories of Freshmen going missing right before finals week, but the rumors still made their way to you. Every year, the university sent out a reminder to students to avoid drinking and hanging around outside, and every year two or three students went missing. The party was risky enough for everyone else, knowing that one of the Fae could turn up at any moment, but it was especially dangerous for you. You'd managed to keep your secret so far, but would you really be able to keep it hidden if you saw a kelpie lurking around your friends? It was a gamble, to say the least. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 13]]</li> </ul>

Maybe college wasn't the safest place to be, and maybe you just needed to get your mind off of that fact with something a little more lighthearted. At least the Fae couldn't worry you if you were too busy having fun! While some of the other students were just there to try as little as possible, you did meet a couple of people that actually wanted to hang out [i]and[/i] and enjoy the class. Taking a class you liked made the semester fly by, and you soon realized that you were staring down finals week… and your winter break. The weekend before the break, there was a party held every year at the massive arcade and bowling alley near campus. Its proximity to the lake wasn't really talked about, but you likely could have left the party and stumbled right into one of the Fae if you weren't properly protected. Nobody liked to talk about the stories of Freshmen going missing right before finals week, but the rumors still made their way to you. Every year, the university sent out a reminder to students to avoid drinking and hanging around outside, and every year two or three students went missing. The party was risky enough for everyone else, knowing that one of the Fae could turn up at any moment, but it was especially dangerous for you. You'd managed to keep your secret so far, but would you really be able to keep it hidden if you saw a kelpie lurking around your friends? It was a gamble, to say the least. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Prologue 13]]</li> </ul>

"Alright, are we going or not??" Your friend Chaise demanded, grabbing your attention from across the lunch table. "I'll go without you if I have to!" You knew they were serious, because they hadn't been afraid to leave you behind when they went ice skating, either. They'd started sticking with you after the second week of classes, and you wound up spending most of your free time together. Even if they were a little dramatic, Chaise was fun to be around. They'd been hassling you for weeks about the party, and you were finally out of time to make excuses. While the looming threat of the Fae sort of dampened the fun, it would be a good opportunity to hang out with some of your new college friends before you went home for the break. You knew Chaise wouldn't be hurt if you didn't go, and it was reasonable to want to stay out of trouble. Still, you couldn't know if they'd be safe without someone there to keep an eye on them. <ul> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["Alright, let's go."|Party 1][$stoic -= 10, $anxious -= 10]] <i>[Friendly/Brave]</i><<else>>[["Alright, let's go."|Party 1][$stoic -= 10, $anxious -= 10]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["No, I'm staying in."|Stay Home 1][$stoic += 10, $anxious += 10]] <i>[Stoic/Anxious]</i><<else>>[["No, I'm staying in."|Stay Home 1][$stoic += 10, $anxious += 10]]<</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "The Party">>“Alright, let’s go.” You told Chaise, and their face lit up immediately. In some ways, their enthusiasm reminded you of Leo, and that in turn reminded you of your promise to him. You had a lot of arcade trips in your future. On Saturday night, you slid into Chaise’s car outside your apartment building. It was old, with splotches peppering the hood and doors where the clear coat of the paint had been worn away, and the seat covers inside were sagging and torn. Nonetheless, Chaise loved the car, and they decorated the inside with old necklaces, stickers, and prizes the two of you had won from the grocery store gumball machines. On the passenger side, you were greeted by a recent win stuck to the dashboard with blue sticky tack: a terrible knock-off Hello Kitty that looked like her face was sliding off. “I’m obsessed with her!” Chaise commented, pointing at the new addition. “God, she looks like she’s been in the sun for 30 years… Imagine what she’ll look like next year!” They certainly had a love for the… weird things in life. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Sometimes, so did you.|Party 2]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "Staying Home">>You shook your head, and Chaise immediately responded with a sarcastic roll of their eyes. “No, I’m just gonna stay home," you told them, and you knew they understood, as much as they feigned annoyance. “Fine,” they told you, getting up from the table, “but I’m not using any of [i]my[/i] points to buy [i]you[/i] a cheap, shitty plush toy.” They grinned, and picked their bag up. It was decorated in a collection of pins, badges, and keychains collected from arcades, gumball machines, and anywhere else cheap junk could be found. “Add to your collection.” You told them, and they nodded like they knew you were going to say just that. Chaise had a unique fascination with the weird and terrible, and maybe that was why you got along so well. They never asked why you always wore your socks inside-out or why you swallowed a pinch of salt after every meal - things that had seemed normal back in Haverill, but were apparently foreign customs everywhere else. You still couldn’t understand why everyone in this town acted like the Fae weren’t a threat, but Chaise assured you that they’d never had any encounters. Maybe they just didn’t know if they had. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Stay Home 2]]</li> </ul>

Chaise drove you to the party, music on low in the background, while you watched through the window as the road meandered ever closer to the lake. Back in Haverill, nobody dared to get this close to the Fae border. The chances of running into Faerie rings or bramble traps was too high, so most people stuck to the very edge of the tree line, where they could easily see the houses. Here, it seemed like the people would rather pretend the Fae didn’t exist, or that they posed no danger. Maybe it was easier to live a normal life that way, but you still hadn’t stopped seeing them. Every day after class, there was a boy with dog ears or a girl with antlers hanging around the corner of the coffee shop, huddled together with the other smokers as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Sometimes you saw a handful of leaves or gum wrappers exchanged like money, and nobody ever batted an eye. It was like the people were blind to it all, or maybe they had chosen to be. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Party 3]]</li> </ul>

As Chaise pulled into the parking lot, you automatically started scanning for danger - you couldn’t help it. A group of guys stood smoking around the bed of a pickup truck, and a few other students wove through the cars toward the arcade’s entrance. You couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary, and didn’t notice the telltale shimmer of magic anywhere, but that didn’t necessarily set your mind at ease. Chaise was out of the car and striding toward the arcade before you’d even finished your scan, and you hurried to climb out and follow them. The telltale stink of weed struck you as you shut the car’s door, and you glanced up to catch the gaze of one of the smokers. He flicked a roach over his shoulder as you approached, and the rest of his group started following a few steps behind you as you made your way toward the building. They all looked like jock types, which didn’t mean anything good for the arcade workers, but they weren’t exactly the type of danger that you were looking out for. Inside, the arcade was already swarmed with college students drinking and shouting to be heard over the music. Chaise had just passed through the doors a moment ago, but they had disappeared by the time you made it to the front desk. You scanned the crowd for their shaved head as the worker taped a wristband onto your arm, but there was no sign of them anywhere nearby. You remembered that Chaise had mentioned something about their bowling record the other day, so that seemed like the most obvious place to find them. At the same time, you were sure you’d heard the faint jingle of circus music from somewhere deep in the rows of arcade cabinets… and it wouldn’t hurt to get in a little practice before your next visit to see Leo. You… <ul> <li class="ch">[[needed to stick together - Chaise was your ride after all!|Party 4-Chaise]]</li> <li class="ch">[[thought Chaise could take care of themself - you had a high score to go set!|Party 4-Alone]]</li> </ul>

Out of all the people here at risk of Fae-related kidnapping, the only people you could realistically protect were yourself and Chaise. If anything happened to them, you'd likely end up stranded at the arcade and guilty for their disappearance. You certainly couldn't endure that on your conscience, and Chaise wouldn't deserve that - they were actually a really good friend. Weaving through the rows of blinking arcade machines, every unusually pretty person stuck out to you. While being pretty wasn't a crime on its own, the Fae were best known for using good looks to their advantage. Some, especially the High Fae, were nearly indistinguishable from an attractive human apart from a subtly pointed ear or an unnatural eye color. Even with your gift, some of them might be able to pass unnoticed without any glamour. Adjacent to the bowling counter, you finally found Chaise at the bar, chatting with a tall girl you didn't recognize. She wore her long, black hair in a loose bun at the nape of her neck, and it bobbed as she spoke animatedly with your friend. Chaise held a drink in their hand, sipping it as they leaned against the bartop, their bowling goals apparently forgotten. As you stepped closer, the girl turned to look at you. For a moment, almost like a trick of the light, her eyes flashed silver. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You blinked.|Party 5-Chaise]]</li> </ul>

Staring out across the sea of bodies, you could see lines forming near the rhythm games and some of the more popular arcade cabinets. It was nearly impossible to make out the sounds from one machine over the other, but you were sure you'd heard the familiar melody of carnival organ music from somewhere nearby. It wouldn't hurt to play a round or two at the shooting gallery while you waited for Chaise to show up. A flash of lights caught your eye as you made your way through the crowd: it really was the carnival game you used to play with Leo. This cabinet was definitely in better shape than the one back home, but the screen still flickered in that old, nostalgic way you remembered. You felt a hint of a smile tug at your lips as you remembered the last time you played; it was the first time Leo scored high enough to beat you, and he was practically vibrating with excitement. He tried to convince you to spend the tickets on a cat backpack of your own, but you told him you wanted to keep saving. You thought you could find a new prize to split when you came back. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You grabbed the controller.|Party 5-Alone]]</li> </ul>

<<set $metN to true>>On a second look, her eyes were dark brown, nearly black. Maybe they were so dark that they reflected the lights? If she was one of the Fae, she wouldn't have been able to hide from you with just a glamour… so maybe it really was an odd reflection. Something about it just didn't seem right. "Hi?" The girl said to you, clearly not pleased with your interruption. "Do you need something?" A moment ago she seemed so friendly, and you were sure you'd heard her laughing, but her mood shifted completely as she stared you down. Sparing you from an awkward introduction, Chaise finally looked up. "Oh!" They gasped, like they suddenly remembered who you were. "Sorry, I got totally distracted. I was just talking with, um…" They looked back at the girl, searching for a name. "Naomi," she filled in with a tight smile. "We were actually in the middle of talking when you showed up, but maybe we could all three do some bowling in a little bit?" Chaise didn't say anything for a moment, studying Naomi's face with knitted brows. "Um…" Whatever they were about to say died on their lips, and they nodded. "That's fine with me, we can meet up in a few." Their eyes trailed back to yours, but it looked like something was still bothering them. Your eyes flicked back to Naomi, trying to find that odd reflection in her eyes, but they were still just dark. She seemed to be just barely maintaining a friendly expression, waiting for your response. <ul> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["Oh, sure. I can wait a bit."|Party 4-Alone-Friendly][$stoic -= 5, $curious -= 5]] <i>[Friendly]</i><<else>>[["Oh, sure. I can wait a bit."|Party 4-Alone-Friendly][$stoic -= 5, $curious -= 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["Uh... alright, if you're sure."|Party 4-Alone-Anxious][$anxious += 5, $curious -= 5]] <i>[Anxious]</i><<else>>[["Uh... alright, if you're sure."|Party 4-Alone-Anxious][$anxious += 5, $curious -= 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["Oh, don't mind me, I'm just gonna hang here."|Party 6-Chaise-Deceptive][$honest -= 5, $curious += 5]] <i>[Deceptive]</i><<else>>[["Oh, don't mind me, I'm just gonna hang here."|Party 6-Chaise-Deceptive][$honest -= 5, $curious += 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["No. We're gonna go now, Chaise."|Party 6-Chaise-Fierce][$gentle -= 5, $curious += 5]] <i>[Fierce]</i><<else>>[["No. We're gonna go now, Chaise."|Party 6-Chaise-Fierce][$gentle -= 5, $curious += 5]]<</if>></li> </ul>

Whatever Chaise had going on with this girl probably wasn't your business, so you raised a hand and stepped back. "Oh, sure. I can wait a bit." You smiled at Naomi despite her still-frosty attitude, and gave Chaise a little wave. If they wanted to bowl later, they could come find you. Staring out across the sea of bodies, you could see lines forming near the rhythm games and some of the more popular arcade cabinets. It was nearly impossible to make out the sounds from one machine over the other, but you were sure you'd heard the familiar melody of carnival organ music from somewhere nearby. It wouldn't hurt to play a round or two at the shooting gallery while you waited for Chaise to show up. A flash of lights caught your eye as you made your way through the crowd: it really was the carnival game you used to play with Leo. This cabinet was definitely in better shape than the one back home, but the screen still flickered in that old, nostalgic way you remembered. You felt a hint of a smile tug at your lips as you remembered the last time you played; it was the first time Leo scored high enough to beat you, and he was practically vibrating with excitement. He tried to convince you to spend the tickets on a cat backpack of your own, but you told him you wanted to keep saving. You thought you could find a new prize to split when you came back. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You grabbed the controller.|Party 5-Alone]]</li> </ul>

Something didn't seem quite right, but the longer Naomi stared at you, the less you wanted to keep standing there. "Uh… alright, if you're sure," you told Chaise, and they gave you a little smile and a thumbs up. Well, okay. Leaving the pair to continue their conversation, you decided that Chaise could let you know when they were ready to bowl. Staring out across the sea of bodies, you could see lines forming near the rhythm games and some of the more popular arcade cabinets. It was nearly impossible to make out the sounds from one machine over the other, but you were sure you'd heard the familiar melody of carnival organ music from somewhere nearby. It wouldn't hurt to play a round or two at the shooting gallery while you waited for Chaise to show up. A flash of lights caught your eye as you made your way through the crowd: it really was the carnival game you used to play with Leo. This cabinet was definitely in better shape than the one back home, but the screen still flickered in that old, nostalgic way you remembered. You felt a hint of a smile tug at your lips as you remembered the last time you played; it was the first time Leo scored high enough to beat you, and he was practically vibrating with excitement. He tried to convince you to spend the tickets on a cat backpack of your own, but you told him you wanted to keep saving. You thought you could find a new prize to split when you came back. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You grabbed the controller.|Party 5-Alone]]</li> </ul>

Nope, something definitely seemed off here. Maybe it was that paranoid voice at the back of your head, or maybe there really was something suspicious about Naomi, but either way you weren't going to leave Chaise alone again. "Oh, don't mind me, I'm just gonna hang here." You gave Chaise a little smile and stepped around them to lean against the bar as well. Naomi's cold glare followed you until you were staring back at her from over Chaise's shoulder, and she shook her head. "You know what? I actually need to hit the restroom." Naomi turned her attention back to Chaise, setting her half-full cocktail back on the bar. "I'll catch up with you in a bit." With that, she turned on her toes and sauntered off into the crowds, hair bun bobbing after her. Once Naomi was out of sight, Chaise turned back to you with a confused look. “What was that about?” They asked, and it was a reasonable question. To explain it to them, though, you would have given away your secret. “She, uh…” You paused, trying to find a lie that would make sense. “She was giving me some bad vibes.” It was a weak cover, at best, but it was the only thing you could think of in the moment. “I don’t know what it was.” Chaise frowned for a moment, then shook their head. “Huh,” was their only response. They nodded their head at the bowling counter and you followed, leaving the awkward moment behind you. Maybe it seemed weird to them that you had apparently scared Naomi away, but it was for the best. If she really was dangerous, then neither of you needed to be spending time around her. If she wasn’t… well, Chaise would survive the loss. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Party 7-Chaise]]</li> </ul>

This situation was giving all the wrong vibes, and you weren't dense enough to ignore it. Even if you couldn't be sure that Naomi was one of the Fae, she was definitely suspicious. "No," you said firmly. "We're gonna go now, Chaise." They looked at you with an expression just as confused as the one they'd given Naomi, but they seemed to recognize that you were serious and took a step away from the bar. "Sorry, Naomi," Chaise said, dipping their chin. "You can come bowl now if you want?" The girl just shook her head, loose bun threatening to spill out across her shoulders. "No, it's fine." It didn't sound fine. "I'll find you later." Giving you one last hard glare, Naomi dropped her half-finished drink on the bar and stalked away into the crowd. Once Naomi was out of sight, Chaise turned back to you with a confused look. “What was that about?” They asked, and it was a reasonable question. To explain it to them, though, you would have given away your secret. “She, uh…” You paused, trying to find a lie that would make sense. “She was giving me some bad vibes.” It was a weak cover, at best, but it was the only thing you could think of in the moment. “I don’t know what it was.” Chaise frowned for a moment, then shook their head. “Huh,” was their only response. They nodded their head at the bowling counter and you followed, leaving the awkward moment behind you. Maybe it seemed weird to them that you had apparently scared Naomi away, but it was for the best. If she really was dangerous, then neither of you needed to be spending time around her. If she wasn’t… well, Chaise would survive the loss. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Party 7-Chaise]]</li> </ul>

Miraculously, there was no line for the cabinet. Did these people have no idea what a gem they were missing out on? Firing at your favorite level, you took your best stance in front of the cabinet and started shooting away at the soda bottles that flashed across the screen. Maybe your skills were a little rusty - you missed a couple shots - but the game was easy to warm up to. In fact, you'd nearly reached the bonus round when you heard a shout. It didn't register at first, and your subconscious told you that you'd merely heard yet another student arguing about a lost game. The next shout was closer, and you looked up from the game to see a couple of girls stumbling against a game at the end of your row. Just beyond, you caught a flash of black hair disappearing out of your sight, and a couple of familiar-looking jocks chasing it. It looked like a couple of the guys from outside, but you couldn't make out all the words they were shouting. "Bitch!" One roared, "Fucking bitch!" The other was unintelligible, but his intention was clear enough as he rammed into a game pressed against the back of yours. You stumbled back as the carnival game shook, screen flickering, and the plastic gun clattered to the floor. From the front desk, a worker shouted for the pair to stop. They stumbled on, as if they hadn't heard, chasing that flash of black hair. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You were right - they did turn out to be trouble.|Party 6-Alone]]</li> </ul>

Seemingly all at once, the rest of the arcade began to swarm toward the entrance, where the frat guys were headed. You followed, guided by the press of bodies at your back. Most of the students shuffled through the front doors, pooling into a noisy crowd that blocked your view of the action. Someone shouted "Who's that?" but nobody answered. You could barely make out the voices of the guys that started this mess over the din surrounding you, but the way everyone's heads swiveled suggested that they were heading toward the lake. You felt a hard lump form in your throat as you realized what this meant… the Fae. As the crowd surged after the pair, you began to catch glimpses of them again over the shoulders of students marching downhill. They were snatching at the girl with black hair, but somehow she always stayed just out of their grasp. In front of her, you recognized the person that she guided by the shoulder: Chaise. <<if $metN>> You never forgot how stupid you'd been that night. Naomi really was a threat, and you had dismissed her. You, the only person that seemed to even <i>care</i> about the Fae in this town, had failed to notice one right in front of you… And your friend had to pay the price. <<else>> You didn't recognize the girl digging her nails into Chaise's shirt, but they must have met while you were gaming. You knew it was your fault for leaving Chaise alone, for thinking they could take care of themself. You were the only person in this town that even cared about the Fae, and you failed to notice the one that took your friend until it was too late. <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[[You tried to push through the crowd.|Party 7-Alone]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chaisealive to false>>Nobody would let you through as you shoved against the students bunched together in front of you. Chaise was stumbling closer to the water like a foal on its new legs, and you just barely managed to break through a pair of shoulders, inching slowly toward the front of the crowd. The jocks were still yelling, but they were useless. Maybe they were too drunk, or too high, but every attempt they made to reach Chaise or that girl fell short. You clawed your way through another pair of people, desperate to break through, but the people surrounding you were all pressed together too tightly. They squeezed the air out of your lungs and made you trip, nearly hitting the ground. You pulled yourself back up by the strap of some girl's purse and made one last push, shoving and elbowing your way through the last few people in your way. You thought moments like this were supposed to happen in slow motion, but Chaise was moving so fast now, you had no hope of catching up. Their feet stumbled and dragged across the ground as if they were drunk, but that didn't make any sense. You couldn't have been at the party long enough to <i>get</i> that drunk. Still, you watched the girl drag Chaise along like a toy at the playground. "Chaise!" You shouted, desperately, and their head turned slowly, as if they were underwater. You shouted again, and the girl's head turned, silver eyes burning straight into yours. You choked on your next shout and stumbled, like you'd suddenly lost control of your legs, just for a moment. Looking at her felt like looking into one of your darkest nightmares. Your fingers scraped the ground as you struggled to stop yourself from tripping, and then you fell all at once to your knees. When Chaise's feet reached the water's edge, the Fae finally released you from her gaze. You watched, helplessly, soundlessly, as she wrapped an arm around Chaise's throat, dragging them along when their feet stopped keeping up. She strode forward as if there was no water at all, and slowly the pair slipped beneath the surface of the lake. Chaise's body, limp and maybe lifeless, floated for a fleeting moment before dipping beneath the water. The last image of either of them was just an inky black pool of hair, slipping loose from the bun and then slowly shrinking into nothing. You realized that a few hot tears had started streaking down your cheeks, but you could hardly muster the strength to wipe them away. As your body shook and your heart sunk, your mind conjured up the memory of the night that bogun slipped into the house. Once again, it was all because of you. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Chapter 1|Chapter 1-1]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - Home">>Red and blue lights flicker across the carpet to the far wall of the living room, almost hypnotizing. They paint the side of your father's face as he leans against the back of the couch, arms folded, eyes dark. They cast your mother in a kaleidoscope of blurry shapes, and bounce off the tear tracks on her cheeks. Leo's cat backpack flickers almost purple on the hanger by the door, all but abandoned there. "Ma'am, we're doing all we can, but the treaties prevent us from searching any further." You can't see the officer from where you stand - he's hidden behind the front door - but you can picture the cold look in his eyes and the disinterested sneer on his lips. "You think I give a damn about the treaties?" Your mother rasps, sounding unlike you've ever heard her. "Do the treaties say they're allowed to come here and steal our sons whenever they feel?!" "No, ma'am, but -" "I didn't think so!" Your father's head jerks up, like he's sensing trouble, but he doesn't move. "I need my son back, and no fucking <i>treaty</i> is important enough to just -" her voice breaks, and she chokes back a sob. "To just… leave him…" Your father finally stands as her shoulders start shaking again, and he wraps her in a firm grip. "Ma'am, we want nothing more than to bring your boy home, but the treaties are the only thing keeping every other child in this town safe. If we violate that by sending a search party into the deep woods, we're inviting another war. It's not an easy choice, but it's one that has to be made." "Bastard," your mother chokes out between sobs, and your father turns her away from the door. "Sir," the officer says with a sigh, finished dealing with your mom's hysteric grief, "We'll maintain a presence in the outer woods for the next several days, and if we see any sign of your boy there, we'll let you know. Beyond that, our hands are tied." Your father nods with a grumble of thanks, and shuts the door as he leads your mother back to their cold cups of coffee at the dining table. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-2]]</li> </ul>

It turned out that Chaise wasn’t kidding about their bowling record. They had a seemingly magical ability to clean up every split, no matter how difficult it looked. You watched their swaggering approach every time, as if they were always 100% certain of the outcome before the ball left their fingers. They were truly in their element, and even though you weren’t winning, it was fascinating to watch how they played. When the shouting started, another ball had just left Chaise’s grip. Unlike the last few times, they whipped around immediately without even checking the ball’s course. The other students at the lanes near you also hopped up from their seats, watching the commotion that had started in the arcade area. You couldn’t see much, but you heard a few low, angry shouts, then saw a couple of the arcade cabinets shake. It seemed like some kind of fight was breaking out. “What the fuck?” Chaise asked, abandoning the game to try to get a better look at what was going on. You followed a few steps behind, and your eyes must have landed on it at the same time: just ahead of the loud jocks, you could see the heads of two girls heading through the arcade’s front doors. “No fucking way.” Chaise mumbled, mirroring your thoughts, as you realized that one of those heads was the same one you’d just seen - Naomi’s low, black bun bobbed behind her as she led the other girl outside, chased by calls of “fucking bitch!” You both started following, spurred by curiosity and the press of other students heading in the same direction. Your stomach began to twist in anxious anticipation of what you would find outside, whether that was a fight or something even worse. The process was agonizingly slow as the other students wove their way through the arcade, occasionally pausing only to ignore the calls from the bowling desk worker that wanted each of you to return your shoes. The shouts began to fade outside, and you worried about what that could mean for Naomi and the girl she was with. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Party 8-Chaise]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chaisealive to true>>When you finally made it outside, you had a hard time seeing through the crowd that had gathered. Everyone’s attention was turned toward the lake, and that realization made your gut twist even tighter. “Stop, you stupid bitch!” One of the pair of jocks called, swiping unsuccessfully at the knot of black hair ahead of him. It seemed impossible that she could outpace both of them - she was only walking - but neither of them could ever quite reach her or the girl she gripped by the shoulder. “Jenna!” Someone from the crowd called out, and the blonde girl’s head turned just slightly, but it was slow, like she was moving through molasses. "Jenna, stop!” Someone pleaded, but she didn’t stop. Her feet dragged and stumbled beneath her, and you realized that she was drunk. The other girl was barely holding her upright, barely keeping her moving forward; it was a wonder they didn't both tumble to the ground. The pair were about to reach the water, moving so efficiently that nobody could possibly reach them. You, Chaise, and the rest of the crowd watched on in horror as Naomi wound an arm around her victim’s neck and dragged her into the water. Jenna’s legs went limp, and you all watched as she began to float for a moment, and then sank all at once. Briefly, you were struck by the urge to throw up at the sight of both girls’ hair pooling on the surface of the lake. A moment later they were both gone, as if they’d never been there at all. “What… the actual shit…” Chaise’s voice was quiet, and they turned to you with wide eyes. “You…” You shook your head quickly, trying to stop them from finishing that thought. “You knew.” They accused you, eyes hard as they backed away. You shook your head again, but they didn’t believe you. As the crowd dispersed, Chaise walked back inside, head cradled in their hands. You stayed, staring into the lake longer than anyone else. Nobody else knew, not yet, but Chaise would never forget that you saw something no one saw, and saved them from becoming another body in the lake. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Chapter 1|Chapter 1-1]]</li> </ul>

Back at your apartment, you stared at the books stacked on your desk. If you weren’t going to the party, you at least had the opportunity to study for finals… but the longer you considered that pile of books, the more tired you felt. As much as you needed to keep reading about American History, considering how lacking your education had been in Haverill, it seemed impossible to motivate your limbs to actually pick up the damned book. You got ready for bed instead, determined to make a decision by the time you’d finished. Inevitably, that decision was to lay down. You did think about the lessons from your history class, and how different the rest of the country was from Haverill. All the other students here acknowledged the Fae, but none of them seemed to practice any charms or rituals. Your roommates thought you were from some backwoods town in the middle of nowhere after seeing how you lined salt against your window and kept a collection of fallen tree branches by your door. You’d never thought of it before college, but maybe there was something different about Haverill. You never knew how disparate every other city and town in America was when compared to yours, or how little the average person knew or cared about the Fae. Here, if a bogun slipped into someone’s house, they explained it away as a nightmare. When a child went missing, it was treated as a regular, human kidnapping. It was… isolating, to say the least. You couldn’t stop worrying about the Fae if you tried, but that fear (rational as it may have been) meant that you couldn’t have a normal life. But then, maybe the life you used to have wasn’t really normal at all. You sagged into the mattress under the weight of your worries, chasing the urge to sleep, but it didn’t come. There were too many things left to worry about, too much fear left hanging in the air. You considered Chaise again. Were they going to be okay? Was anyone going to be okay if another student went missing? <ul> <li class="ch">[[You pressed your palms into your eyes, willing those thoughts away.|Stay Home 3]]</li> </ul>

You were back home with your family after finals, laying in your bed. Everything had gone by so fast, you'd almost forgotten how you’d even gotten there. It was after dinner, and you were dressed for bed, but the rest of the details were too foggy to remember. All you wanted to do was fall asleep. You heard a scream; you felt it shake your heart in your chest. It bounced and echoed off the walls like it was coming from everywhere at once. It didn’t stop or get quieter - in fact, it got louder when you jolted upright. The familiarity of the moment prickled your skin like sweat, but the screaming still didn’t stop. The walls started to shake, not like someone was crashing against them, but like you were in the middle of an earthquake. The house shook and groaned all around you, and you heard the pictures falling off the wall above the stairs. Dozens of them fell and shattered, more than you thought could have even been hanging there, but still more glass crashed outside your door. The noise was overwhelming, cacophonous, swelling slowly into the buzz of a blown-out speaker. The air in your room felt so heavy, it seemed impossible to swing your legs over the side of your bed and stand up. Anxiety churned in your gut like a cold stone, and you realized that you knew what was coming next. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Stay Home 4]]</li> </ul>

Every door in the house slammed all at once, threatening to pop your eardrums, but the shaking stopped. Everything stopped. You sat in near silence, listening as your heart hammered in your chest, and your door slowly creaked back open. A shadow stood in your doorway, impossibly long fingers wrapped around the door and its frame. Two softly glowing eyes stared into yours. The longer you stared, the brighter the light became, like candle flames, lightbulbs, headlights, two twin suns. You shut your eyes against the light, but it bled through your eyelids, leaving you helpless in a blinding white void. You waited for the door lock to click, but after several agonizingly long moments, it didn't. The figure in the doorway breathed heavily, keeping time in some odd way, but it didn’t seem to be moving. You tried to cover your eyes with your hands, your arms, something, but it didn’t make a difference. Everything was white. All you could identify were the mattress underneath you and the damp, labored breathing of that thing in the doorway. Your door creaked and then shut. It was still in the room with you. <ul> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[[You knew it had to be your father, like you remembered, so you decided to wait.|Stay Home 5-Stoic][$stoic += 5, $curious -= 5]] <i>[Stoic]</i><<else>>[[You knew it had to be your father, like you remembered, so you decided to wait.|Stay Home 5-Stoic][$stoic += 5, $curious -= 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[[You couldn't do anything but scream.|Stay Home-4-Anxious][$anxious += 5, $curious -= 5]] <i>[Anxious]</i><<else>>[[You couldn't do anything but scream.|Stay Home-4-Anxious][$anxious += 5, $curious -= 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["I'm not scared of you," you growled, hoping you could fake confidence.|Stay Home 5-Deceptive][$honest -= 5, $curious += 5]] <i>[Deceptive]</i><<else>>[["I'm not scared of you," you growled, hoping you could fake confidence.|Stay Home 5-Deceptive][$honest -= 5, $curious += 5]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $emotehints eq true>>[["Who are you?" You demanded, refusing to let it overpower you.|Stay Home 5-Fierce][$gentle -= 5, $curious += 5]] <i>[Fierce]</i><<else>>[["Who are you?" You demanded, refusing to let it overpower you.|Stay Home 5-Fierce][$gentle -= 5, $curious += 5]]<</if>></li> </ul>

When you were ten, it was your father that opened the door. He looked frightening, hidden in the shadows, but you knew it was him. This thing was only playing on your fears, amplifying everything you used to think was scary. Its breath came closer, beating against your face in nauseating waves of old eggs and mildewed leaves. You held still, waiting for… something, maybe a sign or a change of some kind. You didn't actually know how this would work, but your only choice was to trust your instincts. You willed yourself not to care, not to be afraid, and - it worked. It worked? You opened your eyes to your pitch dark room, filled with colorful stars that you couldn't quite blink away. There, in the middle of the floor, was the shadow. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Stay Home 6-Oblivious-1]]</li> </ul>

You couldn't fight back or run, so you did the only other thing you could think of: you screamed, long and wailing and as loud as your lungs would allow. Your throat ached, begging for you to stop, but you kept screaming, willing your voice to be a shield against that shadowy thing. Your throat ached, begging for a moment to rest, but you sucked in a breath and screamed even more. You could smell that thing's breath like eggs left to rot in the rain, and you felt it panting so close that it might have reached out to touch you. You screamed you push it back, to force it back out the door. Your voice tapered off as you ran out of breath, lightheaded. That was probably the longest you'd ever screamed. As you sagged from the effort, you realized that the light was gone. Had it worked? You slowly opened your eyes, your vision speckled as you tried to adjust to the dark. Still, in the center of the room, you saw the shadow. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Stay Home 6-Oblivious-1]]</li> </ul>

It was hard to choke down the fear clawing it way up the back of your throat, but you did. "I'm not scared of you," you growled, willing your voice to sound stronger than you felt. This shadow, whatever it truly was, must have been feeding on your fear. You resolved not to give it any. Through the blinding light, you could still hear it breathing, and for several seconds (or maybe minutes) you sat there, gritting your teeth and clenching your fists against the slightest hint of anxiety, until you heard its shuffling steps. You counted one, two, three, and four, each one further than the last, until your door shook. You opened your eyes to starbursts of color and blinked, trying to see through the dark now that the blinding light had suddenly shut off. The shadow stood with its back at your doorway, long-fingered hand on the knob, and then pulled the door slowly open once again. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Stay Home 6-Curious-1]]</li> </ul>

Instead of fear, you felt anger welling up inside you, indignation at the way this creature seemed to toy with you. "Who are you?" You demanded, voice sharp and firm. For a split second, you heard the echo of your own voice bounce back at you, but the shadow made no attempt to reply. You listened to its awful labored breathing for a long moment, and then it seemed to sigh. It was a different noise, some acknowledgement that it knew you'd asked a question, but that was all. The blinding light stopped, and you opened your eyes to the dark pit of your room. You blinked and rubbed your eyes, trying to readjust, and caught a glimpse of the shadow retreating. It shuffled back toward your door until its long claws rested on the door handle. It paused, pale glowing eyes staring into yours, and then the door creaked open again. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Stay Home 6-Curious-1]]</li> </ul>

You watch the red and blue lights flicker through the front windows until they finally start to recede, and then pick up the bowl of salt to fill in the boundary at the front door. The last thing you need tonight is another visit from the Fae. In the kitchen, your father robotically fills the two mugs with fresh coffee. He hovers at the edge of the table like a shadow under the flickering kitchen light, and your mother doesn't look up at him. You only found out that Leo went missing this afternoon, but he looks like he's been awake for days. His eyes flicker up to you, and for a moment you aren't sure that he even sees you there in the entryway. Then he raises a hand, waving you over, and calls your name. "<a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mcname" autoselect>> <<option "Cove">> <<option "Emory">> <<option "Jude">> <<option "Sage">> <<option "[input]">> <</cycle>></a>." <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Set Name 1]]</li> </ul>

<<if $mcname eq "[input]">> <<popup 'Set Name' 'Choose Your Name'>> <<goto "Chapter 1-3">> <<else>> <<goto "Chapter 1-3">> <</if>>

"<<live $mcname>>." Your father calls your name quietly, waving you over to the kitchen. You leave the salt on the entry table and walk over to him, barely maintaining eye contact. His knuckles are bleeding white around the handle of the coffee pot, and you imagine the ghost of an image: he smashes the coffee pot on the edge of the table, sending a shower of glass and hot coffee across the kitchen, and mom doesn't even react. You blink. The coffee pot is still there in his hand, and he puts it back on its stand before heaving a heavy sigh. He looks at you and opens his mouth, hovering on the edge of a word, and then his eyes turn back to your mother. She's hunched over her coffee cup like it's the last altar to a lost god; she doesn't dare to drink it. Your father shakes his head. "I think what we all need tonight is some rest." He says it, but he doesn't mean it. You know him - he wants nothing more than to hike out into those woods himself and bring Leo back. "We can't do anything else for now," he continues, "so maybe we should just get ready for an early morning tomorrow." Something about his tone, about how resigned he sounds, sends a shiver up your neck. This close to the full moon, you're all aware that Leo's disappearance can only mean that he's been taken for the High Fae's feast. It had been so long since anyone had been taken, most folks in town thought that the full moon feasts were a thing of the past. If you couldn't get Leo back, he'd be... <i>eaten</i>. Your father's expression suggests that he's already reconciled that fact in his mind. <ul> <li class="ch">[[I'll go look for him if the police aren't gonna do anything.|Chapter 1-4-Brave][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-20), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Brave]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Is mom gonna be okay?|Chapter 1-4-Gentle][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[I can't just sit around here and do nothing!|Chapter 1-4-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-20), $honest to $honest.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[I'm sorry I wasn't here to help.|Chapter 1-4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

This isn't right. The police can't just ignore your family and sweep this under the rug as another accident. "I'll go look for him if the police aren't gonna do anything," you tell your father, even knowing what his answer will be. <i>Someone</i> has to go find Leo. The police know he's not going to come back to the outer woods at this point, and there isn't much time left before he'll be gone entirely. Your mother's head jerks up from the table, and she catches your eyes in a gaze more furious than you've ever seen. "No," she commands. "Nobody is leaving this house. That's final." Your father quickly places a hand on her shoulder, but she doesn't stop staring until you give her a nod in return. "Look…" You don't, but your father continues talking anyway. "There's a few days until the full moon, which means that we've got some time to figure this out." Almost imperceptibly, your mother shakes her head. "Just head up to bed for now, and we'll figure something out in the morning." You frown and fold your arms without taking a step toward the darkened stairwell. "I'm not a kid anymore, you know." "I know." Your father sighs, wiping his face wearily. "Sorry, I… Your mother and I need to work on a plan, alright? Just for tonight." The kitchen light flickers like it knows he's lying, because your parents don't know what to do next. They don't have a plan, and they won't come up with one at this rate, with your mother nearly catatonic at the table. Your father starts to step around the table to lead you upstairs, and you step back before he can. "Alright," you tell him, heading for the stairs. There's nothing else to say now anyway, or at least nothing you haven't already said today. You tried at least a dozen ideas this afternoon after you found out Leo was missing. You all wanted to find him, but your parents wouldn't do anything beyond calling the police. Maybe they were scared to do anything else, or maybe they were already giving up. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-5]]</li> </ul>

You can't help but think that this is the worst state you've ever seen your mother in. She's usually the force of calm in the house, prepared for any disaster, and now she looks like every ounce of power has been drained from her body. In some dark way, this feels even worse than knowing that Leo has gone missing. "Is mom gonna be okay?" You ask, your voice coming our weaker than you had intended. She doesn't seem to react to your words, and your father watches her with… pity, it seems. He nods his head after a moment, and looks back at you. "Look…" You don't, but your father continues talking anyway. "There's a few days until the full moon, which means that we've got some time to figure this out." Almost imperceptibly, your mother shakes her head. "Just head up to bed for now, and we'll figure something out in the morning." You frown and fold your arms without taking a step toward the darkened stairwell. "I'm not a kid anymore, you know." "I know." Your father sighs, wiping his face wearily. "Sorry, I… Your mother and I need to work on a plan, alright? Just for tonight." The kitchen light flickers like it knows he's lying, because your parents don't know what to do next. They don't have a plan, and they won't come up with one at this rate, with your mother nearly catatonic at the table. Your father starts to step around the table to lead you upstairs, and you step back before he can. "Alright," you tell him, heading for the stairs. There's nothing else to say now anyway, or at least nothing you haven't already said today. You tried at least a dozen ideas this afternoon after you found out Leo was missing. You all wanted to find him, but your parents wouldn't do anything beyond calling the police. Maybe they were scared to do anything else, or maybe they were already giving up. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-5]]</li> </ul>

There's no way any of you can rest when you know Leo is in danger out there. "I can't just sit around here and do nothing!" The words seem to burst out of you, filling the air of the quiet kitchen, and both of your parents jump. "$mcname," your mother says, voice cold, "there is <i>nothing</i> else we can do tonight." Her words suggest that she's not willing to listen to any more input, but you don't feel like this is the end of the conversation. You can't just sit down and stare at a coffee cup like her - you need to do something! You open your mouth to speak, but your father interrupts you as he clears his throat. "Look…" You don't, but your father continues talking anyway. "There's a few days until the full moon, which means that we've got some time to figure this out." Almost imperceptibly, your mother shakes her head. "Just head up to bed for now, and we'll figure something out in the morning." You frown and fold your arms without taking a step toward the darkened stairwell. "I'm not a kid anymore, you know." "I know." Your father sighs, wiping his face wearily. "Sorry, I… Your mother and I need to work on a plan, alright? Just for tonight." The kitchen light flickers like it knows he's lying, because your parents don't know what to do next. They don't have a plan, and they won't come up with one at this rate, with your mother nearly catatonic at the table. Your father starts to step around the table to lead you upstairs, and you step back before he can. "Alright," you tell him, heading for the stairs. There's nothing else to say now anyway, or at least nothing you haven't already said today. You tried at least a dozen ideas this afternoon after you found out Leo was missing. You all wanted to find him, but your parents wouldn't do anything beyond calling the police. Maybe they were scared to do anything else, or maybe they were already giving up. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-5]]</li> </ul>

Somehow, this all feels like your fault. Every time you can remember your family being hurt or scared by the Fae, it was your fault. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help," you say, watching your father's expression and then the pattern of the cabinets over his shoulder. You should have been here to help Leo instead of off at school. Your father shakes his head, catching your attention again. "It's not anyone's fault," he says, but you're not sure he believes it. You can't believe it. This has to be somebody's fault, and it isn't Leo's - he's too young to handle all the charms and wards on his own. You were supposed to teach him before you left, so it must be your fault that he wasn't ready. "Look…" You don't, but your father continues talking anyway. "There's a few days until the full moon, which means that we've got some time to figure this out." Almost imperceptibly, your mother shakes her head. "Just head up to bed for now, and we'll figure something out in the morning." You frown and fold your arms without taking a step toward the darkened stairwell. "I'm not a kid anymore, you know." "I know." Your father sighs, wiping his face wearily. "Sorry, I… Your mother and I need to work on a plan, alright? Just for tonight." The kitchen light flickers like it knows he's lying, because your parents don't know what to do next. They don't have a plan, and they won't come up with one at this rate, with your mother nearly catatonic at the table. Your father starts to step around the table to lead you upstairs, and you step back before he can. "Alright," you tell him, heading for the stairs. There's nothing else to say now anyway, or at least nothing you haven't already said today. You tried at least a dozen ideas this afternoon after you found out Leo was missing. You all wanted to find him, but your parents wouldn't do anything beyond calling the police. Maybe they were scared to do anything else, or maybe they were already giving up. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-5]]</li> </ul>

You pause halfway up the stairs when you hear a murmur from below, the vague hint of a conversation. It sounds like your father's low rumble, and he carries on for a little while. Even straining to listen, you can't quite make out the words, but you can imagine them: What are we going to do when Leo doesn't come back? In the dim light filtering up the stairs from the kitchen, you find yourself face-to-face with him. The family photo collage is hanging in the middle of the stairs, and Leo's last school photo grins brightly back at you. You remember helping him pick out that shirt over the summer - it must have been his favorite. Fanning out in a halo around him, your eyes linger on the memories captured here. Usually, its so easy to ignore these photos as you walk by. They blend into the scenery, and become as much a part of the house as the paint. Tonight is different, though. Tonight they look like someone else's happy family, like someone pulled a prank and replaced all your photos with people you don't know. One section you recognize is the cascade of your own childhood photos, tracking your growth from the day you were born. At some point, Leo starts appearing in your photos as well. You know, logically, that these photos are of you, but somehow they look like pictures of another child, or a version of you from another dimension. A lot has changed since then… <ul> <li class="ch">[[You've come out about your sexuality since then.|Chapter 1-6-1][$out to true]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You've come out about your gender identity since then.|Chapter 1-6-2][$out to true]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You've come out about your gender and sexuality since then.|Chapter 1-6-3][$out to true]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You've chosen not to come out about your sexuality.|Chapter 1-6-4][$out to false]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You've chosen not to come out about your gender identity.|Chapter 1-6-5][$out to false]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You've chosen not to come out about your gender or sexuality.|Chapter 1-6-6][$out to false]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You've never felt the need to have a "coming out."|Chapter 1-6-7][$out to true]]</li> </ul>

Your eyes fall on the school photo from the year you came out. You can still remember that day, the mix of nerves and joy you felt. Of course, your parents were ready and supportive, like they always were. They wanted you to feel comfortable being yourself around them, and you did. Leo's face peers back at you from some of these old pictures, and the thought strikes you that if he never comes back from the woods, he'll never have another photo to hang here. He'll never be able to live through all the unique discoveries about himself that you're reminiscing now, and he'll never be able to look back at it all when he's reached your age. He'll never become anything beyond that last school photo. A tight knot of emotion settles in your throat, and the sound of your mother's sobs filter up the stairs toward you almost simultaneously, as if she has just arrived at the same conclusion. For a moment, you debate whether you should go back and comfort her. Remembering your father's command, you slowly march the rest of the way back to your old bedroom. <ul> <li class="ch">[[It's not like you can sleep, though.|Chapter 1-7]]</li> </ul>

Your eyes fall on the school photo from the year after you came out. You can still remember the mix of nerves and joy that went along with your announcement, and it's clear on your face in the photo how much your gender-affirming care increased your happiness and confidence. Of course, your parents were ready and supportive, like they always were. They wanted you to feel comfortable being yourself around them, and you did. Leo's face peers back at you from some of these old pictures, and the thought strikes you that if he never comes back from the woods, he'll never have another photo to hang here. He'll never be able to live through all the unique discoveries about himself that you're reminiscing now, and he'll never be able to look back at it all when he's reached your age. He'll never become anything beyond that last school photo. A tight knot of emotion settles in your throat, and the sound of your mother's sobs filter up the stairs toward you almost simultaneously, as if she has just arrived at the same conclusion. For a moment, you debate whether you should go back and comfort her. Remembering your father's command, you slowly march the rest of the way back to your old bedroom. <ul> <li class="ch">[[It's not like you can sleep, though.|Chapter 1-7]]</li> </ul>

Looking back through the photos, you can almost pick out the point in time that you realized your sexual orientation. Over time, you'd grown more comfortable with your identity, but you haven't yet made the step to "out" yourself to your family. The opportunity is still there, but you've never really felt like there was a right time to tell them. Leo's face peers back at you from some of these old pictures, and the thought strikes you that if he never comes back from the woods, he'll never have another photo to hang here. He'll never be able to live through all the unique discoveries about himself that you're reminiscing now, and he'll never be able to look back at it all when he's reached your age. He'll never become anything beyond that last school photo. A tight knot of emotion settles in your throat, and the sound of your mother's sobs filter up the stairs toward you almost simultaneously, as if she has just arrived at the same conclusion. For a moment, you debate whether you should go back and comfort her. Remembering your father's command, you slowly march the rest of the way back to your old bedroom. <ul> <li class="ch">[[It's not like you can sleep, though.|Chapter 1-7]]</li> </ul>

Looking back through the photos, you can pick out the little changes you made after realizing your gender identity. At the time you thought it was subtle, but now the new hairstyle and different clothes scream like sirens at you. Over time, you'd grown comfortable with your identity, but you haven't yet made the step to "out" yourself to your family. Often its uncomfortable to feel like you're masquerading as someone else, but you've never really felt like there was a right time to tell them. Leo's face peers back at you from some of these old pictures, and the thought strikes you that if he never comes back from the woods, he'll never have another photo to hang here. He'll never be able to live through all the unique discoveries about himself that you're reminiscing now, and he'll never be able to look back at it all when he's reached your age. He'll never become anything beyond that last school photo. A tight knot of emotion settles in your throat, and the sound of your mother's sobs filter up the stairs toward you almost simultaneously, as if she has just arrived at the same conclusion. For a moment, you debate whether you should go back and comfort her. Remembering your father's command, you slowly march the rest of the way back to your old bedroom. <ul> <li class="ch">[[It's not like you can sleep, though.|Chapter 1-7]]</li> </ul>

Looking back through the photos, you can pick out the little changes you made after realizing your identity. At the time you thought it was subtle, but now the new hairstyle and different clothes scream like sirens at you. Over time, you'd grown comfortable with your identity, but you haven't yet made the step to "out" yourself to your family. Often its uncomfortable to feel like you're masquerading as someone else, but you've never really felt like there was a right time to tell them. Leo's face peers back at you from some of these old pictures, and the thought strikes you that if he never comes back from the woods, he'll never have another photo to hang here. He'll never be able to live through all the unique discoveries about himself that you're reminiscing now, and he'll never be able to look back at it all when he's reached your age. He'll never become anything beyond that last school photo. A tight knot of emotion settles in your throat, and the sound of your mother's sobs filter up the stairs toward you almost simultaneously, as if she has just arrived at the same conclusion. For a moment, you debate whether you should go back and comfort her. Remembering your father's command, you slowly march the rest of the way back to your old bedroom. <ul> <li class="ch">[[It's not like you can sleep, though.|Chapter 1-7]]</li> </ul>

You've always felt comfortable being yourself, and it shows in these old photos. No matter how much you changed from year to year, it always felt natural, like you were just expressing a part of yourself that was always there. Your parents have always encouraged you to feel comfortable with being who you are on the inside, and you have. There was never any need to come out, because everything was already "out." Leo's face peers back at you from some of these old pictures, and the thought strikes you that if he never comes back from the woods, he'll never have another photo to hang here. He'll never be able to live through all the unique discoveries about himself that you're reminiscing now, and he'll never be able to look back at it all when he's reached your age. He'll never become anything beyond that last school photo. A tight knot of emotion settles in your throat, and the sound of your mother's sobs filter up the stairs toward you almost simultaneously, as if she has just arrived at the same conclusion. For a moment, you debate whether you should go back and comfort her. Remembering your father's command, you slowly march the rest of the way back to your old bedroom. <ul> <li class="ch">[[It's not like you can sleep, though.|Chapter 1-7]]</li> </ul>

The weight of fear and sadness presses you down onto the edge of your mattress, but you don't lay down. For a long moment, you're just sitting there, staring at the wall, listening to the muffled noises your parents make downstairs. A great pit of darkness seems to yawn open all around you, inviting you to disappear within. You're helpless, and so are your parents, and so are the goddamn police. The Fae, even hidden behind the endless ranks of trees, hold all the power here. They control your reality, regardless of what the treaties say, and that truth settles on you like a lead weight. There's this terrible urge to take matters into your own hands, regardless of the danger, but could you really muster the strength to do anything? Leo is out there alone, just as powerless as you would be if you took off after him. On the other hand, you certainly couldn't be in any more trouble than he is now. As a small point in your favor, you have the true sight. It might be enough to give you the advantage you'd need, if only your feet didn't currently feel like they're nailed to the floor. Compared to you, Leo practically has an escort guiding him straight through the Fae lands. Your more reasonable side suggests that it would be suicide to go after him, and that it would be selfish of you to rob your parents of both their children. You can still just make out your mother's crying through the walls and floorboards, and it isn't hard to imagine how much worse it would sound if she found out that you were gone, too. You have no power compared to the Fae, no way to get you and Leo back out of the forest even if you <i>could</i> find him. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Why even try?|Chapter 1-8]]</li> </ul>

Your bones are heavy, but your bed is plush beneath you, inviting you to curl up and lay there until enough time passes that you can move again. It seems impossible to do anything else, to make any sort of choice, when you're faced with such an impossible decision. Either you abandon your brother to protect what remains of your family, or you abandon your parents in a wild, last-ditch effort to bring your brother back again. You suppose, in some way, that both options offer a chance for healing, in the best case. In the worst case, your family is left with a depressing hole in the middle that can never be shut. It would be better not to choose, to give up on both options and just lay here, but that really just means you've to stay. Can you live with that choice, to just curl up here until you're forced to move again? <ul> <li class="ch">[[Of course not! If nobody else is going to do anything, you have to be the one to save Leo.|Chapter 1-9]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Actually, maybe you should just take your father's advice and go to sleep.|Chapter 1-8-End]]</li> </ul>

No, there's no way you can just lay down and go to sleep while you know Leo still has a chance. If your parents and the police refuse to help, then you're his last hope. Despite the protest from your tired legs, you stand back up and face yourself in the little mirror standing in the corner. In the dark, you can barely make out your reflection against the shadowed wall behind you, and for a moment you imagine yourself as a dark creature, just as deadly as those who stole your brother… but when your fingers reach out and pull the string for your ceiling light, you are once again reminded of your entirely less-than-menacing self. Fine, if you can't be scary, at least you can be prepared. You'll need to dress and pack for the journey ahead as best you can. To some extent, you can predict your needs: a horse shoe to hang over your campsite when you stop, a pocket full of rowan berries for the road, a big shaker of salt, and a hiking stick… dad's hiking stick. Maybe he'd be mad in the morning, but he'd understand. He’d say you’re crazy to venture into the woods <i>without</i> an ash-wood stick to guide you — disregarding how crazy it might be to head into the woods in the first place. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-10]]</li> </ul>

Your father has always been the one in charge of taking care of the household, and you feel obligated to trust his decisions. It would be best for everyone if you stick together, rather than running off on a mission that could just as likely kill you as your brother. Your parents will need you, just like they always have, and it seems the only good decision is to stay put. Slowly, you relax back onto your bed. The mattress might be old, but it feels like a cloud as you finally stop trying to hold yourself upright. For a fleeting moment you remember that you're still in your clothes, but your arms robotically reach out to drag the blankets over you, suffocating any desire to get back up with plush warmth. Sleep doesn't take you immediately. For a long time, you stare at the dark ceiling until your mind starts to make patterns out of the shadows. The black resolves into swirling shapes, growing and shrinking unpredictably. Some are like stars or spiky little balls or scoops of ice cream, and some are rectangles, spaghetti noodles, tiny gift boxes. Vaguely, you hear the creak of the stair as both your parents head toward their bedroom, your mother still sniffling. You realize your own face feels wet, and you reach your hands up to wipe your cheeks, but your mind no longer recognizes their shape. Are those your hands, or are they starfish? a collection of wriggling tentacles? nothing at all? You press those big, meaty spheres into your eyes until you see colors again, and then sleep takes you. <ul> <li class="ch"><<link "Try Again">><<script>>Save.autosave.load()<</script>><</link>></li> </ul>

As you move to retrieve your clothes from the closet, you hear a creak on the stairs. You pause, listening to your parents' murmurs as they head past your door to theirs. You can't make out the words, but at least it sounds like your mother has stopped crying for now. Your ears strain until you hear their door click open and then closed again. Okay, if you're going to pack, you're going to have to move quietly. Firstly, you need to be dressed for the trip. It might take a whole week to get into the forest, find Leo, and get back out again, but there's no way you can pack and carry a week's worth of clothes. At most, you can afford one full change and some extra undergarments in the space your backpack allows. Worse, it's getting colder outside, which means you're going to have to pack for the weather. So then, what'll it be? Your first outfit is <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$clothes1" autoselect>> <<option "just practical hiking clothes: boots, a thermal shirt, and a coat." hiking>> <<option "something comfy: your favorite jeans, hoodie, and jacket." comfy>> <<option "a cute look: platform boots, ripped jeans, and a big scarf." cute>> <<option "some cozy clothes: a big sweater, tall boots, and a coat." cozy>> <<option "all black: combat boots, a light sweater, and a leather jacket." black>> <<option "fashion over function: suede boots, a chunky sweater, and a coat that nearly sweeps the floor." fashionable>> <</cycle>></a> You still have room to pack another outfit, if you need one. For your second outfit: <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$clothes2" autoselect>> <<option "nothing: you'd rather save the space for something more important." none>> <<option "just practical hiking clothes: boots, a thermal shirt, and a coat." hiking>> <<option "something comfy: your favorite jeans, hoodie, and jacket." comfy>> <<option "a cute look: platform boots, ripped jeans, and a big scarf." cute>> <<option "some cozy clothes: a big sweater, tall boots, and a coat." cozy>> <<option "all black: combat boots, a light sweater, and a leather jacket." black>> <<option "fashion over function: suede boots, a chunky sweater, and a coat that nearly sweeps the floor." fashionable>> <</cycle>></a> <ul> <li class="ch">[[You turn to the mirror.|Chapter 1-11]]</li> </ul>

You turn to the mirror, and for a moment you wonder if you're really ready for this. You don't have any experience in fighting or negotiating with the Fae. The few encounters you <i>have</i> had didn't end well, so what if this turns out the same? What if this turns out worse? You try to ignore those nagging, intrusive thoughts, focusing instead on the reflection staring back at you. Your <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mceyes" autoselect>> <<option "honey brown" honey>> <<option "dark russet brown" russet>> <<option "nearly black" black>> <<option "jade green" jade>> <<option "light green" green>> <<option "ice blue" ice>> <<option "steely gray" gray>> <<option "cobalt blue" cobalt>> <<option "bright hazel" hazel>> <</cycle>></a> eyes peer out at you from below your <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mchaircolor" autoselect>> <<option "jet black" jet>> <<option "chocolate brown" chocolate>> <<option "golden brown" brown>> <<option "sandy blonde" blonde>> <<option "platinum blonde" platinum>> <<option "strawberry blonde" strawberry>> <<option "coppery red" copper>> <<option "purple" purple>> <<option "blue" blue>> <<option "turquoise" turquoise>> <<option "orange" orange>> <<option "pink" pink>> <<option "bright red" red>> <</cycle>></a> hair, which you keep <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mchairstyle" autoselect>> <<option "bald" bald>> <<option "wrapped in a scarf" scarf>> <<option "in tight coiling curls" coily>> <<option "in natural kinky curls" chocolate>> <<option "in lots of small braids" smallbraids>> <<option "in a couple big braids" braids>> <<option "in traditional locs" locs>> <<option "in short waves" shortwavy>> <<option "shaved short" short>> <<option "in wavy curls around your face" midwavy>> <<option "cut above your chin" mid>> <<option "pulled back into a bun" bun>> <<option "tied up in a ponytail" ponytail>> <<option "in loose curls around your shoulders" longwavy>> <<option "long and loose" long>> <</cycle>></a>. Your skin is a <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mcskin" autoselect>> <<option "deep umber" umber>> <<option "dark sepia" sepia>> <<option "tanned olive" olive>> <<option "rich amber" amber>> <<option "golden tan" gold>> <<option "medium beige" beige>> <<option "light khaki" khaki>> <<option "pale fawn" fawn>> <<option "fair rosy pink" pink>> <</cycle>></a>, and you could probably stand to wash your face one last time before you go. That's it then. You scan the perimeters of the mirror, taking in the details of your room. You might never come back here... but it doesn't help to think that way. Instead, you pack the rest of your essentials and quietly make your way into the hallway. You need to slip out before either of your parents notice, but you also need some more supplies. You hang at the top of the stairs, watching vague shapes form in the shadows below until you can recognize the furniture. It would take more time to grab your father's hiking stick and some food from the kitchen, but you'd have to be crazy to venture into the woods without them... wouldn't you? <ul> <li class="ch">[[You head for the back door, determined to get out before your parents could notice.|Chapter 1-12-leave][$walkingstick to false, $water to false, $snacks to false]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You make your way to the kitchen, trying to move as quietly as possible.|Chapter 1-12-stay][$pocket to true, $walkingstick to true, $water to true, $snacks to true]]</li> </ul>

The longer you stay here, the more risk you face of getting caught. You’d just have to be careful in the forest, check all your food, and stay away from the mushrooms. You check your bag to make sure you’ve packed a large portion of salt, and then you step down the stairs. Silently, you count your way to the bottom floor of the house. Everything is dark and still, and you try not to disturb anything as you creep toward the back door. You take a handful of rowan berries from the bowl for a little extra protection, then reach for the handle. Your hand pauses as your eyes flick across the hanger by the door, where Pocket stares back at you from the shadows. Your heart drops for a brief moment, reminded once again that Leo is truly alone out there - you can’t even imagine how he could have been caught without his backpack, or how much more scared he must be without the safety and familiarity of his “pet.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[You grab Pocket and sling it over your shoulder, on top of your other bag. Leo’s going to need it when you get to him.|Chapter 1-15][$pocket to true]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You leave Pocket there, deciding it’d be best to leave it with your parents and keep your load lighter.|Chapter 1-15][$pocket to false]]</li> </ul>

If you don't bring your own food, you're putting yourself at risk. There's no way to know if any of the food beyond the border is even safe for you to consume, considering the legends. Fae food could poison or hynotize you... or maybe something worse - which means it's probably wisest to assume that <i>anything</i> edible there is dangerous. You step down, silently counting the steps as you descend into the dark. When your feet finally reach the ground floor, you lean around the edge of the stairwell, scoping out the kitchen, but it’s still empty except for the shadows. You creep your way to the refrigerator and ease it open to retrieve some bottles of water. The light from the refrigerator illuminates a shadow against the counter, and you jump back in surprise. Your father leans against the counter, clutching a cup of coffee and watching you through truly exhausted eyes, the bags only made worse by the dim lighting. “You’re going, aren’t you?” He rasps, but it sounds less like a question and more like a simple acknowledgement. For a moment, you stand there waiting for him to say something else, for him to lecture you or command you back to your room. Instead, he just sighs. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Someone has to," you murmur back at him.|Chapter 1-13-stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(20), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You swallow the fear in your throat and whisper “I’m sorry, dad.”|Chapter 1-13-anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(20), $honest to $honest.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["You can’t make me stay here," you growl.|Chapter 1-13-fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-20), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["I’m just going to a hotel," you lie. "I don’t want to sleep near his room right now."|Chapter 1-13-deceptive][$honest to $honest.fm(-20), $anxious to $anxious.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Deceptive]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["I’m bringing him back. I have to."|Chapter 1-13-brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints eq true>><i>[Brave]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<widget "statincrease">> <<set _stat to $args[0]>> <<set _number to $args[1]>> <<set State.variables[_stat] = Math.round(State.variables[_stat] + ((100 - State.variables[_stat]) * (_number / 100)))>> <</widget>> <<widget "statdecrease">> <<set _stat to $args[0]>> <<set _number to $args[1]>> <<set State.variables[_stat] = Math.round(State.variables[_stat] - (State.variables[_stat] * (_number / 100)))>> <</widget>> <<widget "inc">> <<set _stat to $args[0]>> <<set _number to $args[1]>> <<set State.variables[_stat] = Math.round(State.variables[_stat] + ((100 - State.variables[_stat]) * (_number / 100)))>> <</widget>> <<widget "dec">> <<set _stat to $args[0]>> <<set _number to $args[1]>> <<set State.variables[_stat] = Math.round(State.variables[_stat] - (State.variables[_stat] * (_number / 100)))>> <</widget>> <<widget "verb">> <<set _var to $args[0]>> <<set _sing to $args[1]>> <<set _plur to $args[2]>> <<if _var == true>> <<print _sing>> <<else>> <<print _plur>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "averb">> <<set _sing to $args[0]>> <<set _plur to $args[1]>> <<if $asingular == true>> <<print _sing>> <<else>> <<print _plur>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "jverb">> <<set _sing to $args[0]>> <<set _plur to $args[1]>> <<if $jsingular == true>> <<print _sing>> <<else>> <<print _plur>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "nverb">> <<set _sing to $args[0]>> <<set _plur to $args[1]>> <<if $nsingular == true>> <<print _sing>> <<else>> <<print _plur>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "wverb">> <<set _sing to $args[0]>> <<set _plur to $args[1]>> <<if $wsingular == true>> <<print _sing>> <<else>> <<print _plur>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "mcverb">> <<set _sing to $args[0]>> <<set _plur to $args[1]>> <<if $mcsingular == true>> <<print _sing>> <<else>> <<print _plur>> <</if>> <</widget>> <<widget "cap">> <<set _word to $args[0]>> <<print _word.toUpperFirst()>> <</widget>> <<widget "checkboxPlus">> /* Make sure the variable passed in is a boolean. */ <<set State.setVar($args[0], !!State.getVar($args[0]))>> <<if ndef _checkboxIDno>> /* Start checkbox IDs at 1. */ <<set _checkboxIDno = 1>> <<else>> /* Next checkbox ID. */ <<set _checkboxIDno++>> <</if>> <<set _checkboxData = "'" + $args[0] + "'">> <<if def $args[2]>> <<set _cbStyle = " " + $args[2]>> <<else>> <<set _cbStyle = "">> <</if>> /* Display checkbox. */ <span class="chkbox" tabindex="0" onkeypress="if ((event.key == ' ') || (event.key == 'Spacebar')) { $(this).find('input[type=\'checkbox\']').trigger('click'); return false; }"> <<print '<input type="checkbox" id="checkbox_' + _checkboxIDno + '" tabindex="-1" class="cbhidden" onchange="SugarCube.State.setVar(' + _checkboxData + ', this.checked)" data-var="' + $args[0] + '"' + (State.getVar($args[0]) ? ' checked' : '') + '>'>> <label @for="'checkbox_' + _checkboxIDno" @class="'chklabel' + _cbStyle"> $args[1] </label> </span> <</widget>>

<table id="game-settings"> <tr> <td class="label">Toggle the font size smaller or larger:</td> <td class="button"><<lb>><<if $fontsize is false>> <<button "$changefont">><<addclass "html" "largefont">><<set $fontsize to true, $changefont to "Smaller">><<update>><</button>> <<else>> <<button "$changefont">><<removeclass "html" "largefont">><<set $fontsize to false, $changefont to "Larger">><<update>><</button>> <</if>><</lb>></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="label">Toggle a darker passage background:</td> <td class="button"><<lb>><<if $contrast is false>> <<button "$changecon">><<addclass "html" "highcontrast">><<set $contrast to true, $changecon to "Lighter">><<update>><</button>> <<else>> <<button "$changecon">><<removeclass "html" "highcontrast">><<set $contrast to false, $changecon to "Darker">><<update>><</button>> <</if>><</lb>></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="label">Toggle serif and sans-serif fonts:</td> <td class="button"><<lb>><<if $sansserif is false>> <<button "$changeserif">><<addclass "html" "seriffont">><<set $sansserif to true, $changeserif to "Serif">><<update>><</button>> <<else>> <<button "$changeserif">><<removeclass "html" "seriffont">><<set $sansserif to false, $changeserif to "Sans-Serif">><<update>><</button>> <</if>><</lb>></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="label">Toggle hints for personality changes:</td> <td class="button"><<lb>><<if $emotehints is false>> <<button "$changeemote">><<set $emotehints to true, $changeemote to "Off">><<update>><</button>> <<else>> <<button "$changeemote">><<set $emotehints to false, $changeemote to "On">><<update>><</button>> <</if>><</lb>></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="label">Toggle hints for stat changes:</td> <td class="button"><<lb>><<if $stathints is false>> <<button "$changestat">><<set $stathints to true, $changestat to "Off">><<update>><</button>> <<else>> <<button "$changestat">><<set $stathints to false, $changestat to "On">><<update>><</button>> <</if>><</lb>></td> </tr> </table> <div id="ch-settings-button"> <<button "Open Character Settings">> <<dialog 'Character Settings' 'chsettingsmenu'>>\ <<include "Character Settings Menu">>\ <</dialog>> <</button>> </div>

<table id="game-settings"> <tr> <td class="label">Change your name to <<textbox "$mcname" `$mcname`>>.</td> <td class="button"><<button "Save">><<update>><</button>></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="label">Set your gender to <<listbox "$mcgender" autoselect>> <<option "male">> <<option "female">> <<option "non-binary" nonbinary>> <</listbox>>.</td> <td class="button"><<button "Save">><<update>><</button>></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="label">Set your titles/terms of address to <<listbox "$mctitles" autoselect>> <<option "masculine">> <<option "feminine">> <<option "neutral">> <</listbox>>.</td> <td class="button"><<button "Save">><<update>><</button>></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="label">Edit your pronouns:</td> <td class="button"><<button "Edit">><<popup 'Menu Input Pronouns' 'Set Your Pronouns'>><</button>></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="label">Edit the companions' genders:</td> <td class="button"><<button "Edit">><<dialog 'Set Companion Genders'>><<include "Menu Chara Genders">> <<onclose>><<silently>><<if $agender eq "male">> <<set $athey to "he">> <<set $athem to "him">> <<set $atheir to "his">> <<set $atheirs to "his">> <<set $athemself to "himself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $agender eq "female">> <<set $athey to "she">> <<set $athem to "her">> <<set $atheir to "her">> <<set $atheirs to "hers">> <<set $athemself to "herself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $agender eq "nonbinary">> <<set $athey to "they">> <<set $athem to "them">> <<set $atheir to "their">> <<set $atheirs to "theirs">> <<set $athemself to "themself">> <<set $asingular to false>> <</if>> <<if $jgender eq "male">> <<set $jthey to "he">> <<set $jthem to "him">> <<set $jtheir to "his">> <<set $jtheirs to "his">> <<set $jthemself to "himself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <<elseif $jgender eq "female">> <<set $jthey to "she">> <<set $jthem to "her">> <<set $jtheir to "her">> <<set $jtheirs to "hers">> <<set $jthemself to "herself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <</if>> <<if $ngender eq "male">> <<set $nthey to "he">> <<set $nthem to "him">> <<set $ntheir to "his">> <<set $ntheirs to "his">> <<set $nthemself to "himself">> <<set $nsingular to true>> <<elseif $ngender eq "female">> <<set $nthey to "she">> <<set $nthem to "her">> <<set $ntheir to "her">> <<set $ntheirs to "hers">> <<set $nthemself to "herself">> <<set $nsingular to true>> <</if>> <<if $wgender eq "male">> <<set $wthey to "he">> <<set $wthem to "him">> <<set $wtheir to "his">> <<set $wtheirs to "his">> <<set $wthemself to "himself">> <<set $wsingular to true>> <<elseif $wgender eq "female">> <<set $wthey to "she">> <<set $wthem to "her">> <<set $wtheir to "her">> <<set $wtheirs to "hers">> <<set $wthemself to "herself">> <<set $wsingular to true>> <<elseif $wgender eq "nonbinary">> <<set $wthey to "they">> <<set $wthem to "them">> <<set $wtheir to "their">> <<set $wtheirs to "theirs">> <<set $wthemself to "themself">> <<set $wsingular to false>> <</if>><</silently>><</dialog>> <</button>></td> </tr> </table> <div id="ch-settings-button"> <<button "Return to Game Settings">> <<dialog 'Game Settings' 'settingsmenu'>>\ <<include "Settings Menu">>\ <</dialog>> <</button>> </div>

Pocket's baby was named <<textbox "$mccat" "Cat">>. <div id="ch-settings-button"> <<button "Save Name">> <<update>><<dialogclose>> <</button>> </div>

Your name is <<textbox "$mcname" "Lennox">>. <div id="ch-settings-button"> <<button "Save Name">> <<update>><<dialogclose>> <</button>> </div>

For he/she/they you use <<textbox "$mcthey" `$mcthey`>>. For him/her/them you use <<textbox "$mcthem" `$mcthem`>>. For his/her/their you use <<textbox "$mctheir" `$mctheir`>>. For his/hers/theirs you use <<textbox "$mctheirs" `$mctheirs`>>. For him-/her-/themself you use <<textbox "$mcthemself" `$mcthemself`>>. Your pronouns are <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mcsingular" autoselect>> <<option "singular, as in 'he/she says.'" true>> <<option "plural, as in 'they say.'" false>> <</cycle>></a> <div id="ch-settings-button"> <<button "Save Settings">> <<update>><<dialog 'Character Settings' 'chsettingsmenu'>>\ <<include "Character Settings Menu">>\ <</dialog>> <</button>> </div>

<<if $mcname neq "MC">><div id="menu-header">$mcname</div><</if>> <<if hasVisited("Chapter 1-12-leave") or hasVisited("Chapter 1-12-stay")>>You have <<if $mceyes eq "honey">>honey brown<<elseif $mceyes eq "russet">>dark russet brown<<elseif $mceyes eq "black">>nearly-black<<elseif $mceyes eq "jade">>jade green<<elseif $mceyes eq "green">>light green<<elseif $mceyes eq "ice">>ice blue<<elseif $mceyes eq "gray">>steely gray<<elseif $mceyes eq "cobalt">>cobalt blue<<elseif $mceyes eq "hazel">>bright hazel<<else>>bright<</if>> eyes and <<if $mchairstyle eq "bald">>you keep your head bald.<<elseif $mchaircolor eq "jet">>jet black<<elseif $mchaircolor eq "chocolate">>chocolate brown<<elseif $mchaircolor eq "brown">>golden brown<<elseif $mchaircolor eq "blonde">>sandy blonde<<elseif $mchaircolor eq "platinum">>platinum blonde<<elseif $mchaircolor eq "strawberry">>strawberry blonde<<elseif $mchaircolor eq "copper">>coppery red<<else>>$mchaircolor<</if>> <<if $mchairstyle eq "scarf">>hair that you keep wrapped in a scarf. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "coily">>hair that coils in tight curls. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "kinky">>hair in natural kinky curls. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "smallbraids">>hair you keep protected in short braids. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "braids">>hair you keep in big braids. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "locs">>hair you keep in traditional locs. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "shortwavy">>hair you keep in short waves. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "short">>hair you keep shaved short. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "midwavy">>hair that hangs in waves around your face. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "mid">>hair that you keep cut above your chin. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "bun">>hair that you have pulled back into a bun. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "ponytail">>hair that you have tied up in a ponytail. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "longwavy">>hair that hangs in loose curls around your shoulders. <<elseif $mchairstyle eq "long">>hair that hangs loose past your shoulders. <</if>>Your skin is a <<if $mcskin eq "umber">>deep umber<<elseif $mcskin eq "sepia">>dark sepia<<elseif $mcskin eq "olive">>tanned olive<<elseif $mcskin eq "amber">>rich amber<<elseif $mcskin eq "gold">>golden tan<<elseif $mcskin eq "beige">>medium beige<<elseif $mcskin eq "khaki">>light khaki<<elseif $mcskin eq "fawn">>pale fawn<<elseif $mcskin eq "pink">>fair rosy pink<</if>> color.<</if>> You're wearing <<if $clothes1 eq "hiking">>smart, warm hiking clothes.<<elseif $clothes1 eq "comfy">>a comfy, casual outfit.<<elseif $clothes1 eq "cute">>a cute outfit with a big, warm scarf.<<elseif $clothes1 eq "cozy">>a warm and cozy winter outfit.<<elseif $clothes1 eq "black">>solid black with your toughest leather jacket.<<elseif $clothes1 eq "fashionable">>something stylish with a long, dramatic coat.<<else>>something warm enough to survive the nights outside.<</if>><br /> <div id="menu-header">Your Stats:</div> Strength: $mcstr / 10 Defense: $mcdef / 10 Logic: $mclog / 10 <div class="menubarsbox"><div class="container"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $stoic + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Stoic $stoic%</b></div><div class="statlabelrmenu"><b>Friendly <<= (100 - $stoic)>>%</b></div></div> <div class="container"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $honest + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Honest $honest%</b></div><div class="statlabelrmenu"><b>Deceptive <<= (100 - $honest)>>%</b></div></div> <div class="container"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $curious + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Curious $curious%</b></div><div class="statlabelrmenu"><b>Oblivious <<= (100 - $curious)>>%</b></div></div> <div class="container"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $gentle + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Gentle $gentle%</b></div><div class="statlabelrmenu"><b>Fierce <<= (100 - $gentle)>>%</b></div></div> <div class="container"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $anxious + '%;"></div>' >> <div class="statlabel"><b>Anxious $anxious%</b></div><div class="statlabelrmenu"><b>Brave <<= (100 - $anxious)>>%</b></div></div></div> <br> <div id="menu-header">Relationships:</div><div class="menubarsbox"><div class="relcontainer"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $lrel + '%;"></div>'>> </div><div class="statlabel"><b>Leo</b></div></div> <div class="menubarsbox"><div class="relcontainer"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $arel + '%;"></div>'>> </div><div class="statlabel"><b>Ayre</b></div></div> <div class="menubarsbox"><div class="relcontainer"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $jrel + '%;"></div>'>> </div><div class="statlabel"><b>Jolenn</b></div></div> <div class="menubarsbox"><div class="relcontainer"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $nrel + '%;"></div>'>> </div><div class="statlabel"><b>Nex</b></div></div> <div class="menubarsbox"><div class="relcontainer"> <<= '<div class="fill" style="width: ' + $wrel + '%;"></div>'>> </div><div class="statlabel"><b>Wren</b></div></div>

You watched that shadow slide through your open door as if it barely existed, but the air in your room still felt electric, prickling your skin. Freed from the weight that had held you down, you stood from your bed and stumbled through the door into the hall. It seemed to stretch on infinitely, but you could clearly see Leo’s door shut about a quarter mile away. Your feet started moving before your brain caught up. You ran down the hallway faster than you thought possible, but the distance only stretched out further in front of you. You stretched your arm out, vainly grasping for a handle you couldn’t reach, until you heard a scream. This one was different, it didn’t sound anything like how you remembered. This one was Leo. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Leo!|Stay Home 6-Curious-2]]</li> </ul>

For a few long seconds, it seemed that you and the monster just stared at each other. You heard it panting, and felt the weight of its gaze, but it wasn’t doing anything. You weren’t sure what to do next; it was supposed to leave, but it still wasn’t moving. Then all at once, it lurched forward, wrapping long, ice cold fingers around your leg. With a short tug, it ripped you from your bed, and your head and shoulders hit the ground <i>hard.</i> You cried out in shock and tried to wriggle free of its grip, kicking and writhing on the floor, but it only grabbed your other leg, just below the knee, and began dragging you toward your window. There was no way this could be happening, but as you felt your shirt ride up and your skin burn as it scraped across the floor, you felt convinced that it was real. The shadow reached your window, and you watched a third arm extend from its back to slide the pane open as you helplessly scratched and pulled at the floor beneath you, trying hard to resist. The creature stepped backward out of the window, seemingly clinging to the wall like some kind of spider, and pulled you after it. <ul> <li class="ch">[[This was the end.|Stay Home 6-Oblivious-2]]</li> </ul>

You stopped running and found that you were right in front of his door, finally. Still, you paused for a moment, scared of what you’d find on the other side. Leo’s scream was shrill and awful, and listening to it felt like leaning on an electric fence. You watched your fingers hover over the doorknob for another painful moment before you finally pushed the door open. Shadows dripped from the walls like ink, obscuring your view of the monster until you fully stepped into the room. The window was open, but the night was pitch dark, letting no light in. Leo’s legs kicked frantically against the wall as he wailed at the creature dragging him outside by the collar of his shirt. You lurched forward, trying to grab some part of your brother’s body before he passed entirely through the window. Your fingertips skimmed the hem of his pajama pants, and then he was gone. <ul> <li class="ch">[[A sob erupted from your chest.|Stay Home 6-Curious-3]]</li> </ul>

Leo’s screams carried through the window as you struggled to follow him. You tripped over something, maybe one of his books or toys, and fell against the wall beneath his window. You clawed for purchase, trying to lift yourself back up again, but then the scream abruptly stopped. You grabbed the window sill and pulled hard, pushing your legs into the floor until you were upright enough to lean out the window. You looked up, where you thought Leo had gone, and something dripped on your face, hot and bitter-smelling. You jerked back from the window and instinctively wiped your face. Your fingers came away red, and the terrible iron taste trickled over your lips. The screaming started again, but it was still coming from inside the room. You screamed until there was no air left in your lungs, and then crumpled to the floor like a pile of so many useless limbs. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You hoped death would take you.|Stay Home Ending]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chaisealive to false>>You woke back in your apartment, frantically wiping the sweat from your face. Your heart hammered in your chest, and even grounding yourself in this moment, it was hard to convince your brain that everything you’d just seen wasn’t real. It was barely morning, with just a hint of orange light filtering through your blinds, but you rolled over to check your phone. You’d only meant to check the time, but below the bright white “7:01,” your screen was filled with notifications. You sat up a bit, surprised, and unlocked your phone to scroll through the dozens of messages that littered your notification bar. It was hard to focus, but your mind locked onto one word you saw repeated over and over: Chaise. As you flicked through the messages, you pieced the story together; There was an incident at the party last night, possibly a Fae sighting. A whole crowd of students watched on as <i>someone</i> was dragged out into the water and drowned by a girl nobody recognized. When nobody could get a hold of them later, Chaise was presumed missing, and later confirmed as the official victim. Your fingers felt cold, wrapped around your phone as they were, and you let it slip out of your hands and onto your rug below. The rest of you - your face, your neck, your stomach - felt so hot it was unbearable. Nausea rolled over you in heavy waves, and you pushed your blankets onto the floor, struggling to push yourself upright. Chaise was gone. You couldn’t bring yourself to believe it. Maybe you were still dreaming… but you couldn’t force yourself to wake up. Returning to class was agony, and no matter how much you hoped they might, Chaise never returned. They were gone, yet another fatality of this cursed town, and a little nagging voice in the back of your head wouldn’t stop insisting that it was your fault. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Chapter 1|Chapter 1-1]]</li> </ul>

A scream ripped free of your throat, out of your control, and you scrambled to find purchase on any surface nearby. Your fingers scratched helplessly against the smooth walls until you gripped the edge of your sliding windowpane. The lip was small, but you grabbed it with both hands, desperate for any way to fight back. The creature continued pulling, travelling up the wall toward the roof, and you felt your joints and tendons stretch painfully under the strain. Your scream turned into desperate sobbing as you tried to pull yourself back through the window, despite the pain in your fingers. Your nails caught on the edge you were trying to hold and bent back so harshly that you couldn’t cling to it any longer. The monster pulled you over the edge of the roof, scraping your now-exposed belly raw against the edge of the shingles. It flipped you over so that you faced the night sky, void of all stars. A glowing full moon hung over you, yawning slowly wider until it seemed to engulf your vision. You tried to shuffle backwards, willing to throw yourself off the roof if it meant getting away from that creature, but it grabbed you once again. You shrieked as it plunged ice cold, knifelike fingers into your chest, slicing through between your ribs to wrap around your heart and tear it from your chest. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You howled until your consciousness disappeared.|Stay Home Ending]]</li> </ul>

“I’m sorry, dad,” you whisper. You didn’t want to upset him, and you didn’t want to end up in a confrontation like this, but… you couldn’t just do nothing, either. You swallow hard against the fear rising in your throat, wringing your hands around the strap of your bag. Your father shakes his head, his expression unreadable. “I know you just want him back…” he takes a deep breath, eyes dropping to the open refrigerator door. “I can’t be upset about that,” he says after a pause, then nods to the fridge. “Take what you need.” Your father steps away from the counter, and for a moment you watch him make his way around the kitchen table, back toward the front door. It doesn’t make sense - you were sure he’d try to convince you to stay. Surely it would be worse for your parents if neither of you made it back… but then, it’s likely easier for both of you this way. You returned to the task at hand, stacking several water bottles in your bag, and then using the light of the fridge to help you sort through the cabinets for some food. When you’ve finished, you turn to close the refrigerator door, only to find your father standing there again. He’s holding his walking stick and Leo’s cat, Pocket. “Here,” your father whispers, holding them out to you. “Leo’s going to need-” his voice breaks, and you can tell he’s trying to hold back tears of his own. “He’s gonna need this, when you get there.” Fear and guilt tumble in your stomach again; it seems wrong to leave your parents like this, struggling as they appear to be. You reluctantly take both items, slinging Pocket over your shoulder on top of your other bag. “Stay safe,” Your father tells you, and it hurts to hear the hint of sadness in his voice. “I need you both to make it back here in one piece.” You swallow again, trying to convince yourself that you <i>can</i> do that. “I love you,” he whispers, and the hint of a whimper in his voice threatens to break your resolve entirely. <ul> <li class="ch">[["I love you too, dad," you whisper back.|Chapter 1-14-gentle][$gentle to $gentle.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You hug him tightly, awkward as it may be with all your luggage.|Chapter 1-14-friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Thanks, dad," you mumble, eyes darting toward the door.|Chapter 1-14-anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Bye," you reply quickly, not interested in getting emotional.|Chapter 1-14-stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

You stare your father down, preparing for the confrontation you’d hoped to avoid. “You can’t make me stay here.” Your voice comes out like a low growl, and you see his eyes widen slightly in response. “$mcname…” He starts, his expression more surprised than you had expected. “I know,” he says finally, releasing a heavy breath. He’s tired… weak, even. You can see he doesn’t have the energy for a fight. “I just - I want you to be safe,” he murmurs, watching your expression closely. He doesn’t seem to find what he’s looking for, instead letting out another weighted sigh. “Take what you need.” Your father steps away from the counter, and for a moment you watch him make his way around the kitchen table, back toward the front door. It doesn’t make sense - you were sure he’d try to force you to stay. You were ready to argue and he just… gave up. Maybe this really is breaking him. You shake the thought away and return to the task at hand, stacking several water bottles in your bag, and then using the light of the fridge to help you sort through the cabinets for some food. When you’ve finished, you turn to close the refrigerator door, only to find your father standing there again. He’s holding his walking stick and Leo’s cat, Pocket. “Here,” your father whispers, holding them out to you. “Leo’s going to need-” his voice breaks, and you can tell he’s barely keeping it together. “He’s gonna need this, when you get there.” Your hands clench at your sides for a moment, your mind still waiting for the argument you’d anticipated, but nothing else happens. Your father gazes at you with a mixture of sadness and lack of sleep, and you reluctantly take both items, slinging Pocket over your shoulder on top of your other bag. “Stay safe,” Your father tells you, and the worry in his voice feels heavy on your shoulders. “I need you both to make it back here in one piece.” You didn’t need him to tell you that - you’re coming back with Leo no matter what. Tension still hangs in the air between you, but your father tries to break it, whispering “I love you.” <ul> <li class="ch">[["I love you too, dad," you whisper back.|Chapter 1-14-gentle][$gentle to $gentle.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You hug him tightly, awkward as it may be with all your luggage.|Chapter 1-14-friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Thanks, dad," you mumble, eyes darting toward the door.|Chapter 1-14-anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Bye," you reply quickly, not interested in getting emotional.|Chapter 1-14-stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

You freeze for a second, unsure how to escape this situation, and then decide on a lie. “I’m just going to a hotel,” you mumble. “I don’t want to sleep near his room right now.” Your hand tightens around the strap of your bag, and you watch your father’s face for some indication that he believes you. “$mcname,” he says with a shake of his head, “you don’t have to…” He trails off, eyeing you before he starts again. “If you’re going, I just want you to be prepared.” You stare back at him, unsure if you even <i>believe</i> what he’s saying. You’d expected him to fight back somehow, to try to stop you from going, but now he… wants you to go? You aren’t sure how to respond, unwilling to just abandon your lie. “Take what you need.” Your father steps away from the counter, and for a moment you watch him make his way around the kitchen table, back toward the front door. It doesn’t make sense - you were sure he’d think it was worse for you to leave. Maybe you even thought this was the worse option, but now... You shake the thought away and return to the task at hand, stacking several water bottles in your bag, and then using the light of the fridge to help you sort through the cabinets for some food. When you’ve finished, you turn to close the refrigerator door, only to find your father standing there again. He’s holding his walking stick and Leo’s cat, Pocket. “Here, in case you decide against the hotel,” your father whispers, holding them out to you. “Leo’s going to need-” his voice breaks, and you can tell he’s trying to hold back tears of his own. “He’s gonna need this, when you get there.” Guilt and anxiety tug at your gut again; it seems wrong to leave your parents like this, struggling as they appear to be. You reluctantly take both items, slinging Pocket over your shoulder on top of your other bag. “Stay safe,” Your father tells you, and it hurts to hear the hint of sadness in his voice. “I need you both to make it back here in one piece.” You drop your eyes to the floor, avoiding the realistic chance that you might not come back home. “I love you,” he whispers, and for a moment you wonder when he last said that. Maybe when you left for college? You can’t remember. <ul> <li class="ch">[["I love you too, dad," you whisper back.|Chapter 1-14-gentle][$gentle to $gentle.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You hug him tightly, awkward as it may be with all your luggage.|Chapter 1-14-friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Thanks, dad," you mumble, eyes darting toward the door.|Chapter 1-14-anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Bye," you reply quickly, not interested in getting emotional.|Chapter 1-14-stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“I’m bringing him back,” you respond, your voice quiet but firm. “I have to.” You watch your father’s expression, and even in the low light you can see his resignation. He knows Leo isn’t coming back, not unless someone goes out there to find him. “I understand,” your father murmurs, even if he doesn’t seem to like the idea. “I’m glad you’re trying to be prepared,” he replies, and you nod back at him in thanks. “Take what you need.” Your father steps away from the counter, and for a moment you watch him make his way around the kitchen table, back toward the front door. You’re thankful that he’s not trying to stop you, even though it must be difficult. Surely it would be worse for your parents if neither of you made it back… but then, you don’t need to try to convince him of that. You returned to the task at hand, stacking several water bottles in your bag, and then using the light of the fridge to help you sort through the cabinets for some food. When you’ve finished, you turn to close the refrigerator door, only to find your father standing there again. He’s holding his walking stick and Leo’s cat, Pocket. “Here,” your father whispers, holding them out to you. “Leo’s going to need-” his voice breaks, and you can tell he’s trying to hold back tears of his own. “He’s gonna need this, when you get there.” <i>When</i> you get there. Maybe, you think, he really thinks that’s possible. You take both items, awkwardly slinging Pocket over your shoulder on top of your other bag. “Stay safe,” Your father tells you, and it hurts to hear the hint of sadness in his voice. “I need you both to make it back here in one piece.” There isn’t any other option. “I love you,” he whispers, and for a moment you wonder when he last said that. Maybe when you left for college? You can’t remember. <ul> <li class="ch">[["I love you too, dad," you whisper back.|Chapter 1-14-gentle][$gentle to $gentle.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You hug him tightly, awkward as it may be with all your luggage.|Chapter 1-14-friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Thanks, dad," you mumble, eyes darting toward the door.|Chapter 1-14-anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Bye," you reply quickly, not interested in getting emotional.|Chapter 1-14-stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“Someone has to,” you murmur, trying to keep your voice low. Your father only nods, letting loose another heavy sigh. “I’m glad you’re trying to be prepared,” he replies, surprising you. You thought he didn’t want you to leave, but now he’s not doing anything to stop you. “Take what you need.” Your father steps away from the counter, and for a moment you watch him make his way around the kitchen table, back toward the front door. It doesn’t make sense - you were sure he’d try to convince you to stay. Surely it would be worse for your parents if neither of you made it back… but then, you don’t need to try to convince him of that. You returned to the task at hand, stacking several water bottles in your bag, and then using the light of the fridge to help you sort through the cabinets for some food. When you’ve finished, you turn to close the refrigerator door, only to find your father standing there again. He’s holding his walking stick and Leo’s cat, Pocket. “Here,” your father whispers, holding them out to you. “Leo’s going to need-” his voice breaks, and you can tell he’s trying to hold back tears of his own. “He’s gonna need this, when you get there.” <i>When</i> you get there. The phrase echoes in your brain, and you try to grasp onto that shred of hope. You take both items, awkwardly slinging Pocket over your shoulder on top of your other bag. “Stay safe,” Your father tells you, and it hurts to hear the hint of sadness in his voice. “I need you both to make it back here in one piece.” There isn’t any other option. “I love you,” he whispers, and for a moment you wonder when he last said that. Maybe when you left for college? You can’t remember. <ul> <li class="ch">[["I love you too, dad," you whisper back.|Chapter 1-14-gentle][$gentle to $gentle.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You hug him tightly, awkward as it may be with all your luggage.|Chapter 1-14-friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Thanks, dad," you mumble, eyes darting toward the door.|Chapter 1-14-anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(20), $stoic to $stoic.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Bye," you reply quickly, not interested in getting emotional.|Chapter 1-14-stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“I love you too, dad,” you whisper as he pushes the refrigerator door shut. For a moment, you both just stand there like shadows frozen in place, until your father reaches out to pat your shoulder. “I should get back to your mother,” he murmurs, unmoving. “No matter what happens, don’t trust anyone.” You catch his stern gaze even in the dark, and he holds you there for a few more seconds. “No matter what they do or say or look like, they’re not human.” You know this already, and you’ve heard this dozens of times since you were a child, but the words are still chilling. <<if $metN && $chaisealive>> You’ve seen it firsthand - even your sight can’t protect you from the Fae that already look like people.<</if>> “I know…” you reply, “thank you, dad.” He nods, finally stepping back, and discards his mug on the counter beside you. “I’ll see you soon,” he whispers, and finally leaves the kitchen, quietly marching back up the stairs. The kitchen feels even darker than it did before you’d cracked open the fridge, and you hurry out of the shadows to the back door, being careful not to disturb the salt as you slip outside. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-15]]</li> </ul>

Despite the awkward burden of all your luggage, you reach out and wrap your father in a tight hug. He wraps his arms around your bags, and you soak up as much of his warmth as you can. It strikes you that this might be the last time you ever hug either of your parents, and you pull him tighter for a moment. “Hey,” your father chuckles quietly, although the sound lacks any real humor. You release him slowly, but he stays there, his hands on your shoulders, scanning your face in the light from the fridge. “No matter what happens, don’t trust anyone,” he says after a few seconds. “No matter what they do or say or look like, they’re not human.” You know this already, and you’ve heard this dozens of times since you were a child, but the words are still chilling. <<if $metN && $chaisealive>> You’ve seen it firsthand - even your sight can’t protect you from the Fae that already look like people.<</if>> “I know…” you reply, “thank you, dad.” He nods, finally stepping back, and pushes the refrigerator door shut, enveloping you both in shadow once again. “I’ll see you soon,” he whispers, and finally leaves the kitchen, quietly marching back up the stairs to return to your mother. The kitchen feels even darker than it did before you’d cracked open the fridge, and you hurry out of the shadows to the back door, being careful not to disturb the salt as you slip outside. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-15]]</li> </ul>

“Thanks, dad,” you mumble, not used to being put in this sort of position. You glance over your shoulder at the door, wondering how quickly you can escape, as your father pushes the refrigerator door closed. “I should get back to your mother,” he murmurs, and you nod, hoping that means the moment is over. Your father sighs again. “No matter what happens, don’t trust anyone.” You catch his stern gaze even in the dark, and he holds you there for a few more seconds. “No matter what they do or say or look like, they’re not human.” You know this already, and you’ve heard this dozens of times since you were a child, but the words are still chilling. <<if $metN && $chaisealive>> You’ve seen it firsthand - even your sight can’t protect you from the Fae that already look like people.<</if>> “I know…” you reply, “thanks.” He nods, finally stepping back, and discards his mug on the counter beside you. “I’ll see you soon,” he whispers, and finally leaves the kitchen, quietly marching back up the stairs. The kitchen feels even darker than it did before you’d cracked open the fridge, and you hurry out of the shadows to the back door, being careful not to disturb the salt as you slip outside. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-15]]</li> </ul>

“Bye,” you reply quickly, grimacing a little. You’re not interested in having a big, emotional goodbye, here. What’s more important is getting out of here as quickly and quietly as you can. Your father releases a heavy breath and pushes the fridge closed, swallowing you both in darkness once again. You start to step away when your father speaks up again. “No matter what happens, don’t trust anyone.” You catch his stern gaze even in the dark, and he holds you there for a few more seconds. “No matter what they do or say or look like, they’re not human.” You know this already, and you’ve heard this dozens of times since you were a child. He doesn’t need to remind you now. <<if $metN && $chaisealive>> You’ve seen it firsthand - even your sight can’t protect you from the Fae that already look like people.<</if>> “I know,” you reply, taking a full step back toward the door. Your father finally resigns, nodding back at you, and discards his empty mug on the counter. “I’ll see you soon,” he whispers, and finally leaves the kitchen, quietly marching back up the stairs to return to your mother. Finally you’re free to go, and you hurry out of the shadows to the back door, being careful not to disturb the salt as you slip outside. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-15]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The Forest">>Outside, the grass is almost silver, lit by the bright moon hanging overhead. You stare up at it, studying its shape. A quick search on your phone tells you that the full moon is coming in two days. It looks full already, and you wonder how the High Fae can tell when the moon is exactly full. That train of thought doesn’t lead anywhere good, so you start walking. You have about 48 hours to reach Leo before the full moon feast. You have no idea how far the palace of the High Fae is from here - nobody has made it that far and back again since the treaties were signed. All you know is that it’s deep inside the forest, and that any child they’ve stolen must be held somewhere inside until the full moon. There’s no time to waste. The walk to the forest isn’t long; you’ve traced the same path hundreds of times in your life, but never this late. As you approach the trees, they seem foreign. One oak bears a massive scar down the front where the bark has been torn away, and you stop in front of it. Wedged into the jagged point at the bottom of that scar, you can still clearly read your own initials, as if you’d only carved them this year. You reach out to touch them, tracing the letters under your fingertips, but it doesn’t feel real. Everything about this just <i>feels</i> wrong. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-16]]</li> </ul>

You look back over your shoulder once more. You’re still close to the picnic tables and outdoor grills that dot the public park. You could turn back here, without ever seeing the horrors that lurk within that forest. Certainly, nobody would blame you. <<if $pocket eq true>>Your eyes drop to Pocket, draped over your shoulder. You can still clearly picture Leo’s face, the pure joy of finally collecting enough tickets to win that backpack. You can’t turn back; you have to make sure you find him. <<else>>Your eyes fall to your keychain sticking out of your bag, and you reach up to roll $mccat between your fingers. You can still recall Leo’s proud face, telling every person in town about how you were both best friends, and how your matching cats proved it. You can’t turn back; you have to bring him home to Pocket.<</if>> You leave that oak tree where it stands, venturing further into the forest, past the berry bushes and clusters of daisies you used to gather for your family. It doesn’t take long to reach the border, and you wonder, not for the first time, how shallow your part of the forest must be. The border is dotted with the corpses of old warning signs, all broken down and replaced over and over. There isn’t a single one left standing, just rows and rows of broken sticks, planks, and wire frames, creating a sort of warning of their own. It occurs to you, as you hesitate there on the precipice, that you haven't seen the police anywhere. No flashlights, no flickering reds and blues, not even any footsteps. They said they'd be monitoring the outer forest, but if they really were, you would have run into an officer by now. Someone would have been here to force you to turn back. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You're truly on your own.|Chapter 1-17]]</li> </ul>

<<if $walkingstick eq true>>You reach across the border with the walking stick first, pressing it firmly into the dirt on the other side, waiting for something to happen. In your mind, you imagined some sort of magical alarm system must have been set here, but as you stand there in silence, tightly gripping that walking stick, it becomes clear that nothing is happening. <<else>>You press a hand to the trunk of a tree that straddles the border, leaning your weight onto it as you carefully pass one foot over to the other side. You slowly press that foot into the dirt, senses alert for signs that <i>something</i> has detected your presence there. In your mind, you’d imagined some sort of magical barrier or alarm here, but as the seconds pass in silence, it becomes clear that nothing is happening.<</if>> You slowly finish crossing the border, tensed for something to chase or attack you, but the forest is just as still here as it was on the other side. You allow yourself one more moment to look back, appreciating the last familiar place you may see, and then you start walking. Fortunately, the weather isn’t yet unbearably cold. While the moon turns everything frosty at the edges, you’re still weeks or even months away from seeing snow. Still, the farther you walk, the more persistent the chill at the back of your neck becomes. It could be your paranoia making you think this, but everything here <i>feels</i> different, like there’s Fae magic floating in the air. <<if $metN eq true>>Not for the first time, <<else>>For the first time you can remember, <</if>>you wonder whether your sight can really see through <i>any</i> glamour, or if you’ll be as hopeless as any other mortal here. You don’t know enough about the reality of the Fae realm to be certain. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-18]]</li> </ul>

Within a few minutes, you reach a small clearing, and you pause there to get your bearings. To your left and right, you can see real trails snaking off between the trees, the first signs of any sort of civilization you’ve ever spotted in this forest. <<if $anxious gt 50>>The realization makes your gut twist with fear.<<else>>This must mean you’re on the right track.<</if>> As you step closer to investigate the trail to your right, you realize that it quickly disappears into darkness, where the forest appears to be far denser and more overgrown than you’ve ever seen. Somehow, the air feels colder the closer you get to that trail, as if it’s physically trying to scare you away. Fortunately, the trail on your left appears open, with moonlight spilling across the well-worn path. Standing at what seems to be the beginning, you can see a point where it splits up ahead, branching left and right once again. You’ll certainly need to keep your bearings here. For the moment, you turn back to the clearing once again, searching for some way you can mark it, in case you get lost later on. You approach the large oak that stands roughly at the point where you entered, and begin to clear some of the moss away to make space for you to mark it. As you do so, you realize that the trunk is already marked, with large scoops apparently cut out of it. You step back, realizing that those marks trail up above your head, disappearing into… what seems to be a door. You blink hard and study the tree again, trying to find what the door must lead to. Somehow, a treehouse is nestled into the top of that tree, one that you hadn’t even noticed as you approached. It makes you a little sick to think that something so large could have been hidden right in front of you, and you wonder if this is magic you’ve never even heard of. It’s terrible to think how utterly out of your depth you are here, so instead you turn your attention to making a plan. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You decide to try the dark path - maybe it's hiding something important?|Dark Path 1][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(10)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You climb up to the treehouse and see what you can find.|Treehouse 1][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(10)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Head down the open path; you have no time to waste.|Open Path 1][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul>

<<set $darkpath to true>>Despite the warning signs, you can’t help but wonder what you might find down that darker path. Considering the magic the Fae might command, it isn’t impossible that the dense trees are only designed to hide something else. <<if $flashlight>>You pull the little flashlight from your bag and flick it on,<<else>>You turn on your phone’s flashlight,<</if>> but it reveals only that the path doesn’t just <i>disappear</i> into the dense trees; it stops. You shine the light up the length of the tree trunks, searching for evidence of another tree house, but you only find more branches. Beyond those trees, the forest floor is covered in dense brambles. <<if $snacks eq true>>You consider for a moment the possibility of gathering berries from those bushes, but quickly decide against it. You still have plenty of snacks packed with you, and you can’t be certain that anything edible here is actually safe to eat. <<else>><<set $berries to true>>After considering the bushes for a moment, your flashlight catches on a purplish color draping from one of the vines - there are berries here. While it’s risky, knowing that Fae food can be poisonous to humans, you only recall hearing that food <i>given</i> to a human by the Fae is what’s dangerous. Looking closer, these berries don’t look any different than the ones you’d find on the human side of the border, and the tart-sweet smell is exactly like you’d expect. While it seems risky, taking food <i>from</i> the Fae (when you inevitably run into them) is likely even riskier. You gather what you can from the bramble bushes and stow the berries in your bag for later. If anything happens, at least you have your salt.<</if>> After some more searching, and a few attempts at clearing a safer path with the end of your walking stick, you realize that this path isn’t going to take you anywhere. Carefully, you work your way back out into the clearing and turn your flashlight off again (hopefully conserving some battery for later). <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-18-1]]</li> </ul>

<<set $treehouse to true>>Pushing down the warnings in the back of your mind, you dig your fingers into the rough notches in the oak tree’s trunk. You’ll never get through this if you aren’t willing to be brave, so you take a breath and start to climb. It isn’t easy - the moss threatens to slip your fingers and toes out of their holds, and you have to press your body in close to the trunk in order to keep from falling backwards, but after a couple of false starts, you reach up and push the small door open. Thankfully, as you poke your head up through the door, you find that no one is there. The treehouse is small and oddly constructed, as if it was wrapped around the tree in an effort to spare as many branches as possible. The furniture inside suggests that this is actually someone’s <i>home</i>, complete with a small dining table and kitchen area. It reminds you of one of those exceptionally small tiny houses, except this is built for someone even smaller than the average human. Every window and surface is decorated with potted plants, some long and unruly ivies and some short succulents. The air is heavy with the smell of herbs: lavender, rosemary, sage, and probably even more. As you continue to inspect the house, you spy drying bundles of these herbs strung up in the corners. It all seems… stereotypical, almost. Like it’s exactly what you would have expected a Fae house to be, and again you’re reminded that it’s possible none of this is real. Whoever lives here could be lurking nearby, just waiting for someone like you to fall into this all-too-cozy trap. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You keep looking - there could be something useful here.|Treehouse 1-1][$curious to $curious.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You need to get out quickly, before someone finds you.|Chapter 1-18-1][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5)]]</li> </ul>

<<set $openpath to true>>It seems that the most reasonable option is to follow the open path - at least it promises to lead you somewhere. As you approach the split, you catch a glimpse of something on the left. Just for a moment, it looks like a flash of white hair disappears through the trees. A shiver strikes you suddenly, and you can feel your skin prickle with gooseflesh. You’re certainly not alone now. To the right, the path winds on, and you think you can make out something beyond the trees, some sort of grey building. The idea that this could be the path to the High Fae already is both thrilling and terrifying, and makes you feel like your heart is in a vice. At the same time, there’s no way you could already be there. You’re certain that the forest is large, and you’ve barely scratched the surface. The High Fae would be hidden much farther in if they wanted to hide themselves from the mortals… but this means that you aren’t sure <i>what</i> or <i>who</i> might be in that building. <ul> <<if $flashlight neq true>><li class="ch"><<if $unicorn eq true>><<link [[You turn toward the unicorn's clearing again.|Unicorn Clearing 2]] >><</link>><<else>>[[You turn to the left, following that shock of white hair.|Unicorn Clearing 1][$curious to $curious.fm(10), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-10)]]<</if>></li><</if>> <li class="ch">[[You continue to the right, heading for the grey shape in the distance.|Chapter 1-19][$curious to $curious.fm(10)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You return to the clearing to make sure you've checked everything first.|Chapter 1-18-1]]</li> </ul>

Back in the clearing, you look around once again, trying to ensure that you have it committed to memory. It might be days before you make your way back here after you've found Leo, and you don't want to end up lost. <ul> <li class="ch"><<if $darkpath eq true>>[[Check the darker path again.|Dark Path 2]]<<else>>[[You decide to try the dark path - maybe it's hiding something important?|Dark Path 1][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(10)]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $treehouse eq true>>[[Climb into the treehouse again.|Treehouse 2]]<<else>>[[You climb up to the treehouse and see what you can find.|Treehouse 1][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(10)]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch"><<if $openpath eq true>>[[It's time to move on down the open path.|Open Path 2]]<<else>>[[Head down the open path; you have no time to waste.|Open Path 1]]<</if>></li> </ul>

It's possible that you could have missed something the first time you looked down this path, so you creep closer once more. <<if $flashlight>>You flick on the small flashlight you took<<else>>You use your phone's flahslight<</if>> and focus the beam down near the bushes you had noticed before. <<if $berries>>The vines are still bare, like you left them. Skimming the light over the bushes, toward the faint traces of overgrown path, it's clear that this way is no more passable than it was before. Maybe that's for the best; if you added any branches to your trip, it would only make the correct path harder to remember. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You step back out of the darkened pathway once more.|Chapter 1-18-1]]</li> </ul> <<else>>This time, your beam doesn't catch on any purple berries. You lean closer, sure you must be overlooking them. No, they're really gone. Something has been here since the last time you checked, and it has taken all the berries. A sudden chill shakes you, making the flashlight beam flicker across the ground. Just in front of the bushes, near the toes of your shoes, is a small pile of acorns. You're sure those weren't there before... but what would have taken the berries, only to leave something else behind? Was it some sort of trade, or payment? You pluck one of the acorns from the ground, turning it over between your fingers. As far as you can tell, it seems to be a perfectly normal acorn. Surely an animal didn't bring these here, so... was it one of the Fae? <ul> <li class="ch">[[You leave the acorns, hopefully without upsetting whatever dropped them there.|Chapter 1-18-1]]</li> <li class="ch"><<link [[You scoop up the acorns, hoping that you might be able to use them later.|Chapter 1-18-1]] >><<set $acorns to true>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>>

As you emerge back into the treehouse, you take a look around, checking your surroundings once more. <<if $treehousesearch>> <<if $takerags neq true>>The shelves still hold stacks of clean rags, which you can imagine might come in handy as bandages or just as towels for when this journey inevitably coats you in dirt and mud. <</if>> <<if $takeherbs neq true>>In the corners of the little house, bundles of dried herbs still hang from their strings, making the air inside heavy with their aroma. You could use them... maybe for trading, or to brew a really sad tea. Would the Fae even trade with you, or would they kill you for even suggesting a negotiation? <</if>> <<if $petcat neq true>>In the kitchen, that odd cat still watches you from its perch on the counter, almost entirely still except for the occasional flick of its tail. It doesn't seem upset that you're here, and you can't help but wonder if you could pet it... <</if>> <<if $takeknife neq true>>The cupboard, you recall without daring to open it again, still contains that odd antler handle that you suppose must belong to a knife. If you can bear to reach past those maggot-filled old rags, you could take it. It wouldn't hurt to have something for self-defense, no matter how small. <<if $unicorn eq true>>Considering what you've seen already, you'll probably need the protection.<</if>> <</if>> <<if $takerags != true || $takeherbs != true || $petcat != true || $takeknife != true>><ul> <<if $petcat neq true>><li class="box"><label class="checks"><<checkbox "$petcat" false true>> You have to pet the cat, obviously.</label></li><</if>> <<if $takeknife neq true>><li class="box"><label class="checks"><<checkbox "$takeknife" false true>> You take the knife, expecting that you might need a weapon.</label></li><</if>> <<if $takeherbs neq true>><li class="box"><label class="checks"><<checkbox "$takeherbs" false true>> You snag some of the herbs, just in case.</label></li><</if>> <<if $takerags neq true>><li class="box"><label class="checks"><<checkbox "$takerags" false true>> You steal the clean rags from the shelf, maybe for bandages.</label></li><</if>> </ul> <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Treehouse 1-2]]</li> </ul><</if>> <<if $takerags && $takeherbs && $petcat && takeknife>>Even upon closer inspection, it seems there's nothing left for you here. The cat has disappeared entirely, and you've looted everything of value that this house once held. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Only a little disappointed, you return to the clearing.|Chapter 1-18-1]]</li> </ul><</if>> <<else>> It appears that whoever lives here has yet to return, and it seems unlikely that any traps they had set would have waited for your return before springing. This might be your best opportunity to take a look around before you dive deeper into the forest. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You keep looking - there could be something useful here.|Treehouse 1-1]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You can't trust an empty house; it's best to leave while you still can.|Chapter 1-18-1]]</li> </ul> <</if>>

You step back onto the path that runs between the treehouse's clearing and that looming stone structure. It feels a little more familiar than the last time, and you hope that means you'll have it memorized if... <i>when</i> you make your way back. A cold breeze pushes against your back, chilling your skin, and urging you toward that building. <ul> <li class="ch"><<if $unicorn eq true>>[[You turn toward the unicorn's clearing again.|Unicorn Clearing 2]]<<else>>[[You turn to the left, following that shock of white hair.|Unicorn Clearing 1][$curious to $curious.fm(10), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-10)]]<</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You continue to the right, heading for the short tower in the distance.|Chapter 1-19][$curious to $curious.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You return to the treehouse to make sure you've checked everything.|Chapter 1-18-1]]</li> </ul>

<<set $treehousesearch to true>>If someone was waiting for you here, you can assume they would have tried something already. Moving carefully in the limited space, you get up to check the cabinets and shelves. Most of what you find on the shelves appears decorative - carved figurines and embroidered rags, all styled after animals. The kitchen even features a large cat… doll? It blinks, and you falter back a half step. You were certain nobody was here, but there is definitely a fluffy gray cat sitting on the counter, watching you with big, yellow-green eyes. The tip of its tail flicks back and forth, giving you the impression that it isn’t <i>bothered</i> by your presence. It must be the pet - or familiar - of whoever lives here, but it doesn’t seem very keen on guarding. Slowly, you step forward into the kitchen again, and the cat doesn’t move. You open one of the cabinets, and the cat still doesn’t do anything. This might be the calmest cat you’ve ever seen. As you duck down to investigate the cabinet, you’re struck by a dank, musty odor. Looking closer, you find that the space is filled with dusty old jars and a basket of damp rags, buzzing with flies. Before you shut the door and escape the smell, you glimpse what might be a short hunting knife, its antler handle peeking out from where the blade must be wedged between the basket of rags and the cabinet’s wall. <ul> <li class="box"><label class="checks"><<checkbox "$petcat" false true>><span class="checkmark"></span> You have to pet the cat, obviously.</label></li> <li class="box"><label class="checks"><<checkbox "$takeknife" false true>><span class="checkmark"></span> You take the knife, expecting that you might need a weapon.</label></li> <li class="box"><label class="checks"><<checkbox "$takeherbs" false true>><span class="checkmark"></span> You snag some of the herbs, just in case.</label></li> <li class="box"><label class="checks"><<checkbox "$takerags" false true>><span class="checkmark"></span> You steal the clean rags from the shelf, maybe for bandages.</label></li> </ul> <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Treehouse 1-2]]</li> </ul>

<<if $takeknife == true && $knife != true>><<set $knife to true>>You hold your breath for the moment it takes you to lean in close to the cupboard and grab the handle of the knife. It comes out with a leather sheath as well, and you quickly shut the cupboard to stop the flies trying to escape. The leather is detailed with images of leaves and acorns, and includes a long string that you can slip over your shoulder. As you draw the knife out, you find a steel blade covered in swirling patterns that flicker purple and blue in the dim light. It seems to be in excellent condition, and while it’s a little shorter than the length of your hand, it could still be handy for defense. <</if>> <<if $takeherbs == true && $herbs != true>><<set $herbs to true>>It couldn’t <i>hurt</i> to have more supplies, and while you have no immediate use for the herbs, they could still help you at some point. It isn’t hard to grab the bundles hanging from the low ceiling, and you make quick work of yanking them down. Considering that they’re a little bulky and brittle, you take one of the clean rags to wrap the herbs before stowing them in your bag. Hopefully, they won’t turn out to be a waste of space. <</if>> <<if $takerags == true && $rags != true>><<set $rags to true>>The clean rags on the shelf could help as bandages, especially if you end up with a large wound, or if you run out of the small supply you brought. You grab the neat stacks off of the shelves, shoving them into a tight corner of your bag in an attempt to save space. <</if>> <<if $petcat == true && $catscratch != true>><<set $catscratch to true>>You slowly approach the cat, watching it closely as you do. It still sits in just the same position, tail flicking casually from side to side. Of course, you have to pet it - a cat this calm deserves to be pet. You reach your hand out slowly, giving the cat a chance to inspect your fingers before you place your hand on its back. Suddenly, as if some spell was broken, the cat jerks back and strikes your hand with both front paws, slicing your skin with its sharp nails before bolting across the counter and out the open window. Your hand aches from the scratch, and you can already see blood welling at the surface of your skin. You snag one of the clean rags from the shelf and wrap it around your injured hand, hopefully to keep it clean until you can find a safe place to unpack your bag and take care of it. <</if>> <<if $petcat && $takeknife && $takeherbs && $takerags>>You certainly won’t be able to keep this up - either you’ll run out of space or the strength to carry so many things. For now, you can still afford to cram everything into your bag and take off. <</if>> Finally, you open the hatch door again and peer out at the clearing below. Everything looks as empty as you left it. You carefully make your way back down the trunk of the tree until your feet touch the grass, and you take a deep breath of the clear air. <<if $herbs>>While the scent of the herbs still wafts up to you from your bag, you can still appreciate that the air down here is much more crisp.<<else>>Away from the strong smell of herbs in the treehouse, you can appreciate the crisp night air. While it smells familiar, there’s also something different about it, compared to the forest you’re used to. It almost smells like the air carries a hint of… apple pie? That doesn’t make any sense, and as you inhale deeper to test the theory, the scent seems to disappear entirely. Nothing about this forest is familiar, you have to remind yourself. You can’t afford to start feeling too comfortable in your solitude.<</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Chapter 1-18-1]]</li> </ul>

<<set $unicorn to true>>You need to know what that flash was, and where it was going. Whoever - or whatever- it is could come up behind you while you’re making your way down the trail, which could be even worse than facing it head-on. The path this way is narrow, but speckled with wildflowers. Looking back, you realize that you haven’t seen flowers like this anywhere else. Somehow, this seems even more unusual than everything else you’ve seen so far. The narrow trail leads to another, smaller clearing. At the far side, nestled into a thick patch of grass and flowers, a unicorn is curled on the ground. At first, it looks just like a white horse, its head turned away from you, but as you step into the clearing, it lifts its head, and you see the bone-like horn sticking up above its ears. Deep red coats its muzzle like syrup and drips into the grass, drawing your eyes down to a small pair of jeans peeking out from behind the unicorn’s bulk. Immediately, your heart drops and your stomach does a sickening flip. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Leo?|Unicorn Clearing 1-1]]</li> </ul>

You start walking further down the path, watching and listening for anything that might appear. You can hear the wind rustling the trees, but the breeze doesn’t reach you. Maybe it’s blocked by that building, or… You can’t even imagine how much of what you see and hear is created by the Fae. While the true sight has saved you in the past, there’s still some nagging doubt in the back of your mind suggesting that they can find some way around it. Slowly, the building comes into view, rising out of the trees like a giant. As you hike closer, you discover that the structure is a mix of old and new construction, entirely built from carved stone. Some sections are dark, cracked, and covered in stains, while others are bright by comparison, filling in corners and entire missing walls to create something reminiscent of a small castle. Clusters of moss and weeds sprout from the lower walls. In town, you might have thought a place like this was abandoned. It’s clear that someone is in there, or perhaps many someones. The closer you get, the louder the noise becomes, like dozens of stomping feet and hundreds of jangling bells. Could it be a revel? You’d always heard of them being held in mushroom rings, not inside actual homes… but maybe things have changed. Maybe the last human to come back from these woods died so long ago that nobody knows what the Fae are like any more. The thought brings up an odd mixture of hope and fear; they could be better, or they could be much worse. As you reach the front of the building, marked by a wooden door covered in intricate carvings, you pick up another sound. It’s quiet against the cacophony of music and voices from inside, but it sounds like someone singing. The song seems to be coming from somewhere around the side of the small castle, in the shadows where the moonlight can’t reach. You’re certain that everyone you might meet, from this point forward, will be one of the Fae. Every step past this point will be a step closer to Leo, but also closer to your enemies. You slowly draw a deep breath in and then out, steeling your nerves. You have to be brave. This place could be hiding Leo inside, or at least hints to where he might be. A week ago, you would have thought someone in this very same position was insane. Now, you suppose you must have truly lost your mind. Nonetheless, the only way you can go is forward. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You find yourself drawn toward that voice.|Jolenn Intro 1]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You decide to try sneaking inside.|Ayre Intro 1]]</li> </ul>

The unicorn doesn’t seem interested in attacking you now, too busy with its meal, and you slowly creep closer. As you edge your way around the clearing, you catch a glimpse of the child’s jacket: red and yellow, and not one that Leo owns. You sigh with some relief, knowing that your brother must still be out there somewhere. You still have a chance to find him, but this kid will never go home again. How did this unicorn even <i>find</i> this child? You’ve never seen one in town before, and you can’t imagine that there are any young kids running around this deep in the forest unless one of the High Fae had taken them. Still, somehow, this beast found its prey. Your hands tighten around the strap of your bag. This isn’t right; there are too many children being taken. Clearly, the treaties no longer mean anything to the Fae. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You leave the clearing while you still have the chance.|Open Path 2]]</li> <li class="ch">[[You rush forward to attack the unicorn.|Unicorn Attack][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-20), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-20)]]</li> </ul>

Your legs are already moving before you realize what you've decided. It's bad enough that the High Fae are stealing children, but this stupid fucking horse?? You grit your teeth as you get closer, trying not to inhale the heavy stench of blood settled over the unicorn and that child's corpse. <i>That could have been Leo.</i> Your own voice reminds you, inside your head. You throw your weight onto the beast's back, straddling its wide chest and throwing your arms around its neck. <<if $knife>><<set $unicornwound to true>>In one hand you clutch the knife, your fingers wrapped awkwardly around the antler handle. The bony points dig into your palm and the flesh at the base of your thumb, reminding you that this blade wasn't made for anything like an average human. Your other hand slips the sheath from the blade as the horse stumbles to its feet, trying to shake you off. <<if $mcstr >= 3>>You squeeze tight with your arms and legs, rocking to one side, but still hanging on as the unicorn reaches its full height. Without warning, you stab the knife into the beast's chest at a shallow angle, hindered by the shape of the handle. The noise is unlike anything you could have expected, like a cross between a human scream and a train whistle. The unicorn shrieks and bucks hard, first slamming your face into the hard plate of its shoulder, and then sending you flying across the clearing as your limbs lose their grip. You hit the ground ass-first, then your shoulders and head fall with a painful thud. It's hard to see anything beyond the swimming colors and starbursts in your vision, but it clears after a moment, and you look up to see the unicorn limping heavily on one leg. Bright crimson streaks down its chest from a spot just below the base of its neck, dripping steadily into the grass. It turns to face you, and for a moment you fear it's going to come spear you with its horn, like it must have done to that child. Then it leans down on one leg, grasping the kid's jacket between its teeth, and begins to drag the corpse along the grass, toward the edge of the clearing. "Hey!" You cough, trying to sit up as if you might chase it down. A shock of pain shoots up your spine and you drop back to the ground, helpless to stop the beast from dragging its prey deeper into the forest. <<else>>You try to wrap your arms tighter and squeeze with your legs, but the beast is massive and slick with sweat. With one powerful shake, you tumble off the unicorn's back and hit the ground, your shoulders and head cracking against the earth. The beast shrieks, a sound like a human screaming over the whistle of a train, and you see crimson blood streaking down its chest. Against the odds, you'd actually managed to slice it as you flew from its back, but the wound is shallow. The unicorn kicks suddenly, striking you in the hip and flipping you over in the grass. You wait there for the end, for the beast to spear you on its horn like it must have done to that child, but the moment doesn't come. You look up once more, wincing against the protest of pain in your upper back, and see the unicorn grabbing the kid's jacket between its teeth. "Hey!" You cough out, then wheeze. It doesn't seem to care, and drags the corpse along with it, toward the edge of the clearing, and the depths of the forest.<</if>> After several long minutes of laying in the grass - you can't be sure how long - you ease yourself up into a sitting position. Your body aches all over, and you're sure it'll only get worse as the night goes on, but it seems that everything is working... at least for now. Your gaze drops to your hands, to the unicorn blood that stains your skin and the knife you dropped on the ground, <<if $rags>>and you take a clean rag from your bag with your unbloodied hand. You wipe your hand, then the knife, and stow it back in its sheath. After a moment's consideration, you drop the rag on the ground and struggle to your feet.<<else>>and you wipe your hand in the grass, smearing the blood around, but getting (mostly) clean. You do the same with the knife, though the blood clings to the nooks of the antler, and slip it back into its sheath before struggling to your feet.<</if>> That was stupid, and you could have died, but you can't help the feeling of satisfaction that creeps over you. However small, you took some revenge on that beast for murdering that kid. Even if it wasn't Leo, that was someone's sibling, or someone's child, and that family was back in town suffering just as much as yours. The unicorn deserved much worse. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You check to make sure you have all your things, then walk slowly back out of the clearing.|Open Path 2]]</li> </ul> <<elseif $mcstr >= 3>>You scramble for purchase as the unicorn lurches, trying to get to its feet. You begin to slip sideways off of its sweat-slicked back, but you squeeze with your legs and reach up high with your hands, lacing your fingers into its mane, and you stay put. It growls, deeper than any noise you've ever heard from a horse, and begins to hop and buck wildly. It's hopeless. You hold on for the first jump, then your fingers start to slip on the second. The third time, your face slams into the sharp jut of the unicorn's withers, and you feel your nose crack painfully, sending hot needles of pain through your face and behind your eyes. You're flying through the air before you realize that you've let go, and you hit the ground ass-first before your shoulders and head follow. The pain is explosive, and curl up instinctively, throwing your hands up to cup your nose. Hot blood dribbles down your chin, filling your mouth with the flavor of old pennies and mucus. A cough sends the blood splattering onto your hands and face, and you groan. The sound of hooves makes you jerk upright, reminded of the unicorn. It's come right for you, and you throw your arms up uselessly, as if to grapple its horn away. You can only think how stupid you were to try attacking the beast as it lowers its head to spear you. The impact is sudden, and awful. You would have screamed at the pain, but the horse's head colliding with your chest knocked the wind right out of you. You managed to suck in one choked, soggy breath, and used all that air to let out one whimpering shriek. Thankfully, the unicorn slammed your aching body into a tree, and the impact of your skull against the trunk made the world go dark. <ul> <li class="ch"><<link "Try Again">><<script>>Save.autosave.load()<</script>><</link>></li> </ul> <<else>>You feel yourself slipping off of the unicorn's sweat-slicked back as it lurches to its feet, and your fingers struggle to find purchase in its mane. Before you can even try to hurt the beast, you're tumbling to the ground beneath it, and watching it rise to its full height against the night sky. It's pale, almost like a ghost, apart from the deep red on its muzzle that glitters in the moonlight. This was stupid, and you know it as you watch the pale unicorn raise its massive feet high above you. You raise your hands in defense and try to roll away, but you're not fast enough. One great hoof catches your shoulder, driving it into the grass and cracking something, maybe the bone, against the earth. You scream. Through the blur of the tears in your eyes, you watch those horse hooves drop down again from among the stars, and they crash into your chest. For a moment the pain is earth-shattering, all-consuming. Your throat bubbles as you try to push out another scream, and you feel like a balloon being popped by the needles of your shattered ribs. Thankfully, at the moment you think you can take no more, the world goes pleasantly dark. <ul> <li class="ch"><<link "Try Again">><<script>>Save.autosave.load()<</script>><</link>></li> </ul> <</if>>

<<set $flashlight to true>>Your eyes scan the grass as you re-enter the clearing. Blood still darkens the grass, a great pit of black at the edge of the treeline, but the unicorn has disappeared with its prey. <<if $attackunicorn eq true>>It must have retreated after your fight, likely to lick its wounds. Still, the beast must have struggled to drag that child along while bleeding so much. <<else>>It must have felt that you threatened its meal, stepping into the clearing as you did, and took the child somewhere more secluded. The idea that the unicorn might now be lurking in the shadows chills your nerves.<</if>> You cautiously step further into the clearing, checking for movement beyond the trunks of the trees, but you don't catch another glimpse of that white hide. Something else catches your eye - a metallic glint in the grass, a few feet from the patch of blood-soaked earth. As you creep closer, you recognize the shape: a small flashlight, the kind with a button on the back and slim strap for your wrist. You pick it up carefully, checking for traces of blood, but find it clean. You flick it on and off, testing the battery, then stow it in your bag for later. You get an eerie feeling from how it reminds you of that child's body, but you can't deny a flashlight would come in handy. At least it might help you save some battery on your phone. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You head back to the path.|Open Path 2]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The Faun">><<set $jroute to true>><<set $jrel to 20>><<if $jgender eq "unknown">>It feels less risky to stay outside, away from all those Fae in the revel. You don’t know what you’ll find inside that building, but it would almost certainly be worse than whoever you’ll find out here. As you step around the corner of the building, the voice becomes clearer to you, and you can almost make out the words. It reminds you of a Scottish folk song, but not one you’re familiar with. A guitar melody plays underneath, easy and quiet, and you begin to wonder if this is some sort of siren song. The figure of the singer is shrouded by shadow, but your eyes adjust quickly until you can make out the shape of a tall person leaning against the wall. <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$jtheir" autoselect>> <<option "His" his>> <<option "Her" her>> <</cycle>></a> legs are long, and covered in hair - a faun’s legs, ending in shiny black hooves. Fortunately, it seems that you’re still hidden from sight, for the moment. <<else>>It feels less risky to stay outside, away from all those Fae. You don’t know what you’ll find inside that building, but it would almost certainly be worse than whoever you’ll find out here. As you step around the corner of the building, the voice becomes clearer to you, and you can almost make out the words. It reminds you of a Scottish folk song, but not one you’re familiar with. A guitar melody plays underneath, easy and quiet, and you begin to wonder if this is some sort of siren song. The figure of the singer is shrouded by shadow, but your eyes adjust quickly until you can make out the shape of a tall person leaning against the wall. <<cap $jtheir>> legs are long, and covered in hair - a faun’s legs, ending in shiny black hooves. Fortunately, it seems that you’re still hidden from sight, for the moment. <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 2]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The High Fae">><<set $aroute to true>><<set $arel to 10>>After a long moment of consideration, you start toward the door. The singing outside reminds you of a siren's song - too obvious a trap for you to fall for. Instead, you grasp the cool metal ring on the front of that ornate wooden door, and pull it open. It's heavy, but not impossible to move. The noise inside explodes as you step inside, bouncing off the walls and making the whole building seem like it's full of instruments and dancers. The entry faces a wall, blank except for some mounted candles, and splits toward two open doorways. Judging by the sound, they both lead to the same place, so you step through the doorway on the right. The main room is huge and open, and the walls and ceiling are covered in candles and battery-powered string lights. Dozens of bodies swim and twirl across the floor, some more inhuman than you can even recognize. Your feet stop moving beneath you, and you squeeze the strap of your bag tight in your hand. Maybe coming in here was a bad idea... Before you can will yourself to move, you see a pair of gold eyes lock onto your own from across the crowded room. They narrow for a moment, and then a figure dressed all in black stalks straight toward you. <<if $agender eq "unknown">>You have only a moment to take the figure in: a wide, circle-brimmed hat, a neatly tailored suit, and a pair of dangerous cat's eyes. In what seemed like only a few strides, <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$atheir" autoselect>> <<option "their">> <<option "his">> <<option "her">> <</cycle>></a> fine leather boots click to a stop on the tiled floor right in front of you. <<else>>You have only a moment to take the figure in: a wide, circle-brimmed hat, a neatly tailored suit, and a pair of dangerous cat's eyes. In what seemed like only a few strides, $atheir fine leather boots click to a stop on the tiled floor right in front of you. <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 2]]</li> </ul>

<<silently>><<if $jtheir eq "his">> <<set $jgender to "male">> <<set $jthey to "he">> <<set $jthem to "him">> <<set $jtheir to "his">> <<set $jtheirs to "his">> <<set $jthemself to "himself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <<elseif $jtheir eq "her">> <<set $jgender to "female">> <<set $jthey to "she">> <<set $jthem to "her">> <<set $jtheir to "her">> <<set $jtheirs to "hers">> <<set $jthemself to "herself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <</if>><</silently>>The gold tips on $jtheir curling black ram's horns catch your eye, and you freeze. Is this really one of the High Fae? You know that gold is typically reserved for that class, but you didn’t recall fauns ever being depicted among them. If this truly is one of them, then you’re already in far more danger than you’d expected. The faun’s song ends, and you try to back out of view, but $jtheir eyes flicker over to you immediately. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular freezes, freeze,>> eyes going wide, and $jthey suddenly <<verb $jsingular drops drop>> to all fours, guitar tossed aside in the grass. “Uh, baa!” $jthey <<verb $jsingular shouts, shout,>> shaking $jtheir thick curls around $jtheir head. You blink, bewildered. “Shit,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular whispers, whisper,>> “what does a goat sound like?” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes search your face for a moment before $jthey <<verb $jsingular lets let>> out a terrible scream, somehow even less goat-like that the first attempt. “Fuck!” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular curses curse>> quietly. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Uh... what are you doing?" You ask, genuinely confused.|Jolenn Intro 3-Friendly][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Who are you?" You demand, not interested in whatever this game is.|Jolenn Intro 3-Fierce][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Don't come any closer!" You shout, holding your ground.|Jolenn Intro 3-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Brave]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You turn and run as fast as you can.|Jolenn Intro 3-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“Uh… what are you doing?” You ask, eyeing the faun. <<cap $jtheir>> eyebrows push together, and $jthey slowly <<verb $jsingular sits sit>> up on $jtheir knees. “You… don’t see a goat? Right now?” You realize that $jthey must be wearing a glamour, and must be expecting you to see it, like any human would. Your true sight has cut right through it. Somehow, $jthey <<verb $jsingular seems seem>> just as wary of you as you feel about $jthem, but that doesn't necessarily put you at ease. “No,” you reply, and the faun frowns, climbing back up onto $jtheir feet. “Weird, ‘cause I should be…” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular tugs tug>> on the sleeves of $jtheir denim jacket, as if checking it for marks. You've never seen one of the Fae act so casual. Eerily, it's almost human. “Yeah, no, it’s working. Huh.” <<cap $jtheir>> focus returns to you, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular takes take>> a step closer. “Who are you, then?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular asks, ask,>> and you suddenly feel self-conscious under $jtheir scrutiny. Despite the very goat-like features, this faun is just as intimidatingly beautiful as you expected the High Fae to be. <<cap $jtheir>> curious eyes are a deep, mossy green, and a heavy peppering of freckles covers $jtheir nose and cheeks. A playful, confident smirk crosses $jtheir lips as $jthey watch you look $jthem over. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You smile back. "Only if you give me your name first."|Jolenn Intro 4-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Heat rises up your neck, but you reply a quiet \"I'm " + $mcname + ".\""|Jolenn Intro 4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"" + $mcname + ",\" you respond with a small nod."|Jolenn Intro 4-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"I’m just leaving,\" you reply, eyeing " + $jthem + " suspiciously."|Jolenn Intro 4-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You’re not a fool. "I’m not telling you," you sneer.|Jolenn Intro 4-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“Who are you?” You demand, unconvinced by the little act this faun is putting on. Whatever <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> trying to do, you have no intention of falling for it. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> surprised for a moment, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular sits sit>> back on $jtheir kness to hold up $jtheir hands. “Woah, hey, this isn’t like a…” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular curls curl>> $jtheir fingers like claws in a scratching motion. “Y’know, it’s not like I’m gonna… eat you, or something.” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes drop to their denim jacket, as if checking it for marks. You've never seen one of the Fae act so casual. Eerily, it's almost human. “‘S just weird, ‘cause I should be…” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular tugs tug>> on $jtheir sleeves, looking even more confused as $jthey <<verb $jsingular stands stand>> up. “No, yeah, it’s working. Huh.” <<cap $jtheir>> focus returns to you, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular takes take>> a step closer. “I’m not gonna hurt you or anything, promise. Just… uh, who are you?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular asks ask>>, making you feel self-conscious under $jtheir scrutiny. Despite the very goat-like features, this faun is just as intimidatingly beautiful as you expected the High Fae to be, and perhaps even more likely to be a predator because of it. <<cap $jtheir>> curious eyes are a deep, mossy green, and a heavy peppering of freckles covers $jtheir nose and cheeks. A playful, confident smirk crosses $jtheir lips as $jthey watch you look $jthem over. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You smile back. "Only if you give me your name first."|Jolenn Intro 4-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Heat rises up your neck, but you reply a quiet \"I'm " + $mcname + ".\""|Jolenn Intro 4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"" + $mcname + ",\" you respond with a small nod."|Jolenn Intro 4-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"I’m just leaving,\" you reply, eyeing " + $jthem + " suspiciously."|Jolenn Intro 4-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You’re not a fool. "I’m not telling you," you sneer.|Jolenn Intro 4-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“Don’t come any closer!” You shout, holding up your <<if $walkingstick>>walking stick<<elseif $knife>>stolen knife<<else>>hands<</if>> in defense. You know you can’t trust anyone here, but especially not what appears to be one of the High Fae attempting some sort of trick. The faun sits up on $jtheir knees, eyes wide. “Woah, hey,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says, say,>> voice a little quieter than yours. “I’m not really a fighter, okay?” <<cap $jthey>> slowly <<verb $jsingular climbs climb>> to $jtheir feet, eyes on you the whole time. “Thought you were gonna see a goat, that’s all.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular drops drop>> $jtheir eyes to $jtheir denim jacket, looking it over. “Weird, ‘cause I swear it’s working…” You realize that $jthey must be wearing a glamour, but your true sight has cut right through it. “Anyway,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular turns turn>> $their attention back to you, “wasn’t trying to do something weird, promise. Just… uh, who are you?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular asks, ask,>> looking you up and down as you do the same. Despite the very goat-like features, this faun is just as intimidatingly beautiful as you expected the High Fae to be, and perhaps even more likely to be a predator because of it. <<cap $jtheir>> curious eyes are a deep, mossy green, and a heavy peppering of freckles covers $jtheir nose and cheeks. A playful, confident smirk crosses $jtheir lips as $jthey watch you look $jthem over. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You smile back. "Only if you give me your name first."|Jolenn Intro 4-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Heat rises up your neck, but you reply a quiet \"I'm " + $mcname + ".\""|Jolenn Intro 4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"" + $mcname + ",\" you respond with a small nod."|Jolenn Intro 4-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"I’m just leaving,\" you reply, eyeing " + $jthem + " suspiciously."|Jolenn Intro 4-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You’re not a fool. "I’m not telling you," you sneer.|Jolenn Intro 4-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

Without letting the faun make another move, you turn and run as fast as you can back to the path you came from. You aren’t keen to fall prey to a Fae trap within your first couple of hours in the forest. “Hey!” The faun calls after you, but you don’t stop. As you round the corner of the building, you spot a figure coming down the path toward you. How? You were certain you hadn’t seen anyone on your way here. You dive between the trees, trying to hide yourself from view as the faun rounds the corner after you. <<cap $jtheir>> eyes land on you almost immediately, and then $jthey <<verb $jsingular notices notice>> the same figure that you saw. “Come on in!” The faun calls, opening the front door as the strange figure approaches. As it passes close by, you recognize the long hair, scales, and oily skin: a nixie. You’re certain that nixies aren’t included among the High Fae, so why is this faun being friendly to one? After the nixie has disappeared inside, the faun trots over to where you’re hiding, checking the area for any more interruptions. “Are you crazy?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular hisses hiss>> to you. “A human can’t go running around out here, it’s not safe!” In the light, you catch what looks like real concern in $jtheir eyes. You've never seen one of the Fae act so... human. “Who are you, anyway?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular asks, ask,>> and you suddenly feel self-conscious under $jtheir gaze. Despite the very goat-like features, this faun is just as intimidatingly beautiful as you expected the High Fae to be. <<cap $jtheir>> curious eyes are a deep, mossy green, and a heavy peppering of freckles covers $jtheir nose and cheeks. A playful, confident smirk crosses $jtheir lips as $jthey watch you look $jthem over. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You smile back. "Only if you give me your name first."|Jolenn Intro 4-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Heat rises up your neck, but you reply a quiet \"I'm " + $mcname + ".\""|Jolenn Intro 4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"" + $mcname + ",\" you respond with a small nod."|Jolenn Intro 4-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"I’m just leaving,\" you reply, eyeing " + $jthem + " suspiciously."|Jolenn Intro 4-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You’re not a fool. "I’m not telling you," you sneer.|Jolenn Intro 4-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $namej to true>>The faun’s expression brightens at your response, a grin spreading across $jtheir lips. The smile teeters somewhere on the border between predatory and flirtatious. “Jolenn,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular responds, respond,>> stepping closer until you can see the oval shape of $jtheir irises. “Your turn.” You didn’t actually expect $jthem to give $jtheir name up so quickly - maybe it’s not $jtheir real name? “$mcname,” you reply, and $jtheir smile widens. “Thanks, $mcname.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular winks, wink,>> and $jtheir green eyes look you over once more. <<if $catscratch>><<cap $jtheir>> gaze stops at your injured hand, still wrapped in a stolen rag. “What happened?” <<cap $jthey>> point at your hand, and you hold it up a little for $jthem to see. “Uh, there was this cat,” you start, and Jolenn’s eyebrows raise. “Grey one?” You nod, suddenly nervous that you’d been scratched by a cursed cat. “Cheq’s cat, I bet,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular snorts. snort.>> “She’s a bitch - got me a few times too.” Probably not cursed, then. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> up, checking the area around you before holding out a hand. “How ‘bout I sneak you in the back, get that cleaned up?” <<elseif $unicornwound>><<cap $jtheir>> gaze seems to take in every detail of you, including the awkward way you've been moving and standing, and the traces of blood still left on your skin and clothes. The corner of $jtheir mouth tips down. "You alright? Did... something happen?" It's not really a question - clearly, something happened. You try to stand straighter, to roll your shoulders back, but the pain makes you wince. "It was..." You start, then think better of it. <<if $jgender eq "male">>He'd<<elseif $jgender eq "female">>She'd<<else>>They'd<</if>> think you're stupid for admitting you tried to fight a unicorn, and you imagine it'd make a terrible first impression. "Nothing," you finish. <<cap $jthey>> clearly <<verb $jsingular doesn't don't>> believe you. "A little fight on my way here," Jolenn tips $jtheir head in concern, "but I'm fine. I took care of it." <<cap $jthey>> almost <<verb $jsingular seems seem>> a little pleased to hear it. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> up, checking the area around you before holding out a hand. “How ‘bout I sneak you in the back, make sure you're all patched up?” <<else>> “Y’know… I’ve never seen a human out this far.” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes narrow at you for a moment. “Were you looking for me? Was I the alluring stranger from the bar you just couldn’t get out of your head?” You shake your head, though you’re not actually sure that <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> being serious. “No,” you reply, “but that sounds nice. Which bar was it?” Jolenn laughs, light and charming, and moves closer. “I know one nearby, actually.” The moment is broken when $jtheir eyes dart up, checking the path you came down. “Let me sneak you inside,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>>, holding out a hand. “It’ll be safer. <i>Maybe</i> I'll even find you a drink.”<</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["Slip your hand into " + $jtheirs + " and head inside."|Jolenn Intro 5-Hands][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Don’t take the hand, but follow " + $jthem + " to the door."|Jolenn Intro 5-NoHands][$gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Start walking without " + $jthem + " and find the back entrance yourself."|Jolenn Intro 5-Alone][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Refuse the offer, and get out of here while you still can.|Jolenn Intro 5-Leave][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $namej to true>>A wider smirk crosses the faun’s face, like $jthey can tell exactly what you’re thinking. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular leans lean>> closer, teasing even more heat from your cheeks, but you still manage to give your name. “$mcname…” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular pronounces pronounce>> slowly, the tip of $jtheir tongue flickering over $jtheir lower lip. “I like that.” <<if $jgender eq "male">>He's<<elseif $jgender eq "female">>She's<<else>>They're<</if>> definitely doing this on purpose, trying to make you nervous. “I’m Jolenn.” As $jthey <<verb $jsingular studies study>> you, <<if $catscratch>>$jtheir eyes land on the makeshift bandage wrapped around your hand. “What happened?” <<cap $jthey>> point at your hand, and you hold it up a little for $jthem to see. It's embarrassing to have to admit you'd been hurt so early in your journey, especially because of your own mistake. “Uh, there was this cat,” you start, and Jolenn’s eyebrows raise. “Grey one?” You nod, suddenly nervous that you’d been scratched by a cursed cat. “Cheq’s cat, I bet,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular snorts. snort.>> “She’s a bitch - got me a few times too.” Probably not cursed, then. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> up, checking the area around you before holding out a hand. “How ‘bout I sneak you in the back, get that cleaned up?” <<elseif $unicornwound>>you feel like shrinking beneath $jtheir scrutiny. It feels like $jtheir eyes are taking in every detail of you, including the awkward way you've been moving and standing, and the traces of blood still left on your skin and clothes. The corner of $jtheir mouth tips down. "You alright? Did... something happen?" It's not really a question - clearly, something happened. You try to stand straighter, to roll your shoulders back, but the pain makes you wince. "It was..." You start, then think better of it. <<cap $jthey>>'d think you're stupid for admitting you tried to fight a unicorn, and you imagine it'd make a terrible first impression. "Nothing," you finish. <<cap $jthey>> clearly <<verb $jsingular doesn't don't>> believe you. "I had to fight something," Jolenn tips $jtheir head in concern, "but I'm fine. I took care of it." <<cap $jthey>> almost <<verb $jsingular seems seem>> a little pleased to hear it. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> up, checking the area around you before holding out a hand. “How ‘bout I sneak you in the back, make sure you're all patched up?” <<else>>you shrink back a little. Something about $jtheir gaze or $jtheir smile feels like it teeters on the edge of predatory and flirtatious. You don't think $jthey want to hurt you, not after what you'd already seen of $jthem, but you can't really shake the anxiety that gnaws at you. “Y’know… I’ve never seen a human out this far.” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes narrow at you for a moment. “Were you looking for me? Was I the alluring stranger from the bar you just couldn’t get out of your head?” You freeze for a moment, but you’re not actually sure that $jthey<<if $jsingular>>'s<<else>>'re<</if>> being serious. “No,” you reply, "I... no." Jolenn laughs, light and charming, and moves closer. “The night is still young.” That heat creeps up the back of your neck again as the faun smiles down at you, but the moment is broken when $jtheir eyes dart up, checking the path you came down. “Let me sneak you inside,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>>, holding out a hand. “It’ll be safer. <i>Maybe</i> I'll even find you a drink.” <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["Slip your hand into " + $jtheirs + " and head inside."|Jolenn Intro 5-Hands][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Don’t take the hand, but follow " + $jthem + " to the door."|Jolenn Intro 5-NoHands][$gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Start walking without " + $jthem + " and find the back entrance yourself."|Jolenn Intro 5-Alone][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Refuse the offer, and get out of here while you still can.|Jolenn Intro 5-Leave][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $namej to true>>"I'm $mcname," you respond simply, with a polite nod. It seems safer to be nice, even if you’re not sure that <<if $jsingular>>$jthey’s<<else>>$jthey’re<</if>> just pretending. The faun smiles. "$mcname," $jthey <<verb $jsingular pronounces pronounce>> slowly, almost like it sounds foreign. “I like that, but… you can keep it.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular winks wink>>. “I’m Jolenn.” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes flicker down, scanning you in a way that feels simultaneously casual and predatory, before <<if $catscratch>>$jtheir gaze pauses at the rag still tied around your hand. The smirk slips off the corner of $jtheir lips. “What happened?” <<cap $jthey>> point, and you hold it up a little for $jthem to see. “Uh, there was this cat,” you start, and Jolenn’s eyebrows raise. “Grey one?” You nod, suddenly nervous that you’d been scratched by a cursed cat. “Cheq’s cat, I bet,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular snorts. snort.>> “She’s a bitch - got me a few times too.” Probably not cursed, then. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> up, checking the area around you before holding out a hand. “How ‘bout I sneak you in the back, get that cleaned up?” <<elseif $unicornwound>><<cap $jtheir>>$jtheir smile falters. <<cap $jtheir>> gaze seems to take in every detail of you, including the awkward way you've been moving and standing, and the traces of blood still left on your skin and clothes. The corner of $jtheir mouth tips down. "You alright? Did... something happen?" It's not really a question - clearly, something happened. You try to stand straighter, to roll your shoulders back, but the pain makes you wince. "It was..." You start, then think better of it. It’d be stupid to admit that you’d tried to fight a unicorn, and you didn’t need to confess to a stranger - a Fae no less. "Nothing," you finish. <<cap $jthey>> clearly <<verb $jsingular doesn't don't>> believe you. "A little fight on my way here," Jolenn tips $jtheir head in concern, "but I'm fine. I took care of it." <<cap $jthey>> almost <<verb $jsingular seems seem>> a little pleased to hear it. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> up, checking the area around you before holding out a hand. “How ‘bout I sneak you in the back, make sure you're all patched up?” <<else>>looking back into your eyes once more. “Y’know… I’ve never seen a human out this far.” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes narrow at you for a moment. “Were you looking for me? Was I the alluring stranger from the bar you just couldn’t get out of your head?” You shake your head, but you’re not actually sure that <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> being serious. “No, but…” you reply, hesitating, “I <i>am</i> looking for someone.” Jolenn puts a hand on $jtheir chest in mock-offense. “Not me, really?” <<cap $jtheir>> nose scrunches playfully. “You should have lied.” Before you can respond, $jtheir attention darts up and away to the path you came from. “Let me sneak you inside,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says, say,>> holding out a hand. “It’ll be safer. <i>Maybe</i> I'll even know who you’re looking for.” <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["Slip your hand into " + $jtheirs + " and head inside."|Jolenn Intro 5-Hands][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Don’t take the hand, but follow " + $jthem + " to the door."|Jolenn Intro 5-NoHands][$gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Start walking without " + $jthem + " and find the back entrance yourself."|Jolenn Intro 5-Alone][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Refuse the offer, and get out of here while you still can.|Jolenn Intro 5-Leave][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“I’m just leaving,” you reply, taking a short step back. You know better than to go around giving your name to whoever asks, and you definitely know better than to hang around a Fae asking those sorts of questions. “Really?” The faun asks, apparently ignoring your suspicious gaze. “You couldn’t have come all the way here just to turn around.” <<cap $jtheir>> expression seems curious and a little worried, but it doesn’t <i>seem</i> like $jthey even <<verb $jsingular cares care>> that you dodged $jtheir question. “I’m Jolenn, and…” $jthey <<verb $jsingular holds hold>> hold out a hand for you to shake, “well, I’m sure your name is fine. Great, even.” <<cap $jtheir>> smile is vaguely reassuring. “But I’m not in the market for a new one.” The smile doesn’t slip as $jtheir eyes study you carefully, <<if $catscratch>>pausing at the rag still tied around your hand. <<cap $jtheir>> hand drops a little as $jthey <<verb $jsingular steps step>> a little closer. “What happened?” <<cap $jthey>> point, and you lift the hand a bit, studying it yourself. You really shouldn’t give $jthem any unnecessary details… you really shouldn’t be talking to $jthem at all, but the faun could be unpredictable if you tried to take off suddenly. “There was…” you decide not to mention the treehouse, “a cat.” Jolenn’s eyebrows raise. “Grey one?” You nod, suddenly nervous that you’d been scratched by a cursed cat. “Cheq’s cat, I bet,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular snorts. snort.>> “She’s a bitch - got me a few times too.” Probably not cursed, then. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> away from your hand, checking the area around you before holding out a hand of $jtheir own. “How ‘bout I sneak you in the back, get that cleaned up?” <<elseif $unicornwound>>taking in every detail, including the awkward way you've been moving and standing, and the traces of blood still left on your skin and clothes. The corner of $jtheir mouth tips down. "You alright? Did... something happen?" It's not really a question - clearly, something happened. You try to stand straighter, to roll your shoulders back, but the pain makes you wince. "It was..." You start, then think better of it. It’d be stupid to admit that you’d tried to fight a unicorn, and you don’t need to give this Fae any more details than strictly necessary. "Nothing," you finish. It was dangerous just to stand here talking, but you aren’t entirely sure how to get away in your current state. Jolenn clearly doesn't believe you, tipping $jtheir head in concern. “I'm fine. I <i>was</i> hurt, but I took care of it." <<cap $jthey>> almost <<verb $jsingular seems seem>> a little pleased to hear it. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> away for a moment, checking the area around you before holding out a hand. “How ‘bout I sneak you in the back, make sure you're all patched up?” <<else>> before looking back to your face once more. “Y’know… I’ve never seen a human out this far.” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes narrow at you for a moment. “What’re you looking for? I can tell it’s not me.” <<cap $jtheir>> lips curve into a lopsided smirk. “No, it’s not,” you reply quickly, but $jtheir expression doesn’t change. “And I don’t need your help finding him.” Jolenn puts a hand on $jtheir chest in mock-offense. “You’re sure?” <<cap $jtheir>> nose scrunches playfully. “I have my connections, y’know.” Before you can respond, $jtheir attention darts up and away to the path you came from. “Just let me sneak you inside,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says, say,>> holding out a hand. “It’ll be safer. <i>Maybe</i> I'll even know that guy you’re looking for.” <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["Slip your hand into " + $jtheirs + " and head inside."|Jolenn Intro 5-Hands][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Don’t take the hand, but follow " + $jthem + " to the door."|Jolenn Intro 5-NoHands][$gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Start walking without " + $jthem + " and find the back entrance yourself."|Jolenn Intro 5-Alone][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Refuse the offer, and get out of here while you still can.|Jolenn Intro 5-Leave][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“I’m not telling you,” you sneer. “I know how this works.” The faun’s eyebrows raise, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular holds hold>> up two defensive hands. “Not like that!” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular sticks stick>> out one hand. “I’m Jolenn, see? Equivalent exchange or whatever.” You shake your head. “No.” You fold your arms and take a step back, watching Jolenn’s expression fall a bit. It doesn’t matter; you’re not falling for such a simple trap. “Alright, sorry.” <<cap $jtheir>> fingers twist a loose curl of $jtheir hair, and $jthey suddenly <<verb $jsingular seems seem>> nervous. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular opens open>> $jtheir mouth to speak, <<if $catscratch>>then <<verb $jsingular pauses pause>> when $jtheir eyes land on your hastily bandaged hand. “Are you alright?” The faun asks, creasing $jtheir eyebrows in what looks like concern. You pull the hand back, tucking it against your leg to hide it. “I’m fine.” You start walking, heading back to the door you saw and away from Jolenn’s prying eyes. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular is are>> far too interested in you at this point, and the longer you hang around, the more risks you’re taking. “Hey!” The faun calls after you in a soft shout. “Someone’s gonna see you if you go in that way!” You drag your foot for a moment, wondering if another Fae inside might be worse than Jolenn. “The back door’s safer, I’ll show you. We can get your wound cleaned up, too.” <<cap $jtheir>> hooves crunch in the grass behind you, and you turn to see <<$jthem>> holding out a hand once again. <<elseif $unicornwound>>then <<verb $jsingular pauses, pause,>> tipping $jtheir head. You try to straighten your shoulders, to hide the awkward way you’re standing, but you wince from the pain. It’s going to take a while for the damage that unicorn did to heal up. “Are you alright?” The faun asks, creasing $jtheir eyebrows in what looks like concern. You hold yourself up as straight as you can, despite the protest from your nerves. “I’m fine.” You start walking, heading back to the door you saw and away from Jolenn’s prying eyes. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular is are>> far too interested in you at this point, and the longer you hang around, the more risks you’re taking. “Hey!” The faun calls after you in a soft shout. “Someone’s gonna see you if you go in that way!” You drag your foot for a moment, wondering if another Fae inside might be worse than Jolenn. “The back door’s safer, I’ll show you. We can get your wound cleaned up, too.” <<cap $jtheir>> hooves crunch in the grass behind you, and you turn to see <<$jthem>> holding out a hand once again. <<else>>pausing for a brief moment. “Oh,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>> suddenly, “I get it!” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular smiles smile>> once more. “I’m not that type. Really the worst tricks I pull are like… turning trash into money so I can buy snacks at the store.” Oddly, the faun seems proud of the petty theft. “I’m not gonna do anything, but…” $jtheir eyes slip toward the door you’d seen before, “not everyone here thinks the same.” You back up another step, toward that door, and Jolenn holds out a hand. “You’re looking for something, right? Someone? The back door is safer, and maybe I can help you?” <<cap $jthey>> really, genuinely <<verb $jsingular looks look>> worried, and you do need some kind of help if you’re going to make it to the High Fae’s domain. <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["Slip your hand into " + $jtheirs + " and head inside."|Jolenn Intro 5-Hands][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Don’t take the hand, but follow " + $jthem + " to the door."|Jolenn Intro 5-NoHands][$gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Start walking without " + $jthem + " and find the back entrance yourself."|Jolenn Intro 5-Alone][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Refuse the offer, and get out of here while you still can.|Jolenn Intro 5-Leave][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

You eye the faun for a moment, but it really seems like <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> being sincere. If this really is someone you’re supposed to be scared of, <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> doing a terrible job at being frightening. You slip your hand into Jolenn’s, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular grins grin>> back at you. “Thank you” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular says, say,>> gently rubbing a thumb over the back of your hand. “Nice hands… good grip.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular winks wink>> and <<verb $jsingular gives give>> your hand a quick squeeze before leading you down the wall of the building, toward the back. Along the way, Jolenn pauses to pick up $jtheir guitar from where $jthey had dropped it. Up close, you’re able to see the details of its design: reddish inlays and curvy leaves that decorate the sound hole and neck. Though you don’t know the faun very well at this point, it seems to suit $jthem. “Did you like the song?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular asks ask>> as you walk. “Oh,” you reply, realizing you’d almost forgotten the song after that weird goat act. “Yeah, it was pretty.” Jolenn beams. “What’s it called?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular shrugs. shrug.>> “Dunno, I just know how it goes. I learned it a <i>long</i> time ago.” As you turn the corner of the building, $jthey <<verb $jsingular steps step>> ahead to pull the door open, releasing your hand. Similar to the front door, this one is also wooden, and looks quite heavy, but it doesn’t feature any detailed designs. “Go ahead,” Jolenn says, gesturing through the doorway. “I’ll give you the tour in a minute.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[You step inside.|Jolenn Intro 6]]</li> </ul>

Watching the faun, it seems like <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> actually sincere. It’s hard to believe, considering everything you know about the Fae, but… maybe you <i>could</i> use the help. “Alright,” you say, keeping your hands down. “Show me the door.” Jolenn grins, turning the offered hand into the gesture of a bow. “As you wish,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular replies reply>> brightly, and you follow as $jthey <<verb $jsingular leads lead>> you down the wall of the building, toward the back. Along the way, Jolenn pauses to pick up $jtheir guitar from where $jthey had dropped it. This close, you’re able to see the details of its design: reddish inlays and curvy leaves that decorate the sound hole and neck. Though you don’t know the faun very well at this point, it seems to suit $jthem. “Did you like the song?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular asks ask>> as you walk. “Oh,” you reply, realizing you’d almost forgotten the song after that weird goat act. “Yeah, it was nice.” Jolenn grins. “What’s it called?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular shrugs. shrug.>> “Dunno, I just know how it goes. I learned it a <i>long</i> time ago.” As you turn the corner of the building, $jthey <<verb $jsingular steps step>> ahead to pull the door open. Similar to the front door, this one is also wooden, and looks quite heavy, but it doesn’t feature any detailed designs. “Go ahead,” Jolenn says, gesturing through the doorway. “I’ll give you the tour in a minute.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[You step inside.|Jolenn Intro 6]]</li> </ul>

<<set $camping to 1>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>You’ve had enough of this already. You <i>know</i> you can’t trust anyone here, and you’re not going to fall for any of these stupid tricks. You need to survive, and there’s no chance of that as long as you’re around this gathering of Fae. “Don’t touch me,” you warn, giving the faun a wide berth as you start walking away from the building, deeper into the forest. You aren’t sure where to go, but you definitely want to put as much distance between yourself and that faun as possible. “Hey, wait!” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular calls call>> after you, and you pick up your pace. You don’t need $jthem following you. You hear a few of $jtheir footsteps in the grass. “Do you know where you’re going?” You don’t answer, and Jolenn doesn’t attempt to follow you any further. After a minute or so, you turn to look back. From what you can see, the faun has disappeared. The noise from the building is quieter, but you can still make out the music from this distance. You resolve to keep hiking until you’re far enough away that you can’t hear the revel any longer. In this direction, there is no proper path. By the scraps of moonlight that filter through the trees, you can make out patches of dirt and trampled grass on the ground, at least enough to guide you away from the Fae. It occurs to you that the path you’d found before was oddly short, if it only led between that stone building and the treehouse. You might have missed something, but you certainly can’t go back now, not when one of the Fae knows you’re out here. A sudden shiver reminds you of your goal. You pause, listening for the sound of stomping feet or music, but you can’t hear it any longer. This will have to be good enough for the night. If you can get far enough out of view, you might be able to start hiking again in the morning, when those Fae would likely be asleep. Winding away from the barely-there footpath, you try to find a good location to stop for the night. Eventually, you come to a patch of trees, better lit than the path you’d been following, where the low branches and arching roots offer a little cover. It will have to work for now, so that you can make camp.

<<silently>><<if $atheir eq "his">> <<set $agender to "male">> <<set $athey to "he">> <<set $athem to "him">> <<set $atheir to "his">> <<set $atheirs to "his">> <<set $athemself to "himself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $atheir eq "her">> <<set $agender to "female">> <<set $athey to "she">> <<set $athem to "her">> <<set $atheir to "her">> <<set $atheirs to "hers">> <<set $athemself to "herself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $atheir eq "their">> <<set $agender to "nonbinary">> <<set $athey to "they">> <<set $athem to "them">> <<set $atheir to "their">> <<set $atheirs to "theirs">> <<set $athemself to "themself">> <<set $asingular to false>> <</if>><</silently>>"Darling," $athey <<averb purrs, purr,>> dipping $atheir head close to yours, "I'm glad you could make it." <<cap $atheir>> ears and hands practically drip with gold jewellery, and your heart drops as you realize it. This is one of the High Fae, unmistakeably. No one else could own this much gold... according to the stories, anyway. You try to take a step back, but $atheir hand catches your elbow, delicately holding you there for a moment more. You need to get out of here. "Now," $athey <<averb murmurs, murmur,>> voice even lower than before, "you can't go so soon; the other guests have already seen you." You look up at the mass of dancers, and see that it's true. Several of them now have their eyes on you: goblins, redcaps, and shapeshifters that appear simultaneously human and inhuman. None of them stray closer, but they don't stop watching, waiting for something to happen. "Come," the High Fae says, and you remember $atheir hand on your arm, "let's get you away from the adoring masses. We have much to discuss, dear." <<cap $atheir>> full lips curve into a smile, almost reassuring, and $athey <<averb turns turn>> to lead you past the crowd, and deeper into the building. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $athem + " guide you away from the leering crowd."|Ayre Intro 3-Guide][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Shrug out of " + $atheir + " grip, but follow " + $athem + " past the crowd."|Ayre Intro 3-Follow][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $curious to $curious.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Turn away to investigate the party on your own.|Ayre Intro 3-Stay][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Brave]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Slip away and start heading back to the front door.|Ayre Intro 3-Leave][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

Despite the sinking feeling in your gut, you let the Fae lead you toward another door. <<cap $atheir>> golden claws dig softly into your arm, so you can just feel the pressure through your clothes. <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular doesn't don't>> look back at you as you skirt the edge of the crowd of dancers, but you can feel the eyes of those low Fae clinging to you as you pass. The crowd murmurs, and you catch words like "human," "guest," and "chosen." None of those Fae speak to you, or reach out to touch you, but you still glimpse a look on some of their faces that tells you they want to. Maybe they can't approach you if you're with this High Fae, like the way the strongest lion in the pride gets first priority at feeding time. The image in your head isn't very comforting. Finally, when you almost can't bear the weight of those hungry eyes on you any longer, your escort pushes open a door and ushers you in. The next room appears to be a short hallway, almost symmetrical with the one you entered through, except that the far wall has three doors instead of one. You wonder where those doors lead, and whether there's indoor plumbing in the Fae realm, or if tiny castles still have their own dungeon. "Thank you." The Fae speaks, and you turn your attention back to $athem. "Now, I'll have to ask you just what you're doing here in my home." <ul> <li class="ch">[["I’m sorry," you say. "I’m looking for someone, and I thought I could find some clues here."|Ayre Intro 4-Friendly][$honest to $honest.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["I just want to leave," you explain sternly. "Let me go and you don’t need to worry about it."|Ayre Intro 4-Fierce][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["If I answer your question, will you answer one of mine?"|Ayre Intro 4-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Brave]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["I think I got lost," you say, shrinking back. "I’m sorry, please just let me go."|Ayre Intro 4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

You shrug your arm out of the High Fae's grasp, and $atheir head swivels back to check on you. <<cap $athey>> <<averb raises raise>> an eyebrow, but <<averb turns turn>> away again once $athey <<averb has have>> confirmed that you're following. Your stomach sinks and twists low in your gut at the prospect of following a High Fae anywhere, but by sheer numbers, it seems better to risk one Fae than a few dozen. The High Fae leads you around the edge of the room, skirting the crowd with quick, long strides. Several of the dancers eye you hungrily, reassuring your decision to follow this relatively docile Fae, until one of them stretches out a long-fingered hand. It catches your sleeve and jerks your arm back as you try to step away. Panic rises in your chest, but before you can react, the High Fae is standing between you, sharp ornamental claws slapping the offending hand away. The redcap looks hurt, and you can see little needle-pricks of dark blood welling up at the surface of his skin as he cradles the hand to his chest. The High Fae ignores this, hissing a warning "Manners, my friend." The redcap slinks back into the crowd, casting an angry glance your way as he does. You're no longer sure you made the right choice, but your guide gestures for you to continue following $athem toward another door. Fortunately, no one else dares to reach for you as you make your way to the far end of the room, and the High Fae holds the door open for you to enter a hallway quite similar to the one you originally entered through. This one has three doors on the far wall, but you don't have the opportunity to investigate any further. "Thank you." The Fae speaks, and you turn your attention back to $athem. "Now, I'll have to ask you just what you're doing here in my home." <ul> <li class="ch">[[“I’m sorry,” you say. “I’m looking for someone, and I thought I could find some clues here.”|Ayre Intro 4-Friendly][$honest to $honest.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“I just want to leave,” you explain sternly. “Let me go and you don’t need to worry about it.”|Ayre Intro 4-Fierce][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“If I answer your question, will you answer one of mine?”|Ayre Intro 4-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Brave]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“I think I got lost,” you say, shrinking back. “I’m sorry, please just let me go.”|Ayre Intro 4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

You pull your arm free of the High Fae's golden claws, and $athey <<verb $asingular turns turn>> to look back at you, eyebrows raised. You're not an idiot, and you're not letting $athem take you <i>anywhere</i>. You backpedal, then turn and hurry back where you came from, slipping into the entry hall. "You shouldn't-" the High Fae calls behind you, but you aren't listening. You push the thick, aged planks, then freeze in the doorway. A few steps from the door, a nixie stands with her eyes wide and hand extended toward you. "Oh," the nixie says, a smile curving her mouth, "a free meal?" You lurch backwards as she advances toward you, subtly scaled skin shimmering with the movement. Your back hits the wall after another wide step, and panic rises in your chest. You've been trapped. Maybe this was the plan all along, the High Fae would lure you in, then herd you right into the arms of a waiting predator. You were stupid to even come in here. "Apologies," the High Fae speaks up, stepping smoothly between you and the hungry nixie, "my dear friend here was just stepping outside for a breath of fresh air." <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular lays lay>> $atheir hand on the nixie's arm, gently guiding her past you and toward the main room. "The usual fare is on the table inside, and we've saved pleny of those pastries you like." You catch a glimpse of the nixie's disappointed face as she disappears through the doorway, and let out a tense sigh. "Now," says the High Fae, "I'd appreciate if you would follow me to somewhere a little safer." <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular gestures gesture>> toward the doorway, and reluctantly you follow. At least for now, it seems that $athey <<verb $asingular wants want>> you alive... and you can't say the same for any other Fae around here. You both make your way through a door on the far side of the main room, stepping into a hallway similar to the one you'd just come from, except that it has three doors on the far wall instead of just one. "Thank you for your faith." The Fae speaks, and you turn your attention back to $athem. "Now, I'll have to ask you just what you're doing here in my home." <ul> <li class="ch">[[“I’m sorry,” you say. “I’m looking for someone, and I thought I could find some clues here.”|Ayre Intro 4-Friendly][$honest to $honest.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“I just want to leave,” you explain sternly. “Let me go and you don’t need to worry about it.”|Ayre Intro 4-Fierce][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“If I answer your question, will you answer one of mine?”|Ayre Intro 4-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Brave]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“I think I got lost,” you say, shrinking back. “I’m sorry, please just let me go.”|Ayre Intro 4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“I’m sorry,” you say, and you mean it. You really shouldn’t have come here. “I’m just looking for someone, and I needed to find some clues…” It sounds ridiculous, coming out of your mouth. You thought you would find… what, exactly? A breadcrumb trail? “Interesting.” The High Fae arches an eyebrow as $athey <<verb $asingular studies study>> you. <<cap $atheir>> pupils blow wide for a moment before tapering back into slim feline slits, but you have no idea what that could mean. “You have no need to apologize; my home is open to the public. However, it isn’t particularly safe for… your kind.” That certainly feels true. “I may be able to help you with this search, but <<if $catscratch>>at the moment, you appear to be injured.” <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular gestures gesture>> at the hasty bandage wrapped around your hand. “What happened?” “It was…” you pause, wondering whether entering the treehouse was worse than entering here, “a cat.” You hold your hand up for $athem to inspect, and $athey <<verb $asingular leans lean>> forward a little, dark hair brushing over $atheir cheeks. “This is one of Cheq’s towels,” the Fae comments, delicately plucking at a corner of the rag. <<cap $atheir>> eyes flicker up to yours, and a sly smile crosses $atheir lips. “You’re quite the young vigilante, aren’t you?” You pull your hand back, tucking it awkwardly behind you. “It was just an accident,” you try to explain, but really you’re surprised that someone could even recognize which plain rags belonged to whom. “Certainly.” After a beat, $athey <<verb $asingular holds hold>> out a hand for you to shake. “If you might give me your trust, I may be able to help you with your search <i>and</i> heal that wound.” <<elseif $unicornwound>>at the moment, you appear to be injured.” <<cap $athey>> must have noticed the awkward way you’re carrying yourself, trying not to irritate the bruises from your fight with the unicorn. You try to straighten, rolling your shoulders back, then wince from the pain. “Be gentler with yourself,” the Fae says, calm and soothing. “What happened?” You frown a little. You’d feel stupid admitting that you tried to fight a unicorn, even to someone you might never see again. “It was a fight,” you explain, “but I took care of it.” The Fae inclines $atheir head, dark hair brushing over $atheir cheeks. “I see that.” There’s a little humor in $atheir smile. “It might still be wise to <i>avoid</i> such fights in the future.” “I’ll try.” You’re not sure that you actually mean it. “Good,” $athey respond, and <<verb $asingular holds hold>> out a hand for you to shake. “Now, if I could have your trust, I may be able to help you with your search and heal those wounds.” <<else>>at the moment, I seem to be missing a performer.” <<cap $atheir>> eyes flicker back to the door you came through. “Oh no,” you raise your eyebrows in worry — you do not want to end up in some sort of contract here. “I’m not a performer, I promise.” The Fae looks back at you, scoffing a short laugh. “I’m afraid I already have a performer scheduled, but it appears that we’re running late this evening.” You let out a little sigh of relief. “I may need a moment to get things in order,” $athey <<verb $asingular says, say,>> holding out a hand for you to shake, “but if I could have your trust for a little while, I might be able to help you with your search.” <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["\"Of course,\" you reply, grasping " + $atheir + " hand, \"if it means we’ll spend more time together.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["You can feel the warmth creeping up to your cheeks as you reach for " + $atheir + " hand. \"Um… okay.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"Alright,\" you say, shaking " + $atheir + " hand. \"I’ve got some questions of my own.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["If you want me to trust you, you should at least give me your name." You say, avoiding the handshake.|Ayre Intro 5-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["No." you reply bluntly, stepping away. You’re getting out of here, now.|Ayre Intro 5-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“I just want to leave,” you explain, eyes narrowed and jaw set. “Let me go, and you won’t need to worry about it.” You just need to get out of here, before this High Fae’s temper changes, and before you’re no longer able to run. “I’m not worried about that, exactly,” the Fae says, calmly smiling back at you. “My home is open to the public; I’m accustomed to unexpected visitors. However…” The High Fae arches an eyebrow as $athey <<verb $asingular studies study>> you. <<cap $atheir>> pupils blow wide for a moment before tapering back into slim feline slits, but you have no idea what that could mean. “... your kind isn’t particularly safe here, unlike my other guests.” It’s hard to tell whether that’s meant to be a threat or a warning, but the smile remains on $atheir lips. “Okay,” you reply, “then just let me go if you’re actually concerned about my safety.” <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular dips dip>> $atheir head in a slow nod, low enough that $atheir dark hair brushes over $atheir cheeks. “Of course. It’s unlikely that whatever you’re looking for is here, but <<if $catscratch>>at the moment, you appear to be injured.” <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular gestures gesture>> at the hasty bandage wrapped around your hand. “It would be irresponsible for me to let you venture out like that, wouldn’t it?” “It’s fine.” You reply quickly, tucking the hand behind yourself. “I’ll be fine on my own.” “Certainly,” the Fae smirks, charming and menacing at once, “but only until someone notices just where you stole that rag from. Cheq’s weaving is quite popular in this area.” You suck in a short breath. How would anyone know where a plain rag came from, anyway? “Your secret is safe with me,” the High Fae bows slightly, holding out a hand for you to shake. “And if I could have your trust, I may be able to heal your wound <i>and</i> help you to find what you’re looking for.” <<elseif $unicornwound>>at the moment, you appear to be injured.” <<cap $athey>> must have noticed the awkward way you’re carrying yourself, trying not to irritate the bruises from your fight with the unicorn. You try to straighten, rolling your shoulders back, then wince from the pain. “I doubt you’re in any shape to venture out into the forest like this.” You frown at the comment, trying to fight the pain back. “It’s fine,” you reply quickly. “I’m just sore, and I can take care of myself.” “Certainly,” the Fae smirks, charming and menacing at once, “but your tone may change when you wake up on the forest floor, bones aching, with another predator standing over you.” You grit your teeth. That’s not an outcome you’re interested in, but is a predator out there much worse than the one in here? “The forest is even unfriendlier than the beast you fought before,” the High Fae explains calmly, holding out a hand for you to shake. “But if I could have your trust, I may be able to heal your wounds <i>and</i> help you find what you’re searching for.” <<else>>at the moment, I seem to be missing an entertainer.” <<cap $atheir>> eyes flicker back to the door you came through. It hardly takes a moment to catch $atheir meaning. “No.” You say firmly. “I’m not slipping into one of your stupid contracts.” The Fae looks back at you, scoffing a short laugh. “I’m afraid I already have a performer scheduled, but it appears that we’re running late this evening.” You’re almost embarrassed for the mistake, but you clench your fists tightly against the feeling. “I may need a moment to get things in order,” $athey <<verb $asingular says, say,>> apparently ignoring your indignant glare and holding out a hand for you to shake, “but if I could have your trust for a little while, I might be able to help you with your search.” <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["\"Of course,\" you reply, grasping " + $atheir + " hand, \"if it means we’ll spend more time together.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["You can feel the warmth creeping up to your cheeks as you reach for " + $atheir + " hand. \"Um… okay.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"Alright,\" you say, shaking " + $atheir + " hand. \"I’ve got some questions of my own.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["If you want me to trust you, you should at least give me your name." You say, avoiding the handshake.|Ayre Intro 5-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["No." you reply bluntly, stepping away. You’re getting out of here, now.|Ayre Intro 5-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

You study the High Fae for a moment, considering your options. If you’ve learned anything about the Fae, it’s that they can’t resist a deal. “If I answer your question, will you answer one of mine?” It’s silent for a few long seconds as the Fae studies you, but a subtle smirk curves the corner of $atheir lips. “Fair enough. What would you like to know?” You hesitate; you hadn’t actually thought of a question, but now you were on the spot. Maybe you could gauge how truthful this Fae really is, if only you could think of a good question to ask. “You-” you start, fumbling. “Is this a trap? Why don’t you just kill me?” Admittedly not the best of questions, but it wins you a little more time. “Kill you?” The High Fae raises $atheir eyebrows. “You think I might host a party of this size, in my own home, in the hopes that some wandering human <i>might</i> stumble inside?” You almost nod, but stop yourself. The Fae smiles, as charming as $athey <<verb $asingular is are>> intimidating. “I’m uninterested in murder. I prefer to keep such behavior out of my house. Now, for your answer…” “I’m looking for someone,” you reply, although you aren’t sure that $atheir answer was entirely reassuring. “I thought I might find some clues here, but I guess I was wrong.” “Perhaps not,” the High Fae says, eyeing you with a little more interest than before, “but <<if $catscratch>>at the moment, you appear to be injured.” <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular gestures gesture>> at the hasty bandage wrapped around your hand. “What happened?” “It was…” you pause, wondering whether you’re still required to answer, “a cat.” You fold your injured hand under the other, but the Fae still leans forward a little to inspect it, dark hair brushing over $atheir cheeks. “This is one of Cheq’s towels,” $athey <<verb $asingular comments comment>>, gesturing at the corner of the rag that sticks out. <<cap $atheir>> eyes flicker up to yours, and a sly smile crosses $atheir lips. “You’re quite the young vigilante, aren’t you?” You clasp your hand over the scrap of rag uselessly. “It was just an accident,” you try to explain. This really makes your entrance here even more suspicious. “Certainly.” After a beat, the High Fae holds out a hand for you to shake. “Now, if I could have your trust, I may be able to help you with your search <i>and</i> heal that wound.” <<elseif $unicornwound>>at the moment, you appear to be injured.” <<cap $athey>> must have noticed the awkward way you’re carrying yourself, trying not to irritate the bruises from your fight with the unicorn. You try to straighten, rolling your shoulders back, then wince from the pain. “Be gentler with yourself,” the Fae says, oddly kind for a creature that could still try to hurt you at any moment. “What happened?” You frown a little. That’s not a question you’re interested in answering, but you’d also rather not lose $atheir good graces. “It was a fight,” you explain, “but I took care of it.” The Fae inclines $atheir head, dark hair brushing over $atheir cheeks. “I see that.” There’s a little humor in $atheir smile. “It might still be wise to <i>avoid</i> such fights in the future.” “I’ll try.” You lie, sure that there are more battles just around the corner. “Good,” $athey respond, and <<verb $asingular holds hold>> out a hand for you to shake. “Now, if I could have your trust, I may be able to help you with your search and heal those wounds.” <<else>>at the moment, I seem to be missing a performer.” <<cap $atheir>> eyes flicker back to the door you came through. “Oh no.” You fold your arms defensively. “That’s not part of the deal.” The Fae looks back at you, scoffing a short laugh. “I’m afraid I already have a performer scheduled, but it appears that we’re running late this evening.” You exhale quietly, relieved. “I may need a moment to get things in order,” $athey <<verb $asingular says, say,>> holding out a hand for you to shake, “but if I could have your trust for a little while, I might be able to help you with your search.” <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["\"Of course,\" you reply, grasping " + $atheir + " hand, \"if it means we’ll spend more time together.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["You can feel the warmth creeping up to your cheeks as you reach for " + $atheir + " hand. \"Um… okay.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"Alright,\" you say, shaking " + $atheir + " hand. \"I’ve got some questions of my own.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["If you want me to trust you, you should at least give me your name." You say, avoiding the handshake.|Ayre Intro 5-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["No." you reply bluntly, stepping away. You’re getting out of here, now.|Ayre Intro 5-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

It’s hard to fight the urge to run, trapped under $atheir gaze like this. “I think I got lost,” you say, shrinking back. “I’m sorry, please just let me go.” The Fae frowns, watching your reaction. “Humans tell too many horror stories.” <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular takes take>> a short step back, leaving you a little breathing room. “You should at least be able to tell when someone is being polite.” “Sorry,” you manage, but you’re not really sure how any of this was meant to be taken as polite. <<cap $atheir>> lips turn up in a smile again, and $athey <<verb $asingular shakes shake>> $atheir head, dark hair brushing over $atheir cheeks. “There’s no need for that.” <<cap $athey>> watch your eyes dart toward the door. “I don’t intend to do you any harm, but out there,” the Fae gestures toward the door, “you have much more to fear.” “I just…” you start, but you’re not sure what to say. Obviously, you can’t trust one of the High Fae… but they can’t lie, either. “You’re looking for something, aren’t you?” The Fae in question interrupts your thoughts. How would $athey know? “I’m certain it isn’t here, but <<if $catscratch>>you might wish to take this opportunity to heal your wounds.” <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular gestures gesture>> at your hastily bandaged hand. “Were you attacked already?” “Kind of.” You cover the injured hand with your good one, nervously wringing your fingers together. “I’m fine.” “I’m sure Cheq’s cat survived, as well.” The High Fae smirks, and your eyebrows draw together. How <<verb $asingular does do>> $athey know everything? “Perhaps Cheq won’t even notice the <<if $rags>>rags<<else>>rag<</if>> missing.” For a moment, $atheir eyes study your expression, and you can almost believe $athey <<verb $asingular sees see>> the mix of shame and fear that heats your cheeks. <<cap $atheir>> smirk settles into a gentle smile. “Your secret is safe with me.” The High Fae bows slightly, holding out a hand for you to shake. “If I could have your trust for just a little while, I may be able to heal your wound <i>and</i> help you to find what you’re looking for.” <<elseif $unicornwound>>you might wish to take this opportunity to heal your wounds.” <<cap $athey>> must have noticed the awkward way you’re carrying yourself, trying not to irritate the bruises from your fight with the unicorn. “Were you attacked already?” It’s useless to try to hide it, and trying to straighten up just makes you wince from the pain. “Kind of,” you lie, warily watching the door. “I’m fine now.” It’s utterly unconvincing; the anxiety in your voice gives you away. “I don’t believe you’re in any shape to go on picking fights,” the High Fae says gently, and you look back to find a calm smile on $atheir face. “I…” You don’t want to agree, but you know $athey’<<verb $asingular s re>> right. You’d be terrible in a fight in this state, but that doesn’t mean you <i>can’t</i>, if you’re attacked. “I’m sure you could use some rest.” The High Fae bows slightly, holding out a hand for you to shake. “If I could have your trust for just a little while, I may be able to heal your wounds <i>and</i> help you to find what you’re looking for.” <<else>>I am in the mood for finding lost things. At the moment, I seem to be missing a performer.” <<cap $atheir>> eyes flicker back to the door you came through. “Oh no.” Your eyes go wide and you hold your hands up defensively. “I’m not a performer, I’m sorry, I can’t…” The Fae looks back at you, scoffing a short laugh. “I’m afraid I already have a performer scheduled, but it appears that we’re running late this evening.” The tension in your chest loosens as you sigh in relief. “I may need a moment to get things in order,” $athey <<verb $asingular says, say,>> holding out a hand for you to shake, “but I can assure you that you won’t face any harm if I could have your trust for just a little while. I might even be able to help you with your search.” <</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[["\"Of course,\" you reply, grasping " + $atheir + " hand, \"if it means we’ll spend more time together.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["You can feel the warmth creeping up to your cheeks as you reach for " + $atheir + " hand. \"Um… okay.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"Alright,\" you say, shaking " + $atheir + " hand. \"I’ve got some questions of my own.\""|Ayre Intro 5-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["If you want me to trust you, you should at least give me your name." You say, avoiding the handshake.|Ayre Intro 5-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["No." you reply bluntly, stepping away. You’re getting out of here, now.|Ayre Intro 5-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $namea to true>>Rationally, you know you should be scared. The High Fae are only attractive in the way that an anglerfish’s lure attracts smaller fish. And yet… “Of course,” you reply, grasping $atheir hand in your own, “if it means we’ll spend more time together.” The Fae raises $atheir brows at your response. “Interesting.” <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular shakes shake>> your hand quickly, and otherwise <<verb $asingular makes make>> no reply to your attempt at flirting. “You might wish to know that my name is Ayre,” $athey <<verb $asingular says. say.>> “What is yours?” “$mcname.” You hadn’t even thought about introductions. The nameless, mysterious vibe seemed to suit $athem, actually. “Thank you, $mcname.” Ayre gestures for you to follow as $athey <<verb $asingular turns turn>> toward the doors down the hallway. “For the moment, I’ll need you to follow me. I can’t leave the guests unattended while my performer is still missing.” This time, $athey <<verb $asingular doesn't don't>> use a hand to guide you, and you can’t help but wonder if it’s because of what you said. <ul> <li class="ch">[[The door swings open, letting the cool night breeze in.|Ayre Intro 6]]</li> </ul>

<<set $namea to true>>You’re well aware of the fear that holds you in place, but at the same time, you can’t help the way that the High Fae’s gaze makes your face grow hot. You <i>knew</i> they were all going to be attractive, but you still didn’t expect it to feel like this when you met one. “Um…” you mumble, trying to find your voice again. “Okay.” For a split second, you watch $atheir narrow pupils widen again, like they did back in the main room. Before you can even understand why, $atheir eyes are back to normal, and <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> shaking your warm hand. “Thank you,” $athey <<verb $asingular says say>> with a hint of a smirk. “You might like to know that my name is Ayre. Could you give me yours?” Oh no, was it rude that you hadn’t introduced yourself already? “$mcname,” you manage, and Ayre dips $atheir head. “Thank you, $mcname.” You don’t think you’ve ever heard anyone say your name quite like <i>that.</i> <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular gestures gesture>> for you to follow $athem down the hallway. “If you could follow me for the moment, I’m afraid I can’t leave the guests unattended until I find my missing performer.” This time, $athey <<verb $asingular doesn't don't>> use a hand to guide you, making you feel an odd mix of sad and thankful. <ul> <li class="ch">[[The door swings open, letting the cool night breeze in.|Ayre Intro 6]]</li> </ul>

<<set $namea to true>>You <i>know</i> you should be scared, but despite everything you’ve learned about the High Fae… this one seems nice, maybe even safe, and you really could use some help. If this goes south you’ll just have to find a way out. “Alright,” you say, shaking $atheir hand. “I’ve got some questions of my own.” “Thank you.” <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular smiles. smile.>> “I will answer what I can. For now, I’ll trade you one answer for another: my name is Ayre. What is yours?” The response bolsters what little hope you have left. “I’m $mcname.” Maybe $athey really <i>can</i> help. “$mcname,” the Fae repeats, inclining $atheir head. <<cap $athey>> <<verb $asingular gestures gesture>> for you to follow as $athey <<verb $asingular turns turn>> toward the doors down the hallway. “For the moment, I’ll need you to follow me. I can’t leave the guests unattended while my performer is still missing.” This time, $athey <<verb $asingular doesn't don't>> use a hand to guide you, for which you feel a little relieved. <ul> <li class="ch">[[The door swings open, letting the cool night breeze in.|Ayre Intro 6]]</li> </ul>

You’re not <i>dumb,</i> and you’re not going to let this Fae claim the upper hand so easily. Maybe you can get a bargaining chip out of this, some sort of insurance in case this doesn’t go your way. “If you want me to trust you, you should at least give me your name.” You say, avoiding the handshake. The Fae don’t give their names, not unless they really need something. If this one gives $atheirs, then maybe there is a reason to trust them… “Ayre.” The High Fae smiles calmly, unintimidated by your question. “I don’t have any reason to hide that from you.” “Really?” That’s hard to believe. “Truly. It’s not the sort of name that holds any power.” Ayre gestures for you to follow as $athey <<verb $asingular turns turn>> toward the doors down the hallway. “For the moment, I’ll need you to follow me. I can’t leave the guests unattended while my performer is still missing.” This time, $athey <<verb $asingular doesn't don't>> use a hand to guide you, and you appreciate the space. <ul> <li class="ch">[[The door swings open, letting the cool night breeze in.|Ayre Intro 6]]</li> </ul>

<<set $camping to 1>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>You’ve fallen far too deep into this trap, and it’s time to get out. “No,” you reply bluntly, stepping away. The High Fae quickly drops $atheir hand, watching you passively. You have a clear path to the other end of the hall, but you can’t be sure that any of those doors lead outside. Behind you, you could retrace your path back to where you came, but you’d have to pass through that party once again, and this time without anyone else to swat the lower Fae away from you. “I won’t force you to stay here if you wish to leave.” The High Fae strides down the hall, pushing one of the heavy wooden doors open. A chill breeze sweeps inside, and you can see the moonlight on the grass beyond. “I’m not trusting you,” you repeat, standing your ground. “I’m not falling for your stupid tricks.” The Fae shakes $atheir head. “It’s no trick. You see through glamours, don’t you?” <<cap $athey>> wave $atheir arm through the open doorway. “You could see the magic stirring, if it was there. This is just a door.” Still, you hesitate. Could you see it, if $athey disturbed some spell? You recall how some things and places in town could shimmer like the sun on hot pavement, and you wonder if that’s what the Fae means. Slowly, you take a step forward, analyzing the doorway carefully. “Go ahead,” $athey say, stepping aside to give you a wide berth. “If you should decide that you <i>do</i> need my assistance, you may come find me here. My name is Ayre.” The sound of the name feels cold along the back of your neck. The Fae shouldn’t be giving their names so freely. As you step back out into the night, you find that it was true: the door was real. You don’t look back, and the Fae doesn’t say anything else to you as you retreat deeper into the woods. You resolve to keep hiking until you’re far enough away that you can’t hear the revel any longer. In this direction, there is no proper path. By the scraps of moonlight that filter through the trees, you can make out patches of dirt and trampled grass on the ground, at least enough to guide you away from the Fae. It occurs to you that the path you’d found before was oddly short, if it only led between that stone building and the treehouse. You might have missed something, but you certainly can’t go back now, not when one of the Fae knows you’re out here. A sudden shiver reminds you of your goal. You pause, listening for the sound of stomping feet or music, but you can’t hear it any longer. This will have to be good enough for the night. If you can get far enough out of view, you might be able to start hiking again in the morning, when those Fae would likely be asleep. Winding away from the barely-there footpath, you try to find a good location to stop for the night. Eventually, you come to a patch of trees, better lit than the path you’d been following, where the low branches and arching roots offer a little cover. It will have to work for now, so that you can make camp.

“No, thank you,” you reply, giving Jolenn a wide berth as you make your way past $jthem and toward that back door. You’re not dumb enough to fall for $jtheir charm, but you still have some investigating to do. Maybe the back door really is safer, or maybe it’s just as dangerous as the other one, but at least you need to check for some clue that Leo might have been through here, or how much further you need to go to find him. “Hey, wait!” The faun calls after you, and for a moment you think <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> not going to follow. Unfortunately, it only takes a few seconds for you to hear $jtheir hooves crunching the grass behind you. <<cap $jtheir>> guitar hums as $jthey <<verb $jsingular picks pick>> it up from the ground, and you try to walk faster to reach the door before Jolenn can catch up. You hand lands on the cool metal handle, and you tug the heavy wooden door open. Before you can step inside, the faun appears beside you once again. “Listen,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>> quickly, “I’m sorry if I scared you or something, but it’s really not safe for you to walk around here alone.” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes dart toward the hallway beyond the open door; $jthey must be worried about something. “And why would it be any safer with you?” Jolenn’s eyebrows draw together at the question, apparently confused. “I…” $jthey <<jverb frowns, frown,>> “Okay, yeah. I get it. It’s just…” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular groans. groan.>> It seems like $jthey aren’t used to not getting $jtheir way. Finally, after a moment of nervous silence, Jolenn steps through the doorway ahead of you. “Okay, you can walk around if you want. I’ll just be, like, a lookout, okay? So you don’t have to follow me or anything, you can just… do whatever you’re gonna do.” The faun replaces $jtheir worried expression with a more characteristic smile, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular gives give>> you plenty of space to come inside. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You step inside.|Jolenn Intro 6]]</li> </ul>

You pull your arm free of the High Fae's golden claws, and $athey <<verb $asingular turns turn>> to look back at you, eyebrows raised. You're not an idiot, and you're not letting $athem take you <i>anywhere</i>. You turn your attention back to the swirling group of dancers, then to the tables that line the far wall. Perhaps you stick out a little, with your <<if $walkingstick>>walking stick and bag of supplies<<else>>bag of supplies<</if>>... and your noticeably human features. Regardless, this is your opportunity to investigate, and would anyone really mind another guest at the party? "Wait!" The Fae that had grabbed you follows, judging by how close $atheir voice sounds. You choose to ignore $athem, instead weaving your way past the crowd and toward the tables covered in food. As much as you would like not to, you check for signs of meat, or something that might be human flesh. You scan the walls for hidden doors to secret passageways, somewhere that trafficked humans might be hidden and locked away. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to tell one meat from the other, or one crack in the stone from a purposeful cut. "Hey there," a voice purrs from close behind you, and you turn with the intention of telling that High Fae you aren't interested. Instead, you find an unfamiliar face, pale with hints of scales on the cheeks, and an abundance of glittery makeup. "Why don't you set your things down, and we can dance?" The strange Fae smiles, putting both hands on your shoulders. "You look like an excellent dancer." You try to shrug away, but the fingers are strong, gripping you tightly and holding you in place. "Please...?" "Apologies," says that High Fae, arriving at your side once again, "but perhaps I can lend you my partner after we've had a few dances of our own." <<cap $atheir>> hand presses into the stranger's collarbone, those artificial claws nearly piercing skin. As the dancer withdraws, you realize you're not entirely in control of your situation. This High Fae is determined to stick to your side, and you try to swallow your fear as $athey <<averb puts put>> a hand on you again, turning you toward the opposite wall. You both slowly make your way through a door on the far side of the main room, stepping into a hallway similar to the one you'd just come from, except that it has three doors on the far wall instead of just one. "Thank you for staying." The Fae speaks, and you turn your attention back to $athem. "Now, I'll have to ask you just what you're doing here in my home." <ul> <li class="ch">[[“I’m sorry,” you say. “I’m looking for someone, and I thought I could find some clues here.”|Ayre Intro 4-Friendly][$honest to $honest.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“I just want to leave,” you explain sternly. “Let me go and you don’t need to worry about it.”|Ayre Intro 4-Fierce][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“If I answer your question, will you answer one of mine?”|Ayre Intro 4-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $curious to $curious.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Brave]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[“I think I got lost,” you say, shrinking back. “I’m sorry, please just let me go.”|Ayre Intro 4-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Anxious]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

The interior of the building reminds you of a medieval structure, like something you might find in a fantasy RPG. The walls and floor are all stone, and the walls are lit by mounted candles. You’ve never been anywhere like this, except maybe at a renaissance fair, but the walls there aren’t made of real stone. “The main room is <i>way</i> nicer,” Jolenn tells you, closing the back door. <<cap $jthey>> point toward the door opposite from you, down the L-shaped hallway. “Actually, my room is the nicest, if you’d like the tour…” <<cap $jtheir>> voice trails off, distracted. “What—” you start, cut off when the faun suddenly crowds you against the door you just came through. <<cap $jtheir>> back to you, $jthey <<verb $jsingular rises rise>> up to $jtheir full height, stretching the extra joint in $jtheir legs. For a moment, you’re stunned by $jtheir height. <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> definitely over six feet tall, maybe even approaching seven when $jthey <<verb $jsingular stretches stretch>> out like this. By comparison, you’re <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mcheight" autoselect>> <<option "absolutely tiny <i>(≤ 5’1)</i>" shortest>> <<option "definitely short <i>(5’2 - 5’5)</i>" short>> <<option "smaller than usual <i>(5’6 - 5’9)</i>" average>> <<option "only average <i>(5’10 - 6’1)</i>" tall>> <<option "barely tall at all <i>(≥ 6’2)</i>" tallest>> <</cycle>></a>. That aside, <<if $jflirt eq 1>>you realize $jtheir proximity. It’s nice, actually, and might be nicer if $jthey were turned the other way. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular smells smell>> like… moss and clove, in a very mild, pleasant sort of way. From your position in the corner between the door and the wall, you can just see the door down the hall swing open. <<else>>you don’t appreciate being trapped like this. You put your hands on $jtheir back to push $jthem away, but $jthey <<verb $jsingular doesn't don't>> budge, instead bracing $jtheir hands against the walls on either side of you. What the hell? You go for another shove, but pause when you catch a glimpse of the door down the hall swinging open.<</if>> <ul> <<if $catscratch === true || $unicornwound === true>><li class="ch">[[The noise of the party spills into the hall as someone steps through the door.|Jolenn Intro 7-Injured]]</li> <<else>><li class="ch">[[The noise of the party spills into the hall as someone steps through the door.|Jolenn Intro 7-Uninjured]]</li><</if>> </ul>

The High Fae pauses as the door swings open just ahead of $athem, and you watch as yet another one of the Fae steps into the hall. This one is a faun, with long, furry legs and curling black ram’s horns tipped in gold. <<if $jgender eq "unknown">><a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$jtheir" autoselect>> <<option "His" his>> <<option "Her" her>> <</cycle>></a><<else>><<cap $jtheir>><</if>> green, goatlike eyes snap to you immediately, and you freeze. “Jolenn,” Ayre speaks up beside you, “you’re late.” Judging by the guitar this Fae is carrying, it seems that this must be the “performer” that Ayre was looking for. “Oh, yeah,” the faun says, still focused entirely on you. “Sorry, I was practicing. Who’s this?” Ayre shakes $atheir head. “A guest—one which you can meet <i>after</i> you finish playing.” <<cap $atheir>> voice is firm, much firmer than $athey had been with you. “Really?” The faun—Jolenn—says, grinning. “Then I’ll see you soon.” <ul> <<if $catscratch === true || $unicornwound === true>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 7-Injured]]</li> <<else>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 7-Uninjured]]</li><</if>> </ul>

<<set $meta to true>>“Jolie,” says the voice at the end of the hallway, “you’re late.” “Oh!” Jolenn (Jolie?) finally steps forward, giving you some space. “Sorry, but I found someone! I think $mcthey <<verb $mcsingular needs need>> help.” The faun finally sinks back to $jtheir normal height, gesturing toward you. A High Fae stands at the far door, slowly pushing it closed. There’s no doubt about it this time; this one is practically dripping in gold, dressed in a tailored black suit and hat, with sharp golden cat’s eyes trained right on you. <<if $agender eq "unknown">><a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$atheir" autoselect>> <<option "Their" their>> <<option "His" his>> <<option "Her" her>> <</cycle>></a><<else>><<cap $atheir>><</if>> slit pupils go wide for a moment, analyzing you, before narrowing once again. It feels like staring at a predator. “Really?” The Fae asks. “Help with what, exactly?” “Well,” Jolenn answers for you, “<<if $mcsingular>>$mcthey's<<else>>$mcthey're<</if>> hurt, for one, and um… I think <<if $mcsingular>>$mcthey's<<else>>$mcthey're<</if>> looking for something? Or someone? And I mean, if anyone could help—” “Alright,” the other Fae cuts $jthem off, “I’ll take care of this. You're meant to be playing right now.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 8-Injured]]</li> </ul>

<<set $meta to true>>“Jolie,” says the voice at the end of the hallway, “you’re late.” “Oh!” Jolenn (Jolie?) finally steps forward, giving you some space. “Sorry, but I found someone! I think $mcthey <<verb $mcsingular needs need>> help.” The faun finally sinks back to $jtheir normal height, gesturing toward you. A High Fae stands at the far door, slowly pushing it closed. There’s no doubt about it this time; this one is practically dripping in gold, dressed in a tailored black suit and hat, with sharp golden cat’s eyes trained right on you. <<if $agender eq "unknown">><a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$atheir" autoselect>> <<option "Their" their>> <<option "His" his>> <<option "Her" her>> <</cycle>></a><<else>><<cap $atheir>><</if>> slit pupils go wide for a moment, analyzing you, before narrowing once again. It feels like staring at a predator. “Really?” The Fae asks. “Help with what, exactly?” “Well,” Jolenn answers for you, “I think <<if $mcsingular>>$mcthey's<<else>>$mcthey're<</if>> looking for something? Or someone? And I mean, if anyone could help—” “Alright,” the other Fae cuts $jthem off, “I’ll take care of this. You’re meant to be playing right now.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 8-Uninjured]]</li> </ul>

<<silently>><<set $metj to true>><<if $jtheir eq "his">> <<set $jgender to "male">> <<set $jthey to "he">> <<set $jthem to "him">> <<set $jtheir to "his">> <<set $jtheirs to "his">> <<set $jthemself to "himself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <<elseif $jtheir eq "her">> <<set $jgender to "female">> <<set $jthey to "she">> <<set $jthem to "her">> <<set $jtheir to "her">> <<set $jtheirs to "hers">> <<set $jthemself to "herself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <</if>><</silently>>“Quickly,” Ayre reminds $atheir… friend? Employee? “You’re already behind schedule.” “Sure you don’t wanna come watch?” Jolenn winks at you, tossing $jtheir mess of curls over $jtheir shoulder. “Now that I’m all warmed up…” “<<if $mcthey eq "he">>He's<<elseif $mcthey eq "she">>She's<<elseif $mcthey eq "they">>They're<<elseif $mcsingular>><<cap $mcthey>>'s<<else>><<cap $mcthey>>'re<</if>> wounded, Jolenn. We’ll join you after we’ve dealt with that.” The faun pouts a little, giving Ayre a pitiful glance before shrugging $jtheir guitar strap over $jtheir shoulder. “Fine…” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb straightens straighten>> up to $jtheir full height as $jthey finally <<jverb steps step>> away from the doorway, stretching exaggeratedly. For a moment, you’re stunned by $jtheir height. <<if $jgender eq "male">>He's<<elseif $jgender eq "female">>She's<<else>>They're<</if>> definitely over six feet tall, maybe even approaching seven when $jthey <<verb $jsingular stretches stretch>> out like this. By comparison, you’re <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mcheight" autoselect>> <<option "absolutely tiny <i>(≤ 5’1)</i>" shortest>> <<option "definitely short <i>(5’2 - 5’5)</i>" short>> <<option "smaller than usual <i>(5’6 - 5’9)</i>" average>> <<option "only average <i>(5’10 - 6’1)</i>" tall>> <<option "barely tall at all <i>(≥ 6’2)</i>" tallest>> <</cycle>></a>. Then $jthey sink back down again, tossing a cheeky smile your way as $jthey head down the hall toward the main room. “See you!” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb calls call>> over $jtheir shoulder as $jthey push through the door. “Don’t worry about $jthem,” Ayre speaks over the noise spilling into the hallway. “<<cap $jthey>> <<jverb behaves behave>> like that with everyone.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[You turn back to the High Fae as the door closes once again.|Ayre Intro 8-Injured]]</li> </ul>

<<silently>><<set $metj to true>><<if $jtheir eq "his">> <<set $jgender to "male">> <<set $jthey to "he">> <<set $jthem to "him">> <<set $jtheir to "his">> <<set $jtheirs to "his">> <<set $jthemself to "himself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <<elseif $jtheir eq "her">> <<set $jgender to "female">> <<set $jthey to "she">> <<set $jthem to "her">> <<set $jtheir to "her">> <<set $jtheirs to "hers">> <<set $jthemself to "herself">> <<set $jsingular to true>> <</if>><</silently>>“Quickly,” Ayre reminds $atheir… friend? Employee? “You’re already behind schedule.” “Sure you don’t wanna come watch?” Jolenn winks at you, tossing $jtheir mess of curls over $jtheir shoulder. “Now that I’m all warmed up…” “<<cap $mcthey>> <<mcverb needs need>> to speak with me, Jolenn. We’ll join you afterwards.” The faun pouts a little, giving Ayre a pitiful glance before shrugging $jtheir guitar strap over $jtheir shoulder. “Fine…” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb straightens straighten>> up to $jtheir full height as $jthey finally <<jverb steps step>> away from the doorway, stretching exaggeratedly. For a moment, you’re stunned by $jtheir height. <<if $jgender eq "male">>He's<<elseif $jgender eq "female">>She's<<else>>They're<</if>> definitely over six feet tall, maybe even approaching seven when $jthey <<verb $jsingular stretches stretch>> out like this. By comparison, you’re <a title="Click to Change"><<cycle "$mcheight" autoselect>> <<option "absolutely tiny <i>(≤ 5’1)</i>" shortest>> <<option "definitely short <i>(5’2 - 5’5)</i>" short>> <<option "smaller than usual <i>(5’6 - 5’9)</i>" average>> <<option "only average <i>(5’10 - 6’1)</i>" tall>> <<option "barely tall at all <i>(≥ 6’2)</i>" tallest>> <</cycle>></a>. Then $jthey sink back down again, tossing a cheeky smile your way as $jthey head down the hall toward the main room. “See you!” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb calls call>> over $jtheir shoulder as $jthey push through the door. “Don’t worry about $jthem,” Ayre speaks over the noise spilling into the hallway. “<<cap $jthey>> <<jverb behaves behave>> like that with everyone.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[You turn back to the High Fae as the door closes once again.|Ayre Intro 8-Uninjured]]</li> </ul>

<<silently>><<if $atheir eq "his">> <<set $agender to "male">> <<set $athey to "he">> <<set $athem to "him">> <<set $atheir to "his">> <<set $atheirs to "his">> <<set $athemself to "himself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $atheir eq "her">> <<set $agender to "female">> <<set $athey to "she">> <<set $athem to "her">> <<set $atheir to "her">> <<set $atheirs to "hers">> <<set $athemself to "herself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $atheir eq "their">> <<set $agender to "nonbinary">> <<set $athey to "they">> <<set $athem to "them">> <<set $atheir to "their">> <<set $atheirs to "theirs">> <<set $athemself to "themself">> <<set $asingular to false>> <</if>><</silently>>“I thought I could do it,” Jolenn explains, glancing back at you. “Y’know, because we’ve already met and stuff.” Somehow $jthey <<verb $jsingular seems seem>> totally unaffected by the annoyed expression on the High Fae’s face. Fortunately, that expression doesn’t seem to be aimed at you. For a moment, the hall is quiet. You wonder if you should just offer to leave now, before you become a casualty of the impending argument, but— “I’ll give you fifteen minutes.” The other Fae strides down the hallway toward you, then turns and opens a door to your right. Jolenn turns to give you a theatrical thumbs-up, and a moment later the High Fae returns with what appears to be an ornate electric guitar strapped across $atheir shoulder. Is there electricity here? “You’ll play your set after,” $athey <<verb $asingular turns turn>> $atheir attention to you, “and then we’ll discuss this situation.” <<cap $athey>> definitely still <<verb $asingular looks look>> annoyed, but maybe a little pleased, too? You don’t know enough about the situation to understand why, though. “Thank you!” Jolenn replies cheerily, waving the High Fae off as $athey <<verb $asingular returns return>> to the main room. “Uh… who was that?” You ask, still chilled by your brief interaction. “That’s Ayre,” the faun explains, “don’t worry! <<if $agender eq "male">>He's<<elseif $agender eq "female">>She's<<else>>They're<</if>> really nice, you’ll see.” Somehow, you doubt that. You can’t recall any stories about particularly nice High Fae, only those who <i>pretended</i> to be nice to get what they wanted. Still, you’ve elected to trust Jolenn thus far, so maybe you should believe $jthem? <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 9-Injured]]</li> </ul>

“Anyway,” Jolenn interrupts your train of thought, “the tour! Kinda, I mean, part of the tour.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular smiles. smile.>> “The back door, as you’ve seen.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular gestures gesture>> accordingly. “And then this is Ayre’s room. All the medicine and stuff is in there.” The faun points to the door on your right, still hanging slightly ajar. Not sure if that was an invitation to look or not, you take a hesitant step closer, peeking through the gap. Jolenn doesn’t say anything when you press a hand to the door, so you carefully push it open a bit further. Similar to the hall, the room is lit by mounted candles, but the floor is covered by a large, worn rug. Framed mirrors and paintings decorate the walls, and a fireplace (currently unlit) faces the foot of a broad, antique four-poster bed. “Ayre loves collecting antiques.” You look up to find Jolenn standing just behind you, also peering into the room. “Anything that looks like it belongs in a castle, really.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular laughs, laugh,>> like that was a joke you were supposed to understand. The building certainly reminds you of a small castle. “Is this Ayre’s house, then?” You ask, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular shrugs. shrug.>> “Both of ours, but I guess it’s more Ayre’s style? I’d like something more cottage-y.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular steps step>> further down the hall, to the third door. “See? Here’s my room.” With a proud little grin, $jthey <<verb $jsingular pushes push>> the door open for you. The room is definitely <i>warm</i> by comparison, both in temperature and color. The fireplace is lit, guarded by a bronze-colored screen, and the floor is covered by at least a half-dozen rugs layered on top of each other in a sort of patchwork. The walls and ceiling are decorated with battery-powered string lights, twinkling like a starscape over the bed… or what you assume must be the bed, because it looks more like a massive pile of blankets and pillows. “I can give you the <i>complete</i> tour of the room later, if you like.” Jolenn leans against the wall beside the door, smirking playfully. “But we should get you patched up first.” <ul> <li class="ch">[["Sure," you smirk back, "I’d appreciate the guided tour."|Jolenn Intro 10-Injured-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5), $jflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"Oh,\" you reply, embarrassed as you realize " + $jtheir + " meaning. \"Right, let's... patch.\""|Jolenn Intro 10-Injured-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5), $jflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Thanks, but I think I’ve seen enough," you reply.|Jolenn Intro 10-Injured-Gentle][$gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You frown. "Let’s just get this over with."|Jolenn Intro 10-Injured-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“Thanks, but I think I’ve seen enough,” you reply, but $jthey still <<verb $jsingular gives give>> you a cheeky wink in return, undeterred. “No problem,” Jolenn says, pushing away from the wall. “I’ll be here if you change your mind.” “I really mean it,” you tell $jthem. “Me too.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular throws throw>> you a grin over $jtheir shoulder. “Let’s go!” The faun waves $jtheir fingers at you, leading you back to the other doorway and into Ayre’s bedroom. It doesn’t feel like you’re supposed to be in there, judging by the look on $atheir face earlier, but Jolenn leads you across the room and tells you to sit. In the far corner, a couple of armchairs sit in front of a corner lined with bookshelves. Most of the things there aren’t books, but collectibles of some sort. You sit, then turn in the chair to study the shelves. Among the collection of actual books, you spot some classics like Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray bound in leather. On another shelf, there are some unlabeled books that might be journals of some kind. The rest of the space is filled with ornate boxes, teacups, statuettes, and bottles. It reminds you of the eclectic antique shop in town, so full of junk that you can barely squeeze through the aisles. <<if $catscratch>>Jolenn retrieves a black nylon case from one of the shelves, apparently a first aid kit, and drops into the seat beside yours. “Your hand, please?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular smiles smile>> calmly at you, apparently taking this seriously for once. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Give " + $jthem + " your hand."|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-Hand][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Take care of it yourself.|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-NoHand][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul> <<else>>Jolenn grabs a bottle of pills from one shelf, then digs into a nightstand to find a small bottle of water to bring back to you. “I’ve got painkillers,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>>, holding the bottles out for you, “and I can do a little… <i>magic</i> for the rest, if you don’t mind getting close?” It’s almost flirtatious, the way $jthey say it, but $jtheir smile is sincere. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $jthem + " do the... magic."|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-Magic][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Just take the painkillers.|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-NoMagic][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul><</if>>

“Oh,” you reply, embarrassed as you realize $jtheir meaning. “Um… “Right, let's... patch.” Jolenn’s smirk spreads into a grin, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular tips tip>> $jtheir head to the side. “You really like tours, huh? Bet you’re loads of fun in a museum,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular teases. tease.>> Now even more embarrassed, you’re not sure how to respond. “Let’s go!” The faun waves $jtheir fingers at you, thankfully not waiting for you to say anything else. <<cap $jthey>> lead you back to the other doorway and into Ayre’s bedroom. It doesn’t feel like you’re supposed to be in there, judging by the look on $atheir face earlier, but Jolenn leads you across the room and tells you to sit. In the far corner, a couple of armchairs sit in front of a corner lined with bookshelves. Most of the things there aren’t books, but collectibles of some sort. You sit, then turn in the chair to study the shelves. Among the collection of actual books, you spot some classics like Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray bound in leather. On another shelf, there are some unlabeled books that might be journals of some kind. The rest of the space is filled with ornate boxes, teacups, statuettes, and bottles. It reminds you of the eclectic antique shop in town, so full of junk that you can barely squeeze through the aisles. <<if $catscratch>>Jolenn retrieves a black nylon case from one of the shelves, apparently a first aid kit, and drops into the seat beside yours. “Your hand, please?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> up at you through $jtheir eyelashes, holding out $jtheir own hand for yours. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Give " + $jthem + " your hand."|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-Hand][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Take care of it yourself.|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-NoHand][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul> <<else>>Jolenn grabs a bottle of pills from one shelf, then digs into a nightstand to find a small bottle of water to bring back to you. “I’ve got painkillers,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>>, holding the bottles out for you, “and I can do a little… <i>magic</i> for the rest, if you don’t mind my hands on you?” That cheeky smirk is back. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $jthem + " do the... magic."|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-Magic][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Just take the painkillers.|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-NoMagic][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul><</if>>

“Sure,” you smirk back, meeting $jtheir gaze. “I’d appreciate the guided tour.” Jolenn’s smirk spreads into a grin, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular dips dip>> $jtheir face closer to yours. “You’re fun,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular murmurs murmur>> before quickly pivoting away. “Let’s go!” The faun waves $jtheir fingers at you, leading you back to the other doorway and into Ayre’s bedroom. It doesn’t feel like you’re supposed to be in there, judging by the look on $atheir face earlier, but Jolenn leads you across the room and tells you to sit. In the far corner, a couple of armchairs sit in front of a corner lined with bookshelves. Most of the things there aren’t books, but collectibles of some sort. You sit, then turn in the chair to study the shelves. Among the collection of actual books, you spot some classics like Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray bound in leather. On another shelf, there are some unlabeled books that might be journals of some kind. The rest of the space is filled with ornate boxes, teacups, statuettes, and bottles. It reminds you of the eclectic antique shop in town, so full of junk that you can barely squeeze through the aisles. <<if $catscratch>>Jolenn retrieves a black nylon case from one of the shelves, apparently a first aid kit, and drops into the seat beside yours. “Your hand, please?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular looks look>> up at you through $jtheir eyelashes, holding out $jtheir own hand for yours. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Give " + $jthem + " your hand."|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-Hand][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Take care of it yourself.|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-NoHand][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul> <<else>>Jolenn grabs a bottle of pills from one shelf, then digs into a nightstand to find a small bottle of water to bring back to you. “I’ve got painkillers,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>>, holding the bottles out for you, “and I can do a little… <i>magic</i> for the rest, if you want my hands on you?” That cheeky smirk is back. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $jthem + " do the... magic."|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-Magic][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Just take the painkillers.|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-NoMagic][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul><</if>>

You place your injured hand in Jolenn’s, and $jthey give your fingers a gentle squeeze. “Thanks,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>>, dropping $jtheir attention to their lap. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular places place>> your hand on $jtheir knee while $jthey unzip the black case. You’ve never actually met a faun before, but you’d always assumed their fur would be something like a goat’s: coarse and wiry. It’s weird to think about, but the hair covering Jolenn’s legs is dense and soft, curling between your fingers. It’s kind of like petting a nice, warm dog—if you forget that there’s a person attached. <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular scoops scoop>> your hand back up into $jtheirs again, carefully unwrapping the rag. It only sticks to your skin a little, but the scratches feel hot when exposed to the air. “Gross,” Jolenn jokes, peering up at you with a little grin. “Now you know better than to go petting strangers’ cats, huh?” <<cap $jtheir>> gentle fingers brush against your palm as $jthey <<jverb turns turn>> your hand back and forth, checking the length of your scratches. <<if $honest < 50>> “I didn’t pet it,” you lie, frowning. "What makes you think that?" You don’t want to look stupid for just trying to pet a cat.<<else>> “I… How would you know?” You ask. “I could’ve been minding my own business.”<</if>> “‘Cuz I know the cat.” <<cap $jtheir>> grin widens. “She’s like a statue until you try to touch her.” <<cap $jthey>> carefully <<jverb cleans clean>> your wounds and then prepare them for a new bandage. Surprisingly, <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> really good at this. “Do you have to do this a lot? First aid and bandages?” Jolenn shrugs. “Not so much any more. It’s mostly just for me, since Ayre heals on $atheir own.” You frown without thinking. You didn’t know <i>any</i> of the Fae were able to regenerate naturally. Finishing up the job, $jthey <<jverb wraps wrap>> both of $jtheir warm hands around your new, bright green bandage. “All done,” $jthey smile brightly, giving your hand a shake before $jthey start cleaning up. The new wrap feels a lot more secure than the old one, and you have to admit that you appreciate the care $jthey took to clean up your wounds. “Thanks, Jolenn,” you tell $jthem while $jthey <<jverb puts put>> everything back where it belongs. “‘S no problem.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb turns turn>> back to you and <<jverb gestures gesture>> to the door. “Let’s go see the party, yeah?” <ul> <li class="ch">[["You get up to follow " + $jthem + "."|Jolenn Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“I can do it myself,” you say, keeping your hand in your lap. “Oh, sure!” Jolenn doesn’t seem to mind, and $jthey <<jverb hands hand>> the black medical case over to you. As you start to check the supplies, verifying that these are actual first aid supplies, Jolenn gets up to pace around the room. Surprisingly, everything seems to be in order. It’s actually real human first aid supplies and not just… potions or fairy dust or something like that. “You ever been to this part of the forest before?” Jolenn asks while you work. “No,” you reply. “It’s illegal.” “Oh! Right.” It seems like $jthey just suddenly remembered the treaties, which seems odd, considering your situation. It feels like the treaties rule over every part of your life sometimes. “So you live in town, then?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb asks. ask.>> “In Haverill?” “Sometimes,” you say, not sure that you should be giving that much information away. “It’s a nice town; I get pretty much all my snacks there.” That catches your attention. “You go into town?” You rack your brain, trying to remember if you’d ever seen someone with horns around. It would be illegal, of course, but none of the humans could legally police the Fae anyway. “Sure.” Jolenn smiles. “Like every week or two, probably.” Vaguely, you remember once seeing a woman with big, curling horns walking into the gas station. That couldn’t have been Jolenn… could it? “You ready?” <<cap $jthey>> turn back to you once again, studying the new bright green bandage on your hand. “Good job.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb helps help>> you clean up the supplies, and then $jthey point you toward the door. “Let’s go see the party, yeah?” <ul> <li class="ch">[["You get up to follow " + $jthem + "."|Jolenn Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“So, what kind of… <i>magic</i> is that?” You ask, accepting the bottle of water and the pills. Jolenn chuckles a little. “‘S not serious, it just makes you kinda heal faster?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb shrugs. shrug.>> “I can’t like <i>fix everything</i> like Ayre can, but it’s good for bruises and stuff.” “Okay,” you say, checking the label on the bottle of pills. It’s identical to the painkillers in your cabinet at home. “Go ahead, then.” Jolenn grins, waiting for you to finish swallowing the pills before $jthey <<jverb steps step>> around behind your chair. “Okay, so…” $jthey say, draping $jthemself over the high back of the armchair, “you just wanna relax. It feels kinda tingly, like when your hand falls asleep, but I promise it doesn’t hurt.” Somehow, that doesn’t really relax you. You’ve never actually <i>let</i> one of the Fae use magic on you, and it feels wrong to even be in this situation. Jolenn’s hands come to rest on your shoulders, fingers sliding under the collar of your <<if $clothes1 == "cozy" || $clothes1 == "fashionable">>coat<<else>>jacket<</if>> so $jtheir thumbs can gently press against the base of your neck. You take a deep breath, willing your body to relax even as nervous energy hums inside your head. The tingling starts at the base of your skull, making you jump. “You’re okay,” Jolenn murmurs, $jtheir voice closer than you expected. The pressure of $jtheir thumbs against your neck turns into slow, calming circles. The tingling feeling spreads down your neck and across your shoulders, almost like pouring water. It isn’t as intense as the pins-and-needles feeling you had expected, and you could almost call it pleasant if you weren’t so nervous. “You can stretch out a little, feel the difference,” Jolenn instructs calmly from behind you. As the tingles cascade down your spine, you try to roll your shoulders again. You don’t wince this time, though you can still feel a little pinprick where the sharp pain used to be. “Better, right?” “Yeah,” you say, trying not to sound quite as surprised as you feel. “Good.” Slowly, the tingling dissipates, and Jolenn slides $jtheir hands back off of your shoulders. “You probably won’t even feel it any more after you get some rest. You turn to look up at $jthem leaning over the back of your chair, still surprised by your new range of movement. “Thanks, Jolenn,” you say, and $jthey beam back at you. “No problem!” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb stands stand>> up once again and <<jverb gestures gesture>> to the door. “Let’s go see the party now, yeah?” <ul> <li class="ch">[["You get up to follow " + $jthem + "."|Jolenn Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“No thanks,” you reply, taking the bottles from $jtheir hands. “I’ll just get better the usual way.” “Sure,” Jolenn says with a little shrug, turning to instead pace around the room. “You ever been to this part of the forest before?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb asks ask>> while you turn the bottle of painkillers over in your hands. It’s identical to the one in your cabinet at home. “No,” you reply. “It’s illegal.” After a short internal debate, you swig some water and swallow a couple of the pills. “Oh! Right.” It seems like $jthey just suddenly remembered the treaties, which seems odd, considering your situation. It feels like the treaties rule over every part of your life sometimes. “So you live in town, then?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb asks, ask,>> coming back around to collect the bottle of pills from you. “In Haverill?” “Sometimes,” you say, not sure that you should be giving that much information away. “It’s a nice town; I get pretty much all my snacks there.” That catches your attention. “You go into town?” You rack your brain, trying to remember if you’d ever seen someone with horns around. It would be illegal, of course, but none of the humans could legally police the Fae anyway. “Sure.” Jolenn smiles. “Like every week or two, probably.” Vaguely, you remember once seeing a woman with big, curling horns walking into the gas station. That couldn’t have been Jolenn… could it? “You ready?” <<cap $jthey>> turn back to you once again and point toward the door. “Let’s go see the party, yeah?” <ul> <li class="ch">[["You get up to follow " + $jthem + "."|Jolenn Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

You frown. “Let’s just get this over with.” You’re not interested in playing this weird flirty game; you just need to get some information. “Sure,” Jolenn says, shrugging casually. If <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> put off by your response, you don’t see it. “Let’s go!” The faun waves $jtheir fingers at you, leading you back to the other doorway and into Ayre’s bedroom. It doesn’t feel like you’re supposed to be in there, judging by the look on $atheir face earlier, but Jolenn leads you across the room and tells you to sit. In the far corner, a couple of armchairs sit in front of a corner lined with bookshelves. Most of the things there aren’t books, but collectibles of some sort. You sit, then turn in the chair to study the shelves. Among the collection of actual books, you spot some classics like Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray bound in leather. On another shelf, there are some unlabeled books that might be journals of some kind. The rest of the space is filled with ornate boxes, teacups, statuettes, and bottles. It reminds you of the eclectic antique shop in town, so full of junk that you can barely squeeze through the aisles. <<if $catscratch>>Jolenn retrieves a black nylon case from one of the shelves, apparently a first aid kit, and drops into the seat beside yours. “Can I have your hand?” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular smiles smile>> calmly at you, apparently taking this seriously for once. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Give " + $jthem + " your hand."|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-Hand][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Take care of it yourself.|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-NoHand][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul> <<else>>Jolenn grabs a bottle of pills from one shelf, then digs into a nightstand to find a small bottle of water to bring back to you. “I’ve got painkillers,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular says say>>, holding the bottles out for you, “and I can do a little… <i>magic</i> for the rest, if you don’t mind touching?” You would have expected that to be flirtatious, but $jtheir smile is sincere. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $jthem + " do the... magic."|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-Magic][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Just take the painkillers.|Jolenn Intro 11-Injured-NoMagic][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul><</if>>

As you approach the door to the main room, the noise from within grows louder. Feet pounding against the floor, dozens of voices all speaking over each other, and the distinct wail and buzz of an electric guitar all seep through the cracks in the doorway. “Do we have to talk in there?” You ask Jolenn, who stands with $jtheir hand on the door’s handle. “It seems a little too loud.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb grins grin>> back at you, shaking $jtheir head. “Trust me,” $jthey <<averb says, say,>> “you’ll wanna see it.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb pulls pull>> the door open, letting the cacophony spill into the hall once again. As the two of you step through the door, you find the largest group of Fae you’ve ever seen—or even imagined—in one place. Dozens of bodies swim and twirl across the floor, some more inhuman than you can even recognize. Even the colors of their skin and hair seem like something out of a fantasy novel. Your feet stop moving beneath you, and you squeeze the strap of your bag tight in your hand. Maybe coming in here was a bad idea… Before you can change your mind, Jolenn steps up to your side, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder to guide you further in, following the wall. Your eyes follow the strands of string lights that criss-cross the walls and ceiling, similar to the ones you saw in the faun’s room. The contrast of something so modern and human against the crowd of low Fae is striking, like one of these elements must be out of place. As you move deeper into the room, a shallow stage comes into view beside the crowd of revelers. It’s more like a broad stone step, barely large enough for a few people to stand on at the same time. Ayre, the High Fae from earlier, commands the space, head bowed over $atheir ornate guitar, one foot hidden behind a short amplifier. You try to follow the cord that leads off of it, but it disappears through a wall with no sign of an electrical outlet. “Is there electricity here?” You turn to ask Jolenn, raising your voice over the noise of the crowd. <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb nods nod>>, pointing to the cable you had just been studying. “There’s a generator outside,” $jthey <<jverb explains, explain,>> as if it’s perfectly normal. You suppose it would be, if you were talking to a human and not one of the Fae. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 13]]</li> </ul>

<<silently>><<if $atheir eq "his">> <<set $agender to "male">> <<set $athey to "he">> <<set $athem to "him">> <<set $atheir to "his">> <<set $atheirs to "his">> <<set $athemself to "himself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $atheir eq "her">> <<set $agender to "female">> <<set $athey to "she">> <<set $athem to "her">> <<set $atheir to "her">> <<set $atheirs to "hers">> <<set $athemself to "herself">> <<set $asingular to true>> <<elseif $atheir eq "their">> <<set $agender to "nonbinary">> <<set $athey to "they">> <<set $athem to "them">> <<set $atheir to "their">> <<set $atheirs to "theirs">> <<set $athemself to "themself">> <<set $asingular to false>> <</if>><</silently>>“I thought I could talk to $mcthem,” Jolenn explains, glancing back at you. “Y’know, because we’ve already met and stuff.” Somehow $jthey <<verb $jsingular seems seem>> totally unaffected by the annoyed expression on the High Fae’s face. Fortunately, that expression doesn’t seem to be aimed at you. For a moment, the hall is quiet. You wonder if you should just offer to leave now, before you become a casualty of the impending argument, but— “I’ll give you fifteen minutes.” The other Fae strides down the hallway toward you, then turns and opens a door to your right. Jolenn turns to give you a theatrical thumbs-up, and a moment later the High Fae returns with what appears to be an ornate electric guitar strapped across $atheir shoulder. Is there electricity here? “You’ll play your set after,” $athey <<verb $asingular turns turn>> $atheir attention to you, “and then we’ll discuss this situation.” <<cap $athey>> definitely still <<verb $asingular looks look>> annoyed, but maybe a little pleased, too? You don’t know enough about the situation to understand why, though. “Thank you!” Jolenn replies cheerily, waving the High Fae off as $athey <<verb $asingular returns return>> to the main room. “Uh… who was that?” You ask, still chilled by your brief interaction. “That’s Ayre,” the faun explains, “don’t worry! <<if $agender eq "male">>He's<<elseif $agender eq "female">>She's<<else>>They're<</if>> really nice, you’ll see.” Somehow, you doubt that. You can’t recall any stories about particularly nice High Fae, only those who <i>pretended</i> to be nice to get what they wanted. Still... you’ve elected to trust Jolenn thus far, so maybe you should believe $jthem? <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 9-Uninjured]]</li> </ul>

“Anyway,” Jolenn interrupts your train of thought, “the tour! Kinda, I mean, part of the tour.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular smiles. smile.>> “The back door, as you’ve seen.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular gestures gesture>> accordingly. “And then this is Ayre’s room. <<cap $athey>> won't mind us <i>looking</i>.” The faun points to the door on your right, still hanging slightly ajar. Not sure if that was an invitation to go inside, you take a hesitant step closer, peeking through the gap. Jolenn doesn’t say anything when you press a hand to the door, so you carefully push it open a bit further. Similar to the hall, the room is lit by mounted candles, but the floor is covered by a large, worn rug. Framed mirrors and paintings decorate the walls, and a fireplace (currently unlit) faces the foot of a broad, antique four-poster bed. “Ayre loves collecting antiques.” You look up to find Jolenn standing just behind you, also peering into the room. “Anything that looks like it belongs in a castle, really.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular laughs, laugh,>> like that was a joke you were supposed to understand. The building certainly reminds you of a small castle. “Is this Ayre’s house, then?” You ask, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular shrugs. shrug.>> “Both of ours, but I guess it’s more Ayre’s style? I’d like something more cottage-y.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular steps step>> further down the hall, to the third door. “See? Here’s my room.” With a proud little grin, $jthey <<verb $jsingular pushes push>> the door open for you. The room is definitely <i>warm</i> by comparison, both in temperature and color. The fireplace is lit, guarded by a bronze-colored screen, and the floor is covered by at least a half-dozen rugs layered on top of each other in a sort of patchwork. The walls and ceiling are decorated with battery-powered string lights, twinkling like a starscape over the bed… or what you assume must be the bed, because it looks more like a massive pile of blankets and pillows. “I can give you the <i>complete</i> tour of the room later, if you like.” Jolenn leans against the wall beside the door, smirking playfully. “But we might need to hang close to the party.” <ul> <li class="ch">[["I've got a little time," you smirk back. "We could keep going with the tour."|Jolenn Intro 10-Uninjured-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5), $jflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"Oh,\" you reply, embarrassed as you realize " + $jtheir + " meaning. \"Right, let's... do that.\""|Jolenn Intro 10-Uninjured-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5), $jflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Thanks, but I think that's enough touring," you reply.|Jolenn Intro 10-Uninjured-Gentle][$gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Gentle]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You frown. "Let’s just get this over with."|Jolenn Intro 10-Uninjured-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $secretdoor to true>> “I've got a little time,” you smirk back. “We could keep going with the tour.” Jolenn’s smirk spreads into a grin, and $jtheir eyes flicker down the hallway, in the direction that Ayre disappeared. “Well…” $jthey <<jverb looks look>> back to you again. “I could show you <i>one</i> more thing…” “Yeah?” You reply, a little excited as the faun leads you into $jtheir room. <<cap $jthey>> lead you past the mass of sheets and comforters to the far wall of the room, where $jthey <<jverb drops drop>> to $jtheir knees and <<jverb lifts lift>> one of the rugs. “I’ve got a secret door,” Jolenn says, giving the round metal handle on the floor a gentle tug. “Just, y’know, in case that’s something you’d like to know.” <<cap $jtheir>> smile turns mischievous as $jthey <<jverb looks look>> up at you. You raise a curious eyebrow. “And the other side is…?” “Outside.” Jolenn tosses the rug back down, rising to $jtheir feet (...hooves) once again. “You can’t miss it.” “I’ll try not to,” you say, watching the faun with a little smirk. Jolenn laughs, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular dips dip>> $jtheir face closer to yours. “You’re fun,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular murmurs murmur>> before quickly pivoting away. “Let’s go!” The faun waves $jtheir fingers at you, leading you back into the hallway and toward that party. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You follow.|Jolenn Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“Oh,” you reply, embarrassed as you realize $jtheir meaning. “Right, let's... do that.” Jolenn’s smirk spreads into a grin, and $jthey <<verb $jsingular tips tip>> $jtheir head to the side. “You really like tours, huh? Bet you’re loads of fun in a museum,” $jthey <<verb $jsingular teases. tease.>> Now even more embarrassed, you’re not sure how to respond. “Actually, hang on.” The faun ducks through the doorway into $jtheir room. “This tour has one more feature…” You watch as $jthey <<jverb dances dance>> around the room, flipping the switches on all the battery packs, and then picking up a heavy blanket to hold up in front of the fireplace. “C’mon, close the door!” Jolenn tips $jtheir head, gesturing for you to step inside. Hesitantly, you do, pushing the door closed until you’re both standing in almost-darkness. “See?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb asks. ask.>> “Cool, right?” For a moment, you don’t know what $jthey <<jverb means, mean,>> but as your eyes adjust to the light, you start to see the glow of dozens of little stars all over the room. The ceiling and walls are speckled with glow-in-the-dark stars and moons, and a couple of the pillows strewn about the center of the room shine with a matching pattern. “Oh,” you say, looking around as you notice even more of the little stars. “Wow.” You drift toward the center of the room, turning to look around at the walls when Jolenn’s hand catches your shoulder. “Careful,” the faun teases. The fire lights up the room again as $jthey <<jverb lets let>> the blanket drop, and the stars fade again. “Sorry,” you reply quickly, stumbling out of the mess of blankets you’d nearly tripped over as your face heats up again. Jolenn laughs behind you. “I’ve got to keep an eye on you. C’mon!” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb waves wave>> $jtheir fingers at you as $jthey <<jverb strides stride>> past, leading you back into the hallway and toward that party. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You follow.|Jolenn Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“Thanks, but I think that's enough touring,” you reply, but $jthey still <<verb $jsingular gives give>> you a cheeky smirk in return, undeterred. “You sure? Not even <i>curious</i> about all my secrets…?” Apparently, $jthey <<jverb wants want>> you to play along. You raise an eyebrow. “Secrets?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb nods nod>> enthusiastically. “Yeah, got a bunch of them in my room…” The faun bats $jtheir eyelashes, but you just shake your head. This seems to be a favorite game of theirs, half-flirting and half… pretending to be mysterious? “No, I’ve seen enough,” you say, and $jthey <<jverb sighs sigh>> dramatically, as if $jthey hadn’t just told you the tour was over. “Alright,” Jolenn says, pushing away from the wall. “I’ll be here if you change your mind.” “I really mean it,” you tell $jthem. “Me too.” <<cap $jthey>> <<verb $jsingular throws throw>> you a grin over $jtheir shoulder. “Let’s go!” The faun waves $jtheir fingers at you, leading you back down the hallway. <ul> <li class="ch">[[You follow.|Jolenn Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

You frown. “Let’s just get this over with.” You’re not interested in playing this weird flirty game; you just need to get some information. “C’mon, it’s not like we need to rush,” Jolenn says, leaning heavily into the wall. You stare back at $jthem. “Yes, we really do.” You start walking down the hall, whether <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> joining you or not. “Is this about your… whatever you’re looking for?” The faun quickly steps after you, looming over your shoulder within a second. “It’s probably not gonna be easy to find tonight, anyway.” You stop, looking up at $jthem, and Jolenn braces a hand against the wall to stop $jthemself from tripping over you. “If you’re not going to help me, I’m leaving.” <<cap $jthey>> genuinely <<jverb looks look>> surprised by your reaction, as if <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> used to people giving $jthem infinite patience. Jolenn raises $jtheir hands defensively. “Hey, I’m helping! I just mean… it’s not a good idea to go looking for stuff at night.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb tips tip>> $jtheir head toward the door to the main room. “C’mon, let’s talk.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[You follow.|Jolenn Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“<<jverb Does Do>> $jthey work for you?” You ask. Ayre certainly took a different tone with $jthem than $athey used for you. “No,” $athey <<averb replies, reply,>> a hint of a smile tilting $atheir lips as $athey <<averb shakes shake>> $atheir head. “We’re old friends.” Somehow, that seems more unlikely than your explanation. “So $jthey just <<jverb performs perform>> at your parties… for fun?” “We both do.” Ayre folds $atheir arms. “That is our role here, as hosts.” It’s your turn to shake your head. “I don’t get it. Why would you be <i>hosting</i> parties for the low Fae?” Everything you know about the High Fae tells you that they live entirely separate lives, <i>above</i> the low Fae, not among them. Ayre’s smile grows a little wider, and $athey <<averb shrugs. shrug.>> “<i>That</i> is an incredibly long story, for which we don’t currently have the time. For now, remember that I cannot lie to you. We are hosts, <i>you</i> are my guest, and as such I am offering you all the hospitality that I can.” You frown a little, considering. You know the stories say that the High Fae can’t lie, but it seems like the stories have also gotten a lot wrong. “Come along.” Ayre gestures for you to follow once again, turning to the second door along the wall. “We should handle your wounds.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 9-Injured]]</li> </ul>

<<cap $athey>> <<averb pushes push>> the heavy door open, ushering you into the room beyond. Similar to the hall, the room is lit by mounted candles, but the floor is covered by a large, worn rug. Framed mirrors and paintings decorate the walls, and a fireplace (currently unlit) faces the foot of a broad, antique four-poster bed. Ayre strides across the room, toward a pair of high-backed armchairs nestled up to a broad corner bookshelf. “Have a seat,” $athey say, gesturing to one of the chairs. You follow, sitting down as the Fae sorts through some disorganized bottles on one shelf, clicking $atheir tongue. You turn in your chair to study the shelves. Most of the things there aren’t books, but collectibles of some sort. Among the collection of actual books, you spot some classics like Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray bound in leather. On another shelf, there are some unlabeled books that might be journals of some kind. The rest of the space is filled with ornate boxes, teacups, statuettes, and bottles. It reminds you of the eclectic antique shop in town, so full of junk that you can barely squeeze through the aisles. “You collect all these things?” You ask as Ayre returns, sitting down in the chair beside yours. <<cap $athey>> <<averb raises raise>> an eyebrow, looking back to the shelves. “No, these are mostly gifts. I have nowhere else to put them.” <<cap athey>> <<averb unzips unzip>> a black nylon case, opening it on the low table between your chairs. “Why, did something catch your eye?” <ul> <li class="ch">[["You smirk, meeting " + $atheir + " gaze. \"Do you count as something?\""|Ayre Intro 10-Injured-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5), $aflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"No,\" you reply quickly, embarrassed by " + $atheir + " attention on you. \"Just curious.\""|Ayre Intro 10-Injured-Anxious][$honest to $honest.fm(-5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5), $aflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You smile a little, looking at the shelf again. "Would you give it to me if I asked?"|Ayre Intro 10-Injured-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You shake your head. "No. I don’t need more junk."|Ayre Intro 10-Injured-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

As $atheir gaze slides up to meet yours, you smirk. “Do you count as something?” For a moment, <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> silent, one eyebrow raised as $athey study you. Then $atheir eyes narrow, and $athey <<averb matches match>> your smirk with one that feels more… ominous. “You should be more careful with your words,” $athey <<averb says say>> quietly. “You won’t always get what you wish for.” Of course, you’re aware of that. “I know—” you try to explain, but $athey <<averb cuts cut>> you off. “Good.” <<cap $atheir>> smirk doesn’t waver as $athey hold your gaze. “You wouldn’t want to get into trouble so early in your journey.” “What if I do?” Ayre shakes $atheir head <<if $catscratch>>and holds a hand out to you. “I think you’ve had enough already. Give me your hand.” You drop your eyes to the table between you, finally noticing the array of first aid supplies in the nylon case. “Just bandages?” You ask. “No magic or anything?” Ayre smiles, that same sly expression you’ve seen a few times already. “If you’d prefer. You have a choice: I can use my <i>magic</i>, or you can replace the rag with a more appropriate bandage.” You notice the distinct <i>you</i> in the second part of that statement. Maybe <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> not familiar with human first aid… but then, why the kit? <ul> <li class="ch">[["Give " + $athem + " your hand."|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-Hand][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Take care of it yourself.|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-NoHand][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul> <<else>>and picks up a bottle of pills from the case on the table. “I think you’ve had enough already.” You drop your eyes to the table between you, finally noticing the array of first aid supplies. As far as you can tell, it’s perfectly normal. “Really?” You ask. “No magic or anything?” Ayre smiles, that same sly expression you’ve seen a few times already. “If you’d prefer. You have a choice: I can use my <i>magic</i>, or you can take a dose of these and get some rest.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb shakes shake>> the bottle slightly, and you recognize the label. It appears to be a regular bottle of generic painkillers. But what use would the Fae have for keeping something like this around? <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $athem + " do the magic."|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-Magic][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Just take the painkillers.|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-NoMagic][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul><</if>>

<<cap $atheir>> golden eyes come up to meet yours, and you look away. “No," you reply quickly, embarrassed by $atheir attention on you. “Just curious.” You see $atheir smile out of the corner of your eye. “I see,” Ayre replies cryptically. “Don’t worry so much...” <<cap $athey>> <<averb rests rest>> $atheir chin on the knuckles of one hand. “I don’t bite, not really.” Your face flushes hot at that, and your wide eyes drop to your shoes. “Uh…” You force yourself to close your mouth before you look even more dumb. <<cap $athey>> <<averb lets let>> out a short chuckle. “Forgive me.” Giving up the teasing, $athey <<if $catscratch>><<averb holds hold>> out a hand for you. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind giving me your hand?” You turn your attention from $atheir hand to the table between you, finally noticing the array of first aid supplies in the nylon case. “Just bandages?” You ask. “No… magic?” As the words come out of your mouth, you realize it was a ridiculous question—you don’t even know what $athey <i>could</i> heal you with magic, let alone if $athey would. Ayre smiles again, that same sly expression you’ve seen a few times already. “If you’d prefer. You have a choice: I can use my <i>magic</i>, or you can replace the rag with a more appropriate bandage.” You can’t help noticing the distinct <i>you</i> in that second sentence. Why <<averb does do>> $athey even have a first aid kit in the first place, if $athey <<averb prefers prefer>> to heal everything with magic? <ul> <li class="ch">[["Give " + $athem + " your hand."|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-Hand][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Take care of it yourself.|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-NoHand][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul> <<else>><<averb holds hold>> up a bottle of pills. “Now, a choice: I can heal your bruises myself, or you can take a dose of these and get some rest.” You turn your eyes to the table between you, finally noticing the array of first aid supplies that you, as if waiting for you to have some reaction to the word. For the moment though, you’re $athey took the bottle from. As far as you can tell, it’s perfectly normal. “By yourself…” you repeat, “do you mean with magic?” Ayre inclines $atheir head. “Yes, <i>magic</i>.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb watches watch>> wondering why $athey would ever need this kit, if magic can do the healing. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $athem + " do the magic."|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-Magic][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Just take the painkillers.|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-NoMagic][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul><</if>>

You smile a little, looking at the shelf again. “Would you give it to me if I asked?” There are plenty of nice trinkets to admire, although you’re not sure you should even be thinking about adding anything else to your load. <<cap $atheir>> eyes slide from you to the shelf and back again, a sly smirk curving $atheir lips. “That would depend on what you asked for.” “I’d like that.” You raise a finger and point at a shelf, testing the offer. Ayre doesn’t even look. “No,” $athey <<averb says say>> simply. “You didn’t even see what I picked.” “I did, and you don’t need it, do you?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb replies reply>> <<if $catscratch>>and <<averb holds hold>> a hand out to you. “Now, if you would give me your hand.” You drop your eyes to the table between you, finally noticing the array of first aid supplies in the nylon case. “Just bandages?” You ask. “No magic or anything?” Ayre inclines $atheir head, smiling still. “If you’d prefer. You have a choice: I can use my <i>magic</i>, or you can replace the rag with a more appropriate bandage.” You notice the distinct <i>you</i> in the second part of that statement. Maybe <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> not familiar with human first aid… but then, why the kit? <ul> <li class="ch">[["Give " + $athem + " your hand."|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-Hand][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Take care of it yourself.|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-NoHand][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul> <<else>>and <<averb picks pick>> up a bottle of pills from the case on the table. “Now, for your bruises….” You drop your eyes to the table between you, finally noticing the array of first aid supplies. As far as you can tell, it’s perfectly normal. “Really?” You ask. “No magic or anything?” Ayre inclines $atheir head, smiling still. “If you’d prefer. You have a choice: I can use my <i>magic</i>, or you can take a dose of these and get some rest.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb shakes shake>> the bottle slightly, and you recognize the label. It appears to be a regular bottle of generic painkillers. But what use would the Fae have for keeping something like this around? <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $athem + " do the magic."|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-Magic][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Just take the painkillers.|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-NoMagic][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul><</if>>

“No.” You shake your head. “I don’t need more junk.” Oddly, $athey <<averb smiles smile>> at that. “No, I suppose you don’t.” “Sorry?” You reply, surprised by $atheir response. Ayre’s eyes turn to your <<if $walkingstick && $pocket>>walking stick and bags<<elseif $walkingstick>>walking stick and bag<<elseif $pocket>>bags<<else>>bag<</if>> leaning against the side of your chair. “You have a long way to go,” $athey <<averb explains explain>>. “You shouldn’t weigh yourself down any further.” You narrow your eyes suspiciously. “You don’t know where I’m going.” <<cap $athey>> couldn’t know, unless… Ayre shrugs calmly. “I don’t, but I have my guesses. You wouldn’t need to pack so much if you were only going this far.” <<if $catscratch>><<cap $athey>> <<averb holds hold>> a hand out to you. “We can discuss your destination <i>after</i> your wounds are treated. If you would give me your hand?” You drop your eyes to the table between you, finally noticing the array of first aid supplies in the nylon case. “Just bandages?” You ask. “No magic or anything?” Ayre inclines $atheir head, smiling. “If you’d prefer. You have a choice: I can use my <i>magic</i>, or you can replace the rag with a more appropriate bandage.” You notice the distinct <i>you</i> in the second part of that statement. Maybe <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> not familiar with human first aid… but then, why the kit? <ul> <li class="ch">[["Give " + $athem + " your hand."|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-Hand][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Take care of it yourself.|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-NoHand][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul> <<else>><<cap $athey>> <<averb picks pick>> up a bottle of pills and <<averb extends extend>> it toward you. “We can discuss your destination <i>after</i> you’re treated.” You drop your eyes to the table between you, finally noticing the array of first aid supplies. As far as you can tell, it’s all perfectly normal. “Really?” You ask. “No magic or anything?” Ayre inclines $atheir head, smiling. “If you’d prefer. You have a choice: I can use my <i>magic</i>, or you can take a dose of these and get some rest.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb shakes shake>> the bottle slightly, and you recognize the label. It appears to be a regular bottle of generic painkillers. But what use would the Fae have for keeping something like this around? <ul> <li class="ch">[["Let " + $athem + " do the magic."|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-Magic][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]]</li> <li class="ch">[[Just take the painkillers.|Ayre Intro 11-Injured-NoMagic][$curious to $curious.fm(-5)]]</li> </ul><</if>>

“Alright,” you say, extending your hastily bandaged hand. “I’ll <i>trust</i> you.” A pleased smile curves Ayre’s mouth at $athey <<averb takes take>> your hand into your own. “I appreciate your willingness.” Even though you agreed, $atheir words still sound a little intimidating… but maybe you’re just imagining it. Ayre carefully inspects your hand, the tips of $atheir gold claws tracing delicately over the skin of your palm. “Interesting,” $athey <<averb remarks, remark,>> releasing your hand. “I suppose that now you know better than to pet strange cats.” <<if $honest < 50>> “I didn’t pet it,” you lie, frowning. You don’t want to look stupid for just trying to pet a cat.<<else>> “I… How would you know?” You ask. The cat could have just scratched you for breaking into its house.<</if>> Ayre smirks a little as $athey <<averb removes remove>> each of the golden rings that tip $atheir fingers, setting them on the table between you. “She doesn’t usually scratch… unless you get too close.” “Usually?” Ayre unties the rag from your hand, then cradles your now-bare palm in $atheir own. “The alternative is that you’re truly, deeply evil… but I’ll keep that secret between us.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb cups cup>> $atheir other hand over the stinging back of your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Now,” $athey <<averb says, say,>> looking up into your eyes, “this will feel warm. Don’t be surprised.” Before you can ask <i>what</i> will feel warm, your palm starts to feel hot. You shudder a little, involuntarily, as the heat spreads through the rest of your hand, running down your fingers and tickling up your wrist. Ayre watches you closely, and you find it hard to think of anything to say. Your mind feels a little numb as you look for the words to describe the sensation. The feeling of $atheir magic is… a bit like standing on a beach, or curling up under an afternoon sunbeam. Considering Ayre’s feline characteristics, the thought brings a smile to your lips. “Oh, really?” Ayre says, giving your hand another brief squeeze. Your eyebrows raise. “Did you… hear what I was thinking?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb shakes shake>> $atheir head, smirking at you again. “I’m a talented guesser.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb smooths smooth>> $atheir palm over the back of your hand, gently brushing $atheir fingers over your skin as $athey <<averb pulls pull>> that hand away. “Oh,” you say, surprised to find a set of thin, pink scars where your scratches had been. “Is it going to stay like that?” “No,” Ayre says, letting you take your hand back. “Your skin should be clear by the morning.” <<cap $athey>> begin slowly replacing the rings on $atheir fingers while you study the results. You nod, tracing your own fingers over the scars as you sit back in your chair. “Thank you,” you say. “Certainly.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb nods nod>>. “Now, we should talk.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“The magic…” you say, “what would that be, exactly?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb smiles smile>> at you, returning the bottle to the table. “I would take your hands, and pass some healing energy through your body. It would feel warm, and would heal the damage from your… incident.” As if anticipating your response, $athey <<averb begins begin>> to remove the gold claws that tip each of $atheir fingers, setting each ring down beside the bottle. You nod slowly. “Alright.” You’ve never <i>volunteered</i> to have magic used on you before, but your aches and bruises could use the healing. “Let’s do it.” Ayre smiles a little wider and holds $atheir hands out to you, but you hesitate. Is this really safe? "You promised to trust me," $athey <<averb reminds remind>> you gently, golden eyes locked onto yours. Slowly, you lift your hands to meet $atheirs. The High Fae's fingertips skate over your palms and down your wrists, sliding up your sleeves until $atheir palms come to rest at your pulse. <<cap $atheir>> hands are warm, and you grasp $atheir sleeves in return, waiting for something to happen. The warmth runs up your arms like gooseflesh, and you shudder suddenly. It crawls up your neck in little fingers and drips down the length of your spine. You shiver again, trying to fight the urge to pull away. "Calm," Ayre whispers, an oddly pleased smile on $atheir lips. You take a deep breath. As the feeling of warmth bleeds through your chest, it becomes easier to relax. The feeling of this magic is… a bit like standing on a beach, or curling up under an afternoon sunbeam. Considering Ayre’s feline characteristics, the thought brings a smile to your lips. “Oh, really?” Ayre says, $atheir fingers curling around your wrists. Your eyebrows raise as you look up at $athem again. “Did you… hear what I was thinking?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb shakes shake>> $atheir head, smirking. “I’m a talented guesser.” Slowly, your skin begins to cool, and Ayre pulls $atheir hands away, the tips of $atheir bare fingers grazing over the skin at the insides of your wrists. You clasp your hands together, your fingers feeling cold as $atheir magic fades. The room feels even cooler than it did before as $athey <<averb leans lean>> back in $atheir chair. “Go ahead,” $athey <<averb says say>>, “try stretching again. You shouldn’t feel anything.” You do, rolling your shoulders like you did before. The pinch is gone, and as you shift in your seat, you find that the rest of you feels just as good as it did <i>before</i> your journey began. “Wow,” you say, before you realize that the word has left your mouth. Ayre smiles. “Thank you,” you tell them, settling back into the chair. “Certainly.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb nods. nod.>> “Now, we should talk.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“I’ll just take the bandages,” you say, reaching instead for the kit on the table. “Certainly.” Ayre sits back in $atheir chair as you do, crossing $atheir legs. “What do you have this for, anyway?” You ask as you sort through the supplies for what you need. The case really is stocked, full of a variety of bandages, ointments, pills, and other tools. “If you can just use magic to heal, why have a first aid kit at all?” Ayre smiles, resting $atheir chin on an upturned hand. “For the same reason I assume you keep one in your home. Healing takes time and energy, and on some occasions you may need to handle an emergency <i>without</i> it.” You hadn’t ever considered that there was something that the Fae <i>wouldn’t</i> use magic for. “Do you have a lot of those emergencies?” you ask, carefully cleaning your wound. “Jolenn has the largest share of those emergencies. <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb isn aren>>’t as skilled at healing.” You nod, wrapping a fresh bandage around your hand. You suppose it makes sense, if Ayre is a High Fae and Jolenn isn’t. The High Fae are supposed to have a stronger attunement to magic than any of the others. As you finish off the bandage, Ayre leans forward again to help you organize everything back into the case. “It looks much better,” $athey <<averb comments comment>>, standing over you as $athey <<averb goes go>> to return the case to its shelf. “Thanks,” you say, almost automatically. <<cap $athey>> <<averb steps step>> back around the chairs again, sinking once more into $atheir seat. “Now, we should talk.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb smiles smile>> at you, clasping $atheir hands. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“I’ll just take the medicine,” you say, holding out a hand for the bottle. “Certainly.” Ayre hands it to you, rising from $atheir chair at the same time. “Allow me to get you some water.” “What do you have this for, anyway?” You ask as you turn the bottle around in your hands, studying the labels. “If you can just use magic to heal, why have a first aid kit at all?” As far as you can tell, it appears identical to the one you have at home. Ayre returns from across the room with a small plastic bottle of water, and $athey smile as $athey offer it to you. “For the same reason I assume you keep one in your home. Healing takes time and energy, and on some occasions you may need to handle an emergency <i>without</i> it.” You hadn’t ever considered that there was something that the Fae <i>wouldn’t</i> use magic for. “And the water bottle?” you ask, carefully unscrewing its cap. “I promise you, it’s perfectly safe.” Ayre sits down once more, crossing $atheir legs. “We don’t have filtered water here, so I keep a few of these in case we happen to need them.” “In case?” You ask, tipping a couple of pills into your hand. “You don’t usually drink water?” Ayre takes the bottle of pills from your hand after you’ve screwed the lid back, and $athey return it to the case. “Wine and mead are more popular here.” You find it hard to believe that the Fae here don’t drink water—<i>everyone</i> drinks water—but $athey <<averb doesn don>>’t offer any more explanation as $athey stand to return the case to its shelf. You swallow the pills quickly. “Thanks,” you say, almost automatically. <<cap $athey>> <<averb steps step>> back around the chairs again, sinking once more into $atheir seat. “Now, we should talk.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb smiles smile>> at you, clasping $atheir hands. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 12]]</li> </ul>

“What exactly is it that you’re looking for?” Ayre continues. “And how did that bring you here?” “Right…” you reply, reminded that even if you are a “guest,” you still arrived uninvited. You sigh. You <i>do</i> have to explain if you want to get any help, but… should you? Are these Fae really going to help you if you tell them? There’s no way to know for certain. If you do tell Ayre, you suppose it can’t get you into any more trouble than you’re already in. Leo is already kidnapped, and you’re already trapped in a building full of Fae that might still kill you. “I’m trying to find my brother,” you explain. “I just wanted to see if he’d maybe been through here.” Ayre nods slowly, studying your face as you speak. “And why would your brother have been here at all?” “We… I think he was taken by the—” you pause, realizing what you’re about to say. There’s no way to make it sound less rude than it is, but you’d really rather not say something that might upset $athem. “Well, your people. The High Fae… for the full moon’s feast.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb raises raise>> both $atheir eyebrows at that, looking surprised. “Is that so?” You nod. “I’m afraid you must be mistaken.” <<if $gentle < 50>>You frown at that. “Oh I get it, you’re trying to protect your family, right?” It was stupid to even come here, thinking you could get one of the High Fae to actually help you. “Certainly not.” Ayre regards you calmly, even as your posture stiffens. “I am as estranged from the High Fae as any of my guests here. I mean you are <i>mistaken</i> because the tradition of stealing children for the full moon feast ended at least a decade ago.” You have to admit, that does make sense. Nobody has reported kids lost around the full moon in so long that even <i>your</i> parents had stopped keeping you inside around that time of the month. “Well that doesn’t change the fact that he went missing in the forest. He’s smart, he had protections, and whoever took him had to be smart enough to break them.” <<else>>You shake your head. “He went missing in the forest. This wasn’t just a regular kidnapping.” Ayre taps a claw-tipped finger against $atheir chin thoughtfully. “It’s not an unreasonable conclusion for a <i>human</i> to draw, but I say you’re mistaken because the tradition of stealing children for the full moon feast ended at least a decade ago.” It makes sense. Nobody has reported kids lost around the full moon in so long that even <i>your</i> parents had stopped keeping you inside around that time of the month. “Leo’s smart, and he had protections. Whoever took him was smart and strong enough to break them, so… it had to be the High Fae.”<</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 13]]</li> </ul>

Turning your attention back to Ayre, you finally notice that the gold claws you had seen on $atheir fingers earlier are now gone. While $athey certainly <<averb isn't aren't>> lacking jewelry without them, $athey <<averb does do>> look a little less intimidating. In fact, $athey <<averb looks look>> quite human with $atheir eyes turned away from you, like a <<if $athey eq "he">>prince<<else>>noble<</if>> stepped off the pages of a modern fantasy novel. “<<if $agender eq "male">>He's<<elseif $agender eq "female">>She's<<else>>They're<</if>> the best, right?” Jolenn leans in to speak closer to your ear, making your shoulders jump in surprise. “I wish $athey’d play more, but $athey <<averb doesn't don't>> like being on the stage much.” You can definitely hear the skill in the bending notes and quick scales, though you have to wonder how any of the guests consider this music dance-able. The song you’d heard Jolenn playing earlier made a lot more sense for this sort of party… maybe that’s why Ayre doesn’t play for them. “So you’re both guitarists?” You ask Jolenn, absently filling in the conversation as you think. “Well…” The faun laughs at your question. “Ayre’s much better than me. I only learned enough to play along when I sing.” A self-deprecating smile crosses $jtheir lips as $jthey <<averb turns turn>> $jtheir gaze back to you. “I got bored of learning after that.” “Really?” Jolenn nods, $jtheir smile growing. “I’ll play my best for you, though.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb winks. wink.>> <<if $jflirt > 0>>You smile at that, dragging your eyes away from $jthem<<else>>You roll your eyes away from $jthem<</if>> and toward another wall of the room, which you can only catch glimpses of through the mass of moving bodies. There are tables lined against the wall, stacked with glasses of drinks and chafing dishes that you assume must have food for the guests. Your stomach twists, reminding you that you never had dinner in the midst of all the trouble at your house. Seemingly noticing your stare, Jolenn taps your shoulder again, leaning in to speak. “Have you eaten?” You shake your head. “I can get you something.” You shake your head again, looking back at $jthem. “I can’t eat anything here,” you remind the faun, and $jthey <<jverb looks look>> puzzled by that. “You…” $jthey stop on the first word, nodding. “Right! Hang on, I’ve got something.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb grins grin>> at you, holding up both hands. “Don’t go anywhere!” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 14]]</li> </ul>

Alone for the moment, your eyes fall back on the High Fae on the stage. <<cap $atheir>> fingers are quick on the strings, and you realize that $atheir hidden foot is tapping a pair of pedals on the floor, adjusting the buzz and reverberation of $atheir guitar. In another reality, you could imagine watching $athem like this on a real stage at a bar or a music festival. You’re almost too distracted by the thought to notice when $atheir eyes flicker up to catch yours. Ayre smiles slyly, though most of $atheir expression is shaded by the brim of $atheir hat. <<cap $athey>> <<averb bends bend>> one long note, and then another, holding your gaze as if $athey <<averb doesn don>>’t even need to look down. Jolenn reappears at your side, seemingly out of nowhere, and whatever spell had held your focus on Ayre’s feline eyes is broken. “Here,” the faun says, holding a silvery packet up for you. “It’s safe, promise! I got it from the store.” The light catches on the Pop-Tarts logo as you take it from $jtheir hand and turn it over. “You just… have these?” “Yeah,” Jolenn grins. “They’re my favorite. I've got a bunch though, don’t worry.” It hadn’t yet occurred to you to worry, or to think that you might be taking too much, but you nod anyway. <<if $anxious > 50>> Still, you can’t eat this. Even with the reassurance, you know better than to try any kind of food that comes from Fae territory. <<if $honest > 50>>You hand the packet back to Jolenn, much to $jtheir confusion. “Sorry,” you say, “I’ll find something else.” Slowly, $jthey <<jverb nods nod>>, peeling the packet open to eat it $jthemself.<<else>><<set $poptarts to true>>You open your bag, tucking the packet in among your other supplies. “I’ll save it for later,” you lie, “for when I really need it.” Jolenn looks at you a little curiously, then $jthey nod as if $jthey might have expected you do just that.<</if>><<else>>You peel the packet open, checking to make sure it looks normal. As far as you can see, there isn’t anything that looks like magic on them… just frosting. You take a bite, and Jolenn looks pleased, turning $jtheir attention back to $jtheir friend.<</if>> “So,” the faun says after a quiet pause, “what <i>are</i> you looking for?” You sigh. You <i>do</i> have to explain if you want to get any help, but… should you? Are these Fae really going to help you if you tell them? There’s no way to know for certain. If you do tell Jolenn, you suppose it can’t get you into any more trouble than you’re already in. Leo is already kidnapped, and you’re already trapped in a building full of Fae that might still kill you. “My brother,” you say, mustering the will to say it loud enough for $jthem to hear. “We… I think he was taken by the High Fae, for the full moon’s feast.” The faun turns to look at you suddenly, $jtheir expression clearly confused. “Why do you think that?” $jthey <<jverb asks, ask,>> frowning. “Well it’s not a coincidence that he went missing now.” Jolenn shakes $jtheir head. “Did you even see who took him? It could’ve been a human.” <<if $gentle < 50>>You frown back. “Oh I get it, you’re trying to protect your friends, right?” It was stupid to even come here, you realize. It was ridiculous to think you could get one of the Fae to actually help you. “No!” Jolenn holds $jtheir hands up, trying to calm you. “It’s just… the High Fae haven’t <i>had</i> a full moon feast in, like, years. I mean, not like the kind where they’re… eating human kids.” You have to admit, that does make sense. Nobody has reported kids lost around the full moon in so long that even <i>your</i> parents had stopped keeping you inside around that time of the month. “Well that doesn’t change the fact that he went missing in the forest. He’s smart, he had protections, and whoever took him had to be smart enough to break them.” <<else>>It’s your turn to shake your head. “He went missing in the forest, there shouldn’t have even <i>been</i> other humans around.” Jolenn’s eyebrows knit together in thought, as if it isn't clear what happened to Leo. “It’s just… there hasn’t been a full moon feast in, like, years. I mean, they just eat regular food now, not like… human kids.” Part of you doesn't want to admit that it makes sense. Nobody has reported kids lost around the full moon in so long that even <i>your</i> parents had stopped keeping you inside around that time of the month. But if that's not why he was taken, then why? “Leo’s smart, and he had protections. Whoever took him was smart and strong enough to break them, so… it had to be the High Fae.”<</if>> <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 15]]</li> </ul>

“Look,” Jolenn says, $jtheir confusion starting to shift toward concern, “Maybe it’s… maybe it’s good you came here. I dunno why your brother was kidnapped, but you <i>really</i> can’t just, like, kidnap him back, especially by yourself.” “I’m not turning around until I find him,” you say firmly. You knew it wouldn’t be easy or safe, but you can’t leave Leo out here all alone. “I get it, yeah.” Jolenn chews $jtheir lip nervously. “I do… wanna help. But maybe Ayre might know a little more. Maybe someone else took him, or… maybe he just got lost?” For whatever reason, $jthey really <<jverb doesn't don't>> want to accept that the High Fae could have something to do with this. As if $athey had been listening, you see Ayre step off the stage, strumming a few fading notes before $athey <<averb unplugs unplug>> the guitar. Jolenn looks up as well, watching the High Fae approach you both. “I’m afraid your time is up,” Ayre says, an eyebrow raised toward Jolenn. “Right,” the faun replies, $jtheir smile shallower than before. “See you soon.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb gives give>> you a short, quick bow before $jthey <<jverb hurries hurry>> to take the High Fae’s place on the stage. “It seems we have a very serious discussion ahead of us,” Ayre says, $atheir attention returning to you. Just like in the hallway before, $atheir cat-like pupils dilate for moment as $athey <<averb studies study>> you. “Jolenn must have told you my name already?” You nod. “Good. I hope I’ll be able to help you… but I don’t believe I caught your name.” <ul> <li class="ch">[["\"" + $mcname + ",\" you reply with a smile. \"I'm sure there's plenty you could help me with.\""|Jolenn Intro 16-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Under " + $atheir + " direct attention like this, you feel your face grow warm. \"It's... I'm " + $mcname + ".\""|Jolenn Intro 16-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10), $aflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"I hope so, too,\" you reply. \"I'm " + $mcname + ".\""|Jolenn Intro 16-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Right," you say with no intention of giving your name. "Your friend wasn't much help at all."|Jolenn Intro 16-Fierce][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Fierce]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $namea to true>>“$mcname,” you reply with a smile. "I'm sure there's <i>plenty</i> you could help me with.” Ayre raises $atheir eyebrows at that. “That remains to be seen, I think.” <<cap $atheir>> gaze lingers on your for a moment even as the surprise relaxes from $atheir expression, as if <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> trying to figure something out. “Then I’ll trust you to show me,” you reply. Finally, $atheir calm smile returns. “I appreciate that. Now, I think we ought to have a seat.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb gestures gesture>> for you to follow as Jolenn’s first song begins. From the small stage, the faun shoots you a wink, watching as you head back into the hallway once more. “So, your brother is missing?” The High Fae says, holding the door for you. “What?” You ask, surprised. “How did you know that?” “I overheard your conversation,” $athey <<averb replies reply>> with just a hint of a smirk. “I have exceptionally good hearing. Now, you said you think that one of the High Fae had something to do with it?” You nod, but $athey <<averb has have>> already turned away from you, leading you back to $atheir own room. “Yeah. I’m trying to figure out where they took him.” Ayre hums in understanding, stepping into the room and gesturing to <<if $catscratch == true || $unicornwound == true>>the same chairs you had just sat in with Jolenn<<else>>a pair of high-backed armchairs, nestled into a broad corner bookshelf<</if>>. <<cap $athey>> gently <<averb presses press>> the door closed behind you before following you to the corner. <<cap $athey>> <<averb sets set>> $atheir guitar on a stand nearby, facing away from you. “This may not be the information you were hoping to find,” Ayre says as you both take your seats, “but I believe there may be another reason for your brother’s disappearance.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 17]]</li> </ul>

<<set $namea to true>>Under $atheir direct attention like this, you feel your face grow warm. "It's... I'm $mcname." Ayre inclines $atheir head politely, golden eyes still locked on yours. “Thank you, $mcname,” $athey <<averb speaks speak>> in something like a low purr, making the hairs on your neck stand up. “Should we go speak privately?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb continues, continue,>> and your eyes widen. “About your missing brother, I mean.” “What?” You ask, surprised. “How did you know that?” “I overheard your conversation,” $athey <<averb replies reply>> with just a hint of a smirk. “I have exceptionally good hearing. Now, you said you think that one of the High Fae had something to do with it?” You nod, but $athey <<averb has have>> already turned away from you, leading you back to $atheir own room. “Yeah. I’m trying to figure out where they took him.” Ayre hums in understanding, stepping into the room and gesturing to <<if $catscratch == true || $unicornwound == true>>the same chairs you had just sat in with Jolenn<<else>>a pair of high-backed armchairs, nestled into a broad corner bookshelf<</if>>. <<cap $athey>> gently <<averb presses press>> the door closed behind you before following you to the corner. <<cap $athey>> <<averb sets set>> $atheir guitar on a stand nearby, facing away from you. “This may not be the information you were hoping to find,” Ayre says as you both take your seats, “but I believe there may be another reason for your brother’s disappearance.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 17]]</li> </ul>

<<set $namea to true>>"I hope so, too," you reply. "I'm $mcname." Ayre smiles politely. “Thank you, $mcname,” $athey <<averb says, say,>> dipping $atheir head in something like a bow. “Should we find a seat?” “Sure,” you reply. It would probably be easier to talk without all the noise, anyway. You give Jolenn one last glance as you start to leave the room. <<cap $jtheir>> first song is just beginning, but $jthey <<jverb catches catch>> your eye, sending a wink your way before you disappear through the door. “So, your brother is missing?” The High Fae says, closing the hall door behind you both. “What?” You ask, surprised. “How did you know that?” “I overheard your conversation,” $athey <<averb replies reply>> with just a hint of a smirk. “I have exceptionally good hearing. Now, you said you think that one of the High Fae had something to do with it?” You nod, but $athey <<averb has have>> already turned away from you, leading you back to $atheir own room. “Yeah. I’m trying to figure out where they took him.” Ayre hums in understanding, stepping into the room and gesturing to <<if $catscratch == true || $unicornwound == true>>the same chairs you had just sat in with Jolenn<<else>>a pair of high-backed armchairs, nestled into a broad corner bookshelf<</if>>. <<cap $athey>> gently <<averb presses press>> the door closed behind you before following you to the corner. <<cap $athey>> <<averb sets set>> $atheir guitar on a stand nearby, facing away from you. “This may not be the information you were hoping to find,” Ayre says as you both take your seats, “but I believe there may be another reason for your brother’s disappearance.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 17]]</li> </ul>

"Right," you say with no intention of giving your name. "Your friend wasn't much help at all." Ayre seems unphased, sparing a calm glance toward Jolenn. “Contrarily, $jthey <<jverb was were>> quite helpful in bringing you to me, unharmed.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb smiles smile>> back at you once again. “Still, I’m sure I can offer some more assistance with your search.” “I hope so,” you reply firmly, heading toward the hall door. The High Fae follows after you as the first notes of Jolenn’s song ring out into the room. “You said you’re looking for your brother, is that right?” You pause in the doorway, turning to look Ayre in the face. “What?” You ask, surprised. “How would you know that?” “I overheard your conversation,” $athey <<averb replies reply>> smoothly. “I have exceptionally good hearing. Now, you said you think that one of the High Fae had something to do with it?” You frown at the response, and the idea that you can be so easily eavesdropped upon. “Yeah,” you answer, following $athem as $athey <<averb leads lead>> you to the door into $atheir room. “I’m trying to figure out where they took him.” Ayre hums in understanding, holding the door open to you. “Let’s have a seat, shall we? That might make this easier.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb smiles smile>>, gesturing to <<if $catscratch == true || $unicornwound == true>>the same chairs you had just sat in with Jolenn<<else>>a pair of high-backed armchairs, nestled into a broad corner bookshelf<</if>>. “Fine,” you sigh, ready to get this over with. Ayre follows you across the room quietly until you reach your chair, but the longer the quiet stretches on, the more doubtful you start to feel. <<cap $athey>> <<averb sets set>> $atheir guitar on a stand nearby, facing away from you. “This may not be the information you were hoping to find,” Ayre says as you both take your seats, “but I believe there may be another reason for your brother’s disappearance.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Jolenn Intro 17]]</li> </ul>

“<<jverb Does Do>> $jthey work for you?” You ask. Ayre certainly took a different tone with $jthem than $athey used for you. “No,” $athey <<averb replies, reply,>> a hint of a smile tilting $atheir lips as $athey <<averb shakes shake>> $atheir head. “We’re old friends.” Somehow, that seems more unlikely than your explanation. “So $jthey just <<jverb performs perform>> at your parties… for fun?” “We both do.” Ayre folds $atheir arms. “That is our role here, as hosts.” It’s your turn to shake your head. “I don’t get it. Why would you be <i>hosting</i> parties for the low Fae?” Everything you know about the High Fae tells you that they live entirely separate lives, <i>above</i> the low Fae, not among them. Ayre’s smile grows a little wider, and $athey <<averb shrugs. shrug.>> “<i>That</i> is an incredibly long story, for which we don’t currently have the time. For now, remember that I cannot lie to you. We are hosts, <i>you</i> are my guest, and as such I am offering you all the hospitality that I can.” You frown a little, considering. You know the stories say that the High Fae can’t lie, but it seems like the stories have also gotten a lot wrong. “Come along.” Ayre gestures for you to follow once again, turning to the second door along the wall. “I’m sure you’d like to sit down.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 9-Uninjured]]</li> </ul>

<<cap $athey>> <<averb pushes push>> the heavy door open, ushering you into the room beyond. Similar to the hall, the room is lit by mounted candles, but the floor is covered by a large, worn rug. Framed mirrors and paintings decorate the walls, and a fireplace (currently unlit) faces the foot of a broad, antique four-poster bed. Ayre strides across the room, toward a pair of high-backed armchairs nestled up to a broad corner bookshelf. “Have a seat,” $athey say, gesturing to one of the chairs. You follow, sitting down as the Fae sorts through some disorganized bottles on one shelf, clicking $atheir tongue. You turn in your chair to study the shelves. Most of the things there aren’t books, but collectibles of some sort. Among the collection of actual books, you spot some classics like Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray bound in leather. On another shelf, there are some unlabeled books that might be journals of some kind. The rest of the space is filled with ornate boxes, teacups, statuettes, and bottles. It reminds you of the eclectic antique shop in town, so full of junk that you can barely squeeze through the aisles. “You collect all these things?” You ask as Ayre returns, sitting down in the chair beside yours. <<cap $athey>> <<averb raises raise>> an eyebrow, looking back to the shelves. “No, these are mostly gifts. I have nowhere else to put them.” <<cap athey>> <<averb opens open>> a small black notebook, poising a pen over its pages. “Why, did something catch your eye?” <ul> <li class="ch">[["You smirk, meeting " + $atheir + " gaze. \"Do you count as something?\""|Ayre Intro 10-Uninjured-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5), $aflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"No,\" you reply quickly, embarrassed by " + $atheir + " attention on you. \"Just curious.\""|Ayre Intro 10-Uninjured-Anxious][$honest to $honest.fm(-5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5), $aflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You smile a little, looking at the shelf again. "Would you give it to me if I asked?"|Ayre Intro 10-Uninjured-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You shake your head. "No. I don’t need more junk."|Ayre Intro 10-Uninjured-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“This may not be the information you were hoping to find,” Ayre says, pausing as $athey <<averb scans scan>> your face once again, “but I believe there may be another reason for your brother’s disappearance.” “What is it?” You ask quickly, but the High Fae just purses $atheir lips, as if considering $atheir next words carefully. “I can’t say for certain, not without some additional input,” $athey <<averb says, say,>> crossing $atheir legs and leaning back into $atheir chair. "I <i>am</i> certain that your circumstances are... unusual, to say the least." “If you don’t know—” “Actually,” $athey <<averb interrupts interrupt>> you, “I know more than anyone you’re likely to find on your own.” “How?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb smiles smile>> their sly little smile once again. “Intuition.” You sigh at that. “I can take you to someone who can fill in the details for the both of us, if you’d be willing to follow me there.” You frown a little. This is treading right back into dangerous bargaining territory, considering that $atheir hospitality wouldn’t likely extend beyond $atheir home. “What’s in it for you?” You ask. “Satisfying my curiosity.” The smile doesn’t leave $atheir lips as $athey stare at you, decidedly not speaking another word. “I…” you pause, not sure how to answer. It could be a genuine offer, and maybe $athey could get you the information you need to find Leo. At the same time, you could be falling into a trap. After all, “someone who can fill in the details” could just be a vague way to describe Leo’s kidnapper, in the way the Fae like to spin their riddles. “I won’t force you to decide right now,” Ayre says, rising from $atheir chair. “We can step back into the main room for now, and you can have the night to consider your options. Besides, traveling by night is entirely too risky, as I'm sure you've discovered.” At least on the last point, $athey <<averb seems seem>> to be right. You stand slowly, collecting your belongings and following Ayre back out of the room. You had hoped that talking with $athem would give you more answers, not more questions. The High Fae pauses at the door to the room full of revelers, looking back at you. “Have you eaten?” $athey <<averb asks ask>>, and you shake your head automatically. <<cap $athey>> <<averb nods nod>> without another word, leading you through the doorway once more. From this side of the room, you have a bit more space between yourself and the crowd than you did when you first entered. Your eyes follow the attention of the dancers, landing on the faun from earlier. You hadn’t noticed the stage $jthey <<jverb stands stand>> on before, although it seems to be more like a low, broad step than what you’d ever consider a stage. Jolenn stands in the center, strumming $jtheir acoustic guitar and singing a song you don’t recognize. Judging by the rapt attention of the guests, it must be a popular one. “Wait here,” Ayre speaks, closer than you expected, before striding off across the room. <<cap $athey>> <<averb disappears disappear>> beyond the crowd as you press your back to the wall, hoping to stay out of sight this time. On the stage, the faun begins to play another song, more upbeat than the last, and each of the Fae that had stood still to listen begin to dance again. It seems like Jolenn enjoys the crowd, grinning as $jthey <<jverb sings sing>> like <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> performing for all $jtheir closest friends. The crowd seems to share the sentiment, beaming right back. When your eyes return from watching the swirl of colorful figures, you find Jolenn’s eyes on you. <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb winks wink>> and sing a little louder as if the song is for you, but you don’t understand the words. It must be some sort of Fae language… though you don’t remember learning about any in your history classes. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 14]]</li> </ul>

“Here you are,” Ayre says, appearing before you. You break your eyes away from Jolenn’s performance, a little surprised that the High Fae had managed to sneak up on you. <<cap $athey>> <<averb holds hold>> some sort of pastry out to you, wrapped in a paper napkin. You look down at it doubtfully. “You <i>are</i> still trusting me, aren’t you?” $athey <<averb asks ask>>, raising an eyebrow. “You can eat it, but feel free to sprinkle some of your salt on it if you’re unsure.” <<if $anxious > 50>> You can’t eat this. Even with the reassurance, you know better than to try any kind of food that comes from Fae territory. <<if $honest > 50>>“I really shouldn’t,” you say, “I’ll find something else.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb looks look>> at you curiously, but <<averb draws draw>> $atheir hand back, folding $atheir arms.<<else>>“Sure,” you lie, taking the pastry from $atheir hand. “I’ll dig the salt out of my bag in a bit.” <<cap $atheir>> eyebrow stays up, but $athey <<averb nods nod>>, accepting your excuse.<</if>><<else>>You take the pastry from $atheir hand, giving it a cautious sniff. Your best guess is that it must be savory, but you can’t tell much else about it. Ayre looks on curiously as you take a pinch of salt from the container in your bag, sprinkling it over the top of the pastry before you take an experimental bite. It’s… good, actually. It seems to be full of a mix of vegetables, with a hint of spice. Ayre gives you a satisfied smile before $atheir eyes turn off toward Jolenn on the small stage.<</if>> “This is $jtheir calling, you know,” $athey comment, reminding you of your earlier conversation. “<<cap $jthey>> couldn’t do anything else, even if $jthey wanted to.” “What do you mean?” Ayre tips $atheir head to one side thoughtfully. “All of this, the parties, the entertaining… all of this was $jtheir idea. I would have been happy to live here in silence and solitude, but $jthey couldn’t. <<cap $jthey>> convinced me.” Having seen Ayre’s dedication to $atheir role as a host, you wouldn’t have thought that $athey had ever wanted anything else. It seems to come to $athem naturally. <<if $aflirt > 0>>The more you discover about $athem, the more you find yourself wishing to learn.<</if>> You both stand against the wall, watching Jolenn play through one final song before $jthey <<jverb steps step>> down from the stage with a flourished bow. The faun’s attention immediately lands on the two of you, and $jthey <<jverb hurries hurry>> across the room to talk to you. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 15]]</li> </ul>

“Hey!” Jolenn grins, shrugging $jtheir guitar around to $jtheir back. “Hope you’re here for the private encore.” That comment is just for you, judging by the way $jthey <<jverb ignores ignore>> Ayre’s obvious eye roll. “I’m Jolenn,” the faun continues, “but I bet Ayre’s already told you.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb grins, grin,>> the freckled skin across $jtheir nose wrinkling. It’s hard to imagine $jthey might even get along with Ayre, after what you’ve seen of the other. The two seem like perfect opposites. “Yes," the High Fae interrupts, "I have. Unfortunately, we have more serious concerns to deal with." Jolenn waves a dismissive hand, deep green eyes still locked on yours. "It can wait a little longer," $jthey say, stepping closer still. "Y'know, I didn't catch your name," $jthey <<jverb winks, wink,>> a confident smirk tilting $jtheir lips. “Saw you watching and I thought ‘This song can’t be over fast enough.’” Beside you, Ayre sighs, crossing $atheir arms. <ul> <li class="ch">[["\"" + $mcname + ".\" You smile back. \"What else were you thinking?\""|Ayre Intro 16-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"I, uh,\" you mumble, embarrassed, \"My name’s " + $mcname + ".\""|Ayre Intro 16-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10), $jflirt to 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"I’m " + $mcname + ",\" you say politely, stepping aside to give yourself some space."|Ayre Intro 16-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You frown, making some space between you. "I actually do have more important issues right now."|Ayre Intro 16-Stoic][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-10)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The High Fae">>“What is it?” You ask quickly, but the High Fae just purses $atheir lips, as if considering $atheir next words carefully. “I can’t say for certain, not without some additional input,” $athey <<averb says, say,>> crossing $atheir legs and leaning into the back of $atheir chair. "I <i>am</i> certain that your circumstances are... unusual, to say the least." “If you don’t know—” “Actually,” $athey <<averb interrupts interrupt>> you, “I know more than anyone you’re likely to find on your own.” “How?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb smiles smile>> $atheir sly little smile once again. “Intuition.” You sigh at that. “I can take you to someone who can fill in the details for the both of us, if you’d be willing to follow me there.” You frown a little. This is treading right back into dangerous bargaining territory, considering that $atheir hospitality wouldn’t likely extend beyond $atheir home. “What’s in it for you?” You ask. “Satisfying my curiosity.” The smile doesn’t leave $atheir lips as $athey stare at you, decidedly not speaking another word. “I…” you pause, not sure how to answer. It could be a genuine offer, and maybe $athey could get you the information you need to find Leo. At the same time, you could be falling into a trap. After all, “someone who can fill in the details” could just be a vague way to describe Leo’s kidnapper, in the way the Fae like to spin their riddles. “I won’t make you decide right now.” Ayre speaks up after you both sit in silence for a moment. “Why don’t you get some rest for the night, and decide what you’ll do in the morning? Besides, traveling by night is entirely too risky, as I'm sure you've discovered. I can have Jolenn prepare $jtheir room for you.” <ul> <li class="ch">[["Why not this room?" You ask, a smirk curling your lips. "It seems a lot nicer…"|Jolenn Intro 18-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(5), $aflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Oh, really?" You reply, hoping you don’t sound as disappointed as you feel.|Jolenn Intro 18-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(5), $aflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["You raise an eyebrow at the idea. \"So would " + $jthey + " and I be sharing, or…?\""|Jolenn Intro 18-Curious][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Curious]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["That would be nice. Thank you," you say gratefully.|Jolenn Intro 18-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["No, thank you," you reply firmly. "I’ll go now, and find a place to camp."|Jolenn Intro 18-Leave][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

“Why not this room?” You ask, a smirk curling your lips. “It seems a lot nicer…” As long as you’re getting the opportunity to stay, you’d certainly like to spend more time around the High Fae. Ayre’s eyes narrow slightly as $athey <<averb looks look>> at you, though a hint of a smile remains on $atheir lips. “My bedroom isn’t for guests, I’m afraid.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb rises rise>> from $atheir seat. “Jolenn would be happy to let you take $jtheir bed.” “So you expect me to share with $jthem?” You ask, standing up after $athem. “No.” You watch $athem cross the room once more, opening a chest near $atheir bed. “So <i>Jolenn</i> is allowed to share with you?” “Yes.” Ayre turns to you with a subtly mocking smile. “If you keep that quick wit, you might just survive this journey.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb returns return>> to you once more, holding up a bundle of fabric to you. “What’s this?” You ask, taking it from $atheir hands. It’s black, and quite soft as you turn it over. “A towel.” Your eyes slide back up to meet $atheirs. “I’d prefer if you didn’t ruin $jtheir blankets with that dirt on your clothes. The issue of laundry here is rather challenging.” <<cap $atheir>> smile actually widens a bit at your frown. “Thanks,” you say quickly, eyeing the dirt, leaves, and needles that have already started clinging to your outfit. Maybe <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> right. “You're welcome to keep it,” $athey reply, eyes quickly turning back toward the door again when you look up. “You ought to wait for your host.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Ayre steps back out into the hall, leaving you behind.|Jolenn Goodnight 1]]</li> </ul>

“Oh, really?” You reply, hoping you don’t sound as disappointed as you feel. You might have liked the opportunity to get to know the High Fae a little better… Ayre smiles calmly at you, and for a moment you think you hid your reaction well. “My bedroom isn’t for guests, I’m afraid,” $athey <<averb says say>>, shattering that illusion. Your cheeks feel warm. “Jolenn, on the other hand, would be happy to let you take $jtheirs.” “Okay,” you reply, looking anywhere but at the smirk that tilts $atheir lips. “Um… thank you.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb rises rise>> from $atheir seat, leaving you to fidget with your fingers alone, mentally scolding yourself for being too easy to read. <<cap $athey>> <<averb returns return>> to you once more, holding up a bundle of fabric to you. “What’s this?” You ask, taking it from $atheir hands. It’s black, and quite soft as you turn it over. “A towel.” Your eyes slide back up to meet $atheirs. “I’d prefer if you didn’t ruin $jtheir blankets with that dirt on your clothes. The issue of laundry here is rather challenging.” <<cap $atheir>> smile actually widens a bit at your frown. “Thanks,” you say quickly, eyeing the dirt, leaves, and needles that have already started clinging to your outfit. Maybe <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> right. “You're welcome to keep it,” $athey reply, eyes quickly turning back toward the door again when you look up. “Now, you ought to wait for your host.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Ayre steps back out into the hall, leaving you behind.|Jolenn Goodnight 1]]</li> </ul>

You raise an eyebrow at the idea. “So would $jthey and I be sharing, or…?” Ayre raises $atheir brows, an almost stunned expression on $atheir face. “No,” $athey <<averb says, say,>> pausing as if to consider $atheir response. “You’ll have the room to yourself.” “Oh,” you reply, not exactly surprised by the response, <<if $jflirt > 1>>but at least a little disappointed to not see any more of Jolenn for the evening.<<else>>but still happy to get a little privacy after being handed back and forth all evening.<</if>> A shallow smile curls $atheir lips at your response. “We’ll all have time to socialize in the morning, I assure you.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb stands stand>> from $atheir chair, apparently ending the conversation there, to cross the room back to the door. “And until then?” You ask, rising from your seat after $athem. Ayre pauses to look you up and down, lingering in the doorway. “You could clean up and get some rest.” You frown, looking down at the dirt, leaves, and needles that have already started clinging to your outfit. Maybe <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> right. “For now,” $athey <<averb continues continue>>, “we should wait for Jolenn.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Ayre steps back out into the hall, leaving you behind.|Jolenn Goodnight 1]]</li> </ul>

You’d expected to spend your first night camping, but… “That would be nice. Thank you,” you say gratefully. Ayre smiles back at you, giving you a polite nod. “I wouldn’t normally <i>allow</i> guests overnight, but we don’t usually have guests without a place to sleep.” “Oh,” you reply, “well I had planned to just camp outside…” <<cap $athey>> <<averb waves wave>> a hand, dismissing the idea. “You’ll be much safer here, I can promise you.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb stands stand>> from $atheir chair, turning back to the door again. “Well thank you… again,” you say, standing up after $athem. “Certainly.” The High Fae turns to you, lingering in the doorway for a moment. “You should take the opportunity to prepare yourself… mentally, physically, or whatever you feel you need. I think you’ll find the journey more taxing than you expect.” You raise your eyebrows a little at that. “Right… I will.” Again, $athey <<averb seems seem>> to be suggesting that $athey <<averb knows know>> more than <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> letting on. <<cap $athey>> <<averb gives give>> you another smile. “Good. Then we should wait for Jolenn.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Ayre steps back out into the hall, leaving you behind.|Jolenn Goodnight 1]]</li> </ul>

<<set $camping to 1>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>“No, thank you.” There’s no way you’re going to stay here overnight. You’ve had enough of being surrounded by the Fae. “I’ll go now, and find a place to camp.” Ayre just slightly raises $atheir eyebrows, as if unsurprised, and opens $atheir hands in front of $athem. “You’re welcome to stay or leave; I won’t attempt to force you either way.” “Good,” you reply, standing and gathering your belongings once again. The High Fae observes you passively, and rises from $atheir seat after you’ve begun to cross the room. “If you would like to discuss my offer further, you’re welcome to come back,” $athey <<averb says say>>, pausing when you turn back to look at them. “I’m not coming back.” Ayre shrugs. “Entirely up to you.” Something about the way $athey <<averb says say>> it seems smug, once again seeming to suggest that $athey <<averb knows know>> more than <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> letting on. Still, you turn and leave. The longer you stay here, being handed off and listening to whatever these Fae have to say, the more you risk being ensnared. Nobody stands in your way or tries to stop you this time as you push open the back door, stepping out into the cool night. The moon is still high — a welcome sight meaning that you didn’t waste too much time inside. You start walking, determined to make it far enough from the building that you can’t hear the noise of the revel any longer; far enough that Jolenn or Ayre wouldn’t find you by accident. In this direction, there is no proper path. By the scraps of moonlight that filter through the trees, you can make out patches of dirt and trampled grass on the ground, at least enough to guide you away from the Fae. It occurs to you that the path you’d found before was oddly short, if it only led between that stone building and the treehouse. You might have missed something, but you certainly can’t go back now, not when one of the Fae knows you’re out here. A sudden shiver reminds you of your goal. You pause, listening for the sound of stomping feet or music, but you can’t hear it any longer. This will have to be good enough for the night. If you can get far enough out of view, you might be able to start hiking again in the morning, when those Fae would likely be asleep. Winding away from the barely-there footpath, you try to find a good location to stop for the night. Eventually, you come to a patch of trees, better lit than the path you’d been following, where the low branches and arching roots offer a little cover. It will have to work for now, so that you can make camp.

“Sure,” you reply, “but… why <i><<averb is are>></i> $athey the only one that knows anything?” Jolenn tips $jtheir head curiously at that. “Why…? Huh.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb tugs tug>> on $jtheir guitar strap again. “I guess $athey <<averb feels feel>> like it helps to keep us safe. There’s, uh…” $jthey <<jverb scuffs scuff>> a hoof against the floor. “There’s some people that we’d rather not see in this part of the woods, y’know?” “What kind of people? Worse than the High Fae?” <<cap $jtheir>> smile turns awkward. “Just… the kind you don’t wanna run into.” It seems that $jthey can tell you aren’t satisfied with that answer, because $jthey <<jverb starts start>> talking again before you can. “It’s a long story, honestly. Maybe I can explain after we all get a little cat nap?” Slowly, the playful smile slips back onto $jtheir face. Whatever the answer is, it seems you won’t be getting it now. “Alright…” you reply cautiously. “Where am I staying, then?” Jolenn’s expression brightens, and $jthey <<jverb gestures gesture>> for you to follow further down the hall. You pass <<if $catscratch === true || $unicornwound === true>>the door that led you to Ayre’s room earlier<<else>>the second door along the wall<</if>>, coming to a stop in front of the third and final door. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Goodnight 1]]</li> </ul>

“Yeah…” you reply, looking shyly away from $jtheir pleased grin. “I could stay.” You’d planned to camp for the night, but part of you <i>really</i> doesn’t want to say goodbye to $jthem just yet. “Y’know, I was worried you might say that…” The faun says, and you look up to find $jthem turning $jtheir eyes away, playing bashful. “What?” you say, as if you’d misheard $jthem. “I mean…” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb turns turn>> back to you, a wicked smile playing at $jtheir lips, “how’m I supposed to sleep when I know you’re <i>right there</i>, in <i>my</i> bed?” Your face flushes hot and Jolenn cracks up laughing, shaking $jtheir head. “Kidding,” $jthey <<jverb assures assure>> you with a wink. “I sleep like a rock. Y’wanna see the room?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb smiles smile>> genuinely this time, switching gears far too easily. Your cheeks are still hot as you nod, and $jthey <<jverb gestures gesture>> for you to follow further down the hall. You pass <<if $catscratch === true || $unicornwound === true>>the door that led you to Ayre’s room earlier<<else>>the second door along the wall<</if>>, coming to a stop in front of the third and final door. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Goodnight 1]]</li> </ul>

“Thanks,” you smile, “but I was <i>really</i> looking forward to that bedroom tour…?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb smiles smile>> in response, touching a finger to $jtheir lips. “How forward,” $jthey <<jverb teases tease>>. “Is that the sort of Faun you think I am?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb toys toy>> demurely with the strap of $jtheir guitar, almost playing innocent. “It isn’t?” You quip, earning a sweet snort in return. “I’d like to think I’m a <i>little</i> harder to pin down… figuratively.” Jolenn winks. “But since you’re <i>so</i> eager to squeeze into my bed, how ‘bout that tour?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb curls curl>> $jtheir fingers at you, beckoning as $jthey step further down the hall. “Eager?” You ask after $jthem, fighting the smile that pulls at the corner of your mouth. “You aren’t?” The faun grins over $jtheir shoulder, and it's your turn to stifle a snort. You pass <<if $catscratch === true || $unicornwound === true>>the door that led you to Ayre’s room earlier<<else>>the second door along the wall<</if>>, coming to a stop in front of the third and final door. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Goodnight 1]]</li> </ul>

“I’d appreciate that.” You smile. “Thanks, Jolenn.” The faun grins back. “Anything for you.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb winks wink>> cheerfully and <<jverb tips tip>> $jtheir head, gesturing down the hall. “Speaking of, your room?” “Right,” you reply, “<i>your</i> room? Are you sure that’s okay?” Jolenn laughs lightly, leaning one shoulder against the wall. “I said <i>anything</i>, right?” <<cap $jtheir>> horns scrape lightly against the stone as $jthey <<jverb turns turn>> $jtheir head to look back the way you came. “A’s in charge, but… I don’t mind. It’s been too long since we’ve had a sleepover.” You catch $jtheir smirk, but it slips away as $jthey straighten up again. “So, how ‘bout a little tour?” “Yeah,” you say, watching $jthem step away, “Okay.” Jolenn nods, leading you further down the hallway past <<if $catscratch === true || $unicornwound === true>>the door that led you to Ayre’s room earlier<<else>>the second door along the wall<</if>>. “It’s nice, promise!” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Goodnight 1]]</li> </ul>

“Here’s my room… and yours.” With a quick wink, $jthey <<verb $jsingular pushes push>> the door open for you. The room is definitely <i>warm</i> compared to everything else you’ve seen here, both in temperature and color. A fireplace on one wall is lit, guarded by a bronze-colored screen, and the floor is covered by at least a half-dozen rugs layered on top of each other in a sort of patchwork. The walls and ceiling are decorated with battery-powered string lights, twinkling like a starscape over the bed… or what you assume must be the bed, because it looks more like a massive pile of blankets and pillows. “Gotta clean up a bit,” Jolenn says from behind you, then pauses when you both hear a voice down the hall. “Jolenn!” You recognize Ayre’s voice, and instinctively look back through the stone doorway in $atheir direction. “Come help with Vera, please,” the Fae calls. Jolenn cringes, then shrugs $jtheir guitar off and leans it against the wall just inside the room. “Duty calls!” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb waves wave>> apologetically. “Back in a minute!” And with that, you’re alone for the first time since you arrived. It almost seems wrong to be here without <i>one</i> of those Fae hanging at your elbow. But then, this also gives you a moment to process the whirlwind you’ve been through since arriving. You haven’t seen anything to suggest that Leo has been through here, but Ayre claims that $athey might know something. The fact that $athey won’t tell you anything else is suspicious, <<if $aflirt > 0>>but some ridiculous part of you <i>wants</i> to actually trust $athem, and to feel like $athey <<averb trusts trust>> you,<<else>>but you can’t deny that something more must be happening with Leo’s disappearance, and you need to find out what that is.<</if>> Jolenn, on the other hand, is a lot easier to read… as far as you can tell. <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb seems seem>> to show everything <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> thinking or feeling, practically the opposite of $jtheir friend. Can you trust that, though? <<if $jflirt > 0>>Maybe you’d like to believe everything $jthey <<jverb says say>>, including all those flirtatious hints and comments.<<else>>Fauns are almost as notorious for their tricks as the High Fae, but Jolenn seems to lack the… cunning that the fauns in the myths seemed to have.<</if>> After a few long moments, it seems that the business with “Vera” is taking longer than expected. You start to migrate toward the door to the main room, listening for something that might tell you what’s going on… but it’s quiet. Do you dare to go check, and possibly face whatever issue it was that Ayre couldn’t manage alone? Just how rowdy do Fae get for parties like these? <ul> <<if $jflirt > $aflirt>><li class="ch">[[You step back as the door swings open in front of you.|Jolenn Goodnight 2]]</li> <<elseif $aflirt > $jflirt>><li class="ch">[[You step back as the door swings open in front of you.|Ayre Goodnight 2]]</li> <<elseif $arel > $jrel>><li class="ch">[[You step back as the door swings open in front of you.|Ayre Goodnight 2]]</li> <<else>><li class="ch">[[You step back as the door swings open in front of you.|Jolenn Goodnight 2]]</li><</if>> </ul>

For a moment, you just stand there. You haven’t been left alone since the moment you stepped up to this building, and it seems wrong to be here without <i>one</i> of those Fae hanging at your elbow. But then, this also gives you a moment to process the whirlwind you’ve been through since arriving. You haven’t seen anything to suggest that Leo has been through here, but Ayre claims that $athey might know something. The fact that $athey won’t tell you anything else is suspicious, <<if $aflirt > 0>>but some ridiculous part of you <i>wants</i> to actually trust $athem, and to feel like $athey <<averb trusts trust>> you.<<else>>but you can’t deny that something more must be happening with Leo’s disappearance, and you need to find out what that is.<</if>> Jolenn, on the other hand, is a lot easier to read… as far as you can tell. <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb seems seem>> to show everything <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> thinking or feeling, practically the opposite of $jtheir friend. Can you trust that, though? <<if $jflirt > 0>>You’d like to believe everything $jthey <<jverb says say>>, including all those flirtatious hints and comments.<<else>>Fauns are almost as notorious for their tricks as the High Fae, but Jolenn seems to lack the… cunning that the fauns in the myths seemed to have.<</if>> You gather your thoughts and step out into the hallway, closing Ayre’s door behind you. Looking around, it seems that $athey <<averb has have>> left, either to go outside or back into the main room. You can still hear the faint noise of Jolenn singing through the wall, though it isn’t nearly as loud as Ayre’s guitar was. Actually, why don’t they have a microphone? Maybe that’s something you should ask. Standing in the hall for a little longer, you migrate toward the door to the main room, listening to the song come to a close through the walls. Do you even want to go back in there, to a room filled with the creatures you’d spent your life dreading? It doesn’t even seem real now, even after all you’ve seen tonight, to think that you could pull this door open again and stare at a crowd of Fae, all more than happy to kill you… Except for — maybe — two. <ul> <<if $jflirt > $aflirt>><li class="ch">[[You step back as the door swings open in front of you.|Jolenn Goodnight 2]]</li> <<elseif $aflirt > $jflirt>><li class="ch">[[You step back as the door swings open in front of you.|Ayre Goodnight 2]]</li> <<elseif $arel > $jrel>><li class="ch">[[You step back as the door swings open in front of you.|Ayre Goodnight 2]]</li> <<else>><li class="ch">[[You step back as the door swings open in front of you.|Jolenn Goodnight 2]]</li><</if>> </ul>

<<set $camping to 2>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>“Thanks,” you say quickly, embarrassed by the part of you that <i>wanted</i> to sleep on $jtheir blankets. You can see Jolenn’s smile over $jtheir shoulder as $jthey <<jverb scoops scoop>> up a pillow and blanket from the floor. “Didja need something else?” <<cap $jthey>> ask, a teasing expression on $jtheir face as if $jthey <<jverb knows know>> exactly what you wanted. “No,” you reply, dropping your eyes from $jtheirs and down to the plain mattress. “Just… uh, a pillow, maybe?” You cringe internally at the awkward way the words come out, like you forgot how to just <i>talk</i>. “Sure.” Jolenn grips the top of the doorway with one hand, swaying toward you until you’re afraid you might collide. “Right there,” $jthey <<jverb says, say,>> pivoting $jtheir body until you can look down the line of $jtheir arm, “is all my clean laundry. Help yourself.” <<cap $jtheir>> eyes drift back to you while you find where <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> pointing: a wooden chest near the head of the bed. “O-” you pause, startled to find $jtheir green eyes still on you when you look back up at $jthem. “Okay,” you manage, and take a short step back, out of the range of $jtheir looming horns and nearly-wicked smile. Jolenn laughs, gentle but clearly entertained by your reactions. “Hey, room’s yours now! Don’t let me scare you out.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb grins, grin,>> releasing the door frame and straightening as $jthey <<jverb steps step>> out into the hall. As if to relieve your embarrassment, you hear the door to the main room open down the hall, and Ayre appears a moment later. “Are we all settled?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb asks, ask,>> finally drawing Jolenn’s attention away from you. “Set!” The faun replies, turning to give you a quick wink. “Good night… just scream if you need something.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb laughs laugh>> at the sigh Ayre gives in response, before they both head into the other bedroom. “Night,” you manage, watching Jolenn’s wave disappear through the other doorway. You’re left in the hall, still lit by candles that curiously haven’t gotten any shorter, listening to the sounds of the revelers talking and shouting in the other room. They must be leaving, judging by the way some of the voices start to fade, but it makes you uneasy to think that nobody is staying to <i>make sure</i> they’ve all left. You step back into Jolenn’s room, pushing the door shut to seal yourself off from the hallway. Fortunately, it has a heavy bolt lock screwed into the wood, hopefully enough to ward off any unwanted visitors. At least it’s more secure than your crude campsite could have been. You slide the lock into place and lean your head against the door, taking a deep breath. This is it, you suppose. This is camp for the night.

<<set $camping to 2>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>You laugh at the idea that $jthey must shed like a dog. “Thanks for that.” You can see Jolenn’s smile over $jtheir shoulder as $jthey <<jverb scoops scoop>> up a pillow and blanket from the floor. “No problem,” $jthey <<jverb says, say,>> coming to meet you at the doorway. “Not everyone likes waking up with a face full o’ <i>this</i> in the morning.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb brushes brush>> a hand through the fur on $jtheir legs for emphasis, winking at you. “True.” You smile. “Imagine if it turns out I’m allergic.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb looks look>> surprised at the idea, and then $jtheir mouth turns up in a mischievous little smirk. “Huh… Lemme know if something happens, this could be good.” “Good for what, exactly?” You ask, getting only a wider smirk in return. “That’d spoil the surprise,” Jolenn says, giving you another cheeky wink. “Call it an experiment.” As if it was planned this way, you hear the door to the main room open down the hall, and Ayre appears a moment later. “<i>What</i> is an experiment?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb asks. ask.>> The faun finally turns away from you, shrugging at $jtheir friend. “Nothing… yet,” $jthey <<jverb says, say,>> laughing at the sigh this receives from Ayre. “Good night,” the High Fae says pointedly, heading into $atheir bedroom next door. “Good night,” Jolenn chimes in, “just scream if you need something.” You chuckle a little at that, watching $jthem disappear with a little wave. You’re left in the hall, still lit by candles that curiously haven’t gotten any shorter, listening to the sounds of the revelers talking and shouting in the other room. They must be leaving, judging by the way some of the voices start to fade, but it makes you a little uneasy to think that nobody is staying to <i>make sure</i> they’ve all left. You step back into Jolenn’s room, pushing the door shut to seal yourself off from the hallway. Fortunately, it has a heavy bolt lock screwed into the wood, hopefully enough to ward off any unwanted visitors. At least it’s more secure than your crude campsite could have been. You slide the lock into place and lean your head against the door, taking a deep breath. This is it, you suppose. This is camp for the night.

<<set $camping to 2>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>You nod, eyeing the uncovered mattress while Jolenn scoops up a blanket and a pillow from the floor. “Is that it?” The faun looks up at you, a little surprised, and then back to the bed. “Oh!” $jthey <<jverb says, say,>> quickly stepping around the bed and over to a broad wooden chest against the wall. “Here’s extra blankets and stuff.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb demonstrates demonstrate>> by opening the lid to show you the (shockingly) neat contents. You step a little further into the room. “Thanks,” you say. At least if these blankets <i>aren’t</i> clean, you have your sleeping bag. “Also,” Jolenn says, smiling like you’re back on the tour and stepping around you to the door, “here’s the lock.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb wiggles wiggle>> a finger through the receiving end of a bolt latch to show you. “Gotcha…” you reply, honestly just ready for bed at this point, locks and extra blankets or no. “Is there anything else?” As if it was planned, you hear the door to the main room open down the hall, and Ayre appears a moment later. “Are we all settled?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb asks. ask.>> “Set!” The faun replies, turning to grin at you one last time. “Good night… just scream if you need something.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb laughs laugh>> at the sigh Ayre gives in response, before they both head into the other bedroom. “Night,” you say, watching Jolenn’s wave disappear through the other doorway. You’re left in the hall, still lit by candles that curiously haven’t gotten any shorter, listening to the sounds of the revelers talking and shouting in the other room. They must be leaving, judging by the way some of the voices start to fade, but it still makes you uneasy to think that nobody is staying to <i>make sure</i> they’ve all left. You step back into Jolenn’s room, pushing the door shut to seal yourself off from the hallway. You slide the lock into place and lean your head against the door, taking a deep breath. Hopefully this will be enough to ward off any unwanted visitors. At least it’s more secure than your crude campsite could have been. This is it, you suppose. This is camp for the night.

<<set $camping to 2>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>You appreciate the effort, but… “Y’know, I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to stay in here.” You can see Jolenn’s smile over $jtheir shoulder as $jthey <<jverb scoops scoop>> up a pillow and blanket from the floor. “That what you wanted?” <<cap $jthey>> ask, stepping up to the doorway and putting $jtheir free hand on the top of the frame. “It might be cozy…” you suggest. The faun laughs, swaying forward until $jtheir horns nearly brush your head. “You wouldn’t get any rest…” $jthey <<jverb purrs, purr,>> watching the way your eyebrows raise. <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb rolls roll>> $jtheir eyes away with a playful smirk, continuing, “Non-stop pillow fights, all night. You’d never recover from the losing streak.” You narrow your eyes, failing to fight off your own smile. “You think I’d lose?” “I know it, actually. I’m undefeated.” Jolenn winks, straightening as you shuffle back to let $jthem out of the doorway. “Only one way to find out,” you challenge, earning another grin from $jthem. <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb hefts heft>> the pillow in $jtheir arm, as if considering the option. “Ask me another time, and I’ll destroy you.” As if it was planned this way, you hear the door to the main room open down the hall, and Ayre appears a moment later. “Are we all settled?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb asks. ask.>> “Oh, right!” Jolenn points into the room again, toward a large wooden chest near the head of the bed. “That’s all clean blankets and stuff, so take what you need.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb smiles smile>> and step back to follow the High Fae. “Thanks,” you reply, a little disappointed by the interruption. “I’ll see you… in the morning?” It still feels strange to even think of sleeping here, so far from your life and so close to the Fae, “Yeah,” Jolenn says, raising a hand to you. “Good night… just scream if you need something.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb laughs laugh>> at the sigh Ayre gives in response, before they both head into the other bedroom. You’re left in the hall, still lit by candles that curiously haven’t gotten any shorter, listening to the sounds of the revelers talking and shouting in the other room. They must be leaving, judging by the way some of the voices start to fade, but it makes you a little uneasy to think that nobody is staying to <i>make sure</i> they’ve all left. You step back into Jolenn’s room, pushing the door shut to seal yourself off from the hallway. Fortunately, it has a heavy bolt lock screwed into the wood, hopefully enough to ward off any unwanted visitors. At least it’s more secure than your crude campsite could have been. You slide the lock into place and lean your head against the door, taking a deep breath. This is it, you suppose. This is camp for the night.

<<set $camping to 2>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>For a moment or two, you find yourself just watching $athem move: the way $athey fluidly toss each blanket into the growing bundle in $atheir arm, the way $athey <<averb glides glide>> into each step, and the way $atheir eyebrows crease as $athey— “Um,” you fumble, realizing $athey’<<averb s ve>> turned to look at you. “I don’t mind, actually. Thank you.” Your face feels hot, but $athey <<averb smiles. smile.>> “Is everything alright?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb asks ask>> with just a hint of a smirk. “Yeah,” you reply quickly, darting your eyes away from $atheirs and the way $athey <<averb seems seem>> to analyze your reactions. <<cap $athey>> <<averb doesn't don't>> linger long, turning instead to drop the bundle of bedding. “As long as you’re sure,” $athey <<averb says say>> over $atheir shoulder, teasing light on $atheir voice—so light that you can’t be sure if it’s even on purpose. You fiddle nervously with the strap of your bag as $athey open a broad wooden chest, pulling (presumably) fresh and clearly folded bedding from within. You catch the way $athey <<averb shakes shake>> a loose strand of hair from $atheir face, and the slow smile curling onto $atheir lips when $athey <<averb turns turn>> back to you again. “If you need anything else,” $athey <<averb says say>>, “I will be just next door. For now, you should try to get some rest.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb strides stride>> across the room, coming to a stop just in front of you. <<cap $atheir>> face turns serious for a moment as $atheir bright golden eyes meet yours. “I’m sure you’re worried. Please rest assured that Jolenn and I will do everything we can to help. I think…” <<cap $athey>> <<averb stops, stop,>> putting one golden claw to $atheir lips. “Well, we can discuss the rest in the morning.” As if on cue, Jolenn appears, peeking around the edge of the doorway. “Did you—” the faun pauses, eyes dropping to the bed. “Shit! Sorry, I would’ve cleaned up if, well,” $jthey <<jverb smiles smile>> apologetically, but Ayre cuts $jthem off. “It’s taken care of.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb turns turn>> away from you then, joining Jolenn in the doorway. <<cap $atheir>> hand lingers on the doorframe, drawing your attention to one half of a heavy bolt lock. “Goodnight!” Jolenn says before Ayre has a chance to speak. <<cap $athey>> <<averb raises raise>> an eyebrow, then <<averb nods. nod.>> “Yes, goodnight. I will let you know when we’re ready to leave in the morning. Expect an early start.” “Uh, goodnight,” you reply, battling the nerves that make your cheeks warm under $atheir gaze. With a last smile, the pair leave you with your thoughts, retreating down the hall where you can hear a door open and then close. Quietly, beyond the hall, you can hear the sound of some of the revelers chattering. Their voices fade slowly, so they must be leaving, but you can’t help a little unease at the fact that nobody has stayed to make sure they’ve all gone. Closing the door to Jolenn’s room, you find the bolt and slide it into place. At least it’s more secure than your makeshift campsite would have been. Pressing a hand to the door, you take a deep breath. This is it, you suppose. This is camp for the night.

<<set $camping to 2>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>You step politely out of the way, moving into a corner of the room closer to the fireplace. “Thank you anyway—it still beats sleeping in the woods.” You smile, though you doubt that $athey <<averb catches catch>> it while gathering the pile of bedding. “I hope it will,” $athey <<averb replies, reply,>> piling the bedding on the floor beside a broad wooden chest. <<cap $athey>> <<averb flashes flash>> you a brief smile over $atheir shoulder. “If you call ahead next time, I’m certain I could arrange something more suitable.” “Next time?” You say with some surprise. “I’m hoping there won’t be a next time—no offense.” That actually earns a short laugh from the High Fae, who gathers a bundle of apparently fresh bedding from the trunk. “Not at all,” $athey <<averb says, say,>> charming smile untouched. For a moment $athey <<averb lingers linger>> in the middle ground between the bed and the trunk, studying your face, or maybe your head in general. “We never know what will happen next, do we?” With another step forward, $athey <<averb deposits deposit>> the bundle on top of the now-clear mattress. When it seems $athey <<averb intends intend>> to leave that ominous question hanging, you reply. “I guess not…” “If you need anything,” $athey deftly <<averb changes change>> the subject, “we’ll be just next door. Do try to get some rest for now.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb strides stride>> across the room, coming to a stop just in front of you. <<cap $atheir>> face turns serious for a moment as $atheir bright golden eyes meet yours. “I’m sure you’re worried. Please rest assured that Jolenn and I will do everything we can to help. I think…” <<cap $athey>> <<averb stops, stop,>> putting one golden claw to $atheir lips. “Well, we can discuss the rest in the morning.” As if on cue, Jolenn appears, peeking around the edge of the doorway. “Did you—” the faun pauses, eyes dropping to the bed. “Shit! Sorry, I would’ve cleaned up if, well,” $jthey <<jverb smiles smile>> apologetically, but Ayre cuts $jthem off. “It’s taken care of.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb turns turn>> away from you then, joining Jolenn in the doorway. <<cap $atheir>> hand lingers on the doorframe, drawing your attention to one half of a heavy bolt lock. “Goodnight!” Jolenn says before Ayre has a chance to speak. <<cap $athey>> <<averb raises raise>> an eyebrow, then <<averb nods nod>>. “Yes, goodnight. I will let you know when we’re ready to leave in the morning. Expect an early start.” “Goodnight,” you return, and the pair leave you with your thoughts, retreating down the hall where you can hear a door open and then close. Quietly, beyond the hall, you can hear the sound of some of the revelers chattering. Their voices fade slowly, so they must be leaving, but you can’t help a little unease at the fact that nobody has stayed to make sure they’ve all gone. Closing the door to Jolenn’s room, you find the bolt and slide it into place. At least it’s more secure than your makeshift campsite would have been. Pressing a hand to the door, you take a deep breath. This is it, you suppose. This is camp for the night.

<<set $camping to 2>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>“Don’t worry,” you tease as Ayre strides away across the room, dropping the bedding into a pile beside a large wooden chest. “I’ll let you make it up to me if you want to stick around…” You watch $athem pause, straightening up for just a moment to cast a look at you over $atheir shoulder. A smirk twitches at the corner of $atheir mouth before $athey <<averb turns turn>> back to the chest, easing the top open. “You’ll get along well with Jolenn, I think,” $athey <<averb says. say.>> “<<cap $jthey>> always <<jverb enjoys enjoy>> a charmer.” “So you think I’m charming?” You smile as $athey <<averb turns turn>> to face you, holding up a folded stack of blankets and a pillow. <<cap $atheir>> expression is almost unreadable, somewhere between $atheir usual calm smile and concern. “Did I say that?” <<cap $athey>> <<averb shakes shake>> a loose strand of hair from $atheir face as $athey <<averb steps step>> up to the bed, then neatly <<averb places place>> the bedding on the now-clear mattress and <<averb plucks pluck>> a stray hair from its edge. You narrow your gaze at $athem just slightly, trying to pick up on just what game <<if $asingular>>$athey's<<else>>$athey're<</if>> playing. “Didn’t you?” You prod, to little effect. <<cap $atheir>> expression turns back to that calm, polite smile again… with maybe just a hint of a smirk. It might take some time to figure $athem out. “If you need anything,” $athey deftly <<averb changes change>> the subject, “we’ll be just next door. Do try to get some rest for now.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb strides stride>> across the room, coming to a stop just in front of you. <<cap $atheir>> face turns serious for a moment as $atheir bright golden eyes meet yours. “I’m sure you’re worried. Please rest assured that Jolenn and I will do everything we can to help. I think…” <<cap $athey>> <<averb stops, stop,>> putting one golden claw to $atheir lips. “Well, we can discuss the rest in the morning.” As if on cue, Jolenn appears, peeking around the edge of the doorway. “Did you—” the faun pauses, eyes dropping to the bed. “Shit! Sorry, I would’ve cleaned up if, well,” $jthey <<jverb smiles smile>> apologetically, but Ayre cuts $jthem off. “It’s taken care of.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb turns turn>> away from you then, joining Jolenn in the doorway. <<cap $atheir>> hand lingers on the doorframe, drawing your attention to one half of a heavy bolt lock. “Goodnight!” Jolenn says before Ayre has a chance to speak. <<cap $athey>> <<averb raises raise>> an eyebrow, then <<averb nods. nod.>> “Yes, goodnight. I will let you know when we’re ready to leave in the morning. Expect an early start.” “Goodnight,” you return, getting little back from Ayre beyond a smile and a nod. The pair leave you with your thoughts, retreating down the hall where you can hear a door open and then close. Quietly, beyond the hall, you can hear the sound of some of the revelers chattering. Their voices fade slowly, so they must be leaving, but you can’t help a little unease at the fact that nobody has stayed to make sure they’ve all gone. Closing the door to Jolenn’s room, you find the bolt and slide it into place. At least it’s more secure than your makeshift campsite would have been. Pressing a hand to the door, you take a deep breath. This is it, you suppose. This is camp for the night.

<<set $camping to 2>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>“It’s fine,” you say, waiting silently until the bed is cleared. Instead you turn your attention to looking around the room, investigating the faun’s choice of decor. If this were a normal house, you could picture the walls being painted a forest-y green or a warm tan. Instead, the cultivated cozy atmosphere is a little betrayed by the cold stone of the old castle walls. Across the room, Ayre deposits a heaping pile of blankets and pillows on the floor beside a broad wooden chest. You watch $athem open it, revealing equally as many pillows and blankets neatly folded within. <<cap $athey>> <<averb selects select>> a few, carrying them over to the now-clear mattress and setting them there for you. Ayre catches your eye again as $athey <<averb straightens, straighten,>> swiping a loose hair from the mattress to the floor. “This is all clean, I promise you.” A polite smile returns to $atheir lips, where previously $athey had quirked $atheir mouth into a thoughtful almost-frown. “If you need anything else, I will be just next door. For now, I’m sure we could all use some rest.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb strides stride>> across the room, coming to a stop just past you. <<cap $atheir>> face turns serious for a moment as $atheir bright golden eyes scan the doorway. “I’m sure you have plenty of concerns. Please rest assured that Jolenn and I will do everything we can to help. I think…” <<cap $athey>> <<averb stops, stop,>> skewing $atheir mouth again. “Well, we can discuss the rest in the morning.” As if on cue, Jolenn appears, peeking around the edge of the doorway. “Did you—” the faun pauses, eyes dropping to the bed. “Shit! Sorry, I would’ve cleaned up if, well,” $jthey <<jverb smiles smile>> apologetically, but Ayre cuts $jthem off. “It’s taken care of.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb turns turn>> away from you then, joining Jolenn in the doorway. <<cap $atheir>> hand lingers on the doorframe, drawing your attention to one half of a heavy bolt lock. “Goodnight!” Jolenn says before Ayre has a chance to speak. <<cap $athey>> <<averb raises raise>> an eyebrow, then <<averb nods. nod.>> “Yes, goodnight. I will let you know when we’re ready to leave in the morning. Expect an early start.” “Right. Thanks,” you reply, watching as the pair leave you with your thoughts, both retreating down the hall where you can hear a door open and then close. Quietly, beyond the hall, you can hear the sound of some of the revelers chattering. Their voices fade slowly, so they must be leaving, but you can’t help a little unease at the fact that nobody has stayed to make sure they’ve all gone. Closing the door to Jolenn’s room, you find the bolt and slide it into place. At least it’s more secure than your makeshift campsite would have been. Turning away from the door, you take a deep breath. This is it, you suppose. This is camp for the night.

<<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>Jolenn stands in the doorway, blinking at you for a brief moment before a grin spreads across $jtheir face. “Were you waiting for me?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb teases tease>>, stepping closer as $jthey <<jverb closes close>> the door again. “I…” you reply, still a little surprised by $jtheir sudden appearance. “Kind of?” “Thanks,” $jthey <<jverb says, say,>> combing curls from $jtheir face. “C’mon, I gotta clean up if you’re taking my room.” Guitar slung over $jtheir shoulder, Jolenn steps nimbly around you, leading the way back down the hall yet again. You tail after $jthem… almost literally, you think, catching a look at the way the tuft of $jtheir tail flicks behind $jthem. “About that,” you start, but the faun waves a lazy hand in the air to stop you. “Don’t worry about it,” $jthey <<jverb says. say.>> “My bed’s <i>way</i> cozier anyway, I couldn’t let you take $atheir bed.” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb flashes flash>> you another smile over $jtheir shoulder as $jthey <<jverb heads head>> into the room ahead of you. Inside, Jolenn props $jtheir guitar up against the wall, then busies $jthemself with scooping blankets and pillows off of the pile in the middle of the room, tossing them into a second pile a little further away. You hang back in the doorway, watching with a little surprise as a mattress on a short wooden frame emerges from the mess. You’d assumed it was just a pile of blankets, pillows, and furs. “There!” Jolenn says, presenting the bed to you with a wave of $jtheir arms. “Hair-free, I promise.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[You appreciate the effort, but… "Y'know, I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to stay in here."|Jolenn Goodnight 3-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5), $jflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"Thanks,\" you say quickly, embarrassed by the part of you that wanted to sleep on " + $jtheir + " blankets."|Jolenn Goodnight 3-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5), $jflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["You laugh, realizing that " + $jthey + " must shed like a dog. \"Thanks for that.\""|Jolenn Goodnight 3-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[You nod, eyeing the uncovered mattress. “Is that it?”|Jolenn Goodnight 3-Stoic][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>Ayre stands in the doorway, blinking away $atheir briefly surprised expression. You step back quickly, giving $athem a little space. “Sorry,” $athey <<averb says say>>, golden claws coming up to rest on the door frame. “Did you need my help with something?” “No,” you say quickly, then pause. “Well, yes.” The High Fae cocks an eyebrow. “I was waiting for Jolenn?” Ayre nods in sudden understanding, casting a glance over $atheir shoulder. “Yes… We’ve had a change of plans, unfortunately.” It’s your turn to raise your eyebrows. “Jolenn is busy, so <i>I</i> will be helping you to get settled, myself.” You step back again as the Fae steps into the hall beside you, shutting the door once more. “Was there a problem?” A humorless smirk curls the corner of $atheir lips, and $athey <<averb waves wave>> $atheir hand vaguely. “Jolenn has particular skills I don’t possess, making $jthem better suited to the task.” You have to assume it <i>must</i> have been a problem, considering that Ayre seems like $athey <<averb prefers prefer>> to handle everything $athemself. “Come,” $athey <<averb beckons, beckon,>> stepping breezily past you. “I expect I’ll need to clean up for you, knowing how Jolenn keeps $jtheir room.” <<cap $atheir>> steps are long and brisk, forcing you to catch up as $athey <<averb turns turn>> the corner toward the bedrooms. At the last door along the hallway, Ayre stops, checking to make sure you’re still there before $athey <<averb opens open>> it for you. <<if $jroute>>Looking at the room in this situation, the obvious lack of <i>bed</i> is a little concerning. A pile of blankets might be more comfortable than a sleeping bag on the forest floor, but a pile of blankets (you assume) covered in faun hair…? Cautiously, you step into the room first. <<else>>Peering past $atheir figure, the room is definitely <i>warm</i> compared to everything else you’ve seen here, both in temperature and color. A fireplace on one wall is lit, guarded by a bronze-colored screen, and the floor is covered by at least a half-dozen rugs layered on top of each other in a sort of patchwork. The walls and ceiling are decorated with battery-powered string lights, twinkling like a starscape over the bed… or what you assume must be the bed, because it looks more like a massive pile of blankets and pillows. You step in first, looking around.<</if>> Ayre follows after you, heading straight for the bed-like mass in the middle of the room. <<cap $athey>> <<averb sighs, sigh,>> turning to you momentarily. “Apologies,” $athey <<averb says say>>, “I’ll need a few moments to clear this up. I hate that this is your impression of my home.” With a flourish, $athey <<averb begins begin>> whipping the blankets away, bundling them in $atheir arms until you can actually make out the shape of a mattress beneath all the bedding. <ul> <li class="ch">[["Don’t worry," you tease, "I’ll let you make it up to me if you want to stick around…"|Ayre Goodnight 3-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(5), $aflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Realize you’ve been staring too long and reply "Um, I don’t mind, actually. Thank you."|Ayre Goodnight 3-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5), $aflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Step politely out of the way. "Thank you anyway—it still beats sleeping in the woods!"|Ayre Goodnight 3-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["It’s fine," you say, waiting silently until the bed is cleared.|Ayre Goodnight 3-Stoic][$gentle to $gentle.fm(-5), $honest to $honest.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $camping to 0>>Alone now, you find a place to drop your bag <<if $walkingstick eq true>>and a corner to stow your walking stick<</if>>. The bed is yours to borrow, cleared of the pile of rumpled blankets that covered it, but… it’s not like it’s really been cleaned, either. Giving the mattress a once-over, it appears to be free of bedbugs or fleas—if fauns can get fleas, that is. It would make sense that they could, wouldn’t it? Anyway, you don’t find any evidence of bugs, at least. Despite that little bit of good news, you’re still not sure you can just… go to sleep. Not right now, anyway. No matter how friendly or hospitable they are, you’re still locked in a room in a High Fae’s home, and the thought still raises a cautious fear inside you. Maybe you can find something else to do, something to distract yourself until you’re tired enough to go to sleep. Thinking it over, you take a moment to unpack your sleeping bag, unzipping it and flattening it out across the mattress. A warm bedroom is certainly better than the cold forest floor, but it feels a little safer to put down a barrier between yourself and the faun’s bed, stripped of its blankets or not. For now, you decide to… <ul> <li class="ch">[[Exercise. You can’t know when you’ll need to defend yourself.|Camp 2 Str][$mcstr += 2]] <<if $stathints>><i>[Strength]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Draw a map. You’ll probably need one if you want to find your way back.|Camp 2 Log][$mclog += 2]] <<if $stathints>><i>[Logic]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[[Snoop around. Maybe you can find something interesting in here.|Camp 2 Both]] <<if $stathints>><i>[Str/Log]</i><</if>></li> <<if $secretdoor>><li class="ch">[[Actually, maybe you should take that secret door and get out of here.|Camp 2 Leave]]</li><</if>> </ul>

<<set $namej to true>>“$mcname.” You smile back. “What else were you thinking?” Jolenn’s smirk splits into a grin once again, and $jthey <<jverb leans lean>> in, bracing $jthemself with a hand against the wall beside you. “Well I was thinking that we could both use a drink…” The faun says, raising an eyebrow suggestively. “Jolenn,” Ayre interrupts. <<cap $atheir>> long fingers grasp $atheir friend’s arm, pushing $jthem back and making some space between you. “Later, please. We have more important issues, at the moment, than drinks.” Briefly, $atheir eyes flash to you, not accusatory… but maybe a little exasperated. Jolenn sighs gently, crossing $jtheir arms over $jtheir chest. “<i>Fine,</i> then what’s the problem?” Ayre’s gaze returns to you, and it’s your turn to sigh. “I’m trying to find my brother,” you explain, and Jolenn’s eyebrows raise in interest. “Apparently <i>Ayre</i> knows where to get more information.” “And you came out here all alone to find him?” The faun smiles. “Brave <i>and</i> cute?” “Honestly,” Ayre interjects once again. “I’ve only brought $mcthem here to ask you to give $mcthem your bed for the night.” “Oh, really?” Jolenn’s smile turns mischievous as $jthey <<jverb looks look>> back and forth between the two of you. “And I’d be sleeping…?” “In my room.” Ayre raises an eyebrow. “That is, if our guest <i>wishes</i> to stay.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 17]]</li> </ul>

<<set $namej to true>>“I, uh,” you mumble, embarrassed, “My name’s $mcname.” Jolenn’s smirk splits into a mischievous grin this time, and $jthey <<jverb leans lean>> in, bracing $jthemself with a hand against the wall beside you. “$mcname,” $jthey <<jverb repeat>> in a tone that makes your cheeks feel hot. “Y’know, $mcname, I saw you watching my hands… you must be really interested in my—” “Jolenn,” Ayre interrupts before $jthey can finish that thought. The High Fae’s long fingers grasp $atheir friend’s arm, pushing $jthem back and making some space between you. “Later, please. We have more important issues, at the moment, than your <i>technique</i>.” It seems that $athey <<averb knows know>> how that line was about to end, though you’re still figuring it out. Jolenn sighs gently, crossing $jtheir arms over $jtheir chest. “<i>Fine,</i> then what’s the problem?” Ayre’s gaze returns to you, suggesting you’re supposed to explain. “I’m trying to find my brother,” you explain, and Jolenn’s eyebrows raise in interest. “Apparently <i>Ayre</i> knows where to get more information.” “And you came out here all alone to find him?” The faun smiles. “Brave <i>and</i> cute?” You drop your eyes to the floor, embarrassed all over again. “Honestly,” Ayre interjects. “I’ve only brought $mcthem here to ask you to give $mcthem your bed for the night.” “Oh, really?” Jolenn’s smiles as $jthey <<jverb looks look>> back and forth between the two of you. “And I’d be sleeping…?” “In my room.” Ayre raises an eyebrow. “That is, if our guest <i>wishes</i> to stay.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 17]]</li> </ul>

<<set $namej to true>>“I’m $mcname,” you say politely, stepping aside to give yourself some space. “Well, $mcname,” Jolenn replies, unrelenting even as you move away, “you <i>are</i> first in line for the private show…” “Jolenn,” Ayre interrupts, holding up a hand before their friend can advance toward you again. “Later, please. We have more important issues at the moment.” Briefly, $atheir eyes flash to you, a little apologetic. Jolenn sighs gently, crossing $jtheir arms over $jtheir chest. “<i>Fine,</i> then what’s the problem?” Ayre’s gaze returns to you once more, and it’s your turn to sigh. “I’m trying to find my brother,” you explain, and Jolenn’s eyebrows raise in interest. “Apparently <i>Ayre</i> knows where to get more information.” “And you came out here all alone to find him?” The faun smiles. “You’re <i>quite</i> the hero, huh?” “Listen, please,” Ayre interjects once again. “I’ve only brought $mcthem here to ask you to give $mcthem your bed for the night.” “Oh, really?” Jolenn’s smile turns mischievous as $jthey <<jverb looks look>> back and forth between the two of you. “And I’d be sleeping…?” “In my room.” Ayre raises an eyebrow. “That is, if our guest <i>wishes</i> to stay.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 17]]</li> </ul>

You frown, making some space between you. “I actually <i>do</i> have more important issues right now.” Somehow, you doubt that this faun has much help to offer. Unlike Ayre, $jthey <<jverb doesn't don't>> seem to be interested in taking you seriously. “Oh,” Jolenn blinks, a little surprised by your stern response. “Sure… Well, uh, what’s up?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb steps step>> back slightly, giving you a bit more space. It seems like you might’ve taken the wind out of $jtheir sails, but <<if $jsingular>>$jthey's<<else>>$jthey're<</if>> fighting not to show it. “I’m trying to find my brother,” you explain with a sigh, and Jolenn’s eyebrows raise in interest. “Apparently <i>Ayre</i> knows where to get more information.” “A mystery?” The faun smiles, apparently recovering $jtheir mood. “You know I love a good mystery,” $jthey <<jverb says, say,>> turning $jtheir gaze back to Ayre beyond you. It’s $atheir turn to sigh. “This is a <i>serious</i> issue, Jolenn,” Ayre says. “Don’t be so excited. I’ve only brought $mcthem here to ask you to give $mcthem your bed for the night.” “Oh,” Jolenn raises a curious eyebrow toward you, sweeping $jtheir gaze over you as if $jthey were seeing you for the first time. “And I’d be sleeping…?” “In my room,” Ayre interrupts before the faun can take that question any further. “That is, if our guest <i>wishes</i> to stay.” <ul> <li class="ch">[[Next Page|Ayre Intro 17]]</li> </ul>

<<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The Faun">>“Right,” you say. “I never said I was staying.” The High Fae nods at you. “And you’re welcome to leave, if you wish. For now, why don’t you take a look at the room with Jolenn? If you still wish to go, neither of us is going to stop you.” Jolenn looks excited by the idea, already glancing back toward the door. “Lemme give you the tour, at least,” $jthey <<jverb insists insist>>. “At worst,” Ayre adds before you can reply, “you can let $jthem show you to the rear door. It would be safer to leave that way, as our <i>other</i> guests will be taking the front door.” You look between the two for a moment, then toward the door out of the main room. “Alright,” you reply, “let’s go.” Both Fae smile at you, apparently pleased. “Good,” Ayre says first, “then I’ll leave you while I manage the guests.” <<cap $athey>> <<averb nods nod>> $atheir head to you in a short sort of bow. “Thanks,” you reply quickly, before $athey <<averb turns turn>> away, taking long strides toward the crowd of noisy Fae. Oddly, you feel a little lost as you watch $athem leave. <<if $agender eq "male">>He's<<elseif $agender eq "female">>She's<<else>>They're<</if>> the only one who seems to know anything about what happened to Leo, and you feel a little like you’re letting go of the only rope that might have led you to him. “C’mon, lets go!” Jolenn grabs your attention again, wasting no time in waving you toward the door. “You gotta tell me what’s going on, too.” You aren’t sure <i>why</i> $jthey <<jverb seems seem>> to be in such a hurry to get out of here, until you catch the sound of protests rising from the gathering. It seems that their party is being put to an end, and much earlier than usual. Would Ayre really do that for your sake? “Ayre hasn’t really told me much about what’s going on,” you tell Jolenn as you both head out of the room. “Just… $athey <<averb thinks think>> $athey <<averb knows know>> someone who can help find my brother, and that $athey <<averb thinks think>> it would be safer to go meet that… person in the morning.” Really, you aren’t even sure that it’s a person you’re going to find. It could be a… tree spirit, or something like that, for all you know. Jolenn nods along thoughtfully, escorting you back into the hallway once again. “Huh. Well, I mean…” <<cap $jtheir>> eyebrows knit together in thought, and you both come to a stop in front of the first door along the far wall. “I guess if your brother disappeared in the forest, Ayre’d have to know something about it. <<cap $athey>> <<averb knows know>> pretty much everything that happens around here.” “Whatever $athey <<averb knows know>>, $athey’<<averb s re>> not saying much.” “Sorry,” Jolenn smiles helplessly, adjusting the guitar strap over $jtheir shoulder. “If you wanna stay, I’ll ask $athem while you get settled.” <ul> <li class="ch">[["Thanks," you smile, "but I was really looking forward to that bedroom tour…?"|Ayre Intro 18-Brave][$anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5), $jflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["\"Yeah…\" you reply, looking shyly away from " + $jtheir + " pleased grin. \"I could stay.\""|Ayre Intro 18-Anxious][$anxious to $anxious.fm(5), $honest to $honest.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5), $jflirt += 1]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Flirt]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["Sure," you reply, "but… why's Ayre the only one that knows anything?"|Ayre Intro 18-Curious][$curious to $curious.fm(5), $stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $arel to $arel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Curious]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["I’d appreciate that." You smile. "Thanks, Jolenn."|Ayre Intro 18-Friendly][$stoic to $stoic.fm(-5), $gentle to $gentle.fm(5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Friendly]</i><</if>></li> <li class="ch">[["I think I’ve had enough of the half-answers. I'll just leave now."|Ayre Intro 18-Leave][$stoic to $stoic.fm(5), $anxious to $anxious.fm(-5), $arel to $arel.fm(-5), $jrel to $jrel.fm(-5)]] <<if $emotehints>><i>[Stoic]</i><</if>></li> </ul>

<<set $camping to 1>><<set $chapternum to "Chapter 1 - The First Night">>“I think I’ve had enough of the half-answers. I’ll just leave now.” You cross your arms, eyeing the door that Jolenn stands in front of. You’ve had enough of this already. You’re certain now that you can’t trust anyone here. You need to survive, and there’s no chance of that as long as you’re in this building. The faun frowns a little, looking disappointed as $jtheir eyebrows knit together. “Right,” $jthey <<jverb says say>>, “well, uh, I won’t stop you… just, like, be careful?” <<cap $jthey>> <<jverb pushes push>> the door open for you, then step aside to give you some space. You eye the doorway carefully for a moment, checking for the telltale shimmer of magic, but your eyes don’t catch anything suspicious. “D’you know where you’re going?” Jolenn asks as you step quickly through the door, but you keep walking. There’s no reason to give $jthem any hints, to needlessly put yourself at any more risk than you already have. You hear the door scrape closed over the grass behind you, and you strain to hear another set of footsteps behind you, but the night is quiet… or quieter than it was when you had arrived. It seems like the party is finally dying down. After a minute or so, you turn to look back. From what you can see, the faun has disappeared. The noise from the building is even quieter, but you can still make out its shape. You resolve to keep hiking until you can’t see any of its stone walls through the trees, if only to settle your nerves. In this direction, there is no proper path. By the scraps of moonlight that filter through the trees, you can make out patches of dirt and trampled grass on the ground, at least enough to guide you away from the Fae. It occurs to you that the path you’d found before was oddly short, if it only led between that stone building and the treehouse. You might have missed something, but you certainly can’t go back now, not when one of the Fae knows you’re out here. A sudden shiver reminds you of your goal. You pause, turning to find the silhouette of the building again, but you can’t find it. You pace left and right, peering around the trunks around you, until you’re certain that it’s out of sight. This will have to be good enough for the night. With any luck, those Fae would be asleep in the morning when you set off again. Winding away from the barely-there footpath, you try to find a good location to stop for the night. Eventually, you come to a patch of trees, better lit by the moon than the path you’d been following, where the low branches and arching roots offer a little cover. It will have to work for now, so that you can make camp.

Exercise seems like the best option in this situation. You need to be ready for anything to happen, and you need to keep your muscles in check for the long journey ahead. Mindful that you don’t want to end up sore in the morning, you use the empty space of the clearing to your advantage. Obviously, there’s no real opportunity to practice combat here, but it couldn’t hurt to kick some bushes and shadowbox some trees. Through time and exertion, eventually you feel satisfied to return to your tent. Nobody has come to the clearing—neither the Fae from that very small castle, nor any creatures that might be lurking nearby—and you feel tired enough that you might be able to sleep through the night. Careful not to disturb your security measures, you make your way back to your sleeping bag and try your best to make yourself comfortable… or as comfortable as you can be, sleeping on the hard forest floor. <ul> <<if hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Oblivious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Oblivious]]</li><<elseif hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Curious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Curious]]</li><<else>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-First]]</li><</if>> </ul>

The smartest choice would be to work on a map, as simple as it may be. You don’t know how soon you’ll be able to return, how much more you’ll encounter along your way, or what might be chasing you when you do make your way back. Digging in your bag, you find a small notebook and a pencil stuffed in the bottom. It might have been useful to bring some larger sheets of paper, but you really weren’t sure what to pack for when you left the house. Sitting out where the moon is brightest, you start to detail a rough idea of what you’ve seen so far. You’re certain that your journey has been mostly eastward so far, and decide to start from the edge of the forest, back where you first entered. You sketch out a vague circle where you found the first small clearing, and then a branch slightly northward to the path that led to the building you left behind. That path curves east to the rectangle you label “Fae House”, and then continues beyond to where you circle the clearing you’ve made camp inside of. Looking around, you’re not sure there’s an identifiable feature to mark exactly where or how you found the clearing. Hopefully, you won’t need it after you get moving again in the morning. You spend a little time cleaning up the sketch, trying to make it as easy to understand as you can, until your eyes feel tired enough to try to sleep. Careful not to disturb your security measures, you make your way back to your sleeping bag and try your best to make yourself comfortable… or as comfortable as you can be, sleeping on the hard forest floor. <ul> <<if hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Oblivious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Oblivious]]</li><<elseif hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Curious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Curious]]</li><<else>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-First]]</li><</if>> </ul>

Your concern for your own safety wins out in the end, and you decide to spend some time patrolling the edges of the clearing, scoping out the area, and ensuring your campsite is clear for the night. You’ve made it far enough from the Fae you encountered to escape the noise, though you’re no longer sure that the silence is comforting. On the one hand, it seems that nobody is lurking nearby; on the other hand, every little sound makes you jerk your head around, scanning into the barely-lit depths of the forest for any sign of movement. Fortunately, even as you pace in circles around the clearing, nothing jumps out to attack you or your campsite. Maybe everything is asleep already, or maybe all the creatures are still occupied at the gathering you left behind. In either case, you start to grow tired enough to call it quits and try to get some sleep. Careful not to disturb your security measures, you make your way back to your sleeping bag and try your best to make yourself comfortable… or as comfortable as you can be, sleeping on the hard forest floor. <ul> <<if hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Oblivious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Oblivious]]</li><<elseif hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Curious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Curious]]</li><<else>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-First]]</li><</if>> </ul>

Space is fairly limited in the room, but at least the rugs add some extra padding to the otherwise hard floor. At least you can run in place, or do some stationary exercises: squats, crunches, planks, et cetera. It’s not ideal, lacking gym clothes and standing in front of the fire, but nothing about this trip has been exactly what you might call ideal. Mindful not to end up sore in the morning, you take advantage of your privacy and spare time until you really feel tired enough to go to sleep. Another benefit over sleeping in the forest: you have a chance to clean up, and the space and privacy to change your clothes before you click off the hanging lights and crawl back onto the bed. <<if $jflirt > 0>>The subtle smell of herb and spice that wafts up from the mattress as you settle onto it instantly reminds you of just whose bed you’ve taken. The faun’s cheeky smile comes to mind as you breathe in, and <<if $anxious > 50>>you feel a flustered heat rise up your neck.<<else>>you find yourself smiling, too.<</if>> Somehow, this feels comforting.<<else>>Settling into the mattress, you pick up on the smell of spice and earth, likely lingering from the bed’s owner. It isn’t unpleasant, but still you grab a fresh pillow, give it a tentative sniff, and then stuff it under your head as a barrier against the fragrance. Fortunately, it isn’t strong enough to bother you with a buffer in between.<</if>> With your salt and horseshoe resting beside you, you close your eyes and try to coax yourself into sleep. <ul> <<if hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Oblivious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Oblivious]]</li><<elseif hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Curious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Curious]]</li><<else>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-First]]</li><</if>> </ul>

The smartest choice would be to work on a map, as simple as it may be. You don’t know how soon you’ll be able to return, how much more you’ll encounter along your way, or what might be chasing you when you do make your way back. Digging in your bag, you find a small notebook and a pencil stuffed in the bottom. It might have been useful to bring some larger sheets of paper, but you really weren’t sure what to pack for when you left the house. Sitting on a cushion beside the fire, you start to detail a rough idea of what you’ve seen so far. You’re certain that your journey has been mostly eastward so far, and decide to start from the edge of the forest, back where you first entered. You sketch out a vague circle where you found the first small clearing, and then a branch slightly northward to the path that led to the building you left behind. That path curves east to the rectangle you label “Fae House”, and stops there for now. You spend a little time cleaning up the sketch, trying to make it as easy to understand as you can, until your eyes feel tired enough to try to sleep. Another benefit over sleeping in the forest: you have a chance to clean up, and the space and privacy to change your clothes before you click off the hanging lights and crawl back onto the bed. <<if $jflirt > 0>>The subtle smell of herb and spice that wafts up from the mattress as you settle onto it instantly reminds you of just whose bed you’ve taken. The faun’s cheeky smile comes to mind as you breathe in, and <<if $anxious > 50>>you feel a flustered heat rise up your neck.<<else>>you find yourself smiling, too.<</if>> Somehow, this feels comforting.<<else>>Settling into the mattress, you pick up on the smell of spice and earth, likely lingering from the bed’s owner. It isn’t unpleasant, but still you grab a fresh pillow, give it a tentative sniff, and then stuff it under your head as a barrier against the fragrance. Fortunately, it isn’t strong enough to bother you with a buffer in between.<</if>> With your salt and horseshoe resting beside you, you close your eyes and try to coax yourself into sleep. <ul> <<if hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Oblivious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Oblivious]]</li><<elseif hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Curious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Curious]]</li><<else>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-First]]</li><</if>> </ul>

As long as you’re alone in here… it is prime time for some snooping. Maybe you’ll find a secret, or maybe you’ll find something you really shouldn’t. Either way, it could be fun. You decide to start <i>away</i> from the bed, to avoid opening a drawer you really shouldn’t open. Instead, your search starts in the chest of laundry. As expected, it is mostly full of pillows, sheets, blankets, and furs, all folded neatly. Maybe Ayre does the folding—it certainly seems like Jolenn prefers a chaotic mess. Digging through the laundry doesn’t turn up anything interesting, unfortunately. Next, you turn to a tall, heavy-looking, ornate wardrobe. It’s solid wood, with motifs of acorns and leaves carved on its surface. Pulling the door open, you might expect to find a portal to Narnia at the back… although, you suppose, you’re already there. It’s full of exactly what you might expect: shirts, jackets, coats, scarves, and… long skirts. A familiar memory flutters at the back of your mind, but you can’t quite pick up on the details of <i>why</i>. The drawers at the bottom, which you might normally expect to be full of underwear, socks, or shoes, turn out to house a satisfying secret. Both are full of snacks: potato chips, Pop-Tarts, Cheetos, Fruit Roll-Ups, a variety of sugary cereals, and a mess of vending machine snack cakes. It’s at least enough to last a month, if this was the only thing Jolenn was eating. After a moment’s consideration, <<if $anxious > 50>>you decide to leave them be. You were the one snooping, after all.<<else>>you grab a favorite for a snack. You can ask forgiveness later, you’re sure.<</if>> After a little more unfruitful prowling, you decide it’s time to get to sleep. Another benefit over sleeping in the forest: you have a chance to clean up, and the space and privacy to change your clothes before you click off the hanging lights and crawl onto the bed. <<if $jflirt > 0>>The subtle smell of herb and spice that wafts up from the mattress as you settle onto it instantly reminds you of just whose bed you’ve taken. The faun’s cheeky smile comes to mind as you breathe in, and <<if $anxious > 50>>you feel a flustered heat rise up your neck.<<else>>you find yourself smiling, too.<</if>> Somehow, this feels comforting.<<else>>Settling into the mattress, you pick up on the smell of spice and earth, likely lingering from the bed’s owner. It isn’t unpleasant, but still you grab a fresh pillow, give it a tentative sniff, and then stuff it under your head as a barrier against the fragrance. Fortunately, it isn’t strong enough to bother you with a buffer in between.<</if>> With your salt and horseshoe resting beside you, you close your eyes and try to coax yourself into sleep. <ul> <<if hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Oblivious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Oblivious]]</li><<elseif hasVisited("Stay Home 6-Curious-1")>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-Curious]]</li><<else>><li class="ch">[[Next Page|Camp Dream-First]]</li><</if>> </ul>

This is the end of demo V1.1! Thank you so much for playing, and be sure to follow the game's Tumblr for progress updates, bonus content, and more! <ul> <li class="ch"><<link [[Return to the Main Menu|Main Menu]]>><<run Engine.restart()>><</link>></li> </ul>

<<set $camping to 1>>For what feels like ages, you try to convince yourself to settle down and get some sleep. The knowledge that some of the most dangerous creatures you’ve ever met lurk just past this wall—and maybe even outside that door—crawls over your skin like an army of ants. The itch to just <i>leave</i> is incessant, and after pacing the short length of the room a few dozen times, you can’t take it any more. Jolenn showed you the trap door earlier, so maybe you can escape that way? Hastily, you roll your sleeping bag back up, cramming it down into your bag, and start kicking up the edges of the rugs. A handful of seconds later, you’re crouched on the floor, easing open the door as quietly as you can manage, and peering down into the darkness. It’s a straight drop into a shallow pit, and you can just make out the pale illumination of moonlight on the dirt, nearly drowned out by the light in the room. You look up and around, ensuring you haven’t left anything else behind… No. Your eyes land on the locked door. Maybe that will buy you some time in the morning; if they think you’re still in here, you might be able to escape your real camp before they come looking. The pit leads into a short tunnel, barely tall enough for you to stand. You close the trap door behind you, and begin a slow and careful shuffle toward the moonlight ahead. It only takes a minute, and soon you find that the path leads out between a thick shrub and a thicker tree, effectively disguising it from the outside. You check your surroundings carefully, in case the faun thought you might have taken the tunnel out for a surreptitious meeting. Fortunately, the coast is clear. The moon is still high — a welcome sight meaning that you didn’t waste too much time inside. You start walking, determined to make it far enough from the building that Jolenn or Ayre wouldn’t find you before you wake. In this direction, there is no proper path. By the scraps of moonlight that filter through the trees, you can make out patches of dirt and trampled grass on the ground, at least enough to guide you away from the Fae. It occurs to you that the path you’d found before was oddly short, if it only led between that stone building and the treehouse. You might have missed something, but you certainly can’t go back now, not when you could be followed. A sudden shiver reminds you of your goal. You pause, scanning for some sign of the stone building through the trees, but you can’t see anything through the brush. This will have to be good enough for the night. Winding away from the barely-there footpath, you try to find a good location to stop for the night. Eventually, you come to a patch of trees, better lit than the path you’d been following, where the low branches and arching roots offer a little cover. It will have to work for now, so that you can make camp.

When you wake, you’re sitting up with your back against something sharp and uncomfortable, and there’s a heavy weight on your chest. The sky is dark, devoid of stars and a moon. How did you get here? You look down at yourself, and jolt at the sight. It’s Leo. He’s leaning on you, arms wrapped around your neck, legs swung over your lap. Pocket is strapped onto his shoulders, and he feels so heavy. Did he fill his backpack with rocks again? “Leo?” You murmur, voice heavy with sleep. He doesn’t move. “Leo, hey,” you say a little louder, shifting away from the sharp edge on your back. He still isn’t stirring, so you cradle him as you shift forward, craning your neck around to look at what you’re leaning on. It’s a picnic table, one of the ones between your house and the woods. That means you’re almost home. “We’ve gotta get up now…” You warn him, giving him a gentle shake. Still nothing. With a sigh, you resolve to lift him up and carry him the rest of the way. You shift him, angling to scoop an arm under his legs, when you’re suddenly blinded by a stunningly bright light. “Oh my god, you’re here!” You hear your mother’s voice, and the light turns away for a moment. Your parents are standing a few yards ahead of you, and your mother is holding a big, heavy camping flashlight. The beam sweeps back onto you again, and you curl your arms around Leo to lift him up. “Oh my god—” your father speaks this time, cut off by a retching sound. “What…” your mother sobs suddenly. “What happened?” You don’t know what she means. As you ease up onto your feet, you look down at Leo once more. In the light, you see it. His clothes are torn to shreds, and his body is covered in… No. He’s drenched in blood. “I-I…” You stammer, and on instinct you jerk back, arms loosening around him. His arms fall limply from your shoulders, and his body falls to the ground with a dull, heavy thud. Your eyes fall to your hands, your arms, your clothes, and—and— “What happened?!” Your mother screams, stumbling forward. She lands on her knees beside Leo, where he’s fallen on his side, and tenderly rolls him onto his back. Her hand comes away red, just like yours. “$mcname.” Your father says, but you don’t look at him. You’re slowly raising your trembling hands to face, staring at them in the light. They’re soaked in red, and it cakes black in the lines of your palms and under your nails. Bits of—you choke on the bile that rises up your throat, coughing as you stumble backwards to rest against the picnic table once again. What happened? You can’t remember what happened, but your skin and your clothes and the ground beneath you are soaked in blood, and there’s shreds of Leo’s clothes stuck to you, and the grass, and the table, and your hands are clutching your head and it feels sticky, and your mom starts screaming—maybe she’s been screaming. “$mcname, you… you…” she sobs, and your dad helps her to her feet. “That… that’s your brother!” She’s screaming again, and she lurches toward you. Your father looks on, but you can’t see his face behind the beam of the flashlight. It would be nice to imagine he’s crying, or looking away. “How could you?!” Your mother rages, clubbing you with the gravy flashlight. “How could you do this to your own brother?!” She tosses the flashlight aside, instead grabbing you by the throat. Her fingers squeeze painfully tight, and she shakes you so hard that your head flops back and forth. You reach up, clawing at her fingers to no avail. She slams you against the picnic table, knocking the air from your lungs. You reach up, clawing back at her, swinging your arms and punching, clawing, pulling, or tearing anything you can reach, desperate to get free as dark spots begin to dance in your vision. You’re suffocating, and your swings reach a new frenzied pitch, scratching and hitting whatever you can as the world grows dark once more. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Chapter 2|Chapter 2-TBA]]</li> </ul>

You wake, staring up at the cold night sky. It’s still night, and the moon is gone, and… Where are you? You sit up, feeling a rough surface beneath your hands, and look down. You’re sitting on a roof. You crawl to an edge, and—this is your own house. Your own roof. How did you get here? Did one of the Fae drag you back here? Why here and not the castle of the High Fae, or their own home? Why not just kill you? A voice reaches you through the open window below. “Leo? Leo baby?” It’s your mom. She must be in Leo’s room, and the window must have been left open, but how did you get up here? “$mcname?” Your father’s voice joins hers, sounding more tense than you’ve heard it, even before you left. “Leo—Oh my god!” Your mother shouts suddenly, and you hear something clatter. “What? Wha—Oh no… Oh god no…” Your father’s voice pitches lower. “Stand back, dear. Let me look at this.” “Blood!” Your fingers tighten on the edge of the roof when you hear it. “Blood, it’s blood, it’s blood, oh god no, it’s blood…” Your mother chants again and again, slowly breaking down into sobs. Your father’s head sticks out of the window below you. He looks down at the ground, the side of the house, and then slowly up until he locks eyes with you. His jaw hangs slack for a moment, just staring at you, before he snaps out of it. “Holy hell!” His face pales, and he disappears back through the window. “Get back in the bedroom, now!” You hear a short scuffle, your mother’s muffled sobs, and then— “You!” Your mother leans out of the window now, staring straight up at you. “You took my baby, didn’t you?” You quickly shuffle back from the edge of the roof. What? You call out to her, “Mom,” but what comes out isn't a word, or even your voice. It’s a low, wheezing breath. You try again, opening your mouth and trying to force out any kind of sound, but the harder you try, the harder it becomes to even make yourself breathe. “You piece of shit!” Your mother roars below, and you stumble to your feet, backing up across the roof. “I’ll fucking kill you! I’ll kill you!!” You hear shuffling, stumbling, the crack of wood, and your father trying to protest, but in a moment your mother’s fingers are gripping the edge of the roof. She hauls herself up, face full of rage, blood smearing her pajamas—Leo’s blood. You try to yell, to make her stop or just recognize you, but still no sound comes out. Your face is hot and you think you should be crying as you hurry across the rooftop, trying to put some distance between you. She lurches forward, arms extended like she means to rip you apart with her bare hands. “Come on motherfucker!” Your mother screams, dashing after you. “You ugly nightmare bastard! I’ll fucking kill you like you killed my son!” Her voice wavers between a shriek and a sob on the last few words, but she doesn’t show any sign of stopping. Your skin feels hot, prickly, and too tight like a sunburn. You realize that the sun is rising. Looking down at your hands in the pale orange glow, you can see that you are no longer yourself. Your fingers are long and knifelike, and skin isn’t really skin at all. You’re nothing but shadow, the absence of light completely, and the sunrise is making the edges of your body fizzle and flicker. You trip, falling on your ass at the corner of the roof. You’re staring up at your mom as she charges toward you, fingers grasping like claws. For the brief moment before she reaches you, you wonder whether you should let her kill you. Would that help her grief? Would it haunt her forever? Your skin, or lack thereof, is burning. You lean back, and fall into the air. The fall is brief, and you hear your mom screaming the whole way down. Your neck cracks sickeningly on impact, jolting your whole body in anticipation of the searing, agonizing pain of death. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Chapter 2|Chapter 2-TBA]]</li> </ul>

When you wake up, you’re not in bed any more. You’re staring up at an empty, gray sky. It’s so gray that it looks like a color swatch at the paint store, lacking any change in light or texture at all. There are no clouds, no sun, no moon, no stars… just gray. You’re floating, and a second later you realize you’re floating in water. Most of your body is at or above the surface, like those videos you’ve seen of people floating on the Dead Sea. After splashing in panic for a moment, you start to relax, You’re not sinking, and you don’t even need to swim. You can just float. You look around yourself, trying to figure out how you got here. There’s no land that you can see in any direction, but reflections of trees stretch across the surface of the water. It looks like it’s reflecting the forest, exactly like you left it, but you can’t see where the reflections are coming from, unless… You turn, flipping onto your belly as you float, and dunk your head under the water. You open your eyes to look around, but it stings—no, it burns. You kick your legs and thrash your arms, forcing yourself upright, and cover your face with your hands. Your eyes are burning and no matter how hard you blink, it won’t stop. You gasp out loud at the pain, rubbing your eyes and wishing you had some way to rinse them. You’re blinded, and you can’t see anything happening beneath you. Something touches your leg. You kick, and then it touches your other leg. You start kicking frantically, unable to tell what you’re touching, until it wraps around your leg. You yell out loud this time, pulling your leg up to try to pull whatever it is away with your hands, but it pulls your leg back down. You scream. It wraps around your other wildly kicking leg, pulling both your legs out straight beneath you, and you make one last terrified gasp for breath before your head slips below the surface. You bend in half, trying to grab and tear whatever has wrapped around your legs. It’s slimy and sticky, and the harder you grab it, the harder it grabs you back. Your hands get stuck in whatever it is, both clutching your left calf as something snakes up your arms, pulling them the same way it pulls your legs. You pull and thrash helplessly as you sink below the water, and you can feel the weight of this dense ocean starting to bear down on you. You can’t open your eyes, can’t see how far down you’ve gone or how far you have left to go. You try your best to kick and pull and worm your way out of this thing’s grasp, but it’s stuck to your skin, and it isn’t letting go. Your chest grows tight as you continue to sink, and your head starts to hurt. You’re running out of air and you have to fight the urge to gasp and swallow sea water. Your movements slow, and you try to steel yourself for whatever comes next. You collide with something eventually, maybe the something that has been pulling you down. Limbs, or what feels like limbs, wrap around you, holding you tightly. Then the claws come out. They rake your skin, and leave burning trails in their wake like the burning in your eyes. You kick back into action, pulling and kicking and reaching and scratching for escape, for purchase, for <i>something</i>. Your chest is so tight and your head feels like it might burst. Your mouth flies open, and you suck in a cold lungful of water. <ul> <li class="ch">[[Chapter 2|Chapter 2-TBA]]</li> </ul>

Double-click this passage to edit it.