TEOD 1

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You are falling. Gravity pulls your body down, down, down. Limbs extended toward the skies with no real strength, a puppet with its string cut. When you open your eyes there is a blanket of stars awaiting you, thousands of pitying eyes watching your downfall. A name appears on the rim of your lips, only to be forgotten as you hit the sea below. Salty water fills your lungs, the burn sharp and unforgiving as you slowly begin to drown. "Child of misfortune, hear thy cry," sings a voice. "Left to burn, left to die." You kick against the freezing waters pulling you under, numbness overtaking your limbs the more you struggle to reach the surface. All around you the singing doesn't stop, growing more and more frantic with each passing second, mockeries and shrill laughter hidden behind the pitch black curtain that is the abyss holding you hostage. For a second you swear there are hands reaching out through the veil, fingers scrambling for your bare legs, but the feeling disappears the second you breach the surface with a choked gasp. A wave almost sends you back under, but you stubbornly keep yourself afloat with all the strength you can muster. The silence is deafening at first, interrupted ever so slightly only by the crashing of waves and the distance sounds of... You look around wildly, struggling to keep your vision focused against the sting building behind your eyes, finding at last the shore. You move before you can think twice, swimming a little too sluggishly toward the only salvation at hand. More water dribbles down your lungs as you breath harshly, legs kicking and kicking even when your chest feels like it's about to collapse on itself. The moment you feel sand and pebbles scrape against your fingertips you let out a tired sigh, a sound one could easily mistake as a dry sob, pushing forward one last time before letting yourself fall unceremoniously on the shoreline. The sand is an uncomfortable companion pressed against your cheek, made even more obnoxious by the quiet coming and going of seawater, but you pay it no mind. Not immediately, at least. For now there's only contentment. So strong and bright you can't help but laugh out loud, uncaring about your sorry state as you keep a vigilant watch on the stars above. You laugh and laugh, amusement trailing off only when you realize with a start you don't know why you're happy in the first place. Bringing both hands to your face, you trail tentative fingers over your features, pressing down ever so slightly as if to commit them to memory. The more you linger, the less content you feel. Head pounding painfully along your heartbeat, you push yourself in a sitting position. You don't cry, but it's a close thing. It would only be right, the thought comes unbidden, but there's no time. "Mind telling me what has you laughing up a storm?" You turn around abruptly, eyes growing wide when you find not one, but three men grinning sharply your way. One of them, the closest to you, has a gun held loosely in one hand, while his companions twirl short knifes between their fingers. They don't seem particularly intimidating, not if we're talking looks, with their yellowish teeth and scruffy hair. Ruffians, dressed as poorly as one would think, but armed ruffians nonetheless. [[The last thing I expected to find tonight was a drenched woman chuckling like a maniac.|2][$gender to "female", $person to "woman", $they to "she", $them to "her", $their to "her", $themselves to "herself", $theirs to "hers", $plural to false]] [[The last thing I expected to find tonight was a drenched man chuckling like a maniac.|2][$gender to "male", $person to "man", $they to "he", $them to "him", $their to "his", $themselves to "himself", $theirs to "his", $plural to false]] [[The last thing I expected to find tonight was a drenched person chuckling like a maniac.|2][$gender to "nonbinary", $plural to true]]

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<>  <li>[[Characters|Stat page 1]]</li> <li>[[You|Stat page 2]]</li> <>

The Edge of Dawn

by <a href="https://tumblr.com/elysianfiction">Elysianfiction</a>

!Characters WIP...  <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

!Stats WIP..  <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

"But I guess we've seen weirder things, haven't we?" The man holding the gun mocks, pointing the weapon more firmly your way. "So, tell me. Do you have anything to share with your new friends or am I going to have to end our friendship so soon?" You drag yourself to your feet, careful to keep an eye on your self proclaimed new pals all the while, evaluating your choices. But are there choices in the first place? You breath in and the world comes to a stop, sounds and motion alike disappearing at once as you realize one crucial thing. You don't have an answer for them. It's not fear making you hesitate, nor is it stubborn defiance, but genuine confusion. You don't have an answer for them because there isn't one. You don't have an answer for them because you can't remember anything prior to your frantic tumble from the skies. The realization turns your lungs sour with the ghost of bile. "Cat got your tongue?" One of the men with the knifes laughs, a missing molar peeking from the wide stretch of his lips. "Come on, come on! Give us something or let us have some fun!" His knife wielding pal chuckles along him, holding himself back even as his whole body is visibly eager to strike, unable to keep still for more than a handful of seconds. You might not have an answer for them, but that doesn't mean you can keep quiet forever. It's now or never. [[What does it look like to you? You think I have anything on me, oh wise one?|2.1][$sarcastic +=5]] [[Please, let me go. I have nothing of value.|2.2][ $sarcastic -=5]] [[If you don't leave immediately, you will regret this|2.3][$easygoing -=5]] [[Surely we can come to an agreement|2.4][$easygoing +=5]]

"What does it look like to you? You think I have anything on me, oh wise one?" You ask, spreading your arms wide and pointing none too subtly at your sorry state. "Please, do tell me whether you want the sand sticking to my arse first or the tattered remains of my clothes." The ruffian with the missing molar laughs, but the sound is cut short when his silent pal smacks him on the back of the head, glaring at him and then at you. "The $bastard has some fire in $them, huh?" The ruffian with the gun sneers, raising the gun until it's pointing directly at your head. "I wonder how long will that last, if I were to blow up your pretty little head." There's a shift in the air, so strong you swear you can taste it on your tongue, an invisible thrum of electricity making the fine hair on your nape stand up in alert. You don't flinch, but it's a close thing as a hand falls on your shoulder, the tinkling noise of earrings capturing your attention next. When you turn just enough to look at the stranger, you find the man is not looking at you in the first place, staring at the lowly criminals before you with an easygoing smile. He has longish black hair which graze his shoulders and, most noticeably yet, an eye-patch peeking out from the bangs covering his left eye. He's dressed as casually as one can be, with simple black trousers and a delicate white chemise which hugs snugly the expanse of his tanned skin. The ruffians murmur something to themselves, but you don't hear them, not when the new stranger finally tilts his head to meet your gaze and you find yourself put under a spell when a lone golden eye seems to be scrutinizing your very soul. Who is this man? "There you are, Fireheart. I've been looking everywhere for you," the stranger smiles, squeezing your shoulder before returning his attention to your scruffy pals. "Seems like you've made some friends while I was gone, huh? Normally I wouldn't't say a thing, but they don't look very reliable… or quick on the uptake." "And who the fuck are you?" Spits out the ruffians' boss, who's quickly joined on each side by his companions. "Are you here to pay for $their debt in $their place?" The tooth missing guy laughs boisterously, ever so quick to please the boss it seems, but you note with some curiosity that his seemingly mute pal does not. In fact, he's looking at the man standing at your side with squinted eyes, which promptly grow wider and wider but moments later. He raises one hand, pointing his shaky index finger toward the man with the eye-patch. "Boss, we better leave," he says, in a trembling voice made rough by disuse. "That man is trouble, he's Julian the-" [[A snap of fingers and they all tumble down.|3]]

"Please, let me go," you plead, feeling the ghostly fingers of fear begin to wrap themselves around your throat. "I have nothing of value, nothing at all. Please, believe me." You try hard not too sound too frightened, that won't help you and you know it, but you can't quite stop yourself from taking a step back when the boss' expression goes from an annoyed grimace to a sharp grin, more so when he licks his lips. "Nothing to offer, you say?" He mocks, tilting his head to smile at his companions. "Then I guess one last game before we send you back to the gods will have to do… why don't you start running, little mouse?" There's a shift in the air, so strong you swear you can taste it on your tongue, an invisible thrum of electricity making the fine hair on your nape stand up in alert. You don't flinch, but it's a close thing as a hand falls on your shoulder, the tinkling noise of earrings capturing your attention next. When you turn just enough to look at the stranger, you find the man is not looking at you in the first place, staring at the lowly criminals before you with an easygoing smile. He has longish black hair which graze his shoulders and, most noticeably yet, an eye-patch peeking out from the bangs covering his left eye. He's dressed as casually as one can be, with simple black trousers and a delicate white chemise which hugs snugly the expanse of his tanned skin. The ruffians murmur something to themselves, but you don't hear them, not when the new stranger finally tilts his head to meet your gaze and you find yourself put under a spell when a lone golden eye seems to be scrutinizing your very soul. Who is this man? "There you are, Fireheart. I've been looking everywhere for you," the stranger smiles, squeezing your shoulder before returning his attention to your scruffy pals. "Seems like you've made some friends while I was gone, huh? Normally I wouldn't't say a thing, but they don't look very reliable… or quick on the uptake." "And who the fuck are you?" Spits out the ruffians' boss, who's quickly joined on each side by his companions. "Are you here to pay for $their debt in $their place?" The tooth missing guy laughs boisterously, ever so quick to please the boss it seems, but you note with some curiosity that his seemingly mute pal does not. In fact, he's looking at the man standing at your side with squinted eyes, which promptly grow wider and wider but moments later. He raises one hand, pointing his shaky index finger toward the man with the eye-patch. "Boss, we better leave," he says, in a trembling voice made rough by disuse. "That man is trouble, he's Julian the-" [[A snap of fingers and they all tumble down.|3]]

"If you don't leave immediately, you will regret this," you begin slowly, the emotion clinging to your skin being none other than anger. So strong it takes you momentarily by surprise. "You still have time to rethink your choices. Don't waste this chance." They all laugh at your bravado. Well, all except for the one who refuses to utter a word, a display which only makes you angrier. Your fingers ache for something, anything at all, to use as a weapon against them. "So the crazy $bastard thinks $themselves as stronger and scarier than us, huh?" The boss smiles, raising the gun until it's pointing directly at your head. "I wonder if you'll clutch to that braveness of yours even as I put a bullet through your sorry little head, huh?" There's a shift in the air, so strong you swear you can taste it on your tongue, an invisible thrum of electricity making the fine hair on your nape stand up in alert. You don't flinch, but it's a close thing as a hand falls on your shoulder, the tinkling noise of earrings capturing your attention next. When you turn just enough to look at the stranger, you find the man is not looking at you in the first place, staring at the lowly criminals before you with an easygoing smile. He has longish black hair which graze his shoulders and, most noticeably yet, an eye-patch peeking out from the bangs covering his left eye. He's dressed as casually as one can be, with simple black trousers and a delicate white chemise which hugs snugly the expanse of his tanned skin. The ruffians murmur something to themselves, but you don't hear them, not when the new stranger finally tilts his head to meet your gaze and you find yourself put under a spell when a lone golden eye seems to be scrutinizing your very soul. Who is this man? "There you are, Fireheart. I've been looking everywhere for you," the stranger smiles, squeezing your shoulder before returning his attention to your scruffy pals. "Seems like you've made some friends while I was gone, huh? Normally I wouldn't't say a thing, but they don't look very reliable… or quick on the uptake." "And who the fuck are you?" Spits out the ruffians' boss, who's quickly joined on each side by his companions. "Are you here to pay for $their debt in $their place?" The tooth missing guy laughs boisterously, ever so quick to please the boss it seems, but you note with some curiosity that his seemingly mute pal does not. In fact, he's looking at the man standing at your side with squinted eyes, which promptly grow wider and wider but moments later. He raises one hand, pointing his shaky index finger toward the man with the eye-patch. "Boss, we better leave," he says, in a trembling voice made rough by disuse. "That man is trouble, he's Julian the-" [[A snap of fingers and they all tumble down.|3]]

"Surely we can come to an agreement," you start, making yourself look as calm as possible while you subtly assess the situation. "I have nothing on me, but that doesn't mean I can't procure something in return." The ruffian holding the gun cocks his head, a strange smile curling his lips. "An agreement? And do tell me, you crazy $bastard, what could you possibly offer us that isn't gold but is equally of value to us, huh? Talk quick, before I lose my patience." You clench your jaw at his snippy tone, but quickly reel in the emotion in favor of keeping a blanc expression on. Even as the man points his gun more precisely toward your head. There's a shift in the air, so strong you swear you can taste it on your tongue, an invisible thrum of electricity making the fine hair on your nape stand up in alert. You don't flinch, but it's a close thing as a hand falls on your shoulder, the tinkling noise of earrings capturing your attention next. When you turn just enough to look at the stranger, you find the man is not looking at you in the first place, staring at the lowly criminals before you with an easygoing smile. He has longish black hair which graze his shoulders and, most noticeably yet, an eye-patch peeking out from the bangs covering his left eye. He's dressed as casually as one can be, with simple black trousers and a delicate white chemise which hugs snugly the expanse of his tanned skin. The ruffians murmur something to themselves, but you don't hear them, not when the new stranger finally tilts his head to meet your gaze and you find yourself put under a spell when a lone golden eye seems to be scrutinizing your very soul. Who is this man? "There you are, Fireheart. I've been looking everywhere for you," the stranger smiles, squeezing your shoulder before returning his attention to your scruffy pals. "Seems like you've made some friends while I was gone, huh? Normally I wouldn't't say a thing, but they don't look very reliable… or quick on the uptake." "And who the fuck are you?" Spits out the ruffians' boss, who's quickly joined on each side by his companions. "Are you here to pay for $their debt in $their place?" The tooth missing guy laughs boisterously, ever so quick to please the boss it seems, but you note with some curiosity that his seemingly mute pal does not. In fact, he's looking at the man standing at your side with squinted eyes, which promptly grow wider and wider but moments later. He raises one hand, pointing his shaky index finger toward the man with the eye-patch. "Boss, we better leave," he says, in a trembling voice made rough by disuse. "That man is trouble, he's Julian the-" [[A snap of fingers and they all tumble down.|3]]

You watch the ruffians tumble at unison on the ground, unmoving even as the sea's current washes over them. For a moment you think they might be dead, but the thought is immediately squashed down when you hear, albeit incredulously, the boss himself snore loudly around a mouthful of seawater. "And that takes care of them," the man with the eye-patch, Julian apparently is his name, says with a cheer which doesn't belong, stretching his arms over his head. A cat getting ready to leave after having spent a whole day bathing in the sun. "Shall we go?" <<if ($sarcastic > $genuine) or ($easygoing > $stubborn)>>"Shall we go? Where? To the next secluded area where you'll ask me to repay you for the trouble? I'm sorry, flashy magician, but I'm not interested," you take hold of the drenched tunic clinging to your torso, wringing some of the water out of it. "I've had a shit day and I still don't-" You stop yourself from revealing the last, and perhaps only one, of your secrets. Julian, if anything, merely seems amused. "Flashy magician, huh?" He laughs, placing both hands on his hips. "That's not a new one, I'm afraid, but coming from a stranger does feel fresh and exciting." You sigh, staring dejectedly at your now even more deformed attire. [[How nice for you, I'm glad I could give you some spice in this wonderful evening.|4]]<</if>><<if ($sarcastic < $genuine) or ($easygoing < $stubborn)>>"Shall we go? Do you really think I'm that stupid?" You ask, wringing some water out of your drenched tunic with a spark of irritation. "Thank you for coming to the rescue, I guess, but not only I did not ask, I'm also already deep in my own problems since I can't-" You stop yourself from revealing the last, and perhaps only one, of your secrets. Julian, if anything, merely seems intrigued by your little outburst. "Well, what was I supposed to do? Stay back and watch as these idiots killed you?" He asks, going closer to the snoring mess of bodies, nudging them with his boot. "I'm not looking for rewards, if that's what you're worried about." [[How very kind of you, you grit your teeth, giving up on making yourself a little less miserable|4]]<</if>>

A strong dash of wind makes you clutch your arms tighter around your middle section, a sneeze muffled to the best of your powers slipping through your lips. And how very wonderful it would be, to finish this whole ordeal with a fever to top the cake. Your eyes find the ocean again, no longer intimidated by its pitch black endless expanse. At least the voices are gone. A small mercy. "How about this?" Julian starts, wrenching your attention away. "We'll go to the closest inn. Get food and a warm bath for you, all at my expense. Think you could be persuaded?" You furrow your brow. "What would you get out of being charitable with a $gender you've just met?" "Some good company for the evening, only to talk, mind you," he takes a hair-tie from one of his pockets, neatly gathering his hair in a low ponytail. "And if you'll feel so inclined to trust me with that much, maybe even your name." That stops you in your tracks. Do you even remember your name? <<textbox "$name" Name>> [[You blurt out the name before you can think twice about it.|4.1][$julianmet to true]]

"Call me $name," you test the word on your tongue, growing accustomed with it as you weight your chances and come to the only plausible conclusion for now. "Lead the way, then. I'm starving." And it's not a lie, you realize with some confusion, all at once feeling the claws of hunger bite at your stomach. It's as if saying the words out loud manifested the sensation into reality. "But of course, $name," Julian smiles, turning his back to the ruffians and quietly gesturing for you to follow him. "Come along, I know just the place." You linger back just enough to steal one last glance at the sea, raising your eyes then toward the skies. It's unthinkable, what happened. Maybe it didn't happen at all, maybe it was panic making you see things. And yet, as you finally turn away from the source of all your fears to follow Julian to a destination unknown, there isn't a single doubt in your mind. It wasn't an hallucination. Something happened. Something bad happened. [[And it's up to you to find out what that is.|4.2]]

The Vengeful Witch is an inn which has none of the eerie factor the name might imply and all of the things one would expect from any other inn. Customers of every kind, some chatting amicably with one another, others already snoring the ale away with their faces squished tightly against the table. There even are a couple of dancing pairs on one corner, laughing heartily in each other's arms as a hurriedly put up band of men strums their instruments. The thing you enjoy most at the moment, however, is the positively mouth wavering sight before you: warm bread, still steaming and with a wonderful golden crust, accompanied by a small side dish with melted butter and aromatic herbs shall you wish to dip it for more flavor. Roasted fish with potatoes, a juicy looking steak which is glazed with a bittersweet sauce your keen nose recognizes to be made with wild berries, side dishes with colorful vegetables to accompany it all. They even offer homemade sweet delights, you've been told. "Don't hold back on my behalf and eat whatever you want," Julian says, doing a poor job at hiding a smile. Or maybe he hadn't tried in the first place. "I didn't know what you might have preferred, so feel free to choose yourself." As for himself, Julian sinks his fork into a thinly cut peace of meat, using his knife to coat the bite with the sauce before elegantly bringing it to his lips. He makes a show of not to look at you, for your comfort or his it's impossible to tell. You eye the feast before you one last time, holding the cutlery gingerly in your hands [[You dig in eagerly, trying a little bit of everything.|4.3]] [[You dig in slowly, trying a little bit of everything.|4.4]]

You waste no more time, sinking your fork into the meat first, going for the potatoes next. Instead of melting into one giant blob in your mouth, each dish maintains its singular taste only to dance on your palate when met with a bite from a different plate. The meat melts like sugar on your tongue, the vegetables adding more texture to it all. You reach out for a cup of ale next, downing a gulp to refreshen your parched throat. Gods know you need it, after all that saltwater. Only then you realize Julian looking at you, a cup in his own hand, head tilted. "You weren't kidding about the starving part." "Why would I? Not to mention you did say I could eat whatever I wanted. Hopefully you weren't lying about the warm bath either." Julian raises his free hand in the universal sign of peace, taking one last sip of his drink before saying, "That I did, I'm not one to take back my word. Which is why you'll have your moment of respite after you're done… Although, having dinner, such a lush one at that, in silence would be boring, don't you think?" You hold back a sigh in favor of taking another bite. Here comes the interrogation, you suppose. "This is the talking bit of our deal, uh?" You ask, feeling your stomach churn unpleasantly in anticipation. "What do you want to talk about?" "Nothing too personal, if that's what you're worried about. We have just met, I don't like scaring people so early in a relationship," he takes another bite of his dinner, not wasting even a single piece of food. "I was just wondering what could be the reason for a $gender like you to hang around the shore at this time of night, drenched like a kitten and held at gunpoint." Does he think you're a criminal of some sort? Maybe someone who asked money from the worst possible loaner and got in trouble for it? If only it were that simple. "And are you going to force me to answer?" Julian smiles, something strange flashing in his eye for the blink of a second before it's gone completely. For some reason unknown, you find yourself matching that smile before you realize it. An unconscious gesture you reel back a moment too late. "Of course not, $name. As I've said, we're strangers to one another. I won't take anything that isn't offered to me, nor will I force it out of you. That's a line of work reserved to a very specific kind of customer, not you." It doesn't take longer than that to understand the man before you is anything but harmless, a wolf hidden beneath the placid facade of a generous sheep. Your head tells you to disengage, your gut says running is the worst possible option. How far are you willing to go to take your chances? Would he even believe you, were you to tell the strange and yet simple truth? You're about to open your mouth when he interrupts you. "You don't have to answer now, the night is young. Take your time," Julian pushes himself to his feet, filling his cup one last time. "Eat dinner, go to your room and think about what you want to do. I'll come hear your answer after I'm done with… a little errand of mine. Don't run off, though, would you? My heart would break." You watch, dumbfounded, as he waves you off with a grin before merging with the other patrons until suddenly you can't see him anymore. Left alone with plenty of food left and a storm of questions plaguing your thoughts. [[One step at a time, you suppose.|5]]

You waste no more time, slowly sinking your fork into the meat first, going for the potatoes next. Instead of melting into one giant blob in your mouth, each dish maintains its singular taste only to dance on your palate when met with a bite from a different plate. The meat melts like sugar on your tongue, the vegetables adding more texture to it all. You reach out for a cup of ale next, taking a sip to refreshen your parched throat. Gods know you need it, after all that saltwater. Only then you realize Julian looking at you, a cup in his own hand, head titled. "I have to admit, I was expecting a completely different attitude from someone claiming to be starving," he says this with a playful smile, smoothing the jab from an entitled statement to an innocent conversation. "Sorry to disappoint, then. Hopefully you won't disappoint me either, by taking back your earlier offer." Julian raises his free hand in the universal sign of peace, taking one last sip of his drink before saying, "That I did, I'm not one to take back my word. Which is why you'll have your moment of respite after you're done… Although, having dinner, such a lush one at that, in silence would be boring, don't you think?" You hold back a sigh in favor of taking another bite. Here comes the interrogation, you suppose. "This is the talking bit of our deal, uh?" You ask, feeling your stomach churn unpleasantly in anticipation. "What do you want to talk about?" "Nothing too personal, if that's what you're worried about. We have just met, I don't like scaring people so early in a relationship," he takes another bite of his dinner, not wasting even a single piece of food. "I was just wondering what could be the reason for a $gender like you to hang around the shore at this time of night, drenched like a kitten and held at gunpoint." Does he think you're a criminal of some sort? Maybe someone who asked money from the worst possible loaner and got in trouble for it? If only it were that simple. "And are you going to force me to answer?" Julian smiles, something strange flashing in his eye for the blink of a second before it's gone completely. For some reason unknown, you find yourself matching that smile before you realize it. An unconscious gesture you reel back a moment too late. "Of course not, $name. As I've said, we're strangers to one another. I won't take anything that isn't offered to me, nor will I force it out of you. That's a line of work reserved to a very specific kind of customer, not you." It doesn't take longer than that to understand the man before you is anything but harmless, a wolf hidden beneath the placid facade of a generous sheep. Your head tells you to disengage, your gut says running is the worst possible option. How far are you willing to go to take your chances? Would he even believe you, were you to tell the strange and yet simple truth? You're about to open your mouth when he interrupts you. "You don't have to answer now, the night is young. Take your time," Julian pushes himself to his feet, filling his cup one last time. "Eat dinner, go to your room and think about what you want to do. I'll come hear your answer after I'm done with… a little errand of mine. Don't run off, though, would you? My heart would break." You watch, dumbfounded, as he waves you off with a grin before merging with the other patrons until suddenly you can't see him anymore. Left alone with plenty of food left and a storm of questions plaguing your thoughts. [[One step at a time, you suppose.|5]]

Once your stomach is full of culinary delights and plates are taken away, you linger in your seat long enough for a barmaid to notice. She approaches with a small but genuine smile, drying her hands with a worn-out cloth. "You must be $name," she says, tucking back a loose strand of fair hair. "If you're done for the night, I can show you to your room. Julian told me you might use some help." You hum, suddenly uncomfortable. And how strange is that, considering you followed a perfect stranger here in the first place. Only with Julian you'd felt something reaching out, almost as if someone was pushing you forward. Now you only wish to crawl out of your own skin. You give the barmaid a nod, making sure not to bump into anyone as she leads you through the room and up a partially hidden spiral staircase. The noises grow duller once you're one floor above the main grounds, the only thing lingering a little bit strongly being the aroma of freshly baked bread and who are you to be mad about that? "This is yours," the young woman says, bringing you to a stop near a room at the far right end of the corridor. "A bath has already been prepared, but if you need anything else don't hesitate to come back down." She hands you a large key, bowing politely before walking off the way you came from. You twist the key in your hands, hurrying to get inside when the muffled but very recognizable sound of patrons having fun next door reaches your ears. That's definitely something you don't want to witness, be it visually or with your ears alone. The lock clicks loudly, the door creaking ever so slightly as you push it open, even less when you shut it close behind you. The room itself isn't anything fancier than what you had expected, although it's definitely more neat and homey. But then again everything about this inn has been a pleasant surprise, starting from the meal you just had. A single bed stands lonely against the far left wall, covered by an ugly but warm looking duvet, accompanied by a side table with a faintly lit lantern. There's a fairly large wardrobe on the far right, placed near an armchair which has seen better days… and plenty of rowdy patrons, considering the large tear on the backrest, which has been stitched close. You ignore it all, however, in favor of the steaming copper tub peeking from the small side room at your left. It's far too cramped to be called a bathroom, but you don't mind. Warm, clean water… now, that's something you can't wait to indulge into. You lock the door, pulling it once to make sure no one will be able to surprise you in a very vulnerable position. The curtains of the only window available go next, pulled tightly close before you start undressing in a hurry. Your clothes fall on the floor with a wet splotch. You let them be for now, padding silently over wooden floors to reach the item of your dreams. The first contact with the warm water makes you sigh in delight, sore muscles relaxing the more the warmth seeps into your bones. You still have to think about what you're going to do with Julian, or if you want to talk with him in the first place. You run a hand down your face, exhaling loudly through your nose. How wonderful. When you look down, your warbled reflection is waiting for you. A warped copy of your tired self looking right back at you. You move your hands to your cheeks and the shadow does the same, you drag one thumb over the fragile skin beneath your eye and the shadow complies. You blink and <<cycle "$eyes" autoselect>> <<option black>> <<option blue>> <<option green>> <<option brown>> <<option violet>> <<option scarlet>> <<option golden>> <<option mismatched>><</cycle>> eyes blink back. Next you focus on your hair, which are <<cycle "$hairstyle" autoselect>> <<option "short and wavy">> <<option "short and straight">> <<option "short and coiled">> <<option "shoulder lenght and straight">> <<option "shoulder lenght and wavy">> <<option "shoulder lenght and coiled">> <<option "long and straight">> <<option "long and wavy">> <<option "long and coiled">><</cycle>> and <<cycle "$hair" autoselect>> <<option black>> <<option blonde>> <<option brown>> <<option ginger>> <<option white>> <<option red>><</cycle>> [[You blink again.|5.1]]

For the first time in what feels like forever you fully take in your appearance and it's somewhat alienating, a strange churning sensation clutching at your stomach. You press your lips together, sliding down the tub until all around you there's silence and nothing else. Keeping your eyes firmly shut, you hold your breath and let the warm water numb your worries. And it works. At first, that is. It's not long before you feel the tendrils of unease reach out through the veil once more, a forgettable thing which becomes unbearable the moment you open your eyes and find yourself plummeted back into that pitch black darkness. So very familiar and yet holding none of the warmth the word might entail. You kick against the sudden frigid waters only to realize it's all pointless. You're not moving an inch. Control has been stripped from you, all in favor of dragging your body further and further down, away from that thin speckle of light which you cannot see, but surely… surely! Lithe arms wrap themselves around your neck, a figure lays itself on your back. Light as ghost, cold as a corpse. Nails scratch at your chest, not hard enough to hurt or draw blood, lips graze your cheek. You feel them part against the skin there, mouthing a word. You wake up with a start. You breach the surface with a choking breath, fingers scrambling to hold onto the tub and almost slipping back under in the process to run away from. You rub at your eyes, eager to brush off the moisture there. Pushing on your feet, you get out of the now less than welcoming bath, padding on the cold wooden floor toward the wardrobe. Perhaps you should have checked before, but Julian seems to be always a step ahead, so surely… You find a dry change of clothes, nothing more than a bland but warm shirt and some trousers, which you throw on the bed in favor of grabbing a towel to dry yourself as throughly as your shaking fingers will allow you. You towel your hair first, then your shoulders and lastly your limbs, making quick work of your new clothes. They stick a little uncomfortably to your skin, small splotches of lingering moisture betraying your haste, but you brush off the inconvenience. You don't want to be here a moment longer. Sparing one last glance at what remains of your older garments, you unlock the door and make your way out, careful to keep your eyes off anything else. What a beautiful evening so far, huh? Finding your way back is easy enough, although the stark difference between the quietness of your room and the boisterous atmosphere of the inn sends your head for a spin. Clenching your jaw, you wander past the cheerful crowd, scanning the room for the barmaid who approached you before. She's standing near the entrance, chatting amicably with another woman. As much as interrupting her without preamble would be rude, you can't bring yourself to wait any longer. "I'm returning this," you say, holding out the key. "I have to leave." She flinches back in surprise, hands instinctively clutching at her dress, but nonetheless accepting the key when you all but shove it in her hands. You pretend not to see the way her chatting companion is looking at you, the judgment itched in the corner of her lips. "Was something not to your liking?" The barmaid hurries to ask, but you're already walking off toward the exit, shouldering past the unmoving wall that are the more drunk customers. There's a fleeting second where you think something is going to happen the moment you step out, as if some sort of invisible entity will come and whisks you away unnoticed. But, in the end, there's nothing, Fresh air, the sharp and distinct smell of burning oil coming from lanterns and more of the muffled chaos of citizens roaming the streets. Nothing willing to harm you. Not that can harm you, either. [[Checking both sides of the road, you start walking.|5.2]]

Wandering without a purpose in a town you don't recognize certainly won't be the most clever decision of your life, but there's something grounding about watching strangers do about the same thing. Albeit far more lightheartedly. How peculiar. Feeling so bothered by unrelenting noise and yet unable to settle down in the privacy of a room, fleeing instead to much busy spaces for some resemblance of respite. Not knowing what to do next, you decide to merge with the masses and embark down the road, eyes checking out each and every corner. There's no way for you to know how big this village is, not without asking someone, but it doesn't take a clairvoyant to understand this is the side of town reserved for the common folk. It's lively, filled with people wearing all sorts of garment a noble would think of as unacceptable, men and women alike laughing to their hearts' content. Uncaring for proper etiquette. Kids chase one another, sometimes stumbling, sometimes bumping into a passerby, candies and other sugary treats gripped tight in their hands. The perfect picture of people enjoying their lives, social statuses of no importance here. For the breath of a second, your chest feels heavy. "You're not from these parts, are you?" It's a close thing, but you manage to reel in the instinct to turn around and strike when a new voice comes seemingly out of nowhere, nerves on edge until you lock eyes with the owner of said dulcet tones. It's another young man, with hair as fair as the snow and unsettlingly sharp violet eyes. Someone who sticks out like a sore thumb in the crowd. He's dressed as casually as you, albeit his clothes are certainly tailored out of better materials and made to fit his measurements, nothing of note to catch your immediate interest, until… "Have your parents not taught you that staring is impolite?" the man sighs, flexing his shiny metal hand. "Have you never seen a battered old man before?" [['Battered old man?' you chuckle, unable to contain yourself. 'Dramatic much?'|5.3][$easygoing +=5]] [['And who are you?' you ask, taking a step back.|5.4][$sarcastic -=5]] [['Can I take a closer look?' you ask before you can stop yourself. |5.5][$easygoing +=5, $sarcastic -=5]] [[You stare silently at his hand, wondering if maybe... just maybe...|5.6][$easygoing +=5, $sarcastic -=5]] [['Friendly much?' you ask, bothered by the unwanted attention|5.7][$easygoing -=5]]

"Battered old man?" you chuckle, unable to contain yourself. "Dramatic much, are we?" The stranger smiles along, eyes softening ever so slightly. "Maybe it's the bad company rubbing off me. I fear my companions are rather insufferable… it's spreading like a disease, it seems." "Have your parents never taught you that it's bad to blame others for your own crimes?" "Perhaps they tried, but I always was a troublesome child…" he trails off, stuffing his hands in this pockets. "But let's not talk about that. You were looking around like a fish out of water, are you here for some sightseeing?" You part your lips once, twice, failing to come up with a plausible excuse that isn't 'I was just taking a stroll', a line which he not so subtly implied won't work on him. "I'm not from here," you concede that much, crossing your arms to keep your fingers from fidgeting. "I had an… eventful night and exploring this part of town felt like a good way as any to pass time." "Ah, I can't disagree. What better way to spend one's time, in an unknown place at that, than in the red lights district? Would you like me to introduce you to someone nice?" "What?" You whip your head around, staring and staring at your surroundings in a frenzy. Surely that man wouldn't have dared to bring you here, of all… Mental wanderings are brought to a stop when laughter spills from the man's lips, low and amused, the curl of his mouth hidden behind his prosthetic. He sighs wistfully, a cat who got to the cream. Oh, so that's how it is. "You're too gullible for your own good, I couldn't help myself. To make amends, how about this," he puts one hand out, his smile shortening some. "The name's Ilya. Now, if you tell me your name we won't be strangers anymore. Well, not in the literal sense of the word, at least." You eye his hand with a pointed frown. You could tell him your name, what are the chances you'll come to regret that, or you could come up with a fake one. Something about him reeks of trouble and you don't owe him anything, after all. [[You shake his hand and tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You don't shake his hand, but tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]] [[You don't shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]]

"And who are you?" you ask, taking a noticeable step back. "I don't believe we've met before." The smile doesn't slip off his lips. If anything, it widens a notch. "Me? I'm just another wandering soul, just like you. I saw you looking around in a daze and thought 'why not approach?' Why? Was I interrupting something?" You pursue your lips. "And is that a thing you do often?" "Not at all. I never do, if you must know, but let's not talk about me. If you want me to leave, I will." You part your lips once, twice, failing to come up with a plausible excuse that isn't 'I was just taking a stroll', a line which he not so subtly implied won't work on him. "I'm not from here," you concede that much, crossing your arms to keep your fingers from fidgeting. "I had an… eventful night and exploring this part of town felt like a good way as any to pass time." "Ah, I can't disagree. What better way to spend one's time, in an unknown place at that, than in the red lights district? Would you like me to introduce you to someone nice?" "What?" You whip your head around, staring and staring at your surroundings in a frenzy. Surely that man wouldn't have dared to bring you here, of all… Mental wanderings are brought to a stop when laughter spills from the man's lips, low and amused, the curl of his mouth hidden behind his prosthetic. He sighs wistfully, a cat who got to the cream. Oh, so that's how it is. "You're too gullible for your own good, I couldn't help myself. To make amends, how about this," he puts one hand out, his smile shortening some. "The name's Ilya. Now, if you tell me your name we won't be strangers anymore. Well, not in the literal sense of the word, at least." You eye his hand with a pointed frown. You could tell him your name, what are the chances you'll come to regret that, or you could come up with a fake one. Something about him reeks of trouble and you don't owe him anything, after all. [[You shake his hand and tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You don't shake his hand, but tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]] [[You don't shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]]

"Can I take a closer look?" you blurt out before you can stop yourself, bewitched by the wonderful piece of machinery before you. The stranger's expression goes from an easygoing smile to a pointed frown, lips parting to utter a single, "Huh?" You snap your mouth shut, teeth clanking together in the haste to save yourself from further embarrassment. "Nothing. I said nothing." To your surprise he doesn't back off, going as far as snort loudly at your mortified expression. "That's certainly not how people usually start conversations, but who am I to complain when the norm is either pity or disgust with no in between?" You wince. "Then can we pretend I said nothing?" "We can, if you tell me what you're doing around these parts. You're clearly lost." You part your lips once, twice, failing to come up with a plausible excuse that isn't 'I was just taking a stroll', a line which he not so subtly implied won't work on him. "I'm not from here," you concede that much, crossing your arms to keep your fingers from fidgeting. "I had an… eventful night and exploring this part of town felt like a good way as any to pass time." "Ah, I can't disagree. What better way to spend one's time, in an unknown place at that, than in the red lights district? Would you like me to introduce you to someone nice?" "What?" You whip your head around, staring and staring at your surroundings in a frenzy. Surely that man wouldn't have dared to bring you here, of all… Mental wanderings are brought to a stop when laughter spills from the man's lips, low and amused, the curl of his mouth hidden behind his prosthetic. He sighs wistfully, a cat who got to the cream. Oh, so that's how it is. "You're too gullible for your own good, I couldn't help myself. To make amends, how about this," he puts one hand out, his smile shortening some. "The name's Ilya. Now, if you tell me your name we won't be strangers anymore. Well, not in the literal sense of the word, at least." You eye his hand with a pointed frown. You could tell him your name, what are the chances you'll come to regret that, or you could come up with a fake one. Something about him reeks of trouble and you don't owe him anything, after all. [[You shake his hand and tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You don't shake his hand, but tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]] [[You don't shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]]

You stare silently at his hand, his shiny intricate hand, wondering if maybe… just maybe… "I can ask someone to make a portrait of it, if you want. That way you'll be able to stare at it all day long, to your heart's content. Would you like that?" You snap out of it, wishing the ground would hurry up and shallow you whole. Anything to save you from this conversation and, more importantly, from that sharp scrutinizing stare of his. What a wonderful first impression, congratulations. "Forget it, whatever you do, please forget I did anything." He lets out a huff, which sounds lighthearted enough to relax you some. "As much as it's weird, it can't possibly be worse than backhanded pity or disgust. But if you want me to ignore it, I will… if you tell me what you're doing here." You part your lips once, twice, failing to come up with a plausible excuse that isn't 'I was just taking a stroll', a line which he not so subtly implied won't work on him. "I'm not from here," you concede that much, crossing your arms to keep your fingers from fidgeting. "I had an… eventful night and exploring this part of town felt like a good way as any to pass time." "Ah, I can't disagree. What better way to spend one's time, in an unknown place at that, than in the red lights district? Would you like me to introduce you to someone nice?" "What?" You whip your head around, staring and staring at your surroundings in a frenzy. Surely that man wouldn't have dared to bring you here, of all… Mental wanderings are brought to a stop when laughter spills from the man's lips, low and amused, the curl of his mouth hidden behind his prosthetic. He sighs wistfully, a cat who got to the cream. Oh, so that's how it is. "You're too gullible for your own good, I couldn't help myself. To make amends, how about this," he puts one hand out, his smile shortening some. "The name's Ilya. Now, if you tell me your name we won't be strangers anymore. Well, not in the literal sense of the word, at least." You eye his hand with a pointed frown. You could tell him your name, what are the chances you'll come to regret that, or you could come up with a fake one. Something about him reeks of trouble and you don't owe him anything, after all. [[You shake his hand and tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You don't shake his hand, but tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]] [[You don't shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]]

"Friendly much?" you ask, taking a step back with a pointed frown. "I don't remember meeting you before." The man laughs, lips curling into a cheshire smile. "Careful there, stranger. I was just fishing for small talk, but if you answer me this way I can't help but think I caught something big. What's wrong? Got someplace to be? Friends to meet, perhaps." "That's none of your business, stranger." You go to turn around but he intercepts you immediately, moving with an effortless grace and speed which doesn't sit right with you. Who is he and what does he want? "You say it's none of my business, but that's an assumption on your part," he says, the smile permanently stuck on his face. "Now, I don't like to consider myself as a brash man, but where I come from we take care of slippery little things." You part your lips once, twice, failing to come up with a plausible excuse that isn't 'I was just taking a stroll', a line which he not so subtly implied won't work on him. "I'm not from here," you concede that much, crossing your arms to keep your fingers from fidgeting. "I had an… eventful night and exploring this part of town felt like a good way as any to pass time." "Ah, I can't disagree. What better way to spend one's time, in an unknown place at that, than in the red lights district? Would you like me to introduce you to someone nice?" "What?" You whip your head around, staring and staring at your surroundings in a frenzy. Surely that man wouldn't have dared to bring you here, of all… Mental wanderings are brought to a stop when laughter spills from the man's lips, low and amused, the curl of his mouth hidden behind his prosthetic. He sighs wistfully, a cat who got to the cream. Oh, so that's how it is. "You're too gullible for your own good, I couldn't help myself. To make amends, how about this," he puts one hand out, his smile shortening some. "The name's Ilya. Now, if you tell me your name we won't be strangers anymore. Well, not in the literal sense of the word, at least." You eye his hand with a pointed frown. You could tell him your name, what are the chances you'll come to regret that, or you could come up with a fake one. Something about him reeks of trouble and you don't owe him anything, after all. [[You shake his hand and tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You don't shake his hand, but tell him your name.|truename][$fakename to false]] [[You shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]] [[You don't shake his hand and tell him a fake name.|fakename][$fakename to true]]

"Call me $name. I'd say it's nice to meet you, but I don't know if I like you that much." Ilya's smirk returns tenfold. "That's okay. After all, the sentiment is reciprocated." "Don't scare $them so soon, Ilya. I thought I told you to behave." You lay one hand at the back of your neck, pressing down against the uncomfortable itch you feel there as you pivot around only to find Julian staring at Ilya with an exasperated frown. How does he manage to sneak up on you so silently you still can't understand. "Behave my ass, this is the last time I do something like this for you," Ilya scoffs, pushing Julian off when the latter tries to wrap one arm around his shoulders. "Not to mention this damn place reeks of raw fish." "Well, you did say you wanted a look for yourself, so stop complaining and tell me what you think." When Ilya shifts his gaze on you next, gone is the good humor and uppity nature you've seen so far. Replaced by a sharp and assessing stare. All around you nobody seems to notice the stalemate, no one is even looking your way. "$they <<if $plural>>are<<else>>is<</if>> a little too trusting, but at least we can agree on something," Ilya starts, adverting his gaze. "I don't think $they <<if $plural>>are<<else>>'s<</if>> imperial scum. That hunch is definitely wrong." Julian laughs, patting his companion's back vivaciously enough to make you wince. "That's good, that's very good!" "Someone better tell me what's going on," you say, trying to suppress the voices in your head telling you to run. "Who are you and what do you want from me?" "Those are not easy questions to answer, because they're out of my hands," Julian says, blowing a stray lock of hair away from his face. "For now I'm only Julian, the friendly acquaintance who might have a proposition for you. If you decide to have that chat, however, who knows? We might even become friends." "Gods, don't say that as if it's a plus. I can't imagine a fate worse than being stuck with you for longer than five minutes," Ilya mumbles, clearly struggling not to leave. "What this idiot is trying to say is: we can help you if you help us. Only I would suggest you actually listen to him before making a decision, otherwise you'll probably regret it." And a decision you can make, one far simpler is you so wish. They want to talk, about something clearly bigger than the usual favor, but nobody nor anything can force you to listen. So, what shall you do? Give in to curiosity and listen to their request or follow the restlessness coursing through your veins and run? [[Listen to their request.|Listen][$prologue_n to false]] [[Run.|Run][$prologue_n to true]]

"Call me Deirdre. Next time you want to make friends, how about you just ask?" Ilya hums, a strange tilt to his head. "When did I say I was looking for friends?" "Don't scare $them so soon, Ilya. I thought I told you to behave." You lay one hand at the back of your neck, pressing down against the uncomfortable itch you feel there as you pivot around only to find Julian staring at Ilya with an exasperated frown. How does he manage to sneak up on you so silently you still can't understand. "Behave my ass, this is the last time I do something like this for you," Ilya scoffs, pushing Julian off when the latter tries to wrap one arm around his shoulders. "Not to mention this damn place reeks of raw fish." "Well, you did say you wanted a look for yourself, so stop complaining and tell me what you think." When Ilya shifts his gaze on you next, gone is the good humor and uppity nature you've seen so far. Replaced by a sharp and assessing stare. All around you nobody seems to notice the stalemate, no one is even looking your way. "$they <<if $plural>>are<<else>>is<</if>> definitely not imperial scum, I don't think that hunch was right," Ilya starts, narrowing his eyes. "The emperor's lackeys know to lie better than that, I'm sure." Julian hums, a peculiar glint to his eye. "That's good to know… I guess I can't blame you for lying, $name, sometimes caution is good, but it still leaves me wondering…" "Someone better tell me what's going on," you say, trying to suppress the voices in your head telling you to run. "Who are you and what do you want from me?" "Those are not easy questions to answer, because they're out of my hands," Julian says, blowing a stray lock of hair away from his face. "For now I'm only Julian, the friendly acquaintance who might have a proposition for you. If you decide to have that chat, however, who knows? We might even become friends." "Gods, don't say that as if it's a plus. I can't imagine a fate worse than being stuck with you for longer than five minutes," Ilya mumbles, clearly struggling not to leave. "What this idiot is trying to say is: we can help you if you help us. Only I would suggest you actually listen to him before making a decision, otherwise you'll probably regret it." And a decision you can make, one far simpler is you so wish. They want to talk, about something clearly bigger than the usual favor, but nobody nor anything can force you to listen. So, what shall you do? Give in to curiosity and listen to their request or follow the restlessness coursing through your veins and run? [[Listen to their request.|Listen][$prologue_n to false]] [[Run.|Run][$prologue_n to true]]

"Fine," you sigh, narrowing your eyes at Julian when the man smiles a little too smugly considering the situation. "But no more playing around. If another one of your friends pops out to try and get a read on me, I'm not going to keep my word." "Of course! We'll behave, won't we, Ilya?" Julian grins, gathering Ilya close with an arm around his neck. Ilya, who looks like someone who would very much prefer to die rather than be here, immediately attempts to pull away. "I promise you won't regret it." Somehow, you doubt that. And yet, here you are, trailing behind a positively beaming Julian as he gestures for you to follow along. Part of you wonders whether it would have been better just to surrender to the waters back there… the thought brings you to a screeching halt. Where did that come from? Just keep walking. "Why don't we just get on with it instead of… going wherever you're taking me?" $they <<if $plural>>have<<else>>has<</if>> a point, Julian. I doubt whatever cute and friendly environment you have in mind is going to help your cause at this point," Ilya says, watching the citizens from the corner of his eyes. "What are you not telling me?" "Nothing you wouldn't expect," Julian replies, a purposely relaxed nuance to his stride. "I think Elias' golden boy might be lurking in town. We can't afford to say too much out in the open." Ilya grimaces, lips sealed shut with just that sentence. You, on the other hand, have an obvious question you need answered. "Golden boy?" You ask, keeping your voice down. "Is that something I should be worrying about?" Julian doesn't turn around to meet your questions, not with his body, but you feel the weight of his stare like a guillotine waiting to fall on your neck. "Do you know what The Stag is, $name?" When you shake your head, you catch the end of a smile pulling at his lips. "I see, that's most peculiar. I'll tell you all you want about them later, but for now all you need to remember is this: If you see soldiers donning the image of a stag on their armor, do whatever possible not to engage." You nod, albeit a little unsure still, pivoting out of the way when a child almost bumps into you. He runs away before you can do as much as turn around and watch a mop of blond hair disappear around the corner. "Keep an eye out for thieves, too," Ilya adds, stifling a yawn. "Even children around these parts are forced to pickpocket." You immediately check your pockets, remembering a moment later there wasn't anything to steal there in the first place. Mentally rolling your eyes at your own naivety, you're about to pull your hand out of the right pocket when your fingers brush against something. It's lukewarm at the touch, smooth and delicate beneath your digits. You go to pull the object out in the open only to stop abruptly at the feeling of something vicious clawing at your skin, the touch of something too sharp to be called magic pulling none too subtly at your subconscious. There is a voice calling out for you, its placid and sweet tone like caresses on your very core. You don't hear Julian and Ilya calling your name, nor do you realize nobody but you can hear the echoing singing coming from somewhere past the horizon, toward the sea. Come find me, it seems to cry. [[You start running just as distant screams make themselves known.|Docks]]

You don't know for certain they won't try to stop you, not when they seem so adamant about everything concerning your very presence here, but the chance for escape is there and you don't think twice before taking it. Pivoting around, you make a run for it. Somewhere behind you comes a muted hey! from Ilya, but you ignore it, focusing instead on not bumping into anyone as you run an run. Without a destination once again. Fueled by a purpose, this time. There are definitely people looking at you now, some frowning, others pulling their kids out of your path, but blessedly enough no one seems so inclined to stop you or call anyone to do so in their place. You run and run until your lungs ache for air, taking turn after turn, blindly making your way past dark corners and less than welcoming alleys. Sticking to the main road would have been easier, but the same applies to your supposedly friendly acquaintances. Julian does seem to have a talent for finding you effortlessly, but perhaps this can buy you some time nonetheless. You slow your pace after one last turn, resting your back against a brick wall to catch your breath. You close your eyes, willing your hearing to sharpen just enough to spot possible chasers. When nothing of note is heard, beside the almost silent noise of rats moving around, you push off the wall and restart your aimless journey. With a hand cupped tightly over your nose and mouth to keep the stench away, you wander through the alley, stepping past garbage and remains of every kind before you finally hear the unmistakable sound of people moving about just past the corner. You leave the darkness behind you, stepping into the road with pinched eyes. Gone are the dirty streets and the cheery passersby, replaced by an intricate road made of polished black stones, by men and women dressed in lush garments of muted colors. You stare at the illumination brightening the night, gentle flames reeking of magic protected by fine glass spheres, shining brighter than any oil lantern ever will. Leaning against the wall, trying and failing to make yourself as small and unnoticeable as possible, you take in the quiet pit-patter of water coming from the fountain, an elegant thing surmounted by a statue of a naked woman holding a pitcher, which stands proud at the center of the plaza. Carriages stroll around, coming and going as the rich spend their evening as they please, surrounded by wonders which leave you bewitched. Some shop for new clothing under the watchful eye of vendors already tasting their next sale, for steaming boxes which smell of sugar, women smelling bouquet of flowers gifted to them by their partners. A completely different world. [[You're so taken back by the change of pace you don't notice you're being watched.|Nikolai_1]]

It's terrifying how quick the tides change. One moment all is peaceful, the night's air carrying nothing but the lightheartedness of one last meeting before bed, vendors and customers alike ready to call it a day and retire to the safety of their warm beds, but then you make the mistake of blinking and all is chaos. Waves of screaming strangers flee from the streets, running toward the higher districts with terror carved deeply into their skin. Mothers hold their children, pulling them away from a foe you've yet to see, men save the elderly from being trampled among the masses. But that's not all there is, of course. Because human nature can only be so altruistic and some of them don't even have a drop of kindness. Nameless faces fighting for survival, pushing and kicking no matter who or what might stand in their path. You're captivated by the sight, watching with wide eyes the crevice separating the kind from the selfish. Your eyes linger but your body does not, legs light as air as you let yourself be pulled toward the one calling out for you oh so sweetly. I'll be there soon, you want to tell them. Wait for me. Even among the chaos people don't miss your frenzied run, nor the blissfully serene smile pulling at your lips. Something which doesn't belong. And yet, for the first time, you feel truly alive. $name! $name! someone calls at your back, willing you to stop. A monstrous screech echoes through every nook and cranny, rattling windows with its pitch, pushing people to clutch at their heads with tears in their eyes. One last turn in the road and the district is nothing more than an afterthought behind you, replaced by a sight which will forever be branded in your very core. Past the majestic vessels, once safely docked and now but ghostly carcasses made of wood left to float in the tumultuous waters, a creature of magnificent power breaches the sea's surface, its jaws open toward the skies. The smile slowly disappears from your face, but how could you bring yourself to care about something which you weren't aware of in the first place. Breathing heavily, you watch the beast swim closer and closer to the port. The singing is gone and so are you. "Fire!" Someone screams, breaking you out of your trance. Caped strangers storm the area, arms raised toward the ocean. You feel magic ripple through the air long before sparks of light appears from their fingertips, sorcerers throwing their spell at the looming threat with vicious flicks of their wrists. Fiery orbs fly past the surface, exploding in flashes of red and gold against the sea serpent's cobalt scales. The creature continues its relentless rampage, shaking off each and every blow as if they were nothing more than pebbles trying to stop a natural catastrophe. The beast doesn't budge but neither do the sorcerers, conjuring stronger spells one after another. The panicked screaming grows more and more distant as the villagers make themselves scarce, leaving only the few brave enough to try and help and those caped individuals. And then there's you, stuck in the middle of it all. Once spurred by a purpose you can no longer name and now… now what? [[What should you do?|Docks.1]]

"And who might you be?" A cold chill runs down your spine, a sudden paralysis overcoming your limbs and making it hard to breath for a second too long. You turn around stiffly, holding yourself perfectly composed against all odds as you face yet another stranger for the night. Only this time it's not someone dressed in simple garbs, not like your latest pursuers nor the commoners you've left behind, but a man on horseback wearing full armor. One made of dark metal and simple in design, were it not for the image of a stag carved elegantly into the shoulder pieces. When you shift your gaze upwards, bright emerald eyes stare back. A stare which, unsettlingly enough, betrays nothing. Once more you feel the urge to flee, so strongly you have to physically stop yourself from running as you remain silent, still as marble under the man's scrutiny. The horse huffs loudly, its warm breath grazing your skin unpleasantly. Then the soldier suddenly smiles, head cocked, a gesture so disarmingly charming it only manages to unnerve you more. "Are you lost, perhaps?" He asks, pulling the reins in his hands to quieten his horse. "If you tell me where you're spending the night, I can accompany you there." [[You square your shoulders. 'As if I'd accept help from a stranger.|Nikolai_2][$easygoing -=5]] [[Taking a deep breath, you say, 'I'm not so sure I can trust a stranger.'|Nikolai_3]] [[You snort. 'Yes, because that sounds completely safe and totally not like a trap.'|Nikolai_4][$easygoing +=5, $sarcastic +=5]] [[You want to answer, you really do, but find yourself unable to under the pull of his stare.|Nikolai_5][$charming +=5]] [[You grin, you can't help it. 'Is that a proposal?'|Nikolai_6][$charming -=5]] [[You remain silent, thinking and thinking about the best way to disengage.|Nikolai_7]]

You square your shoulders, sick and tired by now of people pulling the same one liner all night long. "As if I'd accept help from a stranger," you say, brow furrowed. "Not to mention, I can already tell I don't like you." The soldier doesn't budge an inch, lips still curled into that mirthless smile. "A stranger, huh? If you don't trust me, you shouldn't give vital info so readily. Wouldn't you agree?" Narrowing your eyes, you stare daggers at him. "What are you talking about?" Your chat is interrupted by the noise of hooves approaching quickly, two more soldiers on horseback making their way toward the two of you, each taking a spot at their companion's side. You can't make out their expression, not when they're hidden beneath their helmets, but you notice a good portion of the crowd roaming in the plaza has stopped to stare at the commotion. It's only fair, you suppose, but nonetheless the unwanted attention makes your skin tighten. "Captain, something the matter?" The soldier on the left says, a young woman judging by the voice. "I would like to think not," the one on the right adds, a man of indiscernible age, pulling at the reins of his black stallion. "It would be embarrassing for someone like Nikolai not to be able to deal with a single… strange individual." They stare at you and you stare back, switching back and forth only to ultimately go back to the name they called captain. To Nikolai, who hasn't said a word in favor of evaluating your every move. He's going to rat you out. They'll take you. "Just someone looking for directions," Nikolai replies, no longer smiling. "We're done here, it's time to leave." The soldiers hum at unison, bringing their steads around without sparing you a second glance. Unlike Nikolai, who clearly doesn't misses the way you visibly relax. There's not an ounce of emotion on his face as he says, "Farewell, for now." All around the plaza people lower their eyes as Nikolai and his comrades depart, raising their heads only when the soldiers have long since disappeared from view. When they try to locate you next, spurred by curiosity and something else entirely, they find no one standing near the dark alleyway. A hand cups your mouth, an arm wrap itself around your waist and pulls hard until you're no longer out in the open, once more swallowed by darkness and the stench of putrid water. You struggle against the hold, attempting to elbow your capturer in the gut, but you're freed before you can make contact. You whip around, a mix of emotions overcoming you as none other than Julian himself stands before you. Your personal compass, it seems. "What do you…" [[I'm offended,' Julian interrupts you, a fake cheerfulness to his tone as he ignores you completely, staring pointedly at the road where Nikolai disappeared in but moments ago. 'You run away from me, but you stop to chat with the emperor's plaything? You wound me.'|Reunion]]

You take a deep breath, reeling back your anxieties. "I'm not so sure I can trust a stranger," you say, licking your lips. "I'd say it's only fair you give me a name first." The soldier doesn't budge an inch, lips still curled into that mirthless smile. "A stranger, huh? Let me give you a piece of advice, then. If you proclaim not to trust someone, don't give out vital information so easily." You blink, taken back. "What does that mean?" Your chat is interrupted by the noise of hooves approaching quickly, two more soldiers on horseback making their way toward the two of you, each taking a spot at their companion's side. You can't make out their expression, not when they're hidden beneath their helmets, but you notice a good portion of the crowd roaming in the plaza has stopped to stare at the commotion. It's only fair, you suppose, but nonetheless the unwanted attention makes your skin tighten. "Captain, something the matter?" The soldier on the left says, a young woman judging by the voice. "I would like to think not," the one on the right adds, a man of indiscernible age, pulling at the reins of his black stallion. "It would be embarrassing for someone like Nikolai not to be able to deal with a single… strange individual." They stare at you and you stare back, switching back and forth only to ultimately go back to the name they called captain. To Nikolai, who hasn't said a word in favor of evaluating your every move. He's going to rat you out. They'll take you. "Just someone looking for directions," Nikolai replies, no longer smiling. "We're done here, it's time to leave." The soldiers hum at unison, bringing their steads around without sparing you a second glance. Unlike Nikolai, who clearly doesn't misses the way you visibly relax. There's not an ounce of emotion on his face as he says, "Farewell, for now." All around the plaza people lower their eyes as Nikolai and his comrades depart, raising their heads only when the soldiers have long since disappeared from view. When they try to locate you next, spurred by curiosity and something else entirely, they find no one standing near the dark alleyway. A hand cups your mouth, an arm wrap itself around your waist and pulls hard until you're no longer out in the open, once more swallowed by darkness and the stench of putrid water. You struggle against the hold, attempting to elbow your capturer in the gut, but you're freed before you can make contact. You whip around, a mix of emotions overcoming you as none other than Julian himself stands before you. Your personal compass, it seems. "What do you…" [[I'm offended,' Julian interrupts you, a fake cheerfulness to his tone as he ignores you completely, staring pointedly at the road where Nikolai disappeared in but moments ago. 'You run away from me, but you stop to chat with the emperor's plaything? You wound me.'|Reunion]]

You snort, stuck between the urge to laugh and keep your composure. "Yes, because that sounds completely safe and totally not like a trap," you say, resting both hands on your hips. "No offense, but you're not very good at reassuring people." The soldier cocks one eyebrow at you, the forced smile slipping off his lips. Replaced by an expression you can't quite understand. "You sure are mouthy, for someone who reeks of fear so strongly." You don't flinch, but it's a close thing. "What are you talking about?" Your chat is interrupted by the noise of hooves approaching quickly, two more soldiers on horseback making their way toward the two of you, each taking a spot at their companion's side. You can't make out their expression, not when they're hidden beneath their helmets, but you notice a good portion of the crowd roaming in the plaza has stopped to stare at the commotion. It's only fair, you suppose, but nonetheless the unwanted attention makes your skin tighten. "Captain, something the matter?" The soldier on the left says, a young woman judging by the voice. "I would like to think not," the one on the right adds, a man of indiscernible age, pulling at the reins of his black stallion. "It would be embarrassing for someone like Nikolai not to be able to deal with a single… strange individual." They stare at you and you stare back, switching back and forth only to ultimately go back to the name they called captain. To Nikolai, who hasn't said a word in favor of evaluating your every move. He's going to rat you out. They'll take you. "Just someone looking for directions," Nikolai replies, no longer smiling. "We're done here, it's time to leave." The soldiers hum at unison, bringing their steads around without sparing you a second glance. Unlike Nikolai, who clearly doesn't misses the way you visibly relax. There's not an ounce of emotion on his face as he says, "Farewell, for now." All around the plaza people lower their eyes as Nikolai and his comrades depart, raising their heads only when the soldiers have long since disappeared from view. When they try to locate you next, spurred by curiosity and something else entirely, they find no one standing near the dark alleyway. A hand cups your mouth, an arm wrap itself around your waist and pulls hard until you're no longer out in the open, once more swallowed by darkness and the stench of putrid water. You struggle against the hold, attempting to elbow your capturer in the gut, but you're freed before you can make contact. You whip around, a mix of emotions overcoming you as none other than Julian himself stands before you. Your personal compass, it seems. "What do you…" [[I'm offended,' Julian interrupts you, a fake cheerfulness to his tone as he ignores you completely, staring pointedly at the road where Nikolai disappeared in but moments ago. 'You run away from me, but you stop to chat with the emperor's plaything? You wound me.'|Reunion]]

You would answer, you'd love to come up with a proper response to a question as simple as that, but you find yourself unable to under the pull of his stare. Completely and utterly bewitched, throat dry, tongue useless and heavy in your mouth. The soldier's eyes narrow a notch, something you can't quite decipher passing over his face before a strange revelation seems to dawn upon him. "I would learn how to speak up, if I were you. You never know what kind of people you'll encounter in your path." The spell is broken just like that, replaced by something uncomfortable gnawing at your insides. "What are you talking about?" Your chat is interrupted by the noise of hooves approaching quickly, two more soldiers on horseback making their way toward the two of you, each taking a spot at their companion's side. You can't make out their expression, not when they're hidden beneath their helmets, but you notice a good portion of the crowd roaming in the plaza has stopped to stare at the commotion. It's only fair, you suppose, but nonetheless the unwanted attention makes your skin tighten. "Captain, something the matter?" The soldier on the left says, a young woman judging by the voice. "I would like to think not," the one on the right adds, a man of indiscernible age, pulling at the reins of his black stallion. "It would be embarrassing for someone like Nikolai not to be able to deal with a single… strange individual." They stare at you and you stare back, switching back and forth only to ultimately go back to the name they called captain. To Nikolai, who hasn't said a word in favor of evaluating your every move. He's going to rat you out. They'll take you. "Just someone looking for directions," Nikolai replies, no longer smiling. "We're done here, it's time to leave." The soldiers hum at unison, bringing their steads around without sparing you a second glance. Unlike Nikolai, who clearly doesn't misses the way you visibly relax. There's not an ounce of emotion on his face as he says, "Farewell, for now." All around the plaza people lower their eyes as Nikolai and his comrades depart, raising their heads only when the soldiers have long since disappeared from view. When they try to locate you next, spurred by curiosity and something else entirely, they find no one standing near the dark alleyway. A hand cups your mouth, an arm wrap itself around your waist and pulls hard until you're no longer out in the open, once more swallowed by darkness and the stench of putrid water. You struggle against the hold, attempting to elbow your capturer in the gut, but you're freed before you can make contact. You whip around, a mix of emotions overcoming you as none other than Julian himself stands before you. Your personal compass, it seems. "What do you…" [[I'm offended,' Julian interrupts you, a fake cheerfulness to his tone as he ignores you completely, staring pointedly at the road where Nikolai disappeared in but moments ago. 'You run away from me, but you stop to chat with the emperor's plaything? You wound me.'|Reunion]]

This is perhaps the worst of your ideas yet, but apparently stopping yourself is a challenge you'll never succeed in. For better or worse, you've yet to understand. And so you let a grin adorn your lips, going as far as take a step closer. "Is that a proposal I hear?" You look him straight in the eyes, unable to pull away from the orbit he created. Willingly or not. "Because I don't need friendly advice, but for you I could make an exception." The soldier's eye narrow a notch, something you can't quite decipher passing over his face before a strange revelation seems to dawn upon him. "I would learn how to discern friend from foe, if I were you. You never know what kind of people you'll encounter in your path." The spell is broken just like that, replaced by something uncomfortable gnawing at your insides. "What does that mean?" Your chat is interrupted by the noise of hooves approaching quickly, two more soldiers on horseback making their way toward the two of you, each taking a spot at their companion's side. You can't make out their expression, not when they're hidden beneath their helmets, but you notice a good portion of the crowd roaming in the plaza has stopped to stare at the commotion. It's only fair, you suppose, but nonetheless the unwanted attention makes your skin tighten. "Captain, something the matter?" The soldier on the left says, a young woman judging by the voice. "I would like to think not," the one on the right adds, a man of indiscernible age, pulling at the reins of his black stallion. "It would be embarrassing for someone like Nikolai not to be able to deal with a single… strange individual." They stare at you and you stare back, switching back and forth only to ultimately go back to the name they called captain. To Nikolai, who hasn't said a word in favor of evaluating your every move. He's going to rat you out. They'll take you. "Just someone looking for directions," Nikolai replies, no longer smiling. "We're done here, it's time to leave." The soldiers hum at unison, bringing their steads around without sparing you a second glance. Unlike Nikolai, who clearly doesn't misses the way you visibly relax. There's not an ounce of emotion on his face as he says, "Farewell, for now." All around the plaza people lower their eyes as Nikolai and his comrades depart, raising their heads only when the soldiers have long since disappeared from view. When they try to locate you next, spurred by curiosity and something else entirely, they find no one standing near the dark alleyway. A hand cups your mouth, an arm wrap itself around your waist and pulls hard until you're no longer out in the open, once more swallowed by darkness and the stench of putrid water. You struggle against the hold, attempting to elbow your capturer in the gut, but you're freed before you can make contact. You whip around, a mix of emotions overcoming you as none other than Julian himself stands before you. Your personal compass, it seems. "What do you…" [[I'm offended,' Julian interrupts you, a fake cheerfulness to his tone as he ignores you completely, staring pointedly at the road where Nikolai disappeared in but moments ago. 'You run away from me, but you stop to chat with the emperor's plaything? You wound me.'|Reunion]]

You remain silent, biting down your bottom lip in a pitiful attempt to buy yourself some more time to think about the best way to disengage from this situation. Running clearly is not an option anymore; not only it would paint you as suspicious here, you don't have any doubt the soldier would quickly catch up with you. Something about him makes you uneasy, to the point where even opening your mouth feels like the worst idea possible, but you can't stay mute forever. He might not look like a brute, but patience usually runs out quickly. You part your lips, a poorly thought excuse ready to slip out, but the man beats you to it. "You won't make it very far here if you leave yourself this open," he says, that strange smile of his still there. "After all, you will never know who and what you might encounter in your path." You clear your throat, dislodging the boulder stuck there. "What do you mean?" Your chat is interrupted by the noise of hooves approaching quickly, two more soldiers on horseback making their way toward the two of you, each taking a spot at their companion's side. You can't make out their expression, not when they're hidden beneath their helmets, but you notice a good portion of the crowd roaming in the plaza has stopped to stare at the commotion. It's only fair, you suppose, but nonetheless the unwanted attention makes your skin tighten. "Captain, something the matter?" The soldier on the left says, a young woman judging by the voice. "I would like to think not," the one on the right adds, a man of indiscernible age, pulling at the reins of his black stallion. "It would be embarrassing for someone like Nikolai not to be able to deal with a single… strange individual." They stare at you and you stare back, switching back and forth only to ultimately go back to the name they called captain. To Nikolai, who hasn't said a word in favor of evaluating your every move. He's going to rat you out. They'll take you. "Just someone looking for directions," Nikolai replies, no longer smiling. "We're done here, it's time to leave." The soldiers hum at unison, bringing their steads around without sparing you a second glance. Unlike Nikolai, who clearly doesn't misses the way you visibly relax. There's not an ounce of emotion on his face as he says, "Farewell, for now." All around the plaza people lower their eyes as Nikolai and his comrades depart, raising their heads only when the soldiers have long since disappeared from view. When they try to locate you next, spurred by curiosity and something else entirely, they find no one standing near the dark alleyway. A hand cups your mouth, an arm wrap itself around your waist and pulls hard until you're no longer out in the open, once more swallowed by darkness and the stench of putrid water. You struggle against the hold, attempting to elbow your capturer in the gut, but you're freed before you can make contact. You whip around, a mix of emotions overcoming you as none other than Julian himself stands before you. Your personal compass, it seems. "What do you…" [[I'm offended,' Julian interrupts you, a fake cheerfulness to his tone as he ignores you completely, staring pointedly at the road where Nikolai disappeared in but moments ago. 'You run away from me, but you stop to chat with the emperor's plaything? You wound me.'|Reunion]]

The air thrums with magic, one so harsh and fierce it makes whatever retort about to sprout from you lips writhe out and die. Julian doesn't seem to notice, so taken by his silent fight with a man who's no longer there. None of the passersby notice anything wrong, back to their frivolous night, but you see the illumination surrounding the whole area flicker imperceptibly. Quick and erratic like a butterfly's wings. Seeing as that wasn't an issue anymore, you can only think of one cause for this thick unpleasantness sticking to the air like a curse. [['Are you here to try and convince me again or do you just enjoy glaring at nothing?' you ask, irritated.|Reunion.1]] [[You slap the back of his head, albeit not too harshly. 'Snap out of it, would you?' you ask, irritated.|Reunion.2]] [[You clear your throat, pointedly enough he can't possibly not hear you.|Reunion.3]] [[You rest a hand on his shoulder, tentatively and not without a little embarrassment.|Reunion.4]] [['And you seem more enticed by that man than me, so I guess we're even.'|Reunion.5]]

"Are you here to try and convince me again or do you just enjoy glaring at nothing?" you ask, wondering how much longer this charade of his will go on. "I thought me running away would be clue enough I don't want anything to do with you, but alas." Your outburst snaps him out of his trance, the heavy tension hanging over the place disappearing at once like mist. Julian turns around with a strange twist to his lips and an even more peculiar look to his lone eye. He sighs, running a hand down his face. All at once, he looks twenty years older. "I agree that we didn't start on the best of terms, but believe me when I say you don't want to be involved with the likes of them," he says, pointing behind him with one thumb. "People like him will eat you and spit out your remains without a second thought." "Meanwhile, people like you manipulate others for their own gain. Where's that friend of yours, huh? Watching from a distance again?" Julian narrows his eye, a mix of genuine anger and offense shadowing his face. "Think whatever you want about me, but maybe do it only after you've listened to what I have to say rather than run away," he says, unnaturally serene when his expression tells a different story. "I have little care for what people call me these days, but at least most of them know what they're talking about." You pursue your lips, dropping your eyes to the ground. This is exactly what you didn't want to do in the first place. But if he won't leave you alone, you might as well get an explanation. "I think I'm going to need a little more than that," you say, missing the hopeful look in his eye. "I really, really hate this, but if you're going to chase me around for the rest of my life then I guess we might as well have that talk. But-" The words die in your throat as a jolt runs down your spine, the tendrils of something too sharp to be called magic pulling none too subtly at your subconscious. There is a voice calling out for you, its placid and sweet tone like caresses. You don't hear Julian saying your name, nor do you realize nobody but you can hear the echoing singing coming from somewhere past the elegant buildings, toward the sea. Come find me, it seems to cry. [[You start running just as distant screams make themselves known.|Docks]]

You slap the back of his head, holding back your irritation long enough not to actually hurt him. "Snap out of it, would you?" He snaps out of it immediately, clutching at his head with one hand, an incredulous look on his face as he stares at you. The heavy air around you dissipates, not that he seems to notice anyway. "What was that for?" "Are you really asking me that? Maybe try not to just," you wave a hand, unable to come up with a proper word. "Next time, will you?" Julian massages the offended skin dazedly, closing his eye as a heavy sighs rattles his body. All at once, he looks twenty years older. "Listen, $!{name}. I agree that we didn't start on the best of terms, but believe me when I say you don't want to be involved with the likes of them," he says, nudging his chin toward the road. "People like him will eat you and spit out your remains without a second thought." "Meanwhile, people like you do what? Hunt down someone who clearly doesn't want anything to do with them?" Julian grimaces, letting his hand fall until he can cross both over his chest, leaning tiredly against the wall. "Maybe I'm not a good man either, but I would prefer not being lumped together with those bastards. Especially when all I want is help, yours." You pursue your lips, dropping your eyes to the ground. This is exactly what you didn't want to do in the first place. But if he won't leave you alone, you might as well get an explanation. "I think I'm going to need a little more than that," you say, missing the hopeful look in his eye. "I really, really hate this, but if you're going to chase me around for the rest of my life then I guess we might as well have that talk. But-" The words die in your throat as a jolt runs down your spine, the tendrils of something too sharp to be called magic pulling none too subtly at your subconscious. There is a voice calling out for you, its placid and sweet tone like caresses. You don't hear Julian saying your name, nor do you realize nobody but you can hear the echoing singing coming from somewhere past the elegant buildings, toward the sea. Come find me, it seems to cry. [[You start running just as distant screams make themselves known.|Docks]]

You clear your throat, pointedly enough he can't possibly not hear you. Especially in the silence of your little hiding hole. He snaps out of it immediately, turning around with what could be described as an apologetic frown. The heavy air disappears around you, but neither the rich nor Julian seem to feel the difference. "Mind telling me what you want from me?" You ask. "I thought me running away would be a pretty stark clue about how I felt about you." Julian grimaces, running a hand down his face. All at once, he looks twenty years older. "Listen, $name. I agree that we didn't start on the best of terms, but believe me when I say you don't want to be involved with the likes of them," he says, nudging his chin toward the road. "People like him will eat you and spit out your remains without a second thought." "That doesn't answer my original question, does it?" He sighs, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "I wanted to do this better, gods know I did, but I guess it's too late for pleasantries now. I understand your decision, but I can't let you go. I need your help." You pursue your lips, dropping your eyes to the ground. This is exactly what you didn't want to do in the first place. But if he won't leave you alone, you might as well get an explanation. "I think I'm going to need a little more than that," you say, missing the hopeful look in his eye. "I really, really hate this, but if you're going to chase me around for the rest of my life then I guess we might as well have that talk. But-" The words die in your throat as a jolt runs down your spine, the tendrils of something too sharp to be called magic pulling none too subtly at your subconscious. There is a voice calling out for you, its placid and sweet tone like caresses. You don't hear Julian saying your name, nor do you realize nobody but you can hear the echoing singing coming from somewhere past the elegant buildings, toward the sea. Come find me, it seems to cry. [[You start running just as distant screams make themselves known.|Docks]]

You rest a hand on his shoulder, tentatively and not without a little embarrassment. You're certainly not a fan of him chasing you down after your escape, not when that should have been enough for him to understand where you stand, but somehow the desire to reassure him is stronger… although, reassure him for what? He snaps out of it the moment your fingers touch him, turning around with a strange look in his eye. You go to pull away, heat crawling up your neck the more he looks at you with wide eyes, managing to do so only after a second too long. The heavy tension clinging to the air evaporates, but neither Julian nor anyone else beside you notices the difference. You clear your throat, pointedly looking anywhere but at him. "What are you doing here, Julian?" you ask, wringing your hands together. "I don't believe we have anything else to say to one another, seeing as my poor attempt of fleeing somewhat succeeded… for a while." Julian blinks once, twice, shaking his head as if to shake off an intrusive thought. When next he meets your gaze, a wry smile adorns his lips. "Well, I couldn't let you alone in the company of that bastard now, could I?" He laughs, but it's a poor thing. "You have to keep your distance from people like him." You tilt your head. "And from people like you?" The question seems to shake him like a physical blow. "Probably, yes. But unfortunately for you, I really need your help." You pursue your lips, dropping your eyes to the ground. This is exactly what you didn't want to do in the first place. But if he won't leave you alone, you might as well get an explanation. "I think I'm going to need a little more than that," you say, missing the hopeful look in his eye. "I really, really hate this, but if you're going to chase me around for the rest of my life then I guess we might as well have that talk. But-" The words die in your throat as a jolt runs down your spine, the tendrils of something too sharp to be called magic pulling none too subtly at your subconscious. There is a voice calling out for you, its placid and sweet tone like caresses. You don't hear Julian saying your name, nor do you realize nobody but you can hear the echoing singing coming from somewhere past the elegant buildings, toward the sea. Come find me, it seems to cry. [[You start running just as distant screams make themselves known.|Docks]]

"And you seem more enticed by that man than me, so I guess we're even," you sigh, leaning back against the wall with your arms crossed. He snaps out of it immediately, an outrageously confused expression marring his features. One you can't help but find charming. The heavy tension clinging to the air evaporates, but neither Julian nor anyone else beside you notices the difference. "Pardon?" You bite back a smirk. "Nothing, don't worry. Although, what are you doing here Julian? You're a smart man, or so these chasing around leads me to believe, so why can't you take the hint?" Julian blinks once, twice, shaking his head as if to shake off an intrusive thought. When next he meets your gaze, a wry smile adorns his lips. "Well, I couldn't let you alone in the company of that bastard now, could I?" He laughs, but it's a poor thing. "You have to keep your distance from people like him." You tilt your head. "And from people like you?" The question seems to shake him like a physical blow. "Probably, yes. But unfortunately for you, I really need your help." You pursue your lips, dropping your eyes to the ground. This is exactly what you didn't want to do in the first place. But if he won't leave you alone, you might as well get an explanation. "I think I'm going to need a little more than that," you say, missing the hopeful look in his eye. "I really, really hate this, but if you're going to chase me around for the rest of my life then I guess we might as well have that talk. But-" The words die in your throat as a jolt runs down your spine, the tendrils of something too sharp to be called magic pulling none too subtly at your subconscious. There is a voice calling out for you, its placid and sweet tone like caresses. You don't hear Julian saying your name, nor do you realize nobody but you can hear the echoing singing coming from somewhere past the elegant buildings, toward the sea. Come find me, it seems to cry. [[You start running just as distant screams make themselves known.|Docks]]

<<if $prologue_n is false>>"Would it kill you to stop running for a second?" Comes Julian's voice at your back, dust and sooth staining his clothes and skin, Ilya not too far behind. "Do you have a death wish or-" The moment he spots the danger ahead, now partially hidden beneath a bright cloud of lingering magic, his eye widens with cold dread. A fear that lasts only the breath of a second before steely resolve smooths out the sharp lines clouding his expression. Resolve which wavers ever so slightly into anger when he flicks his attention momentarily toward the sorcerers. "Ilya, go back to the ship. Make sure they keep their distance, if they're not already doing something stupid," Julian says, making quick work of the gloves around his hands. "I'll see what I can do, before more unwanted company shows up." "Good try, but I'm going to run away as you get yourself killed." Julian chuckles. "Have a little faith, would you? They'll need you more than I do, not to mention," he turns his attention on you. "I'm not alone, am I?" Unlike Julian, Ilya is donning a far less encouraging frown, lips pulled into a thin line. [['I'll help you.'|Docks_fight_J][$merciful +=5, $ilya_ship to false, $vania to false]] [[You shake your head. You don't want to go anywhere near that thing.|Ship][$merciful -=5, $shield to false, $vania to true, $ship_ilya to true]]<</if>><<if $prologue_n is true>>"Seems like the fates won't leave us be tonight." You're immediately back on alert when Nikolai of all people appears, his stead nowhere to be seen, just like the rest of his comrades. His gaze finds the sorcerers first, a sort of bored annoyance passing briefly over his face before it's replaced by that usual neutrality of his as he finally turns to you. "How come you're still here, stranger?" He asks, offhandedly walking past you. "I thought civilians were meant to run away, what do you wish to accomplish?" He doesn't give you the chance to reply or perhaps he doesn't really care, stopping just shy of the shore. The magicians gasp out loud when they notice him there, spells momentarily forgotten as they bow deeply. On the horizon the leviathan screams, using this chance to gain more ground. How stupid are these people? "Sir, forgive us," one of them says, head so low you fear they're going to trip any second now. "We have been trying to seal the beast, but no spell seems to hold." "Should we try a different course of action?" Another jumps in to add, eager to prove themselves. "We could—" "That won't be necessary," Nikolai interrupts, not sparing them a single glance as he slowly removes the armor pieces covering his arms and hands. "Luring it close will be enough." You sidestep around, keeping a good distance from them while also moving close enough to study them. It's impossible to gain anything out of the robed figures, they're features shallowed by the capes as they go back to their work, but Nikolai is a different story. There's a smile on his lips. The sorcerers have divide themselves in two groups. One starts chanting a spell in a language you don't recognize, slowly but surely creating a barrier of shimmering light around the area. The other walks forward until they're knee deep in water, mouthing something without uttering out loud anything at all, fingers poised like claws toward the Leviathan. The beast gives another screech, this one so shrill it almost sends you to your knees. You watch as scarlet chains wrap themselves around the leviathan's neck, squeezing and pulling. Nikolai lets his gauntlets fall to the ground with a loud thud, flexing his now bare fingers. Then emerald eyes find yours. "Care to lend me a hand?" You blink, brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" "You can either help or stand back and watch," he says, simple as that, offering out one hand. "There are no wrong answers, I suppose. Only boring ones." [[You accept his hand. 'I'll help.'|Docks_fight_N1][$vania to false]] [[You step close, but don't take his hand. 'I'll help.'|Docks_fight_N2][$vania to false]] [[You stay put.|Docks_fight_N3][$vania to false]]<</if>>

"I'll help you," you blurt out, much to your and Ilya's surprise. "I don't know how yet, but I'll do it." "Gods help me, of course you had to be another crazy fucker," Ilya bemoans, doing a poor job at hiding his distress. "I'll leave, but let it be know that if you die I won't mourn your sorry ass." Julian laughs, the contrast between that cheery sound and the storm brewing behind you the perfect picture of an unhinged man, reaching out to pull Ilya close one last time to smack his back. "Yes, yes. Leave now, would you? It's going to get really ugly really soon." Ilya nods grimly, turning his attention on you. His lips part as if he means to says something, but ultimately he seals them shut once more in favor of running. "So, $name, ever had to fight a divine beast before?" And isn't that a great question, whatever fresh hell he might be talking about. "I have no idea of what you're talking about!" you exclaim, reality finally crashing down on you. "I don't… I-" A calloused hand squeezes your shoulder, long enough to offer comfort. "Fear not, Fireheart. This is my first attempt, too." <<if ($easygoing > $stubborn)>>"Is that supposed to be encouraging?!" You squeak out, wincing as the beast screams its feral tune once more. "We're going to get killed!" "Have a little faith, would you?" Julian repeats, grinning with genuine humor. "Now follow my lead, we'll need to go closer but better keep away from those masked bastards." Making your way safely past the wreckage left behind by men and nature alike proves to be an annoying task, especially when spells are thrown left and right. As if a leviathan wasn't bad enough, right? The wooden walkway is unstable beneath your feet and more than once you have to stop and regain your balance, the possibility of falling in the water chilling you to the bone. Never again, not if you can help it. Back at the docks the sorcerers have stopped attacking, now divided in two groups. One is chanting a spell in a language you don't recognize, slowly but surely creating a barrier of shimmering light around the area. The other is knee deep in water, mouthing something without uttering out loud anything at all, fingers poised like claws toward the Leviathan. When the beast gives another screech, this one so shrill it almost sends you to your knees, you squint at the horizon, watching scarlet chains wrap themselves around the leviathan's body and squeezing. "Those fucking incompetents!" Julian hisses under his breath, stopping his run only when there's nowhere left to advance. "What do they think they will accomplish by doing something so idiotic!" "What are we supposed to do?" You ask, raising your voice over the general chaos. "We can't advance and-" and I don't know what to do. In the close distances the sorcerers begin to hurriedly shout at each other, failing to keep the beast steady as it struggles against the hold with all of its might, jagged teeth redirected at the stars above. The binding magic gives out a second later, its residual energy sweeping over the area and forcing you to shield your eyes. [[Something is coming and you realize so long before anyone else, you feel its pull at the back of your skull.|Docks_fight_J1]]<<else>>"And that's supposed to be enough?!" You spit out, stuck between anger and irritation. "While I said I would help, I'm not going to throw away my life for you." "And that's wonderful to hear. Gods knows I wish there where more people like you," Julian says, smiling. "Now follow my lead, we'll need to go closer but better keep away from those masked bastards." Making your way safely past the wreckage left behind by men and nature alike proves to be an annoying task, especially when spells are thrown left and right. As if a leviathan wasn't bad enough, right? The wooden walkway is unstable beneath your feet and more than once you have to stop and regain your balance, the possibility of falling in the water chilling you to the bone. Never again, not if you can help it. Back at the docks the sorcerers have stopped attacking, now divided in two groups. One is chanting a spell in a language you don't recognize, slowly but surely creating a barrier of shimmering light around the area. The other is knee deep in water, mouthing something without uttering out loud anything at all, fingers poised like claws toward the Leviathan. When the beast gives another screech, this one so shrill it almost sends you to your knees, you squint at the horizon, watching scarlet chains wrap themselves around the leviathan's body and squeezing. "Those fucking incompetents!" Julian hisses under his breath, stopping his run only when there's nowhere left to advance. "What do they think they will accomplish by doing something so idiotic!" "What are we supposed to do?" You ask, raising your voice over the general chaos. "We can't advance and-" and I don't know what to do. In the close distances the sorcerers begin to hurriedly shout at each other, failing to keep the beast steady as it struggles against the hold with all of its might, jagged teeth redirected at the stars above. The binding magic gives out a second later, its residual energy sweeping over the area and forcing you to shield your eyes. [[Something is coming and you realize so long before anyone else, you feel its pull at the back of your skull.|Docks_fight_J1]]<</if>>

You shake your head vehemently. "I'm not going near that thing," you say, flicking your chin toward the sea. "I can't help you, find someone else." Julian's expression doesn't change, not in a way most people would catch up on, but you distinctively get the feeling he wasn't expecting this outcome. What you can't tell, however, is how he feels about it. "That's okay, you can go with Ilya," he says, licking his lips. "You'll be safer there and you can wait for me to come back and finally have this godforsaken chat. Better hurry, Ilya, things will get ugly quickly here." Ilya nods, nostrils flaring. "Let's get a move on, stranger. I won't slow down to wait for you." The last thing you see before hurrying after him is Julian mouthing something under his breath. Ilya doesn't spare you as much as a second glance as he guides you past the docks, past the inhabited part of the city itself, through a small clearing of tall trees and unkempt grass. Moving in the dark is a gingerly endeavor, a path filled with stumbling and cursing on your part. Unlike Ilya, who seems to be able to navigate through the night as if it were his second nature. Somewhere in the distance the battles continues, flashes of gold and red illuminating the skies above in short flashes, the ground shaking beneath your feet. Bushes rustle as animals run away from danger, birds cry out as they take flight. Not for the first time, you see Ilya throw furtive glances the way you came, a tight frown permanently carved in his skin. [['Are you worried?'|Ship.1]] [['Eyes on the goal, please'|Ship.2]] [['He'll be fine'|Ship.3]] [['Do you want to go back?ì|Ship.4]] [[You shrug, keeping quiet.|Ship.5]]

You step close, tentatively placing your hand in his. "I'll help," you say, licking your lips. "Although, I don't know how?" Nikolai pulls you closer to the sea, something sharp in his eyes. "All you have to do is stay close," he stops there, but for a moment you have the impression he was going to add more. Stranger yet, he doesn't let go of your hand. The sorcerers pull the leviathan closer and closer, the shimmering chains around its neck glowing in and out as they struggle to keep a hold on it. Nikolai doesn't budge an inch, a statue carved out of the prettiest marble, raven locks swaying in the wind. No matter how fast danger is approaching, he doesn't move. "Why drag it close?" You ask, the creature now but seconds away. "Why not attack it from a distance?" "Because I wish to show you something," he replies, signaling for the mages to step away. "Don't be scared. It won't be able to hurt you." Only that's hard to believe once the magical shackles disappear, once the mages make way and leave the two of you but meters away from the beast. The leviathan, which hisses angrily as its golden gaze falls upon you. It rears back, magic thrumming in the air as a faint glow appears between its open jaws. You instinctively try to put some distance between the two of you, but Nikolai holds on. He parts his lips, fingers posed to snap. Kneel Dust and debris erupts in the air as the leviathan's head pummels on the ground just shy of Nikolai's feet, hissing and spitting low in its throat now that its jaws are forcedly dropped shut. Slitted pupils stare intently at Nikolai, golden orbs filled with so much hate it sends your head for a spin. Nikolai merely smiles, placing his free hand against the creature's scales. You feel a surge of magic, sharp and electrifying, from your joined hands. The Leviathan forces its mouth open and screams. It shrieks, trying and failing to pull away from Nikolai's touch as the scales underneath his fingers begin to slowly turn from a deep cobalt hue to black. He's killing it, you realize distantly. He's killing it and… there's not a drop of emotion on his face. He simply stands there, fingers gently posed over the creature's head—as if to caress it—while it wails. I want to show you something. Don't be scared. You can't let this happen. Stop him. Stop him. Stop! Nikolai stumbles back and for the first time since you've met him something akin to genuine surprise takes over his feature, turning his eyes wide, making the subtle tension around his mouth disappear. It doesn't last long, however, for harmless feeling to morph into rage. "What are you doing?" He takes a step toward you, but unfortunately for him, Nikolai seems to have forgotten about the problem at hand. The leviathan rears back, hissing and spitting, all of its sharp teeth poised to strike. A shrill whistle forces you to cover your ears, teeth rattling in your skull as magic makes your skin crawl. From the corner of your eye you see Nikolai staring at you, unaffected by it all, entranced by something you can't see or understand. Then his eyes leave you, turning their attention on the beast one last time. His lips part. You catch the beginning of a word on his lips. [[Then darkness. Cold but comforting.|Prologue_end]]

You step close, but keep your hands to yourself. "I'll help," you say, licking your lips. "Although, I don't know how?" Nikolai smiles. "Pity," he says, dropping his hand. "But worry not, all you have to do is stay close." He stops there, but for a moment you have the impression he was going to add more. The sorcerers pull the leviathan closer and closer, the shimmering chains around its neck glowing in and out as they struggle to keep a hold on it. Nikolai doesn't budge an inch, a statue carved out marble, raven locks swaying in the wind. No matter how fast danger is approaching, he doesn't move. "Why drag it close?" You ask, the creature now but seconds away. "Why not attack it from a distance?" "Because I wish to show you something," he replies, signaling for the mages to step away. "Don't be scared. It won't be able to hurt you." Only that's hard to believe once the magical shackles disappear, once the mages make way and leave the two of you but meters away from the beast. The leviathan, which hisses angrily as its golden gaze falls upon you. It rears back, magic thrumming in the air as a faint glow appears between its open jaws. You instinctively try to put some distance between the two of you, but Nikolai stops you with a raised hand. He parts his lips, fingers posed to snap. Kneel Dust and debris erupts in the air as the leviathan's head pummels on the ground just shy of Nikolai's feet, hissing and spitting low in its throat now that its jaws are forcedly dropped shut. Slitted pupils stare intently at Nikolai, golden orbs filled with so much hate it sends your head for a spin. Nikolai merely smiles, placing his free hand against the creature's scales. You feel a surge of magic, sharp and electrifying, fill the air between the two of you. The Leviathan forces its mouth open and screams. It shrieks, trying and failing to pull away from Nikolai's touch as the scales underneath his fingers begin to slowly turn from a deep cobalt hue to black. He's killing it, you realize distantly. He's killing it and… there's not a drop of emotion on his face. He simply stands there, fingers gently posed over the creature's head—as if to caress it—while it wails. I want to show you something. Don't be scared. You can't let this happen. Stop him. Stop him. Stop! Nikolai stumbles back and for the first time since you've met him something akin to genuine surprise takes over his feature, turning his eyes wide, making the subtle tension around his mouth disappear. It doesn't last long, however, for harmless feeling to morph into rage. "What are you doing?" He takes a step toward you, but unfortunately for him, Nikolai seems to have forgotten about the problem at hand. The leviathan rears back, hissing and spitting, all of its sharp teeth poised to strike. A shrill whistle forces you to cover your ears, teeth rattling in your skull as magic makes your skin crawl. From the corner of your eye you see Nikolai staring at you, unaffected by it all, entranced by something you can't see or understand. Then his eyes leave you, turning their attention on the beast one last time. His lips part. You catch the beginning of a word on his lips. [[Then darkness. Cold but comforting.|Prologue_end]]

You stay put, holding back as Nikolai drops his hand with a smile. "Pity, although not necessarily a problem," he says, dropping his eyes to the ground. "As long as you won't run, it won't be." The sorcerers pull the leviathan closer and closer, the shimmering chains around its neck glowing in and out as they struggle to keep a hold on it. Nikolai doesn't budge an inch, a statue carved out marble, raven locks swaying in the wind. No matter how fast danger is approaching, he doesn't move. "Why drag it close?" You ask, the creature now but seconds away. "Why not attack it from a distance?" "Because I wish to show you something," he replies, signaling for the mages to step away. "Don't be scared. It won't be able to hurt you." Only that's hard to believe once the magical shackles disappear, once the mages make way and leave the two of you but meters away from the beast. The leviathan, which hisses angrily as its golden gaze falls upon you. It rears back, magic thrumming in the air as a faint glow appears between its open jaws. You instinctively try to put some distance between the two of you, but Nikolai stops you with a raised hand. He parts his lips, fingers posed to snap. Kneel Dust and debris erupts in the air as the leviathan's head pummels on the ground just shy of Nikolai's feet, hissing and spitting low in its throat now that its jaws are forcedly dropped shut. Slitted pupils stare intently at Nikolai, golden orbs filled with so much hate it sends your head for a spin. Nikolai merely smiles, placing his free hand against the creature's scales. You feel a surge of magic, sharp and electrifying, rise in the air. The Leviathan forces its mouth open and screams. It shrieks, trying and failing to pull away from Nikolai's touch as the scales underneath his fingers begin to slowly turn from a deep cobalt hue to black. He's killing it, you realize distantly. He's killing it and… there's not a drop of emotion on his face. He simply stands there, fingers gently posed over the creature's head—as if to caress it—while it wails. I want to show you something. Don't be scared. You can't let this happen. Stop him. Stop him. Stop! Nikolai stumbles back and for the first time since you've met him something akin to genuine surprise takes over his feature, turning his eyes wide, making the subtle tension around his mouth disappear. It doesn't last long, however, for harmless feeling to morph into rage. "What are you doing?" He takes a step toward you, but unfortunately for him, Nikolai seems to have forgotten about the problem at hand. The leviathan rears back, hissing and spitting, all of its sharp teeth poised to strike. A shrill whistle forces you to cover your ears, teeth rattling in your skull as magic makes your skin crawl. From the corner of your eye you see Nikolai staring at you, unaffected by it all, entranced by something you can't see or understand. Then his eyes leave you, turning their attention on the beast one last time. His lips part. You catch the beginning of a word on his lips. [[Then darkness. Cold but comforting.|Prologue_end]]

Instead of lashing at the sorcerers again, the Leviathan disappears underwater, reappearing in all its terrifying glory farther back, jaws open and faintly shimmering with light. It grows brighter and brighter by the second, pulsating like a beating heart. "Calm down, $name. If you stick to my side, nothing will harm you." Julian is as put together as you've ever seen him, one hand going to unfasten his eye-patch in one swift move. It falls on the platform without making a noise; in the poor light, you can barely make out a sign carved into the inside layer of it. "It's impolite to snoop around," he adds, tilting his head toward you. Eye-patch or not, his left eyes remains covered beneath his hair. "I really wanted to do this differently, but maybe it's better like this." He snaps his fingers and a golden bow appears in his hand, a translucent thing which makes your head hurt the more you stare at it. Julian draws the cord back, a bright arrow appearing out of thin air as he does so, his whole body still as marble as he aligns the shot. It's like standing in the presence of a completely different person. You hear a woman's laughter. A feminine figures wraps herself over Julian's back, her featureless and pale body seemingly made of nothing. She places her hands on Julian's, mimicking perfectly his every move. Or perhaps she's helping him. She turns toward you just as Julian lets the arrow fly and you swear she's smiling at you, no matter the obvious absence of lips. You blink and she's gone. Shaking yourself, you turn back at the problem at hand. The arrow flies toward its target, like a lightning strike through the night, until it meets its end in the gaping jaws of the beast. At first nothing happens, the thrumming of imminent doom unrelenting and poised to strike. Then a high pitched whistle, so high it's impossible to catch at first, an intrusive noise which continues even as the creature snaps its mouth close. You expect an explosion, a deafening thunder sending the monster the way it came, never to be heard again. But the Leviathan merely stills, jaws vibrating like a spitting snake. It makes a strange noise low in its gut, teeth clinking together. "It should be okay now," Julian whispers and you don't miss how winded he sounds, nor the sweat sticking to his brow. "It was a gamble, but we were lucky." He doesn't retrieve his eye-patch, but he's quick to make the bow disappear with another snap of fingers. A tension you didn't know was there is lifted from your shoulders. "What did you do?" You ask, unable to take your eyes away. Back at the docks the mages have stepped back, their heads eerily tilted to look at both you and Julian from the privacy of their hoods. Julian cocks his head at you. "Have you never seen a Singularity before?" You want to answer, gods knows you would love to have some information, but only too late you realize something is wrong. You find it hard to keep your eyes open, breaths coming out in short huffs. Something is not done with you. A familiar scream shatters the apparent peace, the sound dripping with so much anger and sorrow you can't help you push both hands over your ears, pressing down. You hear that voice again, coming from all around you and nowhere at all, crying out your name and begging for you to join them. Somewhere Julian curses out loud. Elsewhere a high pitched noise splits the silence as if it were a tangible thing. Someone throws an arm over your shoulders, a fragile shield which will protect neither you nor itself. You part your lips. [[Darkness engulfs you.|Prologue_end][$shield to true]]

You come to your senses with a start, heartbeat a thundering animal inside your ribcage. You breath in and out erratically, laying a hand over your chest to press against the painful pressure you feel building there. Closing your eyes, you hold in your breath for a couple seconds, then exhale just as slowly. Rinse and repeat until your head doesn't hurt anymore, until you're able to lay back down without feeling any discomfort. You pinch your lips together, dragging the comforter tighter around you. The first thing you notice about your surrounding is the pleasing smell of wild herbs and that lingering twinge of magic in the air. Turning around in your bed, a comfortable thing equipped with a heavy duvet you can't help but love at the moment, taking in the room fully. <<if ($shield is true) or ($prologue_n is true)>>It's a cozy bedroom illuminated by two soft lanterns, one at your right, near scarlet curtains which have been pulled shut, and the other on your left just over the exit door. A lone armchair stands on one corner, crowded with clothes, ruffled parchments and a half empty bottle of something. A scrivener is the last of the furniture decorating it all, placed askew close to the curtains. All over it you spot glass trinkets of every shape and color, their contents dancing with the flames of the lanterns. If you close your eyes long enough, the sound of gentle waves reach your ears. Are you on a ship?<</if>> <<if ($alone is true) or ($ship_ilya is true)>>It's a cozy bedroom illuminated by two soft lanterns, one at your right, near scarlet curtains which have been pulled shut, and the other on your left just over the exit door. A lone armchair stands on one corner, crowded with clothes, ruffled parchments and a half empty bottle of something. A scrivener is the last of the furniture decorating it all, placed askew close to the curtains. All over it you spot glass trinkets of every shape and color, their contents dancing with the flames of the lanterns. If you close your eyes long enough, the sound of gentle waves reach your ears. You're back on the ship, somehow.<</if>>"Finally awake, uh?" Julian walks in with a small smile and you almost don't notice, so enthralled by your own wanderings. <<if $shield is true>>He doesn't look injured, back in minty clean clothes and wearing that eye-patch of his, but not even a blind person could miss the bone deep exhaustion clinging to the corners of his eye. You blink, remembering the feel of an arm thrown around you and then nothing else.<<else>>He looks just as well put together as you remember, albeit without the sooth staining his cheeks. Whatever happened after you parted ways doesn't seem to have taken a visible toll on him.<</if>>"How are you feeling?" He asks when you don't immediately reply, lips quirked with mischief. "Is my bed comfortable enough for your likings?" These are his quarters. You've been snoring in his bed for… how long? [[Ask him what happened.|Prologue_end1][$sarcastic -=5]] [[Attempt to hit him.|Prologue_end2][$sarcastic +=5, $julf +=1]] [[Give him an unimpressed look.|Prologue_end3][$sarcastic -=5]] [[You blush furiously.|Prologue_end4][$charming +=5, $julr +=1]] [[You match his sultry smile.|Prologue_end5][$charming -=5, $julr +=1]]

"Are you worried?" You find yourself asking, perhaps a little foolishly. You might not know much about them, but it's clear as day they're at the very least friends. Ilya cocks an eyebrow at you, mumbling something under his breath you can't quite catch as he resume his easy wandering through the foliage. "Let's just move along, yeah?" You have the distant feeling breaking through the walls he seems to keep so tightly around himself won't be an easy task, shall anyone desire to. It takes a little while longer before the clearing finally gives out and by the time trees and plants alike are but an afterthought behind your back, the distant noises of battle don't bother you anymore. Whether that's a relief or a concern, it's hard to tell. Another flash illuminates the sky, shedding light over the modest nook in the reef below you, revealing a glorious vessel safely docked at the shoreline. White sails dance in the wind at an erratic pace, a flag adorned with the emblem of an eagle standing proud over the main mast. "Welcome aboard… or whatever," Ilya says, waving one hand dismissively. "One thing you should know: the people you're about to meet are as easygoing as they come, but you might want to stay away from Vania. I have an inkling she won't like you." "I don't know how to feel about that," you mumble under your breath, watching your step more carefully now that Ilya guides you down the cliff, through a narrow path along it which looks anything but safe. Ilya doesn't try to hide his amusement when you almost slip not once, but twice, guffawing behind one hand. Pebbles and sand sink beneath your boots as you leave unstable ground in favor of the shore, Ilya marching on ahead, calling loudly for someone, while you take a second to breath. Who would have thought you'd end up here? Following blindly a stranger with nothing but a handful of trust and a distant feeling of… not quite righteousness, but something not too far off. "$name, get a move on!" Ilya shouts, already halfway through a wooden ladder. "If you don't, I'm leaving you here!" You roll your eyes, running to catch up. Ilya, you understand in that exact moment, is a pretty awful liar. People are arguing loudly long before you push yourself aboard, crowded around Ilya like drowning souls looking for something to latch onto. Two women and three men all huddled up close to him, donning tight expressions as Ilya explains in hushed words the situation. Then he tucks one thumb your way and suddenly everyone's attention is on you. [[None of them seem hostile, checking you out with barely hidden curiosity. Well, none except for a woman with bright red hair, someone whose glare would set you ablaze if it were possible. That's definitely the woman Ilya warned you about.|Ship_fight]]

"Eyes on the goal, please," you say, the only thing keeping your from pushing past him the knowledge he's the only one between the two of you who knows where you're going. "Plenty of time for mooning once we're there." Ilya doesn't mask the disgust pinched around his lips, turning back at the task at hand with renewed vigor. You get the feeling, as you're left to up your pace not to be left behind, it's not for your own gain. If anything, he clearly won't care if you get lost. It takes a little while longer before the clearing finally gives out and by the time trees and plants alike are but an afterthought behind your back, the distant noises of battle don't bother you anymore. Whether that's a relief or a concern, it's hard to tell. Another flash illuminates the sky, shedding light over the modest nook in the reef below you, revealing a glorious vessel safely docked at the shoreline. White sails dance in the wind at an erratic pace, a flag adorned with the emblem of an eagle standing proud over the main mast. "Welcome aboard… or whatever," Ilya says, waving one hand dismissively. "One thing you should know: the people you're about to meet are as easygoing as they come, but you might want to stay away from Vania. I have an inkling she won't like you." "I don't know how to feel about that," you mumble under your breath, watching your step more carefully now that Ilya guides you down the cliff, through a narrow path along it which looks anything but safe. Ilya doesn't try to hide his amusement when you almost slip not once, but twice, guffawing behind one hand. Pebbles and sand sink beneath your boots as you leave unstable ground in favor of the shore, Ilya marching on ahead, calling loudly for someone, while you take a second to breath. Who would have thought you'd end up here? Following blindly a stranger with nothing but a handful of trust and a distant feeling of… not quite righteousness, but something not too far off. "$name, get a move on!" Ilya shouts, already halfway through a wooden ladder. "If you don't, I'm leaving you here!" You roll your eyes, running to catch up. Ilya, you understand in that exact moment, is a pretty awful liar. People are arguing loudly long before you push yourself aboard, crowded around Ilya like drowning souls looking for something to latch onto. Two women and three men all huddled up close to him, donning tight expressions as Ilya explains in hushed words the situation. Then he tucks one thumb your way and suddenly everyone's attention is on you. [[None of them seem hostile, checking you out with barely hidden curiosity. Well, none except for a woman with bright red hair, someone whose glare would set you ablaze if it were possible. That's definitely the woman Ilya warned you about.|Ship_fight]]

"He'll be fine," you say, licking your lips. "He wouldn't have proposed to stay behind otherwise, no?" Ilya laughs under his breath, the sound deprived of any real mirth. "Ah, that's right. I forgot you've never met him before," he says, looking out in the distance for a second more before prying his eyes away, back on the task at hand. "Let's move. No point in lingering behind." It takes a little while longer before the clearing finally gives out and by the time trees and plants alike are but an afterthought behind your back, the distant noises of battle don't bother you anymore. Whether that's a relief or a concern, it's hard to tell. Another flash illuminates the sky, shedding light over the modest nook in the reef below you, revealing a glorious vessel safely docked at the shoreline. White sails dance in the wind at an erratic pace, a flag adorned with the emblem of an eagle standing proud over the main mast. "Welcome aboard… or whatever," Ilya says, waving one hand dismissively. "One thing you should know: the people you're about to meet are as easygoing as they come, but you might want to stay away from Vania. I have an inkling she won't like you." "I don't know how to feel about that," you mumble under your breath, watching your step more carefully now that Ilya guides you down the cliff, through a narrow path along it which looks anything but safe. Ilya doesn't try to hide his amusement when you almost slip not once, but twice, guffawing behind one hand. Pebbles and sand sink beneath your boots as you leave unstable ground in favor of the shore, Ilya marching on ahead, calling loudly for someone, while you take a second to breath. Who would have thought you'd end up here? Following blindly a stranger with nothing but a handful of trust and a distant feeling of… not quite righteousness, but something not too far off. "$name, get a move on!" Ilya shouts, already halfway through a wooden ladder. "If you don't, I'm leaving you here!" You roll your eyes, running to catch up. Ilya, you understand in that exact moment, is a pretty awful liar. People are arguing loudly long before you push yourself aboard, crowded around Ilya like drowning souls looking for something to latch onto. Two women and three men all huddled up close to him, donning tight expressions as Ilya explains in hushed words the situation. Then he tucks one thumb your way and suddenly everyone's attention is on you. [[None of them seem hostile, checking you out with barely hidden curiosity. Well, none except for a woman with bright red hair, someone whose glare would set you ablaze if it were possible. That's definitely the woman Ilya warned you about.|Ship_fight]]

"Do you want to go back?" You ask, scratching at your cheek. "I want nowhere near there, but I'm not going to force you to play guardian with me if you would rather go help your… friend." Ilya cocks one eyebrow at you, holding the stare until he seems to come up with a conclusion. He shakes his head. "And have him kick my ass for letting you get lost? I don't know about you, but I don't have a death wish. Let's just… go." It takes a little while longer before the clearing finally gives out and by the time trees and plants alike are but an afterthought behind your back, the distant noises of battle don't bother you anymore. Whether that's a relief or a concern, it's hard to tell. Another flash illuminates the sky, shedding light over the modest nook in the reef below you, revealing a glorious vessel safely docked at the shoreline. White sails dance in the wind at an erratic pace, a flag adorned with the emblem of an eagle standing proud over the main mast. "Welcome aboard… or whatever," Ilya says, waving one hand dismissively. "One thing you should know: the people you're about to meet are as easygoing as they come, but you might want to stay away from Vania. I have an inkling she won't like you." "I don't know how to feel about that," you mumble under your breath, watching your step more carefully now that Ilya guides you down the cliff, through a narrow path along it which looks anything but safe. Ilya doesn't try to hide his amusement when you almost slip not once, but twice, guffawing behind one hand. Pebbles and sand sink beneath your boots as you leave unstable ground in favor of the shore, Ilya marching on ahead, calling loudly for someone, while you take a second to breath. Who would have thought you'd end up here? Following blindly a stranger with nothing but a handful of trust and a distant feeling of… not quite righteousness, but something not too far off. "$name, get a move on!" Ilya shouts, already halfway through a wooden ladder. "If you don't, I'm leaving you here!" You roll your eyes, running to catch up. Ilya, you understand in that exact moment, is a pretty awful liar. People are arguing loudly long before you push yourself aboard, crowded around Ilya like drowning souls looking for something to latch onto. Two women and three men all huddled up close to him, donning tight expressions as Ilya explains in hushed words the situation. Then he tucks one thumb your way and suddenly everyone's attention is on you. [[None of them seem hostile, checking you out with barely hidden curiosity. Well, none except for a woman with bright red hair, someone whose glare would set you ablaze if it were possible. That's definitely the woman Ilya warned you about.|Ship_fight]]

You shrug, keeping quiet as he continues his nervous twitching for a handful of seconds more until he ultimately gives up on whatever thoughts might be plaguing his conscience, resuming his easy wandering through the foliage. He doesn't say anything and neither do you. It takes a little while longer before the clearing finally gives out and by the time trees and plants alike are but an afterthought behind your back, the distant noises of battle don't bother you anymore. Whether that's a relief or a concern, it's hard to tell. Another flash illuminates the sky, shedding light over the modest nook in the reef below you, revealing a glorious vessel safely docked at the shoreline. White sails dance in the wind at an erratic pace, a flag adorned with the emblem of an eagle standing proud over the main mast. "Welcome aboard… or whatever," Ilya says, waving one hand dismissively. "One thing you should know: the people you're about to meet are as easygoing as they come, but you might want to stay away from Vania. I have an inkling she won't like you." "I don't know how to feel about that," you mumble under your breath, watching your step more carefully now that Ilya guides you down the cliff, through a narrow path along it which looks anything but safe. Ilya doesn't try to hide his amusement when you almost slip not once, but twice, guffawing behind one hand. Pebbles and sand sink beneath your boots as you leave unstable ground in favor of the shore, Ilya marching on ahead, calling loudly for someone, while you take a second to breath. Who would have thought you'd end up here? Following blindly a stranger with nothing but a handful of trust and a distant feeling of… not quite righteousness, but something not too far off. "$name, get a move on!" Ilya shouts, already halfway through a wooden ladder. "If you don't, I'm leaving you here!" You roll your eyes, running to catch up. Ilya, you understand in that exact moment, is a pretty awful liar. People are arguing loudly long before you push yourself aboard, crowded around Ilya like drowning souls looking for something to latch onto. Two women and three men all huddled up close to him, donning tight expressions as Ilya explains in hushed words the situation. Then he tucks one thumb your way and suddenly everyone's attention is on you. [[None of them seem hostile, checking you out with barely hidden curiosity. Well, none except for a woman with bright red hair, someone whose glare would set you ablaze if it were possible. That's definitely the woman Ilya warned you about.|Ship_fight]]

"We don't have time for pleasantries right now," Ilya says, intercepting Vania by one elbow when she attempts to approach you. "We have a giant fucking problem raging up a storm near town and a motherfucker to fetch. Leave it." Vania roughly snatches her arm away, glaring at the two of you before moving away. Probably to her post, seeing as her companions quietly shuffle along as well. You squint your eyes. Is there really no one else beside them? "How do you even manage a ship as big as this one with so little people?" Ilya chuckles, fetching a parchment from one of his pockets and a vial of a dark liquid. "With a lot of patience and a couple tricks." He uncorks the vial with his teeth, pouring a thin amount on one finger. You take a step closer as he begins to draw something, holding your breath as the air begins to tremble in that familiar way you've quick come to despise. "What are you doing?" If Ilya notices your unease, he doesn't mention it. He walks to the main mast, unraveling the parchment against it, fingers spread wide over an intricate rune now drawn there. "Giving us a quick ride, what else? Hold onto something, would you?" The rune lights up, violet light pouring in bright waves between Ilya's fingers. The ship lurches forward abruptly, spurred by a sudden gust of unnatural wind, everyone on the deck holding on for dear life wherever they can as you leave the shore behind you. A woman whoops, laughing excitedly while one of her friends' complexion starts to be a little too green to be normal. Do sailors get seasick? The innocent line of thought is immediately forgotten as the vessel keeps flying over the water, quickly approaching the source of your most recent nightmares. "I thought I said I didn't want to get close to that thing!" You scream over the winds, holding on tight onto a barrel. "Feel free to go hide in the quarters if you wish to," Ilya shouts right back, licking the stain off his thumb. "I'm not going to let that idiot kill himself. I don't have time to deal with skittish cats." The ship begins to slow down the second Ilya takes his hand off the parchment, shredding it into pieces as the Leviathan comes into view in the distance. Safe enough not to be an immediate concern, but close enough to become one. You see its cobalt body shake off a flurry of magic blows, golden eyes flashing in the night even from this distance. You can barely make out the sorcerers, in far less numbers than you remember, but Julian is nowhere to be seen. Ilya shouts for everyone to get to their posts, throwing you one last glance before climbing on the net hanging from the mast and making his way toward the scouting post above as the small crew loads the vessel's cannons. Do they really think that's going to work? [[Go to Ilya.|Ilya_fight][$alone to false]] [[Find a place to hide.|Hide][$alone to true]]

Rolling the sleeves of your shirt over your elbows, you take hold of the netting between your fingers and slowly make your way up. The wind doesn't stop to aid your ascend, shaking your lifeline as you hold on for dear life. Because how pitiful would it be, surviving this whole ordeal only to die after one big stumble? Gods give you straight. Hands haul you up once you're but inches away from your goal, a strange expression bordering on comical passing over Ilya's face as you come to stand face to face with him. "Didn't you say you wanted to keep away?" He asks, going back to drawing more runes. You throw your hands in the air, nerves making themselves known at long last. "Do you want my help or not?" Ilya laughs, bright and so very out of place in a situation like this, handing you the worn handful of parchment. "Yeah, although I don't know whether there's anything you can do," he says, flipping a knife seemingly out of nowhere. He drags the tip over his thumb, a bead of blood pooling out. "Just keep still and get ready to move if I tell you to, yeah?" You nod, watching intently as he smears the blood over the rip of the vial. It dribbles down until it becomes impossible to distinguish it from whatever liquid is already inside. A faint red ribbon of light flashes for half a second before promptly disappearing. When you raise your gaze back to the beast, you see two golden arrows split the night in two, embedding themselves into the flesh of the leviathan before disappearing in a blast of shimmering light. Stars alight and die down as the beast rears back, unscathed but nonetheless irate. One more arrow flies true, making Ilya curse out loud. "Julian, you fucking idiot." Ilya pours a good amount of liquid on his thumb, quickly drawing yet another run on the palm of his flesh hand, smearing some over each knuckle as well. Once he's done, he quickly puts the vial aside, closing his metal hand over the other one, which stands outstretched. A flash of white and lilac soars from his hands toward the sky, only it's not a shapeless garble of light. You watch, taken back, as a white wolf dances in the air, shaking its massive body. Ilya whispers something, deadly quiet, and the wolf tilts his head toward the battlefield ahead. It points its nose up, jaws parting as a loud and almost sorrowful howl echoes through the night. The leviathan immediately shifts its attention toward it, jagged teeth clinking together as it notices the ship at last. It disappears underwater, its body shimmering under the moonlight as it swims toward you. Just wonderful. Cannonballs fly through the air the second the leviathan reemerges, exploding against its body. The creature writhes and screams, but nothing seems to be able to scathe even a single scale. Is magic keeping it safe? "It's not like we expected to actually succeed," Ilya murmurs, more to himself than anything else. "Okay, okay." He wipes one of the lines staining his knuckles and the wolf growls in warning, plunging toward the leviathan with its teeth bared. They both disappear underwater as the wolf jaws close around the leviathan's neck, biting down with a vicious snarl. Below you the crew stops offering cover, for it's but a useless waste of time. At your side, Ilya breaths heavily. If it weren't for the wolf's shimmering fur, you wouldn't have been able to make out the struggle raging under the surface. At once the leviathan's head reappears, shrieking as its opponent pulls and [i]pulls[/i]. Ilya curses, dusting off another line. The sea trembles, pulling the leviathan back under. "Ilya, stop it!" Comes Vania's voice from below, her red hair sticking to her face as the wind rages on. "It's enough!" Ilya huffs, a smile curling his lips even as sweat begins to gather at his brow. "Just a little longer." [['What can I do to help?' You hurriedly ask.|Ilya_fight1]] [['Are you going to be okay?'|Ilya_fight2]] [['Can you really hold on?' You ask, not believing it for a second.|Ilya_fight3]] [[Against all odds, you laugh. 'What is even happening at this point?'|Ilya_fight4]] [[You drop to your knees, covering your ears.|Ilya_fight5]]

Whether it's going to work or not, that's not a problem you're willing to witness firsthand. It's too late to go back and they sure won't make tail and run only to take you there, so you do the next best thing. You leave Ilya to his post, walking, albeit more than a little unstably, toward the small wooden door which will lead you to a relative safety under the deck. Nobody spares you a glance as you take the three steps downwards, but when you push the door open a derisive snort comes from somewhere behind you. "Poor Julian," a woman's voice, sharp and commanding even among the chaos. "He ended up risking his life for a coward." Lips drawn into a thin line, you leave the thunderous storm behind and push the door shut, leaning against it with your full weight. You can still hear them, but it's not like you had expected full silence. At least you won't have to look anymore; not at the ocean, nor at that thing. Running one hand through your hair, the other spread wide over the wall for support as you walk, you make your way further into the belly of the ship, taking another set of stairs carefully and pushing a second door open. Instead of the cramped space you had already put together in your mind, you're shocked to find a roomy hall. Lanterns made of elegantly carved glass illuminate the room, the scarlet flames inside them reeking of magic. A large wood table stands proud at the center, covered by a fine golden cloth and surrounded by ten comfortable looking chairs made to match it. The feet carved finely, the imagine of an eagle soaring upwards adorning them. There's a bookshelf carved into the far right wall, at its side a smaller table filled with maps and trinkets the likes of which you've never seen before. If you concentrate you can smell the lingering aroma of wine, which becomes stronger toward a door to your left. Will you find a kitchen there, if you open it? What about the other doors? The ship tips sideways as more monstrous screams ripple through the air, sending you stumbling to the floor with a hiss. Unlike everything else in the room, which remains safely untouched. Magic, you realize. This place is brimming with it. You freeze, goosebumps breaking free all over your arms. A mournful howl shallows everything else. You jump to your feet, trying the door standing just across the room and pushing it open. You find a corridor, a long hallway with carpeted floors, bright lit like the previous room, and rooms on each side of it. What catches your attention, however, is the large window into the unknown standing at the far end of it. You grip the doorknob tight, ready to run back when you see the end of a tail peeking through the darkness. This thing is made of magic, your mind oh so helpfully reminds you, It can't be really glass. It won't break… right? You take one step, then another, until you're standing just against this strange and honestly unnecessary look into the depths of the sea. You watch, suddenly enthralled and unable to move, as a flash of bright light splits the darkness in two as a giant wolf like creature--one made of shimmering magic you can almost taste on the tip of your tongue--sinks its teeth into the neck of the serpent. The leviathan's jaws part open with a scream, one you don't hear. You watch them sink and sink, until you have to lean both hands against the glass to be able to watch them. A spiral of bubbles twirls upwards, clouding your vision as the fight below proceeds away from your watchful eyes. An explosion of bright light. Deadly silence. Tapping your short nails against the glass, it's not long before you find yourself face to face with the source of all your recent nightmares. Although, you distantly realize as sharp yellow eyes stare at you from the seemingly fragile barrier separating you from it, you don't feel scared now. The leviathans clicks its teeth together and you laugh, the chirp sound escaping your lips before you can do as much as notice, and even then you don't stop. You spread your hands wide against the glass, which are so small in comparison to the frightening thing leaning close on the other side. You don't hear the crew above, nor their voices or their panicked stomping around as they try and fail to understand what's going on below the waters. You're alone down here and the thought is not as frightening now. "Arasae," the word leaves your lips, which are curled into a placid smile. "Leave before it's too late." The creature's jaws vibrate, a low churning sound nobody but you hears making the glass tremble slightly. You tap your fingers against it and the leviathan snaps its mouth shut, sharp teeth peeking out nonetheless. You watch it swim below the ship, down and down until it's gone. It's gone. "What happened?" You turn around in a daze, blinking exhaustion out of your eyes as Ilya's shocked visage greets you. You blink, but it's not enough. A deep sluggishness clinging to your limbs and pulling. [[Ilya reaches out, but you're already gone.|Prologue_end]]

"What can I do?" You quickly ask, eager to help him in whatever way possible. Ilya closes his eyes, teeth gritted and lips pinched. "I told you, $name. I would have told you if I knew a way, just like you would have proposed something," he says, opening one eye. "I appreciate the sentiment, if that's of any comfort." It's not. It's really not. Because surely there must be something… think! You both flinch as an arrows notches itself on the parapet with a muted thud. Ilya blinks, owlishly enough to take ten years off his face, quickly stepping close to the shimmering thing. You hear the distinct sound of paper flapping in the wind and clearly Ilya notices too. He manages to gingerly gather the parchment without breaking his spell, moments before the arrow disappears into thin air. "Oh, sure! What else does he want me to do?" Ilya exclaims, letting the tattered thing flutter to the ground. "Jump off the ship and kiss this shit better?" On the parchment the phrase "DON'T KILL IT" stands in bold and messy writing. You don't recognize the handwriting, but judging from Ilya's very obvious outburst it's safe to assume this shaky letters were written down by Julian's hand. "How are we supposed to do anything if he doesn't want us to harm it?" You ask in disbelief, watching the parchment twirl once, twice, before being swept away by the wind. Ilya stumbles back with a muffled curse, no longer capable of holding onto his spell. You quickly scan the waters below, seeing a flash of white, something which eerily highlights the leviathan's silhouette, as the wolf disappears. The beast breaches through the surface again with a screech, ramming its body against the ship. The last thing you see before you tip over is Ilya reaching out with panicked eyes, his fingers just barely grazing yours as darkness shallows you whole. [[Not again. Not again.|Prologue_end][$ilya_ship to true]]

"Are you going to be okay?" Ilya chuckles, the sound made hollow by the exhaustion clouding his features. "Oh, just peachy," he grins, eyes falling shut. "Just don't curse me if we end up dying in a couple minutes, will you?" You pursue your lips, cursing your own inability to come up with something, anything, to help. Because surely there must be a way to help, just think! You both flinch as an arrows notches itself on the parapet with a muted thud. Ilya blinks, owlishly enough to take ten years off his face, quickly stepping close to the shimmering thing. You hear the distinct sound of paper flapping in the wind and clearly Ilya notices too. He manages to gingerly gather the parchment without breaking his spell, moments before the arrow disappears into thin air. "Oh, sure! What else does he want me to do?" Ilya exclaims, letting the tattered thing flutter to the ground. "Jump off the ship and kiss this shit better?" On the parchment the phrase "DON'T KILL IT" stands in bold and messy writing. You don't recognize the handwriting, but judging from Ilya's very obvious outburst it's safe to assume this shaky letters were written down by Julian's hand. "How are we supposed to do anything if he doesn't want us to harm it?" You ask in disbelief, watching the parchment twirl once, twice, before being swept away by the wind. Ilya stumbles back with a muffled curse, no longer capable of holding onto his spell. You quickly scan the waters below, seeing a flash of white, something which eerily highlights the leviathan's silhouette, as the wolf disappears. The beast breaches through the surface again with a screech, ramming its body against the ship. The last thing you see before you tip over is Ilya reaching out with panicked eyes, his fingers just barely grazing yours as darkness shallows you whole. [[Not again. Not again.|Prologue_end][$ilya_ship to true]]

"Can you really hold on?" You ask dispassionately, ready to take cover any minute now. Ilya snorts, teeth gritted and lips pinched. "I would have never thought I'd meet a bigger asshole than me, but wow thank you so much for proving me wrong," he says, eyes falling shut. "It will make me less sad when we'll inevitably die." You scoff, turning away. If he won't do anything, surely you can come up with something. Think. You both flinch as an arrows notches itself on the parapet with a muted thud. Ilya blinks, owlishly enough to take ten years off his face, quickly stepping close to the shimmering thing. You hear the distinct sound of paper flapping in the wind and clearly Ilya notices too. He manages to gingerly gather the parchment without breaking his spell, moments before the arrow disappears into thin air. "Oh, sure! What else does he want me to do?" Ilya exclaims, letting the tattered thing flutter to the ground. "Jump off the ship and kiss this shit better?" On the parchment the phrase "DON'T KILL IT" stands in bold and messy writing. You don't recognize the handwriting, but judging from Ilya's very obvious outburst it's safe to assume this shaky letters were written down by Julian's hand. "How are we supposed to do anything if he doesn't want us to harm it?" You ask in disbelief, watching the parchment twirl once, twice, before being swept away by the wind. Ilya stumbles back with a muffled curse, no longer capable of holding onto his spell. You quickly scan the waters below, seeing a flash of white, something which eerily highlights the leviathan's silhouette, as the wolf disappears. The beast breaches through the surface again with a screech, ramming its body against the ship. The last thing you see before you tip over is Ilya reaching out with panicked eyes, his fingers just barely grazing yours as darkness shallows you whole. [[Not again. Not again.|Prologue_end][$ilya_ship to true]]

Against all odds, you laugh. Mirth spilling from your lips in loud waves as the inevitability of your impeding doom comes crushing down on you. "What is even happening at this point?" You ask to nobody but yourself. Ilya, nonetheless, offers you his very helpful insight. "Shit if I know," he says, face pinched with exhaustion. "Welcome to the story of my life, $name." Inhaling slowly through your nose, you try to steady yourself. Ilya won't be able to hold on much longer, but surely there must be something you can do… surely! You both flinch as an arrows notches itself on the parapet with a muted thud. Ilya blinks, owlishly enough to take ten years off his face, quickly stepping close to the shimmering thing. You hear the distinct sound of paper flapping in the wind and clearly Ilya notices too. He manages to gingerly gather the parchment without breaking his spell, moments before the arrow disappears into thin air. "Oh, sure! What else does he want me to do?" Ilya exclaims, letting the tattered thing flutter to the ground. "Jump off the ship and kiss this shit better?" On the parchment the phrase "DON'T KILL IT" stands in bold and messy writing. You don't recognize the handwriting, but judging from Ilya's very obvious outburst it's safe to assume this shaky letters were written down by Julian's hand. "How are we supposed to do anything if he doesn't want us to harm it?" You ask in disbelief, watching the parchment twirl once, twice, before being swept away by the wind. Ilya stumbles back with a muffled curse, no longer capable of holding onto his spell. You quickly scan the waters below, seeing a flash of white, something which eerily highlights the leviathan's silhouette, as the wolf disappears. The beast breaches through the surface again with a screech, ramming its body against the ship. The last thing you see before you tip over is Ilya reaching out with panicked eyes, his fingers just barely grazing yours as darkness shallows you whole. [[Not again. Not again.|Prologue_end][$ilya_ship to true]]

You drop to your knees, forehead presses tight against them as you cover your ears. This was a bad idea, this was such a bad idea, and look where it left you? Cowering on one corner while Ilya struggles to keep that monstrosity at bay all by himself. "It's okay to be scared, $name," Ilya mumbles, so quietly you have to tilt your head to properly listen to him. He sighs, leaning tiredly against the wooden parapet. "I just feel a little bad it's my fault." You shut your eyes tight. Surely there is something to be done! Surely it won't end here. You both flinch as an arrows notches itself on the parapet with a muted thud. Ilya blinks, owlishly enough to take ten years off his face, quickly stepping close to the shimmering thing. You hear the distinct sound of paper flapping in the wind and clearly Ilya notices too. He manages to gingerly gather the parchment without breaking his spell, moments before the arrow disappears into thin air. "Oh, sure! What else does he want me to do?" Ilya exclaims, letting the tattered thing flutter to the ground. "Jump off the ship and kiss this shit better?" On the parchment the phrase "DON'T KILL IT" stands in bold and messy writing. You don't recognize the handwriting, but judging from Ilya's very obvious outburst it's safe to assume this shaky letters were written down by Julian's hand. "How are we supposed to do anything if he doesn't want us to harm it?" You ask in disbelief, watching the parchment twirl once, twice, before being swept away by the wind. Ilya stumbles back with a muffled curse, no longer capable of holding onto his spell. You quickly scan the waters below, seeing a flash of white, something which eerily highlights the leviathan's silhouette, as the wolf disappears. The beast breaches through the surface again with a screech, ramming its body against the ship. The last thing you see before you tip over is Ilya reaching out with panicked eyes, his fingers just barely grazing yours as darkness shallows you whole. [[Not again. Not again.|Prologue_end][$ilya_ship to true]]

You shake your head, scratching your cheek. "What happened?" Julian huffs. "All work and no play, uhm? I guess that's fair," he goes around the scrivener, dragging the chair close to the bed, taking a seat <<if ($shield is true)>>"To be completely honest, I was hoping you could answer some of my questions." "Care to explain why?" Julian crosses his legs, leaning back against the chair. "After the leviathan attacked again, I thought we were done for. What else could I do when my ace in the sleeve wasn't enough?" He stops long enough for a second you think he wants you to say something, but something about the tight frown itched between his brows makes you hold back. Julian sighs, running a hand through his hair. "But when I opened my eyes I was still alive and the divine beast was gone… and so were you." You blink, eyes wide as saucers, memories of a golden light flashing before you. "I was gone?" "I couldn't see you. I thought for sure the blast had sent you underwater. Before I could do as much as think to try and find you, the leviathan reappeared and… it dragged you ashore, $name. It brought you back and then swam off."<</if>><<if ($prologue_n is true)>>"To be completely honest, I don't really know. One moment I was running after you, the other I lose you in the crowd… only to find you in the company of Nikolai, again." "You saw us?" "That I did," he smiles sharply, leaning back against the chair. "I know condescending people can be boring, but I really meant it when I told you it's dangerous to stay close to him." You look away, remembering all too clearly the sight of creature wailing in pain under Nikolai's spell. You lick your lips. "What happened next?" Why didn't you approach? "I went to fetch my friends, see if everyone was safe. We navigated the ship around, making for the docks fully knowing it could go to shit really quickly. I could hear the leviathan scream, I've never heard a sound that, and then a bright light shallowed everything in sight." You furrow your brow, looking down at your hands to try and place the pieces together in your mind. You remember pushing Nikolai away, you remember the beast breaking free and then… what? When you raise your gaze, Julian is staring straight at you, head cocked. "When the blast cleared off, no one was there. The beast, Nikolai, you… all gone," he huffs, rubbing his eyes with a wry smile. "Ilya was cursing up a storm when the leviathan reappeared and… dragged you aboard. That thing brought you to us, $name, and then it swam off."<</if>><<if ($ship_ilya is true)>> "From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one eyebrow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Oh come on, $name. If you have already forgotten your lovely evening with Ilya, you'll break his heart. He might put up a tough act, but that young man is a softy." You pinch your lips, staring at the shape of your legs beneath the duvet. You remember Ilya's spell, you remember Julian asking not to kill the leviathan and then… your eyes widen. "There you go," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me you fell off the ship, said he couldn't get you in time. The rest of the crew supplied me with more details, about how he all but threw himself back on the deck. One feral bastard, Ilya is." You hum, somehow able to picture the scene. "And then? How am I here?" A strange look passes over Julian's face and it's so hard to know whether it's something foul or muted wonder. "Apparently he was halfway through jumping off the ship when the leviathan decided to say hello one last time," he chuckles mirthlessly. "Ilya said that bastard reappeared at once and dragged $them back aboard. Like a fucking kitten, it brought $them back and then swam off.<</if>><<if ($alone is true)>>"From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one brow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Come on, $name. You must at least remember part of it," he says, lips curled. "Ilya said he only saw the end of it, but nonetheless it was quite the sight." You pinch your lips, squinting at your hands on the duvet. You remember abandoning the deck, studying the extent of the magic clinging to the ship and then… your eyes widen. "That's it," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me he saw you communicate with the beast, he said you talked with it in a tongue he couldn't recognize— "That's not… that's not possible," you laugh, but it comes out hollow. "He must have been imagining it." "Except the leviathan left after you told it to," Julian says, tapping his fingers against the chair's armrests. "You said something to it and it heard you, $name."<</if>> [[Your body goes limp against the mattress, eyes fixed on the ceiling as you ponder over and over what Julian said.|Prologue_fin]]

Mouth agape, you scan for the closest thing to grab onto, ultimately getting hold of a discarded boot. Hard enough to make a point, but harmless enough not to injure. "You absolute… bastard!" Julian laughs, dancing out of the way with a grace which leaves you reeling when you throw the boot. "Fireheart, please let's not get too feisty. You haven't recovered yet!" Rummaging blindly under the bed, you grab the first thing your fingers graze and pull it out in the open. All the humor disappears from his expression when he sees you holding a broken telescope. "Let's not be hasty now," he says, raising both hands in the air. Only his lips are quivering with the strain to keep up a straight face and before long you're both chuckling. "Now," you says, dropping the telescope back where you found it. "Are you going to tell me what happened?" Julian sobers up immediately. "Ah, time for the important talk already?" he asks offhandedly, going around the scrivener to grab a chair for himself. <<if ($shield is true)>>"To be completely honest, I was hoping you could answer some of my questions." "Care to explain why?" Julian crosses his legs, leaning back against the chair. "After the leviathan attacked again, I thought we were done for. What else could I do when my ace in the sleeve wasn't enough?" He stops long enough for a second you think he wants you to say something, but something about the tight frown itched between his brows makes you hold back. Julian sighs, running a hand through his hair. "But when I opened my eyes I was still alive and the divine beast was gone… and so were you." You blink, eyes wide as saucers, memories of a golden light flashing before you. "I was gone?" "I couldn't see you. I thought for sure the blast had sent you underwater. Before I could do as much as think to try and find you, the leviathan reappeared and… it dragged you ashore, $name. It brought you back and then swam off."<</if>><<if ($prologue_n is true)>>"To be completely honest, I don't really know. One moment I was running after you, the other I lose you in the crowd… only to find you in the company of Nikolai, again." "You saw us?" "That I did," he smiles sharply, leaning back against the chair. "I know condescending people can be boring, but I really meant it when I told you it's dangerous to stay close to him." You look away, remembering all too clearly the sight of creature wailing in pain under Nikolai's spell. You lick your lips. "What happened next?" Why didn't you approach? "I went to fetch my friends, see if everyone was safe. We navigated the ship around, making for the docks fully knowing it could go to shit really quickly. I could hear the leviathan scream, I've never heard a sound that, and then a bright light shallowed everything in sight." You furrow your brow, looking down at your hands to try and place the pieces together in your mind. You remember pushing Nikolai away, you remember the beast breaking free and then… what? When you raise your gaze, Julian is staring straight at you, head cocked. "When the blast cleared off, no one was there. The beast, Nikolai, you… all gone," he huffs, rubbing his eyes with a wry smile. "Ilya was cursing up a storm when the leviathan reappeared and… dragged you aboard. That thing brought you to us, $name, and then it swam off."<</if>><<if ($ship_ilya is true)>> "From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one eyebrow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Oh come on, $name. If you have already forgotten your lovely evening with Ilya, you'll break his heart. He might put up a tough act, but that young man is a softy." You pinch your lips, staring at the shape of your legs beneath the duvet. You remember Ilya's spell, you remember Julian asking not to kill the leviathan and then… your eyes widen. "There you go," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me you fell off the ship, said he couldn't get you in time. The rest of the crew supplied me with more details, about how he all but threw himself back on the deck. One feral bastard, Ilya is." You hum, somehow able to picture the scene. "And then? How am I here?" A strange look passes over Julian's face and it's so hard to know whether it's something foul or muted wonder. "Apparently he was halfway through jumping off the ship when the leviathan decided to say hello one last time," he chuckles mirthlessly. "Ilya said that bastard reappeared at once and dragged $them back aboard. Like a fucking kitten, it brought $them back and then swam off.<</if>><<if ($alone is true)>>"From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one brow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Come on, $!name. You must at least remember part of it," he says, lips curled. "Ilya said he only saw the end of it, but nonetheless it was quite the sight." You pinch your lips, squinting at your hands on the duvet. You remember abandoning the deck, studying the extent of the magic clinging to the ship and then… your eyes widen. "That's it," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me he saw you communicate with the beast, he said you talked with it in a tongue he couldn't recognize— "That's not… that's not possible," you laugh, but it comes out hollow. "He must have been imagining it." "Except the leviathan left after you told it to," Julian says, tapping his fingers against the chair's armrests. "You said something to it and it heard you, $name."<</if>> [[Your body goes limp against the mattress, eyes fixed on the ceiling as you ponder over and over what Julian said.|Prologue_fin]]

You give him an unimpressed look, one which he answers by pulling his face in a grimace. "Okay, okay, no joking with you," he says, scratching his cheek without looking at you. "Why don't you tell me what happened instead?" "All work and no play, I guess that's fair," Julian goes around the scrivener, dragging the chair close to the bed, taking a seat. <<if ($shield is true)>>"To be completely honest, I was hoping you could answer some of my questions." "Care to explain why?" Julian crosses his legs, leaning back against the chair. "After the leviathan attacked again, I thought we were done for. What else could I do when my ace in the sleeve wasn't enough?" He stops long enough for a second you think he wants you to say something, but something about the tight frown itched between his brows makes you hold back. Julian sighs, running a hand through his hair. "But when I opened my eyes I was still alive and the divine beast was gone… and so were you." You blink, eyes wide as saucers, memories of a golden light flashing before you. "I was gone?" "I couldn't see you. I thought for sure the blast had sent you underwater. Before I could do as much as think to try and find you, the leviathan reappeared and… it dragged you ashore, $name. It brought you back and then swam off."<</if>><<if ($prologue_n is true)>>"To be completely honest, I don't really know. One moment I was running after you, the other I lose you in the crowd… only to find you in the company of Nikolai, again." "You saw us?" "That I did," he smiles sharply, leaning back against the chair. "I know condescending people can be boring, but I really meant it when I told you it's dangerous to stay close to him." You look away, remembering all too clearly the sight of creature wailing in pain under Nikolai's spell. You lick your lips. "What happened next?" Why didn't you approach? "I went to fetch my friends, see if everyone was safe. We navigated the ship around, making for the docks fully knowing it could go to shit really quickly. I could hear the leviathan scream, I've never heard a sound that, and then a bright light shallowed everything in sight." You furrow your brow, looking down at your hands to try and place the pieces together in your mind. You remember pushing Nikolai away, you remember the beast breaking free and then… what? When you raise your gaze, Julian is staring straight at you, head cocked. "When the blast cleared off, no one was there. The beast, Nikolai, you… all gone," he huffs, rubbing his eyes with a wry smile. "Ilya was cursing up a storm when the leviathan reappeared and… dragged you aboard. That thing brought you to us, $name, and then it swam off."<</if>><<if ($ship_ilya is true)>> "From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one eyebrow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Oh come on, $name. If you have already forgotten your lovely evening with Ilya, you'll break his heart. He might put up a tough act, but that young man is a softy." You pinch your lips, staring at the shape of your legs beneath the duvet. You remember Ilya's spell, you remember Julian asking not to kill the leviathan and then… your eyes widen. "There you go," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me you fell off the ship, said he couldn't get you in time. The rest of the crew supplied me with more details, about how he all but threw himself back on the deck. One feral bastard, Ilya is." You hum, somehow able to picture the scene. "And then? How am I here?" A strange look passes over Julian's face and it's so hard to know whether it's something foul or muted wonder. "Apparently he was halfway through jumping off the ship when the leviathan decided to say hello one last time," he chuckles mirthlessly. "Ilya said that bastard reappeared at once and dragged $them back aboard. Like a fucking kitten, it brought $them back and then swam off.<</if>><<if ($alone is true)>>"From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one brow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Come on, $!name. You must at least remember part of it," he says, lips curled. "Ilya said he only saw the end of it, but nonetheless it was quite the sight." You pinch your lips, squinting at your hands on the duvet. You remember abandoning the deck, studying the extent of the magic clinging to the ship and then… your eyes widen. "That's it," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me he saw you communicate with the beast, he said you talked with it in a tongue he couldn't recognize— "That's not… that's not possible," you laugh, but it comes out hollow. "He must have been imagining it." "Except the leviathan left after you told it to," Julian says, tapping his fingers against the chair's armrests. "You said something to it and it heard you, $name."<</if>> [[Your body goes limp against the mattress, eyes fixed on the ceiling as you ponder over and over what Julian said.|Prologue_fin]]

Heat rises in your cheeks, crawl on your nape, until you can't do anything but open your mouth uselessly as Julian keeps looking at you with a spark of mischief in his eye. "I'm… I'm sorry," you mumble in a hurry, grabbing the duvet with the intention of throwing it off. "I'll—" Only Julian immediately stops you, placing his hands on top of yours to still them. "I was only amusing myself, please forgive me," he chuckles, pulling away when he catches you looking at your joined hands. You wring yours together, looking anywhere but at him fully knowing you're still flushed. "Could you tell me what happened?" "I suppose we better do that, yes?" Julian asks, going around the scrivener to take a chair for himself, dragging it close to the bed. <<if ($shield is true)>>"To be completely honest, I was hoping you could answer some of my questions." "Care to explain why?" Julian crosses his legs, leaning back against the chair. "After the leviathan attacked again, I thought we were done for. What else could I do when my ace in the sleeve wasn't enough?" He stops long enough for a second you think he wants you to say something, but something about the tight frown itched between his brows makes you hold back. Julian sighs, running a hand through his hair. "But when I opened my eyes I was still alive and the divine beast was gone… and so were you." You blink, eyes wide as saucers, memories of a golden light flashing before you. "I was gone?" "I couldn't see you. I thought for sure the blast had sent you underwater. Before I could do as much as think to try and find you, the leviathan reappeared and… it dragged you ashore, $name. It brought you back and then swam off."<</if>><<if ($prologue_n is true)>>"To be completely honest, I don't really know. One moment I was running after you, the other I lose you in the crowd… only to find you in the company of Nikolai, again." "You saw us?" "That I did," he smiles sharply, leaning back against the chair. "I know condescending people can be boring, but I really meant it when I told you it's dangerous to stay close to him." You look away, remembering all too clearly the sight of creature wailing in pain under Nikolai's spell. You lick your lips. "What happened next?" Why didn't you approach? "I went to fetch my friends, see if everyone was safe. We navigated the ship around, making for the docks fully knowing it could go to shit really quickly. I could hear the leviathan scream, I've never heard a sound that, and then a bright light shallowed everything in sight." You furrow your brow, looking down at your hands to try and place the pieces together in your mind. You remember pushing Nikolai away, you remember the beast breaking free and then… what? When you raise your gaze, Julian is staring straight at you, head cocked. "When the blast cleared off, no one was there. The beast, Nikolai, you… all gone," he huffs, rubbing his eyes with a wry smile. "Ilya was cursing up a storm when the leviathan reappeared and… dragged you aboard. That thing brought you to us, $name, and then it swam off."<</if>><<if ($ship_ilya is true)>> "From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one eyebrow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Oh come on, $name. If you have already forgotten your lovely evening with Ilya, you'll break his heart. He might put up a tough act, but that young man is a softy." You pinch your lips, staring at the shape of your legs beneath the duvet. You remember Ilya's spell, you remember Julian asking not to kill the leviathan and then… your eyes widen. "There you go," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me you fell off the ship, said he couldn't get you in time. The rest of the crew supplied me with more details, about how he all but threw himself back on the deck. One feral bastard, Ilya is." You hum, somehow able to picture the scene. "And then? How am I here?" A strange look passes over Julian's face and it's so hard to know whether it's something foul or muted wonder. "Apparently he was halfway through jumping off the ship when the leviathan decided to say hello one last time," he chuckles mirthlessly. "Ilya said that bastard reappeared at once and dragged $them back aboard. Like a fucking kitten, it brought $them back and then swam off.<</if>><<if ($alone is true)>>"From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one brow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Come on, $!name. You must at least remember part of it," he says, lips curled. "Ilya said he only saw the end of it, but nonetheless it was quite the sight." You pinch your lips, squinting at your hands on the duvet. You remember abandoning the deck, studying the extent of the magic clinging to the ship and then… your eyes widen. "That's it," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me he saw you communicate with the beast, he said you talked with it in a tongue he couldn't recognize— "That's not… that's not possible," you laugh, but it comes out hollow. "He must have been imagining it." "Except the leviathan left after you told it to," Julian says, tapping his fingers against the chair's armrests. "You said something to it and it heard you, $name."<</if>> [[Your body goes limp against the mattress, eyes fixed on the ceiling as you ponder over and over what Julian said.|Prologue_fin]]

Stretching your limbs underneath the duvet, you rest more comfortably against the many cushions. Julian makes no attempt to hide how his gaze follows each movement, fingers drumming lazily on his thigh. "Maybe I am," you tell him, matching his sultry smile. "It's very… spacious." Julian hums, grin widening ever so slightly. "Only the best here. Plus, I like to be prepared for any occasion. Who knows what can happen, right?" You hum, enjoying the weight of his stare for a minute more before shifting to more important matters. "Do you want to tell me what happened?" Julian immediately sobers up, but he doesn't lose his smile. "I suppose we better do that, yes?" he says, going around the scrivener to take a chair for himself, dragging it close to the bed. <<if ($shield is true)>>"To be completely honest, I was hoping you could answer some of my questions." "Care to explain why?" Julian crosses his legs, leaning back against the chair. "After the leviathan attacked again, I thought we were done for. What else could I do when my ace in the sleeve wasn't enough?" He stops long enough for a second you think he wants you to say something, but something about the tight frown itched between his brows makes you hold back. Julian sighs, running a hand through his hair. "But when I opened my eyes I was still alive and the divine beast was gone… and so were you." You blink, eyes wide as saucers, memories of a golden light flashing before you. "I was gone?" "I couldn't see you. I thought for sure the blast had sent you underwater. Before I could do as much as think to try and find you, the leviathan reappeared and… it dragged you ashore, $name. It brought you back and then swam off."<</if>><<if ($prologue_n is true)>>"To be completely honest, I don't really know. One moment I was running after you, the other I lose you in the crowd… only to find you in the company of Nikolai, again." "You saw us?" "That I did," he smiles sharply, leaning back against the chair. "I know condescending people can be boring, but I really meant it when I told you it's dangerous to stay close to him." You look away, remembering all too clearly the sight of creature wailing in pain under Nikolai's spell. You lick your lips. "What happened next?" Why didn't you approach? "I went to fetch my friends, see if everyone was safe. We navigated the ship around, making for the docks fully knowing it could go to shit really quickly. I could hear the leviathan scream, I've never heard a sound that, and then a bright light shallowed everything in sight." You furrow your brow, looking down at your hands to try and place the pieces together in your mind. You remember pushing Nikolai away, you remember the beast breaking free and then… what? When you raise your gaze, Julian is staring straight at you, head cocked. "When the blast cleared off, no one was there. The beast, Nikolai, you… all gone," he huffs, rubbing his eyes with a wry smile. "Ilya was cursing up a storm when the leviathan reappeared and… dragged you aboard. That thing brought you to us, $name, and then it swam off."<</if>><<if ($ship_ilya is true)>> "From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one eyebrow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Oh come on, $name. If you have already forgotten your lovely evening with Ilya, you'll break his heart. He might put up a tough act, but that young man is a softy." You pinch your lips, staring at the shape of your legs beneath the duvet. You remember Ilya's spell, you remember Julian asking not to kill the leviathan and then… your eyes widen. "There you go," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me you fell off the ship, said he couldn't get you in time. The rest of the crew supplied me with more details, about how he all but threw himself back on the deck. One feral bastard, Ilya is." You hum, somehow able to picture the scene. "And then? How am I here?" A strange look passes over Julian's face and it's so hard to know whether it's something foul or muted wonder. "Apparently he was halfway through jumping off the ship when the leviathan decided to say hello one last time," he chuckles mirthlessly. "Ilya said that bastard reappeared at once and dragged $them back aboard. Like a fucking kitten, it brought $them back and then swam off.<</if>><<if ($alone is true)>>"From what Ilya told me, I have more than one question of my own." You arch one brow. "What do you mean?" Julian huffs. "Come on, $!name. You must at least remember part of it," he says, lips curled. "Ilya said he only saw the end of it, but nonetheless it was quite the sight." You pinch your lips, squinting at your hands on the duvet. You remember abandoning the deck, studying the extent of the magic clinging to the ship and then… your eyes widen. "That's it," Julian murmurs, strangely quiet. "Ilya told me he saw you communicate with the beast, he said you talked with it in a tongue he couldn't recognize— "That's not… that's not possible," you laugh, but it comes out hollow. "He must have been imagining it." "Except the leviathan left after you told it to," Julian says, tapping his fingers against the chair's armrests. "You said something to it and it heard you, $name."<</if>> [[Your body goes limp against the mattress, eyes fixed on the ceiling as you ponder over and over what Julian said.|Prologue_fin]]

Closing your eyes, you try to picture the scene in vain, growing more and more frustrated. Frustration turns into anger and anger turns into fear. What does this mean for you? First the loss of your memories and now this? "What is happening," you mumble under your breath, covering your eyes with one arm. "I don't understand." <<if ($julr > $julf)>>"We can start from the easy things," Julian whispers, gently prying your arm away. "You could tell me about yourself, about what you were doing before I found you." You huff, rubbing your cheek against the cushion. "You wouldn't believe me." Julian laughs, something extremely hollow about the sound. "If there's anyone out there that will believe you, that's me, Fireheart."<</if>><<if ($julr < $julf)>>"We can start from the easy things," Julian coos, patting your knee. "You could tell me about yourself, about what you were doing before I found you." You huff, dropping your arm down. "I doubt you would believe me." Julian cocks his head, earrings tinkling as he does. "You'll never know if you don't try."<<else>>"Let's start with the easy things," Julian says, chair creaking as he stretches his legs. "Tell me about yourself, about what you were before I found you." Sighing, you drop your arm back against the mattress. "As if anyone would ever believe me." "Ah, but you'll never know the answer if you don't try, $name."<</if>> "And what if I said I don't want to tell you?" Julian leans forward, grinning. "Well, I can't force you to do anything, nor do I want to, but I am forced to say I dislike liars more than anything in this world. And what's knowingly omitting the truth if not another way of lying?" [[Tell him what you remember.|Prologue_fin1][$refprol to false]] [[Refuse to speak.|Prologue_fin2][$refprol to true]]

Taking a deep breath, you let the words roll down your tongue without lingering on them more than strictly necessary. Starting from your very first memory of waking up under a blanket of stars, the abrupt fall in the ocean and then the hurried race to the shore. "The only thing keeping me moving was the desire to… get away from these voices," you add at last, laughing offhandedly to soften the blow. Make it look as if in his shoes you wouldn't believe it either. "So, how did I do? Are you happy with my whimsical story that makes absolutely no sense?" All throughout your narration Julian has done nothing but stare, something bright and interested shining in his eye even as his face remained impassible. Impassible until now. A bright grin splits his face in two and you almost flinch back in surprise when he jumps off his chair. <<if ($julr > $julf)>>And then he's wrapping you in a hug, albeit briefly, before pulling away. Chuckling all the while. "It's you, it's really you," he says, looking at you with such wonder you can't help but flush a little. "It was true, all of it." "Julian?" "Ah, I'm sorry," he scratches his cheek, which have darkened with embarrassment. "I promise I will tell you everything tonight. For now, I want you to rest… or freshen up, if you want to."<</if>><<if ($julr < $julf)>>And then he's ruffling your hair out of nowhere, laughing and laughing all the while. "It's you, it's really you!" He exclaims, placing both hands on his lips. "For a hot minute I thought it would all go up in flames, but it was true… all of it." "Julian?" "Ah, I'm sorry," he laughs as a cover up for his outburst, scratching his cheek. "I promise I will tell you everything I know tonight. For now, I want you to rest… or freshen up, if you want to."<<else>>"It's you, it's really you!" He laughs, mirth pouring off him in waves. "I thought it would all go up in flames, but it wasn't a stupid belief. It's true, all of it." "What do you mean?" "Ah, I'm sorry," he laughs, looking everything but. "I promise I will tell you everything I know tonight. For now, I want you to rest… or freshen up, if you want."<</if>> He tucks one finger at the other door, confirming your initial hunch of it hiding a private bathroom. "You'll find everything there, but if you need anything else don't think twice about coming up." He leaves the room and once more you're left alone with only your raging thoughts, which are only partially softened by the knowledge that you're safe. For the foreseeable future, at least. Going back to sleep doesn't feel appealing, not even as drowsiness tempts you with sweet unconsciousness, but neither is the idea of soaking in water. That went wonderfully, last time. [[Go take a bath.|Bath]] [[Go grab a change of clothes and get out anyway.|Out]]

You roll on your side, shutting your eyes tight as if that alone could help you block this one conversation forever. You don't want to tell him anything, not for now at least, just as you don't want to relieve any of it. If you do, you fear the voices will come back. "Sorry to rain on your parade, but I don't feel like talking," you say, burrowing deeper beneath the bedsheets. "I'm tired." Julian hums, disappointment heavy in that one sound. "I see. Well, there will be plenty of time to talk if you ever change your mind," he says, getting up. "For what's worth, I hope you'll find it in yourself to trust me. I really don't want to start this on the wrong foot." From the corner of your eyes you see him walk toward the door, stopping just short of the exit. "Rest for as long as you please… or freshen up if you want to." He tucks one finger at the other door, confirming your initial hunch of it hiding a private bathroom. "You'll find everything there, but if you need anything else don't think twice about coming up." He leaves the room and once more you're left alone with only your raging thoughts, which are only partially softened by the knowledge that you're safe. For the foreseeable future, at least. Going back to sleep doesn't feel appealing, not even as drowsiness tempts you with sweet unconsciousness, but neither is the idea of soaking in water. That went wonderfully, last time. [[Go take a bath.|Bath]] [[Go grab a change of clothes and get out anyway.|Out]]

There is salt sticking to your skin after your latest dance with death, as the bards would probably say, and the more you think about it, the more it itches. Pushing the duvet off, you step over to the private bathroom, barefooted and already contemplating the benefits of going back to bed. Pushing the door open, you stop at once at the sight of another bathtub. One comfortably bigger than the tub back at the inn, a silvery thing standing proudly at the center of the room, the only piece of furniture beside a large wooden chest and a high shelves filled with glass bottles of every shape and color, smelling faintly of tangerines and lemons, mint and sandalwood. When you open the wooden chest, you find a bundle of neatly folded clothes inside, hair brushes and soft towels. Taking the garments out to examine them, you ultimately pick <<cycle "$clothes" autoselect>> <<option "an uniform">> <<option "a dress">><</cycle>>, testing the fabric between your thumb and forefinger before closing the chest and putting the clothes on top of it. Quickly discarding your current garments, this time for something of higher manufacture and far more comfortable at least, you sink your tired bones into the warm water with a sigh. You could get used to this. <<if ($sarcastic > $genuine)>>"Hopefully nothing weird will happen this time," you joke under your breath, inhaling deeply and dipping underwater.<</if>><<if ($sarcastic < $genuine)>>"Hopefully nothing bad will happen this time," you laugh nervously under your breath, inhaling deeply and dipping underwater.<<else>>"Let's hope it will be a boring ordeal for one," you sigh, taking a deep breath and dipping underwater.<</if>> Thankfully, nothing comes to haunt you this time, the novelty so appreciated you decide to soak until the skin of your fingertips scrunched up. The room smells of soap and magic, the latter no doubt the tub's fault as the water refuses to cool down. Droplets of moisture draw invisible lines on your body as you make yourself leave that warm embrace, quickly grabbing a towel and wrapping it around your shoulders. You rest against the tub as you dry yourself, stifling a yawn as the combination of a nice bath and lingering exhaustion makes itself known. Putting on the $clothes, you leave the bathroom. [[Time to go meet the others.|Deck]]

There is salt sticking to your skin after your latest dance with death, as the bards would probably say, but you decide to ignore that subtle itch for now. Just fresh clothes will do. Pushing the duvet off, you step over to the private bathroom, barefooted and already contemplating the benefits of going back to bed. Pushing the door open, you stop at once at the sight of another bathtub. One comfortably bigger than the tub back at the inn, a silvery thing standing proudly at the center of the room, the only piece of furniture beside a large wooden chest and a high shelves filled with glass bottles of every shape and color, smelling faintly of tangerines and lemons, mint and sandalwood. When you open the wooden chest, you find a bundle of neatly folded clothes inside, hair brushes and soft towels. Taking the garments out to examine them, you ultimately pick <<cycle "$clothes" autoselect>> <<option "an uniform">> <<option "a dress">><</cycle>>, testing the fabric between your thumb and forefinger before closing the chest and putting the clothes on top of it. You quickly discard your old garments, this time for something far more comfortable and of higher manufacture, exiting the bathroom without lingering a second longer once you're done. [[Time to go meet the others.|Deck]]

Upon exiting the private quarters, you have to shield your eyes from the sun, stepping out in the open with one arm raised as the gentle winds caress your cheeks. The breath catches in your throat. Running past the bridge, unknowingly almost bumping into a less than impressed <<if $vania is true>>Vania<<else>>woman<</if>>, you grip the ship's rail and watch the expanse of the wide blue ocean stand before you. Far more welcoming than you remember it in recent memories. And there, standing on the horizon, is an island. Even from this far you can make out tall white banners dancing in the wind, looming over the ships docked at the port. Standing proud on top of a hilltop, a castle made of stone as bright as the purest marble. "Someone is eager." Ilya appears at your side, white hair swaying in the wind as he rests his back against the rail, something wicked about his stare. [[Surely I can't be the only one, you chuckle, feeling good humored for once.|Deck.1]] [[Eager to get off this ship, more like, you mumble under your breath, brow pinched.|Deck.2]] [[After what happened? I'll take anything over that, you shrug.|Deck.3]] <<if $ship_ilya is true>>[[You ask how he's feeling, remembering how tired he looked.|Deck.4]]<</if>> <<if $alone is true>>[[You look away, remembering he saw you talking with the creature.|Deck.5]]<</if>>

"Surely I can't be the only one," you chuckle, feeling giddy for once. "After what happened, I would think a change of scenario is a good thing." "Oh, you're not necessarily wrong," Ilya smiles, head cocked. "All I'm saying is, I doubt everyone will be able to glide past seeing that big ass snake bastard up close anytime soon." You advert your gaze, scratching at your cheek. "Well, I think we can all agree on that. Just because I'm eager for change, doesn't mean I've forgotten." Ilya pats your shoulder, giving it a shake for good measure. "Considering what you've been through, it's not hard to believe," he says. "But maybe your approach is the right one, so don't let my sour mood affect you too much." "Where is Ilya and what have you done to him?" Ilya flips you the finger, grinning all the while. Ah, there he is. "Everyone to their posts! Prepare to touch land!" <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>A woman's<</if>> voice echoes, spurring everyone into motion. They're a small crew, it feels strange to even call them a crew, but they sure work fast. Two men fly between the masts, swinging on ropes as if they aren't standing meters off the ground, a third man and a woman checking the crates and scribbling something over a parchment. All of this under <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>the woman's<</if>> vigilant eye. "You'll get to know everyone eventually" Ilya tells you, catching your gaze. You squint at <<if $vania is true>>Vania<<else>>the woman<</if>>. "Are you sure about that?" Ilya snorts. "Vania's good company once you get to know her. She just doesn't trust strangers easily, especially when it comes to Julian's safety." The shrill cry of an eagle brings your attention to the skies, shielding your sensitive eyes from the sun just in time to catch the majestic animal land safely on Julian's outstretched arm. He carefully caresses its head, ruffling the light brown feathers before taking something clutched between the animal's talons. Julian's expression doesn't let out any sort of clue as he reads the small whorl's contents, eye lidded as the eagle playfully tips its head against it's master. Julian produces a golden coin from one of his pockets, dropping it inside a sachet before securing it around the eagle's talons once more. And with that it soars away, straight for the island. Julian watches his companion go, turning around with a small smile before making his way toward the both of you. "$name, it's good to see you up and about already. Sorry for dragging you back into this mess so soon, but we're on the move again." Ilya furrows his brow, whatever good humor he had gone in an instant. "What did the princess say?" Julian smiles, a wolfish grin. "It seems we're just in time for the masquerade… And there are some peculiar guests this year around." [[End of Prologue.|Chapter1]]

"Eager to get off this ship, more like," you mumble under your breath, brow pinched. "I can't wait to touch land." Ilya chuckles, prosthetic arm going to cover his lips. "Who am I to blame you? If I could somehow never see giant sea bastards again, I would take the chance immediately. I would even sacrifice Julian's arse, if needed." "Tell me if that works, because I might just lend you a hand." Ilya pats your shoulder. "That's a dangerous thing to say, but I shall keep it in mind," he says, stifling a yawn. "Otherwise we will have to throw you after the beasts, seeing as you're the ultimate weapon apparently." At your unimpressed glare, Ilya merely grins wider. "Everyone to their posts! Prepare to touch land!" <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>A woman's<</if>> voice echoes, spurring everyone into motion. They're a small crew, it feels strange to even call them a crew, but they sure work fast. Two men fly between the masts, swinging on ropes as if they aren't standing meters off the ground, a third man and a woman checking the crates and scribbling something over a parchment. All of this under <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>the woman's<</if>> vigilant eye. "You'll get to know everyone eventually" Ilya tells you, catching your gaze. You squint at <<if $vania is true>>Vania<<else>>the woman<</if>>. "Are you sure about that?" Ilya snorts. "Vania's good company once you get to know her. She just doesn't trust strangers easily, especially when it comes to Julian's safety." The shrill cry of an eagle brings your attention to the skies, shielding your sensitive eyes from the sun just in time to catch the majestic animal land safely on Julian's outstretched arm. He carefully caresses its head, ruffling the light brown feathers before taking something clutched between the animal's talons. Julian's expression doesn't let out any sort of clue as he reads the small whorl's contents, eye lidded as the eagle playfully tips its head against it's master. Julian produces a golden coin from one of his pockets, dropping it inside a sachet before securing it around the eagle's talons once more. And with that it soars away, straight for the island. Julian watches his companion go, turning around with a small smile before making his way toward the both of you. "$name, it's good to see you up and about already. Sorry for dragging you back into this mess so soon, but we're on the move again." Ilya furrows his brow, whatever good humor he had gone in an instant. "What did the princess say?" Julian smiles, a wolfish grin. "It seems we're just in time for the masquerade… And there are some peculiar guests this year around." [[End of Prologue.|Chapter1]]

"After what happened? I'll take anything over that," you shrug, staring ahead at the crystalline waters. "But if you want to have another go with that thing, be my guest." "Yeah, no thank you," Ilya grimaces, crossing his arms over his chest. "I think one meet and greet every five hundred years will have to do." "Have you never seen that thing up close before?" Ilya cocks one eyebrow at you. "Do you think divine beasts normally come strolling around like that?" He asks, leaning back against the railing. "Well, considering what happened, maybe I should shut up and leave the talking to you. It did seem to like you quite a lot." At your unimpressed glare, Ilya merely grins. "Everyone to their posts! Prepare to touch land!" <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>A woman's<</if>> voice echoes, spurring everyone into motion. They're a small crew, it feels strange to even call them a crew, but they sure work fast. Two men fly between the masts, swinging on ropes as if they aren't standing meters off the ground, a third man and a woman checking the crates and scribbling something over a parchment. All of this under <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>the woman's<</if>> vigilant eye. "You'll get to know everyone eventually" Ilya tells you, catching your gaze. You squint at <<if $vania is true>>Vania<<else>>the woman<</if>>. "Are you sure about that?" Ilya snorts. "Vania's good company once you get to know her. She just doesn't trust strangers easily, especially when it comes to Julian's safety." The shrill cry of an eagle brings your attention to the skies, shielding your sensitive eyes from the sun just in time to catch the majestic animal land safely on Julian's outstretched arm. He carefully caresses its head, ruffling the light brown feathers before taking something clutched between the animal's talons. Julian's expression doesn't let out any sort of clue as he reads the small whorl's contents, eye lidded as the eagle playfully tips its head against it's master. Julian produces a golden coin from one of his pockets, dropping it inside a sachet before securing it around the eagle's talons once more. And with that it soars away, straight for the island. Julian watches his companion go, turning around with a small smile before making his way toward the both of you. "$name, it's good to see you up and about already. Sorry for dragging you back into this mess so soon, but we're on the move again." Ilya furrows his brow, whatever good humor he had gone in an instant. "What did the princess say?" Julian smiles, a wolfish grin. "It seems we're just in time for the masquerade… And there are some peculiar guests this year around." [[End of Prologue.|Chapter1]]

"How are you feeling?" You ask, remembering all too well the bone deep exhaustion carved on his face as he struggled to keep the beast at bay. "That spell of yours… it was quite the sight." Ilya cocks his head, lips curving with amusement. "Worried about old little Ilya, are we?" He teases, crossing his arms over his chest. "Don't worry, it wasn't my first jig. Although, I would love to stay clear of divine beasts for a while, yeah?" You grimace, catching on quick his very subtle jab. "It's not like I asked it to play fetch with me." "Oh, don't worry, I can believe that," Ilya laughs, flexing his prosthetic arm. "But maybe it doesn't have to be a bad thing, maybe it just means we can throw you at it again next time we see it. You know, to end things peacefully." At your unimpressed stare, he merely winks. "Everyone to their posts! Prepare to touch land!" <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>A woman's<</if>> voice echoes, spurring everyone into motion. They're a small crew, it feels strange to even call them a crew, but they sure work fast. Two men fly between the masts, swinging on ropes as if they aren't standing meters off the ground, a third man and a woman checking the crates and scribbling something over a parchment. All of this under <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>the woman's<</if>> vigilant eye. "You'll get to know everyone eventually" Ilya tells you, catching your gaze. You squint at <<if $vania is true>>Vania<<else>>the woman<</if>>. "Are you sure about that?" Ilya snorts. "Vania's good company once you get to know her. She just doesn't trust strangers easily, especially when it comes to Julian's safety." The shrill cry of an eagle brings your attention to the skies, shielding your sensitive eyes from the sun just in time to catch the majestic animal land safely on Julian's outstretched arm. He carefully caresses its head, ruffling the light brown feathers before taking something clutched between the animal's talons. Julian's expression doesn't let out any sort of clue as he reads the small whorl's contents, eye lidded as the eagle playfully tips its head against it's master. Julian produces a golden coin from one of his pockets, dropping it inside a sachet before securing it around the eagle's talons once more. And with that it soars away, straight for the island. Julian watches his companion go, turning around with a small smile before making his way toward the both of you. "$name, it's good to see you up and about already. Sorry for dragging you back into this mess so soon, but we're on the move again." Ilya furrows his brow, whatever good humor he had gone in an instant. "What did the princess say?" Julian smiles, a wolfish grin. "It seems we're just in time for the masquerade… And there are some peculiar guests this year around." [[End of Prologue.|Chapter1]]

You look away, wrapping your arms around your middle to brace yourself about the upcoming conversation. "Come on, I know you want to ask." Ilya cocks his head, visibly amused. "Gods, relax, would you? I'm not going to bite you, $name," he laughs, leaning back against the rail. "Although, it was quite the sight. It will be a while before I forget it." You grimace. "I would rather pretend it never happened." "Ah, don't be like that," Ilya stifles a yawn, lips curled. "It doesn't have to be necessarily a bad thing. Maybe it simply means you're our ace in the sleeve, ready to be thrown at all sorts of creature. You know, to end things peacefully." At your less than impressed stare, he merely winks. "Everyone to their posts! Prepare to touch land!" <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>A woman's<</if>> voice echoes, spurring everyone into motion. They're a small crew, it feels strange to even call them a crew, but they sure work fast. Two men fly between the masts, swinging on ropes as if they aren't standing meters off the ground, a third man and a woman checking the crates and scribbling something over a parchment. All of this under <<if $vania is true>>Vania's<<else>>the woman's<</if>> vigilant eye. "You'll get to know everyone eventually" Ilya tells you, catching your gaze. You squint at <<if $vania is true>>Vania<<else>>the woman<</if>>. "Are you sure about that?" Ilya snorts. "Vania's good company once you get to know her. She just doesn't trust strangers easily, especially when it comes to Julian's safety." The shrill cry of an eagle brings your attention to the skies, shielding your sensitive eyes from the sun just in time to catch the majestic animal land safely on Julian's outstretched arm. He carefully caresses its head, ruffling the light brown feathers before taking something clutched between the animal's talons. Julian's expression doesn't let out any sort of clue as he reads the small whorl's contents, eye lidded as the eagle playfully tips its head against it's master. Julian produces a golden coin from one of his pockets, dropping it inside a sachet before securing it around the eagle's talons once more. And with that it soars away, straight for the island. Julian watches his companion go, turning around with a small smile before making his way toward the both of you. "$name, it's good to see you up and about already. Sorry for dragging you back into this mess so soon, but we're on the move again." Ilya furrows his brow, whatever good humor he had gone in an instant. "What did the princess say?" Julian smiles, a wolfish grin. "It seems we're just in time for the masquerade… And there are some peculiar guests this year around." [[End of Prologue.|Chapter1]]

That's all for now!

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