KDFOW

Browser lacks capabilities required to play.

Upgrade or switch to another browser.

Loading…

Achievements coming soon.

<<link "Characters" "Characters">><</link>> <<if settings.achievements>><<link "Achievements">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Achievements"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("achievements").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>><</if>> <<link "Stats">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Stats"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("stats").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "Realms and Races" "Realms and Races">> <</link>>

There are currently no stats available for you yet, Slayer ;)

by Krosgznak

King's Despair

Fog of War

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

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

<h3>Characters</h3> Romance options: Amisha Kahax: SHE/HER, 29 years old, lesbian, WARG. She has been your best friend since childhood, when your parents found her lost and alone in the forest. Amisha is a formidable warrior who can transform into a powerful white tiger. Despite her fierce appearance, she has a sweet and playful personality, often teasingly flirtatious with the female Slayer. Amisha will always crush on the female Slayer and is dedicated to protecting her friends and loved ones. Standing at a height of 5'11" (1,82), she has light pale skin, long blonde hair styled in a Viking braid, and captivating deep orange eyes that gleam with mischief. She possesses a muscular physique and wields a heavy battle axe with great skill. Veleena: SHE/HER, 31 years old, bisexual, HALF ROYAL ELF. Veleena possesses a quiet and lethal demeanor. She is cold and distant, likely due to the mistreatment from her father and the abandonment by her mother since birth. Her father, a human from the human realm, began training her in combat from a young age, as soon as she could hold a dagger in her small hands. Despite her tough exterior, Veleena is fiercely loyal to her cousin, Veldon. However, there are moments when she lets her guard down and reveals her vulnerability, as evidenced by the faint sound of her crying when she believes everyone else is asleep. Physically, Veleena stands at 5'7" (1.70) with a slender body. She has albinism, resulting in almost white skin that is adorned with numerous scars. The most prominent scar stretches across the left side of her face, a visible reminder of a burn that extends from her forehead to her cheekbone. Veleena keeps her silver straight hair flowing past her shoulders, and her sharp red eyes give her a hawk-like gaze. Khalid Razzarq-cassim: HE/HIM, 24 years old, bisexual, HASSAM. Meet Khalid, the youngest member of the royal Hassam lineage. He is fiercely loyal to his people and will go to great lengths to protect them from the mistreatment of other races. Khalid is a strong and passionate individual who isn't afraid to show it. He tends to judge others quickly and is even quicker to dismiss any threats. With a strong sense of pride and stubbornness, Khalid stands at a height of 5'3"(1,60), taller than most in his race, and despises when anyone suggests otherwise. He has a muscular physique, complemented by his dark olive skin and deep brown eyes. Khalid's shoulder-length brown dreads complete his distinctive appearance. Veldon Heredon: HE/HIM, 33 years old bisexual, HUMAN. Veldon is Veleena's older cousin. He hails from the human realm's royalty and takes great pleasure in indulging himself in the city's brothels. He enjoys getting to know the people who work there, as well as engaging in activities like drinking and gambling. However, he puts a pause on his fun-filled schedule when his cousin needs him. At that moment, his playful smile transforms into a serious frown. Veldon has always made it a point to protect his cousin, even from her own father. The scar on Veleena's face haunts his nightmares, as he blames himself for it. Veldon takes pride in his appearance and engages in regular training for two main reasons: to ensure his cousin's safety and to maintain his attractiveness to potential suitors. He stands at a height of 5'9'' (1,75), with light beige skin, short light blond hair, and green eyes. Kaellë Lorthan: SHE/HER, 27 years old, demisexual. SALT ELF. Kaellë is a timid salt elf who is fearful of her own shadow, but possesses exceptional healing skills. She has never failed to save a patient, even during her years working aboard perilous merchant ships. Accompanying her at all times is her affectionate sea wyvern, Jokhan. Blushing easily and frequently hiding behind her hands, Kaellë exudes a charming presence. However, her thanatophobia raises doubts about her suitability for her current occupation. Has Dis Egon lost his mind? Oh well, so be it. / Standing at 5' 1'' (1,55), Kaellë has a dark brown complexion, green eyes, and short black hair styled in a tousled ponytail. Her petite physique adds to her overall appearance. Mauthak, the cruel: HE/HIM, 35 years old, gay, ORC. Mauthak lives up to his name, being strong, big, and fierce. However, this doesn't mean he indiscriminately kills every creature he encounters. He simply enjoys fighting a little too much for his own good. As the leader of his Orc tribe, Mauthak is responsible for training the young recruits in the army, a role he takes very seriously. He has a love for drinking, fighting, and sex, making him a straightforward individual. Physically, Mauthak is an imposing figure, standing at a towering height of 6' 5'' (1,98). He possesses the strength of a minotaur, with light green skin, black eyes, and small tusks protruding from his lower lip. He confidently struts around, his muscular and scarred chest exposed, wearing heavy armor on his shoulders. Mauthak maintains medium-length black hair that is braided and styled in an undercut. Other important characters: Horseshoe: HE/HIM, 12 years old. HUMAN. Horseshoe isn't his real name, but he insists on being called by his nickname. He's a lively yet timid young boy who serves as a squire for Veldon. With blonde hair and light beige skin, his right eye is green while the left, where he bears a horseshoe-shaped scar, is blue. Horseshoe always appears disheveled, with greasy hair and dirty clothes. Despite this, he's an endearing child who adores his pony, Thunder.

The 10 Realms of Kellet Human Humans are the predominant race in Kellet and are known for their versatility. Human settlements can be found in almost every region of the world. Their territory, known as Flarewind, is located in the southernmost part of Kellet. Throughout history, every war in Kellet has been initiated by humans. Humans come in a wide range of skin colors, eye and hair types, as well as varying heights and weights. Due to their history of prejudice and intolerance towards other species and even among themselves, many races tend to avoid interacting with humans. Royal elf Royal elves are believed to be descendants of the three original Lords, as legend has it that these three were able to subdue and imprison the powerful God Zyldri'em in the depths of Melethya. Regardless of the truth behind this tale, Royal elves are regarded as flawless beings. They possess long, pointed ears, natural talents in magic and healing, enhanced senses, and gracefulness. However, their flaw lies in their overwhelming arrogance. The Royal elves reside in the enchanted forest known as Darnassus, a place that other races can only enter with elven permission. Salt elf Salt elves are essentially exiled Royal elves who established their own realm along the coastal area of the Darnassus forest. Their magical abilities and cultural practices have been modified, resulting in significant differences from their close cousins, the Royal elves. Their appearances are essentially the same as the Royal Elves, except for their gills and darker skin caused by exposure to the sun and sea wind. The presence of faint gills on their necks allows them to briefly breathe underwater. They have also developed exceptional sailing skills and have adapted well to a coastal lifestyle. Salt elves have successfully domesticated feral wyverns, which they keep as pets. Unlike their Royal elf relatives, salt elves do not display arrogance or superiority. Following a recent alliance wedding between the Royal and Salt, they now coexist within the same territory. However, Salt elves still prefer to reside near the sea and do not have an officially designated territory. Hassam The descendants of those who bravely tamed the treacherous desert of Xa'aron, where they now reside, they are individuals with mixed heritage, combining the bloodlines of elves, dwarves, and humans. Hassams possess great strength and speed. They are generally shorter than humans and elves, which allows them to dwell within desert caves and magical sand-built homes. Their darker skin tone is a result of prolonged exposure to the sun and fire. Notably, they possess immunity to fire damage. Warg Wargs are a hybrid of humans, elves, and rakrax who inhabit the frigid northern region known as Daleah. Surrounded by snow and permafrost, Daleah is a treacherous place teeming with colossal creatures and remnants of an ancient curse. Ghostly apparitions wail and lament under the illumination of the Northern Lights during the nights. When a Warg reach the age of 11, they are abandoned by their parents and must undertake a perilous and painful rite of passage on their own. They must hunt and consume a beast of their choosing, which will then become their transformed form. They bear a striking resemblance to pale humans with pointed ears. These ears are too pointed to belong to a human and too short to be those of an elf. Satyr Satyrs, adorable and mystical creatures, reside in the forests of Ehlorasahn. They abstain from engaging in warfare, adhering faithfully to their pacifist customs. These joyous and mischievous beings, who possess both human and ram characteristics, warmly embrace individuals of all races within their domain. However, they require all visitors to forge a magical agreement pledging nonviolence while traversing their enchanted woods. The satyrs are under the guidance of their shamanic leader. Centaur Centaurs, being half elf and half horse, possess both majesty and danger. They strictly prohibit other races from entering their territory unless granted explicit permission by their tribe leader. Centaurs reside in various tribes that engage in peaceful communication and trade with one another, while avoiding interactions with other races. They exhibit strong territorial instincts and fiercely protect the creatures inhabiting their lands, known as Stydale. With their remarkable strength, speed, and training, centaurs are an undeniable force to be reckoned with. Rakrax Rakrax are descendants of one of the three original Lords. They were once tall humans with magnificent wings that allowed them to soar through the skies. They were the most prosperous race, surpassing even the elves. They wielded 'soul swords', weapons formed from their own souls that could cut through anything. Their territory was located in the northeast Drael, but now all that remains are ruins and ghosts. Their downfall came after their last monarch, Queen Nyëa Drackens, defied the orders of the God Zyldri'em, resulting in an unbreakable curse on all current and future Rakrax. Today, Rakrax are but a mere shadow of their former selves . They are rare and possess fragile bodies, resembling walking corpses with thin, pale greyish skin and weak muscles. Their wings, now vestigial, hang from their backs like tattered cloaks, rendering them unable to fly. Dwarf Dwarves, the smallest race of Kellet, reside within the mountains of the Beoford Hills. Despite their small stature, they possess great strength and are renowned for their mining, trading, and love of drinking. Dwarves are open to welcoming other races into their territories for trade and have a tendency to let go of grudges after a hearty drunken brawl. When in Beoford, expect to encounter dwarves with long beards and braids adorned with rare gems and smelling like ale. Orc The big bad Orcs are the most gruesome creatures of all. Feared by many, they are enormous, muscular, and filled with anger. Living in Zeophenon, a land abundant in active volcanoes, Orcs have developed thick skin and a resilient nature. They only follow their General, who is chosen through brutal combat until death. Orcs allow other races into their territory, but do not anticipate hospitality, generosity, or kindness. Hierarchy is crucial in their society, with the weaker individuals answering to the strongest. Orcs possess prominent tusks and their skin ranges from common green to rare red. They are descendants of the third of the first Lords.

This a DEMO As a DEMO, please note that many things can be changed, including dialogues, choices, and pretty much anything you see right now. ''Content Warning'' The game is 18+, for adults only Trigger warnings include: - Blood lust - Explicit sexual themes - Death - Suicide - Drugs - Violence - Blood - Assault - Murder - Swearing - Emotional abuse - Nightmares and night terrors ''DO NOT PLAY THE GAME IF ANY OF THE THEMES MAKES YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE'' Prioritize your mental health above all else. ❤️ This symbol indicates a romantic route. 💕 This symbol is used to express flirting or interest in multiple characters. ❤️‍🔥 This symbol is used for more intense scenes. If there is no option for fade to black after the heart, it means the scene may not necessarily be sexual. Feel free to follow me on tumblr if you like @kingsdespair-if This is my first attempt with this kind of thing, I am not a programmer, I have never done this before, also English is not my first language. [[• Take me to the game.]]

CHAPTER 1. SWEET DREAMS. You sit at the kitchen table in your house, hearing your parents' laughter from outside. Their voices are muffled, and you can't quite understand what they're saying. You can't recall how you ended up here. Did you manage to sleep at all? //You can't remember.// The aroma of coffee fills your nostrils. It must be the crack of dawn. You attempt to peer out the window, but the sky is still dark as night. What an unusual morning it is. The familiar fragrance of your beloved beverage overwhelms the scent of coffee. Your mother must be indulging you. The ingredients are costly, and you're only allowed the special hot cocoa with fruit on your birthday. Is today your birthday? //You can't remember.// Wait, is this really your house? Was the furniture ever this color? Your parents never liked coffee, did they? //You can't remember.// You shake your head, clearing your mind of strange thoughts. This is your home; your parents are outside, engaged in conversation like they always do. They sound happy. Like they always sound. Amisha must be fast asleep in her room, as she always is. And, of course, today is your birthday. //You almost remember.// Your stomach grumbles, you know your mother will likely have lunch ready soon, but you still want a snack. Maybe a fruit? Yes, that should tide you over until lunch. You reach for an apple from the basket, but its texture feels strange under your fingers. It's almost grainy, like sand. You look around. The laughter morphs into screams and cries of pain. Where are your parents? //You remember.// [[• Dead.]]

You panic as you suddenly remember that your parents are dead. The scenery around you starts to change. Now, you find yourself in a forest where there is no longer any laughter or welcoming scents. Instead, the air is now filled with screams and cries of pain, desperate pleas for mercy. The smell of blood. Fresh blood. //Lost. Alone. Scared.// //Useless.// You're unsure of how you ended up in this place or where exactly you are. You find yourself sprinting through the forest without knowing the reason, only feeling an overwhelming urge to keep running. A metallic taste lingers on your tongue. As you glance around, all you can make out is a blur of leaves and trees, the muddy ground hindering your steps. The forest is dense, ancient trees blocking out the sky. It's dark. You can't see. //So dark.// You hear branches breaking around. Behind you. You are being followed. Hunted. A voice speaks. <span style="color:red">//"Do you feel like a prey? Run."//</span> //Fast.// Not fast enough. //Faster.// Your clothes cling to your skin, drenched in sweat, your heart pounds and your breath comes in heavy gasps. You know you can't keep running forever, but you must try. A bolt of lightning streaks across the sky. No, it's no lightning; it's a roar. Ferocious, perilous. Timeless. //Fear.// You clutch your necklace tightly, feeling its warmth against your palm, as a deep, raspy voice calls out to you. It speaks directly to you. You tremble. <span style="color:red">//"Fear cuts deeper than any sword, dear Slayer."//</span> With eyes wide open, you search for the source of the voice. You are alone. <span style="color:red">//"Behind... you..."//</span> [[• You look]] [[• Ignore the voice and keep running]] [[• Stop running]]

All you can see is darkness. Suddenly, a red light cuts through the trees, pulsating like a heartbeat. Its brightness is so intense that it blinds you. <span style="color:red">//It's closer now.//</span> Your legs tremble, exhaustion overwhelms you, and you're unable to see through the sweat and tears streaming down your face. Wait, tears? When did you start crying? //You don't remember.// [[• You hear a stifled chuckle. The voice, it's making fun of you.]]

As you sprint at full speed, something suddenly seizes your arms, legs, and clothing. It feels like long, slender fingers extending from the trees, forcefully grabbing hold of you. <span style="color:red">//It's closer now.//</span> Your legs tremble, exhaustion overwhelms you, and you're unable to see through the sweat and tears streaming down your face. Wait, tears? When did you start crying? //You don't remember.// [[• You hear a stifled chuckle. The voice, it's making fun of you.]]

You try to stop, your muscles screaming in pain, mud splashing around you as you firmly step on the ground. You feel a warm breath on your neck. <span style="color:red">//It's closer now.//</span> [[You can't stop. You need to run. ->• You can't stop.]]

Your legs tremble, exhaustion overwhelms you, and you're unable to see through the sweat and tears streaming down your face. Wait, tears? When did you start crying? //You don't remember.// [[• You hear a stifled chuckle. The voice, it's making fun of you.]]

Another shiver runs down your spine as the voice beckons you. The voice asks, <span style="color:red">//"What is your name, slayer?"//</span> You massage your temples, feeling a massive headache coming on. Names begin to dance in your mind. <<link "• Cerf" "Passagem Sem Nome 2">><<set $name to "Cerf">> <</link>> <<link "• Wulfead" "Passagem Sem Nome 2">><<set $name to "Wulfead">> <</link>> <<link "• Hilgar" "Passagem Sem Nome 2">><<set $name to "Hilgar">> <</link>> <<link "• Konnor" "Passagem Sem Nome 2">><<set $name to "Konnor">> <</link>> <<link "• Ilitar" "Passagem Sem Nome 2">><<set $name to "Ilitar">> <</link>> <<link "• Symes" "Passagem Sem Nome 2">><<set $name to "Symes">> <</link>> <<link "• Valek" "Passagem Sem Nome 2">><<set $name to "Valek">> <</link>> No, that's not right. None of these are my names. [[• My name...]]

<<textbox "$name" $name>> \ <<button "is my name.">> <<set $name to $name.trim()>> <<if $name is "">> <<replace "#name-error">>There's no point in hiding your name from me, young Slayer. What is your name?<</replace>> <<else>> <<goto "Passagem Sem Nome 2">> <</if>> <</button>>    \ <span id="name-error"></span>

<span style="color:red">//"Yes, $name, that's correct. I remember you from my dreams. I recall your necklace, your name, and the scent of your fear,"//</span> the voice softens, like a mother soothing her child to sleep Gentle hands caress your face, wiping away the tears. <span style="color:red">//"One day, you will become what you must. One day, you shall be the one I choose for you to be. Fulfill my wishes and become a slayer. You will do as you're told, won't you?"//</span> You feel hands holding your cheeks, but you can't see them. It's like being touched by the wind. You can't see the face of the man gently talking to you, and you don't understand what he is saying. You open your mouth to reply, but no words come out. <span style="color:red">//"Shush, child. It's time for you to leave this place."//</span> The hands release you, and suddenly, everything becomes shadows; the ground vanishes and you start to fall. [[• You fall.]]

You stumble and land face-first, yet strangely, you don't feel any pain. As you touch the ground, an odd sensation washes over you – it's almost like... scales? To your surprise, the trees have vanished without a trace. Instead, the ground beneath you seems to be pulsating, as if it's alive and emanating warmth. It feels like it's breathing. As you take in your surroundings, your eyes widen – there's a massive, ominous blue eye staring right at you. Fuck. In a moment of sheer panic, you scream. [[• Open your eyes.]]

With a gasp, you wake up and desperately look around, searching for those blue eyes. But there are no scales, no trees, no voice, and no eyes. Just the humble room where you spent the night, with a bed and sweaty sheets from your nightmare. The sun is rising on the horizon, its rays gently touching your face through the window. It's a beautiful day, at least. Another opportunity to earn some coins and avoid starvation. Life has been difficult since you lost your parents, and the life of a beast hunter is not as glorious as it might seem, but you still have Amisha. Speaking of her, you should go find her for breakfast, although she's probably still asleep. Amisha always seems to be sleepy, "just like regular cats," you think and laught to yourself. You yawn and stretch, trying to alleviate the soreness from sleeping on such a hard mattress. But that's what you get for staying at the cheapest inn in the entire city. You get up and look in the mirror, running your hands through your <<link "• Short hair" "Hair color">><<set $hairlength to "Short">> <</link>> <<link "• Medium length hair" "Hair color">><<set $hairlength to "Medium">> <</link>> <<link "• Long length hair" "Hair color">><<set $hairlength to "Long">> <</link>> <<link "• Very long length hair" "Hair color">><<set $hairlength to "Long">> <</link>>

As you gaze into the mirror, you notice that your hair color is the same as your late father's, even as he aged and his hair began to fade. The color is a bright shade of <<link "• Black" "Hair texture">><<set $haircolor to "black">> <</link>> <<link "• Brown" "Hair texture">><<set $haircolor to "brown">> <</link>> <<link "• Blonde" "Hair texture">><<set $haircolor to "blonde">> <</link>> <<link "• Ginger" "Hair texture">><<set $haircolor to "ginger">> <</link>> <<link "• Grey" "Hair texture">><<set $haircolor to "grey">> <</link>>

You may have inherited the color from your father, but the texture definitely came from your mother. Every morning, she would lovingly brush your hair and sing to you, pointing out how similar your hair was to hers. Every morning, you attempt to brush your hair in the same way she did, but it's never quite the same, no matter how much effort you put into it. A sigh escapes your lips as you gaze at your <<link "• Straight hair" "Race">><<set $hairtexture to "straight">> <</link>> <<link "• Wavy hair" "Race">><<set $hairtexture to "wavy">> <</link>> <<link "• Curly hair" "Race">><<set $hairtexture to "curly">> <</link>> <<link "• Coily hair" "Race">><<set $hairtexture to "coily">> <</link>>

You smile contentedly, pleased with your recent accomplishments. As you enter the bath tub, memories of the kind treatment you have received from the villagers resurface, prompting you to contemplate your past experiences of garnering attention from others. [[• As a Royal Elf, it's no surprise to be looked at in such a way. People generally view your race as a perfect specimen in terms of appearance.]] [[• As a Salt Elf, you are aware that people are curious about you. Being an exotic type of Elf who lives near the sea, with the scent of sea salt and faint gills on your neck, you may not be as perfect as a Royal Elf, but you are just as endearing.]] [[• As a Human, this kind of reaction is not unusual, but it's also not particularly noteworthy. You are considered the most common race in Kellet, and nobody would typically pay much attention to you.]] [[• As an Orc, you are accustomed to being mistreated and feared. Being looked at with desire or even admiration is a new experience for you.]] [[• As a Hassam, you are used to being watched as if you were about to perform a fire trick or some other form of entertainment, even though you are not a magician and certainly not a street artist like others of your kind tend to be outside of their territory. It can be quite annoying to be treated like a circus attraction all the time, so the change of pace from being a circus freak to a desired hero is a welcome one.]] [[• As a Rakrax, you are accustomed to seeing people either running away from you or getting too close, attempting to touch your vestigial, deformed wings. Your rare race's inability to tolerate prolonged exposure to the sun doesn't help with your reputation. Rakrax have always been shrouded in secrets, lies, and prejudice, so this kind of reaction towards you is something entirely new.]]

Royal elves are believed to be descendants of the three original Lords, as legend has it that these three were able to subdue and imprison the powerful God Zyldri'em in the depths of Melethya. Regardless of the truth behind this tale, Royal elves are regarded as flawless beings. They possess long, pointed ears, natural talents in magic and healing, enhanced senses, and gracefulness. However, their flaw lies in their overwhelming arrogance. The Royal elves reside in the enchanted forest known as Darnassus, a place that other races can only enter with elven permission. Are you a Royal Elf? <<link "• Yes, I'm a Royal Elf" "Skin tone">><<set $race to "Royal Elf">> <</link>> <<link "• No, I'm something else" "Race">> <</link>>

Salt elves are essentially exiled Royal elves who established their own realm along the coastal area of the Darnassus forest. Their magical abilities and cultural practices have been modified, resulting in significant differences from their close cousins, the Royal elves. Their appearances are essentially the same as the Royal Elves, except for their gills and darker skin caused by exposure to the sun and sea wind. The presence of faint gills on their necks allows them to briefly breathe underwater. They have also developed exceptional sailing skills and have adapted well to a coastal lifestyle. Salt elves have successfully domesticated feral wyverns, which they keep as pets. Unlike their Royal elf relatives, salt elves do not display arrogance or superiority. Following a recent alliance wedding between the Royal and Salt, they now coexist within the same territory. However, Salt elves still prefer to reside near the sea and do not have an officially designated territory. Are you a Salt Elf? <<link "• Yes, I'm a Salt Elf." "Skin tone">><<set $race to "Salt Elf">> <</link>> <<link "• No, I'm something else" "Race">> <</link>>

Humans are the predominant race in Kellet and are known for their versatility. Human settlements can be found in almost every region of the world. Their territory, known as Flarewind, is located in the southernmost part of Kellet. Throughout history, every war in Kellet has been initiated by humans. Humans come in a wide range of skin colors, eye and hair types, as well as varying heights and weights. Due to their history of prejudice and intolerance towards other species and even among themselves, many races tend to avoid interacting with humans. Are you a human? <<link "• Yes, I'm human." "Skin tone">><<set $race to "Human">> <</link>> <<link "• No, I'm something else" "Race">> <</link>>

The big bad Orcs are the most gruesome creatures of all. Feared by many, they are enormous, muscular, and filled with anger. Living in Zeophenon, a land abundant in active volcanoes, Orcs have developed thick skin and a resilient nature. They only follow their General, who is chosen through brutal combat until death. Orcs allow other races into their territory, but do not anticipate hospitality, generosity, or kindness. Hierarchy is crucial in their society, with the weaker individuals answering to the strongest. Orcs possess prominent tusks and their skin ranges from common green to rare red. They are descendants of the third of the first Lords. Are you an Orc? <<link "• Yes, I'm a Orc." "Skin tone 2">><<set $race to "Orc">> <</link>> <<link "• No, I'm something else" "Race">> <</link>>

The descendants of those who bravely tamed the treacherous desert of Xa'aron, where they now reside, they are individuals with mixed heritage, combining the bloodlines of elves, dwarves, and humans. Hassams possess great strength and speed. They are generally shorter than humans and elves, which allows them to dwell within desert caves and magical sand-built homes. Their darker skin tone is a result of prolonged exposure to the sun and fire. Notably, they possess immunity to fire damage. Are you a Hassam? <<link "• Yes, I'm a Hassam." "Skin tone">><<set $race to "Hassam">> <</link>> <<link "• No, I'm something else" "Race">> <</link>>

Rakrax are descendants of one of the three original Lords. They were once tall humans with magnificent wings that allowed them to soar through the skies. They were the most prosperous race, surpassing even the elves. They wielded 'soul swords', weapons formed from their own souls that could cut through anything. Their territory was located in the northeast Drael, but now all that remains are ruins and ghosts. Their downfall came after their last monarch, Queen Nyëa Drackens, defied the orders of the God Zyldri'em, resulting in an unbreakable curse on all current and future Rakrax. Today, Rakrax are but a mere shadow of their former selves . They are rare and possess fragile bodies, resembling walking corpses with thin, pale greyish skin and weak muscles. Their wings, now vestigial, hang from their backs like tattered cloaks, rendering them unable to fly. Are you a Rakrax? <<link "• Yes, I'm a Rakrax." "Skin tone 3">><<set $race to "Rakrax">> <</link>> <<link "• No, I'm something else" "Race">> <</link>>

Better take a bath before waking Amisha up. You still have the bath water from yesterday, and you are happy that you haven't used it yet. The water will be cold, but at least, will be clean. Now naked as the day you were born, you take some time to look at yourself in the mirror. Your fingertips lazily tracing your form as you watch all of the faint scars from past hunting jobs. You grimace when your gaze locks on the most recent one. A long and deep fang mark along your ribcage; a parting gift from the largest basilisk you've ever seen. <<link "• Your light green skin makes it hard to spot the almost faded old scars, but you can still see the new scar very clearly." "Tusks">><<set $skintone to "light green">> <</link>> <<link "• Your dark green skin reveals every deep scar you bear, and this new one is no different. It simply adds to the collection." "Tusks">><<set $skintone to "dark green">> <</link>> <<link "• Your light grey complexion almost camouflages every scar or mark you bear." "Tusks">><<set $skintone to "light grey">> <</link>> <<link "• Your dark grey skin keep no secrets to the outside world; every scar is visible." "Tusks">><<set $skintone to "dark grey">> <</link>> <<link "• Your unique skin tone is effective in concealing scars, and even among individuals of your own species, red skin is uncommon." "Tusks">><<set $skintone to "red">> <</link>>

Better take a bath before waking Amisha up. You still have the bath water from yesterday, and you are happy that you haven't used it yet. The water will be cold, but at least, will be clean. Now naked as the day you were born, you take some time to look at yourself in the mirror. Your fingertips lazily tracing your form as you watch all of the faint scars from past hunting jobs. You grimace when your gaze locks on the most recent one. A long and deep fang mark along your ribcage; a parting gift from the largest basilisk you've ever seen. <<link "• Due to your very pale skin, your new scar is barely visible." "Gender">><<set $skintone to "pale">> <</link>> <<link "• Your new scar is barely noticeable, thanks to your fair complexion." "Gender">><<set $skintone to "fair">> <</link>> <<link "• Your scar stands out against your olive skin, making it easily noticeable to anyone who is observant." "Gender">><<set $skintone to "olive">> <</link>> <<link "• Anyone can easily spot the scar on your dark brown skin." "Gender">><<set $skintone to "dark brown">> <</link>> <<link "• Your very dark skin tone makes it easy to see not only this new scar but also the oldest ones." "Gender">><<set $skintone to "very dark">> <</link>>

Better take a bath before waking Amisha up. You still have the bath water from yesterday, and you are happy that you haven't used it yet. The water will be cold, but at least, will be clean. Now naked as the day you were born, you take some time to look at yourself in the mirror. You touch your vestigial wings, feeling the smooth skin that once belonged to long and elegant wings generations ago. You are descended from the race of the legendary slayer, Queen Nyëa. Unfortunately, your kind was cursed and brought down in disgrace and failure along with your queen. Your fingertips lazily tracing your form as you watch all of the faint scars from past hunting jobs. You grimace when your gaze locks on the most recent one. A long and deep fang mark along your ribcage; a parting gift from the largest basilisk you've ever seen. <<link "• Your almost plain white skin shows no trace of scars, except for the most recent ones, slowly fading into shy pink marks." "Gender">><<set $skintone to "white">> <</link>> <<link "• Your pale grey skin barely reveals any of your old scars, but the new one is more noticeable." "Gender">><<set $skintone to "pale grey">> <</link>> <<link "• Your dark grey skin reveals every scar you've ever had." "Gender">><<set $skintone to "dark r grey">> <</link>>

People say that your species descends from the demons themselves, and some of your race take pride in keeping their tusks sharp and visible, which can be useful for intimidation. However, sometimes the tusks are simply used to maintain appearances. As for yourself, you keep your tusks <<link "• Long and sharp, both visible and intimidating." "Gender">><<set $tusks to "intimidating">> <</link>> <<link "• You maintain your tusks long and sharp just for show, but it is not your intention to intimidate anyone." "Gender">><<set $tusks to "appearance">> <</link>> <<link "• You had your tusks sawed a long time ago, so now only the very tips are visible. You don't want to scare anyone, and you also don't want large tusks showing all the time." "Gender">><<set $tusks to "small">> <</link>>

You remember how you almost succumbed to the basilisk's venom, and you would have, if it weren't for Amisha carrying you on her tiger's back, and the basilisk's head on her mouth as if it were nothing. But what a big pouch of coins the creature trophy conquered you, the entire village gathered to watch the heroes who finally ended their worst foe. The people praised both of you, and you remembered how the ladies and boys equally fussed around you, calling you a <<link "• Gorgeous warrior princess from a fairy tale (referred to as 'she/her')" "Weapons">><<set $gender to "female">> <</link>> <<link "• Handsome knight from a fairy tale (referred to as 'he/him')" "Weapons">><<set $gender to "male">> <</link>> <<link "• Beautiful hero from a fairy tale (referred to as 'they/them' born with a 'male body')" "Weapons">><<set $gender to "nonbinarym">> <</link>> <<link "• Beautiful hero from a fairy tale (referred to as 'they/them' born with a 'female body')" "Weapons">><<set $gender to "nonbinaryf">> <</link>>

Thanks to this bounty, you were able to purchase new equipment, including your most important item - a new weapon. You glance at the wall where you left your acquisition leaning, taking in the sight of your new <<link "• Bow" "1">><<set $weapon to "bow">> <</link>> <<link "• Sword" "1">><<set $weapon to "sword">> <</link>> <<link "• Musical instrument" "1">><<set $weapon to "musical instrument">> <</link>> <<link "• Healing books and herbs" "1">><<set $weapon to "books and herbs">> <</link>> <<link "• Daggers" "1">><<set $weapon to "daggers">> <</link>> <<link "• Battle axe" "1">><<set $weapon to "Battle axe">> <</link>> <<link "• Staff" "1">><<set $weapon to "staff">> <</link>>

You sink neck-deep into the cold water, feeling the shivers slowly melt away as you cleanse yourself of the sweat and dirt from the road. Your hands roam your body, gently cleaning and allowing yourself to relax. A deep sigh escapes your lips as you rest your head against the wooden bathtub. Suddenly, the door of your room bursts open, a familiar voice singing loud, calling your name. <<if $gender is "female">> "Heeeeey, $name! Get up, get uuuuup! We have a long day ahead. I'm awake and hungry. And you are..." It's Amisha, of course. She smiles, but it fades when her gaze falls upon your naked body, replaced by uncertainty and shyness. Her hands tighten around her axe, and you notice her knuckles turning white from the strength of her grip. Her face turns red, and her mouth hangs open, resembling a fish. After a moment, she seems to realize that she has been staring. "I... I'm sorry! Oh, great Hunter, forgive me! I thought you were asleep! Oh, Gods!" <<else>> "Oh, my great Hunter, $name! I'm so sorry," Amisha laughs, observing the strange expression on your face. "I came to check on you and let you know that I've already ordered breakfast. And thank the gods, you're finally bathing. You smell," she says, playfully covering her eyes with her hand, teasing you as she always does. <</if>> <<if $gender is "female">> <<link "• Her reaction seems strange to you. You have seen each other in minimal clothing several times before. Given that you are currently inside a bath, with water and soap foam enveloping most of your body, you don't understand why she is acting this way. Nevertheless, you find it adorable. ❤️" "Amisha route1">><<set $amisharomance to $amisharomance +1>> <</link>> <<link "• You are blushing just as much as she is now. Oh, no. Oh, no. Dive into the water, dive into the water now! ❤️" "Amisha route2">><<set $amisharomance to $amisharomance +1>> <</link>> <<link "• 'Hey kitten, if you wanted to see me naked, you could have asked. It's kind of rude to barge in like that, but now that you're here... Would you like to join me?' you tease her, feeling your own cheeks growing warmer. ❤️" "Amisha route3">><<set $amisharomance to $amisharomance +1>> <</link>> [[• "It's fine, Amisha. I'm almost finished," you dismiss her concerns with a reassuring smile.]] <<else>> [[• "Aw, shut up, you brat," you laugh back, throwing the soap at her.]] [[• "Sure thing, Mish. I'll be there soon, thanks."]] <</if>>

You can see her trying to compose herself, with her hands now behind her back, as she smiles sweetly at you. You are aware of how infatuated this girl is with you, and it bothers you. You see her more as a younger sister than anything else. It saddens you when she looks at you longingly, and you wish you could make her romantic feelings for you disappear, but you can't. Despite the difference in desires, you know she loves you just as much as you love her, and it brings you comfort to have her by your side. She is the only family you have left. "Of course. Make sure to be quick if you want breakfast, okay? I'll be downstairs with food ready for us." [[• You nod and smile back at her, finishing your bath and getting ready for the day ahead, which promises to be a long one.]]

You hit her right on the temple, and she leaves, a playful laugh causing her lips to curl up. "Okay, okay. I apologize again, see you soon." A little while later, you're already fully dressed and ready for a good meal. As you descend the stairs, it doesn't take long for you to notice Amisha sitting alone at a secluded table in the corner, close to the kitchen. You observe her for a few more moments before making your way towards her. <<link "You observe her for a few more moments before making your way towards her." "• She sits back, observing the fire as if it holds all the answers she seeks in life. Maybe it does.">> <</link>>

"Yeah, yeah, fine. But hurry up, $name, I'm starving," she complains. Amisha swiftly turns and walks away, leaving you to finish your bath in solitude. A little while later, you're already fully dressed and ready for a good meal. As you descend the stairs, it doesn't take long for you to notice Amisha sitting alone at a secluded table in the corner, close to the kitchen. You observe her for a few more moments before making your way towards her. <<link "You observe her for a few more moments before making your way towards her." "• She sits back, observing the fire as if it holds all the answers she seeks in life. Maybe it does.">> <</link>>

You observe her for a while longer as she averts her gaze to the floor. She fidgets with the axe in her hands, pretending to closely inspect it. Her cheeks remain red, and her pale skin only accentuates the blush. Layers of leather and well-maintained steel armor her muscular body. You notice a bead of sweat rolling down her chin, and your gaze travels down her long, powerful legs. After about a minute, Amisha catches you staring at her, causing her blush to deepen. It's the first time you actually look at her like this, as if you want to trace her jawline with your fingers, oh so slowly. The sunlight hits her back and her hair glows. She looks almost divine to you now, a beauty yet to be discovered, but somehow, you stepped right into its den. Her long legs are elegant, and her strong arms flexes as she fidges with her heavy axe. She has beautiful orange eyes, like fresh magma, staring into yours. There a small scar on her right cheek, which only makes her even more endearing. You don't notice that you've been quiet all along until she finally makes a sound. [[• Amisha clears her throat and bites her bottom lip.]]

Without hesitation, you plunge your head into the water as quickly as possible, hoping that the coldness will conceal the intense blush on your face. You faintly hear an apology and footsteps, followed by the sound of a door closing. After waiting a little longer, you emerge from the water, eager to dress before any further mishaps occur. Oh my gods, you'd rather die. You begin to reflect on those orange eyes scanning your body, and a warmth builds within you, a mixture of shame and something else. No, no. Definitely not, not right now. Not ever. Amisha is your best friend; you can't forget that. Even if you dream of her at night, or if her smiles make your heart flutter, or if you melt every time she whispers your name, or if you sometimes pretend you can't climb a big rock or a tree just to feel her hand holding yours. You can't risk losing your relationship with her; she is all you have. You feel a twinge of pain and guilt in your heart. You shake your head. This is not the time of place. As you finish washing youself and leaves the water to get changed, you hear Amisha mumbling something outside your door. Although you can't make out her words, you can sense the tension in her voice, maybe it is because of you? The thought brings a shy smile to your face as you imagine her blushing cheeks. <<link "• You sigh, hoping this infatuation for her will fade soon. Maybe you won't mess it up." "• You chuckle softly to yourself." >> <</link>>

"I... um... wait, what?! No! I mean... I didn't mean to imply that you're not attractive, because you are- I mean... Uh... Wait, what am I saying? I don't know", she nervously laughs, scratching her cheek, "Oh, hey! Is that a nightingale?" Amisha walks across the room, deliberately ignoring you, and gazes out the window. You continue washing yourself slowly, feeling her eyes on you even though she hasn't turned her head towards you. You notice her gulp, and a small chuckle escapes your lips. "Are you sure? The water is cold, I could use some... warmth." "I've already taken a bath this morning and I need to... talk to the waitress, so... I should...", she pauses, her eyes meeting yours. You lean your back against the bathtub, your arms lazily hanging free. You lick your lips slowly, allowing her to watch you. "Aw, don't be like that, kitty. If you're afraid of the water, I assure you that I won't let you drown. In fact, I'll hold you very close" Amisha lets out an almost manic laugh before quickly covering her mouth with her hand. She starts to rush towards the door, stumbling and dropping her axe on the ground. "Oh, oh my. I guess I'll have to pay for repairs, won't I?", she looks at you again, briefly glancing at your exposed neck, "You know what? I'll be... outside, waiting for you. Thanks, I mean, I'm sorry. Bye." Amisha quickly ran back to the door, crossing the doorframe without uttering another word. She closed the door behind her, leaving you to ponder the recent events and the new hole in the floor. As you finish washing youself and leaves the water to get changed, you hear Amisha mumbling something outside your door. Although you can't make out her words, you can sense the tension in her voice, maybe it is because of you? The thought brings a shy smile to your face as you imagine her blushing cheeks. [[• You chuckle softly to yourself.]]

"I'm sorry again, I'll be waiting for you... O-outside. Yes! Bye!" She rushes out the door before you have a chance to respond. It's endearing how she becomes clumsy and shy in moments like these. Even though you don't quite understand why she acts this way with you, you still find it cute. A small smile forms on your lips as you quickly finish your bath. You leave the tub to get dressed and begin your day with a satisfied stomach after breakfast. As you finish washing youself and leaves the water to get changed, you hear Amisha mumbling something outside your door. Although you can't make out her words, you can sense the tension in her voice, maybe it is because of you? The thought brings a shy smile to your face as you imagine her blushing cheeks. [[• You chuckle softly to yourself.]]

//[''Amisha'']// Amisha paces anxiously in the hallway between her room and $name's room at the inn. Biting her fingernails until they bleed, she can't help but feel nervous. This is unacceptable, Amisha. You've made a fool out of yourself. Damn, she's gorgeous. I've known her forever, and I've been in lo-lust! I've been lusting for her since we were teenagers. Why does everything feel so different now? Did she just blush? Oh, great Hunter, help me. She blushed, and I felt like I was on fire. Focus, Amisha, focus. I need to clear my head. Why am I still thinking about her when I just told myself to clear my mind? Stop. Amisha comes to a halt and looks at the door of $name's room. She raises her hand and delicately touches the old wood that separates them. Images of $name's fresh, wet body start to dance in her head. She feels warmth inside, and warmth... Down below. Damn it, stop. She pushes herself away from the door and accidentally knocks her head on the wall, mumbling to herself, "I'm losing my mind. Great Hunter, help me." Amisha walks over to the table in the common room, sits down, and waits for the food she ordered after waking up. She flexes her fingers, realizing how long she's been attracted to $name. It's been so long that she feels like she's making a mistake by not talking about it with $name. As a Warg and the child of the great Hunter, she shouldn't cower in the face of danger or any beast. Yet, she cowers in front of $name. "What a fool you are, Amisha," she thinks to herself. Maybe she'll talk to $name when she's drunk next time, it almost happened before. She remembers a time when they were younger and $name got drunk for the first time. Amisha took care of $name and when she looped an arm around $name to keep them on their feet, $name leaned in close. She remembers the shiver she felt when $name kissed her cheek. She smiles, reminiscing about $name. Thinking about the way $name smiles at her when she gives them their favorite drink, made just the way they like it. Amisha may not remember much, but she never forgets when it involves $name. She could never forget anything about $name. It's funny, even tragic, how she can't remember the face of her own parents, but she can remember $name's favorite flavor of candy. She laughs to herself and moves to light the inn's fireplace. [[• She sits back, observing the fire as if it holds all the answers she seeks in life. Maybe it does.]]

A little while later, you're already fully dressed and ready for a good meal. As you descend the stairs, it doesn't take long for you to notice Amisha sitting alone at a secluded table in the corner, close to the kitchen. <<link "You observe her for a few more moments before making your way towards her." "• She sits back, observing the fire as if it holds all the answers she seeks in life. Maybe it does.">> <</link>>

<<if $gender is "female">> Upon first glance, her pensive demeanor captures your attention. Leaning against the wall, you take a moment to observe her. "So, did you hear anything while you were here earlier? Any new bounties for us? I've spent almost all of our last pouch on my weapon, I'm broke. Again," you sigh, holding the nearly empty pouch in your hands. "Don't worry, $name. We'll find a new job soon. We always do. There's always a monster in need of slaying, and a pouch waiting for us at the end of it all.", she stops and scratches her chin before continuing. "How do they call it? A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Or is it a rainbow after the storm? Or whatever.", she finishes. You laugh at her. "That doesn't even make sense, kitty. What rainbow do you see in your line of work? I only see blood, mud, and venom. And I can only smell monster shit and decomposed bodies along the road." "Anyway, what's going on inside your head, kitten?" Amisha looks up from the fire and gives you a shy smile. "Oh, hey! I believe our food will be ready soon. It's been quite a wait since I ordered breakfast, so it should arrive any moment now." You step closer, taking a seat for yourself beside her. "Okay, but that's not what I asked. I noticed you seemed distant. Is everything alright?", you ask, never taking your eyes off her, carefully observing her facial expressions. She is currently wearing her "public face," indicating that she will maintain a consistent frown, but that is not what makes you worry. "Oh, that... Yeah, I'm fine. I'm alright," she says, forcing a smile to reassure you, but not even attempting to maintain eye contact, something is not right with her, you know it. "Whatever you say, kitty. But you do know you can tell me anything, right?" <<link "• 'We can talk privately if you want some... Alone time. I sense your tension. Maybe you need some relief? I could show you a really effective technique if you're interested.' You gently touch her arm, lightly patting her bare skin with just the tips of your fingers.❤️" "Amisha route 11">><<set $amisharomance to $amisharomance +1>> <</link>> <<link "• 'If you...' you clear your throat, trying to suppress the lump formed by your nervousness. Your cheeks turn red from being in such close proximity. 'If you need me, I mean, if you need to talk, if something is wrong, will you tell me?'❤️" "Amisha route 22">><<set $amisharomance to $amisharomance +1>> <</link>> <<link "• 'Well, I suppose we should eat before... you know, before it gets cold or something,' Amisha says with a hint of sadness as she glances at the food. You can't help but let out a small chuckle. 'Of course, Mish. Let's dig in.'" "• 'Well, I suppose we should eat before... you know, before it gets cold or something,' Amisha says with a hint of sadness as she glances at the food. You can't help but let out a small chuckle. 'Of course, Mish. Let's dig in.'">> <</link>> <<else>> You step closer, taking a seat for yourself beside her. "So, did you hear anything while you were here earlier? Any new bounties for us? I've spent almost all of our last pouch on my weapon, I'm broke. Again," you sigh, holding the nearly empty pouch in your hands. "Don't worry, $name. We'll find a new job soon. We always do. There's always a monster in need of slaying, and a pouch waiting for us at the end of it all.", she stops and scratches her chin before continuing. "How do they call it? A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Or is it a rainbow after the storm? Or whatever.", she finishes. You laugh at her. "That doesn't even make sense, kitty. What rainbow do you see in your line of work? I only see blood, mud, and venom. And I can only smell monster shit and decomposed bodies along the road." <<link "Amisha opens her mouth, a lazy smile playing on her lips. But before she can answer, the waitress arrives at your table with the food you ordered." "• 'Well, I suppose we should eat before... you know, before it gets cold or something,' Amisha says with a hint of sadness as she glances at the food. You can't help but let out a small chuckle. 'Of course, Mish. Let's dig in.'">> <</link>> <</if>>

Now, she's looking at you, her bright orange eyes locking you in place. You notice her pupils shifting to a cat-like shape. Slowly, she parts her lips, the frown transforming into a lazy smirk. The shy Amisha you saw earlier is long gone now. You feel her warm breath brushing against your face. Her eyes briefly glance at your lips before returning to meet your gaze. Despite her confident and longing body language, you can see a faint pink blush on her cheeks, which you find incredibly adorable. "Is that so? What more can you show me that I haven't already seen you do? We have known each other for a //very long time//, after all...", describing her voice tone as a purr would be ironic, given her true nature. However, any traces of amusement have long vanished from your thoughts. "Maybe I'll have to show you that I still have some surprises to share," you say, smiling at her as you slowly lick your lips. "Perhaps you do...", her voice is husky, she gulps audibly. You can see her shivering; oh, what a sight. Your heart is racing, and you notice her gaze shift towards your chest, causing her smirk to grow. You realize that you have forgotten that she can definitely hear your heartbeat. Shit. It's too late to worry about embarrassment now. You lean in a little closer, and her eyes dart to your lips once more before she starts to close her eyelids. You're now just an inch away. Suddenly, a loud bang on your table startles both you and Amisha, causing you to jump away from each other. You gasp in surprise and look at the intruder, only to find that it is the waitress delivering your food. She shoots you both a disapproving glance before hastily placing the rest of your order on the table. Amisha lets out an audible growl, revealing the tip of her pointed canine. The sight makes you laugh, causing the waitress to look at both of you before leaving in clear confusion. And just like that, the moment is shattered. [[• 'Well, I suppose we should eat before... you know, before it gets cold or something,' Amisha says with a hint of sadness as she glances at the food. You can't help but let out a small chuckle. 'Of course, Mish. Let's dig in.']]

Amisha smiles sweetly at you, her gaze filled with affection and concern. "I will always be honest with you, $name. You're the only one I have, and I would never keep anything important from you." Her warmth against you, even through clothes, makes you feel at home - safe and loved. You have always cherished Amisha's friendly and warm hugs. However, lately, being in her arms evokes a different kind of feeling, a unique warmth. You nuzzle her neck, wrapping your arms around her waist for a tight hug. She rests her cheek on top of your head, sweetly kissing your temple. Her hands on your back make everything feel perfect in this moment. With her, you feel complete. She cradles you as if you are the most precious thing she has ever touched. You lean into the embrace for a moment longer before the waitress approaches with your order. Amisha gives you a final squeeze before releasing you from her arms. As the food is placed on the table, you sit back in your chair. Despite your hunger, you can't help but feel the absence of Amisha's warmth, even though you were just in her embrace a few seconds ago. You sigh and smile at your friend, and she smiles back. Her smile quickens your heartbeat. "She could outshine the sun," you think to yourself. //Oh no.// [[• 'Well, I suppose we should eat before... you know, before it gets cold or something,' Amisha says with a hint of sadness as she glances at the food. You can't help but let out a small chuckle. 'Of course, Mish. Let's dig in.']]

<<if $gender is "female">> Despite the low prices of the inn, the food is surprisingly good. Amisha, who needs to eat a lot to maintain both her human and tiger form, ordered a variety of dishes. The spread includes fresh bread, hard cheese, a selection of fruits, and a flavorful stew made with meat and vegetables. After eating in silence for a few more minutes, the waitress returns with a mug and hands it to Amisha. She thanks the waitress and pays for the mug with a silver coin, which catches your curiosity. Amisha smirks at you and pushes the mug towards you. You raise your eyebrow at her while still chewing your food. "What's going on now?" you ask, reclining and observing her. She simply smiles and returns your gaze. "Well, why don't you have a look?" You comply, grabbing the mug and looking inside. As you smell its contents, you look back at her in disbelief. Amisha has done it once again. She has found a way to buy you a mug of your favorite drink - the one your parents used to give you and Amisha before bed, the drink that fills your heart with nostalgia and happiness. "I had to wake up very early to search for it in the city, you know. Unfortunately, this particular type of chocolate and fruit is so rare here that I could only find one peculiar individual who had a small barrel of it. He wasn't willing to sell the entire barrel, but I managed to persuade him to sell me a mug after some negotiation, with the help of my irresistible charms, of course.", her cheeks are now slightly red as she avoids making eye contact. "I didn't get a chance to taste it, so I can't say if it's the same, but I hope you still enjoy it..." You stand up from your chair and head to the kitchen, returning with a second mug. Carefully, you pour the liquid into both mugs and hand one to Amisha. As she grasps the situation, a faint smile appears on her face. "We used to share like this when we were kids, so we are going to do it again now. And... Thank you, Mish. This means so much to me." She gently holds your hand and gives it a squeeze. "You're welcome." <<else>> Despite the low prices of the inn, the food is surprisingly good. Amisha, who needs to eat a lot to maintain both her human and tiger form, ordered a variety of dishes. The spread includes fresh bread, hard cheese, a selection of fruits, and a flavorful stew made with meat and vegetables. After eating in silence for a few more minutes, Amisha starts to talk again. So, what are the plans for today, boss?" You raise an eyebrow at her, still chewing your food. "Boss? Since when?" "Don't be such a fuss and answer my question, you fool," she playfully rolls her eyes at you. "Well, I thought we could go around a bit, try to gather rumors about beasts, or maybe visit the next village. What do you think?" <</if>> [[• Just as you finish eating, a young human boy enters the inn, holding a letter adorned with something colorful that you can't quite make out. He sees you and makes eye contact, walking towards your table.]]

<<if $gender is "female">> "Excuse me, m-ma'am, are you the hunter $name?" <<elseif $gender is "nonbinarym">> "Excuse me, are you the hunter $name?" <<elseif $gender is "nonbinaryf">> "Excuse me, are you the hunter $name?" <<elseif $gender is "male">> "Excuse me, s-sir, are you the hunter $name?" <<endif>> You exchange glances with Amisha before addressing the boy. "That's me, kid. What can I do for you?" You watch as the boy reaches for you and hands you the letter. "My name is Vin-No, it's Horseshoe. My master sent me to find you and deliver this letter. He has a very important quest for you, that's all I know.", he looks nervous as he watches you inspect the letter. "Horseshoe" can't be a name, can it? Oh, wait. Now you see. The boy has a scar in the shape of a horseshoe circling his left eye. His left eye is blue, while the right is green. The boy cannot be older than twelve; he must be a squire. His short blonde hair is dirty and greasy, just like his clothes, and his light beige skin is not much cleaner than the rest. You open the letter as Amisha leans in to read it with you. The letter bears the royal emblem of the human realm. <<if $race is "human">> Of course, you remember the emblem well. It was once displayed all over the village where you grew up. King Gerbrand was known for his absurd narcissism and love of showing off. The emblem depicts a white wild horse standing on two legs, with an angry expression, set against a cyan background. If this letter is from Gerbrand himself, you're likely fucked. "You are cordially invited to the royal ball hosted by our beloved Prince Gereth Heredon. We look forward to seeing you on the specified date and time indicated at the bottom of this document. Please present the emblem to the guards upon arrival, and you will be escorted directly to the Prince. Kindly note that punctuality is essential, and declining the invitation is not an option, as the purpose of this invitation is of great significance." The letter clearly emphasizes that declining the invitation is not possible. This is not a mere invitation; it is a summons that cannot be refused. "Shit.", you think. "Shit.", Amisha says. <<else>> "You are cordially invited to the royal ball hosted by our beloved Prince Gereth Heredon. We look forward to seeing you on the specified date and time indicated at the bottom of this document. Please present the emblem to the guards upon arrival, and you will be escorted directly to the Prince. Kindly note that punctuality is essential, and declining the invitation is not an option, as the purpose of this invitation is of great significance." The letter clearly emphasizes that declining the invitation is not possible. This is not a mere invitation; it is a summons that cannot be refused. "Shit.", you think. "Shit.", Amisha says. <</if>> [[• Horseshoe looks between you and Amisha, he is waiting for your answer.]]

"So, the prince wants to see me? Both me and my partner?" Your hand instinctively finds your necklace, fidgeting with it to calm yourself. "Actually, it's Master Veldon who wants to see you, not the prince," he avoids making eye contact, his gaze fixed on his own feet. You sense Amisha growing restless beside you. "Veldon? Who the fuck is Veldon? I thought the letter was from Gereth." "It's from both of them, actually. But you can discuss this with them. I don't know anything else, I swear. I am here to accompany you and ensure you don't get lost in your way to the meeting." You groan loudly, rising from your chair. You begin walking towards your room to gather your belongings, with Amisha trailing behind you. "Alright, kid. Stay here. We'll be back soon. I just need to grab my things before we head out... wherever this is." The boy watches you leave without moving. It seems like he'll be waiting until you return. Well, it's time to get hired by a prince. <<if $race is "human">> Amisha walks nervously beside you, biting her bottom lip. She has never been a fan of humans, except for you, and tends to avoid them. You understand why - humans have been responsible for starting every war in Kellet and often treat other races with disdain. Unfortunately, this mistreatment of those who are different is all too common, but humans take it to an extreme. You know that Amisha is only allowed in half of the cities you visit because of you being human. They trust you to control her, referring to her as an 'animal', which is truly awful. <<else>> Amisha walks nervously beside you, biting her bottom lip. She has never been a fan of humans, and tends to avoid them. You understand why - humans have been responsible for starting every war in Kellet and often treat other races with disdain. Unfortunately, this mistreatment of those who are different is all too common, but humans take it to an extreme. <</if>> "So... Are we sure about this?" she asks, her eyebrows furrowed. "I don't think we have many options, Mish. We either go along with it or they'll hunt us down. Royals and their bullshit always find a way to get what they want. You saw the letter. I'm not happy about it either, but hey, maybe it's just another job and we'll get a pocketful of coins. Remember what you said about the rainbow?" You smile nervously at her, attempting to calm her down, or maybe just to calm yourself down. "Yeah, I think you're right. Maybe this is our rainbow," it seems like your attempt to cheer her up worked after all. "Let's go before the boy decides to search for us. I don't want to get scolded by a child." Amisha laughs and heads to her room, promising to meet you in a few minutes. Back in your room, you give yourself a final glance in the mirror. It's only now that you notice the significant dark circles under your eyes. As you wash your face, you can't help but steal a glance at your eyes. Your parents always commented on the beautiful shade of <<link "• Blue" "Height">><<set $eyesc to "blue">> <</link>> <<link "• Green" "Height">><<set $eyesc to "green">> <</link>> <<link "• Grey" "Height">><<set $eyesc to "grey">> <</link>> <<link "• Black" "Height">><<set $eyesc to "black">> <</link>> <<link "• Brown" "Height">><<set $eyesc to "brown">> <</link>> <<link "• Hazel" "Height">><<set $eyesc to "hazel">> <</link>>

Feeling ready, you grab your $weapon, which you had invested so much in. As you prepare to depart, you approach the door and <<link "• Due to your petite stature, you effortlessly pass through the towering door frame. (short)" "Outside the inn">><<set $height to "short">> <</link>> <<link "• Due to your average height, you pass relatively easily. (average)" "Outside the inn">><<set $height to "average">> <</link>> <<link "• Because of your height, you need to slightly bend to avoid hitting your head. (tall)" "Outside the inn">><<set $height to "tall">> <</link>>

After some time, you find yourself outside the inn, waiting for the boy to retrieve his horse. When you woke up, you anticipated a beautiful day, and you were right. The sky is a light blue, devoid of clouds, and the sun is relieving the chill from the north wind. People are walking around with joyful expressions, children are playing, and the scent of fresh bread and morning dew fills the air. You take a deep breath, briefly closing your eyes. <<if $gender is "female">> Playful arms encircle your waist from behind, giving you a brief squeeze. You look over your shoulder to catch a glimpse of Amisha's orange eyes and bright smile, the one she saves just for you, before she releases you. You feel her eyes scanning your body before she catches herself and pretends to be looking around. "So, where is the boy?" she asks, trying to preempt any potential comments from you. You bite your lip, trying to suppress a chuckle. "He said he's getting his horse. It's been a while, so he should be arriving soon." You look back at her as she chews on something, which appears to be a piece of dry meat. <<else>> A hand touches your shoulder, and you look behind to catch a glimpse of Amisha's orange eyes. "So, where is the boy? Are we ready yet?", Amisha scans the road, searching for any signs of the kid from earlier. "He said he's getting his horse. It's been a while, so he should be arriving soon.", you look back at her as she chews on something, which appears to be a piece of dry meat. <</if>> After a few more minutes, Horseshoe returns with his... Pony. The pony is old and brown, with a blind right eye, clearly having seen better days. Both the pony and the boy are dirty, and the pony is burdened with several bags on its back. The boy is already seated and prepared to begin the journey. <<if $gender is "female">> "Alright, ma'am, I'm ready. Where are your horses?" <<elseif $gender is "male">> "Alright, sir, I'm ready. Where are your horses?" <<elseif $gender is "nonbinarym">> "Alright, hunter, I'm ready. Where are your horses?" <<elseif $gender is "nonbinaryf">> "Alright, hunter, I'm ready. Where are your horses?" <<endif>> "We don't have any horses," you calmly respond. "It's easier for us to search for clues and footprints on foot. Besides, she is literally a tiger - no horse would stay calm with her on their back." Amisha simply shrugs next to you, still chewing on her dry meat. "How far is it? We can follow you on foot, that's not a problem, we're used to it. Just don't sprint.", you tell him, fully aware that his pony is not capable of sprinting and is unlikely to be able to do so in the near future. The boy looks at you, then gazes towards the horizon. "It's not too far, maybe a few hours, possibly 5 or 6. Actually, it might even be less. I took longer to find you because I had to keep asking for your whereabouts. Thankfully, you guys have a good reputation in this area." "That's okay, we've walked even more in worse conditions. Go ahead." The boy appears uncertain for a moment, but eventually nods, leading his pony towards the start of their journey. <<if $race is "rakrax">> [[• Hours had passed since you began walking, the sun wasn't too hot at that time. However, now the sun is high in the sky and its rays are starting to affect you. You feel weak, weaker than before and it's happening sooner than you expected.]] <<else>> [[• Hours pass, you continue to accompany Horseshoe. The sun is now high in the sky, and you start to feel the heat of the summer weather.]] <</if>>

Despite the intense heat, you know you can't remove even a layer of your clothes. Prolonged exposure to sunlight won't kill you, but it will weaken you and force you to do something you don't want to do, something you've avoided for a long time. You pull your hood over your head and mutter a curse against your ancestors. "Hey, are you okay? The sun..." Amisha's voice is filled with concern. [[• "I don't know, do I look fine to you, Amisha?" you snap, clutching at your clothes and desperately trying to shield yourself from the sun.]] [[• 'I'm alright, Mish. It's okay. I'm sure we're almost there, and then I'll feel even better.' You force a smile, attempting to reassure her.]]

<<if $gender is "female">> You remove your thick jacket, leaving only your slim leather armor. The leather clings to your body, fitting perfectly. You reach for your waterskin and take a refreshing gulp, trying to relieve yourself from the heat. A solitary droplet escapes from your lips, trickling down your neck. You sense someone watching you. The boy remains in front of you, and the road is deserted except for your loyal warg companion. With a slight tilt of your head, you offer a relaxed smile while gazing at her. Caught in the act, Amisha quickly averts her gaze, opting to look at the surrounding fields. As expected, you see a faint blush gracing her cheeks. [[• 'Hey, kitten, do you see something you like?' Your tone is teasing, but your intentions are genuine. 'Come and get it,' you wink at her, observing as her eyes widen. It's amusing how she was so eager just a few hours ago at the inn, and now she is shy again. It's too adorable. ❤️]] [[• You feel your cheeks heating up, and it's not because of the weather, but because of her. The woman beside you, the one who makes your heart skip a beat every time she smiles at you in that familiar and adored way. ❤️]] [[• "What is it? Something on my face?" you ask, raising your arm to smell your armpit and clothes. "Oh no, please don't tell me I'm smelling."]] <<else>> You've been walking since morning, and despite the long hours, you don't feel tired. You're used to long travels, after all. The heat is the only thing starting to weigh on you. You reach for your waterskin and take a refreshing gulp, trying to cool down. You lightly elbow Amisha to get her attention and offer her some water. You can see that she is suffering in the heat, maybe even more than you are, since she is from the North where the snow never melts away. "Thanks, $name," she says, handing the waterskin back to you. "I think we're almost there." "Probably. I can't wait to take another bath." "As you should," she teases, smirking. "Hey! What do you mean by that?" Her smirk grows as she quickens her pace to keep up with the boy's strides. You shake your head and follow her, a smirk playing on your lips. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]] <</if>>

Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village. The village had been victim to a wild fire, causing the people to flee and leave it behind. It is now nothing more than a ghost town. But the boy continues to lead you deeper into the village, until you find yourselves in front of the largest building, presumably an inn or something similar. From the outside, it definitely appears to be an old, abandoned building. However, you can faintly hear sounds coming from inside - music, laughter, and even... Moaning? Oh gods, what is happening now? Two heavily armored soldiers guard the enormous front door. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the building is untouched and brand new. The exterior has been painted black to mimic the appearance of the surrounding burned houses. "Clever," you think. "Halt!" one of the guards calls out to Horseshoe. "Master instructed me to bring them here," he responds, dismounting from his pony. "I couldn't care less about your orders, boy. You may not enter due to your young age, and they may not enter unless they possess the emblem," the guard concludes, his expression showing displeasure at our presence. "Oh, that we do," you answer, handing the letter to the first guard. He looks at you, analyzing your intentions before finally accepting the letter and inspecting it for any falsifications, you suppose. Alright, both of you are cleared to enter. However, the boy must either stay with us or go back. It's up to him, I don't care," says the guard as he opens the door for you to pass. You glanced back at Horseshoe, who shrugged and attempted to peek over your shoulder. Curiosity gleamed in his eyes as he tried to catch a glimpse of what lay beyond the barrier that prevented him from entering. "Kids...", you shake your head, motioning for Amisha to follow as you enter the building. Inside, you are greeted by another guard. This one is dressed in the colors of the elite knights from the human realm, donning shining white and cyan armor from head to toe. He steps forward, raising a hand to halt your progress. "Are you $name and Amisha? The hunters?" he asks. You nod in confirmation. "You are expected. Here," he says, handing each of you a bronze mask in the shape of a lion's head. "You must wear these." Both you and Amisha put on the masks, realizing that your mouths are left uncovered. "Once inside, you shall wait. The Crown Prince is not yet available to meet with you, but his cousin should be able to entertain both of you. Please proceed," he says as he opens a wardrobe door, leaving you feeling a bit confused until you take a peek inside. Well, isn't this what you expected from nobility? Hidden inside this deceptive wardrobe is an enormous ballroom, if you can even call it that. It's filled with tables of food and drink, pools of hot water, and an abundance of naked people wearing only lion masks. They are scattered throughout the room, walking, drinking, kissing, engaging in sexual acts, and pleasuring themselves. In one corner, a bard plays songs while a presumably intoxicated man attempts to remove his trousers. The smell of wine, body oil, and bodily fluids is overwhelming. The only person not wearing a mask is a man seated at the edge of one of the pools. He is surrounded by both men and women, and although he is not naked, he only covers his lower body with a white towel. A woman sits on his lap, caressing his abs while another man wraps his arms around his waist. He laughs and talks to the man beside him, holding a bottle of wine in his hands. From what you can see, he is tall, maybe 5' 9'', with blond hair and light beige skin. He reminds you of someone. When the man notices you and Amisha standing by the door, looking like two confused children, he excuses himself from his friends and approaches you. He greets you with a playful smile, running his hand through his blond hair, his green eyes shine with mischief and desire. "Ah, I see... The hunters, I presume?" You only nod, not daring to speak. "My dear cousin told me not to reveal your true names in order to protect your identities," he says, rolling his eyes. "However, that doesn't mean I can't get to know you better, if you're interested," [[• You feel his eyes scanning your body, undressing you with his gaze. He licks his lips, biting his bottom lip.]]

She raises her eyebrows in disbelief before bursting into laughter at you. "What the hell, $name?" she manages to say amidst her laughter. The two of you continue joking around for the remainder of the journey. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]]

You notice her gulping as she attempts to hide her embarrassment. "I may have, so what?" she asks, her eyes fixed on the fields. "Did you purposely ignore the second part of what I said earlier?" "What part?" she asks, now facing you with her hands behind her back. "I said that if you're interested, come and get it," you say, not waiting for her response. You continue walking ahead, whistling cheerfully after teasing a poor soul. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]]

You steal glances from time to time, no longer pretending that you don't. It's clear that she's been doing the same. "I might be getting myself into trouble, but oh, how sweet trouble can be..." you think, observing Amisha as she plays with her braids. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]]

Amisha looks at you warily, you know she is a sweet girl. It's clear that your moment of anger has caused her pain. Her hurt is evident in the way she gazes at you, her jaw clenched tightly, choosing not to respond to your rude behavior. And even though you snapped at her, all you can see in her orange eyes is concern and sadness. <<if $gender is "female>> [[• You immediately feel remorse for the way you spoke to her. Hurriedly, you reach her and gently touch her face, halting her steps. "I apologize, my kitten. It was not my intention. I am exhausted, but that is not an excuse. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?" Tenderly, you bring her hand to your lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. ❤️]] [[• You sigh and take a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Mish. I didn't mean to be rude to you. It's just that... the sun hurts. I apologize sincerely."]] [[• You snort at her sad face, hiding further within your hood to minimize sun exposure. Disregarding her reaction, you continue walking forward.]] <<else>> [[• You sigh, taking a deep breath. "Look, I'm sorry, Mish. I didn't mean to be rude to you. It's just that... the sun hurts. I apologize sincerely.']] [[• You snort at her, hiding further within your hood to minimize sun exposure. Disregarding her reaction, you continue walking forward.]]

You can tell that your friend is troubled and worried about you, despite your attempts to reassure her of your safety. She nods and removes her own jacket, placing it over you to provide additional coverage and protect you from the sun's rays. She genuinely cares about you, and always has and always will. Even when others avoid you because of your race, she does not. Amisha has a heart of gold, and you are fortunate to have a special place in it. "Thanks, Mish..." you give her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Thank me when we're out of the sun, okay?" she smiles and continues walking, keeping a watchful eye on you the entire time. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]]

"It's okay, I understand. It was a silly question, and I appreciate your apology. Let's find some shade for you, come on," she says before quickly running to catch up with the boy. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]]

Ignoring her concerned looks, you continue walking, groaning and averting your gaze. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]]

Her face brightens at your words and gesture. The pain has disappeared, but you should be cautious not to hurt her feelings. You want to be the one who tends to her wounds, whether they are physical or emotional. "It's okay, I understand, $name. We should continue and get you out of the sun. Let's go," she leans into your touch for a moment longer before turning to follow the boy. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]]

Ignoring her concerned looks, you continue walking, groaning and averting your gaze. [[• Few minutes later, you finally enter what you thought was an abandoned village.]]

<<if $gender is "female">> You feel Amisha's fingers on your arm as she gently pushes you back, just enough for her to whisper in your ear. "$name, I don't trust this guy. He's looking at you as if you're just an piece of meat. Stay near me, and I'll make sure he stays away from you," Amisha says, a low growl escaping her lips as she watches the man with the intensity of a predator - an angry one at that. [[• You glance at the man, a faint smile forming on your lips. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I will. Thank you for the offer," you say, not bothering to wait for his response. Turning back around, you wrap your arms around Amisha's neck. ❤️‍🔥]] [[• "Oh?" you blurt out, feeling your cheeks heat up as your gaze meets Amisha's. You can't help but imagine yourself caught between them. The man's carefree attitude contrasting with Amisha's possessiveness towards you, their lips on your neck, their hands exploring your body, as they vie for control. "N-no, thank you." 💕]] [[• The same way he did with you, it's now your turn. Your gaze roams over his body, taking in his muscular frame, sculpted abs, powerful arms, and defined chest. His full lips, stunning green eyes, and flawless hair add to his allure. Water droplets cascade down his skin, trailing along the edge of his towel. You moisten your lips and offer him an inviting smile "Of course, show me the way" ❤️‍🔥]] [[• You gaze at him, a shy smile gracing your lips. Your fingers fidget with your necklace. He is undeniably intriguing. However, engaging in any intimate activity with a guy you just met is not your style. But, perhaps... 'Maybe next time, when we've gotten to know each other better and when we're not caught up in whatever this is,' you wink at him. ❤️]] [[• You raise an eyebrow at him, "No, thanks. We'll wait for the Prince."]] <<elseif $gender is "nonbinaryf">> You feel Amisha's fingers on your arm as she gently pushes you back, just enough for her to whisper in your ear. "$name, I don't trust this guy. He's looking at you as if you're just an piece of meat. Stay near me, and I'll make sure he stays away from you," Amisha says, a low growl escaping her lips as she watches the man with the intensity of a predator - an angry one at that. [[• You glance at the man, a faint smile forming on your lips. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I will. Thank you for the offer," you say, not bothering to wait for his response. Turning back around, you wrap your arms around Amisha's neck. ❤️‍🔥]] [[• "Oh?" you blurt out, feeling your cheeks heat up as your gaze meets Amisha's. You can't help but imagine yourself caught between them. The man's carefree attitude contrasting with Amisha's possessiveness towards you, their lips on your neck, their hands exploring your body, as they vie for control. "N-no, thank you." 💕]] [[• The same way he did with you, it's now your turn. Your gaze roams over his body, taking in his muscular frame, sculpted abs, powerful arms, and defined chest. His full lips, stunning green eyes, and flawless hair add to his allure. Water droplets cascade down his skin, trailing along the edge of his towel. You moisten your lips and offer him an inviting smile "Of course, show me the way" ❤️‍🔥]] [[• You gaze at him, a shy smile gracing your lips. Your fingers fidget with your necklace. He is undeniably intriguing. However, engaging in any intimate activity with a guy you just met is not your style. But, perhaps... 'Maybe next time, when we've gotten to know each other better and when we're not caught up in whatever this is,' you wink at him. ❤️]] [[• You raise an eyebrow at him, "No, thanks. We'll wait for the Prince."]] <<else>> "Hey, $name," Amisha whispers, "I don't trust this guy. I don't trust humans, I don't trust nobles." [[• "No, thank you. We are fine."]] [[• You give Amisha a knowing smile before touching his arms. Just as he did with you, it's now your turn. Your gaze roams over his body, taking in his muscular frame, sculpted abs, powerful arms, and defined chest. His full lips, stunning green eyes, and flawless hair add to his allure. Water droplets cascade down his skin, trailing along the edge of his towel. You moisten your lips and offer him an inviting smile. "Of course, show me the way." ❤️‍🔥]] [[• You gaze at him, a smile gracing your lips. Your fingers fidget with your necklace. He is undeniably intriguing. However, engaging in any intimate activity with a guy you just met is not your style. But, perhaps... 'Maybe next time, when we've gotten to know each other better and when we're not caught up in whatever this is,' you wink at him. ❤️]] <</if>>

He shrugs at your answer and says, "Suit yourselves, sweeties. Before I go, I just wanted to let you know that I'm Veldon. If you need me, I'll be there having fun." With that, he leaves you to rejoin his companions at the pool. "Oh?" Amisha repeats, her annoyance evident. You playfully roll your eyes at her. "What's wrong with that?" "Are you seriously considering fucking a noble guy? Look at him. You can find someone much better, someone who suits you more than... him," she points at Veldon, who is now far away, chatting with his friends. "Oh, really? Is there someone better? Who could that be?" She blushes immediately. "I'm not sure. Maybe someone who knows you well. Unlike him. Someone who genuinely cares about you and treats you with the respect you deserve." "Someone like you?" you playfully wink at her. "Well... I mean, someone who treats you the way I would, not exactly me, if you get what I mean," she clarifies. "Of course, I understand," you suppress a chuckle. "I... I'm going to grab something to eat. Just be careful around those weirdos," she says as she walks away to the food table. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

He smirks at you, extending his hand. You accept it, hearing Amisha mumble behind you. "What's your name?" you inquire. Although you don't mind being intimate with strangers, you still prefer to know their names. "Veldon, darling," he replies, gripping your hand and leading you towards a concealed door in the corner of the room. He turns the doorknob and enters the bedroom, guiding you along. "Are you certain about this, darling?" he questions, shutting the door behind him. [[• You reach for his towel and take it from him, leaving him fully exposed. As you glance down, you notice that his cock is already erect for you. "Oh yes, I'm certain," you say with a smirk.'' ❤️‍🔥]] [[• You reach for his towel and take it from him, leaving him fully exposed. As you glance down, you notice that his cock is already erect for you. "Oh yes, I'm certain," you say with a smirk.'' ❤️‍🔥 (Fade to black)]] [[• "Actually, no, I don't think I want this," you tell him. "That's alright, let's get you back to your friend," he says as he takes you back to Amisha. He then leaves you to find his friends.]]

He shrugs at your answer and says, "Suit yourselves, sweeties. Before I go, I just wanted to let you know that I'm Veldon. If you need me, I'll be there having fun." With that, he leaves you to rejoin his companions at the pool. <<if $gender is "female">> "Are you serious? That guy?" Her eyes show signs of anger, but not directed at you. It's not just anger, but something else that you can't quite make out. "What? He's hot and I find him interesting," you shrug. "Whatever, $name," she walks away, leaving you alone with your thoughts. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. <<else>> "May the Great Hunter protect you. You're absolutely ridiculous, with those love-struck eyes and all," she chuckles, her eyes observing the commotion surrounding you. "I'm ridiculous? Why?" "Because you want to fuck a nobleman, that's why." "Oh, come on. Even if I do, you'll always be my favorite jerk," you playfully push her shoulder. She snickers, "Once again, you're ridiculous. You're lucky I love you." Shaking her head and laughing, she heads towards the food table. <</if>> You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

He shrugs at your answer and says, "Suit yourselves, sweeties. Before I go, I just wanted to let you know that I'm Veldon. If you need me, I'll be there having fun." With that, he leaves you to rejoin his companions at the pool. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

He smirks at you, extending his hand. You accept it, hearing Amisha mumble behind you. "What's your name?" you inquire. Although you don't mind being intimate with strangers, you still prefer to know their names. "Veldon, darling," he replies, gripping your hand and leading you towards a concealed door in the corner of the room. He turns the doorknob and enters the bedroom, guiding you along. "Are you certain about this, darling?" he questions, shutting the door behind him. [[• You reach for his towel and take it from him, leaving him fully exposed. You glance down, you notice that his cock is already erect for you. "Oh yes, I'm certain," you say with a smirk.'' ❤️‍🔥(Veldon's first sex scene involves him taking on the TOP/DOM role, but this will change in subsequent scenes.)]] [[• You reach for his towel and take it from him, leaving him fully exposed. You glance down, you notice that his cock is already erect for you. "Oh yes, I'm certain," you say with a smirk.''❤️‍🔥(Fade to Black)]] [[• "Actually, I don't think I want this," you tell him. "That's alright, let's get you back to your friend," he says as he takes you back to Amisha. He then leaves you to find his friends.]]

He shrugs at your answer and says, "Suit yourselves, sweeties. Before I go, I just wanted to let you know that I'm Veldon. If you need me, I'll be there having fun." With that, he leaves you to rejoin his companions at the pool. <<if $gender is "female">> "Are you serious? That guy?" Her eyes show signs of anger, but not directed at you. It's not just anger, but something else that you can't quite make out. "What? He's hot and I find him interesting," you shrug. "Whatever, $name," she walks away, leaving you alone with your thoughts. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. <<else>> "May the Great Hunter protect you. You're absolutely ridiculous, with those love-struck eyes and all," she chuckles, her eyes observing the commotion surrounding you. "I'm ridiculous? Why?" "Because you want to fuck a nobleman, that's why." "Oh, come on. Even if I do, you'll always be my favorite jerk," you playfully push her shoulder. She snickers, "Once again, you're ridiculous. You're lucky I love you." Shaking her head and laughing, she heads towards the food table. <</if>> You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

She mimics your actions, taking a step back and looking around, clearly ashamed. "Sure, whenever you need me, you know I'll help." "Yeah, I know," you smile warmly at her. "I better go find something to eat. See you soon, $name", she says as she walks away to the food table. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

You can feel her muscles tense, her gaze dropping to your lips. "Aren't you?" she asks softly, her eyes shifting to meet yours. "Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not. But most importantly," you whisper in her ear, your lips brushing against it as you speak. "What would you do if I'm not?" Her hand finds your waist, giving it a gentle squeeze, her warm breath on your neck. When she speaks, her voice is hoarse, filled with longing. "Whatever you want me to. Whatever you need me to. Whatever you allow me to." That's enough teasing. Your lips find her neck, gently touching her warm skin. You clutch her clothes, pulling her close to you. You feel her squirm, her hands squeezing tightly, her fingertips slipping under your shirt, her nails grazing against your skin. You shiver from the touch. You gently brush your teeth against her sensitive skin, eliciting a soft moan from her. Slowly, you trail kisses along her neck and jawline until your lips finally meet hers. She gasps, the kiss starting off as a mere whisper. However, as she becomes still, you begin to question if you've gone too far, if this was a mistake. You start to panic, but suddenly, her hands find the back of your thighs, and she effortlessly lifts you off the ground. Your back is now against the wall, and your ankles secure on her lower back. Amisha positions herself between your legs while you wrap your arms around her shoulders to maintain your balance. The sounds and smells fade away, leaving only the woman in front of you. The warg crashes her lips against yours, the sweetness and shyness replaced by passion. You lightly bite her bottom lip, the tip of your tongue teasing her. She groans and tilts her head to deepen the kiss, her tongue brushing against yours. You both swallow each other's moans. With one hand supporting you, her free hand ventures down your shirt, slowly moving towards your breast. Her breath becomes heavy, your hands tangled in her hair, feeling the contours of her fit body against your own. She grinds her hips against yours, creating a pleasurable friction that leaves you craving more, but not enough to satisfy your desire. You yearn for her to be inside you, for you to touch her, taste her. Her hand stops at the edge of your bra, and she pauses. She pulls away from you, still holding you against the wall, but no longer kissing you. You whimper, longing for her touch, but worry now overpowers your other emotions. "Mish...?" you whisper, a plea in your voice. She shakes her head, slowly lowering you back to your feet. When she is certain that you won't fall, she completely withdraws from you. "What's the matter?" you plead once again. Amisha looks at you, and you can clearly see that her irises have turned a bright orange, with pupils resembling those of a cat. Her hands are trembling, and her right nails have transformed into claws rather than human nails. She lets out a heavy sigh, glancing back at you. "I want you, $name. //So much.// I have longed for you for a very long time. This is the first time we have kissed, and already my skin is itching with the need to touch yours again. But I can't, not now, not..." she gestures towards the chaotic circus surrounding you. She raises her hand, gently grasping your jawline, her thumb brushing against your bottom lip. "I want it to be just us, you and me, and my need for you, if you'll will have me. I don't want to have you with fifteen other eyes as witnesses, I only wish for our racing heartbeats, the moon, and the sky to bear witness. You know, $name, I... I... nevermind, there will be time for that later," with that, she gives you one final lingering kiss and heads towards the food table, leaving you feeling both needy and confused. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

As you ventured deeper into the labyrinthine passages, the distant sounds of merriment faded away, leaving you in an eerie silence broken only by the echoing clanks of the guard's armor and the resonant footsteps in the cavernous hallway. The guard walked ahead, their demeanor stoic, focused solely on their duty. Amisha leaned close, her voice a barely audible whisper, shrouded in secrecy. "So, wanna make a bet?" Her playful tone hinted at mischief. Your curiosity piqued, you glanced around cautiously before responding, "What kind of bet are we talking about?" Amisha's eyes sparkled with mischievous delight as she shared her daring wager. "I bet that we're going to end someone's life tonight!" Her predatory grin sent shivers down your spine. Startled by her words, you couldn't help but cough, hastily covering your mouth. The guard in front of you halted and turned, their monotone voice devoid of genuine concern. "Is everything alright?" "I'm fine," you managed to utter before the guard resumed their march. Annoyance simmered within you at their abrupt interruption. "What the hell is wrong with you?" you hissed at Amisha once the guard had distanced themselves from your whispered conversation. Amisha responded with a nonchalant shrug, her tone devoid of remorse. "Nothing, just here to have some fun!" Her hands swung carelessly at her sides, emphasizing her cavalier attitude. "But I'm still waiting for your wager." As you continued down the mysterious passage, the atmosphere grew more oppressive, a tangible sense of foreboding hanging in the air. Shadows danced on the walls, and the scent of damp stone clung to the surroundings, amplifying the ominous mood. Amisha's proposal lingered in your thoughts like an unsettling riddle. The corridor seemed to grow narrower, and the darkness encroached with every step, as if the very walls conspired to hide the secrets of this place. The guard's armored presence felt like a looming specter, an unyielding sentinel. In this tense silence, Amisha's voice cut through once more, this time with an unsettling calmness. "Tonight, someone's fate will change forever, and we hold the key." You couldn't help but shiver, the weight of her words settling heavily upon you. The thought of what awaited you at your destination left a bitter taste in your mouth. This was no ordinary night; it was a harrowing journey into the unknown. “I wager that the prince would want to have a heart to heart talk with us,” you say to her, trying to lighten the mood. Amisha chuckles at your answer. “That’s vague!” she says, shaking her head. She leans closer to you, her eyes darting to the side, as if looking for eavesdroppers. “What kind of talk are we talking about? A friendly chat? A stern lecture? A confession of love?” she asks, teasing you. You raise a finger at her. “You said make a bet and I did, but you did not say to clarify what kind of bet” you retort, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. Amisha let out an exasperated groan, her frustration evident in the furrow of her brows. "Alright, alright! Fine! I'll revise my bet and propose something more specific," she relented, a spark of determination gleaming in her eyes. "How about this: do you think the prince is daring enough to engage in a death-defying confrontation with us? That should be crystal clear, don't you think? I've got a gut feeling that we might be in for a surprise encounter with him tonight... We need to be ready for anything," she added with a wicked grin, her anticipation palpable. The guard abruptly halted, their armored form turning to face you both. "This is where my journey ends. You must proceed alone from here. Take off your masks before entering. I'll await your return once your meeting concludes. Best of luck to both of you," they offered a formal bow before executing a precise about-face, disappearing down the corridor and leaving you and Amisha alone in the shadows. You exchanged a puzzled look, eyebrows raised in uncertainty as you take the masks off. "That was rather odd, don't you think? Could they have overheard us?" you questioned, your voice laced with suspicion. Amisha merely shrugged, a sly smile dancing on her lips. "Nah, I doubt it. We were as quiet as mice, and they were in front of us the whole time," she chimed, playfully punching you in the arm. "Let's proceed," you muttered, your unease growing with each step. The corridor stretched before you like an endless abyss, the darkness swallowing your every move. The atmosphere grew heavy, the air tinged with an unshakable sense of foreboding. The damp stone beneath your feet reverberated with each cautious step, and your heart raced in tandem. Amisha's grin remained smug, a peculiar excitement emanating from her as you both approached the imposing oak doors at the corridor's end. The guard stood guard there, their armor worn and battered, their presence an eerie contrast to the opulence beyond. With a resolute push, the doors creaked open, revealing a chamber bathed in the eerie glow of candlelight. The opulent decor left you awestruck, your eyes feasting on the lavish display. In the center of the room, a throne, adorned with intricate gold filigree and shimmering rubies, stood as a symbol of power. Seated upon it was the prince, his piercing gaze locked onto you, a curious mixture of interest and wariness in his eyes. You felt rooted to the spot, a palpable sense of unease gripping your chest. The prince motioned for your approach, and you complied, bowing low, your heart pounding with fear. As you rose, his intense gaze remained locked onto you, his voice like a velvet whisper laced with a hidden danger. "Why have you come here?" he inquired, his words laden with an aura of menace. "We were summoned to attend a meeting with you, Your Highness," you replied, your voice trembling only slightly as you tried to maintain your composure. The prince's eyes narrowed briefly in disbelief before he seemed to accept your identity. He rose from his throne, his presence commanding. "Guard, stand down. My guest and I require privacy," he declared, and the guards stationed behind you snapped to attention, saluting in response. The prince's commanding gesture beckoned you both forward, a silent order to follow him into the unknown. You exchanged uneasy glances, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on your shoulders. Amisha, ever the provocateur, couldn't resist one last jest, playfully sticking her tongue out at you before striding ahead to trail behind the prince. As you fell into step behind Amisha, doubts gnawed at the corners of your mind. Her unpredictable nature and penchant for mischief left you wondering, "Am I truly safe near her?" The question murmured in the recesses of your thoughts, a subtle undercurrent of worry amidst the unfolding drama. The hall gave way to a dimly lit corridor, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. The air grew heavy with anticipation, each step you took stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Anger, fear, and sadness intertwined, creating a tumultuous storm within you. The prince's voice broke through your thoughts, his words dripping with a mix of arrogance and authority, "You will find safety and solace under my protection." His voice sent shivers down your spine, the raw power behind his words impossible to ignore. It was a voice that commanded respect, but also one that held a hint of danger. Amisha's response was swift, her voice laced with defiance as she retorted, "Safety? With you? I'd sooner trust a snake in the grass" Her words hung in the air, a challenge to the prince's authority. She leaned close, her eyes darting to her side, her body taut and tensed, ready for any confrontation that may arise. The prince's face contorted remained, his voice composed, "I suggest you choose your words carefully, my friend. My ally is not keen on hearing someone disrespect me lest you want your life to be short and swift" His threat carried a weight that sent a chill down your spine. The atmosphere grew thick with tension, the unspoken power struggle between them palpable. As you continued to follow, the corridor opened up into a vast courtyard, bathed in the glow of the moonlight. The scent of dew-kissed flowers lingered in the air, adding a touch of serenity to the otherwise tumultuous encounter. The contrasting scenery only served to heighten the drama unfolding before you. The prince's voice broke the silence, his tone now laced with a hint of desperation, "Trust me, and I will protect you from the darkness that lurks beyond these walls." His words carried a promise, a glimmer of hope that somehow managed to pierce through the darkness. Amisha's voice softened, a vulnerability seeping through her tough exterior, "And what of the darkness within these walls? Can you protect us from that too?" Her words held a note of longing, a plea for safety and reassurance. The prince's response was filled with determination, his voice unwavering, "I will do everything in my power to shield you from the shadows that threaten to consume us all." His voice resonated with conviction, a beacon of hope in the face of uncertainty. The prince's hand gripped a hidden lever, and with a subtle pull, a section of the wall slid open, revealing a concealed passage that led to a room bathed in the warm, flickering light of torches. The prince's commanding presence beckoned Amisha and you to follow, yet his eyes darted around the chamber with a palpable sense of paranoia, as if he anticipated an ambush at any moment. "Speak!" he demanded, his voice resonating in the stillness of the secret chamber. The torch flames cast dancing shadows upon his face, accentuating the intensity in his gaze. "What is it that you seek? What knowledge do you wish to uncover?" Amisha, her defiance unyielding, stepped closer, her eyes darting between you and the prince. "You claim to be our ally, yet you shroud yourself in secrecy. Why should we place our trust in you? What's to say you're not just another schemer, playing with power like a child's toy?" A flicker of anger crossed the prince's face, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "You underestimate the forces at play here, my friend," he retorted, his words laced with a sense of urgency. "There are malevolent powers, far beyond your comprehension, that seek dominion over this world. Only by uniting our strengths can we hope to stand against them." Amisha's frustration flared, her voice trembling with emotion. "Then reveal the truth to us! Let us join you in this fight, so we can protect ourselves and others from this looming threat." Her words held a plea for transparency, a desperate yearning for cooperation in the face of the unknown. The prince's eyes narrowed, and he leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that hung heavily in the torchlit chamber. The prince's revelation hung heavily in the room, a chilling truth that sent a collective shiver through your spine. "My father is in search of the legendary sword known as Blakniv," he disclosed, his words carrying a weight that left you breathless. The mere mention of the mythical weapon sent ripples of both awe and dread through your thoughts. However, Amisha couldn't contain her laughter, her mirth bursting forth in uncontrollable fits. "You're quite the comedian for a prince!" she exclaimed, doubling over and clutching her stomach. "Everyone knows that Blakniv is nothing but a fanciful tale!" Her amusement was unrestrained, and she wiped away a tear of laughter. But the prince, his resolve unshaken, turned on his heel and strode toward a table laden with maps, papers, and miniature figures depicting soldiers, kings, ships, and more. His gaze was unwavering, his voice resolute as he addressed Amisha's skepticism. "I won't waste my breath on rumors, for every moment we hesitate, my father's grasp on that weapon tightens. He could use it to wage war on neighboring kingdoms, plunging us all into chaos." Amisha fell silent, her laughter replaced by a somber expression. The gravity of the situation hung in the air, the weight of impending conflict and treacherous secrets pressing down upon you. The prince, now at a window overlooking the moon illuminating the black, charred village. He peered out into the night, the chill breeze ruffling his coat. "Our alliance hasn't come without sacrifices," he admitted, his voice carrying the weariness of a burdened soul. "Within my father's kingdom, there are sinister forces at play—whispers of dark magic and conspiracies that threaten our very way of life. Only with your help can I uncover the truth and thwart my father's malevolent designs." Amisha leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, as she sought to grasp the depths of the prince's intentions. "What plan, Prince? What are you truly up against?" The prince sighed heavily, his shoulders weighed down by the immense responsibility he bore. "My father's ambition knows no bounds. He craves power and domination, and he'll stop at nothing to achieve it. The answers lie behind closed doors and guarded secrets known only to the royal family. I'm the only one who dares to challenge him, and I fear it's only a matter of time before my conspiracy is exposed." Your eyes widened, your gaze darting between Amisha and the prince. "You're risking everything for us, Your Highness," you acknowledged, voice tinged with apprehension. "We might not be the allies you seek. The danger we pose could outweigh any potential benefit, and this endeavor may lead to your downfall. We are not explorers or treasure finders; we are hunters. Our prey is beasts, not swords." The prince's frustration flared, his voice sharp with determination. "I have no choice. My father's actions jeopardize the lives of my people, and I cannot stand idly by while he tears our realm apart. His power has grown unchecked, and his insatiable thirst for dominion over others has driven him to madness." Amisha shook her head solemnly, a sense of shared understanding settling between you all. "We comprehend your plight, but we are not warriors or spies. We're ordinary individuals caught up in a struggle for power and control that we never asked for." In the midst of this weighty conversation, the prince's shoulders sagged ever so slightly, the lines of weariness etching deeper into his regal countenance. He looked at both of you with pleading eyes, the gravity of his request palpable. "I need the both of you, someone my Father will never suspect," he implored, his voice heavy with the weight of impending doom. "There's no one else I can trust, and we may be the only hope in thwarting my father's malevolent plans." You couldn't help but groan at the realization of the dire circumstances that bound you to this perilous mission. "Fine," you conceded with a begrudging tone. "It appears we have no choice in the matter, do we?" The prospect of getting entangled in a war that was not of your making weighed heavily on your mind. A surprising laugh escaped the prince's lips, a rare moment of levity that contrasted with his usual seriousness. "Oh, I've made certain of that," he admitted, his wry grin holding a hint of dark humor. "Should we fail, and should my father uncover our conspiracy, let's just say the two of you will be branded as traitors and my willing accomplices." His words carried a chilling warning, underscoring the stakes at hand. Amisha, however, found the situation rather amusing and erupted into hearty laughter, slapping her leg with gusto. "I must say, Prince, your sense of humor is quite the surprise!" She relished the irony of being forced into a role neither of you had willingly chosen. With a resigned sigh, you decided it was time to seek some clarity amid the shadows of this clandestine alliance. "Very well, but I have a few questions first," you declared, stepping closer to the prince. The prince waved a nonchalant hand in the air, settling in front of his war table strewn with maps, figurines, and papers. "Ask away," he encouraged, his gaze focused on manipulating a miniature figure on the map as if orchestrating a complex dance of strategy and intrigue. [[• What makes the sword so special?]]

With your consent, he grabs your collar and pulls you close, kissing you passionately. In an instant, his tongue is inside your mouth, caressing yours. He moves quickly, leading you to the bed before you even realize what's happening. Suddenly, you find yourself straddling him. His skilled hands remove your shirt while his lips kiss and nip at your neck. He swiftly discards your bra, one hand supporting your lower back while the other squeezes your breast. He licks and teases your nipple until you feel your own wetness soaking your panties. You can feel his erection pressing against you, even through your clothes. You rise from his lap and remove your trousers. As soon as you're both undressed, he pushes you back onto the bed and climbs on top of you. "Lay back, let me take care of you," he whispers your name, sending shivers down your spine. He resumes kissing you passionately while his hand explores your body. Starting at your neck, he gives it a gentle squeeze before moving down to your breasts, where he applies a little more pressure. His strong fingers then trail down to your stomach until finally, he touches your clit. At first, his touch is featherlight, just enough to gauge your response. He slides his fingers up and down, gathering your wetness before licking them to taste you. "You taste sweet, darling," he murmurs before returning to his task. This time, when his fingers find your eager clit, he doesn't hold back. He circles it slowly, making you moan against his fingers. He begins to kiss his way down your body, following the same path his fingers traced earlier. His beard gently scratches your skin as he positions himself between your legs. His lips find your wetness, and his tongue licks and massages you just the way you like it. You gasp and moan, on the brink of orgasm, but he pulls away. "And now, you're truly ready for me," he taps his hard cock against your entrance before slowly sliding inside with a firm thrust. You feel an overwhelming sense of ecstasy as he increases his pace, but he doesn't go fast enough to make you climax just yet. His slick cock glides easily within you, his sweat mixing with yours as his strong arms hold you in place. Just as you're about to reach the peak of pleasure, he withdraws from you. "On your back, darling." You don't have the strength to resist; you simply comply, lying on your stomach. He positions himself between your legs, his cock finding its way back to your entrance. This time, he thrusts harder and faster, his rhythm driving you wild. You lose yourself in his moans, gasps, and panting. This time, he doesn't stop, and you silently pray for him to continue. The gods seem to hear you because he doesn't stop. He thrusts forcefully, sliding in and out, hitting all the right spots. You feel yourself getting closer and closer to climax. He must be close too, judging by his heavy breathing. With one final powerful thrust, you can't hold back any longer, and you climax around his cock. He needs just a little more, two more thrusts to be exact, and he climaxes inside you. Veldon lies on top of you, his lips brushing against your sweaty cheek. Slowly, he pulls back, allowing his cock to slide out of you as both of your fluids flow out. "Well, that was enjoyable, truly," he says, getting up from the bed and gathering his clothes. "But now, I must take you to my cousin." Veldon leaves you there, alone, to clean and dress youself as he goes back to his friends. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

"Well, that was enjoyable, truly," he says, getting up from the bed and gathering his clothes. "But now, I must take you to my cousin." Veldon leaves you there, alone, to clean and dress youself as he goes back to his friends. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

With your consent, he grabs your collar and pulls you close, kissing you passionately. In an instant, his tongue is inside your mouth, caressing yours. He moves quickly, leading you to the bed before you even realize what's happening. Suddenly, you find yourself straddling him. His skilled hands remove your shirt while his lips kiss and nip at your neck. One hand supports your lower back while the other explores your chest and stomach. He unbuttons your trousers, sliding his hand inside to grab your cock. He touches you gently but firmly, moving his hand up and down a few times before turning around and pushing you onto the bed. Veldon removes your trousers and underwear, leaving both of you naked. He sits on the bed with his legs crossed, his erect penis glistening between his legs, ready for you. He applies body oil to his cock and your ass before you sit on his lap again, adjusting your position to allow him to enter you. And he does. With strong legs lifting you off the bed, he thrusts in and out. He starts slowly, giving you time to adjust, allowing your body to accommodate him. When he feels you are ready, he begins to thrust harder and faster. His hand finds your member, pleasuring you as he continues to pleasure himself inside of you. He presses his lips against your back, gently biting you. You hear his moans and feel his member hitting your pleasure spot. You cry out in pleasure as he continues. After a few more thrusts, he stops pleasuring you and focuses on his own speed and strength, going deeper inside of you each time. He cums, and you feel his warmth inside you. "Don't worry, darling. It's not over yet. It's your turn now," Veldon says as he lays you back on the bed, with your stomach facing up. He grabs your cock and positions himself to allow you to penetrate him this time. The moment you enter, you're overcome with pleasure. Even if you try to go slower, he sits on you faster and faster, causing you to cry out in pleasure once again. His hands find your testicles, massaging them while guiding you inside of him. You're about to cum, and he can sense it too. That's when he stops and gets up. "Come here, we're not finished yet," Veldon says, now on all fours with his back arched. You approach him from behind as your dick slides inside of him. You don't waste any time, thrusting quickly and hard. He moans and shivers as you go deep inside of him. It doesn't take long until you cum inside of him. You pull out, leaving a trail of your dripping from his ass. "Well, that was enjoyable, truly," he says, getting up from the bed and gathering his clothes. "But now, I must take you to my cousin." Veldon leaves you there, alone, to clean and dress youself as he goes back to his friends. You wander freely, sampling food you've never tried before and sipping wine that costs twice as much as everything you own. You find a quiet spot on an empty bench, away from the hustle and bustle, attempting to listen to the bard as he sings and moans simultaneously. It's quite amusing. [[• A little while later, the guard from earlier finds you and Amisha. "The Prince is ready to see you."]]

The enigmatic sword, Blakniv, became the focal point of your curiosity. You couldn't resist delving deeper into this mystery. "What makes the sword so special that the King and his son are locked in a fierce battle over it?" you inquired, your eyes fixed on the prince, seeking answers. The prince met your gaze with a hint of sardonic humor dancing in his eyes. "Oh, nothing much," he deadpanned, his words dripping with sarcasm. "It's just a sword that can allegedly cut through anything with a single stroke or raze a village with a mere swing of the arm. But, you know, it's all just rumors," he added, his tone suggesting that he didn't take these tales too seriously. Your disbelief was palpable as you exclaimed, "That doesn't even make sense! How can a mere weapon possess such unimaginable power, and why does the King harbor such a deep interest in finding it?" The prince regarded you with an air of solemnity, his gaze piercing through your skepticism. "Your not listening! Because the Sword Blakniv does hold such power, my friend," he declared earnestly. "In the hands of the right wielder, it can bring about incredible change. However, if it were to fall into the hands of an evil soul, the world would crumble before it, succumbing to darkness and despair. The entire realm would bow in fear, and all hope would vanish. Even me, who now stands against his own blood, would be powerless to prevent the impending catastrophe. It's a plot that engulfs us all, and the innocents become pawns in a deadly game of power." You took in the gravity of his words, feeling the weight of the impending doom that hung over this kingdom. The prince's truth about the sword was indeed chilling and foreboding. Amisha grows restless beside you, her nostrils expanding as she sniffs the air and scans the dark room, as if searching for something. Someone. She steps closer to you, her hand sliding down to the handle of the axe resting on her lower back. She tries to be discreet, moving slowly and confidently. You watch her fingers brushing against the hard wood of the axe handle and shake your head disapprovingly. It's definitely not a good idea. What is she planning to do? Is she intending to attack the prince? You speak up again, trying to capture their attention and prevent a blood bath that you are not in the mood for. "So, Your Highness, you've mentioned a mysterious ally of yours, but not much has been said about them. Who are they?" you inquire, your voice filled with curiosity and apprehension. [[• Tension hung in the air as the prince broached the subject of an ally earlier, and you couldn't help but be wary.]]

"Yes, of course. About that." The prince clapped his hands, and from the shadows behind him, a figure emerged. He gestured towards the newcomer. "Allow me to introduce you to Veleena," he said with a slight flourish. You glanced at Veleena, who remained silent, her presence mysterious and enigmatic. She nodded in acknowledgment, her actions speaking louder than words. "She's not much of a talker," the prince added, leaving an air of intrigue surrounding the silent ally. You gaze at the newcomer, though you suspect she is no newcomer at all. She has likely been lurking in the shadows since you first met the prince. The woman has very pale skin and straight silver hair that cascades down her back, with silver strands even visible near her hips. She stands tall, but not taller than Amisha, probably around 5'7" (1.70m) from where you stand. She has a slender body, clad in black leather armor. On her thighs, she carries a sheath full of throwing daggers, while a short sword rests on her hip. A black longbow is barely visible on her back. You catch a glimpse of her slightly pointed ears, indicating she may be a half-breed rather than a full elf. A burn scar stretches from her forehead to her cheekbone, marking the left side of her face. Her stoic facade reveals no emotions. Veleena possesses the kind of haunting beauty you've only read about until now. Her presence sends chills down your spine and twists your gut. There is something intriguing about her. Veleena's bright red eyes swept over you and Amisha, her silent scrutiny leaving you both feeling exposed, you feel like a mouse about to be attacked by a hawk. You decided to respect her silence, breaking it with your own comment. "Alright, she's a woman of few words, and I'm not going to press her," you declared, acknowledging her enigmatic demeanor. Amisha, however, couldn't resist the opportunity to tease. she lightly elbowed you as she spoke, "Nice to meet you, Veleena," her voice dripping with playfulness. Despite Amisha's attempt to break the ice, Veleena remained stoic, her lips forming a straight line. Your observation didn't go unnoticed as you mumbled under your breath, "Oh, I think she likes the attention" Amisha giggled at your observation, raising her brows suggestively. "She certainly does. It's a shame that my heart already belongs to someone else, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a nice goblet of wine later, eh?" she declared, playfully blowing a kiss at Veleena, determined to elicit a reaction from her. To your surprise, Veleena kept her eyes glued to the floor, her behavior paradoxical to her name. "Veleena," you addressed her, trying to break her silence, "Do you have anything you'd like to share with us? Perhaps about the sword or the palace intrigues?" Your curiosity piqued by her silence. But Veleena remained mum, her eyes not once betraying a hint of emotion. "She's going to be a tough nut to crack!" Amisha said, shaking her head. The prince, keen to mediate the awkward exchange, took a deep breath and spoke. "Let's leave it at that," he urged, his eyes darting back and forth, "We've reached a point of understanding, and that's what matters." You chuckle, noticing the woman still standing unaffected, like a statue. "Right, so. We need to find this sword of yours. But I assume it will be too much to ask for the location of it?", you ask, a little hint of hope for an easy quest. [[• 'You are correct in assuming that I do not know the exact location. However, I have found my father's maps marked with suspicious locations where the sword pieces should be hidden.']]

"I thought so. Well, at least you have some information. Better than none, I guess," you shrug, trying to take a peek at the maps on the desk. The prince puts himself in front of the papers, blocking your view. "There are other things to discuss. Of course, I will be paying for your job. Both of you." "Oh, yes. The payment. How much?" you ask. The prince signaled for Veleena. She placed two heavy pouches onto the table with a resounding clunk, each filled with the promise of a thousand gold coins. The weight of the gold seemed to echo in the room. "1000 coins for each of you, gold only," the prince declared in a bored tone. Amisha wasted no time in reacting. She shot to her feet and began to jiggle one of the pouches with unbridled enthusiasm. "Music to my ears!" she exclaimed with glee. The promise of riches hung in the air, but the prince had more to offer than mere gold. He leaned back, his body cracking with the motion, and spoke of greater rewards. "Complete the mission, and I assure you that gold will not be the only reward," he proclaimed. "Titles, land, wealth, lovers of any preference or any the fuck you want—all shall be yours for the taking." The prince's offer, like something out of a fairy tale, seemed too good to be true. In a world filled with harsh realities, it was rare to stumble upon promises of land, titles, and unimaginable riches. Your eyes narrowed with skepticism, trying to make sense of it all. Yet, as you locked gazes with the prince, his expression remained steady and sure, unwavering in his conviction. "Trust me, my friends," he insisted, his voice brimming with unwavering confidence. "It's but a matter of time before we strike." In the shadows, Veleena lingered, a silent reminder of the power behind the prince's machinations. Her presence was palpable, her calculating gaze fixed upon you, as if assessing your every move. Her lips remained sealed, a mysterious enigma in the midst of this unfolding drama. Beside her, the prince let out a weary sigh, his hand rubbing his tired face. The lines creased his forehead from him, hinting at the weight of the burden he carried upon his shoulders from him. Pity welled up within you, for beneath his prince's charismatic facade, you could sense the true depths of his struggle. As Amisha tucked away her newfound reward with unbridled greed, the prince held up a single finger, a gesture commanding attention amidst her jubilation. "I implore you, my friends," he spoke urgently, his voice resonating with a sense of impending doom. "We must act with utmost discretion. If my father should discover my plot, we will be doomed, and the world will be plunged into chaos." Amisha, caught up in the thrill of the moment, clicked her tongue impatiently. "I can do discreet," she assured the prince, her voice dripping with confidence. Your head snapped towards her, disappointment etched across your features. "Really, kitten? Do you not remember that time when you were supposed to divert attention, but instead started a brawl at the bar, drawing all eyes upon us?" a click of your tongue emphasized your frustration. Amisha shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Hey! It was just a small difference of opinion" she defended herself, her tone laced with defiance. But the prince's voice tinged with a dire warning, interrupted the brewing tension. "I have no doubt about your capabilities, hunter Amisha. However, my enemies lurk in the shadows, and every second we waste is a second they will exploit against us. We must unite and work together if we are to see victory." Before you could respond, a low grumble emanated from Veleena. She made no verbal reply, but her frustration and annoyance were palpable beneath the surface of her silence. The prince, undeterred by the discord, addressed Veleena with surprising cheerfulness. "Patience, Veleena!" he chided gently. "Our moment will come, and when it does, we shall strike with the strength of ten armies!" Amisha couldn't resist the temptation to speak her mind once more. "You do realize that I have been doing this job for quite a while now, and I don't need any more encouragement." She placed a hand on your arm, a mischievous smile playing upon her lips. "I mean, just look at my cargo here, alive and still looking good!" The prince's gaze locks with Amisha, clearly disapproving of her jokes. "Yes, well. Regarding the locations, Veleena has all my marked points and a map to assist you. However, there is a condition." <<link "• 'You must understand that I am placing my complete trust in both of you. It is not just my realm, but the entire world that is in grave danger. I firmly believe that you will not betray our agreement. However,' he stops, cleating his throat before continuing " "Ending of passage">> <</link>>

"Alright, alright. I think we've said enough goodbyes for now. We should start heading out; we have a long day ahead of us. Let's go. Come on, Amisha, Veleena," your hand finds Amisha's soulder as you gently pushs her foward. You stop by the door, just enough to look back in time to see Veleena's eyes boring into the guard's. And even though he doesn't acknowledge her discreet threat, you could hear his armor clanking as he nervously shifts his weight and position to put some distance from her before she forgets about him and starts following you again. You put your mask back on, following Amisha's lead. As you exit the secret hallway and reenter the grand ballroom, you immediately notice that the festivities are still in full swing and show no signs of ending soon. You navigate through the crowd, attempting to avoid the sweaty, moaning, and naked individuals surrounding you. As you turn around to ask for Amisha's input on the next steps, you realize she is no longer in sight. "What the Hell? Where did she go? Veleena, do you know where Amisha went?" you inquire, with Veleena still faithfully by your side, tailing you like a loyal guard dog. You can see why they call her a hound. The silver-haired woman nods in response, indicating the direction where you believe Amisha went with a gesture of her chin. <<if $gender is "female">> When you see where Amisha went, you notice her grabbing food and dropping it into her bag while biting into a big turkey leg. The scene is quite amusing, and you chuckle as you raise your hand to get her attention. Distracted by the scene of her practically stealing food, you fail to notice a man approaching you and wrapping his arm around your waist. His breath reeks of wine as he whispers in your ear, "Hi there, I don't believe I've seen you here before. Care to chat?" Startled by his sudden proximity, you jump away from his touch. Before you can react or answer, the man is sent flying back, falling into one of the pools with a splash, startling the people around the area where he fell. Glancing to your side, you see Veleena with her leg outstretched in the direction the man was launched. She carefully places her foot back on the ground and quickly checks on you. A soft hum of appreciation escapes her lips when she sees that you're unharmed. [["• What... How... When did you... Thank you?", in awe, words get stuck in your throat, and you give up on trying to talk too much. Instead, you simply thank her.]] [["• I could have handled it on my own, you know. I don't need your help. But thanks, I suppose," you shake your head, unwilling to owe any favors to someone like her.]] [[• You cross your arms and let out an appreciative whistle as you smirk at her. "Well, well, you're quite a surprise," you say, feeling your cheeks warmer. "Thank you, my knight in black leather."❤️]] [["• Oh, wow! It seems like I have not just one, but two gorgeous women looking out for me. Thank you, beautiful. But you know what? I'm feeling a bit weak. What should I do with these feeble legs of mine? Perhaps you could carry me in your strong arms? Or better yet, one of you can carry half of me, while the other carries the other half. How does that sound?"💕]] <<else>> When you spot Amisha, you notice her engaged in conversation with a black-haired woman by the food table. It's clear she's making a move. You can't help but chuckle at her boldness. You raise your arm to catch her attention, and she acknowledges you, giving a kiss on the back of the woman's hand before returning to your side. "Yes, well, who's the ridiculous one now?" you ask her, a smirk on your lips. "Shut up, I was just having some fun talking, nothing more," she retorts, a smirk on her own. "Sure thing, brat. Let's get going before you decide talking isn't fun enough. We should camp outside. I don't think we'll be able to sleep in here anyway, with all the... Noise." <<link "• You walk back to the door leading out of the secret party. Stepping outside, you notice the two guards standing watch, their eyes scrutinizing you." "Outside the building" >> <</link>> <</if>>

As you exit the building, you immediately notice that the night has grown darker. The moon is hidden behind clouds, and the air is filled with the heavy smell of old ashes from the burned village. There is no wind to carry it away. The guards are yawning and leaning against the wall. As exhaustion begins to take hold, thoughts of finding a place to sleep start to cross your mind. It would be wise to find a place to camp soon, so that you will have time to sleep and rest, even if only for a short while. "So, what do you think, ladies? Should we make camp in the forest or find shelter inside one of these old houses?" "I prefer the forest. These old houses that are burnt down could be dangerous," Amisha smiles playfully. "Don't you agree, Veleena?" Veleena remains in her guard position, saying nothing. Amisha continues. "What an interesting prospect. Thank you for your input," she playfully rolls her eyes. You can't help but chuckle at their interaction. "Yeah, the forest it is then." You spend half an hour searching for a suitable clearing to camp. Amisha quickly sets up a campfire while you prepare the sleeping bags. Veleena is nowhere to be found, but you are certain she is hiding somewhere in the shadows. You grab yours and Amisha's waterskins, and head to the river to refill them. As you walk, you notice how unusually quiet the forest is tonight. There is no wind blowing, no owl hooting, just pure silence. You fill the waterskin and wash your face. The river's water is cold enough to refresh you after a long day of summer heat. You sit by the river's shore, seeking solace before the storm. As you close your eyes and take deep breaths, a captivating sound catches your attention. It's someone singing, a haunting melody about an unattainable love. The lyrics convey the yearning of a lonely soul who craves to be seen for who they truly are. Intrigued, you open your eyes and follow the sound. You approach a ravine, and the voice echoes from above. Careful not to startle the singer, you slowly ascend, looking up to locate the source. In the faint moonlight, you catch a glimpse of silver hair flowing in the weak wind. It's too dark to see their face, but you can make out their very pale skin shining in the dim light. As the song continues, so melancholic, you reflect on the lyrics. You've heard this song before, in a tavern. It's an old elven song about a cursed elf who was turned into stone. They were placed at the center of a square as a statue. Despite their immobility, they could see, hear, and feel everything around them. One day, this cursed elf fell in love with a young elf who would visit the square daily just to admire the statue's beauty. The cursed elf longed to speak and touch the one who had captured their heart, but they were unable to do so. This song portrays longing and heartbreak, a plea for a broken heart to be healed. Their voice resonates with pain and longing. Your heart aches in your chest, a lonely tear trying to escape your grasp. Now, you have two options: you can proceed towards the voice and attempt to speak with them, or you can return to the camp and have a private conversation with Amisha. [[• Return to camp.]] [[• Go up the ravine and have a conversation with the singer.]]

You see her stoic facade stumble for just a second, and her lips part as if she's about to speak. A frown of confusion appears on your face. "Isn't she mute?" you think. "Maybe she has changed her mind about speaking", but then you realize what has stopped her in her tracks. Standing beside you is a very angry, tall, and muscular woman. "What the actual fuck happened here?!" she asks, her words more of a snarl than actual speech. Her eyes shining a dangerous shade of orange, like a wild fire ready to consume a whole forest. "It's okay, Mish. Relax. That guy was being rude, and our friend here was kind enough to put him in his place," you say, offering a nervous smile to Amisha. "Yes, $name, I can see that. I can also see how her reckless she was. She could have potentially hit you or caused harm, or...", she trails off, you can see a mix of anger, fear, and something else on her face... "Don't worry. I'm fine, and you're fine too. I'm not made of glass, you know." Veleena stands there, observing the interaction between you and Amisha, her hands crossed behind her back, displaying the poise of a perfect soldier. "Yes, okay. Let's go before I have to resort to violence myself," Amisha growls, placing a protective hand on your shoulder and guiding you out of the building. Glancing back at Veleena, you whisper, "Don't mind her. You did well. Thanks again, by the way." <<link "• You could have sworn you saw a faint smile playing on Veleena's lips at your words." "Outside the building">> <</link>>

The silver-haired woman simply shrugs and goes back to watching the surroundings, waiting to follow you again. Suddenly, you feel a protective hand on your arm, and Amisha's perplexed voice calls out, "Are you okay, $name?" "Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry. Let's get out of here before we get into trouble," you say, looking at Veleena with a hint of disapproval in your words. However, she doesn't acknowledge you with not even a nod. How annoying. "Let's go," Amisha ignores Veleena and simply drags you away. <<link "• You hear a low grunt coming from behind you, and you don't even have to look to know who it was. That damn lapdog." "Outside the building">> <</link>>

Veleena's eyes widened slightly, and a hint of pink colored her pale cheeks. Her left hand dropped to her belt as she cleared her throat, avoiding eye contact. You smiled, as this was the first time you had seen her do more than nod and grumble. Before you could say anything else, an arm snaked around your shoulders, pushing you back against a warm chest. Hot breath washed over your neck as Amisha spoke to you. "Are you okay? Please tell me. Do you want me to kill him for you?" she gently squeezes you against her chest. You chuckle at her. "I'm okay, kitten. Please don't kill anyone right now. Actually, guess what?" She looks at you, her eyes filled with concern. "What?" "I was just telling our new friend here how fortunate I am to have two wonderful women like you taking care of me. Not that I'm incapable, but why would I refuse such care from you?" you smirk at her, a little wink in Veleena's direction. "You what?" Amisha releases her grip on you, glancing back and forth between you and Veleena. "What? It was a compliment. I wouldn't mind having both of you taking me. Taking care of me, I mean. Watching my back and all that." Amisha sighed, her muscles tensing as she clenched her fists. "Whatever, $name. Let's leave," she said, her voice filled with jealousy and frustration. <<link "• 'I... Yeah, okay, let's go.' " "Outside the building">> <</link>>

You notice a slight frown on Veleena's face, as if your flirtatious words are a completely different language to her, one she doesn't quite understand. But she remains silent, as if you could expect anything different, only offering a small nod. In that moment, your eyes meet, and her intimidating demeanor momentarily fades. It's almost as if you catch a glimpse of vulnerability, curiosity, or perhaps even interest. But just as quickly as it appeared, it disappears. Veleena quickly looks away, returning her attention to the surroundings, ready to continue following you. In less than a minute, Amisha hurries to your side, grabbing your arms and checking for injuries. "Are you alright?!" she exclaims, her bag still on her shoulder, dropping bits of food as she fusses over you. You resist the urge to laugh, attempting to calm her worried expression. "I'm fine, don't worry. Veleena here protected me from the danger," you say, pointing towards the silver-haired woman, who simply watches you. "Everything's okay now. Shall we continue?" Amisha clearly disapproves of your blatant flirtation with the prince's hound, but she remains silent on the matter. Her head quickly turns towards Veleena before she rolls her eyes at you. <<link " 'Yeah, you buffoon. Let's go,' there's a hint of jealousy in her voice." "Outside the building">> <</link>>

You glance one last time at the person atop the ravine before turning to search for Amisha. The song lingers in your mind briefly as you make your way back to camp. Scanning the area, your eyes eventually settle on Amisha. She sits on a trunk beside the fire, appearing lost in thought. Her gaze is fixed on the sky, her hands resting behind her head, and a piece of some sort of sweet dangles from her mouth. The sight of your friend so relaxed brings joy to your heart. Even though moments of peace like these will become scarce starting tomorrow, you don't mind. You still have today. "Hey kitty, what are you up to?" you ask, approaching her. "Hey there, my favorite fool," she smiles at you, a genuine smile, her sharp teeth gleaming in the firelight. "Not much, just taking a break..." She reaches into her bag and pulls out another candy, offering it to you, just like the one in her mouth. "Want one?" You shake your head, remembering how she stole food from the noble's party. Taking a seat next to her on the log, you accept the candy and take a bite. "Sure, thanks." The fire crackles softly, the only sound in the camp. <<if $amishakiss is true>> "So..." she starts, cutting through the silence. You slowly turn your head towards her, a lazy smile on your lips. "So...?" you ask. "I think... I want to talk to you," her voice uncertain, almost as if she's afraid of scaring you. "Very mysterious of you," you joke. "Go ahead, what's on your mind?" Amisha sighs, slowly reaching out to touch your cheek. Her fingers graze your skin, delicate and gentle. You can feel her calluses, you can feel her scars. "I... I don't know what to do with us, $name. My heart desires you, my body longs for you, but... My mind tells me it's not right. It's not what they expected of me. I can't be the person you need if my judgment is constantly influenced by a relationship that shouldn't even exist. But I can't deny that I want to be with you every single moment of my life." "What are you talking about, Mish? Who are you referring to?" you ask, gently holding her hand against your cheek. You lean into the touch, finding comfort in its warmth and familiarity. "It's not important at the moment. But I have a feeling that I won't be able to suppress these emotions for much longer, despite my oath. While we do this job for the dumbass prince, I will refrain from doing anything stupid. But I would like to have this conversation with you again once it's all done, if you want, that is." You try to ask again, but the expression on her face tells you that you won't be able to get any information from her. Her eyes are downcast, as if begging. "But for now... Can I have another kiss?" [[• 'Yes, you can,' you whisper barely audibly as you lean in closer. ❤️]] [[• 'We better not. Not right now']] <<else>> "This is a beautiful night, isn't it?" she asks. "It sure is," you answer. "So, how are you doing after all we've learned? Are you okay? It's a lot to take in..." she trails off, holding a stick in her hand as she pokes the grass. "Hm, I suppose I'm alright. Our pockets are full and, at the end of the day, it's just another hunting job. The only difference is that we'll be hunting a sword instead of a beast. A sword won't try to kill us, so I consider it a bonus." <<link "'• I better go get some sleep', you say, supressing a yawn, 'and you should go too. We have a long day tomorrow. Who knows where the hell we'll be going,'" "Sleep.">> <</link>> <</if>>

You search for the lowest part of the ravine to climb, and eventually discover a natural staircase carved into the rock formations. With caution, you ascend the steps, ensuring you don't slip or alert the singer to your presence before you can approach them. Upon reaching the top, you find yourself facing the back of the singer. They are adorned in a black cloak, with a hood concealing their head, yet their silver hair dances in the wind. They are sitting at the very edge of the cliff. As you walk slowly towards them, you accidentally step on a dry branch, causing it to make noise. The person stops singing and turns their head towards you, lowering the hood. Now you can see who is it. Veleena. Her red eyes shine like two rubies, and her scar is clearly visible even in the dim light. You can't help but notice how beautiful she is, embracing her scar instead of hiding it. She is beautiful, including her scar, not despite it. "Veleena, can I... Can I sit with you?" you ask, hesitantly. She hums and nods, and you approach, taking a seat beside her. As you settle down, you pause to admire the view. Not too far away, a waterfall glistens under the moonlight, resembling the silver hue of Veleena's hair. The gentle breeze whispers softly, much like Veleena's voice. Wait, Veleena's voice? A realization dawns on you, causing your eyes to widen and a gasp to escape your lips. You quickly turn your head towards her. "Wait a minute, you can talk?" you ask, unable to believe you just heard her singing. Veleena's eyes narrow in response to your question, as if it is the most absurd thing she has ever heard. A faint smile curves up her lips. "Of course I can talk, you fool." "I can't believe it! You've been purposefully ignoring Amisha and me this whole time? That's rude, you know." you tell her. Even though your tone is playful, you feel a little offended. A low, sarcastic chuckle escapes her lips. "Why should I bother responding to ignorant comments like hers and yours?" "Why didn't you mention that you could talk?" "You didn't ask," she replies bluntly, as if it's obvious. Like a teacher explaining to a student that the sky is blue and water is wet. You ponder her words for a moment. <<link "• 'I can't wait to tell Amisha about this. She is going to freak out,' you practically scream, eager to share your newfound knowledge." "• 'I can't wait to tell Amisha about this. She is going to freak out,' you practically scream, eager to share your newfound knowledge.">><<set $veleenavoice to true>> <</link>> <<link "• 'You have such a beautiful voice. Why you hide it?' you ask, frowning with genuine curiosity. ❤️" "• 'You have such a beautiful voice. Why you hide it?' you ask, frowning with genuine curiosity. ❤️">><<set $veleenavoice to true>><<set $veleenaromance to +1>> <</link>>

He shrugs at your answer and says, "Suit yourselves, sweeties. Before I go, I just wanted to let you know that I'm Veldon. If you need me, I'll be there having fun." With that, he leaves you to rejoin his companions at the pool. Even after he's gone, you still keep your arms around Amisha's neck.<br /> She has finally stopped glaring at the man and notices your hands touching her back. She becomes aware of your closeness, a smirk appearing on her lips despite the blush on her cheeks. "You can stop pretending now, silly. He's gone, and you're safe." <<link "'• Yeah, well... Who says I'm pretending?' ❤️‍🔥" "Amisha romance route 1">><<set $amishakiss to true>> <</link>> <<link "• You find yourself lost in those captivating orange eyes for a moment, enjoying the warmth of her body against yours. Her playful demeanor has vanished, and she appears just as entranced as you. After a few seconds, you release her, taking a step back and clearing your throat. 'Thank you for your assistance, kitten.'❤️" "Amisha route 2">><<set $amisharomance to $amisharomance +1>> <</link>>

You close your eyes slowly as her hand gently moves to the back of your neck, pulling you closer as her lips delicately meet yours. She kisses you with a soft and sweet motion, prompting you to draw nearer. Your hand instinctively rests on her thigh as the kiss intensifies. You willingly open your mouth, allowing her to explore with her tongue, as she delicately caresses yours. The small sounds of pleasure escape your throat, muffled by her careful embrace. Even though she promised to discuss the emotions that both of you are experiencing, this kiss strangely feels like a farewell. It resembles a tender goodbye whispered by a lover going off to war. It's like an old and injured eagle acknowledging its inability to fly anymore, accepting its fate and limitations. She isn't clinging to you like the first time you kissed, nor is she kissing you with intense desire or wild passion. Instead, it's a kiss filled with deep affection, as if she's afraid you might break in her hands. The kiss is hesitant, as if she feels like a sinner afraid of indulging in the sin she craves. It's slow, deep, and sweet, but it ends too quickly. She gently touches your face, her hand cupping your jaw as she rests her forehead against yours. Her orange eyes shine with unshed tears as her gaze locks with yours. "Thank you," she whispers barely audibly. Reluctantly, she releases her hold on you and walks towards her sleeping bag. You watch as she settles down. "Good night, my kitty," you softly say to her. "Good night, my heart," she replies, before falling into complete silence. You make your way to your own sleeping bag but stay awake until you hear someone else getting into theirs. You raise your head to see Veleena drifting off to sleep. <<link "Rest doesn't come easily that night, but the prospect of a long day ahead compels you to fall into a dreamless sleep." "Sleep.">><<set $amisharomance to +1>> <</link>>

Amisha smiles at you, but it doesn't reach her eyes. It's a sad smile, an accepting one. "Okay, that's fine. I think... I think it's time to go to sleep," she says, getting up from the log and walking towards her sleeping bag. You watch as she settles down. "Good night, my kitty," you softly say to her. "Good night, my heart," she replies, before falling into complete silence. You make your way to your own sleeping bag but stay awake until you hear someone else getting into theirs. You raise your head to see Veleena drifting off to sleep. <<link "Rest doesn't come easily that night, but the prospect of a long day ahead compels you to fall into a dreamless sleep." "Sleep.">> <</link>>

The morning arrives with the sound of heavy hooves entering your camp, the fire long extinguished. You open your eyes and jolt awake as a voice addresses you. Veldon gazes at you from atop his black war horse. He is wearing heavy blue armor, his blonde hair brushed back, a few locks falling in front of his eyes. He greets you with a warm, full smile, dismounting his enormous horse. [[• 'Hello, darling. Did you miss me?']]

Veleena chuckles softly. "Even if you did, she wouldn't believe you," she remarks, before returning to her tough demeanor. You chuckle along with her before returning your gaze to the view. "Why don't you enjoy talking?" you ask, curiosity piqued. "I mean, you clearly can, so why not?" A flicker of vulnerability appears in her eyes for a brief second. She shifts in her seat and her gaze quickly darts towards the waterfall. Several minutes of silence pass between you, and you start to think that she will once again choose not to reply, as she has done many times before. But then, she softly clears her throat and speaks again. "Most of the time, I feel like I have nothing worthwhile to say, and even when I do, my opinions don't seem to matter," she says, stating it as a painful truth. "Who made you believe that? That's ridiculous. Amisha and I, we talk nonsense all the time. Words don't always have to be profound," you say, licking your lips before continuing your statement. "Sometimes, you simply want to crack a joke, vent about something, or give someone a compliment. Whatever the case may be, you should try doing it more frequently." Veleena gazes at you intently, as if she is searching for your soul within your eyes. She falls silent once more. At this proximity, you observe just how much of a predator she really is. Her breath is barely audible, and her chest rises ever so slightly as she inhales deeply. Her posture exudes nothing but evident peril and agility. She sighed, a sigh of defeat. "Maybe you're right. Perhaps I should start making an effort," she suddenly gets up from her seat. "I should leave now and rest for the night. Thank you for the conversation. It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to speak more than two words and have someone genuinely listen." "The pleasure was all mine. Thank you for allowing me to hear your voice," you smile at her. She bows to you, nods, and walks back to the camp. Upon returning to the camp, you notice that Amisha is already fast asleep, softly snoring in her dreams. The sight amuses you, and you chuckle quietly. Veleena, on the other hand, is wrapped in her blanket with her back facing you. You make your way to your own sleeping bag. <<link "Rest doesn't come easily that night, but the prospect of a long day ahead compels you to fall into a dreamless sleep." "Sleep.">> <</link>>

A flicker of vulnerability appears in her eyes for a brief second. She shifts in her seat and her gaze quickly darts towards the waterfall. Several minutes of silence pass between you, and you start to think that she will once again choose not to reply, as she has done many times before. But then, she softly clears her throat and speaks again. "Most of the time, I feel like I have nothing worthwhile to say, and even when I do, my opinions don't seem to matter," she says, stating it as a painful truth. "Who made you believe that? That's ridiculous. Amisha and I, we talk nonsense all the time. Words don't always have to be profound," you say, licking your lips before continuing your statement. "Sometimes, you simply want to crack a joke, vent about something, or give someone a compliment. Whatever the case may be, you should try doing it more frequently." Veleena gazes at you intently, as if she is searching for your soul within your eyes. She falls silent once more, and you suddenly become aware of just how near you are to her. If you were to lean in, your foreheads would touch. At this proximity, you observe just how much of a predator she really is. Her breath is barely audible, and her chest rises ever so slightly as she inhales deeply. Her posture exudes nothing but evident peril and agility. But her face softens, her eyelids dropping ever so slightly. "A compliment, you say?", she asks, bringing your attention back to the conversation. "What?" you ask, momentarily forgetting what you just said, hypnotized by her mere presence. She clicks her tongue, more to tease you than out of annoyance. "You said I should try complimenting someone, you oaf. Pay attention," she says, with a clear joking tone in her voice. "Oh, yeah. Well, I did suggest that you should try speaking more often, regardless of the subject or reason. But yes, complimenting someone is a good way to practice your small talk skills." "Very well then," Veleena says, her voice soft like a caress on your ears. "Your eyes are beautiful. Eyes like yours have always been the most enticing to me. Not that I have ever found eyes like yours, for yours are such a unique shake of $eyesc" You look at her, waiting for a sharp jest, but it doesn't come. Instead, a light pink blush creeps across her cheeks. You blink slowly at her, surprise evident on your face as you process her words. "I... That was unexpected. Thank you," you say, barely audible. This woman certainly knows how to make an impact. "You're welcome... I...", Veleena clears her throat and stands up from her seat. "I should leave now and rest for the night. Thank you for the conversation. It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to speak more than two words and have someone genuinely listen." "The pleasure was all mine. Thank you for allowing me to hear your voice," you smile at her. She bows to you, nods, and walks back to the camp. Upon returning to the camp, you notice that Amisha is already fast asleep, softly snoring in her dreams. The sight amuses you, and you chuckle quietly. Veleena, on the other hand, is wrapped in her blanket with her back facing you. You make your way to your own sleeping bag. <<link "Rest doesn't come easily that night, but the prospect of a long day ahead compels you to fall into a dreamless sleep." "Sleep.">> <</link>>

CHAPTER 2. WEIRD BUT FUNCTIONAL. "Wha... Veldon?" you ask, rubbing your eyes. "Yes, darling, it's me. Have you ever seen anyone who looks like me? Of course not, there's only one me, your great knight in shining armor coming to the rescue. Whatever my stupid and rich cousin has paid you to do, it's probably an equally stupid quest. I really don't care. He and his father have been arguing for a while now. The twins are the worst-" You interrupt his rambling. It's too early in the morning, and you can barely make out a single word of what he's saying. "Wow, wow, wow! Slow down, will you?" you yawn, stretching as you get up and fix your clothes as best you can. "Look, I don't think you-" Another interruption, and this time you're the victim. You hear a roar coming from behind you. You look over your shoulder and see a white tiger ready to attack. Amisha's orange eyes shine like a wildfire. Her mouth is open, and her fierce fangs are purposely showing for intimidation. Veldon's war horse is trained not to be easily scared. But you can see fear in the horse's eyes as it anxiously digs the ground with its hooves. Great, now this already confusing situation could turn into a chaotic battleground. It's time to de-escalate the situation. You extend your hand in front of Amisha, halting her progress. You sense her warm breath against your palm, as she lets out a frustrated growl from her throat. "Mish, no. It's okay, let's talk to him first, yes?" you say, looking down at her with a raised eyebrow. She responds with a snarl, but then sits beside you, her tail wagging slowly. It seems like she's trying to redirect her energy away from attacking Veldon. It's not ideal, but at least it's under control for now. [[• 'What are you doing here, Veldon?', you ask, a neutral tone in your voice.]] [[• 'Why are you here? Already missing me?' you smirk at him.❤️]] [[• 'Did the Prince send you here? We don't need any help.']] [[• Under his attention, you suddenly feel your throat dry. When you speak, your voice sounds higher pitched than it should. 'Do you... do you need something?' ❤️]]

He smiles at you once again, his smile seemingly permanent on his face. "You bet, darling. But that's not the reason why I'm here. I'm here to help. I rushed over as soon as I heard that Vee had left. I want to accompany you, and it won't cost you a thing," he adds, winking at you. "Vee?" you inquire. Is that a nickname for Veleena? You're not sure if it's funny or endearing. "Yes, my cousin Veleena. Where is she?" "I was asleep when you arrived, so I have no idea," you reply, crossing your arms and scanning the area where your makeshift camp is set up. Veleena's belongings are neatly packed and ready to go, but she is nowhere to be found. He scratches his beard, surveying her belongings. "She usually wakes up early for her training routine, so she'll probably be back soon. Alright, who's hungry? Let's have breakfast," he exclaims, clapping his hands and eagerly rummaging through his travel bag. You hear the familiar static sound beside you, and you instantly recognize its meaning. Amisha's magic is reversing, and she's shifting back. Being near a warg while they shift is an interesting sensation. It's not dangerous, but it causes the hairs on your neck and arms to stand on end, and your skin to prickle. You turn your gaze towards Amisha. Her tiger form slowly transforms back into a human, with fur disintegrating and falling to the ground like a snake shedding its skin. Her bones readjust, allowing her to regain her two-legged form. Anticipating her need for cover, you toss her a blanket before she completes her shift and becomes completely naked. Once her snout returns to a human nose, the transformation is complete. "Thanks. I'll be right back. We need to talk," she says, wrapping herself in the blanket and swiftly moving behind a tree to retrieve some clothes. You let out a heavy sigh. It's only the first day, and it's going to be tough. [[• You hear footsteps approaching as Veldon begins cooking something on the campfire. Judging by the smell, it's likely bacon.]]

He smiles at you once again, his smile seemingly permanent on his face. "Don't worry, I'm here to help," he assures, raising his hands in surrender. "I rushed over as soon as I heard that Vee had left. I want to accompany you, and it won't cost you a thing," he adds, winking at you. "Vee?" you inquire. Is that a nickname for Veleena? You're not sure if it's funny or endearing. "Yes, my cousin Veleena. Where is she?" "I was asleep when you arrived, so I have no idea," you reply, crossing your arms and scanning the area where your makeshift camp is set up. Veleena's belongings are neatly packed and ready to go, but she is nowhere to be found. He scratches his beard, surveying her belongings. "She usually wakes up early for her training routine, so she'll probably be back soon. Alright, who's hungry? Let's have breakfast," he exclaims, clapping his hands and eagerly rummaging through his travel bag. You hear the familiar static sound beside you, and you instantly recognize its meaning. Amisha's magic is reversing, and she's shifting back. Being near a warg while they shift is an interesting sensation. It's not dangerous, but it causes the hairs on your neck and arms to stand on end, and your skin to prickle. You turn your gaze towards Amisha. Her tiger form slowly transforms back into a human, with fur disintegrating and falling to the ground like a snake shedding its skin. Her bones readjust, allowing her to regain her two-legged form. Anticipating her need for cover, you toss her a blanket before she completes her shift and becomes completely naked. Once her snout returns to a human nose, the transformation is complete. "Thanks. I'll be right back. We need to talk," she says, wrapping herself in the blanket and swiftly moving behind a tree to retrieve some clothes. You let out a heavy sigh. It's only the first day, and it's going to be tough. [[• You hear footsteps approaching as Veldon begins cooking something on the campfire. Judging by the smell, it's likely bacon.]]

He smiles at you once again, his smile seemingly permanent on his face. "From you, darling? I need a lot of things. But that's not the reason why I'm here. I'm here to help. I rushed over as soon as I heard that Vee had left. I want to accompany you, and it won't cost you a thing," he adds, winking at you. "Vee?" you inquire. Is that a nickname for Veleena? You're not sure if it's funny or endearing. "Yes, my cousin Veleena. Where is she?" "I was asleep when you arrived, so I have no idea," you reply, crossing your arms and scanning the area where your makeshift camp is set up. Veleena's belongings are neatly packed and ready to go, but she is nowhere to be found. He scratches his beard, surveying her belongings. "She usually wakes up early for her training routine, so she'll probably be back soon. Alright, who's hungry? Let's have breakfast," he exclaims, clapping his hands and eagerly rummaging through his travel bag. You hear the familiar static sound beside you, and you instantly recognize its meaning. Amisha's magic is reversing, and she's shifting back. Being near a warg while they shift is an interesting sensation. It's not dangerous, but it causes the hairs on your neck and arms to stand on end, and your skin to prickle. You turn your gaze towards Amisha. Her tiger form slowly transforms back into a human, with fur disintegrating and falling to the ground like a snake shedding its skin. Her bones readjust, allowing her to regain her two-legged form. Anticipating her need for cover, you toss her a blanket before she completes her shift and becomes completely naked. Once her snout returns to a human nose, the transformation is complete. "Thanks. I'll be right back. We need to talk," she says, wrapping herself in the blanket and swiftly moving behind a tree to retrieve some clothes. You let out a heavy sigh. It's only the first day, and it's going to be tough. [[• You hear footsteps approaching as Veldon begins cooking something on the campfire. Judging by the smell, it's likely bacon.]]

Amisha returns, fully dressed, her face clearly displaying her unhappiness with the situation. Shit. Veldon happily whistles as he flips the bacon in the pan. She stands beside you, arms crossed, a low growl forming in her throat. Amisha's eyes are fixed on Veldon's back, but he seems oblivious to her desire to confront him. "Mish?" you ask, maintaining a calm tone. "I'm not going to do anything, okay? Not yet, at least. You wanted us to talk to him first, so I can wait until then," she says, giving you a grim smile. Well, shit. Amisha walks towards Veldon, positioning herself directly behind him. You follow closely, wanting to stay nearby just in case. "What kind of knight are you?" she asks Veldon. "I'm the kind of knight who isn't really a knight," he responds without looking at her, but his voice carries a hint of a smile. "I'm not officially consecrated as a knight, if that's what you're asking. But I have received extensive training, and I'm skilled with a sword." "Oh, great. We're not here to protect some pampered castle boy playing at being an adventurer. Have you ever encountered a real beast? A fire wyvern, or a gorgon? Maybe a wild kelpie?" Amisha asks, struggling to contain her voice from turning into a shout. "Listen, lady, I'm sorry if I don't blindly trust you like my foolish future king does, but I'm not letting Veleena go off with you guys alone. I'm coming too. If my cousin wants to pretend to be a King before actually becoming one, then I can also pretend to be a knight even without holding the title," he barks, his playfulness gone. His voice has grown more serious and he stands tall, Amisha is taller than him, but he doesn't seem intimidated by her. "If you decide to follow us around, you will only end up getting hurt, or worse, you will slow us down. You don't know what you're doing here, noble boy. Leave," Amisha's voice is filled with warning. Veldon chuckles dryly, glancing at you. "Hey, could you please put a collar on your feisty kitten? She's showing her claws at me," Veldon imitates claws with his fingers. "Meow." "Alright, that's more than enough, you arrogant jerk, piece of shit!", Amisha shouts and run towards him. Before you can react, Amisha tackles Veldon to the ground, and a fight ensues. Amisha threw a punch at Veldon's face. Seizing the opportunity, he held her hand hostage while attempting to kick her off. They rolled on the ground, causing the pan with the bacon to go flying. The sound of Amisha roaring made you fear that she would shift into her tiger form again. If she does, things will get even more dangerous. It wouldn't be easy to remove a 370-pound predator from on top of him. <<link "• You try to stop the fight" "Vee1">> <</link>> <<link "• You freeze, it's all happening too fast" "Vee1">> <</link>> <<link "• 'What the hell are you two doing? Stop it right now!'" "Vee1">> <</link>> <<link "• Join the fight." "Vee1">> <</link>>

Suddenly, something falls to the ground between you and the other two fighters. The small bottle explodes, releasing a purple gas that quickly spreads. Fatigue sets in, and you find yourself breathing heavily. Amisha and Veldon cough, loosening their grip on each other. You collapse to your knees, clutching your shirt as you struggle to breathe. Black boots appear in your line of sight. Looking up, you see Veleena observing the three of you on the ground. She shakes her head and, with a flick of her hand, a breeze disperses the gas. "Vee! Yo-you're finally... here... for the party!" Veldon coughs, but manages to stand up and greet his cousin, completely ignoring Amisha's growling on the ground. You step closer to Amisha, lightly touching her shoulder. "Are you alright?" you ask, still slightly out of breath. She nods as she tries to steady her breath, and you sit down as the gas's effects slowly wear off. You observe Veldon using his cousin for support as his legs tremble. "Did you really have to throw your little bombs at me? You know they make my eyes water..." Veldon complains, taking a cloth from his pocket to clean his eyes. Veleena only stares at him, clenching her jaw and narrowing her eyes. It's clear that both Veleena and Amisha are unhappy with Veldon's presence. "What? Stop looking at me like that. Do you want to know why I'm here?" She nods in response. Veldon looks at the bacon now splattered on the ground, his shining armor dirty, and a sad expression on his face as he cleans the blood from his split lip. You notice a black mark forming around his right eye from a punch. He takes a deep breath before answering. "I can't let you go without me, Vee. You know I can't! You've never been far from home before, and I'm worried. I want to help, I need to be here if you need me," he smiles sweetly at her. It's not the exaggerated, bright smile you're used to seeing on his face, but a genuine one. "I can take care of myself, Veldon. I don't need a babysitter," she retorts. Amisha's eyes widen as she leans closer to you. Her breathing has returned to normal, and she whispers, "Oh, what the hell, she can talk!" [[• Veleena shifts her gaze to you, giving you a stink eye.]]

<<if $veleenavoice is true>> You chuckle and shrug, turning to Amisha to whisper, "I know, right? I heard her singing last night, and we even talked!" "You did what?! And you didn't tell me? What a traitor you are," she lightly punches your arm. "Ouch! She made me promise, okay?" you laugh, but she narrows her eyes at you, clearly not believing your words. "Stop talking, both of you. I have a more important matter to resolve. And of course I can talk, you moron. I just didn't want to waste my breath on your stupid jokes. Now, if you excuse me, shush," Veleena turns back to her cousin, ignoring both of you. <<else>> "I'm just as surprised as you are. Damn, she really made fools out of us, didn't she?" "I didn't make fools out of you, you two did that yourselves. Now shush, I have a more important matter to attend to," with that, Veleena turns her back on you and resumes talking to her cousin. <</if>> "I don't want you here, Veldon. Please, go home." "Why not? You know I can be of assistance, Vee. I'm not useless; I'm a skilled fighter and strong enough to hold my own in a battle." "Yes, I witnessed you 'holding your own' against the warg. She would have killed you if I hadn't intervened." "She caught me off guard." Amisha growls softly beside you, and you extend a hand to calm her, shaking your head. "That's exactly it, Veldon. Do you think an enemy will wait for you to prepare? You've only ever fought against training dummies, inexperienced soldiers, and children. Please go home. I can't fulfill my duties while also taking care of you," despite her angry and impatient tone, you notice her burn scar contorting as she purses her lips and frowns. It's more than annoyance; she genuinely worries about the man. "Come on, please. Let me accompany you for a while. If I can't prove myself, I'll go back home." Veleena pinches the bridge of her nose and exhales sharply. "Alright, fine. Apologize to the warg, clean up this mess, and if they both agree, you can come." Veldon wastes no time and kneels beside you and Amisha, his hands clasped as if in prayer. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please forgive me!" His tone makes it difficult to tell if he's mocking or sincere, but he continues, addressing Amisha. "By the way, you fight like a demon. Could you teach me on the road? I'll let you beat the crap out of me until I learn." Amisha looks taken aback and confused, momentarily stunned. She opens and closes her mouth three times before finally responding. "Hm, yeah, okay. I don't trust you and I don't like you, but it'll be a pleasure to have you around to kick your ass." "Great! And how about you, darling?" He turns to you. [[• 'I dont know... I'm not sure about this.']] <<link "• You shrug, maybe having one more member might be helpful and make the quest easier. 'Sure.'" "Parting">> <</link>> <<link "• 'Sure, it'll be a pleasure to have you around.' ❤️" "Parting">><<set $veldonromance +1>> <</link>> <<link "• Your gaze shifts between Veldon and Amisha, 'Sure, it'll be a pleasure to have both of you around.'💕" "Parting">><<set $amisharomance to +1>><<set $veldonromance to +1>> <</link>>

"That's great, thanks! Can I go now? I need to find my horse before we leave; I'm not sure where it went." "Go. We'll leave in 15 minutes." He nods and quickly gets up, hurrying to trace his horse's tracks around the camp. You and Amisha finish packing your belongings and wait for everyone else to get ready as well. Not long after, Veldon reappears with his horse. Veleena chooses to walk with you instead of accepting Veldon's offer to ride his horse. With the map in hand, she begins leading you towards the first possible destination. [[• It's time to hit the road.]]

He looks at you, pleading with his eyes. He jokingly pouts. "Come on. Please! I'll behave." "Let him come. I might get hungry on the road. He might have too much muscle for tender flesh, but still," Amisha licks her teeth, looking at him. "Yes, I'll be food for your dear warg if needed. I just want to be close to my cousin. She needs me," the second part of his plea is the only thing you're sure he's being honest about. There's truth in his voice. He really cares and wants to help protect Veleena. "Fine, fine. But please, no more fights with my friend, okay?" He smiles brightly at you. "Yes! Scout's honor, boss!" You roll your eyes. This is going to be a long quest. <<if $weapon is "books and herbs">> "Please have a seat and let me examine your bruises," you offer, reaching for your healing book. He sits down in front of you, crossing his legs, and remains unusually quiet. Taking a few seconds to assess his wounds, you determine that they are not severe, just a few bruises and a split lip. The dark eye will heal on its own. Allowing your magic to flow through your hands, you release a gentle cyan mist in his direction. The magic works quickly to heal the worst of the injuries, and within minutes, you have completed the task. "How do you feel now?" you inquire, closing your book and returning it to your bag. "Better than ever, doc, thanks! Can I go now? I need to find my horse before we leave; I'm not sure where it went." <<else>> "I need to find my horse before we leave; I'm not sure where it went." <</if>> "Go. We'll leave in 15 minutes." He nods and quickly gets up, hurrying to trace his horse's tracks around the camp. You and Amisha finish packing your belongings and wait for everyone else to get ready as well. Not long after, Veldon reappears with his horse. Veleena chooses to walk with you instead of accepting Veldon's offer to ride his horse. With the map in hand, she begins leading you towards the first possible destination. [[• It's time to hit the road.]]

And so, the journey finally begins. The sun is hiding behind a few grey clouds, indicating that today will likely be a rainy day. <<if $race is "rakrax">> Today, you can take comfort in the fact that the sun won't be a concern. You won't have to endure the discomfort of feeling hot and irritable. This is a positive start to your journey. <<else>> You frown as you gaze at the heavy clouds above. You'll probably end up getting wet by the end of the day, and sleeping in damp clothes is never comfortable. <</if>> Veleena leads the group, far ahead with her eyes fixed on the map in her hands. Unaware of her fast pace compared to your steady walk, she will tire out in less than an hour. It's evident that she is not used to long journeys like you and Amisha. Veldon is behind you, riding his war horse. Meanwhile, you maintain a steady rhythm, not too slow but certainly not too fast, ensuring your endurance as you continue walking. Familiar with the road, you understand it's best to go with the flow and let your body find its own rhythm. It's important to know your limits, especially when you're not traveling on a horse's back. [[• Walk faster and talk to Veleena.]] [[• Keep your pace and talk to Amisha.]] [[• Slow down and have a conversation with Veldon.]] [[• Just enjoy the trip; you don't feel like talking to anyone at the moment.]]

You should go talk to Veleena before she becomes too tired and needs to stop. Getting tired and having to stop frequently is worse than walking slower. You hurry a bit until you are walking side by side with Veleena. "Hey!" you call out, trying to get her attention. Veleena's gaze shifts from the map to you, and then back to the map again. "Aw, come on. I just said 'hey', that's not stupid. You can respond to a greeting." The woman shakes her head disapprovingly and focuses her gaze on you once more. "What do you want?" she asks. "Nothing, I just came to tell you that maybe you should slow down a little. Your legs are going to be screaming by the end of the hour if you keep up this pace. So you should either ride with Veldon or slow down, or else we'll have to stop for you to rest. And yes, I know you're well trained or whatever, but if you arrive at your destination exhausted, you won't be useful anyway." She looks at you for a moment, trying to determine if you're mocking her or genuinely trying to help. "Why does it matter to you?" <<link "• 'It doesn't, I just want to inform you that your actions will make it more difficult for us to complete the quest.' (rude)" "walk away" >><<set $personality to "rude">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I don't want to see you exhausted and injured when we reach our destination. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about.' (kind)" "walk away">><<set $personality to "kind">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I would like to get to know you better if you feel the same way. But if you get too tired to fight a beast, you'll risk getting hurt or worse, and I cannot get to know a corpse. I don't want any harm to come to you, alright? I do care.' ❤️" "veepov1">><<set $veleenaromance to $veleenaromance += 1>> <</link>>

As you continue walking, you turn your head towards your friend. Amisha appears to be lost in thought, biting her fingernails and staring ahead at the road. You notice a small frown forming between her eyebrows, something is bothering her. She isn't joking around with you, starting fights with Veldon, or even bothering Veleena. Something's wrong. Her clothes are still dirty from a previous fight with Veldon, and a leaf is stuck in her messy blonde hair. You hear a hissing sound coming from her mouth, realizing that she has been biting her fingernail until it starts to bleed. "Hey, you idiot, just because you heal quickly doesn't mean you should harm yourself like that," you joke. However, when she doesn't laugh or respond with a joke of her own, you become certain that something is amiss. "What's going on, Mish?" you ask, feeling a bit concerned. Her eyes flick from the road to you, the typically vibrant orange now appearing hazy and devoid of its usual spark. She inhales deeply, followed by a slow exhale. As she speaks, her voice lacks its usual vibrancy, sounding dull to your ears. "I'm not a fan of this, $name. It's always been just you and me, and we don't need anyone else. I can tolerate the elven girl because the Prince practically forced us to, and she's amusing to mess with. But that guy... I can't stand him," she growls, her teeth grinding together like a small bone saw. "I know you don't like him, but you did agree to him coming, remember? There's no turning back now, kitten. And hey, maybe he'll be a good addition? He's filthy rich and he bought bacon, which I know you love. Are you hungry, big cat?" you smile at her, trying to lighten the atmosphere. Your words elicit a small chuckle from her, and you hear her stomach growling. She wraps her arms around her belly and grumbles loudly. "Aaaah, don't talk about food. I already shifted once today and haven't eaten anything. I'm STARVING," she cries out. You laugh at her, shaking your head. "Don't complain to me; the fault lies with you for throwing away all the food with your foolish 'rolling in the dirt with a noble' act. If you had shown some self-control, we would likely have a full belly by now." "Yeah, yeah. Leave me alone, you annoying nuisance," her joking tone undermines the seriousness of her words. <<if $gender is "female">> <<link "• 'But seriously though, if the double V problem becomes overwhelming for you, come to me. We'll find a solution, alright?' you smile at her. She smiles back and nods. That's all you both need. (kind)" "walk away" >><<set $personality to "kind">> <</link>> <<link "• 'And next time you decide to pick a fight, do it far away from our food,' you give her a stern look, like a parent scolding a disobedient child, before walking away. (rude)" "walk away">><<set $personality to "rude">> <</link>> <<link "• 'If you are a good girl for the rest of the day, I might give you a reward before bed. So behave for me, my kitten,' you say, winking at her and speaking in a low, sultry voice. You make your intentions clear and then turn and leave before she can respond, blowing her a kiss. ❤️" "amishapov2">><<set $amisharomance to $amisharomance += 1>> <</link>> <<else>> <<link "• 'But seriously though, if the double V problem becomes overwhelming for you, come to me. We'll find a solution, alright?' you smile at her. She smiles back and nods. That's all you both need. (kind)" "walk away" >><<set $personality to "kind">> <</link>> <<link "• 'And next time you decide to pick a fight, do it far away from our food,' you give her a stern look, like a parent scolding a disobedient child, before walking away. (rude)" "walk away">><<set $personality to "rude">> <</link>> <</if>>

You slow down until you reach Veldon and his horse. He doesn't even notice as you approach, completely focused on his horse. "Yes, Cutie, you're a good boy. Do you want a carrot?" You watch as Veldon takes a fresh carrot from his bag and gives it to his horse. He affectionately pats the strong horse's neck with a fond smile on his face. You can't help but chuckle a little. "Your war horse's name is Cutie?" you ask, amusement in your voice. He startles at your sudden voice and turns his head towards you. "Ah... No...? It's... Shadow. Or Killer. Stomper?" he tries and fails. "Sure. Why Cutie? A big black horse wearing armor and obviously trained for war. I mean, it's weird." "I guess there's no denying it anymore, right?" he laughs dryly. "Alright, I've had him since he was a foal, and he was so small and cute. You can't see it due to his armor, but he does have a small pink spot on his muzzle. His name is actually Cute Muzzle, but I call him Cutie when... Well, when no one is watching." <<link "• 'That's... strange. It's a beautiful horse with a ridiculous name, but I suppose you do what makes you happy.' (rude)" "walk away" >><<set $personality to "rude">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I'm sorry, but this is just too cute! I absolutely love it. I wish I could have a horse too, maybe someday. Well, thank you for sharing this with me.' (kind)" "walk away">><<set $personality to "kind">> <</link>> <<link "• 'That's actually... really cute. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself with me, Veldon. It's really nice. I hope we can have more opportunities to get to know each other better like this again soon,' you say, smiling genuinely at him.❤️""veldonpov1">><<set $veldonromance to $veldonromance +1>> <</link>>

You walk away from your companion and return to your original spot in the group. As you had anticipated, Veleena soon begins to slow down her pace. Even from a distance, you can see that her breathing has become heavier. A thin line of sweat glistens along the side of her face as she turns to address the group. "We should take a break," she announces. "Seriously? We haven't even been walking for two hours straight yet. We've barely left the Flarewind. Are you already tired, elven girl? Where's your endurance?" Amisha jokes, a smirk on her face and her arms crossed over her chest. Veleena ignores Amisha as Veldon approaches, his horse keeping its distance from Amisha as much as possible. "Are you feeling okay, Vee?" he asks, a concerned expression on his face. "Yes, I just need some fresh water and something to eat," Veleena gestures towards a tavern located near the Orc's territory. Being so close to another realm, they should be accepting of other races. You shrug. You're not exactly tired, but the clouds are growing darker. Perhaps it's a good idea to find shelter from the rain. Veldon nods and dismounts from his horse, tying the reins to a hitching post in front of the tavern. Among the horses, there are also a sea wyvern, a gryphon, and a hellhound peacefully sharing the water trough. [[• You enter the tavern named 'Wild Biwyn' alongside your companions.]]

//[''Veleena'']// She watches as $name walks away from her, her red eyes focused on this strange new variable in her life. Veleena is used to being treated like a freak or a lapdog. People generally avoid her, pretending she doesn't exist, or they tease her with cruel intentions, attempting to humiliate her simply for being herself, as if it's her fault. She knows and understands the way people gaze at her, particularly at her scar, as if she is a repulsive monster. Even her father and half-siblings look at her in this way. But $name doesn't. Why? An unfamiliar feeling blossoms in her chest. It's the feeling of acceptance, of being seen as more than just a servant to the prince. Her eyes continue to follow $name until they return to the center of the group. Veleena's lips curl up ever so slightly, her scar twisting along with her skin, forming a faint and rare smile. Could it be possible for her to form a deeper connection? Something beyond the usual disdainful looks, whispers, and hidden insults? Only time will reveal the answer, but Veleena allows herself a glimmer of hope, nothing more. <<link "• And before anyone notices, she composes herself with a stoic expression once more." "walk away">> <</link>>

//[''Amisha'']// Amisha's cheeks flush as $name leaves her feeling stunned. Why does she have this effect on her? This woman could be Amisha's downfall, yet she would willingly let her lead her to the depths of hell if she desired. Oh, how she longs to feel their limbs entwined at night, their bare skin pressed together. They have slept together before, seeking warmth during the harsh winter nights while the snow fell relentlessly outside, but it's not the same. Amisha has always felt this way, but she kept these feelings hidden until now. Now, it seems that $name feels the same, giving Amisha a newfound perspective and hope. She used to believe that being friends with $name would suffice, but it no longer does. It is slowly evolving into something deeper, something meaningful. Her heart races at the thought of $name's lips. Amisha digs her nails into her palms. But now is not the time for this. <<link "• After it's all over, perhaps. But not now... For now, at least, her orange eyes sparkle once again." "walk away">> <</link>>

//[''Veldon'']// Veldon smiles brightly at $name, his usual fake smile, but with a hint of genuine appreciation behind it. That's interesting. $name is only the third person to ever hear the name of Veldon's horse and the story behind it, without laughing or ridiculing him. This hunter seems genuinely interested in getting to know him better. Could they really want to be friends? That would be a new experience for Veldon. Many people claim to want to know him, but they are more interested in superficial aspects of his life, rather than truly connecting with him. They just want to meet parts of him that can't talk. Veldon looks ahead, his gaze now fixed on the hunter's back. Perhaps this time, he can make it work. Maybe he can finally have a genuine friend, someone who truly understands him. <<link "• Wouldn't that be nice?" "walk away">> <</link>>

As you had anticipated, Veleena soon begins to slow down her pace. Even from a distance, you can see that her breathing has become heavier. A thin line of sweat glistens along the side of her face as she turns to address the group. "We should take a break," she announces. "Seriously? We haven't even been walking for two hours straight yet. We've barely left the Flarewind. Are you already tired, elven girl? Where's your endurance?" Amisha jokes, a smirk on her face and her arms crossed over her chest. Veleena ignores Amisha as Veldon approaches, his horse keeping its distance from Amisha as much as possible. "Are you feeling okay, Vee?" he asks, a concerned expression on his face. "Yes, I just need some fresh water and something to eat," Veleena gestures towards a tavern located near the Orc's territory. Being so close to another realm, they should be accepting of other races. You shrug. You're not exactly tired, but the clouds are growing darker. Perhaps it's a good idea to find shelter from the rain. Veldon nods and dismounts from his horse, tying the reins to a hitching post in front of the tavern. Among the horses, there are also a sea wyvern, a gryphon, and a hellhound peacefully sharing the water trough. [[• You enter the tavern named 'Wild Biwyn' alongside your companions.]]

The air in the tavern is heavy with the smell of ale, wine, stew, and pork. Various races are gathered here, too drunk to care about their disputes. At one table, a dwarf and a royal elf are gambling with dice, while a centaur watches, almost hitting his head on the ceiling in celebration. On the other side, a Rakrax sits with a warg, sharing a mug of ale and talking animatedly, hitting their wrists on the table. An orc waitress navigates between the tables, cleaning and serving food and drinks. The place is crowded, with people talking, screaming, and falling drunk on tables. Amisha stays close to you, while Veleena and Veldon lead the way. Veldon finds a table in the far corner, near the wall. He sits with his back turned to the others, while Amisha, Veleena, and you lean against the wall, observing the tavern. Not long after you're seated, the waitress comes to take your orders. Veleena asks for a bowl of vegetable stew, Veldon asks for a goblet of mulled wine. Amisha asks for a whole roasted chicken, while you ask for <<link "• Something to drink: mulled wine." "eatdrink">><<set $foodtavern to "mulled wine">> <</link>> <<link "• Something to drink: water." "eatdrink">><<set $foodtavern to "water">> <</link>> <<link "• Something to eat: vegetable stew." "eatdrink">><<set $foodtavern to "vegetable stew">> <</link>> <<link "• Something to eat: roasted chicken." "eatdrink">><<set $foodtavern to "chicken">> <</link>> <<link "• Nothing." "eatdrink">><<set $foodtavern to "nothing">> <</link>>

After a short while, the waitress returns with your orders. Veleena's vegetable stew looks hearty and full of colorful vegetables. Veldon's goblet of mulled wine is steaming, with a hint of cinnamon and cloves. Amisha's whole roasted chicken is perfectly cooked, with crispy skin and tender meat. <<if $foodtavern is "mulled wine">> The mulled wine warms you from the inside out, with its sweet and spicy notes. You watch as your companions eat and drink in silence, observing the rest of the noisy tavern. <<elseif $foodtavern is "water">> You take your glass of fresh water and drink it slowly, appreciating the refreshing feeling on your throat. You watch as your companions eat and drink in silence, observing the rest of the noisy tavern. <<elseif $foodtavern is "vegetable stew">> As you dig into your meal, you can't help but appreciate the flavors and textures. The vegetables in the stew are cooked to perfection, still retaining their crunchiness. You watch as your companions eat and drink in silence, observing the rest of the noisy tavern. <<elseif $foodtavern is "chicken">> As you dig into your meal, you can't help but appreciate the flavors and textures. The roasted chicken is juicy and flavorful, with the seasoning adding a delightful kick. You watch as your companions eat and drink in silence, observing the rest of the noisy tavern. <<elseif $foodtavern is "nothing">> You watch as your companions eat and drink in silence, observing the rest of the noisy tavern. <</if>> Shortly after your group finishes eating and drinking their orders, a piercing scream of agony echoes from the other side of the tavern. The entire place falls into silence for a few moments before resuming their previous activities as if nothing happened. You exchange glances with your companions and together, you rise from your seats, leaving coins to cover your expenses. With Amisha clutching her axe, Veldon tightening his grip on his sword, and Veleena poised with her daggers, you follow them behind the counter and make your way towards the source of the scream. Eventually, you arrive at the open door to a smaller room. Another scream followed by a growl, accompanied by a voice filled with pain. "Aaaargh! Slow down, little girl. This is painful!" the man screams. "I'm sorry, I know it hurts, but I'm doing my best. I can't heal the wound without removing the arrow first," a soft voice responds. "Stay still, boy. What's the matter with you? Aren't you a master?" another voice, that of an old man. As you enter the room, you witness the scene unfolding before you. In the corner sits an enormous Orc, his left arm stretched out on a table while a female Salt Elf tends to his wounds. At least five arrows have pierced his skin, lodging themselves from his shoulder to his wrist. He bleeds as the woman pulls out another arrow. He screams once more, attempting to shake her off. The other Orc, much older and covered in scars, holds him firmly in place, wearing a worn and dirty apron. They didn't seem to have noticed the four of you standing at the door yet. Amisha gets closer to you, whispering. "What the fuck is that?" she asks. You follow her gaze to where she is pointing. "That is the largest green wall I've ever seen," you answer, whispering back. "Should we recruit him? It could be beneficial to have someone like him on our team. Even if he proves to be useless as a fighter, he could at least serve as a meat wall or a distraction. I bet he could distract a manticore for days!" Before you can answer, the older Orc notices you and starts talking to you. "You! What are you doing here? If you want drinks or food, it's in the front of the tavern, not back here. Get out." "We came to help. We heard someone screaming and thought maybe someone was in trouble," you answer, trying to appear non-threatening. "Oh, healers?" the man asks. "You don't look like healers, at least not those three," he points at Veleena, Veldon, and Amisha. <<if $weapon is "books and herbs">> "I am a healer, yes. Do you need help?" you ask, showing him your healing book. The woman tending to the Orc looks at you, raising an eyebrow. "No, we're fine. But I do need somebody to help me hold him in place. Old Biwyn here is having trouble," she chuckles. "You're lucky I like you, girl. Fine, we can use a little help." <<else>> "No, we are not healers, but we can assist you with something else. Is there anything you need help with?" The woman tending at the Orc looks at you, a raised brow. "I do need somebody to help me hold him in place. Old Biwyn here is having trouble," she chuckles. "You're lucky I like you, girl. Fine, we can use a little help." <</if>> You approach both Orcs and the Salt Elven woman. The older Orc's skin is covered in scars and poorly healed stitches. He is bald, blind in one eye, and has more fat than muscles. However, it is clear that this Orc has experienced war, possibly even surviving one of the great wars. He has broken tusks and large hands, making him a formidable figure. Yet, the Orc seated in front of you is even larger. The seated Orc wears leather straps to secure a heavy armor over his shoulders, along with pelt trousers and leather boots. His chest is exposed, revealing deep scars on his green skin. His deep black eyes observe as the Salt Elven woman prepares to remove another arrow. The table in front of him are stained with his fresh blood and a lot of dirt rugs and bandages. The woman, a dark-skinned Salt Elf, is much smaller than the Orc, even though he is seated. Her clothes, worn from travel and marked by sea salt, indicate that she spends a lot of time near the coast, as expected from a Salt Elf, but her gills are fainter than those of a typical Salt Elf, suggesting that she may have been away from the sea for a while. You position yourself to restrain the Orc, and once everyone is prepared, the woman retrieves another arrow. Despite the combined efforts of several individuals to hold him down, the Orc's immense strength allows him to wriggle enough to create chaos. [[• Three arrows removed and a lot of screams and blood later.]]

The woman cleans her bloodied hands on a cleaned rug before extending them towards you for a greeting. "Thank you for the help. I'm Kaellë. The troublemaker over there is Mauthak, and the old softy is Biwyn. It's nice to meet you," she gives you all a shy smile. "Nice to meet you too. I'm $name. These are Amisha, Veldon, and Veleena," you introduce your companions. "I am no trouble, you are the trouble. I wouldn't be all pierced up by arrows if it weren't for you," Mauthak grumbles, fidgeting with his bandages. A pout forms on his big lips. "Yes, well, you would be dead if it weren't for me, so stop complaining, okay?" the woman retorts, but you can hear a certain fondness in her voice. "Forgive him, he's grumpy because we got caught in a thieves' ambush earlier, and I didn't let him kill them. That's how he ended up looking like a pincushion." The Orc doesn't seem happy, but he doesn't say anything else. "Right, so, what brings you here? Travelers?" Kaellë asks, gazing at all of you. "Kind of, me and $name are hunters, we're always traveling. But these two are accompanying us on a mission," Amisha answers, shrugging. "Oh, that's interesting. Are you on a hunt? Something dangerous?" Kaellë asks, intrigued by the prospect. "We don't know yet, but probably." "Where are you heading?" she asks, pouring herself a glass of water. "North. To Drael," Veleena responds, interrupting before anyone can say too much. "We're heading north too. What do you think? Can we travel together until we have to part ways? Drael and Daleah are close." "Excuse me, my lady, may I speak with my group before making a decision?" Veldon asks politely, directing his charming smile towards Kaellë. Kaellë returns a polite smile and replies, "Of course, we will be leaving soon. I just want to try one last round of healing on the big guy's arm. You can meet us outside if you'd like." With that, you and your companions exit the tavern and gather outside to retrieve Veldon's horse. You all find a bench in front of the tavern and sit down. "So, what are our thoughts?" Veldon asks. "I vote yes. The Orc is a strong individual and could be useful, and the girl is a skilled healer, as we all witnessed," Amisha answers. "Plus, having more people in the group will make it easier for me to ignore you." "Very funny, but I also vote yes, for the same reasons," Veldon retorts. "As long as they don't slow us down, I don't mind. Having an additional warrior and a healer would be beneficial." <<if $weapon is "books and herbs">> "Hey! What's up with you guys? I'm a healer, you know?" "Yes, but another one would be good. What if you get hurt? It's good to have a back up," Veldon answers. "Fine," you shrug. <<else>> "So, the last vote is on you, dear $name," Veldon mockingly bows. <</if>> <<link "• 'Regardless, I'm already outvoted, aren't I? Let them come.' (rude)" "north1" >><<set $personality to "rude">><<set $personality to "rude">> <</link>> <<link "• 'Sure, the more the merrier. I vote yes.' (kind)" "north1">><<set $personality to "kind">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I vote yes. It would be great to have another scientist and researcher to join us.' (intellectual)" "north1">><<set $personality to "intellectual">> <</link>> <<link "• 'It's a yes for me. Just imagine how it will be to train with that Mauthak guy.' (warrior)" "north1">><<set $personality to "warrior">> <</link>>

"Alright then, they can come," Veleena said, stretching her arms. "I'll give them 5 minutes before we leave. I won't tolerate any delays because of them." "Come on, Vee. Don't be like that. It'll be good for you to make more friends," Veldon half-hugged his cousin, and she rolled her eyes at him. Well, isn't this group weird but functional? You're starting to like them. Right on cue, Kaellë emerged from the tavern, followed by the imposing figure of Mauthak. He appears to be much better now, with not a single scar on his arm from the arrows. "So, are you going to temporarily adopt us?" she chuckled as she approached the magnificent green granite sea wyvern, its scales shifting from dark green to black in the sunlight. "Yes, we will. Welcome to the family, darling," Veldon smiled at the woman. "Who is this?" he asked, pointing at the wyvern. Kaellë scratched under the wyvern's chin as it bent down for her to climb onto its back. "This is Jokhan. Don't worry, he's a gentle boy. And yours?" she pointed at Veldon's horse. "Oh, this is Cuti-I mean, Cutter! He's quite mischievous and intimidating." Kaellë chuckled. "I can see that. So, shall we?" she asked, adjusting herself in her saddle. "Let's go," Amisha answered, growing impatient. "Mau, will you be alright on the ground? I've missed flying with my boy." "I'll be fine, go ahead. Will you follow?" "Yes, I'll be circling around you all for a while. Just go, I'll catch up." You all nodded and exchanged information and directions. <<link "• And off you went, heading north." "north2">> <</link>>

Luckily, you aren't too far from the north, and the Orcs' territory is not very long. It will take three days of travel to reach the north. With Mauthak's help, you can safely travel within their territory, saving time by avoiding the Satyr's territory. After a day and a half of travel, you already start feeling the cold from the north. During the few days you have to talk to Mauthak and Kaellë, you learn that Mauthak is searching for someone named Rammott, while Kaellë found him dying from venom poison caused by a dangerous and rare beast called a grootslang. Surprisingly, he wasn't bitten or scratched by the beast, but rather killed it and unknowingly consumed its poisonous flesh. You also discover that Kaellë is traveling to help people in need with her healing magic, as well as to explore the world, meet new people, and conduct research on magic chemistry, alchemy, and healing potions from other races. As time passes, your group becomes more comfortable with each other. Amisha and Veldon occasionally tease each other, but it has become more of a friendly banter, even though she claims she still hates him. One night you catch Veldon cooking a piece of meat just for her, and they share it while talking. You even overhear her telling him old stories from your hunts. Perhaps these two can become friends after all. Veleena remains the same, hardly speaking. Kaellë and Mauthak are great additions to the group, and despite his name suggesting otherwise, Mauthak, "the cruel," is actually a very nice guy. He may be a bit naive, and adorably dumb, but he is a skilled fighter. After dinner, he suggests a training session and is able to hold his ground against all of you, except for Kaellë, who doesn't even know how to properly hold a knife. On the third day of our journey, you find yourselves trudging through heavy white snow. Amisha, in her tiger form, leads the way, using her heightened senses to detect any potential predators. Kaellë's wyvern, unable to fly in the freezing temperatures, remains grounded with its leather wings tucked away. As night falls and the snowfall intensifies, the group decide to set up camp, seeking shelter, warmth, and a good meal before parting ways in the next day. The tents are pitched, and a comforting fire crackles in the center of the camp. Veldon tends to the cooking, while Amisha retreats to her tent. Mauthak gathers firewood, and Veleena sharpens her daggers. Suddenly, Kaellë appears beside you. "Hey. Can I sit with you?" "Sure," you reply, welcoming her to sit. She sits down next to you on the log and asks, "Do you think Drael has people in need of help too?" <<if $race is "Rakrax">> "There are many of my people living there. As someone who is cursed, I can assure you that Drael is in need of assistance." <<else>> "I suppose so. There are still Rakrax living there." <</if>> She smiles at you, pulling her fur cloak closer to her chest. Her green eyes shining in the light of the campfire. "Mauthak and I have been considering joining you on your travels. You mentioned that you will be traveling extensively, and we are doing to do the same. Plus, we enjoy your company, so it seems like a good idea. That is, if you would have us." "Yeah, sure. But you should also discuss this with the others." "Don't worry, I will. Thank you," she nods at you and stands up, heading towards her tent. [[• 'Hey, Kaellë, wait. Would you like to talk a bit more?']] [[• You stand up and head towards Veldon.]] [[• Amisha has been missing for a while now. You go check on her.]] [[• You are curious about Veleena's activities.]] [[• You consider offering assistance to Mauthak.]]

She turns around, a quizzical look in her eyes. You feel your heart beating a little faster under her gaze. She looks at you with such warmth and kindness; it's evident that she has never harmed a single creature. She doesn't possess a single malicious bone in her body. "Sure, what do you want to talk about?" "I don't know, maybe get to know you better. Come, sit." She complies, returning to her previous position besides you. Her long fur cloak drapes over the log where she sits, spreading out like a soft blanket. The faint sound of her teeth chattering reaches your ears, a clear indication of the biting cold. As you observe her closely, you can't help but notice that her eyes bear a striking resemblance to the mesmerizing green sea, especially when the flickering firelight dances upon them. It reminds you of the warm waters along the Salt Elves coast. "What would you like to know?" she asks. Her hair is in a messy bun, with a few strands falling in front of her eyes. Jokhan comes to lie beside her, resting his head on Kaellë's lap as she smiles affectionately at the wyvern. The wyvern is not fully grown, despite being an adult. It appears to have taken after its owner. Her wyvern is petite and slender, with sleek, silk-thin wings that are black in color, creating a striking contrast against its green granite scales. Jokhan's eyes also share the same shade of green, adorned with golden spots. "Tell me something about yourself that I don't know," you suggest. She chuckles, glancing back at you, her cheeks slightly flushed. Perhaps from the cold? "Well, let me think... My full name is Kaellë Lorthan. I've had Jokhan since he was an egg, and I come from a family of healers. I have a twin sister whom I love dearly and miss even more. And... my favorite food is raw dry noodles. I love the crunchiness." "Really? Raw noodles?" you can't help but chuckle. "Yes! And Jokhan loves them too, don't you, boy?" Jokhan lifts his head, emitting an indignant snort from his nostrils. "Alright, maybe he loves raw meat or raw fish, not raw noodles," she says, resting her hand on the wyvern's head and gently petting him. <<link "• 'Now, here's something you may not know about me: I have a preference for Salt Elven women who come from a lineage of healers and own a sea wyvern named Jokhan.'❤️""kromance">><<set $kaelleromance to $kaelleromance + 1>> <</link>> <<link "• 'That's quite interesting, you are a interesting person, and I'm glad you joined us. Maybe we can be good friends.' (kind)" "tent">><<set $personality to "kind">> <</link>> <<link "• 'Oh, that's... Something, I guess,' you shrug, turning your gaze back to the fire." (rude) "tent">><<set $personality to "rude">> <</link>>

Veldon is focused on his pot, and as you approach, a delicious scent of stewed meat and vegetables fills the air. He catches your eye and offers a sweet smile as he stirs the soup with a wooden spoon, inviting you to taste it. His golden hair and beard were illuminated with a red glow from the fire. "Hi, darling. Good to see you. What do you think?" he asks, as you sample the flavorful broth and a perfectly cooked piece of potato. The dish is bursting with flavors and seasonings, far exceeding your expectations for road food. Veldon is clearly a talented cook. "It's delicious. Where did you learn to cook?" you ask, taking a seat near the fire to warm your hands. His face lights up at your question. "I used to be a bit of a troublemaker as a teenager, and sometimes my father and uncle would punish me by ordering the servants to only feed me bread. Veleena also suffered from a lack of good food due to my uncle's cruel behavior. So, I taught myself to cook for both of us," he explains, adding a pinch of salt and some chopped onions and carrots to the pot. "What else did you learn to do for your cousin's sake?" you ask. "I learned how to be a very convincing liar," he replies, unfazed by the words. "Anyway, the food is ready. I'll call the others so we can eat and rest, okay?" Without waiting for your response, he leaves. <<link "• 'Yeah, sure,' you answer, but he is not here anymore to hear you." "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• You keep looking at him until his figure vanishes into the night. You hope to have another chance to talk to him and get to know him better, just like this.❤️" "tent">><<set $veldonromance to $veldonromance += 1>> <</link>>

<<if $gender is "female">> You pretend to knock on the door of Amisha's tent. She is lying on her back, with her arms crossed behind her head, gazing at the ceiling. "Mish? Are you okay? Can I come in?" you ask, poking your head inside the tent. "Of course you can, come in!" she smiles at you, that special smile reserved just for you. She sits down on her sleeping bag and pats the spot next to her. "So, what are you doing here? Staring at the ceiling like you're looking at stars. Is everything alright?" "I was just lost in thought, you could say..." she trails off for a moment. "You know, it's been a while since there were more people than just the two of us. And even though it's only been a few days, I kinda like it. It feels like a really strange family." "It does. You're even becoming friends with Veldon, huh? I saw it, you two are practically best friends now. I'm jealous," you playfully pout at her. "Shut up, I would never," she laughs at your pout. "You're too cute to be replaced." "You're such an asshole," you laugh back. Her smile grows wider. "So, what do I owe the honor of your presence, my queen?" <<link "• 'I came to check on you and wanted to acknowledge that you've been a good girl today, just as I asked earlier. Remember? I thought you might like your reward now, kitten.'❤️" "amishascene1">><<set $amisharomance to $amisharomance += 2>> <</link>> <<link "• 'I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. There's some delicious food outside that smells amazing. You should eat before going to sleep.'" "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I came to let you know that the food is almost ready. Please go and eat, I don't want you to wake up feeling weak. We might need you to shift tomorrow, alright?'" "tent">> <</link>> <<else>> You pretend to knock on the door of Amisha's tent. She is lying on her back, with her arms crossed behind her head, gazing at the ceiling. "Mish? Are you okay? Can I come in?" you ask, poking your head inside the tent. "Of course you can, come in!" she smiles at you, that special smile reserved just for you. She sits down on her sleeping bag and pats the spot next to her. "So, what are you doing here? Staring at the ceiling like you're looking at stars. Is everything alright?" "I was just lost in thought, you could say..." she trails off for a moment. "You know, it's been a while since there were more people than just the two of us. And even though it's only been a few days, I kinda like it. It feels like a really strange family." "It does. You're even becoming friends with Veldon, huh? I saw it, you two are practically best friends now. I'm jealous," you playfully pout at her. "Shut up, I would never," she laughs at your pout. "You're too cute to be replaced." "You're such an asshole," you laugh back. Her smile grows wider. "So, what do I owe the honor of your presence?" <<link "• 'I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. There's some delicious food outside that smells amazing. You should eat before going to sleep.'" "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I came to let you know that the food is almost ready. Please go and eat, I don't want you to wake up feeling weak. We might need you to shift tomorrow, alright?'" "tent">> <</link>> <</if>>

You approach the quiet woman, observing her deft and rapid movements as she skillfully slides her blades on the whetstone. The moonlight reflects off the blades, giving them a solemn silver gleam. You can only imagine their sharpness; if you were to wager, you would bet they could effortlessly slice a snowflake in half. "May I sit here with you?" you ask, trying to sound genuine and not wanting to disturb her. "If you want," she shrugs, gesturing to the other side of the log she's seated on. "Thank you," you say, sitting close to her to watch as she works. She stops what she was doing when she realizes how close you are to her. Only now do you notice her scar is covered with a wet bandage that smells like aloe. She rests the blade on her lap, a quizzical look in her red eyes. The cold air and the snow around you give Veleena an almost ghostly appearance. Her silver hair falls freely on her back, her pale skin resembling a mirror reflecting the fresh white snow falling delicately. It feels as though she belongs here. "What?" she asks, not as sharp as you expected. "What?" you ask in response, blinking at her. She sighs, narrowing her eyes. "What are you looking at?" she clarifies. "Oh, nothing. I just wanted to see what you're doing. You're really good at it, and I wanted to learn." "I am good at it," she answers bluntly, with no hint of humility in her voice. "So, can I learn?" "I don't know. Can you?" she retorts, a faint smile on her lips that you wouldn't have noticed if you weren't so close. "Please? I'll behave!" you say, clapping your hands together and smiling at her. She pinches the bridge of her nose, a gesture you've come to recognize as a sign of her impatience during these few days on the road. She puts her daggers back in their sheaths. "Hey, why did you put them away? I thought you were going to teach me?" "Because I don't want to have to clean your blood off of them. I already cleaned them this morning. And you're annoying. Like Veldon. But he's my cousin, and I love him, so I couldn't hurt him. But I'm very tempted to cut your tongue off." "Oh, come on. I saw you smiling just now! I can tell you're enjoying the attention and getting to know new people." "Do you think you know it all?" she asks, leaning back and resting her hands on the wood to support herself. She tilts her head upward, gazing at the stars. Their reflection in her red eyes resembles a dazzling display of countless burning meteors. <<link "• 'Do I think I know everything? No. But I do believe we can be friends. And it seems like we're getting there. Look at us, we're almost like a dysfunctional family. So, no need to be so grumpy. We actually like having you around,' you say as you get up and stretch, making your way back to the campfire. 'Come on, let's eat.'" "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I don't, and actually, I wanted to ask if you need any help. Did you get hurt?' you inquire, gesturing towards the bandage on her face.❤️" "veescene1">><<set $veleenaromance to $veleenaromance += 1>> <</link>>

<<if $gender is "male">> You approach the enormous Orc as he effortlessly splits another trunk with his axe. "Hey, Mauthak," you call out cautiously, not wanting to startle someone wielding an axe. "$name! Good to see you. What can I do for you?" he responds. "I was actually wondering if I could help you with anything." "Help me with what?" "Chopping wood, carrying it back to camp, or just keeping you company. Whatever you need," you offer. Mauthak chuckles, a hearty sound. "I don't need any help, but you're welcome to keep me company, handsome," he replies, splitting another log in half. Despite the cold and the snow, Mauthak is shirtless, with no sign of his usual leather straps and armor. His black braids cascade over his bare skin. You can see his muscles flexing as he effortlessly splits another trunk with his bare hands. You notice that his body is wet, not from sweat, but from the snow melting against his skin. The water running down his body accentuates his scars, making them glisten. His deep black eyes remain focused on the task at hand, while his tusks press firmly against his upper lip. "How long have you been traveling?" you ask, curious to learn more about him. "About a month, give or take." "And who is Rammott?" His entire body language changes. What was once a playful and relaxed demeanor now becomes tense and closed off. He remains silent for a moment, a shadow crossing his face. "He's someone I need to find and apologize to for my sins," he responds, without offering any further explanation. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry." "And pry you did. But it's alright. Kae wants to travel with you, and I'm coming with her, so you would have found out sooner or later." "You seem like a good friend to her," you attempt to change the subject. "Yes, she is fragile but a good person. I will protect her." "Like family? A little sister? That's cute." "I've never had a family, so I don't know what it means, but I do care for the girl." Silence falls between you for a moment, and you decide to break it. <<link "• 'I think you've already chopped enough wood for a week, and we're only staying for one night. Come on, big guy, let's eat,' you gesture for him to follow you. He grabs a dozen pieces of chopped wood and follows you back to the camp." "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I like you, Mauthak. I think you're a good guy, despite all the 'cruel' thing going on with you. It's nice to have both of you joining us. Now, come on, let's eat,' you say with a smile, walking back to the camp." "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• 'Aren't you feeling cold?', you ask him, you eyes scanning his wet body. ❤️" "mauthak1">><<set $mauthakromance to $mauthakromance +1>> <</link>> <<elseif $gender is "nonbinarym">> You approach the enormous Orc as he effortlessly splits another trunk with his axe. "Hey, Mauthak," you call out cautiously, not wanting to startle someone wielding an axe. "$name! Good to see you. What can I do for you?" he responds. "I was actually wondering if I could help you with anything." "Help me with what?" "Chopping wood, carrying it back to camp, or just keeping you company. Whatever you need," you offer. Mauthak chuckles, a hearty sound. "I don't need any help, but you're welcome to keep me company, handsome," he replies, splitting another log in half. Despite the cold and the snow, Mauthak is shirtless, with no sign of his usual leather straps and armor. His black braids cascade over his bare skin. You can see his muscles flexing as he effortlessly splits another trunk with his bare hands. You notice that his body is wet, not from sweat, but from the snow melting against his skin. The water running down his body accentuates his scars, making them glisten. His deep black eyes remain focused on the task at hand, while his tusks press firmly against his upper lip. "How long have you been traveling?" you ask, curious to learn more about him. "About a month, give or take." "And who is Rammott?" His entire body language changes. What was once a playful and relaxed demeanor now becomes tense and closed off. He remains silent for a moment, a shadow crossing his face. "He's someone I need to find and apologize to for my sins," he responds, without offering any further explanation. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry." "And pry you did. But it's alright. Kae wants to travel with you, and I'm coming with her, so you would have found out sooner or later." "You seem like a good friend to her," you attempt to change the subject. "Yes, she is fragile but a good person. I will protect her." "Like family? A little sister? That's cute." "I've never had a family, so I don't know what it means, but I do care for the girl." Silence falls between you for a moment, and you decide to break it. <<link "• 'I think you've already chopped enough wood for a week, and we're only staying for one night. Come on, big guy, let's eat,' you gesture for him to follow you. He grabs a dozen pieces of chopped wood and follows you back to the camp." "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I like you, Mauthak. I think you're a good guy, despite all the 'cruel' thing going on with you. It's nice to have both of you joining us. Now, come on, let's eat,' you say with a smile, walking back to the camp." "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• 'Aren't you feeling cold?', you ask him, you eyes scanning his wet body. ❤️" "mauthak1">> <</link>> <<else>> You approach the enormous Orc as he effortlessly splits another trunk with his axe. "Hey, Mauthak," you call out cautiously, not wanting to startle someone wielding an axe. "$name! Good to see you. What can I do for you?" he responds. "I was actually wondering if I could help you with anything." "Help me with what?" "Chopping wood, carrying it back to camp, or just keeping you company. Whatever you need," you offer. Mauthak chuckles, a hearty sound. "I don't need any help, but you're welcome to keep me company, handsome," he replies, splitting another log in half. Despite the cold and the snow, Mauthak is shirtless, with no sign of his usual leather straps and armor. His black braids cascade over his bare skin. You can see his muscles flexing as he effortlessly splits another trunk with his bare hands. You notice that his body is wet, not from sweat, but from the snow melting against his skin. The water running down his body accentuates his scars, making them glisten. His deep black eyes remain focused on the task at hand, while his tusks press firmly against his upper lip. "How long have you been traveling?" you ask, curious to learn more about him. "About a month, give or take." "And who is Rammott?" His entire body language changes. What was once a playful and relaxed demeanor now becomes tense and closed off. He remains silent for a moment, a shadow crossing his face. "He's someone I need to find and apologize to for my sins," he responds, without offering any further explanation. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry." "And pry you did. But it's alright. Kae wants to travel with you, and I'm coming with her, so you would have found out sooner or later." "You seem like a good friend to her," you attempt to change the subject. "Yes, she is fragile but a good person. I will protect her." "Like family? A little sister? That's cute." "I've never had a family, so I don't know what it means, but I do care for the girl." Silence falls between you for a moment, and you decide to break it. <<link "• 'I think you've already chopped enough wood for a week, and we're only staying for one night. Come on, big guy, let's eat,' you gesture for him to follow you. He grabs a dozen pieces of chopped wood and follows you back to the camp." "tent">> <</link>> <<link "• 'I like you, Mauthak. I think you're a good guy, despite all the 'cruel' thing going on with you. It's nice to have both of you joining us. Now, come on, let's eat,' you say with a smile, walking back to the camp." "tent">> <</link>> <</if>>

You notice her cheeks turning bright red as she quickly pulls her scarf up to cover her face. You observe her for a while, noticing how her beautiful dark skin radiates under the campfire's glow. Up close, you spot subtle freckles on her forehead and cheeks, likely a result of sun exposure. They are truly endearing, especially accentuated by the cold night air and her blushing cheeks. "That's quite a specific preference you have," she says nervously, tracing circles on her wyvern's scales with her hands. "Oh, really? I hadn't noticed," you wink at her, using your most flirtatious tone. "You seem like a very observant person, so how could you not notice this unique liking of yours?" she takes the bait. Perfect. "Well, it's hard to notice much when you're around, outshining the sun and making the breathtaking views of the snowy mountains pale in comparison to you." She chokes on something, most likely the very air she's breathing. "I should- I should go," she says, getting up so fast that Jokhan is startled by the sudden movement. He stretches his wings and lets out a hissing sound. "Sorry Jok, I- Look..." "Hey, it's okay. Did I make you uncomfortable?" you ask, a little worried. "No! It's not that. I just... I'll talk to you later, alright? I have to talk to the others about joining you in your travel," she turns her back on you and starts walking back to her own tent. That could have been better, yes. But it could have been worse as well. <<link "• So, let's take baby steps from here." "tent">> <</link>>

You gather with your group and enjoy the meal prepared by Veldon. It is a delicious and hearty meal with meat and vegetables. The aroma is enticing, and the taste is even better. As the night progresses, you engage in conversation and the bond between you all grows stronger. Kaellë and Mauthak suggest traveling together instead of going separate ways in the morning. Initially, Veleena is hesitant, but with a little encouragement, she is convinced. Although they are unaware of your mission, if they are going to assist you, it is important to start thinking about how to explain it to them. The sooner, the better. The temperature drops, and the snowfall becomes heavier, forcing everyone to retreat to their tents. A calm silence envelops the camp, with only the gentle sound of snow falling on the tents and the distant chirping of a lonely owl. Snuggled under blankets and furs, with a satisfied belly from the warm food, you almost feel content. The only thing that could make it better is being back home. Home... How long has it been since you left? How many years since you last saw that house? You have traveled to the north many times for bounties, but you never had the courage to visit the village and witness firsthand what happened to your family. Perhaps your parents are still alive, waiting for your return in that small house. Your eyes begin to well up, but you fight back the tears. You feel your body tremble as you try to control your emotions. Suddenly, the cold seeps into your bones, as if you were lying naked in the snow. The taste of the drink your mother used to make for your birthday lingers on your tongue. Your favorite drink. You fall asleep thinkg about your parents and your old house. <<link" • You feel a familiar hand gently touching your face, wiping away your tears with a soft cloth." "dream2">> <</link>>

"I-Yes, please..." she purrs, leaning in close to you, her hand resting on your thigh. You gently touch her chin, tilting her head so that your mouths align perfectly. Moving closer, you let your breath wash over her face. Her grip tightens on your thigh, her nails digging into your flesh, revealing her barely contained desire. She glances down at your lips, and her own lips slightly part for you. Your lips brush against hers, but you pull away before she can fully kiss you. A soft, needy whimper escapes her mouth, creating the most adorable sound you've ever heard. "$name, please...", she begs. Cupping her jaw with your hand, you keep her in place. Her eyes, filled with longing, plead with you in a smoldering gaze. You oblige. Your lips meet hers halfway as she passionately kisses you back, her hands encircling your waist and pulling you closer, almost onto her lap. It doesn't take long for her tongue to meet yours in a delicious dance. Your bodies fit together. Slowly, your hand wanders on her body, tracing every scar from her neck to her stomach. When you play with the laces of her trousers, you hear a low moan escape from her lips. Your kisses drown out the sounds she makes. You feel her shivers against the tips of your fingers. Amisha releases her grip on you and hastily starts pulling off her shirt in a frenzy of desire. You move to assist her when a loud noise from outside the tent startles both of you. Veldon is banging a pan with a spoon, creating a siren-like noise to summon you for a meal. "Come on, everyone! The food is ready. Hurry and eat before it gets cold. I don't want anyone complaining about hunger and turning into a giant cat to eat me on the road. Yes, Amisha, I'm talking to you! Don't even try to pretend you're sleeping. If you don't show up in 2 minutes, I'll come and get you myself." You can't help but chuckle at how quickly these two have become almost like friends. Amisha lets go of her shirt, emitting an irritated growl. "I. Fucking. Hate. This. Guy," she complains, rubbing her eyes in frustration. "Come on, he's right. You need to eat," you say as you stand up and help her to her feet. "I'm not hungry anymore, well, not for food," she pouts for being interrupted. Leaning closer, your lips brush against her ear as you speak in a low, hoarse voice. "Are you going to play the role of a bad girl now? Bad girls don't receive rewards from me." "No, my heart," she replies, her voice matching your low, hoarse tone. "Good. Now, let's go," you guide her back to the campfire. <<link "• It's dinner time." "tent">> <</link>>

As soon as you ask the question, you notice her gaze briefly flicker towards you. "I-" Her voice falters, and she clears her throat. "Aloe. It's good for burns and scars. I just thought... I don't know, it's silly. Kaellë said it would help." "Help with what? Does it hurt?" "No, it doesn't hurt, but it's... ugly," she instinctively covers the area where the scar is, even though it's already covered by a bandage. You can see shame in her eyes. "It's not," you assure her sincerely. "You don't have to lie, I know it is." "It's not. Veleena, you're gorgeous. Your scar is part of your beauty. You're beautiful with it, not despite it," you say, a sweet smile on your lips. "I've thought about this exact phrase before, I just didn't say it. But it's true." She bites her lip and looks away from you, falling silent once again. After a few minutes, you decide to break the silence. "But... why are you trying to soften your scar? Are you trying to catch someone's eye?" you tease her. "Yes," she answers honestly and quickly, leaving you feeling a bit dazed. "Yes?" you ask, amused. "Yes. Now leave. I need to finish sharpening my daggers, and you're just a bother, a distraction." <<link "• She shoos you away before you have a chance to inquire further. You know you won't be able to get any more information from her. Well, it's probably best to go check on the food." "tent">> <</link>>

"I was born inside an active volcano. I drank magma, and my mother is the mountain. I don't feel cold," he answers, raising a brow at you as if it were obvious. "Are you being serious?" "Of course, the elders educate us on our birth and upbringing. They teach us everything." <<if $race is "Orc">> "Are you not an Orc as well? You should know these things." "I apologize, but I did not grow up in Zeophenon. My parents and I used to live in a secretive and small village somewhere in the North. I have no knowledge of our people's customs and traditions," you admit, feeling a twinge of shame. "Parents? Together? Like a mother and a father living with their offspring?" he asks, his eyes widening. "Yes, until they disappeared." "Unthinkable. They defied the will of the gods and the elders, which is why they disappeared. Orcs cannot... We are not allowed to love." "Do you truly believe what you're saying?" "The elders have spoken, and we must obey." "You know what, that's interesting. Could you teach me more about our people?" <<else>> "So, you were born from a mountain... Did you drink magma? Do you still drink magma today?" "No, that was just a part of my infancy. Babies are nurtured by the mountain, which helps them grow stronger." "You know what, that's interesting. Could you teach me more about your people?" <</if>> "I may not be older, but I can try to answer your questions. What do you want to learn?" he asks, crossing his arms over his muscular chest. "I'm interested in anything you're willing to teach me. Whether it's about Orcs or about yourself. I'm interested in you." you reply. He looks at you, appearing slightly surprised before bursting into laughter. "Feeling bold today, huh? Alright, handsome. I'll teach you a few things," he says, licking his tusks and locking eyes with you. "But not today. We need to eat and rest for now. I'm starving, let's go," he grabs the firewood and heads back to camp. <<link "• It's only the first step, but you might be able to crack this hard shell." "tent">> <</link>>

A woman's gentle voice sings a familiar lullaby to you. You slowly open your eyes, but your vision remains hazy. When you try to speak, only a weak grunt escapes your mouth. You attempt to move, but find yourself snugly wrapped in heavy blankets, feeling warm and cozy. The voice speaks again, as soft lips touch your forehead. "Hush, my love. Hush. You are the...- one we all need. And...-" she mentions a name, but you don't comprehend. You hear other voices approaching, talking with the woman. "Oh, is this $name? They are perfect for our child. Together, they will be unstoppable, as the prophecy foretells. Destined," a man's voice declares. "Yes, they are destined to save us all. Look at those tiny hands, so adorable. Although ours are a bit older, the age difference is insignificant. Come here, darling, and see your future partner," another woman says. You feel another hand touching yours, a hand that is not much larger than your own. Your blurry eyes can't make out much, but you can discern the distinct color of copper hair hovering above you. The hand gently strokes your skin. "Be careful, darling, they are very small. Take it easy," your mother cautions. "Dielo, did you bring the necklaces?" a new man's voice asks. You recognize this voice. It's your father. "Of course I did, Rial. Do you think I'm foolish? This is too important to mess up." Your memories become hazy once again. Suddenly, a sharp pain shoots through your fingertip as the knife pierces your skin, causing you to bleed. Tears well up in your eyes as you express your pain. "Shh, it's alright, my dear. The pain will subside soon. Now, come here...-! Drink the blood quickly," your mother calls. You feel the warmth of lips encircling your injured finger. Then, the sensation of cold metal against your skin. You recognize the familiar weight of the metal resting on your small chest. It is your necklace, the only memento you have left from your parents. It is made of a weird black metal, with a pendant in the shape of a decapitated dragon head, its long neck adorned with a broken shackle. The eyes of the pendant are hollowed out, as if something is missing. Perhaps a gem? <<link "• Everything fades into oblivion." "dream2.2">> <</link>>

You are devoid of physical sensation, yet fully aware. Attempting to open your eyes proves futile, as there are no eyes to open. Suddenly, a dry chuckle grabs your attention. <span style="color:red">//"So, you've finally decided to start remembering properly? It took you some time."//</span> "Who...?" <span style="color:red">//"I'm Egon, my dear hunter."//</span> "What do you want? Why do I keep dreaming of you?" <span style="color:red">//"You're not dreaming of me, my naive slayer-to-be. I am visiting you. Do you want to hear a... ''Secret?''"//</span>, the voice laughs. "What are you talking about? What secret?" <span style="color:red">//"I need you to eliminate something for me. And you will also benefit from it, so there's no need to worry. It's a mutually beneficial situation. However, I've been considering that you are currently incomplete. You are only a half Slayer. Do you have the ability to kill the creature I require you to?"//</span> "I am a skilled hunter. I can eliminate any creature." <span style="color:red">//"Ah, I see. You are indeed a hunter. But are you also a Slayer?"//</span> You feel yourself falling. [[• Wake up.]]

You wake up drenched in cold sweat, your entire body aching from the tense muscles you endured throughout the night. Your hair is plastered to your forehead, and your throat feels parched. Who is this Egon, and why does he persistently invade your dreams? The only Egon you've ever heard of is the renowned explorer who traversed the world, documenting his travels and sharing knowledge about various cultures and races. His true lineage remains a mystery, but rumors suggest he may be a half-human with an unknown heritage, considering he has lived for well over a century. Egon is also known for his mastery in magic and his ownership of numerous magical item shops scattered across Kellet. If you ever needed a magical item, Egon was the go-to person, and his fame has reached far and wide. However, it seems highly unlikely that this famous Egon could be the same person haunting your dreams. Or could he? Slowly, you cast aside the blankets and furs, stretching your limbs above your head in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Today, you need to be at your best as you embark on a journey to the first location marked on Veleena's map. The old castle ruins lie just a few hours away, where you must search for a mysterious beast and something else that remains unclear. Perhaps it's a fragment of a sword or even the sword itself. The question lingers in your mind: why would a sword as powerful and valuable as Blakniv still be hidden within these ruins, which have been plundered by countless looters for over two centuries? The odds seem slim, but it's your job to investigate and find out. You dress and prepare yourself. As you step out of the tent, you notice that it is still early in the morning. The sun is just beginning to rise behind the snowy mountains, casting a soft glow that gives the entire area a cotton-like appearance. It's a breathtaking sight, especially considering the inherent dangers of this place. The northern region is undeniably hostile, with white tigers, snow leopards, saber-toothed tigers, mammoths, ice wyverns, draugrs, feral wargs, and numerous other threats that could easily result in the death of everyone present. Furthermore, the ruins are rumored to be haunted by the spirits of fallen Rakrax warriors from the war era. It's possible that the ruins themselves are cursed, much like the Queen who once ruled there. The rest of your group is already awake, except for Amisha, who always sleeps more than anyone you've ever known. But when the smell of food starts to spread across the camp, she appears and joins the rest of you to sit and eat. With everyone ready, within an hour, you're back on the road. [[• The sun is concealed behind thick, snowy clouds. There is sufficient light to navigate safely, but not enough warmth to melt the snow. Consequently, you find yourself walking on snow that reaches up to your knees.]]

It's an exhausting trek, requiring immense physical strength to traverse the snowy field, leaving your legs weary and your breath labored. Your fellow companions appear to be experiencing the same fatigue, except for Mauthak for his size and Veldon, who remain mounted on his horse. Kaellë made the decision to have Jokhan accompany her, flying just above your heads. However, the freezing temperatures prevent him from soaring higher, and she doesn't want to strain him further by riding him. She trails behind Mauthak, utilizing the path he creates with his massive boots. A few exhausting hours later of walking and taking breaks to rest, you find yourselves standing in front of the awe-inspiring ruins of the Rymdruk castle. It has remained in this state for nearly 400 years, yet it still presents a breathtaking sight. The castle is colossal, and even in its ruined state, it surpasses the size of the Royal Elves' main castle. Its ancient stones are a deep shade of black, and the wind howls through its empty and destroyed hallways, reminiscent of a pack of ghostly wolves crying out in the night. You proceed forward, searching for any signs of beasts. Amisha accompanies you in her tiger form, sniffing and observing the same things as you. "Find anything, kitten? Can you hear anything?" you inquire, examining the soil beneath your fingertips. She gazes at you, her large orange eyes conveying the information you seek. She hasn't discovered anything beyond what you have. "What exactly are we searching for?" Kaellë inquires, her fingers delicately tracing the stone walls. "Well, we-" you begin to respond, but before you can finish, a heavy sense of electricity fills the air. It's the same feeling you get when lightning is about to strike nearby. A shiver runs down your spine. Glancing at Amisha, you notice her ears twitch towards the sky, prompting you to look up as well. A colossal white cloud drifts across the sky, with an eerie blue light emanating from within the clouds. Suddenly, the cloud unfurls its wings. Oh no, this is no cloud. The creature gazes down at you, its piercing blue eyes fixated on your presence before unleashing the most deafening and terrifying roar you have ever heard. You are overwhelmed with dread as you witness the impossible - a colossal white dragon. Dragons were believed to be extinct, yet here you stand, locking eyes with this awe-inspiring creature. Its ribcage emits an eerie blue glow, and as it unhinges its enormous jaws, a chilling mist escapes its mouth. The dragon gracefully touches down on the crumbling castle, barely accommodating its immense stature. It's as if a mountain sprouted wings and took to the skies. You look back at your companions. Jokhan has positioned himself in front of Kaellë, wings spread as his owner is paralyzed in fear. Mauthak grips his axe tightly, jaw clenched, eyes focused on the dragon. Veldon is urging his horse away and running to stand beside Veleena, sword in hand; you can see him trembling. Veleena appears somewhat lost, daggers in hand. She looks at you and Amisha, silently asking what to do. Amisha's fur stands on end, her mouth open in a snarl, her shining orange eyes defying a beast 500 times larger than her. The dragon unleashes another deafening roar, causing the once clear skies to darken with ominous clouds, pregnant with rain and charged with electricity. The clash of thunder reverberates through the air. This battle surpasses your capabilities. You cannot kill a dragon. "Run! Seek shelter! We must flee this place immediately!" you urgently cry out to your comrades, swiftly pivoting on your heels in search of a safe haven, any place to conceal yourselves. Desperately, you sprint towards the nearby forest, hoping to find solace within a hidden cave or amidst the impenetrable thicket, a refuge that might divert the dragon's attention away from your presence You sprint through the snowy field, gasping for breath, with the sound of your companions' screams and barks echoing close behind. Just as you approach the forest, the dragon lands heavily behind you. Glancing back, you see its piercing blue eyes gleaming with danger. The dragon lunges forward, causing a loud cracking noise to emanate from below. Looking down, you notice the ground trembling beneath you. The snow begins to shake violently, causing you to lose your balance and tumble to the ground, your companions not far behind. As the dragon takes flight once more, the force it exerts on the ground is enough to shatter the final stone holding it together. Suddenly, a massive crater opens up beneath you, dragging you down into a dark abyss beneath the surface. Desperately, you try to grab onto roots, rocks, anything that might halt your descent, but nothing can prevent this inevitable fall. You feel snow and rocks on your face as you try to protect yourself from the fall. You hear your companions screaming, trying to hold themselves, trying to do something. Your body hits something cold, you feel the air leaving your lungs, consciousness escaping your grasp, your eyes feel heavy. You look up at the sky, the immense dragon circling the crater, snapping its jaws in the air. Its loud roar is the last thing you hear before your consciousness falls into the abyss of the void. [[• You feel a comforting warmth enveloping your right shoulder, a faint voice echoes in the distance, softly calling out your name.]]

"Please, tell me $name is alive!" Amisha's voice pleaded, desperate, sobbing. "Yes, they just passed out. Minor injuries. I can take care of it, just give me space to work," Kaellë's voice answers. Calm, composed. "What the hell was that?" Veldon screams, his voice echoing in the place you are. You try to open your eyes, but your body is too weak. At least, you don't think you are dead. "A big headache to deal with once we find it again," Mauthak answers. "Are you fucking kidding me? I never want to find that shit again. It made a hole in the ground by landing!" "No, it didn't. The ground was already weakened. The soil structure is old. This is probably the underground of the castle, nothing more. The dragon's size only accelerated the process, and water would have done it anyway," Veleena speaks. "Not now, Vee." You sense the soothing power of healing magic coursing through your bones. A sharp, agonizing pain emanates from your shoulder, but gradually subsides as the healing takes effect. With great effort, you manage to pry your eyes open, accompanied by a fit of coughing as you attempt to utter words. Your companions' gazes shift towards you, and Amisha rushes to your side, dropping to her knees with a worried expression in her eyes. "Are you okay?" she scans you from top to bottom, inspecting for any additional injuries. "I'm alright, I suppose. Where exactly are we?" She hands you a waterskin, and it's only now that you realize you're drenched from head to toe, just like all your companions. "It seems to be some sort of cave network beneath the castle grounds," Veleena states, her arms tightly folded across her chest. "We were lucky enough to land in an underground lake when we fell, otherwise we'd likely be dead by now." You survey your surroundings and find yourself in a colossal cave with a massive lake at its center. It appears that someone has pulled you out of the water. The temperature is frigid, sending shivers down your spine. As you glance at your companions, you notice that they seem relatively unharmed, albeit with dirty, tattered attire and disheveled appearance. Although a few of them bear bloodstains on their clothes, there are no visible wounds. Presumably, Kaellë has tended to their injuries and restored their well-being. "Is everyone alright?" you inquire, taking a seat with Amisha's assistance. "We're all alive and unharmed. But there's no way to climb back up from this hole. It's too tall and steep. Jokhan is nowhere to be found. We'll have to navigate through this cave until we locate the exit," Kaellë's voice is filled with sorrow, her tone trembling as she mentions Jokhan's name, clearly consumed by worry. "Alright, let's get out of here. Come on, I can't stand this place, it gives me the creeps," Mauthak says, splashing his face with the icy lake water. "Are you sure it's not the cold water giving you the creeps, big guy?" Veldon teases. "Cold water doesn't give me the creeps, it's actually good for a headache. My head is pounding." "Whatever you say. Come on, let's go," you begin to walk cautiously through the tunnels, using a makeshift torch to illuminate the frigid stone corridors. "Stop! I've found something," a voice calls out, causing everyone to halt. You all turn around to find Veleena fiddling with a loose stone. "What's that?" Veldon inquires, stepping closer to examine the stone. "A passage, most likely," Veleena responds, casually flicking her hand. The stone tumbles to the ground with a gentle thud. Suddenly, you hear a creaking sound, and the once solid stone wall morphs into a gleaming metal door radiating with enchantment. Veleena reached out to open the door, but Veldon stopped her, taking charge. Even in the darkness, you can see her red eyes rolling in response to his protective actions. The group follows him as he led the way through the door, entering a lengthy corridor lined with ancient cells carved into the stone walls. You peer into several of the dimly lit cells, noticing a handful of them still housing ancient skeletons. You can hear rats running, their tiny paws create clicking noises as they traverse the frigid stone floor. An unsettling feeling washes over you as you take in the scene. Despite the presence of these dusty cells, the place appears strangely habited. It maintains a surprising level of cleanliness, and further down the corridor, a flickering torchlight catches your attention. Just as you are about to voice your unease, a voice calls out your name, its echoes bouncing eerily off the stone walls. "$name... It's you, I know it is. So, you came to rescue me? How eager you are, my love. Come, $name. I can smell you from here," the voice is hoarse, strong, when they speak, it sounds more like a roar than a voice. Your eyes widen as you freeze, shocked by what just happened. "What the hell..." you hear Amisha murmuring beside you. "Stay here, I'm going to see what that was." You simply nod as she walks farther down the hallway, with Mauthak and Veleena trailing behind her. "Get out of my face, you're not $name. I want to see $name, not you. Come, my love, I won't harm you." You gulp loudly, feeling a strong pull towards the direction of the voice. Your body moves slowly, as if it is instinctively trying to return home on its own. Amisha, Mauthak, and Veleena stand in astonishment before the sole cell that holds a living hostage. <<link "• It's a man inside of this cell, his eyes lighting up as they catch sight of you." "Secret">><<set $secretgender to "male">> <</link>> <<link "• It's a woman inside of this cell, her eyes lighting up as they catch sight of you." "Secret">><<set $secretgender to "female">> <</link>>

<<if $secretgender is "female">> The woman standing before you has a bright smile, with pointy teeth that resemble those of the dragon you encountered earlier. Her hair hangs loosely over her shoulders, appearing greasy and dirty, in desperate need of a hairbrush. But the color of her hair triggers a memory of the copper tone from your dreams. There is an odd sense of familiarity that you feel towards this woman. She is dressed in tattered clothing and stands barefoot. As she approaches the metal bars of her cell, you tilt your head, noticing her copper eyes. The combination of her copper eyes and hair triggers a sense of déjà vu. Where have you seen this before? Suddenly, she extends her hand towards you, revealing her left arm completely covered in red and black scales. She attempts to touch you, but Amisha snaps out of her daze and quickly positions herself between you and the mysterious woman. "Stay back, $name. Who are you? And how do you know $name's name?" Amisha barks, her words dripping with venom. The woman delicately brushes her lips with a menacing claw protruding from her left hand. Her maniacal laughter reverberates throughout the room, sending shivers down your spine. Bats frantically flutter above, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. A wave of fear washes over you, leaving you feeling uneasy. Instinctively, everyone takes a cautious step back, creating distance between themselves and the woman. "I apologize profusely for my lack of manners. Being confined within this wretched rat cage for so long has clearly affected me," she murmurs, gripping the cold metal bars of her cell. Her face presses against the unforgiving surface. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Secret, and I am $name's soulmate!" The words strike you with the force of a shockwave. Your gaze is drawn to the necklace hanging around her neck, catching a glimpse of it. The cold black metal glimmers in the darkness, captivating your attention. It is a pendant shaped like a decapitated dragon head, its elongated neck adorned with a shattered shackle. Your eyes widen in astonishment. It's the same as yours, bt something is different. The pendant's eyes emit a vivid scarlet red, while the gemstones seem to possess a life of their own, fixated on you. <<else>> The man standing before you has a bright smile, with pointy teeth that resemble those of the dragon you encountered earlier. His hair hangs loosely over his eyes, appearing greasy and dirty, in desperate need of a hairbrush. But the color of his hair triggers a memory of the copper tone from your dreams. There is an odd sense of familiarity that you feel towards this man. He is dressed in tattered clothing and stands barefoot. As he approaches the metal bars of his cell, you tilt your head, noticing his copper eyes. The combination of his copper eyes and hair triggers a sense of déjà vu. Where have you seen this before? Suddenly, he extends his hand towards you, revealing his left arm completely covered in red and black scales. He attempts to touch you, but Amisha snaps out of her daze and quickly positions herself between you and the mysterious woman. "Stay back, $name. Who are you? And how do you know $name's name?" Amisha barks, her words dripping with venom. The man delicately brushes his lips with a menacing claw protruding from his left hand. His maniacal laughter reverberates throughout the room, sending shivers down your spine. Bats frantically flutter above, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. A wave of fear washes over you, leaving you feeling uneasy. Instinctively, everyone takes a cautious step back, creating distance between themselves and the man. "I apologize profusely for my lack of manners. Being confined within this wretched rat cage for so long has clearly affected me," he murmurs, gripping the cold metal bars of her cell. His face presses against the unforgiving surface. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Secret, and I am $name's soulmate!" The words strike you with the force of a shockwave. Your gaze is drawn to the necklace hanging around his neck, catching a glimpse of it. The cold black metal glimmers in the darkness, captivating your attention. It is a pendant shaped like a decapitated dragon head, its elongated neck adorned with a shattered shackle. Your eyes widen in astonishment. It's the same as yours, bt something is different. The pendant's eyes emit a vivid scarlet red, while the gemstones seem to possess a life of their own, fixated on you. <</if>> [[• Clutching your chest, you tightly grip the necklace, sensing its weight, while a deep breath escapes your lips. Suddenly, a surge of intense heat engulfs your entire being. Who is this person?]]

END OF DEMO. 😉 DO YOU WANT SPOILERS FOR THE NEXT UPDATE? CLICK ON THE OPTION CALLED ''SPOILERS'' BELOW. IF NOT, YOUR JOURNEY IS OVER FOR NOW. [[• SPOILERS]]

"I have waited for so long, my love. I have always known that you desired me just as much as I desire you. Finally, we can be together, just as the prophecy foretold! Isn't this absolutely perfect? You look ever better in person." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Maintain your distance, freak. I shall sever your arm and tail without hesitation. What exactly are you anyway?" "You ought to show me reverence, untamed creature. I am your savior." "What the fuck are you even blabbering about?" "Do you know how to slay a dragon?" Secret smirks with a menacing glint. The supreme predator mocking its lesser counterparts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What do you think you're doing? I am the prince of Xa'Aron. Take your leave before I decide to demand your heads."