{(set: $chapter to "CHAPTER ONE")}
''CHAPTER ONE''
It was cold and dark in this place never reached by sunlight. A thick silence permeated the air, only disrupted by the running water of the river, the creaking wood of the gondola and the oar plunging in the black stream. You tightened your cape around your shoulders, shuddering. You were frozen to the bone and scared. You had no idea what was next. Your wide eyes stared in front of you at the sphere of light the lantern tied to the bow of the craft struggled to project, looking for signs of your destination. But there was nothing but rock, dark water and row after row of stalactites letting cool drops fall on your shivering body.
You had been sitting in the gondola for hours now, with no sign of civilisation beyond the wooden pier where you started your underground journey. You were beginning to fear the only thing awaiting you at the end of the river was a pitch-black watery grave. Your breath caught in your throat and you must have made some noise. You felt a gloved hand gently squeezing your shoulder. Jumping a little, you turned around to see the concerned face of Sir Mansoor.
The knight who was assigned to be your bodyguard was still young, but his water-green eyes were already hardened by battle. The faint but warm candlelight brought out the golden undertones of his medium brown skin as well as cast stark shadows on his long and sharp features. His almond-shaped eyes, lined with thick and dark lashes, were soft with worry, while his long frame was awkwardly folded to fit in the flat boat. In the darkness, you could barely make out the details of his white and gold uniform, but his breastplate, embossed with the moon and sun of the Dimeritia dynasty, reflected brightly the light of the lantern. He was leaning forward, the plume of his helmet draping over his wide shoulder.
In a low voice, he said:
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Are you alright, your Majesty?”")[
(set: $MCtitle to "your Majesty")
(set: $MCtitle2 to "Monarch")
(set: $MCgender to "person")
(set: $MCgender2 to "non-binary")
(set: $MCplural to 2)
(set: $MCpronoun to "they")
(set: $MCpronoun2 to "them")
(set: $MCpronoun3 to "their")
(set: $MCpronoun4 to "themself")
(set: $MCpronoun5 to "theirs")
(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Laird")
(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Laird")
(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "noble")
(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'laird")
(go-to: "Are you alright, your Majesty?")
]<br />
//(You are non-binary — they/them pronouns)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Are you alright, my Queen?”")[
(set: $MCtitle to "my Queen")
(set: $MCtitle2 to "Queen")
(set: $MCgender to "woman")
(set: $MCgender2 to "woman")
(set: $MCplural to 1)
(set: $MCpronoun to "she")
(set: $MCpronoun2 to "her")
(set: $MCpronoun3 to "her")
(set: $MCpronoun4 to "herself")
(set: $MCpronoun5 to "hers")
(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Lady")
(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Lady")
(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "noblewoman")
(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'lady")
(go-to: "Are you alright, your Majesty?")
]<br />
//(You are a woman — she/her pronouns)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Are you alright, my King?”")[
(set: $MCtitle to "my King")
(set: $MCtitle2 to "King")
(set: $MCgender to "man")
(set: $MCgender2 to "man")
(set: $MCplural to 1)
(set: $MCpronoun to "he")
(set: $MCpronoun2 to "him")
(set: $MCpronoun3 to "his")
(set: $MCpronoun4 to "himself")
(set: $MCpronoun5 to "his")
(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Lord")
(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Lord")
(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "nobleman")
(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'lord")
(go-to: "Are you alright, your Majesty?")
]<br />
//(You are a man — he/him pronouns)//</div>}
//(You can now customize your gender, pronouns and titles in the settings at any moment.)//
“Are you alright, $MCtitle?”
You held his gaze for a moment, looking for the most appropriate answer. Did you have to stick to the etiquette you had been painstakingly taught your whole eighteen years of life? Or were you long past that by now and could afford to be honest?
You had known the knight since you were a child, but he really became part of your daily life three years ago, when he was seventeen. He had passed the trials with flying colors and entered the ranks of the Royal Guard as soon as he was allowed, which was extremely rare at his young age, speaking highly of his skills and dedication. He was assigned to your protection — as per his request — and had been at your side ever since. Sir Mansoor saved your life multiple times, most of them recent. You remember the first time he had to kill for you. You saw him transform, from a passionate boy to a determined young man. You knew him as well as a $MCtitle2 is allowed to know $MCpronoun3 vassal.
You lowered your eyes for a moment and made a choice.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I am alright, Sir Mansoor. I am just sorry you have been dragged into this. What about your family?”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 2)
(go-to: "I am alright, Sir Mansoor")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“If I may be blunt, Sir Mansoor... I am terrified. What is going to happen now?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 2)
(go-to: "If I can be blunt, Sir Mansoor")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am fine.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 2)
(go-to: "I am fine")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“It is none of your concerns, Sir Mansoor.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 2)
(go-to: "It is none of your concerns")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“I am alright, Sir Mansoor. I am just sorry you have been dragged into this. What about your family?”
Sir Mansoor's eyebrows knit together and his eyes shone with something akin to tenderness.
“I thank you, $MCtitle, for your concern,” he said, his voice still quiet. “As you well know, my family has served yours for many generations. What would my mother say if I failed to do my duty? My place is beside yours and my role is to protect you. As much as I am going to miss my family, there is nowhere else I would rather be.”
He smiled at you but it seemed a little strained. You felt reassured by his words, but you had a feeling he was keeping some of his concerns to himself. Etiquette dictated this distance that had always been between you and him, despite the deep bond forged by both your families, generations ago.
{<div class="choice">Etiquette be damned, you pushed further. (link: "“Something troubles you.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "You pushed further")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“Then I am grateful for your presence, Sir Mansoor.”->The end of the journey]]<br />
You decided not to pry and left him to his thoughts, turning back around.</div>}
“If I may be blunt, Sir Mansoor... I am terrified. What is going to happen now?”
His eyebrows furrowed and the concern in his gaze deepened. You could feel the gentle grip of his hand becoming firmer.
“I am sorry, $MCtitle. I do not rightly know what the future has in store for us, but know that you will be safe. I will make sure of that.”
There was determination in his eyes and even if you still worried about what was ahead of you, you already felt safer. His promise was backed by the long history of the Mansoor family's loyal deeds accomplished in service of your dynasty. And more specifically by the loyal deeds he personally accomplished in your service. He never failed to protect you before. But doing so, Sir Mansoor ended up injured at more than one occasion.
{<div class="choice">You hesitated to voice your concern for him. Was it proper for a $MCtitle2? Maybe not, but you owed Sir Mansoor more than the distance required by etiquette.<br />
(link: "“Will you be safe too, Sir Mansoor?”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Will you be safe too")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You probably would never be able to properly thank the young knight for all the sacrifices he made to protect you.<br />
You tried nevertheless. [[“I am glad you are here, Sir Mansoor. Thank you.”->The end of the journey]]<br />
You turned around, looking ahead.</div>}
“I am fine.”
You turned your head back around, staring right in front of you, avoiding the young knight's intense gaze. You did not want to burden him with your fears. After all, you were his $MCtitle2 and you had a duty towards him as much as he had one towards you. It was a pact made generations ago between the Mansoor family and your dynasty. Their unwavering loyalty in exchange of your family's own.
You could still feel the warmth of Sir Mansoor's hand on your shoulder. He squeezed it a little more firmly before removing it.
“You will be,” you heard him whisper behind you. “I promise.”
By the slight hoarseness of his voice, you could tell it was more than a promise. An oath. He did not have to make it. He had already proven himself time and time again.
{<div class="choice">The flames of anger lit up inside of you. Everyone expected this to be a one-sided relationship. How many times did you try to return the favor to Sir Mansoor only to be told that it was beneath you? But you knew it was wrong.<br />
(link: "“And I promise to do right by you,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I'll do right by you")
] you said, your own voice coming out rough. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Your throat dry, you could not find any more words to give Sir Mansoor. Years and years of conditioning prevented you from speaking your mind or revealing your true feelings.<br />
[[You stayed quiet.->The end of the journey]]</div>}
“Something troubles you.”
Sir Mansoor's eyes widened in surprise and his hand slowly fell from your shoulder. Taken aback, it took him a few seconds to find an answer.
“(upperfirst: $MCtitle) is very observant,” he said, his eyes darting away from yours. “To tell you the whole truth, my mother //insisted// that I accompany you instead of fighting off the rebellion, and part of me is concerned that she did so to protect me as well.”
In the dim light, you saw his face flushing, as if he was ashamed he considered fighting alongside his mother over staying at your side. But you could hardly blame him. Having lost both your parents, you knew how precious it was to have even just one of them still living.
An annoyed sigh piped up from behind the knight.
“Our $MCtitle2 has more important matters to concern $MCpronoun4 with than your personal feelings, Sir Mansoor,” said the dry voice of Lady Domara. “You would do good to keep them to yourself.”
Your eyes turned to your tutor and court mage. The shapely older woman was adjusting her pristine dress, the deep red color of which flattering the pinkish light brown of her freckled skin and the grey-sprinkled auburn of her neatly styled hair.
Even if it was not her primary role, Lady Domara never lost an opportunity to enforce the finer details of etiquette. Her dedication to make you the perfect $MCtitle2 felt a little over-zealous at times.
<div class="choice">[[You turned back around, biting your lips, feeling ashamed to have put Sir Mansoor in trouble.->The end of the journey]]</div>
After a while longer, what seemed to be a never ending natural tunnel suddenly branched out. Your Dwarven guide aptly maneuvered the gondola to take the artificially-made underground channel that opened on your right. The tunnel was small, leaving just enough room for one gondola to sail through. You obviously were not taking the most travelled path to Lagodoro, the capital city of the reclusive underground Dwarven kingdom. It was by design of course, to leave as little chance as possible to be followed by revolutionary assassins.
A few minutes later, the gondola stopped and the lantern shed a raw light on a well maintained iron portcullis which prevented you from continuing any further down the channel. The Dwarven gondolier jumped out of the boat onto an adjacent stone platform. He took out a golden token from under his shirt, attached to a chain around his neck. Putting the circular medallion into a matching recess in the wall, he turned it several times, a string of clicking noises resounding as he did. A quarter of a turn clockwise, a quarter of a turn counterclockwise, half a turn clockwise... It looked like some code to open a safe. After a few manipulations, the portcullis slowly lifted up in a loud rattling noise. The Dwarf jumped back into the gondola and started rowing again. Less than a minute after you passed the obstacle, you heard the grid loudly sliding back down. It was not very discreet but you understood that it was necessary to protect this private passageway.
Several long minutes passed, traveling along the cold underground channel, before a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. It was faint. You squinted your eyes, trying to discern its origin. As the gondola approached the end of the channel, you realized it was an opening that led to a much better lit area.
<div class="choice">[[Were you close to your destination?->Lagodoro]]</div>
“Will you be safe too, Sir Mansoor?”
Surprised, the knight blinked at you. Then, looking uncomfortable, his gaze darted away away.
“I cannot promise that, $MCtitle.”
He stayed silent for a moment and you looked at his water-green irises moving frantically underneath his long black lashes as he was thinking. Finally, his eyes met yours again, his lips stretching into a timid smile.
“But I promise that I will be prudent, if it pleases $MCtitle.”
<div class="choice">[[You smiled back at him, somewhat reassured, and turned around to look ahead.->The end of the journey]]</div>
“And I promise to do right by you,” you said, your own voice coming out rough.
You could not see it, but you could have sworn the knight was staring so hard at you that he could have drilled a hole in your skull.
Barely audible, his voice reached your ear, closer than you expected. “You always have, $MCtitle.”
<div class="choice">Your anger subsided, your shoulders relaxing. [[You were glad that Sir Mansoor knew your intentions.->The end of the journey]]</div>{(set: $MetZanetta to 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to 2)
(set: $NutoAffection to 2)}
“Thank you,” you whispered to him as you put your hand in his.
With his help, you stepped onto the dock. The gondolier gave you a barely perceptible nod. (display: "The house")
“What donation? Why am I only hearing about this now?”
The court mage stared daggers at you, obviously not keen on discussing this in front of strangers.
“This was necessary to get you to shelter, $MCtitle,” she said with a strained voice.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I would have liked to have known...” A slight frown was still crinkling your brow.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Why did you not tell me?” You asked, staring intently at her.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“You should have told me,” you replied, your voice cold.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“How was my staying in the dark necessary, exactly?” You snapped back at her.<br />
]
(else:)[
“You could have told me,” you remarked, your eyes narrowed.<br />
]}
Lady Domara took a long breath through her nose, seemingly to calm her nerves.
Her tone was more even when she spoke again. “I apologize, $MCtitle. I should have informed you. I was... concerned you might question my actions. There was no time for that.”
{<div class="choice">An apology was nice to hear. But you were not done yet. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
(link: "“I appreciate it, Lady Domara, but I don't understand. I thought Telidrica was our ally.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Telidrica is no one's ally")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
(link: "“You are right, I would have questioned them. I thought Telidrica was our ally.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Telidrica is no one's ally")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
(link: "“It does not matter now. But I thought Telidrica was our ally.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Telidrica is no one's ally")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
(link: "“Questioning your actions is one of my prerogatives, I should think. Why was this needed? This is no way to treat an ally!”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Telidrica is no one's ally")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Wether I did or not, you should still have told me. And I thought Telidrica was our ally.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Telidrica is no one's ally")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
[[You understood where Lady Domara was coming from and decided to let the matter go for the moment.->Stay quiet]]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You stared at Lady Domara a little longer but stayed silent. [[For now, you decided to let the matter go.->Stay quiet]]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Still glaring at Lady Domara, you decided to let the matter go. [[For now.->Stay quiet]]
]
(else:)[
[[You decided to let the matter go for now.->Stay quiet]]
]}</div>}
Zanetta looked at the both of you for a short tense moment, then continued: “Nevertheless, my King's generosity stops there. Neither he nor any official will speak of your presence here. However it's fair game for any of Lagodoro's free citizens or visitors. It's up to you to keep a low profile. Fortunately for you, I'm here to help with that.”
She waved at you, prompting you to follow her. Your small group started climbing the stone staircase.
“Oh, and I'm the night shift,” Zanetta added as you reached the top of the stairs and entered a narrow street.
She was looking at Sir Mansoor. Realizing what she meant, he stepped closer to you, protectively.
“We do not need a night shift,” he grumbled.
“I didn't know Humans didn't need to sleep. That's pretty impressive!” The Dwarven woman retorted with sarcasm.
The young knight ground his teeth but did not say anything else. Zanetta guided all of you through a maze of dark alleys, all of them bereft of life, until you reached a little square, surrounded by a few elegant mansions. It was quiet and secluded, warmly lit by a few street lamps. Only a couple of well-dressed Dwarves passed by. At the center, an arrangement of luminescent mushrooms of different sizes had been planted in a circular patch of strange pale grass, attracting glowing tiny insects. The rest of the square was covered in smooth and clean pavement, leaving enough room for a few coaches to stop in front of each mansion's lavish entrance. The Dwarven woman stopped in front of the stateliest of them all. It was a three stories tall building with a central tower adding a fourth floor to it and covered with a golden dome. Two wings spread from the tower at an angle, away from the square, shaping the building into an L. The facade, from this side, was fairly plain, even though each window was framed by elegant reliefs. But you suspected the other side was the actual showpiece of the house.
“I hope your Majesty will not mind the modest size of this humble abode,” Zanetta said with her usual irony.
You winced. How ignorant did she think you were? This beautiful house was no royal palace, of course, but you knew it was meant for nobility or at least some of the richest merchants. This place was anything but humble.
<div class="choice">[[“What happened to keeping a low profile?”->Keeping a low profile]]</div>
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I appreciate it, Lady Domara, but I don't understand. I thought Telidrica was our ally.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“You are right, I would have questioned them. I thought Telidrica was our ally.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“It does not matter now. But I thought Telidrica was our ally.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Questioning your actions is one of my prerogatives, I should think. Why was this needed? This is no way to treat an ally!”
]
(else:)[
“Wether I did or not, you should still have told me. And I thought Telidrica was our ally.”
]}
“Telidrica is no one's ally,” your tutor replied harshly. “King Pace the twenty-first cares deeply about his kingdom's neutrality and would never have offered asylum without some sort of compensation.”
“Your advisor is right,” Zanetta Calvio intervened.
The Dwarven woman was smiling again, but she was looking at you differently this time. Was she amused?
Looking back at Lady Domara, you asked: “Then why not find refuge within our //actual// allies?”
“Which allies?” The court mage replied curtly.
You bit your lower lip, stunned. Surely your kingdom, Ahablad, still had some allies left, had it not?
Lady Domara sighed, a hint of guilt in her expression. “We had allies. But your uncle — the Regent... His hunger for power has slowly set fire to those bridges over the years. I am not sure there is much of them left. Our neighbors will not intervene. Maybe some would have agreed to grant you protection. But I chose Telidrica specifically because it is the less obvious choice. The rebels will not think to look for you here. Or so I hope...”
“Smart woman,” Zanetta said.
You nodded. Your tutor's reasoning was sound even though you hated to admit she was probably right about your uncle. You still would have liked to be informed, but Lady Domara already apologized.
{<div class="choice">(link: "There was nothing else to be done.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Stay quiet")
]</div>}
“What happened to keeping a low profile?”
“For someone with your... upbringing, your Majesty,” Zanetta answered, “being a $MCcovertitle3 is already a step down. The further we take you from your social... circumstances, the harder it will be for you to make your cover believable.”
“You seem experienced with those sorts of things,” Sir Mansoor pointed out.
The Dwarven woman grinned at him. “Indeed, I am. But let's talk more inside.”
She approached the massive wooden door while digging through one of her belt pockets. The honey hue of the portal reminded you of the khaya, a rare tree that grew in Ahabalad's oasis. It was an expensive wood in your kingdom and you could not imagine how much it cost down here. The door was covered with decorative reliefs, most of them reminiscent of a vegetation that should not be able to grow underground. Drowned amongst them, there was no less than five keyholes, the four first forming a diamond shape and the last one sitting at its center.
Zanetta took out a large keyring from her pocket, searched through an expansive set of heavy golden keys and separated five of them from the rest. She slid the first one in the keyhole on the right side of the door and turned it clockwise. Several resounding clacks followed. Taking the next key, the Dwarven woman turned towards the left keyhole.
“You need to open those in the right order, otherwise the door won't open.”
“That is some heavy security,” Sir Mansoor said, frowning.
“We have a... very active Thieves' Guild. They like to rob places like this.”
You raised your eyebrows, surprised. Telidrica was known to be an exceptionally stable kingdom. You never thought criminality could be a problem for them. Zanetta proceeded to open all the locks. The bottom one after the left one, then the top one and finally the middle one. After the final clack, the door split in the middle, the two thick wooden panels opening on their own.
<div class="choice">[[You followed the Dwarven woman inside.->Inside the house]]</div>
Finally, the boat crossed the threshold while your heart beat loudly in your chest with anticipation. The largest cavern you had ever seen opened up before your eyes, larger even than you could possibly imagine. The flat boat you were sitting in felt suddenly ridiculously small as it gently parted the dark glittering waters of an immensely vast lake. And just to your right, standing tall on top of it, a stone metropolis appeared behind clouds of steam sliding slowly, clinging to the waters and the towers of Lagodoro. As large as the cavern seemed, the city sprawled through a number of openings in its stone walls, suggesting that it occupied several adjacent caves. You never could have imagined it was possible to build such a gigantic city underground, but there it was, shimmering in front of you with thousands upon thousands of windows and archways casting a warm light upon the lake, a motley assembly of buildings of all shapes and sizes. Tall square towers, long palaces with never ending balconies, large and shiny domes, facades carved into the cavern walls themselves... Your eyes followed the richly sculpted structures up and up and up to find, emerging from the darkness, huge stalactites covered with more buildings, a net of stone bridges linking them to each other. The roof of the cavern itself was so high up that it was engulfed in obscurity, only disrupted by small specks of light. Maybe some sort of luminescent fungi?
As you took in and marveled at your new environment, the gondola made its way on the lake and approached a heavy traffic of similar crafts as well as steamboats of various sizes. An impressive multi-level ship sent a series of waves in your direction, making your boat rock dangerously as it made its way towards a large tunnel leading away from Lagodoro. Fortunately, your Dwarven gondolier knew his trade and was able to move the gondola just the right way to not capsize. After the last wave hit your boat, he turned it again towards the city.
<div class="choice">[[He led you away from the traffic and took a discreet waterway into the city.->Into the city]]</div>
The gondola slid quietly between the tall buildings for long minutes.
Finally, the gondolier docked the small boat against a stone platform which led to a set of stairs with a metal railing, climbing up to an archway between two houses.
Someone was waiting on the dock, leaning their back against the wall, arms crossed: a young Dwarven woman with warm brown hair, simply but elegantly styled up, wearing a leather waistcoat over a billowing white shirt and thick black breaches tucked in thigh-high leather boots. She had the usual stout frame of her race, but a little more slender and athletic than what you had seen before. Two dark brown and deep set eyes followed your arrival with sharp focus, contrasting against her lighter olive-colored skin which was dotted with a good number of beauty marks. You suspected the woman's assurance made her look older than she really was, as her square face still had some softness to it.
As your gondolier stepped onto the stone, she straightened herself in a flexible and confident move, putting her fists on her hips. A predatory smile stretched her lips as her eyes fell on you.
“Welcome to Lagodoro, your Majesty.”
Her words oozed of an unpleasant irony. You wondered how welcome you were here, exactly. The gondolier presented his open hand to you.
“Your Majesty,” he said in his gravelly voice.
His honest politeness offered a sharp contrast with the behavior of the Dwarven woman who was waiting for you.
It was the first time you had a good look at the Dwarf, only having met him in the dark of night and your back being turned to him during the whole trip. He was quite a strange figure. Stout like the rest of his kind, his quaint outfit made of a black tasseled vest embroidered with red and blue flowers over a cream shirt, dark blue pants and black boots covered suspiciously thick muscles. A charming boater hat cast a shadow on a face that could have been handsome if it had not been roughened considerably by life. A good number of scars lightened his leathery deep tan skin and made his short salt and pepper beard a bit patchy. Striking light blue eyes were squinting at you.
You wondered how dangerous was the life of a gondolier, exactly, as you considered the rough hand offered to you.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Thank you,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "The house (1)")
] you whispered to him as you put your hand in his.<br />
With his help, you stepped onto the dock. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You took his hand without a word and stepped onto the dock with his help.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "The house (2)")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You ignored his hand and stepped onto the dock without help.")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "The house (3)")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“To be honest,” she continued, “those doors are mostly for show. On one side, it's a warning for the robbers. On the other, it's to let your guests know that you have a lot of money to protect.”
You entered a dark foyer, the sound of your footsteps muffled by a soft carpet, followed by Lady Domara and Sir Mansoor who removed his helmet, ruffling a bit the short waves of his midnight black hair.
You could not see much inside the room itself, but an archway led to the next one which was lit by a series of arcades, opening up onto what seemed like a lush garden and rimming an assortment of couches with light.
Zanetta approached a strange panel on the wall, covered with knobs and buttons, while still talking: “In reality, our houses have so many open windows and archways that it'd be easy to sneak in through them. All we have to close them are light wooden shutters, just for privacy really. We have to let the air flow, otherwise it gets pretty dank in there.”
She pushed a button, closing the door behind you in a metallic noise, then turned several knobs. Suddenly, oil lamps affixed to the walls of the foyer lit up, soon followed by some in the next room. You could now see the richly decorated interior. A staircase of glistening stone marbled with gold started on the left side of the foyer, climbing upwards and circling the room. The railing was iron wrought into elegant rounded shapes and inlaid with a lacquered wooden handrail. A wine red carpet had been placed on top of the steps. The one you were currently stepping on was of a similar color but had intricate blue and gold designs woven into it. The walls were bicolor: the bottom was wine red as well and the top was of a light salmon color. Complex plaster moldings separated the two colors with vegetal motifs. The archway leading into what was a rather large looking living room was of the same honey-colored wood as the main door and carved with similar details. Against the wall on the right side of the foyer, an elegant console made of khaya wood stood below a large oval hanging mirror.
You were not an expert in Dwarven home decor, but you were pretty sure the furnishing of this house was very modern and very luxurious. A question came to your mind.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“This place has to belong to someone. Where are the owners?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "The owners")
]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“This place looks extremely expensive. How much did we pay for this, exactly?”->A high price]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided to keep it to yourself.->The living room]]</div>}
“This place has to belong to someone. Where are the owners?”
“Trust me, you don't want to know,” Zanetta answered.
You might have been only mildly curious before, but now you //really// wanted to know.
You narrowed your eyes at your Dwarven guide. “Why does everyone assume I cannot handle the truth?”
You gave a pointed look to Lady Domara as well. “How am I supposed to make informed decisions if everyone keeps me in the dark?”
Zanetta looked at you with an unusual serious expression. “Fair point, your Majesty. Very well. Here's the deal: you don't know much about the inner workings of our society and that's by design. We're very protective and we don't want outsiders to poke at our perfectly oiled machine. So we built our reputation as an unshakably stable state by regulating the less agreeable parts of our society. I mentioned the Thieves' Guild, didn't I? Well they pay taxes. They are sanctioned by the King and the Senate, even if it is off the record. And they don't just rob mansions. They also perform assassinations.”
She paused there, looking intently at you, waiting for the information to sink in.
“In Lagodoro, if you follow the unwritten rules, you can literally get away with murder,” she added. “That's what happened to the family who owned this house. All assassinated in the proper manners, their mansion generously gifted to the state as a thank you for looking away.”
You could not help but let a shiver run down your spine. You started to question the decision to bring you here for safety.
“I am an outsider. Why are you telling me this?” You asked. (if: $severe is < 2)[“Not that I am not grateful.”]
“I'm probably not supposed to. But you said it yourself: you can't make informed decision if you are in the dark. If you don't know all this, you'll end up dead in a ditch in less than a month. I've been assigned to your protection and if you die, it'll look bad on my record.” She smirked at you.
{(if: (history:) contains "A high price")[
<div class="choice">[[“Come on. Let's settle and talk about that cover of yours,”->The living room]] she said, gesturing for you to follow her into the living room.</div>
]
(else:)[
You nodded, glad that she decided to be up-front about it, at least. There was still something that was bothering you, however.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“This place looks extremely expensive. How much did we pay for this, exactly?”->A high price]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided to keep it to yourself.->The living room]]</div>
]}
“This place looks extremely expensive. How much did we pay for this, exactly?”
Lady Domara glanced at you, not answering immediately.
“One hundred thousands darics,” she finally admitted.
{(if: $stoic > 1)[“Pardon?”]
(else:)[“What?!”]} {(if: $stoic > 1)[You blinked at her in surprise.]
(else:)[You looked at her your eyes wide with disbelief.]}
Being born into the royal family and growing up not having to pay for anything made finances a little hard to grasp, but you knew that much: it was an absurd amount of money.
“Telidrica is an incredibly wealthy kingdom,” Lady Domara said, defensively. “Anything less could not convince them to provide us with shelter.”
“I know //that//,” you retorted. “The question is: //where// did you find one hundred thousand darics?”
Lady Domara straightened up, her hands crossed in front of her. Something in her attitude was worrying you. You were not going to like her answer.
“From the kingdom's treasury. There was no other choice. Your uncle would never have let me touch the royal coffers.”
The kingdom's treasury. Your people's taxes.
{<div class="choice">The very idea put you in a righteous rage. (link: "Your people's blood and sweat payed for this.")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Righteous rage")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned, not doubting this was a difficult decision to make for Lady Domara. (link: "You were not sure you agreed with it, but you were glad you were alive because of it.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $SabraAffection to $SabraAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Alive because of it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Lady Domara did not have much of a choice. (link: "Your survival was imperative, and not just for your sake.")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Your survival was imperative")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“Does your Majesty want me to bring the luggage upstairs?”
Everyone turned around to look at the gondolier who had been quiet since the moment you left the gondola. Not that he was very talkative before then.
Zanetta answered before you could: “Yes, thank you Nuto. And you can go home after that.”
The Dwarven man nodded but kept looking at you. “If your Majesty needs transportation around the city, I'll be at your disposal.”
He bowed slightly before carrying your luggage up the stairs, seemingly without effort. Zanetta waited for him to be out of sight before gesturing you, Sir Mansoor and Lady Domara to follow her into the living room. It was a large space, rather lightly furnished. You were surprised to find that the entire floor of this room was made of smooth and mat khaya wood. The walls had plaster moldings similar to the ones in the foyer but they were painted two shades of yellow. A large fireplace was built into the left wall, its curved shape following those of the moldings. But the room's showpieces were the arcades leading to the garden and the opposite wall, which was almost entirely covered with oval mirrors.
Your eyes were darting in every directions, taking in the exquisite architecture. Of course, this was not as grand as the royal palace, back in Ahadinat, but it was certainly as richly detailed and it was very new to your eyes. It took all your inner strength to not run out in the lush garden and take a closer look to the strangely shaped plants, the pale grass and moss, the purple and blue colored leaves of the palm trees and the many, many luminescent fungi.
Instead, you followed Zanetta to the center of the room, where two large couches and two loveseats had been arranged around a stained glass and khaya wood coffee table. An elegant blue, gold and cream rug had been placed under the the lounging furniture. Above the coffee table, right in the center of the room, a decently sized crystal chandelier was hanging from the high ceiling.
Everyone took a sit on the white cushions, pushing away accent pillows and throw blankets.
“This room was sometimes used as a ballroom, from what I've been told,” Zanetta explained.
The furniture was a little lower than what you were used to, but not uncomfortably so.
<div class="choice">[[The Dwarf leaned forward on her seat, putting her elbows on her knees and linking her hands together.->The cover]]</div>{(set: $loadingfromfile to false)
(set: $MCgender to "person")
(set: $MCtitle to "your Majesty")
(set: $MCtitle2 to "Monarch")
(set: $MCgender to "person")
(set: $MCgender2 to "non-binary")
(set: $MCplural to 2)
(set: $MCpronoun to "they")
(set: $MCpronoun2 to "them")
(set: $MCpronoun3 to "their")
(set: $MCpronoun4 to "themself")
(set: $MCpronoun5 to "theirs")
(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Laird")
(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Laird")
(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "noble")
(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'laird")
(set: $MCsize to "unknown")
(set: $MChobby to "unknown")
(set: $MCage to 18)
(set: $SabraAffection to 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to 1)
(set: $chapter to "INTRODUCTION")
(set: $namelist to (ds: "Ajmal", "Zanetta", "Felice", "Armine", "Berhane", "Sabra", "Nuto", "Sargon", "Dolce", "Carla", "Marli", "Zahera", "Nucca"))
(set: $MansoorOtherFlirts to (a:))
(set: $ZanettaOtherFlirts to (a:))
(set: $FeliceOtherFlirts to (a:))
(set: $ArmineOtherFlirts to (a:))
(set: $BerhaneOtherFlirts to (a:))}
''THE EIGHT YEARS REVOLUTION''
//You are the Monarch of Ahabalad, a land of wide deserts and rocky mountains. But you are only eighteen years old and not fit to rule yet. Your uncle and Regent, Prince Sargon of the Dimeritia, was supposed to be the guardian of your people until your nineteenth birthday and coronation. But he has led your kingdom to ruin, starving your people with heavy taxes used to back wars with both neighboring nations and far-off lands. And that is without speaking of the construction of the outrageously grandiose Royal Sanctum.
Now the people of Ahabalad are angry and they have taken arms. Free thinkers have regrouped them and given them purpose. A revolution has started. And it is winning.
The revolutionaries are after the heads of the Dimeritia. Your head among them. It is, after all, meant to wear a crown and they will not let that happen. You had to flee the Royal Palace in Ahadinat and you are now on the run, seeking refuge underground. You are headed for the Dwarven kingdom of Telidrica and its capital city, Lagodoro. There, you hope to hide to save your life, lay low and regroup.
Your only companions are Lady Sabra Domara, the Court Mage and your tutor, and Sir Ajmal Mansoor, a knight of the Royal Guard and your protector. They will endeavor to keep you safe and prepare you for your future.
Maybe one day you will be able to retake your kingdom. But is it what you want?//
''The game is curently rated 13+.'' [[See a list of content warnings for the story->WARNINGS]] //(these will be accessible at all times throught the settings).//
For testing purposes, you can skip chapter 1 and set some variables here: [[GO TO CHAPTER 2->Chapter 2 testing]]
''Who are you anyway?''
//(Click to select a name for your character)//
{(link-reveal: "Gender neutral name suggestions")[
* (link: "Dana")[(set: $MCname to "Dana")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Arabic)
* (link: "Roshan")[(set: $MCname to "Roshan")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Persian)
* (link: "Sefa")[(set: $MCname to "Sefa")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Turkish)
* (link: "Desta")[(set: $MCname to "Desta")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Amharic)
* (link: "Alexis")[(set: $MCname to "Alexis")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Greek)
]<br />
(link-reveal: "Feminine name suggestions")[
* (link: "Noora")[(set: $MCname to "Noora")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Arabic)
* (link: "Laleh")[(set: $MCname to "Laleh")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Persian)
* (link: "Azra")[(set: $MCname to "Azra")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Turkish)
* (link: "Seble")[(set: $MCname to "Seble")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Amharic)
* (link: "Kleio")[(set: $MCname to "Kleio")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Greek)
]<br />
(link-reveal: "Masculine name suggestions")[
* (link: "Bassam")[(set: $MCname to "Bassam")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Arabic)
* (link: "Soheil")[(set: $MCname to "Soheil")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Persian)
* (link: "Anıl")[(set: $MCname to "Anıl")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Turkish)
* (link: "Tamrat")[(set: $MCname to "Tamrat")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Amharic)
* (link: "Dimos")[(set: $MCname to "Dimos")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Greek)
]}
<div class="choice">[[//(Or choose a custom name)//->Your name (1)]]</div>
“As I said, you need a cover. Something close enough to who you are that it won't be too difficult for you to play the part, but something far enough as to not raise suspicion.”
Zanetta paused, her brown eyes boring into yours.
“You are now $MCcovertitle2 $MCname Anemone of Ilionis, from the Galanissos archipelago. You were visiting your cousin in Ahadinat when the revolt broke out. The borders were closed off and you couldn't flee back to your country, so you came down here to stay safe until things calm down.”
“In that case,” you interrupted, “could I not use Telidrica's tunnels to travel North and find my way back to the coast?”
The Dwarven woman smirked at you, more gently than she had before. “You could, but you fell for Lagodoro's many charms and you //absolutely// had to extend your stay here. If people start talking, we'll find a better excuse. Maybe a secret lover or something.”
She waved her hand dismissively but you could see the amused twinkle in her eyes. Sitting on the loveseat to your left, Sir Mansoor stiffened, obviously not fond of the idea. Zanetta turned her gaze to him.
“Obviously that means no more ‘$MCtitle’. It's ‘$MCcovertitle’ from now on. Even in the house. You will have to get used to this, a slip-up could be fatal.”
She was staring at Sir Mansoor the whole time, apparently not worried about Lady Domara's ability to adapt. The knight was tensing up visibly but he nodded his acknowledgement. You were sure he did not like the idea of not paying you the proper respect but he was aware that it was for your safety. Zanetta nodded back, looking a little surprised Sir Mansoor did not fight back. She sighed and leaned back on her seat.
“I'll give you more details on the cover later. Who's your cousin, what's your family background, all of that so you can at least hold a conversation if needed. For now, the priority is to secure the house. I'll hire guards and a couple of servants. I know where to find quiet and trustworthy people. I'll manage the household. I've been given funds to make sure you get everything you need: food, a wardrobe, personnel...”
Hearing this, Lady Domara who was sitting on your right perked up. “I think I should take care of managing the household. I very much would like to interview those employees you want to hire myself.”
Zanetta frowned and her rounded nose crinkled in annoyance. “You don't know anyone here, you don't know who to trust, which chamber maid won't tattle, which cook won't poison your food and which guard isn't a guild assassin in disguise!”
Lady Domara narrowed her dark brown eyes at her. “And why should we trust //you//?”
Zanetta threw her hands in the air with frustration. “You don't have a choice!”
Lady Domara crossed her arms on her chest, not very happy with that argument.
Zanetta sighed. “Look, I understand. You don't know me, you don't have any reasons to trust me. But you paid to get King Pace's help and you're getting it. I'm all you're going to get though. So either you trust me and I can do my best to protect you or you're on your own. So?”
The Dwarf glanced at you. (if: $ZanettaAffection is > 1)[Maybe she hoped you were going to help her make her case?]
{<div class="choice">You offered her a small smile. (link: "“You are right, we should trust you.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 2)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "We should trust you")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You touched your chin thoughtfully, looking back and forth between her and Lady Domara. (link: "“You are right, we need your help, we do not have any other choices than to trust you.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "We need your help")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned at her, your back stiffening. (link: "“You are right, we do not know you. We cannot trust you.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "We cannot trust you")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“It is none of your concerns, Sir Mansoor.”
Turning back rigidly to look ahead, you felt the knight's hand stiffen on your shoulder before he removed it with haste.
“I apologize, $MCtitle. I should have kept to my duty to stand guard. It will not happen again.”
And this duty, Sir Mansoor knew it well. It had been his family's for generations. The Mansoor swore fealty to the Dimeritia dynasty since its foundation. Part of you understood the familiarity of the knight. Not only did you grow up with him, but your families' common history had often been one of strong friendships. But those belonged to a distant past and Sir Mansoor was your servant and you were his $MCtitle2, as you were prompt to remind him. You wondered if he was wounded by your words.
{<div class="choice">You felt a painful pinch in your chest, immediately regretting what you had said. He deserved better than such coldness.<br />
(link: "“I... I am sorry, Sir Mansoor, I should not have snapped at you.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I... I am sorry")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">It did not matter. Reminding him his place was for the better.<br />
[[Silence fell on the gondola.->The end of the journey]]</div>}
“I... I am sorry, Sir Mansoor, I should not have snapped at you.”
“You do not need to apologize, $MCtitle.”
You glanced back at Sir Mansoor who offered you a small smile.
“But I appreciate that you did,” he added, his tone much lower.
His eyes flicked down, his long lashes casting a shadow over his water-green irises.
After a moment of silence, he said: “If I ever behave inappropriately again, please let me know and I will cease at once.”
You were not sure how to feel about his words. It was reassuring that he understood where you were coming from. But you still felt a small tinge of guilt in your heart.
<div class="choice">[[You turned your head to look ahead again, as the quiet filled the cavern.->The end of the journey]]</div>{(set: $MetZanetta to 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to 1)}
You took his hand without a word and stepped onto the dock with his help. (display: "The house"){(set: $ZanettaAffection to 0)
(set: $NutoAffection to 0)}
You ignored his hand and stepped onto the dock without help. The Dwarf frowned but did not say a word. (display: "The house"){(set: $ZanettaTrust to -1)}
//(You can now change your character's cover title in the settings.)//
“You are right, we do not know you. We cannot trust you.”
Zanetta glowered at you but stayed quiet for a moment. Lady Domara glanced at you. Even if she agreed with you before, she seemed uncomfortable with your response.
She cleared her throat before speaking: “We may not trust you //yet//, Miss Calvio, but I hear your words. You may manage the household and hire your people but only under my close supervision.”
The Dwarven woman nodded slowly, still staring daggers at you, her jaw clenched.
“If that's how you want to play it, fine,” she answered, her tone dry like desert sand.
She stood up. “We can start on that tomorrow. I'm going to get ready for the night's watch. Your bedroom is upstairs, at the center of the house. Mine will be directly on your left and your handsome knight's directly on your right. That way we can intervene quickly in case you are being... you know, assassinated.”
She smirked at you in a rather unpleasant way.
“Speaking of dashing knights...” She turned her attention towards Sir Mansoor who immediately frowned in reaction.
“You need to get rid of all this,” she told him while pointing at his entire attire.
“What?” The knight grumbled.
“A Baladian Royal Guard uniform is quite the dead giveaway, don't you think? We'll get you mercenary gear.”
“Mercenary?” Sir Mansoor's long nose wrinkled in distaste.
Zanetta shrugged. “Sellsword? Hired muscle? Whatever suits your fancy, but you definitely can't present yourself as a Royal Guard.”
Once again, the knight nodded slowly, even if his face was getting red with anger. Zanetta nodded back, her shoulder relaxing a bit. She turned and exited the living room, leaving you, Sir Mansoor and Lady Domara alone.
<div class="choice">[[What now?]]</div>
//(You can now change your character's cover title in the settings.)//
“You are right, we need your help, we do not have any other choices than to trust you.”
Lady Domara huffed but did not disagree with you. Zanetta offered you a small smile and a surprisingly respectful nod.
“Very well,” Lady Domara sighed. “But I want to meet those employees before you hire them.”
“Deal.”
The Dwarf stood up and put her hands on her hips, a slight satisfied smile on her lips. “We can start on that tomorrow. I'm going to get ready for the night's watch.”
Her gaze fell on you. “Your bedroom is upstairs, at the center of the house. Mine will be directly on your left and your handsome knight's directly on your right. That way we can intervene quickly in case you are in danger of being assassinated or something.”
She grinned at you, but not unkindly.
“Speaking of dashing knights...” She turned her attention towards Sir Mansoor who immediately frowned in reaction.
“You need to get rid of all this,” she told him while pointing at his entire attire.
“What?” The knight grumbled.
“A Baladian Royal Guard uniform is quite the dead giveaway, don't you think? We'll get you mercenary gear.”
“Mercenary?” Sir Mansoor's long nose wrinkled in distaste.
Zanetta shrugged. “Sellsword? Hired muscle? Whatever suits your fancy, but you definitely can't present yourself as a Royal Guard.”
Once again, the knight nodded slowly, even if his frown deepened. Zanetta nodded back. She turned away, throwing one last look at each of you.
“See you all in the morning.”
She strode out, leaving you, Sir Mansoor and Lady Domara alone.
<div class="choice">[[What now?]]</div>
//(You can now change your character's cover title in the settings.)//
“You are right, we should trust you.”
Zanetta's eyebrow shot up and Lady Domara's head snapped towards you. Neither of them seemed to have expected your answer. You shrugged at Lady Domara who was giving you a frown that reminded you of all the times she scolded you as a child.
“We need to trust someone, do we not? And Miss Calvio seems to know a lot about Lagodoro's dangers.”
“Please, call me Zanetta.”
The Dwarf beamed a self-satisfied grin at you. Lady Domara was fuming.
“Your naivety will be your undoing, $MCtitle.”
“//(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle)//,” Zanetta corrected her.
Lady Domara's glare turned towards the Dwarven woman who could not stop smiling.
“Well, this has been fun...”
Zanetta stood up and stretched. “But I'm going to get ready for the night's watch. I'll start finding people to hire tomorrow.”
Her gaze fell on you. “Your bedroom is upstairs, at the center of the house. Mine will be directly on your left and your handsome knight's directly on your right. That way, if you're in danger, you can just yell and we'll be there in a second.”
Zanetta winked at you.
“Speaking of dashing knights...” She turned her attention towards Sir Mansoor who immediately frowned in reaction.
“You need to get rid of all this,” she told him while pointing at his entire attire.
“What?” The knight grumbled.
“A Baladian Royal Guard uniform is quite the dead giveaway, don't you think? We'll get you mercenary gear.”
“Mercenary?” Sir Mansoor's long nose wrinkled in distaste.
Zanetta shrugged. “Sellsword? Hired muscle? Whatever suits your fancy, but you definitely can't present yourself as a Royal Guard.”
The knight sighed and nodded once again, agreeing reluctantly. Zanetta nodded back, even gratifying him with a somewhat friendly smirk. She turned to leave the living room.
“Good night, everyone.”
She strode out, leaving you, Sir Mansoor and Lady Domara alone.
<div class="choice">[[What now?]]</div>
After a long day spent journeying, you would have loved to follow Zanetta and retire for the night. You could also have used a bath, but it looked like it was going to have to wait morning. You leaned forward, getting ready to stand up when Lady Domara stopped you, her hand lightly touching your upper arm.
“We still have matters to discuss... (upperfirst: $MCcovertitle).”
You leaned back. “What matters?”
“Your education, $MCcovertitle. I will now be your only tutor and there is so much I can do on my own. You will have to rely on others to learn useful skills that I cannot teach you.”
You blinked at her and glanced at Sir Mansoor who seemed just as perplexed. You could not imagine what others she meant. You only came here with her and the knight.
“Sir Mansoor can teach you self-defense,” Lady Domara clarified. “I will continue to teach you History and sciences, of course. And...”
She winced before continuing: “I suppose Miss Calvio can help you with perfecting your cover and learning Dwarven etiquette. {(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
I know you do not like her any more than I do, but we have no choice but to work with her. It also might be helpful to discover if we can trust her or not.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection < 3)[
I do not know if we can trust her or not, but we have to work with her nonetheless. And who knows? You might discover how much we can actually rely on her.
]
(else:)[
You seem to not mind her, for some reason. You might as well use that to your advantage.
]}”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
You frowned but nodded, if reluctantly.
]
(else:)[
You nodded.
]}
“But it is up to you what you want your main focus to be, $MCcovertitle. There is always more knowledge to gather and sharpening your mind cannot hurt you. However, you might consider more urgent to learn to fight or to improve on your cover...”
There was a question in that last sentence. A question Lady Domara expected you to answer.
{<div class="choice">{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled at her. (link: "“You know how much I like your lessons, Lady Domara”")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 8)
(set: $SabraAffection to $SabraAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Your path")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Knowledge is of the utmost importance. I would rather spend most of my time learning from you.”")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 8)
(set: $SabraAffection to $SabraAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Your path")
]
]}<br />
//(This choice will improve your intelligence dramatically.)//</div>
<div class="choice">You looked at Sir Mansoor who straightened in his seat. (link: "“I need to be able to defend myself, if Sir Mansoor will teach me...”")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 8)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Your path")
]<br />
//(This choice will improve your martial prowess dramatically.)//</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
You frowned, not liking the idea, but... (link: "“I should know how to behave myself in this new society. I will talk to Miss Calvio.”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 8)
(go-to: "Your path")
]
]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection < 3)[
You looked down, thoughtfully. (link: "“I should know how to behave myself in this new society. I will talk to Miss Calvio.”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 8)
(go-to: "Your path")
]
]
(else:)[
You looked down, thoughtfully. (link: "“I should know how to behave myself in this new society. I will talk to Zanetta.”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 8)
(go-to: "Your path")
]
]}<br />
//(This choice will improve your charisma dramatically.)//</div>
<div class="choice">You brushed your lips, deep in thought. (link: "“I think I should know more about Lagodoro. Knowing the layout of the city might help in a delicate situation. Maybe Nuto can give me a tour?”")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 8)
(go-to: "Your path")
]<br />
//(This choice will improve your guile dramatically.)//</div>}
{(if: $intelligence is 8)[
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“You know how much I like your lessons, Lady Domara.”
]
(else:)[
“Knowledge is of the utmost importance. I would rather spend most of my time learning from you.”
]}<br />
The usually severe expression of your tutor softened into a slight lopsided smile. “I am glad to hear it, $MCcovertitle. And I am grateful to be, once again, of service. I will prepare a schedule for you.”<br /><br />
Lady Domara stood up, flattening invisible wrinkles on the front of her elegant dress. “We will talk more of this tomorrow. In the meantime, you need rest. And so do I. Now, if that damned Dwarf at least told me where //my// room is...”
]
(else-if: $martial is 8)[
“I need to be able to defend myself, if Sir Mansoor will teach me...”<br />
The knight blinked at you, taken aback. “Of course! I mean...”<br /><br />
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I am not sure how good of a teacher I would be, but if $MCtitle... I mean if $MCcovertitle wants me to, I will be honored.”<br />
Lady Domara stood up, flattening invisible wrinkles on the front of her elegant dress. “We do not have the luxury of choice, Sir Mansoor. You will have to do. We can talk further about your learning schedule tomorrow, $MCcovertitle. In the meantime, you need rest. And so do I. Now, if that damned Dwarf at least told me where //my// room is...”
]
(else-if: $charisma is 8)[
“I should know how to behave myself in this new society. I will talk to {(if: ($ZanettaAffection is < 3) or ($ZanettaTrust is -1))[Miss Calvio]
(else:)[Zanetta]}.”<br />
Lady Domara sighed. “Alright, if you think you can get her to help you.”<br /><br />
She stood up, flattening invisible wrinkles on the front of her elegant dress. “This can be addressed tomorrow however. In the meantime, you need rest. And so do I. Now, if that damned Dwarf at least told me where //my// room is...”
]
(else:)[
“I think I should know more about Lagodoro. Knowing the layout of the city might help in a delicate situation. Maybe Nuto can give me a tour?”<br />
Lady Domara's eyes widened in surprised then narrowed, considering you thoughtfully. “I did not think of that. It is a very good idea, if an unsafe one. I do not like the idea of you wandering about town.”<br />
“Staying cooped up in here might raise suspicion,” you protested. “I will have to come out, eventually.”<br /><br />
Your tutor brushed her index finger over her full lips, her eyes still narrowed.<br /><br />
“Alright, but Sir Mansoor will be with you at all times. And I hope you will not neglect your other lessons.” She quirked an eyebrow at you and you nodded, knowing better than to ignore Lady Domara's very intent suggestions.<br /><br />
She stood up, flattening invisible wrinkles on the front of her elegant dress. “We will work on your learning schedule tomorrow. In the meantime, you need rest. And so do I. Now, if that damned Dwarf at least told me where //my// room is...”
]}
The woman walked out, mumbling to herself. Sir Mansoor and you soon followed. You climbed up the marble staircase in the foyer, the knight close behind you. As you stepped on the second floor's landing, the honey-colored wooden floors creaked under your weight. Its polished surface shone under the wine-colored rug. The walls, still decorated with plaster moldings, were a continuation of the salmon color from downstairs. Two archways opened on each sides of the landing, leading into two long oblique corridors. A stately double door stood in front of you, its color blending in with the walls. The door was framed by two consoles, each decorated with large vases.
“I guess that is where you will be staying, $MCtitle... Huh, $MCcovertitle.”
Sir Mansoor eyed the doors with suspicion. Then he looked hesitantly at you.
“I would like to check if your lodgings are safe... If you will allow it.”
{<div class="choice">You tilted your head towards the doors. (link: "“Of course. After you”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Making sure it's safe")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You sighed. [[“I am very tired, Sir Mansoor. I am sure it is just fine.”->The bedroom]]</div>}
“Of course. After you.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight nodded sharply, keeping his face neutral.
]
(else:)[
The knight nodded and smiled at you.
]} He stepped in front of you and opened the double doors carefully. Maybe he was overdoing it a little, but he had been on edge since the revolt broke out and made his duty ten times more difficult than it had ever been. He stepped into a dark but cozy antechamber, lit by two oil sconces on each side of the room. The walls on the right and the left were lined with wooden benches.
Sir Mansoor proceeded to lift the lush cushions that covered them. You had no idea what kind of danger could possibly hide under a pillow, but you let the knight continue without a word. Soon you understood what he was looking for: the benches doubled as storage. Lifting the lid of one of them, he examined it with a discontented grunt. You walked closer and tried to take a look over his shoulder.
{<div class="choice">(link: "It was easy enough, you were quite tall as well, after all.")[
(set: $MCsize to "tall")
(go-to: "Your size")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You could do it, if you stood on the ball of your feet.")[
(set: $MCsize to "medium height")
(go-to: "Your size")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was impossible, really, Sir Mansoor was ridiculously tall.")[
(set: $MCsize to "small")
(go-to: "Your size")
]</div>}
“I am very tired, Sir Mansoor. I am sure it is just fine.”
The knight frowned for an instant. When it came to your safety, he had been quite on edge since the revolt. His duty had been ten times more difficult than before and his thoroughness was on the verge of becoming paranoia. He nodded nonetheless.
When you opened the double door, revealing a dark but cozy antechamber, Sir Mansoor could not help but stay for a moment longer, piercing the shadows inside with a suspicious glare.
Eventually he turned his gaze to you. “Goodnight... (upperfirst: $MCcovertitle).”
He took the right corridor and left to find his own room.
You entered the antechamber which was lit by two oil sconces on each side of the room. Wooden benches covered with lush cushions lined the walls. On the opposite side, another double door surely led to the bedroom itself. You pushed it open.
It was a very large bed chamber. Larger than your own in the Royal Palace. Granted, you were still sleeping in your childhood room, since your uncle had moved in the Royal lodgings himself as soon as he was appointed Regent — a rather insensitive and scandalous maneuver. But still. You were royalty. You lived above ground. Here, space had to be a luxury. Who used to live here, who slept in this large four poster bed? (if: (history:) contains "The owners")[You shuddered. Were the previous owners killed here? You shook your head, trying to get rid of your discomfort.]
The room was well lit by a good number of oil lamps that dotted the walls and side tables. The opposite wall, like in the living room, was nothing but richly sculpted arches — probably leading to a balcony. But they were currently blocked off by light wooden blinds. There was enough space between the slats to let the air flow, however.
Stepping further into the room, you looked closer at the finely carved wooden furniture. That bed was definitely a sight to behold. It stood on the left side of the room, its headboard against the wall. Of course it was big, the mattress thick and plush, the sheets made of luxurious fabrics and the posts beautifully carved with a whirling leaves motif. But the main appeal was its canopy made of stained glass. A small chandelier had been placed just above the bed so that the light filtered through the floral design and projected colorful shapes onto the comforters.
You approached the bed and sat on it, bouncing a bit on the thick mattress. The bed frame sat lower than what you were used to. Dwarf-sized you supposed, like most of the furniture in the house.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You did not mind it at all, you were quite small yourself.")[
(set: $MCsize to "small")
(go-to: "Your size (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a bit off-putting at first, but you could get used to it.")[
(set: $MCsize to "medium height")
(go-to: "Your size (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a bit uncomfortable, to be honest, you felt like a giant.")[
(set: $MCsize to "tall")
(go-to: "Your size (2)")
]</div>}
Your mouth fell open in shock. Your body started trembling with rage. “//My people's taxes are paying for this?!//”
You were so upset your vision started to blur. “My people, who have been starved by years of taxes wasted in stupid wars and vanity projects under my uncle's regency? My people, who are currently rising against the very monarchy that has let them down? My people, who would not be trying to kill me if their bellies were not empty? You took money that could feed them //just so I could hide//?”
You felt the familiar warm hand of Sir Mansoor on your shoulder. Was he trying to calm you down? You glanced at him and he was staring at Lady Domara with intensity, his chest rising up and falling down as he breathed heavily. It was a gesture of support.
Lady Domara parted her hands which closed into fists. “What would you have me do? Let you die? After spending more than ten years of my life dedicated to make you the best ruler that can be?”
She was angry too but she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calming herself down. “I understand your anger, $MCtitle. After all, I did teach you the people was to be your first priority. But sometimes, the way to help your people is not the most obvious one. This is an investment. One day, you will be able to come back home and help your people. But in the meantime, we need you safe, we need you to study and we need you to lay low.”
Your anger quieted down as she spoke. You were not entirely convinced, but there was no point in arguing now. The deed was done and even if you often had gripes with Lady Domara's methods, she always had Ahabalad's best interests and yours at heart.
{(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“Speaking of laying low,” Zanetta intervened. “Let's settle and talk about that cover of yours.”->The living room]]</div>
]
(else:)[
But that did not answer another question that was bothering you.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“This place has to belong to someone. Where are the owners?”->The owners]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided to keep it to yourself.->The living room]]</div>
]}
Looking intently at Lady Domara, your voice turned flat. “So you used my people's taxes to pay for all this.”
You paused, frown locked in place. “The very same people whose uprising is due to the starvation they have endured under my uncle's rule. Years of vanity projects and pointless wars have emptied the kingdom's treasury. One hundred thousands darics is not a small sum to remove from already waning coffers.”
Lady Domara's twisted her hands in front of her in an unusual gesture of discomfort. “Do you think I am not aware of this? The choice... was not an easy one to make. But I had to do it.”
A deep frown formed on her brow as she continued: “See it as an investment. One day you will return and take your throne back. When you do, you will make things right, I know it. I have worked long and hard to ensure you would become the best $MCtitle2 that you can be.”
You stared at her for a moment longer before you sighed. “I understand, Lady Domara.”
The tension in her shoulders dropped suddenly and she expelled a sigh of her own. “I am thankful that you do, $MCtitle. As I am thankful you understand that those kind of decisions are not to be made lightly and do need to be questioned.”
You thought you saw her addressing you the shadow of a smile.
{(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“As heartwarming as this is, we still need to discuss your cover. Let's sit and talk.”->The living room]]</div>
]
(else:)[
As satisfied as you were with her answer, however, this did not answer another question that was on your mind.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“This place has to belong to someone. Where are the owners?”->The owners]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided to keep it to yourself.->The living room]]</div>
]}
A slight frown knit your brow for a short moment. “I understand, Lady Domara. It is for the best.”
“Is it?”
You almost jumped when you heard Sir Mansoor's voice. Turning to face him, you see him staring at you, his eyebrows lowered and his water-green eyes darkened. {(if: $MansoorAffection < 1)[
<br /><br />When you glared back at him, he had the decency to look apologetic before he continued speaking up: “I know it is not my place to question these decisions, $MCtitle, and I apologize. But we cannot forget the circumstances that led to the uprising of your people. They were starving under your uncle's rule. Again, it is not my place to question how the Regent spent the kingdom's wealth, but... All those grandiose construction projects, all those wars... The people feel like the monarchy has let them down. Taking more money out of the treasury, even if it means your safety... It will not look good in the eyes of the people.”
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection is 1)[
It was unusual for Sir Mansoor to speak up, but the matter obviously meant a lot to him.<br /><br />
“Maybe it is not my place to question these decisions, $MCtitle. But we cannot forget the circumstances that led to the uprising of your people. They were starving under your uncle's rule. All those grandiose construction projects, all those wars that he started emptied the kingdom's treasury drastically. The people feel like the monarchy has let them down. Taking more money out of the treasury, even if it means your safety... It feels wrong and it will not look good in the eyes of the people.”
]
(else:)[
It was not the first time that Sir Mansoor shared his opinions, but it was rare. Obviously the matter meant a lot to him.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCtitle), you cannot possibly think it is for the best!”<br /><br />
A hint of sadness softened his expression.<br /><br />
“I mean...” He swallowed visibly, seemingly regretting his outburst. “I care deeply about your safety, $MCtitle. But we cannot forget the circumstances that led to the uprising of your people. They were starving under your uncle's rule. All those grandiose construction projects, all those wars that he started emptied the kingdom's treasury drastically. The people feel like the monarchy has let them down. Taking more money out of the treasury... It feels wrong.”
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />Your expression softened when you heard his concerns.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br />Hearing Sir Mansoor speak his mind made you smile.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You stared him down, peeved at his interruption.<br />
]}
Before you could say anything in response, lady Domara intervened: “I am well aware of the downsides of my decision, Sir Mansoor. And I am sure our $MCtitle2 is aware as well.”
Her lips were pinched in annoyance. She did not approve of the knight's intervention. But then her frown disappeared, smoothing her expression in a gentler one.
She sighed. “Your concern for the people of Ahabalad does you credit. But you need to understand that our $MCtitle2's survival is paramount if we want to ever make things right.”
A glint of determination sparked in her dark brown eyes. “The years I have dedicated to making $MCpronoun2 the best $MCtitle2 that $MCpronoun can be will //not// be in vain.”
Sir Mansoor looked at her straight in her eyes while she spoke. Finally, he nodded in defeat, {(if: $MansoorAffection > 2)[
giving you a final glance, as if trying to gage your reaction to his words, before taking a submissive step back.
]
(else:)[
taking a submissive step back.
]}
Suddenly, Zanetta cleared her throat, reminding everyone of her presence. “As fascinating this all is, we need to discuss that cover. If you'll follow me...”
{<div class="choice">[[And you did follow her.->The living room]]</div>
(unless: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">Before going anywhere, there was another question you needed an answer to: [[“This place has to belong to someone. Where are the owners?”->The owners]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">Before falling into step, you approached Sir Mansoor to address him.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
(link: "“I would rather... you do not question me in public like that.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to:"Do not question me")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Do not question me ever again.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(set: $MansoorTrust to -1)
(go-to: "Do not question me")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]<br />
(link: "“I... chose my words poorly, I am sorry.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I chose my words poorly")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]<br />
(link: "“I think you are right. I am sorry.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I think you are right")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
(if: $MansoorAffection > 1)[
<div class="choice">Before following the Dwarf, you reached out and touched Sir Mansoor's arm. (link: "“I care about your safety too.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I care about your safety")
]</div>
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
“I would rather... you do not question me in public like that.”<br />
Sir Mansoor stiffened slightly at your words, but he nodded. “Of course, $MCtitle. My apologies.”
]
(else:)[
“Do not question me ever again.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor froze, staring at you in a mix of disbelief, fear and anger. He did not say a word but you knew your point went across.
]}
You walked past him to follow Zanetta towards the living room.
(display: "The living room")
“I... chose my words poorly, I am sorry. What you said... it is important to remember, thank you for saying it.”
Sir Mansoor smiled at you, his expression relieved. “You do not need to apologize, $MCtitle. But I am thankful you welcome my words.”
You smiled back at him before following Zanetta.
(display: "The living room")
“I think you are right. I am sorry. I did not think of how Lady Domara's decision could affect our people and I should have.”
You frowned, guilt twisting your insides. When you felt the knight's hand resting on your shoulder, you lifted your gaze to meet his.
“It is alright, $MCtitle. There is no need for you to apologize. I know your heart is in the right place.”
Despite his words, you could see that what you said reassured him quite a bit. You smiled at each other then followed Zanetta.
(display: "The living room")
“I care about your safety too.”
Sir Mansoor looked down at where your hand touched his arm and then back at your eyes. His expression was conflicted. His eyebrows were knitted into a frown, but his eyes had an incredible amount of warmth to them.
“(upperfirst: $MCtitle). You cannot...”
He winced, bringing his hand up to pinch the bridge of his slender nose.
“You cannot concern yourself with my safety. It cannot be put above the needs of your subjects, at the very least.”
You lowered your gaze to the ground, thinking. You knew he was right, in theory. But in practice? Put in front of the choice, could you be selfless enough to sacrifice Sir Mansoor's safety for the good of the kingdom?
You gulped, the very thought twisting your gut. Your hand dropped from his arm as you nodded your understanding. Sir Mansoor reached out to you in turn, squeezing your shoulder gently, bringing your gaze back up. His face only showed concern now.
“(upperfirst: $MCtitle)... Do not worry too much. I can handle myself, after all.” A confident smile broke through his worried expression and you could not help but smile back.
Sir Mansoor was always a bit cocky, but he had earned the right to be through incredible martial accomplishments.
<div class="choice">[[Zanetta cleared her throat louder, giving the both of you a pointed look.->The living room]]</div>{<div class="menu">(if: not ((passage:)'s tags contains "menu"))[(set: $lastpassage to (passage:)'s name)](unless: (passage:)'s tags contains "start" or "name-setting")[ <a href="#popup1">SAVE GAME</a> •] <a href="#popup2">LOAD GAME</a>(if: not ((passage: $lastpassage)'s tags contains "start" or "name-setting"))[ • [[CHARACTER SHEET]]](if: not ((passage: $lastpassage)'s tags contains "start"))[ • (link: "RESTART")[(reload:)]] • [[SETTINGS]]
</div>
{(if: $compassionate > $open and $compassionate > $stoic and $compassionate > $severe)[
(set: $maintrait to "compassionate")
]
(else-if: $open > $compassionate and $open > $stoic and $open > $severe)[
(set: $maintrait to "open")
]
(else-if: $stoic > $compassionate and $stoic > $open and $stoic > $severe)[
(set: $maintrait to "stoic")
]
(else-if: $severe > $compassionate and $severe > $open and $severe > $stoic)[
(set: $maintrait to "severe")
]
(else-if: $compassionate is $open and $compassionate > $stoic and $compassionate > $severe)[
(set: $maintrait to "open")
]
(else-if: $compassionate is $stoic and $compassionate > $open and $compassionate > $severe)[
(set: $maintrait to "stoic")
]
(else-if: $compassionate is $severe and $compassionate > $open and $compassionate > $stoic)[
(set: $maintrait to "compassionate")
]
(else-if: $open is $stoic and $open > $compassionate and $open > $severe)[
(set: $maintrait to "stoic")
]
(else-if: $open is $severe and $open > $compassionate and $open > $stoic)[
(set: $maintrait to "open")
]
(else-if: $stoic is $severe and $stoic > $compassionate and $stoic > $open)[
(set: $maintrait to "severe")
]
(else:)[
(set: $maintrait to "neutral")
]}
{(if: $forward > $sublte and $forward > $reserved)[
(set: $mainflirt to "forward")
]
(else-if: $reserved > $forward and $reserved > $subtle)[
(set: $mainflirt to "reserved")
]
(else:)[
(set: $mainflirt to "subtle")
]}
<div id="popup1" class="overlay">
<h3>SAVE GAME</h3>
<a class="close" href="#">×</a>
<hr>
<div class="popup1">
(display: "SAVE GAME")
</div>
</div>
<div id="popup2" class="overlay">
<h3>LOAD GAME</h3>
<a class="close" href="#">×</a>
<hr>
<div class="popup1">
(display: "LOAD GAME")
</div>
</div>
}
Choose a slot to save:
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 1")[
(link:"Slot 1")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 1"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot1", "Slot 1")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 1 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 1"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile1)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot1", "Slot 1")]//]
]
|savetofile1>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 2")[
(link:"Slot 2")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 2"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot2", "Slot 2")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 2 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 2"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile2)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot2", "Slot 2")]//]
]
|savetofile2>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 3")[
(link:"Slot 3")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 3"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot3", "Slot 3")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 3 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 3"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile3)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot3", "Slot 3")]//]
]
|savetofile3>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 4")[
(link:"Slot 4")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 4"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot4", "Slot 4")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 4 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 4"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile4)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot4", "Slot 4")]//]
]
|savetofile4>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 5")[
(link:"Slot 5")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 5"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot5", "Slot 5")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 5 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 5"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile5)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot5", "Slot 5")]//]
]
|savetofile5>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 6")[
(link:"Slot 6")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 6"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot6", "Slot 6")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 6 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 6"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile6)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot6", "Slot 6")]//]
]
|savetofile6>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 7")[
(link:"Slot 7")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 7"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot7", "Slot 7")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 7 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 7"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile7)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot7", "Slot 7")]//]
]
|savetofile7>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 8")[
(link:"Slot 8")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 8"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot8", "Slot 8")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 8 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 8"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile8)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot8", "Slot 8")]//]
]
|savetofile8>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 9")[
(link:"Slot 9")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 9"))[Game saved!]
] — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot9", "Slot 9")]//
]
(else:)[
(link:"Slot 9 (empty)")[
(if:(save-game:"Slot 9"))[Game saved!]
(replace: ?savetofile9)[ — //(link-repeat: "Save to file")[(savetofile: "8YRslot9", "Slot 9")]//]
]
|savetofile9>[ — //There is no save to download to your disk//]
]}
Choose a slot to load:
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 1")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 1")[
(load-game:"Slot 1")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 1
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 1 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 1", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 2")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 2")[
(load-game:"Slot 2")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 2
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 2 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 2", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 3")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 3")[
(load-game:"Slot 3")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 3
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 3 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 3", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 4")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 4")[
(load-game:"Slot 4")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 4
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 4 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 4", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 5")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 5")[
(load-game:"Slot 5")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 5
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 5 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 5", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 6")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 6")[
(load-game:"Slot 6")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 6
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 6 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 6", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 7")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 7")[
(load-game:"Slot 7")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 7
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 7 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 7", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 8")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 8")[
(load-game:"Slot 8")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 8
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 8 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 8", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
{(if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot 9")[
(link-repeat: "Slot 9")[
(load-game:"Slot 9")
(go-to: $lastpassage)
]
]
(else:)[
No saved game in Slot 9
]} — {(link: "Load from file")[
(dialog: bind $confirm, "Loading a save file will override your Slot 9 save if you have one. Proceed?", "Yes", "No")
(if: $confirm is "Yes")[(readfromfile: "Slot 9", ...(a: "Slot 1", "Slot 2", "Slot 3", "Slot 4", "Slot 5", "Slot 6", "Slot 7", "Slot 8", "Slot 9"))]
]}
(link-goto: "RETURN TO STORY", $lastpassage)
''MONARCH'': {$MCname of the Dimeritia
<br />
You are a $MCage-year-old $MCgender of {(if: $MCsize is "medium height")[medium height](else:)[$MCsize stature]}. (unless: $haircolor is 0)[Your skin is $skintexture and $skincolor, your hair, $hairlength, $haircolor and $hairtexture(if: $headscarf is true)[ — although usually covered by a scarf].]
{(unless: $MChobby is "unknown" or "none" or "wall climbing")[
<br />
You have been trained in $MChobby during your childhood.
]
(else-if: $MChobby is "wall climbing")[
It seems you have taken a liking to wall climbing.
]}
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
<br />
You have been hard of hearing since birth and you wear enchanted hearing-aids every day.
]
(else-if: $handicap is "myopia")[
<br />
You are severely myopic and wear corrective glasses every day.
]
(else-if: $handicap is "missing hand")[
<br />
You were born with your $missinghand hand missing and wear an enchanted prosthetic hand every day.
]} }
//''Intelligence''//: $intelligence (click: "Intelligence")[
(color: "#808080")[Intelligence determines your character's level of knowledge in many areas and their ability to memorize and learn.] ]
//''Martial prowess''//: $martial (click: "Martial prowess")[
(color: "#808080")[Martial prowess determines your character's physical fitness and combat aptitudes.] ]
//''Charisma''//: $charisma (click: "Charisma")[
(color: "#808080")[Charisma determines your character's ability to convince and rally people. It also shows how well versed they are in high society etiquette.] ]
//''Guile''//: $guile (click: "Guile")[
(color: "#808080")[Guile determines your character's street smarts, their ability to slink into the shadows, to evolve in less legal circles and to lie and deceive.] ]
''CHARACTER TRAITS''
{(unless: $MCname is "none")[You are known to be ''$maintrait'', most of the time.<br />
In romantic situations, you tend to be ''$mainflirt''.<br />
{(if: $revolutionary is $traditionalist)[
You are of a neutral disposition.
]
(else-if: $revolutionary > $traditionalist)[
You tend to favor ''revolutionary'' ideals.
]
(else:)[
You tend to favor ''traditionalist'' ideals.
]}
]}
//''Compassionate''//: $compassionate (click: "Compassionate")[
(color: "#808080")[A compassionate character will think of others before themself and is usually kind and polite. They have a strong moral compass.] ]
//''Open''//: $open (click: "Open")[
(color: "#808080")[An open character does not hesitate to voice their opinions as well as their feelings. They are usually pretty bad at lying and can seem a little too forward.] ]
//''Stoic''//: $stoic (click: "Stoic")[
(color: "#808080")[A stoic character tends to react less strongly than others to a given circumstance. They can have strong feelings, but they do not like to show them. Social interactions tend to exhaust them.] ]
//''Severe''//: $severe (click: "Severe")[
(color: "#808080")[A severe character takes their social status very seriously and expect people to follow etiquette to the letter. People's feelings tend to be secondary to them, duty coming first.] ]
''RELATIONSHIPS''
{//''Sir Ajmal Mansoor''//: He has been a Royal Guard since the age of seventeen and has been assigned to your protection ever since.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
<br />You have been quite cold towards Sir Mansoor and your relationship with him has suffered from it.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[
<br />You have upset Sir Mansoor and your relationship with him is in a pretty bad state.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust is -0.8)[
<br />You relationship with Sir Mansoor has been tense, but after petting Little Lady together, somehow things are a little better.
]} {(if: $MansoorAffection > 9 and $MansoorTrust > 0.2)[
There is undeniable affection between the two of you.
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 4 and $MansoorTrust > -0.8)[
You appreciate each other's company.
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 4 and $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Your hot and cold attitude towards him has left him a bit confused.
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 4 and $MansoorTrust is -2)[
Your hot and cold attitude towards him has left him very confused.
]} {(if: $MansoorRomance is 1)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust < -0.8)[
Which is quite awkward because you seem to have a little bit of a crush on him.
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[
You also happen to have a crush on him. And maybe he likes you too? That cannot be right.
]
(else:)[
Huh oh. It looks like you have a crush on the dashing knight.
]}
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust < -0.8)[
Despite the tensions in your relationship, you admitted having romantic feelings to him. It did not really go over well.
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
You admitted having romantic feelings to him. It seemed to have caused him a great deal of distress.
]
(else:)[
You admitted having romantic feelings to him.
]}
]
(else-if: $MansoorFriendship is 1)[
You told him you wanted to be friends again.
]
(else-if: $MansoorFriendship is 2)[
Your friendship has never waned since your childhood.
]}
(if: (history:) contains "The house (1)" or "The house (2)" or "The house (3)")[
<br /><br />
//''Zanetta Calvio''//: She is the Dwarven woman who has welcomed you in Lagodoro. She calls herself your "household manager" but she is more your spymaster, really.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
<br />You do not trust Zanetta and let her know that. She is quite peeved about it.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -2)[
<br />Zanetta's dislike of you has been made quite clear.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -0.5)[
<br />Zanetta and you are uneasily trying to build trust.
]} {(if: $ZanettaTrust > -0.5 and $ZanettaAffection > 9)[
You have not known her for that long, but complicity seems to be building between you.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust > -0.5 and $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
You seem to get along quite well, despite her harsh greeting.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection > 4 and $ZanettaTrust > -2)[
But despite that, she does not seem to hate you.
]} {(if: $ZanettaRomance is 1)[
Are you developing a crush on the Dwarf? It has not gone unnoticed, but Zanetta does not seem to take it too seriously.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaRomance is 2)[
You have manifested a romantic interest in her multiple times and she has noticed.
]}
]
(if: (history:) contains "Opening your gift")[
<br /><br />
//''Felice''//: They are a young Mer who saved you from what could have been a fatal accident. You do not know much about them, but they are polite and charming.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
<br />You have a hard time giving them your trust and forbade them to come to visit you in secret.
]
(else-if: $FeliceTrust is -0.5)[
<br />You did not know what to think of them at first, but after a conversation with Zanetta, you fear they might be some kind of criminal.
]
(else-if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
<br />You are still trying to figure them out. You would like nothing more than to trust them, but you have a feeling you should not...
]
(else-if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
<br />You get along quite well with them and would not mind seeing more of them.
]} {(if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
{(if: $FeliceTrust < 1)[
And yet you do not feel indifferent when Felice flirts with you.
]
(else:)[
In fact, you are convinced Felice is flirting with you and you are very curious to see where it will lead.
]}
]}
]
<br /><br />
//''Lady Sabra Domara''//: She used to be the court mage of Ahabalad and was — still is — your tutor. Knowledgeable in many academic field, she has taught you well.
(if: (history:) contains "The living room")[
<br /><br />
//''Nuto''//: He is your gondolier and guide through the city of Lagodoro. He also has a thing or two to teach you about slipping in and out of places unnoticed which is a little suspicious for a simple boater, when you think about it.
]}
{(if: $MCsize is "tall")[
By the quick glance you threw over Sir Mansoor's shoulder, you realized the storage in the bench was empty. The knight closed the lid back down.
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
You stepped on your toes, stealing a glance over Sir Mansoor's shoulder and you realized the storage in the bench was empty. The knight closed the lid back down.
]
(else:)[
You stepped on your toes, trying to see over Sir Mansoor's shoulder, but you were still not tall enough. With a frustrated huff, you leaned to the side to look under his arm instead and you realized the storage in the bench was empty. The knight closed the lid back down.
]}
“I do not like this,” you heard him mumble.
He walked across the room to check the other bench.
“Why not?” You asked, genuinely curious.
“It would be easy to hide something in those.”
“Like what? Explosives?”
Sir Mansoor looked up at you, frowning in confusion, as if all this was completely obvious. “Yes?”
You blinked at him. But before you could make any comment, he closed down the second bench and moved quickly towards the bedroom doors, pushing them open as carefully as he did the first set of doors. You looked inside as he walked in with long strides.
It was a very large bed chamber. Larger than your own in the Royal Palace. Granted, you were still sleeping in your childhood room, since your uncle had moved in the Royal lodgings himself as soon as he was appointed Regent — a rather insensitive and scandalous maneuver. But still. You were royalty. You lived above ground. Here, space had to be a luxury. Who used to live here, who slept in this large four poster bed? (if: (history:) contains "The owners")[You shuddered. Were the previous owners killed here? You shook your head, trying to get rid of your discomfort.]
The room was well lit by a good number of oil lamps dotting the walls and side tables. The opposite wall, like in the living room, was nothing but richly sculpted arches — probably leading to a balcony — but they were currently blocked off by light wooden blinds. There was enough space between the slats to let the air flow, however.
You stepped further into the room as Sir Mansoor went ahead and inspected every corner, every piece of furniture and every dresser drawer. You joined his side as he knelt down to look under the bed.
That bed was definitely a sight to behold. It stood on the left side of the room, its headboard against the wall. Of course it was big, the mattress thick and plush, the sheets made of luxurious fabrics, the posts beautifully carved with a whirling leaves motif. But the main appeal was its canopy made of stained glass. A small chandelier had been placed just above the bed so that light filtered through the floral design and projected colorful shapes on the comforters.
Satisfied by what he found or did not find under the bed's frame, Sir Mansoor stood up, ready to move on to the next object of his thorough attention.
{<div class="choice">You interrupted him, placing a hand on his arm. (link: "“Sir Mansoor, please... We are safe.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "We are safe")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You let him continue. (link: "You did agree to this after all.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "A thorough inspection")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“That is enough,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "That is enough")
] you ordered, growing impatient. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
{(if: $MCsize is "tall")[
You stretched out your long legs in front of you to get more comfortable.
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
You settled comfortably on the mattress.
]
(else:)[
You pushed yourself further back on the mattress, making your feet dangle.
]} From your seated position, you took another glance at the room. The walls were covered with a muted green wallpaper, decorated with golden interlacing vegetal patterns that reflected the oil lamps' light. The flooring was still bright honey khaya and was covered by a very large and intricately decorated rug. It felt plush under your feet.
The room was a little more cluttered than the rest of the house, or at least what you had seen of it so far. It made the bedroom look more lived in, comfortable. A sitting area had been arranged around a small round coffee table. Behind an elegant wooden screen stood a sizable dresser and vanity table. A few more chairs were strewn about as well as some decorative items.
One of them attracted your attention, reminding you of a more peaceful time.
{<div class="choice">(link: "It was a finely made Baladian mandolin, just like the one you used to play.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You played the mandolin (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a well constructed easel, just like the one you used to paint on.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You painted (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a typewriter, just like the one your parents gifted you for your ninth birthday.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You wrote (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was barely used leather dancing shoes, just like the ones you used to wear during a show.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $martial to $martial + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You danced (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a theater mask, just like the ones you used to wear during a play.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You acted (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a heavily decorated hairbrush, just like the one your mother used to have.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(go-to: "You had no artistic talent (2)")
]</div>}
“Sir Mansoor, please... We are safe.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight nearly jumped at the touch. He looked at your hand and frowned, lifting a confused gaze to you. Sir Mansoor took a step back to avoid further contact.<br /><br />
“Please, $MCcovertitle. Let me at least accomplish my duty. That is all I have left.”<br /><br />
Pain flashed in his eyes and he returned to his investigation of the room.
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection < 5)[
You felt the knight tense up at your touch. He looked at you and relaxed, a timid smile forming on his lips. His eyes were sad, however.<br /><br />
“I wish I was as confident as you about that.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor returned to his investigation of the room, but you noticed it was less frantic than before.
]
(else:)[
{(unless: (history:) contains "I care about your safety")[
The knight looked down at your hand on his arm, his expression unreadable.
]
(else:)[
It was the second time today that you touched the knight's arm, yet he still seemed surprised and was staring at your hand, expression unreadable.
]} Then he looked back at you with a warm smile, covering your hand with his own gloved one. The gentle expression on his face turned quickly to worry.<br /><br />
“Thank you... $MCcovertitle. But I have to make sure. It is for your sake.”<br /><br />
His hand squeezed yours lightly and he returned to his investigation of the room, but you noticed it was less frantic than before.
]}
(display: "Room description")
The knight continued to search the room with thoroughness and intense focus.
(display: "Room description")
“That is enough”, you ordered, growing impatient.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight froze beside you. He looked at you, his water-green eyes turning to ice. He was not surprised, but he still seemed a little taken aback.<br /><br />
He stood stiffly to attention, crossing his hands behind his back. “Then if you have no further need of me, may I leave?”<br /><br />
There was something in his voice, an unusual hoarseness, that told you that the way you had been treating him today was starting to get to him.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You did not care.<br />
(link: "“You are dismissed,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(set: $MansoorTrust to -2)
(go-to: "You are dismissed")
] you responded. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not know what to say, but you just could not let him leave like that. (link: "“No.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.5)
(go-to: "No")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Your heart felt heavy. He deserved better.<br />
(link: "“I did not mean it like that... I am sorry.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.2)
(go-to: "I did not mean it like that")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
The knight tensed up and looked at you, his eyes growing wide with surprise. Then a confused frown formed on his brow.<br /><br />
“You told me I could inspect your room...”<br /><br />
He looked around him, his eyes finding cushions still upturned by his frantic inspection, drawers left slightly open, chairs moved out of their initial position.<br /><br />
A blush crept on Sir Mansoor's cheeks. “My apologies, $MCtitle. I did not realize how careless and intrusive I was. I can leave now if you wish.”<br /><br />
His head hung low in embarrassment. You knew he would beat himself over this.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">Good.<br />
(link: "“You are dismissed,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "You are dismissed")
] you responded. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not want that.<br />
(link: "“Don't,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "No")
] you blurted. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You felt bad for him. You should have been gentler.<br />
(link: "“No, it is fine Sir Mansoor... Please stay.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I did not mean it like that")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>}
]}{(set: $MChobby to "music")}
You stood up and walked towards the instrument. You lifted it gently by the neck, your hand brushing the elegant engravings in the wood. The patterns were typically Baladian. Maybe whoever lived here brought it back as a memento of their travels? Maybe it was a gift from a powerful friend from the surface? Either way, the mandolin looked especially expensive.
After a moment of hesitation, you took the mandolin with you and sat back on the bed. Could the instrument be technically considered yours now? How free were you to use whatever was in this house? It was payed for, after all. (if: (history:) contains "A high price" and $maintrait is "compassionate")[Remembering how, exactly, made you wince. ]Still, all of this used to belong to someone and it could not have been that long ago. {(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[The fact that they met an unfortunate end made this all the worse.]
(else:)[It felt bizarre to be in the home of complete strangers, touching their things.]}
No matter your feelings on the matter, however, you could tell the instrument had not seen much use if any at all. And if there was something you felt strongly about, it was that a mandolin was made to be played, however intricate its decorations were.
You spent a moment tuning the instrument. Once satisfied, you started strumming the strings and played your favorite song as softly as you could. The sound of the mandolin was comforting, a reminder of warmer times.
Your attention fully engrossed in the music, you did not hear the slight squeak of a wooden shutter being open. Your head only snapped up at the sound of Zanetta's smug voice:
<div class="choice">[[“Well, who knew the little $MCtitle2 could do //anything//.”->A talk with Zanetta]]</div>{(set: $MChobby to "painting")}
You approached the easel and your fingers brushed its wooden slats. The structure was well made and allowed the supporting beam to be adjusted to the painter's height or the canvas' dimensions. Unlike your own easel, however, it was barely stained, betraying the previous owner's lack of interest in fine arts.
It was a shame, really, leaving such a fine tool unused. You wondered why they procured it? Maybe they gave painting a try and realized it was not for them. (if: (history:) contains "The owners")[Or maybe they got killed before they could use it. Another shiver ran down your spine.]
You wondered if it would be too inconvenient to ask for paints and brushes. You hoped you could find time to paint again, in-between lessons.
Lost in your thoughts, you did not hear the creaking of a wooden shutter being open. It was only when you turn around to sit back on the bed that you noticed Zanetta's presence.
<div class="choice">[[“My, my, do we have an artistically minded little $MCtitle2 here?”->A talk with Zanetta]]</div>{(set: $MChobby to "writing")}
You approached the small desk facing the arches on top of which the machine was sitting. Your fingers brushed its round keys. It was an ornate one and, although it looked perfectly serviceable, it seemed to have been mostly used as decoration.
As far as you could remember, you always loved stories. First hearing the ones told by your parents, then reading them in many, many books. You started making up your own almost as soon as you learned how to write. Ever since you discovered that all modern writers used a typewriter to clean up their manuscripts, you had been dreaming of having one yourself. That is, until your parents did get you one. It was one of the happiest days of your life.
You smiled faintly at the memory, then shook your head to avoid thinking more of your parents. Maybe it was all right for you to use the typewriter? You would have to ask later. Although you could not see why not, all of this was paid for, after all. (if: (history:) contains "A high price" and $maintrait is "compassionate")[Remembering how, exactly, made you wince. ]You tried not to think of the house's previous owners. How long had it been since they sat down at this desk? (if: (history:) contains "The owners")[The thought of their fate made another shiver run down your spine.]
As deep in your thoughts as you were, you did not hear the creaking of a wooden shutter being open. Only when you sat back on the bed did you notice Zanetta's presence. She chuckled.
<div class="choice">[[“Does the little $MCtitle2 even knows how to use it?”->A talk with Zanetta]]</div>{(set: $MChobby to "dancing")}
You walked up to the shelf and examined closely the make of the footwear. The leather of the shoes was still smooth and taut. They probably did not see much use, if any at all. They were finely made, however, and beautifully embroidered. Those were concert shoes.
You remembered the last time you performed. It was the candle dance, during the new year's festivities. A tricky feat, as you had to make sure your costume did not catch on fire. But you had trained rigorously for it and it paid off.
You always loved dancing. It was both a good way for you to express yourself artistically as well as a great physical exercise. You wondered if the previous owners of this house practiced at all or if the shoes were just a decorative item. Did they use to go watch dance concerts? Were there any at all in Lagodoro?
You also wondered if you would have the time and the room to practice in this house. If you pushed away the furniture in the living room, maybe you could... Zanetta did mention it was once used as a ballroom. All those mirrors would come in handy.
You tried not to think of the former inhabitants and all the parties they must have thrown in here. (if: (history:) contains "The owners")[Or of how it all came to an abrupt end. Another shiver ran down your spine.]
Deep in your thoughts, you did not hear the creaking of a wooden shutter being open. Only when you turned around to sit back on the bed did you notice Zanetta's presence.
<div class="choice">{(if: $MCsize is "small")[
[[“Wondering if they'd fit? Mmh, maybe they would.”->A talk with Zanetta]]
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
[[“Wondering if they'd fit? I have my doubts.”->A talk with Zanetta]]
]
(else:)[
[[“Wondering if they'd fit? Somehow, I don't think so.”->A talk with Zanetta]]
]}</div>{(set: $MChobby to "theater")}
You walked to the shelf the mask was sitting on and took it carefully in your hands. It was made of ceramic and expertly painted with the traditional designs of Altha, one of the recurring characters of Baladian theater. The mask's features were gaunt and androgynous, the holes for the eyes lined with black. A vermilion enamel stained the forehead and the length of the nose, as well as the upper lip. Rich golden details had been added to the original, simpler design, adorning the brows and temples of the mask. The rest of it was a glossy white.
It was an expensive accessory, to be sure, likely only used for the most prestigious performances, if at all.
The last time you wore such a mask was during the last new year's festivities, where you assumed the role of the Trickster in a play written by your father.
You wondered if Baladian theater was popular here, in Lagodoro. It was possible, you had talked to artists who travelled the whole world to perform in different countries. You did not remember them mentioning the Dwarven kingdom specifically, however. Maybe the previous owners of this house travelled to the surface and brought the mask back as a souvenir. How long ago could this have been? (if: (history:) contains "The owners")[How recently were they murdered? You shivered again.]
You delicately set the mask back on its shelf. As deep in your thoughts as you were, you did not hear the creaking of a wooden shutter being open. Only when you turned around to sit back on the bed did you notice Zanetta's presence.
<div class="choice">[[“Thinking of joining a troupe and running away, are we?”->A talk with Zanetta]]</div>{(set: $MChobby to "none")}
It was sitting on the vanity table. The glint of its silver handle had caught your attention. You walked up to it and picked up the heavy hairbrush. Its metallic handle was engraved with floral patterns similar to the ones that were on your mother's. The boar bristles were in good shape and no hair at all was stuck in them. Was this brand new?
{(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[How long did the previous owners enjoy this newly decorated house before they met their untimely death? Another shiver ran down your spine.](else:)[How long did the previous owners of this house actually lived here?]}
You remembered when your mother would sit down in front of her dressing table to brush her long brown locks. You loved watching her do it when you were a child. Mostly because she would make faces at you in the mirror and it made you laugh. But in-between the playfulness and the jokes, she started teaching you to school your features into whichever expression you wanted(if: $maintrait is "open")[ — even though it was especially difficult for you], doing fun vocalizations with you and making a game of pronouncing difficult sentences in order to improve your enunciation. What seemed like just a nice bonding time turned out incredibly useful later, when dealing with the nobles of the court. She was not just a sweet mother, she was also a smart ruler.
Your fingers tightened their grip around the brush handle, knuckles turning white. Your eyes started stinging and your vision was getting blurry.
It took you a minute and a few blinks to swallow back your tears. Taking a deep breath, you set the hairbrush back down and turned around to sit back on the bed.
Deep in memories, you did not hear the creaking of a wooden shutter being open. You nearly jumped when you noticed Zanetta's presence in your bedroom.
<div class="choice">[[“Our little $MCtitle2 needs a little pamper session?... Hey, are you okay?”->A talk with Zanetta (2)]]</div>{(set: $MChobby to "music")}
The knight grabbed the instrument in a gentle grip. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[A pained expression wrinkled his brow. He swallowed with difficulty.]
(else:)[He smiled softly at it, his eyes shining in a nostalgic expression.]} His hand traced the elegant engravings in the wood. The patterns were typically Baladian. Maybe whoever lived here brought it back as a memento from their travels? Maybe it was a gift from a powerful friend from the surface? Either way, the mandolin looked especially expensive.
“It reminds me of the one you used to play at the palace,” Sir Mansoor whispered, almost to himself.
He looked far away, deep in a memory. You suspected it was a good one, {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[even if he tried to hide it.]
(else:)[the warm smile on his face making it obvious.]} He always loved it when you played.
In a few steps, he came back towards the bed, handing the instruments to you. You took it on your lap and could not help but test the strings. You took a moment to tune the mandolin under the curious gaze of Sir Mansoor. Once satisfied, you chose a piece to play.
{<div class="choice">[[It was your favorite piece.->Your favorite piece]]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>It was Sir Mansoor's favorite piece. Which was a small way to show that you cared about him. (link: "Maybe a little more than a $MCtitle2 should for $MCpronoun3 knight.")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Sir Mansoor's favorite piece")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}{(set: $MChobby to "painting")}
Sir Mansoor brushed his gloved fingers over the wooden slats of the easel. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[A pained expression wrinkled his brow. He swallowed with difficulty.]
(else:)[He smiled gently at it, his eyes shining in a nostalgic expression.]} The structure was well made and allowed the supporting beam to be adjusted to the painter's height or the canvas' dimensions. Unlike your own easel, however, it was barely stained, betraying the previous owner's lack of interest in fine arts.
The knight's fingertips trailed over the scattered and colorful bumps of dried paint. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
He stayed quiet for a moment, deep in memories.<br /><br />
“You used to spend much of your free time painting...”
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />He turned his warm smile towards you and chuckled. “I remember your easel was covered with so much paint you could barely see the wood underneath anymore.”
]}
Sir Mansoor had always been intrigued by your painting skills and often watched carefully when you worked on a piece.
“Maybe we can find you some paints and brushes in town. You could paint again.” {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[He offered you a weak smile over his shoulder.]
(else:)[His smile lit up, his white teeth bright against the brown of his skin.]}
{<div class="choice">You smiled back at him. [[“I would very much like that.”->I would like that]]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You cocked your head to the side, examining him. You always found the knight's features to be quite striking. Maybe you were a bit infatuated.<br />
(link: "“I would love to paint a portrait of you, someday. Would you be kind enough to pose for me?”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Painting a portrait of you")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">You rubbed the back of your neck awkwardly. The idea was tempting, but... (link: "“There surely will be more important things to spend our time and ressources on.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "More important things")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}{(set: $MChobby to "writing")}
Sir Mansoor's gloved fingers brushed over the round keys of the machine. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[A pained expression wrinkled his brow. He swallowed with difficulty.]
(else:)[He smiled gently at it, his eyes shining in a nostalgic expression.]} The typewriter was an ornate one, and although it looked perfectly serviceable, it seemed to have been mostly used as decoration. It sat on a small desk facing the arches.
As far as you could remember, you always loved stories. First hearing the ones told by your parents, then reading them in many, many books. You started making up your own almost as soon as you learned how to write. Ever since you discovered that all modern writers used a typewriter to clean up their manuscripts, you had been dreaming of having one yourself. That is, until your parents did get you one. It was one of the happiest days of your life.
“Hopefully, you will find time to write again.”
Sir Mansoor interrupted your thoughts. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
He smiled weakly at you over his shoulder.<br /><br/>
“If you do not mind me asking, $MCcovertitle, what was the last thing you wrote?”
]
(else:)[
He smiled warmly at you, turning to face you.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorAffection < 5)[
“Can I ask you what was the last thing you wrote?”
]
(else:)[
“I never did get to read the last thing you wrote...”
]}
]}
{<div class="choice">That was rather private and you did not want to answer. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
(link: "“I actually do mind.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to:"I would rather not say")
]
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection < 5)[
(link: "“I would rather not say.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to:"I would rather not say")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I would rather not talk about it.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to:"I would rather not say")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(if: $MansoorTrust > -1 and $MansoorAffection > 4)[You smiled back at him. ][[“I was working on an epic about brave knights going on a harrowing quest.”->You wrote an epic]]</div>
<div class="choice">You shifted on the bed, a little awkwardly, before admitting: [[“I started the first draft of a... huh... a romance novel.”->You wrote a romance]]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>It actually was a love poem about him... But you were not about to tell him that.<br />
You blushed and fumbled: (link: "“Huh... It was.. a poem. About... grass.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ A poem about grass?")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>It actually was a love poem about him and you did not mind telling him so: (link: "“It was a love poem. It was meant for you.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ A love poem for him")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>}{(set: $MChobby to "dancing")}
Sir Mansoor examined closely the make of the footwear. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[A pained expression was wrinkling his brow and he swallowed with difficulty.]
(else:)[He smiled gently at them, his eyes shining in a nostalgic expression.]} The leather of the shoes was still smooth and taut. They probably did not see much use, if any at all. They were finely made, however, and beautifully embroidered. Those were concert shoes.
The knight turned to face you, {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[a weak smile on his lips]
(else:)[a warm smile on his lips]}.
“I hope $MCcovertitle will still find some time to dance. It always seemed to cheer you up.”
He was right, you did like dancing very much. It was both a great way for you to express yourself artistically as well as a good physical exercise. {(if: $maintrait is "severe")[But you doubted you would have a lot of time for amusements.]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[You hoped you would have time as well, even if it seemed unlikely.]
(else-if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[You smiled at him. His enthusiasm was touching.]
(else:)[You smiled at him. It was your hope as well.]}
“I will always remember the candle dance you performed during last new year's festivities,” Sir Mansoor continued, his gaze falling on the shoes again.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[He stared at them thoughtfully for a while.]
(else:)[He let out a faint chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck and looking a bit embarrassed.]}
“As beautiful as it was, it was a bit nerve-wracking. I kept fearing your costume would catch on fire.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You chuckled as well. To be perfectly honest, you thought the danger added to the performance.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
A lopsided smile stretched your lips.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You lifted an eyebrow at his mirth. Still, you appreciated the compliment.
]
(else:)[
A short laugh escaped you as well. You could very much imagine the knight worrying about those sorts of things.
]}Sir Mansoor's smile widened when he looked back at you, his white teeth bright against the brown of his skin.]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You could not help but smile sheepishly at his words. You did not intend to make his work more difficult that day.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You grinned a bit. Even if it caused Sir Mansoor a bit of stress, you would not have done it any other way. The danger added to the performance.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You frowned. You never thought of it that way. Maybe you should be more careful in the future.
]
(else:)[
You stared at him. You were not aware that it had caused him distress.
]}Sir Mansoor looked back at you with a faint smile.
]}
{<div class="choice">“I will talk to Lady Domara about it. [[Maybe she can make room for some practice sessions in that schedule of hers.”->Making room for practice sessions]]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“I would love to discover what sort of dances the Dwarves perform. Maybe you could try them out with me?”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $sublte to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Try dancing with me")] You tried to still your fluttering heart as the question spilled out from your lips. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">[[“I am not sure I will have the time for it...”->No time for it]]</div>}{(set: $MChobby to "theater")}
Sir Mansoor took the mask in his gloved hands, examining it closely. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[A pained expression wrinkled his brow. He swallowed with difficulty.](else:)[He smiled gently at it, his eyes shining in a nostalgic expression.]} It was made of ceramic and expertly painted with the traditional designs of Altha, one of the recurring characters of Baladian theater. The mask's features were gaunt and androgynous, the holes for the eyes lined with black. A vermilion enamel stained the forehead and the length of the nose, as well as the upper lip. Rich golden details had been added to the original, simpler design, adorning the brows and temples of the mask. The rest of it was a glossy white.
It was an expensive accessory, to be sure, likely only used for the most prestigious performances, if at all.
“The last time you played as Altha was for the new year's festivities, was it not?” Sir Mansoor asked, {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[still staring at the mask in his hands.]
(else:)[looking at you with a smile over his shoulder.]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“It was,” you answered(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[ with a smile of your own], flattered that he remembered.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You simply nodded in response.
]
(else:)[
“It was,” you answered.
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight looked at you over his shoulder.
]
(else:)[
The knight turned his body to face you entirely, a warm smile on his lips.
]}
“It was a beautiful performance. I do not think I have ever seen an actor capturing all the subtleties of the Trickster as well as you did that night.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You felt touched by his generous compliment and could not help the slight flush that warmed your cheeks.<br /><br />
“It is very nice of you to say, Sir Mansoor.”<br />
“But it is the truth.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You shifted on the bed, your cheeks becoming warm. You did not know how to react to such praise.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you mumbled.<br />
“You do not need to thank me for stating the truth.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You shifted on the bed, made a little uncomfortable by the praise.<br /><br />
“Surely you are exaggerating. There is no need for flattery.”<br />
Sir Mansoor raised his eyebrows. “I swear, $MCcovertitle, I am being honest.”
]
(else:)[
The compliment made you smile.<br /><br />
“Thank you, Sir Mansoor.”<br />
“It is deserved praise.”
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
He graced you with a wide smile, his white teeth bright against the brown of his skin.<br />
]}The knight walked a few feet in your direction, examining the mask still in his hand.
“I always wondered what made you decide to start acting...”
It was a good question...
{<div class="choice">But a difficult answer. (link: "“I suppose it was a way to feel closer to my mother.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Just like mother")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">One you did not mind answering. [[“I love how it involves so many artistic disciplines.”->So many artistic disciplines]]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>One that made your cheeks blush and your heart race. (link: "“To tell the truth... It caught my interest after you told me how much you loved it.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $sublte to $sublte + 1)
(if: $MansoorTrust is -1 and $maintrait is "compassionate")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.7)
]
(go-to: "❤ After you told me you loved it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">But the answer was probably not one he expected. (link: "“Lady Domara encouraged me to take theater classes. She said that it would help me act the part of a ruler.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "The part of a ruler")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">But a private answer. (link: "“The reasons are my own.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "The reasons are my own")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}{(set: $MChobby to "none")}
Sir Mansoor's gloved hand brushed the surface of the finely painted globe, making it turn slowly until his index finger sat on the small shape of Ahabalad. He stared down at the richly decorated object when his voice rose softly.
“I remember your father had a globe much like this one in his study.”
His tone was tentative, knowing perfectly well the matter was a delicate one. {(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[He smiled nonetheless and looked at you over his shoulder. It was a sad smile.]
(else:)[He kept his gaze on the globe, a pained frown twisting his features.]}
“He was such an erudite man. He was able to name all the countries of the world.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[His smile widened, a glint of amusement twinkling in his eyes.]
(else:)[At length, he looked over his shoulder, his expression softening into a timid smile.]} “Do you remember when he tried to teach us every single one of them? {(if: $intelligence > 7)[I think I was disappointing him quite a bit, but I confess I was a bit awestruck at how many of them you could remember.]
(else:)[He was so disappointed when we could not remember a third of them. I do not think he realized how hard it actually was for such young children.]}”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled back at him, if a bit painfully. Thinking about your father always reminded you of how much you missed your parents.<br /><br />
“I remember. I thought you did quite well, actually.”<br />
The knight's smile turned sheepish. “(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle) is too kind.”<br /><br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded vaguely at him, avoiding his gaze. You did not want him to see how painful it was for you to think about your father.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Your back straightened as you looked back at him. You really did not want to think about your father, right now.<br /><br />
“Of course, I remember,” you replied dryly.<br />
]
(else:)[
The smile you returned to him was a sad one. You liked reminiscing about your father — those were good memories — but it was also painful.<br /><br />
“I remember.”<br /><br />
You chuckled. “He was a good father... But such a terrible teacher.”<br />
]}
Linking your hands together, you looked down at your lap. “He told me once how important it was to know everything I could about other nations, so that one day I could tell which one could become an ally and which one was about to become an enemy. He was not just a scholarly man, he was a shrewd leader as well. If he was still alive... If either of my parents was still alive...”
Your words hanged heavy in the air. Sir Mansoor turned around taking a few steps towards you. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[He placed his hands behind his back, in a rather formal posture. His frown came back, wrinkling his brow.]
(else:)[He shifted on his feet uncomfortably, a concerned frown on his brow.]}
“I am sorry, $MCcovertitle. I should not have mentioned him, that was very inconsiderate of me.”
{<div class="choice">Still staring down at your lap, your vision blurred and a tear fell on your hands. (link: "You missed your parents so much.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "You missed your parents")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Thinking about your father brought back memories of a better time. A time when your parents were still alive, yes, but also a simpler time when you could afford to be closer to Sir Mansoor. And you missed that too. A lot more than you could tell him.<br />
(link: "“I miss my father. But I miss you too, in a way...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(if: $maintrait is "open" or "stoic" and $MansoorTrust is -1)[
(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.7)
]
(go-to: "❤ I miss you, in a way")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td><p style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: right;">❤</p></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">The painful reminder of your parents' absence made your eyes sting. (link: "You blinked a couple of times and swallowed back your tears.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "You swallowed back your tears")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“You are dismissed,” you responded.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor bowed stiffly and exited the room in hurried and long strides, leaving you alone.
]
(else:)[
“You are dismissed,” you responded.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor adressed you an awkward bow, his expression torn between pain and embarrassment. He exited the room in hurried and long strides, leaving you alone.
]}
You sat on the bed, testing its luxurious bounce. From your new position, you took another glance at the bed chamber. The walls were covered with a muted green wallpaper, decorated with golden interlacing vegetal patterns reflecting the oil lamps' light. The flooring was still bright honey khaya and was covered by a very large and very intricately decorated rug. It felt plush under your feet.
The room was a little more cluttered than the rest of the house, or at least what you had seen of it so far. It made the bedroom look more lived in, comfortable. A sitting area had been arranged around a small round coffee table. Behind an elegant wooden screen stood a sizable dresser and vanity table. A few more chairs were strewn about as well as some decorative items.
One of them attracted your attention, reminding you of a more peaceful time.
{<div class="choice">(link: "It was a finely made Baladian mandolin, just like the one you used to play.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You played the mandolin (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a well constructed easel, just like the one you used to paint on.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You painted (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a typewriter, just like the one your parents gifted you for your ninth birthday.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You wrote (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was barely used leather dancing shoes, just like the ones you used to wear during a show.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $martial to $martial + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You danced (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a theater mask, just like the ones you used to wear during a play.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You acted (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a heavily decorated hairbrush, just like the one your mother used to have.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(go-to: "You had no artistic talent (2)")
]</div>}
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -0.5)[
“No.”<br /><br />
Complete confusion made Sir Mansoor gape at you. Then anger and frustration took over.<br /><br />
“No?! What do you want me to do then?” He shrugged helplessly.<br /><br />
You had never seen him so upset. You swallowed, but stayed quiet for a moment, having trouble finding the right words.<br /><br />
“I do not know!” You suddenly blurted out. “I just... do not like seeing you upset.”<br /><br />
The knight frowned at you, utter disbelief crinkling his brow. He then took a deep breath, his features softening.<br /><br />
“I am not upset, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You were pretty sure it was a lie.<br /><br />
“I am merely trying to follow your wishes. For that, I need you to make them clear.”<br /><br />
He had a point. Your arrival in Lagodoro had been a confusing experience. You did not feel safe here. You had no idea what was to become of you. Your whole world had been turned on its head. And maybe you lashed out at Sir Mansoor and you should not have.<br />
You let yourself drop on the bed, the mattress bouncing in reaction, your head hanging low.<br /><br />
“Sorry.”<br /><br />
You heard Sir Mansoor sigh. A second later, his gloved hand was on your shoulder and you looked up at him.<br /><br />
He offered you a sad smile. “You do not have to apologize, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You both knew it was not true, but admitting so — for him — would be a breach of etiquette and he always made sure to never let that happen.<br /><br />
“I will finish my inspection and let you rest, alright?”<br /><br />
You nodded. You were just relieved that Sir Mansoor was not upset at you anymore. You did not clear the air exactly, but the knight understood where you were coming from.
]
(else:)[
“Don't”, you blurted.<br />
Sir Mansoor looked up at you, confusion now painted on his features. “You... do not want me to leave?”<br />
“No.”<br /><br />
For a while, it was the only word you managed to say. You swallowed.<br /><br />
“I do not want you to think you did something wrong. I just... got overwhelmed.”<br /><br />
Your arrival in Lagodoro had been a confusing experience. You did not feel safe here. You had no idea what was to become of you. Your whole world had been turned on its head. You snapped at Sir Mansoor and maybe you should not have.<br />
You let yourself drop on the bed, the mattress bouncing in reaction, your head hanging low.<br /><br />
“Sorry.”<br /><br />
You felt a gloved hand settling on your shoulder. Looking up, you found Sir Mansoor smiling at you.<br /><br />
“You do not have to apologize, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
It may have been true, but you still felt like you owed him that apology. Accepting it would probably have been a breach of etiquette, however, and the knight would never let that happen.<br /><br />
“I will finish my inspection and let you rest, alright?”<br /><br />
You nodded. You were relieved Sir Mansoor did not feel guilty anymore, at least. Maybe you could have expressed yourself better, but the knight always seemed to understand where you were coming from.
]}
(display: "Room description (2)")
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -0.2)[
“I did not mean it like that... I am sorry.”<br />
Sir Mansoor frowned in confusion. “Then... what do you mean?”<br />
You lowered your head and let yourself drop on the bed. “I guess I was getting frustrated and lashed out at you. I should not have, I am sorry. I do not want to hurt you any more.”<br /><br />
You peeked a glance at him. He blinked at you.<br /><br />
“I...”<br /><br />
He cleared his throat, looking away from you. “You do not have to apologize, $MCtitle. I... I was out of line, you—”<br />
“No you were not. I was.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor gaped at you. His mouth closed and he kept staring at you for a while. His eyes found some warmth again and a hint of a smile stretched his lips. He could not say anything without breaching etiquette, you knew it, but it was obvious how much he appreciated your words.<br /><br />
He cleared his throat again. “Do... you want me to finish the inspection of your chambers, $MCcovertitle?”<br />
You smiled at him and nodded. “Please, Sir Mansoor.”
]
(else:)[
“No, it is fine Sir Mansoor... Please stay.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor looked hesitantly at you, as if expecting you to change your mind again.<br /><br />
“Alright...” He said slowly. “So... You still want me to inspect the room?”<br />
You sighed, letting yourself drop on the bed. “Yes. I got frustrated. I did not mean to snap at you. I am sorry.”<br />
The knight smiled and put his gloved hand on your shoulder. “You do not have to apologize, $MCcovertitle.”<br />
You lifted a determined gaze at him. “But I do.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor blinked at you in surprise. His hand dropped from your shoulder as he straightened up. Then he smiled warmly. He did not say it, maybe for fear of breaching etiquette, but you could tell he was thankful for your words.<br /><br />
“I will make sure the room is safe and then leave you to your rest, $MCcovertitle.”
]}
(display: "Room description (2)")“It has been a long day, has it not?”
Before you could reply, Sir Mansoor spoke again. “I have been thinking... About that cover Miss Calvio devised. I am sure she will give us more details later, but in the meantime... I do not think you should call me by my family name and title anymore.”
He gave you a careful look, trying to gage your reaction.
“Calling someone who is supposed to be a mercenary ‘Sir’ will raise suspicion. And if my name falls into the ears of one informed enough, they will connect it to yours. I am not very comfortable with the idea of sporting a fake name and I am sure Miss Calvio will come up with one for me, but...”
The young knight took a long breath through his nose, as if he was readying himself to say something utterly outrageous.
“You can call me Ajmal from now on, if you want to.”
The sentence came out so fast it almost sounded like a single word. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor — or Ajmal, like he suggested you call him — winced after speaking, as if he just swallowed the most sour of medicines.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 1 and $MansoorAffection > 4)[
Sir Mansoor — or Ajmal, like he suggested you call him — watched you nervously from the corner of his eye, his face becoming slightly red.
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[
Sir Mansoor — or Ajmal, like he suggested you call him — glanced at you nervously, but he looked hopeful.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor — or Ajmal, like he suggested you call him — glanced at you nervously.
]}
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I would rather call you by whatever name {(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[Miss Calvio]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection > 2)[Zanetta]
(else:)[Miss Calvio]} will come up with.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $Ajmal to "Sleiman")
(go-to: "Whatever name Miss Calvio will come up with")
] It was by far the more appropriate option. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Given the circumstances, I suppose it would be alright.”")[
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "A hard habit to break")
]<br />
You were hesitant. ‘Sir Mansoor’ was the only way you had addressed him for years. It would be a hard habit to break.</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $MansoorRomance is 1)[
(link: "“Like when we were children...”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Flashback 1")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
(link: "“Like when we were children...”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Flashback 2")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
(link: "“Like when we were children...”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Flashback 3")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
(link: "“Like when we were children...”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Flashback 4")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
(link: "“Like when we were children...”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Flashback 5")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Like when we were children...”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Flashback 6")
]
]} A wave of nostalgia hit you as fond memories resurfaced.</div>}
“I would very much like that.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor's smile widened, finally reaching his eyes. “Then it can be arranged, $MCcovertitle.”
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection < 5)[
Sir Mansoor nodded at you, his smile still wide on his lips. “I will make sure to provide you with what you need, then.”
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor's gaze softened with affection, an expression you did not see that often on his features, but you recognized it instantly.<br /><br />
“I thought so. You will have everything you need, I promise.”
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I would love to paint a portrait of you, some day. Would you be kind enough to pose for me?”
Sir Mansoor stared wide-eyed at you, forgetting entirely to answer your question. He stayed silent a moment... And another...
“Sir Mansoor?”
He blinked, looking like he was waking up from a dream. “Oh! Yes. I mean... I am not sure if I would be a very good painting subject, but if that is your wish...”
He cleared his throat into his fist and you noticed his cheeks darkening. {(if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br />You eyed him curiously. “Why do you say that? You are notoriously handsome, you would make a great painting subject.”<br /><br />
The knight started coughing in his hand, his entire face turning crimson.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle) flatters me,” he said once he found some semblance of composure.<br /><br />
Truth was not flattery. You heard many nobles fawning over Sir Mansoor's good looks at the Royal Palace. He could not be that unaware, could he? Of course the fact that you very much shared their opinion on the matter had a lot to do with your proposal, but still.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
Seeing the signs of Sir Mansoor's embarrassment was making you uneasy as well. You felt your cheeks becoming warm. You were not blushing, were you?<br /><br />
“If you do not want to, you do not have to, you know.”<br /><br />
You bit your lower lip, already regretting how abrupt your words came out. The young knight looked surprise for a moment, then he cleared his throat, finding some composure back.<br /><br />
“It is fine, $MCcovertitle, I do not mind. I would be happy to help.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[He smiled faintly at you and you tensed up, looking away to hide your flushed cheeks.](else:)[He smiled softly at you and you looked away to hide your flushing cheeks.]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Looking at Sir Mansoor's flushed face, you started to doubt your proposal was appropriate. And you did not like to doubt. After all //you// were the painter. //You// decided what subject matter was worth depicting or not. Tender feelings towards said subject matter or not.<br /><br />
“What would you know about what makes a good painting subject or not? If I say you are an excellent model, you should trust me.”<br />
The young knight looked stunned. “Alright?”<br /><br />
Your face felt warm suddenly, as you realized you probably found the most antagonizing way to tell Sir Mansoor you found him handsome.
]
(else:)[
You felt a bit bad to have made him feel embarrassed.<br /><br />
“But that involves sitting for long hours and I would understand if you would rather—”<br />
“It is fine, $MCcovertitle,” he interrupted gently(unless: $MansoorTrust is -1)[, smiling softly]. “I would be happy to help.”<br /><br />
You smiled back at him, a telltale warmth spreading in your chest.
]}
He took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“There surely will be more important things to spend our time and ressources on.”
“Mmh.”
The acknowledgement was only half-hearted. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
But you knew Sir Mansoor understood that duty came before everything. Or so you hoped.
]
(else:)[
You could tell from his expression that despite your reservations, he would not listen to you and get the supplies anyway. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
It made you smile.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br /><br />“You are going to buy them regardless, aren't you.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor smiled sheepishly. That was confirmation enough.
]
(else:)[
You sighed.
]}
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“I actually do mind.”
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection < 5)[
“I would rather not say.”
]
(else:)[
“I would rather not talk about it.”
]}
Your response did not seem to bother Sir Mansoor who simply nodded respectfully.
“I understand, $MCcovertitle. I did not mean to overstep.”
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I was working on an epic about brave knights going on a harrowing quest.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor's smile finally reached his eyes. He looked genuinely pleased.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor's smile widened, his white teeth bright against the brown of his skin.
]} “It sounds exciting.”
His smile suddenly dropped. “It is a shame you could not bring your manuscript with you. Being on a harrowing quest of your own, you would not have many difficulties finding inspiration, I think.”
For your journey to Lagodoro, you had only been able to bring the bare essentials with you. Manuscripts did not qualify, sadly. You wondered what would happen to them. Would you ever be able to get them back? You could tell by Sir Mansoor's frown that he shared your concerns.
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I started the first draft of a... huh... a romance novel.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor looked at you over his shoulder. He seemed a bit surprised at first, but then a sad smile pulled at the corners of his lips.<br /><br />
“I would have been curious to read it.”<br />
“You... would?”<br />
The knight quirked an eyebrow at you. “Is that surprising?”<br /><br />
You considered him quietly for a moment. What you knew of Sir Mansoor was that he was a warrior through and through and that he was devoted to his duty, body and soul. So, yes, it was surprising. Although, you did notice his curiosity about your writing before, the way his eyes lit up whenever you mentioned your manuscripts. Still...<br /><br />
“A bit, yes. Especially considering the subject matter.”<br />
His smile widened and it seemed to reach his eyes for once. “I think romance makes for excellent novel material.”<br /><br />
Well, you definitely learned something about Sir Mansoor that day.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor turned towards you, a wide smile on his lips, his white teeth bright against the brown of his skin. His water-green eyes shimmered with excitement.<br /><br />
“Really? I do love a good romance.”<br />
“You do?”<br />
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[
<br />He closed the distance that was between the two of you in a couple wide steps and sat on the bed beside you. He leaned towards you eagerly, his hand planted in the mattress behind you.<br /><br />
“Absolutely! You should be more confident about what you write. Love is a very important theme to write about.”<br /><br />
You did not realize Sir Mansoor felt so strongly about it.<br />
He blinked at you, becoming suddenly aware of how close he was to you. He leaned back and stood up quickly, taking a few step away. Looking a bit embarrassed at his outburst, he still managed to smile at you.
]
(else:)[
He nodded with enthusiasm. “Absolutely. Love is a great theme to write about, in my opinion.”<br /><br />
His smile softened.
]}
<br /><br />“Maybe you could tell me more about it later... If you would, of course.”<br />
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“Huh... It was.. a poem. About... grass.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor turned around to fully face you. His eyes were wide as he stared at you.<br /><br />
“About... grass?”<br /><br />
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor's eyes widened in surprise and he stared at you with confusion, until he realized he was doing so and shook his head.<br /><br />
“A poem about grass sounds... interesting.”<br /><br />
His smile seemed a bit forced.
]} You nodded, trying desperately to find a good explanation, your cheeks getting warmer and warmer.
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I— Huh... Yes. Grass is very... green and... grassy. Especially when it's not... yellow and... grassy.”<br /><br />
Embarrassment made your whole face burn and you tried to hide it with your hand. You had never been a good liar.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight's confusion only seemed to grow. He tilted his head to the side, examining you.<br /><br />
After what seemed like an eternity, he finally said: “You do not have to tell me about it, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You sighed with relief.
]
(else:)[
The knight seemed to quickly notice your discomfort and approached you, bending down to put a hand on your shoulder. You stole a glance at him between your fingers only to have your heart skip a beat at the sight of his gentle smile.<br /><br />
“You do not have to tell me about it if it makes you uncomfortable, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
Pulling your hand away, you nodded again and smiled gratefully at him.
]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Yes.”<br /><br />
You really could not find one so you decided to stick with a simple answer, glancing away to try and hide your embarrassment.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight's eyebrows shot up.<br /><br />
“Alright.”<br /><br />
You sighed with relief, thankful he decided not to ask any further questions.
]
(else:)[
The knight tilted his head to the side, maybe expecting some details. But since they never came, his lips stretched into a slight smile. Was he... amused?<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[
“I wish I could have read it. If anyone can exalt grass through poetry, it is you.”<br /><br />
Your blush deepened at the compliment and you refused to look back at him for a long moment.
]
(else:)[
“I will trust your word for it then.”<br /><br />
Embarrassed by your awkward lie, you refused to look back at him for a long moment.
]}
]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I do not have to justify myself.”<br /><br />
You stiffened on the bed, hiding your embarrassment under a rightful anger. Not without some difficulty. By the stare the knight gave you, you suspected you looked more like a pouting child than a dignified ruler.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
<br />He nodded firmly nonetheless. “Of course, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You sighed with relief, glad to not make a fool of yourself any further.
]
(else:)[
<br />He could not help but smile slightly at your reaction. “Of course, $MCcovertitle. I trust your judgement in poetry subject matters more than anyone else's.”<br /><br />
Was he... teasing you? You thought Sir Mansoor had no sense of humour. You //trusted// he had no sense of humour. What manner of betrayal was this? Your cheeks felt even warmer now.
]}
]
(else:)[
“Yes. Grass... is a rare thing in the deserts of Ahabalad and... all rare things are precious. I think it is worth celebrating.”<br /><br />
You took a deep breath and crossed your arms over your chest. Maybe your answer lacked a bit of confidence but you were quite happy with it.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
<br />The knight lifted one eyebrow. He stayed quiet for a couple of seconds before answering: “That is a good point.”<br /><br />
You sighed in relief, as the matter seemed to have been dropped.
]
(else:)[
The knight smiled widely at you, his white teeth bright against the brown of his skin. You could swear a hint of amusement was glinting in his eyes.<br /><br />
“You are right of course. Rare things should be exalted through poetry.”<br /><br />
You smiled back at him, a certain tension leaving your shoulders. You were grateful that he decided to not push the issue. (if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[
<br /><br />That is, until he continued: “As well as rare people.”<br /><br />
His gaze and smile softened and his expression turned more tender. You stopped breathing for a moment. Then Sir Mansoor blinked and shook his head, as if coming out of some transe. He cleared his throat behind his fist and you swore his cheeks darkened a bit.
]
]}
]}
He took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“It was a love poem. It was meant for you.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
<br />The knight's eyes widened considerably. For a moment, he just looked at you in shock, his hand dropping from the typewriter and hanging loosely at his side. He blinked several times before finding back some form of composure. He cleared his throat and looked away from you. You could still see his profile and he was frowning deeply.<br /><br />
“Surely... You must know that it is not appropriate?”<br /><br />
You were not sure what other response you expected, but your body still stiffened at Sir Mansoor's words. {(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Of course you knew it was inappropriate. But you did not want to lie to him either and... Well it still hurt. You frowned as well.<br /><br />
“Of course I know ! I just...”<br /><br />
You swallowed with difficulty, looking away as well. “I should not have said anything.”<br /><br />
The knight finally glanced at you, a conflicted expression pinching his face. He opened his mouth, about to say something, and for a moment his frown softened. But then he closed his lips and his eyebrows knit together again, creating a deep crease on his forehead. He turned himself fully away from you. It took a while for the tension in his shoulders to drop somewhat.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You could have gone without the painful reminder.<br /><br />
“I was just answering your question.”<br /><br />
Your tone was a bit dry, maybe. But you felt hurt. You looked away as well, a deep frown knitting your eyebrows together. Meanwhile you felt Sir Mansoor's gaze on you again. A short silence followed your reply. You dared a glance at him after a while. His expression was conflicted. At length, he sighed.<br /><br />
“Of course, you are right. I apologize.”<br /><br />
His gaze dropped to the typewriter again and, despite his words dispelling some of his tension, his expression was still troubled.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
Could he blame you for being honest? You frowned.<br /><br />
“But it is the truth. Surely lying is no more appropriate.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor stared back at you, looking dumbfounded. Then he frowned again, more confused than upset this time.<br /><br />
“I... suppose so. It is just that...”<br /><br />
A frustrated sigh escaped him and he brought a hand to his forehead, massaging his temples. “With your permission, $MCcovertitle, let us leave the matter for now.”<br /><br />
You swallowed with difficulty and nodded reluctantly. Some of his tension left his shoulders.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
He was right. Of course, he was right. What were you thinking?<br /><br />
“It is. I apologize, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”<br /><br />
You hanged your head low as your face flushed with embarrassment. You felt Sir Mansoor gazing at you again.<br /><br />
After a short but painful silence, he spoke again: “But it is true... Is it not?”<br /><br />
You lifted your head to look at him. His expression was conflicted.<br /><br />
“What is?” You asked.<br />
“What you said.”<br />
You looked away, biting your lower lip. “I would not have said it if it was not.”<br /><br />
You heard him take a sharp intake of air. He stayed silent, however, and after a while, you dared a glance at him. He was looking down at the typewriter, his eyebrows still knitted together in a confused frown. Then he let the air out of his lungs and some tension left his shoulders.
]
(else:)[
He was right, but it still hurt. You frowned as well, your gaze dropping to the floor.<br /><br />
“Of course, my apologies, Sir Mansoor.”<br /><br />
You felt his eyes on you again. He stayed silent for a while, so you dared a look at him. His expression was conflicted. He opened his mouth, as if he considered saying something, but then he closed it and looked away again. At length, some of the tension dropped from his shoulders.
]}
]
(else:)[
“A love poem sounds wonder— What?”<br /><br />
At first, it seemed the knight did not quite register what you said to him. But now he was staring at you, eyes wide with shock.<br /><br />
“That is— You cannot— I—”<br /><br />
As he stammered, his cheeks reddened fiercely and he looked about the room, at everything his eyes landed on but you. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
He looked so distressed you started regretting having said anything.<br /><br />
“I am sorry, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable,” you said, looking down at your lap.<br />
“No!” He exclaimed a little too fast. “I mean you do not need to apologize.”<br /><br />
You looked at him again and he was pinching his nose, frustrated at himself, it seemed. “I am very touched, $MCtitle, but... You know this not— that you cannot...”<br /><br />
He sighed at his inability to find his words.<br /><br />
“We are both rather tired I think,” he finally said. “We will talk of this matter... another time.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor offered you a sheepish smile. You nodded at him. You were glad he was not upset at you, at least. Not that he ever was.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at him and waited patiently for him to recover from his surprise. You felt a little bad for him, but he did ask and you were not one for lying, even by omission. It took some time for him to regain some composure.<br /><br />
When he was finally able to look at you, he said: “I am... flattered, $MCcovertitle, but you should realize saying things like that might... be considered... a tad... inappropriate?”<br /><br />
You blinked at him. You knew what he meant, you had been berated about this by Lady Domara many times before, but still.<br /><br />
“How is telling the truth inappropriate?”<br />
“It can make people uncomfortable, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You looked at him a little stunned. Lady Domara never put this in those words. She always said that some things could not be said because etiquette dictated so. You frowned, shifting on the bed with unease.<br /><br />
“Did I make you uncomfortable?”<br />
Sir Mansoor's eyes widened, his expression turning to horror. “No! I mean... No, of course not! It is just that you cannot— this is not—”<br /><br />
He pinched his nose, visibly frustrated at his inability to find the right words.<br /><br />
“We are both tired,” he finally said with a sigh. “We can talk more of this another time.”<br /><br />
The knight smiled sheepishly at you. You nodded. You were fine waiting for him to be ready to talk.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You frowned slightly, looking away as well. Should you not have said that? Maybe you should not have, maybe that was too much. It was way too much. You should definitely never have said that. You felt an unusual warmth prickling your face.<br /><br />
“Well... You asked.”<br /><br />
Your tone was maybe more abrupt than intended. Sir Mansoor blinked at you when you glanced back at him.<br /><br />
“I... did.”<br /><br />
He shook his head, trying to find some composure back.<br /><br />
“It was just... an unexpected answer,” he continued with hesitation. “I am sure you are aware that I cannot— We should not—”<br />
“I am aware,” you cut him off as he stumbled for words.<br /><br />
He closed his mouth and stared at you in silence for a moment. His expression softened and he closed the distance between the two of you. With one hand, he squeezed your shoulder gently.<br /><br />
“Maybe this is a conversation we can have another day, once we are both rested.”<br /><br />
You nodded, grateful for the reprieve.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You frowned. Surely he was overreacting. Yes, you did write a love poem about him. This would happen all the time at court. Someone would get infatuated with someone else and they would write poems about it. Were you infatuated with Sir Mansoor? Well, no, it was more of... a fondness of sort. You just... liked him, felt this rush when he was near and your heart beat a little faster when you felt his hand on your shoulder.<br /><br />
Oh dear. You //were// infatuated with him. And you were not supposed to be. Not at all. He was your bodyguard for crying out loud. You were meant to marry royalty.<br />
You stared at the knight blankly as your inner monologue spiraled. It gave him enough time to recover from his initial reaction and he was now staring at you curiously.<br /><br />
“Are you alright, $MCcovertitle?”<br /><br />
You shook your head, trying to get rid of the intrusive thoughts.<br /><br />
“Yes, I am fine,” you replied with as much poise as you could gather. “Do not mind what I said. The poem was just... something foolish I wrote to pass the time.”<br /><br />
You almost cringed at your own wording. You went straight from nearly admitting feelings to Sir Mansoor to being entirely too dismissive, good job.<br /><br />
“Oh.”<br /><br />
The young knight frowned a little at that and his shoulders dropped. You were not sure if it was from relief or disappointment. You were not sure which one you would rather it was either.
]
(else:)[
You tilted your head, looking at him patiently while he tried to find some composure back.<br /><br />
When he was finally able to look at you again, he said: “(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), I am flattered, but... You should realize that saying things like that... May be found a tad inappropriate.”<br /><br />
He was hesitant, trying to word his meaning as delicately as possible. You sighed and looked down at your lap.<br /><br />
“I know.”<br /><br />
That did not mean you liked it. You felt like you should be allowed to express your feelings. What harm could it do? At this point, no one could say what your future held. Who you had feelings for was the least of your problems right now.<br />
When you looked back up at Sir Mansoor, his expression had softened. He walked closer to you and took a deep breath.<br /><br />
“We can... We can discuss this another time. Once we are both rested.”<br /><br />
You offered him a weak smile. You had a feeling this 'another time' would not come before a while.
]}
]}
He took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")<div class="chapter">//$chapter//</div>
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight turned around as you played, taking a step away from you. You could see the tension rippling through him, his fists closing and opening repeatedly.<br />
Once you stopped, he turned around to look at you.<br /><br />
He smiled weakly. “You still play beautifully, $MCtitle.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled faintly as well. “Thank you, Sir Mansoor.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br />You nodded at him, appreciating the compliment despite how strained things had been between the two of you.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You stared him down. You did not need his compliments. He looked away immediately.
]
(else:)[
<br />You nodded at him.
]
<br />Sir Mansoor took a few steps in the middle of the room, further away from you.}
]
(else:)[
The knight sat on the bed beside you, looking at you, enraptured. After a few moments, he started singing along, his voice warm and smooth. He always had been a rather good singer.<br />
After the song ended, he smiled fully at you, his white teeth bright against the brown of his skin.<br /><br />
“I admire your talent, $MCcovertitle. I am glad that you will be able to keep playing.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Thank you, Sir Mansoor, it means a lot.” You returned his smile with a warm one of your own.<br /><br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“And I admire your talent as well. You have a beautiful voice.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's face flushed red and he looked away.<br /><br />
“Huh... Thank you, $MCtitle,” he fumbled.<br /><br />
]
(else:)[
“Thank you, Sir Mansoor.”<br /><br />
]}
The knight stood up and took a couple of steps in the center of the room.
]}
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
As you started playing the first notes of the ballad, Sir Mansoor's pained frown pinched his features again and he stared at you with barely contained sadness. After a while, he turned around, resolutely looking away from you. Nonetheless you could see how tense he was, clenching and unclenching his fists repeatedly. You could have sworn his hands were shaking.<br />
At the end of the song, he looked at you over his shoulder. He was smiling weakly.<br /><br />
“You still play beautifully,” he said, his voice so quiet you could barely hear him.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Thank you, Sir Mansoor,” you answered just as quietly.<br /><br />
You held his gaze for a moment, until his turned away sharply. You felt your heart aching. You started regretting snapping at him earlier this evening. It was obviously still upsetting him.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Thank you, Sir Mansoor. It is a beautiful song. I understand why you love it so much.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's cheeks darkened before he swiftly looked away. You wished things were better between the two of you. You could feel how tense and cold he had become since you snapped at him earlier this evening.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You did not answer. Words were stuck in your throat. There was many things you wanted him to know, but you just could not say them. His water-green eyes stared at you, looking for something, hoping for something. But as you stayed silent, he turned back around. You grit your teeth.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Of course. It has not been that long ago since I last played the mandolin.”<br /><br />
Despite your prickly answer, you felt your cheeks flush, undoubtedly diminishing your aplomb in the eyes of Sir Mansoor who quirked an eyebrow at you.<br /><br />
“You are right. My apologies, $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“Apologies accepted.”<br /><br />
You could have sworn the corners of his mouth had lifted in an amused smile for just an instant, before his expression darkened again and he looked away from you.
]
(else:)[
“Thank you,” you answered just as quietly.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor held your gaze for a moment, spawning a fluttering feeling in your stomach. The moment quickly passed, however, as he turned away from you again. He was still tense from when you snapped at him earlier this evening, you could tell.
]}
]
(else:)[
As you started playing the first notes of the ballad, Sir Mansoor sat down beside you on the bed, his water-green eyes wide with surprise, an expression that quickly softened into one of fondness. He looked at you for a few moments, enraptured, before he started singing along, his voice warm and smooth. He always had been a rather good singer. One of the many qualities that created the soft spot you had for him.<br />
After the song ended, he beamed at you, his white teeth bright against the brown of his skin.<br /><br />
“That was... Thank you,” he said tentatively, his cheeks a little darker. “I admire your talent. I am glad you will be able to keep playing.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I admire your talent, as well. You have a beautiful voice.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's face flushed entirely at your compliment. You smiled at him. Maybe you were a bit biased, but you thought he deserved it.<br /><br />
“Huh... Thank you, $MCcovertitle. You are too kind.”<br /><br />
As he spoke, he stood up from the bed a little too fast.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You felt your own cheeks heating up as you nodded at him, unable to find the words to thank him for the compliment. Sir Mansoor's expression softened as he gazed at you, making your stomach flutter in a familiar way. He squeezed your shoulder gently before standing up.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“My ‘talent’ is adequate, at best,” you replied as your cheeks flushed at his compliment. “But at least I will be able to practice and get better at it.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor stared at you, obviously taken aback by your defensive tone. But he did not seem to mind it too much, as he started smiling again, his gaze softening when it lingered on you. You sometimes wish you could be less abrasive, especially around him.<br />
He stood up from the bed.
]
(else:)[
“Thank you, Sir Mansoor. And if you would indulge me, I would love to have you sing along again in the future.”<br />
“Of course, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
His gaze was so soft you could not help the shiver that ran down your spine. He squeezed your shoulder gently before standing up.
]}
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I will talk to Lady Domara about it. Maybe she can make room for some practice sessions in that schedule of hers.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor nodded at you. “I hope she will agree to your request.”<br /><br />
His faint smile widened a bit, finally reaching his eyes.
]
(else:)[
“I look forward to them,” Sir Mansoor answered, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. “Watching you dance is a privilege of my position that I will always cherish.”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled back at him. You were pleased that he found some joy in watching over you.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
The corners of your lips lifted into a faint smile. You appreciated the implied compliment, even if you stayed quiet.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You smiled. It was indeed quite the privilege. Not that you considered yourself exceptionally talented, but few people were allowed to witness your dance lessons.
]
(else:)[
You smiled at him, flushing slightly at the implied compliment.
]}
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I would love to discover what sort of dances the Dwarves perform. Maybe you could try them out with me?”
You tried to still your fluttering heart as the question spilled out from your lips.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
<br />Sir Mansoor rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. “I do not really dance, you know... I doubt I would be a good partner for you.”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You could not help but feel a bit disappointed, even if his answer made sense. He had been rather tense since you snapped at him earlier.<br /><br />
“Oh,” you said, looking down at your lap.<br /><br />
A heavy silence fell between the two of you. When you dared a glance at him, he was still rubbing the back of his neck, an anxious frown on his brow as he looked at you.<br /><br />
“But I look forward to see you perform them,” he finally said with a weak smile.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You had a feeling there was more to it than that. He had been cold and tense since you snapped at him, earlier.<br /><br />
“I am not asking you because of your dancing skills, Sir Mansoor,” you said while looking at him in the eyes. “I am asking because I would like to dance with you.”<br />
“Oh.”<br /><br />
He blinked at you, stunned. His cheeks flushed and he looked away. “I... I am sorry, $MCcovertitle, but I will have to focus on my duties and I cannot afford to be distracted.”<br /><br />
You figured it was as firm of an answer as you were going to get.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You swallowed down your disappointment. Your lips pinched tightly, you glared at Sir Mansoor.<br /><br />
“Should //I// not be the judge of what makes a good partner for myself?”<br /><br />
The knight stared at you, taken aback.<br /><br />
“I... suppose that is true,” he answered tentatively. “I just assumed that a good dance partner is one with... well a minimal amount of dancing skills.”<br /><br />
You kept glaring at him stubbornly, but you also felt your cheeks turning warm. You could not possibly tell him that the only thing you wanted in a dance partner was for them to be him.<br /><br />
“That is... a good point. Let us... not talk any further about this.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor nodded.
]
(else:)[
You did not let your disappointment show. You should not have been surprised, really. He had been rather cold and tense since you snapped at him, earlier.<br /><br />
“I see.” It was all you managed to say.<br />
Sir Mansoor was still rubbing the back of his neck uneasily while he looked at you. “I am sorry to disappoint you, $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“It is fine.”<br /><br />
You could tell he was not buying it entirely. He bit his lower lip, looking regretful.
]}
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor blinked at you and his face started flushing. “(upperfirst: $MCtitle), I— I am flattered that you would consider me as a dance partner, but... I am not very good, you know that.”<br /><br />
He bit his lower lip, looking at you expectantly. You were not sure if he hoped you would retract your offer or if he wanted you to confirm you still wanted to dance with him, regardless of his skills.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
Either way, he did not look comfortable. You frowned. Maybe you should not have put him on the spot like that.<br /><br />
“I am sorry, Sir Mansoor, I did not mean to cause you distress. You do not have to do anything you do not want to.”<br />
“No!” He blurted in response. “No, I am not distressed at all.”<br /><br />
His still flushed face made you doubt his words.<br /><br />
“I... just wanted to forewarn you. I would love to dance with you, $MCcovertitle,” he added with a warm smile. “Huh... For educational purposes, of course.”<br /><br />
He cleared his throat in his fist, his cheeks still red.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
And here you thought it was a simple yes or no question. You frowned, a little uncomfortable at the idea of repeating your request.<br /><br />
“It does not matter,” you said, feeling your cheeks warming up. “Would you like to dance with me or not?”<br />
“Oh.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor looked a bit stunned by your bluntness. He shook his head, probably to clear his thoughts. “In that case, I would be honored to be your partner. Huh, dance partner that is.”<br /><br />
He flushed again at his misstep. You nodded, holding back a sigh of relief.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
It was the first. It had to be the first. Why did you even ask in the first place? You bit the inside of your cheek, scolding yourself.<br /><br />
“Well, if the idea is that repulsive...” You said with more bitterness than you intended.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's eyes widened in horror. He raised his hand towards you in an appeasing motion.<br /><br />
“No! No, of course not, $MCtitle! I would never... I apologize. Of course I would be honored to dance with you.”<br /><br />
At his last word, his face flushed again. You blinked at him, not expecting this vehement response. Then you realized that, against your expectations, he had agreed to be your dance partner. Your cheeks turning warm, you looked away.
]
(else:)[
In any case, it was better if you made your intent clear, or so you thought.<br /><br />
“It does not matter if you are good at dancing or not, Sir Mansoor. I am asking because I enjoy your company and would not have any other dance partner if I could help it.”<br />
His jaw dropped and he stared at you wide-eyed. “I... That is... You...”<br /><br />
His whole face turned red as he fumbled for words. He closed his eyes and pinched his nose, trying to find his composure back.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCtitle)... I mean, $MCcovertitle. I am honored, but I am sure you will eventually find someone you will wish to dance with much more than me. Someone more... adequate. In the meantime, I do not mind... being a substitute dance partner for you.”<br /><br />
He shifted from one feet to the other, looking away from you. You were going to protest, but you had a feeling he was not going to be very receptive at the moment. At least he agreed to your request.
]}
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I am not sure I will have the time for it...”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor nodded. “Of course, I understand.”<br /><br />
You knew he recognized that duty came first. Despite that, his answer sounded somewhat half-hearted. You suspected he would not wait for your permission to ask Lady Domara to make time for dance lessons in your schedule, {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[which you were fine with. He had good intentions.]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[which you would rather he was upfront about.]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[which did not bother you, really, but he did not have to do that.]
(else:)[which annoyed you to no end. Even if he had good intentions, you would rather he did not go behind your back.]}
]
(else:)[
“You will have plenty of time, I am sure,” he countered with a smile. “You need to spend some time doing things you enjoy to unwind. It cannot be all work and duty. I will talk to Lady Domara so that she can arrange dance lessons for you.”<br /><br />
It was rather amusing coming from your all work, all duty bodyguard. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
But you smiled at him anyway, appreciating his attention to your well-being.<br /><br />
“Thank you, Sir Mansoor.”<br />
“Of course,” he replied warmly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You did not mind pointing that out.<br /><br />
“What about you, Sir Mansoor? You need to unwind too,” you said with a smile.<br /><br />
Taken aback, the knight blinked at you. He coughed into his fist to find his composure back.<br /><br />
“Thank you for your concern, $MCcovertitle, but watching you dance is something I actually enjoy and it would help me unwind as well.”<br /><br />
He smiled again, a little too self-satisfied. //Well played, Sir Mansoor.//
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You sighed, annoyed at his stubbornness even if you appreciated his concern.<br /><br />
“Alright, Sir Mansoor.”<br /><br />
He smiled at you, a little too self-satisfied.
]
(else:)[
You nodded with a sigh. There was no convincing him otherwise, anyway. He could be quite stubborn. He smiled at you, a twinkle in his eye.
]}
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I suppose it was a way to feel closer to my mother.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
Sir Mansoor's smile dropped, his expression turning into a sad frown.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor looked up at you, a sad frown on his face.
]} “I am sorry, I should... I should have thought of that.”
Your mother's passion for theater was no secret and her enthusiasm for it had always been contagious. Taking acting lessons, participating in the plays organized in the Royal Palace was a good way to spend more time and connect with her. With your father as well, some of those plays were written by him after all. They would both get so giddy days before a show and, as a child, how could you not want to be part of all that excitement?
After their passing, acting had become a way for you to keep their spirit alive.
Your throat tightened at that thought.
“She would be so proud of you.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
You looked back at the knight and he was smiling gently at you, even if it was still tinged with sadness.
]
(else:)[
You looked back at the knight and the barest hint of a smile was peeking through his pained expression.
]} {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You did your best not to choke up.<br /><br />
“Thank you, Sir Mansoor,” you answered while quickly rubbing your eyes. “It means a lot.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You tried to swallow back the hard knot that was forming in your throat. Incapable of answering with words, you just addressed him a tight-lipped and brief smile.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You swallowed painfully, your mouth turning dry. You could not help but scoff a little at that.<br /><br />
“Would she?” You asked more bitterly than you intended.<br />
“Of course!” Sir Mansoor replied without waiting a beat.<br /><br />
You were not as convinced as he was. Were you not running away from your responsibilities at this very moment?
]
(else:)[
You smiled back at him through a few tears.<br /><br />
“I wish she could be,” you answered. “But thank you, Sir Mansoor.”<br />
]}
The knight was inspecting you carefully. You noticed him swallow hard before he dropped his gaze to the mask in his hands. You could have sworn his eyes shone more brightly. He turned around and put the mask back on its shelf before taking a few steps in the middle of the room.
He sighed, brushing a hand over the short waves of his hair, and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I love how it involves so many artistic disciplines.”
Hearing your answer, Sir Mansoor lifted his head and smiled at you. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[It was that bright smile of his that flashed his white teeth and crinkled his eyes. A smile you felt you had not seen in ages.](else:)[It was a smile even warmer than before, if that was possible.]}
“It really does, does it not?”
You smiled in return, {(if: $maintrait is "open")[widely and with enthusiasm.](else-if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[softly, but your eyes could not hide your excitement.](else:)[faintly, trying to restrain your enthusiasm, but it was not easy.]}
“It does,” you said, the pitch of your voice rising in spite of yourself. “There is the acting itself of course, but also singing and dancing! Costumes need to to be sewn, props need to be crafted and backgrounds need to be painted. Some plays even require an orchestra! I find theater to be an all-encompassing and rich artistic experience.”
You stopped yourself, realizing that you were starting to rant about theater again. Your cheeks felt warm. But the knight did not seem to notice as he was nodding frantically to everything you were saying.
“Exactly!” He exclaimed, not even trying to hide his own enthusiasm. “It is hard to find someone who really understands.”
You smiled at each other for a moment. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[That is until Sir Mansoor's expression fell and he looked away.](else:)[That is until Sir Mansoor looked away, rubbing his neck a bit sheepishly.]} He turned around to put the mask back on its shelf before taking a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“To tell the truth... It caught my interest after you told me how much you loved it.”
Sir Mansoor's eyes widened and he blinked at you in surprise. “Truly?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled gently at him. “Truly.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at him. “Of course!”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You nodded.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You frowned. “That is what I said.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled at him. “Yes.”
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust < -0.5)[
The knight still looked quite shocked for a moment. Then his expression turned into a troubled frown.<br /><br />
“I did not realized you held my opinion in such high regard,” he said, his voice low.<br /><br />
Hearing those words, you realized what was perturbing him. You did not show much appreciation for his point of view earlier, did you?
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You dropped your gaze to your lap. You should not have been so harsh with him. Not when what he had to say did matter to you.<br /><br />
“I do,” you said. “It is just... It has been a difficult couple of days. I know it does not excuse anything but...”<br /><br />
You bit your lower lip and dared a glance at him. His shoulders dropped as he sighed to release his tension. His expression softened.<br /><br />
“I understand, $MCcovertitle. I really do.”<br /><br />
He smiled gently at you before turning to set the mask back on its shelf.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You frowned.<br /><br />
“I did not mean to hurt your feelings,” you said, addressing directly the issue.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor looked away, seemingly embarrassed.<br /><br />
“You— You did not hurt my feelings, $MCcovertitle,” he stammered, obviously lying.<br /><br />
When he dared a glance at you, you looked back at him skeptically. He sighed, his shoulders drooping.<br /><br />
“Please, $MCcovertitle, forget I said anything.”<br /><br />
That was unlikely to happen, but you stayed quiet for now. He turned around to set the mask back on its shelf.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
Words stayed stuck in your throat, so you just stared at him, swallowing hard, a deep frown set on your brow. After a while, Sir Mansoor shifted uncomfortably and looked away.<br /><br />
“I am sorry,” you finally managed to croak.<br />
The knight turned his head towards you, surprise painted on his features. “For what, $MCcovertitle?”<br /><br />
You opened your mouth, but no word came out. This was going to be difficult.<br />
After another awkward silence, Sir Mansoor cleared his throat before turning around and putting the mask back on its shelf.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Your frown deepened. Maybe he would understand if you explained?<br /><br />
“I do value your opinion, as long as it is given in private. In front of other people... I have to assert my authority.”<br /><br />
Or at least that is what you had been taught most of your life.<br />
Sir Mansoor was still frowning.<br /><br />
“I... understand,” he said, finally.<br /><br />
But by his expression you could tell he was not sure he agreed.<br />
He turned around, setting the mask back on its shelf.
]
(else:)[
You frowned, your heart pinching at the thought that you may have hurt his feelings. Your gaze dropped to your lap.<br /><br />
“Maybe my actions have given you the impression that I do not... But I do.”<br /><br />
When you dared a glance back at him, his conflicted expression had softened a bit. He nodded at you before turning to set the mask back on its shelf.
]}<br /><br />
“Nevertheless, I hope you will be able to act in plays again," he said, looking back at you.
]
(else:)[
The knight's bright smile returned to his face in full force. A slight blush darkened his cheeks.<br /><br />
“It is a rare privilege to have your ear, $MCcovertitle. I could not be more proud to have played even such a small part in making you a talented artist.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />There he went again with the dithyrambic compliments. You felt your cheeks flush again, harder this time.<br /><br />
“I do not know if it is a privilege,” you said in a quiet voice. “But if it is one, you have earned it ten times over, Sir Mansoor.”<br /><br />
He looked at you, eyes wide with surprise again, before his face turned even redder. He looked away and brought his hand to his mouth, both to clear his throat and hide the smile that was tugging at his lips.<br /><br />
“I am happy to be of service,” he answered with reverence.<br /><br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br />Mirroring his, your smile widened as well.<br /><br />
“You will always have my ear, Sir Mansoor. I value your opinions and thoughts greatly.”<br /><br />
He looked at you, stunned for a moment. Then his blush darkened his face further and he looked away, clearing his throat behind his fist. A small smile graced his lips when he looked back at you.<br /><br />
“I am... very happy to hear you say that, $MCcovertitle,” Sir Mansoor replied softly.<br /><br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />Your cheeks turned hot again, hotter than before. You did not have to go and tell him that, did you? Now he was praising you again and you did not know what to do with it. You looked away, your eyes searching the room to avoid looking at Sir Mansoor.<br /><br />
“You make it sound... like such a grand thing,” you finally answered. “I am just... curious about your interests, that is all.”<br />
“Well, to me, it means a lot.”<br /><br />
You looked back at him, only to have your heart skip a beat at how soft his smile was.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />Well, yes, it was a privilege. And yes, Sir Mansoor should be proud to have played a part in your accomplishments. So why your cheeks started burning, you had no idea. Maybe it was the way he said it. It was so... so much.<br /><br />
“There is no need to make such a fuss about it,” you said a little more dryly than you intended.<br />
“Of course, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
His smile turned soft, but his water-green eyes lit up, as if he was amused. There was //nothing// to be amused about. Your blush deepened.
]
(else:)[
<br />You stared at him for a moment, stunned by this new hyperbolic compliment. Quickly, your cheeks turned hot.<br /><br />
“That is... Thank you, Sir Mansoor, but I am sure you are vastly exaggerating my acting talents.”<br /><br />
The laugh that followed was quite nervous. Sir Mansoor raised his eyebrows in disbelief.<br /><br />
“I do not believe I am,” he replied earnestly. “You have quite an extraordinary presence on stage.”<br /><br />
And you somehow managed to coax even more extravagant praises out of him. You shifted on the bed uncomfortably.<br /><br />
“I... Thank you,” you repeated.<br />
“You do no need to thank me, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
He smiled softly at you.
]} Turning around, he set the mask back on its shelf.
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
He sighed, brushing a hand over the short waves of his hair, and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“The reasons are my own.”
Your response did not seem to bother Sir Mansoor who simply nodded respectfully.
“I understand, $MCcovertitle. I did not mean to overstep.”
The knight turned around to set the mask back on its shelf and he took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“Lady Domara encouraged me to take theater classes. She said that it would help me act the part of a ruler.”
Sir Mansoor rolled his eyes at your words.
“Of course she would say that,” he grumbled.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
It made you smile because you knew it was a fond jab.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You could not help but chuckle at the slight jab at your tutor.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You frowned at the slight jab at your teacher.
]}The knight sighed, looking down at the mask before turning around and setting it back on its shelf.
“I do hope you also find some joy in acting,” he added as he faced you again. “It is so much more than just pretending.”
{(if: $maintrait is "severe" or "stoic")[
“I... do,” you admitted reluctantly. “It was not why I started doing it but it is nice... to be able to express myself like that.”<br />
The corner of Sir Mansoor's lips quirked up into a lopsided smile.
]
(else:)[
“Of course I do. It is a beautiful way to express oneself, not just a mean to an end.”<br />
Sir Mansoor smiled widely at you.
]}“I am not surprise. I do not know if you would have become quite that good at it otherwise.”
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I would rather call you by whatever name {(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[Miss Calvio]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection > 2)[Zanetta]
(else:)[Miss Calvio]} will come up with.” It was by far the more appropriate option.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor's expression closed off. He did not look surprised, if anything.
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[
Sir Mansoor's disappointment was evident. You watched his expression fall and his eyes look down to his feet. His eyebrows knit together. Was he hurt?
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor tried to hide his disappointment, but you could tell he was hoping for a different answer. He was never good at masking his feelings.
]}
“As you wish, $MCcovertitle. I will leave you to your rest.”
After a polite bow, the knight made to depart your room.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Sir Mansoor, wait.”")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Ajmal")
]<br />
He stopped mid-step, looking startled. You felt bad ending the day this way, after what you told him earlier. You wanted to apologize.</div>
]
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Seeing the strain in his shoulders made you grip the bed's comforter tightly. You did not want the day to end on such a sour note. And you wanted him to know how you felt about him.<br />
(link: "“Please, Sir Mansoor, wait,”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] you blurted. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">[[You watched him exit your bed chambers.->After the knight left]]</div>}(set: $flashback to 1)
“Like when we were children...”
A wave of nostalgia hit you as fond memories resurfaced.
If rather bittersweet...
//You were in the yellow leisure room of the Royal Palace, playing qirkat with Lady Domara, when the news arrived. With her, even games had to be educational. Ajmal was looking at the board rather intently, his young face all scrunched up in keen focus. He was fourteen and you were twelve. It was old enough for the following events to leave a searing mark in your memory.
A young page burst into the room, disheveled and out of breath. Lady Domara stood up immediately from the pillow she was sitting on, a concerned frown already on her elegant face. Without a word, the page extended his arm towards her, presenting a folded piece of paper in his violently shaking hand. His eyes, wide with horror, kept darting between her and you. When Lady Domara took the letter from his hand, his terrified eyes settled on you. You looked back at him with apprehensive curiosity and he dropped his gaze to the floor, taking a couple of awkward steps back.
The crinkle of paper drew your attention towards Lady Domara. She was holding the letter so tightly that it wrinkled in her hands. You never saw her usually smooth face pinched so tightly, her generous lips now a thin pale line. Her brown eyes had a singular shine to them as she stared down at the letter, refusing to meet your eyes. She cleared her throat and read the letter in an uneven voice.
You could not remember the exact content of the letter, nor who wrote it or who it was meant for, really. You could only remember that it announced the death of your parents, both murdered by unknown assaillants on their way back from a diplomatic visit in the neighboring Kingdom of Sarnah.
You were not sure when you started crying, either. Thick tears blurred your vision and it felt like you were choking. In your distress, you could not help the undignified and audible sobs coming out of your throat, breaking the heavy silence that had fallen in the leisure room. Lady Domara had stepped away, her back to you — maybe to give you some sort of privacy — while the page was staring at you, frozen in place and a panicked look in his eyes. The sound of your crying seemed to echo loudly as you sat in front of the qirkat board, alone.
No, not alone. After a few painful moments, warm arms wrapped around you. Ajmal held you close against him, his hands brushing your back soothingly. You grabbed tightly onto his shirt and buried your weeping face in the crook of his neck, crying freely in his welcoming embrace.
“Ajmal,” you croaked in between two sobs.
“I am here, $MCname,” Ajmal said, his voice a little strangled.
Warm lips brushed your forehead in a timid kiss. “I will always be here.”//
“Is... Is there something wrong?”
Ajmal's voice brought you abruptly back to the present and you lifted your gaze to look at his concerned face. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You tried to discreetly wipe the tears that were forming at the corners of your eyes.<br /><br />
“N-no! I was just... reminiscing. When... when we learned about my parents...”<br /><br />
You laughed nervously. “Maybe it is not the happiest memory to bring up.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You closed your eyes and took a deep breath, trying to swallow back the tears that were forming at the corners of your eyes.<br /><br />
“Everything is fine,” you said with the most even voice you could muster. “I just... remembered the day we learned of my parents' death.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You rubbed your eyes angrily. You were not about to cry. You were stronger than this.<br /><br />
“There is no need for concern,” you said with as much dignity you could muster. I was just remembering when...”<br /><br />
Your voice broke on the word. “When...”<br /><br />
You looked away.<br /><br />
“When we learned about my parents' murder,” you finished in a quiet mumble.
]
(else:)[
You did not realize tears had started flowing freely on your cheeks.<br /><br />
“Not... Not exactly. I was remembering the day we learned about my parents'... passing.”<br /><br />
You sniffled, your nose turning damp as well. “I will always be grateful for what you said that day. What you did...”
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
Sir Mansoor's concerned frown furrowed deeper, pain visible in his eyes. He moved forward, just one step, his hand reflexively reaching out towards you. But then he stopped, letting his arm drop to his side, a sad gaze still boring into yours.<br /><br />
“I...”<br /><br />
He looked away, as if he could not bare to watch the signs of your grief any longer. Standing stiffly, He linked his hands behind his back.<br /><br />
“I am sorry. It is indeed not a pleasant memory.”<br /><br />
You could see him swallow thickly, frown still firmly in place. A certain distance between the two of you was nothing new. But this time you knew you were partly responsible for it. Ajmal had been behaving a lot more coldly since you quite firmly told him his opinion was not welcome. And it was not in his habit to behave coldly.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You liked Sir Mansoor. Quite a bit. This situation was getting unbearable for the both of you, you could tell. (link: "Maybe now was a good time to apologize.")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Ajmal")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>The idea of apologizing made you feel ill at ease. Maybe you still felt you were in the right. For some reason, admitting your feelings to Sir Mansoor seemed easier.<br />
(link: "“Ajmal, I need to tell you something...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtrait is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">Your feelings were at odds. You were of the opinion that Sir Mansoor should not have contradicted you in such a public way. But you also were fond of him. [[In your uncertainty, you stayed quiet.->Get some rest]]</div>}
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
Sir Mansoor's concerned frown turned into one of deep sympathy. In a couple wide steps, he was at your side. He sat down beside you on the bed. Lifting his hand, he hesitated. Then he proceeded to remove the leather glove that was covering it. Before you could wonder what he was doing, warm fingers were on your cheek, a slightly calloused thumb brushing away a stray tear under your eye.<br />
You held your breath, your gaze losing itself in water-green irises.<br /><br />
“I meant what I said, you know.” The knight's soft voice pulled you from your stupor. “That day.”<br /><br />
Seconds stretched as his eyes flicked across your face in a tender gaze. Until they blinked and stared at you in shock. Ajmal tore his hand away from your face, as if he was touching hot coals.<br /><br />
Shifting away from you on the bed, he spluttered: “M-my apologies, $MCtitle! I should not have— should not—”<br /><br />
His whole face darkened in a fierce blush and he started standing up.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Instinctively, your hand took hold of his before he could move away entirely. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
(link:"“You don't have to apologize, I...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]<br />
You wanted to tell him. Tell him how you felt.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
(link: "“Ajmal, there is something I need to confess to you...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
(link: "“Ajmal, I...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]<br />
The words were stuck in your throat, but the urge to confess your feelings was about to overcome your usual reserve.
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Ajmal, there is something I... need to tell you.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]<br />
You swallowed thickly. Was it wise to confess now? You were about to find out.
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled gently at him. [[“Do not apologize, I appreciate the comfort you give.”->Get some rest]]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You looked away, embarrassed. [[Without realizing it, your fingers started brushing your cheek where Ajmal's hand had been.->Get some rest]]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
[[“It is fine,”->Get some rest]] you cut him off.<br />
You looked away, realizing how harsh your tone had sounded. But your heart was beating loudly in your chest and it made you feel on edge.
]
(else:)[
You looked away, giving Sir Mansoor — and yourself — time and privacy to recover. [[“No apology is necessary, Ajmal. It is fine.”->Get some rest]]
]}
</div>}
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor's concerned frown turned into one of deep sympathy. In a couple wide steps, he was at your side. He sat down beside you on the bed. His gloved hand reached out and brushed your shoulder in warm, comforting motions. Instinctively, you leaned into the touch, your body betraying you. You wanted more. You felt the grasp of Ajmal's fingers tightening on your shoulder in reaction. You looked into water green-irises to find an unusual hesitation in them. He blinked it away in a matter of seconds and extended his arm, wrapping it around your shoulders, hugging you closer to him.<br /><br />
“I meant what I said, that day, you know.”<br /><br />
You felt his breath on the top of your head as he spoke to you in a low voice. When you straightened to look up at him, he smiled.<br /><br />
“I am here if you need me.”<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
Your heart beat louder in your chest. You had to tell him.<br />
(link: "“I do need you, Ajmal. More than anyone else.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You felt a tightness in your chest. It was unusual for you, but you felt the need to confess your feelings.<br />
(link: "“Ajmal, I need to say something...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]
]
(else:)[
You swallowed with difficulty. You were not sure if this was the right moment nor if it was appropriate at all, but you wanted to tell him how you felt.<br />
(link: "“I am afraid I will always need you, Ajmal...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You swallowed thickly, his words leaving you speechless. [[You looked away, feeling your cheeks grow warmer.->Get some rest]]
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
[[“I know,” you said. “Your dedication is... admirable.”->Get some rest]]<br />
You looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed.
]
(else:)[
You smiled at him, touched by his devotion. [[“Thank you, Ajmal. You do not know how much this means to me.”->Get some rest]]
]}</div>}
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Apologizing to Ajmal")[
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Wait! I... There is something else I need to tell you.”<br /><br />
You hesitated a moment, biting on your lower lip. You were glad to have cleared the air with him, but you also wanted him to know how important he was to you. And not just because he was your friend.<br /><br />
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} tilted his head to the side, eyeing you with curiosity. “Yes?”<br /><br />
You looked at him, your face feeling warmer and warmer. Maybe it was not the right moment. Maybe you were going to make him feel uncomfortable. Why did you not consider that?<br />
The knight was staring at you while your mind was spiraling. He was waiting for you to say your piece. There was no going back. You sighed softly, hopefully not too noticeably.<br /><br />
“I wanted to tell you how sorry I was for hurting your feelings,” you started. “Because you are my friend, of course, but... I just care very deeply for you. As in romantically.”<br /><br />
You mumbled the last word, looking down at your feet.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Before you go, I have something I would like to confess to you.”<br /><br />
As he was about to turn and leave, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} stopped in his tracks and looked back at you, with those green eyes you were so fond of.<br /><br />
He stared at you with some confusion, tilting his head to the side. “What is it?”<br /><br />
Here it was. Did you think this through? Did you choose the right moment for this? Probably not. But it was too late to back down now. Discreetly, you took a long steadying breath through your nose.<br /><br />
“It might... paint my apology in a selfish light,” you started. “But I cannot stand the idea of our relationship turning sour... Because I care deeply about you. In a romantic way.”<br /><br />
You were not sure the precision was necessary, but you wanted to make sure there was no possible mistake.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Wait.”<br /><br />
You were about to say more but when {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}'s green gaze fell back on you, you froze, your heart beating loudly in your chest. You wanted him to know. It was stupid, but you wanted him to know.<br /><br />
The knight looked at you with patient curiosity, tilting his head to the side. “Is there something wrong $MCcovertitle?”<br /><br />
You swallowed visibly, holding his gaze the best you could while your mind was spinning in circles. Why did you have to do it now? Why did you have to do it at all? What did you think would happen? Nothing good, that was what. But it was too late to back down, now that you had his attention. You took a short gulp of air.<br /><br />
“I... like you.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} smiled fondly at you.<br /><br />
“I like you too,” he responded gently, oblivious to your meaning.
]
(else:)[
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}'s eyebrows shot up.<br /><br />
“You like me?” He asked, confused.
]}<br />
“No,” you rectified. “I... //like// you.”<br /><br />
The young knight blinked at you. It took a little while for him to register.
]
(else:)[
“Before you leave... There is something I want to tell you.”<br /><br />
You swallowed hard when {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}'s soft gaze fell back on you. How foolish was it to admit your feelings to him?<br /><br />
The knight tilted his head to the side, looking at you with patient curiosity. “Yes?”<br /><br />
Very foolish, you figured. But there was no backing down now that you had his attention, was there? You could try to make something up, but you would likely look even more stupid. Maybe. You took a discreet and steadying breath, straightening your back.<br /><br />
“I would like you to know that... Well aside from being the right thing to do, I wanted to apologize for my earlier behavior because I would be quite dejected if our relationship turned... sour.”<br /><br />
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} smiled at you.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[
“I would be too.”
]
(else:)[
“I am glad to hear it.”
]}<br /><br />
Your face felt flushed. That was a lot of words, all of that to not say what you did want to say. You cleared your throat.<br /><br />
“That... is not all.”<br />
The young knight blinked, looking confused. “Alright?”<br />
You sighed, frustrated at your own stalling. “The reason why I care so much about our good relationship is... I have romantic feelings for you.”<br /><br />
There. It was out. You looked at him, waiting anxiously for his reaction.
]}
]
(else-if: $flashback is 1)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“Ajmal, I need to tell you something...”<br />
The knight gave you a careful look. “What is it ?”<br /><br />
You took a long breath through your nose before diving in.<br /><br />
“I have... {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[feelings for you. The... romantic kind.](else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[an infatuation for you. It has... been a while now.](else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[a crush on you.](else:)[a crush on you. It... does not seem to be the kind to go away easily.]}”
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“You don't have to apologize, I...”<br /><br />
You wanted to tell him. Tell him how you felt.<br />
The knight looked down at your hand holding his. He did not pull away, but he still looked distraught, his eyes wide and his breathing uneven.<br /><br />
“Please,” you said, as soothingly as you could, while your own heart was summersaulting in your chest. “It is fine, I do not mind. Because...”<br /><br />
You paused, taking in a shuddering breath.<br /><br />
“Because I care deeply about you,” you finally admitted, looking down.<br /><br />
A heavy silence fell on both of you. Then, slowly, achingly, you felt his hand slipping out of yours and it felt like your heart was going with it.<br />
Ajmal took a few steps away from you and, despite his back being turned on you, you could see him covering his mouth, muffling the strangled sound that came out of his throat.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Ajmal, there is something I need to confess to you...”<br /><br />
The knight looked down at your hand holding his. He did not pull away, but he still looked distraught, his eyes wide and his breathing uneven.<br />
Your gaze on him softened. You felt for him, but... You had to say it.<br /><br />
“I have feelings for you.”<br /><br />
Ajmal's eyes flicked to yours and the shock turned into pain, a deep frown wrinkling his brow. He turned away from you and, slowly, achingly, slipped his hand out of yours. It felt like your heart went with it. He took a few steps away from you and, despite his back being turned on you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand to muffle the strangled sound that came out of his throat.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Ajmal, I...”<br /><br />
The words were stuck in your throat, but the urge to confess your feelings was about to overcome your usual reserve.<br />
The knight looked down at your hand holding his. He did not pull away, but he still looked distraught, his eyes wide and his breathing uneven. You searched his gaze, hoping to find the confidence you needed to speak, but all you found was a similar panic to yours.<br /><br />
“Please, do not... I...” You did not know what you were pleading him for.<br /><br />
“I care so much about you,” you finally admitted.<br /><br />
He locked eyes with you and for a moment, his eyes softened. It almost looked like he was about to reach out for you when his features suddenly twisted with pain. He looked away and slowly, achingly, slipped his hand out of yours before taking a few steps away from you. Despite his back being turned on you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand, muffling the strangled sound that came out of his throat.
]
(else:)[
“Ajmal, there is something I... need to tell you.”<br /><br />
You swallowed thickly. Was it wise to confess now? You were about to find out.<br />
The knight looked down at your hand holding his. He did not pull away, but he still looked distraught, his eyes wide and his breathing uneven. It was rattling your resolve.<br /><br />
“I...”<br /><br />
Uncharacteristically, you had trouble finding the proper words. It should not have been that hard. But your heart beating loudly in your chest was distracting you. As well as the warm feeling of Ajmal's hand in yours and...<br />
You took a shuddering breath.<br /><br />
“I... am afraid I have feelings for you,” you finally admitted, looking away from him.<br /><br />
A heavy silence fell on the both of you. Then, slowly, achingly, you felt the knight's hand slipping out of yours as he took a few steps away from you. It felt like your heart was leaving with it.<br />
Despite his back being turned on you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand to muffle the strangled sound that came out of his throat.
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I do need you, Ajmal. More than anyone else.”<br /><br />
The young knight blinked at you, his arm falling from your shoulders.<br /><br />
“What do you mean?” He asked in a tense voice.<br /><br />
This was not exactly the reaction you hoped for and you felt yourself stiffen as dread took a hold of your heart.<br /><br />
“You know what it means,” you murmured, frowning and looking away from him.<br /><br />
He stood up, suddenly, taking a few steps in the room. Despite his back being turned on you, you could see him drag a hand along his face.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Ajmal, I need to say something...”<br />
The young knight smiled at you. “Of course. What is it?”<br /><br />
You bit down on your lower lip, looking away from him. Thinking. It was hard putting your feelings into words. You were not used to it and it was made even more difficult by said feelings, blurring your mind.<br /><br />
“I... like you,” you managed to stutter.<br />
“I like you too,” Ajmal responded easily, still smiling at you.<br />
You stared at him. He did not get it, did he? You sighed. “No. Not like that. I... //like// you.”<br /><br />
He blinked at you. It took another moment for him to register. His arm dropped from your shoulders and his gaze on you turned from soft to... scared?<br />
Suddenly he stood up and took a few steps in the room. Despite his back being turned on you, you could see him drag his hand across his face. It was not the reaction you were hoping for and you felt yourself stiffen with tension.
]
(else:)[
“I am afraid I will always need you, Ajmal...”<br /><br />
The young knight blinked at you, his arm slowly dropping from your shoulders.<br /><br />
“What... What do you mean?” He asked, his voice tense.<br /><br />
This was not the reaction you were hoping for and you felt yourself stiffen, your heart pinching painfully. This was not going to end well. And yet, you had to tell him.<br /><br />
“I mean that... I care deeply for you,” you answered, your gaze falling on your feet and your voice getting lower.<br /><br />
You heard Ajmal take a sharp intake of air before suddenly standing up. He took a few steps in the room and despite his back being turned on you, you could see him dragging his hand across his face.
]}
]}
]
(else-if: $flashback is 2)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“Ajmal, please look at me. I need to tell you something.”<br /><br />
When he followed your request, the gaze he directed at you was carefully hopeful. You took a long breath through your nose and dived in.<br /><br />
“I have... feelings for you. The romantic kind.”
]
(else:)[
“It is not presumptuous at all,” you were eager to reply, your heart beating a little faster. “In fact...”<br /><br />
Was it a good idea to say how you felt about him? You were about to find out.<br /><br />
“In fact?” The young knight repeated, tilting his head to the side expectantly.<br />
You swallowed with difficulty. “In fact, I never had a better friend. So much so that I sometimes wish we could be more.”<br /><br />
His reaction was not what you were hoping for. His soft gaze turned... scared? it was hard to tell as he abruptly turned around, his whole body stiff. Despite him facing away from you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand. Tension and anxiety seized up your body and you felt paralyzed, sitting on the bed.
]}
]
(else-if: $flashback is 3)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“Ajmal, I do not mind you overstepping... Because I like you.”<br /><br />
The knight frowned.<br /><br />
“You like me?” He repeated with disbelief.<br />
“Yes. As in... I have a crush on you.”
]
(else:)[
“We are friends, Ajmal. But... I always wished we were more,” you admitted.<br /><br />
Hearing your words, the young knight froze, staring at you wide-eyed at the revelation.<br /><br />
“What?” He could not help but blurt.<br /><br />
His tension made you stiffen and made your heart ache. This was not the reaction you were hoping for.<br /><br />
“Was it not... clear enough?” You replied a little defensively.<br /><br />
Ajmal did not answer. Instead, he suddenly turned around and, despite his back facing you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand.
]}
]
(else-if: $flashback is 4)[
{(if: $MansoorTrut is -1)[
“It is always welcome, Ajmal. Because... I like you.”<br />
The knight looked back at you with a confused frown on his brow. “You like me?”<br />
“No, I //like// you.”
]
(else:)[
“To be honest, I have long wished to be more than friends, Ajmal.”<br />
“What?” The young knight blurted in response.<br /><br />
You looked up at his face and you could tell by the troubled frown, the tension in his shoulders and the way his chest was visibly rising and falling with every breath that he heard you perfectly well.<br />
So you did not answer, frowning and looking away instead. This was not the reaction you were hoping for and you felt your heart sink.<br />
Ajmal turned away from you suddenly and, despite his back facing you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand.
]}
]
(else-if: $flashback is 5)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“I do not want it to be temporary,” you confessed. “I care deeply about you, Ajmal...”<br /><br />
He frowned at you.<br /><br />
“You do?” He asked with disbelief.<br /><br />
You bit down on your lower lip, hesitating to admit to more than that.<br /><br />
And then you dived in. “Yes and one might even say that... I am infatuated with you.”
]
(else:)[
“You will always be my friend, Ajmal,” you murmured. “But I always wished that we could be... more. Even though I know it is not possible.”<br />
The young knight's whole body stiffened and his eyes widened. “I... You... What?”<br /><br />
You frowned at him, feeling yourself tense up as well. It was not the reaction you were hoping for and your heart started hurting even more.<br /><br />
“I... said what I said,” you retorted a little defensively.<br /><br />
The growing pain in your chest made you want to lash out.<br />
Ajmal turned around suddenly and, despite his back being turned on you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand.
]}
]
(else-if: $flashback is 6)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“I need to confess something to you, Ajmal...”<br />
The knight looked back at you, leveling a careful gaze at you. “What is it?”<br />
You took a long breath through your nose. And dived in. “I... think I have a crush on you.”
]
(else:)[
“We //are// friends, Ajmal. I just... like you more than that, I think.”<br />
The young knight frowned in confusion “More than that? What do you... mean...”<br /><br />
You could see the moment it hit him. His eyes widened in shock and his shoulders tensed up. It was not the reaction you were hoping for and your chest started aching.<br />
He turned around, suddenly, and despite his back facing you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand.
]}
]
(else-if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[
“Please, Sir Mansoor, wait”, you blurted.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight stopped in his tracks, staying perfectly still for a second before looking over his shoulder.<br /><br />
“Do you have further need of me?” He asked evenly.<br />
“I need to tell you something.”<br /><br />
He turned around, cautiously giving you his attention. You took a deep breath through your nose before diving in.<br /><br />
“The reason I cannot call you by your first name is that I have... {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[feelings for you. The... romantic kind.](else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[an infatuation for you. It has... been a while now.](else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[a crush on you.](else:)[a crush on you. It... does not seem to be the kind that goes away.]}”<br /><br />
You looked down at your hands, still gripping the bed sheets tightly. “If I started calling you by your first name, it feels... I do not think I should.”
]
(else:)[
The knight stopped in his tracks and turned to look at you, his head tilted to the side. “Yes? What do you need?”<br />
You tried not to think of the way his eyes looked at you with such patient attention. “I need... to tell you something.”<br />
Sir Mansoor took a step towards you. “What is it?”<br /><br />
You swallowed with difficulty. You were stalling. Of course you were stalling. How were you supposed to explain this to him?<br /><br />
“I am not... refusing to call you by your first name to spite you, Sir Mansoor. I just feel like... If I do, then I would be unable to stop myself from having feelings for you. The romantic kind of feelings.”<br /><br />
The knight blinked at you. Then your words finally registered and his eyes widened in shock. Maybe even fear. It was hard to tell, as he turned around suddenly. Despite his back facing you, you could see him covering his mouth with his hand.
]}
]
(else:)[
“Actually... There is something I would like to tell you.”<br /><br />
Your cheeks started warming up as you considered revealing your feelings to the knight.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
<br />He gave you a careful look. “What is it?”<br />
You took a deep breath through your nose before diving in. “I have... {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[feelings for you. The... romantic kind.](else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[an infatuation for you. It has... been a while now.](else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[a crush on you.](else:)[a crush on you. It... does not seem to be the kind that goes away.]}”
]
(else:)[
<br />“What is it?” Ajmal asked, tilting his head to the side.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You bit down on your lower lip, looking at your lap for a moment, pondering if the timing was right. Wondering if knowing... would make him uncomfortable. But it was too late, now, was it not? You could not back down while he looked at you with patient attention. You sighed.<br /><br />
“I... I have feelings for you, Ajmal. The romantic kind.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You looked at him in the eyes, their water-green irises filled with patient attention. You could not hold it anymore.<br /><br />
“I have a crush on you, Ajmal. I have had it for a while now.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You clenched your jaw. What was getting into you? You did not know, but you had to follow through, especially now that his eyes looked at you with patient attention. You took a deep breath to steady yourself. For what good it could do.<br /><br />
“I... I have a crush on you,” you finally mumbled.
]
(else:)[
You felt like a fool. Now he was looking at you, full of patient attention and you had no choice but to keep going. It was a terrible idea, it could not end well, you had to find a way out, an excuse, anything...<br /><br />
“I am afraid I have... romantic feelings for you.”
]}<br /><br />
The knight stared at you for a moment. Then he blinked, your words finally registering. His eyes widened in shock and his shoulders tensed up. It was not the reaction you were hoping for.<br />
He suddenly turned around and, despite his back being turned on you, you could see him running his hand over his face.
]}
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} blinked. When your words finally registered, his eyes widened in shock.<br /><br />
“//That// is what you wanted to tell me?” He blurted.<br /><br />
When he realized what he had just said, he covered his mouth with his hand.<br /><br />
“I... I am sorry,” he said, his voice muffled.<br /><br />
He let his hand fall and frowned once some of the surprise wore off. Looking away, he sighed. “I must admit... This is a little... unexpected.”<br /><br />
You frowned as well. It was true that your admission must have felt quite out of the blue. Still, you could not help the disappointment you felt at his reaction.<br /><br />
“First you... do not want me to share my opinions and now...”<br /><br />
He shook his head, his disbelief evident. “Regardless, I am sure we are both aware this... cannot be.”<br /><br />
Your heart felt heavy as lead. Of course you were aware. You just wished it was not true. You watched him shifting uncomfortably in front of you.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You felt guilty. Maybe you should not have said anything, especially while things were so tense between you.<br />
(link: "“I... I am sorry, it was a silly thing to say.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "It was a silly thing to say")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You felt uneasy. Maybe it had not been the best moment for this revelation, but you did not like hiding your feelings.<br />
(link: "“I know, I just thought I should be honest with you.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I just thought I should be honest")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You wanted to crawl into a deep and dark hole, that was what you felt. This was beyond embarrassing.<br />
(link: "You stared down at your fidgeting hands, keeping stubbornly silent.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Keeping stubbornly silent")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You felt outrage. The rejection stung and you needed to lash out, to let him know you were hurt.<br />
(link: "“//I// should get to decide what can and cannot be. Do not lie and pretend it is the reason you are turning me down!”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "I get to decide what can and cannot be")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "Apologizing to Ajmal")[
“You... do?”<br /><br />
It is all he managed to say for a while, gaping at you in shock. {(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You were not sure what was so surprising. After all you tended to wear your heart on your sleeve.
]
(else:)[
You were not sure what reaction you expected, but it was not it.
]}<br />
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[
Finally, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} blinked some of his surprise away, his face turning a darker color.<br /><br />
“That...”<br /><br />
A nervous laugh escaped him. “That... is a good joke, $MCcovertitle.”<br />
It was your turn to stare at him in shock. “It is not a—!”<br /><br />
You were about to protest, but the young knight walked towards you. Was it panic in his eyes? His hand reached out for you, hesitant, and he patted you on the head awkwardly.<br /><br />
“We both are very tired, I think. Let us just... get some rest.”<br /><br />
He stepped back, looking at the ceiling, very obviously avoiding your gaze.<br /><br />
“Goodnight $MCtitle!” He blurted before executing the worst bow you ever saw him perform.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[He walked towards the bedroom's doors so fast it took you a moment to register he was not here anymore.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Finally, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} shook his head, some of his surprise wearing off.<br /><br />
“I... am sorry, I did not mean to...”<br /><br />
He looked away, visibly embarrassed. After a quiet pause, he sighed. “I... really appreciate that you apologized. But this is... Please, do not take offense, I do not mean to be hurtful. I just...”<br /><br />
He started fidgeting nervously, still avoiding your gaze. “I know it is something we are both keenly aware, but... We are not supposed to... This is not supposed to be.”<br /><br />
He bit down on his lips. You looked down at your lap, frowning. You knew he was right and yet... You shook your head. What were you hoping for?<br />
You felt a painful pinch in your chest, your thoughts spiraling down. Until a hand rested on your shoulder, bringing your attention upwards. The knight's gaze on you was soft and apologetic.<br /><br />
“We should both rest,” he murmured.<br /><br />
You nodded, the knot in your throat making it impossible to speak. He stepped back, bowing respectfully.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[And then he turned to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
]}
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
“I...” {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} started after an uneasy pause, his voice coming out rough.<br /><br />
Unable to say more, he took a shaky breath in, putting his hand back on his mouth. You waited, the silence making the heavy weight in your chest even more constricting.<br /><br />
“I cannot... You know I cannot...”<br /><br />
It seemed he could not finish any of his sentences without gasping for air. You started to wonder if your pain was really yours or if you were feeling his as well.<br /><br />
“I need to let you rest!” The knight suddenly blurted, his voice uneven.<br /><br />
Without looking back at you, he hurried towards the bedroom doors. He exited without wishing you a good night, nor paying you the proper respects. Something he //never// did before.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You watched the doors close behind him. You were alone.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“I...” {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} started after an uneasy pause, his voice coming out rough. “I... do not know what to say.”<br /><br />
He finally turned his head to look at you, his expression conflicted. a heavy weight constricted your chest.<br /><br />
“I... We cannot...”<br /><br />
He sighed, rubbing his eyes vigorously with one hand.<br /><br />
“You know this,” he mumbled, more to himself than for your sake.<br /><br />
Another uncomfortable silence followed after which {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} looked at you pleadingly.<br /><br />
“I am... so sorry. You... need to rest and I... need to let you rest”, he stammered.<br /><br />
He was not making any sense, but you could hardly blame him with how confused and lost he looked.<br /><br />
“Good night!” He blurted.<br /><br />
Before you could respond, he bowed awkwardly and left the room with a wide and fast gait.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Leaving you alone and just as confused.->After the knight left]]</div>
]}
{(if: $flashback is 1)[
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 6 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“No apology is necessary, Ajmal. It is fine.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Do not apologize, I appreciate the comfort you give.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“It is fine,” you cut him off.<br /><br />
You looked away, realizing how harsh your tone had sounded. But your heart was beating loudly in your chest and it made you feel on edge.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is not "stoic")[
“It is fine,” you reassured him.<br /><br />
You looked away, a little embarrassed yourself.
]}
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I know,” you said. “Your dedication is... admirable.”<br /><br />
You looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is not "stoic")[
“Thank you, Ajmal. You do not know how much this means to me.”
]}
]}
]
(else-if: $flashback is 3)[
“Maybe it would be best if we both got some rest”
]
(else-if: $flashback is 6)[
“I am afraid they are,” you confirmed.
]} {(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
(if: $maintrait is not "stoic")[
<br /><br />“Y-you are too kind,” the knight fumbled.<br /><br />
] Ajmal stood up and walked back a few steps, holding his hand against his chest, as if it was wounded. He was still looking at you with wide eyes, seemingly horrified by his own actions. You felt a little pinch in your heart. It did not seem so terrible to you.<br />
You saw him swallow thickly as he looked aside, deciding to avoid your gaze instead.
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You could feel Ajmal shift on the mattress beside you.<br /><br />
“I— (upperfirst: $MCcovertitle) is flattering me.”<br /><br />
You could hear how flustered he was by the tone of his voice. He stood up and took a few steps back, shuffling his feet awkwardly and avoiding your gaze.<br /><br />
“Absolutely not,” you replied with the last of your dignity.<br />
“Y-you are too kind,” he mumbled back.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
Ajmal leaned his head to the side, looking at you with curiosity. Noticing your flushed face, he straightened on the bed, becoming quite flustered himself.<br /><br />
“Oh!” He interjected before clearing his throat.<br /><br />
He stood up, taking a few steps back. “I am sorry, I did not mean to... embarrass you.”<br /><br />
He seemed unable to look at you.<br /><br />
“It is fine,” you mustered the strength to say.<br />
“You... are too kind.”
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />Ajmal smiled back at you. He considered you for a moment, his gaze soft. He blinked once. Twice. And as a thought seemed to hit him, his face suddenly turned red. His gaze snapped to his arm, still wrapped around your shoulder. He removed it hastily and stood back up, stepping back a little too fast, almost tripping.<br /><br />
“M-my apologies,” he fumbled. “I did not mean to... to...”<br />
You shook your head, your face turning warm as well. “It is fine, Ajmal.”<br />
“Y-you are too kind,” he said, looking aside.
]}
]}<br /><br />
An awkward silence followed, both of you avoiding looking at each other.<br /><br />
“I...”<br />
“You...”<br /><br />
The both of you started at the same time.<br /><br />
The young knight took advantage of the uneasy pause that followed to speak again: “I should let you rest. The past weeks have been... A lot.”<br /><br />
You nodded, not finding anything to say.<br /><br />
“Goodnight $MCname.”<br /><br />
Your eyes snapped up so fast you almost felt dizzy. You had not heard the young man use your name in... a very long time.<br /><br />
“Goodnight Ajmal,” you responded almost without realizing it.<br /><br />
He bowed deeply before turning to leave.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[A little too hastily.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else-if: $flashback is 3)[
<br /><br />Ajmal's face twitched slightly, almost making him lose his cold façade.<br /><br />
“Of course,” he answered. “I will let you sleep.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[He bowed politely, if a bit rigidly, and turned to leave the room at a rather hurried pace.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else-if: $flashback is 6)[
A long silence followed the statement, at the end of which the knight glanced at you carefully, maybe waiting for you to elaborate, to say //anything//. But you stayed quiet. Finally, he expelled a resigned sigh.<br /><br />
“If there is nothing else you need, I will leave you to your rest,” he said, resuming a stiff and formal posture.<br />
“That will be all, yes.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[He bowed politely, if a bit rigidly, and turned to leave the room at a rather hurried pace.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else:)[
The knight glanced at you carefully, maybe waiting for a reaction or for you to say anything. But you stayed quiet. After a while, he expelled a resigned sigh.<br /><br />
“If there is nothing else you need, I will leave you to your rest,” he said, resuming a stiff and formal posture.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Thank you, Ajmal, that will be all.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You simply nodded.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“That is all, yes. You are dismissed.”<br />
]
(else:)[
“That will be all, yes.”<br />
]}<br />
<div class="choice">[[He bowed politely, if a bit rigidly, and turned to leave the room at a rather hurried pace.->After the knight left]]</div>
]}
{(if: $flashback is 2)[
“It must seem like it is ‘for the worse’, right now and I know it is my fault. I am sorry for what I said earlier.”<br /><br />
Ajmal looked back at you, frowning.<br /><br />
“What do you mean? It is not your fault...”<br />
You sighed. You had to make it clearer for him, it seemed. “When I told you to never question me again... I made an already difficult situation even worse for you. And for that, I am sorry.”<br /><br />
The young knight blinked at you.
]
(else-if: $flashback is 3)[
“Ajmal... I am sorry.”<br /><br />
He blinked at you in confusion. You sighed. You did not think this through. You had to elaborate.<br /><br />
“I do not want you to worry about... ‘overstepping’. I know it is because of what I said earlier, about not questioning me. It was rude of me and I apologize.”<br />
]
(else-if: $flashback is 4)[
“It is welcome and I am sorry I made you feel otherwise.”<br />
Ajmal frowned, looking confused. “What do you mean?”<br />
You sighed. You did not like it, but you had to elaborate. “When I told you to never question me again. I did not mean... It was rude. I am sorry.”<br />
]
(else-if: $flashback is 5)[
“I am not that keen to go back to a more formal address,” you admitted. “In fact, I would like to apologize for my earlier behavior.”<br /><br />
Ajmal gaped at you, looking thoroughly shocked. Your face felt warm. There was no need to look so surprised.<br /><br />
“I... am not sure what you mean,” he said carefully.<br />
You sighed, frustrated. “I have offended you, when I told you to never question me again.”<br /><br />
You could see him opening his mouth to protest, but you lifted a hand to interrupt him.<br /><br />
“//I did//,” you insisted. “And I should not have. I am sorry.”<br /><br />
The young knight blinked at you, looking stunned for a moment.
]
(else-if: $flashback is 6)[
“Maybe they are,” you replied softly. “But it does not justify the way I treated you today. I am sorry.”<br />
Ajmal looked carefully back at you. “What do you mean?”<br />
You sighed. “I should not have told you to never question me again. It was unwarranted. I apologize.”<br />
]
(else-if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[
“Sir Mansoor, wait.”<br /><br />
He stopped mid step, looking startled. You felt bad ending the day this way, after what you told him earlier. You wanted to apologize.<br /><br />
You took a deep breath, readying yourself. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I... want to apologize. For what I said earlier... Telling you to never question me again. It was not fair, I am sorry.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I am sorry.”<br />
The young knight blinked at you. “For what, $MCcovertitle?”<br />
“For telling you to never question me again. You did not deserve that, I apologize.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I... I am sorry.”<br />
The young knight blinked at you. “For what, $MCcovertitle?”<br />
You did not think this through. Now you had to elaborate. “For what I said earlier. Not to question me again. I should not have said that, I am sorry.”
]
(else: )[
“I would like to apologize.”<br /><br />
The young knight blinked at you.<br /><br />
“What... about?” He asked carefully.<br />
You sighed. “About what I said earlier. I told you to never question me again. It was unwarranted, I am sorry.”
]}<br />
]
(else-if: $flashback is not 1)[
“There is something I would like to discuss first.”<br /><br />
You looked down at your hands as they twisted uncomfortably on your lap. You had not been fair to the knight and you wanted to apologize before the night ended.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I... want to apologize. For what I said earlier... Telling you to never question me again. It was not fair, I am sorry.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I am sorry.”<br />
The young knight blinked at you. “For what, $MCcovertitle?”<br />
“For telling you to never question me again. You did not deserve that, I apologize.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I... I am sorry.”<br />
The young knight blinked at you. “For what, $MCcovertitle?”<br />
You did not think this through. Now you had to elaborate. “For what I said earlier. Not to question me again. I should not have said that, I am sorry.”
]
(else: )[
“I would like to apologize.”<br /><br />
The young knight blinked at you.<br /><br />
“What... about?” He asked carefully.<br />
You sighed. “About what I said earlier. I told you to never question me again. It was unwarranted, I am sorry.”
]}<br />
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You linked your hands on your lap, looking at them, and after taking a moment to think of the best way to say this, you inhaled deeply. “Ajmal... I want to apologize... For what I told you earlier. About... not questioning me.”<br /><br />
You felt your face heat up with shame when you remembered the words you had said. “It was a very rude thing to say, when I know you only wanted to help. I am sorry.”<br /><br />
You looked up at him, watching for his reaction.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You figured it was best to go straight to the point, so you took a deep breath and looked at him in the eyes.<br /><br />
“Ajmal, I am sorry. I have been rude to you and there was no good reason for it.”<br />
The young knight blinked and stumbled hearing your words. “Rude... What?”<br />
“Yes,” you confirmed. “When I told you to not question me again. That was unwarranted, I apologize.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You looked at your feet for a moment, frowning, thinking. You were trying out sentences in your head, trying to figure out the best way to say this. None of them sounded right.<br /><br />
“I am sorry,” you ended up blurting.<br /><br />
Ajmal tensed up.<br /><br />
“For what, $MCcovertitle?” He asked carefully.<br />
You sighed and looked up at him. “For snapping at you, earlier. Telling you not to question me.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You were still feeling a bit raw, but you wanted to do this right. It was important. You gathered your thoughts and cleared your throat.<br /><br />
“Ajmal, I would like you — if you please — to accept my apologies.”<br />
The young knight's eyes widened in surprise. “What...”<br /><br />
He shook his head.<br /><br />
“If I may ask,” he started again. “What are you apologizing for, $MCcovertitle?”<br />
You frowned, a little irked. “Is it not obvious? I told you to never question me again, earlier, which was very rude!”<br />
Ajmal's eyebrows shot up, his mouth hanging open. “Oh.”<br />
]
(else:)[
You took a deep breath, steadying yourself before speaking: “Ajmal, I want to apologize...”<br /><br />
The young knight tensed, looking carefully at you.<br /><br />
“What... What do you want to apologize about, $MCcovertitle?” He asked softly.<br />
You sighed. “About earlier. When I told you to never question me again. That was rude, I am sorry.”<br />
]}
]}
The sudden release of tension in his body was made visible by the way his shoulders dropped and the long and soft breath he exhaled. {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} smiled at you, a new, happier shine to his eyes.
“I...”
His voice was a bit coarse and he cleared his throat. He tried to smooth his features, but it seemed he could not stop smiling.
“I do not think you have to apologize for anything,” he finally answered. “It is, after all, well within your rights to remind me when I cross a line.”
You did not agree with him. The way he switched from sulking all evening to now beaming at you made it obvious how necessary apologizing had been, if anything.
He hesitated for a moment, biting on his lower lip, before speaking again: “But I appreciate it nonetheless.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled back at him, your relief obvious. “I am glad I did apologize then.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You chuckled, feeling giddy now that the tension between you dissipated. “You are welcome.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You smiled back at him, feeling relieved.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You smiled back at him. “You are quite welcome.”
]
(else:)[
<br />You smiled back at him.<br />
“Nonsense,” you replied. “It needed to be said and that is that.”
]}
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}'s smile turned lopsided and he considered you for a moment. {(if: $MansoorRomance is 1)[
The silence stretched under his close observation and a familiar warmth crept up your neck. You averted your gaze to hide your flustered state. (if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
When you risked a glance at him, you noticed {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} had turned his head as well, his face a little darker than before.
]
]
(else:)[
Silence stretched between you, until he shook his head.
]}
“I should let you rest,” he finally said. “It has been a difficult couple of weeks.”
{<div class="choice">[[You could only nod in agreement, feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion hit your body.->After the knight left]]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
(link:"“Wait! I... There is something else I need to tell you.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]<br />
You hesitated a moment, biting on your lower lip. You were glad to have cleared the air with him, but you also wanted him to know how important he was to you. And not just because he was your friend.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
(link: "“Before you go, I have something I would like to confess to you.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]<br />
As he was about to turn and leave, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} stopped in his tracks and looked back at you, with those green eyes you were so fond of.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
(link: "“Wait.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]<br />
You were about to say more but when {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}'s green gaze fell back on you, you froze, your heart beating loudly in your chest. You wanted him to know. It was stupid, but you wanted him to know.
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Before you leave... There is something I want to tell you.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]<br />
You swallowed hard when {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}'s soft gaze fell back on you. How foolish was it to admit your feelings to him?
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</div>}(set: $flashback to 2)
“Like when we were children...”
A wave of nostalgia hit you as fond memories resurfaced.
If rather bittersweet...
//It was late in the afternoon, the setting sun just high enough to bathe the scene in a soft and warm light. You were playing in the terraced gardens of the Royal Palace with Ajmal. And Shahin. The young heir to the Qajar family had insisted on coming with the both of you, and you had been too polite to refuse. Spending some time with representatives of all the noble houses was part of your duties after all. But the young boy always made you uncomfortable. And Ajmal had an even harder time hiding his dislike of him.
Both of them were still wearing their training linens, as they spent the afternoon together, practicing fencing. To Ajmal's dismay.
You looked up at your friend, who was walking on the dry stone wall that supported the terrace you were strolling on, closely followed by Shahin. You could tell by his pout and grumpy frown that he had hoped to escape the other boy's company. You tried smiling at him, hoping to cheer him up. With some effort, the corner of his lips twitched up for a short moment.
“You can come down now,” you said, trying to hide your nervousness. “You both proved you could walk on the wall.”
It had been Shahin idea, of course. ‘I bet you cannot walk on the wall!’ He had said to Ajmal who immediately jumped on the parapet. To his credit, it was a challenge easily met for a boy of his agility. But you were still scared that he would fall down to the lower terrace and hurt himself. You were scared for Shahin too but less so, you were ashamed to admit.
“Ah! We did prove that!” The Qajar heir replied in an annoying sing-song voice. “But can Ajmal run on the wall? I would be surprise if he even had the guts to do it.”
You were about to protest, but Ajmal took off running without a word. Your pulse sped up as your anxiety rose. But it seemed your worry was not warranted. Ajmal was able to dash on the rounded stones of the wall without losing his impeccable balance. He stopped a little ways away, spinning on himself and walking backwards on the wall, throwing you for another loop of apprehension. You noticed Shahin did not bother to run to catch up.
“The real question is: can Shahin walk in reverse on the wall,” Ajmal said, raising his voice to be heard and glaring at the other boy.
Shahin smirked.
“Oh, assuredly so,” he answered, without doing anything to prove his claim. “I can jump down to the next terrace and land on my feet, too!”
Ajmal stopped in his tracks, a sudden look of surprise on his face.
“Ajmal,” you called him, growing more and more fearful.
When he looked at you, you shook your head to dissuade him to do anything dangerous. He frowned and looked at Shahin again.
“You are lying!” He accused the boy.
You had to admit that the look of offended shock that Shahin gave him was pretty convincing.
“I am not!” He protested. “I swear, I have done it once before!”
Ajmal looked almost ready to believe him. He stared down at the lower terrace then back at Shahin.
“Then prove it!”
The Qajar boy smirked. You did not like when he did that.
“I do not need to prove it, since I have done it before,” he claimed. “Unlike you.”
Ajmal scoffed.
“If you can do it, I can do it too!”
The sound of the wind and the buzz of Ahadinat below were drowned by the pounding of your heart.
“Ajmal, please!” You almost whined.
He looked at you and you saw him hesitate.
“I knew it,” Shahin said, sounding bored. “You are not going to do it.”
Ajmal only answered with a glare.
“Please, you do not have to do it. You are already better than him at fencing!”
The look Shahin gave you was unkind, to say the least. But you ignored him. All that mattered was convincing Ajmal to not jump down the wall. The young boy smiled at you comfortingly.
“It is fine,” Ajmal assured you. “It is not that far down. I will not get hurt.”
Maybe he was right, but contrary to everyone here, you did not want to bet his health on it.
Ajmal turned around, looking down at the lower terrace. He took a deep breath to steady himself. And jumped. You closed your eyes, covering them with your small hands, holding your breath. You were so scared, you wanted to cry.
A scream of pain made you jump.
You opened your eyes and, despite your panic, you did not wait a beat before running towards the stairs that led down to the next terrace. You missed a step, almost falling down yourself, but managed to steady yourself and continue your race. You spotted Ajmal as soon as your feet found the dirt path again. He was prone in the dust, his hand reaching for his ankle.
You ran towards him and fell on your knees beside him.
“You are hurt! Your ankle is hurt!” You cried.
It was not a question. Tears started blurring your vision.
“I should have listened to you,” Ajmal said, his voice strained by the pain. “I am sorry.”
You did not need an apology. You needed him to get better. Your first reflex was to look at his wound, but... Well you were eight and you had no idea what to look for, what to do. You stood up and started fidgeting on your feet.
“We need to get help...” you mumbled.
But you did not want to leave Ajmal alone. You looked up. Maybe Shahin could look for someone... And he was gone, of course. You did not have the heart to be angry. You were too worried for your friend. You looked at Ajmal whose whole face was grimacing with pain.
“Are you going to be okay alone here?” You asked reluctantly.
He nodded despite the agony he seemed to be in. You hesitated another second and ran back up the stairs. You sprinted through the gardens until you found the Groundskeeper and a few guards, who started running as well to meet you, likely concerned by the mad dash that made you trip and fall more than once.
Soon, they organized a rescue party to get Ajmal back to the palace on a stretcher. You followed them the whole way down to where Ajmal was laying and the whole way back up, despite being told several times to head back to your chambers. Maneuvering the stretcher in the narrow staircases up the terraces was a tricky thing and you had to stay out of the way when they did so, but the rest of the way, you stayed beside Ajmal(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[ and held his hand. You could tell how much pain he was in by how tightly he grasped your fingers. But it was never to the point of hurting you].
Later you learned he had broken his ankle. Over a stupid bet.//
You smiled to yourself. Ajmal had always been all to eager to exceed the high expectations that were set on him. It had made him a little too prone to rise to any challenge thrown his way. You were just glad the Palace healer was able to fix his ankle quickly. As well as other bruises and wounds Ajmal had collected over the years.
Seeing your expression, the young knight gave you a curious glance.
“I was just remembering the day you broke your ankle by jumping off the terrace wall.”
Some color darkened his cheeks as he looked away with embarrassment.
“Not my most impressive feat. But how was I supposed to know Shahin was lying?” He replied a little defensively.
{(if: $intelligence > 7)[
“You should have known the wall was too high.”<br />
Ajmal's blush deepened. “Maybe, but I am not as smart as you are.”<br />
You felt your own cheeks warm up at the compliment.
]
(else-if: $martial > 7)[
“Maybe you could not, but you should have known your own limits.”<br />
Ajmal sighed. “You are right, of course. I have trained enough to know this.”<br />
]
(else-if: $charisma > 7)[
“Come on, you know Shahin. He always lied.”<br />
Ajmal's lips pursed in disgust. “That is a very good point. But I was never quite as good as you at figuring out people.”<br />
You felt your own cheeks warm up at the compliment.
]
(else:)[
“Well, he never did anything to prove himself, unless he had to in order to bait you. It was obvious he was only trying to make you do something stupid.”<br />
Ajmal's blush deepened and he scowled. “And he succeeded at that. I cannot believe how much of an idiot I have been.”<br />
You shrugged.
]}“You were young. We both were.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
Ajmal smiled at you. “Regardless, I am just glad I had a friend like you to look out for me.”<br /><br />
His eyes widened suddenly and he looked at you, horrified. “I apologize. I did not want to be so presumptuous as to call you a friend, $MCtitle.”<br /><br />
You stared back at him. He //had// been your friend during your whole childhood. Ajmal's expression turned hesitant.<br /><br />
“I mean... If it //is// presumptuous...”<br /><br />
It was a question.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You smiled reassuringly at him. (link: "“Of course not. You will always be my friend.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 2)
(go-to: "Of course we are friends")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You smiled faintly at him. (link: "“I know things have been complicated, but I would like to be friends again.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I do not know but would like to be friends")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You bit your lower lip. Your relationship with him was not quite the same as it was when you were younger.<br />
(link: "“I... honestly do not know. We used to be friends, sure, but...”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "I do not know")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“It is not presumptuous at all”, you were eager to reply, your heart beating a little faster. “In fact...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
]<br />
Was it a good idea to say how you felt about him? You were about to find out. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}
]
(else:)[
Ajmal nodded. “That we were. Things are quite different now, for better or for worse.”<br /><br />
He frowned. You wondered if he thought it was for the worse. Your relationship did take a turn since then. It was especially evident since you snapped at him earlier. Ajmal had become quite distant and here he was again, looking away from you, as if seeing you was painful.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You wished things did not go so sour between you and you decided to try and fix it. (link: "“It must seem like it is ‘for the worse’, right now and I know it is my fault. I am sorry for what I said earlier.”")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Ajmal")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Your heart ached at the sight. You could not bear seeing him hurt and it was because you cared deeply for him. You wanted him to know that.<br />
(link: "“Ajmal, please look at me. I need to tell you something.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">You stayed quiet. [[It was unfortunate, but there was nothing you could say to make it better.->Get some rest]]</div>}
]}(set: $flashback to 3)
“Like when we were children...”
A wave of nostalgia hit you as fond memories resurfaced.
//“Pleaaaaase!” You implored the Groundskeeper, staring at them with your saddest eyes.
It seemed to work as they glanced carefully at the tall and stoic Royal Guard who was watching over you this afternoon.
“I suppose it should be alright...” They said, their voice trailing with hesitation.
The severe looking woman in shiny gold armor did not peep a word nor did she show any signs of approval or disapproval. She probably did not want to be held responsible for either disappointing the Royal heir or getting $MCpronoun2 injured should an accident happen. On the other hand, Ajmal, who was accompanying you during your walk around the terraced gardens, was not so reserved about his opinion on the matter.
“Absolutely not!” He exclaimed with a confidence and authority a nine-years-old should not have.
He put his little fists on his hips and glared at the Groundskeeper. “(upperfirst: $MCpronoun) could fall and hurt $MCpronoun4!”
“Oh come on, Ajmal!” You protested. “Mother and Father will not let me ride the horses, why can I not at least ride a donkey? I have seen other kids do it.”
“The Cavalry's steeds are tall and nervous, it's way too dangerous for you, your Highness, you're so small!” The Groundskeeper explained.
{(if: $MCsize is "medium height")[The remark made you scrunch up your nose. You were not small! Not for your age anyway.]
(else-if: $MCsize is "tall")[You frowned at the remark. You were actually quite tall for your age. But you were only seven...]
(else:)[Yes! So what? Why did people had to keep mentioning it?]}
The Groundskeeper rubbed the skin of their face, turned leathery under the relentless Baladian sun.
“But I suppose a donkey is safe enough to ride. Give me a minute, your Highness.”
They turned towards the placid animal and started to unhitch the plow that was attached to her. Meanwhile, Ajmal was scowling but did not argue anymore. He approached the donkey and stared right into her eye.
“You better not let $MCpronoun2 fall,” he told her quite seriously. “This—”
The young boy pointed at you. “This is the Royal heir. Nothing can happen to $MCpronoun2, understood?”
The Groundskeeper's lips twitched as they looked at Ajmal talking to the animal.
“Young Mister Mansoor, please, don't berate her, you're making her nervous.”
Ajmal turned his angry glare towards them. “//I// am making the donkey nervous?!”
Unable to hold it anymore, the Groundskeeper barked a loud laugh. When the donkey was finally free of the harness, they firmly patted her neck, making a cloud of dirt fly off her coat. Ajmal winced at the sight. You did not care. You just wanted to ride the damn donkey.
“Excuse me, your Highness,” the Groundskeeper warned you before grabbing you by the waist and unceremoniously lifting you off the ground.
They sat you on the donkey's bare back. Feeling the soft fur and the warmth of the animal, you giggled with pure glee. When the muscles of her back twitched under your weight, you started feeling a little nervous and your little fists grabbed the longer hair of the donkey's mane. The Groundskeeper smiled reassuringly.
“Don't be scared, your Highness. Sayida is a sweet lady, she won't let you fall.”
“Sayida...”
You tried her name and one of the donkey's fluffy ears twitched towards you. You almost squealed in delight.
“How do I make her move?” You asked, your eyes still trained on the tufts of hair coming out of Sayida's ears.
The Groundskeeper clicked their tongue and the donkey started to walk. They followed close behind, as well as Ajmal and the Royal Guard. Sayida led you down the white dirt path that followed the orchard for a couple of minutes. This was fun. But it could be more fun.
“Can she go faster?” You asked, turning your head towards the Groundskeeper.
They smiled back at you. No they smirked. Then with another click of their tongue, Sayida started trotting. You laughed as you bobbed up and down on her back. Speeding ahead, the space between you and your entourage stretched until you were out of reach.
Of course that was at this moment that two children came out running and laughing from behind a row of orange trees, spooking Sayida. She reared and you fell from her back, landing right on your buttocks. It hurt but you were still so giddy that you did not really register the pain.
Sayida took a few steps away from you, lowered her head and glanced at you, looking suitably guilty, or so you thought. The two children had stopped dead in their tracks and were looking at you, eyes wide with fear. The sound of feet pounding on the path drew your attention behind you. Ajmal, the Groundskeeper and the Royal Guard were all running towards you. But Ajmal was far ahead of even the armored woman. He was downright sprinting. In a few seconds, he was at your side and he dropped to his knees. He grabbed your shoulders and his panicked gaze looked you over, searching for wounds.
“Are you okay?!” He asked, his voice high-pitched with concern.
You started laughing. You did not mean to make fun of him, even though his dramatic show of distress //was// a little over-the-top. It was more a reflex than anything. A way to signal you were alright and to dispel some of the ridicule. Ajmal's grip on your shoulder loosened and he stared at you, baffled. At least he did not look as worried anymore. Then he frowned.
“This is not funny!” He grumbled.
“Ajmal!” You exclaimed between two chuckles. “I am fine!”
You kept laughing like you just heard the best joke in the world. The two children who were still watching the scene started giggling as well and the young boy stared at them in disbelief, then back at your delighted face. After a while, he started laughing with you.{(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[
<br /><br />But you always remembered the fear in his eyes when he ran to you, how scared he was to lose his only friend.
]}//
You smiled to yourself at the memory, letting out a small chuckle. Ajmal looked at you, one eyebrow lifted up questioningly. You saw no point in hiding the cause of your mirth.
“I just remembered the day I first rode the Groundskeeper's donkey.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
A lopsided smile appeared on the young knight's face.<br /><br />
“I did warn you that you could fall, if I remember correctly,” he teased.<br /><br />
You rolled your eyes.<br /><br />
“It was entirely worth it,” you retorted, a wide smile still on your lips.<br /><br />
(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[
You paused for a moment, hesitating. “I did appreciate your concern, though. I still do.”<br />
“I am glad to hear that, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
Ajmal looked away and you could see a blush climbing up his neck. You smiled gently at him.<br />
]
Another chuckle escaped you.<br /><br />
“Already, you were acting the perfect little bodyguard.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[
His blush reached his cheeks at your teasing.
](else:)[
A blush crawled up his neck at your teasing.
]}<br /><br />
“I was just worried,” he tried defending himself. {(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[“You were my best friend.”](else:)[“You were my friend.”]}<br /><br />
Ajmal gave you a faltering look. “Are we... Are we still friends?”<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">The fact that he doubted it made your heart pinch painfully.<br />
(link: "“Of course we are,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 2)
(go-to: "Of course we are friends")
] you reassured him.</div>
<div class="choice">The question took you by surprise. You still had affection for him, but could your relationship be described as such still?<br />
(link: "“I do not know... But I would like to be friends.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I do not know but would like to be friends")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You stiffened at the question. The truth was, your relationship had become so distant since he became a knight, you could hardly call it friendship anymore.<br />
(link: "“I do not know,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "I do not know")
] was all you could answer.</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>The question made your heart both pinch and beat faster. It hurt that he had to ask and it hurt because your feelings towards him went beyond friendship.<br />
(link:"“We are friends, Ajmal. But... I always wished we were more,”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] you admitted. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}
]
(else:)[
A sad smile appeared on the young knight's face.<br /><br />
“I am glad you enjoyed yourself that day... Despite my best efforts to prevent the fall that //did// happen.”<br /><br />
His tone was a touch teasing. But his smile fell quickly.<br /><br />
“It was a long time ago, however. I now know better than to overstep.”<br /><br />
There it was again, that cool and distant tone. The one that appeared after you snapped at him for speaking out of turn.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You could not stand it anymore. You had to apologize for your earlier behavior. (link: "“Ajmal... I am sorry.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Ajmal")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Your heart pinched painfully. You liked Ajmal. More than you should, probably. And you wanted him to know that.<br />
(link: "“Ajmal, I do not mind you overstepping... Because I like you.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">It was annoying you, to be honest. If he was not going to talk about what was bothering him, you were not going to either.<br />
[[“Maybe it would be best if we both got some rest,”->Get some rest]] you said to cut through the awkward silence.</div>}
]}(set: $flashback to 4)
“Like when we were children...”
A wave of nostalgia hit you as fond memories resurfaced.
If rather bittersweet...
//Since your uncle was only the Regent, he did not have the religious importance a monarch would have. He was not chosen by the Rain Daughter, nor was he blessed by Her. Therefore he had no place leading the ceremony that happened every year, on the eve of the next one. No, that was your role, even though you were only twelve and as far as you could tell, nothing about you was blessed by the Rain Daughter. You did not have the water magic your mother possessed. You could not summon the rain clouds to lightly shower the vast crowd that was waiting for you below the grand balcony.
Your back resting against the stone column you were hiding behind, you took deep calming breaths. Except you were not calming down. No matter how hard you tried to gather all your mental strength to squash it down, your panic kept rising. You attempted to focus on the ancient words you had to pronounce, but your mind was filled with the buzzing of tens of thousands of people and the pulse beating at your temples. You gasped and gasped, but the more you did, the more your brain kept fogging up. No one could prepare you for this. Lady Domara did all she could, trying to awaken some well of magic that may or may not have been hiding deep inside of you. Nothing worked. There was stories of miracles, of Monarchs' powers surging suddenly on the day of their coronation. People were expecting that from you. A miracle. You hoped for the same, but deep down you knew it was not going to happen. And nobody could prepare you for disappointing an entire nation.
You clutched at your heart, your breathing too fast. It was hurting so much that you felt like you were going to die. Until two hands clasped your shoulders firmly, grounding you. You looked up into water-green eyes. You could not hear what Ajmal was telling you, but you could see him encouraging you to follow his lead and breathe deeper, slower. You did your best to match your breathing to his and after a few moments, your head started to clear. Your stress was still making your whole body stiff with tension, but at least you could focus and listen to your friend.
“Everything is going to be okay,” he said, trying to reassure you.
You nodded, thankful for the words, even though you knew they were not true.
“You just have to go out there and say the words. That is all anyone can expect of you. Whatever happens happens. Just know I will be right here.”
You smiled weakly at him and nodded once more, a little more firmly.
“Thank you, Ajmal.”
He smiled back at you. Seeing him by your side gave you the strength you needed to go on. No one had been present like he had been since the death of your parents.
A Royal Guard approached you, bowing respectfully. “(upperfirst: $MCtitle), it is time.”
Surrounded by a small group of knights, you walked out on the balcony. Loud cheers welcomed you as you approached the railing and your heart sank into your chest. You inhaled deeply and focused, remembering the speech Lady Domara had helped you prepare for the occasion. You had to learn it by heart, reading it and reciting it again and again. You were so familiar with the words that when you started speaking, your voice rang loud and clear.
“People of Ahadinat, people of Ahabalad, thank you for coming to the Blessing of the Rain. I know some of you are still recovering from the revelries of the Light festival.”
A wave of laughter shook the crowd despite your deadpan delivery. Or because of it, you were too focused on your text to know for sure.
“I know it is going to be an unusual ceremony for all of us. It is, after all, the first one since...”
Your voice hitched and you swallowed thickly.
“Since the Queen and the King's passing.”
Your voice was not so steady anymore.
“I will honor them by carrying the duty from now on and perform the ritual to the best of my ability. I know it will never be the same as when my mother did it and I hope you can forgive me if...”
You took a shaky breath.
“If you find my ability lacking.”
A whisper travelled through the throng. You could not tell what it meant. You discussed the speech a lot with Lady Domara. Neither of you were sure it was a good idea to appear humble in front of the people. After the death of the Monarchs, uncertainty took hold of the kingdom and they needed a strong hand to lead them. But that strong hand was your uncle's. You... Well, $MCtitle2 or not, you were still a twelve-year-old child who just lost $MCpronoun4 parents. You hoped the people would understand.
Once the silence filled the night's air again, you put your hand on your heart, like you had seen your mother do many times. You felt the cold metal of her pendant beneath your fingers and it made you feel a little calmer. You lifted your other arm towards the stars and spoke the words.
It was an ancient Baladian sentence, a plea for the Rain Daughter to bless the new year with her refreshing showers and life-bringing floods. As your mother spoke the words, clouds would gather and the end of the sentence would be punctuated by a light but nonetheless impressive rain shower. When you spoke them, the sky stayed clear. Not a single drop of water fell onto the crowd.
The awkward silence that followed was unbearable. But the ceremony was over and there was nothing else you could do. You wished your people a good year and a good night before leaving the grand balcony as calmly as you could, pretending like everything was normal. Like you did not just fail all of them.
Every year since then you had to repeat the painful process and every year, the skies stayed still.
But every year you could count on Ajmal's support as you struggled to not fall apart after each ceremony.//
Your lips pinched into a thin line. It was not the most pleasant of memories, but it always reminded you of who was there for you when you needed help.
The young knight tilted his head to the side, watching you with curiosity.
“Calling you by your first name is the least I can do for you,” you said, your fists closing on your lap, tugging at the fabric of your clothes. “You have always been here for me.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
Ajmal's gaze trailed to your hands. He walked a few steps towards you, his eyebrows knitting into a worried frown.<br /><br />
“Of course...”<br /><br />
He hesitated before asking: “Is there... something on your mind?”<br />
You took a deep breath and nodded. “I was thinking about the Blessing of the Rain, every one of them since... You know.”<br /><br />
You gestured vaguely, not wanting to mention the death of your parents. He nodded back at you, obviously not needing further explanation. He walked the short distance that still separated you. His hand reached out to you, faltering for a second before resting on your shoulder.<br /><br />
“You will always have a friend in me,” he murmured.<br /><br />
Before you could react, he removed his hand a little abruptly. “That is... if it is what you want.”<br /><br />
The look he gave you was both nervous and questioning.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">The gaze you leveled at him was steady.<br />
(link: "“I will always be your friend too.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 2)
(go-to: "Of course we are friends")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You hesitated before looking back at him. Since Ajmal had been knighted, things had been different. But you wanted to be friends again.<br />
(link: "“It is,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I do not know but would like to be friends")
] you simply said.</div>
<div class="choice">You looked down at your lap. Could you still be friends with all that had happened since your childhood?<br />
(link: "“I do not know.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "I do not know")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You could not stop staring at the hand that had left your shoulder. You enjoyed those affectionate touches more than you cared to admit. But maybe you could admit to some of your feelings...<br />
(link: "“To be honest, I have long wished to be more than friends, Ajmal.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}
]
(else:)[
Ajmal frowned and looked away, his expression troubled. A heavy silence fell between the two of you.<br /><br />
“I try to be,” the knight finally answered. “When it is welcome.”<br /><br />
He still refused to meet your gaze and you frowned as well. You knew what he meant. He had been distant since you snapped at him earlier and he probably wondered where your relationship stood.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You decided to clarify things for him and apologize. He had always been your friend and deserved as much.<br />
(link: "“It is welcome and I am sorry I made you feel otherwise.”")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Ajmal")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You did not like it. You always had a strong affection for Ajmal and maybe it was time to admit to it.<br />
(link: "“It is always welcome, Ajmal. Because... I like you.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">You //were// grateful for his support. [[But you stood by what you said earlier and decided not to answer.->Get some rest]]</div>}
]}(set: $flashback to 5)
“Like when we were children...”
A wave of nostalgia hit you as fond memories resurfaced.
//The sun had just disappeared behind the mountain range. The sky turned orange while the desert was now painted blue by shadows. An interesting role reversal. The cold started to settle and you wrapped a shawl around your shoulders to keep yourself from it.
You were sitting beside your uncle on the dais of honor, overlooking the arena. All around you, the crowd watched in respectful silence. They were much more numerous than the previous years, tightly squeezed on the tiered benches carved out on the mountain side.
Down in the sand, Ajmal stood tall in front of his opponent. He was much younger than them, but about as tall. It always felt like your childhood friend would never stop growing.
Your uncle yawned and you side-eyed him, trying not to openly glare. Not only was it highly disrespectful, but it was also unwarranted. Sure, both of you had been sitting here most of the day, but usually the final match of the combat trials only began much deeper in the night. Ajmal had defeated all of his adversaries in record time and came out of each match unscathed. He was sweaty, his linens sticking to his skin, and a bit out of breath, but he did not have any wound. You had never heard of any competitor coming out victorious of the Royal Guard trials without at least a split lip, a broken nose of a cut brow. The expectations had been high for the young heir of the Mansoor family, but he had already surpassed all of them.
(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[You were so proud of him. Ajmal looked up at the dais and his eyes found yours. He smiled. You could not help but match his expression.<br />]But the trials were not over. His last test was to defeat the last knight to join the ranks of the Royal Guard in single combat. To make the odds even, the knight had to wear a blindfold. But it was still a arduous challenge, and some years there was no winner. Only the best and the brightest could join the Royal Guard. Ajmal was definitely it. You had no doubts he would win. Well, you were still a little anxious...
The silence became filled with tension as the arbiter was getting ready to signal the start of the duel. With a hand over his heart, Ajmal bowed in greeting and the knight did the same before pulling their blindfold over their eyes. Both of them assumed combat positions and readied their blunted scimitars.
At the ring of the bell, Ajmal launched himself at his adversary. He attacked from multiple angles. Each assault met a deft parry. Or at least they seemed deft to you. The onslaught lasted for a while and the only sounds were the ones of metal on metal, the grunts of effort and the muffled steps in the sand.
Ajmal finally took a few steps back, maybe to catch his breath, but the knight followed him, getting on the offensive. Your hands closed into fists on your lap, pulling at the fabric of your clothes. Suddenly the blindfall did not seem like enough of a disadvantage. Ajmal had fought all day and was likely exhausted. The knight was as fresh as a mountain stream. Sure, the trials were the same for everyone. But Ajmal was not// everyone//, was he? (if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[You were a lot more invested in his success.]
But maybe your worry was for naught. Your friend had no more difficulty parrying the knight's attacks than they did before him. And he did not let them be on the offensive for long, oh no. Soon a parry turned into a counter and the knight found themself stepping back. Again. And again. The new wave of attacks Ajmal was unleashing on them seemed more dangerous than before, more precise, hitting right where the knight's defense was at its weakest.
Each of his strikes was more daring, more dangerous to himself as well, leaving him open and vulnerable. You brought a hand to your mouth, nibbling on your index finger's nail. You hoped the knight would not take that opportunity. But they did. In a wide forward step, they threw their scimitar forward, aiming at Ajmal's unprotected stomach. You swore you saw the young man grin as he side-stepped the attack, hooked his opponent's unbalanced back leg with the curve of his blade, making them fall in a cloud of sand.
The victory was Ajmal's and an explosion of cheers resounded on the mountain side. The Royal Guard had a new knight.
The young man offered his hand to help the knight up. They nodded respectfully at each other. Ajmal turned around to approach the dais And you stood to welcome him. Your uncle followed suit with an unacceptable delay. But you did your best to ignore him. Ajmal looked up, leveling his eyes at yours. Nobody, that day, failed to notice that he was addressing the $MCtitle2, not the Regent.
“Serving you will be the greatest honor, $MCtitle.”
(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[<br /> He smiled wide at you and you smiled back. He had made it, like you both hoped he would.<br /><br />]“Thank you, Ajmal. The honor will be mine,” you responded, your voice softer than the formal setting usually allowed.
An awkward silence followed your words. You were pretty sure someone coughed behind you. By the gods, did you just use his first name in front of everyone?
“But I suppose it will be Sir Mansoor for now on,” you added as graciously as you could.
Ajmal's smile turned a little awkward, but he nodded in agreement.//
Sitting on the bed of this strange house, you frowned at the memory. That day had been a turning point in your relationship with Ajmal, for better or worse. It was the last time you called him by his first name and you both had to keep a formal distance between the two of you.
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle)?” Ajmal called, interrupting your thoughts.
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
You looked up at him and he was staring at you, his head tilted to the side and his brow knitted in a worried frown. You shook your head and straightened your back.<br /><br />
“I apologize... Ajmal...” You started.<br /><br />
You saw his lips twitching up. He was visibly happy to hear you use his first name again.<br /><br />
“I was just remembering the day of your last trials to become knight of the Royal Guard. I... do not think I have called you anything other than ‘Sir Mansoor’ since then.”<br />
His slight smile dropped immediately, his concerned expression turning to melancholy. “It is true, I...”<br /><br />
The young knight hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “I am sure we were both made to understand that our respective positions did not allow for... familiarity.”<br /><br />
You did not answer right away. Indeed, you had been told as much, by many people around you. Nobles of the court, Lady Domara and other tutors. You did not realize it was something Ajmal had experienced as well, but it made sense. That was just how it was. Etiquette existed to reinforce your position and it would not look good on either of you if it seemed like you favored him over other nobles. You were about to tell him as much — even if it was difficult — when he cleared his throat, bringing your attention back to him.<br /><br />
“You know, I have been told things are different in the less populated regions of our kingdom. In the desert, friendship is more valuable than etiquette. There, it is not uncommon for a noble to have a close relationship with their vassals.”<br /><br />
As he talked, he watched carefully for your reaction from the corner of his eyes. “It used to be the same for monarchs in Ahadinat. Especially in times of crisis. I think the situation qualifies. Maybe we... could be friends again?”<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">Your heart pinched at his words. Your interactions with him had become more formal, that was true, but you never stopped considering him a friend.<br />
(link: "“Ajmal... We //are// friends,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 2)
(go-to: "Of course we are friends")
] you reinforced gently.</div>
<div class="choice">The corner of your lips lifted in a lopsided smile. You appreciated his attempt at reconnecting while using historical and cultural precedents to back his proposal.<br />
(link: "“I would love that, Ajmal,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I do not know but would like to be friends")
] you answered.</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned. Your friendship with Ajmal felt like it was forever ago and the severe situation you found yourself in did not make you feel like revisiting those times.<br />
(link: "“I do not know, Ajmal. I cannot forget who I am. Who we both are.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "I do not know")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>The question was hurting you more than you cared to admit. Of course, you still valued Ajmal's friendship and you even craved it. But, in truth, your feelings towards him had taken a more romantic turn for a while now.<br />
(link: "“You will always be my friend, Ajmal,” you murmured. “But I always wished that we could be... more. Even though I know it is not possible.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}
]
(else:)[
You looked up at him and he was staring at you, his frown concerned, but his gaze distant. You shook your head and straightened your back.<br /><br />
“I was simply remembering your trials to become knight of the Royal Guard. I have not called you anything other than ‘Sir Mansoor’ since that day, I believe.”<br /><br />
Ajmal's posture stiffened.<br /><br />
“You are correct,” he answered in a formal tone. “I know... this is not going to be easy and that it is highly irregular, but hopefully it is only a temporary measure.”<br /><br />
Was it what he hoped for or what he thought //you// hoped for. You looked at him in the eyes, trying to figure out what his feelings on the matter really were. But his face was closed off. Like it had been since you ordered him to keep his thoughts to himself.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">Well, if you wanted to know what he truly felt, you definitely had to rectify that. Despite the importance you gave to etiquette, you did not want to use it in a manner that would hurt Ajmal.<br />
(link: "“I am not that keen to go back to a more formal address,” you admitted. “In fact, I would like to apologize for my earlier behavior.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Ajmal")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Your heart felt heavy in your chest. You wanted to know how he felt, because, to you, his feelings mattered more than any other's. Maybe if you opened up yourself...?<br />
(link: "“I do not want it to be temporary,” you confessed. “I care deeply about you, Ajmal...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class= "choice">It did not matter. The sooner you were able to go back to normal, the better, as far as you were concerned.<br />
[[You nodded in response.->Get some rest]]</div>}
]}(set: $flashback to 6)
“Like when we were children...”
A wave of nostalgia hit you as fond memories resurfaced.
//You were running down one of the many hallways of the Mansoor estate, the loud clinking of armor right on your heels. You did not pay it any attention, focused as you were on your very important task. The task of finding where Ajmal was hiding. As you stopped on the doorstep of a new room, the Royal Guard that was following you everywhere throughout your hunt finally decided to speak up. He cleared his throat as you entered the living room, looking behind sofas and underneath tables.
“Your Highness, it is getting late. Everyone is going to be worried at the Palace...”
You looked up at him, confused.
“Well, go tell them I am here and I am safe, then,” you responded after a moment of reflexion, nodding at your own wisdom.
“I mean no offence, your Highness,” the knight insisted, looking increasingly uncomfortable. “But I think we should head back.”
You pouted when you heard this. You were having so much fun playing hide and seek with Ajmal, you did not want to stop! Especially when you had yet to find your friend's new hiding spot.
“But I do not want to leave,” you whined.
The Royal Guard sighed and bent down to look you in the eye, a commiserating smile on his lips. “I know, but it would be safer to go back to the palace, before...”
“Are you saying General Mansoor's estate is not //safe//?” A deep and rugged voice interrupts him.
The knight straightened up and swung around to face the very tall woman in silver armor that was leaning against the door frame.
“Dame Mansoor!” He fumbled. “No, of course not, ma'am.”
For a tense moment, Ajmal's mother was looking down at the guard, her green eyes as cool as ice. Then she broke into a smirk and laughed.
“(upperfirst: $MCpronoun3) Highness can stay here for the night. If anyone questions you, tell them $MCpronoun3 safety is now under my responsibility.”
The knight looked hesitant. “If my Lady is sure...”
Dame Mansoor rolled her eyes. “I am. Do you need a letter or something?”
“Actually, if you would not mind, ma'am.”
She groaned and pinched her nose.
“Alright,” she sighed. “Follow me.”
The Royal Guard looked at you, then at her. Dame Mansoor groaned again.
“Oh come on, $MCpronoun (print: $MCplural of (a: "is", "are")) not going to fly away.”
Without waiting for his response, she turned around and left — but not without winking at you first. The knight hurried after her, leaving you to your own devices. After a moment in silence, you broke into a sprint, running back out of the room and yelling:
“Ajmal! Ajmal! Did you hear? I am staying for the night!”
It took a while of roaming around and repeating your call to finally find your friend. The Mansoor estate was no Royal Palace, but it was not small by any means. Ajmal stepped out of a well camouflaged closet when he heard your words.
“Truly?” He asked, both surprised and politely delighted.
“Aha! Found you!” You said, giggling.
Ajmal pouted at you. “That is hardly fair!”
You only grinned in response and the young boy sighed.
“Alright, I guess it is your turn to hide, then.”
“We could play something else!” You replied, happy to end the game on your victory.
He tilted his head to the side. “What do you propose?”
You tapped your finger on your lips as you started thinking. What was a good activity to have when one was staying at one's friend's home? The answer was an easy one.
“Let us build a pillow fort!” You exclaimed joyfully.
You saw the excitement spark up in Ajmal's eyes. “Yes! Oh there are those square cushions in the tea room that would be perfect for the crenels!”
{(if: $intelligence > 7)[
“We are going to need some rope if we want a drawbridge”, you replied with the same level of enthusiasm.<br />
“Right, right!” Ajmal nodded his approval.
]
(else:)[
<br />You rolled your eyes and giggled. You had to trust Ajmal to make an accurate rendition of an actual fort with pillows.
]}
You spent the night sleeping on a mountain of comforters and cushions, between walls of blankets and a surprisingly sound pillow structure. In other words, you spent that night just being a regular child. It was one of your favorite nights.//
You smiled at the memory, but it felt a bit bittersweet. It was easier to just be a child when you were younger and had less responsibilities. You could not complain. Every young Baladian had duties to attend to. Your status just made yours unique and it was hard to find friendship in those circumstances.
You did find it in Ajmal, however.
The young knight looked at you, an eyebrow quirked up questioningly.
“Do you remember when I first stayed the night in your family's estate?” You asked him.
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
He answered with a bright smile.<br /><br />
“Of course I do! We had so much fun. I always treasured the time we spent together. After all, you were my only... friend.”<br /><br />
His smile dropped. He bit his lips and looked away. “I am sorry, maybe I should have said ‘you are’ instead... Should I have...?”<br /><br />
He glanced at you carefully. You understood why he asked. You had been friends during most of your childhood, but since he had been knighted, your relationship had shifted to something a lot more formal.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You smiled at him reassuringly. (link: "“Of course. You are still my friend, Ajmal.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 2)
(go-to: "Of course we are friends")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I know things have changed since our childhood, but I miss our friendship,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I do not know but would like to be friends")
] you admitted with a weak smile.<br />
Maybe you were not friends anymore, but you wanted to be.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I... am not sure,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "I do not know")
] you admitted.<br />
It had been a while since the more innocent days of your childhood and you doubted things could ever be the same again.</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Of course Ajmal was your friend and you cherished that. But part of you wished you could be more. Part of you wanted to tell him.<br />
(link: "“We //are// friends, Ajmal. I just... like you more than that, I think.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td><p style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: right;">❤</p></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}
]
(else:)[
He smiled weakly at you. It was a sad and nostalgic expression.<br /><br />
“I do,” he answered. “Those... were simpler time. Things are a lot different now.”<br /><br />
His eyes darkened and he looked away, visibly uncomfortable. There was a wall between the two of you and you could pinpoint when it appeared to the moment you snapped at him for speaking out of turn. It was affecting him more deeply than you expected.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You did not mean to hurt him and it pained you to see him so distant.<br />
(link: "“Maybe they are,” you replied softly. “But it does not justify the way I treated you today. I am sorry.”")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Ajmal")
]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Your heart sank in your chest. Because of the feelings you had for him, you did not like seeing him like this. You wanted to tell him as much.<br />
(link: "“I need to confess something to you, Ajmal...”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">It was unfortunate, but you hoped he understood where you were coming from.<br />
[[“I am afraid they are,”->Get some rest]] you confirmed.</div>}
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You closed your eyes tightly and brought a hand to your mouth to choke up a sob. It was not fair. Your parents were still so young when their lives had been snuffed out. You were not even sure why. Murdered for what? Money? Politics? Nobody was entirely sure. The only thing you were sure of was the pain that was constricting your chest as you tried to rein in your desperate cries. Was it selfish? A lot of people lost their parents. Loved ones. A lot of them were losing them right now in Ahabalad while you hid, while you wallowed, sitting on a luxurious bed and...<br /><br />
A hand was on your shoulder, brushing the fabric of your sleeve in a soothing motion. Without you noticing, Sir Mansoor had joined you on the bed, sitting beside you, and was watching you with unhidden worry.<br />
You looked up at him, uselessly wiping your wet cheeks while another sob escaped you.<br /><br />
“I-I am sorry,” you stammered. “I... just miss him so much. Miss //them// so much. I am sorry.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
The young knight only hesitated a second before enveloping you in his arms. He held you tightly against his chest, his hands rubbing your back and shoulders reassuringly.<br /><br />
“Do not apologize,” he said, his voice strained with emotion but his words firm. “You have every right to be sad.”<br /><br />
For once, you decided to indulge and take some solace in Sir Mansoor's embrace. The cold metal of his breastplate may not have been the most comfortable, but his arms provided all the warmth you needed.<br />
You did not know how long you stayed there, crying in his arms, his hands never stopping their consoling motions. (if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[But after a while, the knight started humming. You recognized the song instantly, for it was your favorite.]<br />
Finally, you slowly straightened, gently parting yourself from Sir Mansoor.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you croaked, giving a final wipe to your now drying cheeks.<br />
“Of course,” he answered softly.<br /><br />
He gave your shoulder a final rub and smiled at you before standing up.
]
(else:)[
Pain pinched the young knight's expression. He leaned forward for a second, then straightened, stopping whatever he was about to do. Instead he tightened his fingers' hold on your shoulder, his thumb brushing your arm reassuringly. It was a small gesture, but it was comforting.<br /><br />
“Do not apologize, $MCcovertitle,” Sir Mansoor said, his voice low but firm. “You are allowed to be sad.”<br /><br />
You sniffled and smiled through your last tears.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you managed to croak as you gave your cheeks a final wipe.<br />
“Of course.”<br /><br />
He gave your shoulder one last squeeze before standing up. You were grateful that, despite the tension that came between you, Sir Mansoor was still there when you needed him.
]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
More tears came, unbidden. Then the sobs, shaking your shoulders without restraint. Too soon had your parents been taken away from you. They always were good to you, helping you find joy in-between tedious lessons and heavy expectations. Once they were gone, it felt like your childhood left with them. Nobody could fill the void after that. Nobody really tried, really. Your uncle was gone as soon as things got difficult and Lady Domara was not the warmest person to be around. She was there, at least. No, nobody really gave you the comfort you needed. That is, nobody except for Sir Mansoor.<br /><br />
And he was there for you this day too. While you cried to your heart's content, the young knight had come to your side and had sat down on the bed with you, without you noticing. Until his hand was on your shoulder.<br />
You looked up at him. His features were blurry behind the thick tears that filled your eyes, but you still could see the worry that pinched his face.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
You all but threw yourself into his arms. He let out a small surprised gasp, but soon after he was hugging you close to his chest, his hands rubbing your back and shoulders soothingly.<br /><br />
“I miss them so much!” You sobbed against the cold metal of his breastplate.<br />
“I know,” he murmured, his voice strained. “I miss them too.”<br /><br />
You did not know how long you stayed there, crying in his arms, his hands never stopping their consoling motions. (if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[But after a while, the knight started humming. You recognized the song instantly, for it was your favorite.]<br />
By the end of it, you felt dry and empty, as if you cried all the water in your body. Finally, you straightened up, slowly and reluctantly parting yourself from the knight's warm embrace.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you croaked, giving a final wipe to your now drying cheeks.<br />
“Of course,” he answered softly.<br /><br />
He gave your shoulder a final rub and smiled at you before standing up.
]
(else:)[
You leaned into the soothing touch, craving for more. But you knew there was still some tension between the two of you and you did not want to take more than Sir Mansoor was willing to give. If anything, you were grateful he was giving you any comfort at all.<br />
In reaction, the knight wrapped his arm around your shoulders, bringing you closer to him. You let your head rest on the cold metal of his breastplate as you cried freely.<br /><br />
“I miss them so much!” You sobbed against him.<br />
“I know,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “I miss them too.”<br /><br />
It took you a few minutes to recover. You straightened up, rubbing your eyes dry, and Sir Mansoor brushed your back one last time before standing up.
]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You just kept staring at your hands, trying to hold in the tears the best you could, to swallow them back. You were not about to cry. Not in front of Sir Mansoor, not here, not now. You had to be strong. That was what they said when they told you your parents were gone.<br />
A strangled pitiful noise escaped your throat as you tried to suppress a sob. Your teeth hurt from clenching your jaw and your head was pounding from the repressed tears. But you were not going to cry, you were not...<br /><br />
You nearly jumped when you felt the hand that brushed your arm. You snapped your gaze up to find the young knight sitting beside you on the bed, giving a comforting squeeze to your shoulder. His face was pinched with worry.<br /><br />
“I know you miss your parents,” he said, his voice incredibly soft. “There is no shame in crying.”<br /><br />
That was all you needed to hear. A sob shook your shoulders. And another one. And another. The floodgates were open and thick tears rolled on your cheeks, one after the other. You hated hearing the sound of your own whimpers but you let it all out.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
Before you knew it, Sir Mansoor's arms were around you, pressing you closely against his chest. The cold metal of his breastplate was not exactly comfortable, but his warm hands rubbing your back and shoulders soothingly more than made up for it. You were not used to this. You never asked for this. It was... nice.
(if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[
<br />After a while, he started humming. You recognized the song instantly, for it was your favorite.
]<br />
The knight did not stop holding you until you moved first, straightening your back and wiping your now drying cheeks. He let you go slowly, making sure you had all the time you needed. You wanted to thank him, but the words were stuck in your throat. So instead, when he stood up, you grabbed his hand and squeezed it. He looked down at you with a gentle smile and you let his hand go, knowing he understood you.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor leaned forward and froze, stopping whatever he was going to do. Instead, his long fingers' grip on your arm tightened and his thumb rubbed your shoulder in a soothing motion. It was not much, but considering how tense things had been between the two of you, it was a lot more than you would have expected from him.<br />
Once your tears dried up, you nodded at him, unable to thank him with words. He gave your shoulder a final squeeze before standing up, a slight smile piercing through his pained frown.
]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Tears were falling and there was nothing you could do to stop them. One drop after another wetting your hands. You closed them into tight fists. It was a disgrace. What kind of $MCtitle2 fell apart like that? You knew better. You were taught better. So why could you not just... stop? Maybe because everything felt out of control. This was not how things should have gone. You should not have been hiding amongst a people that did not want you here. You should not have been fleeing your own country. Your people should not have been wanting your death. Your uncle should have done better. Your parents should not have died so early.<br />
The pain you felt in your chest only tightened around your heart and a sob escaped your throat. You tried to turn it into anger, you did not want this. But you only felt sorrow and it just hurt so much more.<br /><br />
You barely noticed when Sir Mansoor walked to your side and sat down on the bed beside you. You only stiffened when you felt his hand on your shoulder. It was warm and comforting as it brushed your arm in soothing motions. It made you want to curl up beside him and be young and fragile. So you stiffened. You could not let that happen, could you?<br /><br />
“Let go,” the young knight instructed gently. “Let it out, you need to.”<br /><br />
That was all you had to hear. {(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
You leaned into him and started crying to your heart's content. His arms wrapped around you and he hugged you tightly to his chest. The cold metal of his breastplate may not have been the most comfortable, but the way his hands rubbed your back and shoulders reassuringly vastly made up for it.<br />
You did not know how long you stayed like this. (if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[But after a while, the knight started humming. You recognized the song instantly, for it was your favorite.]<br />
Once your eyes started to dry, you straightened up, slowly parting yourself from Sir Mansoor's embrace. You turned your face away to rub your cheeks dry.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you mumbled.<br />
“Of course,” the knight replied softly.<br /><br />
After giving your shoulder a final squeeze, he stood up.
]
(else:)[
So you did. Folding your legs against your chest, you curled up and cried into your knees. It was not pretty. Breathy whimpers shook your shoulders, fat tears soaked your clothes and even your nose started running. But the whole time you felt Sir Mansoor's hand on your arm, his long fingers squeezing slightly and his thumb brushing your shoulder reassuringly.<br />
It took a while for the sobs to calm down and for you to dare show your face again, but eventually, you wiped it with your sleeve and unfolded your legs, straightening your back up.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you mumbled, unable to meet the knight's eyes.<br />
“Of course,” he replied softly.<br /><br />
You did not know how he managed to provide you with comfort, considering how tense things had been between the two of you. But you were grateful he did.<br />
He gave your shoulder a final squeeze before standing up.
]}
]
(else:)[
Sorrow overwhelmed you and there was little you could do against the flow of tears that broke the dam and started pouring from your eyes.<br />
You just missed your parents. You missed them so much it was constricting your chest, a heavy weight pressing on your heart. You had the right to cry about that, right? Just a little.<br />
Before you knew it you were sobbing in your hands, trying to muffle the choked whimpers that were escaping your throat. It was embarrassing to fall apart like that in front of Sir Mansoor. But you could not stop, you just could not...<br /><br />
A hand brushing your shoulder made you look up, your blurry vision focusing on the face of the young knight, pinched with worry. He had walked to your side and was sitting on the bed beside you, without you noticing.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
He only hesitated a second before enveloping you in his arms, hugging you close to his chest, his hands rubbing your back and shoulders soothingly. The cold metal of his breastplate was not exactly comfortable, but his warm arms and comforting presence were enough to reassure you.<br />
You did not know how long you stayed there, crying in his arms, his hands never stopping their consoling motions. (if: $MansoorAffection > 4)[But after a while, the knight started humming. You recognized the song instantly, for it was your favorite.]<br />
Eventually, your eyes dried up and you straightened your back, parting yourself slowly from Sir Mansoor's embrace.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you croaked.<br />
“Of course,” he replied, his voice also strained.<br /><br />
He rubbed your shoulder one last time, smiling weakly at you, before standing up.
]
(else:)[
He stayed at your side while you cried to your heart's content, his long fingers tightening their grip on your arm and his thumb rubbing your shoulder soothingly. The gentle touch was more than you could have asked from Sir Mansoor, after things got so tense between the two of you. But you were grateful for it.<br />
After your eyes had dried up, you looked up at him again. His expression was conflicted, between pain and worry.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you murmured.<br /><br />
A faint smile pierced through his frown.<br /><br />
“Of course,” he answered, his voice low.<br /><br />
He gave your shoulder a final squeeze and stood up.
]}
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
“I miss my father. But I miss you too, in a way...”
Sir Mansoor's frown turned into one of confusion. “What do you mean?”
“When... When we were younger, we used to be closer, did we not?”
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -0.7)[
The knight bit his lower lip and looked away, starting to fidget nervously.<br /><br />
“I... I guess we were,” he admitted. “It is just that— When I became a knight, it was made clear that I should keep my behavior appropriate around you. And our childhood familiarity was... huh, not it apparently.”<br /><br />
He glanced at you hesitantly.<br /><br />
(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[
“They did not want me to think I could ever... That we could... I mean, I already knew, but...”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's face suddenly turned deep red. {(if: $guile > 7)[You had a good guess at what he was getting at and felt your face becoming warmer as well.](else:)[You did not quite understand what was making him so flustered and what he was trying to say.]}<br /><br />]
“I did not realize how you felt about this. I must say, I... miss it too.”<br /><br />
His voice had dropped very low, almost to a whisper. You could tell how sincere he was by the sad look in his eyes. (if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[Not sad, exactly, //longing// would have been more accurate.]<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You lowered your head and frowned, concerned by what you just learned. Who could have told him that? It sounded like such a harsh thing to say to the young knight.<br /><br />
“I am sorry, I did not realize you had been told to keep your distance. Had I known...”<br /><br />
Your frown deepened. “I do not understand why, though. Surely there is nothing wrong with friendship?”<br /><br />
As soon as the words left your mouth, you bit your lower lip. ‘Friendship’ was not quite the best word to describe your feelings towards Sir Mansoor. Your cheeks started heating up.<br />
Sir Mansoor shifted awkwardly on his feet, looking about the room.<br /><br />
“Well, huh...” He started before clearing his throat. “I think they just wanted to avoid this friendship turning into... something else?”<br /><br />
(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[The blush that darkened his face earlier crept back up.<br />]
Well, you guessed it was a legitimate fear to have, since — in your case — it //did// happen.<br /><br />
“Oh,” was all you managed to say as your cheeks burned hot.<br /><br />
An uncomfortable quiet followed, one that Sir Mansoor hurriedly cut short.<br /><br />
“Of course, I would never have... I knew it was not my place to...”<br /><br />
He covered his flustered face with both his hands.<br /><br />
“Gods, why is it so hard to say?” He muttered, his words muffled by his hands.<br />
“It is fine, Sir Mansoor,” you tried to reassure him. “I understand.”<br /><br />
You did, even though you did not like it.<br />
Dropping his hands to his sides, Sir Mansoor nodded gratefully.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You were upset that outside interferences were the cause of the knight's distance, but his admission warmed your heart and you smiled at him.<br /><br />
“In that case, we can go back to how things were, be closer again, can we not?”<br />
The smile he returned to you was bittersweet. “But it would not be quite the same, would it?”<br /><br />
Your smile dropped at his words. Part of you knew he was right. You did not see him //quite// the same way you did as a child, did you?<br />
The knight stared at you as you swallowed uncomfortably. He frowned slightly.<br /><br />
“I mean... I value your friendship greatly, $MCcovertitle, do not get me wrong. It is... just hard to get what they said out of my mind, sometimes...”<br /><br />
(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[The words bring about another blush to his face and his eyes avoid yours.] He swallowed thickly.
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[
<br /><br />“And I do not want you to think I would presume... That I would dare... thinking of you that way.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's face had turned entirely red by the end of his sentence. Your heart pinched because you actually would not mind at all if he thought of you //that way//. Part of you wanted to tell him, but you could tell by how uncomfortable this conversation was making him that now was not the right time.
]
(else:)[
“And I do not want you to mistake my intentions. I would never act... in a way that would make you uncomfortable. Or that you would find inappropriate.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor bit his lower lip, looking away from you. It was hard to watch. You wanted him to be closer, you wanted him to know that he could never make you feel uncomfortable. But seeing how flustered he already was, you sensed that it might take some time for him to realize that.
]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You swallowed hard. The look you returned to him was not that different from his, you suspected. But what you craved was not just the friendship you used to share with him, was it?<br />
You only realized you had been staring at the knight when he shifted awkwardly on his feet and cleared his throat behind his fist, his slightly flushed face turning away. Your gaze snapped away, feeling quite embarrassed yourself.<br /><br />
“I cannot imagine I am making it any easier for you,” you said after a while.<br /><br />
You risked a glance at Sir Mansoor and found he was giving you a questioning look.<br /><br />
“It is hard to be close when... Well I am not the most... effusive person around.”<br />
The knight's expression softened into a gentle smile. “That is not something to be ashamed of. You make every word count and they are that much more valuable because of it.”<br /><br />
Your cheeks grew hot at the compliment.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you mumbled back.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's smile only grew in response.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Anger started bubbling up inside you. You did not like that //anyone// would decide for you if Sir Mansoor's behavior was appropriate or not. And why should it have changed as you two grew older?<br />
Part of you knew why, but you still did not like it. It was ridiculous, could you not just be friends?<br />
But you did not want to be just friends, did you?<br /><br />
You were about to make a sharp comment to Sir Mansoor but the realization made you deflate immediately. The knight seemed to notice as he took a step towards you.<br /><br />
“Are you alright, $MCcovertitle?” He asked softly.<br />
“Yes,” you replied, straightening your back. “I just do not think that it is fair... What they told you.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor looked down at his feet. He seemed unsure as to how to respond.<br /><br />
“I... I do not know if it is unfair. I could not... I cannot take the risk of behaving inappropriately towards you.”<br />
“Your affection is //not// inappropriate,” you retorted, feeling your anger rising again. “It is //welcome//.”<br /><br />
The knight's eyes widened in shock and your hand snapped to your mouth when you realized what you had just said and what it sounded like. An awkward silence followed until Sir Mansoor cleared his throat.<br /><br />
“I am glad it is, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
A timid but sincere smile stretched his lips.
]
(else:)[
The admission made you smile gently at him.<br /><br />
“I am glad to hear I was not the only one,” you confessed.<br /><br />
The knight smiled back at you. A smile that turned bittersweet.<br /><br />
“I am not sure things could ever be like they were when we were children,” he said. “A lot has changed since then. But we can try to be... closer again, if it pleases you $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[At the word "closer", he started blushing again.] He looked at you with some hesitation.<br /><br />
“I would like that,” you replied, your smile brightening.<br /><br />
Of course, the kind of closeness you wanted to have was probably not the one he was thinking about. The thought made your face hot but you did your best to ignore it.
]}
]
(else:)[
The knight's frown deepened and he stayed quiet for a while.<br /><br />
“I guess we were,” he finally replied. “But it was made clear that such familiarity was not appropriate, considering our respective stations.”<br /><br />
He cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable.<br /><br />
“I mean no offence, $MCcovertitle, but you made that clear as well.”<br /><br />
It was hard to ignore the look of hurt in his eyes as he stared back at you. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
And it was hard to bear as well. But he was right. It did come off that way when you snapped at him, earlier, did it not?<br /><br />
“I... understand it may seem that way,” you tried to explain. “But I only meant it in public.”<br />
Sir Mansoor looked at you for a moment, pondering your words. “I... see. I am sorry, $MCcovertitle, but I do not know if I am capable to act a certain way in private and a different way in public. I have never been fond of masks.”<br /><br />
He winced at his own words. “I will do my best to only voice my concerns in private, from now on, however.”<br /><br />
He stood straight, his cold and formal attitude making your heart break a little.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I...”<br /><br />
For once, you were at loss for words. Your eyes dropped to your lap. The way you snapped at him earlier did nothing to encourage any closeness between you, you realized that now.<br /><br />
“I do not know what came over me,” you said after swallowing thickly. “I was feeling a little raw and... I am sorry.”<br /><br />
When you looked back up, Sir Mansoor was gaping at you. He quickly recovered, however and his expression grew soft.<br /><br />
“Thank you, $MCcovertitle. But it is fine, I understand.”<br /><br />
He cleared his throat. “I shall endeavor to act less... distant, if it pleases you.”<br /><br />
You smiled brightly at him, his words warming your heart. A little embarrassed, he shifted in place and looked away, his cheeks turning red.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
It made you feel ill at ease. Was it guilt that twisted your innards? Maybe. You looked down at your hands as they fiddled with your clothes.<br /><br />
“Maybe I should not have, then,” you said after a while.<br /><br />
It was not exactly an apology, but... You hoped Sir Mansoor would understand your meaning. You looked up at him and knew instantly that he did. His expression had turned soft and he was smiling at you. It was faint, but it was there.<br /><br />
“I... shall endeavor to act less distant, in that case, $MCcovertitle,” he said quietly.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Your back stiffened. You felt a bit guilty, but tried your best to not show it.<br /><br />
“Of course,” you said, gathering all the dignity you could in spite of the pain in your chest. “But if it is proper to keep a certain distance in public, surely it is not... as necessary in private, is it?”<br /><br />
Your voice wavered at the end and you could not help the hesitation in your gaze when you looked at Sir Mansoor. His reaction only made your heart hurt even more. He looked at you with painful disbelief.<br /><br />
“You... expect me to wear a mask in public? Pretend?”<br /><br />
You could tell he was restraining his voice as to not sound as upset as he looked.<br /><br />
“I cannot... You must know I am not good at this.”<br /><br />
You looked down at your lap, all your dignity gone.<br /><br />
After an awkward pause, Sir Mansoor's soft voice rose again: “I can only promise you I will do my best to only bring my concerns to you in private.”<br /><br />
Unable to speak, you only nodded.
]
(else:)[
You glanced away. You did this. You hurt his feelings when you snapped at him for speaking up earlier. Your heart felt heavy at the thought, but you were not sure how to fix this.<br /><br />
“I did not mean...” You started. “I just did not want to talk about all this... in front of everyone.”<br />
Sir Mansoor sighed. “I understand, $MCcovertitle. I will do my best to avoid bringing up my concerns in public from now on.”<br /><br />
His stiff posture did little to reassure you. You looked down at your lap, feeling ill at ease.
]}
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
You suppressed the pain brought back by the memory of your father, burying it deep inside of you. Now was not the time to wallow.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Do not blame yourself, Sir Mansoor,” you finally replied, blinking a few more times to chase away the tears. “It is fine, I assure you.”<br /><br />
You smiled at Sir Mansoor the best you could but his expression was still tinged with worry when he looked at you.<br /><br />
“Alright,” he eventually said, his voice low.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“No, it is fine,” you finally replied, rubbing away the few tears that managed to escape your eyes. “I do not mind at all.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's frown only deepened with worry and he took a step forward, struggling to stand still at the sight of your distress.<br /><br />
“Alright,” he eventually said, his voice low.<br /><br />
Doubt was still evident on his face.
]
(else:)[
“It is fine,” you said, blinking away the tears a final time.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's worried frown was still in place, but he nodded nonetheless.
]}
The knight took a few steps in the middle of the room.
With a sigh, he rubbed a hand over the short waves of his hair and glanced sideways at you. (display: "A talk with Sir Mansoor")
The Dwarven woman was leaning her back against one of the sculpted arches that led to the balcony. One of the wooden shutters — the one she opened to enter your bedroom, no doubt — remained open, letting more of the city's soft glow seep into the room and lining Zanetta's features with warm light.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1 and $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
She was smiling at you. It was not a sarcastic smile either, but rather a gentle one. You did not think she had it in her. But of course, you did not know her that well yet.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She was smiling at you. A mischievous smile if you ever saw one, but not a harsh one. The Dwarf had been a hard woman to figure out, so far. But then again you had just met her.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -1 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She was staring you down. Something in her attitude made you think she did not come here for pleasantries. Or maybe that was just the fact you outright told her you did not trust her.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust is -1)[
She was staring you down. Something in her attitude made you think she had not-so-nice things to say to you, even though you could not figure out what. She was a hard woman to figure out, but then again you had just met her.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -1 and $MansoorTrust is -1)[
She was glaring at you. You suspected it had something to do with your admitting you did not trust her, but she was hard to figure out. You had just met her after all.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust is -2)[
She was glaring at you, her eyes cold and downright hostile. You did not quite understand why. You thought you had been rather civil with her after all. She was hard to figure out, but you had just met her after all.
]
(else:)[
She was glaring at you, her eyes cold and downright hostile. You understood she did not like being told that you did not trust her, but something in her attitude had shifted since earlier. It was not just that. But then again you had just met her and she was a hard woman to figure out.
]}
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
Zanetta straightened up, her body moving as fluidly as a cat, not unlike when you first met her.<br /><br />
“Hey there”, she greeted you casually, as if she did not just sneak into your room uninvited. “I just wanted to check on you before I start my watch. To let you know I'm just a balcony away if you need help.”<br /><br />
She winked at you. You did not remember anyone ever winking at you. Well, maybe except for your parents. And Sir Mansoor's mother. {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
She walked towards the small lounging area and let herself drop on the sofa with a sigh. Cocking her head to the side, she invited you to do the same. {(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
The casual request was a little annoying, but you complied and sat beside her, if a bit stiffly.
]
(else:)[
You joined her on the couch, curious to hear what she had to say.
]}<br />
The Dwarf turned her body to face you, resting her elbow on the back of the sofa.
]
(else:)[
She walked up to you and sat on your bed, crossing her legs under her and facing you.
]} {(if: $MCsize is "small")[
In that position, she seemed almost as tall as you and she had no issues looking straight into your eyes.
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
In that position, she appeared taller, having no trouble looking up into your eyes.
]
(else:)[
Despite her new vantage point, she still had to crane her neck to look into your eyes.<br /><br />
“Damn, is your torso as long as those gangly stumps of yours?” She grumbled.<br /><br />
She backed up a bit, getting more comfortable.
]}<br /><br />
“So... How are you doing?” Zanetta suddenly asked.<br /><br />
You blinked, taken aback. It was not a question you heard often and not from many people. The Dwarf facing you was definitely one of the last people you would have expected it from.<br />
(if: $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
Her expression became soft as she watched your reaction.<br /><br />
“Lonely childhood, heh?”<br /><br />
]
You shook your head, trying to recover from your surprise.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I will be alright,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I will be alright")
] you answered with a grateful smile.<br />
You were not sure how true that was, but you did not want to worry her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned, concerned.<br />
(link: "“I am... fine. The same could not be said of many others. People are dying in my home and I am... just sitting here.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I am concerned for the people")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am... scared”, you admitted with a sigh. “Everything I have known is falling apart around me.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I am scared")
]<br />
Your shoulders dropped in a defeated motion. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Actually, I am feeling better now. Safer. I have a roof to sleep under, I have people to protect me. It is still a scary situation, but... You are here to help, right?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You are here to help, right?")
] You smiled at her.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am //fine//.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I am fine (again)")
]<br />
You frowned and looked away. Talking about your feelings was not your specialty, let alone to a stranger. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“My feelings do not matter”, you answered, your back straightening. “It only matters how I act moving forward.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "My feelings do not matter")
](if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You stiffened, uncomfortable with the familiarity with which Zanetta was acting.<br />
(link: "“I am sure you will have enough work concerning yourself with my physical well-being without worrying about my mental one as well.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not concern yourself with my mental well-being")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -1 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
Zanetta straightened up, moving as fluidly as a cat, and walked both casually and threateningly towards you. You were not sure how she managed that.<br /><br />
“Alright”, she started. “Maybe you don't trust me, maybe you don't like me much and, given the situation, that's understandable.”<br /><br />
She stopped a couple of feet from you, folding her arms on her chest.<br /><br />
“But we both have to work together, even if it's neither of our choices. So let's be polite to each other to make it easier on both of us. Deal?”<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaAffection > 2)[
The shadow of a smile made the corners of her lips twitch up. It felt like she was genuinely trying to reach an agreement with you.
]
(else:)[
She kept staring at you, her expression difficult to read.
]}<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">Your shoulders drooped. You might have been a little harsh with her. You did not have to tell her you did not trust her like that.<br />
(link: "“I... yes. I am sorry, I should not have been so rude to you.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I should not have been so rude")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Deal")
] you replied.<br />
She did have a point, even if you were reluctant to admit it. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“No deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "No deal")
] you retorted.<br />
You did not trust her and you saw no point in pretending you did. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I just said the truth,” you said, hesitating to agree to anything. “And as long as it is true, I will not pretend to trust you just because it is polite.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I just said the truth")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
Zanetta kept glaring at you as she straightened up, moving as fluidly as a cat, and walked towards you — not unlike when you first met her, if a lot more hostile. She stopped a few feet away from you and folded her arms over her chest. She stared at you for a while in silence.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
“You don't trust me. I get it. That I can understand,” she finally said.
]
(else:)[
“For the record, I do appreciate the trust you're showing me,” she finally said.
]} {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“But the you way act towards your knight doesn't bode well for our future relationship.”
]
(else:)[
“But the way you act towards your knight, that I can't go along with.”
]}<br /><br />
You blinked at her. You did not expect her to feel so strongly about your treatment of Sir Mansoor. After all, just like you, he only just met her.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />You frowned and looked down at your hands {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[linked in front of you](else:)[on your lap]}. You started feeling guilty under the accusatory gaze of the Dwarf.<br /><br />
“I am... not sure what you mean,” you replied hesitantly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You frowned, confused.<br /><br />
“What about it?”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You frowned. Why did she think it was any of her business?<br /><br />
“In what way does that concern you?” You replied dryly.
]
(else:)[
<br />You frowned.<br /><br />
“What do you mean?”
]}<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“Oh, I don't know”, Zanetta started, her voice a pitch higher with annoyance. “Maybe the fact that you snapped at him for simply voicing his opinion may lead someone to believe you might react in a similar way, if not worse, with a stranger?(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[ Especially a stranger you said you didn't trust?]”
]
(else:)[
“Do you have any idea in what state you left him?” Zanetta barked, her voice rising with anger. “If you treat //him// like shit, what am //I// to expect?”
]}<br /><br />
Well, that did make things clearer.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You shifted uneasily on {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[your feet](else:)[the mattress]}.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
(link: "“You are right, I... should have been more considerate with him. I will apologize to him as soon as possible.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I should have been more considerate")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I... What do you mean? In what state... Is Sir Mansoor okay?”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I should have been more considerate")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[<div class="choice">The way you talked to {(unless: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} was not meant to make her feel uncomfortable. You hoped to clarify that.<br />
[[“I know it may have seemed harsh and I am sorry it made you uncomfortable. I do not want you to feel threatened in any way,”->Do not feel threatened]] you said with a reassuring smile.</div>]
<div class="choice">Maybe you did handle things a little too severely with {(unless: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}. But the fact that Zanetta was only concerned for herself did not sit well with you.<br />
(link: "“That is a little selfish, is it not?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "That is a little selfish")
] You asked, narrowing your eyes at her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not think Zanetta had any right to meddle with your relationship with {(unless: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}.<br />
(link: "“I still do not think it is any of your business.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic +1)
(go-to: "None of your business")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“Ajmal is my vassal and has to follow my every command,” you answered, straightening your back. “Our relationship is different, so you do not have to worry about that.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Do not worry about that")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Sir Mansoor is my vassal and has to follow my every command,” you answered, straightening your back. “Our relationship is different, so you do not have to worry about that.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Do not worry about that")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You glared back at her.<br />
(link: "“So? Do not speak out of turn and you will not have anything to worry about.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not speak out of turn")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic) (severe)//]</div>}
]}
“I will be alright,” you answered with a grateful smile.
You were not sure how true that was, but you did not want to worry her.
Zanetta leaned forward, her expression suddenly serious.
“Meaning you're not, right now.”
Your own smile dropped and you directed your gaze to the side. She had you there.
“It is difficult to be... considering the circumstances,” you admitted after a while.
You looked back at her. “But wallowing is not going to help me feel better, is it?”
The Dwarf leaned back and shrugged. “I don't know... I think a little wallowing can do some good now and again, if you can afford it.”
Her eyes travelled around the room, examining its every corner.
“This house,” she said while gesturing widely. “Myself, your hunky knight and your stick-in-the-mud mentor... It is all meant to keep you safe so you can focus on bettering yourself. Or did I misunderstand?”
You shook your head no.
“Well, if you have to start that by laying in bed and crying all day, so be it. You of all people can afford it.”
You did not miss the bite the last words had, despite Zanetta overall friendly attitude.
“But do I deserve it?”
The Dwarven woman laughed, to your surprise. It was a full on laugh, one that she struggled to put an end to. You felt your cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Was what you said that stupid?
When Zanetta finally calmed down, she wiped the tears that were forming at the corners of her eyes.
“You're only eighteen, kid. How bad can you be?”
She chuckled once more as you avoided her gaze, feeling a bit silly.
“Everyone deserves it,” she continued, more seriously. “To some extent.”
You looked at her and she scrunched up her nose in disgust at whatever or whoever she was thinking about. But after that she smiled at you. You smiled back, feeling a little reassured, even though it looked an awful lot like she just made fun of you.
The now relaxed atmosphere had your mind wander to a few questions which had been in the back of your mind.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“I am... scared,” you admitted with a sigh. “Everything I have known is falling apart around me.”
Your shoulders dropped in a defeated motion. Zanetta frowned and her genuine look of concern took you aback.
“When you put it that way... It is indeed a scary situation to be in.”
She stayed quiet for a moment, observing you thoughtfully.
“But try to see it this way: not //everything// is falling apart around you. You still have Lady Dominara...”
“Lady Domara,” you corrected her.
Zanetta smirked. “I know. And you also have Sir I'm-Prettier-Than-You. They don't seem in a hurry to leave you, so that's a good thing right?”
You could not help but smile a bit, both at the idea that you were indeed not alone and at the silly nicknames.
“Besides, finding yourself in new circumstances is scary, but it can also be exciting. Who knows, maybe you'll like it down here. Make some new friends. Start a new life.”
You frowned at her words. Not that they did not have a certain appeal, but...
“But eventually, I will have to leave that new life behind as well. I have to return home and take the throne back. When I'm ready.”
Zanetta's brown eyes bore into yours. “Do you really have to?”
Your frown deepened. It //was// your duty to lead your people. But you stayed silent. You had not considered... alternatives.
The lull stretched uncomfortably until the Dwarf spoke again.
“That's something to think about, at least.”
You did not answer. You were not sure what to answer. Zanetta leaned back, {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[resting her shoulders against the sofa](else:)[planting her palms on the mattress behind her]}.
“If it'll make you feel safer, you can ask me a few questions about... your new situation.”
Questions, you had plenty of.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">But you decided against asking any of them.<br />
[[“Actually, I think I would rather rest, now.”->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“I am //fine//.”
You frowned and looked away. Talking about your feelings was not your specialty, let alone to a stranger.
{(if: (history:) contains "Nothing")[
<br />Zanetta sighed. “You're a stubborn one, aren't you.”<br /><br />
When you failed to answer, she sighed again.
]
(else:)[
You felt her insistent gaze on you as she stared at you silently.<br /><br />
After a while, she sighed.
]} “Alright.”
She made a move to stand up from the {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[sofa](else:)[bed]}, not inquiring any more than that. Part of you felt relieved that she decided to respect your privacy, but another part of you felt awkward cutting the conversation short like that.
“Wait,” you said, just loud enough for her to hear.
She froze on the {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[sit's cushions](else:)[mattress]} and looked at you expectantly.
“I wanted to ask you something.”
There was indeed a couple of questions you had kept in the back of your mind. Maybe now was a good time to ask them.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">But then again, maybe not. You decided against asking any of them.<br />
[[“I... Nevermind, it is not important.”->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“My feelings do not matter,” you answered, your back straightening. “It only matters how I act moving forward.”
Zanetta blinked at you, her eyebrows raised high.
“Wow, you're rather intense for your age, you know that?”
You kept quiet, unsure if it was meant to be a compliment or not. She frowned, looking thoughtful.
“I mean, you're not wrong, in the grand scheme of things. Being a monarch and all, how you feel weighs very little compared to how much effect your actions have.”
You swallowed hard. Even though you very much agreed with this, it sounded rather... stressful, said out loud.
The Dwarf grinned at you. “Yeah, I thought so.”
You narrowed your eyes at her. Did she try to make you uncomfortable on purpose?
Her expression softened, however.
“You may be right, to some extent. But you still have feelings and they'll affect your actions. Ignoring them is not really a good idea. If you can sort out your emotions, you'll be better prepared to make rational decisions, don't you think?”
That... actually made sense. It was worth giving it more thought in any case.
“You make a good point, I did not consider this,” you answered while brushing your lips with your thumb thoughtfully.
Zanetta winked at you. “Happy to help.”
The Dwarven woman seemed to be in a good mood. Maybe now was a good time to ask her a few of the questions that had been in the back of your mind.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[Then again, maybe not. You decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
The Dwarven woman straightened her back, which was previously resting against one of the arches that led to the balcony. One of the wooden shutters was left ajar — the one she opened to get in your room, no doubt. It let some of the city's soft glow seep in and line Zanetta's features.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1 and $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
She was frowning with concern. She seemed to have noticed your distress and walked towards you without hesitation. She tilted her head to the side and leaned forward, searching your wet eyes.<br /><br />
“What's wrong?” She asked, her voice softer than you had heard it before.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She was frowning slightly, looking somewhat concerned. Maybe your distress was still showing. She hesitated a moment before walking towards you. She tilted her head to the side and leaned forward, searching your eyes.<br /><br />
“What's wrong?” She asked, her tone lower than usual.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -1 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She was frowning slightly. Maybe there was a bit of concern in her expression, despite your tense relationship. She tilted her head to the side, waiting for an answer.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust is -1)[
She was frowning slightly. Maybe there was a bit of concern in her expression. But there was also some tension there. You could not tell where it was coming from. She tilted her head to the side, waiting for an answer.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -1 and $MansoorTrust is -1)[
She was frowning, probably wondering what could have upset you. The expression did not last, however, turning quickly to a colder one. Unsurprising, considering your tense relationship.<br /><br />
“Well, it doesn't really matter. That's not why I came here to tell you.”
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust is -2)[
She was frowning, maybe wondering what had upset you. The expression did not last however, turning to a much colder one. You were not sure why.<br /><br />
“Well, it doesn't matter. That's not what I came here to tell you.”
]
(else:)[
The slight frown of confusion that was set on her brow did not last, quickly replaced by a colder expression. Your relationship was tense, since you made it clear you did not trust her. But her attitude had shifted since then and seemed even more hostile now. You were not sure why.<br /><br />
“Well, it doesn't matter. That's not what I'm here to tell you.”
]}
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
{<div class="choice">You looked away from her, trying to rub away a few stray tears inconspicuously. You barely knew Zanetta, she did not need to be burdened with your feelings.<br />
(link: "“Nothing!” You exclaimed a little too fast with a nervous chuckle. “You do not need to worry about me.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "You do not need to worry about me")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Some stray tears fell down the length of your cheeks. There was no point in hiding it.<br />
(link: "“I just remembered my mother and how much I miss her, that is all,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I just remembered my mother")
] you responded with a weak smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You blinked a few times, holding back the tears that threatened to spill. You were uncomfortable with sharing your loss with a stranger.<br />
(link: "“Nothing.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Nothing")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You took a deep breath and blinked away the tears. You did not want to look weak. You could handle this.<br />
(link: "“To be frank? A lot. But that is nothing you need to concern yourself with at the moment.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Nothing to concern yourself with")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else-if: ($ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust is -1) or ($ZanettaTrust is -1 and $MansoorTrust > -1))[
{<div class="choice">You looked away and rubbed your stray tears off, as discreetly as you could. You did not want to burden Zanetta with your sorrow, not when you barely knew each other.<br />
(link: "“I am... fine. Thank you for asking.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "You do not need to worry about me")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You were not sure if Zanetta was expecting a polite answer or an honest one. But honest was what she was going to get. You felt too raw to hold back the stray tears that rolled down your cheeks.<br />
(link: "“I was reminiscing about my mother. I miss her so much...”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I just remembered my mother")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You blinked away stray tears that threatened to spill. You did not want to talk about your feelings to Zanetta. And you were pretty sure she did not want to hear about them anyway.<br />
(link: "“I am fine.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Nothing")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">The question seemed only half-hearted to you and you were not in familiar enough terms with Zanetta to talk about your feelings. And you did not want to look weak either. You blinked away the last tears.<br />
(link: "“It is nothing you need to concern yourself with.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Nothing to concern yourself with")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
You frowned back at her.<br /><br />
“So what //did// you come here to tell me?” You asked carefully.<br /><br />
Zanetta stared at you in silence for a while.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
“You don't trust me. I get it. That I can understand,” she finally said.
]
(else:)[
“For the record, I do appreciate the trust you're showing me,” she finally said.
]} {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“But the way you act towards your knight doesn't bode well for our future relationship.”
]
(else:)[
“But the way you act towards your knight, that I can't go along with.”
]}<br /><br />
You blinked at her. You did not expect her to feel so strongly about your treatment of Sir Mansoor. After all, just like you, he only just met her.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />You frowned and looked down at your hands on your lap. You started feeling guilty under the accusatory gaze of the Dwarf.<br /><br />
“I am... not sure what you mean,” you replied hesitantly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You frowned, confused.<br /><br />
“What about it?”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You frowned. Why did she think it was any of her business?<br /><br />
“In what way does that concern you?” You replied dryly.
]
(else:)[
<br />You frowned.<br /><br />
“What do you mean?”
]}<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“Oh, I don't know,” Zanetta started, her voice a pitch higher with annoyance. “Maybe the fact that you snapped at him for simply voicing his opinion may lead someone to believe you might react in a similar way, if not worse, with a stranger?(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[ Especially a stranger you said you didn't trust?]”
]
(else:)[
“Do you have any idea in what state you left him?” Zanetta barked, her voice rising with anger. “If you treat //him// like shit, what am //I// to expect?”
]}<br /><br />
Well, that did make things clearer.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You shifted uneasily on the mattress.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
(link: "“You are right, I... should have been more considerate with him. I will apologize to him as soon as possible.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I should have been more considerate")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I... What do you mean? In what state... Is Sir Mansoor okay?”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I should have been more considerate")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[<div class="choice">The way you talked to Sir Mansoor was not meant to make her feel uncomfortable. You hoped to clarify that.<br />
[[“I know it may have seemed harsh and I am sorry it made you uncomfortable. I do not want you to feel threatened in any way,”->Do not feel threatened]] you said with a reassuring smile.</div>]
<div class="choice">Maybe you did handle things a little too severely with Sir Mansoor. But the fact that Zanetta was only concerned for herself did not sit well with you.<br />
(link: "“That is a little selfish, is it not?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "That is a little selfish")
] You asked, narrowing your eyes at her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not think Zanetta had any right to meddle with your relationship with Sir Mansoor.<br />
(link: "“I still do not think it is any of your business.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic +1)
(go-to: "None of your business")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Sir Mansoor is my vassal and has to follow my every command,” you answered, straightening your back. “Our relationship is different, so you do not have to worry about that.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Do not worry about that")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You glared back at her.<br />
(link: "“So? Do not speak out of turn and you will not have anything to worry about.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not speak out of turn")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic) (severe)//]</div>}
]}
“Given the circumstances, I suppose it would be alright.”
You were hesitant. ‘Sir Mansoor’ was the only way you had addressed him for years. It would be a hard habit to break. The young knight seemed to see your unease. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
And you could tell he shared it by the way his nose was wrinkling.
]
(else:)[
He offered you an apologetic smile.
]}
“I know it is asking a lot, but hopefully this will be temporary.”
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 4 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
He looked to the side and for a short moment, his expression shifted to a sad frown. When he looked back at you, it was gone.
]} {(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
He smiled at you, obviously happy that you agreed to his request, despite your reservations.
]
(else:)[
He kept his expression neutral, but his posture was stiff and you guessed that the idea of you addressing him so casually was almost as unappealing to him as being called by a false name.
]}
“Now, if you do not have further need of me, I will leave you to your rest.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“There is something I would like to discuss first.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Ajmal")
]<br />
You looked down at your hands as they twisted uncomfortably on your lap. You had not been fair to the knight and you wanted to apologize before the night ended.</div>
]
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“Actually... There is something I would like to tell you.”")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")
] Your cheeks started warming up as you considered revealing your feelings to the knight. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">[[“I am fine, thank you... Ajmal.”->After the knight left]]<br />
He bowed politely before exiting the room.</div>}
{(if: ($flashback is 0) and ($Ajmal is not "Sleiman") and ($MansoorRomance < 2))[
“I am fine, thank you... Ajmal.”<br /><br />
He bowed politely before exiting the room.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[]
(else-if: (history:) contains "Apologizing to Ajmal")[
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} smiled at you again.<br /><br />
“Good night $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“Good night {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}.”<br /><br />
He bowed politely and turned to leave your room.
]}
Quiet filled the space, only disturbed by the sound of waves crashing against stone in the wake of the occasional gondola and the chirping of strange insects in the garden. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -1 and $MansoorRomance < 2)[
<br />You felt tense. Letting the knight go while you were still on strenuous terms was unpleasant and you needed to calm your racing mind before you could hope to get any sleep.<br />
You inhaled deeply, focusing on your environment. You noticed new sounds, fainter: the ticking of the small clock on the desk and the muffled footsteps from nearby rooms. Your attention aimed at your surroundings, you noticed a door at the far end of the right wall that you did not pay mind to before.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust is -1 and $MansoorRomance is 2)[
As well as the thundering of your heart. What were you thinking, revealing your feelings to the knight? Of course he would reject you. You knew perfectly well he had been hurt by your earlier behavior. So why were you feeling so bitter?<br />
You took a deep breath, trying to clear your thoughts and calm your pulse. Directing your focus outwards, you could now hear the faint ticking of the small clock on the desk and muffled footsteps from nearby rooms. Your attention aimed at your surroundings, you noticed a door at the far end of the right wall that you did not pay mind to before.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
As well as the thundering of your heart. You did not know what you were thinking, admitting your feelings to the knight like that. His sudden departure should not have surprised you. So why was it leaving you breathless?<br />
Inhaling deeply, you focused on your environnement. Now you could also hear the gentle ticking of the small clock on the desk and the muffled footsteps of someone pacing nearby. Were those {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor's](else:)[Ajmal's]}?<br />
You forced your thoughts away from him. Your attention aimed at your surroundings, you noticed a door at the far end of the right wall that you did not pay mind to before.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 1 and $flashback is 1)[
And the insistant beating of your heart. The knight's rushed departure had left you a little restless. What did it mean? If it meant anything at all. Was it possible that your presence was making him feel as vulnerable as you did when you were near him?<br />
You shook your head, dismissing the intrusive thoughts. Taking a deep breath, you embraced your surroundings once more. That was when you noticed the door at the far end of the right wall.
]
(else:)[
Your eyes wandered around, taking in the room once again. You noticed the door at the far end of the right wall for the first time. Maybe you had seen it before, but you did not pay any mind to it then.
]}
(display: "Bathroom description"){(set: $MansoorFriendship to 2)}
{(if: $flashback is 2)[
“Of course not. You will always be my friend.”
]
(else-if: $flashback is 3)[
“Of course we are,” you reassured him.
]
(else-if: $flashback is 4)[
“I will always be your friend too.”
]
(else-if: $flashback is 5)[
“Ajmal... We //are// friends,” you reinforced gently.
]
(else:)[
“Of course. You are still my friend, Ajmal.”
]}
You did not quite expect to see the young man sigh with such relief, nor his shoulders drop as accumulated tension left him. The way he beamed at you, eyes shining with emotion, took you by surprise.
“I am...” His voice was so rough he had to clear his throat.
“I am so glad to hear that,” he expelled in a breath.
How long had he been waiting to hear those words? How long had it been since your last heart to heart? {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You blinked a few times. Seeing him overcome with emotion made your tears threaten to spill as well.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at him with equal joy. You hoped it meant you both could be more open with each other from now on.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
Ajmal had always been a lot more free with his emotions than you had ever been. You shifted on the bed, a blush of embarrassment warming your cheeks.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You were touched by his reaction, but turned your head to not show it.
]}
A moment passed and and it looked like Ajmal did not know what to do with himself. He started fidgeting with his hands and looking about the room.
“Well... I suppose I should leave you to rest...”
Despite his words, he seemed hesitant to leave, stealing indecisive glances at you.
{<div class="choice">You smiled at him and stood up, walking up to him and resting a calming hand on his upper arm. (link: "“Thank you, Ajmal. For everything.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Thank you for everything")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You rolled your eyes and stood up, walking up to him to embrace him in a friendly hug.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "A friendly hug")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Yes...”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Yes, you replied awkwardly")
] You replied, shifting in place about as awkwardly as him. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You cleared your throat, composing yourself. (link: "“Of course. Thank you for inspecting the room... Ajmal.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Thank you for inspecting the room")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}{(set: $MansoorFriendship to 1)}
{(if: $flashback is 2)[
“I know things have been complicated, but I would like to be friends again.”
]
(else-if: $flashback is 3)[
“I do not know... But I would like to be friends.”
]
(else-if: $flashback is 4)[
“It is,” you simply said.
]
(else-if: $flashback is 5)[
“I would love that, Ajmal,” you answered.
]
(else:)[
“I know things have changed since our childhood, but I miss our friendship,” you admitted with a weak smile.<br /><br />
Maybe you were not friends anymore, but you wanted to be.<br />
]}
{(if: $flashback is 6)[
“I miss it too, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal said with a relieved smile. “Maybe we can try to be friends again? If you would like?”<br />
You smiled back at him. “I would.”<br />
]
(else:)[
<br />Ajmal broke into a wide smile, his shoulders sagging with relief.
]}“I am very happy to hear that.”
After a quiet moment, the knight started fidgeting with his hands, looking about the room awkwardly. “Although... I would not know where to start...”
{<div class="choice">You smiled gently at him. (link: "“We can figure that out together.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "We can figure that out together")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You laughed. (link: "“It is not that hard, Ajmal. Just be yourself!”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Just be yourself")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You groaned. (link: "“I wish I knew as well.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I wish I knew as well")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You winced. You did not want to admit it, but you had no clue as well. (link: "“We will figure that out later, I am sure.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "We will figure that out later")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
{(if: $flashback is 2)[
“I... honestly do not know. We used to be friends, sure, but...”<br /><br />
Ajmal looked at you expectantly, but a pained frown was already twisting his features. It was hard to see, but you wanted to be honest with him.<br /><br />
“But a lot has changed,” you finally said. “I am sorry.”<br /><br />
The young knight closed his eyes and expelled a long breath through his nose. He tried to school his expression into a neutral one, but you could still see the hurt in his eyes.<br /><br />
“No, I... I understand, $MCcovertitle. I will not cross the boundaries of my duty again, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”<br />
You looked down at your lap, unable to hold his gaze. “You did not. And I do appreciate that you asked. Thank you, Ajmal.”<br />
“Right.”<br /><br />
You heard him swallow and shift on his feet. “I will leave you to your rest, then. Good night $MCcovertitle.”<br />
You looked back up at him in time to see him bow politely. “Good night Ajmal.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[He smiled faintly at you before leaving the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else-if: $flashback is 3)[
“I do not know,” was all you could answer.<br /><br />
With how wounded Ajmal looked, you could just as well have slapped him in the face. You looked away, feeling uneasy. Once some of the shock had worn off, the young knight cleared his throat.<br /><br />
“I see...”<br /><br />
A heavy silence followed. You broke it with a long sigh.<br /><br />
“I know it was not what you hoped to hear, but things have changed so much in recent years... I do not want to lie to you.”<br /><br />
You looked back at him, waiting for his reaction. His brow was pinched in a pained frown but he nodded slowly.<br /><br />
“I understand. And I appreciate your honesty. I will endeavor to stick to my duty. I hope I did not make you uncomfortable.”<br /><br />
You shook your head and smiled weakly at him. If anything, you were glad he understood where you were coming from.<br /><br />
“Not at all,” you replied.<br />
He nodded once again, straightening his posture. “Then I will leave you to your rest, $MCcovertitle. Good night.”<br />
“Good night Ajmal.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[He bowed respectfully and turned to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else-if: $flashback is 4)[
“I do not know.”<br />
A pained frown pinched Ajmal's brow and he looked away. He swallowed thickly before speaking: “I see...”<br /><br />
You kept staring at your lap in a long and awkward silence. You were only being honest with him, but it was hard to see the wounded look on his face.<br /><br />
You heard him take a shaky breath. “Then I will do my best to not cross the boundaries of my duty in the future. I hope I did not make you uncomfortable.”<br /><br />
Unable to speak, you only shook your head. Ajmal nodded in response.<br /><br />
“Good,” he said, his voice still unsteady. “I will leave you to your rest. Good night $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“Good night, Ajmal.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You glanced at him as he bowed respectfully and turned to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else-if: $flashback is 5)[
“I do not know, Ajmal. I cannot forget who I am. Who we both are.”<br /><br />
You saw Ajmal's whole posture stiffen and his brow crinkle into a pained frown, if only for a moment.<br /><br />
“Yes, of course, my apologies.”<br /><br />
He cleared his throat and looked away, trying to school his expression into a more neutral one, but you could still see the hurt in his eyes. And you looked away as well, trying to give him some privacy to let him recover. Maybe you did not want him to see your discomfort either.<br /><br />
“I will stick to my duties from now on. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable, $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“It is no trouble,” you assured him with as much composure you could muster. “Thank you, Ajmal.”<br />
He nodded, clasping his hands behind his back. “Then I will leave you to your rest. Good night $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“Good night.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You watched him bow politely and turn to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“I... am not sure,” you admitted.<br /><br />
It had been a while since the more innocent days of your childhood and you doubted things could ever be the same again.<br /><br />
“Oh...”<br /><br />
You saw something break in Ajmal as a pained frown twisted his features. “I...”<br /><br />
He looked away from you, bringing a hand to his mouth as he tried to recompose himself. You could see him struggle and it was painful to watch. You looked down at your lap, waiting for him to recover. Admitting that you were his only friend was a moment of vulnerability for Ajmal and you did feel bad for him. But you had to be honest with him, you owed him that much.<br /><br />
“I apologize,” he finally said.<br /><br />
You looked back at him. He still seemed raw, but his posture was stiff and his expression more closed-off. “I will stick to my duties from now on, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”<br />
You shook your head. “You did not, it is fine Ajmal.”<br />
The young knight took a deep breath and nodded. “Then I will let you rest. Good night $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“Good night Ajmal.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[After a polite bow, he turned to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
]}
“I am... fine. The same could not be said of many others. People are dying in my home and I am... just sitting here.”
Zanetta's expression turned serious. “There isn't much else you can do at the moment, though, is there?”
“I suppose not,” you replied hesitantly. “But maybe if I had stayed there, I could have done something.”
The Dwarven woman gave you a quiet onceover.
“Maybe. But then again, probably not.”
Well, that was a little harsh. Your dejection must have shown on your face since Zanetta chuckled.
“You're just one person, and not a very experienced one at that. Being responsible for the lives of a couple of people is a lot. Hells, being responsible for your own life is an ordeal, sometimes. So a whole country?”
She shook her head. “Is it really wise to make it just a one person job?”
You frowned in confusion. “What other way is there?”
Zanetta smirked and tilted her head to the side. “You should ask one of your revolutionaries one day. I'm sure some of them have ideas about that.”
You winced. “Maybe I would if they were not trying to kill me.”
She barked a short laugh, making your lips purse into a pout. That was not exactly a funny matter.
“Sorry,” she apologized after seeing your expression, a wide grin on her face nonetheless. “You're right. That //is// a bit extreme of them, I must say. But revolutions tend to be that way.”
You frowned and looked down. What was going on in your country... You always heard it being called a revolt or a rebellion by those around you. But a revolution? The word had a notably more positive connotation to it. You were not sure how to feel about that.
Your silence must have stretched too long. Zanetta leaned her head to the side, trying to catch your gaze.
“Hey, don't worry so much. We're here to protect you after all.”
You looked back at her and her brown eyes had turned significantly softer.
“I must say, this is reassuring that you're taking the issue seriously,” she added in a low voice. “Your concern for your people speaks rather highly of you.”
You smiled back at her, if a bit faintly.
Feeling a little better and bolstered by Zanetta's compliment, a few questions which had been at the back of your mind, came to the forefront.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“Actually, I am feeling better now. Safer. I have a roof to sleep under, I have people to protect me. It is still a scary situation, but... You are here to help, right?”
You smiled at her. Zanetta quirked an eyebrow, the corner of her lips lifting into an impish smirk.
“You are trying to get on my good side, aren't you? How sneaky.”
“I am not—,” you tried to protest.
The Dwarven woman interrupted you with a chuckle and a wave of her hand. “I know, I'm just teasing you. You'll have to get used to that I'm afraid, I can't help myself.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled, feeling reassured that she understood your intent.<br /><br />
“I will do my best,” you promised.<br /><br />
Zanetta tilted her head to the side, her expression still sly. But her brown eyes had a certain softness to them you had not seen before.<br /><br />
“How sweet,” she murmured.<br /><br />
You were not sure if her reply was earnest or sarcastic. You definitely would have to get used to that.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You pursed your lips into a displeased pout. You were not fond of being made fun of.<br /><br />
“I was trying to be nice.”<br />
“It //does// seem to be quite the challenge for you,” she shot back with a grin.<br /><br/>
Your mood soured even more and Zanetta started laughing.<br /><br />
“Sorry, like I said, I can't help myself. I don't think it's a bad thing, though. It keeps your ego in check.”<br /><br />
You quietly glared at her, which only seemed to increase her amusement. After a while, her gaze softened and she seemed to take pity on you.<br /><br />
“I do appreciate the effort though,” she murmured.<br /><br />
She seemed earnest, this time, and you looked away, feeling a little awkward.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You frowned. You were not sure how to feel about that.<br /><br />
“I guess I'll have to,” you replied in an even tone.<br />
Zanetta rolled her eyes. “Yes, I know, how excruciating.”<br />
“I did not say—”<br />
She interrupted you again, this time with a dramatic sigh. “Yes, I //know//. You're really going to have a hard time with this, huh?”<br /><br />
You did not reply, feeling a little grumpy and a little confused. Zanetta's sly lopsided smile formed back on her lips.<br /><br />
“Then I'll try to be gentle with you.”<br /><br />
Before you could see it coming, the Dwarf's index finger taped the tip of your nose. You blinked in surprised, then rubbed nose instinctively while glaring at her, which made her laugh.
]
(else:)[
You smiled faintly. You were reassured she understood your intent, but you were not sure if you could get used to her prickly brand of humor easily.<br /><br />
“I will try to. Do you... do this with everyone?”<br /><br />
Zanetta raised a surprised eyebrow, maybe taken aback by your curiosity.<br /><br />
“Pretty much. I like to keep people on their toes. Although some people are more fun to tease than others.”<br />
“Which one am I?”<br />
She gave you an appraising look. “I'm not sure yet.”<br />
“Is it better to be part of the first group or the second one?”<br />
Zanetta laughed. “One is not particularly better or worse then the other.”<br /><br />
Your shoulders drooped in relief. It was actually pretty reassuring to hear.
]}
“All joking aside,” she said, her expression somewhat more sober. “I'm grateful for your trust. It really is going to make it easier for the both of us. And it's a good thing you're able to be thankful for the things you //do// have. Not many people of your... status have that mindset.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
Your smile brightened. It was a generous compliment.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You shifted on the {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[couch](else:)[bed]}, doing your best to not show how pleased you were at the compliment.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at the compliment.
]
(else:)[
Your face felt a bit warm as you felt both pleased and embarrassed at the compliment.
]}
The now relaxed atmosphere had your mind wander to a few questions which had been in the back of your mind.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“I am sure you will have enough work concerning yourself with my physical well-being without worrying about my mental one as well.”
Zanetta raised an eyebrow and stared at you. She did not look impressed to say the least.
“Then I won't,” she replied in an even tone. “Although I have to say you're making it difficult for me to be concerned with your physical well-being in the first place. You might want to work on that.”
You glared at her. “I do not have to do anything. Did you not say you were assigned to my protection? It does not seem to me like you have a choice in the matter.”
The Dwarf's expression turned awfully serious as her eyes bore into yours.
“Oh but there is //always// a choice,” she muttered in a dangerous tone. “If working with you turns out worse than dealing with the consequences of a defection, you can bet your ass I'll be gone before you can say ‘where is Zanetta?’.”
You looked back at her quietly, trying your best to not look rattled.
“Alright,” you simply answered.
It was definitely something you would have to keep in mind. You hated to admit you needed her, but as of now, you really needed her or at least someone that was as familiar with Lagodoro and its inner workings as she seemed to be.
A slight smirk stretched her lips. “I'm glad we understand each other.”
You were not sure now was the right time, but you had a few questions wich had been in the back of your mind.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}{(set: $ZanettaTrust to 0)}
“I... yes. I am sorry, I should not have been so rude to you.”
Zanetta's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Oh. Alright.”
A mischievous smile slowly replaced her stunned expression and she unfolded her arms to rest her hands on her hips.
“That's a twist,” she added while taking a few steps further towards you. “Where is that tough, uncompromising $MCtitle2 I met earlier, mmh?”
You felt your face heat up as she poked fun at you. “I am not... ‘uncompromising’. I just... Well I just met you and this is a... stressful situation. I am sorry I—”
The Dwarf's chuckle interrupted you. “It's fine, I understand. As long as we're on the same page now.”
You nodded, looking away to avoid Zanetta's amused gaze, which only made her cackle some more. {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
<br />She cocked her head to the side, inviting you to follow her to the small lounging area and you both sat down on the sofa.<br /><br />
“I was thinking I could answer a few questions, if you want,” the Dwarf said, turning to face you and leaning her elbow on the back rest.<br /><br />
There had been a few questions in the back of your mind indeed...
]
(else:)[
She sat beside you on the bed, making herself comfortable.<br /><br />
The now more relaxed atmosphere had your thoughts wander to a few questions which had been in the back of your mind.
]}
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
But you decided against asking any of them.<br />
[[“I... think I would rather get some rest actually.”->Leaving you to rest]]
]
(else:)[
[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]
]}
</div>}{(set: $ZanettaTrust to 0)}
“Deal,” you replied.
She did have a point, even if you were reluctant to admit it.
Zanetta's serious expression faded in favor of a smile.
“Glad we could come to an agreement.”
You nodded in response. The Dwarven women raised an eyebrow, her smile turning mischievous.
“Not much of a talker, huh?”
You frowned and shrugged. “There is not much else to say.”
Zanetta unfolded her arms to tap her chin with her index finger, thoughtfully.
“Oh I don't know. You could apologize for being rude, for exemple.”
You narrowed your eyes at her and stiffened. “I apologize.”
She grinned. “See? Not so hard, is it?”
Your lips pursed into a discontented pout which seemed to highly amuse the Dwarf. {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
She laughed and cocked her head to the side, inviting you to follow her to the small lounging area and you both sat down on the sofa.<br /><br />
“I was thinking I could answer a few questions, if you want,” the Dwarf said, turning to face you and leaning her elbow on the back rest.<br /><br />
There had been a few questions in the back of your mind indeed...
]
(else:)[
She laughed and sat on the bed beside you, making herself comfortable.<br /><br />
The now more relaxed atmosphere had your mind wander to a few questions which had been in the back of your mind.
]}
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
But you decided against asking any of them.
<br />
[[“I would rather rest, actually.”->Leaving you to rest]]
]
(else:)[
[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]
]}
</div>}{(set: $ZanettaTrust to -2)}
“No deal,” you retorted.
You did not trust her and you saw no point in pretending you did.
Zanetta kept staring at you. This time her hostility was evident.
“Alright,” she replied, her tone icy. “You're determined to make things difficult.”
You did not reply. You had said your piece.
After another tense silence, the Dwarf spoke again: “Then maybe there's something you should know. I didn't choose this assignment. Technically I'm rarely able to choose, but this time is different.”
You did not know why she was telling you all of that. It was not like you cared if she chose to be here or not.
“This assignment is a punishment,” she continued. “I did something that went against my bosses'... directives and they're trying to get rid of me. Do you know why they consider this assignment a punishment?”
You did not answer but could not help but shift {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[on your feet](else:)[on the bed]} uncomfortably. You did not like where her speech was going.
She did not wait for your assent to continue. “That's because they don't expect you to survive more than a few weeks.”
You stared at her, trying your best to keep your composure, but fear suddenly gripped your throat and you felt like you were choking. Zanetta looked at you gasp for air and you thought you saw a flash of regret in her eyes.
“But we paid for... They agreed to...” You tried to protest, but the lump in your throat made it difficult.
“They don't want to look like they took your side if the revolution ends up winning. They call it ‘keeping the peace’,” the Dwarf spit out.
Her bitterness did not seem directed at you this time. It did not matter much, however. Your safety had been placed in the hands of people who did not care if you lived or die and it was filling you with dread.
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
Instinctively, you wrapped your arms around yourself and fell into a nearby armchair. Folding your legs against your chest, you tried to suppress a shudder.
]
(else:)[
Instinctively, you curled up on the bed, holding your legs tightly against your chest.
]}
You heard Zanetta sigh. She took the last few steps to reach you and sat on {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[the sofa that was beside your chair](else:)[the bed beside you]}.
“Listen... If you work with me, I can make sure this doesn't happen. But you //have to// work with me.”
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I—I will,”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I—I will")
] you stammered, sniffling.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“How can you be so sure you can do it if your superiors do not think you can?”->How can you be so sure?]] You asked, your voice trembling.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“How can I when I do not trust you?”->How can I when I don't trust you?]] You stubbornly snapped back, although your shaky voice lessened the bite of your retort.</div>}
“I just said the truth,” you said, hesitating to agree to anything. “And as long as it is true, I will not pretend to trust you just because it is polite.”
A heavy sigh escaped Zanetta as she threw her head back, her eyes finding the ceiling.
“Alright,” she said once her gaze was back on you. “Fair enough.”
Unfolding her arms, she put her hands on her hips and continued: “But I'm not asking you to pretend to trust me. All I'm saying is that a little less hostility will go a long way in making this relationship work. Don't you agree?”
She cocked her head to the side, looking at you expectantly. There was no threat or animosity in her posture this time.
“Perhaps...” You half-heartedly admitted.
You did not set out to be hostile, but you understood how straightforwardly telling someone you did not trust them could come off that way.
“I did not mean to antagonize you,” you added. “I will try... to be more respectful, if it will make it easier for the both of us.”
Zanetta nodded, a slight smile curving her lips. “That is all I ask.”
She linked her fingers together and stretched her arms above her head.
“Now that it's out of the way...” {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
She cocked her head to the side, inviting you to follow her to the lounging area.<br /><br />
You both sat down on the couch and the Dwarf turned to face you, her elbow propped on the back rest.
]
(else:)[
She sat beside you on the bed, getting herself comfortable.
]} “Do you have any questions about our little... arrangement?”
You did have some questions...
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">But you decided against asking any of them.<br />
[[“No, I think I would rather rest, now. There will be more time for questions later.”->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
“You are right, I... should have been more considerate with him. I will apologize to him as soon as possible.”<br />
Zanetta blinked at you. “Well... That was easier than I thought.”<br /><br />
Her expression eased into a smile and she unfolded her arms. {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
She cocked her head to the side, inviting you to follow her to the lounging area where you both sat on the sofa.
]
(else:)[
Taking the last few steps that separated you, she sat on the bed beside you.
]}<br /><br />
“I'm surprised you're so quick to admit being in the wrong,” she said, eyeing you curiously.<br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
You smiled back at her. “Hopefully that is a good surprise.”<br />
The Dwarf chuckled. “Naturally.”<br /><br />
Your smile widened. You were glad the tension between you had dissolved so quickly. But you were also surprised by it. She seemed concerned by the way you might treat her but as soon as you said you would apologize to {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}, her hostility had dropped. You had to wonder...<br /><br />
“If you did not like the way I treated Sir Mansoor, it was not just out of concern for yourself, was it?” You asked, glancing hesitantly at her.<br />
Zanetta sighed, {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
propping her elbow on the back of the couch
]
(else:)[
planting her hands behind her on the mattress and leaning back
]}. “No. Your cute knight seems like a decent young man. He's so eager to protect you, I thought he didn't deserve being shot down like that.”<br /><br />
She glared at you briefly. “So you better not do that again.”<br />
“O— Of course not,” you stammered, avoiding her gaze.<br />
She smiled again, looking amused by your discomfort. “Good answer.”<br />
]
(else:)[
<br />You winced.<br /><br />
“Of course you would be surprised,” you grumbled. “You do not know me.”<br />
The Dwarf quirked an eyebrow at you, her eyes narrowing. “And //you//'re not making that easy.”<br /><br />
Maybe that was a fair point. You avoided her piercing brown irises.<br /><br />
“Maybe. But who says I have to make it easy?” You dared a defiant glance at her.<br />
Her smile turned into a mischievous grin. “Oooh, I see. You like to play the mysterious card.”<br />
Your face felt warm. “No! That is not what I meant!”<br /><br />
Zanetta only laughed in response. {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
Leaning back, she made herself comfortable on the couch.
]
(else:)[
Planting her hands behind her, she made herself comfortable on the mattress.
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
“I... What do you mean? In what state... Is Sir Mansoor okay?”<br /><br />
Some of the tension left the Dwarf's posture. She considered you in silence for a moment and groaned.<br /><br />
“You have no idea, do you?” She said, dragging a hand over her face.<br /><br />
Was it that bad? Worry made you tense up and fidget with your hands. Zanetta seemed to notice your pleading look and she sighed.<br /><br />
“I've seen him in the corridor, when he came out of your room. He... was obviously upset,” she said hesitantly. “I don't know what //else// you told him that had him so worked up...”<br /><br />
The narrowed gaze she directed at you was less than charitable and you immediately dropped yours to your lap, worrying your lower lip nervously.<br /><br />
“I should not have dismissed him so abruptly. He was already hurt and I made it worse. I— I did not realize it was that bad. If I did, I would not have...” Guilt made you spill word after word, stumbling over them.<br />
The Dwarven woman interrupted you: “Hey hey hey!”<br /><br />
She took the last steps that separated you and gently put her hand on your shoulder, in a familiar, reassuring way. That was something Sir Mansoor used to do to put you at ease. Now he was not going to do it ever again because of how you treated him and...<br /><br />
“It's okay.” Zanetta's voice came out softer than you heard it before. “It's not like you can't fix it. He's very loyal, that much I can tell. He'll forgive you if you apologize.”<br /><br />
You looked up at her through your blurred vision and nodded. After a few pats on your shoulder, she sat beside you on the bed, giving you a faint lopsided smile.
]}
You sat together in silence for a while. The more relaxed atmosphere had your mind wander to a few questions which had been in the back of your mind.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“That is a little selfish, is it not?” You asked, narrowing your eyes at her.
Zanetta's eyes widened in surprise, if only for a moment. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[
Her expression reverted quickly to a scowl, however.<br /><br />
“//I// am being selfish?! I'm not the one who sent your pretty knight away with tears in his eyes!”<br />
It was your turn to stare at her in shock. “... What?”<br /><br />
She looked back at you, realization dawning on her. Unfolding her arms, she ran a hand down her face.<br /><br />
“Shit. You really had no idea, did you?”<br /><br />
Without thinking about it, you shook your head ‘no’. No, you really had no idea. You saw he was upset. But to the point of...? Sir Mansoor was tall and strong and always protected you, even before it was his job, really. To you he was the immovable pillar of your daily life. Always there, always ready. You did not realize he had a breaking point. But everyone had one. And it looked like you pushed him over the edge, even if you did not really mean to.<br />
The problem was that you did not try to put yourself in his shoes, did you? You had left everything behind you to save your life. But he did the same, for your sake, leaving his mother behind, who was a lot more to him than your uncle was to you. Now he was alone with //you//, who treated him harshly.<br /><br />
Guilt welled up inside of you and knotted your throat. You gasped for air.<br /><br />
“I... I did not mean to...” The words blurted out of you, barely intelligible.<br /><br />
Zanetta breathed out a long sigh, rolling her eyes. She took the last steps that separated you and sat on the bed, beside you.<br /><br />
“Alright, I can see that. But meaning it or not, you still hurt him.”<br /><br />
Well that was //not// making you feel better. You knew it was not the point but... You choked up, glaring at the Dwarven woman through your blurred vision.<br /><br />
“Hey, don't look at me like that, I'm not the one who made a perfectly decent boy cry!”<br /><br />
An indistinct noise escaped your throat. You were not sure if it was a sob or a laugh. Maybe a mix of both. You looked away from her, rubbing your eyes with the heels of your hands.<br /><br />
“I... have not been fair to him,” you said once you regained some control over your voice. “I will talk to him.”<br /><br />
When you looked back at Zanetta, she was smiling at you. It was a warmer expression than any of the ones she had been sporting so far.
]
(else:)[
But she reverted back to frowning fairly quickly.<br /><br />
“Oh no, you don't get to turn this back on me. You're the one who shot him down //publicly//. You didn't even think about how it may make him feel and now you're calling //me// selfish? I don't think so.”<br /><br />
Well, this quickly backfired. You bit your lower lip and looked away. Maybe she was right and you were not in a position to criticize her. But still. You wanted to know why she was really worked up about it.<br /><br />
You looked back up at her, braving her determined glare. “But if it did not affect you in any way, would you even care?”<br />
The Dwarven woman narrowed her eyes at you. “Whether I did or not, you still wouldn't have the moral high ground here.”<br />
You held her gaze, insistant. “Maybe not, but I want to know.”<br /><br />
Zanetta's eyes narrowed further as she considered you for a silent moment.<br /><br />
“I don't really know him,” she said slowly. “And it's a tough world out there. But I think I would still care. He seems like a decent fellow and I //really// despise people who take advantage of that.”<br /><br />
The venomous stare she was pointing at you made you swallow. You had your answer.<br /><br />
“I was not trying to take advantage of him,” you tried to defend yourself. “I was just reminding him that he was not supposed to challenge my authority in front of others.”<br />
“Oh yeah? Why?” Zanetta snapped back. “Because that way someone might back him up? You wouldn't want that to happen, would you.”<br />
The harsh tone made you waver. “That is not... I did not mean...”<br /><br />
You sighed and looked down at your hands, fidgeting {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[in front of you](else:)[on your lap]}. “That is just something I have been taught to do. Since it is expected of me, I did not think it could be... bad.”<br /><br />
The Dwarf sighed as well. You glanced at her and saw her posture lose some of its tension. She unfolded her arms and placed her hands on her hips.<br /><br />
“Well, you need to learn to pick up on social cues,” she said, her tone softer but with a remaining bite to it. “Sir Romantic-Male-Lead's face just after you shut him up? Pretty strong clue right there.”<br /><br />
You winced at the pointed remark, but could not help your lips from twitching up at the nickname she just gave {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.<br /><br />
“I should have been more considerate,” you relented. “I will... talk to him.”<br /><br />
A faint smile quirked the corner of her lips up. {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
She cocked her head to the side, inviting you to follow her to the lounging area. You both sat down on the couch.
]
(else:)[
She took the last few steps that separated you and sat on the bed beside you.
]}<br /><br />
“Good decision. Just saying it because you seem to need the help.”<br /><br />
You glanced at her, your eyes narrowed at her jab. She only chuckled in response.
]}
You sat together in silence for a while. The more relaxed atmosphere had your mind wander to a few questions which had been in the back of your mind.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“I still do not think it is any of your business.”
Zanetta's lips pursed into a thin line. “You're making it everyone's business when you choose to publicly scold him.”
You frowned at her. “Are you saying you would rather I scold him privately?”
She threw her hands up. “Well that definitely would be less awkward for everyone involved!”
The Dwarven woman sighed and put her hands on her hips. “But that's not really the point. I'll be working with you(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[, whether you like it or not]. That means I'll also be working with Sir Broad-Shoulders-And-Striking-Eyes. And who do you think will have to collect the pieces every time you tear him apart? Certainly not Professor Stuck-Up.”
Your frown deepened. “You are not required to do anything of the sort. Sir Mansoor can handle himself just fine without your help.”
She rolled her eyes ostensibly. “Sure. He's barely older than you and he's stuck in a strange land, all alone with an emotionally constipated teacher and a spoiled brat who {(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[keeps putting](else:)[puts]} him down. He's going to be just fine.”
The statement made you pause. Still frowning, you stared down at {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[your feet](else:)[your lap]}. You had not really considered things from the knight's point of view. Back in Ahadinat, he had his mother. He had to leave her behind to follow and protect you. And she was... probably in a considerable amount of danger right now.
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
Your hands closed into fists so tight they started to shake.
]
(else:)[
Your hands gripped the bed sheets, your fists closed so tightly they started to shake.
]} You could say you were in a similar situation, but you did not care about your uncle the same way Sir Mansoor cared about his mother. And he had treated you with a kindness you... did not return.
Wether or not it was her business, Zanetta had a point. Even if you did not appreciate being called a ‘spoiled brat’.
“Maybe I should have been more considerate,” you finally admitted.
The Dwarf gave you a lopsided smile when you looked up at her. “//Maybe//?”
You glared. “It still is between him and me. If he is upset about something I have done, he should take it to me.”
Zanetta considered you with an eyebrow quirked up. After a short silence, {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
she cocked her head to the side, inviting you to follow her to the lounging area. You hesitated before grudgingly sitting beside her on the sofa.
]
(else:)[
she took the last few steps that separated you and sat on the bed beside you.
]}
“Alright, but for that he should be aware that it's safe for him to come talk to you about it, don't you think?”
You narrowed your eyes at her while she was making herself comfortable. But you quickly looked away at her pointed words.
“I... guess he should,” you conceded with some reluctance. “I will talk to him about it.”
Zanetta chuckled. “That's more like it.”
You gave her a sharp look and she grinned in response.
The both of you sat quietly on the {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[couch](else:)[mattress]}. The now relaxed atmosphere had your mind wander to a few questions which had been in the back of your mind.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“Sir Mansoor is my vassal and has to follow my every command”, you answered, straightening your back. “Our relationship is different, so you do not have to worry about that.”
Zanetta made a face. “Should I find that reassuring?”
You shrugged. “Take it as you will.”
Slowly, she unfolded her arms, placing her fist on her hips. She took another step forward(unless: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[, bending down to meet your eyes].
“Listen, even if you plan on treating me better, I //don't// like the way you talk to your comely knight. Just because he has to obey your orders doesn't mean he can't speak his mind. Maybe you don't want to hear what he has to say. But I do. He actually made a valid point back there.”
You shifted on {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[your feet](else:)[the bed]} uncomfortably under her intense gaze.
“It is not that I do not want him to speak his mind,” you tried to defend yourself. “It is just that he should do so in private, otherwise it will undermine my position.”
The Dwarf {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[leaned back](else:)[straightened herself]}, quirking an eyebrow. “You're very preoccupied with status, huh?”
You glared at her defiantly. “I do not have a choice! I never did!”
Her eyes widened in surprise at your outburst.
“I... I have to. Otherwise how will I get the respect needed to be listened to?” You felt your face flushing, realizing you were revealing more about yourself than you intended to. “I am young, it already is hard enough as it is...”
Zanetta's expression softened and she sighed. Her fists dropped from her hips and she {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
cocked her head to the side, inviting you to follow her to the lounging area. You grudgingly sat beside her on the sofa.
]
(else:)[
sat beside you on the mattress.
]}
“There are other ways to gain respect than to put down other people, you know?” Even though she had lost most of her hostility, her tone still had some bite to it. “Try being nice for a change. A lot of people love that.”
You glanced at her, eyes narrowed. You did not appreciate much the familiarity with which she was acting. But it seemed there was nothing you could do about it.
“What if people take that for a weakness? They will take advantage of me,” you argued.
“Maybe so, but the people whose loyalty you have gained will be more eager to protect you. Sir Clear-Skin-And-Shiny-Hair seems eager already. Do you want to drive him away?”
Your gaze dropped to your hands, which were fiddling with your clothes. “No... Of course not. I... I will think about it.”
When you looked back at the Dwarven woman, she gave you a lopsided smile.
“You do that,” she replied with a touch of sarcasm. “In the meantime... I suppose I could answer a few questions about our... arrangement, if you have any.”
You did have some...
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">But you decided against asking any of them.<br />
[[“No, I think I would rather rest, now. There will be more time for questions later.”->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}{(set: $ZanettaTrust to -2)}
“So? Do not speak out of turn and you will not have anything to worry about.”
Zanetta just stared at you, blinking slowly with disbelief. The silence stretched as you stared back, defiantly. The satisfaction you took out of her momentary shock was short-lived however. The Dwarf burst out laughing. It was a drawn-out genuine laugh at that, one she had trouble coming down from.
After a last few giggles, she finally answered: “Yeah.. Huh... That's not going to happen.”
You glared at her, your face becoming warm with both anger and embarrassment. You did not appreciate being made fun of. But it seemed that was not going to stop Zanetta. She grinned back at you. It was a dangerous grin however.
“I guess we're at an impasse, then,” she said, unfolding her arms to put her fists on her hips. “Either you get used to not having everyone obey your every whim or I'll have to leave you to fend for yourself. And believe me, you don't want that.”
You narrowed your eyes at her. “So you say. Maybe you will be in more trouble for quitting than I will be for not having you. Maybe that's why you keep saying that.”
The Dwarf's grin dropped immediately. For a moment, you thought you had hit it right on the nail. But she took another step in your direction, {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
staring right into your eyes.
]
(else:)[
bending forward to stare at you right in the eyes.
]}
“No, I don't think so. My ennemies will be content if I disappear. Yours seem like they won't be happy until your head is rolling on the floor. What if you find a spouse and make cute little babies? What if some kid comes back to claim the throne they're trying to get rid of? No, they can't have that. They need you dead to make sure it never happens.”
You shifted uneasily {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
on your feet, closing your hands into tight fists.
]
(else:)[
on the bed, gripping the sheets tightly into your fists.
]} It was... a brutal way to put it. Zanetta examined you closely before pulling away.
“Think about it,” she said lastly, before turning to leave the room.
A shiver ran down your spine when you did think about it. The sound of the doors slamming shut made you jump.
<div class="choice">
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
[[You were alone, once again.->Getting ready to sleep]]
]
(else:)[
[[You were alone, once again.->After Zanetta left]]
]}
</div>
“I know it may have seemed harsh and I am sorry it made you uncomfortable. I do not want you to feel threatened in any way,” you said with a reassuring smile.
Zanetta's reaction was not one you expected. She threw her hands up and rolled her eyes.
“Oh woah good! I feel so much better now!” She exclaims, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
You stiffened, her tone immediately putting you on the defensive. “I was trying to assuage your concerns.”
“You know what would assuage my concerns?” she shot back. “If you showed just an ounce of remorse. {(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[
I saw the man rush to his room with tears in his eyes, for crying out loud!”<br />
Your whole body froze. “What?”<br /><br />
Zanetta's outrage seemed to leave her all at once. She considered you for a tense second and sighed, dragging a hand across her face.<br /><br />
“You... didn't even know, did you?”<br /><br />
You shook your head ‘no’ in spite of yourself. You had seen the expression on Sir Mansoor's face when you dismissed him. But you did not imagine...<br />
Your frown deepened. What had you done? Maybe you were in a bad mood. Maybe you had good reasons for it. But was lashing out worth alienating your most loyal subject? The young knight had followed you here to ensure your safety, leaving behind his life and family. You had done the same, but you did it for your own sake and you did not care about your uncle like Sir Mansoor did about his mother. His mother who, last you heard, was still fighting the revolutionaries.<br />
Your gaze had dropped to your lap, your vision blurring and your throat tightening. You had treated him poorly but worse than that, you did it in already difficult circumstances.<br /><br />
“I... I did not mean to... I am so sorry,” you fumbled, your words coming out strangled.<br /><br />
You heard the Dwarven woman sigh and felt the mattress dip when she sat beside you on the bed.<br /><br />
“It's not to me that you should say that,” she said, her tone softer than ever before.<br /><br />
You nodded. Zanetta chuckled.<br /><br />
“I'm glad you agree,” she said with just a touch of sarcasm.<br /><br />
You could not help the faint smile that quirked the corners of your lips up.
]
(else:)[
That's the least you could do after putting him down publicly.”<br />
You frowned with confusion. “So... You are not really concerned about yourself? But about Sir Mansoor?”<br /><br />
Zanetta stared back at you. She unfolded her arms and sighed.<br /><br />
“I guess I am,” she finally replied.<br />
“Why? You do not know him.” You asked more out of curiosity than out of reproach.<br /><br />
She sighed again, {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
cocking her head to the side and inviting you to follow her to the lounging area. You both sat down on the couch.
]
(else:)[
taking the few steps that separated you and sitting on the bed beside you.
]}<br /><br />
“He seems like a decent young man. Very eager to protect you,” she said while giving you a skeptical once-over. “Only to be shut down as soon as he expresses his opinion — a worthwhile opinion, might I add. Does that seem fair to you?”<br /><br />
She glared pointedly at you and you dropped your gaze to your lap, furrowing your brow.<br /><br />
“No, I suppose it is not,” you admitted quietly.<br />
“You //suppose//, huh?”<br /><br />
The Dwarf smirked when you looked back at her. You rolled your eyes and sighed.<br /><br />
“It was not fair,” you rectified. “I will talk to him.”<br />
“You do that.”<br /><br />
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
She leaned back, making herself comfortable on the sofa.
]
(else:)[
She planted her hands behind her, leaning back on the mattress and making herself comfortable.
]}
]}
You sat together in silence for a while. The more relaxed atmosphere had your mind wander to a few questions which had been in the back of your mind.
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“Nothing!” You exclaimed a little too fast with a nervous chuckle. “You do not need to worry about me.”<br /><br />
Zanetta narrowed her eyes at you and her lips pursed into a skeptical pout.<br /><br />
“It doesn't look like nothing, if you ask me, but I understand if it's nothing you want to share with me right now.”<br /><br />
She straightened up, giving you your personal space back. You took a relieved breath.<br /><br />
“However, I do need to worry about you. It's part of my new job's description after all. That's also why I came here in the first place.”<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman let herself fall onto your bed, making the mattress bounce and dip. She crossed her legs beneath her, facing you. {(if: $MCsize is "small")[
In that position, she seemed almost as tall as you and she had no issue looking straight into your eyes.
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
In that position, she appeared taller, having no trouble looking up into your eyes.
]
(else:)[
Despite her new vantage point, she still had to crane her neck to look into your eyes.<br /><br />
“Damn, is your torso as long as those gangly stumps of yours?” She grumbled.<br /><br />
She backed up a bit, getting more comfortable.
]}<br /><br />
“So... How are you //really// doing?”<br /><br />
You blinked, surprised by Zanetta's insistance. The question was one you did not hear that often and from very few people. The Dwarf was one of the last you were expecting it from.<br />
(if: $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
Her expression became soft as she watched your reaction.<br /><br />
“Lonely childhood, heh?”<br /><br />
]
You shook your head, trying to recover from your surprise.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I will be alright,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I will be alright")
] you answered with a grateful smile.<br />
You were not sure how true that was, but you did not want to worry her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned, concerned.<br />
(link: "“I am... fine. The same could not be said of many others. People are dying in my home and I am... just sitting here.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I am concerned for the people")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am... scared,” you admitted with a sigh. “Everything I have known is falling apart around me.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I am scared")
]<br />
Your shoulders dropped in a defeated motion. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Actually, I am feeling better now. Safer. I have a roof to sleep under, I have people to protect me. It is still a scary situation, but... You are here to help, right?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You are here to help, right?")
]<br />
You smiled at her.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am //fine//.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I am fine (again)")
]<br />
You frowned and looked away. Talking about your feelings was not your specialty, let alone to a stranger. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“My feelings do not matter,” you answered, your back straightening. “It only matters how I act moving forward.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "My feelings do not matter")
](if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You stiffened, uncomfortable with the familiarity with which Zanetta was acting.<br />
(link: "“I am sure you will have enough work concerning yourself with my physical well-being without worrying about my mental one as well.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not concern yourself with my mental well-being")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
“I am... fine. Thank you for asking.”<br />
Zanetta narrowed her eyes at you and her lips pursed into a skeptical pout. “You don't look fine to me.”<br /><br />
She sighed. “But I understand if you don't want to confide in me.(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[ You made it clear you don't trust me, after all.]”<br /><br />
Taking a few steps in your direction, she stopped a couple of feet away, crossing her arms over her chest.<br /><br />
“It's not what I came here for anyway.”<br />
You frowned back at her. “What //did// you come here for, then?”<br /><br />
Zanetta stared at you in silence for a while.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“Alright”, she finally started. “Maybe you don't trust me, maybe you don't like me much and, given the situation, that's understandable. But we both have to work together, even if it's neither of our choices. So let's be polite to each other to make it easier on both of us. Deal?”<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaAffection > 2)[
The shadow of a smile made the corners of her lips twitch up. It felt like she was genuinely trying to reach an agreement with you.
](else:)[
She kept staring at you, her expression difficult to read.
]}<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">Your shoulders drooped. You might have been a little harsh with her. You did not have to tell her you did not trust her like that.<br />
(link: "“I... yes. I am sorry, I should not have been so rude to you.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I should not have been so rude")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Deal")
] you replied.<br />
She did have a point, even if you were reluctant to admit it. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“No deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "No deal")
] you retorted.<br />
You did not trust her and you saw no point in pretending you did. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I just said the truth”, you said, hesitating to agree to anything. “And as long as it is true, I will not pretend to trust you just because it is polite.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I just said the truth")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
“For the record, I do appreciate the trust you're showing me,” she finally said. “But the way you act towards your knight doesn't bode well for our future relationship.”<br /><br />
You blinked at her. You did not expect her to feel so strongly about your treatment of Sir Mansoor. After all, just like you, he only just met her.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />You frowned and looked down at your hands on your lap. You started feeling guilty under the accusatory gaze of the Dwarf.<br /><br />
“I am... not sure what you mean,” you replied hesitantly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You frowned, confused.<br /><br />
“What about it?”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You frowned. Why did she think it was any of her business?<br /><br />
“In what way does that concern you?” You replied dryly.
]
(else:)[
<br />You frowned.<br /><br />
“What do you mean?”
]}<br /><br />
“Oh, I don't know”, Zanetta started, her voice a pitch higher with annoyance. “Maybe the fact that you snapped at him for simply voicing his opinion may lead someone to believe you might react in a similar way, if not worse, with a stranger?”<br /><br />
Well, that did make things clearer.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You shifted uneasily on the mattress.<br />
(link: "“You are right, I... should have been more considerate with him. I will apologize to him as soon as possible.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I should have been more considerate")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">The way you talked to Sir Mansoor was not meant to make her feel uncomfortable. You hoped to clarify that.<br />
[[“I know it may have seemed harsh and I am sorry it made you uncomfortable. I do not want you to feel threatened in any way,”->Do not feel threatened]] you said with a reassuring smile.</div>
<div class="choice">Maybe you did handle things a little too severely with Sir Mansoor. But the fact that Zanetta was only concerned for herself did not sit well with you.<br />
(link: "“That is a little selfish, is it not?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "That is a little selfish")
] You asked, narrowing your eyes at her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not think Zanetta had any right to meddle with your relationship with Sir Mansoor.<br />
(link: "“I still do not think it is any of your business.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic +1)
(go-to: "None of your business")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Sir Mansoor is my vassal and has to follow my every command,” you answered, straightening your back. “Our relationship is different, so you do not have to worry about that.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Do not worry about that")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You glared back at her.<br />
(link: "“So? Do not speak out of turn and you will not have anything to worry about.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not speak out of turn")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic) (severe)//]</div>}
]}
]}
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“I just remembered my mother and how much I miss her, that is all,” you responded with a weak smile.<br /><br />
(if: $charisma > 7 or $guile > 7)[Something in Zanetta's expression changed. A twitch of her lips, a distance in her eyes... You were not sure what it was.<br />]
She stared at you for a second, silent. Then she straightened herself, putting a little more distance between the two of you. Her frown deepened, her concern turning into genuine sympathy.<br /><br />
“I'm sorry... Losing a mother is... Well losing any loving parent is always tough, especially when it happens sooner than it ought to.”<br /><br />
Those were words you heard often. But in her voice, it did not sound quite as hollow as in some others, for some reason. You nodded, finding some comfort in her understanding. You wiped your wet cheeks with your hand, under the attentive gaze of the Dwarf.<br /><br />
After a moment of quiet, she asked: “I gather your parents were the loving kind...”<br />
“That is what parents are supposed to be, is it not?”<br />
Zanetta scoffed but smiled. “That is what makes a parent, yes.”<br /><br />
She gingerly sat beside you on the bed, folding her legs under her and facing you. {(if: $MCsize is "small")[
In that position, she seemed almost as tall as you and she had no issue looking straight into your eyes.
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
In that position, she appeared taller, having no trouble looking up into your eyes.
]
(else:)[
Despite her new vantage point, she still had to crane her neck to look into your eyes. She backed up a bit, getting more comfortable.
]}<br /><br />
“I did come here to check on you,” she admitted. “So, otherwise... How are you holding up?”<br /><br />
You were a little surprised at how genuinely Zanetta seemed to care. So far, she had been a bit prickly and you did not expect her to be the one to ask such a question.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I will be alright,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I will be alright")
] you answered with a grateful smile.<br />
You were not sure how true that was, but you did not want to worry her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned, concerned.<br />
(link: "“I am... fine. The same could not be said of many others. People are dying in my home and I am... just sitting here.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I am concerned for the people")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am... scared,” you admitted with a sigh. “Everything I have known is falling apart around me.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I am scared")
]<br />
Your shoulders dropped in a defeated motion. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Actually, I am feeling better now. Safer. I have a roof to sleep under, I have people to protect me. It is still a scary situation, but... You are here to help, right?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You are here to help, right?")
]<br />
You smiled at her.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am //fine//.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I am fine (again)")
]<br />
You frowned and looked away. Talking about your feelings was not your specialty, let alone to a stranger. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“My feelings do not matter,” you answered, your back straightening. “It only matters how I act moving forward.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "My feelings do not matter")
](if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You stiffened, uncomfortable with the familiarity with which Zanetta was acting.<br />
(link: "“I am sure you will have enough work concerning yourself with my physical well-being without worrying about my mental one as well.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not concern yourself with my mental well-being")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
“I was reminiscing about my mother. I miss her so much...”<br /><br />
A frown pinched Zanetta's brow. Her expression was still taut, but she seemed unable to stop some sympathy to seep into it.<br /><br />
“I'm sorry... Losing a mother... Any loving parent is always difficult.”<br /><br />
You blinked at her, wiping your wet cheeks with your hand. You were surprised to hear her kind words. {(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
She had good reasons to dislike you after all.
]
(else:)[
She had been rather prickly with you, so far, after all.
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br /><br />“Thank you,” you murmured with a faint smile.<br /><br />
She nodded back at you, the corner of her lips quirking up a bit.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br /><br />“I... appreciate,” you replied.<br /><br />
She nodded back at you, the corner of her lips quirking up a bit.
]
(else:)[
<br />You nodded at her, unsure what to answer.
]}<br />
The Dwarven woman took a few steps in your direction, stopping a couple of feet away from you. She folded her arms over her chest, staring at you in an unreadable expression.<br /><br />
“I did come here for a reason...” She started carefully.<br />
“Which is...?”<br /><br />
She considered you in silence for a moment.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“Alright”, she finally started. “Maybe you don't trust me, maybe you don't like me much and, given the situation, that's understandable. But we both have to work together, even if it's neither of our choices. So let's be polite to each other to make it easier on both of us. Deal?”<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaAffection > 2)[
The shadow of a smile made the corners of her lips twitch up. It felt like she was genuinely trying to reach an agreement with you.
](else:)[
She kept staring at you, her expression difficult to read.
]}<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">Your shoulders drooped. You might have been a little harsh with her. You did not have to tell her you did not trust her like that.<br />
(link: "“I... yes. I am sorry, I should not have been so rude to you.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I should not have been so rude")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Deal,” you replied.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Deal")
] you replied.<br />
She did have a point, even if you were reluctant to admit it. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“No deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "No deal")
] you retorted.<br />
You did not trust her and you saw no point in pretending you did. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I just said the truth,” you said, hesitating to agree to anything. “And as long as it is true, I will not pretend to trust you just because it is polite.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I just said the truth")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
“For the record, I do appreciate the trust you're showing me,” she finally said. “But the way you act towards your knight doesn't bode well for our future relationship.”<br /><br />
You blinked at her. You did not expect her to feel so strongly about your treatment of Sir Mansoor. After all, just like you, he only just met her.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />You frowned and looked down at your hands on your lap. You started feeling guilty under the accusatory gaze of the Dwarf.<br /><br />
“I am... not sure what you mean,” you replied hesitantly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You frowned, confused.<br /><br />
“What about it?”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You frowned. Why did she think it was any of her business?<br /><br />
“In what way does that concern you?” You replied dryly.
]
(else:)[
<br />You frowned.<br /><br />
“What do you mean?”
]}<br /><br />
“Oh, I don't know,” Zanetta started, her voice a pitch higher with annoyance. “Maybe the fact that you snapped at him for simply voicing his opinion may lead someone to believe you might react in a similar way, if not worse, with a stranger?”<br /><br />
Well, that did make things clearer.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You shifted uneasily on the mattress.<br />
(link: "“You are right, I... should have been more considerate with him. I will apologize to him as soon as possible.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I should have been more considerate")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">The way you talked to Sir Mansoor was not meant to make her feel uncomfortable. You hoped to clarify that.<br />
[[“I know it may have seemed harsh and I am sorry it made you uncomfortable. I do not want you to feel threatened in any way,”->Do not feel threatened]] you said with a reassuring smile.</div>
<div class="choice">Maybe you did handle things a little too severely with Sir Mansoor. But the fact that Zanetta was only concerned for herself did not sit well with you.<br />
(link: "“That is a little selfish, is it not?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "That is a little selfish")
] You asked, narrowing your eyes at her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not think Zanetta had any right to meddle with your relationship with Sir Mansoor.<br />
(link: "“I still do not think it is any of your business.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic +1)
(go-to: "None of your business")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Sir Mansoor is my vassal and has to follow my every command,” you answered, straightening your back. “Our relationship is different, so you do not have to worry about that.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Do not worry about that")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You glared back at her.<br />
(link: "“So? Do not speak out of turn and you will not have anything to worry about.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not speak out of turn")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic) (severe)//]</div>}
]}
]}
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“Nothing.”<br />
Zanetta scoffed. “Right.”<br /><br />
You glared at her as she was smirking at you. Her gaze was soft, however, removing some of the edge from her sarcastic expression. She straightened herself, putting her hands on her hips.<br /><br />
“That's fine,” she said, a laugh in her voice. “You don't have to confide in me if you don't want to. However, I did come here to check on you.”<br /><br />
She sat on the bed beside you and turned around to face you, crossing her legs beneath her. {(if: $MCsize is "small")[
In that position, she seemed almost as tall as you and she had no issue looking straight into your eyes.
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
In that position, she appeared taller, having no trouble looking up into your eyes.
]
(else:)[
Despite her new vantage point, she still had to crane her neck to look into your eyes.<br /><br />
“Damn, is your torso as long as those gangly stumps of yours?” She grumbled.<br /><br />
She backed up a bit, getting more comfortable.
]}
<br /><br />“So... How are you doing?”<br /><br />
You blinked at her, surprised by her insistance. The question was one you did not hear that often and from very few people. The Dwarf was one of the last you were expecting it from.<br />
(if: $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
Her expression became soft as she watched your reaction.<br /><br />
“Lonely childhood, heh?”<br /><br />
]
You shook your head, trying to recover from your surprise.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I will be alright,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I will be alright")
] you answered with a grateful smile.<br />
You were not sure how true that was, but you did not want to worry her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned, concerned.<br />
(link: "“I am... fine. The same could not be said of many others. People are dying in my home and I am... just sitting here.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I am concerned for the people")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am... scared,” you admitted with a sigh. “Everything I have known is falling apart around me.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I am scared")
]<br />
Your shoulders dropped in a defeated motion. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Actually, I am feeling better now. Safer. I have a roof to sleep under, I have people to protect me. It is still a scary situation, but... You are here to help, right?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You are here to help, right?")
]<br />
You smiled at her.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am //fine//.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I am fine (again)")
]<br />
You frowned and looked away. Talking about your feelings was not your specialty, let alone to a stranger. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“My feelings do not matter,” you answered, your back straightening. “It only matters how I act moving forward.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "My feelings do not matter")
](if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You stiffened, uncomfortable with the familiarity with which Zanetta was acting.<br />
(link: "“I am sure you will have enough work concerning yourself with my physical well-being without worrying about my mental one as well.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not concern yourself with my mental well-being")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
“I am fine.”<br />
Zanetta scoffed. “Sure.”<br /><br />
You glared at her, but she only smirked back.<br /><br />
“Listen, you don't want to talk about it, it's fine,” she continued as she took a few steps in your direction. “But I did come here to talk, not to stare at you brood in the darkest corner of your room.”<br /><br />
She stopped a couple of feet away from you and you narrowed your eyes at her, shifting on the mattress to a better lit corner of the bed.<br /><br />
“What about?”<br /><br />
She stared at you in silence for a moment.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“Alright,” she finally started. “Maybe you don't trust me, maybe you don't like me much and, given the situation, that's understandable. But we both have to work together, even if it's neither of our choices. So let's be polite to each other to make it easier on both of us. Deal?”<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaAffection > 2)[
The shadow of a smile made the corners of her lips twitch up. It felt like she was genuinely trying to reach an agreement with you.
](else:)[
She kept staring at you, her expression difficult to read.
]}<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">Your shoulders drooped. You might have been a little harsh with her. You did not have to tell her you did not trust her like that.<br />
(link: "“I... yes. I am sorry, I should not have been so rude to you.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I should not have been so rude")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Deal")
] you replied.<br />
She did have a point, even if you were reluctant to admit it. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“No deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "No deal")
] you retorted.<br />
You did not trust her and you saw no point in pretending you did. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I just said the truth,” you said, hesitating to agree to anything. “And as long as it is true, I will not pretend to trust you just because it is polite.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I just said the truth")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
“For the record, I do appreciate the trust you're showing me,” she finally said. “But the way you act towards your knight doesn't bode well for our future relationship.”<br /><br />
You blinked at her. You did not expect her to feel so strongly about your treatment of Sir Mansoor. After all, just like you, he only just met her.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />You frowned and looked down at your hands on your lap. You started feeling guilty under the accusatory gaze of the Dwarf.<br /><br />
“I am... not sure what you mean,” you replied hesitantly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You frowned, confused.<br /><br />
“What about it?”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You frowned. Why did she think it was any of her business?<br /><br />
“In what way does that concern you?” You replied dryly.
]
(else:)[
<br />You frowned.<br /><br />
“What do you mean?”
]}<br /><br />
“Oh, I don't know,” Zanetta started, her voice a pitch higher with annoyance. “Maybe the fact that you snapped at him for simply voicing his opinion may lead someone to believe you might react in a similar way, if not worse, with a stranger?”<br /><br />
Well, that did make things clearer.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You shifted uneasily on the mattress.<br />
(link: "“You are right, I... should have been more considerate with him. I will apologize to him as soon as possible.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I should have been more considerate")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">The way you talked to Sir Mansoor was not meant to make her feel uncomfortable. You hoped to clarify that.<br />
[[“I know it may have seemed harsh and I am sorry it made you uncomfortable. I do not want you to feel threatened in any way,”->Do not feel threatened]] you said with a reassuring smile.</div>
<div class="choice">Maybe you did handle things a little too severely with Sir Mansoor. But the fact that Zanetta was only concerned for herself did not sit well with you.<br />
(link: "“That is a little selfish, is it not?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "That is a little selfish")
] You asked, narrowing your eyes at her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not think Zanetta had any right to meddle with your relationship with Sir Mansoor.<br />
(link: "“I still do not think it is any of your business.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic +1)
(go-to: "None of your business")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Sir Mansoor is my vassal and has to follow my every command,” you answered, straightening your back. “Our relationship is different, so you do not have to worry about that.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Do not worry about that")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You glared back at her.<br />
(link: "“So? Do not speak out of turn and you will not have anything to worry about.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not speak out of turn")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic) (severe)//]</div>}
]}
]}
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“To be frank? A lot. But that's nothing you need to concern yourself with at the moment.”<br /><br />
Zanetta snorted, her lips stretching into a half-smirk.<br /><br />
“Alright, fair enough.” Her gaze on you was soft, removing some of the edge from her expression. “But I did come here to check on you.”<br /><br />
She let herself drop onto the bed beside you, making the mattress bounce and dip. She turned to face you, folding her legs underneath herself. {(if: $MCsize is "small")[
In that position, she seemed almost as tall as you and she had no issue looking straight into your eyes.
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
In that position, she appeared taller, having no trouble looking up into your eyes.
]
(else:)[
Despite her new vantage point, she still had to crane her neck to look into your eyes.<br /><br />
“Damn, is your torso as long as those gangly stumps of yours?” She grumbled.<br /><br />
She backed up a bit, getting more comfortable.
]}<br /><br />
“So... How are you holding up?”<br /><br />
You blinked, surprised by Zanetta's insistance. The question was one you did not hear that often and from very few people. The Dwarf was one of the last you were expecting it from.<br />
(if: $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
Her expression became soft as she watched your reaction.<br /><br />
“Lonely childhood, heh?”<br /><br />
]
You shook your head, trying to recover from your surprise.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I will be alright,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I will be alright")
] you answered with a grateful smile.<br />
You were not sure how true that was, but you did not want to worry her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned, concerned.<br />
(link: "“I am... fine. The same could not be said of many others. People are dying in my home and I am... just sitting here.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I am concerned for the people")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am... scared,” you admitted with a sigh. “Everything I have known is falling apart around me.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I am scared")
]<br />
Your shoulders dropped in a defeated motion. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Actually, I am feeling better now. Safer. I have a roof to sleep under, I have people to protect me. It is still a scary situation, but... You are here to help, right?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You are here to help, right?")
]<br />
You smiled at her.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am //fine//.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I am fine (again)")
]<br />
You frowned and looked away. Talking about your feelings was not your specialty, let alone to a stranger. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“My feelings do not matter,” you answered, your back straightening. “It only matters how I act moving forward.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "My feelings do not matter")
](if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You stiffened, uncomfortable with the familiarity with which Zanetta was acting.<br />
(link: "“I am sure you will have enough work concerning yourself with my physical well-being without worrying about my mental one as well.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not concern yourself with my mental well-being")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
“It is nothing you need to concern yourself with.”<br /><br />
Zanetta stared at you, one eyebrow quirked up.<br /><br />
“Alright, fair enough,” she replied after a while. “But I did come here for a reason.”<br /><br />
She took a few steps towards you, stopping a couple of feet away.<br /><br />
“What reason might that be?” You asked carefully.<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman considered you in silence for a moment, folding her arms over her chest.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“Alright,” she finally started. “Maybe you don't trust me, maybe you don't like me much and, given the situation, that's understandable. But we both have to work together, even if it's neither of our choices. So let's be polite to each other to make it easier on both of us. Deal?”<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaAffection > 2)[
The shadow of a smile made the corners of her lips twitch up. It felt like she was genuinely trying to reach an agreement with you.
](else:)[
She kept staring at you, her expression difficult to read.
]}<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">Your shoulders drooped. You might have been a little harsh with her. You did not have to tell her you did not trust her like that.<br />
(link: "“I... yes. I am sorry, I should not have been so rude to you.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I should not have been so rude")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Deal")
] you replied.<br />
She did have a point, even if you were reluctant to admit it. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“No deal,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "No deal")
] you retorted.<br />
You did not trust her and you saw no point in pretending you did. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I just said the truth,” you said, hesitating to agree to anything. “And as long as it is true, I will not pretend to trust you just because it is polite.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I just said the truth")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
“For the record, I do appreciate the trust you're showing me,” she finally said. “But the way you act towards your knight doesn't bode well for our future relationship.”<br /><br />
You blinked at her. You did not expect her to feel so strongly about your treatment of Sir Mansoor. After all, just like you, he only just met her.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />You frowned and looked down at your hands on your lap. You started feeling guilty under the accusatory gaze of the Dwarf.<br /><br />
“I am... not sure what you mean,” you replied hesitantly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You frowned, confused.<br /><br />
“What about it?”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You frowned. Why did she think it was any of her business?<br /><br />
“In what way does that concern you?” You replied dryly.
]
(else:)[
<br />You frowned.
<br /><br />“What do you mean?”
]}
<br /><br />“Oh, I don't know,” Zanetta started, her voice a pitch higher with annoyance. “Maybe the fact that you snapped at him for simply voicing his opinion may lead someone to believe you might react in a similar way, if not worse, with a stranger?”<br /><br />
Well, that did make things clearer.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You shifted uneasily on the mattress.<br />
(link: "“You are right, I... should have been more considerate with him. I will apologize to him as soon as possible.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I should have been more considerate")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">The way you talked to Sir Mansoor was not meant to make her feel uncomfortable. You hoped to clarify that.<br />
[[“I know it may have seemed harsh and I am sorry it made you uncomfortable. I do not want you to feel threatened in any way,”->Do not feel threatened]] you said with a reassuring smile.</div>
<div class="choice">Maybe you did handle things a little too severely with Sir Mansoor. But the fact that Zanetta was only concerned for herself did not sit well with you.<br />
(link: "“That is a little selfish, is it not?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "That is a little selfish")
] You asked, narrowing your eyes at her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not think Zanetta had any right to meddle with your relationship with Sir Mansoor.<br />
(link: "“I still do not think it is any of your business.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic +1)
(go-to: "None of your business")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Sir Mansoor is my vassal and has to follow my every command,” you answered, straightening your back. “Our relationship is different, so you do not have to worry about that.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Do not worry about that")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You glared back at her.<br />
(link: "“So? Do not speak out of turn and you will not have anything to worry about.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Do not speak out of turn")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic) (severe)//]</div>}
]}
]}
“Thank you, Ajmal. For everything.”
The knight responded by circling your shoulders with one arm and pulling you into a tight hug. He squeezed you once before releasing you. Standing back, he rubbed at his eyes. He tried to hide it, but his tears had started falling along his cheeks.
“You do not have to thank me,” he said, his voice a little shaky.
He chuckled, maybe to dispel some of his emotion. “Look at what it is doing to me.”
“I beg to differ,” you replied with a smile.
Ajmal laughed again.
“Alright, then I am glad to be appreciated,” he conceded, his voice getting more steady.
He took a deep breath and reached out to clasp your shoulder. “I should really let you rest now. Good night $MCcovertitle.”
“Good night Ajmal.”
<div class="choice">[[He let your shoulder go and smiled at you one last time before bowing his head slightly and leaving the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
{(if: $MCsize is "small")[You stepped on your toes, wrapping your arms around his waist and squeezed him despite the discomfort caused by his breastplate.]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[You wrapped your arms around his waist and squeezed him despite the discomfort caused by his breastplate.]
(else:)[You wrapped an arm around his shoulders and one around his waist, squeezing him despite the discomfort caused by his breastplate.]} Ajmal let out a small gasp of surprise, but it did not take him long to hug you back, holding onto you tightly. The sigh you heard him expel was a little shaky and when you stepped back, you could see tears had started running down his cheeks, despite his best effort to hide them and rub them away.
He chuckled, trying to dispel some of his emotion. “Sorry... I am a mess.”
You smiled warmly at him. “You are allowed to be, from time to time.”
He laughed some more, his voice growing more steady. “Alright. But I do need to let you rest.”
He reached out to squeeze your shoulder one last time. “Good night $MCcovertitle.”
“Good night Ajmal.“
His hand dropped back to his side and he smiled.
<div class="choice">[[The knight bowed his head slightly before leaving the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“Yes...” You replied, shifting in place about as awkwardly as him.
Despite your answer, the young knight stood still, looking at you with the same hesitation. Finally he stepped towards you to rest a hand on your shoulder. His smile was warm when he squeezed gently.
“Good night $MCcovertitle.”
You struggled to meet his eyes, but could not help the corner of your lips to twitch upwards.
“Good night Ajmal.”
<div class="choice">[[He let your shoulder go before bowing his head slightly and turning to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“Of course. Thank you for inspecting the room... Ajmal.”
It was a bit difficult, speaking to him so... informally. But you could get used to it again, with some time.
A lopsided smile formed on Ajmal's lips. “I am only doing my duty, $MCcovertitle.”
“Right...” You answered a little awkwardly.
Another silence stretched out, the young knight still seeming hesitant to leave. Finally he stepped towards you and rested a hand on your shoulder.
“Good night $MCcovertitle,” he said with a warm smile.
“Good night Ajmal,” you replied, letting yourself smile as well.
He squeezed your shoulder lightly before letting it go.
<div class="choice">[[Bowing his head slightly, he turned to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“We can figure that out together.”
Ajmal smiled back at you, his posture relaxing visibly.
“That sounds perfect,” he replied softly. “I am excited to see where it leads us.”
His smile widened to the point of crinkling his eyes and you responded in kind, feeling a warmth spreading in your chest. A moment passed. Then another. Realizing this, Ajmal looked away, blushing and rubbing his neck awkwardly.
“Right. I should probably let you get some rest.”
As he said this, a wave of exhaustion hit your body, reminder of the long days of travel that had preceded. You nodded.
“And you should rest as well.”
Ajmal smiled at that. “Good night $MCcovertitle.”
“Good night Ajmal.”
<div class="choice">[[He bowed his head politely and left the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“It is not that hard, Ajmal. Just be yourself!”
Ajmal smiled warmly at you, his posture relaxing visibly. “You are right, of course.”
He sighed and looked at you, still somewhat hesitant.
“Can I be... honest with you?” He asked carefully.
You gave him an encouraging smile. “That is precisely what I want you to be.”
Ajmal chuckled and nodded.
“Alright... I just... I have been knighted three years ago, now, and it is... as if I had this Royal Guard... persona? That I have to keep up at all times. I am not sure how to be... anything else when I am wearing the armor. But I want to try. Although I do not want to stop paying you the proper respects.”
He rubbed his neck awkwardly, looking a little embarrassed. “It is not something I really talk about... with anyone, so it is hard to put into words. I apologize.”
You shook your head and smiled gently. “You do not need to.”
He smiled back. “What I mean to say is... That it may take some time to figure all that out.”
His attention turned to a small clock that was resting on the desk facing the arches.
“Speaking of which, I really should let you rest, it is getting late.”
As he spoke, a wave of exhaustion hit your body, reminding you of the long days you had spent travelling. You nodded.
“I //am// pretty tired.”
“Then let me wish you a good night, $MCcovertitle.”
“Good night Ajmal.”
<div class="choice">[[He smiled one last time before bowing his head politely and leaving the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“I wish I knew as well.”
The smile Ajmal addressed you was amused. “What a sad pair we are going to make, then.”
A slight smirk pulled at the corners of your lips. “At least we are well assorted.”
The young knight laughed, now looking fully relaxed. “That we are. Maybe time is all we need. Speaking of which...”
His attention turned to a small clock on the desk that was facing the arches before looking back at you.
“It is getting late and you need to rest.”
You nodded. As he spoke, a wave of exhaustion hit your body, reminding you of the long days you had spent travelling.
“Good night $MCcovertitle.”
“Good night Ajmal.”
<div class="choice">[[He smiled at you and bowed his head politely before exiting the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“We will figure that our later, I am sure.”
Ajmal nodded, straightening up. “Of course. I am sure you are eager to get some rest, I will not bother you any longer.”
You sighed. “You are not bothering me, Ajmal. Otherwise I would not ask you to be my friend.”
Some color darkened his cheeks and he rubbed his neck.
“Sorry, yes, that makes sense,” he answered bashfully. “Regardless, I will leave you alone, I am sure you need the sleep.”
Hearing his words, a wave of exhaustion did hit your body, the adrenaline of discovering a strange new place leaving you suddenly.
“Good night $MCcovertitle.”
“Good night Ajmal.”
<div class="choice">[[He addressed you a last warm smile before bowing his head politely and leaving the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“I... I am sorry, it was a silly thing to say.”
Instinctively, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} took a step towards you, his hand twitching. He stopped himself from reaching out and sighed again.
“No, it was not... Not ‘silly’. I just...”
He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, seemingly frustrated with himself.
“I think we both need to rest,” he finally said, a strained smile on his lips.
You nodded, not keen on continuing the uncomfortable conversation any further.
<div class="choice">[[The young knight looked relieved when he bowed politely before turning to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“I know, I just thought I should be honest with you.”
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} frowned in response.
“I do think honesty is valuable, $MCcovertitle. However, sometimes I think it should be reconsidered when it might... unduly hurt someone's feeling or make them... uncomfortable.”
His voice almost dropped to a whisper as he said that last word, looking away from you. You swallowed painfully.
“Did I make you uncomfortable?” You asked quite bluntly.
The knight only frowned, rendered speechless.
“I see...” You said after an awkward silence.
You felt even worse, if that was possible, the quiet hanging in the room almost suffocating.
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} suddenly turned his head to face you again.
“I should let you rest,” he hurriedly stated.
<div class="choice">[[Before you could reply, he bowed stiffly and left the room in wide steps.->After the knight left]]</div>
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} took an instinctive step towards you, his hand twitching. But he stopped himself from reaching out, staying quiet as well instead.
The silence hanged heavy in the room, almost suffocating.
“I... should let you rest,” the knight murmured after a while.
<div class="choice">[[You glanced back up to watch him bow politely before turning to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“//I// should get to decide what can and cannot be. Do not lie and pretend it is the reason you are turning me down!”
As you raised your voice, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} grew stiffer and stiffer, his shoulders so tense they were almost bunched up around his ears. For the second time this evening, you saw something like fear in his gaze. He blinked it away, however, replacing it by a displeased frown.
“With all due respect, $MCcovertitle, despite your importance, there are things you do not have power over.”
You glared at him. Maybe you did not have power over everything, but who you gave your affection to, you were pretty sure that was well within your rights.
The knight stared back at you just as stubbornly. But after a moment, some of his tension left him, his shoulders relaxing. He looked away.
“But you are right, it is not the only reason I am turning you down.”
He folded his arms over his chest, looking back at you with a determined set to his jaw. “I do not think I could return the affection of someone who does not value my input. I hoped you could understand that.”
You saw him swallow. Despite his bravado, he was fully aware of his precarious situation. But you were aware of your precarious situation as well. You looked away and stayed silent, digesting his words.
Silence stretched out, making the both of you uneasy.
“I should let you rest,” {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} said after a while, his voice low.
<div class="choice">[[You looked at him bow stiffly before turning to leave the room.->After the knight left]]</div>
“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”
For a while, Zanetta only stared at you, {(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[a concerned frown creasing her brow.](else:)[a deep frown darkening her features.]}
“No, I didn't,” she slowly answered. “But in my line of work, I rarely get to choose my missions. This one... was definitely not one of them.”
There had to be more to it than that. She seemed very hesitant to talk about it.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You frowned as well. “You mean... That you would have rather not be given this assignment?”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“You did not want to be assigned to me. Is that what you are trying to say?” You asked bluntly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
It was irritating you and you stared her down. “I am sorry if being assigned to me is that unpleasant to you.”
]
(else:)[
“I see.” You could not help the bitterness that slipped through your voice.
]}
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
<br />The Dwarf sighed and her expression softened when she looked back at you.<br /><br />
“That's not what I mean. You seem like a decent kid, for being a royal brat.” Her smile turned momentarily into a playful smirk.<br /><br />
“I won't lie, I was not looking forward to having to babysit you, but...” She paused, scanning you quietly.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaRomance is 1)[
“It might turn out quite pleasant after all,” she finally said with a lopsided smile. “Hopefully for the both of us.”<br /><br />
She winked at you, which made your face feel warm, to her delight if her short laugh was any indication.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection > 3)[
“I have a feeling we'll get along after all,” she finally said with a wide grin.
]
(else:)[
“I guess it won't be that bad,” she finally said with a smile.
]}<br /><br />
You felt reassured, but it still did not explain the concerned look on her face when you asked the question.<br /><br />
“What did you mean, then?”<br />
Zanetta's expression darkened again. “I...”<br /><br />
She winced at her own hesitation. “Let's say that my employers didn't give me this mission because they were happy with me and leave it at that.”<br /><br />
It was obviously an unpleasant topic for her. You nodded, deciding to drop the matter for now.
]
(else:)[
The Dwarf grimaced, her nose scrunched up with distaste. “That is //not// what I mean. But you //are// making it difficult, I'm not going to lie.”<br /><br />
That was unpleasant to hear, to say the least. Still, you were curious.<br /><br />
“What do you mean, then?”<br /><br />
She went quiet again, her frown returning to her brow.<br /><br />
“I would say ‘you don't want to know’, but that would only pique your interest, wouldn't it? Let's just say getting this assignment was anything but a promotion.”<br /><br />
She winced, apparently dissatisfied with her own wording. It seemed like a rather personal matter so you decided not to pry any further.
]}
<div class="choice">[[And you still had some questions left unanswered.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”
You quickly came to regret asking this particular question when you saw the expression on Zanetta's face. Her lips stretched into the smuggest grin you had seen on her, her brown eyes narrowing into a knowing look.
“Asking me if I'm single, are you?”
She waggled her eyebrows at you.
{<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“What if I was?”")[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ What if I was?")
] You shot back, feeling a surge of confidence. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“No! Of course not!”")[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to 1)
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ No of course not!")
] You protested while your face was turning dangerously warm. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“No! I mean yes? But not specifically. Sorry, I did not mean to be intrusive,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "No! I mean yes?")
] you fumbled. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You shrugged. (link: "“That too, I suppose.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "That too, I suppose")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You rolled your eyes. (link: "“No, I am not.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "No, I am not")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Your face scrunched up in annoyance. (link: "“You know very well what I meant.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "You know what I meant")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”
The Dwarf shook her head. “No, I didn't. I didn't have to get involved with any of that mess, thankfully.”
“But you knew of them, did you not?” You asked.
Zanetta shrugged, acting casual, but she was watching you carefully.
“Of course, they were new in town and very rich. That attracts attention, suspicion,” she replied. “They were a couple with a son. I think he was about your age, maybe a bit younger...”
A shiver ran down your spine. The Dwarven woman paused, looking for your reaction.
When you kept silent, she continued: “They were from the southern edge of Telidrica. They bought this place, redecorated it, attended many events and mingled with other very rich people, trying to make friends. The usual.”
“So why did they get... assassinated?” You asked, halting on the word.
“Well, it turns out they had contacts in a criminal organization that operates in the South. That's probably where their wealth was coming from. The Thieves' Guild's stranglehold on crime is not as absolute down there. Suffice to say the Thieves' Guild did not like that one bit. The rumor was that they came here to implant their organization. The Thieves' Guild did not wait to confirm those hear-says before getting rid of them. They don't tolerate competition in Lagodoro.”
You swallowed with difficulty. Part of you was reassured that the previous inhabitants of this house were also criminals, but you doubted their son had anything to do with all this. It was all so... ruthless.
{<div class="choice">[[“So you did not... help with whatever happened to them?”->You did not help with what happened to them?]] You could not help but ask.</div>
<div class="choice">[[You shook your head. You needed to think about something else. You still had some questions after all.->Questions directory 01]]</div>}
{(unless: (history:) contains "Don't you have a family?")[
<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
]
(unless: (history:) contains "You did not choose this assignment" or "No deal")[
<div class="choice">[[“You... did not choose this assignment, did you?”->You did not choose this assignment]]</div>
]
(unless: (history:) contains "What is your line of work?")[
(if: (history:) contains "You did not choose this assignment" or "No deal" or "You are not part of the Thieves' Guild?")[
<div class="choice">[[“What is your line of work, exactly?”->What is your line of work?]]</div>
]
]
(unless: (history:) contains "Did you know the people who lived here?")[
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
]
(unless: (history:) contains "You are not part of the Thieves' Guild?")[
(if: (history:) contains "You did not help with what happened to them?" or "What is your line of work?")[
<div class="choice">[[“You are not part of the Thieves’ Guild then?”->You are not part of the Thieves' Guild?]]</div>
]
]
(unless: (history:) contains "Nuto is not just a gondolier")[
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
]
{(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
(if: (history:) contains "Don't you have a family?" and "Nuto is not just a gondolier" and "You are not part of the Thieves' Guild?" and "Did you know the people who lived here?")[
<div class="choice">[[“We had to pay to get Telidrica and your protection. What would happen if the revolutionaries paid more than we did to... find me... or...?”->What would happen if the revolutionaries paid more?]]<br />
You swallowed thickly, struggling to say those frightening words.
</div>
]
]
(else:)[
(if: (history:) contains "Don't you have a family?" and "Nuto is not just a gondolier" and "You are not part of the Thieves' Guild?")[
<div class="choice">[[“We had to pay to get Telidrica's protection. What would happen if the revolutionaries paid more than we did to... find me? Or to...”->What would happen if the revolutionaries paid more?]]<br />
You swallowed thickly, struggling to say those frightening words.
</div>
]
]}
<div class="choice">[[But you decided against asking any of them.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”
The Dwarven woman leaned back, humming thoughtfully. “Nobody is just their job, you know.”
{(if: $severe > 5)[
You stiffened, peeved. “Of course I know that!
]
(else:)[
“I know, but...
]} What I mean is, he has not been a gondolier all his life, has he?”
She grinned at you. “What makes you say that? Is it the scars? Gondolier is a much more dangerous job than you might think! You never know when you might need to punch a client.”
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
Your eyes opened wide as you stared at her. “Really?”<br />
Zanetta sighed. “No, not really.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You rolled your eyes at her and Zanetta chuckled.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I seriously doubt that,” you replied rigidly.<br />
Zanetta's smile widened. “Oh? How can you be so sure? Have you ever been a gondolier?”<br />
“No!” You interjected, growing more frustrated. “I just know you are messing with me.”<br />
She chuckled. “How can I not when it's so easy to get you so worked up?”<br /><br />
Your face felt warm, but you decided to stay quiet and not give her any more ammunition to make fun of you.
]
(else:)[
You looked at her hesitantly. “You... are joking, right?”<br />
Zanetta sighed. “Of course I am.”
]}
“Listen,” she added, her tone more serious. “Nuto does have a //past//. I don't plan to hire a huge staff. The less people know about you, the less the chances are that information leaks out. Which means I want //everyone// in this household to be able to defend themselves and you if needed. And that generally comes with having an unusual history. But I'm not about to share Nuto's secrets. If you want to know more about him, I suggest you ask him.“
It made sense. You nodded at her before moving on to another subject.
<div class="choice">[[You still had some questions.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
The Dwarven woman stretched her legs before jumping off the {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[sofa](else:)[bed]}. You were tempted to do the same, it felt like you had been sitting for months.
“Alright,” she declared, now extending her arms above her head. “I will let you rest.”
“I will be patrolling around the house,” she added, looking back at you. “I won't go too far, though, so if anything happens, give me a shout.”
You nodded and watched Zanetta exit the room — through the main door, this time.
“Goodnight,” she stage-whispered through the cracked open panel, while slowly closing it.
{<div class="choice">
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
[[You heard her footsteps growing fainter in the hallway, before the quiet permeated the room once again.->Getting ready to sleep]]
]
(else:)[
[[You heard her footsteps growing fainter in the hallway, before the quiet permeated the room once again.->After Zanetta left]]
]}
</div>}
“What is your line of work, exactly?”
Zanetta looked at you with some surprise, an eyebrow raised. “You mean it isn't obvious?”
{(if: $intelligence > 7 or $guile > 7)[
You had started gathering some clues about what her profession could be, yes, but you still wanted a confirmation.
]
(else:)[
Your face started warming up. Should you have guessed already?
]}
“You have never specifically said what it was...” You answered carefully.
The Dwarf huffed. “I didn't, did I? Very well. I am an agent in service of Telidrica's Internal Intelligence.”
“So...”
She grinned. “A spy, yes.”
You nodded. That had the merit of being crystal clear.
It was now Zanetta's turn to regard you with curiosity.
“How does that make you feel?” She asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
You gave the question some thoughts...
{<div class="choice">And it only made you more curious. (link: "“That is a very particular calling that requires some degree of selflessness. How does one become... a spy?”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "How does one become a spy?")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">And you could not help but shiver. Spies lied and deceived for a living, something you were not comfortable with.<br />
(link: "“I am... not sure. It makes trust difficult.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(if: (history:) contains "We need your help")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
]
(go-to: "It makes trust difficult")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">And you shrugged, indifferent. (link: "“It is just your job. Someone has to do it, I suppose.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Someone has to do it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">And you frowned.<br />
(link: "“It may be a bit... unsavory. But it is a profession that is sometimes necessary,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "It may be unsavory")
] you answered with a new-found respect for the Dwarf. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">And you could not stop the wide smile that split your face. (link: "“I think it is very exciting!”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "It is very exciting")
]<br />
Maybe your idea of what a spy did was a little romanticized.</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>And you felt your face flush. You had read novels with spies and they all involved quite a bit of seduction. Maybe your idea of what a spy did was //very// romanticized.<br />
(link: "“It sounds... fascinating. Is it at all like fiction makes it out to be?”")[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ It sounds fascinating")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}
“So you did not... help with whatever happened to them?” You could not help but ask.
Zanetta stared at you with wide eyes and blinked slowly.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
“Oh woah,” she said after a while. “When you say you don't trust me, you mean the ‘I believe you murder children’ kind of I-don't-trust-you.”
]
(else:)[
“You... really think I would murder children?” She asked after a while, looking quite flabbergasted.
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />Your face turned hot.<br /><br />
“N-no!” You stammered. “That is not what I meant. I was just wondering if you were... If you did anything... I mean, it is obvious you did not have anything to do with it, you already said so.”<br /><br />
You hanged your head low. “I am sorry, it was a silly and offensive question.”<br />
The Dwarf chuckled. “It's alright, I'm not offended.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You shrugged. “I do not really know you.”<br />
The Dwarf huffed. “You're blunt, I'll give you that.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You frowned. With what you knew, it did not seem outside of the realm of possibilities.<br /><br />
“Well, would you?” You asked bluntly.<br />
“No?” The Dwarf replied with quite a bit of disbelief.
]
(else:)[
You shrugged. “I did not mean to offend you. But I do not know you that well. I really have no idea what you are capable of.”<br />
“Well, at least you're very honest,” the Dwarf replied with a sarcastic grin.<br /><br />
It was hard to say if she considered it a good or a bad thing.
]}
With a heavy sigh, she continued: “Like I said, I did not have anything to do with it. An agent was supposed to keep an eye on them, but they didn't ‘participate’ either. It was all the Thieves' Guild doing. That being said, they didn't try to stop them either.”
Her lips curled in a brief and bitter smile.
“Could they have done so? Would you have, were you in their stead?”
“It's hard to say,” Zanetta answered after a short, thoughtful pause. “They might have ended up being killed as well if they tried anything. If it had been up to me, I would have at least tried to find shelter for the kid.”
She shrugged, sighing again. “But it's pointless to speculate on what could have been. I wasn't in any position to help.”
You nodded. She was right and maybe it was time to move on to a different subject.
<div class="choice">[[There was more questions to be asked.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
“You are not part of the Thieves’ Guild then?”
Zanetta all but froze in place. It was a sensitive question, but you still were surprised by her reaction.
She looked intently at you when she asked: “What made you think I was?”
You shrugged. “You seem to know a lot about them.”
The Dwarf relaxed a little at your answer. She still seemed awfully wary, however.
“I have to. I deal with them quite regularly in my line of work. Besides, they are present at every level of our society and knowing about their practices is the number one rule of surviving Lagodoro.”
You frowned. The thought that a criminal organization had that much power in Telidrica was worrisome and you really started wishing Lady Domara had found another place to ensure your safety.
“You make it sound like the city is so... cutthroat,” you remarked with unease. “Is it not a bit odd for a nation that is well known for its peacefulness and stability?”
The Dwarven woman smiled at you, but it was a bitter expression.
“It's all a matter of perspective, isn't it? Being peaceful means we don't attack anyone. It also means we don't defend anyone. Being stable means there is no civil unrest. It also means our society doesn't change. If peace and stability become an excuse to let people suffer, are they still desirable?”
That answer... was a lot to take in. Was it what happened in your country? Were your people suffering so much so that peace and stability were not desirable anymore? Was there something you could have done to alleviate their hardships?
You inhaled a shaky breath. “I.. do not know.”
{(if: $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
<br />You nearly jumped when you felt Zanetta's hand on your forearm. A concerned frown was creasing her brow.<br /><br />
“Hey, don't worry too much about it. It's a difficult question, not one I expect you to have an answer for. I don't really have a satisfying one either.”<br /><br />
You nodded at her and she smiled in a much more genuine way than before.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta chuckled quietly. “I wasn't expecting an answer, you know. It is a rather complex issue.”<br /><br />
You smiled faintly at her, feeling somewhat reassured.
]}
{(if: ((history:) contains "The owners" or "How does one become a spy?") and ((history:) contains "What is your line of work?"))[
<div class="choice">[[“There is something that I am still confused about,” you said, your frown quickly coming back. “If the Thieves' Guild is sanctioned by your government, do you work with them or against them?”->Do you work with or against them?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[There was still some questions that begged to be asked.->Questions directory 01]]</div>}
“We had to pay to get Telidrica's protection. What would happen if the revolutionaries paid more than we did to... find me? Or to...”
You swallowed thickly, struggling to say those frightening words.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“... Well you know,” you only managed to mumble, deflating.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“... Get rid of me,” you completed, uneasily.
]
(else:)[
“... Have me killed,” you completed, a frown on your brow.
]}
Zanetta took a deep breath, staring at you for a while. You knew it was... a difficult question. You understood the need for her to gather her thoughts.
“That... would definitely be a problem,” she started carefully. “I'd like to think King Pace wouldn't go back on their contract that easily. But I can't exclude the possibility. However, it's very unlikely that he would accept using government agents to perform an assassination on their behalf. In the worst case scenario, I'd be ordered to pull out.”
“Would you? Pull out?” You asked, apprehension twisting your insides.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
Her features softened into a comforting smile. “No, of course not. Not before I get you safely out of Telidrica, at the very least.”
]
(else:)[
She sighed deeply, looking defeated. “No, I wouldn't. Not before getting you safely out of Telidrica, anyway.”
]}
You blinked at her. You were surprised. Pleasantly surprised, but still surprised.
“You would disregard your orders for me?” You asked, unable to hide your astonishment.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“Absolutely,” she answered, chuckling at your amazement.<br /><br />
“It wouldn't be the first time after all,” she added with a conspiratorial smile.
]
(else:)[
“For you? I don't know. For my conscience? Absolutely. It wouldn't be the first time, after all,” she answered with a smirk.
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You sighed and smiled with obvious relief. “Thank you.”<br />
The Dwarf winked at you. “You're welcome.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You were relieved, but still cautious. “I... appreciate it, even if that speaks ill of your loyalty.”<br />
The Dwarf rolled her eyes. “Thanks, I guess.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You let out a small sigh of relief. “Thank you.”<br />
The Dwarf winked at you. “You're welcome.”
]
(else:)[
You sighed and smiled. “That is a relief.”<br />
The Dwarf chuckled. “I imagine it would be.”
]}
The quiet settled back in the room, comfortable. {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
The only sounds were those — now getting familiar — of the garden below the balcony and of the adjacent waterway.
]
(else:)[
The only sounds were those of the waves clapping against stone in the wake of the occasional gondola, and those of strange insects chirping in the garden.
]}
Zanetta interrupted the silence first. “So. Any other hard hitting questions to ask?”
She grinned at you, her eyebrow raised up.
You shook your head. “No. At least for now, I am sure the rest can wait.”
<div class="choice">[[You stifled a yawn, your body suddenly reminding you of its weariness.->Leaving you to rest]]</div>{(set: $ZanettaTrust to -1)}
“I—I will,” you stammered, sniffling.
Zanetta nodded. This time the regret was obvious in her expression. You rubbed away the tears that threatened to fall and tried to regain your composure, despite your distress. It seemed like the Dwarven woman was at least trying to be on your side. But realizing how little protection you were given was still terrifying.
“I'm... sorry,” Zanetta said, her voice low and gentle. “It was a harsh thing to reveal.”
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You shook your head. “No... I mean, maybe, but... I prefer to know.”<br />
She nodded again, giving you an appraising look. “Alright, I'll keep that in mind.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You shook your head. “You do not need to apologize. You wanted me to understand the situation and you were right.”<br />
She smiled faintly at you. “How generous of you.”<br /><br />
The sarcasm was barely present in her tone.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You felt your back tensing. You //were// shaken by the reveal, but you did not want to show it... Even if it was a little late for that.<br /><br />
“No apology necessary,” you said once your voice was steady enough. “I can take the truth.”<br /><br />
She quirked an eyebrow and gave you an appraising look. Her lips curled into a slight but undoubtedly derisive smile.<br /><br />
“Sure,” she said and you narrowed your eyes at her.<br /><br />
She was making this whole getting along thing quite difficult.
]
(else:)[
You shook your head. “It is fine.”<br /><br />
Maybe it was not fine, but you understood why she did it. You could not fault her for making you realize how dire your situation was.<br /><br />
She nodded, giving you an appraising look. A slight smile curled the corner of her lips. “Of course. You can take it. You didn't almost cry or anything.”<br /><br />
You threw your most venimous glare her way. She was really making this whole getting along thing difficult. She only chuckled in response.
]}
Zanetta stretched her arms in front of her and shuffled on the {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[couch](else:)[mattress]}, making herself comfortable. “Now that we cleared the air, would it make you feel safer if I answered some questions about our... arrangement?”
She smiled at you, an actual, warm smile.
You did have some questions left unanswered...
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“What is your line of work, exactly?”->What is your line of work?]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">But you decided against asking any of them.<br />
[[“No, I think I would rather rest, now. There will be more time for questions later.”->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}{(set: $ZanettaTrust to -1)}
“How can you be so sure you can do it if your superiors do not think you can?” You asked, your voice trembling.
Zanetta sighed heavily. From the way she looked at you, her regret was now evident. After a short silence, she turned her gaze forward, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
“I can be sure of it because I wouldn't be here if my superiors didn't underestimate me once before. They didn't know what I was capable of then. They barely have a clue now.”
She looked back at you, a confident smirk on her lips. The expression was convincing enough. You could not be certain her claims were true. But you were pretty sure she believed it. You felt a little reassured despite yourself.
Giving her your trust still seemed foolish. However... It was now obvious how much you needed her. You knew you could rely on {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]} for your protection and on Lady Domara for navigating this new situation, but they were only two people and, if what the Dwarven woman was saying was even a little bit true, they had no idea in what nest of vipers you had just walked in.
“Alright,” you said.
“Alright?” Zanetta quirked an eyebrow.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I apologize for my rudeness. I will do my best to work with you.”<br />
Zanetta blinked at you in surprise for but a moment. She quickly reverted to her usual smirk, however. “See? Was it that hard?”<br /><br />
You sighed at the barb and she chuckled in response.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“You have made your point. I will endeavor to be... less hostile.”<br />
Zanetta's smirk widened, showing her gleaming teeth. “Why, thank you. How generous of you.”<br /><br />
You did not miss her tone, which was dripping with sarcasm, and glared at her. She sniggered in response.
]
(else:)[
“I will work with you.”<br />
Zanetta's smirk turned into a softer smile. “Thanks.”
]}
Zanetta stretched her arms in front of her and shuffled on the {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[couch](else:)[mattress]}, making herself comfortable. “Now that we cleared the air, would it make you feel safer if I answered some questions about our... arrangement?”
She smiled at you, an actual warm smile.
You did have some questions left unanswered...
{<div class="choice">[[“So... you are going to live here with us? Do you not have a family?”->Don't you have a family?]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“What is your line of work, exactly?”->What is your line of work?]]</div>
(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<div class="choice">[[“The people who lived here... Did you know them?”->Did you know the people who lived here?]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Nuto is not //just// a gondolier, is he?”->Nuto is not just a gondolier]]</div>
<div class="choice">But you decided against asking any of them.<br />
[[“No, I think I would rather rest, now. There will be more time for questions later.”->Leaving you to rest]]</div>}
“How can I when I do not trust you?” You stubbornly snapped back, although your shaky voice lessened the bite of your retort.
More than ever, you felt you had to rely on the people you //really// knew would not betray you, even if there was only two of them.
Zanetta stared at you in silence for a moment. She then sighed and stood up.
“I suppose you can't,” she answered.
She turned to face you, her expression serious and maybe a little sad. “I just hope, for your sake, that you'll be able to trust me, eventually.”
A frown appeared on her brow and her stare hardened when she added: “But I'm not going to wait for you to come around forever.”
You did not answer her. Even if you wanted, the Dwarf walked out of the bedroom before you could think of a reply, leaving you shaken {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[in your chair](else:)[on the mattress]}. You startled when the doors slammed close.
<div class="choice">
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
[[You were alone, once again.->Getting ready to sleep]]
]
(else:)[
[[You were alone, once again.->After Zanetta left]]
]}
</div>
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -2)[
All you could hear in the quiet of your chambers was the sound of the waves crashing against stone in the wake of the occasional gondola, the chirping of strange insects in the garden and your own frantic breathing.<br />
It took you a few minutes to calm your racing pulse. You focused on the noises surrounding you. You noticed the faint ticking of the small clock resting on the desk and muffled footsteps from the nearest rooms.<br />
Soon enough, you were able to breathe more easily. Your attention aimed at your surroundings, you noticed a door at the far end of the right wall that you did not pay mind to before.
]
(else:)[
Your eyes wandered around, taking in the room once again. You noticed the door at the far end of the right wall for the first time. It was not that you did not see it before, but you had not paid any mind to it.
]}
(display: "Bathroom description")
“What if I was?” You shot back, feeling a surge of confidence.
Zanetta burst out laughing and you could not help but deflate a bit. Maybe it was not as smooth as a reply as you thought it was.
“Oh, how daring!” The Dwarf exclaimed, her amusement making her tone warm. “Are you even allowed to do that?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
Your assurance all but left you. Your shoulders dropped and you looked down.<br /><br />
“No, not really,” you admitted. “Sorry.”<br />
“Don't be,” she said(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[, her voice turning a lot softer]. “I'm not one to blame you for breaking the rules a little bit. In fact, I like it.”<br /><br />
You glanced up at her and she winked at you. Your face felt very warm all of a sudden.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You stiffened. No, you were not really supposed to ask people if they were single like that and the fact that you forgot yourself, if only for a moment, was rubbing you the wrong way. It did not help that it was Zanetta reminding you, of all people.<br /><br />
“It was an improper thing to say,” you replied in perhaps too formal of a tone. “I apologize.”<br />
She rolled her eyes and sighed. “I really hit the spoilsport button with that one, didn't I.”<br /><br />
She lightly pushed her fist in your upper arm in an overly familiar way and chuckled. You did not complain however. The touch, even if it was meant as teasing, was welcome.<br /><br />
“You can loosen up a bit from time to time,” she said. “It won't kill you.”<br />
“Maybe,” you replied, your face turning warm.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
Your shoulders dropped. You frowned and looked away, feeling a little hurt to be patronized like this.<br /><br />
“Does it matter to you?” You grumbled at her.<br />
“Mmh, fair point,” she replied(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[ in a gentler tone]. “No, it doesn't.”<br /><br />
You looked back at her and she gave you an apologetic smile(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[, her brown eyes warm on you]. Your face turned hot and you looked away again.<br />
]
(else:)[
The remark made you pause, your shoulders drooping.<br /><br />
“To be honest... I do not know,” you admitted sheepishly. “These circumstances are... new, to say the least.”<br /><br />
Zanetta's expression softened(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[ considerably] and it sparked a warm feeling inside your chest.<br /><br />
“Unexplored territory,” she said with a smile. “Exciting, isn't it?”<br />
You smiled back at her, maybe a little more faintly. “It is.”<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman considered you for a silent moment(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[, with an earnestness that seemed to only occasionally peak through her sarcastic façade].<br />
]}
“To answer your question, yes, I will be living here with you. I do have... family. But I don't live with them anymore. I can visit. I won't be far after all. Not a huge change from before, to be honest.”
She shrugged.
“Although I imagine I might have less free time to do so,” she added with a concerned frown.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“We will make sure you have it,” you replied with a smile.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She smiled back at you, with a warmth that only occasionally peeked through her sarcastic façade. It was making your stomach flutter dangerously.
]
(else:)[
She looked at you with some surprise, an eyebrow raised. But she eventually smiled back.
]}<br /><br />
“I appreciate the thought.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I hope you will have the time,” you replied with a smile.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She smiled back at you, her features softening in a way that sent your stomach aflutter.
]
(else:)[
She looked at you with some surprise, an eyebrow raised. But she eventually smiled back.
]}<br /><br />
“I hope so as well.”
]
(else:)[
<br />You frowned as well. You hoped that she would be able to visit her family. You knew very well how precious those moments could be.<br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
It seemed she had sensed your solicitude ; when you met her eyes, their warmth made your stomach flutter dangerously.
]
(else:)[
When you looked back at her, Zanetta was eyeing you with curiosity, which made your face flush.
]}
]}
Even though she did not specify //what// family she had exactly, you decided not to press her. You suspected she would have told you if she wanted to.
<div class="choice">[[Besides, you had other questions that needed to be addressed.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
“No! Of course not!” You protested while your face was turning dangerously warm.
Zanetta's grin widened to a full smile and she tilted her head to the side, her eyes sizing you up.
“Are you blushing?” She asked, amusement evident in her tone. “You are!”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Please, do not point it out,” you begged, while your face turned even hotter.<br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
The Dwarf chuckled, her smile still wide. “Sorry, but you're just too adorable not to tease.”
]
(else:)[
The Dwarf chuckled, now smirking at you. “I don't know if you deserve mercy.”
]}<br /><br />
You looked away, unable to bare her scrutiny a moment longer.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Of course I am, you did it on purpose!” You replied louder than you intended, your face growing even hotter.<br />
The Dwarf put her hand over her heart and gaped at you in pretend shock. “Baseless accusations!”<br /><br />
She laughed when you glared at her.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“No I am not!” You lied vehemently, while your face turned even hotter.<br />
The Dwarf chuckled and smirked. “Oh, of course not. I'm sure you're just feeling a little warm.”<br /><br />
Of course she was not buying your tall tale. You looked away, now flushing with embarrassment at both your fluttering stomach and your awkward lie.
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />You turned your head away, trying to ignore her while your face turned even hotter.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
The Dwarf chuckled. “Aren't you adorable.”
]
(else:)[
The Dwarf chuckled. “Cute.”
]}<br /><br />
You were tempted to glare at her, but you knew that confronting the warm brown of her eyes would only make it worse.
]}
After one last snicker, Zanetta leaned back, giving you some space to recover.
“To answer your question, yes, I will be living here with you. I do have... family. But I don't live with them anymore. I can visit. I won't be far after all. Not a huge change from before, to be honest.”
She shrugged.
“Although I imagine I might have less free time to do so,” she added with a concerned frown.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“We will make sure you have it,” you replied with a smile.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She smiled back at you, with a warmth that only occasionally peeked through her sarcastic façade. It was making your stomach flutter dangerously.
]
(else:)[
She looked at you with some surprise, an eyebrow raised. But she eventually smiled back.
]}<br /><br />
“I appreciate the thought.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I hope you will have the time,” you replied with a smile.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She smiled back at you, her features warming up in a way that sent your stomach aflutter.
]
(else:)[
She looked at you with some surprise, an eyebrow raised. But she eventually smiled back.
]}<br /><br />
“I hope so as well.”
]
(else:)[
<br />You frowned as well. You hoped that she would be able to visit her family. You knew very well how precious those moments could be.<br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
It seemed she had sensed your solicitude ; when you met her eyes, their warmth made your stomach flutter dangerously.
]
(else:)[
When you looked back at her, Zanetta was eyeing you with curiosity, which made your face flush again.
]}
]}
Even though she did not specify //what// family she had exactly, you decided not to press her. You suspected she would have told you if she wanted to.
<div class="choice">[[Besides, you had other questions that needed to be addressed.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
“No! I mean yes? But not specifically. Sorry, I did not mean to be intrusive,” you fumbled.
Zanetta chuckled. “It's alright, I was teasing you.”
Your cheeks turned warm with embarrassment. It was not that you were not aware the Dwarven woman was poking fun at you, but knowing it did not prevent you from falling for it.
Her grin turned into a gentler smile and she spared you from any more teasing.
“To answer your question, yes, I will be living here with you. I do have... family. But I don't live with them anymore. I can visit. I won't be far after all. Not a huge change from before, to be honest.”
The Dwarf shrugged.
“Although I imagine I might have less free time to do so,” she added with a concerned frown.
“We will make sure you have it,” you replied with a smile.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She smiled back at you, with a warmth that only occasionally peeked through her sarcastic façade.
]
(else:)[
She looked at you with some surprise, an eyebrow raised. But she eventually smiled back.
]}
“I appreciate the thought.”
Even though she did not specify //what// family she had exactly, you decided not to press her. You suspected she would have told you if she wanted to.
<div class="choice">[[Besides, you had other questions that needed to be addressed.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
You shrugged. “That too, I suppose.”
Zanetta chuckled. “Not easily bothered, I see.”
“You will have to do better than that,” you replied with a slight grin.
“Is that a challenge? Be careful with what you ask for.”
Her gaze turned dangerously sly again and you could not help but shift with unease, which only made her laugh.
Once she managed to gain back some sobriety, she said: “To answer your question, yes, I will be living here with you. I do have... family. But I don't live with them anymore. I can visit. I won't be far after all. Not a huge change from before, to be honest.”
She shrugged.
“Although I imagine I might have less free time to do so,” she added with a concerned frown.
“I hope you will have the time,” you replied with a smile.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
She smiled back at you.
]
(else:)[
She looked at you with some surprise, an eyebrow raised. But she eventually smiled back.
]}
“I hope so as well.”
Even though she did not specify //what// family she had exactly, you decided not to press her. You suspected she would have told you if she wanted to.
<div class="choice">[[Besides, you had other questions that needed to be addressed.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
You rolled your eyes. “No, I am not.”
Zanetta chuckled. “No? Well I'm going to answer anyway. Yes, I'm single. What do you make of that?”
She waggled her eyebrows some more and you groaned.
“Please, stop,” you pleaded, your voice tired.
The Dwarf laughed in response.
Once she managed to gain back some sobriety, she said: “To answer your question, yes, I will be living here with you. I do have... family. But I don't live with them anymore. I can visit. I won't be far after all. Not a huge change from before, to be honest.”
She shrugged.
“Although I imagine I might have less free time to do so,” she added with a concerned frown.
You frowned as well. {(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
You hoped that she would be able to visit her family. You knew very well how precious those moments could be. Zanetta seemed to sense your sollicitude ; she smiled softly at you and you shifted awkwardly on {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[the cushions](else:)[the bed]}.
]
(else:)[
You did not know her very well, but you knew how precious moments with one's family could be. You could not help but relate with her, even if only a little. Zanetta eyed you with curiosity but did not say anything more.
]}
Even though she did not specify //what// family she had exactly, you decided not to press her. You suspected she would have told you if she wanted to.
<div class="choice">[[Besides, you had other questions that needed to be addressed.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
Your face scrunched up in annoyance. “You know very well what I meant.”
Zanetta clicked her tongue, but her eyes were still alight with amusement: “I see, no fun allowed, huh?”
“If your idea of fun is to... tease me like that, then no,” you retorted a little awkwardly.
People bemoaning your lack of sense of humour was a bit of a sore spot for you, you had to admit.
The Dwarf's grin widened dangerously. “Mmh, somehow it makes it even more fun.”
You glared at her in response which only made her chuckle.
Once she managed to gain back some sobriety, she said: “To answer your question, yes, I will be living here with you. I do have... family. But I don't live with them anymore. I can visit. I won't be far after all. Not a huge change from before, to be honest.”
She shrugged.
“Although I imagine I might have less free time to do so,” she added with a concerned frown.
You frowned as well. {(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
You hoped that she would be able to visit her family. You knew very well how precious those moments could be. Zanetta seemed to sense your sollicitude ; she smiled softly at you and you shifted awkwardly on {(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[the cushions](else:)[the bed]}.
]
(else:)[
You did not know her very well, but you knew how precious moments with one's family could be. You could not help but relate with her, even if a little. Zanetta eyed you with curiosity but did not say anything more.
]}
Even though she did not specify //what// family she had exactly, you decided not to press her. You suspected she would have told you if she wanted to.
<div class="choice">[[Besides, you had other questions that needed to be addressed.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
“I am... not sure. It makes trust difficult.”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
The Dwarf leaned back and sighed, giving you a contemplative look. “And trust isn't easy in the first place. I get it. But I told you what I am without hesitation, that has to count for something, don't you think?”<br /><br />
You did appreciate that she was open about that at least.<br /><br />
“It does,” you replied slowly. “But how do I know you are not lying about everything else? I would imagine you need to be good at that in your line of work.”<br />
Zanetta shrugged. “You can't know. But the same could be said of anyone. Spies aren't the only people out there who are good at deception. You should have some experience with that: nobles live and breathe lies. And you grew up surrounded by them.”<br /><br />
You frowned. It was true that some nobles were deceitful. But it was not part of their job like it was part of Zanetta's.<br /><br />
“You'll have to wait and see, I'm afraid,” the Dwarf continued. “After all, trust is built over time.”<br />
“That is not very reassuring,” you commented.<br />
She sighed again. “It's not meant to be.”<br /><br />
But it was an honest answer. You felt less tense realizing that. You were still unsure of how much trust you could put in her, but at least she was not the type to sugarcoat reality to enter your good graces. It was something you could appreciate.<br /><br />
You nodded at her. “You are right. Actions will speak louder than words in the end.”<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman smiled at you.
]
(else:)[
<br />The Dwarf's back became stiff as she looked over at you.<br /><br />
“I... imagine it could,” she replied carefully. “Does that mean you've changed your mind?”<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "We need your help")[
You shook your head. “It does not change the fact that I do not have the luxury of choice here. You know the city far better than us and I imagine your profession gives you insights on the powers at play here that will be of great help to us.”<br /><br />
A smug smile stretched the Dwarven woman's lips and she relaxed visibly.<br /><br />
“That's right,” she replied confidently.<br /><br />
You still regarded her with circumspection, however, which she did not fail to notice and the smile faded quickly.<br /><br />
“But having to rely on you so much also makes us vulnerable if you ever decided to... throw us to the wolves,” you added. “Which means I have to be careful.”<br /><br />
Zanetta cocked her head to the side, looking at you attentively.<br /><br />
“You're a smart one, aren't you,” she said after a while.<br /><br />
Her warm smile caught you off-guard.<br /><br />
“Very well, I can't blame you for being careful,” she continued, her eyes shining with interest.<br /><br />
You cleared your throat and looked away, feeling a bit awkward at the compliment. Maybe it was time to change the subject.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "We should trust you")[
You considered her quietly for a moment. “I do not know. I mean... I still want to trust you. But is it foolish of me? Should I not be more careful?”<br />
The Dwarven woman relaxed visibly, a faint smile on her lips. “And you're asking the person you're not sure you can trust?”<br /><br />
//Now// you felt foolish. Your cheeks flushed and you dropped your gaze to your lap. Zanetta chuckled.<br /><br />
“You probably should be more careful,” she admitted. “But there are worst things out there than being too trusting. Being so paranoid that you refuse help from anyone, for exemple. Besides, you're young and you can still learn to better weed out the untrustworthy.”<br /><br />
She laughed softly again. “If you trust me, I'd say you already have pretty good instincts. But that's my biased opinion.”<br /><br />
She winked at you and you could not help but smile back. After all, if your gut told you you could trust the Dwarf, why not follow that? It was not like you had anything else to base your judgement on.<br />
You decided to leave the matter at that for now.
]
(else:)[
You shook your head. “No, we already came to an accord despite my reservations. I just... hope you understand why I have them in the first place.”<br /><br />
She relaxed visibly at your answer.<br /><br />
Nodding, she said: “I do understand. Being on your guard will benefit you... As long as you don't alienate potential allies in the process.”<br /><br />
Her eyebrow shot up while she gave you a pointed look. You avoided her gaze and felt your cheeks flush. You did not want to revisit that conversation.<br /><br />
“Yes, of course,” you mumbled back.<br />
Zanetta smirked slightly at you. “Glad we're on the same page.”<br /><br />
You ignored her smug tone, ready to move on to a different subject.
]}
]}
<div class="choice">[[There were other questions you were curious to ask.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
And you shrugged, indifferent. “It is just your job. Someone has to do it, I suppose.”
The Dwarven woman tilted her head to the side. “You suppose, huh? Doesn't Ahabalad has its own secret services?”
“Of course we have them, but...” You replied, hesitantly. “It is not something my education has covered extensively yet.”
Zanetta straightened up, looking at you with a frown. “That's... more than a little surprising. Weren't you supposed to take the throne after your nineteenth birthday?”
This line of questioning was making you uneasy. It was a reminder that you were not up to the task of ruling your country. Especially not after the mess your uncle left it in. You could not blame Lady Domara either, she had been doing her best with what ressources she had access to. Your uncle had been unhelpful, to say the least, in giving you access to the teachers you needed.
You frowned, looking down at your wringing hands.
“I was supposed to, yes, with the help of advisors,” you tried to justify. “They did not expect a nineteen-year-old to start ruling unassisted. Besides, should you not be just as aware of our secret services? Is it not your job to be informed about that?”
You hoped that turning the question on her would help you avoid any more scrutiny. The Dwarf side-eyed you with a sly smirk, as if she //knew//.
“In part,” she answered nonetheless. “Being an agent of Internal Intelligence, however, foreign affairs aren't really a big focus for me. I do know about your secret services however.”
“You do?” You could not help but ask with some curiosity.
She nodded, her grin widening. “Yes. They're known world-wide for being nearly non-existent. Apparently you guys don't think you have enough secrets to protect and you're not too interested in the secrets of others either.”
“Oh,” you said, not sure if you should have felt offended or proud.
“That or they're the most efficient secret services in the world and no one seem able to spot its agents.”
You rubbed the back of your neck, feeling a little awkward.
“I think it is the former,” you confessed. “Honesty and straightforwardness are extremely valued in our society. It is reflected on our dealings with other nations, that I know.”
You frowned, thinking of your uncle and all the conflicts he had initiated.
“Well, it used to be like that, anyway,” you murmured.
Shaking your head, you looked back at Zanetta who had a slight but sympathetic smile on her face.
You were eager to change the subject.
<div class="choice">[[There were other questions you were curious to ask.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
And you could not stop the wide smile that split your face. “I think it is very exciting!”
Maybe your idea of what a spy did was a little romanticized. The Dwarf chuckled at your enthusiasm.
“It does get pretty exciting at times,” she said with a crooked smirk. “Sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a bad way.”
You nodded, trying to rein in your eagerness. Life-threatening situations were probably not as fun as novels made them out to be.
“It also can be very boring,” Zanetta carried on. “There's all this paperwork to do, reports to write.”
She groaned. “Saints, so many reports.”
“Will you have to write reports on what you will be doing here, too?” You asked, suddenly curious.
The Dwarven woman's grimace would probably have been the same if you had asked her to drink a whole tub of dirty bath water.
“Are you sure you don't want me to tell you about how I seduced my way into a noble's secret study? Or about when I infiltrated the underground fighting ring?”
You smiled at her. It did sound like things you very much wanted to hear more about.
“Maybe another time?”
She sighed. “Fine. Yes... I will have to write reports.”
You tensed up slightly. You were not sure if it was good or bad news. (if: (history:) contains "The owners")[Considering how corrupt the Senate and the King seemed to be, probably bad. ]Zanetta looked at you and seemed to perceive your discomfort.
“I don't plan to make them very detailed, however,” she said.
You felt a bit reassured by this and you smiled gratefully at her. You decided to not linger on the subject however.
<div class="choice">[[There were other questions you were curious to ask.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
“It sounds... fascinating. Is it at all like fiction makes it out to be?”
The Dwarf propped her elbow on her knee and placed her chin in her hand, gazing at you with hooded eyes and a (if: (history:) contains "Don't you have a family?")[now familiar ]smug grin.
“I don't know, what does fiction make it out to be?” She asked with obvious delight.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You froze. You did not plan this out and you just walked into the trap you had laid out for yourself.<br /><br />
“Well, in novels, spies tend to... They are very.. They do a lot of... You know,” you mumbled awkwardly.<br /><br />
Zanetta burst out laughing and you glared at her, the effect of which was dampened by your flushing face, you suspected.<br /><br />
“Ah, yes, that does make things much clearer, thank you,” she replied with a wide smirk and a last chuckle.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Well, in novels, spies seem to always need to seduce targets for one reason or another,” you responded quite straightforwardly. “Do you actually do.. that?”<br /><br />
Despite your boldness or maybe because of it, your cheeks felt even warmer, the blush undoubtedly visible by now.<br /><br />
“My, my,” Zanetta replied, her grin widening. “What interesting books you read.”<br /><br />
This time you were pretty sure all of your blood had rushed to your face. She laughed.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You did not expect her to turn the question back on you like that. In retrospect, maybe you should have. Your cheeks became increasingly hot.<br /><br />
“Are you telling me you have never read any novel with spies in it?” You asked, quite defensively.<br /><br />
Zanetta's smile dropped, her lips taking the shape of a pout instead. For some reason, you did not feel any satisfaction out of it.<br /><br />
“Spoilsport,” she grumbled.<br /><br />
You shifted uneasily, feeling a bit angry at yourself for missing her smile.
]
(else:)[
<br />Suddenly, you started to doubt you really wanted this question answered.<br /><br />
“Oh... well, you know... It is likely all wrong,” you fumbled. “It was insensitive of me to ask, you probably hear that question a lot.”<br />
“Not at all,” Zanetta replied, her grin widening. “I'm actually flattered that you think of me as a novel heroine.”<br /><br />
She winked at you and your cheeks felt incredibly warm. She laughed.
]}
“To answer your question,” the Dwarven woman continued. “My job doesn't feel... Quite as glamorous as what you might see in novels. Seducing a target is... rare and only works in particular sets of circumstances. And to be honest, I avoid it as much as possible. It's not as fun as it sounds like. Things do get pretty exciting, at times, but you generally hope for things to not get //too// exciting.”
She snickered, still looking at you with a glint of amusement in her eyes. You cleared your throat and looked away. It was time to change subjects.
<div class="choice">[[There were other questions you were curious to ask.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
“It may be a bit... unsavory. But it is a profession that is sometimes necessary,” you answered with a new-found respect for the Dwarf.
She scoffed, narrowing her eyes at you.
“Well I'm glad you find my job ‘unsavory’,” she said with no small amount of sarcasm.
“Do you not find it unsavory?” You asked her pointedly.
Her eyebrows raised in surprise. She straightened up and her expression became more serious.
“I do, at times,” she admitted. “But when I do, I start questioning how necessary it all is. If what you're doing is truly distasteful, I think you have to evaluate how much you really need to do it. It better be a whole lot.”
You frowned thoughtfully and nodded. You understood what she was getting at, or you thought you did. And you suspected she was trying to get the point across for your benefit more than hers.
“But are you even able to decide what to do and what not to do?” You asked after a short pause. “I imagine you have to follow orders...”
Zanetta huffed. “I don't always follow them. That's what got me into trouble in the first place.”
{(if: (history:) contains "You did not choose this assignment")[
“You got into trouble?”<br />
She winced. “Yeah, well... I did mention that I didn't really get this mission as a reward, didn't I?”<br /><br />
You nodded but frowned as well. She did mention that and that raised quite a few questions in your mind. Before you could think of asking any of them, however, she continued:<br /><br />
“Yes, I got into trouble, more than once. But I always knew how to make myself useful enough that certain... missteps were overlooked.”<br /><br />
She gave you one of her signature confident smiles. (if: $charisma > 7)[But it seemed flimsier than her usual ones, for some reason. ]You elected to not push the issue any further.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "No deal")[
<br />A deep frown creased your brow. She did tell you about how her current mission was deemed impossible by her superiors. You swallowed hard and fear gripped you again. You shook your head, eager to think about something else. Anything else.
]
(else:)[
“You got into trouble?” You asked, frowning.<br /><br />
Was that something you were supposed to be aware of?<br /><br />
The Dwarf winced. “Yes, more than once. But I always knew how to make myself useful enough that certain... missteps were overlooked.”<br /><br />
She gave you one of her signature confident smiles. (if: $charisma > 7)[But it seemed flimsier than her usual ones, for some reason. ]You elected to not push the issue any further.
]}
<div class="choice">[[There were other questions you were curious to ask.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
And it only made you more curious. “That is a very particular calling that requires some degree of selflessness. How does one become... a spy?”
The Dwarven woman scoffed, which made your eyebrows knit together. She looked back at you with a slight but apologetic smile.
“If only. I can count the numbers of my colleagues that could be described as remotely selfless on the fingers of one hand.”
She sighed. “Corruption is sadly rampant among Telidrica Internal Intelligence's agents. It is to be expected, considering the relationship between the government and the Thieves' Guild.”
{(if: (history:) contains "The owners")[
<br />You nodded, it made sense knowing that organized crime was all but sanctioned in the city. Still, it made your frown deepen. The very idea was highly unpleasant.
]
(else:)[
Your frown deepened. “What do you mean?”<br />
The Dwarf sighed again. “The Thieves' Guild pays... ‘unofficial taxes’ to the government. That makes everything they do more or less sanctioned by the crown.<br />
Your eyes widened with disbelief. “That is appalling!”<br />
She smirked bitterly. “Tell me about it.”
]}
You stayed quiet for a moment, before glancing back at Zanetta, considering her carefully.
“That does not tell me if you would count yourself among the selfless ones...”
She chuckled. “That's because it's a tricky question to answer. Calling myself ‘selfless’ would sound awfully like bragging. And ‘selfless’ people don't typically brag, do they?”
You smiled back at her, if shyly. It was a valid point.
“You did not answer my other question,” you reminded her.
“How does one become a spy?”
You hummed
The Dwarf looked at you thoughtfully. “In my experience, many, many ways. I've seen young nobles in search of a thrill, reformed criminals with many a contact, poor kids trying to get a decent pay, patriots who believed they could make a difference... Sometimes it's a mix of those.”
“Which one are you?” You asked.
She threw a mysterious smile at you. “That's rather private, don't you think?”
Your cheeks turned hot with shame.
“Yes! Of course! I apologize,” you fumbled.
The Dwarven woman snickered, not looking offended in the least.
<div class="choice">[[You cleared your throat, ready to change the subject and you turned your thoughts to other questions you had.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
“There is something that I am still confused about,” you said, your frown quickly coming back. “If the Thieves' Guild is sanctioned by your government, do you work with them or against them?”
Another cynical smirk painted the Dwarf's lips.
“You know,” she replied with a dark chuckle. “I wish I had been given a clear answer on that as well. But in practice, it's both. Sometimes, our interests converge and we join forces. Other times, we have to keep them in check, make sure they don't go too far.”
“I see... What about you? Did you have to work with them?”
Zanetta exhaled a long and strained sigh.
“Unfortunately,” she admitted begrudgingly. “I try to avoid it as much as possible. Although there are a lot of people who work for the Guild, not all of them bad. I try to work with the good ones when I have to.”
“I take it you do not like the Guild.”
She shook her head. “I hate it.”
You frowned while pondering her answer. You did not specifically expect her to //like// a criminal organization, but you were still a bit surprised by her answer. Why such a strong feeling?
So you asked: “Why is that?”
The Dwarf smirked, raising an eyebrow at you. “Is that so hard to believe? That I don't like organized crime?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“N-no! Of course not!” You protested, a little flustered. “It's just that... Well they seem to feed off high society in-fighting. I... You do not strike me as someone who would care that much about that... Huh— I mean no offence!”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You shrugged. “I am just wondering if there is a specific reason. Other than crime being bad, that is.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Your frown deepened. “Well, you have worked with them. You say some of them are good.”
]
(else:)[
“No, but they seem to feed off high society in-fighting and something tells me that is not something that bothers you too much.”
]}
She sighed again. “It's not the whole robbing the rich and assassinate the powerful thing that bothers me the most, that's true. It's who they use to do their bidding that enrages me. Unfortunate people, folks that are in vulnerable positions. Thief and killer are rarely vocational profession. Not to mention they're highly dangerous and a lot of them meet an early demise.”
Hearing her words, you felt your chest constrict. You had never really thought of who those people hired to do their dirty work.
“I... understand,” you replied after swallowing thickly.
<div class="choice">[[You considered changing the subject by asking another of your questions.->Questions directory 01]]</div>
A young $MCgender looked back at you, dark and deep circles dulling $MCpronoun3 (cycling-link: bind $eyecolor, "black", "brown", "hazel", "green", "blue", "gray", "mismatched") eyes. You had not realized how tired you looked. Life seemed to have seeped out of your usually richer (cycling-link: bind $skincolor, "black", "deep brown", "brown", "tan", "olive", "light", "pale") skin. You narrowed your eyes at your reflection, taking a few steps closer to the sink and leaning on the expensive-looking wooden counter. Was that a pimple marring your (cycling-link: bind $skintexture, "freckled", "mole-constellated", "vitiligo-dappled","even") complexion? You let out a dissatisfied grunt as you poked gently at the blemish.
With a sigh, you pushed yourself back. If ever there was a sign you needed sleep, the sad picture in front of you was it.
{<div class="choice">[[You pushed back the end of your headscarf that had slid off your shoulder.->Headscarf]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[You ran your hand through your hair, adding to your disheveled look.->No headscarf]]</div>}{(set: $headscarf to true)}
The ornate cloth was hiding it, of course, but you knew your (cycling-link: bind $hairtexture, "coiled", "curly", "wavy", "straight") (cycling-link: bind $haircolor, "black", " dark brown", "warm brown", "mousey brown", "auburn", "red", "ginger", "dark blond", "ashy blond", "honey blond", "platinum") hair was in need of a wash. Maybe tomorrow, you thought, exhausted. You really did not want to wait for your (cycling-link: bind $hairlength, "long", "shoulder-length", "short", "cropped") locks to dry before going to bed.
You threw a last critical glare at your reflection before turning away from the mirror. You thought you had seen your luggage near the sofa in your bed chambers. It was more than time for you to change and burrow yourself in your strange new bed.
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
<div class="choice">[[You headed back to your bedroom.->Back to your bedroom]]</div>
]
(else:)[
<div class="choice">[[You headed back to your bedroom.->Getting ready to sleep]]</div>
]}{(set: $headscarf to false)}
You winced when you felt how oily your scalp was. Your (cycling-link: bind $hairtexture,"coiled", "curly", "wavy", "straight") (cycling-link: bind $haircolor, "black", " dark brown", "warm brown", "mousey brown", "auburn", "red", "ginger", "dark blond", "ashy blond", "honey blond", "platinum") hair was very much in need of a wash. Maybe tomorrow, you thought, exhausted. You really did not want to wait for your (cycling-link: bind $hairlength, "long", "shoulder-length", "short", "cropped") locks to dry before going to bed.
You threw a last critical glare at your reflection before turning away from the mirror. You thought you had seen your luggage near the sofa in your bed chambers. It was more than time for you to change and burrow yourself in your strange new bed.
{(if: (history:) contains "After the knight left")[
<div class="choice">[[You headed back to your bedroom.->Back to your bedroom]]</div>
]
(else:)[
<div class="choice">[[You headed back to your bedroom.->Getting ready to sleep]]</div>
]}
As soon as you passed the threshold, however, you stopped dead in your tracks. Your eyes settled on the short silhouette of Zanetta.
(display: "A talk with Zanetta")
{(if: ((history:) contains "After the knight left") and ($ZanettaTrust is -2))[
You stayed frozen {(if: (history:) contains "No deal")[in your chair](else:)[on your feet]} a while longer. It took a moment for you to calm your frantic breathing and panicked thoughts.<br />
Forcing yourself to take deep, slow breath, you redirected your mind to what you were doing before Zanetta sneaked into your room. Getting ready to sleep. Right.<br /><br />
]}You looked around, searching for your luggage. Spotting the heavy cases near the couch, you walked towards them. Moving them around to a clearer space was {(if: $martial > 7)[no problem at all](else-if: $martial > 0)[a little bit of a struggle](else:)[quite the struggle]}, as was getting them open. Now, trying to dig out your night clothes from under the layers of neatly folded fabric was another ordeal entirely. You never had to do those things on your own and it was embarrassing to think such a simple task was that difficult to you. You finally managed to pull out a light-weight pair of trousers and tunic you would usually wear in bed, but not without leaving the clothing that was on top in a bundled mess. You stood back up, a little flushed, deciding to deal with that problem in the morning... Maybe with a little help from Lady Domara.
Laying the sleepwear on the bed, you sat on the mattress with a sigh. All that was left to do was to undress and put your hard-earned clean clothes on...
{<div class="choice">(link: "But not before removing your hearing-aids.")[
(set: $handicap to "hard of hearing")
(go-to: "Time to go to bed")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "But not before removing your glasses.")[
(set: $handicap to "myopia")
(go-to: "Time to go to bed")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "And remove your prosthetic hand, of course.")[
(set: $handicap to "missing hand")
(go-to: "Time to go to bed")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "And you did just that.")[
(set: $handicap to "none")
(go-to: "Time to go to bed")
]</div>}
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
You unhooked the two wooden and rubber devices from your ears, the world turning incredibly quiet. You rubbed a thumb over the glyphs engraved in the wood before placing the hearing-aids on the night stand.<br />
You wished you could keep them on all night, but the enchantments which tapped into your own magical essence would drain you and exhaust you. If you were not careful, wearing the prosthesis for too long without time to recharge, it could even kill you, from what you had been told. But what if an assassin crept into your room? There would be no chance of you hearing them. You had to trust you were safe enough, however, with both Ajmal and Zanetta nearby.<br />
You tried to take your mind off of revolutions and assassins and changed into your night clothes.
]
(else-if: $handicap is "myopia")[
You unhooked the frames from your ears and blinked a couple of times as the world turned blurry. You had a pretty severe case of myopia so you had to wear the corrective lenses nearly all the time.<br />
You set the glasses down on the night stand while rubbing the bridge of your nose. At least you saw well enough at close range, so changing into your night clothes was not a problem.
]
(else-if: $handicap is "missing hand")[
You changed into your night clothes before unbuckling the straps of the leather bracer that attached the prosthesis to your (cycling-link: bind $missinghand, "left", "right") arm. There was always this slight //crackling// in the air when you removed your hand and its wooden fingers and metal joints went limp. It was //almost// a sound, you could not define it, really.<br />
The sudden void you felt in place of your hand was always a little strange, although being born with amelia, you had to get used to having a prothesis very early on. Removing the enchanted device every night was necessary, not only to let your skin breath but also because you had to recharge your magical essence in which your prosthetic hand was tapping. Not removing it for too long would exhaust you and potentially kill you, from what you had been told.<br />
You placed the intricate apparatus delicately on the night stand.
]
(else:)[
You changed into your night clothes with a sigh of relief. It was nice to slide your sore body into clean and light fabric after travelling all day in the same clothes.
]}
Lifting the covers, you slithered into bed, burying yourself under a mountain of comforters and fresh sheets. You could tell they just had been washed by their slight floral scent. A trifle of a luxury compared to what your life was back in Ahadinat's Palace. But it felt like forever ago and the small comfort of sleeping in a soft and clean bed was enough to make you forget that there was people out there who wanted your head, if only for one night.
{(if: ((history:) contains "After Zanetta left") and ((history:) contains "I should have been more considerate" or "Do not feel threatened" or "That is a little selfish" or "None of your business" or "Do not worry about that"))[
<div class="choice">... But your conversation with Zanetta was keeping you awake. (link: "You did not think you could sleep until you apologized to Sir Mansoor.")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Apologizing to Sir Mansoor")
]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[You slept better than you had been for weeks.->CHAPTER TWO]]</div>}{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)
]
(unless: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
]
(set: $chapter to "CHAPTER TWO")
(set: $MCage to 19)
(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
(set: $ZanettaOtherFlirts to 1)
]}
''CHAPTER TWO''
It had been several months since your arrival...
And the day of your nineteenth birthday had finally come. Too little, too late, you thought with some bitterness as you pushed aside your bed sheets, sitting up with a sigh. Over the past few months, you had built a new routine — not an entirely unfamiliar one — filled with lessons, studies and quiet isolation. Well, sort of. You did go out quite a bit on Nuto’s gondola, but you still avoided interacting with people on your trips. Well. You did not interact with the crowd you were used to, that was for sure. It turned out Nuto had quite a few friends working on the waterways of Lagodoro: other gondoliers, mail carriers and even that very talkative sweeper you often spotted on the banks. (if:$guile > 7)[He had other friends too, of the less recommendable sort. Ones that helped him teach you all sorts of strange new skills. Very handy, but you were not sure Lady Domara or even Sir Mansoor would approve.]
You also had to get used to having lessons from Zanetta. Her teaching methods were quite different from Lady Domara’s. Some things were tedious, sure, like learning the names of all the major members of the Lagodoro high society, but most of the time, the Dwarven woman managed to make the time you spent with her as fun as it was instructive. She was fond of using role playing to make you practice your social skills. (if:$charisma > 7)[You learned a lot from observing how smoothly she could slide from one persona to another.]
Zanetta also brought you news from Ahabalad whenever she could, but the most you could get was usually from papers. They did not give you a deep insight into the situation but you still knew the gist of it: it was not good. The conflict was still raging. The army, led by Dame Mansoor, was still fighting off the rebels, but it seemed like they were loosing ground every day. It felt ridiculous, unfathomable. Part of you had hoped that everything would have settled by now, that you would already be back at the palace and things would have gone back to normal. But Zanetta had told you that every week, more and more of your soldiers were defecting to join the revolutionaries. That was what was tipping the balance in their favor. It was heartbreaking, but you also suspected they had good reasons to switch sides. They were defending your uncle, the one who dragged them from campaign to campaign, making their friends die for little purpose.
Maybe if you had stayed...
You took a deep breath and stood up. That was a line of thinking you did not want to follow, not right now, not on your birthday. You {(if: $handicap is "myopia")[took your glasses and](else-if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[took your hearing aids and](else-if: $handicap is "missing hand")[took your prosthetic hand and]} headed for the bathroom, grabbing clothes to get ready for the day. {(if: ($martial > 7) or ($guile > 7))[
It was something practical, as the only lesson you had planned for today was {(if: $martial > 7)[one with Ajmal](else:)[an outing with Nuto]}.
]
(else:)[
It was something comfortable, as the only lesson you had planned for today was one with {(if: $intelligence > 7)[Lady Domara](else:)[Zanetta]}.
]}
<div class="choice">[[Once there, you could not help but stop in front of the ornate mirror.->In front of the mirror]]</div>{(set: $MansoorTrust to 0)}
With a sigh, you pushed the inviting covers away and sat up. {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
Putting your hearing-aids back on, you
]
(else-if: $handicap is "myopia")[
Putting your glasses back on, you
]
(else-if: $handicap is "missing hand")[
You considered putting your prosthetic hand back on, but you did not really need it just to talk to Sir Mansoor. So you
]
(else:)[
You
]} stood up, the wooden floor creaking under your bare feet. You quietly made your way out of your chambers to find yourself on the stairs' landing once again. The lights had been extinguished, however and it was difficult to see in the faint glow coming through the windows. You took a few moments to get your eyes used to the darkness before walking down the corridor to your left. It was a very lengthy hallway that seemed to run down the entirety of the east wing of the mansion.
Thankfully, you did not have to go far. You stopped at the first door on your left.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[
You hesitated. Remembering Sir Mansoor's expression when you sent him away and what Zanetta said, you swallowed thickly. You were not sure what would await you on the other side of that door and you started feeling nervous. What if he rejected your apology? It was a possibility. You had been harsh with him and you did not care if you hurt his feelings. Or you thought you did not care, until you realized how badly you did hurt him.<br />
You took a steadying breath, closing your eyes, before finally knocking on the wooden panel. Silence followed. It stretched out.<br />
Maybe he had not heard you? You considered knocking again when you finally heard footsteps. Soon after, the door opened.<br />
Sir Mansoor was facing you. He had removed his breastplate, gloves and boots, but was otherwise still in uniform. His eyes were awfully red. You felt a knot in your throat.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCtitle)?” The knight blurted, his eyes widening in surprise. “I—”<br /><br />
He rubbed a hand over his eyes and looked to the side, maybe hoping you would not notice the state he was in, but it only made it more obvious. You shuffled awkwardly on your feet.<br /><br />
“I—I mean... Is there anything you need, $MCcovertitle?” He asked in a broken voice.<br /><br />
You felt awful. Zanetta had not exaggerated, to say the least.
]
(else:)[
You took a deep breath and knocked on the wooden panel. The footsteps followed a short silence and soon enough, the door opened.<br />
Sir Mansoor was facing you, dressed in his sleepwear just like you — although his were a lot less ornate than yours. His hair was ruffled and his eyes bleary, although widening in surprise.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCtitle)?” He blurted out before catching himself. “I mean— How can I help you, $MCcovertitle?”<br /><br />
Did you pull him out of bed? You felt a little guilty that you deprived him of some much needed sleep in order to appease your conscience.
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I am sorry to disturb you, Sir Mansoor. There is something I would like to say to you. Would you mind if I came in?”<br />
“No, of course not,” he replied after a brief pause, stepping aside to let you in.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“There is something I have to say to you,” you answered. “Can I come in?”<br />
“Yes, of course,” he replied after a brief pause, stepping aside to let you in.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“There is something I need to tell you,” you replied. “Could you please invite me in?”<br /><br />
At first, the only answer was silence. For a short, dreadful moment you thought he was going to refuse.<br /><br />
“Please, come in,” he finally said to your relief, stepping aside to let you in.
]
(else:)[
“Sorry, I just wanted to talk,” you answered hesitantly, looking over his shoulder.<br /><br />
It was not a conversation you wanted to have in the corridor.<br /><br />
He glanced hesitantly at his room before finally stepping aside. “Alright. Please come in.”
]}
[[You walked into Sir Mansoor's bedroom.->Walking into his bedroom]]
The room was smaller than the one you were given, but it was still spacious, its dimension more akin to those of your bed chambers in the Royal Palace. It was not as decorated as yours either, showing less personality than the master bedroom. The double bed had an ornate iron frame — although nothing as grand as your canopy — and was covered with plain, deep turquoise sheets that matched the two-toned paint on the walls. The bluish greens made the chamber feel cool and relaxing but still inviting, despite the sparse furniture. There was a squat dresser to store a limited amount of clothing and a narrow desk, both made of the same honey-hued wood that was found all over the house. Other than an elegant rug, a simple vase on the dresser, and a still life painting hanging above the desk to tie the room together, there was no other piece of furniture. You had to guess it used to be a guest room.
Sir Mansoor closed the door behind you and walked further into the room, standing at a respectful distance from you. (if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[He was still avoiding your gaze.]
“What... did you want to talk about, $MCcovertitle?” He asked, forcing his tone to stay neutral.
You took a deep breath.
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I apologize,” you responded, trying to keep eye-contact with him(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[, which was complicated while he was looking away]. “I should not have snapped at you, telling you to not question me again(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[, nor should I have dismissed you so abruptly while you were inspecting my room].”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I am sorry,” you started before pausing, struggling to find the right words. “I have treated you poorly tonight and I am sorry.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I would like you to please accept my apologies,” you responded in a clipped tone. Were you being too formal? “It was unworthy of me to snap at you like I did, telling you to never question me again(if: $Mansoortrust is -2)[ and dismissing you so harshly during your dutiful inspection of my room].”
]
(else:)[
“I woud like to apologize,” you responded softly. “For snapping at you, telling you to not question me(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[ and for dismissing you so abruptly during the inspection of my room].”
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[
Finally, the knight dared a glance at you, surprise eclipsing his discomfort. He blinked and his eyes looked shinier than before.<br /><br />
“I— You do not have to—”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor took a shaky breath, pressing his thumb and fingers over his eyes. You could see the corner of his lips twitching and felt yourself getting overwhelmed by his obvious emotion. Did you do it wrong? Was something you said upsetting him even more somehow?<br /><br />
“Thank you,” he sobbed, tears welling up in his eyes. “I know— I know you do not have to do this, that it is your right to... So thank you.”<br /><br />
Oh. So it was the good kind of emotion.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I... think I did have to do it,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I did have to do it")
] you replied, looking away.<br />
You were feeling a bit raw as well. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You stepped up to him, enveloping him in a comforting hug.")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Enveloping him in a comforting hug")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You shuffled awkwardly on your feet.<br />
(link: "“You... are welcome.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "You... are welcome")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Of course,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Of course")
] you replied a bit stiffly.<br />
You averted your gaze, feeling a bit embarrassed to witness his vulnerability. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
The knight blinked at you and suddenly, his whole posture relaxed. You had not realized how tense he was until you saw his shoulders drop and his chest heave a sigh of relief.<br /><br />
“I— You do not have to apologize, $MCcovertitle,” he said, his genuine smile telling a much different story. “It is well within your rights to remind me when I am crossing a line. But I appreciate it, nonetheless.”<br />
You smiled back at him, feeling yourself breathe easier as well. {(if: $maintrait is "comapssionate")[
“Then it was worth apologizing.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Nonsense, it needed to be said.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“You are welcome.”
]
(else:)[
“I am glad.”
]}<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor did not reply, but his grateful smile spoke volume. You were glad you had decided to come to him and apologize. It was with a much lighter heart that you turned to leave his room.<br />
(display: "I will let you rest")
]}
“I will let you rest now, Sir Mansoor.”
The knight nodded, a faint smile on his lips. “Of course. Good night $MCcovertitle.”
You took your leave, regaining your own room promptly. Getting ready for sleep once again, you slid back under the covers of your bed with a sigh of relief.
[[Your conscience appeased, sleep found you easily this time.->CHAPTER TWO]]
“I... think I did have to do it,” you replied, looking away.
You were feeling a bit raw as well.
Suddenly, strong arms were wrapped around you and Sir Mansoor squeezed you to his chest. For a short moment, you were engulfed in warmth and soft fabric. But the knight released you quickly, stepping back at a more respectful distance.
“I— I apologize! I did not mean to— I just wanted to express... my gratitude,” he fumbled, looking away, only giving you occasional and fearful glances.
“It is alright,” you reassured him, your voice a bit hoarse.
Your vision was turning blurry and you sniffled a bit. Maybe you needed that hug as much as he needed it. You smiled at each other, probably feeling equally silly. But you were also relieved that the tension between you had dissolved. Maybe you could leave him be, now, give him some space.
(display: "I will let you rest")
{(if: $MCsize is "small")[
Your arms wrapped around his waist, you squeezed gently but firmly. With your ear close to his chest, you could hear the lilting sound of his heartbeat. The knight hugged you back, leaning into you and engulfing you in his arms.
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
Your arms wrapped his torso, you squeezed firmly, giving him gentle back rubs. The knight hugged you back, leaning into you and holding you tightly against him.
]
(else:)[
On arm wrapped around his shoulders, the other around his torso, you squeezed firmly, patting his back gently. The knight hugged you back, leaning into you and burying his face in your neck.
]}
Taking your embrace as an invitation to let his emotions run freely — and it was — a few sobs shook his entire body as he cried in your arms. You let him take as long as he needed, just holding him and brushing his back, only parting when he moved first.
You stepped back, watching him rub his eyes raw.
“I... I am sorry, I am such a mess...”
“Please do not apologize,” you reassured him softly.
He smiled at you gratefully and you smiled back, relieved to see him feeling better. You were confident you could now leave him be.
(display: "I will let you rest")
“You... are welcome.”
You averted your gaze while Sir Mansoor took a few moments to rub his eyes and find some composure back. You could not think of any comforting words to say so the least you could do was give him a bit of privacy.
“I am sorry,” he mumbled. “I guess it has been a long day.”
Chuckling weakly, he smiled gratefully at you and you could only smile back. It was a relief to see him happier, even if it was a brittle expression. Maybe it was time for you to leave him alone.
(display: "I will let you rest")
“Of course,” you replied a bit stiffly.
You averted your gaze, feeling a bit embarrassed to witness his vulnerability. It took a few moments and quite a bit of eye-rubbing for the knight to find some of his composure back.
“I am so sorry,” he mumbled. “It has been a long day and...”
“It is fine,” you cut him off.
You bit down on your lower lip, regretting being so brusque. But he smiled gratefully at you which made you smile back. Reassured that the day was ending on a much better note for him, you felt that it was time to leave him alone.
(display: "I will let you rest")
You looked much different than when you first arrived. Better rested, of course, but also fitter. Learning combat with Sir Mansoor was already bearing fruit and you could see the results in your reflection. The young knight turned out to be a patient and kind but surprisingly efficient teacher. (if:$martial > 7)[With how much focus you put into your training, you were also becoming significantly stronger.]
Your gaze dropped from the mirror to the sink and you proceeded to freshen up before putting on your clothes. Leaving the bathroom once you were done, you headed towards your bedroom’s doors. You bumped into a pile of books that was sitting on a side table, almost making it topple over. You managed to stabilize it before the books could fall on the floor. You sighed with relief, your gaze glancing about the room. There was... a significant amount of books and papers... Well, about everywhere. Lady Domara’s new and improved studying regime was intense, to say the least. You felt tired just looking at the mess in your chambers. Political sciences, geography, History and even military strategy... It seemed like the list of things yet to learn was ever-growing. (if:$intelligence > 7)[But with how Lady Domara pushed you every day, you could not deny that you were becoming quite knowledgeable in a lot of areas.]
You shook your head, trying to focus on the tasks ahead, and pushed the doors, exiting through the antechamber.
{<div class="choice">(if: $intelligence > 7)[
[[It was time for you to rejoin Lady Domara for the lesson of the day.->Lady Domara's lesson]]
]
(else-if: $martial > 7)[
[[It was time for you to find Ajmal for today’s training session.->Ajmal's training session]]
]
(else-if: $charisma > 7)[
(link: "It was time for you to meet with Zanetta for today’s lesson.")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Zanetta's lesson")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "It was time for you to meet Nuto for your trip in town.")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Nuto's special trip")
]
]</div>}
As soon as you were out on the stairs landing, you climbed down, retracing the now familiar path leading to the study in which you usually took your lessons with Lady Domara. You quickly crossed the entryway to enter the large central living room Zanetta led you to to explain the situation, the first night you arrived here. You stopped your hurried pace when you noticed Nuto was just coming out of the east wing, a small steaming cup in his large, rough hands.
“Hey,” he greeted you in an even more gravelly voice than usual.
“Good morning,” you replied politely.
“Heading to the study for your lesson?”
You nodded to confirm and he took a sip of what you suspected was freshly brewed coffee, by the powerful scent wafting your way. He probably just came from the kitchen.
“Don’t work yourself too hard,” the gondolier said after the short pause.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled. “I will be alright, thank you for your concern.”<br />
He frowned. “You sure?”<br /><br />
You nodded again, although you felt a little uneasy under his piercing blue gaze.<br /><br />
“Alright,” he said after a while. “Don’t hesitate to take a break, though. It’s your birthday, after all.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded again, appreciative. “Thank you.”<br />
“No problem,” he simply answered and you stared at him, feeling some strange form of kinship with the taciturn Dwarf.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You frowned. “The work needs to be done.”<br />
“Sure, but nobody said it had to be done today. Take a break. It’s your birthday.”<br />
“I... will take it under consideration,” you finally relented under his piercing blue stare.<br />
He sighed heavily. “I guess that’s a start.”
]
(else:)[
You offered him a lopsided smile. “Tell that to Lady Domara.”<br />
He nodded, somewhat to your surprise. “I will.”<br />
You blinked at him. “You... will?”<br />
“Yes,” he stated, simply, staring at you with his piercing blue eyes.<br />
“Thank you,” you said, rubbing your neck awkwardly.<br />
“Don’t mention it.”
]}
You turned away, walking towards the doors that led to the left wing. When your hand reached the knob, Nuto called to you again.
“Hey.”
You turned your head to look at him over your shoulders.
“Happy birthday, $MCnutotitle.”
{<div class="choice">You smiled at him brightly. (link: "“Thank you, Nuto.”")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 2)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Thank you Nuto")
]<br />
The gondolier was a bit gruff but he had a soothing presence you enjoyed a lot. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You smiled at him politely. (link: "“Thank you.”")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Thank you Nuto")
]<br />
You had a cordial relationship with the gondolier, but you did not know him that well yet.</div>
<div class="choice">You nodded at him gratefully. (link: "“Thank you.”")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 2)
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Thank you Nuto")
]<br />
You liked that you did not have to say a lot for Nuto to get your intentions, it was... relaxing. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You nodded at him stiffly. (link: "“Thank you.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Thank you Nuto")
]<br />
You were not too fond of the gondolier’s familiarity. He was polite, but... so very casual. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
As soon as you found yourself on the stairs’ landing, you were met with Zanetta, leaning against the railing. {(if: $ZanettaTrust > -1 and $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
She smiled at you when she saw you.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust > -1)[
She grinned at you when she saw you.
]
(else:)[
She nodded at you when she saw you.
]} You were not really surprised to see her waiting for you since she was scheduled to your protection for the day.
“Ready to get your ass handed to you, once again, on this beautiful morning?” She asked with no small amount of impudence.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You sighed and answered with a weak smile of your own. “I should be, by now, should I not?”<br />
The Dwarf’s expression softened. “There’s nothing to worry about, Ajmal will go easy on you, as always.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled back at her. “As always.”<br />
The Dwarf chuckled. “At least you’re enthusiastic about it.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You pursed your lips into a pout. “Do not be so sure, maybe today is the day I turn things around.”<br />
The Dwarf smirked. “Sure, tell that to yourself.”
]
(else:)[
You nodded firmly. “I am ready.”<br />
The Dwarf chuckled. “Such determination. With that attitude, I’m sure you’ll be able to turn things around some day.”
]}
You both walked down the east wing’s corridor at a quiet but fast pace. Sir Mansoor — with the help of Dolce, the head of the guards — had arranged a training room on the third floor which was more easily accessible through the service stairs at the end of the east wing. Passing the many windows of the hallway on your right, your gaze wandered towards them. You were not sure what qualified as a beautiful morning underground. Maybe the steam was clinging a little less to the cobblestone streets today. Otherwise it was the same artificially lit darkness as usual.
At the end of the corridor, Zanetta pushed an unassuming door leading into a significantly less ornate stairwell than the central one. You both climbed up the narrow steps to find yourselves on the third floor. This one was mainly meant as lodgings for the house staff and, even though everything was clean and made of fine materials, the complex swirling ornaments were notably absent.
You walked along another hallway, drabber and with smaller windows, before Zanetta stopped in front of the simple wooden door you knew led to the training room. She opened it and, with an unnecessary flourish, gestured for you to enter. You stepped on the soft clay floor and into the long room. It used to be a dorm for the servants or the guards and as such it was rather spacious. The unadorned wooden panels that protected the stone walls were still in place, but already had seen some scratches from stray swings of a sword or ill-aimed crossbow bolts. Of course, all the furniture had been moved out and replaced by practice targets at one end of the room, painted on wooden planks, and training dummies made of burlap and stuffed with dried moss on the other side. Weapon racks had been affixed to the walls, offering a wide range of training weapons to not only you and Sir Mansoor, but also all the guards Zanetta recruited who came to train here.
And indeed, when you entered the room, Ajmal was not the only person present. Dolce was watching over Marli who was practicing his knife throwing. Marli was an imposing elf who... was not exactly a guard. He was supposed to be the cook’s assistant. It seemed he was skilled in wielding knives in more than one way.
You stepped further on the earthen floor, all eyes turning to you and Zanetta. Dolce nodded her shaved and scarred head at you and Marli {(unless: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
did the same, his brown curls bobbing up and down around his face.
]
(else:)[
signed hello to you with a small smile. You signed hello back.
]} You ignored the circumstances that led him to become mute, {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
but you were happy to be able to sign more often.
]
(else:)[
but you suspected he had led a difficult life, like most of the people under Zanetta’s employ, it seemed.
]}
<div class="choice">[[“Good morning, $MCcovertitle.”->Good morning]]</div>
You half expected Sir Mansoor to be on the stairs’ landing, waiting for you. It was not an unusual occurence. But despite him being scheduled to your protection all morning, he was not here. You glanced around, a little surprised. Surely he could not be far.
A loud screeching noise coming from downstairs, followed by arguing voices, attracted your attention. You quickly walked down the stairs to see what was going on.
When you reached the living room’s doorstep, a curious scene was unfolding before your eyes. With a few exceptions, most of the furniture of the room had been pushed against the walls, living a wide and open space at the center. A couple of wooden shutters were hanging open, letting the air flow in and offering a glimpse of the dense and strange vegetation of the garden. Ajmal was standing near a sofa which was presently against the right wall. He was glaring at Zanetta who was staring daggers at him in return, from the center of the room.
Sir Mansoor had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. When he would escort you out of the mansion, he would wear an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings — and a long black coat. But while he stayed here with you, he would only wear a shirt like the silver-embroidered dark grey one he was wearing now, billowing pants tucked in black leather boots and a brick red sash around his waist. And of course he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.
The knight and the Dwarf had trouble getting along, a fact which was exacerbated by Zanetta’s tendency to tease and antagonize Ajmal. It seemed to amuse her. But this time, she looked genuinely annoyed at him.
“Are you trying to scratch the wooden floors? Have you any idea of how expensive they are down here?!” She berated him.
“What do you expect me to do?!” Sir Mansoor shot back. “Just lift it off the ground?!”
“Well, you’re big and strong, shouldn’t you be able to do it?!” The Dwarf asked, gesturing at his lengthy figure.
“I’m not //that// strong!”
“Why did you tell me you could help me with moving this stuff, then, when you obviously can’t?!”
“Well, how was I to expect it meant I had to do all the heavy lifting on my own while you just stand there, giving me orders?!”
Zanetta scoffed. “Hello? Have you met me?! I’m not even half your size!”
“That is hardly an excuse,” Ajmal retorted sharply. “Dolce is as strong as I am and she is not any taller than you!“
A wide predatory grin suddenly graced the Dwarven woman’s lips and you could see the knight swallowing thickly, anticipating the in-coming jab.
Dolce was an older Dwarven woman Zanetta had hired to be head of the guards at the house. You did not know her that well, but you knew she often trained with Ajmal and that she was quickly growing on him. If anything, he had a lot of respect for her.
“Oh really?” Zanetta purred at him. “Are you sure she is not... stronger than you?”
Sir Mansoor flushed. “I... do not know for sure. She is far more experienced than me, of course... I did not mean any disrespect...”
The Dwarf sighed, all of her hostility and tension leaving her at once. She gave him a fond, lopsided smile.
“Of course, you didn’t,” she said with no hint of irony. “I guess next time I’ll ask //her// to move furniture around. Maybe she has more experience than you with that too. Now, just finish this stuff. This coffee table is not going to move itself.”
The knight glared at her, grumbling to himself, but obediently walked towards the low table to grab it as if it weighed nothing.
<div class="choice">[[It is when he turned around, the large piece of furniture in his hands that he finally noticed your presence.->He finally noticed your presence]]</div>
As soon as you reached the stairs’ landing, you started climbing down to the foyer where Nuto was waiting for you. The Dwarf was dressed in his usual gondolier uniform, with the wide-brimmed hat in his hand. In his other hand, he was carrying a small fabric bag you knew, out of habit, carried a container of hot coffee and some snacks. Nuto enjoyed eating on his gondola and he liked to share.
His expression was as even as usual when he looked up at you as you clambered down the last few steps. “Good morning, $MCnutotitle.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
You smiled at him. “Good morning, Nuto.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded at him.
]
(else:)[
You nodded at him. “Good morning.”
]}
The Dwarf put his hat on and opened one panel of the main door for you while he talked: “We’re doing something special, today.”
You stopped on the front steps, turning around to look at him as he closed the door. “Something special?”
“Mhm. A bit of a test to see what you can do with what you’ve learned. A rite of passage, if you will.”
You stared at him with some curiosity as you walked across the square together. The place was always pretty quiet, the area very much residential. This morning, one of your neighbors and their family were getting ready to head out, climbing aboard a carriage. You were not very familiar with the people who lived nearby. Zanetta had given you a rundown of who they were, but you never really interacted with them, making them faceless names to you.
They glanced in your direction before disappearing inside the vehicle, a neatly dressed Dwarven chauffeur taking the drivers seat at the front. Except there was no horse, nor any other beast of burden to direct. Instead, the Dwarf at the front of the carriage executed a series of gestures and the vehicle started to move on its own. You could not help but follow its progression with some interest. Before coming down to Lagodoro, you had never witnessed Dwarven telekinetic magic. But here it was fairly common place, used for every day endeavors.
“After all, it’s your nineteenth birthday, today,” Nuto said, interrupting your musings and guiding your attention back to him. “Feels fitting, doesn’t it?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled again. “That is very thoughtful of you.”<br /><br />
The Dwarf fell silent for a moment, maybe turning a little shy.<br /><br />
Then he patted you on the arm. “You’re a good kid.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled again and confirmed: “It does.”<br /><br />
The Dwarf looked up at you and you could have sworn his expression had shifted ever so slightly to look like a faint smile.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded and confirmed: ”It does.”<br /><br />
The Dwarf glanced at you, but stayed quiet, respecting your taciturn nature.
]
(else:)[
You nodded. “More than you might be aware...”<br />
The Dwarf hummed gruffly. “Ajmal mentioned something about that.”<br /><br />
You glanced at him, a little surprised that he actually discussed your traditions with the knight. He returned the glance but kept walking in silence.
]}
You both retraced the steps back to the discreet dock you arrived at, that first night. The mansion had a private dock, of course, just below the garden, but you rarely used it, unless you wanted to make a point of being seen. And your adventures with Nuto always required you to draw as little eyes as possible.
What you did not expect to find there, was...
{<div class="choice">[[Sir Mansoor sitting patiently in a gondola all ready to go.->Sir Mansoor is coming with you]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[Zanetta, leaning against the wall, not unlike how you first met her.->Zanetta is coming with you]]</div>}
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
Ajmal froze in place, his eyes widening. “I— (upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), I am so sorry. I did not mean to... I...”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
The fear in his expression made you uncomfortable.<br /><br />
“It is fine {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you tried to reassure him. “Do not mind me.”<br /><br />
He nodded, his face smoothing into a more neutral expression.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You felt confused at his fearful expression.<br /><br />
“There is nothing to apologize for, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. Please, do go on,” you said, gesturing awkwardly.<br /><br />
He nodded, his face smoothing into a more neutral expression.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You waved a dismissive hand at him.<br /><br />
“There is no need to make a fuss about it, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. Keep going.”<br /><br />
He nodded, stiffening quite obviously while his face smoothed into a more neutral expression.
]
(else:)[
You frowned at his fearful expression.<br /><br />
“No need to apologize, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you stated, shifting awkwardly.<br /><br />
He nodded, his face smoothing into a more neutral expression.
]}
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
Ajmal almost dropped the coffee table, only barely catching it with his thigh. His face darkened as he adjusted his grip on the piece of furniture.<br /><br />
“M-$MCcovertitle! I did not see you were here! I am sorry you saw... I mean, I should not have...”<br /><br />
He turned around, looking at Zanetta.<br /><br />
“I apologize Miss Calvio, I promise I will be careful not to scratch the wooden floors.”<br />
The Dwarf rolled her eyes. “Zanetta, please.”<br />
“R-right!” The knight fumbled, his face turning increasingly red.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled hesitantly at him, unsure of how to react to his awkwardness. He had been like that, off and on, during the past few months. You suspected it had something to do with you confessing your feelings to him, but you were not sure what it meant. You only wished he would talk to you.<br /><br />
“It is alright, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. You can argue with Zanetta to your heart’s content,” you said, your smile turning into a slight grin.<br />
The knight’s face turned even darker. “I assure you, I take no pleasure in our quarrels.”<br /><br />
Something in his tone and expression made you suspect that he actually did, even if a little.<br /><br />
Zanetta chuckled. “Well, now that you have $MCpronoun3 benediction, I expect you to go all out next time. Don’t pull any punches. And for the Saints’ love, put that coffee table down.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor threw her a quick glare.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
The corners of your lips twitched in a forced smile. It was not that his awkwardness was not endearing, but... He had been like that for the past few months. You suspected that had something to do with you confessing your feelings to him and you really, really did not want to think about that or examine your own feelings on the matter.<br /><br />
“It is fine, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. Do you need any help?”<br />
“Me? Oh no. No I am fine, I can do it on my own.”<br /><br />
As if to prove his point, his shoulders squared up and he made his grip on the coffee table firmer.<br /><br />
“That’s not what you just told me,” Zanetta drawled at him, her eyebrow quirked up mischievously.<br /><br />
The knight threw her a quick glare but did not reply, not wanting to start a new argument in your presence.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You shifted in place, almost as awkwardly as him. When did things get this strange between the two of you? Ah yes, it was after you foolishly confessed your feelings to him. You should never have done that. Now things were... different and you had no idea what to do about it.
You must have stayed quiet a moment too long, Sir Mansoor was now frowning at you with worry. You cleared your throat.<br /><br />
“It is alright, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. I agree with you, Miss Calvio’s expectations were unreasonable.”<br />
“Hey!” The Dwarven woman protested.<br />
You ignored her. “If she will not help you, maybe I can?”<br />
“Oh! No, no I can handle it, I assure you,” the knight answered with an uncomfortable chuckle. “Thank you for volunteering your help, $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“Like you handled the sofa?” Zanetta drawled at him sarcastically.<br /><br />
Ajmal threw her a quick glare.
]
(else:)[
You smiled softly at him, wanting to reassure him. In the past few months, you had noticed him getting more awkward than usual around you. You suspected confessing your feelings to him had something to do with it and you could not help but regret it a bit. You did not want him to feel uncomfortable.<br /><br />
“It is alright, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. I know you are doing your best. Maybe I can help you?”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor had to catch the coffee table with his thigh once more, as he was about to drop it again.<br /><br />
“What? Oh no, no, absolutely not. I mean... It is very generous of you to volunteer your help, but I cannot accept...”<br />
Zanetta groaned loudly. “Just make out already.”<br /><br />
Ajmal’s entire face turned beet red and you suspected you were blushing just as fiercely if your hot cheeks and ears were any indication. The knight turned to glare at the Dwarf but was too flustered to find anything to retort to her. She grinned in return.
]}
]
(else-if: ($MansoorRomance is 1) or ($MansoorFriendship > 0))[
Ajmal stood still, his face darkening a bit. “I— I did not see you were here, $MCcovertitle! I am so sorry you had to witness that.”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at him, amused by his fumbling.<br /><br />
“Well, I am not sorry I did, so you do not need to be, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you chuckled. “And you can put the table down, now.”<br />
The knight’s face darkened even further. “Oh! Of course.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
A lopsided smile pulled at the corner of your lips.<br /><br />
“It is fine, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you replied. “You... can carry on.”<br /><br />
You gestured at the table.<br /><br />
“Oh!” The knight glanced down at the piece of furniture, his face darkening even further. “Of course!”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
Your lips twitched as you tried to suppress a smile.<br /><br />
“There is no need to apologize, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you stated, not able to keep the warmth from seeping into your tone. “You can put the table down, now.”<br />
The knight’s face darkened even further. “Oh! Of course.”<br />
]
(else:)[
You smiled gently at him, but could not help but throw nervous glances at the coffee table he was holding. He seemed fine, but you did not want him to strain himself.<br /><br />
“It is alright {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}!” You reassured him. “You... You can put the table down, now.”<br />
The knight’s face darkened even further. “Oh! Of course.”<br />
]}
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor stood still, his face darkening a bit. “(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), I... I am sorry you had to witness that.”<br />
You shook your head. “It is fine, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. You can carry on.”<br />
“Oh! Right,” he replied, flushing even further and glancing at the coffee table still in his hands.<br />
]}
He walked to one corner of the room, depositing carefully and with ease the coffee table.
{(unless: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
<br />“By the way,” Zanetta interjected, looking at you. “Do I have to remind you what we agreed? There is no Sir Mansoor anymore. If you have to call your knight by his last name, it’s ‘Sleiman’, now.”<br /><br />
Both you and Sir Mansoor winced. You had almost forgotten his own cover name. To keep your identity secret, he had to become Ajmal Sleiman, a guard hired by your family to ensure your safety during your travels. Not a role he would be unfamiliar with, but he had to hide his status, hence the leather bracer he always wore on his right arm to hide his nobility tattoos.<br />
]}
You looked to the Dwarven woman. “Why are we moving the furniture?”
She chuckled. “You mean ‘why is Ajmal moving the furniture’.”
The knight narrowed his eyes at her as he rolled up the last of the rugs.
“Well,” Zanetta continued without acknowledging him. “Today you are learning the most important skill to have to navigate Lagodoro’s high society...”
She paused there, smiling mysteriously.
“What is it?” You caved and asked.
The Dwarf walked towards a small side table on which was resting a gramophone you had not noticed before.
“Telidrican ballroom dancing of course!”
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
{<div class="choice">You smiled brightly at her.<br />
(link: "“Then why did you not start teaching me earlier?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Eager to learn")
] You asked with enthusiasm. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You nodded. (link: "That, at least, you knew you could do.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "If you have to do it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
]
(else:)[
{<div class="choice">You smiled brightly at her, enthusiastic at the idea.<br />
(link: "“Dancing?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Eager to learn")
] You asked, eager to learn. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You nodded. (link: "If you had to learn it, you had to learn it.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "If you have to do it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
]}
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
“Then why did you not start teaching me earlier?” You asked with enthusiasm.<br />
Zanetta chuckled at your eagerness. “So impatient!”<br /><br />
She placed her elbow on the side table, leaning on it. “I thought it was a good idea for you to have an overview of what Telidrican high society is like, first. So you don’t get too surprised at how different our ballroom dancing is from yours...”<br /><br />
She grinned. “But from what I know, you are already quite the dancer, aren’t you? You shouldn’t have any trouble adapting.”<br /><br />
You smiled and, in a few quick and avid steps, walked towards the center of the room, now free of any furniture, the khaya floors bared. You were excited to learn new dances.
]
(else:)[
“Dancing?” You asked, eager to learn.<br />
Zanetta chuckled at your excitement. “Yes, dancing. But maybe not quite like you have experienced it in Ahabalad.”<br /><br />
She placed her elbow on the side table, leaning on it. “It’s a good thing I gave you an overview of what Telidrican high society is like first. I wouldn’t want you to get too surprised at how different our ballroom dancing is from yours...”<br /><br />
She grinned. {(if: $MCsize is "medium height")[
“Hopefully you’ll managed without getting your long legs all tangled up.”
]
(else-if: $MCsize is "small")[
“At least you won’t be that much taller than your dance partners, so you should be able to not fall on your face.”
]
(else:)[
“Let’s see if you can make heads or tails of those infinite limbs of yours.”
]}<br /><br />
You ignored the jab and smiled at her, just happy to learn something new and exciting. In a few quick and avid steps, you walked towards the center of the room, now free of any furniture, the khaya floors bared.
]}
(display: "Telidrican ballroom dancing")
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
Zanetta raised an eyebrow at you. “Please, hide your enthusiasm. I thought dancing was your thing.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You shrugged. “It is.”<br />
The Dwarf smirked. “But showing emotion isn’t, I understand.”<br /><br />
You narrowed your eyes at her, which left her unfazed.
]
(else:)[
You rubbed the back of your neck with one hand. “Sorry, I am just trying to stay focused, I guess.”<br />
“Relax,” the Dwarf said with a lopsided smile. “It’ll be fun, you’ll see.”
]}
]
(else:)[
Zanetta shook her head, chuckling. “Please, hide your enthusiasm.”<br /><br />
You shrugged. You did not have any particular interest in dancing, but you had to learn the basics of Baladian ballroom dancing. It was a bit tedious, but it could not be avoided. You suspected Telidrica’s was similar in that way.
]}
She put her elbow on the side table, leaning on it. “I wanted to wait a bit before starting to teach you those. They are the core of every high society event, but I thought it would be best for you to get an overview of what Telidrican nobility is like so you don’t get too surprised by how different our ballroom dancing is from yours.”
You frowned. “It is still ballroom dancing. How different can it be?”
She only smiled mysteriously in response, gesturing for you to come closer. You stepped carefully towards the center of the room, now free of any furniture, the khaya floors bared.
(display: "Telidrican ballroom dancing")The Dwarven woman straightened up. “Alright. We have a few different dances, of course, but there is one in particular that you need to know before anything else. It’s the roteanti. It’ll happen at every event — not that it is the most popular one, but because everyone knows it and it is the... least controversial one.”
Confusion pinched your forehead. “Controversial?”
Zanetta grinned at you, wide and toothy. “Oh, if you want me to, I’ll tell you about the controversial one after. But I don’t want to overwhelm you.”
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
There was no denying that you were curious. Dancing, like any form of art, could be controversial. But ballroom dancing? It performed a specific social function. You really had trouble figuring out what could make one ‘controversial’.
]
(else:)[
Your curiosity was piqued. You had no idea dancing could be controversial. You wondered in what way.
]}
The Dwarf grabbed a record that was resting on a nearby chair among others. She pulled the wax disc out of its sleeve and started setting up the gramophone.
“Before we start, however, you need to choose a dance partner,” she said, turning back around to look at you.
“I need to choose...?”
Zanetta smiled confidently. “Well, there’s me, of course. It’ll be easier for me to teach you. But, if that’ll make you more comfortable, you can ask your knight.”
“What?” Ajmal choked.
She threw an amused glance at him. “I’m sure he can have other uses than just moving furniture. Although moving furniture is already quite useful.”
Sir Mansoor glared at her. (if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[After which he threw a nervous glance at you.]
“Is a partner that necessary?” You asked with a slight frown.
You had learnt Baladian ballroom dancing without one without much issue before.
“Oh yes. You’ll see,” Zanetta answered with a slight smile.
“Alright,” you said with some uncertainty, looking between her and Ajmal.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Then I would like to dance with you, it is more practical.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta")
]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“Then I am more comfortable dancing with Ajmal.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Then I am more comfortable dancing with Sir Mansoor.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal")
]
]}</div>
(unless: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“Then I would love to dance with you!”")[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to $ZanettaRomance + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")
] You said a little more eagerly than you probably should have. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
]
(unless: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“Then I would love to dance with Ajmal,”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Then I would love to dance with Sir Mansoor,”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")
]
]} you said, trying to ignore your quickening pulse. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
]}
“Then I would like to dance with you, it is more practical.”
Zanetta nodded. “Fair enough. Before I put on any music, I will teach you the basic steps.”
She walked towards you, moving closer. Moving awfully close, actually. “Alright, I need you to put your left hand on my shoulder and I will take your right hand in my left.”
“I... What?” You asked, dumbfounded.
The Dwarf chuckled. “I told you it was different.”
Tentatively, you put your hand on her shoulder and she took your other hand, holding it high. Her right hand slid underneath your left arm to rest at the center of your back. (if: $MCsize is "tall")[With how much taller you were than her, it felt a bit awkward, but she managed to make it look natural.]
“Keep your elbow high,” she said, nudging your left arm.
You complied, swallowing a bit uncomfortably. It was a lot more touching than Baladian ballrom dancing had you used to. You would only touch your partner's hand occasionally. But more than the touching, it was the closeness that was throwing you off. It felt rather intimate, standing so close to each other and you suspected it made it quite complicated not to step on your partner’s feet.
“Are you alright?” Zanetta suddenly asked, watching you closely. “I know it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re not used to this.”
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at her. “It is... intriguing, actually.”<br />
She lifted an eyebrow, smiling crookedly. “Oh?”<br />
“Yes,” your replied. “I wonder how people do not trip each other up.”<br />
The Dwarven woman chuckled. “Only with practice. But believe me, tripping does happen.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded. “I can deal with it.”<br />
She smirked. “I’m sure you can.”<br /><br />
You narrowed your eyes at her, unsure if she was making fun of you or not. The Dwarven woman only grinned wider in response.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You nodded firmly. “It is nothing I cannot overcome.”<br />
She smirked. “Aren’t you a tough one.”<br /><br />
You narrowed your eyes at her. You were pretty sure she was making fun of you. The Dwarven woman only grinned wider in response.
]
(else:)[
You smiled weakly at her. “I will get used to it, there is no need to worry.”<br />
She frowned slightly. “Are you sure? We can stop, otherwise...”<br />
Your smile widened. “I am sure.”<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[The Dwarven woman smiled back at you.](else:)[The Dwarven woman nodded at you.]}
]}
“I’m going to lead, to show you the steps(unless: $MCsize is "small")[, but don’t expect me to make you spin],” Zanetta continued to explain. “The roteanti is in three beats so we generally count to three to mark each step. The most basic steps are very simple, when I step forward, just step back with your opposite leg.”
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
You started following her lead, stepping back with your right foot when she stepped forward with her left and stepping to the side when she did. You quickly got the hang of it, mimicking her posture when you realized there was more to it than just stepping back, forward and to the side. Looking down at first, to watch Zanetta’s feet and yours, you lifted your gaze back to hers soon enough and she offered you a lopsided smile that you decided to interpret as a compliment.<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Eager to learn")[
This dance was very foreign to you, but it had a back and forth swinging motion to it that was rather pleasant.
]
(else:)[
This dance felt unlike anything you had tried before. You were still unsure whether you liked it or not.
]}<br /><br />
Your Dwarven teacher chuckled, stopping after one last step. “Alright, alright, you know what you’re doing, I get it.”<br /><br />
Learning to dance was a process you were quite familiar with, if anything. It had not always been this easy, but one of your strengths had helped you going through most hurdles...<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "You could memorize the steps quite easily.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You could easily endure the effort and learn through repetition.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You just followed your instincts, they always helped you intuit how to perform each step.")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your guile.)//</div>}
]
(else:)[
You started following her lead, stepping back with your left foot when she stepped forward with her left. Wait, no, you had to step back with your right one. You stepped to the side when she did and forward, careful not to mix up your footing again. It took a little bit but you eventually got the hang of it. Your Dwarven teacher repeated the motions patiently, until each one became a reflex. She showed you the details to pay attention to, your posture, when to bend the knees, when to stand up straight.<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Eager to learn")[
You ended up getting a feel for the dance and maybe even enjoying the back and forth swinging motion of it.
]
(else:)[
You ended up getting a feel for the dance, despite how foreign it felt. You were unsure if you liked it or not.
]}<br /><br />
Zanetta stopped after one last step. “I think you’re starting to get it.”<br /><br />
You nodded at her, feeling actually pretty proud of yourself.<br /><br />
“I wish I had been able to learn that quickly,” the Dwarf confessed, to your surprise.<br /><br />
It did not feel like you had been learning that fast, but it seemed like one of your other strengths had been quite helpful...<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "You had a good memory and it helped with retaining the steps.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Your physicality helped you repeat the same motions over and over without tiring you out.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Your instincts helped you intuit the way the dance was supposed to unfold.")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your guile.)//</div>}
]}
“Then I am more comfortable dancing with {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -2)[
The knight’s eyes met yours, wide with surprise, before his posture became rigid, his fists closed tightly.<br /><br />
“If that is what $MCcovertitle desires,” he said in an overly formal tone.<br /><br />
Despite his efforts to appear as neutral as possible, you could hear the reluctance in his tone and see it in the stiffness of his gait as he walked closer to you. Zanetta glanced between the two of you, her nostrils twitching like she was suppressing a wince.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
The knight’s eyes met yours, wide with surprise, before he closed his gaping mouth and assumed a more formal posture.<br /><br />
“If you are sure, $MCcovertitle,” he said carefully.<br /><br />
You nodded at him. Maybe your relationship with him was not at its best, but Sir Mansoor was at least... familiar. He walked closer to you at your confirmation, if a bit stiffly.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorAffection > 6) or ($MansoorFriendship > 0))[
The knight’s eyes met yours and he smiled at you.<br /><br />
“Alright,” he said without hesitation.<br /><br />
You smiled back at him, knowing very well that dancing was something he could be uncomfortable with at times. He walked closer to you before looking to Zanetta for instructions.
]
(else:)[
The knight’s eyes met yours and he looked a bit taken aback.<br /><br />
He cleared his throat before asking: “Are you sure? You know dancing is not... my strong suit.”<br />
“I am sure,” you confirmed.<br />
He smiled faintly at you. “Alright.”<br /><br />
He walked closer to you, looking a bit uncomfortable, but you suspected it had more to do with his lack of confidence in his skills than it had to do with you.
]}
“Before you take position,” the Dwarf said. “You need to decide which one of you is going to lead.”
“Lead?” You asked. “What do you mean by that?”
She sighed. “Right, you don’t really have that in Baladian dancing... Well, mostly it helps figure out positioning and who is deciding the direction of the steps. Telidrican dancing can be a bit... informal, so there is room for improvisation. You need one of the two partners to lead so you don’t end up entangling your legs or stepping on each other’s feet.”
You frowned slightly but nodded nonetheless. You thought you understood but still had trouble figuring out how you could possibly entangle your legs.
“So. Who will lead?”
You looked at Sir Mansoor then at Zanetta hesitantly. “How... do people usually decide that?”
“Mmh, a good question,” the Dwarf answered. “Generally, the tallest person lead. You’ll understand with some steps. But it can be a matter of personal preferences as well as power play. It is also common curtesy to let the older partner lead, if the age difference is significant.”
You glanced at Ajmal again before making a decision.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I will lead, then.”")[
(set: $dancelead to "MC")
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“I will let Ajmal lead then.”")[
(set: $dancelead to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (2)")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I will let Sir Mansoor lead, then.”")[
(set: $dancelead to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (2)")
]
]}</div>}
“Then I would love to dance with you!” You said a little more eagerly than you probably should have.
{(if: $ZanettaRomance is 2)[
Zanetta’s expression turned into a now familiar smug smile. The Dwarf dealt with information, spy work. The budding infatuation you had started feeling for her could not have escaped her notice. But beside some light teasing, she had not done anything about it. You suspected she did not take it very seriously. Or tried not to.<br />
You were not entirely sure how you felt about that, yet.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta raised a surprised eyebrow and grinned smugly at your zeal. You found the Dwarf... compelling. So much so you could not help but feel excited at the prospect of getting a little closer to her. Studying with her had revealed that she was not easily impressed and it also revealed that you very much wanted to impress her. Or at least not disappoint her too much.<br />
You were not sure what it meant, yet.
]}
“My, aren’t you excited to get started!” She replied with obvious amusement. “Very well, I’ll start by teaching you the most basic steps before I put on any music.”
She walked towards you, getting closer. Getting very close, actually, and you had to refrain from swallowing too visibly.
“I need you to put your left hand on my shoulder,” Zanetta asked softly, as if she was talking to a scared animal. “And I will take your right hand in my left.”
So much for her not noticing your nervousness. You were so overwhelmed by her proximity that you barely noticed how unusual the position she asked you to assume was to you. You gingerly rested your left hand on her right shoulder and she gently took your right hand in her left, raising it high. You tried not to focus on her warm fingers wrapping yours firmly but without undue pressure. She slipped her right hand under your left arm, placing it at the center of your back and pushing you even closer to her. (if: $MCsize is "tall")[With how much taller you were than her, the position could have been awkward, but the Dwarf made it look effortless.]
“Like that?” You asked hesitantly.
Zanetta smiled at you. “Keep your elbow a little higher.”
Her hand skid across your back to grab your left arm and adjust its position before resuming its own. The slight grazing of her fingers on your skin was enough to tear a shiver out of you, even through cloth.
The Dwarf frowned, probably noticing your reaction and you inwardly cursed yourself. It was an innocent touch, nothing to get so flustered about.
“Are you alright?” She asked, watching you carefully. “I know this can be overwhelming when you’re not used to it.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You swallowed thickly. “I am grateful for your concern, but I am more than alright.”<br /><br />
Your genuine smile seemed to put her at ease. More than that, it made her grin mischievously.<br /><br />
“More than alright, huh?” She said teasingly. “Good to know.”<br /><br />
You bit your lower lip, flushing slightly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I am alright,” you answered, your voice coming out so hoarse you had to clear your throat and repeat yourself. “I am alright.”<br /><br />
Zanetta’s grin made your whole face flush.<br /><br />
“Maybe you need a glass of water before we start?” she asked teasingly.<br />
“No!” Came your hurried reply.<br />
“Alright then, if you’re sure...”<br /><br />
Your cheeks turned even hotter as you nodded.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I am not overwhelmed,” you were eager to reply. “It takes a lot more than that to overwhelm me.”<br /><br />
You bit the inside of your mouth upon realizing how stupid you had just sounded.<br /><br />
Zanetta grinned in response. “Oh? Now I’m curious to figure out what it’ll take to get you overwhelmed.”<br /><br />
You bit your lower lip, refraining from spurting any more inanities.
]
(else:)[
You smiled at her and words spilled out of your mouth: “It is a bit overwhelming, but I actually enjoy it!”<br /><br />
You flushed, realizing what you said.<br /><br />
“I mean that it does not bother me!” You quickly added. “I will be alright, you can... keep going.”<br />
Zanetta chuckled, looking delighted by your rambling. “Good to know.”<br /><br />
You bit your lower lip, trying and failing to hide your embarrassment.
]}
“I would normally ask if you want to lead,” the Dwarven woman explained. “But since you don’t know the steps, it’s better if I do, alright?”
You nodded, even though you were not sure what ‘leading’ meant in that context.
“The roteanti is in three beats so we generally count to three to mark each step,” she continued. “The most basic steps are very simple, when I step forward, just step back with your opposite leg.”
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
You started following her lead, stepping back with your right foot when she stepped forward with her left and stepping to the side when she did. Despite how close you were to each other, Zanetta kept a polite — if quite small — gap between the two of you. You wondered if it was how the roteanti was supposed to be danced or if she was purposely trying to avoid too much contact with you.<br />
You quickly picked up the steps but also mimicked her posture, paying attention to the details when you realized that there was more to it than stepping back, forward and to the side. There was something oddly satisfying in the repetitive motions. Of course it was dancing and you just loved dancing, but the symbiosis this one required you to have with your partner was something different.<br />
Looking down at your feet and Zanetta’s at first, you quickly raised your gaze to meet the Dwarf’s eyes again and she offered you a lopsided smile you were sure she meant as a compliment for how quickly you learned the steps, but could not help but blush at.<br /><br />
Your Dwarven teacher stopped after one last step, chuckling. “Alright, alright, I get it, you know what you’re doing.”<br /><br />
Learning to dance was a process you were quite familiar with, if anything. It had not always been this easy, but one of your strengths had helped you going through most hurdles...<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "You could memorize the steps quite easily.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You could easily endure the effort and learn through repetition.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You just followed your instincts, they always helped you intuit how to perform each step.")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your guile.)//</div>}
]
(else:)[
You started following her lead, stepping back with your left foot when she stepped forward with her left. Wait, no, you had to step back with your right one. You stepped to the side when she did and forward, careful not to mix up your footing again.<br />
With how flustered you were, the exercise was difficult, despite the careful and polite gap Zanetta kept between the two of you at all times. You wondered if that was how the roteanti was supposed to be danced or if the Dwarf was purposely trying to avoid too much contact with you.<br />
You felt a bit silly, floundering around while she was able to calmly and patiently steady your posture with a light pressure from her hand on your back. After a while, you finally got the hang of it, but your lack of confidence kept your eyes glued to your feet.<br /><br />
“Eyes up here,” Zanetta instructed, her right hand releasing your back to reach up and tilt your chin upward.<br /><br />
When your gaze met hers, you castigated yourself once again as your face grew hot. But you also realized that the steps were now coming naturally to you. There was something unexpectedly pleasant to the realization that you were in symbiosis with your partner, moving as if you shared the same mind.<br /><br />
Zanetta stopped after one last step. “I think you’re starting to get it.”<br /><br />
You nodded at her, honestly astonished to realize she was right.<br /><br />
“I wish I had been able to learn that quickly,” the Dwarf confessed, to your surprise.<br /><br />
It did not feel like you had been learning that fast, but it seemed like one of your other strengths had been quite helpful...<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "You had a good memory and it helped with retaining the steps.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Your physicality helped you repeat the same motions over and over without tiring you out.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Your instincts helped you intuit the way the dance was supposed to unfold.")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Zanetta (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your guile.)//</div>}
]}
“Then I would love to dance with {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you said, trying to ignore your quickening pulse.
{(if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
The knight’s head whipped towards you and your eyes met briefly before he averted his gaze, his face darkening slightly.<br /><br />
“Alright,” he said hesitantly. “If you are sure...”<br /><br />
You nodded, feeling a familiar yet painful tug at your heart. He walked closer to you before turning to look to Zanetta for instruction, his body stiff and full of nervous energy. You could see him fiddling with his fingers behind his back.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorAffection > 8) or ($MansoorFriendship > 1))[
The knight’s eyes met yours and he smiled at you, his soft gaze making your heart beat even faster.<br /><br />
“You do me too much honor, $MCcovertitle,” he said, his cheeks maybe a tad darker than before.<br /><br />
You smiled back at him, doing your best to not look too giddy at the idea of dancing with him. He walked closer to you before turning to look to Zanetta for instructions. You looked at her as well and you swore she was hiding a smirk behind her fist before she cleared her throat and schooled her expression into a more neutral one.
]
(else:)[
The knight’s eyes met yours and he smiled at you.<br /><br />
“Alright,” he said without hesitation.<br /><br />
You smiled back at him, trying to not look too giddy at his quick and easy agreement. You were grateful for it, knowing fully dancing was not something he was entirely comfortable with. He walked closer to you before turning to look to Zanetta for instructions.
]}
“Before you take position,” the Dwarf said. “You need to decide which one of you is going to lead.”
“Lead?” You asked. “What do you mean by that?”
She sighed. “Right, you don’t really have that in Baladian dancing... Well, mostly it helps figure out positioning and who is deciding the direction of the steps. Telidrican dancing can be a bit... informal, so there is room for improvisation. You need one of the two partners to lead so you don’t end up entangling your legs or stepping on each other’s feet.”
You frowned slightly but nodded nonetheless. You thought you understood but still had trouble figuring out how you could possibly entangle your legs.
“So. Who will lead?”
You looked at Sir Mansoor then at Zanetta hesitantly. “How... do people usually decide that?”
“Mmh, a good question,” the Dwarf answered. “Generally, the tallest person lead. You’ll understand with some steps. But it can be a matter of personal preferences as well as power play. It is also common curtesy to let the older partner lead, if the age difference is significant.”
You glanced at Ajmal again before making a decision.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I will lead, then.”")[
(set: $dancelead to "MC")
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“I will let Ajmal lead then.”")[
(set: $dancelead to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (2)")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I will let Sir Mansoor lead, then.”")[
(set: $dancelead to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (2)")
]
]}</div>}
Zanetta made you repeat the steps one last time to make sure you were comfortable with them before parting from you to go to the gramophone.
“Let’s try it with the music, now,” she said while cranking up the spring motor.
The disc started turning and when she moved the arm to place the needle, a crackling noise escaped from the speaker. The music that followed was a grandiloquent instrumental piece, {(if: $MChobby is "dancing" or "music")[
the style of which you recognized as being typically Telidrican.
]
(else:)[
the style of which you were unfamiliar with.
]}
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
“I’ll show you some other steps, since you’re an expert,” the Dwarf said(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[ with a wink], coming back to you and resuming your positions.<br /><br />
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[
You straightened yourself as she took your hand again and feeling the warmth of her hand on your back sent another tingle down your spine. The posture came back to you naturally, despite your tension.
]
(else:)[
You straightened yourself as she took your right hand and put hers on your back again, the posture coming back to you naturally.
]}<br />
Repeating the steps following the beats of the music felt like everything was clicking into place, the dance suddenly making sense. Soon enough, Zanetta showed you variations of the same steps, turning as you performed them and steering you as you both spun in wide circles across the room.<br />
From the corner of your eye, you saw Sir Mansoor watching the both of you closely, not with suspicion or vigilance, but with open curiosity. It was a look you were familiar with as you saw it many times when the knight witnessed your past dancing lessons. Zanetta caught you glancing at him and hummed thoughtfully.
]
(else:)[
“I’ll show you some variations of the same steps, since you learn so quickly,” the Dwarf said(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[ with a wink], coming back to you and resuming your positions.<br /><br />
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[
You straightened yourself awkwardly as she took your hand and feeling the warmth of her hand on your back sent another tingle down your spine. You adjusted your posture according to her previous instructions even though it did not come naturally to you. And her closeness only made you stiffer.
]
(else:)[
You straightened yourself awkwardly as she took your hand and put hers on your back again, remembering her instructions and adjusting your posture accordingly. It did not come naturally to you.
]}<br />
Repeating the steps while following the beats of the music was a bit of a struggle at first, especially when you realized she had taught you at a slower pace to help you memorize the steps. But after a few tries, things started clicking into place and the dance actually felt like it made sense. When Zanetta felt you were getting comfortable with the rhythm, she started showing you the variations she spoke of, repeating the steps while turning and leading you across the room in wide swaying circles. You were scared of getting your feet all tangled up at first, but you realized the steps were now familiar enough that, with the Dwarf’s guidance, you managed to follow without issues.<br />
From the corner of your eye, you saw Sir Mansoor watching the both of you, not with suspicion or vigilance, but rather with open curiosity. It was a look you were familiar with, knowing the knight’s keen interest in all forms of art. Zanetta caught you glancing at him and hummed thoughtfully.
]}
“Do you know why Telidrican nobles like to dance so close to their partners?” She asked you.(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[
<br /><br />“Beside the obvious,” she added with a playful smile.
]
“No, why?” You replied.
“Because it is a great way to gossip and exchange secrets.”
“In a ballroom full of people?” You asked, skeptical. “Would other dancers not hear you?”
“If you do it well, they won’t,” the Dwarf answered while leading you into another spin across the room. “Try it!”
“What?”
“Tell me a secret so that your dutiful bodyguard doesn’t hear you,” she explained with a grin.
You glanced at the knight who only shrugged in response. You hesitated a moment and...
{(unless: $intelligence > 5)[
<div class="choice">You waited until you were facing away from Ajmal to lean towards Zanetta’s ear and whisper: (link: "“I think Lady Domara has a crush on Nuto.”")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 4)
{(if: $martial < 6)[
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "DWZ (3) - Intelligence")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your intelligence.)//</div>
]
(unless: $martial > 5)[
<div class="choice">You waited until your steps led you as far away as possible from Sir Mansoor and leaned towards Zanetta’s ear to whisper: (link: "“I think Ajmal likes Dolce because she reminds him of his mother.”")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "DWZ (3) - Martial")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
]
(unless: $guile > 5)[
<div class="choice">You waited until Ajmal’s attention was drawn away by some noise in the garden and leaned towards Zanetta’s ear to whisper: (link: "“Nuto introduced me to a friend of his that I believe is a burglar, the other day.”")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
]}
(go-to: "DWZ (3) - Guile")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your guile.)//</div>
]}She turned her head towards the knight, grinning at him and raising her voice. “So? Have you heard anything?”
When he shook his head ‘no’, the Dwarf smiled at you. “See? I told you.”
“I am sure it is a bit different in a crowded ballroom, though,” you remarked, still somewhat skeptical.
She nodded. “It is a little more tricky, that’s true, but with some practice you should be able to do it. Although I hope it’s not something you will need to do...”
You frowned, nodding as well. You did come here to hide and stay safe, not to participate in Lagodoro’s political intrigues.
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
Zanetta and you kept dancing until the end of the disc. She taught you a few more steps, as promised, and you ended the lesson with a solid understanding of the roteanti.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta and you kept dancing until the end of the disc, reinforcing all the basic steps you had learnt. You might have not been able to go out and dance the roteanti at a real ball, but you had at least a basic understanding of it that would prove useful in future lessons, or so Zanetta told you.
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[
It felt too soon when the music quieted down and the Dwarf released her hold on your hand and back, stepping away from you. The knowing smile she threw your way when she noticed your reluctance was soft around the edges.
]
(else:)[
When the music quieted down, the Dwarf released you, stepping away from you.
]} She walked up to the gramophone, moving the arm away and taking the disc to put it back in its sleeve.
“I think that should be enough for today,” she said, glancing at you over her shoulder. “We’ll continue tomorrow, I need you to be familiar with the roteanti as soon as possible. You might need it in a short while.” (if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
<br /><br />“You did good,” she added with a crooked grin.
]
{<div class="choice">You smiled at her. (link: "“Thank you for the lesson.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Thanking Zanetta for the lesson")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You nodded at her, ready to move on.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "After the dance lesson")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“What was that controversial dance you talked about earlier?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "The toccarella")
] You asked with curiosity. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
You waited until you were facing away from Ajmal to lean towards Zanetta’s ear and whisper: “I think Lady Domara has a crush on Nuto.”
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[
It was a bit thrilling, really, but you were unsure if it was because of the scandalous gossip you were sharing about your tutor or because of how close you had to get to the Dwarf to share it in the first place.
]
(else:)[
It was a bit thrilling, really, sharing such scandalous gossip about your tutor and not knowing if Sir Mansoor overheard you.
]}
After you straightened back up, Zanetta raised an eyebrow at you(unless: $ZanettaTrust is -2)[ and her lips stretched into a smile that you were tempted to qualify as proud].
“Noticed that, did you?” She murmured with a low chuckle.
(display: "Dancing with Zanetta (3)")
You waited until your steps led you as far away as possible from Sir Mansoor and leaned towards Zanetta’s ear to whisper: “I think Ajmal likes Dolce because she reminds him of his mother.”
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[
It was a bit thrilling, really, but you were not sure if it was because of the personal details you were sharing about Sir Mansoor or if it was because of how close you had to get to the Dwarf to share them in the first place.
]
(else:)[
It was a bit thrilling, really, sharing such personal details about Sir Mansoor and not knowing if he could overhear you.
]} (if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[Of course, those details were not really that sensitive, so you hoped he would not hold it against you for using them.]
After you straightened back up, Zanetta raised an eyebrow at you.
“Really?” She asked in a murmur. “Now that’s a woman I need to meet, then.”
(display: "Dancing with Zanetta (3)")
You waited until Ajmal’s attention was drawn away by some noise in the garden and leaned towards Zanetta’s ear to whisper: “Nuto introduced me to a friend of his that I believe is a burglar, the other day.”
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[
It was a bit thrilling, really, but you were not sure if it was because of the danger of Sir Mansoor overhearing about the shady characters you met on your outings with Nuto, or because of how close you had to get to the Dwarf to share that secret in the first place.
]
(else:)[
It was thrilling, really, not knowing if Sir Mansoor could overhear you revealing the shady characters you sometimes met on your outings with Nuto.
]}
After you straightened back up, Zanetta chuckled.
“Now, I’m pretty sure Ajmal didn’t hear anything or he would already be losing his mind,” she murmured.
(display: "Dancing with Zanetta (3)")
Ajmal looked around the room and sighed. “I suppose I have to put the furniture back in place, now.”
Zanetta waved a dismissive hand at him while she started putting away her disc and the gramophone. “You do that. I have a few things to attend to.”
The knight frowned at her. “So you are not going to help at all?”
The Dwarf grinned. “No.”
Instead of getting angry, like earlier, he sighed heavily and started getting to work, grabbing the rug he had rolled up earlier.
You glanced towards the arcades and the few invitingly open wooden shutters that led to the garden.
“I will be in the garden for a few moments,” you announced, looking back at Ajmal and Zanetta.
The knight frowned slightly. “Do you want me to accompany you? I can take care of the furniture later...”
You shook your head. “No, it is fine. I just need some air, I will not be far, I promise.”
Sir Mansoor nodded, but he still looked unconvinced. Zanetta approached him, patting his arm reassuringly.
“Relax, if anything happens, we’ll be a yell away. ”
She winked at you before turning to leave the room.
“Alright,” Ajmal finally conceded, casting a final worried glance at you. “Do not hesitate to come to me if you need anything.”
<div class="choice">[[You nodded at him before heading out of the living room and into the garden.->The gardens]]</div>
“What was that controversial dance you talked about earlier?” You asked with curiosity.
Zanetta flashed you a mischievous grin. “Oh you want to know about the scandalous stuff, huh? Not so prim and proper now, are you?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I— I just want to know more in order to avoid offending anyone,” you explained, although your warming cheeks betrayed your genuine interest.
The Dwarf’s grin widened. “Sure you do.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Is it that bad?” You asked bluntly.
The Dwarf chuckled. “If you ask the older nobles, yes, it very much is.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“You were the one who mentioned it in the first place!” You protested, your back stiffening.
“And I see it is titillating your curiosity,” the Dwarf replied, waggling her eyebrows. “Good to know.”
]
(else:)[
“I never pretended to be prim and proper,” you said with a shrug.
The Dwarf’s grin turned into a more genuine smile. “That’s true. Good to know.”
]}
“I was talking about the toccarella,” she finally explained. “It’s been taking the high society ballrooms by storm lately, but originally it was danced in the brothels of the upper quarters, by commoners.”
“Oh.” You started to see how the dance could be considered controversial.
“Some nobles were slumming it in the upper quarters and discovered the toccarella. It must have left an impression on them, since they decided to bring it to their ballrooms. Of course they tried to make a... less outrageous version of it, but it is still considered the most inappropriate of the dances you’ll see during high society events. Depending on who the host is, it is sometimes banned, even. Of course it makes it all the more appealing to the others.”
“But in practice, what makes it so... bad?” You asked with a frown.
Zanetta smiled crookedly at you. “It’s not bad, really. I think a lot of it comes from where the dance was born. Most older nobles don’t want to be associated with the working class in any way. That being said... It is a bit more sensual than most other dances. Or at least it leans more into that side of Telidrican dancing, without making a fuss about it.”
“You seem to like it better than the other ones.”
She shrugged. “I guess I do. It’s closer to my roots.”
You nodded, pausing to process the information.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Would you... teach me?”")[
(set: $revolutionary to $revolutionary + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Would you teach me?")
] You asked after a while.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I guess it is better I stay far away from that, then...”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(go-to: "It is better I stay away from that")
] You concluded hesitantly.</div>}
(unless: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[“Sleiman,” Zanetta corrected once again, quirking an eyebrow at you. ]“Before I put on any music, I’ll teach you both the basic steps. First you need to get closer and face each other.”
You turned to face Sir Mansoor and he did the same, standing at a short but polite distance.
“Mmh, you need to be much closer than that,” the Dwarf remarked.
{(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[
Ajmal took a careful step towards you, looking at Zanetta with a frown.
]
(else:)[
You took a step closer to Ajmal, frowning at Zanetta with confusion.
]}
She sighed, an amused smile on her lips. “I mean a lot closer than that.”
“What do you mean, a lot closer?” The knight protested. “How could we possibly dance so close to each other without stepping on each other’s feet?”
The Dwarf grinned at him teasingly. “Maybe you can’t. For the others, it’s all about coordination.”
She glanced at you. “Besides, you shouldn’t be so vehement, you’re going to hurt $MCpronoun3 feelings.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
Ajmal stiffened and gave you a quick sideway look. “I am sure $MCpronoun would rather I do not invade their personal space.”
Zanetta sighed. “Maybe so, but if you want to learn this dance, you’re going to have to follow my directions.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
The knight’s reluctance when you both stepped closer to each other was painful to watch.
]
(else:)[
Both you and the knight reluctantly stepped closer to each other.
]}
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
Ajmal gave you a quick horrified look. “What? That is— That is not what I meant! I...”<br /><br />
He turned his attention back to you, looking quite panicked. “I am so sorry, $MCcovertitle! I did not mean that your proximity would be unpleasant in any way! On the contrary, I find it enjoyable. That is to say that it is not repulsive at all! Huh... That may not be the best way to word it. I apologize, what I meant is...”<br />
You raised your hand to interrupt his flow of flustered blabbering, trying to offer him a comforting smile. “It is alright, you have not offended me at all.”<br />
His face flushed red. “Oh. I... That is good.”<br /><br />
You turned an accusatory gaze towards Zanetta who you suspected tried to rattle Sir Mansoor on purpose. And by the absolutely delighted grin on her face, you felt that your suspicions were well founded.<br /><br />
“Thank the Saints,” she said with a roguish smirk. “Because I’m afraid getting close to each other is unavoidable if you want to learn this dance...”<br /><br />
The knight and you stepped closer together, tension radiating from him.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorAffection > 6) or ($MansoorFriendship > 0))[
Ajmal gave you a quick panicked look. “What? That is— That is not what I meant! I...”<br /><br />
He turned his attention back to you, an apologetic frown on his brow. “I am sorry, $MCcovertitle, I only wanted to make sure I was not invading your personal space needlessly.”<br />
You smiled at him, amused and touched by his eagerness to reassure you. “It is alright.”<br /><br />
You turned a somewhat accusatory gaze at Zanetta. “My feelings are //hardly// hurt.”<br />
She grinned back at you. “Thank the Saints. But I’m afraid this ‘invasion’ of each other’s personal space is quite necessary if you want to learn this dance.”<br /><br />
The knight sighed but did not protest any further as you both stepped closer to each other.
]
(else:)[
Ajmal gave you a quick sideway look. “That is... That is not what I meant,” he fumbled. “I only meant to not invade $MCpronoun3 personal space needlessly.”<br />
Zanetta sighed. “Well, I’m afraid it’s going to be needed if you want to learn this dance.”<br /><br />
Both you and the knight stepped closer together a little uneasily.
]}
{(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[
“Alright, Ajmal I need you to take $MCpronoun3 right hand in your left and to put your right hand at the center of $MCpronoun3 back,” the Dwarf explained in a more serious tone. “$MCcovertitle2 $MCname, put your left hand on his shoulder.”<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<br />The knight obeyed with obvious reserve, adjusting his position according to Zanetta’s instructions. She walked around you, fussing with your posture, pushing your elbow up and centering his hand on your back.
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
“I— What?” The knight asked, more than a little flustered.<br />
Zanetta smirked. “Just do what I said.”<br /><br />
He obeyed, gingerly taking your hand in his, making eye contact to make sure you were okay with the touch while frowning anxiously at you. You were more than okay with it. A lot more than him at least, you thought as your heart pinched painfully. You saw his eyes following the trajectory of your hand when you lifted it to let it rest on his shoulder. He swallowed hard as his fingers barely brushed the center of your back, sending a shiver down your spine. To your utter embarrassment, he seemed to notice your reaction and almost removed his hand in reaction, sucking in a short breath.<br /><br />
Beside you, you heard Zanetta groan. “Saints help me, I swear... Can you two barely touch each other for five whole minutes or is it going to kill you?”<br /><br />
You both avoided each other’s gaze, blushing profusely. The Dwarf walked around the two of you, adjusting your postures, lifting your elbow and pushing Ajmal’s hand more firmly on your back, which almost made you gasp in surprise.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
“What?” The knight asked, dumbfounded and a little flustered.<br />
Zanetta smiled. “Just do what I said.”<br /><br />
He obeyed, carefully taking your hand in his while making eye contact to make sure you were okay with the touch. You were more than okay with it, of course. In fact, it took all your willpower to not melt into it when you felt his warm hand gently bracing your back.<br /><br />
Zanetta walked around the both of you and hummed thoughtfully. “That’s pretty good.”<br /><br />
She adjusted your elbow’s height and pushed you a little closer to Ajmal, which made your heart leap in your chest. You were convinced she did not really need to do that.
]
(else:)[
“What?” The knight asked, dumbfounded.<br />
Zanetta sighed. “Just do what I said.”<br /><br />
He obeyed, awkwardly taking position and adjusting his posture as she walked around both of you, giving instructions, pushing your elbow up and centering his hand on your back.
]}<br /><br />
Zanetta stepped back as she explained: “The roteanti is in three beats so we generally count to three to mark each step. The most basic steps are very simple, when Ajmal steps forward, you step back with your opposite leg. Then you both step to the side, shift weight on three and step forward while he steps back, step to the other side, shifts weight again, effectively forming a square.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
It was a bit hard to picture what she meant at first, but as Sir Mansoor tentatively started following her directions, you quickly understood the basics, helping the knight out when he was mixing up some of the steps. Despite him always arguing that he was not a good dancer, it did not take him that long to get the hang of it either. {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
His posture was exceptionally stiff, making his dancing awkward, but he was able to perform all the steps correctly in no time.
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
However, you could tell he was still perturbed and he stumbled a few times, apologizing when he came close to stepping on your feet. If you were honest, your dancing skills were not at their best either with how flustered you were as well, but you did manage to get the knight back on the right track.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
His posture, stiff at first, loosened up, matching yours almost perfectly and you were both able to move as one in no time. You tried not to read too much into it — without success.
]
(else:)[
His posture was a bit stiff, making his dancing a little awkward, but he was able to perform all the steps correctly in no time.
]}
]
(else:)[
It was a bit hard to picture what she meant and as Sir Mansoor started to tentatively guide your steps through a dance he did not understand either, you could not help but stumble around for a while. Your Dwarven teacher did her best to adjust her instructions every time you threatened to walk on Ajmal’s feet and it took a while, but you managed to get a better grasp of the steps with — to your surprise — the patient help of the knight. Despite his claiming that he was a bad dancer, he was able to perform the steps correctly faster than you. You figured his physical training had something to do with it, but still, it was unexpected. {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
His posture remained exceptionally stiff throughout the process however, making the dance quite awkward.
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
However, you could tell he was perturbed still and you ended up getting tangled up a few times. Nearly falling, he had to catch you once, holding you against his chest as you recovered your balance. Needless to say, it left the both of you quite flushed.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
His posture, a little stiff at first, had loosened up, making it easier for you to match his steps and move with him as one. You tried not to read too much into it — without success.
]
(else:)[
His posture was a bit stiff however, making the dance a little awkward.
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
“Alright, $MCcovertitle2 $MCname, I need you to take Ajmal’s right hand in your left and put your right hand at the center of his back,” the Dwarf explained in a more serious tone. “Ajmal, put your left hand on $MCpronoun3 shoulder.”<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<br />You quietly obeyed and the both of you took position, the knight with obvious reserve. Zanetta walked around the two of you, adjusting your posture, centering your hand on Ajmal’s back and raising up his elbow.
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
“What?” You asked, flustered.<br /><br />
That was a lot more touching than what you were used to. Baladian ballroom dancing only had you hold your partner’s hand occasionally. And the thought of dancing with Sir Mansoor while holding him so close to you was... Well it was a lot, especially with how awkward things had been between the two of you.<br /><br />
Zanetta smiled. “I told you it was very different.”<br /><br />
She glanced between you and Ajmal. Was it a worried frowned that pinched her brow? You decided to ignore that, glancing carefully at the knight. You had worries of your own. You reached for his right hand while keeping eye contact to make sure he was alright with the touch. His hand met yours halfway, a little too fast, a little too mechanical. You saw him take a deep breath, more tense than ever, before gingerly resting his hand on your shoulder. Swallowing hard, you carefully slid your arm beneath his to lightly place your hand at the center of his back, absurdly terrified that he might just up and run away. The contact make him full on shudder and you remove your hand immediately, feeling bad for making him so uncomfortable.<br /><br />
“Are you alright?” You asked with a frown. “If it’s too uncomfortable, I can dance with Zanetta instead...”<br />
“No!” The knight blurted. “It is fine. I will be fine.”<br /><br />
He smiled shakily and you exchanged a glance with Zanetta. She rolled her eyes and sighed.<br /><br />
“Saints, give me strength...” She muttered.<br /><br />
You put your hand on his back again, just as carefully as before and you could see Sir Mansoor clenching his jaw, bracing himself for the touch. His reaction was not quite as dramatic as before, but it was there and you felt your heart in your throat.<br />
Zanetta walked around the both of you, adjusting your postures, raising Ajmal’s elbow and pushing your hand more firmly onto his back which took both of you by surprise, making you almost jump out of your skins.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
“What?” You asked, flustered.<br /><br />
That was a lot more touching than what you were used to. Baladian ballroom dancing only had you hold your partner’s hand occasionally. And it was not that Sir Mansoor and you never had physical contact, but... The context was quite different. The idea of holding him so close to you while dancing was... Well it was a lot and you felt your cheeks warm up.<br /><br />
Zanetta smirked. “I told you it was very different.”<br /><br />
She glanced between you and Ajmal, an amused twinkle in her eyes. You ignored her, meeting Ajmal’s eyes which you found looking at you questioningly. You cleared your throat before taking his right hand carefully, making sure he was okay with the touch. His fingers wrapped around yours easily and he let his left hand rest on your shoulder, shifting even closer to you. You discreetly inhaled a steadying breath before sliding your arm beneath his, gingerly placing your hand at the center of his back. You felt the barest of shudder jolt through his body and searched his eyes. He smiled at you reassuringly and you would have thought you imagined the reaction if it was not for the slight flush of his skin.<br />
Zanetta walked around the two of you, adjusting your postures, raising Ajmal’s elbow and pushing your hand more firmly onto his back, making him step closer and making your heart leap in your chest.
]
(else:)[
“What?” You asked, dumbfounded.<br /><br />
That was a lot more touching than you were used to. Baladian ballroom dancing only had you hold your partner’s hand occasionally.<br /><br />
Zanetta smirked. “I told you it was very different.”<br /><br />
You followed her instructions uneasily, taking Ajmal’s right hand and placing yours on his back. The knight seemed as hesitant as you but did not protest.(if: $MCsize is "small")[ The position was a little awkward to keep, given how much smaller than him you were.] Zanetta walked around the two of you, adjusting your respective postures.
]}<br /><br />
She stepped back and explained: “The roteanti is in three beats so we generally count to three to mark each step. The most basic steps are very simple, when you step forward, Ajmal has to step back with the opposite leg, then you both step to the side, shift weight on three and step back while he steps forward and then step to the opposite side, effectively forming a square.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
It was hard to visualize what she meant at first, but you followed her instructions, guiding Sir Mansoor through each step and you quickly figured out the basics. The knight did not have the same ease as you, but he picked up on the steps quite quickly, with your help. You were surprised, to say the least, considering how he always described himself as a bad dancer. {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
His posture stayed exceptionally stiff throughout the process however, making the dance awkward.
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
Still, you could see by his posture that he was perturbed and he threatened to entangle his legs with yours a couple of times. After helping him steady himself with a firm hand — causing both you and him to blush abundantly — you managed to get him back on the right track.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
His posture was a bit stiff at first, but he loosened up after a while, letting you lead him through the process and moving with you as one. You tried not to read too much into it — without success.
]
(else:)[
His posture was a bit stiff, however, making the dance a little awkward.
]}
]
(else:)[
It was hard to visualize what she meant. You did your best, following her instructions and guiding Sir Mansoor through steps you barely understood, but you spent the first few attempts stumbling around. To your surprise, the knight caught on the basics faster than you and, despite you leading the dance, he helped you through the motions. You figured it had something to do with his physical training, but you were still shocked, considering he always claimed to be a bad dancer. {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
Admittedly, his posture was extremely stiff, making the dance quite awkward.
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
Admittedly, you could tell by his posture he was still perturbed and you almost stepped on his feet a few times, making him nearly fall. Your fingers clenched into his clothes and you held him close to your chest while he was finding his balance back, your heart rate speeding up considerably. Suffice to say, the experience left the both of you flushed.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
His posture had been stiff at first, but he relaxed into the dance, his eagerness to help you giving him a boost of confidence. You tried not to read too much into it — without success.
]
(else:)[
His posture //was// a bit stiff, making the dance a little awkward.
]}
]}
]}
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
When your Dwarven teacher realized how quickly you picked up the steps, she started giving you more detailed instructions about how to hold yourself, adding more flare to every gesture instead of mechanically performing the steps. After a while, you started getting a feel for the dance, even without the music. {(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
It was strange and new, the closeness to your partner requiring some form of osmosis that you were desperate to feel more of.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "Eager to learn")[
It was strange and new but its swaying motions had a pleasant feel to it.
]
(else:)[
It was very foreign and you were unsure how to feel about it yet.
]}<br /><br />
Zanetta’s chuckle interrupted you both and you looked at her. “Alright, I get it, you know what you’re doing.”<br /><br />
Learning to dance was a process you were quite familiar with, if anything. It had not always been this easy, but one of your strengths had helped you going through most hurdles...<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "You could memorize the steps quite easily.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (3)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You could easily endure the effort and learn through repetition.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (3)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You just followed your instincts, they always helped you intuit how to perform each step.")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (3)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your guile.)//</div>}
]
(else:)[
After you and Ajmal repeated the steps a couple more times, Zanetta interrupted you. “I think you both are starting to get it.”<br /><br />
She specifically glanced at Sir Mansoor, her raised eyebrows sitting halfway between amused and annoyed. But you were surprised to see she was almost equally impressed by your performance.<br /><br />
“I wish I had been able to learn that quickly,” she confessed.<br /><br />
It did not feel like you had been learning that fast, but it seemed like one of your other strengths had been quite helpful...<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "You had a good memory and it helped with retaining the steps.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (3)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Your physicality helped you repeat the same motions over and over without tiring you out.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (3)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Your instincts helped you intuit the way the dance was supposed to unfold.")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 6)
(go-to: "Dancing with Ajmal (3)")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your guile.)//</div>}
]}
(link-goto: "RETURN TO STORY", $lastpassage)
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''Do you want to show what character traits are affected by your choices?''
{(if: $showtraits is 1)[
(link: "Hide trait tags in choices")[
(set: $showtraits to 0)
(go-to: "SETTINGS")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "Show trait tags in choices")[
(set: $showtraits to 1)
(go-to: "SETTINGS")
]
]}
''Do you want to show what skill will be involved in a skill challenge?''
{(if: $showchallenge is 1)[
(link: "Hide challenge tags in choices")[
(set: $showchallenge to 0)
(go-to: "SETTINGS")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "Show challenge tags in choices")[
(set: $showchallenge to 1)
(go-to: "SETTINGS")
]
]}
(if: (history:) contains "Are you alright, your Majesty?")[''Customize gender, pronouns and titles:''
Gender: (link: "non-binary")[(set: $MCgender to "person")(set: $MCgender2 to "non-binary")(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "noble")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCgender is "person")[ //(set)//] — (link: "woman")[(set: $MCgender to "woman")(set: $MCgender2 to "woman")(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "noblewoman")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCgender is "woman")[ //(set)//] — (link: "man")[(set: $MCgender to "man")(set: $MCgender2 to "man")(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "nobleman")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCgender is "man")[ //(set)//]
Pronouns: (link: "they/them")[(set: $MCpronoun to "they")(set: $MCpronoun2 to "them")(set: $MCpronoun3 to "their")(set: $MCpronoun4 to "themself")(set: $MCpronoun5 to "theirs")(set: $MCplural to 2)(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCpronoun is "they")[ //(set)//] — (link: "she/her")[(set: $MCpronoun to "she")(set: $MCpronoun2 to "her")(set: $MCpronoun3 to "her")(set: $MCpronoun4 to "herself")(set: $MCpronoun5 to "hers")(set: $MCplural to 1)(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCpronoun is "she")[ //(set)//] — (link: "he/him")[(set: $MCpronoun to "he")(set: $MCpronoun2 to "him")(set: $MCpronoun3 to "his")(set: $MCpronoun4 to "himself")(set: $MCpronoun5 to "his")(set: $MCplural to 1)(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCpronoun is "he")[ //(set)//]
{(link-reveal: "//''Set custom pronouns''//")[
<div style="margin-left: 5%;"><br />//Type in the pronoun you want to use instead of the given examples — ''in lower case only''.//<br /><br />
''they/she/he''<br />
<div class="inputbox">(input-box: bind $MCpronoun,"X",1,"they/she/he")</div><br />
''them/her/him''<br />
<div class="inputbox">(input-box: bind $MCpronoun2,"X",1,"them/her/him")</div><br />
''their/her/his''<br />
<div class="inputbox">(input-box: bind $MCpronoun3,"X",1,"their/her/his")</div><br />
''theirs/hers/his''<br />
<div class="inputbox">(input-box: bind $MCpronoun5,"X",1,"theirs/hers/his")</div><br />
''themself/herself/himself''
<div class="inputbox">(input-box: bind $MCpronoun4,"X",1,"themself/herself/himself")</div><br />
(link: "use plural for verbs")[(set: $MCplural to 2)(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCplural is 2)[ //(set)//] / (link: "use singular for verbs")[(set: $MCplural to 1)(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCplural is 1)[ //(set)//]</div>
]}
Title : (link: "Monarch")[(set: $MCtitle to "your Majesty")(set: $MCtitle2 to "Monarch")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCtitle2 is "Monarch")[ //(set)//] — (link: "Queen")[(set: $MCtitle to "my Queen")(set: $MCtitle2 to "Queen")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCtitle2 is "Queen")[ //(set)//] — (link: "King")[(set: $MCtitle to "my King")(set: $MCtitle2 to "King")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCtitle2 is "King")[ //(set)//]
(if: (history:) contains "The cover")[Cover title : (link: "Laird")[(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Laird")(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Laird")(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'laird")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCcovertitle2 is "Laird")[ //(set)//] — (link: "Lady")[(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Lady")(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Lady")(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'lady")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCcovertitle2 is "Lady")[ //(set)//] — (link: "Lord")[(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Lord")(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Lord")(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'lord")(go-to: "SETTINGS")](if: $MCcovertitle2 is "Lord")[ //(set)//] ] ]
Zanetta observed you and Sir Mansoor repeating the steps one last time to make sure you were both comfortable with them before turning to the gramophone. (if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[It was embarrassing to admit, but you managed to miss the knight’s touch as soon as he stepped away from you.]
“Let’s try it with the music, now,” she said while cranking up the spring motor.
The disc started turning and when she moved the arm to place the needle, a crackling noise escaped from the speaker. The music that followed was a grandiloquent instrumental piece, {(if: $MChobby is "dancing" or "music")[
the style of which you recognized as being typically Telidrican.
]
(else:)[
the style of which you were unfamiliar with.
]}
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
“Since you are apparently both experts, I’ll teach you some other steps,” the Dwarf said, turning around to look at you(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[ with a grin].<br /><br />
You took position again,(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[ welcoming back Ajmal’s touch and closeness,] the posture coming back to you naturally. You executed the basic steps again, but following the beats of the music made it all fall into place, the dance finally making sense.<br />
{(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[
Soon enough, Zanetta gave Ajmal further instructions, teaching you variations of the steps you now had a firm grasp on. Following the knight’s lead, you both started spinning across the room, turning as you performed each step.
]
(else:)[
Soon enough, Zanetta gave you further instructions, teaching you variations of the steps you now had a firm grasp on. Taking the lead, you started turning while performing each step, making the both of you spin across the room.
]}
]
(else:)[
“Since you are both learning so fast...” The Dwarf started, turning around to look at you.<br />
(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
<br />She hesitated, considering the both of you with her eyebrow raised in a critical expression. “... Despite unrelated difficulties...”<br />
]
<br />“I’ll teach you some variations of the same steps,” she added(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[with a grin].<br /><br />
You took position again(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[, welcoming back Ajmal’s touch and closeness]. {(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[
You stiffened as you felt the knight’s hand on your back again, still unused to this strange dance’s configuration(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[ and still all too aware of the intimacy provided by the posture].
]
(else:)[
You felt the knight stiffen as your hand awkwardly resumed its position on his back, as you were still unused to this strange dance’s configuration(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[ and were still all too aware of the intimacy provided by the posture].
]}<br />
Executing the basic steps while following the beats of the music was tricky at first, the pace a little faster than the one you used to train. But you eventually accustomed yourself to it and the dance started to finally make sense.<br />
{(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[
When Zanetta felt you were comfortable enough, she gave Ajmal further instructions, teaching you the variations she spoke of. You followed the knight’s hesitant lead, turning with each step and you both started spinning across the room.
]
(else:)[
When Zanetta felt you were comfortable enough, she gave you further instructions, teaching you the variations she spoke of. You led the knight hesitantly, turning with each step, and you both started spinning across the room.
]}
]}
As the dance led you further away from her, the Dwarf stayed put beside the gramophone, watching you with her arms crossed over her chest.
“Do you know why the Telidrican nobles like to dance so close to their partner?” She asked, raising her voice to be heard over the music.
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
<br />Her eyes darted between you and Sir Mansoor, a smirk forming on her lips. “Beside the obvious.”<br />
]}
You looked over at her and shook your head ‘no’.
“Well, that’s because it’s a great way to gossip and exchange secrets,” she explained.
“In a ballroom full of people?” You said, raising your voice as well. “Would other dancers not hear you?”
“If you do it well, they won’t,” she answered {(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[
watching Ajmal lead you into another spin.
]
(else:)[
watching you lead Ajmal into another spin.
]}
The knight observed the exchange quietly, looking at you and her in turn.
“Try it!” Zanetta suddenly exclaimed.
“What?”
“Try to tell Ajmal a secret and I’ll tell you if I heard it,” she clarified(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[ with a sly smile].
You exchanged a look with Ajmal. You hesitated a moment, worrying your lower lip, and...
{(unless: $intelligence > 5)[
<div class="choice">You waited until you were facing away from Zanetta to lean towards the knight’s ear and whisper: (link: "“I think Lady Domara has a crush on Nuto.”")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 4)
{(if: $martial < 6)[
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "DWA (4) - Intelligence")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your intelligence.)//</div>
]
(unless: $martial > 5)[
<div class="choice">You waited until your steps led you further away from Zanetta to lean towards the knight’s ear and whisper: (link: "“Did you know that Carla calls Dolce sweet cheeks when she thinks no one can hear her?”")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "DWA (4) - Martial")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
]
(unless: $guile > 5)[
<div class="choice">You waited until Zanetta’s attention seemed to drift off before leaning towards the knight’s ear and whisper: (link: "“Nuto showed me a little courtyard in the artisans’ quarters where you can meet dozens of cats if you bring some dried fish with you.”")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 4)
{(if: $martial < 6)[
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]}
(go-to: "DWA (4) - Guile")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your guile.)//</div>
]}
You waited until you were facing away from Zanetta to lean towards the knight’s ear and whisper: “I think Lady Domara has a crush on Nuto.”
{(if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
Ajmal sucked in a sharp breath, his body tensing at your proximity and you could not help but stiffen as well. You knew very well his reaction had nothing to do with the mostly harmless gossip you just shared about your tutor. You pulled away rapidly to give him some space, your heart heavy in your chest.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
It was a bit thrilling really, both sharing this harmless bit of gossip without knowing if Zanetta heard you or not and getting so close to Ajmal to do it. You were surprised to feel the knight react to your proximity as well, his fingers clenching on your {(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[back](else:)[shoulder]}. You pulled away after a moment of hesitation.
]
(else:)[
It was a bit thrilling, really, sharing this harmless bit of gossip about your tutor with Ajmal and not knowing if Zanetta could hear you or not. You pulled away, watching for the knight’s reaction.
]}
He looked at you with a puzzled frown on his face. “Huh. Really? That is... unexpected.”
You glanced towards Zanetta while the knight still seemed to process this new piece of information and its implications.
(display: "Dancing with Ajmal (4)")
You waited until your steps led you further away from Zanetta to lean towards the knight’s ear and whisper: “Did you know that Carla calls Dolce sweet cheeks when she thinks no one can hear her?”
{(if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
Ajmal sucked in a sharp breath, his body tensing at your proximity and you could not help but stiffen as well. You knew very well his reaction had nothing to do with the mostly harmless gossip you just shared about the head of the guard and the house’s cook. You pulled away rapidly to give him some space, your heart heavy in your chest.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
It was a bit thrilling really, both sharing this harmless bit of gossip about the head of the guards and the house's cook without knowing if Zanetta heard you or not and getting so close to Ajmal to do it. You were surprised to feel the knight react to your proximity as well, his fingers clenching on your {(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[back](else:)[shoulder]}. You pulled away after a moment of hesitation.
]
(else:)[
It was a bit thrilling, really, sharing this harmless bit of gossip about the head of the guard and the house’s cook with Ajmal and not knowing if Zanetta could hear you or not. Although you doubted that was something the Dwarf did not know already. You pulled away, watching for the knight’s reaction.
]}
His lips twitched upwards as he tried — in vain — to suppress a smile. “Really? That is... kind of adorable, really. I will try to act as if I did not know that.”
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
The amused light in his eyes and the bright smile that he addressed you had been a rare sight the past few months, so you could not help but stare at him, your heart full. His face flushed after a few blissful moments and he looked away awkwardly. You felt a bit embarrassed yourself and turned your attention towards Zanetta.
]
(else:)[
The amused light in his eyes and his bright smile had been a rare sight, the past few months. You could tell he was fond of Dolce and this bit of gossip seemed to cheer him up. You turned your attention towards Zanetta.
]}
(display: "Dancing with Ajmal (4)")
You waited until Zanetta’s attention seemed to drift off before leaning towards the knight’s ear and whisper: “Nuto showed me a little courtyard in the artisans’ quarters where you can meet dozens of cats if you bring some dried fish with you.”
{(if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") and ($MansoorRomance is 2))[
Ajmal sucked in a sharp breath, his body tensing at your proximity and you could not help but stiffen as well. You knew very well his reaction had nothing to do with the small bit of information you just shared with him. You pulled away rapidly to give him some space, your heart heavy in your chest.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
It was a bit thrilling really, both sharing this harmless bit of information without knowing if Zanetta heard you or not and getting so close to Ajmal to do it. You were surprised to feel the knight react to your proximity as well, his fingers clenching on your {(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[back](else:)[shoulder]}. You pulled away after a moment of hesitation.
]
(else:)[
It was a bit thrilling, really, sharing this harmless bit of information with Ajmal and not knowing if Zanetta could hear you or not. You suspected that this particular discovery was of high interest to the knight. You pulled away, watching for his reaction.
]}
His entire face lit up with excitement. “Really?! Where is this courtyard?! You have to show me!”
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
Seeing his eyes brighten like that made your heart full. It felt like it had been forever since you had seen him this happy. You could not help but stare at him for a few blissful moments, until his face flushed and he looked away awkwardly.
]
(else:)[
It felt like it had been forever since you had last seen him this happy. He quickly looked away awkwardly, however.
]}
“I mean... If it pleases $MCcovertitle, of course.”
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
“I would love to,” you replied with a smile, before turning your attention towards Zanetta.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorTrust < 0) or ($MansoorAffection < 5))[
“You could ask Nuto to show you,” you replied, shrugging, before turning your attention towards Zanetta.
]
(else:)[
“Of course,” you replied with a slight smile, before turning your attention towards Zanetta.
]}
(display: "Dancing with Ajmal (4)")“Did you hear anything?” You asked her.
“No I didn’t,” she answered with a crooked smile. “See, I told you.”
“I doubt it would be that easy in a crowded ballroom,” you replied, still somewhat skeptical.
“That’s true, but with some practice it can be done. Although, with any luck, it’s not a skill you will need to acquire. Still, it’s better to be prepared.”
That was a good point. You did come here to hide and stay safe, not participate in Lagodoro’s political intrigues. But who knew what ‘staying safe’ would entail? You frowned at the thought.
Sir Mansoor seemed to notice your concern. He squeezed your hand slightly.
“No matter what happens, I will be there to make sure no harm comes to you,” he said in a low tone.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
You looked at him and you knew he meant it. Despite your uneasy relationship, he was not the kind of man to neglect his duty and would still stand by your side, no matter what. Even if that would make him miserable. Your frown deepened. You were not sure how well that idea sat with you.<br /><br />
“I swear,” the knight insisted, seeing your expression and misinterpreting it.<br /><br />
You did your best to smooth out your features and force a faint smile.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
You looked at him and his sincerity all but made you want {(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[to melt right into his arms.](else:)[to embrace him tightly.]} You knew he was a dutiful man and that was all it was, but it still made your heart beat faster and when you looked at his soft gaze you could not help but hope there was more to it than that.<br /><br />
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you replied in a barely audible murmur.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorAffection > 6))[
You smiled fondly at him. Maybe it was a bit overconfident of him to think he could protect you of any danger whatsoever. But it was still reassuring and you were glad to have him by your side.<br /><br />
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you murmured back.
]
(else:)[
You knew he meant it and you smiled at him. His infallible confidence in his ability to protect you from any danger might have been a little arrogant, but it was reassuring you and that was what you needed right now.<br /><br />
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you murmured back.
]}
{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
Zanetta had you and Ajmal practice the roteanti until the end of the disc, teaching you some extra steps, like she promised. By the end of it, you had a good enough grasp of the dance to be able to perform it in its most basic form in a ballroom.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta had you and Ajmal practice until the end of the disc, repeating its basic steps and their variations. You probably would not have been able to dance the roteanti in a real ballroom, but by the end of it, you had a firm enough grasp on its basics to help you in future lessons.
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
It felt too soon when the music quieted down and Sir Mansoor stepped away from you, {(if: $dancelead is "Ajmal")[releasing your hand and his fingers trailing away from your back.](else:)[releasing your hand, your own trailing away from his back.]}
]
(else:)[
When the music quieted down, Sir Mansoor stepped away from you, eagerly giving your personal space back to you.
]}
Zanetta turned to the gramophone, moving the arm away and taking the disc to put it back in its sleeve.
“I think that should be enough for today,” she said, glancing at you over her shoulder. “We’ll continue tomorrow, I need you to be familiar with the roteanti as soon as possible. You might need it in a short while.”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
<br />“You did good,” she added with a lopsided smile. “Both of you.”<br /><br />
She glanced at Ajmal who shifted on his feet awkwardly at the compliment.<br />
]}
{<div class="choice">You smiled at her. (link: "“Thank you for the lesson.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Thanking Zanetta for the lesson")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You nodded at her, ready to move on.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "After the dance lesson")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“What was that controversial dance you talked about earlier?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "The toccarella")
] You asked with curiosity. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
You smiled at her. “Thank you for the lesson.”
“How polite,” Zanetta chuckled. “You’re welcome.”
Even though she was poking fun at you, she smiled warmly at you, truly appreciative.
(display: "After the dance lesson")
“Would you... teach me?” You asked after a while.
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Zanetta")[
Zanetta blinked at you, the only sign of her surprise. She looked at you, before exchanging a glance with Ajmal. The knight had been quiet throughout the conversation, but he was now looking at you, listening intently. The Dwarven woman started rubbing her arm, and if you did not know any better, you would have said she was embarrassed.<br /><br />
“If that’s what you want... Sure,” she finally answered. “Maybe not today, though. {(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
Once you are comfortable with the roteanti, I can start teaching you. It shouldn’t take too long.
]
(else:)[
You still have a lot on your plate with learning the roteanti.
]}”<br /><br />
Her gaze trailed over you, her expression thoughtful. When her eyes met yours again, she smiled.<br /><br />
“It’s certainly going to be interesting.”
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal")[
Zanetta blinked at you before her gaze slid over to Ajmal. You glanced at him and you saw him straighten under the attention, his hand twitching nervously. You looked back at the Dwarven woman when she chuckled.<br /><br />
“Oh, I absolutely can do that for you,” she said with a wide grin. “But first I need to make sure you’re both comfortable enough with the roteanti. And each other.(if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[I wouldn’t want your poor knight to start fainting, now.]”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
Sir Mansoor turning beet red in both anger and embarrassment did not escape your notice.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor blushed slightly, carefully avoiding your gaze.
]}<br /><br />
Zanetta’s smile turned softer. “You’re an interesting little $MCtitle2.”
]
(else:)[
Zanetta blinked at you, the only sign of her surprise. She exchanged a glance with Ajmal. The knight had been quiet during the conversation, but he was now looking intently at you.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
The Dwarven woman frowned at you, looking a little puzzled. “That is a little unexpected... But if that’s what you want, sure.”
]
(else:)[
The Dwarven woman offered you a half smile, her eyes bright with mischief. “Well, since you asked so nicely... I sure can.”
]}<br /><br />
“Not now, however,” she quickly amended. “{(if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
I need you to get comfortable with the roteanti first, but that shouldn’t take too long.
]
(else:)[
You still have a lot on your plate with learning the roteanti.
]}”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded at her.
]
(else:)[
You smiled gratefully at her.
]}<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
Zanetta smirked at you. “You’re interesting, I’ll give you that.”
]
(else:)[
Zanetta’s grin softened. “You’re an interesting little $MCtitle2.”
]}
]}
Sir Mansoor cleared his throat, bringing Zanetta’s and your attention on him.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), may I speak openly?” He asked you, a concerned frown on his brow.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">(link: "“You may,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You may")
] you agreed, inviting him to proceed with a sign of your hand.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“It is already decided, there is no point in arguing over this,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "It is already decided")
] you replied with a disapproving frown.</div>}
]
(else:)[
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), I do not mean to dissuade you, but... Would it not be dangerous? Would performing a notoriously controversial dance not bring too much attention to you?” He asked you, the concern visible in his expression.<br />
“It wouldn’t be more dangerous than staying cloistered and conservative,” Zanetta answered in your stead. “Being too careful will make people wonder why you need to be careful in the first place.”<br />
The knight’s frown was still in place but he nodded. “That is a good point.”<br /><br />
He looked at you, rubbing the back of his neck. “I am sorry, I did not mean to meddle. I was only concerned for your safety.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled softly at him. “It is alright, I understand.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded at him. “You need not apologize.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You nodded at him. “You were only doing your duty.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled at him. “That is alright, I appreciate your input.”
]}<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[He smiled back at you, visibly reassured.->After the dance lesson]]</div>
]}
“I guess it is better I stay far away from that, then...” You concluded hesitantly.
Zanetta gave you a careful, appraising look. Meanwhile, Sir Mansoor seemed reassured by your decision.
The Dwarf nodded at you. “If that’s what makes you more comfortable... You don’t have to learn it, of course. But if you ever change your mind, I’d be happy to show it to you.”
She smiled faintly at you and you believed she was trying to be encouraging. Ajmal narrowed his eyes at her. You understood why he was wary of the idea of you learning a controversial dance. You suspected you shared the same reservations about your safety. You felt like attracting attention by doing something considered outrageous was a bad idea when you were in hiding, trying to preserve your life.
“If I do, I will let you know,” you replied, nodding back at her.
(display: "After the dance lesson")
“You may,” you agreed, inviting him to proceed with a sign of your hand.
Ajmal inclined his head, looking grateful.
“I do not mean to dissuade you, but would performing a notoriously controversial dance not be dangerous? It could attract attention to you...”
“It wouldn’t be more dangerous than staying cloistered and conservative,” Zanetta answered in your stead. “Being too careful will make people wonder why you need to be careful in the first place.”
The knight’s frown was still in place but he nodded. “That is a good point.”
He looked at you, rubbing the back of his neck. “I am sorry, I did not mean to meddle. I was only concerned for your safety.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled softly at him. “It is alright, I understand.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded at him. “You need not apologize.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You nodded at him. “You were only doing your duty.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled at him. “That is alright, I appreciate your input.”
]}
<div class="choice">[[He smiled back at you, visibly reassured.->After the dance lesson]]</div>
“It is already decided, there is no point in arguing over this,” you replied with a disapproving frown.
Ajmal’s lips pursed into a thin line and he stood perfectly still.
“My apologies,” he replied formally.
Zanetta’s eyes narrowed as she glared at you. Her nose wrinkled in distaste.
“You’re a real charmer, you know that?”
You glared back at her, feeling yourself tense up. “I just think there is nothing else to discuss.”
An awkward silence followed during which both Zanetta and Ajmal tried to busy themselves with tidying up things, the Dwarven woman putting away her disc and gramophone, the knight moving furniture back in place. Not knowing what to do with yourself, you cleared your throat.
“I will be in the garden for a few moments.”
Sir Mansoor looked up from the chair he was setting down, frowning. “Should I not come with you?”
You shook your head. “I will not be far, I just need some air.”
The knight still looked unconvinced and concerned, but he knew better than to question your orders.
<div class="choice">[[You decidedly direct your steps towards the arcades, exiting the room and leaving the tense atmosphere behind.->The gardens]]</div>
You were welcomed by the humming song of fire cicadas, that luminescent insect that crowded quiet patches of vegetation in the city. You had inquired about them since you had to get yourself used to their chirping lulling you to sleep every night. They were fearful of people, so you could not find them in more public places, but the mansion’s garden was peaceful enough that some of them made it their home. As you took a few steps further into the garden, the humming lowered faintly and a few dots of greenish light flew away from you. You could still see some of them dancing behind the branches of thick bushes.
You followed the curved path that wound its way down from the villa to the private dock, meandering between large plant beds, all overflowing with strange trees and bush-sized succulents. Some of them had neatly trimmed patches of pale grass to lay on if one felt so inclined. A few bushes were brimming with pastel flowers, their sweet smell embalming the air.
There were a few smaller paths, shortcuts that led more quickly to the dock, but you felt like walking, (if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[despite your injury, ]so you followed the main paved alley. Walking down the gentle slope, you turned around the first plant bed and glanced up when you heard the creaking of a shutter being opened. It was one of the guards, inspecting the area from one of the many balconies overlooking the garden. They did not seem to notice you, or they were trying to not stare at you, you could not say. But soon they left and your view became obscured by trees and tall bushes.
You curved around another bend and stopped in your tracks. Someone was sitting on a bench right there, in the thickest part of the garden. A lush bush was hiding part of them and all you could see were long legs, crossed and emphasized by a pair of neatly cut black trousers. Carefully, you stepped forward and around the bush to better see who the legs belonged to. Surely none of the guards or any of the house’s staff.
Soon, your eyes could connect the legs to a slender body, dressed in a simple but elegant three-piece suit, and finally a face. A familiar one.
<div class="choice">[[Felice.->Felice]]</div>
Nuto nodded in response before heading towards the entryway. You opened the door and entered the first room in the left wing. It was a smaller sitting room, like many others in this sizable mansion. It was dark and quiet, the house too empty for all the rooms to see much use. You crossed the room to open the door to the next one.
This one was larger and had arches leading to the garden, like the main living room. It was mostly furnished with small tables and was intended as a game room. Suffice to say that it was not used very much either. You ignored the now familiar decor and your eyes landed on the person that was standing next to the door at the opposite side of the room.
{<div class="choice">[[It was Sir Mansoor, who was to watch over you for the day.->Ajmal will watch over you]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[It was Zanetta, who was to take Sir Mansoor’s role for the day.->Zanetta will watch over you]]</div>}
Ajmal had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. When he would escort you out of the mansion, he would wear an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings — and a long black coat. But while he stayed here with you, he would only wear a shirt like the silver-embroidered dark grey one he was wearing now, billowing pants tucked in black leather boots and a brick red sash around his waist. And of course he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the simple scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
The knight stood up straighter when he noticed your approach. When you reached him, he inclined his head politely to greet you.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle).”<br /><br />
Without another word, he opened the study’s doors for you, waiting for you to enter before following suit.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
The knight stood up straighter when he noticed your approach. He smiled at you but looked nervous. It was a familiar look, one you saw a lot more of since you decided to confess your feelings to him. Part of you regretted having done so. You did not want things to be awkward like that between the two of you.<br />
When you reached him, he inclined his head reverently to greet you.<br /><br />
“Good morning, $MCcovertitle. Did you have pleasant dreams? Huh, sorry,” he fumbled. “I did not mean to pry. What I meant was... Did you sleep well?”<br /><br />
He rubbed the back of his neck uneasily and his face took on a darker shade.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled at him reassuringly. “I did, thank you {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. What about yourself?”<br />
“Oh! I— I had very nice dreams... I mean I slept very well!”<br /><br />
His cheeks flushed even more and you had to hide your smile behind your hand. Even if you felt bad he was experiencing such discomfort, you would be lying if you said you did not find it amusing sometimes, in an endearing sort of way.<br /><br />
He cleared his throat before asking: “Are you ready for today’s lesson?”<br />
Your smile froze, turning into a more mechanical expression. “I am.”<br /><br />
Ajmal frowned, his gaze turning serious as he gave you an assessing once-over. His frown deepened at whatever conclusion he reached and you watched him bite on his lower lips thoughtfully.<br /><br />
“Alright...” He finally said.<br /><br />
You could tell by his unconvinced expression that he did not believe you, however. Was your exhaustion that obvious?
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded at him, trying to hide the strain in your neck. “I did, Thank you.”<br /><br />
Ajmal frowned at you and his gaze turned serious, giving you an assessing once-over. You did not know what conclusion he reached, but his frown deepened.<br /><br />
“Are you ready for today’s lesson?” He asked, unable to hide the doubt in his voice.<br />
You nodded once again, probably even more stiff. “I am.”<br /><br />
His eyes lingered on you for a while and his close attention made you repress a shiver.<br /><br />
“Are you sure?” He finally asked. “You look... tired.”<br /><br />
He looked over your form once again and you could see how genuinely worried he was.<br /><br />
You sighed. “I am... Lady Domara’s lessons have been... a lot, lately. But it is fine. I am eager to learn more.”<br /><br />
You stood your ground firmly, looking back at him. He seemed unconvinced however and you suspected he might take it directly to Lady Domara. You internally cursed his stubbornness and tried to ignore the soft feeling his concern for your well-being stirred inside of you.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You nodded at him. “I did, thank you {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”<br />
He nodded back with a smile, looking a little less tense. “Are you ready for today’s lesson?”<br /><br />
You frowned at the question, unable to hide your exhaustion. You were eager to learn more, of course, but Lady Domara’s lessons had been... a lot, lately, and you were starting to feel the strain on you.<br />
Of course, Ajmal’s keen eyes picked up on that and he frowned as well, his worry obvious.<br /><br />
“I have to be,” you finally answered.<br />
“You do not have to,” the knight replied softly.<br /><br />
You looked at him and the care in his eyes made you repress a shiver.<br /><br />
Your frown deepened. “But I do. As Lady Domara said, there is no time to waste, I have to double my efforts and study harder, for the sake of Ahabalad.”<br />
He shook his head in disbelief. “But you cannot do so if you are exhausted!”<br /><br />
The knight blinked in surprise at his own outburst. “I— Forgive me, I overstepped...”<br />
“No,” you interrupted him with a sigh. “I... You are right.”<br /><br />
An awkward pause followed as you both avoided each other’s gaze. Ajmal broke it by clearing his throat.<br /><br />
“I can talk to Lady Domara, if you want me to,” he suggested.<br />
“You need not speak to her on my behalf.”<br />
“Will you do it, then?” He insisted.<br />
You hesitated. “I... If I find it necessary, I will.”<br /><br />
You heard him take a deep breath and when you looked at him, his worried frown was still firmly in place. You knew he wanted to argue some more, but he kept quiet. He probably would talk to Lady Domara despite your wishes and part of you was annoyed. The rest of you felt a familiar warmth in your chest at the thought that he cared that much.
]
(else:)[
You smiled at him. “I did, thank you {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”<br />
He looked relieved, some of his tension leaving him as he smiled back. “I am glad to hear it. Are you ready for today’s lesson?”<br />
You sighed, your exhaustion catching up with you. “I guess I have to be.”<br /><br />
Ajmal frowned, his gaze giving you a quick once-over, assessing your state. His frown deepened at whatever conclusion he reached.<br /><br />
“You do not have to,” he said, softly.<br /><br />
You raised your eyebrows at him and he continued, his tone full of concern. “You are allowed to need a break, you know. I will speak to Lady Domara, she does not need to overload you with work that way.”<br /><br />
You could not help but chuckle a bit. The knight gave you a quizzical look.<br /><br />
“Nuto already volunteered himself to talk to her,” you explained. “Do I look that bad?”<br />
“No, not at all!” He answered a little too quickly, oblivious to your light-hearted tone. “You look beautiful!”<br /><br />
Ajmal blinked in shock at his own words and so did you.<br /><br />
His face turned deep red as he hurriedly corrected himself: “I mean you look good! You do not look sleep-deprived at all!”<br /><br />
He groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. “I am just making it worse, aren’t I?”<br />
You smiled at him, trying to repress the blush that was threatening to color your own cheeks. “It is alright, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}, I understand your meaning.”<br /><br />
The knight nodded, relieved, but he was still avoiding your gaze.
]}<br />
He turned to open the study’s doors, waiting for you to enter before following suit.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorAffection > 6))[
The knight beamed at you when he noticed your approach. When you reached him, he inclined his head to greet you respectfully.<br /><br />
“Good morning, $MCcovertitle. Are you ready for today’s lesson?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled back at him, even if it was a bit strained. “I am, thank you {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”<br /><br />
He noticed your forced expression, it seemed, and he frowned at you.<br /><br />
“Is everything alright?” He asked, cocking his head to the side.<br />
You could not help the small sigh that escaped your lips. “Yes, it has just... been a lot of studying, lately. I enjoy learning new things but...”<br />
“You are exhausted,” Ajmal realized out loud. “Of course. I will talk to Lady Domara, if you wish.”<br />
“It is fine,” you replied, holding up a soothing hand. “You do not need to do that.”<br /><br />
His unconvinced expression told you that he probably would do it anyway and you sighed again. But it also made you smile, you were grateful for his concern.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded firmly back at him, trying to hide the strain in your neck. “As ready as I can be.”<br /><br />
He tilted his head to the side, looking at you quizzically, and you internally cursed his attentive gaze.<br /><br />
“Is everything alright?” He asked after his short inspection.<br />
You sighed. “I am fine, just a bit tired.”<br />
Ajmal frowned. “Lady Domara has been giving you a lot of work, lately. I could talk to her, if you wish...?”<br />
You shook your head. “That will not be necessary, but thank you.”<br /><br />
His frown only deepened and his unconvinced expression told you that he would probably do it anyway. You sighed again, but a small smile curved the corner of your lips, nonetheless touched by his concern.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />You frowned slightly. You were eager to learn more, of course. But you were also exhausted and it was a hard fact to hide from Ajmal’s keen eyes.<br /><br />
“I have to be,” you finally answered and your wording did not escape the knight’s notice.<br />
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), there is no shame in feeling tired,” he gently scolded you with a worried frown on his brow. “I can talk to Lady Domara, if you wish me to.”<br />
You shook your head firmly. “You need not speak to her on my behalf.”<br />
He gave you an insistant look. “Then will you talk to her yourself?”<br /><br />
You hesitated for a moment, holding his gaze. You sighed after a while, relenting a little.<br /><br />
“I will, if necessary.”<br /><br />
The knight’s frown only deepened and you could tell by his unconvinced expression that he might speak to your tutor anyway. It was a bit annoying as well as endearing. You were grateful for his concern.
]
(else:)[
You sighed but smiled back at him. “I guess I have to be.”<br />
He frowned at your lukewarm response. “Is something wrong?”<br />
“No, I... I enjoy learning new things, but I have been learning so much, lately, I am feeling a bit... tired,” you admitted.<br />
Ajmal’s frown deepened. “Lady Domara may have gone a bit overboard with all the work she has given you. I will talk to her if you wish me to.”<br /><br />
You chuckled despite yourself and he tilted his head, giving you an inquisitive look.<br /><br />
“Nuto actually volunteered himself to do just that,” you responded to his silent question.<br />
His eyes widened in surprise. “Nuto? Really?”<br /><br />
He shook his head. “Well... Let us hope he can convince her to let you take a break, then.”
]}<br /><br />
He turned to open the study’s doors for you, waiting for you to enter before following suit.
]
(else:)[
The knight stood up straighter when he noticed your approach, a faint smile on his lips. When you reached him, he inclined his head politely to greet you.<br /><br />
“Good morning, $MCcovertitle. I hope you had a restful night.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled gratefully at him. “I did, thank you {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. I hope you did as well?”<br />
“Oh! I mean yes,” he fumbled in response, looking a bit surprised that you turned the question back on him. “Thank you, $MCcovertitle.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled back at him. “I did, thank you {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”
]
(else:)[
You nodded at him. “I did, thank you.”
]}<br /><br />
He turned to open the study’s doors for you, waiting for you to enter before following suit.
]}
(display: "Into the study")
The Dwarven woman was casually leaning against the wall, her arms crossed on her chest. When she noticed your approach, she stood up straight and placed her hands on her hips.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
She greeted you with a curt nod when you reached her. “Good morning, little $MCcovertitle2.”<br />
You narrowed your eyes at her, not enjoying her adress, but responded nonetheless. “Good morning.”<br /><br />
Without another word she turned to open the study’s door, entering before you and making a mockery of a curtsy to invite you in. You sighed and entered the room.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
She greeted you with a wide smile. “Good morning, $MCcovertitle2 $MCname.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled back at her, warmly. “Good morning, Zanetta.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You smiled back at her, faintly. “Good morning.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
The corners of your lips quirked up in reaction and you replied politely: “Good morning.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled back at her, brightly. “Good morning, Zanetta.”
]}<br />
She tilted her head towards the study’s doors. “Ready to get bored to death?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You gave her an amused smile. “It is not boring, I enjoy learning.”<br />
The Dwarf chuckled, gazing at you fondly. “You really do, huh? I mean, you have to, with how soporific your tutor’s lessons are.”<br />
“Shhh!” You interjected, looking nervously at the doors.<br /><br />
“Lady Domara is a great teacher,” you admonished her in a whisper.<br />
Zanetta’s smile turned into a mischievous grin as she argued: “She is very knowledgeable, that’s true. But that’s not enough to make her a good teacher.”<br />
“She— She does her best under the circumstances,” you protested.<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman snorted, examining you closely.<br /><br />
It seemed she was finally relenting. “I’m sure she does. But she could give you a bit of a break. You look exhausted.”<br /><br />
Even though she had been joking up until now, the slight pinch on her brow betrayed genuine worry.<br /><br />
You smiled reassuringly at her. “It is alright, I can handle it.”<br /><br />
Zanetta hummed skeptically but did not insist. She turned to open the study’s doors, holding them for you to enter before following suit.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You shrugged. “I do not find it boring.”<br />
“No?” She replied, quirking up an eyebrow. “You don’t find Lady Domara’s lessons excruciatingly soporific?”<br /><br />
You managed a small smile. You knew what she was trying to do. More than a jab at your tutor, it was an attempt at making you laugh, relaxing you before you started studying. You enjoyed learning, but lately, the lectures, the reading... It had been a lot. And you were tired. This did not escape the Dwarf’s keen eyes.<br /><br />
She sighed, pouting at your very mild sign of amusement. “I guess you don’t.”<br />
“I like learning new things,” you confirmed with another shrug.<br />
“But you could learn them in more entertaining and... less tiring ways,” she insisted.<br /><br />
This time, her brow pinched into a slight frown. She was genuinely worried.<br /><br />
“I will be fine,” you said, in an awkward attempt to reassure her.<br /><br />
Zanetta hummed skeptically but did not insist any further. She opened the study’s doors, holding them for you to enter before following suit.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You frowned. “Lady Domara’s lessons are not boring.”<br />
She rolled her eyes dramatically. “No, they’re not boring, they’re just the dullest and most excruciatingly soporific lectures I’ve ever heard.”<br />
You crossed your arms over your chest, feeling a little peeved. “You are not being fair to Lady Domara. She is teaching me very serious subject matters that I //need// to learn and you cannot just... make them fun.”<br />
The Dwarf smirked. “I bet I could.”<br />
You groaned. “This is not a challenge.”<br /><br />
Her expression changed subtly. She looked more serious, examining you from head to toe.<br /><br />
“You’re taking it for yourself. You think I’m saying you’re dull,” she suddenly stated, taking you aback.<br /><br />
Maybe she was right. Somewhat. You related to Lady Domara more than you cared to admit. She was a serious dutiful woman and you admired and aspired to be that way too. It was only natural, of course, she was your teacher for most of your childhood and maybe a bit of a parental figure after your parents’ death. Saying that she was boring, or what she did was, felt like a bit of a personal attack.<br /><br />
“I— I know that is not what you meant,” you said after a moment of reflection.<br />
“But that’s how it affected you,” Zanetta answered with a soft smile. “I’m sorry.”<br /><br />
She sighed. “In reality, my issue isn’t with how dull her lessons are or aren’t. It has more to do with how intensive they are. You look exhausted.<br /><br />
A genuinely worried frown pinched her brow.<br /><br />
You tried to assuage her fears with a small, awkward smile. “I can handle it. I have to.”<br /><br />
She hummed skeptically but did not insist. She opened the study’s doors, holding them for you to enter before following suit.
]
(else:)[
You chuckled. “You really find those lessons boring?”<br />
“You don’t?” She replied, quirking up an eyebrow. “Those never-ending lectures are downright soporific.”<br /><br />
You had to muffle your giggles. Lady Domara could be a bit of an intimidating teacher, so it was nice to make fun of her a little. It made the prospect of her lesson a little less stressful. And you really needed that. Studying had been... a lot, lately.<br />
The Dwarf gave you a self-satisfied smile, her gaze warm on you as she saw you relax.<br /><br />
“I do not find her lessons boring,” you said once you managed to calm down your cackling fit. “I find everything she is teaching me fascinating.”<br />
Zanetta grimaced slightly. “I do not question her knowledge. Just her methods.”<br /><br />
The look she threw you was laced with genuine worry. Your exhaustion did not escape her.<br /><br />
You smiled. “I will be fine. Actually Nuto already decided to talk to Lady Domara about it.”<br />
The Dwarven woman’s expression turned outright tender at the mention of the gondolier. “Of course he would do that.”<br /><br />
She chuckled a bit before turning to open the study’s doors, holding them for you to enter before following suit.
]}
]
(else:)[
She greeted you with a crooked smile and a mock curtsy. “Good morning, little $MCcovertitle2.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled back at her and responded politely: “Good morning, Zanetta.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You rolled your eyes at her antics but responded nonetheless. “Good morning.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You sighed tiredly at her antics, but responded nonetheless. “Good morning, Miss Calvio.”
]
(else:)[
You shook your head at her antics but smiled nonetheless. “Good morning, Zanetta.”
]}<br />
“Did you sleep well, in your luxurious silk sheets?” She asked, her sarcastic tone softened by the surprisingly genuine care in her eyes.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
Your smile softened at the realization. In the few months you spent together, you quickly figured out that if Zanetta’s sense of humour had a prickly edge to it, she was very nice deep down. Or at least she cared more than she sometimes let on.<br /><br />
The Dwarf’s chuckle drew you out of your thoughts with a little jump. “Stop with the cute doe eyes routine and answer my question.”<br />
Your face turned warm. “Oh! Sorry. Yes I did. What about you?”<br />
She grinned. “Like a baby, thanks for asking.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
The realization left you thoughtful. In the few months you had spent together, you quickly understood that her sharp humour was probably a defense mechanism, something to protect her softer side which you had witnessed a few times, now, in spite of her lukewarm efforts to hide it.<br /><br />
The Dwarf’s chuckle drew you out of your thoughts with a small jump. “Still a $MCgender of few words, I see.”<br />
“I slept well,” you finally answered, a bit defensively.<br />
“You better, those sheets are //expensive//.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
The realization made you narrow your eyes at her. You could be wrong, but after spending a few months together, you started to wonder if her sharp humour was not a façade. She sometimes let a softer side peak through and it seemed like she was really a warm and caring person at heart. It did not make her jabs any more agreeable, but... You surprised yourself when you started actually trusting her.<br /><br />
The Dwarf’s chuckle drew you out of your thoughts with a jump. “Don’t look at me so suspiciously. It is an honest question.”<br />
“I slept fine,” you answered a bit defensively.<br />
“Better than fine, I hope, those sheets are //expensive//.”
]
(else:)[
The realization made you smile wider. After spending a few months together, you quickly understood that Zanetta’s sharp brand of humour was not incompatible with a warm and caring personality.<br /><br />
The Dwarf’s chuckle drew you out of your thoughts with a jump. “Stop smiling like an idiot and answer my question.”<br /><br />
You pouted at her. Just when you were starting to think that she was nice, she had to go and say something rude.<br /><br />
“I slept well, thank you,” you finally replied, an amused smile returning to your lips.<br />
“You better, those sheets are //expensive//.”
]}<br /><br />
You rolled your eyes at her as she turned around to open the study’s doors, holding them for you to enter before following suit.
]}
(display: "Into the study")When you stepped into the room, you found Lady Domara already burying herself in a sizable pile of books. Upon hearing you, she raised her head, looking at you, and for the first time in the past few months, you saw the dark shadows beneath her brown eyes. You had not realized that the intensive studying regimen she was putting you through was exhausting her just as much as you. (if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[<br />You felt a bit guilty that it did not occur to you.]
“Good morning, $MCcovertitle,” your tutor greeted you with a slight bow.
“Good morning, Lady Domara,” you responded while walking further into the room, {(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Zanetta]} on your heels.
The study was a large room — although there was hardly any small room in this house — with one arch leading into the garden, framed by two smaller windows. The walls were entirely covered with ornate khaya shelves, all of them heavy with tomes. Sliding ladders allowed access to the higher ones. (if: (history:) contains "The owners")[<br />You sometimes wondered how many of them the previous owners were able to read before... Well it was better not to think about that.]
A very large wooden desk was sitting near the windows, offering a pleasant view to whoever would sit in the plush tall-backed chair. On the other side of the room was another sitting area, with expensive couches and chairs all of them covered with red velvet. It was a comfortable place to read in. When your studying needed you to take notes or sketch out something, you would sit at the desk with Lady Domara. It was large enough to put several chairs around it and work in groups.
The study was one of the better lit room, given its purpose, with a large chandelier hanging from the richly molded ceiling, a plethora of wall lights and a few side table lamps. There was also a very elegant desk lamp with a floral stain-glass shade.
{(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta will watch over you")[
“So. What is today’s //thrilling// studying subject,” Zanetta asked in a bored tone while taking place near a window, leaning her elbows on its sill.<br />
Lady Domara glared at her as you both took your usual places around the desk. “You should know, you were there last time.”<br />
The Dwarf grinned at her. “I would know if I payed attention.”<br />
“Maybe you should start to do just that. Maybe learning something would do you some good,” your tutor snapped back at her.<br />
“How does it concern me?” Zanetta asked, looking at her nails casually. “It’s your protégé who needs to know all this stuff, not me.”<br />
“Then why even ask in the first place?” Lady Domara said in a frustrated huff.<br />
The Dwarven woman smirked again. “Misplaced hope that the subject matter will be //actually// interesting this time?”<br /><br />
Your tutor scoffed and decided to ignore her, not dignifying the Dwarf with an answer. She started sorting the books laid on the desk, organizing them for the lesson.<br /><br />
So you decided to answer Zanetta in her stead, looking up at her from your seat. “Today we will be picking back up on where we left off last time, studying Ahabalad recent History. We will be overviewing the reign of Kings Ghassan and Myron.”<br />
Zanetta chuckled. “Oh well.”<br /><br />
Lady Domara glanced at you approvingly, however, which gave you a little boost of confidence before starting your work.
]
(else:)[
“You were going to study History, today, right?” Ajmal asked, looking at both you and Lady Domara as he sat down in a nearby armchair.<br /><br />
His interest was not surprising. Although he did focus on his job, it left him idle enough that he could afford to pay attention to your lessons and he often did. Academic knowledge was not really his area of expertise, but he was always willing to learn and get better at it, given the opportunity.<br /><br />
You nodded at him as both you and your tutor took your usual places around the desk. “Yes, we were going to pick back up where we left off last time, and do an overview of the reign of Kings Ghassan and Myron.”<br /><br />
The knight gave you a grateful smile and lady Domara, an approving glance as she was rearranging the books on the desk to get ready for the lesson. You felt a little boost of confidence before getting started.
]}
Your tutor opened her lecture soon enough, telling you about how King Ghassan took over the throne after his mother’s passing and how his marriage to Prince Myron cemented the alliance between Ahabalad and Galanissos.
She spent the next half hour going over the major events of their reign before you started asking about more specific aspects of it.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You asked about their strategies in battles.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 6)
(go-to: "Battle strategies")
] What was going on in your country... It was nothing short of a civil war and you might have need of that kind of information going forward.<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your martial prowess)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You asked about how they handled diplomacy.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 6)
(go-to: "Diplomacy")
] You felt like negotiation skills might help you solve Ahabalad’s current situation with minimal bloodshed.<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your charisma)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You asked about scandals and secrets.")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 6)
(go-to: "Scandals and secrets")
] You thought that, to really have a true handle on things, you needed to know what was going on behind the scenes. You could not afford to be naive anymore.<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your guile)//</div>}
Unfortunately — or rather fortunately — there had not been many battles during Ghassan and Myron’s reign. The only major conflict that happened was an incursion from a large bandit group from Dakkesi. With how large the neighboring Empire had become, a lot of its more rural regions had to fend for themselves and sometimes became easy pickings for unscrupulous sorts. A charismatic bandit leader managed to rally a large following, taking over the region near the border and someday decided to expand on Ahabalad’s territory. Of course this did not go according to plan and King Ghassan retaliated immediately.
There was not much to learn from his strategies, to be honest. It was another case of having a larger number of well trained troops, of having the advantage of knowing the terrain and of being informed and prepared. In fact, from all of your History lessons, what you had gathered was that having the advantage of numbers was always the most desirable situation to be in when engaging an enemy. And in the case of Ahabalad’s revolt, the numbers were hardly in your favor. And you were losing some of them...
(display: "The History lesson")
Traditionally, diplomatic duties belonged to the spouse of the Ahabalad throne’s heir. Because they came from another nation, they had the unique perspective of having lived in two different cultures which was a desirable trait for a Baladian diplomat. In this case, it was King Myron’s duty. And as far as you could tell, he was good at his job, although the task was not too hard, since the region had been peaceful for a while now and diplomatic ties were made strong by his predecessors.
The only major event that required him to exercise his skills was a bandit incursion, at the Dakkesi border. The attack failed, but the fact it happened at all was worrisome and King Myron requested from the Dakkesi Emperor to tighten his control of the region. The way he managed to secure his cooperation was by attacking the Emperor’s well known pride and offering Ahabalad’s help. As planned, the Emperor refused and sent troops to secure the region near the border.
From your History lessons, you gathered that a great way to get someone to do what you wanted was to make them think that was what they wanted themselves all along. How could you convince your people that they wanted you back when all they desired was having you out of the picture, permanently?
(display: "The History lesson")
To your dismay, there was not much dirt to dig up on Kings Ghassan and Myron. They seemed to be very by the book overall. As well as most of your recent predecessors. If you wanted to hear outrageous stories about the Dimeritia dynasty, you had to go back to its earlier days. Part of you was proud of being part of a lineage of wise and righteous monarchs. But another part of you was suspicious of this fact. However good were their intentions, they were only human, they were fallible. You certainly felt like you were fallible. Your uncle was full of flaws and it would have only taken him being born before your mother to become the legitimate King of Ahabalad. Was it luck that Ahabalad had been fortunate with its rulers for the past couple of generations? Or were the monarchs truly chosen by the Rain Daughter, like some believed?
You knew you were not chosen. You had not been blessed with water magic like your ancestors. (if: $flashback is 4)[<br />The anxious thought made you reach for your mother’s medallion, fiddling with it.]
You decided to bring up the matter to Lady Domara: “Is it truly possible? That they did nothing wrong, ever?”
Your tutor hesitated a moment before answer: “It does seem unlikely.”
“Then why is there no records at all of what they did wrong?”
“Well, I see two possible explanations. Either their mistakes were too small to be deemed worthy of remembrance, or they... were covered up.”
You held her gaze, swallowing nervously before asking: “Which do you think it is?”
She looked back at you for a long moment before answering: “In Kings Ghassan and Myron’s case? I do not know. But the lack of traces of scandals for several generations of rulers is... troubling. I think a lot of them have been covered up.”
You took a deep breath. It was not easy to hear, but you had to agree with her. But what did it mean? Were the rebels right? Was the Dimeritia dynasty so corrupt that it needed to be overthrown?
{(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[
Your eyes met Sir Mansoor’s and he looked as deeply troubled as you were by Lady Domara’s words.
]
(else:)[
Your eyes met Zanetta’s and she seemed unperturbed. Was this considered ordinary here?
]}
(display: "The History lesson")Lady Domara’s choice to make you study recent History made sense, or it should have. She wanted you to understand what the political situation had been, leading up to the uprising. But nothing in what she taught you seemed to make any more sense of what happened. Things were stable, things were peaceful. Everything was going fine until your uncle put the whole country in shambles. Was it that easy? Was everything your ancestors had been building that easy to topple?
It was getting frustrating and you just wanted something that would help you out, some kind of guidance, something to relate too.
Before all this happened, you had been studying the early days of the Dimeritia dynasty, its founding, its struggling beginnings. Lady Domara’s decision to jump to recent History left a gap in your knowledge and you started to wonder if there was something to glean from there.
Maybe it was the frustration, maybe it was your exhaustion, but you found yourself drifting off as Lady Domara continued her lecture. {(if: ((history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you") and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
Your eyes wandered the room and, despite your better judgement, they lingered on Ajmal. He had left his seat to inspect the room and was now standing on the arch’s threshold, his water-green eyes darting from one side of the garden to the other. He was so still, his hands linked behind his back, his focus on his task as intense as usual. You admired the long lines of his profile, bathed in a soft and cool glow emanating from nearby luminescent mushrooms, while his back and wide shoulders were harshly illuminated by the rooms yellow lights. You admired for maybe a moment too long.
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "Zanetta will watch over you") and ($ZanettaRomance > 0))[
Your eyes wandered the room and, despite your better judgement, they lingered on Zanetta. She was still near the window but she had turned around to look at the garden and survey the area. Despite her casual appearance, leaning her elbow on the window sill, she was highly focused on the task, taking your safety more seriously than she let on. Her deep brown eyes were darting from one side of the garden to the other and nearby luminescent mushroom bathed the soft curves of her profile in a cool glow, while the harsh yellow lights of the room illuminated her back. You admired the way little strands of rich brown hair escaped her bun, caressing lightly the nape of her neck. You admired for maybe a moment too long.
]}
Of course, your tutor quickly picked up on that.
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), are you listening to me?” She asked, aiming at you a scolding frown.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You jumped a little, looking back at her. “I am sorry, Lady Domara. Please continue.”<br /><br />
She stared at you while you rubbed your tired eyes and she sighed.<br /><br />
“What is on your mind, $MCcovertitle?” She asked a little more gently.<br />
You hesitated. “I do not want to interrupt your tight schedule, I know there is a lot to go over still...”<br /><br />
You looked at the intimidating amount of books on the desk.<br /><br />
Your tutor sighed again. “Please, $MCcovertitle, you have to interrupt me if you have any questions. I would rather go off topic and keep you engaged than talk endlessly into deaf ears.”<br />
Your cheeks turned warm at your blunder. “Sorry...”<br />
“Now, stop apologizing and tell me what is on your mind.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You jumped a bit and looked back at her. “Sorry...”<br /><br />
She stared at you as you rubbed your tired eyes and she sighed.<br /><br />
“I am not asking you to apologize,” she said, more gently. “I would rather you tell me what is on your mind.”<br /><br />
You did not want to bother her or interrupt her tight schedule, there was still a lot to learn, if the amount of books on the desk was any indication. But she did ask...
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You jumped a bit and looked back at her, your cheeks warming in embarrassment. “I... I apologize, Lady Domara, I did not mean to... It will not happen again, I promise.”<br /><br />
She stared at you as you rubbed your tired eyes and she sighed.<br /><br />
“There is no need to apologize, $MCcovertitle,” she said, more gently. “But if there is something on your mind, I would rather you tell me instead of letting me talk endlessly into deaf ears.”<br />
You flushed even further. “O-Of course.”
]
(else:)[
You jumped sligthly and looked back at her, only to drop your gaze in shame. “No I was not. I am sorry.”<br /><br />
She stared at you as you rubbed your tired eyes and she sighed.<br /><br />
“Would you like to take a break or is there something on your mind you wish to share?” She asked more gently.<br />
“Well, a break would be welcome,” you admitted. “But I had something on my mind as well...”<br /><br />
She lifted an inquisitive brow.
]}
{<div class="choice">[[“I was just wondering if there had been any similar revolt throughout the History of the Dimeritia dynasty.”->Similar revolt]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“I was just wondering if there had been other monarchs in the Dimeritia dynasty who had to rely on a regent before taking the throne at nineteen.”->Previous regency]]</div>}
{(if: (history:) contains "Previous regency")[
“What about revolts? Are there any precedent of similar uprisings throughout the Dimeritia dynasty’s History?” You asked as well.<br /><br />
You put your elbows on the desk, leaning in to give your teacher all of your attention. She linked her hands in front of her before answering.
]
(else:)[
“I was just wondering if there had been any similar revolt throughout the History of the Dimeritia dynasty.”<br /><br />
Lady Domara slid a bookmark in between the pages of the book she had open in front of her before closing it delicately.
]}
“Similar to this one? I do not think so,” she answered. “But there has been revolts in the past, yes. Most of them happened in the early days of the Dimeritia dynasty, when some people had not accepted its authority yet.”
“I remember when you taught me about those, yes,” you said, thoughtful. “Some regions wanted to keep their independence and some loyalist groups did not like the new rulers.”
Your tutor nodded. “Even if Rayyan of the Dimeritia did not use force to unify Ahabalad, it was still perceived as a forceful move by some. While some felt that a city noble could not pretend to know the struggles of the life in the desert and therefore not rule over its inhabitants, others thought that the Dimeritia had no rights to rule even the Nehlmatar’s delta and looked for a long lost Sarosh heir to overthrow them.”
You frowned, deep in thoughts. You already knew about the formation of the Ahabalad kingdom and its first struggles. But you never thought about it twice. The general consensus then was that the unification and the Dimeritia coming to power were overall beneficial.
You hesitated before asking: “Could there be some truth to their claims? If the people are not happy with the Dimeritia’s rule now... Should it have happened in the first place?”
Lady Domara shook her head. “It is not relevant, not in light of the present uprising. Those early revolts were a resistance to change, wether it was good or bad. This one is... demanding change. The revolutionaries are not asking for separation, they are not asking to return to a previous regime. They want something new entirely.”
You frowned. “I feel like an event of such magnitude should have some deeper roots. Does the foundation of the dynasty have no impact whatsoever on what is happening right now?”
Your tutor gave you a small smile. “It is hard to say. But I think that there is more to be said about the centuries of rule that followed and where they led us to.”
“Is that why you insisted on studying recent History?”
“Exactly so,” she answered with a nod. “There is a lot more there that can explain what is happening and, more importantly, a lot more that can be acted on. Deep rooted issues are... hard to change, sometimes impossible. But it is good to be aware of them.”
“Yet... So far what you have taught me about recent History reveals nothing of the reasons of the revolt,” you remarked, your frown deepening.
“You will understand once you have the full picture. Be patient,” Lady Domara advised you.
You gave her a look. Of course it was always a wise recommendation to follow, but it was a bit ironic coming from the woman who had programmed the tightest studying schedule you had ever heard about.
Lady Domara avoided your gaze, fiddling and rearranging a stack of papers in front of her. “You know what I mean...”
{(unless: (history:) contains "Previous regency")[
<div class="choice">“What about historical precedent of regencies?” You decided to ask as well. (link: "“Where there any other instances of a monarchs having to rely on a regent until their nineteenth birthday?”")[
(set: $SabraAffection to $SabraAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Previous regency")
]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[You were satisfied with the answers you obtained for now and let your tutor resume her lecture.->Continuing the lecture]]</div>}
{(if: (history:) contains "Similar revolt")[
“What about historical precedent of regencies?” You decided to ask as well. ”Where there any other instances of a monarchs having to rely on a regent until their nineteenth birthday?”<br /><br />
You put your elbows on the desk, leaning in to give your teacher all of your attention. She linked her hands in front of her before answering.
]
(else:)[
“I was just wondering if there had been other monarchs in the Dimeritia dynasty who had to rely on a regent before taking the throne at nineteen.”<br /><br />
Lady Domara slid a bookmark in between the pages of the book she had open in front of her before closing it delicately.
]}
“There has been one other instance of monarchs passing away early, leaving their heir too young to rule. Those were harsh times, during the creeping plague. Both King Farhad and Queen Belma were taken by the sickness. Their daughter, Queen Asya was fourteen years old when it happened. And because of the plague, she did not have many next of kin to take on the role of her regent. It was her cousin, Hasan who ruled in her stead until her nineteenth birthday. And even they were only twenty years old at the time.”
You frowned. “The kingdom must have been in a great crisis then. It must have been overwhelming for the both of them.”
Lady Domara nodded. “It was. They had advisors, but some of them died as well. But they managed. They made the plague their prime focus, investing in research to find a cure as well as organizing the nation to slow down the spreading of the disease. It took some trial and error, but eventually they succeeded.”
“You say ‘they’... Do you mean Regent Hasan or Queen Asya?”
“Both of them. From the beginning to the end they worked together. During the Regency, Hasan kept consulting Queen Asya before taking decision, despite her young age. They did not want to do anything she firmly disagreed with. And once Queen Asya took the throne at nineteen, she kept Hasan as her advisor during her whole reign. I think they bonded over their shared struggles with the plague and could not have it any other way.”
It was a touching story and it left you silent for a while. You were glad that Queen Asya and Regent Hasan had each other to go through that ordeal. But part of you was feeling bitter you did not have anything like that. Your uncle never consulted you on anything. He did not seem to care if you agreed or not with his decisions. Maybe if he did, things would not have gotten so out of hand... Sure, you were significantly younger when your parents died, but he could have started consulting you a little later, once you had matured a bit.
But the truth was that Sargon was not even there for you as a parent, let alone a political ally.
You took a deep breath, pushing the thought away. “Still, they were so young... How did they manage to accomplish such great things?”
The look lady Domara gave you was both a little soft and a little worried. “Going through such strife at a young age... has a way of making you grow up a lot faster. Feeling supported helps a lot too.”
{(if: ($MansoorTrust < 0) and ($ZanettaTrust < 0))[
You looked back at her, feeling uncertain. Did you have support? Lady Domara was there... Ajmal too, but you were not sure he would be, given the choice.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
You looked back at her with a faint smile. You did not have your uncle, but you had support. You had Lady Domara and Ajmal.
]
(else:)[
You looked back at her, smiling faintly. Maybe your uncle had not been up to the task, but you had Lady Domara and Ajmal. And now Zanetta, you supposed.
]}
{(unless: (history:) contains "Similar revolt")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“What about revolts? Are there any precedent of similar uprisings throughout the Dimeritia dynasty’s History?”")[
(set: $SabraAffection to $SabraAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Similar revolt")
] You asked as well.</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[You had all the answers you wanted and let Lady Domara continue her lecture.->Continuing the lecture]]</div>}
Or at least you would have, if someone did not have other plans. A knock on the door, made all three of you turn your heads towards it.
“Yes?” Lady Domara said, sounding a little peeved at the interruption.
The door opened on Nuto who quickly slid into the room, carrying a large platter on one hand, seemingly having no issue balancing it while he closed the door behind him with his other hand.
“Hey,” he said as a casual introduction. “I thought I’d bring you something to eat and drink, since you all won’t feed yourselves.”
There was a faint admonishing tone in his voice, but your tutor lowered her hackles considerably nonetheless. She was eying the platter and its content as the Dwarf put it down on the desk, carefully making room by setting aside some books. You could hardly blame her. An heavenly scent was wafting from it. There was a lightly steaming tea pot and three cups. You could smell the bergamot from where you sat. A pile of rounded pastries was sitting on a plate. They were dusted with powdered sugar and you could see by the small hole they had on their sides that they were filled with a dark red jelly. They smelled faintly of frying oil. But more surprisingly, there was also a small bottle-shaped vase on the platter in which had been placed a bitter orange tree branch, its small white blossoms adding their sweet scent to the mix.
You had no idea how Nuto procured it, but the sight and smell of it brought you back to when you had your lessons with lady Domara in the Ahadinat palace. She often had a branch on her desk, when the bitter orange trees were in bloom. You wondered... Were they in bloom on the surface, right now? It was hard to see the seasons evolve from here. You missed that. And by the Gods did you miss the sun.
{(if: $maintrait is "open" or "neutral")[
The gondolier looked up at Lady Domara after depositing the platter. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”<br /><br />
He tilted his head towards the doors as she tore her gaze away from the orange tree branch to finally look at him.<br /><br />
She stood up, smoothing down her skirt and answered a little quickly: “Of course!”<br /><br />
You purposely looked with unusual interest at the teapot, avoiding your tutor’s gaze. You had a pretty solid idea what Nuto wanted to talk to her about and you were still amazed that he was going through with it. You watched them exit the room from the corner of your eye, leaving you alone with {(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Zanetta]}.<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[
The knight stepped back from the archway, taking the teapot to pour its content in the cups, unprompted. He silently handed one of the filled cups to you. {(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
You grabbed it and tried to ignore how ridiculously thrilled his fingers brushing against yours made you feel.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
You grabbed it, warming your fingers on the ceramic and blowing the steam away.
]
(else:)[
You grabbed it with a nod to thank him, warming your fingers on the ceramic.
]} You sipped your tea quietly and Ajmal did the same until the door opened again and Lady Domara came back into the room, looking unusually abashed.
]
(else:)[
The Dwarven woman turned away from the window to walk up to the desk, her curious gaze locked on the door behind which your tutor and Nuto just disappeared. {(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
She grabbed one of the jelly-filled pastries and shoved it into her mouth without taking her eyes off the doors.
]
(else:)[
She grabbed two of the jelly-filled pastries, throwing one your way with a wink. {(if: $martial > 5)[
You caught it without difficulty.
]
(else:)[
You fumbled a bit, but managed to catch it.
]} Your hands were now covered with powdered sugar, however. You sighed, but started eating nonetheless.
]} A few moments later, the doors opened again and Lady Domara came back into the room, looking unusually abashed.
]}<br /><br />
Your tutor sat back down with a sigh. “It... has come to my attention that it would do us good to take a bit of a break today.”<br /><br />
She was avoiding your gaze and wringing her hands awkwardly. “I am sorry if you have been under a lot of stress, lately, $MCcovertitle. I did not mean to push you beyond your capabilities.”<br /><br />
You blinked at her, shocked to hear her words. How did Nuto do it? Lady Domara was as stubborn as they come.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
“That is alright,” you answered in a haze. “You only wanted the best, I understand.”
]
(else:)[
“That is fine,” you answered in a haze.
]}<br />
She cleared her throat, finally managing to look at you. “Thank you. I think I will end the lesson here for today, so you can rest for the day before tonight’s celebrations. Unless there are other topics you would like to discuss?”
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[
“And please, no studying while eating,” the gondolier instructed. “Take a break, yeah?”<br /><br />
He took the time to give each of you a pointed look, before heading back towards the doors. Only then Lady Domara ripped her gaze from the orange tree branch to look at him.<br /><br />
“Nuto,” she called him and he looked back. “Thank you.”<br /><br />
The Dwarf only nodded before leaving the room. You looked at your tutor and for a moment, you were convinced her complexion had darken a bit.<br />
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -1) and (($MansoorAffection > 6) or ($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorRomance > 1)))[
Sir Mansoor broke the silence that followed by clearing his throat.<br /><br />
Stepping away from the archway, he looked at your tutor. “May I have a word, Lady Domara?”<br />
She frowned at him, the request unusual. “You may.”<br /><br />
She waited for him to speak, but he seemed hesitant. He looked at you for a moment before suddenly walking rapidly to the other side of the room. Lady Domara followed him there, looking even more confused. They started speaking in hushed tones so you could not make out everything they were saying. But you could understand the gist of it: Ajmal was asking her to give you the day off, his words conveying a deep concern for your health that was maybe a little more dramatic than necessary, but you were still grateful for it.<br />
You felt a bit embarrassed he felt it was necessary to speak in your name, but... Well to be fair you probably would not have done it yourself and the knight was graceful enough to not do it in front of you and to give you some form of privacy.<br />
While they were conversing, you decided to busy yourself by serving the tea. {(if: $martial > 5)[
You grabbed the handle and lifted the teapot from the desk. It was heavier than you expected, but you managed to pour out the tea in the three cups and mentally thanked Sir Mansoor and his training sessions.
]
(else:)[
You grabbed the handle and tried to lift the teapot... You only managed to hold it one inch above the desk for a moment, your arm trembling. That was embarrassing... Thankfully no one had witnessed this poor display of upper body strength. In the interest of fairness, this wide and heavy ceramic pot was truly a poor design choice.
]}<br /><br />
Lady Domara’s heavy sigh drew your attention back to her and the knight. It seemed she had relented to his arguments and they were both coming back towards you.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), we can stop the lesson here, if you would rather take some time to rest before tonight’s festivities,” she said sounding a little skeptical.<br />
You breathed out in relief. “I would appreciate it, Lady Domara.”<br /><br />
Your tutor looked at you, blinking with some surprise. She looked at Sir Mansoor who crossed his arms over his chest, his expression screaming ‘I told you so’. Lady Domara’s lips pursed, looking both vexed and remorseful.<br /><br />
“I am... sorry if I pushed you beyond your capabilities, $MCcovertitle,” she said, turning back to you, her tone significantly softer. “It was not my intention to put you under undue stress.”<br /><br />
You were a bit surprised by her apology. She was a stubborn woman and rarely regretted her actions.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
“That is alright,” you reassured her. “I know you only want the best for me.”
]
(else:)[
“It is fine,” you reassured her.
]}<br />
She nodded, looking somewhat relieved. “Then, unless you have more questions...?”
]
(else:)[ (set: $exhaustion to 1)
It seemed none of you was eager to disregard Nuto’s instructions and Ajmal approached the desk to quietly serve the tea, while Lady Domara distributed the pastries. You ate and drank in dutiful silence, only breaking the quietude for light conversation.<br />
Once the plate was left empty of cherry jam fritters and the teapot ran dry, you went back to your lesson. It had become even more tedious, now that you had a break. It seemed that your focus was gone for good, but you did your best to listen to the story of Kings Ghassan and Myron, taking the occasional note.<br /><br />
Once it became obvious to Lady Domara that your attention was only drifting off more and more, she sighed deeply, putting an end to the lecture.<br /><br />
“I think it is better if we stop here,” she said, sounding quite tired herself. “Unless you have any more questions, of course...”
]}
]
(else:)[
“And no studying while eating,” Nuto instructed. “Take a break, yeah?”<br />
Zanetta chuckled. “Promise, //Dad//.”<br />
“You better,” the gondolier shot back at her, unfazed by the nickname she gave him.<br /><br />
He took the time to give you and Lady Domara pointed looks before turning and leaving the room. It is only when the door clicked close that your tutor came out of her transe, her gaze snapping away from the orange tree branch. She stood up and walked towards the doors, trying to catch up with the Dwarf. When she exited the room, she left the panel cracked open behind her and you heard her presenting her apologies and thanks to Nuto, maybe a little more formally than necessary.<br />
{(if: ($ZanettaTrust > -1) and ($ZanettaAffection > 4))[
But your attention was quickly drawn away from them by Zanetta who walked from her window to you and put both her hands flat on the desk to lean in your direction.<br /><br />
“You need to talk to Lady Domara,” she whispered to you, her tone authoritative.<br />
You frowned at her and murmured back: “About what?”<br />
She rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. “What do you think? You need more than just a break and your tutor is so up in her own ass about her studying schedule that she doesn’t notice anything. You need to talk to her.”<br /><br />
You gaped at her insolent tone, but you knew it came from a place of worry. You glanced at the doors, where you could see Lady Domara wrapping things up with Nuto and you bit down on your lower lip.<br /><br />
Finally you nodded at Zanetta. “Alright.”<br /><br />
She was right. You were exhausted and that was not the best shape to be in to learn anything. And if you did not talk to Lady Domara about it yourself, who would?<br />
When your tutor came back in the study, Zanetta leaned away from you and casually walked back to her window. Lady Domara narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the Dwarven woman who winked at her in response.<br />
The court mage sighed tiredly as she sat back on her chair at the desk before taking the teapot and pouring its content in the cups. You cleared your throat, ready to make your case. Her dark brown eyes flicked in your direction, looking at you intently. You shifted in your sit. Why did she have to be so... intimidating? You knew she was not doing it on purpose, but it was still making you hesitant. You glanced at Zanetta who gave you a pointed look you were sure was meant to be encouraging.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I would like a break,” you blurted, figuring it was best to get it out of the way as quickly as possible.<br />
Her frown deepened, more confused than upset. “We //are// taking a break.”<br />
You shook your head. “I mean... more than drinking tea and eating pastries. I think I need a day off.”<br />
Your tutor stared at you, her severe eyes peering into your soul. “And why is that?”<br /><br />
Alright, Zanetta may have had a point about how oblivious she could be. You sighed in frustration.<br /><br />
“Because I am exhausted!”<br /><br />
You did not mean to raise your voice and you looked down at your tea cup as soon as the words left your mouth.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
That was ridiculous, you were not about to be daunted by your own advisor. You had every right to make firm requests.<br /><br />
“I need to speak with you, Lady Domara,” you stated, squaring your shoulders.<br />
“What is it you wish to speak to me about?” she answered, her dark brown eyes peering into your soul.<br /><br />
You had no idea how she managed that, but it immediately sapped a good portion of your confidence.<br /><br />
“I... I wish to have the day off,” you said, your tone far too hesitant for your liking.<br /><br />
Your tutor narrowed her eyes at you and you deflated, rushing to add: “If you will allow it...”<br />
“What for?” She asked, bluntly.<br />
You sighed, tired and frustrated. “I— Your schedule is so tight I barely have room to breathe. I am getting exhausted!”<br /><br />
You did not mean to raise your voice. Embarrassed by your lack of composure, you blushed and looked away.
]
(else:)[
“I apologize for interrupting you, Lady Domara, but I would like to speak with you,” you started carefully.<br />
Your tutor frowned at you, more confused than upset. “You are not interrupting me.”<br />
Your face felt warm. “Right. I just...”<br /><br />
You threw a pleading look to Zanetta. Complaining really did not come naturally to you. But the Dwarf only tilted her chin up, prompting you to continue.<br /><br />
“I am... grateful for everything you are teaching me,” you said after some hesitation. “And I know how important it is that I learn all those things as soon as possible...”<br />
“You are dancing around what you want to say,” Lady Domara commented, her frown deepening. “Being polite is important, but be firm and to the point as well.”<br />
“Right, sorry!”<br />
Your tutor sighed. “And without excessive apologizing.”<br /><br />
You opened your mouth again, but closed it as soon as you realized you were going to apologize again. Your cheeks felt even hotter.<br /><br />
“I am just... very tired,” you finally admitted, your shoulder drooping as soon as the words left your mouth.<br />
]}<br />
Her eyes widened in shock. An awkward silence followed and you started thinking that maybe you had crossed a line.<br /><br />
But, eventually, she cleared her throat, guilt making her thin her lips. “I... I had not realized. I am sorry, $MCcovertitle, I should have paid more attention to your health.”<br /><br />
You saw Zanetta grin at you, from the corner of your eye.<br /><br />
“We can stop here for today, if you want to take the rest of the day to rest before tonight’s festivities,” Lady Domara continued. “Unless you wish to ask more questions, of course.”
]
(else:)[ (set: $exhaustion to 1)
You glanced at Zanetta. The Dwarven woman was looking at the scene with great interest, her eyebrow quirked up. You looked back at Lady Domara and Nuto, wondering what she saw that had her so intrigued, but the gondolier soon left and Lady Domara came back into the study, maybe looking a little flushed.<br /><br />
None of you seemed eager to go against Nuto’s instruction and your tutor started pouring the tea in silence while Zanetta casually distributed the pastries, throwing one your way {(if: $martial > 5)[that you caught without issue](else:)[that you fumbled with but managed to catch]}.<br />
The three of you ate and drank quietly, only conversing lightly on occasion.<br /><br />
Once the plate was left empty of cherry jam fritters and the teapot ran dry, you went back to your lesson. It had become even more tedious, now that you had a break. It seemed that your focus was gone for good, but you did your best to listen to the story of Kings Ghassan and Myron, taking the occasional note.<br /><br />
Once it became obvious to Lady Domara that your attention was only drifting off more and more, she sighed deeply, putting an end to the lecture.<br /><br />
“I think it is better if we stop here,” she said, sounding quite tired herself. ”Unless you have any more questions, of course...”
]}
]}
Questions, you had. Too many to count and that was the issue. But your tutor had recommended patience and you were sure some of these questions would be answered with time. Still, even with all the historical context Lady Domara could give you, you had trouble figuring out how it would explain the revolt. You knew that your uncle drove the people too hard, but to the point that they would consider a revolution? To take arms and die for it?
You distinctly remember your childhood, when everyone seemed to love your parents. Maybe you had been sheltered from the worse of their detractors, but in your memory, those were amongst the nobles. But the common folk? You had seen some of them occasionally. They watched you with curiosity and deference, sometimes with joy and wonder even. Not hate, not anger. How could the way they saw you change so drastically?
One event had started all this, putting your uncle in power and on a destructive path: your parents’ death. Their murder had barely been explained and if you could make sense of that, maybe you could start understanding the rest.
{(unless: $martial > 5)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Why did Sarnah use mercenaries to get my parents killed? They have an army and spies. I’m sure they would have done a better job at covering things up.”")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 4)
{(if: $charisma < 6)[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Why use mercenaries?")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
]
(unless: $charisma > 5)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“How could Sarnah have hoped to get away with murdering my parents? It is a diplomatic suicide...”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 4)
{(if: $martial < 6)[
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Diplomatic suicide")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your charisma.)//</div>
]
(unless: $guile > 5)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“How could Sarnah benefit from my parents’ death? Why would they have done that?”")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 4)
{(if: $martial < 6)[
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Who benefits from it?")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your guile.)//</div>
]}
“Why did Sarnah use mercenaries to get my parents killed? They have an army and spies. I’m sure they would have done a better job at covering things up.”
Lady Domara frowned at your question. It was both a thoughtful expression and a concerned one. Bringing up your parents’ death was always difficult for you. And maybe for her too. You could not say she was extremely close to your parents, not like Ajmal’s parents, but there was a lot of trust and respect between them.
“That is assuming Sarnah did in fact hire those mercenaries to get the Queen and the King assassinated,” she said carefully.
She always seemed to have reservations about that fact.
“If that is the case... Hiring mercenaries is the best way to deny any connection to the deed,” your tutor continued.
“Yet, there was proof of their involvement. One of the mercenaries even admitted to having been hired by a government official.”
“Still, the Monarchs of Sarnah could deny any responsibility and they did. Proof can be fabricated. If one of their people directly participated in the act, they would still have some responsibility, even if they did not order an assassination.”
You looked at her intently. It often felt like she was refraining from sharing her thoughts on the subject and you wondered why. Was it to preserve you from more pain?
“You do not believe Sarnah is behind my parents’ murder,” you stated.
She sighed deeply. “I believe the investigation was rushed and should not have.”
It was understandable. The whole nation was outraged by what happened and demanded retribution. But when the conclusion to such an investigation could lead to war — as it did — it was not something you wanted to botch.
(display: "End of the lesson")
“How could Sarnah have hoped to get away with murdering my parents? It is a diplomatic suicide...”
Lady Domara frowned at your question. It was both a thoughtful expression and a concerned one. Bringing up your parents’ death was always difficult for you. And maybe for her too. You could not say she was extremely close to your parents, not like Ajmal’s parents, but there was a lot of trust and respect between them.
“That is assuming Sarnah did in fact hire those mercenaries to get the Queen and the King assassinated,” she said carefully.
She always seemed to have reservations about that fact.
“If that is the case... It may be that they saw a benefit in getting them assassinated that outweighed the diplomatic cost,” your tutor continued.
“But they did not benefit in any way from it. The Monarchs of Sarnah were executed and their nation is still under our occupation.”
“It is possible that your parents have committed an offense so great that they did not see any other choice but have them killed.”
You frowned. It did not make any sense. Your parents would have never done anything to harm the alliance they were working so hard to build with Sarnah.
“If that was the case, would Sarnah not have publicly denounced my parents?”
Lady Domara sighed deeply. “They likely would have. I know all of these possible explanations are flimsy and unsatisfying. Maybe Sarnah ordered the Queen and King’s murder and maybe we will never know or understand the reasons. Or maybe they did not.”
”You do not believe they did,” you stated, looking intently at her.
“I believe the investigation was rushed and should not have.”
It was understandable. The whole nation was outraged by what happened and demanded retribution. But when the conclusion to such an investigation could lead to war — as it did — it was not something you wanted to botch.
(display: "End of the lesson")
“How could Sarnah benefit from my parents’ death? Why would they have done that?”
Lady Domara frowned at your question. It was both a thoughtful expression and a concerned one. Bringing up your parents’ death was always difficult for you. And maybe for her too. You could not say she was extremely close to your parents, not like Ajmal’s parents, but there was a lot of trust and respect between them.
“That is assuming Sarnah did in fact hire those mercenaries to get the Queen and the King assassinated,” she said carefully.
She always seemed to have reservations about that fact.
“If that is the case... A leaderless nation would have made a weakened target for invasion,” your tutor continued.
“But they did not invade us, we invaded them,” you pointed out, frowning in confusion.
She shrugged. “We may have acted faster than they anticipated. Maybe they thought they had covered their tracks better than they did.”
“That is a lot of ‘maybes’,” you commented.
Lady Domara’s frown deepened. “It is and we would have more definitive answers if your parents’ death’ investigation had not been rushed.”
“But if your hypothesis is true, there was not time to lose, we had to act before Sarnah did.”
”If it is true. If not, we may have started a baseless war and both the Baladian and Sarnean people are still paying the price today.”
It was a conundrum, with no easy solution, as ruling a nation seemed to always be. You were no closer to an answer.
But you had one more question you could ask your tutor. “What possible advantage could Sarnah gain from invading us?”
“More ressources, as it always is with invasions.”
“But it also gives you more mouths to feed...”
Lady Domara half-smiled at you. “And thus bringing the need to invade more regions and starting an endless cycle of war, as the History of Dakkesi has taught us.”
You nodded, still frowning. “I feel like Sarnah would have known better.”
“I share that feeling,” your tutor admitted.
You looked intently at her and stated: “You do not believe they ordered my parents’ assassination.”
She sighed deeply. “Like I said, the investigation has been rushed. I do not believe it should have been.”
You were starting to agree with her. Even if the whole nation was clamoring for revenge, even if there had been safety concerns for the kingdom...
(display: "End of the lesson")“But there is not much point speculating about it for now,” Lady Domara said, interrupting your thoughts. “I would rather we do not linger on such dark topics today. It is your nineteenth birthday after all and something to rejoice about.”
She smiled faintly at you, trying her best to cheer you up, even though that was hardly her strong suit. You appreciated the thought, even if you had mixed feelings about the milestone yourself. {(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[
Sir Mansoor was also looking at you with some concern, forcing a reassuring smile on his lips as soon as you glanced at him.
]
(else:)[
Even Zanetta seemed a bit concerned when you glanced at her. But she smoothly switched to a cheeky smile as soon as she noticed you looking at her.
]}
You nodded, more than happy to stop thinking about your parents’ death for the rest of the day. Although you suspected it was going to be easier said than done. Lady Domara stood up, looking down at the desk with a sigh.
“I will have to tidy this up,” she said, examining the mess of books and papers laid in front of her. “You can leave and spend the rest of the day as you see fit, $MCcovertitle.”
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I can help you out,”")[
(set: $SabraAffection to $SabraAffection + 2)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I can help you out")
] you offered, already gathering papers. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Thank you for the lesson, Lady Domara,”")[
(set: $SabraAffection to $SabraAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Thanking Lady Domara for the lesson")
] you answered with a smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You nodded at her, standing and ready to leave the study. (link: "You needed some air.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "You needed some air")
]</div>}
“I can help you out,” you offered, already gathering papers.
“You do not have to...” Lady Domara started before sighing when she saw you had started putting books into neat piles.
You looked back at her. “I want to.”
Your tutor smiled at you, more warmly than she usually did. It crinkled the too few laugh lines around her brown eyes.
“Thank you, $MCcovertitle,” she said quietly, starting to organize books herself.
{(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[
Ajmal cleared his throat, bringing the attention to him.<br /><br />
“I am sorry to interrupt,” he said, shifting in place now that both Lady Domara’s and your eyes were on him. “But I need to talk to Nuto. May I have your leave, $MCcovertitle? There will be guards nearby if you need any help and I will be as prompt as can be.”<br />
“Of course, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”<br /><br />
It was not like he was leaving you alone. Your tutor was a powerful mage as well.<br />
The knight nodded gratefully at you before walking out of the study at a hurried pace, leaving you and Lady Domara alone.
]
(else:)[
“I’ll leave you both to it,” Zanetta spoke out. “I have some business to attend to. Yell if you need anything, I’m sure a guard or your pet knight will come running if you need help.”<br />
Your tutor glared at her. “You just do not want to help with putting books away.”<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman shrugged and grinned as she walked towards the doors.<br /><br />
“See you later!” She threw at the both of you before disappearing behind the wooden panel, leaving you alone with Lady Domara.
]}
You both set out to put the tomes back on their shelves, starting with the lower ones. A comfortable silence settled in the room and you found yourself brushing the spines of the numerous books crowding the library. Your index finger stopped on a familiar title. You pulled the book out of its shelf and traced the engraved letters and decor on the cover. //A Hundred Tales from the World// was a book you had been gifted by your parents at a young age. It was meant for children and you had not opened it in a long while, even though it was your favorite at the time.(if: $MChobby is "writing")[ One of the ones which made you want to write, without a doubt.] The thick tome contained — as the title suggested — a hundred tales, each one originating from a different country. They were all beautifully illustrated, both as a compliment to the stories and as a way to showcase the different art styles that existed around the globe. (if: $MChobby is "painting")[You had to admit that those pictures were the main appeal of the book for you. You thought they contributed to your love of art.]
You opened the book and turned around, leaning your back against the shelves as you all but forgot you were in the middle of putting the History treatises away. You did not plan on reading the tales, you just wanted to take a look at the beautifully decorated pages again. But before you knew it, you stumbled on what you remembered to be your favorite story and started to read despite yourself(if: $handicap is "myopia")[, adjusting your glasses on your nose].
{<div class="choice">(link: "It was the tale of a betrayed Prince fighting his way back to his rightful place.")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(go-to: "Helping Lady Domara")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(traditionalist)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was the tale of a brave knight rebelling against her tyrannical Monarch and bringing freedom back to the land.")[
(set: $revolutionary to $revolutionary + 1)
(go-to: "Helping Lady Domara")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(revolutionary)//]}
“Thank you for the lesson, Lady Domara,” you answered with a smile.
Your tutor smiled back, in a way that finally brought some light into her brown eyes. “I am only doing my duty, $MCcovertitle. But it is nice to be appreciated. Thank you for listening to my lessons.”
You were about to protest that she needed not to thank you, but you suspected you were going to get scolded for being a little too polite again. Instead you stood up and felt a kink in your back you were itching to stretch out. Your gaze darted from Lady Domara to {(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[Ajmal](else:)[Zanetta]}.
“I need to walk for a bit. Would it be alright if I spent time in the garden?”
{(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[
Your tutor raised one eyebrow. “Of course. You do not need my permission.”<br /><br />
Your cheeks turned warm in embarrassment and you simply nodded in response. Sir Mansoor, on the other hand, took a step towards you, a concerned frown on his brow.<br /><br />
“Would you like me to accompany you? I need to talk to Nuto but it can wait...”<br />
You shook your head and smiled appeasingly at him. “I will be fine. I will not be far.”<br /><br />
{(if: ($MansoorRomance > 1) or ($MansoorFriendship > 1) or ($MansoorAffection > 6))[As agreeable as the young knight’s company was, you](else:)[You]} were looking forward to some time alone to stretch your legs and reflect. The topics you touched on today were... heavy ones.<br /><br />
Ajmal nodded slowly, even though he still looked unconvinced. “Alright, if you are sure...”<br />
“I will be safe, I promise.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[He nodded, although his frown was still in place.]
(else-if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) or ($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorAffection > 6))[Your reassuring words coaxed a warm smile out of him, but his worry was still visible. You suspected he could never really get rid of it.]
(else:)[Your reassuring words made him smile slightly.]}
]
(else:)[
Zanetta rolled her eyes. “Go frolic in the garden if you want, no need to ask permission for that.”<br /><br />
Your cheeks turned warm in embarrassment and you only nodded in response. Meanwhile Lady Domara threw the Dwarf a venimous look. Obviously the Dwarf flippant tone was not to her liking.<br /><br />
“I have some business to attend to,” Zanetta continued, ignoring your tutor. “Yell if you need anything. I’m sure one of the guards or your pet knight will be there in no time if you need help.”<br /><br />
It was good to know. You were looking forward to being alone for a bit, to stretch your legs and reflect. Today’s topics had been... heavy. But safety was still a concern and you were grateful for Zanetta’s reassurances.]}
<div class="choice">After one last nod to Lady Domara and {(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Zanetta]}, [[you walked out of the study and into the garden through the archway.->The gardens]]</div>
You walked towards the archway leading outside, wanting to spend some time in the garden. Before heading out, you turned to look at Lady Domara and {(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[Ajmal](else:)[Zanetta]}.
“I will be in the garden for a little while.”
{(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[
Sir Mansoor frowned at you. “Do you want me to accompany you? I have to talk to Nuto, but it can wait if you need me.”<br />
You shook your head. “No, I will not be far. I will call for you if I have need of you.”<br /><br />
The young knight nodded but still looked unconvinced. You understood that your safety was his duty, but sometimes you needed to be alone for a bit. Besides, there was several guards patrolling the mansion and you were sure you would be able to call for help if the need arose.
]
(else:)[
The Dwarven woman nodded at you. “Alright, yell if you need anything. I have some business to attend to but I’m sure one of the guards or your pet knight will come running if you need help.”<br /><br />
She grinned at you before heading for the door. You sighed at her flippant attitude and shook your head.
]}
<div class="choice">[[You stepped into the garden.->The gardens]]</div>You were shortly followed by Sir Mansoor and Lady Domara(unless: (history:) contains "You pushed further")[, your stern tutor and court mage who also travelled with you. She adjusted her pristine dress as she stepped on the paved platform, the deep red color of which flattering the pinkish light brown of her freckled skin and the grey-sprinkled auburn of her neatly styled hair]. The gondolier then proceeded to retrieve your luggage from the gondola.
Meanwhile, the Dwarven woman dropped her unnerving smile and introduced herself. “My name is Zanetta Calvio and I'm //literally// at your service. King Pace the twenty-first is most grateful for your generous donation and has provided you with a house, as promised. As well as my skills.”
The woman barely contained an annoyed wince. What donation was she speaking about? Confused, you looked to Sir Mansoor. But he seemed just as perplexed as you were. Your eyes then turned to Lady Domara. Your tutor was unfazed and you immediately knew she was behind this.
{<div class="choice">You frowned. (link: "“What donation? Why am I only hearing about this now?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "The donation")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">[[Holding back a reaction, you decided to address the matter later if need be.->Stay quiet]]</div>}You sat on the bed as he did, taking a better look at the bed chamber yourself. The walls were covered with a muted green wallpaper, decorated with golden interlacing vegetal patterns reflecting the oil lamps' light. The flooring was still bright honey khaya and was covered by a very large and very intricately decorated rug. It felt plush under your feet.
The room was a little more cluttered than the rest of the house, or at least what you had seen of it so far. It made the bedroom look more lived in, comfortable. A sitting area had been arranged around a small round coffee table. Behind an elegant wooden screen stood a sizable dresser and vanity table. A few more chairs were strewn about as well as some decorative items.
One of them attracted Sir Mansoor's attention, as he stood frozen in front of it.
{<div class="choice">(link: "It was a finely made Baladian mandolin, just like the one you used to play.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You played the mandolin")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a well constructed easel, just like the one you used to paint on.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You painted")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a typewriter, just like the one your parents gifted you for your ninth birthday.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You wrote")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was barely used leather dancing shoes, just like the ones you used to wear during a show.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $martial to $martial + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You danced")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a theater mask, just like the ones you used to wear during a play.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You acted")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a precisely painted globe, just like the one that sat in your father's study.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(go-to: "You had no artistic talent")
]</div>}He returned to his investigation, less frantic than before. From your seated position, you took another glance at the room. The walls were covered with a muted green wallpaper, decorated with golden interlacing vegetal patterns reflecting the oil lamps' light. The flooring was still bright honey khaya and was covered by a very large and very intricately decorated rug. It felt plush under your feet.
The room was a little more cluttered than the rest of the house, or at least what you had seen of it so far. It made the bedroom look more lived in, comfortable. A sitting area had been arranged around a small round coffee table. Behind an elegant wooden screen stood a sizable dresser and vanity table. A few more chairs were strewn about as well as some decorative items.
One of them attracted Sir Mansoor's attention, as he stood frozen in front of it.
{<div class="choice">(link: "It was a finely made Baladian mandolin, just like the one you used to play.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You played the mandolin")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a well constructed easel, just like the one you used to paint on.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You painted")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a typewriter, just like the one your parents gifted you for your ninth birthday.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You wrote")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was barely used leather dancing shoes, just like the ones you used to wear during a show.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $martial to $martial + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You danced")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a theater mask, just like the ones you used to wear during a play.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "You acted")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "It was a precisely painted globe, just like the one that sat in your father's study.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(go-to: "You had no artistic talent")
]</div>}You stood up and walked towards it. Turning a ceramic handle painted with flower motifs, you cracked the door open and took a peak inside.
It was a private bathroom, from what you could tell in the dim light of the city glow, piercing through the wooden slats of the shutters currently sealing a large window.{(if: $lastpassage is "After the knight left")[
<br />You wondered if Sir Mansoor should inspect that room as well, but you shook your head. You were tired. He was tired too, probably. You decided to let him rest.
]}
You quickly found a knob near the door and turned it. After a satisfying click, several oil sconces flared up, bathing the room in a warm light that bounced off every shiny surfaces. Of which there was a lot of.
Both the floor and the walls were covered in painted tiles, the most eye-catching ones covering the upper half of the walls with a beautiful and lush landscape. The room was fully furnished with all the modern appliances one could dream of. Gleaming brass pipes supplied a sink, a pull-chain toilet, a large tub and even one of those insane ribcage showers in running water.
You took a few steps into the bathroom, admiring each of the finely decorated contraptions. You had only ever seen those in magazines before. Water was too rare of a commodity in Ahabalad to justify installing most of these accommodations in the Palace. The shower was especially baffling to you.
<div class="choice">[[You started walking towards it when you stopped, catching your reflection in the large wall mirror hanging above the sink.->Your reflection]]</div>
(link-goto: "RETURN TO STORY", $lastpassage)
''CONTENT WARNINGS''
//This list will be updated as I write new content for the story. At the moment, ''the game is rated 13+'', but this could be subject to change.
Click on the "Where?" link to get more infos on each content warning, but keep in mind those infos could be spoilers.//
* Depiction of a panic attack. (link-reveal: "Where?")[ Chapter 1, in the flashback that occurs if you let Ajmal inspect your room, choosing the "Like when we were children..." option with stoic as your MC's main trait.]
* Depiction of drowning. (link-reveal: "Where?")[ Chapter 2, after the lesson scene.]{(if: $namelist contains $MCname)[
<br />//The name you have chosen is shared by one of the story's characters. Would you like to change it?//<br /><br />
<div class="inputbox">(input-box:2bind $MCname,"X",1,"$MCname")</div><br /><br />
//(Or click to select a name for your character)//<br /><br />
{(link-reveal: "Gender neutral name suggestions")[
* (link: "Dana")[(set: $MCname to "Dana")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Arabic)
* (link: "Roshan")[(set: $MCname to "Roshan")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Persian)
* (link: "Sefa")[(set: $MCname to "Sefa")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Turkish)
* (link: "Desta")[(set: $MCname to "Desta")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Amharic)
* (link: "Alexis")[(set: $MCname to "Alexis")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Greek)
]<br />
(link-reveal: "Feminine name suggestions")[
* (link: "Noora")[(set: $MCname to "Noora")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Arabic)
* (link: "Laleh")[(set: $MCname to "Laleh")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Persian)
* (link: "Azra")[(set: $MCname to "Azra")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Turkish)
* (link: "Seble")[(set: $MCname to "Seble")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Amharic)
* (link: "Kleio")[(set: $MCname to "Kleio")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Greek)
]<br />
(link-reveal: "Masculine name suggestions")[
* (link: "Bassam")[(set: $MCname to "Bassam")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Arabic)
* (link: "Shahin")[(set: $MCname to "Shahin")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Persian)
* (link: "Anıl")[(set: $MCname to "Anıl")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Turkish)
* (link: "Tamrat")[(set: $MCname to "Tamrat")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Amharic)
* (link: "Dimos")[(set: $MCname to "Dimos")(go-to: "A Memory")] (Greek)
]}<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Start the story->A Memory]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "A Memory")
]}
You did not get far into the story before you noticed Lady Domara’s approach. You hurriedly slammed the book close, feeling a bit guilty about slacking off when you volunteered to help her. You were going to put the book back on its shelf when your tutor rested her hand on the cover, preventing you from sliding it back into place.
“It is alright, $MCcovertitle,” she said quietly. “May I?”
You nodded and let her take the tome. Examining her curiously, you noticed she looked more intrigued than upset with you. She turned the pages slowly and with care, her eyes travelling methodically across the paper, as if she was scanning it for mistakes, analyzing its content. You soon realized that you were holding your breath, awaiting her judgement on your favorite childhood book. Maybe it was ridiculous, but part of you really wanted her to approve of it.
“You used to read this book quite often, when you were younger,” she remarked, still browsing through the pages.
“It was my favorite,” you admitted.
Lady Domara flicked her eyes to you. “Why was it?”
You shrugged. You were a child, you did not exactly reasoned it out. Giving it some thought, you answered:
{(if: $MChobby is "painting")[
“It is a beautiful book.” You were always more attuned to visual arts.
]
(else-if: $MChobby is "writing")[
“The tales were entertaining.” And there was nothing you enjoyed more than a good story.
]
(else:)[
“It is a beautiful book and the tales were entertaining.”
]}
Your tutor nodded while her gaze dropped back to the book. “And it is educational.”
So she did approve. She always looked for the more practical side of things. You were a little bit disappointed, if you had to be honest.
“Do you never read or do anything just for fun?” You asked suddenly, finding yourself curious.
Lady Domara blinked at you in surprise. She stayed quiet for a moment, taken aback. After a while, you saw her expression closing off, her lips thinning into a pale line.
“That would be a waste of my time,” she answered defensively as she snapped the book closed.
That was a touchy subjects, you realized. You felt guilty for asking, but also curious to why that was so upsetting to her.
“I am sorry, Lady Domara. It was not meant to be an accusation, I was only curious.”
She sighed as she slid the tome back on its shelf. “I know... I...”
She took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the rows of books. “I have never really learned to... just have fun. And I know many people dislike me for that reason.”
“Never?” You replied, baffled. “Not even when you were a chil— Oh.”
As soon as you said the words, you remembered that Lady Domara grew up in an orphanage. And not a nice one, from what you gathered. Your tutor sighed again.
“It is fine, $MCcovertitle. It was a long time ago,” she reassured you, seeing your crestfallen expression. “Yes, part of it is because of my upbringing. But it is just how I am, too. At the time I was so focused on getting out of my situation that I never really took the time to have fun. The other children did. As difficult as life was at the orphanage, they managed.”
You only nodded in response, not wanting to say something insensitive again.
You both went back to putting books away. Lady Domara climbed on a ladder to slide the few tomes left on the higher shelves. You gave them to her one by one as she put them away. You stayed quiet for a moment before a question came to your mind.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Do you remember anything about your parents?”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Lady Domara's parents")
] You asked, maybe a bit bluntly. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Would you like to learn? I mean having fun,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Learning to have fun")
] You said, an idea forming in your head. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "But you decided not to ask, respecting your tutor’s privacy.")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Finishing up")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“Do you remember anything about your parents?” You asked, maybe a bit bluntly.
So much for not wanting to say anything insensitive. But you had to finish growing up without your parents so it was something you could relate to. To what extent, you were not sure, but maybe it would help you understand Lady Domara better if you tried to figure that out. Besides, she was much older and maybe had some wisdom you could learn from...
Your tutor looked down at you from her perched position on the ladder. She examined you, looking a bit surprised again. You never really asked her such personal questions before, out of politeness.
“No, not really,” she answered after some time. “I was given way too young to the orphanage to remember much of anything. All I remember was how scary and lonely it felt to be left at the orphanage.”
Your hands clenched on the cover of the book you were holding and a wave of nausea rose inside of you as you remembered how it felt to realize your parents would never come back to you. Lady Domara frowned slightly at you. She extended a hand towards you and you breathed out, passing her the tome. Once she was done putting it back on its shelf, she climbed down the ladder and turned to you, linking her hands in front of her.
“I think I missed my mother, at the beginning, when I could still remember her,” she said softly. “But now...”
She shrugged uneasily.
“I cannot miss what I do not remember. But sometimes I look at other people who still have their family and I wonder what it would have been like.”
For a moment, emotion pierced through her professional shell. She shook her head, as if to get read of it.
“But I try not to dwell on it, it is pointless to wish for something I cannot have.”
You nodded numbly. She was right, of course, but as rational as one tried to be, the feeling sometimes lingered.
Lady Domara slid the ladder back to its original place while you leaned against the shelves, deep in thought.
“Do you think it is easier? To not remember?” You asked suddenly, not really looking at your tutor.
Another awkward silence followed. Lady Domara came back to your side and leaned against the shelves beside you.
“Do you really want to talk about that?” She asked uncomfortably after a while.
You nodded. “If that is alright with you.”
That was what people did, right? They talked about it to get the bad feelings off of their chest. Maybe you would feel better if you did the same. Maybe Lady Domara would feel better too.
She sighed deeply. “I honestly have no idea. Maybe it is nicer to have good memories of them to cherish. Or maybe it is much more painful to have that much more to regret. I suspect they are just different kinds of pain. I doubt one is better than the other.”
“So there is no escaping it,” you concluded, feeling your throat tightening.
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle)...”
Lady Domara seemed to search for words of comfort, but she could not find any. She was never good at it. You did not mind that, you were not really good at it either. You wondered if anyone was. You looked up at her and she was frowning, worry in her eyes, her hands wringing together awkwardly, unable to reach out.
{<div class="choice">You felt a bit bad, unloading on her like that. Not wanting to end on such a dark note, you forced a reassuring smile.<br />
(link: "“At least we have each other.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $SabraAffection to $SabraAffection + 1)
(go-to: "We have each other")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You started feeling antsy, the heavy silence stretching uncomfortably. (link: "“Maybe we should finish tidying up.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Finishing up")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
“Would you like to learn? I mean having fun,” You said, an idea forming in your head.
Lady Domara held the book you had just given to her, staring at you with her eyes wide with surprise. After blinking a few times, she finally put the tome away and huffed.
“I am too old to change my ways,” she answered before reaching for the next book you were handing to her.
You pursed your lips. That was not the answer you were hoping for. But you were not about to give up that quickly.
“But you always said that no one is too old to learn something new!” You protested.
She paused again, the book in her hand slid halfway on the shelf. Then she sighed, pushing it back all the way.
“And //you// have an excellent memory, when you want to,” she commented giving you a pointed look.
You could not help but grin a little at that. After another moment of quiet, your tutor glanced at you and she sighed again.
“Alright. How would you propose to do that?”
You smiled brightly at her, getting giddy with enthusiasm. “I can recommend you a book to read!”
She considered you carefully. “I suppose I can read a book...”
“Alright, I will find you one!”
You gave her the last of the History treatises and went to scour the shelves in search for the perfect book to recommend to your tutor. You knew exactly what she needed.
{<div class="choice">(link: "An adventure novel.")[
(set: $bookrec to "adventure")
(go-to: "Book recommendation")
] There was nothing like it to unwind.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "A collection of love poems.")[
(set: $bookrec to "love poems")
(go-to: "Book recommendation")
] Beautiful words had a way of lifting your spirit.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "A collection of fantastical novellas.")[
(set: $bookrec to "fantastical novellas")
(go-to: "Book recommendation")
] You found darker and scarier stories pretty cathartic.</div>}
{(unless: (history:) contains "Lady Domara's parents" or "Learning to have fun")[
You continued handing books to Lady Domara for her to put back on the higher shelves in silence. It was a bit tense at first, but you soon relaxed in the quiet of the study, focusing on this one simple task. After your tutor put away the last of the History treatises, she climbed back down and slid the ladder on its rail to its initial position.<br /><br />
]
(unless: $lastpassage is "We have each other")[
(if: (history:) contains "Lady Domara's parents")[
“Maybe we should finish tidying up.”<br />
Lady Domara shook her head, seemingly trying to rid herself of the uneasy feeling. “Of course.”<br /><br />
]
]}Now that all the books had found their proper place, your tutor walked back to the desk to gather her papers in a sleeve. Once she was done, ready to leave the study with her sleeve under her arm, she looked around the room, as if to check she was not forgetting anything. It was unlikely, she never forgot anything. Her gaze fell on you.
“It looks like {(if: (history:) contains "Ajmal will watch over you")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Zanetta]} is not back yet. Will you be alright on your own, $MCcovertitle?”
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded, a little annoyed. You could handle being alone for a little while. “I will be in the garden. I am sure I will be fine.”
]
(else:)[
You nodded, smiling at her concern. “I will be, thank you Lady Domara. I will be in the garden, I am sure the guards are not far if I need help.”
]}
Lady Domara nodded as well. “Then I wish you a good day, $MCcovertitle. I will see you tonight.”
<div class="choice">[[She left the study, closing the doors behind her, and you stepped through the archway into the garden.->The gardens]]</div>
“At least we have each other.”
At first, your tutor’s eyes widened with the force of her surprise. Then the brown irises took on a tell-tale shine.
“I... I suppose we do,” she managed to answer before turning away to lightly dab at her eyes with her fingers. “Family does not have to be blood, after all.”
When her hands proved insufficient, she started wiping her cheeks with her sleeve, still looking away from you. You reached out and touched her arm, feeling a bit emotional yourself. She nearly jumped at the touch and looked back at you. You had rarely seen her in such a state. She looked positively peeved at her inability to swallow back her tears and you could not help but smile before wrapping her in a tight hug.
She stayed stiff as a board for a while, patting your back awkwardly. But as your embrace lasted longer, she finally started to relax into it and you felt warm and safe like you had not felt in a very long time.
Lady Domara ended the hug first, of course. She smoothed out her impeccable dress and cleared her throat.
“We should probably finish cleaning up,” she declared, once her eyes had dried and her voice was steady.
(display: "Finishing up")
While you scanned the spines of the books rapidly, striding from one side of the study to the other in search of your favorite authors, Lady Domara climbed down the ladder, sliding it back to its initial place, and looked at you with some astonishment. Your eagerness was showing, you could not help it. Sharing books you loved with someone was always exciting and... Well, there was not many people left to do that with.
After a moment of searching, you finally grabbed a book, pulling it out of its shelf, and almost ran back to Lady Domara to hand it to her, maybe a little forcefully. “You should try this one, I am certain you will love it!”
‘Certain’ might have been too strong of a word. In fact, you had no idea if this kind of book would be Lady Domara’s cup of tea. But you loved it so much yourself that you were convinced she could not possibly hate it.
Your tutor took the tome you basically shoved in her chest and threw a skeptical look at its cover.
{(if: $bookrec is "adventure")[
“//The life and tribulations of Dame Karimi//,” she read, before raising an eyebrow at you over the incredibly thick book.
]
(else-if: $bookrec is "love poems")[
“//Obsidians in the blue night, a poetic collection//,” she read, before raising an eyebrow at you over the ornate cover.
]
(else:)[
“When the mist falls //and other frightening tales//,” she read, before raising an eyebrow at you over the black cover.
]}
You nodded vigorously and she looked back at the tome, opening it and reading the first page. {(if: $bookrec is "adventure")[
“//Follow the adventures of Dame Karimi as she rises to knighthood and finds herself entangled in the plot of the nefarious Lord Naaji. You will not be able to put down this gripping tale of vengeance and redemption.//”
]
(else-if: $bookrec is "love poems")[
“//This collection regroups all the works of the famous poet Aris Stavros, dedicated to his lover Dimitris. Be transported by their love through the song of Stavros’ verses.//”
]
(else:)[
“//Enter the strange and terrifying world of Giusi Laurito in this collection of thirteen mystifying tales, including the best selling story,// When the mist falls//, which has already chilled over a hundred thousands readers to the bone.//”
]}
When Lady Domara looked back up at you she grimaced. “Really?”
You nodded once again. “Remember, it is just for fun, try not to take it too seriously.”
She sighed. “Alright, I will give it a try.”
You smiled brightly at her, thrilled at the prospect of your future conversations about her new reading material. The corner of your tutor’s lips quirked up in a rare and genuine smile.
(display: "Finishing up")
You turned your attention to Ajmal who was walking towards you, {(if: $MansoorTrust is 0 and $MansoorRomance is 2)[
smiling warmly at you but with a hint of trepidation to his gait.<br /><br />
He had been like that since... Well since you confessed your feelings to him. He did not seem entirely at ease around you anymore and it was a bit disheartening. He always made every effort to hide his discomfort, but you could feel it now and again.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust is 0 and ($MansoorAffection > 6 or $MansoorFriendship > 0))[
smiling warmly at you.
]
(else:)[
inclining his head respectfully.
]}
The knight had discarded his shiny golden uniform for a while now in favor of a simpler — but still of decent make — wardrobe, with darker and more muted colors. Today, however, he was wearing basic linen clothes, as he always did while training. The only difference was the leather gauntlet wrapped around his right forearm that hid his Mansoor crest tattoo. You suspected the thin cream fabric of his shirt would conceal it rather poorly and Zanetta made it clear it was better not to take any chances. Since it was about your safety, Ajmal took it to heart and you rarely saw him without the gauntlet now.
“Are you ready to start?” He asked.
You looked around you, glancing at Dolce and Marli. Ajmal usually made sure the training room was empty when he scheduled your lessons and you were not used to... having an audience. Although for now, the guards’ captain and the cook’s assistant were doing some training of their own and avoided staring at you, which you were grateful for.
Sir Mansoor noticed where your gaze wandered to and interjected: “Ah! I actually asked them to come here this morning. I thought that only taking lessons from me could be a bit limiting and I was thinking that maybe they could show you how to handle different weapons than the ones I am used to, or teach you different techniques and approaches to combat.”
After a short, awkward pause, he added: “If that is alright with you of course!”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Of course,” you answered with a reassuring smile.<br /><br />
You had no doubt Dolce and Marli had plenty to teach you.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You nodded. You trusted Ajmal to choose what was best for you. He was far more the expert after all.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“If you think that would be helpful...”<br /><br />
You were a bit skeptical. You had a feeling Dolce and Marli’s teaching methods would be a lot... messier. But you trusted that Ajmal knew what he was doing. He had proved as much, so far.
]
(else:)[
“It is,” you confirmed with a smile.<br /><br />
You were intrigued by what Dolce and Marli could teach you. You suspected it was not quite as clean and proper as the way Ajmal fought.]}
The knight nodded back at you with a slight smile. “Alright, but first we have to start with warming up and strengthening exercises, as per usual of course.”
{<div class="choice">You had to stop yourself from groaning and settled for a sigh instead. [[You were not fond of those.->Not fond of those]]</div>
<div class="choice">You smiled back at him. [[You actually enjoyed those.->You enjoyed those]]</div>}
Ajmal gave you an apologetic smile and you both started with your usual stretches. Training with him had given you a better idea of what it took for him to get where he was. It was intense, to say the least and he had started much younger than you. You also suspected he was going easy on you and had his own much longer and harder training sessions.
You could not imagine yourself doing that every day. It had taken you a while to get used to the exercises. Your muscles had been sore after every session, at first. Now things were getting better, but you still disliked this part of the training. All you could hope for was to get this over with quickly so you could get to the //good part//: actually learning to fight. There was more to it than simple physical conditioning and that was more to your liking.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
<br />To be entirely honest, however, one of the reasons you had mixed feelings about the warm-up exercises was {(if: $MansoorRomance is 1)[
how flustered it made you when the knight helped you adjust your position, his hands firm but gentle on your body. It would make you lose your balance and flounder even more than usual, which was pretty embarrassing.
]
(else:)[
how worked up it would make the knight when he had to touch you to adjust your position. His hands would leave your body in a rush, as if he was scared you would burn him. It was a constant reminder of how he desperately tried to put some distance between you.
]}<br />
]}
(display: "Warm-ups")
Ajmal’s smile widened and you could tell he appreciated sharing this big part of his daily life with you. You both started with your usual stretches. Those purely physical exercises had something soothing to them. You were entirely focused on your body and improving its strength and mobility, feeling every muscle and every articulation, exploring what you could push it to do. In those moments, you did not think about anything else and even if it was demanding on your body, it had a relaxing effect on your mind.
But even with how quickly you took to it, you could tell you were nowhere near to the knight’s level. He had been working at it for far longer than you and, you suspected, far more intensely than you. You doubted he did as little exercise as you did when he was training on his own.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
<br />To be entirely honest, another reason you enjoyed those exercises was the way Ajmal would sometimes help you adjust your position, {(if: $MansoorRomance is 1)[
his warm hands firm but gentle on your body, even though it meant you would occasionally get flustered and lose balance.
]
(else:)[
his warm hands barely brushing you before leaving your body in a rush, as if he was scared of getting burnt on your skin. Although it was also a bitter reminder of how desperately he tried to put some distance between you.
]}<br />
]}
(display: "Warm-ups")At the end of those exercises and stretches, you were already starting to sweat. Ajmal opened one of the blinds, letting some air flow into the room as well as the buzz of the waking city. When he turned back to you, he seemed hesitant, twisting his hands together awkwardly.
“As I mentioned, I wanted you to try something different today, that is why Dolce and Marli are here. And Miss Calvio as well—”
The Dwarven woman groaned. “How many times will I have to tell you to call me Zanetta?”
“And Zanetta as well,” the knight amended, looking a bit flustered. “She is far more proficient than I am with a crossbow...”
You glanced at Zanetta who was sitting on a nearby bench. You did not miss the smug look on her face and neither did Sir Mansoor.
He crinkled his nose in distaste before continuing: “Shooting a crossbow can be quite complex. You need to know your weapon well, to have a good eye and spatial awareness, to take wind and gravity into account... I think Zanetta will be a better teacher than I if you want to learn how to wield one more thoroughly.”
He paused before turning slightly towards the other side of the room where Dolce and Marli had paused their training. “Captain Dolce...”
The older woman smirked and snorted at the title, her teeth glinting in the dimness. The expression was not entirely deprived of fondness however.
“I asked her who she thought could show you some more... huh... dextrous ways of fighting. She brought Marli along.”
You looked at him, one eyebrow lifted in surprise. “I would not describe you as lacking in dexterity.”
“Well, I...” Ajmal rubbed his neck uneasily, flushing slightly. “The way I fight is... It is still very demanding, physically. The way Marli fights, from what I gathered, finds... ways around that.”
The sound of a low chuckle drew your attention to Dolce. “What he means is that Marli can teach you to sneak around and stab someone in the back. It’s not honorable, but it’s efficient.”
The knight grimaced but nodded nonetheless.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“You would want me to... learn how to fight dishonorably?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Fighting dishonorably")
] You asked with no small amount of surprise. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You nodded as well.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "If it got the job done")
] If it got the job done... (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
“You would want me to... learn how to fight dishonorably?” You asked with no small amount of surprise.
Ajmal sighed, looking to the side, clearly ill at ease. “I know it is... very much not my style, and I would avoid it if I could. But we have no choice but to be practical. I cannot... I cannot bring you to a level of strength and expertise that would take years of training in normal circumstances. Not in time to protect yourself. The danger is right now.”
He glanced back at you, water-green eyes considering you carefully. “If learning to fight in a... less conventional way will keep you safe, then... {(if: ($MansoorTrust > -1) and ($MansoorFriendship > 0 or $MansoorRomance > 0 or $MansoorAffection > 6))[
nothing matters more.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
His gaze had an intensity that made you swallow hard, feeling warmth prickling your skin. You tried to convince yourself that his concern for your safety was entirely due to his sense of duty, but it was not easy when he was looking at you like //that//.<br />
Realizing he was staring, however, he averted his eyes quickly, looking a little flushed.<br />
]
(else:)[
Even though it was something... new to consider, you saw his point and were touched by his concern.<br /><br />
“Alright,” you answered with a smile.
]}
]
(else:)[
it is a good thing, right?”<br /><br />
You could see his point. Although it was still something... new to consider.<br /><br />
You nodded, eventually. “Right.”
]}
“Of course, that is still up to you to choose how you want to fight, I am merely offering the option,” he was quick to add.
(display: "Choosing a fighting style")
Ajmal sighed in relief, apparently glad you decided not to press the issue. You had no reason to. Even though he was a straightforward man and this style of fighting was not to his liking, he was also practical-minded and it sometimes required to step out of one’s comfort zone.
“Of course, it is up to you to choose how you want to fight,” he added. “But I thought it would be a good idea to offer you a range of options.”
(display: "Choosing a fighting style")“What about you?” You asked, looking at him thoughtfully.
“What about me?” He replied with some confusion.
“The way you fight is not always as straightforward as it seems. It sometimes feels like you are luring your opponent into making a mistake... If that makes sense? Could you teach me how to do that?”
The knight’s face lit up with comprehension and a bit of enthusiasm as well. “Oh! That! Of course. It is, after all, an integral part of fencing. It is not unlike theater in a way... {(if: $MChobby is "theater")[
I think you would be quite good at it, actually.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is -1)[
He smiled faintly at you.
]
(else:)[
He smiled fondly at you.
]}<br /><br />
“If that is what you wish, I can teach you, yes.”
]
(else:)[
You have to play the part that will make your enemy lower their guard. If that is what you wish, I can teach you, yes.”
]}
You gave the matter some thought before making a choice.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I want to learn how to wield a crossbow with Zanetta.”")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 6)
(go-to: "Crossbow with Zanetta")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I will learn fencing with you.”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 6)
(go-to: "Fencing with Ajmal")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your charisma)//</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I want Marli to teach me his tricks with a knife.”")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 6)
(go-to: "Knife with Marli")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your guile)//</div>}
“I want to learn how to wield a crossbow with Zanetta.”
Ajmal nodded. “Very well, then I will let her take it from here...”
He turned his attention back to the Dwarven woman who grinned at him as if she had won some sort of competition.
“An excellent choice,” she said as she stood up from the bench.
The knight rolled his eyes as he stepped back, letting her take his place at your side.
“First, obviously, we need to get you a crossbow,” Zanetta said while directing you towards one of the weapon racks.
“Is there a reason why you do not use guns at all? Are they not more efficient?”
She took a crossbow from the rack, weighing it and examining it while she answered: “There’s a couple of reasons for that. The main one is the noise guns make. In those caves, it echoes and the vibrations can cause some damage, provoke a cave-in, make a stalactite fall on your head... All unpleasant stuff. Which is why guns are illegal in Lagodoro. A crossbow is more discreet which, on top of not making caves collapse around us, offers many advantages. And there’s the smoke. It doesn’t dissipate as quickly down here as it would out in the open, which, as you can imagine, doesn’t help with visibility.”
“That makes sense...”
After a thorough examination, she handed you the crossbow. It was smaller than some you had seen, which made it more lightweight and easier to carry around. Still, it had some heft to it.
“This one doesn’t have the range of the larger ones,” Zanetta explained as she dug into one of her belt pockets. “But it should be enough for self-defense and won’t be a nightmare to lug around.”
She took a small key out of the leather pouch and knelt down near a chest. Unlocking it, she opened the lid to reveal an arrangement of ammunition, mostly training bolts and arrows. None of them had metal tips, instead their wooden shafts were carved into a point you suspected was still very dangerous.
The Dwarf took a small quiver full of bolts before closing the chest. She handed it to you unceremoniously.
“Put that on.”
You attached the quiver to your belt and looked back up at her expectantly. She nodded and led you to the end of the training room that had the wooden targets propped up. Marli wiggled a knife free from one of them and both he and Dolce stepped out of the way, leaving you a large amount of space to let you practice. You did not know if it was out of respect or because they expected you to do poorly.
“Alright,” Zanetta started, putting her hands on her hips. “Have you ever shot a crossbow?”
“No, never.”
“Do you know how to?”
“Well...”
You had a theoretical understanding of how crossbows worked, but you never handled one yourself or saw someone use one up close. All the long-range troops in Ahabalad used rifles now, the crossbow was becoming a rare and niche weapon.
“You pull the string into a notch and put a bolt on the tiller, pull a trigger to lower the notch and it shoots the bolt... right?”
Zanetta chuckled. “Right, that’s the basic idea. Which is more than most know, I suspect. The thing is, pulling the string is the hard part. So there are different mechanisms to relieve the user from having to do it. This one...”
She took the crossbow from your hands and pushed a switch on the side of it, unlatching the lower half of the tiller from the upper one. “... uses a lever. You have to open it up to lower the notch until it grabs the string...”
She demonstrated as she spoke, pushing the lower half of the tiller in a perpendicular position until you heard a //click//. As she did, the metal plating on top had slid down until the notch reached the string.
“Then you bring the lever back to get the string pulled taut. It’s a little firm, so you have to put some strength into it. But not nearly as much as if you had to pull the string manually.”
She pulled the lever back as she explained, showing no sign of exertion, before locking it back into place. The notch slid back up, pulling the string into the armed position. The Dwarf grabbed one of the training bolt from your quiver and slid it in place on the weapon.
“Of course, the next step is putting the bolt in front of the string, aim...”
She brought the crossbow to her eye level, pointing it at one of the targets.
“... And pull the trigger.”
Her finger pushed on the curved metal piece underneath the tiller and the string snapped back, shooting the bolt straight in the center of the target. Zanetta’s lips curled in lopsided, self-satisfied smile as she handed the weapon back to you.
<div class="choice">[[“Your turn.”->Crossbow with Zanetta (2)]]</div>
“I will learn fencing with you.”
The short smile Ajmal addressed you was warm and proud, until he looked sheepishly at Marli and Dolce. “You do me much honor, $MCcovertitle. But I do feel a bit bad for having bothered everyone else for nothing...”
“Don’t sweat it, kid,” Dolce replied. “We could use the training anyway.”
“Oh I’m sure the show will be entertaining,” Zanetta added with a smirk. “I’m certain I won’t regret coming here.”
The knight shot her a dark look as she lazily leaned back against the wall behind her, crossing her legs. Meanwhile, Dolce and Marli turned back towards the wooden targets to practice knife throwing once more. Ajmal led you to one of the weapon racks at the other end of the room. He unhooked two blunted scimitars, testing their weight and balance before handing one to you.
“Alright, let us take positions, if you please, $MCcovertitle.”
Fighting with a curved sword being the young knight’s specialty, he had already taught you some basics so the next step was becoming familiar to you. You put your dominant foot forward, knees slightly bent for balance and mobility. The goal was to present as small of a target as possible to your opponent. You raised your scimitar diagonally in front of you so that your guard covered as much of your body as possible. In front of you, Ajmal assumed a similar position, but raising his weapon above his head in a high guard instead.
Defence was the main thing that Sir Mansoor had taught you so far. Making you an expert swordmaster on short notice was not something he could really do, so he settled with teaching you the techniques that would allow you to survive a fight as long as possible first and foremost. As a result you had a good understanding of stance, evasion, guards and you were starting to learn counters.
“So far, I have taught you how to counter straightforward attacks... Except no duellist worth their salt will ever use a straightforward attack,” Ajmal explained.
“Oh,” you said, feeling suddenly a little nervous.
Sword fighting was highly technical and required intense focus already. It sounded like things were about to get even more complex.
Ajmal smiled at you reassuringly. “I promise, the basics will serve you well and I will make sure to teach you at the pace you are comfortable with.”
{<div class="choice">You smiled back at him, feeling yourself relax a little at the reassuring words. (link: "“Thank you, I appreciate it.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I appreciate it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned. As difficult as fencing was, you really wanted to learn. And you were ready.<br />
(link: "“You do not have to go easy on me, I can handle it.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "I can handle it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“I want Marli to teach me his tricks with a knife.”
Ajmal nodded, swallowing uneasily. “Alright, I will let Marli and Dolce take over for today, then.”
He looked almost pleadingly at Dolce who grinned in response. “Don’t worry, son, we won’t make $MCpronoun2 do anything //too// dangerous.”
The knight winced but stepped away nonetheless. The guards’ captain beaconed you to come closer and you joined her and the Elf near the wooden targets.
“Marli is going to show and explain to you a few ruses to give you an advantage in a fight,” Dolce explained as you approached. (unless: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[“I’ll translate for you.”]
The cook’s assistant was busy digging into a chest near the wall and he took out two wooden practice weapons, both of them having the shape and size of a stiletto. When he stood up and turned around, you realized heavy fabric was draping his arm.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//Never forget your cloak to a knife fight//, he signed at you before throwing one of the coats at you.<br /><br />
]
(else:)[
He started signing at you and Dolce translated: “He says you should never forget your cloak to a knife fight.”<br /><br />
The corner of her lips quirked up as Marli threw one of the coats your way.
]} You caught it while looking at the Elf with confusion. Without further explanation, he also flung one of the wooden stilettos in your direction and you fumbled a bit but caught it as well. Marli grimaced a bit at your poor catch. You watched him getting ready and you followed his example. He draped his cloak on his shoulder and you did the same with yours. The fabric was thick and heavy, its dark color letting no light through.
“What is the cloak for?” You finally asked, since no one was in a rush to explain.
You looked up from the cape to the Elf and you noticed he had taken a familiar posture, pointing the training dagger at you, one foot forward, one foot back. It was a position used in fencing as well, the goal being to present the smallest target to your opponent.
Without warning, Marli thrusted forward. Instinctively you raised your draped arm and the stiletto ended tangled in your cloak. You blinked up at the Elf.
“It is a shield!” You realized out loud.
Marli smiled at you, showing a row of slightly crooked teeth in a rare, open expression.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//Yes, among other things//, he signed after taking a step back.
]
(else:)[
He started signing excitedly and Dolce chuckled, sitting down on the nearest bench. “Yes, and it has other uses too.”
]}
Before taking position again, the cook’s assistant showed you how to correctly grip your stiletto, your fingers wrapping around the handle, thumb on the guard. He helped you assume a proper stance, which was not too hard, considering the similarities with fencing.
Once he was facing you again, he put his unarmed hand forward, his cloak draping down and hiding his torso. After you copied the posture, he revealed his hands again to sign at you.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//The cloak not only protects you, it hides your weapon as well. It can give you the advantage of surprise.//
]
(else:)[
“The cloak doesn’t just protect you, it also hides your weapon,” Dolce translated. “It can give you an advantage and surprise your enemy.”
]}
You nodded at Marli and he kept signing.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//A small blade requires you to go to closer range, it can be dangerous. But it is also more easily concealed. Here is another way to do it.//
]
(else:)[
“With a short blade, you have to get closer and it can be dangerous,” Dolce said glancing between Marli’s hands and you. “But it’s easier to hide. He’s going to show you another way.”
]}
The Elf stood in a casual and unassuming posture, sliding the training stiletto under his wrist, the thin wooden blade invisible behind his forearm. With one swift step forward, he pulled the dagger out, slashing the air right in front of your throat before his arm came back in a stabbing motion, the tip of the weapon barely poking your side.
Instinctively, you brought your hand to your throat, swallowing uncomfortably. Undoubtedly, if the fight was a real one, you would already be done for.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//You have to be quick and decisive//, Marli signed, stepping back. //The earlier the fight is over, the better.//
]
(else:)[
Marli stepped back and started signing again, while Dolce translated: “You have to be quick and decisive, ending the fight as early as possible.”
]}
You nodded slowly. In theory, it made sense. It was better if you did not give your enemy the chance to hurt you. But the implications were not pleasant.
<div class="choice">{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
[[//Take position//->Knife with Marli (2)]], Marli signed at you.
]
(else:)[
[[“Take position,”->Knife with Marli (2)]] Dolce said while Marli signed at you.
]}</div>
Taking the crossbow from her hands, you followed her instructions carefully, unlatching the lever, pushing it down and back up to pull the string taut and locking the lever in place. As she mentioned, it took some strength to bring back the lever, but you managed by stabilizing the crossbow on your thigh. With some trepidation, you took a bolt out of the quiver at your side and placed it in the slot in front of the string, careful not to put your fingers anywhere near the trigger.
You glanced at Zanetta, looking for a sign of approval, hoping you were not making any mistakes. She nodded at you, so you raised the weapon, aiming for one of the wooden targets. You were not quite sure where to look so you aligned your eye with the notch holding the string, figuring that was as good as a reference as any.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You hesitated, still uncomfortable with manipulating such a dangerous device.")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "You hesitated")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You pulled the trigger.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Pulled the trigger")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
You were keenly aware of the danger you would put others — and yourself — in if you were to commit a mistake. The weapon felt heavy in your hands and you started trembling.
“Breathe.” You heard Zanetta’s soft voice — with that slight rough texture around the edges — breaking through your anxious thoughts.
You glanced at her and she leaned closer, tilting her head to the side, some worry pinching her brow. “It’s going to be okay. It’s not going to shoot anywhere you’re not aiming. Only put your finger on the trigger when you’re ready to shoot. Take a deep breath, hold, release and pull on the trigger.”
As she talked, her voice quiet and soothing, you realized you did stop breathing. Of course that could not be helpful. You took a moment to breathe, lowering the crossbow. You closed your eyes, relaxing your limbs before taking position again.
“You know, if you’re not comfortable learning this, it’s fine,” Zanetta said and you glanced at her.
“But I have to... The crossbow or any other weapon, it does not matter. I need to be able to protect myself and the people around me.”
The Dwarf examined you carefully for a few seconds. “Alright, if you’re sure... And you need to be sure.”
You nodded, as firmly as you could.
“Then if you follow my instructions, everything will go fine.”
So you did, aiming for the center of the target, taking a deep breath, holding steady. As you released your breath, you pulled on the trigger. You felt the sudden release of tension in the crossbow as the string propelled the bolt with a sharp sound.
You lowered the weapon and looked at the target, finding the wooden shaft of the bolt sticking out of the plank. It was not dead center, but it was //on// the target, at least.
You turned towards Zanetta and she was smiling at you.
“That’s a good first shot,” she said and you smiled back, basking in her approval.
(display: "Crossbow with Zanetta (3)")
Your hands might not have been as steady as you first thought, however, as the bolt missed the target altogether, sinking in the wooden panels covering the walls behind it instead.
“Wow, not so fast, trigger bunny,” Zanetta said with a chuckle.
Your nose wrinkled in distaste at the nickname and you shot her a dark look. As far as you were aware, you followed all of her instructions.
“You have to mind your breathing,” she explained, ignoring your glaring. “Shoot when your hands are at their steadiest, which is when you release your breath. You have to inhale, hold your breath until you're ready to shoot and then release it and pull the trigger.”
“That sounds like a lot of things to do to prepare for a shot,” you commented. “What if the situation requires to be fast?”
“It’ll come naturally with practice. But first you have to //practice//. Try again.”
You refrained yourself from grumbling that if she had explained all of that //before//, maybe you would have had more luck with your first shot. You used the lever to pull the string taut once again, placed a new training bolt on the tiller and aimed once more. Following Zanetta’s new instructions, you took a deep breath and held it, placing your index finger on the trigger. Then you exhaled and pressed the trigger.
This time, the bolt plunged into the wooden target. It was not dead center, but it was fairly close to it. You lowered your weapon and turned to face Zanetta.
“Not bad,” she said with a smirk.
You rolled your eyes at her underwhelming compliment and she chuckled.
(display: "Crossbow with Zanetta (3)")
You practiced with Zanetta for a while, repeating the motions until they came more naturally to you, adjusting your posture and technique according to her instructions. You did not learn much more than the basics during that training session, the Dwarf explaining that she wanted you to get used to the weapon before getting into anything more complex.
Meanwhile, Dolce and Marli trained with Ajmal, so to not interrupt your lesson. But you noticed the knight hovering nearby multiple times, probably to check that everything was going smoothly and Zanetta was not making you do something //too// dangerous.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
It made your heart flutter despite yourself. How could you not be touched by such concern?
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
It was annoying you. You had everything under control after all.
]
(else:)[
It made you smile, both amused and touched by his excessive concern.
]}
Towards the end of the lesson, your arms started feeling sore from the repeated motions and your movements were becoming sluggish.
“Ok, one last shot and I’ll stop torturing you,” Zanetta chuckled, noticing your tiredness.
So you opened the tiller and pushed the lever, like you did dozens of times before, and pulled it back again to close it. Except this time you did not pay as much attention to what you were doing and pinched {(if: $handicap is "missing hand")[
the fingers of your valid hand
]
(else:)[
your fingers
]} between the lever and the tiller. You let a small cry of pain and Sir Mansoor showed up at your side in merely a second.
“What is going on? Are you okay?” He asked, frowning deeply.
Zanetta sighed and rolled her eyes. “Nobody’s dead yet, calm down.”
You shook your hand while wincing at the sharp pain in your fingers.
“Let me see,” the Dwarven women said, her open hand reaching towards you.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You easily slid your fingers into her palm.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Giving your hand (1)")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You hesitated before reluctantly giving her your hand.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Giving your hand (2)")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You moved your hand away from her, hiding it behind your back. (link: "“That is not necessary.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "That is not necessary")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "You felt your heart racing as you placed your fingers in her palm.")[
(if: $ZanettaRomance is 0)[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to 1)
]
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Giving your hand")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>}
Zanetta looked down at your darkening fingers and hummed thoughtfully.
(display: "Getting some ice")
Zanetta glanced at you, making sure you were okay with her examination before looking down at your darkening fingers.
(display: "Getting some ice")
You moved your hand away from her, hiding it behind your back. “That is not necessary.”
Zanetta dropped her hand and rolled her eyes. “Suit yourself.”
She stepped away from you and Ajmal immediately took her place.
“$MCcovertitle, we should get your fingers examined. What if they are broken?”
“They are not,” you answered curtly, starting to get irritated at the constant attention. “It is not that painful.”
You felt your fingers throbbing painfully as if to contradict you. The knight pursed his lips skeptically.
“Alright...” He said, hesitant. “But if the pain lingers and you notice any complications, please let me or Lady Domara know.”
You sighed. “I will. You do not have to worry so much.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
Ajmal nodded. “Then we should wrap things up here and get some breakfast.”
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
“I cannot help but to,” came the sudden reply.<br /><br />
You stared at him, your mouth hanging open. Ajmal stared back for a moment, his eyes serious and intense, until he realized what he had just said and his cheeks started darkening.<br /><br />
“Huh, I mean that your good health is very important! To a lot of people!”<br />
You cleared your throat behind your fist, feeling your own face warming up. “Right, of course.”<br />
“Let us...” Sir Mansoor took a step back from you in a hurry. “Let us just wrap things up here and get some breakfast, shall we?”<br /><br />
You nodded quietly.
]
(else:)[
Ajmal smiled crookedly at you. “That... is easier said than done, I am afraid.(if: $MansoorFriendship > 0)[ You are my friend, after all, I will always worry.]”<br /><br />
You could not help but smile back. Even though the knight could be a bit overbearing, you knew it came from a place of affection and you were grateful to have it.<br /><br />
“We should wrap things up here and get some breakfast, alright?” Ajmal said after a quiet moment.<br />
You nodded at him. “We should.”
]}
<div class="choice">[[You all started putting away training weapons and ammunitions before heading downstairs towards the kitchen.->The kitchen]]</div>
Zanetta looked down at your darkening fingers, lightly brushing the knuckles with her thumb. The way your hand twitched at the touch had little to do with the mild pain it was spurring.
(display: "Getting some ice")
“I don’t think it’s anything bad,” she commented after a while. “A little bit of ice should help.”
“Alright.” (if: $lastpassage is "❤ Giving your hand")[Your voice was a faint croak and you had to clear your throat under the Dwarf’s watchful eye.]
“Are you sure nothing is broken?” Ajmal asked, his voice a pitch higher with concern.
Zanetta sighed. “One thing at a time. I’m not going to move $MCpronoun3 fingers around while they’re still painful.”
“Oh, of course,” the knight responded abashedly, his face flushing slightly.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
“It is not that painful,” you pointed out, looking at the knight.
]
(else:)[
“The pain is not that bad,” you intervened, wanting to reassure him. “I am sure it is nothing that serious.”
]}
Ajmal smiled gratefully at you.
{(if: ($ZanettaTrust is 0) and ($ZanettaRomance > 0))[
“Right,” Zanetta said, smiling at you. “Let’s find you some ice in the kitchen.”<br /><br />
She did not release your hand, instead she pulled slightly on it, leading you out of the training room, your fingers still encased in her warm palm.
]
(else:)[
“Right,” Zanetta said, releasing your hand. “Let’s find you some ice in the kitchen.”<br /><br />
She headed towards the door and you followed her.
]}
Together, you made your way down two flights of service stairs. Arrived at the bottom, you could already smell the warm scent of freshly baked goods wafting from behind the kitchen door as well as hear the sizzling of frying oil. Your stomach gurgled in anticipation.
Zanetta pushed the door open and you both entered a decently sized kitchen. Counters and cabinets lined two opposite walls, equipped with multiple stoves — probably for grand occasions — and an island stood at the center, used mostly for plating. The cabinetry was all in khaya wood of course, the whole mansion’s decor being anything if consistent. It was beautifully carved. As opposed to other servants’ quarters, this room was meant to receive the occasional visit of the owners, so it had to be pleasing to the eye of course. Another evidence of this fact was the gorgeously painted tiles that served as backsplash to the stoves and the marble countertops.
Beside the good number of pots bubbling, the atmosphere of the kitchen was quiet and relaxed. Maybe it was because the only person working there was Carla, since Marli was busy training upstairs. You could see a flash of red hair moving about behind the pots and pans hanging on a rack above the center island.
“Hey, could we get some ice?” Zanetta casually asked.
The figure on the other side of the kitchen whipped around suddenly at the request and you barely saw a flash of metal before Carla walked around the island to stand in front the both of you, threatening you with a large butcher knife.
Well, threatening maybe was not the right word, but the way she waved it around agitatedly was worrisome.
“Oh you want some ice, huh?” The middle-aged Dwarven woman asked with no small amount of irritation. “You take my help, leaving me alone to prepare breakfast for all of you people and now you want some ice?”
Zanetta grinned at her a little awkwardly. “Yes, please?”
Carla narrowed her eyes at her. “You got some nerve, showing up in //my// kitchen and asking for //more// things. And pray tell, why would you need some ice?”
Your Dwarven companion {(if: ($ZanettaTrust is 0) and ($ZanettaRomance > 0))[
raised up your hand she was still holding.
]
(else:)[
took your hand again and raised it up.
]} “$MCpronoun pinched $MCpronoun3 fingers on a crossbow.”
The cook’s sharp eyes landed on you and you shuffled on your feet. {(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled widely at her. You were honestly fond of the woman’s boisterous attitude. As sharp as that knife looked, you could not help but find the situation amusing.<br /><br />
She sighed, her features softening. “Alright, you can get some ice. It’s in the larder.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You stared back at her. That knife looked very sharp, but you did your best to stand your ground. You were pretty sure she was not going to use it against you anyway. Pretty sure. You did saw her throwing it across the room once...<br /><br />
She sighed after one glance at your purpling fingers. “Alright, you can get some ice. It’s in the larder.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You considered reminding the woman of her station and lecturing her about the proper ways to address you, but she had a knife and you did not. So you decided to stay quiet under her close examination.<br /><br />
“Mmh, alright,” she finally said after glancing at your purpling fingers. “The ice in the larder.”
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />“Please? I would be very grateful. I’m sorry we’ve been so bothersome this morning—” You started, hoping to soothe the woman.<br />
She interrupted you with a long sigh, her features softening immediately. “Don’t you puppy-eye me. Just go get the ice, it’s in the larder.”
]}
She waved her knife in the direction of the larder’s door.
“Thanks,” Zanetta said with a wide grin before pulling on your arm to guide you towards it.
<div class="choice">[[You both entered the larder, the Dwarf closing the door behind you.->Getting some ice (2)]]</div>
As you entered the smaller room, you ducked your head to avoid collision with rows of drying meats hanging from the ceiling, as well as herbs and strings of garlic. The rest of the food was stored on shelves and in cabinets lining the walls. As opposed to the kitchen, this room was a lot less decorated and more unassuming. Still, it was well stocked, which was all it needed to be, and the scents in here were as appetizing as the ones in the kitchen.
Zanetta led you to the large ice box, meant to store more perishable goods. It was a a wide wooden cupboard, insulated and lined with zinc, with multiple doors opening on different compartments, one of them meant for ice at the top.
The Dwarven woman scoured the larder until she opened what looked like a medicinal cabinet and took a rubber and fabric ice bag out of its shelf. Coming back to you to the ice box, she pulled the ice compartment door open, cool air brushing your skin and making your hair stand. She shoveled some ice into the rubber bag with a spoon and closed the lid once it was full. As she handed it to you, you grabbed it and pressed it against your fingers. The sharp cold was a bit intense at first, but it quickly dulled the pain and you breathed with relief.
Zanetta closed the ice box door and leaned against a counter behind her, smiling slightly at you. “Better?”
You nodded.
Quiet settled between you, only disrupted by the noises of the kitchen.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Thank you,” you said, filling the silence. “For this.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Thank you for this")
]<br />
You raised your hand wrapped in the ice bag. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You stayed quiet, enjoying the reprieve.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Enjoying the reprieve")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
Her smile widened. “It’s the least I can do. It was my fault you got hurt.”
“Your fault?” You asked, confused.
“Well I did put that crossbow in your hands,” she answered with a chuckle, placing her hands on the counter behind her and pushing herself up to sit on it.
You were sure Carla would not approve of that.
“I asked,” you countered. “I should have paid better attention.”
Zanetta’s smile turned lopsided. “Maybe... But more seriously, I should have noticed you were getting tired. Actually I did notice. And I should have let you stop instead of pushing for more.”
You did not answer to that. You did not feel like it warranted her blaming herself.
“Regardless,” you said after a moment. “I am thankful for your help.”
The Dwarven woman smiled fully at you, her teeth glinting in a rare expression of genuine mirth. She quickly reverted to a more subdued smile, however.
(display: "Getting some ice (3)")
The light banging of pans, the low sizzling of oil and the muffled shuffling of feet created a comfortable atmosphere that helped you relax your body and thoughts while you waited for the cold to affect your fingers. You sighed and closed your eyes for a moment.
After a while, Zanetta broke the silence by raising her voice: (display: "Getting some ice (3)")“So, how is it feeling now?”
You raised an eyebrow questioningly at her.
“Your fingers,” she specified.
Removing the ice bag from your hand, you examined your fingers. They had returned to a much less concerning color. You flexed them a bit and they were still a bit sore, but you could move them without issue otherwise.
“I think they are fine,” you concluded out loud.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
Zanetta {(if: $lastpassage is "Thank you for this")[
jumped down from the counter top
]
(else:)[
pushed herself away from the counter
]}. “Perfect! Then let’s go have breakfast, I’m starving.”<br />
(display: "Getting some ice (4)")
]
(else-if: ((history:) contains "❤ Giving your hand") and ($ZanettaAffection > 5))[
Zanetta {(if: $lastpassage is "Thank you for this")[
jumped down from the counter top
]
(else:)[
pushed herself away from the counter
]} and approached you with a slight frown. “Are you sure? Can I take a look?”<br /><br />
With your heart beating a little faster, you presented your hand to her and she took it gently. Her fingers were a bit rougher than yours, but you expected as much. Still, she managed to keep her touch soft as she tested your joints, bending your knuckles slightly. You saw the lines on her forehead smooth out as she examined your fingers closely.<br /><br />
“They do seem alright...”<br /><br />
As she spoke, her lips curled into a mischievous smile. “But just in case, I’ll apply the special treatment...”<br /><br />
Smoothly, but too quickly for you to really realize what was going on, she brought your hand up to her face and laid a small kiss on your fingers.<br /><br />
For a moment, you stayed stunned in front of her and she chuckled at your expression.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Until you recovered with a smile. (link: "“Are you sure one will be enough?”")[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to $ZanettaRomance + 1)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Will one be enough?")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "And it turned into a full blown laugh as your face became incredibly hot and you tried desperately to find your composure back.")[
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Your face became hot")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
]
(else:)[
“Let me look at them.” Zanetta extended her hand towards you and you stepped closer and let her take your hand once again.<br /><br />
She looked at your fingers closely, testing the joints by bending your knuckles a bit, before nodding with satisfaction.<br /><br />
“They do seem alright. You’ll be able to shove them in unadvisable places again in no time!” She grinned mischievously at you before releasing your hand.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You laughed at her jab.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You rolled your eyes at the jab.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You narrowed your eyes at her, pouting at her jab.
]
(else:)[
You felt your face prickle in embarrassment.
]}<br /><br />
“Now that’s out of the way, let’s get some breakfast, I’m starving.” The Dwarf {(if: $lastpassage is "Thank you for this")[
jumped down from the counter top
]
(else:)[
pushed herself away from the counter
]}.<br />
(display: "Getting some ice (4)")
]}
Zanetta narrowed her eyes at you, but her smile was still firmly in place. “Now, don’t be greedy.”
You tried not to show your disappointment too much but you probably did not do a great job as the Dwarven woman started laughing.
“Don’t make that face. You were being very smooth, I swear. Keep at it and you’ll break more hearts than I can count.”
“But not yours,” you pointed out quietly as she slowly released your hand, giving your knuckles a last brush.
“I’m a couple of years ahead of you in that department,” she answered, glancing down at your hand for a moment. “But maybe one day you’ll catch up with me.”
She smiled at you. There was something about it that was a little sad, you thought.
“Come on, let’s get breakfast, I’m starving.”
(display: "Getting some ice (4)")
“I— Huh... Thanks! I am sure it will... help.”
The Dwarf’s laugh was not making it any easier on you and you groaned, embarrassed at your own babbling. Zanetta managed to rein in her hilarity after a moment and she glanced at you apologetically. Her thumb brushed over your knuckles soothingly but it only managed to make your breath catch in your throat.
“I’m sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“N-no! You did not!” Your protest fell flat when she raised a skeptical eyebrow at you.
“Well... Maybe a little,” you amended under her gaze. “But I do not mind!”
She chuckled again. “You do not mind if I make you a little uncomfortable?”
You swallowed. There was not much you could answer to that without embarrassing yourself further.
“Then you won’t mind if I give you another one? We have to make sure the treatment is efficient after all.”
The way she brought your hand back to her lips was much slower, much more deliberate this time and she kept eye contact with you the whole time. You had to fight the urge to squirm. The brush of her lips on your knuckles was much softer and you could feel her warm breath bringing some life back to your fingers, after the numbing cold of the ice pack.
After what seemed like an eternity — and yet one that was too short — she pushed your hand back toward you, releasing your fingers slowly. For a moment her smirk turned into a gentle smile. Then she shook her head slightly, her expression coming back to her usual smug grin.
“I think that should be enough. Let’s get some breakfast, I’m starving.”
You were thankful she turned away first to walk towards the larder door as it gave you a moment to let out the breath you were holding.
(display: "Getting some ice (4)")
When you came out of the larder and entered the kitchen again, you were met with not only Carla, but also Sir Mansoor, Marli and Dolce who had apparently finished tidying up the training room. The knight immediately stepped towards you when he noticed you, of course.
“How is your hand doing?” He asked, a concerned frown on his brow.
“Better, there is no need to worry,” you responded while flexing your fingers.
He nodded but you could see him still glancing at your hand to make some sort of assessment himself.
“Breakfast is ready,” Carla announced, walking closer. “Should I bring it to everyone in the service dining room? Make it easier and faster than the huh... big official one, right?”
You heard Ajmal take a sharp intake of air. He looked between you and the cook expectantly. Eating with the servants was highly unusual for someone of your status, to say the least. But at the same time, you rarely ate in the dining room, as it was ridiculously big for just a couple of people. Most of the time you had your food brought to your chambers or to one of the more intimate living rooms, as you rarely ate with more than just Lady Domara, Sir Mansoor and sometimes Zanetta.
{<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
Still, eating at the servants' table was not acceptable. (link: "“I will have breakfast with Ajmal and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast in the living room")
]
]
(else:)[
Still, eating at the servants' table was not acceptable. (link: "“I will have breakfast with Sir Mansoor and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast in the living room")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(traditionalist)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not shy away from new experiences and it would be a good opportunity to get to know your staff better.<br />
(link: "“That sounds like a good idea,”")[
(set: $revolutionary to $revolutionary + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast at the servants' table")
] you replied with a smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(revolutionary)//]</div>}
“I will have breakfast with Ajmal and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”
Carla tensed up a bit but nodded nonetheless. “Sure.”
The more cheerful mood that warmed the kitchen before was quickly gone, leaving the atmosphere quiet and strained. At least no one looked entirely surprised.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You felt a bit bad. You did not intend to hurt anyone’s feeling, but what Carla suggested was going against everything you had been taught.<br /><br />
“I... I would feel like I would be intruding,” you said, feeling the need to justify yourself — and it was not so far from the truth.<br />
“I’m sure no one would mind,” Carla answered with a tight smile. “But I’ll bring breakfast to the living room if that’s more comfortable for you, you go on ahead.”<br /><br />
You smiled at her, a bit shy but still grateful.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You felt a bit awkward, unused to be asked this question in the first place. Was it the right answer? Everything in your upbringing was pointing to the positive. But the heavy silence that was now permeating the kitchen told a different story.<br /><br />
“If that is alright...” You added belatedly, hoping to smooth things over.<br />
Carla offered you a tight smile. “Of course. I’ll bring breakfast in the living room, you go on ahead.”<br /><br />
You smiled back, without much conviction either.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You did your best to ignore the change of mood, staying resolutely silent. Part of you felt awkward having to decline the invitation in the first place, but what else were you supposed to do? So you clenched your jaw, looking anywhere but at Carla and waited for the moment to pass.<br /><br />
After what seemed like an eternity, the cook finally added: “... You go on ahead, then. I’ll be right over with breakfast.”<br /><br />
You nodded and nearly sighed with relief.
]
(else:)[
You were surprised the cook even asked in the first place. She should have known better. You felt uneasy that you had been put in a situation where you had to refuse an invitation. It felt a bit rude, but at the same time, what else were you supposed to do?<br /><br />
“It would be... improper to do otherwise,” you added belatedly, your discomfort growing.<br /><br />
You were pretty sure you saw Dolce rolling her eyes at the edge of your vision. Carla’s lips twitched and you could not tell if she was trying to hide a grimace or a smile.<br /><br />
“Well, we wouldn’t want that, would we,” she said and you were now pretty sure it was a smile. “I’ll bring breakfast in the living room, you go on ahead.”<br /><br />
You nodded, your lips pursed tight.
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
You made a move to head out of the kitchen before you were reminded of your sprained ankle, pain shooting through your leg as you made one step forward. Sir Mansoor quickly caught you by the arm to stabilize you.<br /><br />
“We need to find you a crutch,” Zanetta remarked. “You can’t go around leaning on Ajmal all day.(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[ No matter how tempting.]<br />
“I can find something,” Dolce replied. “I’ll have it brought to you later.”<br /><br />
With that, the guards’ captain walked out of the kitchen through the service door you entered. You headed out yourself in the opposite direction, leaning on Ajmal for support and followed closely by Zanetta.
]
(else:)[
You headed for the door opposite of the one you arrived through, closely followed by Ajmal and Zanetta.
]}
Going through a corridor linking the entryway of the mansion to the kitchen, you made your way towards the central living room you first arrived in, months ago. You settled on one of the couches, Sir Mansoor sitting close by and Zanetta taking the opposite sofa. Everyone was still unpleasantly quiet and Zanetta was staring at you in a way that was unsettling you. You did not think she approved of you declining Clara’s invitation to eat with the house staff.
But after a moment of tension, the Dwarven woman just shrugged and leaned back against the couch, making herself comfortable.
{<div class="choice">[[If she was letting the matter go, so would you.->Breakfast in the living room (2)]]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You decided to ask her about it.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Ask Zanetta about it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
“That sounds like a good idea,” you replied with a smile.
Carla smiled more brightly than you had seen her do before. “Alright! Everyone go grab a sit there, Marli and I will be right over.”
Dolce’s crossed arms fell to her side as she straightened her posture. She exchanged a look with Marli, looking quite surprised, but not unpleasantly so. Meanwhile, you caught Ajmal expelling a breath of relief and Zanetta addressing you a satisfied grin.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
You made a move to step forward, forgetting all about your sprained ankle. You were reminded of it quite brutally by the sharp pain shooting through your leg. You winced and Sir Mansoor caught you by the arm, stabilizing you.<br /><br />
“We can’t have you walk around all day leaning on Ajmal,(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[ no matter how tempting,]” Zanetta commented. “You need a crutch.”<br />
“I can find one after breakfast,” Dolce replied.<br /><br />
But for the moment, you had no choice but to rely on the knight’s help to exit the kitchen through the same door you entered.
]
(else:)[
You made your way out of the kitchen with Ajmal, Zanetta and Dolce through the same door you entered.
]}
The servants’ dining room was accessible through a door on the left when you reached the service stairwell. It was a long, unadorned room, a simple wooden table and benches occupying all its length. The walls were decorated with plain square plaster moldings painted a cream color. A couple of windows as well as an archway leading into the garden let some of the city glow into the room. The only other furniture was a couple of cabinets holding basic silverware and plates. Despite how unostentatious the room was, it felt like it was maintained with care, the impression due in no small part to the plant-filled vase sitting at the center of the table. You were not sure any of them were flowers per say, you were entirely unfamiliar with them. They looked mostly like branches of plants you had seen in the mansion’s garden, with bulbous leaves of strange colors, like purples, pinks and blueish greens.
You sat down on one of the benches, close to the door and Ajmal sat beside you. Zanetta and Dolce took the bench on the opposite side of the table. The guards’ captain stared at you with curiosity.
“I have to say, I’m a little surprised you agreed to have breakfast here, with us. I don’t know of many nobles down here who would eat with there servants. Is it very different up there?” She asked tilting her head as if pointing to the ceiling.
“Not in my experience,” you admitted. “We did not dine with the servants... in my home. And I do not know any other noble who does it...”
“You do,” Sir Mansoor said, to your surprise, and you stared at him.
The knight blushed under the attention before explaining: “We do it sometimes, in my family. It has been a tradition for a long time. But it is only for special occasions.”
“Why not do it more often?” Dolce asked him, lifting one scarred eyebrow.
She did not remarked on the fact he admitted freely being a noble. She must have been aware of it already, you thought.
“We found that the staff needs their space to unwind. They cannot do that with us around all the time.”
“Huh... That makes sense,” Dolce said and Zanetta nodded.
“Smart people, your family. I wonder what went wrong when they had you.”
Ajmal glared at her and she grinned back, as per usual. Meanwhile, you glanced at the knight with curiosity. You knew quite a bit about him and his family, but not everything, it seemed.
“We are not the only family who does that,” Sir Mansoor added, refusing to answer Zanetta’s remark. “I am certain some Commanders and their families eat with their servants on a regular basis, for those who do have servants. But no one... $MCcovertitle2 $MCname would be familiar with, Commanders are far down the... huh, chain of command, so to speak.”
Dolce turned her attention back to you. “If it’s not something you’re used to do, why did you accept?”
{<div class="choice">You smiled faintly at her. (link: "“I did not want to hurt Carla’s feelings.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Don't want to hurt Carla's feelings")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You smiled brightly at her. (link: "“I thought it would be nice to get to know you all a little better.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Getting to know you all better")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You shrugged. (link: "The reasons were your own and you did not care to share them.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "The reasons were your own")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned, the answer obvious to you. (link: "“It would have been rude to refuse.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "It would be rude to refuse")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
As soon as the door opened, you were welcomed by the wafting scents of freshly baked goods and frying oil. The kitchen you entered was a sizable one.
]
(else:)[
Nearing the kitchen’s door, the scents of freshly baked goods and frying oil started wafting towards you and your stomach gurgled in anticipation.
Dolce opened the door and all of you entered the sizable kitchen.
]} Counters and cabinets lined two opposite walls, equipped with multiple stoves — probably for grand occasions — and an island stood at the center, used mostly for plating. The cabinetry was all in khaya wood of course, the whole mansion’s decor being anything if consistent. It was beautifully carved. As opposed to other servants’ quarters, this room was meant to receive the occasional visit of the owners, so it had to be pleasing to the eye of course. Another evidence of this fact was the gorgeously painted tiles that served as backsplash to the stoves and the marble countertops.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
Marli had already started working when you came in, cutting up some fruits nearby with a deft knife. Dolce had walked around the center island to join Carla who you spotted by the flash of red hair moving about behind hanging pots and pans. They seemed to be arguing about something, maybe Dolce tasting some food that was not ready yet. Only Zanetta was still waiting for you near the door.<br /><br />
“How’s the ankle?” She asked, eyeing down your leg.<br />
“Better.”<br />
She nodded before adding: {(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
“Of course, I wouldn’t have trusted anyone else than our brave knight to take such... gentle care of you.”<br /><br />
You glanced at Ajmal who averted his eyes, only letting you see his reddening ear.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection > 4)[
“That’s good to hear.”
]
(else:)[
“Good.”
]}<br /><br />
Zanetta turned around to look in Carla’s direction. “So... Is breakfast ready?”
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "Knife with Dolce")[
The atmosphere in the kitchen was quiet, only disturbed by a good number of bubbling pots and the chopping sound of Marli cutting up some fruits. He did not even glance at any of you but you could not tell if it was because he did not care or if he was still upset. The cook was busy moving about behind the pots and pans hanging above the center island. The flash of her red hair was easy enough to notice.<br /><br />
“Is breakfast ready?” Zanetta asked, apparently the only soul brave enough to interrupt the cook.
]
(else:)[
The atmosphere in the kitchen was quiet, only disturbed by a good number of bubbling pots. It was probably due to Carla being the only one here up until now, since Marli had been training with you upstairs. You could see a flash of red hair moving about behind the pots and pans hanging on a rack above the center island. The Elf did not wait any instruction to find something to do in the kitchen and started cutting up some fruits.<br /><br />
“Is breakfast ready?” Zanetta asked, apparently the only soul brave enough to interrupt the cook.
]}
Carla whipped around and walked rapidly around the island, metal flashing in her hand.
“Yes, breakfast is pretty much ready! Which is a miracle considering you lot stole my only aid!” The cook grumbled, waving a large kitchen knife under Zanetta’s nose.
Despite the dangerous tool moving so close to her face, the young Dwarven woman smiled confidently. “Oh, I’m sure it did him some good, taking a break from slaving in the kitchen with you giving him orders all day long.”
{(if: (history:) contains "Knife with Dolce")[
Marli still did not move, chopping away impassively.
]
(else:)[
Marli glanced at them over his shoulder and you swore you could see a hint of a smile on his lips. He kept chopping nonetheless.
]}
“You’re a little shit, you know that,” Carla retorted, narrowing her eyes at Zanetta.
“But a lovable one, I’m sure,” The spymaster replied, pinching the blade of the cook’s knife to push it further away from her face.
“Debatable... Anyway, should I bring breakfast to everyone in the service dining room? Make it easier and faster than the huh... big official one, right?”
You heard Ajmal take a sharp intake of air. He looked between you and the cook expectantly. Eating with the servants was highly unusual for someone of your status, to say the least. But at the same time, you rarely ate in the dining room, as it was ridiculously big for just a couple of people. Most of the time you had your food brought to your chambers or to one of the more intimate living rooms, as you rarely ate with more than just Lady Domara, Sir Mansoor and sometimes Zanetta.
{<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
Still, eating at the servants' table was not acceptable. (link: "“I will have breakfast with Ajmal and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast in the living room")
]
]
(else:)[
Still, eating at the servants' table was not acceptable. (link: "“I will have breakfast with Sir Mansoor and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast in the living room")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(traditionalist)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not shy away from new experiences and it would be a good opportunity to get to know your staff better.<br />
(link: "“That sounds like a good idea,”")[
(set: $revolutionary to $revolutionary + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast at the servants' table")
] you replied with a smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(revolutionary)//]</div>}
You smiled back at him, feeling yourself relax a little at the reassuring words. “Thank you, I appreciate it.”
“Of course, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal replied, his expression warm.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is 0 and $MansoorRomance > 0)[
He stared back at you for maybe a moment too long before shaking off the momentary daze. “Huh... Right.
]
(else:)[
“As I was saying,” he continued on with the lesson. “
]}(display: "Fencing with Ajmal (2)")
“You do not have to go easy on me, I can handle it.”
Ajmal blinked at you, his eyes blown wide. “Oh. Alright... I mean, of course. My apologies.”
You could see him hesitate as he gaged you and your stance. You felt your face turn warm, realizing he was considering how sincere you were with that statement.
“Of course, I do not mean that you should treat me as if I had your level of skill,” you specified, fully aware that would not really go well for you. “You just do not need to reassure me every step of the way.”
“Right, of course,” the knight replied with more assurance.
“As I was saying,” he continued on with the lesson. “(display: "Fencing with Ajmal (2)")A skilled opponent will use feints, tricking you into blocking a hit they do not mean to land, instead creating an opening in your guard to strike there. Like so.”
Swiveling his sword arm, he brought down the blade in an oblique strike, aiming widely for your right side. You raised your weapon to meet his and block the attack, but as soon as metal clashed, his training scimitar sliced the air with a twist of his wrist and you felt the cool blunted edge on your throat.
The unpleasant thought that your head would be rolling on the floor if you were facing a real opponent right now wormed its way into your brain and a shiver ran down your spine.
The knight promptly pulled his weapon away, stepping back. “When someone move to attack, your first reflex is to meet their sword to block them. An enemy can use that instinct to get you to expose yourself.”
Your nose wrinkled. “You are saying I have to fight this instinct?”
“Yes, you have to think before acting. Panic could be your downfall. A feint is not meant to harm you and if you pay attention to that, you will be able to spot them. As you may have noticed, my first strike was aiming very widely to your right. It would not have hit you, yet you still tried to block it.”
“Oh.” That was a very good point and you felt a little silly for not noticing.
Ajmal smiled at you. “Everyone reacts this way at first. It takes some training to take control of one’s instincts.”
“So how do I defend myself against someone using a feint?”
“You do not,” the knight replied simply.
You gave him an incredulous look.
“Like I said, a feint is not meant to harm you.”
“But what if it does anyway?”
“Evade. When defending, you must always step back, that way you can get out of reach of your opponent. There are ways to counter feints, but they could you expose you to further danger...”
You looked at him for a moment and his gaze flicked to the side, avoiding yours. He was concerned about you, you knew that and you were grateful for it. But it sometimes felt like his overprotectiveness was stalling your progress.
{<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“Ajmal... I need you to teach me those counters...”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I need you to teach me")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Sir Mansoor... I need you to teach me those counters...”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I need you to teach me")
]
]} You started softly. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“Not knowing them is dangerous too, Ajmal,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Not knowing is dangerous")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“Not knowing them is dangerous too, Sir Mansoor,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Not knowing is dangerous")
]
]} you pointed out. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“No matter, you will teach me those counters. It is not up to you to decide what I can and cannot learn.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "It is not up to you")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[“Ajmal...](else:)[“Sir Mansoor...]} I need you to teach me those counters...” You started softly.
“I... You do not understand, those counters are not infallible, you could get hurt or... Or worse. It is my duty to make sure it does not happen.” The knight still refused to meet your eyes. “The best I can do is teach you how to defend yourself, evade your enemy and tire them out until I... Until someone can get you out of danger.”
“What if that someone cannot reach me?” You asked, your voice gentle.
You did not want to upset him, but you had to make him understand.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
“They will, I swear,” he answered, his gaze finally raising to look you in the eyes with determination.<br /><br />
You were surprised by the intensity of his promise. You had not been on the best of terms, but he still cared deeply about his duty. But that was beside the point.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
“I would die trying, there are no other alternatives,” he answered, his gaze finally raising to look you in the eyes with a startling intensity.<br /><br />His unequivocal response made your heart race. The word ‘duty ’ rang in your head, but it seemed ill-fitting in the face of such fervor. And yet... it felt like too much. You knew it was his function, in theory, he had to protect you no matter the cost. But you did not want him to die... And it was beside the point.
]
(else:)[
“I will, I swear, I will never let you down,” he answered, his gaze finally raising to look you in the eyes, determination setting his jaw.<br /><br />
You sighed, but still smiled at the care in his voice. You never doubted his intentions and you were touched by them. But it was beside the point.
]}
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}... Please, I know you would do everything in your power... But things do not always go the way you want them to, no matter how hard you try. I need to have every tool in my grasp to defend myself and that may include learning to counter.”
The knight quickly deflated, {(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust is 0)[despair flashing in his eyes](else:)[his expression falling]}. “I... I suppose you are right... However unpleasant it is to consider...”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
You waited for him to process what you had told him. He sighed and nodded after a while.
]
(else:)[
You reached up to him, touching his arm in a comforting motion. The smile he responded with was both sad and (if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[exceedingly ]soft.
]}
(display: "Fencing with Ajmal (3)")
“Not knowing them is dangerous too, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you pointed out.
“Not as dangerous as it is for you to know them,” the knight replied stubbornly.
You sighed. “{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}, knowing them does not mean I will use them. But if I found myself in need of those counters, is it not better for me to know them?”
“My duty is to ensure that you never have need of them.”
“What if we found ourselves in a situation where you cannot perform your duty, then?” You insisted.
You saw the young man tense up and glance away. He stayed quiet for a moment before looking back at you with a determined set to his jaw.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
“It will never happen, I swear.”<br />
You sighed again, bordering on a groan. “You cannot control everything, even your best intentions cannot prevent this from happening.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor looked away again, his expression set in a stubborn frown, but he stayed quiet. Even he must have known you were right.<br />
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
“I will die before that happens, I swear,” he said, his voice low and his eyes piercing right through you.<br /><br />
Your heart rate sped a beat faster under the intensity of his gaze and his words, but pain constricted your chest at the same time.<br /><br />
“Please, do not say that,” you murmured. “I do not want you to die.”<br />
You saw him deflate immediately. “I— I apologize, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable. That was unworthy.”<br />
“It is alright,” you responded with another sigh. “I just want you to understand that you cannot make that promise and I do not want you to make it.”<br /><br />
He looked away from you, a stubborn frown on his brow. But he stayed quiet. Even he had to realize you were right.<br />
]
(else:)[
“You know my duty is my life, I’ll never let it happen, I swear.”<br />
“I know that, and I know you will do everything in your power to prevent harm to come to me, but one day it might not be enough. And for that day, I need to be as prepared as I can be.”<br /><br />
He looked away, silent, a stubborn frown on his face.<br /><br />
“You cannot make promises about things you cannot control, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you said gently but firmly.
]}
After another quiet moment, Ajmal sighed, his shoulders drooping. “I... suppose you make a good point. Very well, I will teach you.”
(display: "Fencing with Ajmal (3)")
“No matter, you will teach me those counters. It is not up to you to decide what I can and cannot learn.”
You saw Ajmal’s expression close off. (if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[It was not an unfamiliar sight. ]His lips pursed into a thin line and he stayed quiet for a moment.
“Of course, $MCcovertitle, I apologize. I will do as you say,” he finally said with a respectful if strained nod.
You nodded back, satisfied with his answer.
But then he continued: “I would just like to advise you to only use those techniques as a last resort.”
You stared back at him. “Your advice is duly noted.”
A muscle in his jaw twitched, only sign of his displeasure. As long as he knew not to stray from his place, it did not matter.
(display: "Fencing with Ajmal (3)")“Let us try with the feint I just showed you,” he said while stepping back from you, assuming the high guard from before.
You took the same position you did before and waited for him to make the first move.
“Do not try to block me,” the knight instructed.
Keeping your guard up, you let him slice the air on your right side and, as he pointed out before, the hit was missing you by a large margin.
“As you can see, your blade is now on the inside, still protecting you, while my right side is exposed. If the feint hits too close, you can push my blade away from the inside, exposing me even further...”
As he explained, you followed his instructions, one step at a time, batting his blade away from you.
“Then if you twist your wrist and arc your sword upwards, you can reach my neck.”
You did as he said, performing the move in slow motion to understand it.
“Yes, like that. Let us try again, faster.”
It took you a few tries to get a handle on your instinct to block and a few more to perform the counter properly.
You were a little out of breath once you finally managed to deviate the knight’s scimitar and arc your blade up in a clean sweeping motion, the metal of your weapon landing perfectly on his neck, just below his jaw.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<br />“Very good,” Ajmal commented as you pulled away.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
You stared a moment too long at the sharp angles of his features and at the way his throat was bobbing up and down as he swallowed.<br /><br />
“That huh... That was excellent,” he complimented you with a wavering but wide smile.<br /><br />
You pulled away in haste and he looked to the side, his ears turning dark red.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” {(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[you mumbled in response, avoiding his gaze as well.]
(else-if: $mainflirt is "forward")[you replied, suppressing a smile at his reaction.]
(else:)[you replied, doing your best to ignore the fluttering in your chest.]}
]
(else:)[
<br />A bright smile lit up Ajmal’s entire face. “Excellent!”<br /><br />
You smiled back at the earnest compliment.
]}
Sir Mansoor made you practice the counter a few more times before showing you different feints and how to counter them. As the training went on, your body started showing signs of fatigue. Your foot work took the brunt of it, becoming slower and clumsier. But you kept going, focused on perfecting your counters. Until your ankle twisted painfully as you gracelessly stepped back under another of the knight’s assaults. Your leg gave out and you were falling.
Not for long, though, as Ajmal jumped forward, dropping his training scimitar to catch you before you could hit the earthen floor.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust is 0)[
When you found yourself in the knights grasp, his arm firmly wrapped around your waist and your hands holding onto his shirt for dear life, you felt as if your //other leg// was going to give out as well for entirely different reasons.<br /><br />
“Are you alright? Can you walk?” he asked you urgently, looking anxiously down at you.
]
(else:)[
The knight helped you rise to your feet again, his hands firmly holding your arms and you leaned against him.<br /><br />
“Are you alright? What happened?” He asked, frowning (unless: $MCsize is "tall")[down ]at you.<br /><br />
You tested out your left foot, trying to put some weight on it, only for pain to spike again. <br /><br />
You winced. “I think I sprained my ankle.”<br />
“Can you walk?”
]}
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I think I can... with your help.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "With your help")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
(unless: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“Huuuh...”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Huuuh")
] You only managed to answer, still a bit overwhelmed by his closeness. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>]
<div class="choice">(link: "“Of course I can,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Of course I can")
] you replied abruptly. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“I think I can... with your help.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[He nodded at you.](else:)[He smiled at you.]} “Of course.”
Helping you hobble to the nearest bench, which Zanetta had risen from, he looked to the Dwarven woman.
“Can you get us some ice?” He asked her urgently.
“I was already on it,” Zanetta replied with a lopsided smile before heading for the door.
You sat down on the bench with Ajmal’s assistance.
(display: "Fencing with Ajmal (4)")
“Huuuh...” You only managed to answer, still a bit overwhelmed by his closeness.
It was apparently response enough for him, since he slipped his arm under your knee to lift you entirely off the ground and carry you easily to the nearest bench.
“I’m going to get some ice,” Zanetta said while standing up.
Ajmal only gave her a slightly dazed look before going back to inspecting you with excessive worry for what was likely just a minor wound. He laid you on the bench delicately and you thought, for a moment, that it would have been nice to have him carry you in his arms for a little longer.
(display: "Fencing with Ajmal (4)")
“Of course I can,” you replied abruptly.
You pushed yourself away from him and tried to make your way to the nearest bench, but you stumbled when pain shot through your left foot as soon as you stepped on it. Ajmal caught you again, grabbing your upper arm.
“I will help you,” he declared and you had not much choice but to let him support you while you hobbled towards the bench, as embarrassing as it was.
Zanetta stood up, a slight smirk on her lips. “I’ll go get some ice.”
The knight nodded at her and she left the training room as he helped you sit down.
(display: "Fencing with Ajmal (4)")He sat down on the bench beside you and, gently lifting your leg up, he rested your left foot on his lap. {(if: $lastpassage is "❤ Huuuh")[
You watched him meticulously unlace your boot, your gaze sometimes flicking to his face. Under his thick lashes, his eyes were intently focused on the task while his fingers moved down your leg in slow, methodical movements. You knew very well he was only trying to avoid you any pain, but part of you wanted to think he was reveling in the intimacy of it as much as you were.<br />
You realized you were holding your breath when you suddenly exhaled, feeling the knight’s fingers reaching under your knee and slowly sliding your boot off. Cradling your now bare foot in his hands, he lightly pressed his fingers on the skin of your ankle, glancing at your face to watch for any reaction. You winced a couple of times when he reached the more tender areas, but his touch was so light you barely felt anything otherwise.<br />
Ajmal then moved your foot around, testing the range of its movements, stopping as soon as he saw the signs of your pain. Once he was done, he let your foot rest on his lap again, one hand resting protectively on top of it.<br /><br />
“I think it is only sprained,” he concluded in a murmur.<br /><br />
You could only nod in respond, swallowing thickly.<br /><br />
“Okay...” Dolce’s voice rose from the other side of the room, where she was standing with Marli, looking at the two of you knowingly. “We’re going to go downstairs, help Carla with breakfast. Feel free to join us when... you’re done with all that.”<br /><br />
She gestured vaguely at you two, before smirking, not unlike Zanetta.<br /><br />
“R-right!” Ajmal fumbled, his face turning a shade darker. “We should not be too long.”<br />
“Oh, no need to hurry on our account, son. Take all the time you need.” Dolce chuckled, the sound of it rough as stone.<br /><br />
You watched the knight’s ears turn darker still as the captain of the guards left the room with Marli.
]
(else:)[
Unlacing your boot, he carefully slid it off to take a closer look at your injury. He lightly touched your bared ankle which was looking a bit swollen, glancing at you to watch for your reaction. You winced a couple times when his fingers brushed the more tender areas. Taking your feet in his hands, he tested the range of your movements, still watching carefully for what was causing you pain and stopping as soon as he saw the signs of it.<br /><br />
“I think it is only sprained,” he concluded, putting your foot on the bench and sliding away from you to give you more room.<br />
“As I thought,” you answered.<br /><br />
Some shuffling attracted your attention to the other side of the room and you noticed Dolce and Marli were finishing tidying up the training room. Your scimitars and their own weapons had been put away, daggers removed from practice targets and the floor raked and smoothed.<br /><br />
“We’re going downstairs to help Carla with breakfast,” the guards’ captain said, looking at you and Ajmal. “Feel free to join us once you’re done.”<br />
“Thank you, Dolce,” the knight said.<br />
She nodded. “Not a problem.”<br /><br />
The older Dwarf and her Elven friend left the room.
]}
Not long after, Zanetta came back, pushing the door open and waving a rubber and fabric ice bag at you.
“Here are the goods,” she said with a smirk.
She walked up to you and Ajmal and threw the bag at him. He caught it easily but winced at the sudden cold sensation on his fingers.
“You could have just handed it to me, you know,” he grumbled at the Dwarf.
“Now, where is the fun in that.”
The knight rolled his eyes and turned to you. “May I?”
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I can do it,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "I can do it")
] you answered stubbornly while taking the ice bag from his hands. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">[[You nodded your assent.->You let him do it]]</div>}
“I can do it,” you answered stubbornly while taking the ice bag from his hands.
“Alright...” Ajmal looked a little startled by your rough tone but let you proceed, sliding a little further away on the bench to leave you more room.
Zanetta looked at the both of you, tilting her head to the side.
“Huh... You’re welcome?” She said, her tone heavy with sarcasm. “Anyway, I’ll be downstairs with everyone else. Clara is making a scene.”
She rolled her eyes and swiveled around to leave.
“Thank you Miss... Huh Thank you Zanetta,” Ajmal called after her as she was leaving.
She threw a smile at him over her shoulder. “Oh, there’s no need to thank me.”
Sir Mansoor groaned and the Dwarven woman disappeared behind the training room’s door while chuckling.
Silence settled once again as you pressed the ice pack against your ankle. The cold quickly dulled some of the pain and you sighed with relief. The knight just sat with you, glancing occasionally at your foot, making sure everything was alright and keeping you quiet company.
After a long moment, your foot felt significantly better and when you removed the ice bag to examine your ankle, the swelling had receded considerably. Ajmal looked as well, from his spot on the bench, not wanting to enter your space.
“It looks a lot better,” he remarked and you nodded.
“Then maybe we should head downstairs, get you something to eat...” He looked up at you, expectantly.
{<div class="choice">You looked at your foot and back at him. (link: "“I am afraid you are going to have to carry me there...”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Carry me")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I... might need a bit of help walking down the stairs,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I might need a bit of help")
] you admitted. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You looked back at him, your mouth slightly open and your face getting incredibly warm. You probably were unable to climb down the stairs by your own means but you could not bring yourself to ask him to carry you. The thought of it was... a lot.<br />
(link: "“I... Hum...”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ I... Hum...")
] You looked between him and your foot, clearly distressed. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>}
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Huuuh")[
Ajmal slipped his hand underneath your ankle, holding your foot delicately
]
(else:)[
Ajmal took your foot on his lap again
]} before carefully pressing the ice bag on your ankle. The cold quickly dulled some of the pain and you sighed with relief, making the knight glance at you, {(if: (history:) contains "❤ Huuuh")[
his ears still a little red, before he quickly focused back on your foot
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust is 0 and $MansoorAffection > 6)[
a small smile on his lips before focusing back on your foot
]
(else:)[
before focusing back on your foot
]}.
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Huuuh")[
When you looked up, Zanetta was staring back, still a few feet away from you. “Mmh... Alright, I’ll leave you to it, then.”<br />
“There is no need to...” Ajmal started to protest.<br />
“No, no,” the Dwarf interrupted with a lopsided smile. “I’m needed downstairs anyway, Carla is making a scene. You keep lovingly applying ice to $MCpronoun3 ankle, you’re doing that very well.”<br />
“I am not—!”<br />
“See you later!”<br /><br />
Zanetta waved at the both of you and quickly departed the room with a low chuckle, leaving Sir Mansoor staring stubbornly at the door she disappeared behind. You could still see the dark red coloring his cheeks despite his efforts to hide it.<br /><br />
Quiet settled into the room, a little awkward after the Dwarf’s remark. But eventually, the knight recovered and focused again on your wound, moving the ice pack over your ankle to cover every part of it. Every move was slow and gentle and you could not help to think that ‘lovingly’ was an accurate descriptor after all. But maybe that was wishful thinking on your end.<br /><br />
You looked up at his face and his expression was one of intense concentration, the task of simply tending to your ankle requiring all of his attention. It was... endearing. He always gave it his all, no matter how small the undertaking was.<br />
You stared for a while, wondering if he would notice or if taking care of your ankle was really all he could pay attention to. If he noticed, he showed no signs of it.<br /><br />
After a long moment of silence, your foot felt a lot better, the swelling greatly reduced. Ajmal removed the ice bag to examine your ankle again.<br /><br />
“I think it is looking better now,” he murmured, looking up at you.<br /><br />
As he did, he mindlessly brushed his thumb over the skin above your ankle and you swallowed down a shiver. It did not seem he realized what he was doing until he tilted his head, looking at you questioningly. Your reaction must have shown more than you thought. Ajmal suddenly removed his hand from your foot, sliding away from you on the bench.<br /><br />
“I am so sorry!” he exclaimed, standing up in his panic. “I did not... I did not mean to do that!”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“There is no need to apologize, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you reassured him. “I did not mind at all.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“It is fine, no need to apologize,” you said, your voice a little rough.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Sit down, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you responded with a tired sigh. “You did nothing wrong.”
]
(else:)[
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}... It is alright, you did nothing wrong,” you said to soothe him.
]}<br /><br />
The knight took a deep breath, looking a little relieved, and he sat back down at your side. He glanced carefully at you, not wanting to maintain eye contact for too long.<br /><br />
“If you are feeling better, we should probably head downstairs to get you something to eat.”<br /><br />He gave you a searching look.
]
(else:)[
“Huh... You’re welcome?” Zanetta’s voice made you look up and the Dwarf was smirking at the both of you, head tilted to the side. “Anyway, I’ll be downstairs, Carla is making a scene. Join us for breakfast when you can.”<br />
She turned to leave, when the knight called after her: “Thank you, Miss... Huh, thank you Zanetta.”<br />
She threw a smile at him over her shoulder. “Oh, there’s no need to thank me.”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor groaned and she disappeared behind the training room’s door while chuckling.<br /><br />
Quiet settled into the room as the knight focused back on your wound, carefully moving the ice bag over your ankle to cover every part of it. After a long moment of silence, the pain had receded significantly, the swelling reduced considerably. Ajmal removed the ice bag to examine your foot once again.<br /><br />
“It looks a lot better,” he remarked, looking back at you.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<br />You nodded in response.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded. “Thanks.”<br />
He looked startled. “For what?”<br />
“Helping?” You shrugged.<br />
“Oh! Of course. That... I only did the bare essential,” he said, looking a little flustered.<br />
“Thank you, nonetheless.”<br /><br />
He smiled at you, faintly but warmly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You nodded. “It looks adequate...”<br /><br />
You paused, looking at him. You bit your lip, realizing how it may have sounded. But the knight only seemed confused as to why you were staring at him.<br /><br />
“I mean... Your care is more than adequate of course,” you amended, a bit awkwardly. “It is... more than satisfactory. Thank you.”<br />
“Oh,” Ajmal responded blinking at you. “It... it was not much, really, there is no need to thank me.”<br />
“I think there is,” you answered, your lips pursed stubbornly.<br /><br />
You could tell from the twitch at the corner of his lips that he tried not to smile too overtly, but he did nonetheless and there was warmth in it.
]
(else:)[
You nodded and smiled. “Thanks to you.”<br />
“I— I only did the bare essential,” he protested, looking a little flustered.<br />
“You helped,” you insisted. “Thank you.”<br /><br />
It was a bit timid at first, but he smiled warmly at you.
]}<br /><br />
“Then we should go downstairs to get you something to eat if you’re feeling ready...” He said, looking expectantly at you.
]}
{<div class="choice">You looked at your foot and back at him. (link: "“I am afraid you are going to have to carry me there...”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Carry me")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I... might need a bit of help walking down the stairs,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I might need a bit of help")
] you admitted. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“I would love it if you could carry me there,”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Carry me")
] you said a little too eagerly.<br />
And now that you thought about it, the formulation might not have been the best... (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You looked back at him, your mouth slightly open and your face getting incredibly warm. You probably were unable to climb down the stairs by your own means but you could not bring yourself to ask him to carry you. The thought of it was... a lot.<br />
(link: "“I... Hum...”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ I... Hum...")
] You looked between him and your foot, clearly distressed. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>}
You looked at your foot and back at him. “I am afraid you are going to have to carry me there...”
“Oh, of course,” the knight answered as if it was not even in question.
He stood up and approached you. Wrapping an arm around your waist and curling the other underneath your knees, he lifted you off the bench with ease and started carrying you out of the training room.
{(if: $MansoorTrust is 0 and ($MansoorFriendship > 0 or $MansoorAffection > 4))[
“It is that easy, huh?” You remarked while Ajmal walked down the corridor in the direction of the service stairwell.<br />
He glanced at you. “I have been trained for this.”<br />
“You have been trained to carry around monarchs who have sprained their ankle?”<br />
The young knight laughed. “Maybe not quite so specifically. But I went through rigorous physical conditioning, you know that.”<br />
“Of course...”<br /><br />
You stayed quiet for a moment and he started running down the stairs, his long legs easily skipping two steps at a time. It was a bit worrisome, since you were in his arms, but he seemed to know what he was doing. It was certainly going a lot faster that way.<br /><br />
“I just do not want you to strain yourself,” you admitted after a while.<br />
The smile Ajmal addressed you was a little smug. “I would not worry about that, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You chuckled, shaking your head at his show of confidence.
]
(else:)[
You stayed quiet while Ajmal walked down the corridor in the direction of the service stairwell. He ran down the stairs, skipping two steps at a time, showing no sign of exertion. It certainly made the journey quite short, as well as making you even more aware that you were still very far from his level of physical conditioning.
]}
Soon enough, you arrived safely at the bottom of the two flight of stairs. The knight paused in front of the kitchen door, glancing at you.
“Maybe you would rather be on your feet before going in...” He said in a low voice.
“That probably would be preferable, yes,” you answered.
Being seen carried around by your bodyguard all day would be a bit embarrassing. He nodded and helped you stand up.
<div class="choice">[[You entered the kitchen with his aid.->The kitchen]]</div>
“I... might need a bit of help walking down the stairs,” you admitted.
The knight gave you a look. “Would it not be easier if I carried you downstairs?”
{(if: $maintrait is "severe" or "stoic")[
You set your jaw stubbornly. “I would rather not.”
]
(else:)[
“I would rather not,” you answered with unease.
]}
“But... There are two set of stairs and you should not strain your ankle—”
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
“I said no,” you cut him off, annoyed.
]
(else:)[
“Please {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}, no,” you cut him off.
]}
Ajmal closed his mouth shut, and glanced at you apologetically, before looking away.
You stood up from the bench with his help and started limping out of the training room and down the corridor in the direction of the service stairwell, leaning heavily on Sir Mansoor. The progress was long and painful, but your dignity was intact.
That is, until you reached the top of the stairs and looked down at the now intimidating steps. You felt the knight’s gaze intently staring at you, as if he expected you to change your mind any moment now. You did not and took a first step down the stairs only to immediately stagger, Sir Mansoor catching you just in time to avoid a nasty fall.
“Careful,” he said gently, although his voice was strained.
You took one step after the other, holding onto his arm, at an excruciatingly slow pace. For a long time, the knight patiently followed your long descent, offering you his arm for support. His worry got the better of him in the end, however.
“I do not know about this... It is going to take a long time and I do not want your ankle to get worse,” he said, his voice laden with concern.
You did not answer, taking another step down.
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle)... Please, allow me to at least carry you down the stairs.”
You stopped in the middle of the stairs, sighing tiredly.
“... Alright,” you finally gave in.
You felt like the bright smile the knight addressed you was unwarranted. He took a firm hold of your waist and curled his other arm underneath your knees, lifting you off the ground easily. He started running down the stairs, skipping two steps at a time and you had to admit that you would reach the ground floor five times faster that way, at the very least.
Soon enough, you arrived safely at the bottom of the two flight of stairs. Ajmal paused in front of the kitchen door to let you stand on your feet before opening the door for you.
<div class="choice">[[You entered with his help.->The kitchen]]</div>
“I would love it if you could carry me there,” you said a little too eagerly.
And now that you thought about it, the formulation might not have been the best...
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0 or $MansoorAffection < 5)[
Ajmal, thankfully, did not seem to catch on and simply nodded.<br /><br />
“Of course,” he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.<br /><br />
He stood up, sliding an arm under your knees, the other one around your waist, lifting you easily off the bench before heading out the training room’s door.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
Ajmal looked at you for a moment, his expression empty. Until his eyes widened, as he seemed to finally realize the hidden meaning of your words.<br /><br />
“I... Huh, of course! I was not going to let you climb down the stairs injured. Obviously,” he fumbled awkwardly.<br /><br />
You looked at him shifting on the bench uncomfortably.<br /><br />
“If that is alright with you, of course,” you murmured back.<br />
“It is!” The knight exclaimed a little loudly. “Of course it is.”<br /><br />
He stood up and walked up to you with very mechanical steps, sliding an arm around your waist, the other under your knees to lift you. His hold was a little firmer than necessary, pressing you tightly against his chest. You could feel how tense his whole body was.<br />
He walked out the training room’s door, his long legs stepping at a hurried pace.
]
(else:)[
“It would be my pleasure... Huh I mean it would be an honor, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal fumbled, turning redder by the second.<br /><br />
You tried to hide your smile. The knight stood up and, sliding an arm around your waist and under your knees, he lifted you off the bench easily. His grip on you was maybe a little firmer than necessary and as close as he was holding you, you could feel he was a bit tense.<br />
He walked out the training room’s door with you in his arms.
]}
As he made his way through the corridor towards the service stairwell, you let your body relax into his embrace and let your head rest on his shoulder.
Ajmal glanced at you. “Are you tired, $MCcovertitle?”
His expression was tinged with guilt.
“Not that tired, no. I just... I simply enjoy your company.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0 and (history:) contains "❤ Admitting your crush to Ajmal")[
The knight looked at you, baffled, for an instant. But a deep frown quickly formed on his brow and he kept walking in silence. You had already been over the matter those few months ago and you suspected his feelings on it had not changed.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
The knight stopped dead in his tracks to stare at you, baffled.<br /><br />
“You... do?” He asked, his tone a mix of surprise and disbelief.<br />
“I do.”<br /><br />
He looked at you for a moment until a deep frown formed on his brow. He started walking again in silence, clearly processing the information.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
The knight slowed to a stop, staring at you. It could not have been a surprise to him. He opened his mouth, maybe to say something, but no word came out, he just kept looking at you, his expression pained.<br /><br />
“I... I am honored to have your friendship, $MCcovertitle,” he eventually said.<br /><br />
You both knew that was not what you meant. He started walking again, but slower, holding you tighter than before. He at least let you have this moment. You closed your eyes, drowning yourself in his presence, his scent, the warmth of his skin, his heartbeat hammering in your hear and the shallow breath brushing the side of your head as he turned his to enclose you further into him, his lips nearly touching your forehead.
]
(else:)[
He slowed his pace, looking at you with a warm smile.<br /><br />
“I... I enjoy it too, $MCcovertitle,” He replied, his voice a murmur just for you to hear.<br /><br />
He held you tighter against his chest and you closed your eyes for a moment, letting yourself be engulfed by his presence, his scent, the warmth of his skin, the sound of his heartbeat and the rising and falling of his chest as he breathed deeply.<br />
Of course it quickly came to an end when his body tensed up, maybe realizing the moment was a tad too intimate for his station.<br /><br />
“What I mean by that is that it is a great honor to have your friendship,” he said, his voice taut.<br />
You opened your eyes, raising your head. “Oh, of course.”<br /><br />
You did everything you could to not let the disappointment seep into your tone, but you were not entirely successful. Ajmal looked at you regretfully before staring straight ahead, his pace speeding up again.
]}
You soon reached the stairs that he climbed down carefully, not wanting to joggle you too much. Still, with his long legs, he could do so skipping two steps at a time. It did not take him to long to reach the ground floor.
He stopped in front of the kitchen door, looking at you with some hesitance. “Would you like me to let you to your feet before we enter?”
“That probably would be preferable, yes,” you answered.
Being seen carried around by your bodyguard all day would be a bit embarrassing. He nodded and helped you stand up.
<div class="choice">[[You entered the kitchen with his aid.->The kitchen]]</div>
“I... Hum...” You looked between him and your foot, clearly distressed.
Ajmal looked at you and followed your gaze down to your foot.
“Of course I will carry you downstairs,” he hurriedly said, catching on.
It looked like you did not have to ask after all. You nodded gratefully and he stood up. Wrapping an arm around your waist and sliding the other one underneath your knees, he lifted you off the bench easily. Holding you firmly against his chest, he headed out of the training room’s door and you felt your face turn even warmer.
It was a bit overwhelming, being drowned like this by his presence. You were surrounded by his scent, the warmth of his skin under his shirt, the tension in his muscles as he was supporting your weight, his chest rising and falling under your hand.
Under your hand... That was when you realized that you had grabbed onto his shirt instinctively, your fingers curling into the fabric as you tensed up in the knight’s embrace. You quickly removed your hand, cradling it to your chest. The motion attracted Sir Mansoor’s attention who looked at you with a frown.
“Is everything alright, $MCcovertitle?” he asked, slowing down as he walked through the corridor that led to the service stairwell.
His voice was so low, almost a murmur. After all, you were so close, he did not have to raise his voice. You could even feel the words reverberate in his chest. You had to swallow before you could answer.
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I am fine,” you said with a bright smile. “You really do not have to worry so much.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I am fine,” you said, avoiding his gaze. “You do not have to worry.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I am perfectly fine,” you replied with a sigh. “There is no need to worry so much.”
]
(else:)[
“I am fine,” you said with a soft smile. “You are already being extraordinarily helpful, you do not have to worry about me any further.”
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0 or $MansoorAffection < 5)[
The knight nodded and sped up his pace again.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
At these words, the knight stopped in his tracks, his gaze boring into yours with an intensity you were familiar with but always made your heart race when directed at you.<br /><br />
“There is no such thing as too much worry when it comes to you,” he said, his voice still low but firm.<br /><br />
You stared back at him, your breath hitching in your throat. What could you possibly answer to that? Once again, without you really realizing it, your hand reached out to his chest, your fingers grabbing onto his shirt. It seemed you were simply unable to let go of him. Only this time the touch seemed to elicit a response out of him. He took a deeper breath, his arms tensing around you and holding you tighter against him.<br /><br />
Suddenly he tore his green eyes away from you and cleared his throat.<br /><br />
“I am sorry, that was... a bit dramatically worded,” he said with a nervous chuckle. “I only meant that it is very important that I look after your good health. You are, after all, very important to... the kingdom.”<br /><br />
You saw his throat bobbing up and down as he swallowed.<br /><br />
“Of course...” You responded quietly.<br /><br />
Still refusing to look back at you, Ajmal took off again, walking at a more hurried pace.
]
(else:)[
At these words, the knight stopped in his tracks, his gaze boring into yours with an intensity you were familiar with but always made your heart race when directed at you.<br /><br />
“But I have to, it is both my duty and my desire. I care about you,” he said, his voice still low but firm.<br /><br />
Your breath hitch in your throat and you stared at him, surprised by the easy admission. He watched you carefully, his eyes flicking across your face — did they linger on your lips or did you imagine that? Your expression must have been telling. His own face took on a darker shade.<br /><br />
“We are friends after all,” he hurriedly added. “Right?”<br /><br />
Your heart felt painfully tight in your chest and words were stuck in your throat. Of course Ajmal was your friend. And yet you felt a bit heartbroken.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor's expression turned a bit desperate as he whispered again: “Right?”<br />
You forced a smile onto your face and managed to croak out: “Of course we are friends.”<br /><br />
He returned your smile faintly, yet he did not look quite as relieved as you would have expected. Turning his gaze away from you, he took off again, his pace quicker than before. Surprisingly however, you felt his arms tense around you, holding you even closer to your chest. Against your better judgement, you let your hand reach out again, resting your palm against his heart. The knight did not say anything, letting you feel the hammering in his chest.
]}
You soon reached the top of the stairs and Ajmal climbed down carefully, so to not jostle you, but with his long legs, he was still able to skip two steps at a time, making the trip downstairs a short one.
Once in front of the kitchen door, he stopped, looking at you askance. “Maybe you would rather I let you to your feet before entering...?”
“That probably would be preferable, yes,” you answered.
Being seen carried around by your bodyguard all day would be a bit embarrassing. He nodded and helped you stand up.
<div class="choice">[[You entered the kitchen with his aid.->The kitchen]]</div>
You shuffled your feet back into place, armed hand and foot forward, presenting your profile to the Elf. You adjusted your grip on the wooden stiletto and the position of your arm according to Marli’s instructions.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//No, that is not quite right//, Marli signed before assuming the same posture as you. //Unless you are using your cloak to defend yourself, you need to protect your other hand.//<br /><br />
He placed his own unarmed hand behind his back after his explanation.<br /><br />
//I am not defending myself?// You signed back, instinctively.<br />
//No, I want you to learn how to attack first.//
]
(else:)[
“He says your posture is shite,” Dolce said with a grin.<br /><br />
Marli’s frantic signing at her and deep frown let your know that he definitely did not use those terms.<br /><br />
“Sorry, Marli,” the guards’ captain apologized with a chuckle. “He did not say it was shite... But you know. It needs improving.”<br />
You frowned at her and looked at the Elf. “How?”<br /><b />
Marli signed once more and assumed the same position as yours, putting his unarmed hand behind his back.<br /><br />
“If you’re not using your cloak for defense, you need to protect your other hand,” Dolce translated.<br />
“I am not defending?” You asked with some confusion.<br /><br />
Marli brought his hand back in front of him to sign his answer.<br /><br />
“No, he wants you to learn how to attack first.”
]}
You looked over your shoulder and saw Zanetta on her bench, carving some wooden practice bolts, looking unconcerned, while Sir Mansoor was doing a poor job at busying himself working on his fencing. You found him looking over at you uneasily before going back to his exercises. So far, the knight had always taught you to defend yourself thoroughly before anything else, so learning to attack first was unusual for you.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Is defending not the priority? I do not wish to attack anyone...”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Is defending not the priority?")
] You decided to voice your concern. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Alright,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Knife with Marli (3)")
] you responded, strengthening your posture.<br />
If that was what Marli thought was best... (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
{(unless: $lastpassage is "Is defending not the priority?")[
“Alright,” you responded, strengthening your posture.<br /><br />
If that was what Marli thought was best...<br /><br />
]}{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//The stiletto is a piercing weapon first and foremost//, Marli explained. //However its edges are sharp and should be maintained that way. You will have to make use of them. But the first attack you need to learn is the forward thrust.//
]
(else:)[
Marli started to sign and Dolce translated: “The stiletto is meant for stabbing before anything else. However its edges are sharp and should be kept that way. You will have to use them as well. But the first move you need to learn is the forward thrust.”
]}
Illustrating his words, he rushed forward, the tip of his weapon landing at the center of your chest — just over your heart, before stepping back rapidly. He gestured for you to try the same.
You stepped forward, thrusting your weapon towards his chest and stepped back, but a little too slow. Marli grabbed your wrist with his free hand, preventing you from escaping and sliding his wooden stiletto up your arm all the way to your throat.
Releasing you and stepping back, he signed again.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//You should not engage your whole body like that when attacking. You need to be in and out as fast as you can.//
]
(else:)[
“You engaged too much of your body in the attack,” Dolce said, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning back against the wall. “You need to be in and out fast.”
]}
Marli took position to demonstrate again, slower than the first time. {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
<br /><br />//Step forward with your front foot only//, he explained, moving his hands as he stepped onward, his foot slamming the ground aggressively.
]
(else:)[
He signed as he stepped onward, his foot slamming the ground aggressively.<br /><br />
“Step forward with your front foot only,” you heard Dolce say as you focused on Marli’s movements.
]}
He shifted his weight forward, thrusting his arm to reach your chest again. He then retreated easily, his front foot joining back his rear one.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//If you leave your back foot where it is, you can step back a lot faster//, Marli signed after finishing his demonstration.
]
(else:)[
After his demonstration, Marli signed and Dolce translated: “If you leave your back foot where it is, you’ll come back faster.”
]}
You repeated the attack several times, following his advice, until you were able to thrust and retreat fast enough.
After which Marli taught you several different attacks, ones aiming to cut at your opponent’s armed hand to render them unable to strike, others to slash your adversary’s face and throat. He explained how lacerating the arms, hands and face drew a lot of blood and could intimidate your enemy into withdrawing from the fight early on.
You nodded, swallowing uneasily. It sounded quite unpleasant, but if it came to that...
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//But if your opponent is not giving up... You have to go for the killing blow as soon as you can, not giving them the opportunity to do it to you.//
]
(else:)[
“But if your enemy isn’t giving up,” Dolce translated as Marli signed. “You have to go for the killing blow before they do.”
]}
The Elf showed you the vital points on his body that you should aim for to put an end to the fight. He grabbed your wrist, bringing your wooden stiletto to his throat, showing you how and where to slash before bringing it down to his heart, pointing out the right spot to pierce. He lowered your hand to his stomach after that, turning your wrist to make you twist the blade.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//The stiletto is a thin weapon//, he explained. //You have to twist it and turn it to make a maximum amount of internal damage.//
]
(else:)[
“The stiletto is a thin weapon,” Dolce explained as he signed. “You have to twist it inside to make a maximum amount of damage.”
]}
You pulled back, feeling yourself getting sick.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I... I do not know if I can do this. I do not know if I could kill someone,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I do not know if I could kill")
] you admitted, the unsteady feeling overwhelming you. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "But you nodded, doing your best to swallow back the uncomfortable feeling.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Knife with Marli (4)")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//No//, Marli signed without hesitation. //You need to be aggressive to put an end to a confrontation as quickly and as easily as possible. Defending efficiently is more complex and requires more skill and training. Besides, learning how an attack is made will give you a better grasp of how to defend against it.//
]
(else:)[
“No,” Dolce translated as Marli signed his answer. “You need to be aggressive to end a confrontation fast and easy. Defending is harder and you need a lot more training to do it right. Besides, learning how to attack first helps understanding how to defend.”
]}
You nodded. It made sense, even if it made you a bit uncomfortable. You strengthened your posture, getting ready to follow the Elf’s instructions.
(display: "Knife with Marli (3)")
“I... I do not know if I can do this. I do not know if I could kill someone,” you admitted, the unsteady feeling overwhelming you.
Marli frowned deeply at you, his hand moving faster as he signed to you, clearly agitated.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//This is a life or death matter, your enemies will not leave you a choice.//
]
(else:)[
“This is a matter of life or death,” Dolce translated, her tone calm but with a sharp edge.<br /><br />
She sat up, frowning as well. You were not sure if it was for you or if she was concerned to see her friend getting upset.<br /><br />
“Your enemies won’t leave you a choice.”
]}
You frowned as well, shifting back a little. “There has to be another way. Some way to neutralize them without killing them.”
The cook’s assistant rolled his eyes, getting frustrated.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//Yes, but none of them are infallible//, he signed. //If someone really wants to kill you, it will take a lot to stop them and it involves a killing blow or deadly wounds.//
]
(else:)[
He signed and Dolce raised a tense voice: “Yes, but none of them are infallible. If someone really wants to kill you, they won’t stop unless you kill them or inflict them deadly wounds.”
]}
“You wanted to know how to defend yourself,” {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
Dolce intervened from the bench she had sat on, observing your training.
]
(else:)[
the Dwarf added, looking directly at you so you knew those were her words.
]} “He’s doing just that. I’d suggest letting him and leaving him out of your moral dilemmas.”
From the corner of your eye, you saw Ajmal stepping closer and hovering nearby. You glanced at him, feeling a bit uncomfortable at the commotion you had created.
{<div class="choice">You were not sure why Marli was getting so upset, but that was not what you wanted.<br />
You nodded at Dolce before looking back at the Elf. (link: "“You are right, I am sorry. This is my problem to deal with, not yours.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Knife with Marli (4)")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You still felt deeply uncomfortable by how casually they expected you to be fine with killing.<br />
(link: "“He is not teaching me to defend myself, he is teaching me to kill,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "He is teaching me to kill")
] you protested. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
{(if: (history:) contains "I do not know if I could kill")[
You nodded at Dolce before looking back at the Elf. “You are right, I am sorry. This is my problem to deal with, not yours.”<br /><br />
Marli smiled faintly at you, your words visibly appeasing him. He even looked a bit bashful.<br /><br />
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//I apologize//, he signed. //I may have overreacted. It is a good thing that you are not so eager to kill. I am sorry that I made you uncomfortable.//
]
(else:)[
He signed, his gestures slower and more timid than before.<br /><br />
“He’s apologizing for making you uncomfortable,” Dolce translated, her body relaxing as well. “He says it’s a good thing that you’re not eager to kill.”<br /><br />
She chuckled, leaning her back against the wall once again. “Obviously.”
]}<br />
You smiled back at the Elf. “It is alright, I am sure you have your reasons.”<br /><br />
He scratched at his chest awkwardly looking away, before he signed again. {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//We can continue the training. Unless you want a break? We can take a break if you want.//
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />Dolce laughed again, looking at him. “He’s asking if you want to continue training or take a break.”<br /><br />
You suspected all those gestures were a lot more words than that and that Dolce summed up the gist of his fumbling.<br />
]}<br />
“No, we can continue, I will be fine, I promise.”<br /><br />
The Elf nodded and took position again.
]
(else:)[
There was a short pause, Marli looking you over, before he signed again, slowly. {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//Are you okay?//
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />Dolce seemed to hesitate a moment, looking at him then at you before translating: “He’s asking if you’re feeling okay. You do look a little pale...”
]}<br />
You nodded once again, more firmly. “I am fine.”<br /><br />
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
The Elf frowned, looking unconvinced.<br /><br />
He stayed unmoving for a moment before signing: //I know killing is not a pleasant thing and I hope you will not need to do it. I am just here to teach you what to do if the need arise.//
]
(else:)[
Both Dolce and Marli looked unconvinced. They stayed quiet and unmoving for a moment until the Elf signed and Dolce spoke.<br /><br />
“Killing is unpleasant, he knows that, I do too. Hopefully it’s not something you will need to do. But if you do need it... Marli is just trying to teach you what to do.”
]}<br />
You frowned. “I know that.”<br /><br />
You hesitated and added, your voice a tone softer: “And I am grateful for it.”<br /><br />
Marli glanced at Dolce who shrugged at him from the bench.<br /><br />
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
His hands moved slowly again. //I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable. Tell me if you need a break.//
]
(else:)[
“He’s apologizing for making you uncomfortable. He says you can tell him if you need a break,” Dolce translated, crossing her arms again, leaning back against the wall.
]}<br />
You shook your head, determination setting your jaw. “I am fine, let us continue.”<br /><br />
Marli nodded and took position again.
]}
You spent the next hour or so learning more defensive techniques from Marli. He taught you different ways to use your cloak, including how to trap your enemy’s arm and weapon in it, giving you the opportunity to attack safely. Some tricks involved luring your opponent closer, but not close enough to reach your vitals, so you could slash at their arm.
Repeating attacks and counters over and over again, you started getting a grasp of Marli’s more underhanded technique but you also started getting out of breath.
As you rushed forward to perform a slashing attack you stumbled and almost fell face first into Marli’s chest. Thankfully he managed to catch you before that could happen. Holding your upper arms firmly, he helped you steady yourself on your feet before releasing you.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//Maybe we should stop there//, he signed.
]
(else:)[
The Elf signed at you and Dolce raised her voice: “He says we should stop there. And I agree, we need to eat something.”
]}
The older Dwarven woman stood up and Ajmal as well as Zanetta joined you soon after.
“Agreed,” the knight said. “We should head for the kitchen, see if breakfast is ready.”
You were not about to argue that and you hoped the noises your stomach made at the mention of food were not too loud.
<div class="choice">[[All of you started putting training equipement away and tidying up the room before heading out and down the service stairs towards the kitchen.->The kitchen]]</div>
“He is not teaching me to defend myself, he is teaching me to kill,” you protested.
Marli’s answer came quickly as he signed frantically, taking a step towards you. {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//Yes and that might be necessary in order to defend yourself!//<br /><br />
“I agree,” Dolce said, leaning forward. “You should trust him, he knows what he’s talking about.”<br /><br />
She was tense, but not worried enough to stand up, yet.<br />
]
(else:)[
Dolce tensed up on the bench, leaning forward. She was not worried enough to stand up, yet.<br /><br />
“He says that may be necessary to defend yourself. And I agree. Trust him, he knows what he’s talking about.”
]}
Ajmal, on the other hand, took the few last steps he needed to be at your side, his brow creased with concern. “What is going on?”
You sighed. You did not doubt Marli’s experience. What you doubted was how well those applied to you.
“I am just trying to say that I am not comfortable with learning how to kill, I would rather learn more defensive techniques.”
The knight nodded, obviously in agreeance with you, before turning to Marli. He was not quite stepping between the two of you, but his protective stance was clear enough. It only made the Elf more upset.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
//This is not something you can choose//, he signed with jerky movements. //When an assassin comes to kill you and will not stop until you are dead, who will kill them for you?!//<br /><br />
There was a pause, one during which you could see Marli registering his own words. He stared at Ajmal and signed once more, looking bitter.<br /><br />
//Nevermind. Obviously, //he// will. I do not know why I am wasting my time.//<br />
]
(else:)[
He signed with angry choppy movements and it took Dolce a moment to translate. “This is not something you can choose. When an assassin will come to kill you and won’t stop until you’re dead, who will kill them for you?”<br /><br />
Only when she spoke the words out loud did Marli registered his own words.<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman sighed deeply. “Marli...”<br /><br />
The Elf gestured once more, looking bitter as he stared at Ajmal. Dolce did not translate, but you were able to gather the gist of it. Obviously he realized that the knight was there to perform exactly that.
]}
He threw his hands up in the air before turning towards Dolce, signing one last time for her benefit. (if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[//Carla needs my help with breakfast anyway. I will be downstairs.//]
And with that, he stormed out of the training room. You made a move to follow him, but Ajmal laid his hand on your shoulder, stopping you in your tracks.
“He will get over it,” he said, looking slightly uncomfortable nonetheless. “Dolce can take over.”
“Maybe I don’t want to,” Dolce shot back, giving him a pointed stare.
The young knight looked at her as if she had just kicked him.
“Fuck,” she groaned. “Okay, yeah, I’ll do it.”
She stood up from the bench and you looked between her, Ajmal and the door, left slightly ajar.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“No, I have upset him and I need to apologize,”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I need to apologize")
] you said firmly, wrestling out of Sir Mansoor’s grasp to head out of the training room. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“Alright,”->Knife with Dolce]] you sighed, feeling ill at ease.</div>}
“No, I have upset him and I need to apologize,” you said firmly, wrestling out of Sir Mansoor’s grasp to head out of the training room.
You walked at a hasty pace along the corridor that led to the service stairwell, running down the stairs, hoping to catch up with Marli. But the Elf was tall and fast and you reached the ground level without seeing him.
You stopped in front of the kitchen door, taking a deep breath before entering. The scent of freshly baked goods permeated the air, pulling a rumbly noise out of your stomach. You ignored it and pushed the door open.
You entered a decently sized kitchen. Counters and cabinets lined two opposite walls, equipped with multiple stoves — probably for grand occasions — and an island stood at the center, used mostly for plating. The cabinetry was all in khaya wood of course, the whole mansion’s decor being anything if consistent. It was beautifully carved. As opposed to other servants’ quarters, this room was meant to receive the occasional visit of the owners, so it had to be pleasing to the eye of course. Another evidence of this fact was the gorgeously painted tiles that served as backsplash to the stoves and the marble countertops.
The atmosphere was quiet, maybe a bit tense, the only noises coming from bubbling pots and the rapid chopping of fresh fruits. That was Marli. He was already highly focused on his task, although he could only have arrived moments ago. Carla, the cook, only glanced at you when you entered her territory, lifting a curious eyebrow at you. She did not ask any question, however, she probably knew something was up.
The Elf, on the other hand, did his best to ignore your presence. You walked up to him, stopping beside him to watch him expertly handle his kitchen knife. Some of the fruits he was cutting were familiar to you, others you had no idea existed before. You were not sure cutting that many fruits was necessary for breakfast. You suspected it was a way for him to blow off some steam.
You did not speak for a while, the sound of the knife hitting wood repeatedly pervading the kitchen.
“Marli?” You finally called, quietly.
He did not respond, slicing fruits away.
“I want to apologize. I should not have pressed the issue, I am sorry.”
Marli finally stopped chopping, exhaling a long breath, his eyes closed. After a moment of quiet, he looked at you.
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
<br />He signed at you, calmer and slower than before. //Thank you. But you do not have to do this. I will do my job, there is no need to worry.//
]
(else:)[
Glancing at Carla, he caught her eye and beaconed her over. The cook grumbled but wiped her hands on her apron before walking towards both of you.<br /><br />
As he signed, Carla translated, reluctantly. “He says thanks. But you don’t have to worry about him, he’ll do his job.”
]}
You frowned as you watched him turning back to his fruit chopping. (unless: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
Carla was about to return to her task as well, but you interrupted them both.
]
“I am not concerned about that. I am concerned that I hurt your feelings.”
{(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
Marli’s head whipped towards you and he looked at you with evident surprise.<br /><br />
//I am alright//, he signed. //But I am grateful for your concern.//
]
(else:)[
Marli and Carla both stared at you, gaping with evident surprise. They looked at each other before Marli’s hands moved again.<br /><br />
“He says he’s alright,” Carla said slowly, looking at him. “But he’s thankful for your concern.”
]}
The quiet returned and you hesitated before breaking it again.
“And I am sorry you found yourself in situations that forced you to kill.”
Marli glanced at you once more, smiling faintly and tensely at you before returning to his task. (unless: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
Carla did the same, putting an end to any further conversation.
]
{<div class="choice">You decided to leave Marli alone for now. [[The subject was a sensitive one and he probably did not want to talk about it.->He probably did not want to talk]]</div>
(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
<div class="choice">Maybe it was unwise to push the conversation any further, considering the sensitive subject, but you felt bad leaving him alone with dark thoughts.<br />
You caught his attention and signed at him. [[//Do you want to talk about it?//->Do you want to talk?]]</div>
]}
“Alright,” you sighed, feeling ill at ease.
“For the record,” Dolce stated, looking at you square in the eyes. “I am not nearly as knowledgeable and skilled with a stiletto as Marli, so I won’t be able to teach you as much as he would.”
{(if: $maintrait is "severe" or "stoic")[
You nodded. Maybe you would have to talk to him later, to make sure he will be able to teach you regardless of your differences.
]
]
(else:)[
You nodded, starting to regret having said anything. Maybe you would have to talk with him later, try to make things right.
]}
“But I can teach you how to throw knives,” the older woman added. “That way you can defend yourself while staying at a distance. It’s not as easy as using a crossbow and the range is shorter. But with training, you can throw more knives and be faster.”
She walked to the same chest Marli pulled out the wooden stilettos from and gathered several throwing knives. Coming back to you, she handed you a few. Those were real ones, with a sharp edge and point. You suspected that even for training, anything else would not work quite as well. But it was still a bit intimidating.
“Maybe you should wear some leather gloves to avoid cutting yourself,” Sir Mansoor commented, still standing nearby.
“I don’t know,” Dolce answered nonchalantly. “The risk of cutting helps with being careful with your technique.”
“I... do not think it is a good idea so early on,” Ajmal argued, shifting uncomfortably on his feet.
The Dwarven woman chuckled. “Relax, I’m just egging you on. We’ll get $MCpronoun2 some gloves.”
After scouring the training equipment, Dolce found you a pair of leather gloves that fit you well enough. She made you step a few feet away from the wooden targets.
“So... How do you make sure the right end of the knife hits the target?” You asked. “I could never understand how people do that.”
Dolce let a low rumbly chuckle out. “There are multiple techniques, but it’s always about getting a feel for it, applying the right amount of force depending on the distance you’re standing from your target. With practice, you end up knowing instinctively how much strength to apply and when to release the knife.”
She stepped away from you, grabbing a knife by the back of the blade and raising it up above her shoulder.
“I think the easiest is the half-spin. If you hold it like that, you start the rotation and release the knife when the tip of the blade is away from the target. The knife will do half a spin in the air before reaching the target. You have to adjust the speed of the rotation depending on how far you are so that the tip of the knife will sink into the target.”
You frowned. “That sounds difficult.”
Dolce shrugged. “Not really. You just have to try it a bunch of times.”
She lazily threw the knife she was holding and sure enough, it hit the target, the tip of the blade plunging into the wood with a low thud.
The guards’ captain nodded her head towards the targets, stepping away to give you room. “Your turn.”
You held a knife the same way she did and you threw it hard at the target. Of course it hit the wooden planks flat and clattered to the ground. You sighed.
“The rotation was too fast,” Dolce explained. “Try it a bit slower.”
It took you quite a few tries before you were able to sink a knife into one of the targets. But the more you practiced, the more you could understand what Dolce meant by getting a feel for it. It was quite satisfying once you familiarized yourself with your knives, the weight of them and the gesture.
You tried not to think about the fact that they were meant to pierce flesh rather than wood.
You trained for a while longer and you honestly would have kept at it if not for Zanetta interrupting you from the bench she was sat on.
“Could we please go eat breakfast? I don’t know about you weird bunch, but //I// am starving.”
Your stomach grumbled at the mention of food and you hoped that it was not too loud.
“That is a good idea,” Sir Mansoor admitted reluctantly — because the suggestion came from Zanetta more than anything.
<div class="choice">[[The four of you tidied up the training room, putting knives and gloves away, before heading downstairs towards the kitchen.->The kitchen]]</div>
You did not wait long until Sir Mansoor, Zanetta and Dolce came to join you in the kitchen after tidying up the training room. The young knight looked between you and Marli and seemed to conclude any tension between the two of you was now gone. He nodded slightly before turning to the cook.
Carla seemed to predict his question as she announced: “Breakfast is ready. Should I bring it to everyone in the service dining room? Make it easier and faster than the huh... big official one, right?”
You heard Ajmal take a sharp intake of air. He looked between you and the cook expectantly. Eating with the servants was highly unusual for someone of your status, to say the least. But at the same time, you rarely ate in the dining room, as it was ridiculously big for just a couple of people. Most of the time you had your food brought to your chambers or to one of the more intimate living rooms, as you rarely ate with more than just Lady Domara, Sir Mansoor and sometimes Zanetta.
{<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
Still, eating at the servants' table was not acceptable. (link: "“I will have breakfast with Ajmal and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast in the living room")
]
]
(else:)[
Still, eating at the servants' table was not acceptable. (link: "“I will have breakfast with Sir Mansoor and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast in the living room")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(traditionalist)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not shy away from new experiences and it would be a good opportunity to get to know your staff better.<br />
(link: "“That sounds like a good idea,”")[
(set: $revolutionary to $revolutionary + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast at the servants' table")
] you replied with a smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(revolutionary)//]</div>}
You caught his attention and signed at him. //Do you want to talk about it?//
Marli looked at your hands, then back at the chopping board and the sliced fruits. He put his knife down with care and he stayed unmoving for a moment, his fingers flexing slightly as he likely thought through his response.
After a while, his hands started signing again and he turned his gaze to you. //It is not something you want to know about.//
//I asked, did I not?// You signed back.
//It does not mean you are ready for it.//
You took a deep breath, considering him quietly. You already figured he had killed before, what more could there be?
//I am//, you finally signed. //Only if that is something you want.//
Marli sighed. //I used to work for the Thieves’ Guild. As an assassin. They did not leave me much choice as to what profession I would be applying for. I had to feed my family.//
You frowned. //You really could not find any other job?//
The cook’s assistant signed faster, defensively. //I did not have any training, did not have the means. The jobs I could find... did not pay enough.//
You raised an appeasing hand before signing in turn. //I did not mean to judge you. I am just... surprised that you found yourself without alternatives. Are... there really no one who works for the Thieves’ Guild willingly?//
//Some do//, Marli signed with calmer gestures. //But there is not enough twisted people even in Lagodoro to do all the dirty work they need doing. Sometimes they do the twisting themselves. Train them young.//
The disgusted grimace on the Elf’s face was a good indication of how he felt about that.
“That is awful...” You mumbled, without realizing.
//Besides//, Marli continued signing. //The Thieves’ Guild likes to rely on factors that are more dependable than willingness.//
You looked up from his hands to his eyes. //What do you mean?//
//Threats and blackmail are more efficient to make sure someone will do what you want. Loyalty is too rare to rely on when your business is crime.//
//I see...// You signed slowly, starting to get a better picture of what the Thieves’ Guild was about.
Nothing romantic, to be sure.
//I did not like killing. The first time I hesitated, they gave me a warning.//
Marli pointed at his open mouth but you did not need to look to know what you already had glimpses of. His cut out tongue.
//The second time//, he kept signing, //they stopped feeding my family. They would have done worse if not for... Well, basically, if not for Zanetta.//
//She helped you out?//
//She put the boss who was going to give the order behind bars and hid my family, in exchange for my help. But that is her story to tell. She may not be a Saint, but damn if she did not do more for me than those fucking limp statues all over the city.//
You cleared your throat awkwardly at his language.
//Sorry//, he signed, looking abashed.
//It is alright//, you signed back with a slight smile.
//But that is it, that is my story and you will find a lot of us working here share a similar one.//
//Everyone Zanetta hired is someone she saved from the Thieves’ Guild?// You asked after a moment.
//Not everyone, but a good portion of us, yes. She wanted to hire people who are loyal to her, people she could trust. You get that through good deeds, not threats and blackmail.//
//Yet, the Thieves’ Guild manages to keep their people in check through those very methods//, you commented.
//Until they do not anymore. I am here, am I not?//
You smiled at him. He had a point.
The conversation quickly turned to more pleasant topics, namely food. You kept chatting with Marli about your respective traditional dishes for a bit until the kitchen door opened to let Sir Mansoor, Zanetta and Dolce in after they finished tidying up the training room. The young knight looked between you and Marli and seemed to conclude any tension between the two of you was now gone. He nodded slightly before turning to the cook.
Carla seemed to predict his question as she announced: “Breakfast is ready. Should I bring it to everyone in the service dining room? Make it easier and faster than the huh... big official one, right?”
You heard Ajmal take a sharp intake of air. He looked between you and the cook expectantly. Eating with the servants was highly unusual for someone of your status, to say the least. But at the same time, you rarely ate in the dining room, as it was ridiculously big for just a couple of people. Most of the time you had your food brought to your chambers or to one of the more intimate living rooms, as you rarely ate with more than just Lady Domara, Sir Mansoor and sometimes Zanetta.
{<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
Still, eating at the servants' table was not acceptable. (link: "“I will have breakfast with Ajmal and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast in the living room")
]
]
(else:)[
Still, eating at the servants' table was not acceptable. (link: "“I will have breakfast with Sir Mansoor and Zanetta in the living room, as per usual.”")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast in the living room")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(traditionalist)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not shy away from new experiences and it would be a good opportunity to get to know your staff better.<br />
(link: "“That sounds like a good idea,”")[
(set: $revolutionary to $revolutionary + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Breakfast at the servants' table")
] you replied with a smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(revolutionary)//]</div>}
Soon after, you heard a door open and close and Carla arrived through the entryway, followed by Marli. They were both carrying heavy platters, laden with a wide variety of food. They started setting the platters down on the coffee table. One of them carried cups with a large steaming teapot and a fragrant coffee carafe, accompanied by a sugar bowl and a little jug of milk. Another one was overflowing with pastries, both baked and fried: jam filled fritters dusted with sugar, puff pastries glistening with glaze, bread rolls dotted with chocolate chips... Marli put down a third platter, this one covered with an assortment of dried and cured meats, cheeses and freshly cut fruits. The last platter carried a loaf of bread, partially sliced, butter and several jars of jam and honey.
Carla and her assistant left quietly as soon as they were done, leaving you, Sir Mansoor and Zanetta to enjoy this ridiculously luxurious meal.
The decadent amount of food for breakfast was nothing new at this point, but you remembered struggling during your first days in Lagodoro, wanting to try out all of it at once, which was obviously way too much to eat. By now, you had narrowed down what were your favorite items and you started picking your usual selection of food. Ajmal stood up to serve drinks and the three of you started to eat.
The knight took the opportunity of this relaxed setting to talk about military strategy, tactics and fighting styles. At first, Zanetta participated quite a bit, arguing with Ajmal and enjoying contradicting him, but after a while, she seemed to grow bored with all the theory and became more quiet.
That is until she suddenly interrupted Sir Mansoor by looking straight at you and asking: “I have a tactical question for you. Who do you think would win in a fight... between {(if: (history:) contains "Knife with Marli")[me and Ajmal](else-if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[me and Marli](else:)[Ajmal and Marli]}.”
Ajmal rolled his eyes and glared at her. “That is a ridiculous question. There is no way to know without a precise knowledge of the circumstances...”
“Shush, I want to hear $MCpronoun3 answer,” the Dwarven woman threw at him with a playful smirk, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees.
The knight turned to you instead with a pleading look. “You really do not have to answer that.”
(unless: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[You wondered if his objections had something to do with the fact he was included in the question. ]You decided to give the matter some thought nonetheless. Maybe it was not an entirely useful exercise, but at least it was fun.
{(unless: (history:) contains "Crossbow with Zanetta")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I think you would win by outsmarting him.”")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 4)
{(if: $charisma < 6)[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Zanetta would win")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your intelligence.)//</div>
]
(unless: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“I think Ajmal would win. His presence would give him the edge.”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Ajmal would win")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I think Sir Mansoor would win. His presence would give him the edge.”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Ajmal would win")
]
]}<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your charisma.)//</div>
]
(unless: (history:) contains "Knife with Marli")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I think Marli would win. He can end the fight before it can even start.”")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Marli would win")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your guile.)//</div>
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“You know, if you have input to give, I would welcome it, Zanetta...” You said softly, not wanting to be confrontational about it.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“If you have something to say, just say it,” you told her, not hiding your irritation.
]
(else:)[
“You would have preferred if I accepted eating at the servants’ table,” you told her straightforwardly.
]}
The Dwarf shrugged again. “It’s too late anyway. I just think eating with the staff would have been beneficial to you. So it’s your loss. Not my problem.”
“Beneficial how?”
Zanetta leaned forward, starting to count on her fingers. “One, you would have a chance to get to know your staff, which would give you a better idea how to best employ them. Two, they could have given you useful input about self defense. Three, you could have bonded with them and given them more reasons to protect you than just money. Four, you would have looked a little less like an ass.”
“Okay, now that is inappropriate,” Ajmal intervened, glaring at Zanetta.
The Dwarven woman grinned at him. “Sorry, I’m but a simple commoner, my language is not as refined as you lot.”
Sir Mansoor narrowed his eyes at her. “I know that is a lie. Your language improves when it suits you.”
Zanetta’s only response was a lopsided smile. It looked less sarcastic than her previous grin however, more sincere.(if $maintrait is "severe")[ You would have been even less lenient than the knight about her language, a few months ago, but by now, you had come to realize you did not have much power over Zanetta and there was not much to be done about her attitude.]
{<div class="choice">{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
[[You could only ignore the crude comment and consider her other points at a later time.->Breakfast in the living room (2)]]
]
(else:)[
Those were a lot of points to take in and give some thought to. [[You decided to ignore the ‘ass’ one, however.->Breakfast in the living room (2)]]
]}</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
You turned your attention towards the knight. (link: "“What about you, Ajmal? Do you think I should have chosen differently?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Ask Ajmal about it")
]
]
(else:)[
You turned your attention towards the knight. (link: "“What about you, Sir Mansoor? Do you think I should have chosen differently?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Ask Ajmal about it")
]
]} (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
“What about you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}? Do you think I should have chosen differently?”
(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[The knight looked at you with some surprise, unused to have you ask for his opinion. ]He shifted nervously on the sofa, his attitude turning more subdued as soon as your gaze landed on him.
“I... honestly do not know, $MCcovertitle. However rude Miss Calvio is, she brought up good points, but...”
“But?”
”Well we have to take into account propriety...”
“Do we really?” Zanetta cut him with the driest tone.
Ajmal threw her a glare before continuing. “Servants’ conversations can be... very much different than what you are used to, $MCcovertitle. I would not want you to hear something that might shock you or offend you.”
Zanetta snickered at that. “Okay, he’s not entirely wrong on that one. But I think Carla, Marli and Dolce would have known to behave themselves with you around. Mostly.”
“There are also reasons why leaders keep some distance with their subordinates,” Ajmal added. “If they see you as an equal, they will be more likely to question your orders.”
“That’s because you still see $MCpronoun2 as a monarch. That’s not what $MCpronoun (print: $MCplural of (a: "is", "are")) down here,” the Dwarf countered.
“But $MCpronoun (print: $MCplural of (a: "is", "are")) still nobility. You said it yourself, the closer $MCpronoun (print: $MCplural of (a: "is", "are")) to $MCpronoun3 real status, the easier it will be for $MCpronoun2 to perform $MCpronoun3 cover. And now you want $MCpronoun2 to step out of what is familiar to $MCpronoun2?”
Zanetta leaned back on the sofa again, crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s worth it if it can give $MCpronoun2 a tactical advantage. Also if it makes $MCpronoun2 less of an ass.”
Ajmal groaned and rolled his eyes, giving up on trying to convince her. Zanetta smirked, but also looked at him with some interest. You suspected she enjoyed the argument. You were yourself quite interested in hearing both their point of view, even if you disliked being called an ‘ass’ again.
You were still unsure if you made the right decision, but you were reassured that it was not as clear cut as Zanetta made it out to be.
(display: "Breakfast in the living room (2)")
“I think you would win by outsmarting him.”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
Zanetta’s eyebrow lifted slightly as she looked at you with mild surprise. “Really? You’re right, of course, but I didn’t expect you to admit it.”<br /><br />
She grinned at you.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta grinned widely at you. “Now, are you saying that to enter my good graces or is that what you really think, I wonder... Either way, that’s the right answer.”<br /><br />
She winked at you.
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Knife with Marli")[
“Right...” Ajmal mumbled skeptically.
(if: (history:) contains "Breakfast at the servants' table")[
<br /><br />Marli seemed entirely unconcerned by your answer, proceeding to take a sip of his coffee.
]
]
(else:)[
“I would not be so sure,” Ajmal grumbled, doing a poor job at hiding his disappointment.
(if: (history:) contains "Breakfast at the servants' table")[
<br /><br />You saw Marli smile slightly behind his cup as he took a sip of his coffee.
]
]}
(display: "End of breakfast")
“I think {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]} would win. His presence would give him the edge.”
Zanetta lifted a curious eyebrow, looking at you. “His presence? Not his reach, his strength? His expertise?(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[ ...His perfectly sculpted muscle mass?]”
(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[She waggled her eyebrows {(if: (history:) contains "Breakfast in the living room")[
and Ajmal coughed in his hand, his face darkening.
]
(else:)[
and Marli spit out the coffee he was sipping at in a mix of laughter and coughing, drawing a concerned look from Sir Mansoor.
]} ]You glanced at the knight, pointing at him. “Have you seen him? I would not want to fight him. Would you?”
The Dwarf narrowed her eyes at him, making a show of inspecting him, which made him fidget nervously on his seat.
“Mmmh, if you’re implying that he’s way too cute to fight, that it’d be like kicking a puppy, I think you have a point,” she said at the end of her examination.
“I am not—!” Sir Mansoor started to protest. “I am certain $MCpronoun meant that I look dangerous.”
Zanetta grinned. “Sure, you tell yourself that.”
Ajmal thinned his lips but did not respond, only glancing at you shortly. He did not seem too eager to ask you for confirmation.(if: (history:) contains "Breakfast at the servants' table")[ Marli was chuckling some more beside him and it made the young knight more embarrassed than angry.]
(display: "End of breakfast")
“I think Marli would win. He can end the fight before it can even start.”(if: (history:) contains "Breakfast at the servants' table")[<br /><br />The cook’s assistant smiled faintly at you over his cup of coffee.<br />]
Zanetta hummed thoughtfully. “Perhaps he can. I certainly wouldn’t keep my back turned to him if I ever made him angry. Granted that’s even possible.”(if: (history:) contains "Crossbow with Zanetta")[<br /><br />To your surprise, Ajmal stayed quiet, not objecting your verdict.<br />]
{(if: (history:) contains "Breakfast in the living room")[
“He never gets angry?” You asked.<br />
“Only for the important things.”
]
(else:)[
You turned to Marli and asked: “You never get angry?”<br />
The Elf shrugged and started to sign. {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[//Of course I do. When it matters.//]
(else:)[<br />“He says he does, for important things,” Zanetta translated.]}
]}
You nodded. From what you had seen, Marli was generally impossibly calm, nothing seemed to really bother him. It had to take a great deal to make him really upset.
(display: "End of breakfast")
You smiled faintly at her. “I did not want to hurt Carla’s feelings.”
A gruff laugh followed your response. “That’s sweet but I’m sure Carla would have been able to recover.”
Zanetta chuckled as well. “Yes, yes, but don’t discourage $MCpronoun2 to be considerate, it’s rare enough to find as it is.”
Dolce grinned toothily at you and you figured that was as close to a friendly smile as the older Dwarf could manage. “Yeah, we’re all happy you accepted, that’s a breath of fresh air.”
You smiled back at her, feeling comforted in your decision.
(display: "Breakfast at the servants' table (2)")
You smiled brightly at her. “I thought it would be nice to get to know you all a little better.”
Dolce grinned at you, it was toothy and a little frightening. “What if you don’t like what you learn about us?”
You shrugged casually — or so you hoped. “Then at least I will know.”
The older Dwarf chuckled low and winked at you. “Fair enough.”
Zanetta looked at her with an affected reproachful frown. “How can $MCpronoun not like us? We’re so damn lovable.”
“You’re not lovable,” Dolce replied with a straight face. “You’re irritating as all hells.”
Beside you, Ajmal cleared his throat, his fist hiding the twitching corners of his lips.
“See, Ajmal agrees,” Dolce declared, pointing at him with a wave of her hand.
“I did not say anything,” the knight hurriedly protested, some color coming back to his cheeks.
“Son, you don’t need to say a thing, your face always does the talking for you,” Dolce grinned at him.
Zanetta placed a hand over her heart and stared at Ajmal in pretend shock. “Ajmal! And here I thought we were starting to bond!”
Sir Mansoor rolled his eyes, not dignifying her with an answer.
(display: "Breakfast at the servants' table (2)")
Dolce leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest, humming thoughtfully as she considered you through narrowed eyes. “Not talkative, are you?”
Zanetta chuckled. {(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“That’s putting it mildly.”
]
(else-if: $stoic > 2)[
“(upperfirst: $MCpronoun) (print: $MCplural of (a: "gets", "get")) like that, sometimes.”
]
(else:)[
“(upperfirst: $MCpronoun) usually (print: $MCplural of (a: "talks", "talk")) more.”
]}
“I’m fine with that,” Dolce declared, leaning on the table once again.
The younger Dwarf rolled her eyes. “Of course you would be.”
(display: "Breakfast at the servants' table (2)")
You frowned, the answer obvious to you. “It would have been rude to refuse.”
Dolce stared at you, unblinking, her disbelief making her expression flat. “So you can never say ‘no’ to anything?”
Your frown deepened, but you fumbled, taken aback by her remark. “Of course I can! If it is something inappropriate... Carla was just being kind, there was no reason for me to... It is basic hospitality decency!”
The guards’ captain lifted an eyebrow. “What if you simply don’t want to do it?”
“Sometimes you have to do things you do not want to, to show respect.”
“Mmh... Can’t relate,” Dolce concluded, leaning back.
Zanetta scoffed beside her. “Of course not, people are too scared of you to tell you when you’re being rude.”
The older Dwarven woman scrunched up her nose as she glared at Zanetta. “That’s bullshit, you’re always nagging at me.”
“Don’t be so rude and I won’t be nagging so much,” the younger Dwarf shot back.
“Oh come on! At my age, I earned the right to be a little rude, leave me be!” Dolce grumbled.
Zanetta rolled her eyes. “Here we go again. Bringing age as an excuse.”
The guards captain turned a sharp grin her way. “You’re just pissed because you can’t do the same.”
The two women kept bantering a while longer and all you could do was exchange a confused glance with Ajmal.
(display: "Breakfast at the servants' table (2)")The door of the service dining room opened soon after, letting in Carla and Marli, both of them carrying large platters laden with a variety of food. They started setting them down on the long table. One of them carried cups with a large steaming teapot and a fragrant coffee carafe, accompanied by a sugar bowl and a little jug of milk. Another one was overflowing with pastries, both baked and fried: jam filled fritters dusted with sugar, puff pastries glistening with glaze, bread rolls dotted with chocolate chips... Marli put down a third platter, this one covered with an assortment of dried and cured meats, cheeses and freshly cut fruits. The last platter carried a loaf of bread, partially sliced, butter and several jars of jam and honey.
Once they were done, the cook and her assistant sat with you, Carla beside Dolce, of course, and Marli on the other side of Ajmal.
Everyone started taking their pick of the food on the table and you reached out to grab your own favorites. It had been a bit of a struggle when you first arrived in Lagodoro. It was all too tempting to try everything, but it was way too much food of course. By now you knew what you liked and how much you could handle.
Dolce, however, //did// take some of everything and you tried not to stare as she downed an impressive amount of food. Ajmal was also a big eater, but that you knew already. All the physical training they both did every day probably had something to do with that.
During the meal, Sir Mansoor started discussing military strategy, tactics and combat styles, continuing your education in this more relaxed setting. At first, everyone around the table beside Carla took an interest in the conversation, Dolce adding her useful input and Zanetta making pointed remarks. But by the end of it, the younger Dwarven woman started getting obviously bored, her gaze growing distant and Dolce left the table after thanking Carla for the meal and kissing her on the cheek. Marli was the only one, beside you, who kept listening to the knight attentively.
That is, until Zanetta rudely interrupted Ajmal, looking straight at you. “I have a tactical question for you. Who do you think would win in a fight... between {(if: (history:) contains "Knife with Marli")[me and Ajmal](else-if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[me and Marli](else:)[Ajmal and Marli]}.”
Marli burst out into rare laughter and Sir Mansoor rolled his eyes, glaring at her. “That is a ridiculous question. There is no way to know without a precise knowledge of the circumstances...”
“Shush, I want to hear $MCpronoun3 answer,” the Dwarven woman threw at him with a playful smirk, leaning forward with her elbows on the table.
The knight turned to you instead with a pleading look. “You really do not have to answer that.”
(unless: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[You wondered if his objections had something to do with the fact he was included in the question. ]You decided to give the matter some thought nonetheless. Maybe it was not an entirely useful exercise, but at least it was fun.
{(unless: (history:) contains "Crossbow with Zanetta")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I think you would win by outsmarting him.”")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 4)
{(if: $charisma < 6)[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Zanetta would win")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your intelligence.)//</div>
]
(unless: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“I think Ajmal would win. His presence would give him the edge.”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Ajmal would win")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I think Sir Mansoor would win. His presence would give him the edge.”")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $guile to $guile + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Ajmal would win")
]
]}<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your charisma.)//</div>
]
(unless: (history:) contains "Knife with Marli")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I think Marli would win. He can end the fight before it can even start.”")[
(set: $guile to $guile + 4)
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
]
(else:)[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
]}
(go-to: "Marli would win")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your guile.)//</div>
]}{(if: (history:) contains "Breakfast in the living room")[
The conversation petered out as you finished eating, but the quiet was not uncomfortable. Soon, Ajmal and Zanetta stood up, gathering the remnants of breakfast. (if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[Dolce showed up to bring you a padded wooden crutch that seemed to fit your height quite nicely. The guards’ captain left quickly, returning to her duties.]<br />
You watched Sir Mansoor and Zanetta getting ready to bring the platters back to the kitchen, your mind buzzing with the events of the morning. You felt the need to clear your thoughts and(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[, with the help of your newly acquired crutch,] you stood up.<br /><br />
“I need some... ‘fresh air’,” you announced. “I will be in the garden for a little while.”<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Getting some ice")[
Zanetta’s eyes slid to your injured hand. “Need some more ice?”<br />
You shook your head. “No, I will be fine, I think.”(if: ((history:) contains "❤ Giving your hand") and ($ZanettaAffection > 5))[
(unless: $MansoorOtherFlirts contains 'Zanetta')[(set: $MansoorOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Zanetta'))]
<br />The Dwarf’s smile turned mischievous then. “What about another healing kiss on your fingers?”<br /><br />
In your peripheral, you could see Ajmal looking between the two of you with some confusion and maybe a little bit of worry. (if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[He quickly turned his head away, looking quite uncomfortable.]<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Will one be enough?")[
<br />You chuckled. “I am certain one was enough. They are quite powerful after all.”<br />
Zanetta laughed quietly. “Of course they are. Well, suit yourself, then.”
]
(else:)[
Your face turned very warm.<br /><br />
“N-no! I will be fine! Thank you!” You fumbled quite obviously, to your utter embarrassment.<br />
“But you are quite welcome,” Zanetta all but purrs, making your face flush even more.<br /><br />
She laughed, presumably at the face you were making.<br />
]}
]<br />
“Please, call for us if you need any help,” Ajmal said with a frown, his concern more obvious than Zanetta’s.(if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ((history:) contains "❤ Giving your hand") and ($ZanettaAffection > 5))[<br /><br />It was also stiffer than usual, something in the glance he directed at you made your heart pinch.]
]
(else:)[
Zanetta grinned. “Have fun.”<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<br />Ajmal nodded, although some reservations were still visible on his expression.(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[<br /><br />“Be careful and call for us if you need any help,” he said, glancing at your injured ankle.]
]
(else:)[
{(unless: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
Ajmal, on the other hand, frowned. “Is everything alright?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded. “Of course.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled reassuringly. “Of course.”
]}<br />
It seemed to assuage his worry a bit. “If you need any help, please call for us.”
]
(else:)[
“Are you certain? I can help you...”<br />
{(if: ((history:) contains "❤ I... Hum...") and ($MansoorAffection > 4))[
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded. “I will be fine, you do not need to...”
]
(else:)[
You smiled reassuringly. “No, I will be alright.”<br /><br />
You raised your crutch. “I am equipped now. There is no need to...”
]}<br /><br />
You remembered your earlier conversation with him and you interrupted yourself, your face turning warm. Ajmal waited a moment for you to finish your sentence, until he finally caught what you were thinking about and his face turned a dark shade of red.<br /><br />
“Huh... right. I will leave you be, then.”<br /><br />
He shuffled on his feet for a moment while Zanetta was watching him with curiosity. He seemed to finally remember what he was about to do and turned to head for the kitchen. He stopped midstep to look over his shoulder, however.<br /><br />
“Please call for me... or any of the guards if you need help.”<br />
“I will,” you replied in a quiet voice.
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded. “I will be fine, Dolce did bring me a crutch, I might as well use it.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled reassuringly at him. “No, I will be alright.”<br /><br />
You raised your crutch. “I am equipped, now, after all.”
]}<br />
Ajmal nodded back. “If you are sure then.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
The knight lingered for a moment, shifting awkwardly on his feet under Zanetta’s curious gaze. After a moment, he finally remembered what he was about to do and turned to leave towards the kitchen. Before walking out, however, he looked at you over his shoulder.<br /><br />
“Please call for me... or any of the guards if you need help.”<br />
“I will,” you replied, unable to stop the fond smile that stretched your lips.
]
(else:)[
“If you need help, please call for us,” he added before turning to leave for the kitchen.
]}
]}
]}
]}
]}<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[As Zanetta and Sir Mansoor made their way out of the living room, you turned to the arches at the end of the room and stepped out into the garden.->The gardens]]</div>
]
(else:)[
The conversation petered out as you finished eating, but the quiet was not uncomfortable. Soon, Carla and Marli stood up, gathering the remnants of breakfast. Ajmal made an attempt to help them out, but was quickly reprimanded. It made you realize how quickly the knight came to be liked by the mansion's staff. (if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[Dolce came back to bring you a padded wooden crutch that seemed to fit your height quite nicely. The guards’ captain left quickly, returning to her duties.]<br />
You watched Carla and Marli exiting the service dining room to bring the platters back to the kitchen, Zanetta standing and stretching, Sir Mansoor getting ready to leave as well. Your mind was buzzing with the events of the morning. You felt the need to clear your thoughts and(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[, with the help of your newly acquired crutch,] you stood up.<br /><br />
“I need some... ‘fresh air’,” you announced. “I will be in the garden for a little while.”<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Getting some ice")[
Zanetta’s eyes slid to your injured hand. “Need some more ice?”<br />
You shook your head. “No, I will be fine, I think.”(if: ((history:) contains "❤ Giving your hand") and ($ZanettaAffection > 5))[
(unless: $MansoorOtherFlirts contains 'Zanetta')[(set: $MansoorOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Zanetta'))]
<br />The Dwarf’s smile turned mischievous then. “What about another healing kiss on your fingers?”<br /><br />
In your peripheral, you could see Ajmal looking between the two of you with some confusion and maybe a little bit of worry. (if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[He quickly turned his head away, looking quite uncomfortable.(set: $MansoorOtherFlirts to 1)]<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "❤ Will one be enough?")[
<br />You chuckled. “I am certain one was enough. They are quite powerful after all.”<br />
Zanetta laughed quietly. “Of course they are. Well, suit yourself, then.”
]
(else:)[
Your face turned very warm.<br /><br />
“N-no! I will be fine! Thank you!” You fumbled quite obviously, to your utter embarrassment.<br />
“But you are quite welcome,” Zanetta all but purrs, making your face flush even more.<br /><br />
She laughed, presumably at the face you were making.<br />
]}
]<br />
“Please, call for us if you need any help,” Ajmal said with a frown, his concern more obvious than Zanetta’s.(if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ((history:) contains "❤ Giving your hand") and ($ZanettaAffection > 5))[<br /><br />It was also stiffer than usual, something in the glance he directed at you made your heart pinch.(set: $MansoorOtherFlirts to 1)]
]
(else:)[
Zanetta grinned. “Have fun.”<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<br />Ajmal nodded, although some reservations were still visible on his expression.(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[<br /><br />“Be careful and call for us if you need any help,” he said, glancing at your injured ankle.]
]
(else:)[
{(unless: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
Ajmal, on the other hand, frowned. “Is everything alright?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded. “Of course.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled reassuringly. “Of course.”
]}<br />
It seemed to assuage his worry a bit. “If you need any help, please call for us.”
]
(else:)[
“Are you certain? I can help you...”<br />
{(if: ((history:) contains "❤ I... Hum...") and ($MansoorAffection > 4))[
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded. “I will be fine, you do not need to...”
]
(else:)[
You smiled reassuringly. “No, I will be alright.”<br /><br />
You raised your crutch. “I am equipped now. There is no need to...”
]}<br /><br />
You remembered your earlier conversation with him and you interrupted yourself, your face turning warm. Ajmal waited a moment for you to finish your sentence, until he finally caught what you were thinking about and his face turned a dark shade of red.<br /><br />
“Huh... right. I will leave you be, then.”<br /><br />
He shuffled on his feet for a moment while Zanetta was watching him with curiosity. He seemed to finally remember what he was about to do and turned to head for the door. He stopped midstep to look over his shoulder, however.<br /><br />
“Please call for me... or any of the guards if you need help.”<br />
“I will,” you replied in a quiet voice.
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded. “I will be fine, Dolce did bring me a crutch, I might as well use it.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled reassuringly at him. “No, I will be alright.”<br /><br />
You raised your crutch. “I am equipped, now, after all.”
]}<br />
Ajmal nodded back. “If you are sure then.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
The knight lingered for a moment, shifting awkwardly on his feet under Zanetta’s curious gaze. After a moment, he finally remembered what he was about to do and turned towards the door. Before walking out, however, he looked at you over his shoulder.<br /><br />
“Please call for me... or any of the guards if you need help.”<br />
“I will,” you replied, unable to stop the fond smile that stretched your lips.
]
(else:)[
“If you need help, please call for us,” he added before turning to leave.
]}
]}
]}
]}
]}<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[As Zanetta and Sir Mansoor made their way out of the dining room, you turned to the archway at the end of the room and stepped out into the garden.->The gardens]]</div>
]}
Before going into chapter 2, you'll have to set a couple of variables.
What is your character's first name?
<div class="inputbox">(input-box: bind $MCname,"X",1,"Enter your character’s first name here")</div>
{(live: 100ms)[
(unless: $MCname is "Enter your character’s first name here")[
What is your character's gender and pronouns? //(You'll be able to customize them afterwards, in the settings)//
{<div class="choice">(link: "Non-binary — they/them pronouns")[
(set: $MCtitle to "your Majesty")
(set: $MCtitle2 to "Monarch")
(set: $MCgender to "person")
(set: $MCgender2 to "non-binary")
(set: $MCplural to 2)
(set: $MCpronoun to "they")
(set: $MCpronoun2 to "them")
(set: $MCpronoun3 to "their")
(set: $MCpronoun4 to "themself")
(set: $MCpronoun5 to "theirs")
(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Laird")
(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Laird")
(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "noble")
(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'laird")
(go-to: "Variables setting")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Woman — she/her pronouns")[
(set: $MCtitle to "my Queen")
(set: $MCtitle2 to "Queen")
(set: $MCgender to "woman")
(set: $MCgender2 to "woman")
(set: $MCplural to 1)
(set: $MCpronoun to "she")
(set: $MCpronoun2 to "her")
(set: $MCpronoun3 to "her")
(set: $MCpronoun4 to "herself")
(set: $MCpronoun5 to "hers")
(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Lady")
(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Lady")
(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "noblewoman")
(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'lady")
(go-to: "Variables setting")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Man — he/him pronouns")[
(set: $MCtitle to "my King")
(set: $MCtitle2 to "King")
(set: $MCgender to "man")
(set: $MCgender2 to "man")
(set: $MCplural to 1)
(set: $MCpronoun to "he")
(set: $MCpronoun2 to "him")
(set: $MCpronoun3 to "his")
(set: $MCpronoun4 to "himself")
(set: $MCpronoun5 to "his")
(set: $MCcovertitle to "my Lord")
(set: $MCcovertitle2 to "Lord")
(set: $MCcovertitle3 to "nobleman")
(set: $MCnutotitle to "m'lord")
(go-to: "Variables setting")
]</div>}
(stop:)]
]}
What does your character look like?
Select a height: (cycling-link: bind $MCsize, "tall", "medium height", "small")
Select a skin color: (cycling-link: bind $skincolor, "black", "deep brown", "brown", "tan", "olive", "light", "pale")
Select a skin texture: (cycling-link: bind $skintexture, "freckled", "mole-constellated", "vitiligo-dappled","even")
Select a hair color: (cycling-link: bind $haircolor, "black", " dark brown", "warm brown", "mousey brown", "auburn", "red", "ginger", "dark blond", "ashy blond", "honey blond", "platinum")
Select a hair texture: (cycling-link: bind $hairtexture, "coiled", "curly", "wavy", "straight")
Select a hair length: (cycling-link: bind $hairlength, "long", "shoulder-length", "short", "cropped")
Select an eye color: (cycling-link: bind $eyecolor, "black", "brown", "hazel", "green", "blue", "gray", "mismatched")
Does your character wear a headscarf?
{<div class="choice">(link: "Yes")[
(set: $headscarf to true)
(go-to: "Variables setting (2)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "No")[
(set: $headscarf to false)
(go-to: "Variables setting (2)")
]</div>}
Does your character have any disability?
{<div class="choice">(link: "Hard of hearing")[
(set: $handicap to "hard of hearing")
(go-to: "Variables setting (3)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Myopia")[
(set: $handicap to "myopia")
(go-to: "Variables setting (3)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Missing right hand")[
(set: $handicap to "missing hand")
(set: $missinghand to "right")
(go-to: "Variables setting (3)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Missing left hand")[
(set: $handicap to "missing hand")
(set: $missinghand to "left")
(go-to: "Variables setting (3)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "None")[
(set: $handicap to "none")
(go-to: "Variables setting (3)")
]</div>}
What is your character's main trait?
{<div class="choice">(link: "Compassionate")[
(set: $compassionate to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (4)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Open")[
(set: $open to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (4)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Stoic")[
(set: $stoic to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (4)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Severe")[
(set: $severe to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (4)")
]</div>}
What is your main skill?
{<div class="choice">(link: "Intelligence")[
(set: $intelligence to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (5)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Martial prowess")[
(set: $martial to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (5)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Charisma")[
(set: $charisma to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (5)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Guile")[
(set: $guile to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (5)")
]</div>}
What is your characters hobby?
{<div class="choice">(link: "Music")[
(set: $MChobby to "music")
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(go-to: "Variables setting (6)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Painting")[
(set: $MChobby to "painting")
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(go-to: "Variables setting (6)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Writing")[
(set: $MChobby to "writing")
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
(go-to: "Variables setting (6)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Dancing")[
(set: $MChobby to "dancing")
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 1)
(set: $martial to $martial + 1)
(go-to: "Variables setting (6)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Theater")[
(set: $MChobby to "theater")
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
(go-to: "Variables setting (6)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "None")[
(set: $MChobby to "none")
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 1)
(set: $guile to $guile + 1)
(go-to: "Variables setting (6)")
]</div>}
What is your relationship with Ajmal Mansoor?
{<div class="choice">(link: "Very bad")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to -2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to -2)
(go-to: "Variables setting (7)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Bad")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to -1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to 0)
(go-to: "Variables setting (7)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Neutral")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to 4)
(go-to: "Variables setting (7)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Good")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (7)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Friends")[
(set: $MansoorFriendship to 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to 8)
(go-to: "Variables setting (7)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Good friends")[
(set: $MansoorFriendship to 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to 10)
(go-to: "Variables setting (7)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Crush")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to 10)
(go-to: "Variables setting (7)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Crush and confessed")[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 2)
(set: $MansoorAffection to 10)
(go-to: "Variables setting (7)")
]</div>}
What is your relationship with Zanetta Calvio?
{<div class="choice">(link: "Very bad")[
(set: $ZanettaTrust to -2)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to -3)
(go-to: "Variables setting (8)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Bad")[
(set: $ZanettaTrust to -1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to 0)
(go-to: "Variables setting (8)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Neutral")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to 3)
(go-to: "Variables setting (8)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Good")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to 7)
(go-to: "Variables setting (8)")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "Crush or flirted")[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to 7)
(go-to: "Variables setting (8)")
]</div>}
And you're all set!
''Just a warning'': You might still encounter bugs due to the fact that you won't have the same history you would playing through chapter 1. This functionality is mostly just for testing purposes, you won't have the same experience as if you had been playing through chapter 1.
<div class="choice">(link: "Go to chapter 2")[
(set: $SabraAffection to 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to 1)
(set: $Ajmal to "Ajmal")
(go-to: "CHAPTER TWO")
]</div>
Of course, as soon as he saw you, the young knight stood up quickly, making the boat rock dangerously, and he had to take a moment to find his balance.
Ajmal had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. He was wearing an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings — and a long black coat over a silver-embroidered dark grey shirt tucked into billowing pants, black leather boots, and a brick red sash around his waist. Of course he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the simple scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.
“Good morning, $MCcovertitle,” he welcomed you, his smile a bit bashful.
{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[
“Good morning...”<br /><br />
You looked around you, realizing that you were out in the open and you could not use his usual name and title.<br /><br />
“... Sleiman,” you finished with some difficulty, still unused to the cover name Zanetta had chosen for Sir Mansoor.
]
(else:)[
“Good morning, Ajmal,” you answered {(if: ($MansoorTrust < 0) or ($maintrait is "stoic" or "severe"))[with a nod.]
(else:)[with a smile.]}
]}
You turned a curious look towards Nuto. When he took you on his… special trips, it was usually just the two of you, discretion being key.
“I asked him to come today, just in case you needed some extra help on your test,” the Dwarf answered your silent question.
“Do you plan on doing anything dangerous?” Ajmal asked him, frowning while he extended a hand to help you climb aboard the gondola.
You took his hand, stepping onto the boat, and Nuto answered: “No, nothing dangerous, don’t worry.”
The knight seemed reassured, but having known the gondolier for a few months now, you were very much conscious that his notion of what was and was not dangerous was very different from Sir Mansoor’s.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
Unaware of what he was doing, Ajmal held onto your hand a bit longer than necessary and you had to clear your throat to get his attention.<br /><br />
“I— I am so sorry, $MCcovertitle,” he fumbled, releasing your hand and letting you sit aboard.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at him, unable to contain your joy at this small sign of affection. “It is alright, $Ajmal.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You swallowed thickly, trying to ignore the warmth that was spreading through your chest. “It is alright.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled softly at him, warmth spreading through your chest. “It is quite alright, $Ajmal.”
]}<br />
]}
Nuto’s gaze swept over the gondola before he undid the rope that was tying it to the dock.
“You got the gondola ready,” he commented as he jumped on the boat, taking his oar and positioning himself at the back.
Ajmal sat in front of you and nodded at him. “I thought it would save some time... Was— was it alright?”
He looked at the Dwarf hesitantly.
Nuto nodded. “You did good, son.”
The knight’s complexion turned a little darker as he basked in Nuto’s scarce approval.
<div class="choice">[[His oar plunged into the dark waters of the channel and the gondola started gliding across the glossy surface.->The start of the trip]]</div>
When she saw you, she straightened up and smirked.
“Good morning, $MCcovertitle. Nuto.”
The Dwarf frowned in response, looking over the boat. “You didn’t get the gondola ready.”
Zanetta frowned back. “You never said I had to. Besides, I probably would have done it wrong.”
Nuto shook his head disapprovingly and jumped aboard, starting to roll up the cloth that was protecting the craft from dust. You gave Zanetta a curious look as he set out to work. You were usually on your own when you went on your… special trips with Nuto. Discretion was key.
“Nuto asked me to come, give you a hand in case things go downhill,” the Dwarven woman responded to your silent question.
“Nothing is going to go downhill,” the gondolier said as he extended a hand to help you climb aboard the gondola. “We’re not doing anything dangerous.”
“Nothing dangerous?” Zanetta asked as she jumped with ease onto the boat. “Like when we almost fell down a waterfall not dangerous or...”
You sat down, looking between the two of them with some worry.
“We came back fine, it wasn’t dangerous.”
“That was the scare of my life,” Zanetta replied with indignation.
The gondolier shrugged as he undid the rope tying the boat to the dock. “Just because you’re scared doesn’t mean it’s dangerous.”
The Dwarven woman rolled her eyes as she sat down in front of you. “You, my friend, are insane.”
The corner of Nuto’s lip quirked up in a rare lopsided smile. “I’ve made it this far...”
“Somehow,” Zanetta grumbled while giving you a wink, reassuring you that the argument was nothing serious.
<div class="choice">[[Taking his usual position at the back of the gondola, Nuto plunged his oar in the dark waters of the channel, the gondola shuddering to life.->The start of the trip]]</div>
You had explored quite a bit of Lagodoro on Nuto’s gondola. It felt different, down from the waterways, as if you were looking at the city through a glass window, observing but not really part of the city. You were always at a distance from other bystanders, the waters of the the lake preventing you from reaching out but also protecting you. When you did interact with people, it was through Nuto and always with the invisible folks. Workers who kept the city running but who were not looked at twice by nobles and rich citizens. If once at all. People who knew the underside of Lagodoro, who taught you to look for things you never suspected existed before.
It was strange learning so much about what less fortunate people were up to while you stayed removed from high society. Sometimes it was painful to see. Other times, quite joyful. But every time, instructive.
Of course, you were also starting to have solid idea of Lagodoro’s layout, as labyrinthine as the Dwarven capital city was. You had seen the very center of the city, with the Royal residence and all the government buildings, although you did not go there very often. You had wandered the cultural heart of Lagodoro, seen its grand theaters, operas, high-end restaurants and luxurious department stores. It was always a lively place, although not quite as lively as the more popular center of entertainment, with its cabarets, brothels and crowded bars. You also had seen the artisans’ quarters and the market places, teeming with goods which quality was renowned worldwide. You had to convince Nuto to let you wander the stalls of one of the craftsmen’s markets once. You wanted to see for yourself the incredible works of metal, stone and glass you had heard so much about. You had not been disappointed.
But for today, it seemed like you were going to stick to the upper class residential area. While Nuto was rowing behind you, you looked around you, glancing up at large mansions and their luxurious gardens, overflowing with strange pale plants and luminescent fungi. As you progressed through the waterways of the city, the beautiful houses became a little smaller and a little closer together. Those were still luxurious habitations, but you could tell they did not belong to the most powerful citizens of Lagodoro. Minor nobles and rich merchants most likely lived here.
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
<div class="choice">[[While Nuto was navigating through the beautiful and quiet neighborhood, you saw Ajmal perk up in front of you.->The love of Ajmal's life]]</div>
]
(else:)[
<div class="choice">[[While you were navigating the beautiful and quiet neighborhood, you heard a voice calling from above.->Master Vanni Conte]]</div>
]}
He looked to the side with rapt attention and you followed his gaze. A lithe cat was walking at the edge of a quay, alongside your gondola. Of course. (if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[You smiled to yourself. ]You were very familiar with the knight’s affection for the feline kind. Even when you passed the dock, the cat found a way to keep following, climbing on small ledges. Ajmal tensed up, probably scared that the creature might fall in the water, but it gracefully trotted along, jumping on window sills and other protuberances. It was hard to determine the cat’s colors at first, but soon a street light revealed its calico coat.
You heard Nuto’s deep chuckle behind you. “I see you noticed Little Lady there.”
“Is that her name?” Ajmal asked while still following the cat’s path with captivation.
“The one I give her, anyway. There’s a lot of alley cats in Lagodoro, so ‘the cat’ doesn’t cut it anymore.”
The knight turned his gaze briefly to Nuto, eyes wide with disbelief. “Did you name all of them?”
The gondolier chuckled once more. “Just the ones I see often. Little Lady, she likes to hang around the ritzier neighborhoods. See if she can snag the fanciest treats. A bit of a snob, if you ask me.”
Ajmal kept staring at the cat with so much love that you feared the inevitable heartbreak to come. “She is beautiful…”
Little Lady suddenly looked at him as if she understood the compliment. She dashed forward and Ajmal had to crane is neck to see her run and jump on a bridge behind him.
“Huh oh,” Nuto said. “First you tell her that and then you have to feed her expensive treats for the rest of your life.”
“I could get used to that,” Ajmal responded, drawing another chuckle out of Nuto.
“I figured.”
When the gondola passed underneath the bridge, the cat barely hesitated before jumping down, landing right in between the knight’s long legs, making him gasp in surprise and delight. Little Lady put her two front paws on his thigh and started meowing miserably at him. They were delicate little cries, ones you were convinced she perfected to be utterly adorable.
Sir Mansoor, of course, melted instantaneously.
“Oh, she must be starving,” he said, looking devastated as he glanced up at Nuto. “Do we not have anything we can give her to eat?”
The Dwarf expelled a long tired sigh, but when you looked over your shoulder at him, you could see an amused light in his blue eyes. He put his oar away and started rummaging through a compartment at the back of the gondola. He pulled out two small smoked fish, the strong scent quickly invading your nostrils, and threw them in Ajmal’s direction. The knight caught them in his gloved hands.
“These are her favorites,” the Dwarf commented, but Sir Mansoor was already busy feeding them to Little Lady.
The cat nibbled carefully on the fish, taking elegant tiny bites, but somehow still managing to devour the two fish in a matter of seconds. After she finished her meal, she climbed confidently on Ajmal’s lap, curling herself against his stomach and purring so loudly you could hear it clearly from where you sat, over the noises of Nuto’s oar plunging into water.
“She’s a manipulative little thing,” the Dwarf stated.
The knight threw him an indignant look. “I think she is very sweet. Do you not agree, $MCcovertitle?”
He looked at you with hopeful eyes, the matter clearly of great importance to him.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<div class="choice">You tensed up. You and Sir Mansoor had not be on the friendliest of terms and you were surprised he would ask you to back him up at all.<br />
(link: "“Sure,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Sure, was all you could mutter")
] was all you could mutter. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
]
<div class="choice">With how strongly Sir Mansoor felt about the issue, you could not possibly contradict him.<br />
(link: "“I agree, she is very sweet,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I agree, she is very sweet")
] you confirmed with a friendly smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You laughed, amused at how passionate Sir Mansoor was about this alley cat he just met. (link: "“I do not think those are mutually exclusive. She can be both sweet and manipulative.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "She can be both")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You shrugged noncommittally but could not stop the corners of your lips from twitching up.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "You shrugged noncommittally")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You looked at the cat on Sir Mansoor’s lap and at her little paws, neatly crossed in front of her.<br />
(link: "“I could not say either way, but she certainly is a well-mannered cat,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "She is a well-mannered cat")
] you replied as seriously as the knight was. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You were not really in the mood for such a light-hearted conversation and you did not care to take any side.<br />
“It does not matter,” you said firmly. (link: "“We should focus on the test Nuto wants me to complete.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "We should focus on the test")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You loved cats. And you loved Sir Mansoor. Your heart was about ready to explode.<br />
(link: "“She is the sweetest cat I have ever met,”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ The sweetest cat I have ever met")
] you confirmed, doing your best to not let your adoration seep too obviously into your tone. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You were not specifically a cat person yourself, but seeing how happy Sir Mansoor looked with the little ball of fur on his lap, you were about to become one...<br />
(link: "“She is a cat of excellent taste, at the very least,”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ A cat of excellent taste")
] you said with a smile you hoped did not look as soft as you felt. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div class="choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>The scene was so endearing that your heart started to ache.<br />
(link: "“You are both very sweet,”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ You are both sweet")
] you murmured, looking at Sir Mansoor with unrestrained fondness. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}
“Is that... My dear friend Zanetta?”
You looked up and behind you. There was a Dwarf, leaning on the railing of the bridge you just passed under. They were elegantly dressed, if a little unusual in their choice of cuts and colors, from what you had seen so far in Lagodoro. They wore a pastel blue suit with some asymmetrical lines and their waist was accentuated by a corset, adding some curves to the outfit’s usual straight lines. Their long coppery hair was styled in a fashionable sweeping bun and they sported a braided goatee and a perfectly curled mustache. They were smiling brightly.
You looked back at Zanetta who winced as she looked up at the Dwarf. Despite her expression, her eyes were lit up with some amusement.
“Huh oh…” She mumbled.
You leaned forward to whisper: “Is this bad?”
”Not necessarily. I just hope you’re ready to be the talk of high society, because it looks like it’s going to happen sooner than I planned...”
You looked back at the bridge and, as the gondola slowly glided away, the well dressed Dwarf’s eyes were darting around, looking for something.
Then they pointed ahead and raised their voice. “Please, wait for me at this dock, I will be right over!”
They walked across the bridge at a hurried pace and disappeared behind a tall house hanging above the channel.
Zanetta sighed. “At least they said ‘please’. Nuto, I guess you know where to go.”
The gondolier hummed and rowed in the direction of the nearby dock.
“Could we not simply refuse to meet with them?” You asked the Dwarven woman.
She shook her head. “I would advise against that. Master Vanni Conte is a talented and beloved opera singer. They’re a good friend to have.”
You nodded. (if: $MChobby is "music" or "theater")[Knowing their profession, you were actually quite curious to meet them, now.]
“Don’t worry, they’re very friendly and pretty straightforward, it’ll go well,” Zanetta added(if: ($ZanettaTrust is 0) and ($ZanettaAffection > 4))[ with a reassuring smile].
Nuto smoothly aligned the gondola against the dock, stepping on the stone to help you out of the boat. When you set foot on solid ground, Master Conte appeared on top of the stairs, a little out of breath. They climbed the steps down in a rush, nonetheless, their shining smile still on their lips.
“Zanetta darling, it has been too long!” They exclaimed, taking your Dwarven companion’s hands in theirs and laying a kiss on her knuckles.
That was an overly familiar greeting if you ever saw one. You wondered how close of a friend they considered Zanetta, or if it was just due to their exuberant nature. At a closer glance, you could tell by the way Master Conte tan skin crinkled around their eyes that they were a little older than you or Zanetta. But it was difficult to ascertain their age when they had such a youthful energy.
“Where have you been?” They asked, releasing the Dwarven woman’s hands.
“Busy helping my new friend settle in,” Zanetta answered while turning towards you.
“Oh, new friends are so exciting! Please, introduce us!” Master Conte turned an ecstatic gaze in your direction.
You had been sheltered for months, the sudden and intense attention was a bit overwhelming.
“Master Conte, this is $MCcovertitle2 $MCname Anemone of Ilionis. $MCcovertitle2 $MCname, you just met Master Vanni Conte.”
”It is an absolute delight to meet you, $MCcovertitle.”
They extended a hand towards you.
{<div class="choice">[[You took their hand to shake it, as you knew it was one of the two traditional greetings here.->Shake their hand]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[You gave them your hand to kiss, as it was obviously the way they liked to greet people.->Give your hand to kiss]]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You took their hand to kiss, suspecting that would please them.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Take their hand to kiss")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You ignored their hand and bowed your head, hand on your heart, a more traditional greeting in Ahabalad.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Bow your head")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You took their hand, resting your other hand on their shoulder, for you knew this was the standard greeting in Galanissos.")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Hand on shoulder")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“Sure,” was all you could mutter.
Your less than enthusiastic response made Ajmal deflate immediately. His gaze dropped to the cat on his lap who looked back up at him with curiosity, still purring.
“Thank you, $MCcovertitle,” he said quietly, glancing at you with a short, apologetic smile.
A tense silence fell on the gondola, ony disrupted by Nuto’s rowing. Looking hesitant, Sir Mansoor glanced between you and Little Lady.
“Would you like to pet her?” He asked in a weak voice.
It felt like a small peace offering.
{<div class="choice">You nodded. If it could ease some of the tension between you and the knight... (link: "And you would get to pet Little Lady, which was a hard proposal to pass up.")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.8)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Accepting the peace offering")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You shook your head. (link: "“She seems comfortable, I... would not want to disturb her.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Refusing the peace offering")
]</div>}
“I agree, she is very sweet,” you confirmed with a friendly smile.
Ajmal smiled brightly at you. “She is, is she not?”
You smiled at the knight’s enthusiasm as he focused on the cat once again, gently brushing her colorful coat. He glanced between you and Little Lady with some hesitation, until he delicately scooped the cat into his arms and swiftly shifted from his seat to yours, settling beside you. Little Lady seemed unbothered by the sudden change of position and kept purring, kneading Sir Mansoor’s bicep while he leaned towards you. You realized he was giving you the opportunity to pet the cat, should you wish to. (if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.8)As tense as things were between you, it felt a bit like a peace offering.]
You were not about to say no to that.
(display: "Petting the cat")
I do not think those are mutually exclusive. She can be both sweet and manipulative.”
The look of utter betrayal on Ajmal’s face was quite comical, really. He gaped at you, offended, until he cleared his throat.
“While I appreciate your attempt at compromising, $MCcovertitle, Little Lady here is //only// sweet and not manipulative in the least,” the knight affirmed before looking down at the purring cat and resuming forehead rubs.
Nuto sighed behind you.
“Swindled by a cat,” he mumbled as he kept on rowing.
(display: "The trial")
Nuto chuckled. “It’s wise to not take any side, $MCnutotitle.”
Ajmal frowned deeply, both at you and the gondolier. “Sometimes it is more important to take a stand for what is right.”
“Like defending a cat’s honor?” Nuto asked, skeptical.
“Exactly,” the knight replied, giving him a defiant look as he held Little Lady closer to him.
The cat purred louder, tucking her head against Sir Mansoor’s arm. Nuto sighed deeply behind you and you looked over your shoulder to see him shake his head, a small smile pulling at the corners of his lips.
He kept on rowing.
(display: "The trial")
“I could not say either way, but she certainly is a well-mannered cat,” you replied as seriously as the knight was.
“That, she is,” Ajmal replied, looking down at the cat and giving her gentle forehead rubs.
“If seducing someone to get the treats you want can be called well-mannered, sure,” Nuto grumbled behind you.
“Little Lady is simply aware of her higher status,” you argued. “She is only demanding what is due to her.”
“Exactly,” Sir Mansoor confirmed firmly, obviously thrilled you were taking his side.
Nuto sighed deeply but did not reply, continuing to row in silence. Ajmal looked between you and the cat hesitantly.
“Would you like to pet her, $MCcovertitle?” He asked you.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<br />With how tense things had been between you, the proposal felt a bit like a peace offering.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">You did not want to pass this opportunity up. Not only it would help smooth things over between you and Ajmal, but you would also get to pet a cat. (link: "You nodded at him.")[
(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.8)
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Accepting the peace offering")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You shook your head. (link: "“She seems comfortable, I... would not want to disturb her.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Refusing the peace offering")
]</div>
]
(else:)[
You smiled faintly at him. “I would like that, yes.”<br /><br />
The knight gently scooped Little Lady up in his arms and swiftly shifted from his seat to yours, settling beside you. The cat seemed unbothered by the sudden change of position and she kept purring, kneading Sir Mansoor’s bicep. He leaned towards you, giving you easy access to Little Lady.<br />
(display: "Petting the cat")
]}
“It does not matter,” you said firmly. “We should focus on the test Nuto wants me to complete.”
Ajmal immediately deflated at your tone. “Of course, $MCcovertitle. I did not mean to distract you, I apologize.”
You nodded at him, thankful that the matter was dropped. You heard Nuto hum behind you and you were unsure if it was meant as approval or misgiving. He kept rowing in silence after that.
(display: "The trial")
“She is the sweetest cat I have ever met,” you confirmed, doing your best to not let your adoration seep too obviously into your tone.
Thankfully, Ajmal was far too pleased by your agreeing and far too concerned with defending Little Lady’s honor to notice anything.
He smiled so brightly at you that you feared being blinded. “She is, is she not?”
The knight looked between you and the cat with some hesitation. Then he carefully scooped Little Lady in his arms and swiftly moved from his sit to join you on your bench. The cat seemed undisturbed by the sudden change of position, purring still and kneading Ajmal’s bicep. The knight shifted, leaning towards you, his shoulder brushing against yours. You realized he was trying to let you pet Little Lady, if you wished to. (if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.8)As tense as things were between you, it felt a bit like a peace offering.]
The only thing you wished more than petting the cat was to switch position with her to be in Sir Mansoor’s arms. Of course, {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[it was not likely to ever happen](else:)[it was not an option]} so you had to settle for petting the cat.
(display: "Petting the cat")
“She is a cat of excellent taste, at the very least,” you said with a smile you hoped did not look as soft as you felt.
Thankful, Ajmal was far too busy petting Little Lady and defending her honor to notice anything.
“Of course,” the knight said, staring lovingly at the cat as he rubbed her forehead. “She deserves the best treats.”
The veiled compliment went right over his head, as you expected it would. It only made you gaze at him more fondly. Sir Mansoor looked back up at you. Noticing your expression, he smiled softly at you, before staring between you and the cat.
“Would you like to pet her, $MCcovertitle?” He asked, probably misinterpreting your look.
“I... would not mind trying,” you answered nonetheless.
(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.8)As tense as things were between you, it felt a bit like a peace offering. ]The knight gently scooped Little Lady in his arms and swiftly shifted from his seat to settle beside you. The cat seemed undisturbed by the change of position, still purring and kneading Ajmal’s bicep. Sir Mansoor leaned towards you, his shoulder brushing against yours, to give you easier access to Little Lady. You would much rather have cuddled up against him for the rest of the trip, but you had to settle for petting the cat.
(display: "Petting the cat")
Ajmal was so focused on defending Little Lady’s honor and giving her gentle forehead rubs that the compliment took him entirely by surprise. He gaped at you for a moment.
“You are both very sweet,” you murmured, looking at Sir Mansoor with unrestrained fondness.
“I am— I am not... (upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), you are flattering me, I am hardly...” He stumbled over his words, cheeks turning dark red.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
He turned his head away, frowning as a flash of pain crossed his flustered expression. “You cannot truly think that.”<br /><br />
You stayed quiet, looking down at your lap and your wringing fingers. You knew what he meant. With how cold your relationship had been the past few months, it was hard for him to believe you had any affection for him. But unfortunately for you, you truly did.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
He turned his head away, a flash of pain crossing his flustered expression. “I truly do not deserve such praise.”<br /><br />
You looked at him, your heart squeezing painfully. You knew he was thinking about that day, when he had to reject you. You looked down at your lap, twisting your fingers together. You did not want to think about that day either. No matter how much you wished to contradict him, you stayed quiet.
]
(else:)[
Looking down at Little Lady, still petting her while she looked up at him with curiosity, he mumbled: “I do not think I am quite as deserving of the epithet as she is.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[You smiled softly.](else-if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[You frowned.](else:)[You grinned.] “Nonsense. I do not know anyone who would argue otherwise.”<br /><br />
You looked over your shoulder at the gondolier. “Do you think I am wrong, Nuto?”<br />
The Dwarf rasped a chuckle. “Of course not, $MCnutotitle. He’s too sweet for his own good, that’s what he his.”<br /><br />
Nuto shook his head, sighing disapprovingly. “Getting swindled by a cat...”<br />
“See? Nuto agrees,” you said, turning back towards the knight.<br />
Ajmal’s face turned darker still, so much so he had to cover it with his hand. “That is not very fair to collude against me like that.”<br />
]}
The knight kept silent for a moment, focusing on giving Little Lady loving attention to distract himself from his emotions. After a while he glanced between you and the cat. Then he scooped Little Lady up in his arms and swiftly shifted from his seat to yours, settling at your side. The cat seemed unbothered by the sudden change of position, still purring loudly and kneading Ajmal’s bicep.
Sir Mansoor leaned towards you, his shoulder brushing against yours, and you quickly understood that he was giving you the opportunity to pet Little Lady{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[(set: $MansoorTrust to -0.8), maybe as a small peace offering](else-if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[, maybe as a small apology]}. You looked at him, unable to restrain a faint but fond smile. You would have rather held the knight in your arms, but you were happy to settle for petting the cat.
(display: "Petting the cat")
Master Conte shook your hand in a firm and enthusiastic hold. Seeing their dazzling smile, you figured you chose an appropriate greeting.
(display: "Master Vanni Conte (2)")
Master Conte took your hand gently, bowing slightly to bring it to their face, their lips never actually touching your knuckles. A much more restrained and polite greeting than the one they shared with Zanetta, but by their thrilled expression, you figured you made the right choice.
(display: "Master Vanni Conte (2)")
As you politely brushed their knuckles with your lips, Master Conte was positively beaming.
“Oh! What a charming young $MCgender!” They exclaimed, thrilled.
You released their hand and smiled at them, confident you made an excellent impression.
(display: "Master Vanni Conte (2)")
Master Conte’s expression faltered for a moment. They glanced hesitantly at Zanetta, before bowing the same way you did, their hand on their heart.
“A greeting from the surface... Of course,” they said, but you could tell from their tone it was not what they expected.
Maybe you should have been more careful. You did not think they would recognize a Baladian greeting but maybe they did. You also glanced at Zanetta and she looked a little troubled. The awkward moment quickly passed, however, as Master Conte returned to beaming a smile at you.
(display: "Master Vanni Conte (2)")
“Ah! Of course,” Master Conte said, smiling apologetically at you. “Galanissos’ greeting.”
To their credit, they did their best to put their own hand on your shoulder gracefully, although the size difference made it quite challenging. (if: $MCsize is "tall" or "medium height")[You had to bow forward to help them, otherwise they would never have been able to reach that high. ]It was a bit awkward, but at least you were committing to your cover. Master Conte still beamed at you, unfazed, while you could see Zanetta rolling her eyes beside you.
(display: "Master Vanni Conte (2)")
A small smile returned to Ajmal’s face. He gently scooped the cat up in his arms and swiftly shifted from his seat to settle beside you, leaning in your direction to give you access to Little Lady. The cat seemed unbothered by the sudden change of position, purring loudly still and kneading Sir Mansoor’s bicep.
(display: "Petting the cat")
“She seems comfortable, I... would not want to disturb her.”
The look of disappointment on Ajmal’s face was hard to miss. He nodded, looking down at Little Lady and holding her tighter against him. She tucked her head against his arm and purred louder still.
(display: "The trial")(set: $LittleLadyPets to 1) {(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You reached for Little Lady’s head, giving her gentle forehead scratches, but the cat first ignored you, tucking her head on the inside of Ajmal’s arm. After some persuasive and strategic chin and cheeks rubs, Little Lady finally agreed to let you pet her, rolling on her back in the knight’s arms to extend her neck and give you full access for chin scratches. You chuckled and obliged.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You did not really know where to start, really, so at first you just stared at the contented cat in Ajmal’s arms. Little Lady opened her green eyes, staring at you while she purred loudly. She slowly blinked at you before stretching a paw to reach for your hand. Little Lady certainly knew what she wanted. You could not help but chuckle and oblige, rubbing her cheeks and forehead. She closed her eyes once again, delighted.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You presented your hand to Little Lady, but at first she ignored you, purring and staring lovingly up at Ajmal. It was a little offensive, to be honest. But after a while, she finally sniffed your fingers and let you rub her forehead and chin, purring louder and closing her eyes with delight. You could not help but smile.
]
(else:)[
You approached your hand slowly, letting Little Lady sniff your fingers before anything else. The cat quickly shoved her head into your hand, demanding pets. You chuckled and obliged, rubbing Little Lady’s forehead and scratching her chin as she purred louder and closed her eyes with delight.
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
You looked up and met the knight’s gaze. He smiled tentatively at you and you tried your best to respond in kind.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorRomance is 2) or ($MansoorRomance is 1 and $MansoorAffection > 6))[
You looked up at the knight only to realize that his tender gaze had shifted from the cat to you and your breath caught in your throat at the softness in his eyes. The moment quickly broke when he realized you were staring back at him. He cleared his throat, cheeks dark, and averted his gaze.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance is 1)[
You looked up at the knight to watch him stare at the cat with such tenderness that you could not help your heart from aching with envy. You wished he could look at you that way.
]
(else:)[
You looked up to see the knight smiling fondly at you and you smiled back.
]}
Leaning away from Sir Mansoor, you left the cat to her snuggling against the knight. The purring started to fade as Little Lady fell asleep on Ajmal’s lap.
<div class="choice">[[Quiet returned to the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>(set: $questions to 0)
The Dwarf looked at you through narrowed eyes and a conspiratorial smile. “Say, you look very young, my friend. Would it be too rude of me to ask what age you might be?”
That was a very odd thing to ask to someone you just met. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You turned to Zanetta for help, not wanting to commit a social faux-pas.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You frowned slightly and looked to Zanetta. Should you be offended?
]
(else:)[
You looked curiously to Zanetta, wondering if it was part of Dwarven culture, somehow.
]}
Zanetta chuckled. “You know I can see you coming from miles away, Vanni.”
Master Conte grinned at her. “What can I say. I can be predictable, on occasion.”
Your spymaster raised a skeptical eyebrow. “On occasion?”
The Dwarf nodded. “And only to my closest and smartest friends.”
“Huh-uh,” Zanetta smirked at him, crossing her ams over her chest.
“Anyway, that still leaves my question unanswered.”
Your Dwarven companion sighed. “Fine. (upperfirst: $MCpronoun)(print: $MCplural of (a: "’s", "’re")) turning nineteen today.”
It seemed to have been exactly what Master Conte was hoping for as they were exulting.
“Marvelous!” They exclaimed, turning to you. “Then I will have to send you an invitation to the avviamento ball at once! I have the honor of being this year’s host, you see.”
You had a pretty good idea of what the avviamento ball was. You had similar traditions in Ahabalad’s court. From what you understood, it was a way to introduce young people to high society. Not that they had no association with high society whatsoever before then, but after being introduced at the avviamento ball, they could access to events reserved to adults and be considered available for marriage proposals. That was if betrothals had not been arranged beforehand by their families.
“I will need to hurry,” Master Conte said in a more subdued tone, a slight frown on their brow. “It is only a few weeks from now and you will need to pick a partner.”
Their expression quickly switched back to a friendly smile. “As soon as word gets out, I am certain your mail will be flooded with proposals, with how lovely you are!”
Zanetta laughed. “They should never have picked you as the host. You are way too thrilled about all this.”
“Thrilled?!” Master Conte turned to her in pretend outraged. “I am absolutely out of my mind, Zanetta! Do you have any idea how stressful the job is? Not to mention King Pace’s dreaded second child is turning nineteen this year as well...”
The Dwarven woman groaned. “I almost forgot about that...”
“Well I can’t afford to forget. I can’t afford to forget anyone. Everybody who’s someone — whatever //that// means — and is nineteen this year has to receive an invitation or they’ll put my head on a pike.”
They threw their arms up in the air quite dramatically, a quality you were sure was required to be a good opera singer. But even though they were playing up their frustration for Zanetta’s and your amusement, you could tell some of their agitation was not faked. You also could not help but notice the slight change in their language, betraying a more humble background than their fashionable clothes first suggested.
Master Conte sighed deeply after their rant. “But that is my burden to bear.”
They smiled amicably at you. “You enjoy your day. A nineteenth birthday is worth celebrating. Maybe you will do something exciting today, mmh? But do not get in too much trouble.”
They chuckled, eyes crinkling and shining in a mischievous way. Zanetta cleared her throat, getting their attention.
“I’m sure you’re very busy, Vanni, with all the preparations for the avviamento ball and all that. We won’t take more of your time.”
“Right, right! I do have those errands to run. But as soon as I get home, I will work on that invitation.”
They said their goodbyes and climbed up the stairs leading away from the dock with a spring in their step. You and Zanetta returned to your places in the gondola and Nuto started rowing again between the handsome townhouses of the upper class residential quarter.
After a moment of quiet navigation along the channel, you broke the silence. You had questions.
{(if: $lastpassage is "Bow your head")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I messed up,” you said, chewing on your lip nervously. “When I greeted Master Conte.”")[
(set: $questions to $questions + 1)
(go-to: "I messed up")
]</div>
]
<div class="choice">(link: "“You knew about the avviamento ball, did you not?” You asked Zanetta. “Why did you tell them my age?”")[
(set: $questions to $questions + 1)
(go-to: "Why did you tell them my age?")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Master Conte is an interesting character,” you said to your spymaster. “You seem to get along with them. I thought you did not like members of high society much.”")[
(set: $questions to $questions + 1)
(go-to: "You seem to get along with them")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“So the middle child of King Pace will be at the avviamento ball?”")[
(set: $questions to $questions + 1)
(go-to: "The middle child of King Pace")
] You asked Zanetta, unable to restrain your curiosity.</div>}
“I messed up,” you said, chewing on your lip nervously. “When I greeted Master Conte.”
Zanetta looked at you, one eyebrow quirked up. “Yeah.”
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You glared at her. Surely she could come up with a more helpful answer than that, it was a matter of life or death after all.
]
(else:)[
You felt yourself deflate, your shoulders drooping, and you looked at the Dwarven woman pleadingly. Surely there was something to do to fix your mistake.
]}
Zanetta chuckled and gave you an apologetic smile. “Sorry, but that’s true! Don’t give me that look, though, it’s not the end of the world. You’re lucky that Vanni is not one to tattle about what’s not their business. But they are a worldly person and no doubt recognized that greeting as one from Ahabalad. It might not be the case for everyone down here, but I would recommend to not try your luck with anyone else. Stick to the Telidrican greetings or a Galanissos one if you know them.”
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded. “I will not slip up next time.”<br />
“Make sure that you don’t,” the spymaster said, a more serious look on her face
]
(else:)[
You sighed in relief. “Alright, I will remember that, next time.”<br />
“Make sure that you do,” the spymaster said, a more serious look on her face.
]}
{(if: $questions is 4)[
Silence descended once again on the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing, the small boat gliding between elegant townhouses.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
As quiet descended once again on the gondola, you considered other questions to ask her.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
“You knew about the avviamento ball, did you not?” You asked Zanetta. “Why did you tell them my age?”
The Dwarven woman sighed and leaned forward, elbows on her knees. “Because that was unavoidable. Before today, we could use your young age as an excuse to keep you sheltered. But now? It’ll start raising suspicion among high society. The avviamento ball is the perfect opportunity to introduce you without bringing too much attention to you. You’ll be lost among a hundred other nineteen year-olds making their debut. Besides, everyone will be looking at Prince Marsili.”
She straightened herself and concluded: “I told them your age because I had planned on securing an invitation anyway. Now or later, it’s just the same.”
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You frowned, holding her gaze. “I would have liked to be consulted on this.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You frowned, looking down at your hands. “You could have told me about it.”
]
(else:)[
You frowned, looking away. “Is there a reason you did not tell me about it?”
]}
Zanetta sighed again. “Listen, I was //going// to talk to you about it, but you have to go either way, for your own sake.”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I did not say I did not want to go,” you said, wringing your hands. “I just... I just thought we were on friendly enough terms that you would talk to me about the things you plan.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "On friendly enough terms")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
]
<div class= "choice">(link: "“I will go,” you replied, your frown deepening. “I just wished you talked to me about it sooner. I thought we should be open to each other to build trust?”")[
(if: $ZanettaTrust is -2)[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
]
(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
(set: $ZanettaTrust to -0.5)
]
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Being open to each other")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class= "choice">(link: "“I hate balls,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "I hate balls")
] you said, feeling yourself recoil at the idea of it.<br />
It was always too many people, too much noise. Really not your scene. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class= "choice">(link: "“I do plan to go. It will be a good occasion to make an impression, maybe make some allies,” you replied, waving your hand dismissively. “It is just the principle of the thing.”")[
(if: $ZanettaTrust is -2)[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
]
(if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
(set: $ZanettaTrust to -0.5)
]
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Just the principle of the thing")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
<div class= "choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“I will go,” you said, looking down, unable to meet her gaze. “It is just...”")[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to 1)
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Hurt that she did not trust you enough")
]<br />
You chewed on your lip, unable to finish your sentence, to tell her that you liked her and that you were hurt that she did not trust you enough to share her plans with you. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
]
<div class= "choice">
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“I will go,” you replied, your lips curling into a mischievous smile. “But you will have to dance with me as punishment for not talking about it sooner.”")[
(set: $ZanettaRomance to $ZanettaRomance + 1)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Dance with me as a punishment")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>}
“Master Conte is an interesting character,” you said to your spymaster. “You seem to get along with them. I thought you did not like members of high society much.”
Zanetta smiled. {(if: $ZanettAtrust < 0)[
Not really at you, but at the mention of Master Conte’s name.
]
(else:)[
Not just at you, but at the mention of Master Conte’s name.
]}
“They came from nothing, unlike most people in Lagodoro’s high society. And I can relate with that. They managed to gain their acceptance and respect purely by cultivating their talent… Well, with a little bit of charm too.”
She chuckled. You looked at her with curiosity.
“Did you gain the respect of high society through your skills as well?”
The Dwarven woman winced. “To some extent, I suppose. But my reputation and my hands aren’t quite as clean as Vanni’s.”
“The way you talk about Dwarven high society... It sounds like it is impossible to deal with them and come out of it unscathed,” you remarked.
Zanetta considered you with a thoughtful gaze. “That’s true… But Vanni managed to keep their neutrality by never getting involved in their politics and by staying so damn likable. Some people have tried to drag them into trouble, but they have enough admirers to defend and protect them. There’s quite a few nobles who like to invest in artistic endeavors. Makes them feel like they’re putting their wealth and power to good use.”
“Are they not?”
The Dwarven woman shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against the arts, and artists need to eat, just like everyone else. But it sometimes feels like these nobles are just trying to get prestige and a good reputation out of somebody else’s work.”
You nodded. You had seen similar things in Ahabalad. Your parents always had a genuine interest in the arts, so much so that they actively partook in them. {(if: $MChobby is "none")[
Of course, even if you did not have the same enthusiasm they did,
]
(else:)[
Of course they transmitted some of their passion to you, so
]} you always had a foot in the artistic scene. You had noticed how some nobles would brag about their involvement in putting together a show or an exhibition.
“So you are friends with Master Conte?” You asked, your curiosity yet to be sated.
“Oh yes, we are friends,” Zanetta confirmed with a chuckle. “And to tell the truth, they’re one of my contacts. They supply me with information and help me set foot in high society circles I have yet to have access to.”
“I thought they stayed neutral?” You said, frowning.
“They just like to help their friends,” the spymaster replied with a lopsided smile. “Besides, no one can criticize them for helping an agent of the government. That would be unpatriotic. Most unbecoming.”
“I see…”
Zanetta leaned forward, looking at you intently. “What about you? What did you think of them?”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[<div class="choice">(link: "“If they are your friend, then they must be a good person,”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "They must be a good person")
] you answered while smiling gently at her. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>]
<div class="choice">You smiled. (link: "“I like them, they are very friendly.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "They are very friendly")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I would love to see them sing,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I would love to see them sing")
] you replied with a bright smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You shrugged. (link: "“I do not have any opinion on them yet, we have just met.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "We have just met")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“They are polite, if a little overfamiliar,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "A little overfamiliar")
] you said with a slight frown. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“So the middle child of King Pace will be at the avviamento ball?” You asked Zanetta, unable to restrain your curiosity.
The Dwarven woman nodded and sighed. “Yes, Prince Marsili will be there. Which is both a blessing and a curse.”
“How so? Master Conte mentioned they were ‘dreaded’… Are they bad?”
“Bad?” Zanetta replied, raising her eyebrows. “That’s a matter of opinion, I’d say. No, I don’t think they’re really bad, but they’re troublesome, to say the least. Wherever they go, they bring chaos and scandals.”
You frowned. “Do they do anything reprehensible?”
She shrugged. “It depends on who you ask. They’re a known seductor and have had several romances with diverse members of the nobility, some who might have been already betrothed to a third party… And others who were not even part of the nobility, which is scandalous enough to some. They like to party and have been spotted drunk on several occasions already, which is of course quite shocking among high society. Otherwise, they tend to be blunt and to make openly sarcastic comments in public, to the nobility’s dismay.”
Your frown deepened. “That is... quite the reputation to have at such a young age already.”
The Dwarven spymaster frowned as well. “It really is. My guess is they’re lashing out against the expectations weighing on them due to their status. It wouldn’t be the first time I see something like that amongst the nobility’s youth.”
Zanetta rolled her eyes. “Another lost rich kid. At least, they don’t have to worry about the consequences of their attitude. Their status protects them, so I wouldn’t feel too bad for them.”
{<div class="choice">You could not dismiss it the same way she did. (link: "“Still... To act that way, they must be suffering. I do feel bad for them.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "They must be suffering")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You shrugged. Maybe she was right.<br />
(link: "“At least it sounds like they have some fun in their misery,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "They have some fun in their misery")
] you said, finding yourself even more curious about them than before. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You shrugged. She was probably right and you decided to move on.<br />
(link: "“You said them being there could be a problem...”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "You said they could be a problem")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You scrunched up your nose in distaste.<br />
(link: "“They sound... very immature,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "They sound immature")
] you said, fully planning on avoiding this outrageous individual. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}{(unless: ((history:) contains "I messed up") or ($lastpassage is "I messed up"))[
(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I messed up,” you said, chewing on your lip nervously. “When I greeted Master Conte.”")[
(set: $questions to $questions + 1)
(go-to: "I messed up")
]</div>
]
]
(unless: (history:) contains "Why did you tell them my age?")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“You knew about the avviamento ball, did you not?” You asked Zanetta. “Why did you tell them my age?”")[
(set: $questions to $questions + 1)
(go-to: "Why did you tell them my age?")
]</div>
]
(unless: (history:) contains "You seem to get along with them")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Master Conte is an interesting character,” you said to your spymaster. “You seem to get along with them. I thought you did not like members of high society much.”")[
(set: $questions to $questions + 1)
(go-to: "You seem to get along with them")
]</div>
]
(unless: (history:) contains "The middle child of King Pace")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“So the middle child of King Pace will be at the avviamento ball?”")[
(set: $questions to $questions + 1)
(go-to: "The middle child of King Pace")
] You asked Zanetta, unable to restrain your curiosity.</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[That was all you wanted to ask.->The trial]]</div>}
The traffic on these channels was sparse, the neighborhood still being mainly residential, and you did not cross paths with many other boats since the beginning of your trip. The waterway Nuto was currently following was deserted, except for a few gondolas stationed near private docks. The Dwarf had stayed quiet for a long time and you thought you were still far from your destination when the gondolier pointed at one such dock.
“Look on your right, $MCnutotitle,” he murmured, his rumbly voice a little hard to make out at such a low volume.
You glanced in the suggested direction and you saw a covered gondola gently swaying near its dock. A set of stairs led to a garden, not unlike the one gracing the mansion you stayed at, but a smaller, square one, bringing a touch of nature to a tall townhouse, squeezed between two others. It was a pretty place, undoubtedly expensive, but still vastly more modest than your residence. The garden was lovely, strange, but still comforting in a way. You could see vegetation spilling out of short dry stone walls. There were terraces at different levels. One was well visible, with a wrought-iron table and chairs in front of open arches that led inside the house, fabric curtains shivering in a slight breeze. Others were hidden behind the stone wall and the greenery — so to speak, many plants were actually white, pink, purple and blue. You especially noticed a tall tree, its sprawling branches giving some shade from a nearby lamppost to a corner of the garden and part of the channel. It was heavy with bulbous pale blue leaves and large purply pink flowers with petals so similar in texture to the leaves they blended into them.
There was also a lightly armed person patrolling around the garden. They were young and looked a little bored. You saw them stop near the iron gate leading to the dock, look around and yawn widely, a mildly curious gaze following your gondola. Your passage was surely one of the rare events to disturb their too quiet morning.
Nuto did not stop rowing at any point, the gondola continuing its path at the same leisurely speed. But once he turned into a new waterway on the right, he slowed the boat to a halt, out of sight of the house and its guard.
“Did you see that tree?” The gondolier asked you and you turned to look up at him.
You nodded, waiting for him to elaborate.
“I’m going to row ‘round this block and come back to drop you off on that dock. I’ll moor the gondola in an adjacent waterway, a little further, so you can still see us. I want you to pick a few flowers from that tree, maybe with a few branches and foliage. Just enough to make a nice bouquet. It’s up to you how you want to do this. Once you’re done, signal me and I’ll come pick you up.”
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Sir Mansoor tensed up, eyes blown wide. He would have certainly stood up in outrage, if not for the cat still sleeping on his lap.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“You want $MCpronoun2 to WHAT?!”->You want them to what?!]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You nodded at him and took a deep breath. It was dangerous, especially with that guard. But with all you had learned so far, you were confident you could do this without things getting too out of hands.<br />
Zanetta was observing you with curiosity.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“I am ready,”->Choosing your method]] you confirmed to Nuto.</div>
]}
“I did not say I did not want to go,” you said, wringing your hands. “I just… I just thought we were on friendly enough terms that you would talk to me about the things you plan.”
Zanetta groaned. “Please, don’t look at me like that with those eyes of yours.”
You looked away. “Sorry...”
“Never mind that, you can look at me all you want with those eyes of yours, but please, for the love of the Saints, //don’t apologize//.”
“I am...” You started before realizing you were going to apologize for apologizing. “Okay.”
You glanced carefully at the Dwarven woman who shifted uneasily on her bench.
She sighed deeply, her shoulders drooping defeatedly. “Listen... I’m sorry I didn’t speak about the avviamento ball any sooner. I should have. It has been... a bit more stressful to plan for than I anticipated and I’ve been preoccupied.”
You frowned. “Why is that?”
“There’ll be a lot of important people this year, a lot of potential dangers to account for.”
Her worried expression quickly cleared and turned into a reassuring smile. “But don’t worry, I’ll be right there to guide you through it.”
You smiled back, but it really raised more questions than it answered any.
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<br />
<div class="choice">[[The gondola slid quietly across the channel’s waters.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
<br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<br />
<div class="choice">[[The gondola slid quietly across the channel’s waters.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
<br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
“I will go,” you replied, your frown deepening. “I just wished you talked to me about it sooner. I thought we should be open to each other to build trust?”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -2)[
Zanetta frowned back, her expression turning hostile. “Oh, I see how it is. I have to make efforts to gain your trust while you don’t. Well, sorry to disappoint you, but that’s not how things work down here. I’d advise you to change your attitude lest it blows in your face someday, but I don’t think you care about my advice.”<br />
“I just think that if you were more open about things, I would have an easier time trusting you.”<br />
“And I would care about acquiring your trust if you did acquiring mine, but we both know that’s not the case,” Zanetta shot back. “I’ll tell you more about the avviamento ball when I’m good and ready, not at your convenience.”<br /><br />
Your lips pursed bitterly. {(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
(if: $questions < 4)[
Although you had more questions, you figured it was better to wait until Zanetta’s mood smoothed over to ask them.
]
]
(else:)[
(if: $questions < 3)[
Although you had more questions, you figured it was better to wait until Zanetta’s mood smoothed over to ask them.
]
]}A tense silence fell on the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -0.5)[
Zanetta raised a skeptical eyebrow at you. “Oh we do, now? That’s a switch.”<br />
You shifted uneasily on your bench, knowing she was referring to when you told her you did not trust her. “Well... I think it would make things easier, going forward...”<br />
The Dwarven woman sighed once more. “It would, but the effort must come from both parties for it to work, you do realize that, don’t you?”<br /><br />
You nodded slowly.<br /><br />
“Then we can try to do better next time. Both of us,” she said with an insistent gaze.<br />
“Alright,” you agreed quietly.<br /><br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
Once the matter was settled, quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
Once the matter was settled, you considered other questions you had.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
Once the matter was settled, quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
Once the matter was settled, you considered other questions you had.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
Zanetta sighed once again. “You’re right. Of course you’re right. I’m sorry, I should have told you sooner. Planning for the avviamento ball has been a bit more stressful than I anticipated. I’ve been... preoccupied.”<br />
Although you were grateful for her apology, this was only raising more questions. “Why is that?”<br />
“A lot of important people will be present this year. That’s a lot of potential dangers to account for.”<br /><br />
Her worried expression quickly faded in favor of a reassuring smile. “But I’ll be there to guide you through it, don’t worry. I’ll give you a rundown as soon as I’m able.”<br /><br />
You nodded, although you still had more questions now than when you started. {(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]}
“I hate balls,” you said, feeling yourself recoil at the idea of it.
It was always too many people, too much noise. Really not your scene.
“You’ll just need to go to this one. No more ball after that, promise. Just dance once with your partner and you’re good. I’ll let you lurk along the walls with the other moody younglings after that.”
Zanetta smirked at you. “Believe me, you won’t be the only one who doesn’t want to be there.”
“That does not make it any more pleasant,” you grumbled back.
“Who knows, maybe you could befriend a fellow ball hater, then it won’t be so terrible.”
You groaned and she chuckled. {(if: ($ZanettaTrust is 0) and ($ZanettaAffection > 4))[
<br /><br />
Her expression softened a bit, for a moment. “I know these events can be a lot. If it gets too overwhelming, come find me and I’ll get you to a quieter spot so you can breathe for a while.”<br /><br />
You nodded, grateful for the thought. You hoped it would not come to that, but it was nice to know the option was there.
]}In any case, it looked like you would not be able to escape the avviamento ball. {(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
But you had other questions.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
But you had other questions.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
“I do plan to go. It will be a good occasion to make an impression, maybe make some allies,” you replied, waving your hand dismissively. “It is just the principle of the thing.”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -2)[
Zanetta rolled her eyes. “If it’s just the principle of the thing, then… Anyway, how do you plan on making allies, exactly? By antagonizing everyone who wants to help you? I’m sure that’s going to do you wonders.”<br />
You glared at her. “I can be polite with my peers, thank you very much. Obviously I would be wise to not trust you, since you have just proven that you are not forthcoming with information.”<br />
“Maybe I would have been if you were more pleasant to talk to,” the Dwarven woman replied with a pointed look. “Besides, if you believe that your //peers// are somehow more trustworthy than I am, you’re gravely mistaken. I don’t know a more backstabbing bunch than Lagodoro’s nobility.”<br /><br />
You did not answer right away. As badly as you got along with Zanetta, you had to consider the possibility that she was right. Maybe you could not trust her, but that did not mean that you could trust Telidrica’s high society either. The Dwarven kingdom’s careful neutrality did not inspire much confidence.<br /><br />
“How can I trust that you are not saying that just to keep me away from potential allies?” You said after a while, not wanting to give her an inch of ground.<br />
Zanetta threw her head back, clearly frustrated. “Oh by the Saints, you’re fucking impossible! Why the fuck would I do that?”<br />
“Well, you’re clearly more sympathetic to the revolutionaries than you are to my cause. Or you could just want a reward from them,” you argued, trying to ignore the Dwarf’s foul language.<br />
“Great fucking argument,” Zanetta replied while leaning forward and giving you a hard stare. “So why haven’t I given your position to the revolutionaries already, then?”<br /><br />
You did not have an answer to that. You leveled your gaze with hers for a moment, then looked away. She did have a point, you hated to admit.<br /><br />
A tense silence fell on the gondola{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
(if: $questions < 4)[ and it did not look like Zanetta would be open to answer more questions]
]
(else:)[
(if: $questions < 3)[ and it did not look like Zanetta would be open to answer more questions]
]}.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Nuto kept on rowing, the small boat gliding between elegant townhouses.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -0.5)[
Zanetta rolled her eyes. “I’m glad we agree on that at least. Look, I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about it any sooner. You might not believe it, since you don’t trust me, but it wasn’t my intention to withhold information from you.”<br /><br />
Despite her cynical tone, you were pleasantly surprised by her apology. You looked at her for a while and she raised an eyebrow, staring back.<br /><br />
“Huh... Are you okay, there?”<br />
“Thank you,” you simply said.<br />
“Mmh... You’re welcome?” Zanetta responded hesitantly.<br />
“I did not expect you to apologize so readily,” you admitted.<br />
The Dwarven woman sighed once more. “As annoying as it is to deal with someone as stubborn as you are... I can understand not wanting to place your trust in a stranger that quickly. Saints know that attitude will help you once you face Lagodoro’s nobles.”<br /><br />
“Although I would advise you to not be as open about your distrust with them than you are with me,” she added with a pointed look. “Not sharing information with you will only make you trust me less, so that wasn’t a smart move on my part, as unintentional as it was. So yes, I apologize.”<br /><br />
You nodded. That made sense and maybe your opinion of Zanetta was a little better for it. {(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You considered asking her other questions.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You considered asking her other questions.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
Zanetta sighed once more and rolled her eyes. “Then, for the principle of the thing, I apologize. I should have told you sooner about the avviamento ball.”<br />
You nodded your approval. “I accept your apology.”<br />
The Dwarven woman smirked at you. “How gracious of you.”<br /><br />
You glared at her teasing tone.<br /><br />
“You know... If you want to make allies among the higher society, you might have to be more careful with how you talk to people.”<br />
You frowned. “What do you mean?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“You tend to... Well you have been raised for a position of absolute authority and it sometimes shows. Some people will just think you’re a spoiled brat. Smarter people might notice there’s more to it than that.”
]
(else:)[
“Most of the time, you’re fine but... Sometimes you say things like that and... Well, some people will just think you’re a spoiled brat, some others might notice there’s more to it than that.”
]}<br /><br />
Your frown deepened. You did not appreciate that she implied you came off as a ‘spoiled brat’, but...<br /><br />
“You think it could betray me?”<br />
She shrugged. “Maybe not, but it could contribute to raising suspicion.”<br />
You hesitated. “I will try to be... more inconspicuous.”<br /><br />
With Zanetta’s cover as a noble from Galanissos, you thought you would be pretty safe behaving the same way you always had. You had not realized your attitude was so different from most nobles. Gods knew you had met a fair share of arrogant nobles.<br />
You shook your head, trying to think of something more pleasant. {(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Maybe it was time to change subjects.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Maybe it was time to change subjects.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]}
“I will go,” you said, looking down, unable to meet her gaze. “It is just...”
You chewed on your lip, unable to finish your sentence, to tell her that you liked her and that you were hurt that she did not trust you enough to share her plans with you.
Zanetta frowned, looking at you with a pained expression and her soft brown eyes, waiting for you to say the words that never came.
“I’m sorry,” she said after the uncomfortable silence. “I was preoccupied. I did not really think of talking to you about it sooner, but I should have. I promise, I don’t intend to hurt your feelings in any way.”
You nodded, accepting her apology. But the sadness in her gaze as she considered you still filled you with unease.
She shook her head, the expression disappearing in favor of a small lopsided smile. “I’ll do better next time, you have my word.”
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<div class="choice">[[The gondola fell quiet again, the unpleasant feeling lingering as Nuto rowed onwards.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You took it as a cue to change subject. Better that than to linger on the unpleasant matter.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<div class="choice">[[The gondola fell quiet again, the unpleasant feeling lingering as Nuto rowed onwards.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You took it as a cue to change subject. Better that than to linger on the unpleasant matter.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
“I will go,” you replied, your lips curling into a mischievous smile. “But you will have to dance with me as punishment for not talking about it sooner.”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is -2)[
Zanetta lifted a skeptical eyebrow while looking back at you. “Are you... trying to flirt with me?”<br /><br />
You froze at the very direct question and at the flat tone of the Dwarven woman.<br /><br />
“Please, don’t,” she added with a frown.<br /><br />
Maybe that was a reaction you should have anticipated. You bit down on your lower lip and try to look anywhere that was not Zanetta’s direction. {(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
A heavy silence fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
Eager to dispel the tense atmosphere, you tried to find something else to talk about.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
A heavy silence fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
Eager to dispel the tense atmosphere, you tried to find something else to talk about.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]
(else-if: $ZanettaTrust is -1)[
Zanetta lifted a surprised eyebrow while smirking at you. “Keep your friends close, but keep your ennemies closer, is that it?”<br />
“That is not...” You tried to protest, but the Dwarven woman cut you off.<br />
“Alright, alright, that’s a deal. But why you would dance with someone you don’t even trust is a little beyond me.”<br /><br />
You bit down on your lower lip, looking anywhere but in Zanetta’s direction. It had been a few months since you declared not trusting her. Maybe you were starting to regret having said as much...<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
The awkward silence lingered on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
Eager to dispel the awkward silence that was settling on the gondola, you tried to find something else to talk about.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
The awkward silence lingered on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
Eager to dispel the awkward silence that was settling on the gondola, you tried to find something else to talk about.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
Zanetta raised a surprised eyebrow at you, but her smirk was entirely too pleased. “Mmh... I suppose I could bare the //absolute torture// that dancing with you would be if it meant this nasty business was put to rest.”<br /><br />
She made a show of sighing deeply. “Very well, I suppose I have no other choice but to submit to your oh so very cruel terms.”<br /><br />
If you felt quite bold earlier, you were now flustered by Zanetta’s cheeky teasing. Your face turned warm and the Dwarven woman chuckled, her deep brown eyes looking at you with more fondness than usual.<br /><br />
You cleared your throat, your gaze darting away. {(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
“I am glad you agreed.”<br />
Her smile turned softer and she took pity on you. “Of course.”<br /><br />
Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
“Well, now that it is settled...”<br /><br />
It was time for a strategic change of subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
“I am glad you agreed.”<br />
Her smile turned softer and she took pity on you. “Of course.”<br /><br />
Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.<br />
(display: "The trial")
]
(else:)[
“Well, now that it is settled...”<br /><br />
It was time for a strategic change of subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]}
“If they are your friend, then they must be a good person,” you answered while smiling gently at her.
Zanetta laughed in earnest. “That’s a bit of a stretch, don’t you think?”
You shook your head firmly. “I do not think so. I think you are very good at discerning who is trustworthy and who is not. If you not only trust them, but also like them, they must be truly someone special.”
{(if: ($ZanettaRomance > 0) and ($mainflirt is "forward"))[
The Dwarven woman’s eyes narrowed, but her lips slowly stretched into a knowing smile. “My, my, aren’t you generous with your compliments today. What kind of favor are you trying to obtain, I wonder...”<br />
“None,” you replied with a shrug and a smile. ”I am merely sharing what I think.”<br />
Zanetta chuckled. “With no ulterior motive whatsoever? Not even the tender kind?”<br /><br />
Some warmth started prickling your ears at that. It seemed your spymaster would not easily forget the interest you had shown her.<br /><br />
Ignoring your racing heart, you smoothed your flustered expression into a charming smile. “Well, if it is the tender kind, then it will not do too much harm to have some of them, will it?”<br />
Zanetta’s smile turned a little sad for a moment. “Hopefully.”
]
(else-if: $ZanettaRomance > 0)[
The Dwarven woman chuckled, brown eyes softening on you. “What a sweetheart you are.”<br /><br />
Your face started heating fiercely at the compliment and you had to look down at the bottom of the gondola to avoid Zanetta’s dangerously warm gaze.<br /><br />
“I... I am just telling you what I think,” you mumbled.<br />
“And what lovely thoughts you have,” Zanetta almost purred in return, making your face warmer still.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "stoic")[
The Dwarven woman chuckled, her expression softening. “That’s very sweet of you to say.”<br />
You shrugged, shifting a bit awkwardly on your seat. “It is just what I think.”<br />
Zanetta’s smile widened. “Then your honest compliment is appreciated.”
]
(else:)[
The Dwarven woman narrowed her eyes at you, a smirk on her lips. “That’s a very gracious compliment. Are you trying to butter me up?”<br />
“Of course not!” You protested, even though you knew she was teasing you. “I am just telling you what I think.”<br />
“Mmh... We’ll see,” Zanetta responded, her eyes still narrowed and shining with mischief.
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Quiet fell on the gondola and, before things could get too awkward, you considered a change of subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Quiet fell on the gondola and, before things could get too awkward, you considered a change of subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
You smiled. “I like them, they are very friendly.”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
“They are,” Zanetta said, leaning back. “But not everyone who seems friendly actually is. Lucky for you, Vanni is one of the rare ones who actually is among Lagodoro’s high society. I’d suggest to not make any judgement on appearances going forward, though.”<br /><br />
You wondered if she was saying that because of your uneasy relationship with her. It was not a pleasant reminder either way. You frowned, rubbing your shoulder mindlessly.<br /><br />
“What should my judgement rely on, then?” You asked. “How can I tell apart someone who is genuinely friendly and someone who is just pretending.”<br />
Zanetta sighed. “I wish there was a definite answer. But the only thing I can say is: with time and experience. You learn by making mistakes and this is no exception.”<br />
Your frown deepened. “But a mistake could be fatal.”<br />
“Yes, which is why you should rely on people who are more experienced than you while you learn,” the Dwarven woman replied with a pointed look.<br />
“What if I am relying on the wrong person? What then?”<br />
Zanetta shrugged. “Guess that’s up to you which potentially deadly mistake you want to go for, then.”<br /><br />
You stayed quiet for a moment. That was quite the conundrum.<br /><br />
“If I were to trust your input...” You started, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “Even if your intentions are honest, do you never make mistakes yourself?”<br />
Zanetta chuckled, but there was no heart in it. “No, you’re right, I do make mistakes.”<br />
“What should I do, then?”<br />
“Rely on more than one opinion, listen to your gut, ask your tutor and your bodyguard. They’re both pretty smart, I think their input would be valuable.”<br />
“You do realize that Lady Domara does not trust you either...”<br />
Zanetta tapped her chin with her index finger thoughtfully. “I don’t know about that. I think she’s just always in a sour mood and likes to berate people.”<br /><br />
She grinned at you and you rolled her eyes, although you had to admit that your tutor did quite a lot of berating. {(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You decided it was time for a change of subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You decided it was time for a change of subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
“They are,” Zanetta confirmed, leaning back with a smile. “I would not have agreed to introduce you yet if they were not. You can rely on them if you need any help during the avviamento ball, I can vouch for them. They’ve been navigating those circles for a while now, they know how to resolve an uncomfortable situation gracefully.”<br />
“Have you known them for long, then?” You asked, your curiosity piqued.<br />
The Dwarven woman chuckled, her eyes looking in the distance while she was reminiscing. “It’s been quite a few years, actually... Almost ten, I think. The first time I met them, they caught me red-handed trying to steal some of their admirers’ letters. Vanni was starting to become quite popular and some of the nobles who sent them love letters had unknowing spouses. Master Conte’s mail could have been quite the source of blackmail revenue if one could put their hand on it.”<br />
You looked at her with wide, horrified eyes. “Ten years ago? You must have been but a child! You were already doing spy work?”<br /><br />
Zanetta shuffled on her seat, looking uncomfortable, not an expression you saw her sport often.<br /><br />
She looked around her, maybe to make sure no one was listening in on you. “Yeah, well... I had a complicated childhood.”<br /><br />
It was clearly not something she wanted to elaborate on right now.<br /><br />
“Anyway, Vanni found me in their dressing room, trying to steal the letters. They let me take letters of admirers they didn’t care for and kept the ones from people they were fond of.” Zanetta chuckled. “A very generous compromise.”<br />
“They gave you some of their mail? They did not throw you out or denounce you to the police?”<br />
“Like you pointed out, I was very young. They didn’t want me to get in trouble with the police or with... Well, they made sure I had something to bring... back.”<br /><br />
You did not fail to notice she was avoiding to mention where she needed to bring the letters back.<br /><br />
“That was incredibly nice of them. They could have been in trouble for that, I’m sure.”<br />
Zanetta nodded. “It did get them in trouble, but the admirers they kept safe helped them out. We kept in touch after that. My first contact, so to speak.”<br />
You smiled softly. “Then they are an exceptional friend indeed.”<br />
The Dwarven woman shifted uneasily again. “Yeah. I’m lucky to have met them.”<br /><br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
You decided to not pry into her past further and her discomfort soon vanished.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You took her discomfort as a cue to change subjects.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
You decided to not pry into her past further and her discomfort soon vanished.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You took her discomfort as a cue to change subjects.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
]}
“I would love to see them sing,” you replied with a bright smile.
Zanetta chuckled. “I’m sure that can be arranged. With how popular Master Conte is, they star in many productions. Although at the moment they are focusing on the avviamento ball. But they’ll be back on stage as soon as it’s over, I’m sure.”
You smiled back at her. You had yet to see any of Lagodoro’s cultural scene. Your Dwarven spymaster had advised against going out to see any kind of show without being properly introduced to high society, which she had been preparing you for during the last few months. But now it looked like it was going to happen soon and you were excited at all the opportunities that would open for you.
Zanetta observed you quietly as you giddily started a mental list of all the shows you wanted to see. You had seen posters across the city and read about opening nights in journals and now you were going to be able to see them for yourself.
“You really are into that sort of things, aren’t you?” She asked.
You shrugged. {(if: $MChobby is "music")[
“I love music, but I never saw a Telidrican opera before.”
]
(else-if: $MChobby is "dance")[
“I prefer dance concerts, but I am generally interested in the arts.”
]
(else-if: $MChobby is "theater")[
“I love theater, but I have never seen a Telidrican opera before.”
]
(else:)[
“I always had some interest in the arts, but I have never seen a Telidrican opera before.”
]}
You hesitated, avoiding the Dwarven woman’s gaze, before adding: “My parents used to take me to many shows. They were very passionate about theater.”
Zanetta’s expression softened(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[, which was a rare thing for you to witness]. “I see... I’m sorry you haven’t been able to go to any yet. You’ll be able soon, I promise.”
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<div class="choice">[[You smiled faintly at her and quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You smiled faintly at her and decided it was time for a change of subject. It was hardly the time to reminisce about your parents.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<div class="choice">[[You smiled faintly at her and quiet fell on the gondola as Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You smiled faintly at her and decided it was time for a change of subject. It was hardly the time to reminisce about your parents.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
You shrugged. “I do not have any opinion on them yet, we have just met.”
Zanetta chuckled. “I suppose that’s a good point and a prudent one at that. It’s good to not judge someone on a first impression, but some people do leave a very strong one. I always thought Vanni was one of those people. But then again, I met them under unusual circumstances.”
You looked at her curiously. “What circumstances?”
Zanetta considered you for a moment.
{(if: ($ZanettaTrust < 0) and ($ZanettaAffection > 4))[
“I met them almost ten years ago,” she finally admitted with a sigh. “They caught me red-handed trying to steal some letters in their dressing room. Those were letters from their admirers.”<br /><br />
A fond smile formed on her lips as she reminisced.<br /><br />
“Why would you do that?” You asked, confused. “Especially that young...”<br />
She shrugged. “I was asked to. Some of Vanni’s admirers had unknowing spouses. The letters were good blackmail material.”<br />
Your eyes widened. “You already did spy work? At thirteen?”<br />
“Well... I had to earn my keep,” Zanetta replied, a wry smile on her lips.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
Frowning, you looked down at your hands. “I am sorry.”<br />
“Don’t be, it’s in the past.”<br /><br />
You nodded, but could not help but think that was something worth lamenting. Whatever conditions she grew up in, it obviously affected her greatly.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“That sounds... unpleasant,” you said, wringing your hands uneasily.<br />
“And it was,” the Dwarven woman confirmed. “Which is why I tend to not dwell on it.”<br /><br />
You nodded. That was understandable.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“That is... despicable. To make such a young girl do such a dangerous job!” You could not help a grimace of disgust from twisting your lips.<br />
The Dwarven woman chuckled humorlessly. “Oh believe me, I agree. But it’s in the past now, let’s not dwell on it.”<br /><br />
You nodded. If that was her wish, it was better to respect it.
]
(else:)[
<br />
You frowned but nodded in understanding. That sounded unpleasant and you assumed she would not like dwelling on it. So you did not pry any further.
]}<br /><br />
“Anyway,” she continued on with her story. “When Master Conte saw me, letters in hand, right in the middle of their dressing room, they just closed the door behind them, acting as if everything was normal. And then they made a deal with me. One very much skewed in my favor. They let me go with some letters of admirers they didn’t care for and kept the few from people they liked. That way, I could bring something... back. And they protected people they cared about.”<br />
“It sounds like they put themself in danger so you would be safe.”<br />
“That’s exactly what they did and they got into some trouble because of it. Thankfully, the people they did protect helped them clear their reputation. I kept in touch after that and they’ve become my friend as well as one of my most reliable contacts.”<br />
“They seem like a very good friend indeed, then.”<br />
Zanetta smiled in earnest. “That they are.”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled back at her, happy that she trusted you enough to share with you what was likely a very personal story.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled back at her, feeling like you were finally getting to know her a little better.
]
(else:)[
You smiled faintly back at her. It was undoubtedly a very personal story that could not have been easy to share for the secretive Dwarf.
]}<br />
]
(else:)[
“It’s a bit of a long story,” she finally said. “Maybe another time. Suffice to say they left a very good impression on me, which is why we are friends now.”<br /><br />
It looked like you would have to be content with that.
]}{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Silence fell on the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing, the small boat gliding between elegant townhouses.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
A moment of silence passed during which you considered other questions.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Silence fell on the gondola and Nuto kept on rowing, the small boat gliding between elegant townhouses.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
A moment of silence passed during which you considered other questions.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
“They are polite, if a little overfamiliar,” you said with a slight frown.
Zanetta lifted one mildly surprised eyebrow. “I didn’t think they were being overfamiliar with you. They were perfectly considerate...”
“Not with me, maybe, but definitely with you.”
She rolled her eyes, sighing with some annoyance. “//I// decide what’s overfamiliar to me, thank you very much. And Vanni has been a good friend of mine for almost ten years, so I don’t think they were being overly familiar, no.”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
Narrowing her eyes at you, she asked: “Why would you care how familiar they’re being with me in the first place?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You shuffled on your sit uncomfortably. “Maybe that was not my place to say. Sorry.”<br />
Zanetta gave you a pointed stare, before her expression softened. “It really wasn’t. But thank you for apologizing, at least.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You shrugged. “I did not want them to act inappropriately. But I guess they did not.”<br />
“Indeed, they did not,” Zanetta confirmed pointedly.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />
You shrugged. You really did not care that much, it was just your opinion.<br /><br />
Zanetta sighed. “I suppose that’s all the answer I’m going to get.”<br />
]
(else:)[
“People crossing boundaries make me uncomfortable. But if they did not, I suppose that is fine,” you admitted reluctantly.<br />
Zanetta chuckled, to your surprise. “Is this a second-hand discomfort kind of thing?”<br />
“I suppose so,” you mumbled.<br />
“Well, rest assured I would have made my disapproval clear, if they //did// make me uncomfortable.”<br />
]}
]
(else-if: $ZanettaRomance > 0)[
Narrowing her eyes, a dangerous smile appearing on her lips, she asked: “Why would you be so concerned about that? Could you be jealous, by any chance? Wishing //you// could be that familiar with me?”<br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
“I... No! Of course not! I mean I am not jealous, I did not assume... Of course, I do not mean that I do not want to be familiar with you! And, of course, I would not want to be if you did not want to be either...” You started rambling, face heating up.<br />
Zanetta laughed, her eyes shining with amusement and maybe some interest. “Alright, alright, no need to panic, I was only teasing you.”<br />
“Oh, alright,” you said, still feeling the warmth on your cheeks.<br />
]
(else:)[
“I am not jealous,” you said carefully. “But seeing the both of you, someone could get some ideas.”<br />
Zanetta smirked. “But not you?”<br />
“I...”<br /><br />
It was not that you thought there was anything between them, but if there //was//, you would have very much liked to know.<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman chuckled, obviously enjoying teasing you. “Don’t worry, Vanni is a bit too old for me, especially since I was a kid when I first met them.”<br /><br />
You nodded, careful not to make your relief too obvious.
]}
]
(else:)[
Then she chuckled, exasperation turning into amusement. “But thanks for looking out for me, I suppose.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“You are welcome,” you replied timidly. “I am sorry if I overstepped...”<br />
“You didn’t really,” Zanetta reassured. “But you shouldn’t worry about this sort of things when it comes to me.”<br />
You nodded. “I will keep that in mind.”<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled crookedly at her. “Glad to be of assistance.”<br /><br />
Zanetta shook her head, a smile still on her lips.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />
You hummed, not really wanting to answer what was obviously meant to tease you.
]
(else:)[
“You are welcome,” you replied quite seriously.<br /><br />
Zanetta may not have taken matters of etiquette seriously, but you did. She rolled her eyes again, a smile still on her lips.
]}
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola after your conversation ended and Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Before things could deviate any further, you turned your attention to other questions you had.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<div class="choice">[[Quiet fell on the gondola after your conversation ended and Nuto kept on rowing.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Before things could deviate any further, you turned your attention to other questions you had.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
“Still... To act that way, they must be suffering. I do feel bad for them.”
Zanetta blinked at you, considering you quietly.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
She shrugged, but her brown eyes had lost some of their usual sharpness. “Well if you insist, I can’t stop you.”
]
(else:)[
Her brown eyes turned soft on you as a gentle, lopsided smile pulled at her lips. “You’re a real one, aren’t you?”<br />
“I am not sure what you mean,” you said, {(if: $ZanettaRomance > 0)[
doing your best to avoid her far too warm gaze.
]
(else:)[
flustered at what you knew very well was a compliment.
]}<br />
Zanetta’s smile widened. “Pretty sure you do.”
]}
The Dwarven woman leaned back on her bench, a more serious look in her eyes. “I would still advise to reserve judgement on Prince Marsili until you meet them. Although it’d be preferable if you limited your interactions with them.”
“Does that relate to you saying them being at the avviamento ball could be a problem?” You asked carefully. (display: "You said they could be a problem")
“At least it sounds like they have some fun in their misery,” you said, finding yourself even more curious about them than before.
Zanetta smirked. “Oh they can be entertaining, indeed. Which is why they get so much attention. With how rigid rules and expectations are amongst high society, a lot of people crave and envy Prince Marsili’s apparent freedom. Whether they celebrate their sulfurous reputation or condemn it, they are all attracted to it.”
“I cannot help but be curious about them myself,” you admitted.
The Dwarven woman frowned. “I understand that and were I in your shoes, I probably would want to seek out their company as well. But you have to believe me when I say it’s not worth the danger.”
“Are they really that dangerous to be around? You said their presence to the avviamento ball could also be a blessing.” (display: "You said they could be a problem"){(unless: (history:) contains "They must be suffering" or "They have some fun in their misery" or "They sound immature")[
<br />
“You said them being there could be a problem...”
]}
“Right,” Zanetta nodded. “With how troublesome they can be, at least all the attention will be on them. Even if they were not, all eyes would be on them for simply being King Pace’s second child. So, as long as you don’t get caught up in their antics...”
She paused, shooting you a cautioning look before continuing: “You should be alright. However... Being King Pace’s second child means they are one of the very few people who know who you truly are.”
The Dwarven woman groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose between her fingers. “I will have to make sure they don’t let anything slip. Just thinking about it is giving me a headache.”
You tensed up. “Can they be trusted to keep my identity a secret?”
Zanetta sighed. “I think you should be fine if you don’t interact with them. They won’t really care. But if you do... Try to be pleasant? {(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
As hard as it might be for you.
]
(else:)[
I’m sure it won’t be too much of an issue for you.
]}”
“I will keep that in mind...”
{(if: (history:) contains "Bow your head")[
{(if: $questions is 4)[
Silence fell on the gondola as you pondered what you had learned.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Nuto kept on rowing, the small boat sliding between elegant townhouses.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You kept further thoughts on the matter quiet and decided to turn your attention to other questions you had.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $questions is 3)[
Silence fell on the gondola as you pondered what you had learned.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Nuto kept on rowing, the small boat sliding between elegant townhouses.->The trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You kept further thoughts on the matter quiet and decided to turn your attention to other questions you had.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 02")
]}
]}
“They sound... very immature,” you said, fully planning on avoiding this outrageous individual.
Zanetta laughed. “They really are, that’s something we can agree on. And a lot of people say that and make a show of disapproving Prince Marsili’s behavior, but more often than not, they actually envy them and are attracted to their apparent freedom. I have a feeling //your// disapproval is more genuine than that.”
Her brown eyes twinkled with mischief as she smirked at you and you were unsure if she was mocking you or not.
You frowned. “Rules exist for a reason, I would only find it acceptable to go against them for a higher reason. Causing disruption just for the sake of it is incredibly childish.”
Zanetta shrugged, still watching you with a slight, lopsided smile. “Nothing wrong with acting in a childish way now and again.”
“Yet even you said their presence at the avviamento ball could be a curse,” you pointed out, a little peeved. (display: "You said they could be a problem")
Nuto frowned at him, bringing his index finger to his lips to urge him to be more quiet.
“That is insanely dangerous!” The knight exclaimed at a significantly lower volume.
The gondolier shrugged. “No, only slightly dangerous. It’ll be fine.”
Ajmal gaped at him. “You are asking $MCpronoun2 to trespass! What do you think the guard is going to do if they catch $MCpronoun2?”
Nuto crossed his arm over his chest, but you saw a hint of a smile on his scarred lips and an amused shine in his pale eyes. “I didn’t ask $MCpronoun2 that. And it’s just one guard, we can take them if need be.”
The young knight looked positively out of his mind at that. “Are you suggesting murdering someone over a few flowers?”
“’Course not. We can just knock’em out.”
Ajmal groaned and started rubbing at his face with both hands, although still carefully enough as to not disturb Little Lady on his lap. “It is still a terrible idea. We cannot bring that kind of attention to us!”
The knight was not going to drop the issue easily and, to be frank, Nuto was not working too hard on convincing him. Maybe it was time for you to intervene.
{<div class="choice">Reassurances was what Sir Mansoor needed. (link: "“Nuto has been training me for this, it will go well, I promise. And if not, I am certain it will not come to violence. There are other solutions.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "It will go well")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Nuto was obviously pulling Ajmal’s leg. It was just a matter of diffusing the situation.<br />
(link: "“He is joking, $Ajmal. We are not really going to knock the guard out. Everything is going to be fine and if not, we will find a solution.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "He is joking")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open + stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">What was about to happen was up to you, he had to come to terms with that. (link: "“We are doing this, $Ajmal, whether you like it or not. I have been training for it and this is my trial. Trials can be dangerous, you know that. But I must go through with this if I want to grow into my own. Surely you can understand?”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Whether you like it or not")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
The gondola made its way through the waterways, looping around the clean and well-maintained buildings. Soon, you found yourself in the channel that led to that garden again. Nuto kept the same casual pace until he closed in on the private dock, slowing down but not stopping. You stood up from your bench, hunched to not be visible from over the wall, and jumped lightly on the stone as soon as the boat brushed against the dock. You hurried to flatten yourself against the wall underneath the stairs, out of view of the guard.
Meanwhile, Nuto continued his way down the channel before turning into another waterway. As promised, he stationed the gondola there, still visible, but fairly inconspicuous.
Now, you needed a plan to get those flowers.
{<div class="choice">(link: "If you listened to the guard’s footsteps while staying out of view, you could calculate the best moment for you to climb up the stairs and sneak into the garden.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 6)
(go-to: "Calculating the best moment")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">The guard did not look like the overzealous sort. (link: "You figured you could convince them to simply let you in and do what you had to do.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 6)
(go-to: "Convince them to let you in")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your charisma.)//</div>
<div class="choice">Training with Sir Mansoor had made you fitter than ever before. You did not have to approach the gate and risk being seen by the guard. (link: "You could climb the wall up to the tree.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 6)
(go-to: "Climb the wall up to the tree")
]<br />
//(This choice will majorly improve your martial prowess.)//</div>}
“Nuto has been training me for this, it will go well, I promise. And if not, I am certain it will not come to violence. There are other solutions.”
“Nuto has been... What?!”
That did not go quite as smoothly as you hoped for. The young knight looked even more offended than before. You bit down on your lip, trying to rethink your approach.
“Those skills are very useful, $Ajmal. They will help me navigate the city unhindered as well as escape or hide efficiently if I am in danger. I need to practice them.”
Ajmal took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. “(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), if those skills are meant to protect you — which I am willing to believe — is putting yourself in danger to practice them not defeating the purpose?”
“Nuto said the danger is minimal and I trust his word on it. In which case, it is worth the risk if it means I get hands-on practice.”
“You trust his word?” Ajmal looked up from where you were sitting to stare at the gondolier behind you.
You looked between the two of them and for a moment they just stared at each other, Ajmal’s water-green eyes intense on the Dwarf and Nuto’s expression as even as ever.
The young knight breathed a defeated sigh out. “Alright... as long as we are ready to intervene at the first sign of danger.”
He looked pointedly at Nuto who just gave him a slight nod.
(display: "Choosing your method")
“He is joking, $Ajmal. We are not really going to knock the guard out. Everything is going to be fine and if not, we will find a solution.”
“He is what?!” The young knight looked even more offended if it was possible. “This is no laughing matter!”
You sighed. It was going to be a little more difficult than you anticipated.
“$Ajmal... He would not be joking around if the situation was serious,” you explained. “Nuto is obviously confident that the danger is minimal and I trust his assessment.”
You saw his shoulders relax slightly at your words. He looked between you and the gondolier.
“You trust his judgement?” He asked slowly.
You nodded. Most of Ajmal’s tension left his body as he sighed.
“Alright, then. But we need to be ready to intervene at the first sign of danger.”
The knight looked pointedly at the Dwarf who impassively nodded back at him.
(display: "Choosing your method")
“We are doing this, $Ajmal, whether you like it or not. I have been training for it and this is my trial. Trials can be dangerous, you know that. But I must go through with this if I want to grow into my own. Surely you can understand?”
The young knight only stared at you in silence. You knew he would not be able to contradict you because of how much his own trials to join the Royal guard had meant to him.
His gaze dropped down and he looked abashed. He mechanically rubbed Little Lady’s forehead and she tucked herself in further on his lap.
“I understand,” he finally said, his voice whisper-quiet. “I apologize... Just... Be careful, please.”
{(if: ($MansoorTrust < 0) or ($MansoorAffection < 5))[
The gaze he raised to look at you again was concerned.
]
(else:)[
The gaze he raised to look at you again was full of concern {(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
and you had to swallow down the lump in your throat.
]
(else:)[
and you felt some guilt for causing him such stress.
]}
]} He then leveled his eyes to stare at the gondolier behind you.
“We need to be ready to intervene at the first sign of danger,” he stated firmly.
Nuto nodded back at him impassively.
(display: "Choosing your method")
So you stayed unmoving, back against rough and cold stone, your breathing slowed and yet still too loud for your liking. You focused, ignoring the clapping of water against the stones of the dock and the hollow wood of the stationed gondola, cutting through the buzz of the city to listen to the rhythmic thumping of footsteps, not far above you.
At first it was hard to make out which direction the guard was heading. Was it to the right or forward? But then the noise grew in volume and you knew they were heading your way. You waited for them to stop, your heart racing in your chest. You were certain that they were close enough to the gate that they only needed to lean over to spot you. Holding your breath, you tried to stay calm as you waited some more.
Finally, to your relief, they started walking away, the thumping of their boots lazily fading away, and you started counting. Listening closely, you could roughly guess their path as they rotated clockwise around the garden, pausing for a short amount of time in some spots. (if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[The glyphs on your hearing aids were of the finest make after all. You suspected what you were hearing was a little different from what most people heard but it was hard to say since you were born with your hearing difficulties. Still, the enchanted devices did a wonderful job of amplifying and balancing sounds.]
However the process was long and tedious. You had to focus on counting even seconds as well as pay attention to the directions the guard was taking.
After what felt like an eternity, you heard the guard approaching the gate once more and you stopped counting — as well as breathing. Flattening yourself further, your back flush against the stone, you closed your eyes and waited again.
The iron gate suddenly rattled and you nearly screamed your surprise, your heart leaping in your chest. Then there was silence again. //Did they open it? What were they doing?// Nothing happened. //What were they doing?!// And then their footsteps echoed again, moving away from you. You started counting again with a slight delay, internally cursing the blasted guard.
You had a short window to work through, between the moment they were far enough to not hear you stepping up the stairs and jumping over the gate and the moment they first paused further in the garden. It was best to not miss it.
A few moments passed and, still counting in your head, you left your hiding spot and silently rushed up the stairs. When you reached the garden’s gate, you quickly searched for the guard’s silhouette, only to find them walking away from you, but towards //the opposite direction you expected them to go//. Panic threatened to root you to the ground, but you pushed past it. They were not looking towards you at least. You jumped over the gate and quickly sneaked down to were the tree was growing. The trunk was thick enough to hide you, so you slid your body between the tree and the wall, pressing yourself against the bark.
You took a deep — but hopefully quiet — breath to calm your nerves. You leaned slightly to the side, trying to spot the guard again. They had stopped their patrol on one of the upper terraces and they were kneeling down to look at something on the ground.
//Great//. So it seemed there was no rhyme nor reason to their rounds. And their lack of exactness was making your job more difficult. On the bright side, you were still unnoticed. If you waited a bit for them to move away again, you could take that time to cut some flowers from the tree.
There was only one problem. All the flowers were out of reach from where you stood.
{<div class="choice">There was not many other options, really. (link: "You had to climb the tree, hopefully without making a ruckus.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 4)
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
(go-to: "Climbing the tree")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">There was no way you would be able to get your hands on these flowers without getting noticed. (link: "As outlandish as it sounded... Maybe you could convince the guard to get you a step-ladder?")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 4)
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
(go-to: "Convince the guard")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your charisma.)//</div>}
You took a deep breath to steady yourself. You had to admit to some nervousness. Even though defusing a situation by talking was a strong suit of yours, if it failed it would put the guard on high alert and make meeting your goal that much more difficult through other methods.
Still, it was best to approach the guard while they were unsuspecting. You left the safety of the wall and started to climb up the stairs, stopping visibly in front of the closed gate. Your gaze scanned through the garden to find the Dwarven guard lazily pacing on a patch of pale grass.
You cleared your throat before raising your voice. “Excuse me? Could you help me, please?”
The guard must have been in very deep thoughts, judging by the way they dramatically jumped. “By all the hells!”
They turned to look at you and you saw their eyes giving you a quick once-over. You realized your choice of practical clothing might not do you any favors, although the materials were still quite obviously of a quality a lot of people could not afford.
The guard kept staring at you with some confusion. “Huh, my apologies... $MCnutotitle?”
You nodded and they glanced around themself, maybe searching for an explanation for your sudden appearance. Not finding any, they walked towards you with a frown on their brow.
“Is there something I can help you with?”
Waiting for them to reach you gave you a little bit of time to think about how you wanted to approach this. Tying to convince the guard to let you cut some flowers seemed like a tall order. But you could find some other reason for them to let you in the garden.
{<div class="choice">You made a show of looking around. (link: "“A draft has taken my hat and I am pretty certain it has landed in this garden. Would you be kind enough to let me fetch it?”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "A draft has taken my hat")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You could find something to say, you supposed. But there was other methods of convincing someone to look the other way... (link: "Like bribery.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Bribing the guard")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
You glanced up, quickly checking that the guard was not at the gate, looking out. Once you made sure the path was clear, you discreetly approached the dry stone wall, just below the tree you were trying to reach. You looked for the best path and started to climb. The holds were small so you had be careful not to slip, but there was a lot of them. Climbing the short distance to the tree was easy enough, but starting from the dock, it was still a sizable ascent, maybe twenty feet high, you estimated.
You almost slipped a couple of times as you stepped on a few crumbly holds, but you managed to catch yourself and kept moving upwards. You reached the top of the wall a little winded and with a few scratches on your hands and knees. Before hauling yourself on top of the wall, you glanced into the garden. From where you were, you were mostly obscured by the tree’s branches and heavy foliage. You even had a hard time spotting the Dwarven guard yourself.
But with some patience, you managed to find them as they sat lazily at the wrought-iron table, on the other side of the garden. They were looking in an entirely different direction too. You thanked all celestial gods for your luck and pushed on your arms to stand up on the wall.
Now all you had to do was to cut a few branches and leave. Unfortunately the noise was likely to attract the guard’s attention and climbing back down with a handful of flowers was going to be challenging to say the least.
You looked for younger, thinner branches and started to snap some of them cut, making sure they all had a good amount of flowers on them. The inevitable cracking noises and rustling of leaves made you wince. You looked at the guard but they were seating still for now. So you went back to work, slowly cutting one branch after the other. Until you heard the screeching of metal on stone.
You glanced towards the terrace the Dwarf had settled on and this time they were standing up, looking curiously in the direction of the tree. Changing your approach, you started snapping branches faster, to be done as quickly as possible, hoping for a fast escape.
//That// definitely got the guard’s attention. They rushed down a flight of stairs and walked rapidly in your direction.
“What in all hells is that...” You heard them mutter as they approached.
You cut a few more branches in the last few seconds you had before they could see you.
“Hey!” They yelled, making you start and almost fall down the wall. “What do you think you’re doing!”
You were spotted.
{<div class="choice">You could race for the dock, but the guard would be right on your heels. (link: "Instead, you could run in the opposite direction, drop in the garden next door and use their dock, making it a lot more complicated for them to follow.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 4)
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 2)
(go-to: "Run in the opposite direction")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your intelligence.)//</div>
<div class="choice">Making a quick escape could prove difficult, as you would have to wait for Nuto to reach you on the dock. (link: "Maybe the best way to solve this was to talk your way out of it.")[
(set: $charisma to $charisma + 4)
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
(go-to: "Talk your way out of it")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your charisma.)//</div>}
You observed the guard’s movements for a little longer, seeing them walk and stop to do the most random things, keeping your blood pressure to dizzying heights. When they stopped at the wrought-iron table, they pulled out one of the chairs in an unpleasant screeching noise and sat down, casually putting their feet up on the seat of another chair. You watched them relax, placing their hands behind their head. They started whistling and you realized that no one else was home. The guard was alone and unworried that their employer might see them muck around.
This revelation filled you with the confidence that, if a confrontation were to happen, you would be able to pull out before anything could get serious.
They were also watching the opposite corner of the garden. It was time to climb. You grabbed onto the lower, thicker branches of the tree and hauled your body up, trying to find purchase with your feet. The ruffling of leaves and creaking of wood under your weight were unavoidable, unfortunately, and you decided to move fast instead of trying to be quiet. You managed to perch yourself on a stable branch and in a fairly well hidden spot when you heard the screeching of metal again. Your heart raced as you heard the guard’s footsteps. They were surely going to check out what all that noise was about.
So you started to frantically snap young branches, bursting with leaves and flowers.
“What the...”
You kept cutting small branches faster. You had to get what you needed and get out immediately. The footsteps rhythm sped up, the guard’s curiosity fully engaged. One last branch snapped between your fingers and you started to look for an exit. There was only one. You took as much of a running jump as you could on the branch you were standing on and landed unsteady on the garden’s outer wall.
“Hey!” The guard exclaimed and they were now running in your direction.
You ignored them, dashing on the wall, spreading your arms to try and find some balance, and dropped down on the stairs below once the height seemed safe enough. (if: $handicap is "myopia")[You had to push your glasses back up the bridge of your nose before continuing. ]Waving your flowers widely in Nuto’s direction, you ran down the stairs to the dock.
<div class="choice">[[Fortunately, the gondolier had noticed the commotion and was already rowing.->Nuto was already rowing]]
If things went wrong, you could just run. But you would not get any flowers. So you had better be convincing. You kept watching the guard as you racked your brain for a strategy. The best approach, you thought, {(if: $maintrait is "open")[
was to tell as much of the truth as you could to not be caught in a lie.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
was to say as little as possible so that no word could betray you.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
was to be so imperious that they would not dare questioning you.
]
(else:)[
was to be so friendly that they would not want to question you.
]}
The guard approached the iron-wrought table and pulled out one of the chairs in a loud screeching sound. They sat down, putting their feet up on the seat of another chair. When they started whistling, you realized that there was no one else on the property. They acted as if no one could scold them for their negligent behavior. You could use that.
You took a deep, calming breath before stepping out from behind the tree and you cleared your throat loudly. “Excuse me?”
The guard stood up with such a violent start that both the chair they were sitting on and the one they rested their feet on fell over in a cacophony of metal on stone. Even the table wobbled for a moment and the guard swore up a storm as they straightened up the mess. They turned their attention to you, looking positively bewildered.
“Who the hells are you?” They asked abruptly, before glancing all around them. “And where did you come from?”
{(if: $maintrait is "open" or "stoic")[
You opted to not answer their questions. “I need to cut some flowers from that tree. Could you bring me a step ladder?”<br />
The young guard stumbled as they rushed down a set of stairs connecting the main terrace to your section of the garde, almost falling as they did so. “I’m sorry... what?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at them. “I want to gather a bouquet for my friend.”<br /><br />
Technically, it was the truth. You hoped your straightforwardness would lead the Dwarf to trust you and to fill in the blanks with their own reasonable explanation.
]
(else:)[
“I said that I wanted a step ladder,” you repeated, keeping your expression as neutral as possible.<br /><br />
You hoped your bluntness and acting as if everything was perfectly normal would convince the Dwarf that you had legitimate reasons to be here. It was a bold move, but with some luck it would pay off.
]}<br />
The Dwarf stopped at the bottom of the stairs, staring at you with the most confused expression you had ever seen on someone’s face.<br /><br />
“Okay,” they started slowly. “But... You didn’t... Hold on a minute. I’ve been told to watch out for… Did you just sneak in here?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br />
You laughed, unsure of how you pulled that one off. The nerves, maybe.<br /><br />
“I might as well have, since you did not even notice my entering the garden.” Again, not quite a lie.
]
(else:)[
“Did I? If you were paying attention, you would have seen me entering the garden,” you retorted, crossing your arms over your chest.
]}<br /><br />
Maybe using their negligence as leverage would help you worm your way out of further questions. And it did. The young Dwarf’s face turned red at your implications.<br /><br />
“Huh... Sorry, m’Laird. I’ll be more attentive next time. I— I’ll go get the step ladder.”<br /><br />
Hanging their head low, they walked back towards the house and disappeared behind a small wooden side-door. You sighed with relief and thanked all the celestial gods for blessing you with a not-too-bright guard.
]
(else:)[
“I am a guest of the house,” you lied. “And I am in need of some help.”<br />
The young guard frowned as they made their way to you, rushing down a set of stairs from the main terrace to your section of the garden. “I’ve never seen you before and no one told me about any guest...”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Of course not. It is not your business to know these things,” you replied dryly while they walked up to you. “Anyway, you do not seem very good at noticing things, since you did not even see me step out into the garden.”<br /><br />
You hit it right on the nail. The Dwarf started shifting uneasily from one feet to the other, guilt obvious in their big brown eyes.<br /><br />
“Huh... My apologies, m’Laird.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled gently at them, watching them patiently as they walked up to you. “I am certain it was an unintentional oversight, I promise it will not be held against you.”<br />
The simple mention of potentially being at fault was enough to make the Dwarf squirm. “Huh... Thanks, that’s mighty kind of you...”
]}<br /><br />
But a moment later, they shook their head, frowning again as realization dawned on them. “Wait a damn minute... I was told to look out for... How do I know you did not sneak in here?”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You shot them your best glare. “How dare you making such vile implications?! You will help or your employer will hear about your very poor service.”
]
(else:)[
You frowned as well, looking hurt. “Why would I do that? Please, I just wanted a bit of help...”
]}<br />
The guard’s eyes widened with panic. “I— I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend, truly! I’ll... I’ll help you with... What do you need again?”<br />
“A step-ladder, if you please. I need to cut some flowers from that tree.”<br />
“You do?” The guard looked at you with some more confusion. “I mean, it’s none of my business, of course. Sorry. I’ll be right back!”<br /><br />
The Dwarf all but ran away from you to go inside the house through a small wooden side-door. You sighed with relief, thanking all the celestial gods for how impressionable the young guard was.
]}
You waited for a minute or so, nervously looking around and fully expecting the Dwarf to come back furious once they realized you were playing them for a fool. But when they exited the small door, they had a wooden step-ladder neatly tucked under their arm.
You watched them hurry towards you with some amazement.
“Here you go, m’Laird...” They said while setting down the ladder and making sure it was well placed and stable.
They looked at you with some hesitation and you thought for a second that you were finally done for.
But instead they asked: “Would you like me to cut the flowers for you?”
{<div class="choice">You had pushed your luck far enough and you started feeling bad for the young guard.<br />
You shook your head and smiled at them. (link: "“No, I will do it myself, but I really appreciate the thought.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I will do it myself")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Well, since they asked...<br />
You nodded, keeping a dignified composure. (link: "“That would be appreciated. Your thoughtfulness is noted.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "That would be appreciated")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
You heard the guard curse in the garden and run to the gate while you could do little but wait anxiously for the boat to arrive, shuffling on your feet. The rattling of metal made you jump and whip your head around to see the Dwarven guard trying to unlock the gate with a set of heavy keys. They were probably too short to jump over it as easily as you could. Or they were not in that much of a hurry to chase you down. You were not sure.
They cursed again when they realized they were using the wrong key. Trying a new one, they looked down at the dock and locked eyes with you. You turned away, your heartbeat speeding up considerably, and you stared at Nuto’s gondola, coming in much faster than when you arrived, but still not fast enough.
“You got nowhere to go, you lil’thief!” The guard yelled at you. “And don’t you think of jumping in the water, it’s huh… it’s nasty! Damn door…”
Maybe they had somehow missed the gondola bounding towards the dock, parting the waters quite noisily too. But as unthreatening as the guard sounded, Nuto could not arrive fast enough.
Or maybe he was arriving too fast. Way too fast. The boat passed by the platform at the same moment the guard managed to get the gate open and you just jumped, unsure if you could make it at all. Your feet met the wooden bottom of the gondola, but with your momentum, you almost fell overboard on the other side. Nuto firmly grabbed your arm to steady you on the boat and went back to rowing.
You were already far when the guards loud steps made it to the dock.
“Hey! Wait! You can’t just steal flowers from people’s gardens like that! That’s! That’s just rude!”
You looked back at them from the safety of the gondola and took a moment to catch your breath. The guard looked mildly offended and very confused. You did not know if it was their expression or the flow of adrenaline in your body coming to a stop, but you started laughing.
<div class="choice">[[The slightest grin graced Nuto’s rough face. It looked a little proud, you thought.->After the trial]]</div>
The Dwarven gondolier took a roundabout way back to the mansion, leading you to the edge of the Royal Opera district and stopping at a large public park. It was one of those places where high society members went to stroll in their finest leisure wear and exchange a few polite words in the peaceful setting. The dock at the bottom of the park was long and plethora of gondolas were moored one behind the other, their drivers enjoying a break either on-board or on benches lining the high wall the park was sitting on top of. A series of imposing stone stairs led up to the garden. From down below, on the channel, you could not see much of the park beyond the top of similar trees to the one you just stole a few flowers from.
Nuto managed to find a spot at the very edge of the dock, stepping onto the platform to tie the gondola up.
You frowned up at him. “Do I have to go through another test?”
Nuto smiled crookedly. “No. You did a good job, I thought it’d be a good idea to stop somewhere nice and have a cup of coffee.”
That did sound like a welcome break. And if you were to believe the way your stomach gurgled, your morning escapade had made you quite hungry too.
“I brought something to eat,” Nuto said, his smile turning into a knowing smirk, crushing your hope that no one had heard that.
With one hand, Nuto pulled out the fabric bag he had brought from the mansion, with the other, he helped you out of the gondola.
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
<br />
Meanwhile, Sir Mansoor was still sitting in the boat, looking regretfully between you, the gondolier and the cat who had taken residence on his lap. “I suppose I should wake her up...”<br /><br />
You would have argued that rubbing Little Lady’s forehead was not the most efficient way of getting her to leave, but you had an inkling the knight would not be receptive to such criticism. The cat started purring again and it took Ajmal a good amount of gentle coaxing to get her to jump down from his thighs.<br />
She left the gondola, climbing swiftly on the dock and started trotting away without a glance back, to Sir Mansoor’s dismay. When she reached the end of the dock, she jumped on a small ledge above the water and soon disappeared behind a corner of the channel.<br /><br />
“Will I see her again?” Ajmal asked as he kept staring where the cat had disappeared, his expression so mournful {(if: ($MansoorTrust < 0) or ($MansoorAffection < 4))[
you had to refrain an eye roll.
]
(else:)[
you had to hide a smile behind your hand.
]}<br />
“Now that she knows she can fully take advantage of you? She’ll come back, don’t you worry,” Nuto replied dryly.<br /><br />
The knight glared at him as he finally stood up and stepped out of the gondola.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta soon followed.
]}
Once all three of you stood on the dock, the gondolier first instinct was to lead you to the benches near the wall, where his colleagues were gathering.
{<div class="choice">You did not mind that. Nuto had often been a bridge between you and less favored citizens and you actually enjoyed learning from this very different perspective. (link: "Besides, you did not feel quite ready to brave high society’s judgemental gaze, especially not in this outfit.")[
(set: $revolutionary to $revolutionary + 1)
(go-to: "Eating on the dock")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(revolutionary)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You would rather not be seen in their company when there was so many of them. They might talk and you were afraid it would give you a reputation among high society that might not be entirely positive. (link: "Besides, the park was undoubtedly a nicer place than the docks.")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(go-to: "Eating in the park")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(traditionalist)//]</div>}
“No, I will do it myself, but I really appreciate the thought.”
The guard smiled gratefully at you and stepped back a little further to let you work in peace, but not too far, in case you needed help, you presumed. It was very sweet and you felt even worse. Unfortunately, it was also going to make your escape difficult.
One thing at a time, you thought while climbing the step-ladder. You started snapping young branches, heavy with flowers, while your mind was thinking at the speed of a train. You worked slowly to give yourself enough time to figure out a good excuse to leave through the garden’s gate.
But you realized you did not really need any, as far as the Dwarf was concerned.
Once you had gathered enough flowers you stepped down from the ladder and turned to the guard. They were watching you from the corner of their eye so they quickly noticed and walked back towards you.
“Do you need anything else?” They asked obligingly.
“Yes, actually,” you replied with an apologetic smile. “A friend is supposed to pick me up on the dock in just a moment. Could you open the gate for me, please?”
The guard looked between you and the house, and for just a moment, their eyes narrowed. “Don’t you… need to get a cloak or something before heading out?”
Your heart rate sped up again. “No, I already took everything I needed.”
The guard nodded, their expression smoothing at your reassurances. They walked you back to the gate, going so far as to offer their arm to help you climb up a set of stairs. They pulled out a heavy keyring and unlocked the little gate for you. As soon as you exited the garden, you glanced in Nuto’s direction and he was already rowing in your direction.
“Ah!{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[He](else:)[She]} is already arriving,“ you commented.
The guard pushed the politeness to accompany you all the way down to the dock. The gondola slowed to a stop and Nuto put one feet on the stone, stabilizing the boat for you to climb in. {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
From his seat, Ajmal was gaping at you and the Dwarven guard standing right beside you, Little Lady still napping on his lap.
]
(else:)[
From her seat, Zanetta was smirking at you and you thought her expression looked a little impressed.
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
“Thank you for your help,”
]
(else:)[
“Thank you so much, you have been incredibly helpful,”
]} you told the guard before boarding the gondola, trying your best to not look too hurried.
“Have a good day, m’Laird,” the young Dwarf simply said with a smile.
As they watched your gondola leave, you leaned over to give the flowers to {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Sir Mansoor] (else:)[Zanetta]}, as if they were meant for {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[him](else:)[her]}. You looked over your shoulder and once you were sure the guard was not watching anymore you sighed deeply and slumped on your seat.
“By the gods...” you muttered.
Nuto actually laughed and {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal blinked at you.<br /><br />
“What in the Rain Daughter’s name just happened?” He asked, dumbfounded.<br />
“I... Huh, I could not figure out how to get the flowers without getting noticed so I convinced the guard to help me.”<br />
The knight blinked again. “That is... incredible.”<br />
You shrugged. “I have a hard time believing it myself.”
(if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ($MansoorTrust is 0))[
<br />
“I always knew you were very talented, but this is...”<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
The compliment made blood rush to your face and you shifted on your bench, avoiding the knight’s gaze.
]
(else:)[
The compliment was touching and you smiled softly at him.
]}
]
]
(else:)[
Zanetta narrowed her eyes at you while grinning.<br /><br />
“Impressive,” she said with a chuckle of her own.<br /><br />
{(if: ($ZanettaRomance > 0) and ($mainflirt is "reserved"))[
Blood rushed to your face at her compliment.
]
(else:)[
You could not stop a pleased smile from gracing your lips.
]}
]}
<div class="choice">Nuto let out another chuckle and when you looked back at him, he grinned. [[You wanted to believe he was a little proud of you.->After the trial]]</div>
“That would be appreciated. Your thoughtfulness is noted.”
The intense relief the guard felt at your crumbs of approval was made obvious by the way their whole body relaxed.
“I’m right on it, m’Laird!”
They climbed up the step-ladder in such a hurry that you feared they might fall off of it. Once on top, they hesitated and looked down at you.
“How much should I cut, m’Laird?”
“Just a couple of young branches should be enough. I will tell you when to stop.”
They started snapping small branches, taking care to choose ones that had a good number of flowers on them. You could see them grimace every time a branch broke between their fingers.
“And huh... You’re certain the Master won’t mind it?” They asked with some unease.
“Why would the Master mind it? It is only a few flowers.”
“Right, right... It’s just that they really like their garden. I mean, they //did// hire me specifically to watch over it, after all. I heard they take care of it themself.”
You drank in the information the guard was letting slip, even if you doubted it would turn out that useful. It sounded like they were new here, which might explain why they were reticent to question your presence here.
“I would not worry about that, if I were you,” you responded both as a reassurance and as a warning.
“O-of course m’Laird!”
You let them cut a few more branches before interrupting them.
“That should be enough.”
“Alright, m’Laird.”
The guard climbed down the step-ladder and turned to you, arranging the branches in a nice little bouquet. They handed it to you with a proud smile.
“Here you go, m’Laird!”
“... Thank you,” you answered, taking the branches from their hand.
They were so happy to be of service that it was a bit unsettling. You were also suddenly presented with the problem of your escape. No doubt the guard expected you to go inside the house, but of course you had to go back to the dock. You had better come up with an excuse and fast.
“I need to go on the dock,” you suddenly announced, keeping to the truth as much as possible. “A friend is going to pick me up any moment now. Open the garden’s gate for me, please.”
“I— Huh... Alright.”
The guard started turning away to follow your orders but they hesitated, looking back at you with narrowed eyes.
“Don’t you need to get a coat or something before heading out?” They asked with just enough suspicion to make a drop of sweat roll down your back.
“No, I made sure to be ready on time, of course,” you replied {(if: $maintrait is "severe")[with a cutting tone.](else:)[keeping your tone neutral.]}
The Dwarf fumbled: “Y-yes! Of course! My apologies, I didn’t mean to imply... I will open the gate right away!”
They hurried up a set of stairs and all but ran towards the wrought-iron gate. You followed at a much calmer pace, even if you felt anything but. You watched them pull out a heavy key ring and clumsily browse through it to find the right key. They tried two wrong ones before finding the one which finally opened the gate in a satisfying whine.
You held onto a sigh of relief and turned to the guard. “Thank you, that will be all. You are dismissed.”
“Are you sure, m’Laird? I can make sure you meet with your friend safely.”
They looked down at the waterway, squinting their eyes warily. “You never know what kind of shady character could pass through here.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
“I can handle myself well enough, thank you,” you said, trying to pass your nerves for irritation.
]
(else:)[
“I said you are dismissed,” you insisted. “I can handle myself well enough.”
]}
“Of course! My apologies. Have a good day, m’Laird.”
They touched their brow as if to tip their non-existant hat and walked away at a fast pace. You finally allowed yourself to sigh and climbed down the stairs, trying not to hurry too obviously. Looking for Nuto’s gondola, you noticed it already approaching. You did not need to wait long on the dock before the boat slowed down next to the platform. The gondolier was looking curiously at you, no doubt having noticed the guard accompanying you to the gate. {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal was gaping at you as you stepped onto the gondola, Little Lady still napping on his lap.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta was smirking up at you as you stepped onto the gondola.
]}
Nuto started rowing again, at the same leisurely pace as before and you had to wait until you were certain the guard could not hear you anymore before you started talking.
“Gods was it a stupid idea,” you groaned while slumping on your seat, adrenaline leaving your body.
Nuto chuckled {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
and Ajmal frowned.<br /><br />
“Why? What happened? Did... did the guard just walk you out?”<br />
You nodded and explained: “Yes, I could not figure out a discreet way to cut the flowers and escape so I convinced them to get the flowers for me.”<br />
“You... what?!”<br /><br />
Nuto straight up laughed and the young knight gawked at you.<br /><br />
“That is incredible!” Sir Mansoor exclaimed in earnest. (if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[“I knew you to be talented, but this...”]<br />
{(if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ($mainflirt is "reserved"))[
<br />
Blood rushed to your face at the compliment.
]
(else:)[
“I have to admit I have a hard time to believe it actually worked myself,” you confessed, although you felt a hint of pride at Ajmal’s honest amazement.
]}
]
(else:)[
and Zanetta still had a grin on her face.<br /><br />
“Did you have the guard walk you out? Impressive,” she said.<br /><br />
{(if: ($ZanettaRomance > 0) and ($mainflirt is "reserved"))[
You felt your face turning hot at the compliment.
]
(else:)[
You tried not to look too pleased at her compliment.
]}
]}
<div class="choice">The gondolier let out another chuckle and when you looked over your shoulder at him, he grinned slightly at you. [[You could not help but think his expression was a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
“A draft has taken my hat and I am pretty certain it has landed in this garden. Would you be kind enough to let me fetch it?”
The Dwarf settled at a safe distance from you beyond the gate, frown deepening. “I didn’t see any hat.”
They were wary of you, but not suspicious enough to reach for their blade at their hip. That was something. But you had to be a lot more convincing than that.
“Please, this hat was a gift from a very good friend of mine and I am supposed to meet with them now. I would not want them to think I did not appreciate their present.”
Maybe adding urgency to your request would do the trick. You tried your best to look as desperate as you could. The Dwarven guard showed signs of hesitation.
“I’m sorry, $MCnutotitle. I don’t want you to get in trouble with your friend, truly, but...”
They looked over their shoulder towards the house. “I’m not sure I’m allowed to let strangers into the garden…”
“I am certain your employer would understand,” you argued (if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[gently]. “Besides, if they let you in charge of the garden, surely they trust your judgement with what to do in such a situation?”
The guard puffed out their chest, this small compliment enough to bolster their confidence, it seemed. “You’re right!”
You looked at them expectantly.
“Huh... Yes, I suppose it’s alright if I let you in,” they finally concluded, looking a little flustered.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You sighed with barely feigned relief. “Thank you.”
]
(else:)[
You sighed dramatically with relief and smiled gratefully at them. “Thank you so much!”
]}
They took the last few steps they needed to reach the wrought-iron gate and pulled out a keyring. The guard unlocked the gate and let you into the garden.
“Do you want me to help you find your hat?” They asked as you walked past them, fiddling with your fingers in an attempt to calm your nerves.
You looked up at the house and hoped no one was watching through the windows.
“(upperfirst: $MCnutotitle)?”
You turned back to the guard{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
. “Yes, I can search though this side of the garden while you search through that one.”
]
(else:)[
, smiling at them. “I would really appreciate your help. What about I search through this side of the garden and you search through that one?”
]}
You pointed in the direction of the large tree Nuto had shown you and then in the opposite direction.
The Dwarf shrugged. “Sure.”
You took a subtle but deep inhalation as they walked away from you, starting to thoroughly search through low bushes. Turning towards your objective, you climbed down a set of stairs to reach the tree. Now all you had to do was to cut some branches and part ways with your new friend without raising their suspicion.
The first problem was that all the flowers were out of your reach.
{<div class="choice">A problem easily remedied by climbing. (link: "If the guard had anything to say about that, you could pretend you thought you saw your hat in the branches.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 4)
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
(go-to: "Climbing the tree (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">Climbing the tree would be challenging and would lack discretion. (link: "But if you could find a way to get on top of the garden wall, you could reach the upper branches from there.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 4)
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
(go-to: "Climbing the wall")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your intelligence.)//</div>}
As the Dwarf settled at a safe distance from you, you started rifling through your pouch to grab some coins. To be honest, you had no idea what would be a good amount of money to give them to convince them to let you into the garden. You gathered ten aures and presented them to the guard. As far as you could tell, it was a sizable sum, but you had no idea how well they were being paid.
By the way their eyes bulged, you concluded it was not enough for them to turn ten aures away easily.
“They are yours if you let me into the garden for a few minutes,” you told them, your hand still outstretched.
They stared at the coins for a moment before lifting their gaze to yours. However impressed they were, they still seemed wary of you.
“Why do you need to get in the garden?” They asked, narrowing their eyes at you, but occasionally glancing down at the gold in your hand.
“Does it really matter?”
“Listen... Whoever you are... That’s a, huh... a generous offer, but still not worth getting fired over.”
“I will not do any kind of damage,” you lied. “Or anything that might endanger you or your employer, I promise.”
That part was true, at least.
The guard kept staring at you with suspicion. “Then why do you need to get in in the first place?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "severe")[
You had to commend this guard’s integrity, really. But it was not helping you reach your goal.<br />
You frowned, weighing your options.
]
(else:)[
They were being awfully stubborn. In all the stories you read, bribing a guard was never such a hurdle. They would just take the money and look the other way. Or they would refuse and attack. Why was this one making it such a complicated affair?<br />
Your lips pursed in a discontented grimace and you stayed quiet, pondering what to answer.
]}
“I just want a few flowers,” you admitted.
The Dwarf’s eyes opened even wider than before. “You want to pay me ten aures to let you in the garden so you can pick some flowers?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
“Yes, if you agree,” you confirmed.
]
(else:)[
“Yes. Do you agree or not?” You replied, losing patience.
]}
“Hells yes, I do!” They exclaimed, quickly grabbing the keyring hanging at their belt.
They rushed towards the wrought-iron gate and clumsily unlocked it, pulling it open for you to step in. You poured the coins in their hands and they received them very happily. You started to wonder if you did not give them an excessive amount of gold, but at least you were in.
“I’m going to go there,” the guard said, pointing at the terrace with the table and chairs. “And huh… Look the other way while you do your business. Just... don’t take //all// the flowers, okay?”
You nodded and watched them walk away before stepping towards the tree yourself. You climbed down a set of stairs and found yourself looking up the tall blooming tree.
So far so good. The only problem was that all the flowers were out of your reach from here.
{<div class="choice">The most straightforward answer was to climb the tree. (link: "So that was what you did.")[
(set: $martial to $martial + 4)
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 2)
(go-to: "Climbing the tree (2)")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your martial prowess.)//</div>
<div class="choice">Climbing the tree could prove noisy and challenging. (link: "If you could find a way to stand on top of the garden outer wall, you could reach the tree upper branches.")[
(set: $intelligence to $intelligence + 4)
(set: $martial to $martial + 2)
(go-to: "Climbing the wall")
]<br />
//(This choice will moderately improve your intelligence.)//</div>}
You took another step towards the trunk of the tree, looking up to determine the best path to take. Glancing over your shoulder, you made sure the Dwarven guard was not paying you any mind. Once your concerns were assuaged, you grabbed the lower branches and hauled your body up, trying to find purchase with your feet. The rustling of leaves and the creaking of bark were unavoidable and you winced as you climbed, looking once again over your shoulder. But the guard still seemed unbothered.
So you looked for young branches, thin and easy to cut, heavy with flowers. You snapped one of them and the sound felt like thunder to your ears. This time, the guard looked your way. You cut another small branch as they started walking in your direction, deciding that working fast was now a better solution.
“What are you doing?!” The Dwarf exclaimed, raising their voice for you to hear them from the other side of the garden.
You snapped another branch.
{(if: (history:) contains "A draft has taken my hat")[
“I am looking for my hat!” You responded as if it was quite obvious. “I think it is stuck in the branches!”
]
(else:)[
“Picking flowers?” You responded as if it was quite obvious.
]}
It was, after all, what you said you were here for. You cut one last branch as the guard rushed down the stairs that led to this section of the garden.
“You can’t climb up that tree that’s... that’s dangerous! I’m going to be in so much trouble if you fall and hurt yourself!”
Well, that was sweet of them to worry. And a bit unexpected.
“I will be fine!” You promised.
You did start training with Sir Mansoor and you were confident in your tree-climbing skills. But you had what you were looking for, so it was time to climb down. Your feet hit the pale patch of grass when the Dwarf stopped in front of you, a little out of breath. They examined you quickly.
“Are you hurt?” They asked with a genuine worried frown.
{(if: (history:) contains "A draft has taken my hat")[
“No, but I could not find my hat,” you answered, doing your best to look as dejected as you could.<br /><br />
The guard looked about as disappointed as you and you felt a twinge of guilt knowing their chagrin was much more genuine than yours.<br /><br />
“Me neither,” they said. “I’m so sorry. I hope your friend won’t hold it against you.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You sighed. “I hope so as well. But they will definitely be in a better mood if I arrive on time. I should probably get going.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled faintly at them. “I am sure they will understand once I explained the situation. But they will be in a much better mood if I do not arrive late for our date. I should probably get going.”
]}<br /><br />
While you talked, you did your best to hide the small bouquet of branches behind your back.<br /><br />
The Dwarf sagged again. “Alright... Again, I’m really sorry. Do you want me to send the hat somewhere if I ever find it?”<br />
You did not plan for that much thoughtfulness. “I— No, it is alright, I was probably mistaken. It must have landed somewhere else. Thank you, though, I really appreciate that.”<br />
“Alright...” They said again, looking so sad it made you nearly squirm. “I’ll walk you out.”<br /><br />
They were awfully invested in this. As you both turned towards the exit, you tried to smoothly switch the branches position to keep them out of view, but the guard caught the movement.<br /><br />
“What’s this?” They asked with a confused frown.<br />
“That, huh... Those are branches I broke while searching for my hat in the tree,” you explained, looking appropriately bashful.<br />
“Oh Saints— That’s... unfortunate. I hope the Master won’t notice.”<br /><br />
The guard looked over their shoulder at the tree while you both walked towards the gate.<br /><br />
“I am so sorry... The flowers are really pretty, it is truly a shame,” you commiserated, {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
hoping this would be the last bit of manipulation you would have to do.
]
(else:)[
while your gut twisted at that last bit of manipulation.
]}<br />
“You keep them, then,” the Dwarf reply without skipping a beat. “I hope they’ll make your day a little better.”<br /><br />
They offered a compassionate smile {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
and you pushed down your unease.
]
(else:)[
and you could not have felt worse.
]} They saw you to the gate, as promised and you exchanged very polite goodbyes. You sighed with intense relief as soon as they were out of sight and you climbed down the stairs to the dock. Waving in the direction of Nuto, you waited on the platform for the boat to arrive, doing your best to not start pacing nervously.
]
(else:)[
“No and I have my flowers,” you answered, brandishing a bouquet of pink flowers and blue foliage.<br />
“Those were the ones you wanted?” The guard asked with disbelief.<br /><br />
You nodded.<br /><br />
“You could have told me from the start! I would have fetched a step-ladder, it would have been much easier!”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
You felt your face heat up, feeling a bit embarrassed.
]
(else:)[
You blinked at them, surprised.
]} You had not realized the guard would go that far to help you. Maybe you really paid them well.<br /><br />
“I will be going now,” you said in a rush, not wanting to linger in the garden. “Thank you.”<br />
“Oh. Okay. You, huh... You’re welcome.”<br /><br />
They looked up at the tree, maybe trying to gage how much damage you had done, while you walked towards the open gate. Then they hurried to follow you there, closing the gate behind you.<br /><br />
“Well, huh... Have a good day!” They said, waving at you awkwardly as you climbed down the stairs to the dock.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
You waved back at them, uncertain of how to end this uneasy encounter.
]
(else:)[
You only hummed in response, wanting nothing more than this uneasy encounter to end.
]} The guard watched you for a moment longer before disappearing behind the garden’s wall. You sighed in relief and signaled Nuto. The gondolier started rowing in your direction.
]} You stepped into the gondola as soon as it slowed near the dock and Nuto picked up speed again.
“How did it go?” He asked as you handed him the bouquet.
You sat down on your bench, shoulders slumping. “I managed to convince the guard to let me in.”
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal gaped at you. “You convinced them? How?”
]
(else:)[
Zanetta grinned at you. “Impressive. What did you tell them?”
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "A draft has taken my hat")[
“I said that I had lost my hat and that it was a gift. I might... have gone a little too far with my story. They were really sad I did not find my hat in the end,” you admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.<br /><br />
Nuto straight up laughed and you felt your face heating up, even though you doubted it was at your expense. {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal, on the other hand, looked even more baffled.<br /><br />
“That is very impressive.(if: ($MansoorAffection > 5) and ($MansoorTrust is 0))[ I knew you were talented, but...]”<br /><br />
{(if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ($mainflirt is "reserved"))[
Your face felt warmer still at his compliment.<br /><br />
]
(else-if: ($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
You felt touched by the knight genuine reaction.<br /><br />
]}
<div class="choice">Nuto chuckled and when you looked over your shoulder, he smiled at you. [[You could not help but think he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Zanetta, on the other hand, raised impressed eyebrows at you.<br /><br />
“Have you ever considered a career as an agent?” She said with a chuckle. (if: ($ZanettaRomance > 0) and ($ZanettaAffection > 4))[
“I could train you personally.”<br />
You knew she was only joking when she wiggled her eyebrows at you, but could not help but feel flustered. {(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
“I— I will be fine, thank you.”
]
(else:)[
“It sounds intriguing, but I will have to pass.”
]}
]<br /><br />
<div class="choice">Nuto chuckled himself and when you looked over your shoulder, he smiled at you. [[You could not help but think he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]}
]
(else:)[
“I bribed them. I gave them ten aures to let me in the garden.”<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Sir Mansoor shifted on his bench, fiddling uncomfortably with his hands. “Ten aures? That... Huh. I— I think that is... hum... quite a bit of money.”<br />
Nuto burst out laughing as he rarely did. “That’s putting it very mildly, son.”<br />
Your face turned warm and you crossed your arms over your chest defensively. “I was not sure how much was appropriate...”<br />
“That... That is alright, $MCcovertitle,” the knight tried to reassure you. “I would say your lack of experience in bribing people is quite reassuring, actually.”<br />
“See it as a compensation for the trouble you might have caused them,” Nuto said.<br />
Ajmal glared up at him. “Trouble that would not have happen if you did not ask $MCpronoun2 to trespass.”<br />
“It’s just a couple of flowers, nothing to get your breeches in a knot,” the gondolier sighed. “Besides, what’s done is done.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">Sir Mansoor grumpily went back to petting Little Lady on his lap and you looked over your shoulder at Nuto. [[He smiled at you and you could not help but think he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Zanetta blinked at you. “I beg your pardon? How many did you give them?”<br />
“Ten,” you repeated, feeling a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. “I— I was not sure how much would be appropriate.”<br /><br />
Nuto straight up laughed {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" and "open")[
and you felt yourself shrink on the bench.<br /><br />
“I take it that was too much money,” you commented in a defeated tone.
]
(else:)[
and you crossed your arms over your chest defensively, your face heating up dangerously.<br /><br />
“I take it that was too much money,” you commented dryly.
]}<br />
Zanetta grinned at you. “Look at the bright side: at least you //really// made that guard’s day.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">Nuto chuckled some more and when you looked at him over your shoulder, you noticed his smile. [[You could not help but think it looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]}
]}
You looked over your shoulder to make sure the Dwarven guard was not paying you any mind. When you were certain they were not looking your way, you started following the garden’s outer wall, searching for an easy way up. You found it in the form of a short wooden ladder, carelessly left to rest against the dry stones. You looked at the guard once again before taking the ladder under your arm and going back to the tree. Settling the ladder against the wall again, you climbed up.
The top of the wall was rounded, so you had to mind your balance. But it was wide enough that you could walk up to the tree branches safely enough. And a lot less noisily than if you had climbed the tree itself. The Dwarven guard was still busily looking elsewhere.
You started snapping young branches, heavy with flowers and foliage. That noise might alert the guard to what you were doing, but at least you had a headstart.
After the third branch, the guard finally turned towards you. You cut another small branch as they started walking in your direction, deciding that working fast was now a better solution.
“What are you doing?!” The Dwarf exclaimed, raising their voice for you to hear them from the other side of the garden.
You snapped another branch.
{(if: (history:) contains "A draft has taken my hat")[
“I am looking for my hat!” You responded as if it was quite obvious. “I think it is stuck in the branches!”
]
(else:)[
“Picking flowers?” You responded as if it was quite obvious.
]}
It was, after all, what you said you were here for. You cut one last branch as the guard rushed down the stairs that led to this section of the garden.
“You can’t walk on that wall! That... That’s dangerous! I’m going to get in so much trouble if you fall and hurt yourself!”
That was sweet of them to worry. And unexpected. But ultimately pointless.
“It is alright, the wall is not tall enough for me to truly hurt myself,” you explained patiently.
You had thought this through, after all. But there was no need for you to stay on the wall any longer. You had what you came for so you climbed down the ladder and when your feet hit the grass, the guard was by your side, a little out of breath. You turned to face them. They examined you quickly.
“Are you hurt?” They asked with a genuine worried frown.
{(if: (history:) contains "A draft has taken my hat")[
“No, but I could not find my hat,” you answered, doing your best to look as dejected as you could.<br /><br />
The guard looked about as disappointed as you and you felt a twinge of guilt knowing their chagrin was much more genuine than yours.<br /><br />
“Me neither,” they said. “I’m so sorry. I hope your friend won’t hold it against you.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You sighed. “I hope so as well. But they will definitely be in a better mood if I arrive on time. I should probably get going.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled faintly at them. “I am sure they will understand once I explained the situation. But they will be in a much better mood if I do not arrive late for our date. I should probably get going.”
]}<br /><br />
While you talked, you did your best to hide the small bouquet of branches behind your back.<br /><br />
The Dwarf sagged again. “Alright... Again, I’m really sorry. Do you want me to send the hat somewhere if I ever find it?”<br />
You did not plan for that much thoughtfulness. “I— No, it is alright, I was probably mistaken. It must have landed somewhere else. Thank you, though, I really appreciate that.”<br />
“Alright...” They said again, looking so sad it made you nearly squirm. “I’ll walk you out.”<br /><br />
They were awfully invested in this. As you both turned towards the exit, you tried to smoothly switch the branches position to keep them out of view, but the guard caught the movement.<br /><br />
“What’s this?” They asked with a confused frown.<br />
“That, huh... Those are branches I broke while searching for my hat in the tree,” you explained, looking appropriately bashful.<br />
“Oh Saints— That’s... unfortunate. I hope the Master won’t notice.”<br /><br />
The guard looked over their shoulder at the tree while you both walked towards the gate.<br /><br />
“I am so sorry... The flowers are really pretty, it is truly a shame,” you commiserated, {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
hoping this would be the last bit of manipulation you would have to do.
]
(else:)[
while your gut twisted at that last bit of manipulation.
]}<br />
“You keep them, then,” the Dwarf reply without skipping a beat. “I hope they’ll make your day a little better.”<br /><br />
They offered a compassionate smile {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
and you pushed down your unease.
]
(else:)[
and you could not have felt worse.
]} They saw you to the gate, as promised and you exchanged very polite goodbyes. You sighed with intense relief as soon as they were out of sight and you climbed down the stairs to the dock. Waving in the direction of Nuto, you waited on the platform for the boat to arrive, doing your best to not start pacing nervously.
]
(else:)[
“No and I have my flowers,” you answered, brandishing a bouquet of pink flowers and blue foliage.<br />
“Those were the ones you wanted?” The guard asked with disbelief.<br /><br />
You nodded.<br /><br />
“You could have told me from the start! I would have fetched a step-ladder, it would have been much easier!”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
You felt your face heat up, feeling a bit embarrassed.
]
(else:)[
You blinked at them, surprised.
]} You had not realized the guard would go that far to help you. Maybe you really paid them well.<br /><br />
“I will be going now,” you said in a rush, not wanting to linger in the garden. “Thank you.”<br />
“Oh. Okay. You, huh... You’re welcome.”<br /><br />
They looked up at the tree, maybe trying to gage how much damage you had done, while you walked towards the open gate. Then they hurried to follow you there, closing the gate behind you.<br /><br />
“Well, huh... Have a good day!” They said, waving at you awkwardly as you climbed down the stairs to the dock.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
You waved back at them, uncertain of how to end this uneasy encounter.
]
(else:)[
You only hummed in response, wanting nothing more than this uneasy encounter to end.
]} The guard watched you for a moment longer before disappearing behind the garden’s wall. You sighed in relief and signaled Nuto. The gondolier started rowing in your direction.
]} You stepped into the gondola as soon as it slowed near the dock and Nuto picked up speed again.
“How did it go?” He asked as you handed him the bouquet.
You sat down on your bench, shoulders slumping. “I managed to convince the guard to let me in.”
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal gaped at you. “You convinced them? How?”
]
(else:)[
Zanetta grinned at you. “Impressive. What did you tell them?”
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "A draft has taken my hat")[
“I said that I had lost my hat and that it was a gift. I might... have gone a little too far with my story. They were really sad I did not find my hat in the end,” you admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.<br /><br />
Nuto straight up laughed and you felt your face heating up, even though you doubted it was at your expense. {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal, on the other hand, looked even more baffled.<br /><br />
“That is very impressive.(if: ($MansoorAffection > 5) and ($MansoorTrust is 0))[ I knew you were talented, but...]”<br /><br />
{(if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ($mainflirt is "reserved"))[
Your face felt warmer still at his compliment.<br /><br />
]
(else-if: ($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
You felt touched by the knight genuine reaction.<br /><br />
]}
<div class="choice">Nuto chuckled and when you looked over your shoulder, he smiled at you. [[You could not help but think he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Zanetta, on the other hand, raised impressed eyebrows at you.<br /><br />
“Have you ever considered a career as an agent?” She said with a chuckle. (if: ($ZanettaRomance > 0) and ($ZanettaAffection > 4))[
“I could train you personally.”<br />
You knew she was only joking when she wiggled her eyebrows at you, but could not help but feel flustered. {(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
“I— I will be fine, thank you.”
]
(else:)[
“It sounds intriguing, but I will have to pass.”
]}
]<br /><br />
<div class="choice">Nuto chuckled himself and when you looked over your shoulder, he smiled at you. [[You could not help but think he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]}
]
(else:)[
“I bribed them. I gave them ten aures to let me in the garden.”<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Sir Mansoor shifted on his bench, fiddling uncomfortably with his hands. “Ten aures? That... Huh. I— I think that is... hum... quite a bit of money.”<br />
Nuto burst out laughing as he rarely did. “That’s putting it very mildly, son.”<br />
Your face turned warm and you crossed your arms over your chest defensively. “I was not sure how much was appropriate...”<br />
“That... That is alright, $MCcovertitle,” the knight tried to reassure you. “I would say your lack of experience in bribing people is quite reassuring, actually.”<br />
“See it as a compensation for the trouble you might have caused them,” Nuto said.<br />
Ajmal glared up at him. “Trouble that would not have happen if you did not ask $MCpronoun2 to trespass.”<br />
“It’s just a couple of flowers, nothing to get your breeches in a knot,” the gondolier sighed. “Besides, what’s done is done.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">Sir Mansoor grumpily went back to petting Little Lady on his lap and you looked over your shoulder at Nuto. [[He smiled at you and you could not help but think he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Zanetta blinked at you. “I beg your pardon? How many did you give them?”<br />
“Ten,” you repeated, feeling a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. “I— I was not sure how much would be appropriate.”<br /><br />
Nuto straight up laughed {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" and "open")[
and you felt yourself shrink on the bench.<br /><br />
“I take it that was too much money,” you commented in a defeated tone.
]
(else:)[
and you crossed your arms over your chest defensively, your face heating up dangerously.<br /><br />
“I take it that was too much money,” you commented dryly.
]}<br />
Zanetta grinned at you. “Look at the bright side: at least you //really// made that guard’s day.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">Nuto chuckled some more and when you looked at him over your shoulder, you noticed his smile. [[You could not help but think it looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]}
]}
You were confident enough in your sense of balance to start dashing on top of the wall, despite the rounded stones. You did not have to run far anyway, reaching the edge of the garden in a couple of hurried strides.
“Where are you going?!” You heard the guard yell after you.
With a quick glance, you looked down in the garden next door. This one was more of a courtyard and did not look quite as polished. The only guard there was a chubby cat sleeping on a chair placed against the townhouse wall.
You dropped down and looked for the exit, the feline sentry raising its head to watch you with mild curiosity. Spotting a short wrought-iron gate similar to the one from the garden next-door, you ran towards it, crossing the courtyard in a few seconds. You climbed over the gate and found yourself on top of a set of stairs leading down to a private dock, as expected. You rushed down and once on the stone platform, you looked for Nuto’s gondola.
Unfortunately, you were too far away and the boat was out of view from this angle. You should have thought of that. You looked around to see if there was any sign that the Dwarven guard had followed you, but so far, so good. However you still had to figure out how to signal Nuto to come and get you before they found a way to reach you.
{<div class="choice">There was a gondola docked right here. You could take it and row until Nuto came into view. (link: "It was not really stealing if it was just for a minute, right?")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Stealing a gondola")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Nuto was a smart man and would notice there was trouble. You were confident he would not leave you hanging for long. (link: "You decided to wait.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "You decided to wait")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
With freshly cut flowers very obviously in your hands and the guard staring you down as they ran towards you, you could not possibly lie.
“I am cutting some flowers,” you simply answered while you let your mind race to find a decent excuse for what you were doing.
It would not make your trespassing and flower stealing more legal, but maybe you could convince the guard that letting you go was the moral thing to do. As a show of good faith, you walked out of your cover behind the branches, before dropping down on the pale grass of the garden, making yourself easily accessible to the guard.
This was enough to confuse them and they stopped at a safe distance from you, looking at you with a puzzled frown.
“You’re cutting... Why are you...? Never mind that! You can’t do that, that’s— That’s very rude!”
{<div class= "choice">It seemed even //they// were not quite sure if this was legal or not, after all. Maybe that was something you could exploit.<br />
“It is well within my right,” you replied with aplomb. [lin: "“All the branches of that tree which protrude from the garden’s outer wall are public property.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Those branches are public property")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Maybe you were wrong, but the Dwarf being a guard, you assumed they were not an expert botanist. You decided to use that to your advantage and appeal to their — you hoped — better nature.<br />
(link: "“I know and I apologize, truly! But my aunt has been very sick and this tree has medicinal properties that could help her.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "My aunt is sick")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>}
You did not hesitate long, you already trespassed and stole a few flowers, what was a little bit of gondola borrowing? You unraveled the rope that was tying the boat to the dock and jumped in, dropping your tree branches safely at the bottom. Taking the paddle, you started rowing the same way you had seen Nuto do for a few month now. Or at least how you thought he did. It was a little trickier than you expected and you found yourself zigzagging awkwardly across the channel.
You cursed under your breath as the boat moved at crawling speed. You were only about halfway to the dock Nuto dropped you on when you heard someone yelling behind you.
“Hey! Hey! You— You can’t do that!”
You looked over your shoulder and saw the Dwarven guard again. Considering the time it took them to get on the neighboring dock, you suspected they had to convince someone into letting them in. Your heart rate sped up. You had hoped they had given up their pursuit. Thankfully they were too far to do anything about your escape, not until they joined back the other dock anyway. It would take them some time and you did not plan on wasting any of it. You redoubled your efforts and rowed as fast as you could. Directing the gondola was still a challenge but you did manage to pick up some speed. At the cost of a few scratches on the boat’s outer varnish when you hit the stone walls framing the waterway, but still.
Thankfully, you came into view of Nuto’s gondola before you could do more damage. You stealing a boat to escape was unexpected enough that you did not need to signal the gondolier for him to come to you. You did your best to stop the gondola, trying to keep it still for Nuto to approach more easily, as you trusted him far better than you to maneuver smoothly enough to get the two boats side by side. But the gondola kept drifting this way and that way at each paddle stroke. Thankfully, when Nuto came close enough, {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Ajmal](else:)[Zanetta]} grabbed onto your boat to bring it closer. You put the paddle away, grabbed your bouquet and jumped into Nuto’s gondola.
You handed the flowers to the gondolier with a sigh of relief, before plopping down on the your bench.
“That was a daring escape if I ever saw one,” Nuto commented with a smile in his voice as he started rowing again, the gondola swiftly gliding away from the scene.
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
“Whose gondola is that?” Sir Mansoor asked, looking quite alarmed. “Did— Did you steal it?!”<br />
“Only a little,” you replied, somewhere in between defensive and bashful.<br />
The knight looked like he was about to have a stroke when Nuto intervened to smooth things over. “It’s fine, someone will return it soon enough.”<br /><br />
Ajmal looked reassured for a moment, until the gondolier added: “Or someone else will steal it, either way it’s nothing we have to concern ourselves with.”<br />
The young knight was about to object again, but you interrupted him. “$Ajmal, it is alright. The guard who was in the garden will surely warn the owners.”<br /><br />
Ajmal sighed and nodded, keeping any further protests to himself and choosing to distract himself by petting Little Lady, still on his lap.<br /><br />
“You did good,” you heard Nuto say quietly behind you.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[When you looked over your shoulder, you saw him smile and you thought it looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“Stealing gondolas now, are you?” Zanetta drawled while she smirked at you. “What would Lady Domara say?”<br />
“It is not really stealing if I do not keep it, right?” You replied a little defensively, even if you suspected the Dwarven woman had no problem whatsoever with what you just accomplished.<br />
Zanetta chuckled. “I doubt many people see it that way, especially not the gondola’s owners.”<br />
You glanced at the boat that was drifting away behind you. “I am sure someone will return it. If anything that guard in the garden will warn someone about it.”<br />
The spymaster laughed. “So it does bother you, doesn’t it?”<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "open")[
You shrugged. Maybe it did bother you a little, but not that much. Nuto was rubbing off on you.
]
(else:)[
You felt your face turn warm. Maybe it did bother you a little.
]}<br /><br />
“Don’t worry, I’m sure they can afford another one if they can’t get this one back. If anything, you spiced up their daily life, they should be grateful.”<br />
“That does not sound like the right way to look at it,” you commented, giving her a skeptical look.<br />
Zanetta grinned. “Maybe not, but that’s the fun way to look at it.”<br /><br />
Nuto chuckled and you gave him a pointed look over your shoulder.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[He only smiled at you in return and you thought he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]}
Seconds passed, turning into minutes, and your tension kept climbing as you waited, doing everything in your power to keep quiet and not start pacing the length of the dock. You hoped that the guard had given up pursuit. It was, after all, only a minor transgression to trespass into and pick a few flowers from a private garden. Or at least you assumed it was.
Your hope was quickly crushed, however, when you heard voices rising behind you. The guard was arguing with someone, you could not tell what they were saying. You pressed your back to the cold stone wall, your heart racing dangerously.
//Come on, Nuto, come on//. As soon as the thought crossed your mind, the Dwarf’s gondola peeked out of the waterway it was hiding in. You inhaled deeply, some relief flooding through you. But you were not out of trouble yet. You signaled Nuto frenetically, trying to communicate the urgency of the situation.
“... Are you sure? I didn’t see anyone.” You heard a gruff voice say not too far above you.
“Yes! They ran through here!”
It sounded like the garden’s guard had convinced someone to let them inside the neighbor’s courtyard.
“So... What did they do again?” The first voice asked.
“They, huh... I think they stole some flowers?”
“Right...”
You would have been amused at the highly skeptical tone if you were not staring anxiously at Nuto’s fast — yet not fast enough — approach.
“They’re a thief!” The Dwarven guard exclaimed in outrage. “They could be stealing your employer’s gondola right now!”
“Uh-huh...”
Your nose wrinkled in distaste. Sure, you did steal a few flowers, but a gondola? That was beneath you, you would never stoop so low. Well, maybe you could be convinced if Nuto was not going to arrive any time now…
“Listen, I’ll be just a minute, just to check if they’re still around,” the guard pleaded.
“Sure, buddy, if that’ll untwist your breeches. I’ll have my eye on you, though…”
“Fine!”
You heard the Dwarf stomping in the courtyard. No doubt he would check the dock first. Nuto’s gondola was so close and yet so far away. It did not help your blood pressure that the gondolier had to slow down for you to be able to climb safely aboard. You walked away from the wall and the stairs, getting closer to the edge of the dock to get ready to jump. You simply could not wait anymore.
“Hey!”
You startled, looking up and behind to see the garden’s guard staring at you from behind the iron gate. They tried to open it but it was locked.
“S—Stay put!” They ordered you without much conviction before turning towards the courtyard. “Can you open that, please?”
“Fine,” the other voice groaned from further in.
You did not intend to obey, of course and as soon as Nuto’s gondola was close enough, you jumped, making the small boat rock dangerously. You almost fell over the other side, but Nuto grabbed your arm with a firm hand, helping you find your balance. He then returned to rowing, taking up speed.
“Hey!” The guard protested again, sounding both offended and defeated.
You did not realize how fast Nuto could go. Soon, you were out of view and you slumped on the bench, sighing with intense relief as the adrenaline left your body. You turned to hand your bouquet of branches to Nuto. He took it with a nod.
“Nice job… Except for the part where you ran out of view and we couldn’t see what on earth was happening.”
You winced. “I figured you would come to get me soon enough.”
Nuto hummed either skeptically or thoughtfully, you were not sure.
You attempted a smile. “Well, I was right, was I not? You did come.”
<div class="choice">[[The gondolier smiled back and you thought he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
“It is well within my right,” you replied with aplomb. “All the branches of that tree which protrude from the garden’s outer wall are public property.”
Hesitation made the Dwarf’s expression even more baffled. “It... is?”
“Absolutely,” you lied with as much confidence as you could gather. {(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“And one who does not even know what is and is not reprehensible makes a poor guard indeed.”
]
(else:)[
“As a guard, should you not know these things?”
]}
“I... How was I supposed to know someone would just come here and sneak up on the wall to cut some tree branches?!” The guard protested while looking a bit abashed. “No offense, m’Laird, but that was a little shady.”
{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You frowned at them, staring them down as if they were the one affronting you.<br /><br />
“I would not put my honor into question like that, if I were you,” you stated coldly and you saw the Dwarf shrinking away from you.
]
(else:)[
You stared at them in pretend shock, as if they were the one affronting you.<br /><br />
“Me? Shady? That is such a rude thing to say!”
]}
“But...”
You gave them a pointed look and they did not continue their sentence. They looked absolutely confused, and admittedly you chastising them when you were in the wrong was absolutely ridiculous, but your apparent confidence made theirs waver. You wondered if they had much of it to begin with.
“I... I apologize, m’Laird, I did not mean to insult you.”
“Apology accepted,” you replied, pretending to be gracious. “Now, I need to be on my way, so if you would please open the gate...”
The Dwarf blinked at you. “Huh... Of course.”
They hurried towards the garden’s wrought-iron gate, grabbing a heavy key-ring hanging at their belt. They were obviously keen to see you depart. You could hardly blame them, you would not be happy either if some stranger trespassed on your property and started reprimanding you.
You followed them, climbing up a set of stairs to a higher terrace, and watched them fumble with the keys, trying to find the right one. It took them a moment and a few curses under their breath, but they eventually managed to get the gate open. They stepped out of the way and you nodded as thanks, walking out of the garden at a dignified pace.
“Huh... Good day, m’Laird,” the Dwarven guard said in a haze, the sentence almost coming out as a question.
{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />
You ignored them and kept walking, climbing down the stairs to the dock.
]
(else:)[
“Good day,” you replied as you kept walking, climbing down the stairs to the dock.<br />
]}
You were anxious to leave before the guard could realize how you swindled them. You heard the gate’s whine as they closed it shut behind you and allowed yourself a small breath of relief before signaling for Nuto to come pick you up.
You watched the gondola approach slowly, your tension still high. As soon as the boat was close enough, you stepped onboard and handed the bouquet to Nuto before allowing yourself to slump on the bench.
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Sir Mansoor looked between you and the garden’s gate. “Did... Did the guard just escort you out?”<br />
You nodded. “I managed to make them believe I was in my right.”<br />
The young knight gaped at you. “That... is incredible.”<br /><br />
Part of you had to agree with him that it was hard to believe. (if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[Another part of you felt quite euphoric at the fact you managed to impress him. ]You heard Nuto hum in agreement behind you and you glanced at him over your shoulder.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">As he picked up speed and rowed away from the dock, he had the slightest smile on his lips. [[You thought it looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Zanetta smirked at you, one eyebrow raised. “Looks like the guard politely escorted you out of the door. Impressive.”<br /><br />
{(if: ($ZanettaRomance > 0) and ($mainflirt is "reserved"))[
You tried to not look like you were basking in her approval, but you felt your face flush.
]
(else-if: $ZanettaRomance > 0)[
You smiled back at her, basking in her approval.
]}You heard Nuto hum as well and you looked over your shoulder at him.<br /><br />
“You did good,” he confirmed as he picked up some speed, the gondola sliding smoothly away from the dock.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[He only had the slightest smile on his lips, but you thought it looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
]}
“I know and I apologize, truly! But my aunt has been very sick and this tree has medicinal properties that could help her.”
The Dwarf’s frown turned into a concerned one, albeit still quite confused.
“You... Couldn’t you just buy the flowers at a market or something?” They asked.
“I...”
Your first thought was to argue that the branches would be too expensive, but a quick glance at your attire told you it was a bad idea. Although you had chosen a simple and practical outfit, the fabrics and the cut were of excellent make. Not something a commoner could afford.
So you went with your next best idea.
“That would not work,” you started to explain, twisting your hands together and avoiding direct eye contact to try and pass your hesitation for timidity. “The branches need to be freshly cut for the medicine to have any effect. Which means I really have to hurry, before the flowers lose any of their potency.”
“Oh... Oh! Alright, that... That makes sense.”
They looked around them, shifting awkwardly, the sudden urgency of the situation putting them on edge.
“Right! I should probably open the gate for you then!”
The guard rushed to the wrought-iron door, pulling a heavy key-ring from their belt. You followed them up a flight of stairs and watched them sort through the keys with shaky fingers. They tried one on the gate’s lock, only to realize it was not the right one.
“Shit! Huh, pardon me m’Laird.”
“It is alright,” {(if: $maintrait is "severe" or "stoic")[
you answered, trying to stay patient despite your own agitation.
]
(else:)[
you answered gently.
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You were surprised the guard was taking your cause that much to heart and maybe you felt a twinge of guilt. But at least it meant they would hurry, giving you a quick way out. If only it was not making them so clumsy...
]
(else:)[
All you wanted was a quick way out, you did not think the guard would take your cause that much to heart. You felt a bit bad for causing them such stress.
]}
They dropped the key-ring in their haste to try to find the right key.
“I’m so so sorry!” They said, looking genuinely panicked.
“It is fine,” you reassured them again. “You do not have to hurry that much.”
“I just would hate if your aunt’s health did not improve because I’m incapable of opening this //damned// gate!” The Dwarf exclaimed with frustration as they picked up the key-ring and tried a new key on the lock.
They finally managed to open the gate, despite their trembling fingers and you breathed out quietly, trying to hide your sigh of relief. The guard stepped out of the way to let you out.
“So sorry for the delay, m’Laird. I really hope your aunt gets better soon.”
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You forced a smile. “Thank you.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled gratefully at them. “Thank you so much.”
]}
You rushed down the stairs to the dock, feeling the Dwarf’s concerned gaze following you all the way down. You looked up at them and nodded, hoping they would take it as a dismissal, but they stayed put, looking at you, worry etched onto their face. You signaled Nuto and waited for him to come pick you up, trying to act as if it was the most natural thing in the world. You tried not to look at the guard again, feeling antsy, but failed and glanced at them one more time. They had closed the gate but it seemed that they wanted to make sure you were leaving safely.
You managed to address them a tight smile before looking back at Nuto’s gondola, gliding slowly in your direction. It coud not arrive soon enough.
When the boat was finally close enough for you to jump in, you climbed aboard and sat on the bench, your hands holding onto the bouquet of branches tightly. Nuto kept quiet, aware of the guard’s presence and started rowing again, picking up speed as soon as the dock was behind you.
Once you were sure the Dwarven guard could not see you anymore, you allowed yourself to slump and sigh deeply.
“Thank the gods...”
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Sir Mansoor frowned. “Did... Did it go alright? Did that guard walk you out?”<br />
You nodded. “They did. I told them that the tree’s flowers had medicinal properties that could help my sick aunt.”<br />
The knight’s frown deepened. “But you do not have a sick aunt.”<br />
You twirled the small bouquet of branches in your hands nervously. “I lied to them, $Ajmal.”<br />
“Oh! Of course. I understood that.”<br /><br />
Ajmal’s face turned a tone darker and he avoided your gaze. Obviously, he did not understand that. Nuto chuckled.
(if: ($MansoorTrust is 0) and (($MansoorRomance > 0) or ($MansoorFriendship > 0)))[
<br /><br />
“Well, I suppose congratulations are in order,” the knight said with a gentle smile.<br />
You smiled back at him, warmth spreading in your chest. “Thank you, $Ajmal.”<br />
]
]
(else:)[
Zanetta chuckled. “Impressive. What did you tell them that they let you out like that?”<br />
You shifted on the bench a little uncomfortably. “I convinced them that these flowers had medicinal properties that could help my sick aunt.”<br />
The Dwarven woman raised surprised eyebrows. “And they bought it?”<br />
You started twirling the bouquet in your hands, avoiding her gaze. “They... Yes, they were very concerned about my sick aunt, actually.”<br />
Zanetta laughed. {(if: ($ZanettaRomance > 0) and ($ZanettaAffection > 4))[
“Either that guard was incredibly naive, or you’re a natural at this. Have you considered a career as a spy?”<br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
“I think it is more of the former,” you said, trying to deflect her compliment, warmth prickling your face.<br /><br />
But she was not easily thwarted.<br />
]
(else:)[
You chuckled, although some warmth was prickling your face. “I do not think that ever was in the cards, no.”
]}<br />
Glancing at her, you saw her lean forward, placing her chin in her hand. “I could train you personally...”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "reserved")[
“I will be fine, thank you!” You replied in a hurry, not wanting her to notice your flustered state.<br /><br />
You knew by her low chuckle you were failing miserably.
]
(else:)[
“As intriguing as it is, I am far too busy as it is,” you replied with an apologetic smile, trying to ignore your racing heart.<br /><br />
Zanetta narrowed her eyes at you, a knowing smirk on her lips. Maybe you did not do such a good job of it.
]}
]
(else:)[
“How sweet of them!”<br />
]}
]}
You turned towards the gondolier and handed him the flowers. He took them, a lopsided smile on his lips.
“Good job,” he said.
<div class="choice">[[You could not help but think he looked a little proud.->After the trial]]</div>
Nuto kept walking and soon settled on an empty stone bench, waving at and greeting the gondoliers occupying the closest seats. They looked at you with some curiosity as you sat beside the Dwarf and {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Zanetta]} took a seat on your other side. Their gaze was not very insistant, thankfully. You recognized some of them as gondoliers Nuto was on friendly terms with, but did not know much about them beyond that. One of them adressed a friendly smile to you. {(if: $maintrait is "severe" or "stoic")[
You nodded back at them
]
(else:)[
You smiled back at them
]}, but your attention was quickly drawn to what Nuto was unpacking. He pulled out the tall metallic vacuum flask filled with hot coffee he always brought with him, as well as three small tin cups. He poured your drink first, handing you the still steaming coffee, then {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Ajmal’s](else:)[Zanetta’s]}, and his last. You warmed your hands against the cup and relaxed, leaning your back against the stone wall before taking a sip of the hot brew. It was a tad bitter, but there was a hint of sweetness to it. You wondered if Nuto always drank it like that or if it was for your benefit. The first time he had let you take a drink from his bottle, it made you cringe with how sour it tasted.
Nuto set aside his cup on the bench and pulled out a box from the cloth bag. He opened it to reveal six jam-filled fritters neatly arranged in two rows. You eyed the puffy, sugar-coated, golden brown pastries with barely restrained longing. Your stomach, however, gurgled once again, not caring much about propriety. Nuto’s lips curled up ever so slightly as he presented the box to you. You picked one fritter, already getting sugar all over your fingers. You suspected jam would soon follow.
The gondolier offered a pastry to {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Zanetta]} before taking one himself. {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
The knight was never one to turn down food, even if he favored more balanced breakfasts.
]
(else:)[
The Dwarven woman happily obliged.
]}
The three of you enjoyed the food and coffee in comfortable silence, observing the gondolas coming and going on the channel. There was more and more traffic as the day progressed, a few more nobles arriving to have their morning walk in the park. None of them paid you any mind. Sitting with the other gondoliers like you were, they probably all assumed you were another faceless servant they would not bother to remember. It was for the best.
After you finished your coffee and pastry, Nuto offered another round of both and you gladly presented your tin cup for him to fill before taking another jam fritter. The little test the gondolier had put you through did not seem like much at the moment, but the adrenaline rush made this break more necessary than you thought. Besides, the cook Zanetta had hired, Carla, was exceptionally good at making addictive pastries.
You had gone through about half of your second fritter, sugar on your cheeks and jam at the corner of your lips when Nuto interrupted the tranquil atmosphere.
“I’m glad you decided to sit here with me and not up there with... them.”
You followed his gaze to a small family of fancily dressed Dwarves, hurrying towards the stairs and pointedly ignoring the small group of gondoliers gathered on the docks.
“Don’t know many of your folks who’d stay with the pleb like that,” Nuto added.
{<div class="choice">You looked back at him and smiled. (link: "“I enjoy the company better.”")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I enjoy the company better")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate + open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You kept an eye on the noble family’s progression as you answered: (link: "“I am not ready to feel their eyes on me, judging me the whole time. That is what they always do.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Not ready to feeling judged")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You shuffled on the bench, trying to hide yourself behind {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal — which was easy enough.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta — which was quite challenging.
]} (link: "“I would feel very underdressed up there, right now. Have you seen that woman’s hat?”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Feeling underdressed")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
You called Nuto back. “Actually, why not go upstairs? I would love to see the park itself.”
The Dwarf paused and turned back to look at you, before glancing up at the stairs. “Not sure it’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not welcome up there,” he said, pointing at the park with his chin.
“I fail to see why you would not be. It is a public park after all.” You frowned.
Nuto shrugged brusquely. “It’s one of them unspoken rules.”
You looked up at the garden and down at the dock, where the gondoliers had gathered. It was a bit strange to you. Sure, even in Ahabalad commoners did not really mix with nobility, but if a place was public, then it was for everyone and you could cross path with someone of any status. It was polite to exchange greetings, regardless of one’s circumstances.
You were a guest in Lagodoro and you did not want to commit any impropriety, but you had your place up there and Nuto was more than a gondolier to you. He had been your teacher for a few months now and that status was high enough in your eyes to grant him a place at your side, regardless of where you went.
“Are you saying that a young person cannot have a walk in the park alongside their tutor?”
The Dwarf frowned. “I’m not your tutor.”
“Then what have you been doing for me since I arrived here?”
“Got you around. Taught you a few tricks, I guess.”
“Teaching is the job of a tutor, Nuto.” {(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You smiled faintly at him.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You smiled a little smugly at him.
]
(else:)[
You smiled gently at him.
]}
Nuto raised a surprised and somewhat dubious eyebrow. He snorted and started walking in the direction of the nearest stairs.
“Alright,” he conceded. “I’m your tutor. But don’t get surprised by the looks. Especially with an ugly mug like mine.”
You followed him, walking fast to catch up with him and followed by {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Sir Mansoor.<br /><br />
The knight glanced at Nuto as you all climbed up the steps. “Scars are the mark of a warrior, it should bring you honor, not shame.”<br />
The Dwarf looked back at him with a small lopsided smile. “That’s cute, but they can also be the mark of a criminal. And it often is, down here.”<br />
“The scars only attest of the struggles you overcame, they have nothing to do with the morality of your deeds,” Ajmal argued.<br />
Nuto’s smile turned more sincere. “Thanks, son.”
]
(else:)[
Zanetta.<br /><br />
Zanetta patted Nuto’s shoulder as you all climbed up the steps. “You’re talking nonsense. Everyone knows how ruggedly handsome you are.”<br />
The gondolier barked a short laugh. “I know better than to trust flattery coming from your mouth.”<br />
The spymaster shrugged, a knowing smile on her lips. “Suit yourself. But I know someone who agrees with me.”<br /><br />
You looked at her, unsure what she meant by that. Nuto narrowed his eyes at her in what looked like a warning glare. Zanetta kept quiet, still smiling mysteriously.
]}
<div class="choice">[[Soon you reached the top of the stairs and the large park came into view.->The park]]</div>
“I enjoy the company better.”
A smile formed on Nuto’s lips, a real one, softer and more genuine than his usual half grins. He was a man of a few words — and of a few smiles — so you knew how much it meant for him to reach out and say his appreciation out loud. The Dwarf patted your shoulder affectionately and you both went back to enjoying breakfast in silence.
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal looked at the both of you with curiosity and smiled at you when you met his eyes.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta looked at the both of you with a lopsided but fond smile.
]}
(display: "Heading back home")
“I am not ready to feel their eyes on me, judging me the whole time. That is what they always do.”
“Seems like they do enjoy doing that,” Nuto commented back. “Don’t know what it’s like, but I can see that not being all that pleasant.”
You looked back at him, hesitant. You did not want to complain too much, aware that you had likely had an overall much easier time at life than he did. At least you never needed for anything. But the Dwarf seemed genuinely sympathetic. That was very generous of him, you thought.
“It really is not,” you mumbled, looking down at your cup of coffee and half-eaten pastry.
Nuto patted your shoulder affectionately and you both went back to enjoying breakfast in silence. {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
Ajmal looked at you with some concern, so you offered him a quick smile to reassure him.
]
(else:)[
Zanetta looked at you with curiosity and offered a short lopsided smile when you met her eyes.
]}
(display: "Heading back home")
“I would feel very underdressed up there, right now. Have you seen that woman’s hat?”
Nuto hummed in response. “Looks like she has two whole birds on it with all these feathers. And we don’t have birds down here.”
You pursed your lips very tightly and tried your best not to laugh at the Dwarf’s remark. But in spite of all your efforts to remained dignified, you ended up snorting quite inelegantly. You covered your mouth with your hand, your shoulders shaking with suppressed chuckles.
Nuto unhelpfully patted your shoulder.
“If you want my opinion, you don’t look half as ridiculous as this lot. They’re the ones who are overdressed for a simple walk.”
You smiled at him. You were surprised he tried to comfort you on such a trifling matter. Surely those sorts of things were not of any concern to him.
“Thank you,” you responded. “But it was impressed on me at an early age that I should be careful to make a good impression on those people.”
“Even you?”
You shrugged. “Even me.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
Nuto looked genuinely sympathetic which was a bit unexpected. Surely your life had been far more comfortable than his. Yet he still found it in him to feel compassion for you. You were not entirely sure how to feel about that, but you were grateful, at least.
You both went back to enjoying breakfast in silence.
(display: "Heading back home")
Once you were done and there was no more coffee or pastries to be had, Nuto packed the vacuum flask and tin box in his fabric bag and went to rinse out the cups at a nearby water fountain. You went back to the gondola with {(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[Zanetta](else:)[Sir Mansoor]} and sat on the benches, waiting for the Dwarven gondolier.
The trip back to the villa was uneventful. It took some time for Nuto to guide you back home, the detour to the park bringing you out of the residential quarter. Despite having drunk some coffee, you started feeling a little drowsy. Maybe your morning adventures had tired you out more than you thought. Or maybe the little break you took with Nuto and {(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[Zanetta](else:)[Ajmal]} had relaxed you enough that the gentle rocking of the gondola was lulling you to sleep.
Undoubtedly, the gondolier starting to hum a soft song did not help matters. It was not the first time. As you understood, it was a bit of a tradition for gondoliers to sing while rowing. Something about it seemed to make the repetitive task more agreeable. Nuto did not have the smoothest singing voice, certainly not like Sir Mansoor did, but it was low and comforting. Not something you had to pause and intently listen to, just something to make the moment a little nicer.
When the surrounding started becoming more familiar, you knew you were approaching the villa. You blinked several times, straightening up to try and stay awake. Soon, Nuto moored the gondola to the same dock you left from. He helped you out, gathered his bag and the bouquet of tree branches, and him, you and {(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[Zanetta](else:)[Sir Mansoor]} headed back to the mansion through quiet streets. All of you entered the villa through the main door and once you reached the foyer, you found yourself at a bit of a loss on what to do next. You did not have any other lessons planned for the day and it was rare enough that you were not sure what to do with this unusal free time.
“I need to prep and deliver these,” Nuto declared, holding up the flowers you gathered for him while making a step in the direction of the kitchen.
{(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[
“And I have to head back out,” Zanetta sighed. “Got some business to take care of before tonight.”<br />
“Shady stuff, I’m sure,” Nuto commented, teasingly if you believed the very faint smirk on his lips.<br />
The Dwarven woman frowned at him with a lopsided smile of her own. “Look who’s talking. I’m not the one who’s about to deliver a bouquet of //stolen// flowers to a certain mysterious person.”<br />
“Don’t go there,” the gondolier warned her with a slightly more serious glare.<br /><br />
Zanetta answered with one of her signature grin.
]
(else:)[
“Who are they for?” Ajmal asked him candidly.<br /><br />
The Dwarf arched an eyebrow at him.<br /><br />
“Mind your business, son,” he replied in a way that was not entirely harsh.<br />
“Right! Sorry!” The knight fumbled, turning a little red in the face. “Would you mind if I came with you?”<br />
Nuto chuckled. “I think I can handle a few flowers just fine.”<br />
“No, I mean... To discuss that business we have together,” Sir Mansoor mumbled, lowering his voice nearly to a whisper while glancing carefully your way.<br /><br />
He had never been good at keeping secrets from you. But you suspected it was something innocent enough, so you did your best pretending you did not hear anything, even though you were... well right here.<br /><br />
“Oh, //that// business, the business we have together, the business we should not speak about out in the open where anyone could hear us, the business a certain someone should not learn about... That business?” the gondolier asked casually, although you could see the corner of his lips tilting up teasingly.<br />
Ajmal looked between you and him, twisting his hands in visible distress. “... Yes?”<br />
“Sure.”<br />
]}
While the two of them bantered, your eyes settled on the living room beyond the foyer’s archway. You could see that a few of the shutters which usually blocked the arcades were left open, offering an inviting view of the garden. Even if you spent the whole morning outdoors — or as outdoors as you could in the middle of a gigantic underground city — you felt like it would be a nice place to rest and collect your thoughts.
You cleared your throat and Nuto and {(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[Zanetta](else:)[Ajmal]} looked back at you.
“I will be in the garden,” you informed them.
{(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[
“Alright,” Zanetta said. “If you need help, give a shout. I’m sure Ajmal is around. And if not, a guard will be close enough to get to you.”<br /><br />
You nodded at her, and Nuto, you, and her all went your separate ways.
]
(else:)[
“Oh!” Sir Mansoor said. “I can accompany you, I’ll talk with Nuto later.”<br />
“No, that is alright, I would rather be alone for a moment.”<br />
The knight frowned slightly, his concern ever-present. “Of course. If you need any help, please call for me or one of the guards.”<br />
“I will,” you reassured him.<br /><br />
Him and Nuto left in the direction of the kitchen and you stepped through the archway.
]}
<div class="choice">[[You crossed the large living room and a few moment later, you were in the garden.->The gardens]]</div>
It sprawled from all sides. You could see the iron fence far on your left and on your right, but in front of you, the park did not seem to have an end. You did not realize they could afford such a large garden in the middle of an underground city. Then again, there were few things the Dwarves could not afford. Even more surprising, the vegetation here was not entirely local. Some large trees and flower bushes were familiar to you. You were not sure how they grew surface plants down here, but you assumed it involved very advanced and expensive magic, probably enchantments. Lagodoro had to have paid the Feriers an exorbitant fortune for this luxury.
A large gravel path spanned the park’s whole length, leading to monumental fountains and intersecting with smaller paths that wound between the trees and lush flower beds. All of them were profusely lit by a large number of elegant lampposts. Scattered in the immensity of the park, couples, families and groups of friends leisurely walked around in perfectly cut and impossibly clean linen outfits.
Despite his earlier reservations, Nuto walked down the paths with confidence, quickly finding a nice wrought-iron and wood bench in a quiet corner. It was surrounded by fragrant and opulent rosebushes which hid it from the central artery. You did cross paths with a couple who eyed you with more shock than anything else. But once they processed your small party, you heard them whisper to each other behind you. Following Nuto’s example, you simply ignored them and sat down on the bench beside him. The gondolier looked entirely unbothered.
{(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[
Zanetta let out a sigh as she sat on your other side. “Hope that’s not something I’ll have to smooth over.”<br/>
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Sorry, Zanetta, I did not mean to give you more work,” you replied, deflating.<br />
She grinned at you. “That’s alright. Nothing like a small scandal to get the blood pumping!”<br />
You frowned with worry. “You think it is going to make a scandal? Is this the way I am dressed?”<br /><br />
You looked down at your fairly simple and practical outfit, pulling at the hem of your sleeves.<br /><br />
“Or is it because of Nuto? Or you?” You asked, looking back at her.<br />
Zanetta chuckled. “Relax, it’s not that bad. Besides, you’re way too nice for them to be able to hold anything against you. I mean, with //their// reputation...”<br />
“Do you know them?” Your worry quickly turned to curiosity.<br />
The spymaster nodded. “Lady Lisabetta di Prioli and Lord Iacomo de Figino. Let’s just say they are married, but not to each other.”<br />
“Oh,” was all you could reply.<br />
The Dwarven woman chuckled again. “As you say.”<br /><br />
Maybe you did not want to know more about them after all. You decided to turn your attention back to Nuto instead.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I am sure they will find something more interesting to talk about soon enough,” you replied, not too bothered either.<br />
She chuckled. “You’re not wrong. There are much more scandalous people than us in this park. Starting with //them//.”<br />
“Really? Yet they seem so quick to judge,” you said with a frown.<br />
“Typical deflection technique. Draw attention to someone else’s scandalous behavior to try and keep yours unnoticed.”<br /><br />
She shook her head. “It never works for very long.”<br />
You looked at the couple disappearing behind the rosebushes. “So what did they do?”<br />
“Let’s just say they are married but not to each other.”<br />
“Oh,” was all you could reply.<br />
Zanetta chuckled. “As you say.”<br /><br />
You were curious, but it was probably not appropriate to inquire further, so you turned your attention back to Nuto.
]
(else:)[
You frowned. “If they have a problem with us, they can take it directly to me.”<br />
The Dwarven woman waved a dismissive hand. “Oh we don’t do that here.”<br />
You crossed your arms over your chest. “Well, maybe you should start.”<br />
She chuckled. “Do you want me to call them over so you can explain that to them yourself?”<br />
“That... That will not be necessary.”<br />
Zanetta crossed her legs, putting her elbow on her knee and her chin in her hand. “Are you sure? Could be fun.”<br /><br />
She grinned at you and you frowned.<br /><br />
“You expect me to make a fool of myself.”<br />
{(if: ($ZanettaTrust < 0) or ($ZanettaAffection < 3))[
“Maybe, maybe not.” Her grin widened.<br /><br />
You scoffed but did not reply, turning your attention back to Nuto instead.
]
(else:)[
“Actually no, I feel like you could humble these idiots and that’d be immensely entertaining.” Her smile became softer. “But that could be dangerous, so let’s not.”<br />
“Oh...” You said, taken aback.<br /><br />
Not knowing how to react to the unexpected compliment, you turned your attention back to Nuto.
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor sat on your other side, openly glaring at the couple who was walking away and disappearing behind the rosebushes.<br /><br />
“Don’t do that, kid,” Nuto said, putting his cloth bag on his lap. “It’s not helping any.”<br />
Ajmal’s head whipped around to look at him. “Why not? They are being very rude.”<br />
“Yeah but that’s their privilege and you can’t do a damn thing about it. That’s not a mercenary’s place.” He shot the young knight a warning look.<br />
Sir Mansoor’s face darkened a bit. “R-right. Sorry.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You deflated on the bench. “I did not expect them to be... so openly judgemental.”<br />
{(if: ($MansoorTrust is 0) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
“Do not mind them, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal hurriedly reassured you, resting his hand on your shoulder. “They do not know your worth like I do.”<br /><br />
When Nuto raised an eyebrow at him, the knight removed his hand hastily. “I mean... all of our worth.”<br /><br />
You smiled at him when he dared a timid glance your way. He smiled back through his embarrassment and it warmed your heart, as it always did. You had to focus back on Nuto or run the risk of getting lost in his eyes.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorTrust is 0) and (($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorAffection > 5)))[
“Do not mind them,” Ajmal reassured you promptly with a smile. “They do not know your worth like we do.”<br /><br />
You smiled back at him. He was right, there were people whose good opinion mattered a lot more to you. Nuto hummed in approval and you focused back on the Dwarf.
]
(else:)[
“Whatever their judgement is, they do not know you, so it has little meaning. I would not mind them, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal said in an attempt to comfort you.<br /><br />
You nodded. You knew he was right, but it was still hurtful. You tried to get it off your mind by focusing back on Nuto.
]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Maybe he cannot, but I certainly can,” you said, ready to get back up, catch up with that couple and exchange a few words.<br />
Nuto rested a halting hand on your arm and chuckled. “I’m sure you could, but Zanetta will kill me if I let you introduce yourself to high society by scolding some random nobles.”<br />
You sighed and relaxed against the back of the bench. “Alright, for your sake, I will abstain.”<br />
“Much appreciated,” the Dwarf responded with a slight grin.<br />
“And for your sake as well,” Ajmal said, frowning at you with concern. “I do not want you to get in trouble on my behalf.”<br />
“You were about to do exactly that,” you pointed out.<br />
“Of course. It is my duty to take on any danger on //your// behalf.”<br /><br />
You should not have been surprised by his response. It was true enough and should not make you feel any kind of way. {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
It //was// his duty. But with how strained your relationship with him had been, his unwavering dedication was... impressive.<br /><br />
You glanced at him and murmured: “I know.”<br /><br />
You returned your attention to Nuto, not wanting to examine your feelings about this too closely.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
But your heart started beating a little faster and you just felt overwhelmed by the desire to embrace him and tell him that you did not want him to get hurt. Even if he had been, many times before.<br /><br />
But you had to be content with smiling softly at him and murmuring: “I know.”<br /><br />
You tried to distract yourself by focusing back on Nuto.
]
(else-if: ($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorAffection > 6))[
But you still felt touched. Duty or not, you knew he also protected you because he cared.<br /><br />
You smiled at him. “I know. And I appreciate it.”<br /><br />
Ajmal smiled back and your attention returned to Nuto.
]
(else:)[
But it was still reassuring to hear.<br /><br />
You smiled at him. “I know.”<br /><br />
Ajmal smiled back and you returned your attention to Nuto.
]}
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You shrugged, the whole affair not affecting you that much. “I do not know what they were whispering about and as long as it is not anything life threatening, I do not care.”<br />
{(if: ($MansoorTrust < 0) or ($MansoorAffection < 5))[
“I... I just do not like the idea of someone challenging anybody’s honor without even giving them a chance to defend themself,” the young knight admitted, still looking quite frustrated.<br />
“You’re taking this to heart,” Nuto pointed out. “Do you really need everyone to think well of you?”<br />
“I guess not...” Ajmal responded with some hesitation.<br /><br />
You looked at him and he frowned, the Dwarf’s comment affecting him a little more than anticipated. You left him to his introspection, returning your attention to Nuto.
]
(else:)[
“I... I just do not like seeing someone being disrespectful to you and not being able to do anything about it,” the young knight admitted, hanging his head low.<br /><br />
You watched him fiddle with his fingers while his knee was jumping up and down nervously. {(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
You felt the sudden urge to take his hands in yours, your heart filling with warmth. You linked your fingers together to resist that temptation.
]
(else:)[
Saying you were not touched by his concern would have been a lie.
]}<br /><br />
“I appreciate, $Ajmal. But I am alright,” you responded quietly.<br />
He looked back at you, smiling crookedly, looking a little calmer. “I wish I had your patience.”<br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
It took you all your willpower to not reach out for him. “You are patient, $Ajmal.”<br />
“I will take your word for it, $MCcovertitle,” The knight’s smile turned wider and gentler.<br /><br />
And you could have looked at it for hours, so you decided to redirect your attention to Nuto.
]
(else:)[
You smiled back at him. “You are patient. You manage to suffer my company after all.”<br />
A short chuckle escaped the knight. “It is hardly the burden you make it sound to be.”<br />
“What about we stop complimenting each other and start eating some breakfast,” Nuto intervened.
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
You crossed your arms over your chest, frowning. “It should not be anyone’s privilege to be rude. If anything, you cannot claim a lack of education to justify your uncivil behavior when you are of noble birth.”<br />
The Dwarf’s lips formed a slight smirk, but he did not look up, eyes trained on his fabric bag as his hands were busy unpacking. “Not saying you’re wrong. Just saying that if //you// can afford to tell them that, //he// can’t.”<br /><br />
You chewed on your lower lip for a moment.<br /><br />
“You are right. But it does not excuse their rudeness.”<br />
“No, it doesn’t.”<br /><br />
There was not much you could do about it without causing a scene, however and Zanetta would probably kill you if you did that as your first introduction to high society. So you focused on what Nuto was doing to try and move on.
]}
]}
<div class="choice">[[You watched as the gondolier pulled out the metallic vacuum flask he always kept filled with hot coffee and three tin cups.->Breakfast interrupted]]</div>
He poured a drink for each of you, handing a cup to {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Ajmal](else:)[Zanetta]} first, then to you before keeping the last one for himself. You warmed your hands by wrapping them around the cup and leaned against the back of the bench, taking a moment to relax and sip the hot brew. It was a tad bitter, but there was a hint of sweetness to it. You wondered if Nuto always drank it like that or if it was for your benefit. The first time he had let you take a drink from his bottle, it made you cringe with how sour it tasted.
Nuto set aside his cup on the bench and pulled out a box from the cloth bag. He opened it to reveal six jam-filled fritters neatly arranged in two rows. You eyed the puffy, sugar-coated, golden brown pastries with barely restrained longing. Your stomach, however, gurgled once again, not caring much about propriety. Nuto’s lips curled up ever so slightly as he presented the box to you. You picked one fritter, already getting sugar all over your fingers. You suspected jam would soon follow.
The gondolier offered a pastry to {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Zanetta]} before taking one himself. {(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
The knight was never one to turn down food, even if he favored more balanced breakfasts.
]
(else:)[
The Dwarven woman happily obliged.
]}
The three of you enjoyed the food and coffee in comfortable silence for a while, not having much to look at beyond thick vegetation and the occasional silhouettes of walkers appearing behind branches in the distance. It seemed most people were avoiding the area you had settled down. Either they did not want to be seen in your direct proximity or they were avoiding this path for reasons unknown to you. However, you were pretty sure some passersby tried to take a peak at you from further away, behind rows of bushes, and some could not restrain their curiosity and did take the path facing your bench, nodding at you politely but letting their gaze linger longer than was courteous. It was a bit tiresome and you were starting to think Nuto may have had a point earlier. But you had every right to be here and you were not going to let those people convince you otherwise.
After you finished your coffee and pastry, Nuto offered another round of both and you gladly presented your tin cup for him to fill before taking another jam fritter. The little test the gondolier had put you through did not seem like much at the moment, but the adrenaline rush made this break more necessary than you thought. Besides, the cook Zanetta had hired, Carla, was exceptionally good at making addictive pastries.
You were halfway through eating your second jam fritter when a Dwarven man stopped in front of you. He was wearing a uniform you recognize as the one worn by the city’s police. His black cap was adorned with Lagodoro’s shield, shining in the lampposts’ light, and he had thrown his cape over his shoulder to let you see his gleaming saber and his hand resting on its hilt. Not the most welcoming sight. You lowered your pastry and tried to discreetly brush off sugar from the corners of your lips, straightening your back to look as dignified as you could. The police officer watched you with a neutral, seemingly unconcerned expression. But his posture was telling a different story.
“Good morning, my Laird, I hope the day is treating you kindly,” he opened with careful politeness. “I do not think I have the pleasure of knowing you...”
You could only guess that he was trying to cautiously gather some information about you and your intents. Maybe some stroller decided to complain about you and your companions.
{<div class="choice">Despite his polite words, this officer was obviously trying to intimidate you. It was new, unpleasant and you did feel intimidated. (link: "You decided to comply and leave as soon as possible.")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "You decided to comply")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You were doing nothing wrong and had nothing to hide. (link: "You introduced yourself and asked what this was all about.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "You had nothing to hide")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">The situation was new and uncomfortable. (link: "Maybe if you told him what he wanted, he would leave promptly and let you eat in peace.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Let you eat in peace")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">What about he introduced himself first? (link: "You did not owe him anything, you were in your right and you were about to make sure he knew that.")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "You were in your right")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
{(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
“Oh! I...” You started, ready to give your full cover name and title, but Zanetta promptly interrupted you.<br />
“That’s none of your business and I’d suggest leaving us alone,” she said harshly, staring down the officer.<br /><br />
You glanced at her and did your best not to gape at her agressive tone. You looked back at the policeman apprehensively, fully expecting things to escalate.<br /><br />
But the officer simply touched his cap and looked coldly at your Dwarven companion. “Miss Calvio.”<br /><br />
And then he left. Zanetta followed his path for a moment, glaring ostentatiously.<br /><br />
“Hate that guy,” she mumbled.<br />
“Do... you have some kind of authority over police officers?” You asked her, a little baffled by this interaction.<br />
“Not exactly. But I’ve seen him around and he’s seen me around. He knows better than to get involved in whatever I’m involved.”<br /><br />
You nodded and went back to eating your pastry.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[At least you could finish breakfast in peace, although you could not wait to leave after this unpleasant interruption.->Heading back home]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“Oh! I am $MCcovertitle2 $MCname Anemone,” you introduced yourself, hiding your nerves behind a friendly smile. “I do not plan on staying long. Is there something I can help you with, officer?”<br />
The Dwarven man shook his head, his hand subtly leaving the hilt of his saber. “No, $MCcovertitle. I was just making sure everything was fine here. Some troublemakers sometime show up in the park, believe it or not. I won’t hold you any longer. $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
He tipped his cap, his cold gaze lingering just a moment on you before he departed. You waited for him to be out of view to sigh with relief.<br /><br />
“I hate that guy,” Zanetta commented beside you.<br />
You looked her way and she was glaring at the bush the officer disappeared behind. “Do you know him?”<br />
“I’ve seen him around. And he should know better than to get involved in anything I’m involved with. But looks like you handled the situation just fine.”<br /><br />
She smiled crookedly at you and you smiled slightly back. You still would rather not have had to do it. At least you could go back to eating breakfast in peace, but you had a feeling that officer expected you to be gone sooner rather than later.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[So you hurried yourself.->Heading back home]]</div>
]}
]
(else:)[
“Oh! I... I am $MCcovertitle2 $MCname Anemone,” you introduced yourself, a friendly smile hiding your nerves. “I do not plan on staying long. Is there anything I can help you with, officer?”<br /><br />
From the corner of your eye you could see Ajmal tense up, his own hand reaching for his scabbard while he was eyeing the policeman carefully.<br /><br />
The Dwarven man noticed as well and he stared at the knight while he replied to you. “No, just checking everything is fine here, $MCcovertitle. And your friends are...?”<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is 0)[
“Making sure everything is fine here,” Sir Mansoor responded in your stead without missing a beat.<br /><br />
He stared at the officer with such intensity you were scared things might come to blows. Your heart was starting to beat faster and you rested a hand on Ajmal’s arm, hoping to appease him.<br /><br />
“My family is very adamant that my bodyguard follow me everywhere I go,” you explained.<br />
“He takes his job seriously,” the officer commented flatly.<br /><br />
That was putting it mildly.<br />
]
(else:)[
“My bodyguard, $Ajmal,” you answered, thanking the celestial gods the knight was showing enough restraint to let you handle the situation.
]}<br />
The policeman slowly turned his head to now stare at Nuto’s scarred face. “And your other friend...?”<br /><br />
The gondolier’s demeanor was quite different from Sir Mansoor’s and he seemed calm and unbothered as he kept eating his pastry and drinking his coffee. You feared the attitude would seem equally provocative to the officer.<br /><br />
“Nuto is one of my tutors,” you quickly explained, trying to keep a lid on your fast rising panic.<br />
“Fascinating,” the Dwarven policeman stated in such an indifferent tone you doubted he was sincere. “And... what does he teach?”<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is 0)[
“I... Huh... He...” You started fumbling, trying to come up with something a little less suspicious than ‘breaking into people’s properties’.<br />
“I do not think it is any of your concerns,” Ajmal intervened, glaring at the officer. “I heard your city is full of //actual// criminals. Surely you are busy enough with //them//?” <br /><br />
The policeman’s attention came back to the knight and he narrowed his eyes at him. Still, he refused to address him directly, talking to you instead.<br /><br />
“Do you often let your servants speak in your stead?”<br /><br />
Your hand was still on Ajmal’s arm and you squeezed, but that was not enough to stop him. He stood up, hovering menacingly with all his height above the officer.<br /><br />
“You will need to start showing some respect to even earn the right to speak to $MCpronoun2. Remove your hand from your weapon and apologize.”<br /><br />
You held your breath and looked between Ajmal and the policeman, fully expecting disaster to strike. But the officer finally showed some signs of hesitation, looking between you and the very tall and angry knight. Maybe he was reevaluating your status. Slowly he let his hand drop from the hilt of his saber and looked at you with a closed off expression.<br /><br />
“I am sorry if I have bothered you, $MCcovertitle. I won’t hold you any longer.”<br /><br />
He bowed his head curtly and left. You waited until he was out of sight and out of earshot to slump on the bench and sigh with relief.<br /><br />
“I do not know if I should thank you, $Ajmal,” you admitted as your heart rate took on a normal rhythm.<br /><br />
The knight’s attitude shifted quickly from threatening to bashful. He sat back down, smiling apologetically.<br /><br />
“I am sorry, $MCcovertitle. I did not mean to aggravate the situation, but... This officer was acting inappropriately.”<br />
“And you got him to apologize and leave,” Nuto remarked, raising an impressed eyebrow at the young man.<br /><br />
Ajmal’s face turned a little darker at the praise. At least now you could finish your breakfast in peace.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Although you had no wish to linger here anymore.->Heading back home]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“He... huh... He teaches me cartography,” you fumbled a bit.<br /><br />
You had no idea if the gondolier had any knowledge in cartography, but he did help you understand the layout of Lagodoro and that was the first thing that came to mind. You hoped the officer would not pay too much attention to your hesitation. But he turned his head towards you and raised a skeptical eyebrow.<br /><br />
“The cartographer’s life seems tumultuous indeed,” he commented before giving Nuto another careful once-over.<br />
“It’s all that travelling,” the gondolier confirmed calmly.<br /><br />
The policeman held your Dwarven companion’s gaze for a moment longer but it seemed that Nuto’s sedate attitude was enough to assuage his concerns. Soon his hand left the hilt of his saber and he tipped his hat at you.<br /><br />
“Very well, I won’t hold you any longer. Good day, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
And he left. You waited until he was out of sight and out of earshot to sigh with relief and slump against the back of the bench.<br /><br />
“I do not like this man,” Ajmal grumbled beside you.<br />
“What an ass,” Nuto confirmed before digging again into his jam fritter.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“I am glad he is gone, but let us not linger,”->Heading back home]] you said, hurrying to finish your own breakfast.</div>
]}
]}
“I am $MCcovertitle2 $MCname Anemone,” you answered. “Is there something wrong, officer? You look ready for trouble.”
Your gaze slid down to his hand on his saber. The Dwarf seemed taken aback by your straightforwardness and he slowly loosened his grip on the hilt, letting his hand drop down to his side. (if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Sir Mansoor, who had tensed up as well, relaxed ever so slightly beside you.]
“No, I’ve been informed there was some disturbance around here and came to investigate,” the policeman admitted in an even tone.
It was as you suspected then.
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[
“And you consider people sitting on a bench in a public garden a disturbance worth investigating?” Ajmal intervened, clearly irritated.<br /><br />
The officer slowly turned his head to stare at the young knight, his eyes narrowing coldly. However right Sir Mansoor was, saying it was maybe not the best idea. But he //was// right.<br /><br />
“Who is your friend?” The policeman addressed you while still looking at Ajmal.<br />
“My bodyguard, Ajmal Sleiman. And he asked you a question.”<br />
The Dwarf’s head whipped around to stare at you in mild surprise. “He did, didn’t he.”<br /><br />
You held his gaze, waiting patiently for his answer. You could tell he did not like that by the way his lips were thinning. But what could he do about it? You were still in your right as far as you knew.<br /><br />
“I can only ascertain if something is worth investigating if I do investigate it. My apologies, $MCcovertitle, but if I hear word of unsavory types lingering were they shouldn’t linger, it’s my duty to come and check these facts before something bad actually happens.”<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust is 0)[
Hearing those words, Sir Mansoor stood up, nearly shaking in outrage. “Unsavory types?”<br />
The Dwarf looked at him with as much neutrality as he could muster, but the knight was very tall and it was hard not to feel intimidated by his anger. “It seems the plaintiffs were mistaken.”<br /><br />
His gaze turned to you, giving you a critical onceover. “Although, to avoid further confusion, it’d be wise to make one’s respectable character more obvious.”<br /><br />
He also glanced at Nuto then back at Ajmal who was vibrating with indignation.<br /><br />
“What about you concern yourself with the numerous confirmed criminals who I hear this city harbours instead of the crimes you figure someone might commit depending on their manner of dress?” The knight hissed through gritted teeth.<br /><br />
Part of you was becoming nervous things were getting out of hand, but another part of you found letting Sir Mansoor telling his truth to that unpleasant fellow deeply satisfying. You saw the policeman take a subtle step back in front of Ajmal’s legitimate ire.<br /><br />
He looked at you and you started to see the signs of concern and irritation breaking his manufactured impassivity. “Do you often let your servants speak in your stead?”<br />
“He does not speak in my stead,” you replied pointedly. “I just happen to agree with him.”<br /><br />
Your answer seemed to thoroughly baffle him, if only for a moment. He recovered quickly and, to your surprise, tipped his hat.<br /><br />
“I did my duty. I won’t hold you any longer.”<br /><br />
And then he left. Once he was out of sight and out of earshot, you relaxed against the back of the bench, feeling a bit of relief now that this whole affair was over.<br /><br />
Nuto chuckled. “Good thing Zanetta wasn’t here for this. As fun as it was, she would have had a heart attack.”<br />
Ajmal suddenly deflated, sitting back down with a bashful expression. “I did not make things worse, did I?”<br />
Nuto looked towards the bush the officer disappeared behind. “Somehow, no, you didn’t.”
]
(else:)[
You pursed your lips, not very pleased by the officer’s phrasing. “Unsavory types?”<br />
The Dwarf nodded, ignoring the way you glared at him. “It //seems// the plaintiffs were mistaken.”<br /><br />
You felt Sir Mansoor tense up again beside you. However he remained silent, probably unwilling to worsen the situation by giving the policeman a piece of his mind.<br /><br />
“If you still have any doubts, I can assure you that they were,” you confirmed, unable to hide your annoyance.<br />
The officer bowed his head. “Then I won’t hold you any longer. Good day, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You were too honest to wish him the same. You watched him disappear behind a rosebush before sighing and relaxing against the back of the bench.<br /><br />
“What an unpleasant person,” you commented once you were sure he was out of earshot.<br />
“Won’t disagree with you there,” Nuto replied, going back to enjoying his coffee.
]}
]
(else:)[
“Consider that disturbance investigated,” Zanetta intervened, throwing the man a less than friendly glance. “Now shoo.”<br /><br />
The officer narrowed his eyes at her and you were concerned that your companion just landed you more trouble. But to your surprise he tipped his hat.<br /><br />
“Miss Calvio,” he said in a cold voice before walking away.<br /><br />
You blinked and watched him leave.<br /><br />
Once he was out of sight and out of earshot, you turned to Zanetta. “You know him?”<br />
“I’ve seen him around and he’s seen me around,” she answered vaguely. “I hate that guy. But it looks like you had a handle on the situation.”<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
She smiled at you and you smiled back, grateful for the compliment.
]
(else:)[
She smiled at you crookedly and you did not know how to react to the unexpected compliment.
]}
]}
<div class="choice">[[With the policeman gone, at least you could finish your breakfast in peace.->Heading back home]]</div>
“$MCcovertitle2 $MCname Anemone of Ilionis,” you simply declared.
An uncomfortable quiet settled as the Dwarven policeman seemed to expect from you to say more. But you had nothing else to tell him. If he wanted something else from you, he would have to ask.
He cleared his throat and spoke again. “I’ve been made aware there may be some trouble here. Is everything alright, $MCcovertitle?”
“Everything is alright,” you confirmed simply. “Thank you.”
A slight frown came to disturb the officer’s carefully neutral expression. He was starting to get frustrated. And his hand was still not leaving his saber’s hilt. {(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[
{(if: $ZanettaTrust is 0)[
Which might have been the reason why Zanetta decided to intervene.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCpronoun) said ‘//thank you//’,” she remarked pointedly, glaring at the man.<br /><br />
The policeman’s attention turned to her and you saw him narrowing his eyes at her, his expression turning colder. You feared for a moment that your companion had angered the Dwarf, but to your surprise he tipped his hat.<br /><br />
“Miss Calvio,” he said before turning on his heels and leaving.<br />
You waited for him to be out of sight and out of earshot to turn towards Zanetta. “A friend of yours?”<br />
She kept staring at the rosebush behind which the officer had disappeared. “I’ve seen him around and he’s seen me around. He knows better than to get involved in whatever I’m involved.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You decided to be content with that vague answer and went back to enjoying your breakfast, now that the bothersome man was gone.->Heading back home]]</div>
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />
“That is good to hear, $MCcovertitle,” the Dwarven policeman answered slowly. “I wouldn’t want to see any undesirables linger around here. It is a place for people of fine repute to find some tranquility and I would rid it of anything that could disturb its peacefulness.”<br /><br />
You did not miss what the officer was getting at, but you had no desire to play that game with him.<br /><br />
“I guess you will be happy to hear I have not seen any such individual around here, then,” you said, your jaw clenched.<br />
He narrowed his eyes at you before bowing his head politely. “Indeed. I won’t hold you any longer. Good day, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You were not feeling in a polite enough mood to wish him the same and you watched him leave. Once he was out of sight and out of earshot, Zanetta chuckled.<br /><br />
“I couldn’t have done a better job of getting rid of him,” she commented.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[At least, with the Dwarven officer gone, you could go back to enjoying your breakfast.->Heading back home]]</div>
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust is 0)[
Which might be the reason why Sir Mansoor decided to intervene. In fact you had no doubt about it once you saw the way the young knight was glaring at the Dwarf’s hand. His own came to rest on his sword’s scabbard.<br /><br />
“You have your answer. Is there any reason you still look ready for a fight?”<br />
The officer slowly turned his attention to him while still addressing you. “And who is your friend?”<br />
“Anger him any further and you might figure it out,” you snapped, starting to get tired of this masquerade.<br /><br />
Now, maybe you should not have said that to a representative of Lagodoro’s law. Your first clue was the way even Nuto tensed up, his attention leaving his cup of coffee to focus intently on you and the policeman.<br /><br />
“Is that a threat?” The Dwarven officer asked through gritted teeth.<br />
You pointed your chin to his hand, still on his sabre’s hilt. “Is //that// a threat?”<br />
“If it needs to be,” he replied, taking a step forward, which was his mistake, really.<br /><br />
Ajmal stood up with all his height and positioned himself between you and the Dwarf.<br /><br />
“You will not take a step further and you will remove your hand from your weapon,” the young knight proclaimed with barely contained outrage. “I can assure you that threatening $MCcovertitle is both unnecessary and unadvisable. If you suspect $MCpronoun2 of misdeed, I would suggest you come back with solid proof, quite a bit of back-up and nerves of iron.”<br /><br />
The sheer presence of Sir Mansoor was enough to make the policeman back up reflexively. He did not look happy with Ajmal’s menacing attitude, but he was intimidated into obedience nonetheless. His hand dropped from his saber’s hilt to his side.<br /><br />
“I do not know how it works where you’re from,” the Dwarven officer spit out. “But here, threatening a police officer is punishable by law. You obviously aren’t from here so I’ll only warn you — this time. But I strongly recommend you learn our ways and fast, before somebody else gets offended by your attitude.”<br /><br />
The way his gaze trailed down your outfit told you he was referring, in part, to your manner of dress. Neither you nor Sir Mansoor replied, instead watching him leave.<br /><br />
Once he was out of view and out of earshot, Nuto sighed. “Shit. You two don’t joke around. Next time you want to try and throw all of us in jail, give me a heads up, yeah?”<br />
Ajmal turned instantly bashful, sitting back down, his face turning a little darker. “I— That was not what I was trying to do, I am sorry. I will be more careful in the future.”<br /><br />
You found yourself relaxing against the back of the bench, your heart rate slowing down to a normal speed. You had not realized the heights it had reach during the encounter before the adrenaline started leaving your system. You breathed deeply and closed your eyes for a moment.<br /><br />
“I am sorry, $MCcovertitle,” you heard the young knight murmur beside you and you opened your eyes and saw him watching you with a worried frown. “I will do my best to not get you in trouble again.”<br />
“I am equally to blame, no need to apologize.”<br />
“We’re still here after all,” Nuto reassured him as well, and he went back to placidly enjoying his breakfast.<br /><br />
You followed his exemple, now that the bothersome policeman was gone.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You did not want to linger here any longer than necessary.->Heading back home]]</div>
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />
“That is good to hear, $MCcovertitle,” the Dwarven policeman answered slowly. “I wouldn’t want to see any undesirables linger around here. It is a place for people of fine repute to find some tranquility and I would rid it of anything that could disturb its peacefulness.”<br />
“Undesirables?” Ajmal intervened.<br /><br />
He was tense on the bench, beside you, his own hand on his sword’s scabbard.<br /><br />
The officer slowly turned his attention towards him, while still addressing you. “And who is your friend?”<br />
“Not an undesirable,” you answered, letting your exasperation get the better of you.<br /><br />
The Dwarf looked back at you, waiting for you to elaborate. You did not plan to.<br /><br />
“Very well. I suppose I have no choice but to take you at your word,” the officer finally relented.<br />
“Indeed,” Ajmal responded, not bothering to hide his hostility.<br />
It was obviously not to the policeman’s liking, who narrowed his eyes at the knight and still refused to address him directly. “I do suggest that you do everything in your power to make that more obvious, for everyone’s sake.”<br /><br />
The way his gaze trailed down your outfit made it clear that he was talking about your manner of dress. You did not answer. As far as you were concerned, the conversation was over.<br /><br />
Sensing your reluctance (finally), the Dwarf bowed his head politely. “Good day, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
You watched him turn on his heels and leave.<br /><br />
“What a— Nevermind,” Sir Mansoor mumbled as soon as the officer was out of sight and out of earshot.<br />
Grinning, Nuto leaned forward to look at him. “No, please, share your thoughts with us.”<br /><br />
The knight shifted uncomfortably on the bench.<br /><br />
“It is not very polite, I should not say it,” he admitted.<br />
“Was it bastard? Arsehole? Prick?”<br /><br />
The knight looked at the Dwarf with some offense, pointing you with a sign of his head.<br /><br />
“You do not have to worry about me,” you reassured Ajmal. “I have heard worse.”<br />
“You... what?” The knight blinked at you.<br /><br />
You did not answer, instead biting into your half-eaten jam fritter.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Nuto chuckled at the young man’s bafflement and all three of you went back to enjoying your breakfast, now that the unpleasant policeman was gone.->Heading back home]]</div>
]}
]}
“Indeed not,” you responded, staring disapprovingly at his hand on the hilt of his saber. “Who are you and why are you disrupting my morning by approaching me in such a threatening manner?”
The officer blinked at you, maybe out of surprise, but his attitude changed quickly, his hand dropping from his weapon to his side. (if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Sir Mansoor, who had tensed up beside you, hand on his scabbard, relaxed as well.]
“Officer Valier, at your service, my Laird,” the Dwarven policeman introduced himself with a polite bow of his head. “My apologies, I heard word of trouble happening around here. Would you know anything about that?”
He narrowed his eyes at you, glancing up and down at your outfit in a way that made it explicit your manner of dress was the trouble. It was annoying you to no end. Not only your clothes were of excellent make, but there was nothing inappropriate about them, as far as you were concerned. Better yet, their practicality made them a lot more ideal for an actual walk in the park than whatever all these other nobles were wearing.
You were about to argue all that but instead you took a deep calming breath before addressing the officer. He still was not going to get away with it that easily.
“Actually, yes, there is some trouble,” you confirmed which made him gape at you for a short moment.
{(if: (history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you")[Ajmal](else:)[Zanetta]} and Nuto also looked at you with surprise.
“Indeed?” The policeman asked, still looking baffled.
“Yes. A few people in this park have been looking at me and my companions in very indiscreet ways, not addressing me and whispering in my back instead. I find that lack of decorum highly disturbing.”
“That… That is unfortunate, my Laird,” officer Valier replied with hesitation. “However there is nothing I can do about that… It is not technically illegal.”
Well, that was rich. You did not think the way you dressed was anything illegal either, yet he did come to investigate //that//.
“There is more,” you continued, trying to keep your anger at bay. “I suspect some of them to have slandered my honor. Possibly to an officer of the law. Is defamation illegal enough for you? Or should I tell you that I do not like their manner of dress and the company they keep?”
The Dwarven policeman pursed his lips and considered you with a cold glare. But he had nothing to respond to that.
He broke his silence with an apologetic but strained smile. “That... Won’t be necessary. I will make sure you are not bothered again.”
He bowed his head sharply. “Good day, my Laird.”
You watched the officer turn on his heels and leave. {(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")[
Once he was out of sight and out of earshot, Zanetta whistled.<br /><br />
“Nice job,” she complimented. “Couldn’t have done it better myself.”
]
(else:)[
Once he was out of sight and out of earshot, Nuto chuckled.<br /><br />
“Looks like you gave him a bit of his own medicine,” he commented while going back to enjoying his cup of coffee.<br />
“What an unpleasant person,” Ajmal grumbled on your other side.
]}
<div class="choice">[[Now that the bothersome policeman was gone, you could at least finish your breakfast in peace.->Heading back home]]</div>
(unless: $lastpassage is "The gardens")[(link-goto: "RETURN TO STORY", $lastpassage)
]''Thank you to all my patrons for their support!''
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You had met Felice a few weeks ago.
It had been another long day of studying, alternating between Lady Domara’s History lectures, Zanetta’s overviews of Dwarven etiquette, and Sir Mansoor’s more academic lessons on strategy and tactics. You were feeling tired of being cooped up all day. All week. Most of the month, really. The only occasions you had to go out were when Nuto took you on his gondola to visit the city from its waterways. So you wanted some air and the furthest you could go on your own was in the mansion’s garden, maybe even on the dock, if the guard there would let you.
You had taken a few books your tutor wanted you to study (if:$MChobby is "painting" or "writing")[— as well as {(if: $MChobby is "painting")[a sketchbook](else:)[a novel]} you were currently reading, sneaking it in-between the scholastic tomes — ]and had made your way down the garden’s path, all the way to the outer wall and the iron gate.
You peeked between the metal swirls of the postern, watching the dock. It was a long one, large enough to welcome a host of guests and their gondolas. And it was usually under the vigilance of a guard. Not always, though. Your staff was still in fairly small numbers and the house was the priority when it came to heavy surveillance.
This time, you were lucky enough to find the dock deserted. You unlocked the gate and slipped out of the garden. Dropping the pile of books on the flagstones, you settled on the little wooden stool left for the guard. It was becoming a bit of a ritual for you. When you felt like a change of scenery, you would come down here, study for a bit and watch the gondolas pass. The channel the mansion was facing was a fairly large artery, so you saw all sorts of people passing by while staying at a safe distance.
That was until you spotted something shimmering under the waves of the lake. You were pretty certain it was not the first time. Your eyes had occasionally been drawn to a glint in the water the past few times you sat on the dock. It was too short-lived to make you really question it. But each time your curiosity grew. You suspected it was wildlife of some kind. All you had seen so far in Lagodoro’s waterways were rare schools of tiny fish. At first, you thought that might have been it. But after a few more times, it seemed unlikely. No, it had to be something bigger. But you never felt compelled enough to take a closer look. You did not know how to swim and you generally stayed away from the water when you were alone.
Until that day. You could not say what took over you, but as soon as you saw the glimmers moving slowly under the surface, you stood up and walked towards the edge of the dock. Maybe whatever was swimming in the channel had stayed longer than usual. When you leaned over the water to take a better look, you glimpsed a rather large tail disappearing into the darkness. As soon as it was gone, you started questioning what you had just seen. If it was really a single tail, it would have belonged to a fish that could easily surpass five feet in length and you had never heard of such a large creature living in Lagodoro’s waters.
You shuffled on the dock, not paying attention to your mother’s medallion, dangling from your neck. In retrospect, you really should have. You were searching the water, hoping to see another peek of the shimmering being. The sound of splashing water drew your attention downward and you watched with horror the family heirloom sinking under the waves.
<div class="choice">You did not take even a second to think. [[You took the plunge.->You took the plunge]]</div>
You felt cold water suddenly shocking your body, making all your muscles tense up. It soaked through your clothes, weighing you down, but you still struggled to chase after the medallion slowly sinking into obscurity. Soon you would not be able to even see it(if: $handicap is "myopia")[ and your glasses wobbling on your nose with the rush of water did not help any]. You let the air in your lungs escape your lips in a large cluster of bubbles and it made it easier to move downwards. You kicked your feet clumsily, trying to push against the water, your arm and fingers outstretched towards the jewel. It was just out of your grasp and no matter how hard you tried to propel yourself, you were making little progress.
Soon lack of air made your head and chest throb painfully. You were still desperately trying to reach your mother’s memento, but your whole body was urging you to gulp for air. Instincts kicked in and you attempted to go back to the surface. But just as the water was fighting against you when you tried to swim towards the bottom, gravity was now dragging you down, preventing you from reaching the top, and your strengths were leaving you. A last bout of panic made you thrash weakly and, unable to fight your reflexes anymore, you opened your mouth. Water rushed inside your lungs, burning you. White dots took over your vision, blinding you, but soon, they faded in favor of darkness as consciousness left you.
You thought you were dying. And the stupidest way, too.
But you did not die that day.
You woke up feeling lips encapsulating yours, warm breath seeping into you, making you cough out stale-tasting water. You only had enough strength to roll your head to the side and spit it out onto the wet stone, your drenched clothes creating a pool around you.
“Bloody hells,” you heard an unfamiliar voice breathe out just above you.
The exclamation was more one of relief than of disgust. You could feel hands on your shoulder and back, helping you to roll on your side while your lungs were emptying themselves of all the water. You kept coughing for a while, your throat rough, irritated, before you let yourself lie back down on the dock, exhausted.
That was when you saw the stranger’s face for the first time and you wondered if you were not dead after all. A ghostly figure was leaning over you, concern wrinkling otherwise youthful and soft features. Water was dripping from the pink (pink?) strands of hair that were falling from behind their ears.
The person’s entire appearance was alien to you, you realized. Not only was their hair an uncanny color, but both their skin and their eyes were so pallid that they reflected the artificial lights of the city as brightly as a full moon. It almost looked like they were glowing.
You blinked, figuring your eyesight was still affected by the lack of air. But when you opened your eyes again, the unearthly vision was still in front of you. Your gaze caught sight of the navy blue tunic they were wearing, just as soaked as your outfit and sticking to their nearly translucent skin. Did they dive into the channel to save you?
When you realized that they were not wearing anything beyond the single item of clothing, you were about to avert your eyes. But the glimmer of iridescent scales pulled your gaze right back to them. Instead of finding two bare legs folded under them, you saw a long and pale fish tail.
They were one of the Merpeople.
{<div class="choice">(link: "It was the first time you ever saw one, but you had seen depictions of them and none looked like this Merperson did.")[
(set: $trans to 0)
(go-to: "None looked like them")
]</div>
<div class="choice">It was not the first time you met one. You had started to see a Mer surgeon to talk about a gender-affirming procedure, back in Ahabalad. (link: "You had not decided to go through with it at the time.")[
(set: $trans to 1)
(go-to: "None looked like them")
] Your doctor certainly did not look anything like this Merperson.</div>
<div class="choice">It was not the first time you met one. (link: "You had seen a Mer surgeon in order to go through a gender-affirming procedure.")[
(set: $trans to 2)
(go-to: "None looked like them")
] But your doctor looked nothing like this Merperson.</div>}
Water was a rare resource in Ahabalad, so Mer communities were few and far between, most of them being on the coastline. They were abundant in the Galanissos archipelago, however, your northern neighbor. {(if: $trans is 0)[
You had seen paintings and even photographs of Galanian Mers. Beyond the freckling of colorful scales on their skin, they looked much like the Human citizens of Galanissos.
]
(else:)[
That was where your surgeon came from and beyond the freckling of vibrant blue scales on their skin, they looked much like the Human citizens of Galanissos.
]} This Mer… looked otherworldly.
“Are you… Are you okay?”
You realized you had been staring at their tail this whole time and your gaze snapped back to worried lavender eyes.
“I… I think so,” you croaked, uncertain.
Your whole body was sore and your thoughts were foggy, but it did not seem like you were seriously hurt. You were definitely rattled, however. Your hand reached up to your chest, looking for the comfort of your mother’s medallion only to grasp at an empty chain, reminding you why you had jumped in the first place.
“My pendant!” You exclaimed, jolting at the painful feeling spiking in your chest.
You could not bear the thought of losing it, not when it was all you had left to remember your parents by.
The Merperson blinked and their hand reached down beside them. They opened it in front of you to reveal the silver locket resting in their palm. You looked at the scratched engravings and recognized your mother’s medallion.
“Is it what you were looking for?”
You picked it up delicately before gripping your fingers around it and pressing it firmly against your chest, closing your eyes.
“Thank the Gods,” you breathed out, relief flooding through your tired body.
You took a moment to ease your breathing. When you opened your eyes again, the Mer was still looking at you with a troubled frown.
“Should I… find someone?” They asked with hesitation. “You may need medical help…”
“No!” You blurted instinctively.
Just the thought of Sir Mansoor or Lady Domara learning what just happened was making your headache throb harder. You pushed yourself up into a sitting position and the Mer’s hands hovered around you, maybe in an attempt to help you, but shying away from actually touching you. {(if: $handicap is "hard of hearing")[
<br />You reached for your ears, checking that your enchantments were still in place. But clearly, you were able to hear the Mer just fine. Still, your fingers found the reassuring texture of the wooden prosthesis.
]
(else-if: $handicap is "myopia")[
<br />Your hand reached for your face, checking that your glasses were still in place. But clearly, you were able to see the Mer just fine. Still, you adjusted the frames on your nose.
]}
“I am fine,” you stated, your voice too weak to be very convincing.
The Mer gave you a doubtful look so you said it again, more firmly. “I am fine, I promise.”
They nodded and their hands dropped back to their lap. You watched them and they seemed at a bit of a loss on what to do next.
“I did not even thank you,” you realized out loud.
“For what?” They asked and the question made you tilt your head with curiosity.
You guessed that saving strangers from drowning was not a habit of theirs.
“For saving my life?” You helpfully provided.
Their mono-lidded eyes widened and you wondered if they were surprised or panicked. Maybe both. The expression quickly faded, however, and you felt a shift in their attitude. A graceful smile slowly formed on their soft lips.
“I guess I did save your life.”
Confidence was seeping into their tone, but it was still brittle, a little bewildered.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Well… Thank you,” you said, regardless. “For my life and this locket. It means a lot to me.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "It means a lot to me")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“You did,” you repeated, observing them with cautious curiosity. “Why does that surprise you so much?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Why the surprise?")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}
{(unless: $lastpassage is "Why the surprise?")[
“Well… Thank you,” you said, regardless. “For my life and this locket. It means a lot to me.”<br /><br />
]}Their gaze dropped to the pendant when you mentioned it. They seemed curious about it.
“It has to, if you’re willing to risk your life to get it back,” they said, not asking the question outright.
You were grateful for it, it allowed you to avoid answering altogether. But should you? Would it raise more suspicion? Your mother always wore her medallion, but you were not sure if it was knowledge common enough to pose a threat. For now, you decided to keep the meaning of the locket to yourself.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“It was rather foolish of me, was it not?” You said with a weak smile.<br />
The Mer’s smile grew steadier. “Foolishly sentimental, I’d say.”<br /><br />
From their tone, you deduced it was just meant as a gentle poke rather than actual criticism. It still stung a little.<br /><br />
“I have been told that before,” you murmured thoughtfully. “We have just met and you already know one of my worst flaws.”<br />
The Mer tilted their head to the side. “I think that’s rather charming, actually. If that’s one of your worst flaws, you must be one of the most pleasant people I’ve ever met.”<br />
As flattered as you were, you shifted uneasily on the stone floor. “I doubt my tutor would find my lack of judgment quite as charming.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“It was stupid of me,” you said, your brow furrowing.<br />
The Mer raised an eyebrow at you. “Now that’s a harsh word. I’d say you were determined.”<br /><br />
You stared at them skeptically. You were not sure if they were trying to be nice or if they were making fun of you.<br /><br />
“I was determined. And I was stupid,” you replied flatly.<br />
“You’re not one to mince words, are you?” They murmured.<br /><br />
Their soft expression made you think it was the former. Still, you frowned at them.<br /><br />
“I am just stating it as it is. I should have thought twice before jumping in the water.”<br />
“You should have but there is no point in beating yourself up about it. Nearly drowning is punishment enough, I think.”<br /><br />
Your fist closed tightly onto your locket and you averted your gaze, staring off into the distance.<br /><br />
“I am not certain my tutor will see it that way,” you mumbled more to yourself than to the Mer.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“That was not my brightest moment,” you replied with a wince.<br />
The Mer grinned with more confidence. “Maybe not, but it’s certainly the highlight of my day.”<br /><br />
You grimaced again.<br /><br />
“I am glad that my lack of judgment gave you an opportunity to shine,” you shot back sarcastically. “I only wish it had not led me to nearly drown.”<br />
The Mer looked appropriately chastised and smiled apologetically. “That’s fair.”<br /><br />
You brought your hands to your face and dragged your fingers down your features.<br /><br />
“My tutor is going to kill me…” You groaned.<br />
“I certainly hope not,” the Mer said light-heartedly. “After all the trouble I went through to save your life?”<br /><br />
You only sighed in response.<br />
]
(else:)[
“I did not think, I just jumped,” you realized out loud.<br />
The Mer chuckled softly. “You really did.”<br />
You took a deep breath. “I almost died because of my stupidity.”<br />
“You felt strongly about retrieving your pendant,” the Mer countered softly. “And you made it out alive, don’t beat yourself up. Nearly drowning was a harsh enough punishment, I think.”<br />
“I am not convinced my tutor will see it that way,” you replied with a wince, holding onto your locket even more tightly.
]}
“Maybe your tutor doesn’t have to know…” They suggested, a somewhat mischievous smile on their lips.
You looked back at them with disbelief.
“I do not think that is possible, considering I am drenched from head to toe,” you pointed out, gesturing at yourself.
“With a little imagination, I’m sure we can come up with a convincing story.”
{<div class="choice">You hated the thought of lying to Lady Domara. But you also worried that telling the truth would lead her and Ajmal to worry excessively. (link: "You agreed to it.")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "You agreed to it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
(if: $open > 5)[
<div class="choice">You were a terrible liar, there was no way this would go well. (link: "You refused.")[
(set: $FeliceKnown to 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "You refused")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
]
<div class="choice">They were right. The thing was done and over with, you were safe. There was no need to cause a fuss. (link: "You agreed.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Done and over with")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "As anxious as you were about telling Lady Domara what happened, you simply could not lie to her on principle alone.")[
(set: $FeliceKnown to 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "You couldn't on principle alone")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)(severe)//]</div>}
The question unsettled them and they looked back at you with the same bafflement as before, losing their smile.
“Maybe because it’s the first time that happens?” They offered hesitantly. “I never thought of myself as someone capable of saving a life before.”
They seemed so taken aback by the whole situation that they had to be genuine. You understood where they were coming from. You had to admit you had no idea what you would have done in such a situation yourself. {(if: $compassionate > 9)[
You liked to think you would have done everything in your power to help, but how could you be sure?
]
(else:)[
You did not know how much you would be willing to risk yourself for a stranger.
]}
“But surely it is a pleasant surprise, is it not?” You asked with a small smile, trying to be reassuring.
{(if: $charisma > 7)[
There was a split moment where they looked uncertain before they started smiling again.
]
(else:)[
Their smile returned as well as some of their confidence.
]}
“Indeed it is,” they confirmed.
“And I still have not thanked you,” you realized out loud. “So thank you, for both my life and my locket. It means a lot to me.”
(display: "It means a lot to me")
You hesitated, chewing anxiously on your lip for a moment and then you sighed.
“I feel terrible about lying to her,” you confessed. “But she and… my bodyguard will be worried sick. Maybe it is for the best.”
The Mer’s smile softened. “It’s for their own good, you shouldn’t feel bad.”
You smiled back, faintly. You were not as convinced as them, but your choice was made. (display: "Lying to Lady Domara")
“No, I will tell her the truth,” you said with a sigh. “As unpleasant as it will be, it is better than the alternative. I am a terrible liar.”
A slight frown came to mar the Mer’s smooth forehead. “If you’re certain…”
(display: "Not lying to Lady Domara")
“Alright. If it will avoid me a lecture, I am all for it,” you answered readily.
The Mer’s smile turned into a knowing grin.
“Let’s figure something out, then.”
(display: "Lying to Lady Domara")
You did not want to be harsh to them, they //did// just save your life and you //did// just complain about Lady Domara’s likely reaction. But it still did not feel right lying to her.
“That… will not be necessary. I will not lie to her. I do not think that would be fair after all the efforts she put into… my instruction,” you said, almost letting slip how instrumental Lady Domara had been in your survival, but catching yourself in time.
A slight frown came to mar the Mer’s smooth forehead, but they still smiled softly. “I understand.”
(display: "Not lying to Lady Domara")
They brought a hand to their mouth, fingers tapping thoughtfully on their lips, and they frowned in concentration, their other arm supporting the weight of their torso.
“Alright, let’s see…” They mumbled.
To be honest, you were really counting on them to find a good idea. You were raking your own brain to find something and everything sounded completely ridiculous. You could not pretend you had slipped on a puddle without implying you rolled in it thoroughly. And no gondola was fast enough to splash water on you from head to toe.
“I may have something…”
That was faster than you expected. You looked intently at the Mer. Their lips quirked up slightly.
“I imagine you have staff that takes care of your laundry pretty regularly.”
You nodded. “Of course.”
“What do they do with the water when they’re done?”
You opened your mouth to respond but closed it instantly when you realized you had no idea. It was a bit embarrassing, really.
“I am… not sure,” you admitted with a frown.
The Mer did not look surprised.
“Could they have thrown it out of a window?”
You started to see where they were going with this train of thought and you had to confess it was better than anything you had been coming up with.
“I guess so…” You said slowly. “But surely they would want the water to go in the sewage system…?”
“There are drains everywhere in the city, especially along houses. In more modest neighborhoods, there’s no plumbing in people’s homes, so your staff might be used to throwing used water through their windows. One could have done so just when you passed by, drenching you with water almost as disgusting as the one in the canal.”
“Almost as disgusting…?”
As soon as they said it, you started feeling uncomfortable. You realized your skin and hair were getting sticky.
“I need a hot bath,” you groaned.
The Mer chuckled softly, bright teeth flashing as they smiled warmly at you. “I can’t argue that.”
“But… that was a good idea. Thank you,” you said, nodding at them.
<div class="choice">They nodded back. [[“You’re very welcome.”->Trying to get up]]</div>
Now that you were feeling more like yourself, you realized how uncomfortable you were. Not only the water was weighing your clothes down and making the fabric stick to your skin, but a grimy feeling was clinging to your body and hair. The urge to scrub yourself clean quickly became overwhelming.
“I need a hot bath,” you thought out loud.
The Mer chuckled, bright teeth shining as they smiled warmly at you. “I can’t argue that.”
(display: "Trying to get up")
Overestimating your strengths, you attempted to rise to your feet. Your Mer savior frowned with concern as soon as your trembling arms pushed against the stone slabs of the dock to prop yourself up.
“Are you sure you’re ready to…”
They did not have time to finish their sentence before your legs gave out and you fell back on the floor, undoubtedly bruising your backside.
“Maybe not,” you sighed.
The Mer smiled sheepishly and you saw their eyes scanning your figure, maybe making sure you did not hurt yourself.
“I just need a couple more minutes,” you reassured them.
They nodded slowly, relaxing slightly.
“If you need me to find help, you only have to ask,” they said, worry still straining their voice.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You stared firmly at them
]
(else:)[
You smiled at them.
]} “I know. I am fine, I promise.”
“Alright.”
You stayed silent for an awkward moment, the Mer looking back at you in a strange way, maybe with fascination, maybe just curiosity. Until a realization hit you.
“I am sorry,” you started after clearing your throat. “I did not even ask your name. I am… $MCcovertitle2 $MCname Anemone of Ilionis.”
You were half tempted to recite your whole manufactured backstory, but you reminded yourself that there was no need to say anything beyond your name until someone asked further questions.
The Mer seemed to hesitate, not unlike yourself, but their confidence was back on display in a split second and they smiled charmingly at you.
“My name is Felice and I’m pleased to meet you, $MCcovertitle.”
You extended your hand toward them, expecting an innocuous shake, but when they took a ginger hold of your fingers, it was to bring them to their lips, brushing them ever-so-slightly against your knuckles. Just a little further than politeness advised.
{<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You were flustered. How else could you react? They were very good-looking and they saved your life. (link: "People had been known to fall for less.")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ People have fallen for less")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You were not indifferent, but it was a little early to tell the full meaning of the gesture. (link: "You squeezed their hand subtly as they moved away, looking for their reaction.")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Squeezing their hand")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You smiled knowingly. (link: "You knew when you were being flirted with.")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ You knew you were being flirted with")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice">The contact could have been accidental for all you knew. (link: "You were certain they were just being courteous and you smiled politely at them.")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "They were being courteous")
] (if: $showtrait is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">That was a little presumptuous of them, they should have gone for something less flamboyant in your opinion. (link: "Still, they were not entirely breaching etiquette so you pursed your lips and endured.")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "You endured")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You were a little surprised but did not care either way.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "You did not care")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
The touch was so faint that you started questioning it occurring at all. Did you imagine it because you //wanted// it to happen? You held your breath until they lowered and released your hand, their fingers sliding away from yours one at a time. The smile on their lips was enough to reassure you that you did not misinterpret what happened. And it was enough to bring heat to your face.
“I hope that wasn’t too forward,” they said, looking fully aware that they were exactly forward enough.
Even knowing that you could not help but stutter: “N-no! That was fine! I enjoyed it… I mean it was adequate. Huh… Adequate really is not the right word. Appropriate?”
Now you were making a fool of yourself and you wanted nothing more than to disappear into a mouse hole.
Felice tilted their head to the side, a playful look in their eyes. “Mmh… Appropriate was not exactly what I was aiming for. Maybe I wasn’t forward enough after all. Should I try again?”
The question made you even more flustered and you gaped at them, unable to respond. You could simply say no, but part of you was not against them kissing your hand again. And you were not certain how to feel about that. Embarrassment was generally your go-to in those situations, so you went with that.
“No, it is fine!” You ended up blurting.
The Mer inclined their head the other way and their smile softened. “Sorry, I was just teasing you. Maybe it was a bit heavy-handed. Will you forgive me?”
“Of course,” you replied instantly, your cheeks so hot you had to bring a hand to your face to cool it down.
The contrast was quite bracing, your fingers ice-cold after your impromptu stay in the channel’s waters. Felice watched you with some amusement but they were tactful enough to not poke any more fun at you.
(display: "Any relatives?")
It was a slight touch, their lips barely grazing your skin, and if you were not interested in looking for it, this subtle sign might have gone over your head. Maybe it was on purpose, to give you the opportunity to dismiss it and think nothing more of it. But that was not what you wanted and you needed to make that clear.
As they lowered your joined hands, you squeezed theirs slightly, getting their attention. They glanced down at your hand and when their gaze raised back up to meet yours, you locked eyes with them and brushed their fingers with your thumb, slowly and softly.
The crooked smile they addressed you in reaction was enough to confirm they received your message. When your hands parted, they let their fingers slide against yours, one after the other.
“The pleasure is all mine,” you said, splaying the hand they kissed on your lap.
“I can tell,” the Mer replied, their lopsided grin growing slightly.
“Good,” you responded with a confident smile of your own.
A quiet chuckle shook Felice’s shoulder as they tilted their head to watch you with curiosity.
“You’re recovering quite smoothly from jumping into the channel and nearly drowning.”
“What can I say? Being saved by a beautiful and mysterious Mer helps a lot.”
Their eyes narrowed, in a pleased way, you thought.
“Your compliment is noted and appreciated. I truly am glad to have saved the life of such a delightful $MCgender.”
(display: "Any relatives?")
When their eyes glanced up, they seemed to search your face for a moment. You did not know what they were looking for, but, eventually, they simply smiled back at you in a soft, gentle expression, releasing your hand delicately.
“I hope that wasn’t too forward of me,” they said, their smile turning sheepish.
“Not at all,” you reassured them. “I am used to such greetings.”
Their eyes trailed down your body again and you realized they were looking at your clothes more than your figure when they said: “I suspected as much.”
(display: "Any relatives?")
When the Mer glanced up and their eyes met yours, they noticed your displeasure quickly — even if you did not do anything to communicate it — and they released your hand gently, but without losing any time, which you were grateful for.
“I apologize if I was too forward,” they said, bowing their head respectfully.
“Your apology is accepted,” you replied a little stiffly.
You did not want to be too harsh, given the circumstances, but you were not going to deny that yes, they had indeed been too forward.
A warm smile brightened Felice’s face, despite your tense answer. “I’m grateful.”
(display: "Any relatives?")
When the Mer glanced up at you, they seemed to search your face. You did not know what they were looking for, but they lowered your joined hands and released yours shortly after.
“I hope that wasn’t too forward,” they said, tilting their head to the side.
You shrugged. “I did not mind.”
Your indifference seemed to amuse them. A lopsided smile formed on their lips.
“I was hoping to leave you with a stronger impression, but I suppose that’ll do.”
“But you did. You saved my life,” you pointed out.
Their expression softened.
“That’s true…”
(display: "Any relatives?")
The Mer looked beyond you, up at the mansion before their lavender eyes fell on you again.
"You said your tutor might be upset about what happened. Does no one else live with you? No relative to be concerned about your well-being?”
You blinked at them. Maybe you should not have been surprised by the question, but it was the first time your cover story was put to the test and you were not certain you were ready for that yet. You started understanding why Zanetta and Lady Domara wanted to keep you sheltered for the time being.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You decided to stick to the truth as much as possible, still uncomfortable with lying outright.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "As much of the truth as possible")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You repeated verbatim what Zanetta had told you, nothing more, nothing less.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Verbatim what Zanetta told you")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You implied that those were personal details you were not comfortable disclosing.")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Personal details")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
You gathered your legs against your chest and looked into the canal’s waters, avoiding direct eye contact with the Mer.
“No one but the staff,” you replied quietly. "I do not have close relatives since my parents’ passing, so I travel on my own.”
Most polite company did not interrogate people about their dead parents and you had to admit you were relying on that quite a bit. And indeed, Felice looked instantly regretful.
"I’m sorry. It must feel quite lonely,“ they said with genuine sympathy.
That is was. You tried not to think about it too hard, the void left in your parents’ stead a painful and hard one to fill. Still, you were not entirely alone.
“Sometimes. But my tutor and my bodyguard have been with me for a long time… {(if: ($SabraAffection > 2) or ($MansoorAffection > 6))[
Family does not have to be blood.
]
(else:)[
If anything, it is stable company.
]}”
The Mer smiled at you, but it felt a little strained. “It’s nice to have people you can rely on.”
“It is,” you answered with your own subdued smile.
(display: "How long will you stay?")
“No. I was traveling on my own, visiting a cousin in Ahabalad when the revolt broke out. I sought refuge here, hoping things would die down quickly, but it does not look like it will…”
You frowned, unable to hide the concern the situation was causing you. Fortunately for you, your expression could be read in many different ways.
“I’ve heard about it,” Felice said slowly, watching you carefully. “It must have been quite frightening to find yourself alone in the middle of a brewing civil war.”
“I was terrified,” you admitted, and it was hardly a lie. “But I was not alone. My tutor and my bodyguard have been with me for a long time. {(if: ($SabraAffection > 2) or ($MansoorAffection > 6))[
Family does not have to be blood.
]
(else:)[
They have been steadfast company.
]}”
The Mer smiled, but it felt strained. “At least you had people to rely on amidst all this.”
You nodded.
While you set out to detach yourself as much as possible from the persona Zanetta assigned to you, it was too intricately woven into the threads of your own identity. It was smart of the Dwarven woman. That way you could not fake your distress. But it was distress nonetheless and you could have done without it.
Felice seemed to notice the mutism you were sinking into and thoughtfully dropped the subject.
(display: "How long will you stay?")
“I have enough people to take care of me,” you said as neutrally as you could. “I am sorry, I have sought refuge here to find peace and quiet, I hope you will forgive me if I do not disclose more personal details.”
They smiled gently. “No need to apologize. You have to protect yourself first, I understand. I may have saved your life, but I am no less a stranger.”
While you were grateful for their acceptance, you felt a little guilty at the reminder that they saved your life.
“I’m glad you have people who care for you, in any case,” Felice continued. "I would hate to leave you alone after what happened otherwise.”
“That… is very considerate of you.”
It was hard keeping secrets from them when they seemed to have only good intentions. But you could not know that for sure, so you had no other choice.
(display: "How long will you stay?")
You watched as the Mer’s tail curled underneath them and they sat more comfortably — you had to assume, you really had no idea how someone with a fish tail could sit comfortably.
“I presume you won’t stay here indefinitely,” they said with curiosity. “How long are you going to be in Lagodoro?”
“I… have not decided yet. {(unless: (history:) contains "Verbatim what Zanetta told you")[
I was hoping to wait until things die down in Ahabalad before returning to the surface, but… Well, it seems it is going to last longer than expected.
]
(else:)[
As I said, I was hoping for things to die down in Ahabalad, but so far…” You did not finish the sentence, letting the words hang too heavy in the air. “
]}I could find another route back home, but for now, I am staying. Maybe for a few months, maybe more. Lagodoro is a fascinating city and I would like to learn more about it before I leave.”
A bright smile illuminated Felice’s expression. “Wonderful! That should give us plenty of time to cross paths again. Hopefully in less dire circumstances?”
Their smile turned lopsided as they tilted their head to the side and considered you with a playful gaze.
{<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“I would like that…”")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ I would like that (2)")
] You admitted shyly, your fingers nervously {(if: $headscarf is true)[
playing with the ends of your scarf
]
(else-if: $hairlength is "cropped")[
playing with the hem of your collar
]
(else:)[
tucking a strand of wet hair behind your ear
]}. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You smiled at them. (link: "“You know I would like that, regardless of the circumstances.”")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ You know I would like that")
]<br />
You tried to not make your eagerness too obvious, despite your quickening pulse. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You responded with a charming smile of your own. (link: "“I am counting on it.”")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Counting on it")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“That would be nice,” you responded with an earnest smile. “As long as you can spare the time, of course.”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "As long as you can spare the time")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Maybe,”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Maybe")
] you answered with a non-committal shrug. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Yes, hopefully next time will be a much more conventional encounter,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "A much more conventional encounter")
] you said with a small smile.<br />
The whole situation felt a little jarring to you. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“I would like that…” You admitted shyly, your fingers nervously {(if: $headscarf is true)[
playing with the ends of your scarf
]
(else-if: $hairlength is "cropped")[
playing with the hem of your collar
]
(else:)[
tucking a strand of wet hair behind your ear
]}.
You could not miss how intently their lavender eyes followed the movements of your hand.
“I’m glad to hear it,” they murmured, the smile on their lips turning softer.
The way they looked at you was enough to bring a fluttering feeling to your stomach.
“I just… I have no idea how I will find you, I do not know your full name and where I can meet you. I cannot… I do not go out much and…” You started rambling, feeling heat rising up your neck under their scrutiny.
“I’ll find you,” they reassured you, their tone gentle.
But then they leaned back, their attitude changing to a more casual one.“As for my full name… Well, you might have noticed I’m not exactly a Dwarf.”
One of their hands gestured to their fish tail and you smiled at the joke.
“I’m not from Lagodoro either,” they continued. “And the people here really don’t know how to pronounce my name. So I go by Felice, it’s simpler.”
They shrugged nonchalantly, but you could tell it was a little rigid. You had to wonder if they had been the victim of some prejudices from the citizens of Lagodoro. Maybe it was better not to push for more if the subject was uncomfortable for them.
(display: "Standing back up")
You responded with a charming smile of your own. “I am counting on it.”
You saw their lavender eyes trail down to your lips as you smiled. They let them linger there for a second too long to not be purposeful.
“Then I will do my very best to meet your expectations,” they replied, locking eyes with you again.
You held their gaze easily, your smile stretching in response.
You leaned forward, murmuring as if sharing a secret. “What if I want to find you? I do not even know your full name, or where I can meet you.”
The Mer did not blink, nor did they move as you positioned yourself significantly closer to them.
“I’ll find you,” they replied with an amused smirk. “And my name… Well, if you haven’t noticed yet, I’m not exactly a Dwarf.”
They gestured to their fish tail and you had to pull away to snort into your hand at their joke.
“I’m not from Lagodoro either,” they continued. “And the people here really don’t know how to pronounce my name. So I go by Felice, it’s simpler.”
They shrugged casually, but you could tell it was a bit stiff. You wondered if they had been the victim of prejudices from the citizens of Lagodoro. But as curious as you were, it was probably best not to pry if the subject was uncomfortable for them.
(display: "Standing back up")
“That would be nice,” you responded with an earnest smile. “As long as you can spare the time, of course.”
Their smile brightened in reaction.
“Don’t worry,” they joked. “A layabout like me always has time to spare for lovely people.”
You felt a little embarrassed. They were awfully generous with their compliments and you were not sure how to react to them.
You settled for a polite smile. “I am looking forward to it, then.”
A bit of an awkward pause followed and you hesitated to break it.
But eventually, you asked: “Excuse me, you… You did not tell me your full name and I am not sure what is the proper way to address you…”
The Mer’s expression turned sheepish. “Well, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly a Dwarf.”
They gestured to their fish tail and you hid an amused smile behind your hand.
“I’m not from here either,” they continued. “My name… Well, the locals have no idea how to pronounce it, really. So I go by Felice.”
They shrugged, but there was a stiffness to it that led you to believe it was a bit of a sensitive subject. Maybe they had been the victim of some prejudices from the citizens of Lagodoro? Either way, you decided not to pry.
(display: "Standing back up")“Maybe,” you answered with a non-committal shrug.
The Mer raised an eyebrow at you, both questioning and amused. “Not eager, are you? What if I promise the next time we’ll meet will be on dry land?”
You frowned at their playful tone, not sure if you liked them making light of you nearly drowning.
“That is not it,” you explained. “I am grateful for what you did. But I do not really know you. You did not even give me your full name…”
“Oh, that.”
They deflated a bit and offered you an apologetic smile. “Well… I’m not exactly a Dwarf if you haven’t noticed.”
They gestured at their fish tail, but you let the joke by without a reaction.
Unbothered, they continued: “I’m not from Lagodoro either and the locals really have no idea how to pronounce my name. So I go by Felice, it’s simpler for everyone.”
They shrugged and it did not look quite as nonchalant as intended. Your frown deepened as you wondered if they had been the victim of some prejudices from the citizens of Lagodoro. You did not say anything, not wanting to linger if the subject was uncomfortable for them.
(display: "Standing back up")
“Yes, hopefully next time will be a much more conventional encounter,” you said with a small smile.
The whole situation felt a little jarring to you.
The Mer chuckled softly. “Should I send a written invitation next time? We can both bring our chaperones. We’ll have proper introductions and none of us will have indecently soaked clothes.”
You were a bit torn between being offended by their teasing and being amused by it. You did feel a bit self-conscious about the damp fabric sticking to your skin at the mention of it and tried to adjust your outfit to look less inappropriate — without much success.
“Maybe we do not need to go that far, but…“ You replied a bit stiffly. “Proper introductions would be nice. I do not know your full name and I am not sure how I would be able to contact you again.”
“Oh, that.”
They deflated somewhat, offering an apologetic smile.
“If you couldn’t tell, I’m not exactly a Dwarf. I’m not from Lagodoro either and the locals really don’t know how to pronounce my name. So I go by Felice, it’s simpler.”
They shrugged, but it was a little rigid, not as casual as intended. You suspected there was more to it than that and wondered if they had been the victim of prejudices from the citizens of Lagodoro. Still, it would have been rude to insist if the matter was a sensitive one, so you did not inquire about it.
(display: "Standing back up")
You reached a lull in the conversation, so you decided to try your luck again and attempted to stand back up. Much more successfully this time. After taking a short time to rest, your legs were a lot steadier, and the sting in your lungs had abated. Your clothes, however, did not get much of an opportunity to dry and you knew you would have to change soon so as to not catch a cold.
A slight, worried frown pinched Felice’s forehead as they watched you rise to your feet.
“Are you feeling alright?” They asked. “Will you need help heading back?”
“I will be alright,” you affirmed after taking a few tentative steps toward the wooden stool.
You picked up your books and pressed them against your chest before turning back to them.
“ I apologize… I feel like your good deed should not go unrewarded, but… I do need to change and… huh…”
A soft smile came to grace the Mer’s lips. “Of course. And I don’t expect any kind of reward besides enjoying your company again. Someday soon, if that’s alright?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
You smiled back at them.
]
(else:)[
You nodded.
]} That, you were pretty sure you could manage.
“That is the least I can do.”
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 0)[
You would have to do it in secret, at least at first, to make sure Lady Domara did not learn the circumstances of your first encounter. You did not think there would be too much harm in that.
]
(else:)[
It would take some convincing, but you were certain Lady Domara would eventually allow it. After all, they did save your life and the argument would weigh heavily in the balance, you thought.
]}
“Then I hope you will have a much safer evening,” Felice said to bid you goodbye.
“I wish you the same,” you replied politely before turning toward the garden’s gate.
As you pushed it open and slipped back into the mansion’s courtyard, you heard a splash of water and could not refrain from casting a last look over your shoulder. All you saw was a few waves rippling the oily surface of the canal. There was no sign left of what had happened and of your encounter with the enigmatic Mer.
<div class="choice">[[Well, beside the large puddles of water on the stone dock, of course.->Felice's encounter aftermath]]</div>
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
As expected, it took all of your charms to calm Lady Domara’s concerns, as well as Sir Mansoor’s. You managed to convince them that you were perfectly fine and that the person who saved you had behaved in a most decent manner. You assured them you had been careful not to reveal anything incriminating to them.<br /><br />
Despite your efforts, however, you found yourself with even less time for yourself after the event. Sir Mansoor, Zanetta, or one of the guards hired by your spymaster were nearly constantly shadowing you. Ajmal was scared that you would risk drowning again and Lady Domara was wary of Felice. It did not help that Zanetta did not find any significant information about the Mer. According to her, it could mean two things. Either Felice was too far removed from the political and criminal scene for her to find anything on them. Or they were excellent at erasing their tracks.<br /><br />
Zanetta herself advised to stay on your guard, but she seemed to think that if Felice was truly dangerous, she would have found something about them. Lady Domara disputed that she might have been overestimating herself. A long argument followed, involving both of them throwing snide remarks at each other.
]
(else:)[
As expected, your appearance raised a few questions and you had to suffer a thorough interrogation from Lady Domara while you were dripping water all over the villa’s wooden floors. You thought you lied to her pretty successfully, thanks to Felice’s advice — after all, with no witness, Lady Domara could only rely on your word — but she remained a little suspicious of your story.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor was easier to convince and, beyond that, he was more concerned about your health than the possibility of you lying. He saved you from further questioning from your tutor by insisting you needed to change immediately, whisking you away from her and to your bedroom.<br /><br />
It was a little harder to find time for yourself after that. Ajmal started thinking you were likely to trip over yourself at any opportunity and Lady Domara kept her doubts.
]}
Regardless, Felice did manage to find you after this first encounter, somehow always during the rare times you were alone in the garden or on the dock. You never saw them again as you did the first time. Like all Merpeople, Felice had enough transmutation magic to turn their fish tail into quite human-looking legs. They were a people of both land and water, after all. They made sure to always be properly dressed when they met you, in an elegant — if well-loved — grey and black suit.
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
Part of you was thankful for the privacy. You felt awkward at the idea of seeing them with a third party just standing there, listening to every word of your conversations. Felice had saved your life and it would be strange to be too formal around them. But even you had to admit that the way they always managed to sneak onto the property unnoticed was rather alarming. It was driving Lady Domara insane and both Zanetta and Sir Mansoor grew more suspicious of your new friend.
]
(else:)[
You were thankful to be able to talk with them privately, without your entourage looming around you and worrying about everything you said or did. But even you had to admit that the way Felice was able to sneak onto the property unnoticed was concerning as well as impressive. Either that was a talent they had developed, which raised the question of why they would need it in the first place, or Zanetta’s carefully planned security was not up to the task after all, which was extremely worrisome.
]}
{<div class="choice">(link: "You had grown more suspicious of them yourself over the following weeks and you had told the Mer you would rather not meet them in secret anymore.")[
(set: $FeliceTrust to -1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Openly suspicious")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You were a bit torn. (link: "You had suspicions, but you enjoyed their company, so you said nothing of it.")[
(set: $FeliceTrust to 0)
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Quietly suspicious")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Felice saved you. (link: "You had full trust in their intentions and you enjoyed their company too much to push them away.")[
(set: $FeliceTrust to 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Trusting")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "To tell the truth, you were growing a little infatuated with them and you enjoyed the thrill of meeting them in secret.")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $FeliceTrust to 1)
(go-to: "❤ Trusting")
]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You knew they were bad news. You just knew it. (link: "But your heart was resolute to not listen to your mind and every time you saw them, it was beating a little faster.")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $FeliceTrust to 0)
(go-to: "❤ Suspicious")
]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>}
Felice was visibly disappointed when you spoke to them, but they respected your wishes and started making themself scarce. It was to their credit and it made you feel a little bad about it. Still, you had made the prudent choice.
Which was why seeing them now, sitting cross-legged in their sharp three-piece suit, on a bench in your garden, was a bit of a surprise. Their lavender eyes met yours and you sighed.
“Felice, I thought I told you…”
“I know,” they interrupted you with a tight, apologetic smile.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
<br />Their gaze dropped to your crutch and bandaged ankle, and they frowned, starting to stand up, one hand pushing on the back of the bench.<br /><br />
“You’re wounded…?”<br />
“It is nothing,” you quickly said, stopping them before they could approach you. “Why are you here?”<br /><br />
Their eyes were still lingering on your ankle and they looked hesitant. Still, they nodded, quite able to tell you did not want to talk about it.
]
(else:)[
You frowned. “Then why are you here?”<br /><br />
They gazed at you and you had to look away when you recognized the hurt in their eyes. They stood up, brushing down their trousers and adjusting their waistcoat, but did not step closer to you, quite able to tell it would not be welcome.
]}
(display: "Just wishing you a happy birthday")
It made each encounter with them a little awkward. You knew something was off but you could not bring yourself to stop seeing them. Nor did you feel comfortable enough with them to open up about your doubts. (if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[You did not share them with anyone else either, for fear they might try to convince you to stay away from the Mer.]
You were convinced Felice could tell you had reservations, although they never brought it up. In the end, they always managed to get your mind off of your misgivings, which only came back after the Mer left and you were alone with your thoughts.
So it was not surprising that you welcomed them with an uneasy but familiar smile when you found them sitting on this bench at the heart of your garden, crosslegged in their sharp three-piece suit.
“Felice, I… It is nice to see you.”
Their lavender eyes met yours and they smiled at you with an easy confidence you could not replicate.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
But their welcoming expression quickly turned into a frown when they noticed your crutch and bandaged ankle.<br /><br />
“You’re wounded…?” They said, starting to stand up, one hand pushing on the back of the bench.<br /><br />
You raised a hand to stop them.<br /><br />
“It is just a sprained ankle, nothing bad,” you assured them. “What brings you here?”<br /><br />
Felice nodded, sitting back while their gaze still lingered on your ankle with some concern.<br /><br />
“You. What else?” They answered with a grin when their eyes found yours again.<br /><br />
Their smile was so warm and charming that, once again, you felt your suspicions melt away in their radiant presence.<br /><br />
They tilted their head to the side. “Come sit with me?”<br /><br />
You hobbled over to them and sat beside them.<br />
]
(else:)[
“Likewise,” they replied before tilting their head to the side. “Come sit with me?”<br /><br />
Their expression was so warm and welcoming that, once again, you felt your suspicions melt away in their radiant presence. You walked over to them and sat on the bench, looking at them with curiosity.<br /><br />
“Is there something you wanted to tell me?”
]}(display: "Just wishing you a happy birthday")
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
Lady Domara, Sir Mansoor, or Zanetta might not have been in agreeance with you, but you met Felice, you talked to them and you knew they had a good heart, they had to.
]
(else:)[
If Lady Domara, Sir Mansoor, or Zanetta had known about Felice’s secret visits, you suspected they would not agree with you, but you knew they had a good heart, they had to.
]} They would not have rushed to save you otherwise. And you were forever grateful for what they did.
So, of course, when your eyes met the now-familiar lavender irises of the Mer, sitting cross-legged in their sharp three-piece suit, on a bench in the heart of your garden, you smiled warmly at them.
“Good morning, Felice.”
“Good morning,” they answered with a soft and charmingly crooked smile.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
<br />It faded as soon as their gaze fell on your crutch and bandaged ankle. They started standing up, their hand pushing on the back of the bench.<br /><br />
“You’re wounded…?” They asked, a concerned frown on their brow.<br /><br />
You raised a hand to stop and appease them.<br /><br />
“It is nothing serious, just a sprained ankle,” you reassured them. “What brings you here today?”<br /><br />
Their eyes lingered on your ankle for a moment, a worried pinch still on their brow, but they nodded and sat back.<br /><br />
“You, of course,” came their playful answer, once they met your gaze again.<br /><br />
They tilted their head to the side in an inviting manner. “Come sit with me?”<br /><br />
You eagerly hobbled over to them and as you neared, they stood up, gingerly taking your arm to help you sit on the bench. {(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You did not say anything but felt a grateful warmth rising from your chest at the attentive gesture.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You thanked them as you sat in unison.
]
(else:)[
You thanked them as you both sat, quietly but warmly nonetheless.
]}
]
(else:)[
“Come sit with me?” The Mer asked, tilting their head to the side in an inviting manner.<br />
“What brings you here, today?” You said as you walked over to them and sat beside them on the bench.<br />
“You, of course,” they replied with a grin.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You looked at them, the warmth you were feeling surely showing on your expression, for theirs returned to a gentler one.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe" or "stoic")[
You shook your head at their playful tone, but your smile stayed in place. It only made them smirk wider before their expression returned to a gentler one.
]
(else:)[
You chuckled at their playful tone as you settled down, to their delight.
]}
]}
(display: "Just wishing you a happy birthday")
Felice’s charming and — if you dared to say — flirtatious attitude was not leaving you indifferent. It was refreshing to be able to talk with someone your age, someone who was not working for you. Maybe your isolation was making you more starved for connection than you thought.
Whatever the reason, you always felt a rush of excitement when you saw them. This time was no different. A fluttering feeling sparked in your chest as soon as you met Felice’s now-familiar lavender eyes, as they sat crosslegged in their sharp three-piece suit, on a bench at the heart of your garden.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You could not stop a tender smile from spreading on your lips.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You could not stop a giddy smile from spreading on your lips.
]
(else:)[
You smiled politely at them, trying to ignore the heat creeping up your neck.
]}
“Good morning, Felice,” you greeted them.
“Good morning,” the Mer replied with a confident, yet warm smile.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
However, as soon as their gaze fell on your crutch and bandaged ankle, it faded, replaced by a concerned frown.<br /><br />
“You’re wounded…?” They asked, starting to rise, one hand pushing against the back of the bench.<br />
“I…” You blinked at them.<br /><br />
You had nearly forgotten. It seemed you only had to lay eyes on the attractive Mer for the painful throbbing in your leg to slip your mind.<br /><br />
“It is nothing,” you reassured them, watching them stand up and take a few steps in your direction. “Just a sprained ankle.”<br /><br />
They stopped a couple of feet away from you, hesitating. The way they glanced up at the mansion, you realized they would rather stay under the cover of the shrubbery and not be seen by the staff. You hobbled over to them.<br /><br />
“I can help you sit down…” They suggested, still frowning at your ankle.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I would appreciate it,” you replied with a grateful smile.<br /><br />
Not that you actually needed the help, but you would not miss that opportunity to get closer to them for the world.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I can do it,” you cut them bluntly.<br /><br />
Yet you did not act on it, staying perfectly still in front of them. The truth was, you would have loved to let them help you, the chance of getting closer to them far too tempting. But admitting to it was out of the question.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Thank you,” you said, accepting readily.<br /><br />
You tried to convince yourself it was only the polite thing to do, but you knew, deep down, that you just wanted to get closer to them.
]
(else:)[
“I can do it, but…”<br /><br />
You bit down on your lower lip. You had made it this far, you did not really need the help, but a selfish part of you did not want to refuse them. But you could not bring yourself to accept either.
]}<br /><br />
Felice smiled knowingly and offered their arm for you to take and lean on. {(if: $maintrait is "open" or "severe")[
You gingerly let your hand rest on their elbow, feeling suddenly shy. You hoped you were not taking too much advantage of the situation.
]
(else:)[
You relented, gingerly resting your hand on their elbow. You did not want to take any more advantage of the situation.
]} Glancing up at them, you watched for their reaction. They were simply smiling at you, their head tilting to the side with curiosity.<br /><br />
They guided you to the bench, taking their time, and helped you sit down with a care that was hardly necessary, but pleasant indeed.<br /><br />
“What brings you here today?” You asked as they sat beside you.<br />
“Oh, I don’t know… What would be your first guess?” They replied with a playful smile.<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
You answered with an impish grin of your own.
]
(else:)[
You avoided their amused gaze and felt your face heat up.
]}
]
(else:)[
They tilted their head to the side in an inviting manner before adding: “Come sit with me?”<br /><br />
You did not need to be asked twice. You walked over to them and sat beside them on the bench.<br /><br />
“What brings you here today?” You asked, as casually as you could, while smoothing down the front of your clothes.<br /><br />
When you met Felice’s eyes again, they were alight with something mischievous, something that made you swallow harder than usual.<br /><br />
“Oh, I don’t know…” They drawled playfully. “What would be your first guess?”<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
You replied with an impish grin of your own.
]
(else:)[
You avoided their amused gaze and felt your face heat up.
]}
]}
(display: "Just wishing you a happy birthday")
The fact that they insisted on seeing you alone, the way you knew nothing about them beyond a single first name, their talent for getting around unnoticed… All of it was ringing alarm bells in your mind. They had to have ulterior motives. Or at least some unsavory secrets they were keeping from you. And yet… Yet they were so compelling that you could not bring yourself to put an end to those secret visits. Every time they came to you, they found new ways of making you feel special, unlike few people could. And every time they left, you had a hard time keeping them off your mind.
Unsurprisingly, your throat went dry as soon as you met Felice’s now-familiar lavender eyes. They held your gaze, casually lounging in their sharp three-piece suit, crosslegged on a bench at the heart of your garden, {(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
and you could simply not stop staring at them.
]
(else:)[
and you had to be the first to break eye contact, your face heating up dangerously.
]}
“Good morning, $MCcovertitle,” they greeted you with a slow smile.
Sometimes it felt like they could read your mind. But, likely, they could just tell how {(if: $mainfirt is "forward")[captivated](else:)[flustered]} you were through body language alone.
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
“Good morning,” you replied, hiding your unease with an amicable smile.
]
(else:)[
“Good morning…” You replied hesitantly.
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
What you did not expect was for their smile to fade when their eyes fell on your crutch and bandaged ankle. They started rising, one hand pushing against the back of the bench.<br /><br />
“You are wounded…?” They asked, frowning with concern.<br />
You hurriedly raised a hand to stop them. “I— I am fine. It is just a sprained ankle.”<br /><br />
They nodded, but their gaze lingered on your foot, worry still pinching their brow.<br /><br />
“Do you want me to help you sit down?” They said, hovering between a standing and sitting position.<br /><br />
You opened your mouth to respond but froze at the notion of them coming closer and touching you. It was absolutely silly, you were well past that. They did breathe life back into you, their mouth against yours, the first time you met. You could still remember the way their lips felt on yours… {(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
The thought of it was enough to send a shiver down your spine.
]
(else:)[
The thought of it was enough to throw you for another flustered loop.
]}<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
“I can do it on my own, but thank you,” you finally answered with a tight smile.
]
(else:)[
”No!” You blurted after an awkward moment. “I mean, I do not need help.”
]}<br />
A small but mischievous smile crept on the Mer’s lips as they sat back down. “Alright…”<br /><br />
You hobbled over to them and sat beside them, at a respectful distance.
]
(else:)[
An awkward pause followed as you stood there, dumbstruck. You hated how helpless you felt in their presence. Their eyes raked your figure before meeting yours again, making you swallow the lump in your throat.<br /><br />
They tilted their head to the side invitingly, their smile inching wider. “You could sit with me, you know…”<br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
“Of course.”
]
(else:)[
“Right!”
]}<br /><br />
You shook your head, trying to put a stop to the buzzing of unwanted thoughts, and walked mechanically over to them before sitting beside them, at a respectful distance.
]}
“What brings you here?” You asked them carefully.
The lopsided smile they addressed you was not boding well for your already weak heart.
“Can’t you guess?” They replied softly.
Despite their apparent confidence, there was something fragile in their tone, something pleading, maybe. {(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
You found yourself unable to reply as well as look away.
]
(else:)[
Unable to reply, you suddenly stared down at the paved path, feeling your face turn hotter still.
]}
(display: "Just wishing you a happy birthday")
“I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday,” the Mer admitted.
Surprise made you pause.
“I forgot I mentioned it to you,” you confessed.
Felice grinned. “I don’t miss that kind of detail.”
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
Now that you were thinking about it, you were not certain you told them about your birthday at all and it made you frown, something they did not miss.<br /><br />
“You really don’t remember?” Felice asked, looking a bit deflated.<br /><br />
You shook your head. It was possible you had told them and that it slipped your mind since you had not seen the Mer in a while. But that raised the question of what other personal information you had shared with them and forgotten about it. It made you a bit uneasy.<br /><br />
“It’s alright, I just had something to give you. Think of it as an apology for intruding on your life.”<br /><br />
They smiled sadly at you and you felt a little guilty. The circumstances of your first encounter were hardly their doing, something you sometimes forgot, busy as you were wondering how and why they always managed to find you alone.
]
(else-if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
“No, I imagine you do not,” you answered hesitantly.<br /><br />
You were not certain if you should be touched that they paid such close attention to you and what you said, or if you should find that worrisome. After all, what other kind of personal details had you revealed without paying attention?<br /><br />
“I have something for you… If that’s not too forward, of course,” they said, watching you expectantly.<br /><br />
You shook your head, perking up at the mention of a gift. Whether it was wise or not to accept something from the Mer, your curiosity was piqued and you wanted to see what it was.
]
(else:)[
You smiled back at them. “I am touched, thank you.”<br /><br />
And you really meant it. It was heartwarming to be making such an attentive friend. Although, a pesky thought crept into the back of your mind, asking you how many other personal details like this one you had let slip inadvertently.<br /><br />
Felice’s grin turned crooked and they gave you a side glance. “That’s not all, I brought something for you…”<br /><br />
You perked up on the bench, which made the Mer chuckle. You were not expecting birthday wishes, let alone a gift.
]}
Felice started digging inside their jacket’s pocket and pulled out an envelope and a small, flat box, with a golden ribbon wrapped around it.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
They took a couple of steps forward and extended both the gift and the letter to you. You approached tentatively and took the items from their hand.
]
(else:)[
They extended both items to you and you took them from their hand.
]} As you started examining the envelope, turning it around, they interrupted you.
“This is a little embarrassing. Could I ask you to read it later?” They requested with a sheepish expression.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“Of course,” you replied with a small but reassuring smile, stowing the letter away.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Sure,” you said, stowing the letter away.<br /><br />
It was probably for the best.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“As you wish,” you replied, stowing the letter away despite your fingers itching to tear the envelope open.
]
(else:)[
“I can do that,” you replied, stowing the letter away.
]}
“You can open the gift if you’d like, though,” they added with a demure smile.
You did not need to be told twice, as intrigued as you were.
<div class="choice">[[You pulled on the golden ribbon and opened the small box.->Opening your gift]]</div>
Inside, something with a bit of heft to it was wrapped in a piece of black cloth. You unfolded it to reveal a finely crafted brooch.
{(if: $intelligence > 7)[
The enamel design was a bouquet of {(if: $eyecolor is "black" or "brown" or "mismatched")[blue](else:)[yellow]} irises at the end of {(if: $eyecolor is "black" or "brown" or "mismatched")[golden](else:)[silver]} stems. In the center of every flower, {(if: $eyecolor is "black")[an obsidian](else-if: $eyecolor is "brown")[a tourmaline](else-if: $eyecolor is "hazel")[an aquamarine](else-if: $eyecolor is "green")[an emerald](else-if: $eyecolor is "blue")[a sapphire](else-if: $eyecolor is "gray")[a grey moonstone](else:)[a stone, each of a different color,]} was inlaid.
]
(else-if: $martial > 7)[
The {(if: $eyecolor is "balck" or "brown" or "mismatched")[golden](else:)[silver]} design represented two snakes entwined around the same enamel tree branch with {(if: $eyecolor is "black" or "brown" or "mismatched")[rust](else:)[green]} leaves. Arranged in the shape of delicate flowers, {(if: $eyecolor is "black")[obsidians](else-if: $eyecolor is "brown")[tourmalines](else-if: $eyecolor is "hazel")[aquamarines](else-if: $eyecolor is "green")[emeralds](else-if: $eyecolor is "blue")[sapphires](else-if: $eyecolor is "gray")[grey moonstones](else:)[stones of different colors]} were inlaid in the sprig.
]
(else-if: $charisma > 7)[
(if: $eyecolor is "hazel" or "green" or "blue" or "gray")[
The enamel design represented a peacock in bright greens and blues, inlaid with {(if: $eyecolor is "blue")[sapphires](else-if: $eyecolor is "green")[emeralds](else-if: $eyecolor is "gray")[grey moonstones](else:)[aquamarines]} in its long tail and embed in silver cloisonne.
]
(else:)[
The enamel design represented a phoenix in fiery oranges, reds, and browns, inlaid with {(if: $eyecolor is "black")[obsidians](else-if: $eyecolor is "brown")[tourmalines](else:)[stones of a variety of colors]} in its long tail and embed in gold cloisonne.
]
]
(else:)[
The enamel design represented a raven mid-flight, its detailed feathers a glossy black in {(if: $eyecolor is "black" or "brown" or "mismatched")[gold](else:)[silver]} cloisonne. It was holding a {(if: $eyecolor is "black" or "brown" or "mismatched")[golden](else:)[silver]} twig in its beak, heavy with flowers made of inlaid {(if: $eyecolor is "black")[obsidians](else-if: $eyecolor is "brown")[tourmalines](else-if: $eyecolor is "hazel")[aquamarines](else-if: $eyecolor is "green")[emeralds](else-if: $eyecolor is "blue")[sapphires](else-if: $eyecolor is "gray")[grey moonstones](else:)[multicolored stones]}.
]}
The piece of jewelry was large enough to catch the eye when worn, but small enough to not weigh down one’s attire. You stared at it for a moment, gaping at the artistry required to make such a detailed, pictural brooch. Surely such an object had to cost a significant amount of money.
When you raised your gaze back up to Felice, they were smiling softly and watching you expectantly, their head tilting to the side.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I… This is too much, Felice, you really should not have,”")[
(set: $FeliceAffection to $FeliceAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "This is too much")
] you said, the words escaping your lips before you could think better of it. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I love it!”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I love it!")
] You exclaimed with a wide, earnest smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You were too stunned to say anything.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Too stunned to say anything")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“That is… quite extravagant,” you said, before realizing how ungrateful it sounded. “Not that I do not appreciate the thought! It is just… a lot.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "It's a lot")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“Did you choose it to match my eyes?”")[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 1)
(set: $subtle to $subtle + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Matching my eyes?")
] You asked, feeling warmth prickling your ears. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(subtle)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>}
The Mer’s smile widened, a cheerful light in their eyes. “Obviously, I disagree.”
“I…”
You were at a loss for words, looking between Felice and the glittering brooch, overwhelmed by the extravagant gift.
“I have done nothing to deserve this,” you said after opening and closing your mouth multiple times. “Please, I do not mean any offense by this, but I am not sure I can accept. This must have cost you a fortune and I feel like I would be robbing you.”
You extended the box with the jewel back to them. The Mer lost their smile for a moment, looking at you with surprise and confusion before glancing down at the brooch. They pursed their lips, their expression almost stony. {(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
Their hands closed into tight fists at their sides
]
(else:)[
Their hands closed into tight fists on their lap
]}, knuckles turning paler than they already were, and you thought you might have done them a great affront. But they softened again, looking back at you with a gentle smile.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“Please, I insist,” they said quietly. “Just this once? I’ve made you uncomfortable and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t do anything to make amends.”<br />
“You did not have to go that far…” You started but they raised a hand to interrupt you.<br />
“But I wanted to. Please, accept it.”<br /><br />
You nodded, chewing on your lip, and took the brooch back. You did not want to sour your relationship with them any more than necessary. It had been hard enough pushing them back once, after what they had done for you.
]
(else-if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
“Please, I insist,” they murmured, pushing your hand, in which the gift and its box were still resting, back toward you. “The pleasure of your company is worth a thousand times more to me.”<br /><br />
Your heart jumped in your throat at the soft statement and you could only take back the brooch and nod at them, heat prickling your skin where their fingers touched yours.
]
(else:)[
“Please, I insist,” they said quietly. “The moments I share with you are worth that much, I promise.”<br /><br />
They pushed your hand, in which the gift and its box were still resting, back toward you, and you could only nod and smile courteously.<br /><br />
“Thank you… That is… That is very generous of you,” you murmured in response.<br /><br />
You had no idea they valued your friendship that much and you were both touched and perplexed. You had not known them for that long after all.
]}
(display: "Felice leaves")
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
The Mer’s smile brightened at your enthusiastic response. “I’m relieved to hear it. Of course, I don’t expect anything in return, not even forgiveness.”<br />
“Felice…” You started, a twinge of guilt in your heart. “There is nothing to forgive, I just have to…”<br /><br />
You had to be cautious because your very life weighed in the balance. And you almost said it out loud before you realized it and pursed your lips tightly. Felice’s eyes lit up, either with interest or hope.<br /><br />
“I am sorry, past experiences have taught me to be wary,” You decided to tell them.<br /><br />
Hopefully, it was vague enough to not suggest anything of your true identity.<br /><br />
“As much as I would like to welcome new people in my life, it is difficult for me to do so,” you added, hoping to keep them off track.<br /><br />
The Mer frowned and there was a slight tilt to their head as they examined you, trying to understand what you meant, maybe reevaluating you.<br /><br />
“I’m sorry… That sounds difficult,” they said with a small, sympathetic smile.<br />
“It is, at times…” You admitted.<br /><br />
You were about to say more but you thought better of it. You looked down at the brooch, admiring its details, before raising a strained smile to Felice.<br /><br />
“Either way, I am grateful for the gift.”<br /><br />
The Mer nodded, their expression lightening up.
]
(else-if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
The Mer grinned at your enthusiastic response and chuckled. “I have to admit I did have an ulterior motive when I picked that gift for you.”<br />
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
You raised two surprised eyebrows at them. “What could it be?”
]
(else:)[
<br />The words made you falter, your heart rate accelerating suddenly. Were they about to reveal the real reason they had been visiting you in secret all along?<br /><br />
“Oh?” You said, trying to not show your trepidation. “What could it be?”
]}<br />
Their smile smoothed into a dangerously beguiling one, and they watched you intently. “Seeing that beautiful and {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[delicate](else-if: $maintrait is "open")[bright](else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[proud](else:)[subtle]} smile of yours. Frankly, it was a success beyond my expectations.”<br /><br />
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
The obvious flirtation left you a bit dumbfounded and you snorted out a surprised laugh.<br /><br />
“How cunning,” you replied with a knowing smirk as soon as you recovered from the initial shock.<br />
“You flatter me,” Felice said, inclining their head politely while their eyes shone with a delight not quite as polite.
]
(else:)[
The obvious flirtation left you somewhat dumbfounded and quite a bit more flustered. You stared wide-eyed at them, your face heating up substantially.<br /><br />
“I…” You started before clearing your throat when your voice came out cracked. “That is a… lovely compliment. Thank you.”<br />
“My pleasure,” Felice replied, inclining their head politely while their eyes shone with a delight not quite as polite.
]}
]
(else:)[
Both dumbfounded and flustered by the obvious flirtation, you felt heat rising to your face.<br /><br />
“Oh! That… That is not such a terrible ulterior motive,” you assessed awkwardly, which made the Mer laugh out loud, a rare occurrence.<br />
“What kind of ulterior motive did you imagine I could have?” They asked, obviously very amused.<br /><br />
Of course, it was not a question you could answer without sharing your doubts about their intentions, so you stayed quiet, your cheeks turning warmer with embarrassment. Unfortunately, silence could be interpreted in many ways. Felice’s joyful expression faded in favor of worry.<br /><br />
“You… You didn’t think I would make any lewd proposition, did you?” They whispered, leaning toward you as if worried someone might overhear them.<br /><br />
Once again, you felt as if your heart was about to jump out of your chest.<br /><br />
“No! No, of course not!” You quickly assured them and they seemed relieved.<br />
“Good. I know I can be a bit of a shameless flirt but… Not like that, I promise,” they said, some unusual awkwardness making them shift on the bench.<br /><br />
Still, they were not squirming nearly as much as you were and from the amused side-glance they threw your way, you suspected your flustered state was at least a little entertaining to them.
]}
]
(else:)[
The Mer grinned at your enthusiastic response and they chuckled. “I’m so glad you do. I had a suspicion you might.”<br />
You laughed as well, surprised but not unpleasantly so. “You would know me so well already?”<br /><br />
Their grin turned wide and crooked, a mischievous expression if you ever saw one.<br /><br />
“I can figure out people pretty quickly,” they claimed confidently. “It’s a gift.”<br />
“I am sure it comes in handy in more than one situation,” you commented, amused by their playful boasting.<br /><br />
Something shifted in them, their smile losing a bit of its bite.<br /><br />
“It has,” they confirmed without elaborating.<br /><br />
You wondered what was the meaning of this change of mood. You had still a lot to learn about your new friend, it seemed. (if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
You just hoped that what was yet to be discovered was not anything distasteful. A shiver raised the hair at the nape of your neck at the thought.
]<br /><br />
“Either way,” you cut through the growing silence. “It is a generous gift. Thank you.”<br />
Felice’s expression found its brightness again. “You’re very welcome.”
]}
(display: "Felice leaves")
You kept looking at the brooch, taking in its details, while you were trying to figure out what to say, how to even react. It was an extravagantly luxurious gift, especially coming from someone you only met a few weeks ago. When you looked up at the Mer again, they were still patiently waiting for your response.
“What does this mean?” You finally asked, maybe a bit brusquely.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
Felice raised a perplexed eyebrow.<br /><br />
“Just what I said,” they replied. “I want to make amends, nothing more. I don’t expect you to forgive me.”<br /><br />
It made you frown. You felt a twinge of guilt, even though you were unlikely to admit to it.<br /><br />
“You did nothing wrong,” you pointed out, trying to keep your tone as matter-of-factly as you could.<br />
“I made you uncomfortable,” Felice argued quietly, a slight tilt to their head as they watched you with what seemed to be curiosity.<br /><br />
There was nothing you could answer to that. They were not wrong, but you could not bring yourself to confirm it, not without feeling incredibly ungrateful. Thankfully the Mer was gracious enough to not press for an answer and left the matter at that.
]
(else-if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
For a brief moment, Felice looked taken aback by your bluntness. But soon they were smiling gently again.<br /><br />
“It means that I find your company precious and that, when I see you, I feel the urge to spoil you,” they murmured, leaning in to deliver the confidence.<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
Felice was watching you intently and you returned their gaze, holding it for a moment long enough to be heavy with meaning. You wanted them to know you did not miss their flirtation. Your eyes flicked down to their throat when you saw them swallow.<br /><br />
“Then I appreciate it,” you finally replied, your eyes locking with theirs again.<br />
“You’re very welcome,” the Mer answered quietly, their voice slightly rough.<br />
]
(else:)[
The flirtatious undertone was not lost on you and you felt your ears burn.<br /><br />
“Oh. Alright,” you said awkwardly as your pulse quickened. “T-Thank you, then.”<br />
“You’re very welcome.”<br /><br />
Felice kept looking at you, a cheerful light in their eyes, and you felt too embarrassed to hold their gaze.
]}
]
(else:)[
Felice looked taken aback by your bluntness.<br /><br />
“I value your company,“ they replied as soon as they recovered from their surprise. “And I wanted to celebrate you through this gift. Maybe I’ve chosen poorly…”<br /><br />
You felt a sudden panic rising in your throat when you saw them deflate.<br /><br />
“No! No, I like the gift,” you reassured them in a hurry. “It just looks… so expensive.”<br /><br />
You glanced down at the glittering jewel.<br /><br />
“I am grateful, but surprised,” you tried to explain, meeting their eyes again. “I am not sure what I did to deserve it…”<br /><br />
The Mer’s gentle smile returned, maybe with a bit of sympathy.<br /><br />
“Just being you,” they assured you.<br /><br />
It left you baffled. You never thought of yourself as someone particularly entertaining or... Likable.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you mumbled.<br />
“You’re very welcome,” Felice replied warmly.<br />
]}
You stared down at the brooch again with some fascination.
(display: "Felice leaves")
“Oh…” Felice said, deflating. “It looks like I missed the mark.”
“No, no! I do like it, it is beautiful!” You reassured them in a hurry.
They leaned their head to the other side, looking a little confused. “Then what’s wrong?”
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“Well…” You started hesitantly.<br /><br />
It was hard to explain without hurting their feelings or without revealing too much about yourself. You bit down on your lower lip, thinking of the best way to approach the issue.<br /><br />
“It is just that I told you it would be better if we did not see each other in secret again, and yet here you are, offering me an expensive gift. I already owe you my life and now this… You are putting me in a difficult position.”<br />
Felice sighed. “You don’t owe me anything. This is a gift, I don’t expect anything in return, not even forgiveness. I just want you to accept it, nothing more.”<br /><br />
Maybe they were right, maybe you were putting too much meaning into it.<br /><br />
You nodded. “Alright.”<br />
“Thank you,“ the Mer breathed out with a faint, relieved smile.
]
(else-if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
<br />That was the question, was it not? What //did// bother you? After all, you had affection for them, and you were thrilled that they would think of you worthy of a luxurious gift such as this one. Maybe that was the problem, maybe it was because it was making you fall for them a little more.<br /><br />
“It is just… so very forward,” you tried to explain. “Exchanging such significant gifts is something I would expect more of… People who are quite close to each other.”<br /><br />
Felice leaned in and the look they gave you made you shiver. There was something intent and soft about it at the same time.<br /><br />
“Don’t you want to be close?” They asked you quietly.<br />
{(if: ($mainflirt is "forward") and ($FeliceTrust is 1))[
“No, I do want to be close,” you admitted, holding their gaze. “In due time…”
]
(else:)[
“I… That is not what I meant,” you stammered, feeling heat bloom on your cheeks. “It is just… It is all happening so fast.”
]}<br /><br />
The Mer moved back, a pleased smile returning to their lips.<br /><br />
“My apologies, then. I’ll endeavor to take it slow from now on. In the meantime, please accept my gift and don’t think too harshly of me.”<br />
“Of course not,” you murmured, looking back at the brooch.
]
(else:)[
That was the question, was it not? What //was// wrong? You were not quite sure yourself. You did not expect a gift at all, let alone one that luxurious. You had no idea Felice felt that strongly about your budding friendship.<br />
In your experience, few people were that eager to spend time with you unless it was in exchange for a favor of some kind. But Felice did not know who you were and could not expect such a thing from you, could they? They had to be genuine, then, had they not?<br /><br />
“I just… I do not know how to repay such a kindness,” you said after some thought. “I already owe you my life and now this?”<br />
The Mer’s gentle smile came back. “You don’t owe me anything. It’s just a gift, I want you to have it. I want nothing in return but to continue to enjoy your company.”<br /><br />
You shifted on the bench, a little uncomfortable. It was difficult to accept the brooch without having anything to give in return other than a small portion of your time. It felt rude. But at the same time, you were flattered they thought your company was worth that much. (if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
If that really was all there was to it…
]<br /><br />
“Alright,” you ended up conceding, taking a final look at the jewel.
]}
(display: "Felice leaves")
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
The corner of their lips twitched. “Noticed that, didn’t you? I don’t know if you intend on wearing it or not, I just figured… Well if you do, I wanted it to be flattering. Not that you need it…”<br /><br />
You were starting to regret pushing them away. It would have been easier if they were not so charming.<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
“Do you find the color of my eyes attractive?” You asked, the blunt question surprising even yourself.<br /><br />
The sound that escaped Felice’s lips was somewhere between a chuckle and a scoff of disbelief.<br /><br />
“Surely, that wouldn’t be the first time you received that specific compliment?”<br />
“That does not answer my question,” you pointed out, one eyebrow raised.<br />
The Mer snorted, a lopsided smile on their lips. “I do find them attractive, as I’m sure many people do.”<br /><br />
You had your answer, as cautious as it was. You could not blame them after you had told them you wanted to put a stop to their secret visits.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you said with a faint smile. “For the gift and the compliment.”<br />
Felice nodded. “You’re welcome.”
]
(else:)[
“I did not realize you paid that much attention to… That is very thoughtful, thank you,” you fumbled, shifting awkwardly on your feet.<br />
“Of course,” Felice replied softly. “It’s hard not to pay attention.”<br /><br />
The way they held your gaze was both gentle and intent and you had to repress a shiver before averting your eyes. You looked down at the brooch in your hand, staring for a moment, fascinated by both the jewel and the possible meaning behind it.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you said, still unable to meet their eyes. “For the gift and… Thank you.”<br />
“You’re welcome,” the Mer replied softly.
]}
]
(else:)[
Felice held your gaze for a moment that seemed to span eternity. Then their smile widened.<br /><br />
“I’m glad you noticed,” they murmured in response, their head leaning further to the side as their eyes searched yours. “They have such a beautiful color, I wanted to pick something that would compliment them as much as possible. Not that they need it…”<br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
“I do not think my eyes are nearly as remarkable as yours.”<br /><br />
You let the compliment escape in a whisper, your thoughts overcome with it while you returned their contemplative look. For a moment, Felice lost their smile, their lips parting in surprise. It did not last long, but for the few seconds it did, your eyes were drawn to their mouth.<br />
When their smile returned, it was a confident, pleased one.<br /><br />
“I’ve heard rarity has its appeal.”<br />
“Clearly you have,” you replied, your attention returning to the brooch on your lap. “This piece looks unique. Thank you, I cannot tell you how grateful I am.”<br />
“You’ll be able to figure out a way to show it to me, I’m sure,” Felice said and you looked back into eyes bright with mischief.<br /><br />
You chuckled and offered them a crooked grin yourself. (if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[It was hard not to, even with all your doubts about them.]
]
(else:)[
You averted your eyes almost immediately, your face burning at the bold compliment. You looked down at the brooch on your lap, as much to distract yourself as to admire it.<br /><br />
“You are flattering me…”<br /><br />
The Mer chuckled softly and you were tempted to steal a glance their way.<br /><br />
“Would that be so bad? Do you wish me to stop?”<br />
“No, I… That is not what I meant,” you fumbled, still avoiding the piercing lavender gaze you could feel on you. “I am simply grateful. For the gift and the compliment. Thank you.”<br />
“You’re very welcome.”<br /><br />
You risked a look at them but the softness of their expression only made your heart beat fast. You cleared your throat, looking away again.
]}
]}
(display: "Felice leaves"){(set: $FeliceClues to (a:))}
You closed the box before pocketing it.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“I’ll leave you be,” the Mer said once the brooch was out of sight. “I just wanted to deliver those to you and wish you a good birthday. I won’t bother you any longer.”<br /><br />
You could only nod. That was the desire you expressed after all. They bowed their head politely before turning and following the path deeper into the garden.
]
(else:)[
“I need to go,” the Mer said with an apologetic smile once the brooch was out of sight. “I have business to attend to, today, but I really wanted to see you and to wish you a good birthday.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled at them. “Thank you for taking the time.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
You smiled at them. “I am glad you did, then.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Thank you,” you replied with a small nod.
]
(else:)[
“I appreciate it,” you replied with a nod.
]}<br /><br />
{(if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
They took your hand in theirs, leaving a whisper of a kiss on your knuckles before standing up and letting your fingers slide away from theirs.
]
(else:)[
They bowed their head politely before standing up from the bench.
]} Then they walked away, following the path deeper into the garden.
]}
You had to wonder how they planned to exit. As far as you were aware, there was a guard on the dock and sentries on the mansion’s balconies who would be able to see someone coming in and out of the garden. But Felice had been able to move about the grounds unseen so far, so you figured they would have no issue leaving without getting caught.
{<div class="choice">And that was fine by you. [[You let them leave and returned to the house before someone started worrying about your whereabouts.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
You were curious about how they did it, maybe you could learn something from it. [[You decided to follow them.->Following them]]
]
(else:)[
You needed to know how they came and went. If it was a security breach, maybe it could be fixed. [[You followed them.->Following them]]
]} (if: $showchallenge is 1)[(//guile challenge//)]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
You had some concerns about the safety implications, but you did not think you could follow Felice without being spotted by them.
]
(else:)[
You would have liked to know what their process was, but you doubted you would be able to follow them without being spotted by them.
]} [[Maybe you could inspect the garden once they were gone.->Inspecting the garden]] (if: $showchallenge is 1)[(//intelligence challenge//)]</div>}
The rest of the day followed its course, uneventful. Exceptionally, you had no other lesson, so you took advantage of this rare freedom {(if: $MChobby is "music")[
to practice the mandolin in your chambers
]
(else-if: $MChobby is "dancing")[
to practice your dancing in a room in the west wing that had been left empty for that purpose
]
(else-if: $MChobby is "painting")[
to work on a painting, settling in a room in the west wing that had been rearranged to function as a studio
]
(else-if: $MChobby is "writing")[
to work on some writing in your chambers
]
(else-if: $MChobby is "theater")[
to read a Teledrican play in your chambers
]
(else:)[
to relax in your chambers
]}, under a guard’s watchful eye, of course.
You had taken care to slip Felice’s letter in a locked drawer of your desk, knowing you would not have enough privacy to read it before later that night. Indeed, as Lady Domara had informed you, you were expected to attend a small feast to celebrate your nineteenth birthday.
When the time approached, you felt your heart growing heavy. A nineteenth birthday was an important event in Ahabalad. It was the day you took your final step into adulthood after two years of preparations. It should have happened under the setting sun, with all your family around you and many more guests. There would be an endless meal, music, and dancing. And at the end of it all, the ceremonial tattooing of your family’s crest, confirming your induction into the dynasty.
Obviously, none of that could really happen tonight. Not in the way it would have back on the surface. Back when there was peace. You could have a feast, yes, but none of your family would be there. You could not have any traditional music or dancing. Even if you found performers, hiring them would reveal too much about you. And of course, you had to hold off on the tattoo, its presence on your skin a dead giveaway about your identity.
Nonetheless, Lady Domara had suggested that you dress up for the occasion.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You did not follow her advice. Your heart really was not in it.")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it - 1)
(go-to: "Your heart was not in it")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "If Lady Domara had made an effort to organize an event as close as she could to the tradition, the least you could do was to dress up.")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "The least you could do")
]</div>}
{(if: $guile > 7)[
(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Osana acting suspiciously'))
You waited a moment for Felice to get a head start, walking in the opposite direction before looping around through smaller paths, pretending to casually stroll through the garden. You had learned enough from Nuto to know that, in order to successfully tail someone, you had to be far enough to not be noticed, but close enough to not lose them.<br /><br />
You managed to stay in range to glimpse at the Mer’s silhouette through the bushes’ foliage. They seemed relaxed at first, not unlike you, affecting a pleasant walk amidst the vegetation. But you knew better than to trust that. They had to be on their guard if they wanted to avoid being seen, so you made every effort you could to stay out of their sight.<br /><br />
Unfortunately, that meant they left your own vision a few times. After one last game of hide-and-seek, you were unable to spot them again. You were not too worried at first. You had a good idea of the direction they went, and if you kept following it, you were certain you would find them again. But as you walked, you still could not see any sign of them. You continued, taking your best guess as to where they could have gone, but a frown started forming on your brow when it looked more and more like you had lost them entirely.<br /><br />
You started walking in circles, as fast as you could without making too much noise, to cover as much ground as possible and narrow down where Felice could be, when you found yourself on the main path again, right in front of the mansion. You looked up at the sizeable building, looming over you, with some confusion. You had to have made a mistake. If the Mer wanted to leave, they would not have gone in that direction. It was impossible to approach the villa without being spotted by the sentries on the balconies. It made no sense.<br/><br />
The sound of footsteps nearby drew your attention to a lonely silhouette walking rapidly toward the house’s arches. It was not Felice, however, but a tall and lanky Elven woman who you knew took care of a number of chores around the mansion, mainly laundry.<br /><br />
“Osana!” You called when you remembered her name.<br /><br />
The young woman froze and looked back at you. You walked at a hurried pace to catch up with her.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
“Have you seen anything strange in the garden?”
]
(else:)[
“Have you seen someone suspicious lurking around?”
]} You asked as soon as you were close enough to not have to raise your voice.<br /><br />
She looked frazzled, which was a little surprising. She usually came off as fairly confident, if a little energetic. But you did not know her that well.<br />
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“If you do not mind me borrowing some of your time, can I ask you a question?” You said
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I have a question to ask you,” you said
]
(else:)[
“Can I ask you a question?” You said
]} once you were close enough to not have to raise your voice.<br /><br />
The Elf looked a little frazzled, which was surprising. She usually came off as fairly confident, if a little energetic. But you did not know her that well.<br />
She nodded slowly.<br /><br />
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
“Have you seen… anything strange in the garden?”
]
(else:)[
“Have you seen someone suspicious lurking around?”
]}
]}<br />
“No, I haven’t seen anything, $MCnutotitle, sorry,” she replied quickly, looking between you and the archway she was about to go through.<br /><br />
Her behavior was a little strange, but the situation was unusual in the first place. You had never singled her out to ask her bizarre questions before, so being a little alarmed could be warranted.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">She was probably eager to go back to work, worried she would be scolded for slacking off. (link: "You let her go without questioning her further.")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Preparing for the feast")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You chose not to ask any other question, you doubted you could get more out of her. (link: "But you planned on talking to Zanetta about her.")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Talking to Zanetta about her")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
(if: $intelligence > 5)[
<div class="choice">Now that you were thinking about it, her duties rarely brought her into the garden. Something felt off about the whole thing.<br />
[[“What were you doing out here?”->What are you doing out here?]] You asked nonchalantly, hiding your suspicion.</div>
]}
]
(else:)[
A short moment after they left, you followed the same path as Felice, tailing them at a good distance. It was hard to keep up with them while making sure they would not notice you. You progressed slowly, making your steps as quiet as possible, fearing the Mer might turn around and see you if they heard anything. But by doing so, you quickly lost sight of them.<br /><br />
You quickened your pace in the hopes of catching up with them, but after quite a few more strides, there was still no sign of them.<br /><br />
{<div class="choice">[[You could cut through the plant beds and you would quickly find yourself much further along the path, at the risk of making a lot of noise.->Cutting through plant beds]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[You decided to walk even faster to catch up with them. It would be noisy, but not as much as going through the bushes.->Walking faster]]</div>}
]}
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
You sat on the bench where you found Felice and waited there for a few minutes.
]
(else:)[
You stayed seated on the bench and waited a few minutes there.
]}
In the meantime, you tried to think of the best place to start your search. The obvious thing to do would be to scour the garden, starting in the general direction you saw the Mer disappear. There was a chance they would scale the garden wall and escape through the neighboring yards. That way they would be the least likely to run into a guard.
But that was still something tricky to achieve. After all, even if they escaped the vigilance of your lookouts on the balconies, you doubted your neighbors would welcome a stranger breaking into their gardens. They would still have to lay low until they found an easier way out.
{(if: $intelligence < 4)[
You could not see any other way for them to sneak out, however, the other directions being the dock — currently watched — and the mansion itself — crawling with guards.
]
(else:)[
You frowned. Now that you were thinking about it, patrols would regularly make rounds about the garden to ensure its safety. Somehow Felice knew how to avoid them entirely. That would require them to observe the comings and goings of the guards for quite a long time and the thought made you shiver. It implied an amount of premeditation that raised all sorts of questions about Felice and their intentions.<br />
But from where could they stalk your house without being spotted? There was nowhere you could think of. The villa and its grounds were rather secluded. Maybe there was a building high enough in the vicinity for someone to be able to observe the garden from a distance.<br /><br />
{(if: $intelligence < 6)[
As extravagant as it sounded, you had no better explanation. If you were right, the danger was more the information that could be gathered that way than the actual spot one could use to sneak into the garden.
]
(else:)[
There was another way Felice could be made aware of your guards’ schedule. They could have a friend among your staff. It was hard to believe since Zanetta seemed entirely confident everyone she had hired was trustworthy, but… It would make the most sense, you thought. Once again, the implications were chilling. Could Felice have approached your staff for the sole purpose of carving out time alone with you? Would they go to that length just to acquire your friendship? Or was there something more sinister at play?<br />
Of course, it was all just theories for now, so you were not sure what to think yet.
]}
]}
After a while, you looked around yourself. There was no way to know how much time had passed, but you felt like it had been enough for Felice to have escaped. You stood up.
{<div class="choice">[[Taking the same path the Mer had taken earlier, you decided to explore the garden.->Exploring the garden]]</div>
(if: $intelligence > 3)[
<div class="choice">[[You returned to the mansion, decided to find a vantage point and to spot a possible observation post.->Finding a vantage point]]</div>
]
(if: $intelligence > 7)[
<div class="choice">[[You went back inside the house, wanting to interrogate some staff members to see if you could find someone acting suspiciously.->Interrogating the staff]]</div>
]}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Zanetta will investigate Osana'))}
{(unless: (history:) contains "What are you doing out here?")[
After you let the Elf go, you
]
(else:)[
You
]} tried to hunt down Zanetta to warn her about the maid’s curious reaction. But you had to think about how to bring it up to her.
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 0)[
After all, your spymaster did not know about Felice, so you could not mention them and what led you to interrogate Osana in the first place. Hopefully, alluding to her behavior would be enough to get her to investigate the Elf.
]
(else-if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
You were a bit concerned your spymaster would take this as an opportunity to prevent more secret encounters between you and Felice. That was not what you wanted, you were simply curious. Of course, the safety implications did not entirely escape you and you wanted to make sure no one else could break into the villa and its garden the way the Mer did.
]
(else:)[
It should not be too hard. Everyone had been very concerned about Felice’s comings and goings, so you doubted your spymaster would neglect a potential lead on how they did it. (if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[You just hoped she would not try to stop you from seeing the Mer.]
]}
Finding Zanetta turned out to be a bit of a challenge. She was apparently rather busy that day, but you eventually came upon her in the kitchen. You were not surprised to find the place full of activity, the cook and her assistant already hard at work. {(unless: (history:) contains "Ajmal's training session")[
<br /><br />Counters and cabinets lined two opposite walls, equipped with multiple stoves — probably for grand occasions — and an island stood at the center, used mostly for plating. The cabinetry was all in khaya wood of course, the whole mansion’s decor being anything if consistent. It was beautifully carved. As opposed to other servants’ quarters, this room was meant to receive the occasional visit of the owners, so it had to be pleasing to the eye, of course. Another evidence of this fact was the gorgeously painted tiles that served as backsplash to the stoves, and the marble countertops.
]}
What was unusual was Zanetta lending the staff a helping hand. When she noticed you entering the kitchen, the Dwarven spy looked quite displeased.
“What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to see any of it! Get out! Shoo!”
Your eyes widened at her dismissal and the surprise left you stupefied for a moment. Until you remembered why you came here.
“But I need to talk to you…”
Zanetta groaned and rolled her eyes. She dropped whatever cooking tools were in her hand on a countertop and walked past you, into the corridor you came from. You followed her, closing the kitchen door behind you, and once you were alone, you explained the situation to her. {(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
From you, finding Felice sitting on a bench in the middle of the garden, to your strange interaction with Osana.
]
(else:)[
You omitted your encounter with Felice and simply talked about Osana’s nervous behavior.
]}
As she leaned against one of the smaller windows that lined the empty service hall, she listened carefully, a frown forming progressively on her brow.
“That does sound unlike Osana,” she concurred, brushing her lips with her index finger. {(if: (history:) contains "What are you doing out here?")[
“Besides, she doesn’t smoke. She always berates her brother for doing it so I’m surprised she would take it up. Of course, if she did, she wouldn’t want Marli to know.”<br /><br />
She hummed thoughtfully before adding: “Something must be putting her on edge and it’d be good to figure out what, even if it’s just for her own sake. {(if: $FeliceKnown is 0)[
I’ll try to talk to her. If she won’t say anything, I’ll keep an eye on her.
]
(else:)[
I don’t know how it could relate to Felice sneaking into the garden, but I’ll talk to her and, if she won’t say anything, I’ll keep an eye on her.
]}”
]
(else-if: $FeliceKnown is 0)[
“If she was on edge, it’d be good to figure out why, even just for her sake. I’ll talk to her and, if she won’t say anything, I’ll keep an eye on her.”
]
(else:)[
“I’m not sure how she could be linked to how Felice comes and goes, but if she was on edge, I want to know why, even if it’s just for her sake. I’ll talk to her and, if she won’t say anything, I’ll keep an eye on her.”
]}
“Thank you Zanetta,” you replied with a sigh of relief.
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 0)[
{(if: $ZanettaTrust > -1)[
She grinned at you. “Of course, it’s my job.”
]
(else:)[
She raised an eyebrow at you. “Just doing my job, you know.”
]}<br /><br />
Maybe nothing would come of it. It seemed unlikely that your run-in with Osana had much to do with Felice, but for now, you were satisfied that you did all you could to solve this mystery.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You left the spymaster to her occupations and returned to yours.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else-if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“I just hope it’s the last time Felice does that. I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, but they need to stop visiting you in secret like that,” she grumbled, her worried frown still pinching her forehead.<br />
“That was what they implied,” you said carefully, not revealing your own thoughts on the matter.<br /><br />
To be honest, you were still unsure of how to feel about the Mer. Zanetta considered you with curiosity for a moment, then she sighed wearily.<br /><br />
“I better get back to it,” she said, pushing herself away from the window. “Come to me or Ajmal if Felice causes more trouble.”<br /><br />
You nodded. Saying that the Mer was causing trouble was a bit of an exaggeration, but you could understand how their repeated trespassings would cause her a headache.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You let the Dwarven woman go back to her occupations and returned to yours.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Her frown only deepened. “You really should warn us when Felice shows up. We don’t know what they want from you.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">You sighed heavily. (link: "“Maybe you are right… But they saved my life, they cannot be bad, can they?”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "They cannot be bad")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
<div class="choice">You frowned right back at her. (link: "“They do not want anything beyond a friend.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "They just want a friend")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
]
(if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I know,” you admitted through tight lips. “It’s just… hard to say no to them when they saved my life.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Hard to say no")
] (if: $shwotraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
]
(if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
<div class="choice">You started chewing on your lip, unable to reply. (link: "You knew she had a point, but you really did not want to stop seeing Felice, not with the way they made you feel.")[
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "Unable to reply")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You shrugged. (link: "“I think you are worrying too much. They have been nothing but charming. I like them. I do not want a chaperone looming over us every time we see each other.”")[
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "I do not want a chaperone")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</div>
]
]}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Osana may be smoking'))}
“What were you doing out here?” You asked nonchalantly, hiding your suspicion.
The Elf’s eyes turned big and round at your question and there was no mistaking it. She felt cornered.
She stayed silent for a few seconds, gaping at you, before she burst out: “I was taking my break, $MCnutotitle, getting some air. I wasn’t smoking at all, $MCnutotitle, I swear.”
You blinked at her. That certainly was not what you expected her to say. Now a flood of questions was rushing through your mind. What did people smoke in Lagodoro? Was there some social stigma around smoking? There had to be if the maid was so concerned about being seen doing it, but what was it, exactly?
“Huh… Alright.”
As confused as you were, it was all you could answer.
“I’ll get back to work right away,” Osana added in a rush.
With that, she walked through the archway and disappeared into the dark interior of the house. You stayed rooted in place for a moment, deep in thought after this baffling interaction.
{<div class="choice">You could only assume Osana was ashamed to have been possibly caught doing something frowned upon. If that was all there was to it, you had no qualms with it. (link: "You decided to leave her be.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Preparing for the feast")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You found her whole behavior suspicious and you needed answers about it. (link: "You decided to take the matter to Zanetta.")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Talking to Zanetta about her")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
You tried to wade carefully through the pale foliage of a dense bed of bushes. As hard as you tried to make your progress the quietest you could, the rustling of leaves was rather noticeable. You winced both at your loud and clumsy advance and at the occasional branch scratching your skin and catching on your clothes.
You were resigned to failure even before you reached the other side of the plant bed, fully expecting Felice to have evaporated into thin air by that time. But when you pushed the last few branches out of your way and came out of the bushes, you gasped and stumbled back as you were about to run into the Mer. They were waiting for you, one arm leaning against the trunk of a short palm tree and the other hand resting on their hip.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
They had an eyebrow raised and a faint smirk on their lips.
]
(else:)[
They had an eyebrow raised and an amused grin on their lips.
]}
“What exactly are you doing?” They asked before you could find your bearings.
{(if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
They were very close still, and that, combined with the embarrassment of having been caught, made your ears burn.
]
(else:)[
You blinked and gaped at them, flustered to have been caught in the act.
]}
{<div class="choice">(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
(link: "“I… I wanted to know how you manage to breach the mansion’s security every time you come here,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Admitting to following them")
] you admitted with a frown.
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I… I was curious about how you manage to enter and exit the garden without being noticed,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Admitting to following them")
] you admitted with an awkward smile.
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Huh… I was botanizing…”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Botanizing")
] Your face turned hot as you uttered this very obvious lie.<br />
There was no way Felice would believe you, but you feared you would offend them if you admitted what you had truly been doing. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Well, this is my garden,” you stated with as much aplomb as you could. “I’m allowed to walk around as I please.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Allowed to walk around as I please")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'There is a climber plant on the wall'))}
Taking wider and faster steps, you did your best to catch up as quietly as you could, but there was no way to entirely conceal the pounding of your feet on the paved alleyway, let alone the crinkling of the smaller gravel paths as you followed them. (if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[It was made all the more difficult by your painful ankle and your crutch hammering into the ground with every step you took.]
It took a good minute of this frenetic pace for you to finally spot Felice again and you found yourself out of breath — partly because you had to camouflage the sound of your breathing as you walked so you would not be given away by your huffing and puffing.
The Mer was still strolling as casually as before and you had to wonder how they managed to lose you nonetheless. As far as you could tell, you had not been spotted and you refrained from sighing with relief.
You looked around and you realized you were at the North-East edge of the garden, not far from the dock and close to the wall separating the mansion’s grounds from your eastern neighbor. Reaching a bend in the path, Felice became suddenly more careful, looking around them to make sure they were not seen. You quickly hid behind bushes and observed them through the branches. Their attention was mainly focused on the villa, however, where the guards on the balconies were the most likely to spot them.
The Mer stopped at the end of the path, looking up at the house, and waited. Waited for what, you were not sure, but eventually they crossed the clearing between the cover of the bushes and the garden wall.
You leaned to the side, trying to get a better view of what they were doing. There was a large climber plant crawling and spilling over the wall that provided enough cover for them to scale it without being seen from the mansion’s balconies. So they did, but when they reached the top of the wall, they did not disappear behind it right away.
Instead, they crouched in the shadow of the climber and they looked straight at you. You blinked in surprise, gaping at them. They winked and dropped down on the other side of the wall. Groaning with frustration, you came out of your hiding spot. So much for not being noticed.
You approached the wall to inspect it and the climber plant. At the bend in the path, you looked up toward the house, and indeed, as long as you crossed the alleyway while no one was looking, you could easily stay concealed by the voluminous plant.
You kept observing this section of the garden wall for a quiet moment, pondering what to do about the information.
{<div class="choice">[[You had to warn Zanetta about it.->Warn Zanetta about it]] Even if Felice was unlikely to ever use this weak point again, now that they knew you were aware of it, someone else could.</div>
<div class="choice">This passage was obviously not ideal. You doubted neither Felice nor anyone else would go through here again. There were too many opportunities to get caught. [[You decided to not do anything about it and returned to the mansion.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>}
You sighed heavily. “Maybe you are right… But they saved my life, they cannot be bad, can they?”
Zanetta looked back at you with a tired expression, but not an entirely unsympathetic one.
“People are complicated. No one is just good or just bad. And I’m sure that’s Felice’s case too. Just be wary, alright?” She said, letting a long breath out.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust > -0.5)[
You nodded. You knew there was some truth to what she was saying, even though you still wanted to believe in the Mer.
]
(else:)[
But the next moment, she had a biting grin and added: “I know you have it in you.”<br /><br />
You grimaced but nodded nonetheless. You knew there was some truth to what she was saying, even though you wanted to believe in the Mer. The way they introduced themself to you had been a lot friendlier than Zanetta. She could learn a lot from them in your opinion.
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You were not certain that Zanetta’s investigation would lead anywhere. It did not seem likely that your strange encounter with Osana had much to do with Felice. But there was nothing else to be done about the matter for now, so you left Zanetta to her occupations and returned to your own.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done everything you could to improve the house’s safety, even if you may have made things more difficult for Felice in the process. What was done was done. You left Zanetta to her occupations and returned to yours.
]}
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
You frowned right back at her. “They do not want anything beyond a friend.”
Zanetta sighed with frustration, pinching her nose. “Oh, but you can be so stubborn… That may be what you believe, but you can’t be sure they don’t have any other intentions.”
“Why is it so hard to believe that they may just want to be my friend? Am I that unlikeable?” You shot back, feeling a surge of irritation.
Zanetta looked stunned.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < -0.5)[
“Hum…” She started, recovering quickly and smirking at you. “Are you sure you want //my// opinion about that?”<br /><br />
You groaned when you realized that, indeed, Zanetta was the last person you should ask such a question.<br /><br />
“Nevermind… I just would like a little bit more respect for my judgment. I am not as naive as you think, I know what I am doing.”<br />
Her expression turned more serious. “For your own sake, I hope you’re right. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot to do.”<br /><br />
With that, she returned to the kitchen and left you alone in the corridor. You sighed and returned to your own occupations. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
At least she had agreed to look into Osana’s strange behavior. You were not sure it would lead anywhere as it seemed unlikely that your encounter with the maid had anything to do with Felice. But there was not much else you could do.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done everything you could to improve the house’s safety, even if it may have meant making things more difficult for Felice…
]}
]
(else-if: ($ZanettaRomance > 0) and ($ZanettaAffection > 5))[
“No, of course not,” she answered with a soothing voice, her warm brown eyes softening. “Believe me, the fact that you appeal to Felice is the one thing I //do// understand. What I’m wary of is the sneaking around and the secrecy.”<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
You avoided her gaze, feeling some heat warming your face.<br /><br />
“I am sorry… I realize it may have sounded like I was fishing for compliments.”<br /><br />
Zanetta chuckled and you took a peek at her. Her smile was bright and kind and you were not sure you could handle it right now, so you returned to your observation of the floor.
]
(else:)[
Warmth spread through your chest and you smiled at her. You did feel a bit embarrassed by your outburst, but her answer had been so kind and earnest that you had no regrets.<br /><br />
“I promise, I was not trying to fish for compliments,” you said with a chuckle.<br /><br />
Zanetta laughed as well and you could not help but admire her bright and gentle smile.
]}<br /><br />
“I didn’t think you were, otherwise I wouldn’t have given you one.”<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
She rested a hand on your arm, drawing your attention back to her.
]
(else:)[
She rested a hand on your arm, drawing your attention to the point of contact.
]}<br /><br />
“Just keep what I said in mind,” she murmured. “For your own sake.”<br /><br />
You nodded. She smiled and patted your arm.<br /><br />
You let her go back to her occupations and returned to your own. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You were not certain Zanetta’s investigation would go anywhere. It seemed unlikely your strange encounter with Osana had much to do with Felice, but for now, there was nothing else to do.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done everything you could to improve the house’s safety, even if it may have meant making things more difficult for Felice…
]}
]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection > 5)[
“No, of course not,” she answered with a soothing voice, her eyes softening. “I understand why Felice would seek your friendship, I just don’t understand why they have to do it in secret.”<br /><br />
All will to fight her left you as doubt started to sprout. You knew she had a point. You knew being careful was the wise choice. But your gut was telling you that Felice would not hurt you and it rarely led you astray.<br /><br />
“Alright, I… I understand,” you said, your shoulders drooping. “But I have a good feeling about Felice, and I do not think it is just me being naive.”<br />
“I hope you’re right. Just keep what I said in mind,” The Dwarf replied with a faint smile.<br />
“I will.”<br /><br />
Zanetta gave you a pat on the arm before returning to the kitchen. You went back to your own occupations. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You were not sure her investigation would lead anywhere. It seemed unlikely that your strange encounter with Osana had much to do with Felice, but there was nothing else to be done for now.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done everything you could to improve the house’s safety. But it may have meant making things more difficult for Felice. What was done was done.
]}
]
(else:)[
“No, of course not,” she answered with a soothing voice. “I simply don’t want you to be taken advantage of.”<br /><br />
Your frown deepened. It sounded like she did not trust your judgment at all and it felt infantilizing.<br /><br />
“I am not that naive,” you retorted. “I know what I am doing.”<br />
Zanetta winced, maybe regretting her words. “That’s not what I meant.”<br />
“Then what //did// you mean?” You shot back, not ready to drop the argument.<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman sighed wearily.<br /><br />
“Nevermind,” she said, rubbing at her temple. “I just hope you’re right about Felice. For your sake.”<br /><br />
“I have a lot to do,” she added in a grumble before returning to the kitchen.<br /><br />
You inhaled deeply and walked away as well, returning to your own occupations. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
At least Zanetta agreed to look into Osana’s strange behavior. You were not convinced it would lead anywhere. It seemed unlikely that your encounter with the maid had anything to do with Felice, but there was nothing else to be done about the matter for now.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done everything you could to improve the house’s safety. Unfortunately, that meant you may have made things that much more difficult for Felice.
]
]}
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
“I know,” you admitted through tight lips. “It’s just… hard to say no to them when they saved my life.”
Zanetta sighed wearily, watching you with no small amount of concern. “That’s exactly what I was worried about. It’s natural to be grateful, but you shouldn’t let them get away with things that you wouldn’t normally allow otherwise.”
“I know,” you repeated, starting to feel frustrated. “But it is not just that. I do enjoy their company. It is nice to have a friendly conversation partner, who does not talk to me about lectures, safety, etiquette, and all of those things I hear about every day.”
The Dwarf stared at you in quiet realization.
“I see… That’s… understandable,” she conceded slowly. “But if you have to talk to them, it doesn’t have to be in secret. Can’t they just… knock on the main door like a normal guest?”
You sighed. “And then you will have someone stay with us at all times, for my safety.”
Zanetta raised an unimpressed eyebrow at you. “You are in deadly peril, remember?”
You stayed silent, avoiding her piercing gaze. Maybe sometimes you did forget that. It had been a long while since that night when you ran from the palace to save your life. Nothing had happened since and maybe you were starting to feel safe again. But Zanetta was right, nothing indicated that the danger had truly passed. The revolt was still raging in Ahabalad after all.
“I will think about it,” you said after a while, looking back at the spymaster. “Maybe I can talk to Felice about it.”
A half-grin lit up her face. “Not the deadly peril part, hopefully.”
“Of course not,” you replied, rolling your eyes with exasperation.
{(if: ($ZanettaTrust > -1) and ($ZanettaAffection > 5))[
You were about to part ways with Zanetta, when she caught your arm.<br /><br />
“You know, if you’re in need of a distraction, you can talk to me,” she said softly, and if you did not know any better, you would have said she was a little embarrassed.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />You were a bit surprised yourself by how friendly and considerate she was being. She usually accompanied any amicable word with a barb. But it was a heartwarming surprise.<br /><br />
“I will keep that in mind,” you replied with a bright smile. “Thank you Zanetta.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Oh? Are you not afraid of it being pompously boring?” You teased her with a grin.<br /><br />
It drew a surprised laugh out of her.<br /><br />
“No conversation of mine is ever boring,” she retorted with a mirroring smirk.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You blinked at her, surprised by the gentleness of her tone. “I… Alright.”<br />
She chuckled. “Please, hide your enthusiasm.”<br />
You felt heat prickling your ears. “I am not… I do appreciate the proposition. I will keep it in mind.”<br />
“I know,” she replied with a lopsided smile.
]
(else:)[
<br />And you would be lying if you said you were not a little embarrassed yourself. You were not used to Zanetta being that friendly and considerate with you.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you said after a stunned silence. “I will keep it in mind.”
]}<br /><br />
She patted your arm and walked back toward the kitchen. You left the corridor shortly after, returning to your own occupations.<br />
{(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You were not certain the Dwarf’s investigation would lead anywhere. It seemed unlikely that your encounter with Osana had much to do with Felice.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done everything you could to improve the house’s safety. Even if it may have made things more difficult for Felice…
]}
]
(else:)[
You parted ways with Zanetta, letting her go back to her occupations while you returned to yours. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You were not sure her investigation would lead anywhere. It seemed unlikely that your strange encounter with Osana had much to do with Felice.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done everything you could to improve the house’s safety. Even if it may have made things more difficult for Felice…
]}
]}
<div class="choice">[[But for now, there was nothing to be done about the matter..->Preparing for the feast]]</div>{(unless: $ZanettaOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $ZanettaOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
Zanetta narrowed her eyes at you and leaned in, looking at your face from up close as if she could read your mind simply by watching your expression.
“Saints… You like them, don’t you?” She groaned in conclusion.
She pulled away from you and wiped a hand over her face. Maybe she //could// read your mind, after all.
Your face turned hot with embarrassment.
“I am sorry, I just… They are very nice and charming,” you tried to explain, flustered.
Zanetta rolled her eyes.
“You don’t need to apologize, these things happen. I just wish it’d happen with someone we know for sure is safe,” she grumbled.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
<br />You stayed quiet, not knowing what else to say.
]
(else:)[
“I am sorry…” You repeated mechanically.
]}
The Dwarven woman sighed deeply.
“Fine,” she said, rubbing her closed eyelids with her index and her thumb. “Just… Try to be careful? And honestly, it’d be nice to meet them. We don’t even know what they look like. I would very much like to understand what the big deal is.”
You shuffled awkwardly on your feet, feeling uneasy that your crush was that obvious to guess. It did not help that you were fully aware that it was not a reasonable one at that, on so many levels. In fact, Zanetta was being more gracious about it than you expected. You doubted Lady Domara would be as generous if she found out.
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“If they are alright with it…” You answered carefully.<br />
“They’ll have to, they can’t visit you in secret forever if this ever gets serious,” the Dwarven woman replied with a frown.<br /><br />
You did not reply to that. Maybe Zanetta did not entirely realize that, but things could not really get serious between you and Felice. And you were not ready to address that.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I will talk to them,” you answered after some reflection.<br />
The Dwarven woman smiled faintly, looking relieved. “That’s all I ask. For now, anyway…”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I will see if this can be arranged,” you replied after some reflection, maybe a bit too formally.<br />
The Dwarven woman snorted, somewhere between disbelief and amusement. “Please do.”
]
(else:)[
“Maybe I can talk to them about it…” You suggested after some reflection.<br />
“I would appreciate it,” the Dwarven woman replied with a faint, relieved smile.
]}
She sighed again, pushing herself away from the window frame. “Alright, I’ll stop nagging. I do have things to do. I’ll see you later.”
She went back to the kitchen and you returned to your own occupations. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You were not certain Zanetta’s investigation would lead anywhere. It seemed unlikely that your encounter with Osana had much to do with Felice.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[But for now, there was nothing else to be done about the matter.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
At least you had done what you could to improve the house’s safety.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[But it may have made things more difficult for Felice…->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]}{(unless: $ZanettaOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $ZanettaOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
You shrugged. “I think you are worrying too much. They have been nothing but charming. I like them. I do not want a chaperone looming over us every time we see each other.”
Zanetta sighed deeply and pinched her nose between her index and her thumb.
“Alright. You like them. At least that explains it. But you have to realize how much worse it looks now.”
You frowned. “What do you mean?”
The Dwarven women gave you a tired glare.
“If you like them, you’re already biased. How do we know your judgment is not clouded by your feelings? How can we be sure Felice is not seducing you into lowering your guard?”
“And then what?” You asked stubbornly, crossing your arms over your chest.
“Have you forgotten why you are hiding here in the first place? They could sell information about you and someone could find you. They could isolate you and get rid of you themself.”
“If they wanted me dead, they would have let me drown the first day we met,” you pointed out.
Zanetta sighed again and considered you a moment.
“Fair enough,” she mumbled. “But they could be after something more mundane. Gifts. Money. Access to high society.”
The brooch Felice gifted you felt heavy in your pocket as you heard her words.
“I do not think they need any of that,” you replied firmly.
Zanetta narrowed her eyes at you. “How can you be so sure?”
{<div class="choice">(link: "“They gave me a gift,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "They gave me a gift")
] you admitted. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">As tempting as it was to show her the expensive gift to prove your point, a protective feeling kicked in and you decided against it.<br />
[[“It is just my impression,”->It is my impression]] you responded vaguely, aware that it would not convince her.</div>}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'The brooch may be stolen', 'Zanetta knows about the brooch'))}
“They gave me a gift,” you admitted.
The Dwarven woman raised an eyebrow. “A gift? What kind of gift?”
You pulled out the box in which the brooch had been wrapped and opened it in front of her. She leaned in, eyes narrowed. For a moment, she looked at the piece of jewelry in silence. You had expected her to look a little more impressed and wondered what she was seeing.
“Can I…?” She asked, lifting her hands toward the box.
You nodded, letting her take it from your hands. She examined the brooch’s every angle without taking it out of its wrapping.
“It doesn’t seem to be a fake…” she commented throughout her inspection. “The materials are expensive… The design is unique and complex… It must cost a small fortune.”
But instead of conceding your point, she frowned, looking even more suspicious.
“It doesn’t look poisoned either.”
“Zanetta…” You sighed.
Ignoring you, she finally took the brooch between her fingers, lifting it delicately to take a look at the pin in the back.
“Yes, it looks safe,” she confirmed while placing the piece of jewelry in its box, which she handed it back to you.
You rolled your eyes. “Thank you. I told you they were not trying to kill me.”
Disregarding your comment, she looked into your eyes quite seriously and said: “It could be stolen. Honestly, I hope it’s stolen. The alternative is that Felice is someone of significant wealth in Lagodoro who I can’t find any information on. That means the way they acquired the money to procure this…”
She pointed at the brooch, which was feeling heavier and heavier in your hand.
“It can’t be legal. And it can’t be innocuous.”
You felt your heart sink in your chest. Her point made sense, even though you had the hardest time reconciling the idea of a dangerous criminal with the Felice you had started to know.
{<div class="choice">Still. You had to listen to reason. (link: "You would be on your guard from now on.")[
(set: $FeliceTrust to -0.5)
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "On your guard from now on")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">There had to be another possibility. You trusted Felice. (link: "There had to be a reasonable explanation neither you nor Zanetta could see.")[
(if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
(set: $FeliceTrust to 1)
]
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "An explanation neither of you could see")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>}
“It is just my impression,” you responded vaguely, aware that it would not convince her.
The Dwarven woman kept staring at you suspiciously and you shuffled on your feet uncomfortably, wondering if she could see right through you. It felt like she could.
“Alright,” she conceded after a long silence. “But that might be enough for you… It isn’t for me. I would like to at least meet them and make my own impression of them.”
You had to suppress a relieved sigh. It was not exactly ideal, but if you had to make that compromise to keep seeing Felice, then so be it.
“I can ask them,” you replied with a nod.
“I would appreciate that,” Zanetta said with a pointed look as she pushed herself away from the windowsill.
Soon, she went back to the kitchen and you returned to your own occupations. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You wondered if her investigation would turn up anything. It seemed unlikely that your encounter with Osana had much to do with Felice, but there was nothing else to be done about it for the moment.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done what you could to improve the house’s safety, but it may have made things more difficult for Felice…
]}
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
“I hear you,” you yielded, swallowing with difficulty.
It was not something easy to come to terms with, considering the affection you had for the Mer.
“Maybe there is another explanation, but… I will be more careful next time, I promise,” you said, holding the Dwarf’s gaze.
“I don’t know if being careful is enough,” Zanetta replied sternly. “If you can at least introduce them to us, we can have a better idea of who we’re dealing with.”
You let out a long and tired exhale. So much for not being chaperoned… You did not like this, but if your spymaster was right about Felice, it was for the best.
“I will talk to them about it,” you confirmed with a nod.
Zanetta smiled faintly at you. “I appreciate it.”
She soon went back to the kitchen and you returned to your own occupations. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You hoped her investigation would turn something up, but you had doubts. It seemed unlikely that your encounter with Osana had much to do with the Mer, but there was nothing else to be done about it at the moment.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done everything you could to improve the house’s safety, even if it was going to make things more difficult for Felice. Maybe it was for the best…
]}
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
Maybe it was a family heirloom?” You suggested. “Or they have not been in the city for that long?”
The look Zanetta gave you in response was thoroughly unimpressed. But she was kind enough to entertain your theories.
“Why would they give away a very expensive family heirloom to someone they have just met? Besides, they seem to navigate the city with incredible ease for someone who would have just arrived.”
You bit your lip, avoiding the Dwarf’s gaze. Part of you knew you were scrambling for an excuse to keep trusting Felice, encouraged by your growing affection for them. But you refused to consider them with suspicion as long as there was no proof of the wrong-doings Zanetta seemed intent on believing them capable of.
“There could be an explanation we cannot see,” you said stubbornly.
“I would very much like to know what it is,” Zanetta replied flatly.
You sighed. Of course, you could not convince Zanetta without a well-thought-out argument.
“I am sorry, Zanetta, I do not know what to tell you. I just have a good feeling about them, I do not think they would harm me.”
The Dwarven woman groaned and exhaled a long, tired breath.
“Alright. I am willing to trust you on this… But I would like you to introduce them to us, so we can also form our own opinion.”
You grimaced. You would have rather kept Felice all for yourself, but it seemed like a reasonable enough compromise.
“Maybe that can be arranged…” You replied hesitantly.
Zanetta raised an eyebrow at you, her lips slowly twisting into a smirk. “It’s not that hard, you know? You just have to tell them you’d like them to meet us.”
“I know, I know, I just do not know if they will agree,” you grumbled, still feeling reluctant.
Her smile dropped and her expression became serious again.
“For my good opinion’s sake, I really hope they will.”
You nodded, your throat suddenly dry.
Zanetta returned to the kitchen and you, to your own occupations. {(if: (history:) contains "Talking to Zanetta about her")[
You wondered if the spymaster’s investigation would turn up anything, but it seemed unlikely that your encounter with Osana had much to do with Felice.
]
(else:)[
At least you had done what you could to improve the house’s safety. Unfortunately, you may have made things more difficult for Felice in the process…
]}
<div class="choice">[[There was nothing to be done about it for the time being.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
{(unless: (history:) contains "Botanizing" or "Allowed to walk around as I please")[
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“I… I wanted to know how you manage to breach the mansion’s security every time you come here,” you admitted with a frown.<br />
]
(else:)[
“I… I was curious about how you manage to enter and exit the garden without being noticed,” you admitted with an awkward smile.
]}<br />
]}{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Felice may be using Mer magic'))
Any semblance of smile left their expression.<br /><br />
“I see… If you are concerned about me, I won’t bother you anymore…”<br />
“It is not just you, it is…”<br /><br />
You inhaled deeply, feeling yourself getting frustrated. It was hard to explain without giving away too much about yourself. Felice cocked their head to the side, waiting patiently for you to finish.<br /><br />
“If you can come in as you please, who else can?” You asked after some thought.<br />
Understanding dawned on Felice’s features. “Are you scared that Lagodoro’s many criminals will come to rob you?”<br /><br />
There was a hint of an amused smile returning to their lips.<br /><br />
“Something like that,” you said, suppressing a grimace.<br />
“Mmh… If it can reassure you, my talents are rare in this city. Maybe even unique.”<br /><br />
Felice was confident, from what you could tell, but maybe not that confident that they would boast meaninglessly. The statement piqued your curiosity.<br /><br />
“Does it have something to do with you being a Merperson?”<br />
Their smirk fully returned. “Maybe.”<br /><br />
It was clear they would not reveal more, but it was a lead, even if a vague one.<br /><br />
Felice looked up, glancing in the direction of the mansion’s balconies, barely visible behind the vegetation.<br /><br />
“I must say, I’ve yet to see a traveler coming to Lagodoro that thoroughly prepared.”<br /><br />
You had a feeling they were referring to the many guards patrolling the grounds and the villa.<br />
“I have been warned about the Thieves’ Guild,” you explained to them. “I would rather they do not break into my home.”<br />
“The Thieves’ Guild isn't exactly a secret here. But not many visitors take it as seriously as they should. It makes them easy targets. But not you, I see.”<br /><br />
They looked back at you, nodding and smiling respectfully. There was also curiosity in their lavender eyes, something that did not bode well. You would have to be careful not to reveal more about the safety measures you have in place.<br /><br />
“Just be assured that no one else will come and go the way I do,” they said after a short silence. “I will go now. I won’t come back unless you want me to.”<br /><br />
They started turning away from you.<br /><br />
“What if I want to see you again? How will you know?” You asked before they could leave.<br />
They smiled at you over their shoulder. “I gave you a letter, didn’t I?”<br /><br />
With that, they walked away, disappearing into the garden again. You were not about to follow them again, not after being caught so easily. At least, you now knew that they used their abilities as a Mer to sneak in and out of the garden. Did they use illusions to hide? Or did they have transmutation powers that helped them, somehow? Unless they were lying… In which case you were no closer to an answer. <br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[With a sigh, you headed back toward the house.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“Oh, you were?” Felice replied, their grin widening. “What would you need the information for? Sneaking out?”<br />
“What? No!” You blurt out, surprised by the suggestion. “I do not need to sneak out of my own home.”<br />
“Really? The way you talk about the amount of time you stay cloistered in this place, one has to wonder…”<br /><br />
Their expression had turned more serious and you realized it was a real question. One you did not really consider before. There were very good reasons you did not wander out of the mansion on a whim. And to be honest, you were not used to just walking about town on your own, even during more peaceful times in Ahadinat. But you could not explain all of that to Felice.<br /><br />
“I do go out,” you clarified. “It is just that I have been warned about the complexities of Lagodoro’s society and I do not want to experience it unprepared.”<br />
“I’ve yet to meet a traveler coming to Lagodoro and be that cautious that they sequester themselves for months,” Felice replied, arching one eyebrow.<br />
“And how well did that go for them?”<br /><br />
You were genuinely curious and you looked back at them with an open expression. Felice huffed, a half-smile stretching their lips.<br /><br />
“I guess they never stayed long enough to say for sure. But maybe that’s telling plenty.”<br /><br />
They pushed themself away from the tree. “But I’m sad to say that my secret talents are for sneaking out only and I will not share them unless that’s what you plan to do.”<br /><br />
They started turning away from you.<br /><br />
“Please, don’t follow me again?” They said, tilting their head to the side and giving you their most charming smile. “Just tell me when you want to escape and I’ll show you some tricks.”<br /><br />
You did not stop them and you were not about to try trailing them again, not just after being caught.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[So you watched them disappear in the garden again and you returned to the mansion with a heavy sigh, not any closer to an answer.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]}
“Huh… I was botanizing…” Your face turned hot as you uttered this very obvious lie.
There was no way Felice would believe you, but you feared you would offend them if you admitted what you had truly been doing.
The Mer’s smile widened and they bit on their lower lip, trying not to laugh at your expense. You could see a silent chuckle shaking their shoulders.
“And what species are you looking for? The aquatic kind, perhaps?”
“Well, huh…” You fumbled when it became clear you were not fooling them.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“You were following me,” Felice helpfully provided, a small smirk still on their lips. “Why?”
]
(else-if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
<br />Felice leaned in even closer and you felt your heart rate accelerate significantly.<br /><br />
“If you didn’t want me to leave, you could have said so,” they murmured and you could nearly feel their breath on your face.<br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
“I never like it when you leave,” you replied, hoping that your flirting would distract them from the real reason you were facing them.<br />
“Believe me, I never do it readily,” the Mer said with a pleased smirk. “But I would love to know the real reason you were following me.”
]
(else:)[
“That is not… I did not mean to…” You mumbled some more, panic rising.<br />
The Mer laughed softly, a tender expression smoothing their features. “You can tell me why you were following me. I won’t be mad, I promise.”
]}
]
(else:)[
<br />Fortunately for you, Felice decided to drop the charade.<br /><br />
“Why are you following me?” They asked, a faint smirk still on their lips. “Did you miss me already?”
]}
You sighed. It looked like you were not going to get out of admitting at least some of the truth.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“I just… need to know how you get in and out of the grounds unnoticed. If there is a security breach…” You let your words trail off, watching the Mer cautiously.
]
(else:)[
“I was curious about how you managed to get in and out of the grounds without getting noticed,” you relented.
]}
(display: "Admitting to following them")
“Well, this is my garden,” you stated with as much aplomb as you could. “I’m allowed to walk around as I please.”
“Of course,” the Mer agreed amiably, although there was a hint of amusement in their expression still. “So it’s simply chance that your stroll about the garden happened to follow every step I’ve taken since I left you?”
They were aware of your presence from the start. You swallowed thickly. You thought you had managed to at least stay discreet enough up until you cut through the plant bed. But, clearly, you had not and you still had much to learn in that regard.
There was no reason to beat around the bush — so to speak — anymore.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“I need to know how you manage to break in and out of the garden without getting noticed. I think the safety implications are obvious…”
]
(else:)[
“I was curious about how you managed to get in and out of the garden without getting noticed,” you admitted.
]}
(display: "Admitting to following them"){(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Zanetta knows about the climber'))}
You walked back to the mansion and set out to find the spymaster. It turned out to be trickier than expected. It seemed Zanetta was incredibly busy today and every time you asked about her whereabouts, you heard a different answer.
Finally, you found her in the kitchen. {(unless: (history:) contains "Ajmal's training session")[
When you entered, your senses were overwhelmed by the smell of multiple spices and the sound of bubbling pots.<br /><br />
Counters and cabinets lined two opposite walls, equipped with multiple stoves — probably for grand occasions — and an island stood at the center, used mostly for plating. The cabinetry was all in khaya wood of course, the whole mansion’s decor being anything if consistent. It was beautifully carved. As opposed to other servants’ quarters, this room was meant to receive the occasional visit of the owners, so it had to be pleasing to the eye, of course. Another evidence of this fact was the gorgeously painted tiles that served as backsplash to the stoves, and the marble countertops.
]}
You were expecting to find the cook and her assistant hard at work, but to your surprise, Zanetta was also giving them a helping hand. Hearing the door open and close behind you, she looked up from the work station she was busying herself at and frowned at you.
“What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to come in. Shoo!”
Surprised by her vehement reaction, you froze and gaped at her.
“But… I needed to talk to you…”
The Dwarven woman sighed, slamming whatever tool she was using on the countertop, and she walked past you, signaling you to follow her through the door you had just crossed.
Once in the corridor, the kitchen door closed behind you, she folded her arms, leaned against one of the small windows that lined the wall, and looked you in the eyes.
“So, what’s this about?”
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 0)[
You hesitated. You had not thought through how to talk to her about the climber plant on the garden wall without mentioning Felice yet. Zanetta was smart, she would likely find it suspicious that you would bring the subject up out of the blue. But now that you were in front of her, you could hardly back out, could you?<br /><br />
“I was strolling around the garden,” you started carefully. “And I noticed something at the northeastern edge. There is a large climber plant that grows on the outside wall. Do you think…”<br /><br />
You hesitated again.<br /><br />
“Do you think someone could sneak into the garden through there?”<br /><br />
Zanetta’s reaction was about what you expected. She narrowed her eyes at you and watched you quietly for a moment.<br /><br />
“I know where you’re talking about. Someone could if they’re nimble and careful enough. In fact, there are a few places such as this one. But they wouldn’t make it very far before getting spotted by someone.”<br />
“Are you certain?” You asked, hiding your restlessness by linking your hands behind your back.<br />
“Pretty certain. Why? Did you see someone? Do you have reasons to suspect someone has sneaked in through there?”<br /><br />
For a moment, you thought you were going to get away with not justifying yourself. You thought wrong, of course.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“No, I did not see anyone, it was just a thought I had while walking around,” you said as steadily as you could.<br /><br />
But your guilt prevented you from holding Zanetta’s gaze.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“N-No I did not! I did not see anyone, I promise!” You fumbled through your lie, heat quickly making its way to your face.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“No,” you simply said, pursing your lips tightly.<br /><br />
The less you said, the easier it would be to lie, you figured.
]
(else:)[
“No, of course not,” you replied, defensive despite yourself.<br /><br />
Lying was not the easiest thing for you and you struggled to meet Zanetta’s gaze.
]}<br />
Her eyes narrowed further, becoming two dark and sharp slits. You stayed silent, trying to not give anything else away. Eventually, she sighed.<br /><br />
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < -1)[
“You’re lying,” she stated coolly. “I don’t know why, but if you want me to be on your side and to keep you alive, you really should reconsider.”<br /><br />
You frowned, opening your mouth to protest, but she raised a hand to interrupt you.<br /><br />
“Save it. Come back when you’re ready to tell me the truth.”<br />
]
(else-if: $ZanettaAffection > 5)[
“Alright… I don’t know what you’re hiding and why, but please, consider telling me. I’m not Lady Domara, I’m not going to lecture you. All I want is to make sure you’re safe.”<br /><br />
You opened your mouth, ready to protest, but she raised a hand to interrupt you.<br /><br />
“Just think about it, alright?”<br /><br />
You swallowed thickly, unable to reply or to even nod for fear of confirming her suspicions.
]
(else:)[
“You make it hard to believe you,” she remarked. “I would advise you against lying to me. I’m trying to keep you safe and to do that as thoroughly as possible, I need all the information at our disposal.”<br /><br />
You stayed silent, unable to respond without betraying your secret relationship with Felice.<br /><br />
“Just think about it,” she concluded.<br />
]}<br />
She turned around and went back into the kitchen. It took you a moment to shake off your discomfort. You then returned to your own occupations.<br />
You were not sure if Zanetta would investigate the climber on the garden wall you pointed out to her.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[But there was nothing else to do, for now.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
You hesitated. While you wanted to warn her about the potential security breach, you did not want her to prevent Felice from visiting you. You were more concerned about //other// trespassers.
]
(else:)[
You were a bit nervous about her reaction, learning that Felice had visited you again, escaping your guards’ vigilance.
]}<br /><br />
“Felice just came to talk to me,” you started carefully. “I followed them when they left and saw where they were able to sneak out of the garden.”<br /><br />
You described to her the section of the wall they climbed and the plant that offered them enough cover to leave unseen. Zanetta frowned as you explained.<br /><br />
“I know the place,” she replied slowly. “There are several weak points like this one in the garden and I did warn the guards to pay extra attention to them. Maybe a reminder is in order. But since Felice saw you, They’re not going to use this one again.”<br />
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“What about other people?”<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman nodded solemnly.<br /><br />
“I’ll have the guards make more rounds in the garden.”<br />
“Thank you, Zanetta,” you said with a breath of relief.<br />
She grinned. “Of course, it’s my job.”<br /><br />
You could see some unease in her expression, however. It looked like she was about to say something else but seemed to think better of it.<br /><br />
“I’ll take care of everything, go enjoy your birthday,” she said before returning to the kitchen.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Confident you had done everything you could to reinforce the mansion’s safety, you returned to your own occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“I was more concerned about other people using the same way to get in,” you admitted.<br /><br />
The Dwarven woman stared at you with an undecipherable expression.<br /><br />
“I’ll have the guards make more rounds in the garden.”<br />
You bristled. “I do not think that is necessary. If you could just tell them to pay more attention to…”<br />
“Which will be accomplished by having them do more rounds in the garden,” Zanetta interrupted, raising an unimpressed eyebrow at you.<br /><br />
You sighed, defeated. She was just making sure you were safe. It was the reasonable thing to do, you knew it. But more guards in the garden meant fewer chances to catch a private moment with your new friend.<br />
You heard Zanetta inhale deeply and you looked back at her. She was staring at you with a mix of sympathy and annoyance.<br /><br />
“I know you don’t like it, but you really should warn us when Felice visits. I’m not trying to punish you, I’m not even trying to stop you from seeing them, but if we could keep an eye on them when they come, it would be a lot safer. We have no idea what they want from you…”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">You sighed heavily. (link: "“Maybe you are right… But they saved my life, they cannot be bad, can they?”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "They cannot be bad")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
<div class="choice">You frowned right back at her. (link: "“They do not want anything beyond a friend.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "They just want a friend")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
]
(if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I know,” you admitted through tight lips. “It’s just… hard to say no to them when they saved my life.”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Hard to say no")
] (if: $shwotraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
]
(if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
<div class="choice">You started chewing on your lip, unable to reply. (link: "You knew she had a point, but you really did not want to stop seeing Felice, not with the way they made you feel.")[
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "Unable to reply")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</div>
]
<div class="choice">You shrugged. (link: "“I think you are worrying too much. They have been nothing but charming. I like them. I do not want a chaperone looming over us every time we see each other.”")[
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "I do not want a chaperone")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</div>
]}
]}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'There is a climber plant on the wall'))}
You roamed the main paved path and the smaller gravel trails in between plant beds, searching for a sign of Felice’s passage. You did not have high hopes and indeed, there was no clue as to what direction the Mer took once they disappeared behind the vegetation.
You did not see any other option than to circle around the whole garden to find any weak point in the outer wall. You doubted you could find anything, considering Zanetta and the guards she hired likely already checked the perimeter before establishing a surveillance strategy. Still, another pair of eyes could not hurt.
You spent a long time following the tall wall(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[, slowed as you were by your sprained ankle,] without much success. As high as it was, it was made of dry stone, giving the garden a quaint countryside feeling, if you ignored being in the middle of a sprawling underground city. It made the wall fairly easy to scale, you thought. But doing so would put you immediately in the field of view of the guards posted on the mansion’s balconies. The only part of the wall that was hidden from them was the one adjacent to the dock. But there was currently a guard on the other side, so it was not much of an option either.
You felt some frustration once you finished your inspection of the garden’s perimeter without finding any viable escape route. Felice had to have left //some way//. You decided to follow the garden’s wall once again.
This time around, you noticed a particularly large climber plant that was spilling over the wall on the northeastern edge of the garden. It was voluminous, with pale green leaves, and blooming with heavy purple flowers. You had not really paid attention to it earlier because this part of the path was still pretty visible from the balconies. But when you approached it, you realized that the plant was large enough that you could hide behind it. Furthermore, you could climb the whole height of the wall under its cover and stay unseen by the guards above. At least, it seemed that way.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You could test your theory and scale the wall under the cover of the climber.")[
(if: ((history:) contains "Climb the wall up to the tree") and ($MChobby is "none"))[
(set: $MChobby to "wall climbing")
(set: $martial to $martial + 1)
]
(go-to: "Climb that wall")
] (if: $showchallenge is 1)[(//martial prowess challenge//)]</div>
<div class="choice">You were pretty sure of yourself. (link: "It was just a matter of finding someone to warn about it.")[
(set: $warningsomeone to 1)
(go-to: "Warn someone")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You were confident you had found Felice’s exit route, but you decided to keep it for yourself for now.")[
(set: $warningsomeone to 0)
(go-to: "Warn someone")
]</div>}
You were nearly at the mansion when you ran into a familiar silhouette. Sir Mansoor was coming out of the house as you were about to enter it. {(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you" or "Zanetta will watch over you")[
<br />Ajmal had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. When he escorted you out of the mansion, he would wear an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings —, and a long black coat. But while he stayed here with you, he only wore a shirt like the silver-embroidered dark grey one he was wearing now, billowing pants tucked in black leather boots, and a brick red sash around his waist. And of course, he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the simple scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.
]}
The knight’s eyebrows were furrowed — a sign of his concern — until his gaze found you and lit up with relief.
“Oh! You are safe. Good,” he breathed out.
“Why would I not be safe?” You asked him with a raised eyebrow.
Ajmal linked his hands together, his fingers flexing nervously. “{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
Well, with your wound, I was afraid you might fall or…”<br /><br />
He swallowed before continuing: “Well, the truth is, there
]
(else:)[
I am sorry, it is just that… There
]} are too many blind spots in the garden and it makes me uncomfortable knowing you are there, alone, for an extended amount of time.”
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
You smiled reassuringly at him. “I am fine, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. Do not worry so much.”<br />
He smiled back. “My apologies. I am simply glad you are alright.”
]
(else:)[
You sighed. “I am fine, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. Your concern can be overbearing, at times.”<br />
He pursed his lips. “My apologies, $MCcovertitle. I am simply trying to perform my duty.”<br />
“I know,” you replied, your tone a little softer.
]}
You entered the main living room, Sir Mansoor following suit.
“Where are you headed, $MCcovertitle?”
“… My chambers,” you said after a moment of hesitation.
The knight nodded sagely. “You should probably rest, you rarely ever get free time to do so.”
Of course, resting was hardly what you had in mind. You wanted to observe the nearby buildings from your balcony. It was hardly the highest point of the mansion, but it should be enough for what you needed to do. And you would be given enough privacy to pursue your investigation without being questioned.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
“I should probably help you up the stairs, then,” Ajmal said, pulling you from your thoughts as you walked across the room.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“I think I can make it just fine,”->I can make it just fine]] you said, glancing down at the crutch you were leaning on.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I would appreciate it,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I would appreciate it")
] you acquiesced.</div>
]
(else:)[
“Would you like me to escort you up the stairs?” Ajmal asked, pulling you from your thoughts as you walked across the room.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“No, thank you,”->I can make it just fine]] you replied with a polite smile.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I would welcome the company,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "I would appreciate it")
] you acquiesced.</div>
]}
As you walked through the garden, leisurely following the curving path that led back to the house, you started to think of a strategy for how to approach your staff.
The problem was that you were their employer, even if you had little to do with their enrolment. It was unlikely that any of them would speak openly to you, for fear of losing their job. Most of them were there because they knew and trusted Zanetta in some way. If anyone could get them to talk, it was likely her. At least she would have more luck than you.
As you approached the arches of the main living room, you thought about how strange it felt to live in a house where you did not really know anyone. You were used to being surrounded by people who saw you grow up. People who almost felt like part of your family — especially after your parents’ passing, when you had no one but tutors and servants to rely on and confide in. Your uncle certainly did not have any interest in filling the gap, not even to offer an ear to your troubles.
Your lips thinned bitterly as you stepped into the mansion. It was a fault of his he extended to your people, it seemed, creating this situation in the first place.
You would rather not have to treat your staff with such suspicion, but you did not feel like you had much of a choice at this point.
As you walked through the living space, you crossed paths with a couple of servants who bowed their heads respectfully and you answered in kind. They were still the faces of strangers. And not only that, but they were part of a culture you were still learning the intricacies of. Not only would your status make communication difficult with them, but your own shortcomings could get in the way as well.
If you were to talk to someone about your suspicions, it would have to be someone you had already started building a rapport with.
{<div class="choice">[[Someone like Zanetta.->Someone like Zanetta]] Besides, she was the one who handpicked each member of your staff, so she had to be the one with the most expensive knowledge of every one of them.</div>
<div class="choice">[[Someone like Nuto.->Someone like Nuto]] Among all of the house staff, he was the one you spent the most of your time with. And he was surprisingly approachable.</div>
<div class="choice">[[Someone like Carla or Dolce, the cook, and the guard captain.->Someone like Dolce or Carla]] They were the first ones to be hired by Zanetta besides Nuto, so they had been the longest with you and they both had to interact with most of the staff on a regular basis.</div>}
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal" or "Crossbow with Zanetta")[
Now, that may not have been your smartest idea, considering your wound, but you were resolute to try anyway. You did not need to go that far up, just enough to confirm your hypothesis. Besides, you were confident in your abilities.
]
(else:)[
It was a bit of a silly idea, but you were not one to leave your hypothesis untested. You did not need to go too far up anyway, just enough to see if you were right. (if: $martial > 5)[Besides, you were confident in your abilities.]
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
You rested your crutch against the wall and hid behind the plant.
]
(else:)[
You walked up to the wall and hid behind the plant.
]}
Looking up toward the balconies, you had a hard time spotting the guards beyond the plant’s foliage which was a good sign they could not see you either. You turned to the wall, scanning its rough surface to find the best purchase. You grabbed the ones you found the most adequate and hoisted yourself up.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
With your bad ankle, you could only rely on one foot to push on the stones and progress up the wall. It meant your arms were taking the brunt of your weight. Fortunately, you had enough strength to climb about halfway up without waning.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "Crossbow with Zanetta")[
Your fingers were aching as soon as you put some pressure on them, and you realized you would have to rely on your three other limbs to push on the stones and progress up the wall. Your legs took the brunt of your weight without issue and you were able to make it two-thirds of the way without waning.
]
(else:)[
Your feet wedged themselves easily into the gaps of the wall and you pushed upwards. In a matter of seconds, you were halfway up. {(if: $martial > 5)[
You continued on, effortlessly scaling two-thirds of the wall.
]
(else:)[
You started feeling your limbs shake with the effort and the second half of the wall turned out harder to climb. Still, you continued on.
]}
]}
But at that moment, a familiar voice burst out, making your heart skip a beat. “W-what are you doing?!”
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
{(if: $martial > 8)[
For an instant, you are sure you are going to lose your grip and fall. The muscles in your arms tense, but your fingers hold on. You take a moment to inhale deeply and you glance over your shoulder to see Ajmal standing below you, gaping at you with his arms half-raised, surely to catch you in case you were to fall.<br /><br />
(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta will watch over you" or "Zanetta is coming with you")[Sir Mansoor had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. When he escorted you out of the mansion, he wore an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings —, and a long black coat. But while he stayed here with you, he would only wear a shirt like the silver-embroidered dark grey one he was wearing now, billowing pants tucked in black leather boots and a brick red sash around his waist. And of course, he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the simple scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.<br /><br />]
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}… You scared me.”<br />
The young man blinked at you several times before he answered: “M-my apologies, $MCcovertitle, but… What are you doing?!”<br /><br />
You started scaling down the dry stones.<br /><br />
“I was climbing the wall,” you stated simply as your valid foot hit the ground.<br /><br />
You took back your crutch and turned to face him.<br /><br />
“But… But your foot! You cannot just… start doing acrobatics in your state!”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You grinned at him. “I just did!”<br />
The knight blinked again. “I can see that… I guess… As long as you are not hurting…”<br /><br />He cast a skeptical glance at your ankle and you rolled your eyes.<br /><br />
“I am fine,” you assured him. “You are the one who trained me, remember?”<br />
His face turned a shade darker. “T-that is true.“<br /><br />
It was hard to tell if it was making him feel pride or shame. Maybe it was a mix of both.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I just did,” you pointed out, raising an eyebrow.<br />
“I-I can see that,” the knight fumbled. “I just… You are not hurting, are you?”<br />
You glanced down at your ankle and looked back at him. “Not any more than before.“<br />
“Alright… Good,” he replied, still looking uncertain.<br />
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Stop doubting my abilities. You are the one who trains me after all,” you grumbled at him.<br />
The knight blinked at you again and his face turned a shade darker. “T-that is true… I… As long as you are not hurting, that is all that matters.”<br />
“I am fine,” you reassured him, albeit in a short tone.<br /><br />
With the way he pursed his lips, it was hard to tell if he was proud or ashamed of the accomplishment. Maybe it was a bit of both.
]
(else:)[
You smiled at him. “I was very careful not to put any weight on it, I promise.”<br />
The knight sighed. “Well, as long as you are not hurting…”<br />
“I am fine, I swear,” you reassured him.<br />
]}<br/>
Ajmal glanced up at the wall from which you were hanging just a moment ago.<br /><br />
“But why did you decide to climb up there in the first place? With a sprained ankle of all things…”
]
(else:)[
The surprise made you lose your grip. Your muscles locked up, fingers clenching desperately, and nails scratching the crumbling stone. But when you used your wounded foot to catch yourself, pain shot through your leg and there was nothing you could do not to topple. You fell from the wall.<br /><br />
But instead of hitting the ground painfully, you were caught midair by strong arms wrapping around your waist, slamming you against the taught muscles of Sir Mansoor’s torso. The knight barely stumbled back and you both stayed in this awkward position for a few seconds, too stunned to move.<br /><br />
(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta will watch over you" or "Zanetta is coming with you")[He had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. When he escorted you out of the mansion, he wore an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings —, and a long black coat. But thankfully, while he stayed here with you, he would only wear a shirt like the silver-embroidered dark grey one he was wearing now, billowing pants tucked in black leather boots and a brick red sash around his waist. And of course, he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the simple scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.<br />
You do not think you would have liked landing on his breastplate.<br /><br />]
{(if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ((history:) contains "Carry me" or "❤ Carry me" or "❤ I... Hum..."))[
It seemed like it was your lucky day. For the second time, you found yourself in Ajmal’s arms. You turned your head to stare at him and he stared back, looking as shocked as you felt.
]
(else:)[
You turned your head to stare at Ajmal and he stared back, looking as shocked as you felt.
]}<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
But the moment passed quickly. The knight released you, letting you to your feet a little abruptly.<br /><br />
“What were you thinking?! Climbing up there with a sprained ankle…” He exclaimed, looking shaken.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
<br />You quickly recovered and smiled brightly at him, feeling warmth spreading in your chest. “Thank you for catching me.”
]
(else:)[
<br />An intense burning sensation was searing your cheeks. “Huh… Thank you.”
]}<br /><br />
The knight’s face was turning dark red at this point, but he seemed unable to stop looking at you.<br /><br />
“Hum… Of course, $MCcovertitle. Anytime,” he mumbled.<br /><br />
Blinking and shaking his head, he amended: “I mean, no, not anytime. What were you thinking, climbing up there with a sprained ankle?!”
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br />“Well… You really take your job quite seriously,” you commented with a half-grin.<br />
“Of course I do!” the knight grumbled at you.<br />
“Sorry,” you offered sheepishly.<br />
He sighed deeply. “It is alright, I suppose. As long as you are not hurt any further… What were you thinking, climbing up there in your state?!”<br /><br />
As he spoke, he let you gently to your feet.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />“Sorry,” you mumbled, embarrassed when you realized you must have looked quite foolish.<br />
The knight sighed deeply. “It is alright, as long as you did not hurt yourself further… What were you thinking, climbing up there with a sprained ankle?”<br /><br />
As he spoke, he let you gently to your feet.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You cleared your throat, doing your best to look as dignified as you could in the circumstances.<br /><br />
“Thank you. You can put me down, now,” you instructed the knight.<br /><br />
He blinked at you. Then he shook his head and let you to your feet.<br /><br />
“Oh! Of course! My apologies,” he fumbled.<br /><br />
But as you were dusting your clothes, he started frowning. “Wait a minute… What were you thinking, climbing up there with a sprained ankle?!”
]
(else:)[
<br />“I… I am so sorry!” You exclaimed, embarrassed by your thoughtlessness. “I really should not have been doing that.”<br />
“You can say that again,” the knight mumbled.<br /><br />
A relieved smile quickly came to light up his features, however. “But as long as you did not hurt yourself any further, it is quite alright, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
He frowned. “You did not hurt yourself any further, did you?”<br />
You shook your head and reassured him: “No I am alright, thanks to you.”<br />
“Good,” Ajmal replied, his smile coming back, a little more awkward than before. “But I do not understand what you were trying to accomplish…”<br /><br />
As he spoke, he let you gently to your feet.
]}
]}
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $martial > 7)[
The surprise made one of your feet slip out of its hold, but you managed to catch yourself and strengthen your grip on the dry stones. (if: (history:) contains "Crossbow with Zanetta")[Pain shot through your bruised fingers, but you still held on. ]You looked over your shoulder to see Sir Mansoor gape and blink up at you. The expression quickly turned into a slightly concerned frown.(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta will watch over you" or "Zanetta is coming with you")[
<br /><br />Ajmal had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. When he would escort you out of the mansion, he would wear an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings —, and a long black coat. But while he stayed here with you, he would only wear a shirt like the silver-embroidered dark grey one he was wearing now, billowing pants tucked in black leather boots and a brick red sash around his waist. And of course, he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the simple scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.
]<br /><br />
“Hum… $MCcovertitle?”<br />
“I was scaling the wall,” you finally answered while climbing down.<br /><br />
The knight watched your movements carefully, his arms half-raised, maybe to catch you in case you were to fall. It really was not necessary. Thanks to his training, your limbs were strong and agile enough for a little bit of climbing.<br /><br />
“Alright…” Ajmal said as your feet found solid ground. “But why?”
]
(else:)[
The surprise made one of your feet slip out of its hold and your grip on the wall faltered, your muscles locking up and your nails scratching at the crumbling stones — in vain. You toppled and fell backward. But instead of hitting hard ground, you were caught mid-air by two strong arms wrapping around your waist, slamming you against the taught muscles of Sir Mansoor’s torso.<br /><br />
(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta will watch over you" or "Zanetta is coming with you")[
He had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. When he escorted you out of the mansion, he wore an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings —, and a long black coat. But thankfully, while he stayed here with you, he would only wear a shirt like the silver-embroidered dark grey one he was wearing now, billowing pants tucked in black leather boots and a brick red sash around his waist. And of course, he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the simple scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.<br />
You do not think you would have liked landing on his breastplate.<br /><br />
]
You both stayed in this awkward position for a few seconds, too stunned to move. Turning your head to face the knight, you found him blinking and gaping at you.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
The moment did not last. The knight quickly let you to your feet and stepped away from you.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you mumbled, dusting your clothing.<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor nodded, too embarrassed to hold your gaze.<br /><br />
“What were you trying to do?” He asked.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
You had not planned to find yourself in Ajmal’s arms that day, but here you were, {(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
feeling a pleasant warmth spreading in your chest.
]
(else:)[
feeling like your face was catching fire.
]}<br /><br />
“I — I am so sorry!” He sputtered. “I surprised you, it was my fault!”<br /><br />
You realized that despite his embarrassment, he was still holding you firmly against himself and staring at you.<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
You smiled warmly. “It is alright. Thank you for catching me.”
]
(else:)[
“Hum… That is alright,“ you replied, unable to look away yourself. “Thank you… for catching me.”
]}<br />
“Of course, anytime,” he replied mechanically before blinking and shaking his head. “Huh, I do not mean that I wish you to fall off of walls anytime, I just mean… I will be there if you need me to catch you. If I am there. Please do not fall off of walls when I am not there?”<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
You chuckled.
]
(else:)[
You could not help but smile a little at his fumbling.
]}<br /><br />
“I will do my best,” you promised.<br /><br />
An awkward pause followed and the knight still had not put you down.<br /><br />
“Ajmal…” You started gently.<br />
“Huh right! I wanted to ask you… Why were you climbing the wall in the first place?”
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
You chuckled. You could not help but find the situation comical.<br /><br />
“Did you come running at the sound of me doing something stupid?”<br />
“No! No! I was just…” The knight started to protest vehemently.<br /><br />
But seeing your delighted smile, he frowned and grumbled: “Nevermind… You are making fun of me.”<br />
“And of myself,” you reassured him. “Thank you for catching me.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />“Thank you,” you mumbled, a little embarrassed.<br />
“Of course,” the knight replied with a smile. “I surprised you, it was my fault if you fell in the first place.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />“You scared me!” You grumbled at him, your embarrassment putting you on the defensive.<br />
“I… I know, I am sorry,” the knight replied sheepishly.
]
(else:)[
“I… I am so sorry, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}. I should have been more careful.”<br />
The knight shook his head vehemently. “No, it was my fault, I surprised you.”
]}<br /><br />
He let you gently to your feet and you adjusted your ruffled clothes.<br /><br />
“What were you trying to do, climbing that wall?”
]}
]}
]}
You should have expected the question, yet it caught you off guard.
{{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Felice came to visit me and I was curious to find out how they managed to escape the guards’ notice,”")[
(unless: $FeliceTrust < 0)[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
]
(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Ajmal knows about the climber'))
(go-to: "Felice came to visit")
] you admitted. (unless: $FeliceTrust < 0)[
(if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]
]</div>
(unless: $FeliceTrust < 0)[
<div class="choice">You did not want to mention Felice, knowing how Ajmal would react. (link: "“I just saw this plant and thought that it would make for a good cover if someone wanted to sneak in and out of the garden. I just wanted to test it out.”")[
(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Ajmal knows about the climber'))
(go-to: "Testing out a theory")
]</div>
]
]
(else:)[
<div class="choice">You could not mention Felice, so you had to figure something out. (link: "“I just saw this plant and thought it would make for a good cover if someone wanted to sneak in and out of the garden. I wanted to test it out.”")[
(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Ajmal knows about the climber'))
(go-to: "Testing out a theory")
]</div>
]}
<div class="choice">[[“I, huh… I just wanted to do a little bit of exercise,”->Just doing a little exercise]] you lied, not wanting to reveal your true intentions.</div>}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Ajmal knows about the climber'))}
You turned away from the wall and the plant crawling along its height. It only took you a couple of steps to realize someone was coming your way.
Sir Mansoor met you on the path, his long legs crossing the distance in a few seconds. His expression was one of relief. {(if: (history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you" or "Zanetta will watch over you")[
<br /><br />Ajmal had swapped his shiny golden uniform a while ago now for a much more muted and simpler outfit, although still of decent make. If he was to be a mercenary, he had to be a well-payed one. When he escorted you out of the mansion, he would wear an iron breastplate, similar in shape to his original one — albeit without the intricate engravings —, and a long black coat. But while he stayed here with you, he only wore a shirt like the silver-embroidered dark grey one he was wearing now, billowing pants tucked in black leather boots and a brick red sash around his waist. And of course, he did not go anywhere without his leather belt and the simple scimitar hanging at his hip in its sheath.
]}
“Thank the Gods, you are alright,” he breathed out.
“Why would I not be alright?” You asked him with a slight frown.
The young knight paused, blinking at you as if taken aback by your question.
He shuffled on his feet awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well… You went into the garden a while ago now and since no one has seen you for such a long time… I was a bit concerned, that is all.”
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
“I appreciate you worrying about me,” you replied with a smile. “But that was not necessary. I am safe, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”
]
(else:)[
You sighed. “I am safe, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. You did not have to worry.”
]}
“I know, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal responded, looking abashed. “My apologies. I just had to make sure.”
{(if: $warningsomeone is 1)[
Now that he was here, however, you realized you did not have to hunt him down to tell him about your discovery. You looked over your shoulder at the climber you were walking away from and back at him.<br /><br />
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Actually, I wanted to tell you something,” you started. “Felice visited me today and I was curious how they sneaked in and out of the garden, so I looked for weak points in the outer wall.”")[
(unless: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
]
(go-to: "Felice came to visit")
] (unless: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
(if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]
]</div>
(unless: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
<div class="choice">You knew how the knight would react if you mentioned Felice, so you opted not to talk about them.<br />
[[“Actually, there is something I wanted to tell you. I just noticed this plant over there…” You started, pointing backward. “And I thought it could be a good place for someone to sneak in or out of the garden.”->Testing out a theory]]</div>
]
]
(else:)[
<div class="choice">You had to figure out a way to explain this without revealing Felice’s existence.<br />
[[“Actually, there is something I wanted to show you. I just noticed this plant over there…” You started, pointing backward. “And I thought it could be a good place for someone to sneak in and out of the garden.”->Testing out a theory]]</div>
]}
]
(else:)[
He adjusted his sash and cleared his throat.<br /><br />
“Do you want me to accompany you back to the house?” He asked you, with a tilt of his head.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">(link: "“Please,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1
(go-to: "Accompanied by Ajmal")
] you answered gratefully.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“No, thank you, I can make it on my own,”->Going back on your own]] you replied.</div>
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Climb that wall")[
“Felice came to visit me and I was curious to find out how they managed to escape the guards’ notice,” you admitted.
]
(else:)[
“Actually, I wanted to tell you something,” you started. “Felice visited me today and I was curious how they sneaked in and out of the garden, so I looked for weak points in the outer wall.”
]}
Ajmal’s expression darkened instantly.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“Again? I thought you had told them not to come anymore.”<br />
“I did. Well, I told them that the clandestine visits made me uncomfortable and they have respected my wishes for the most part but… I guess they wanted to see me one last time and wish me a happy birthday.”<br />
The knight’s frown deepened. “You told them it was your birthday today?”<br /><br />
You hesitated. Did you? The same unease that came over you when Felice mentioned they did not forget that kind of detail came back.<br /><br />
“I do not remember,” you confessed.<br />
Sir Mansoor seemed to notice your discomfort and sighed. “It is not that important, I suppose, but I truly hope this is the last time they show up unannounced.”<br />
“I think it is,” you reassured him. “They said they would not bother me anymore.”<br />
“If they do come back… Please call for aid?”<br /><br />
The knight looked at you pleadingly, the worry in his eyes impossible to miss.<br /><br />
You nodded. “I will.”<br /><br />
He smiled faintly at you, his concerns assuaged.<br />
(display: "Felice came to visit (2)")
]
(else:)[
“Again? I really wish you would warn someone when they show up. What if they hurt you and I… We are too late?”<br /><br />
He looked at you pleadingly, the worry in his eyes impossible to miss. It was easier to dismiss it coming from someone else who might not look as earnest, but the young knight always wore his heart on his sleeve.<br /><br />
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
<div class="choice">Still, all this suspicion was becoming tiring. You trusted Felice, why could no one respect your judgment?<br />
(link: "“They will not hurt me, trust me,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "They will not hurt me")
] you replied firmly. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
]
<div class="choice">You did not think Felice was as dangerous as everyone made them out to be, but they did not know them as you did… So you understood Ajmal’s concerns and you did feel a bit of guilt over the stress it was causing him.<br />
(link: "“I am sorry, I… Would it reassure you if you met them?”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Would meeting them help?")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
(if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
<div class="choice">You knew Ajmal — and everyone else — was right to be so suspicious of Felice. You had your own doubts after all. Still, the Mer’s visits were breaking your isolation and loneliness and it was hard to put a stop to them.<br />
(link: "“I… I know,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Right to be suspicious")
] you answered quietly, your throat going dry. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
]
(if: $FeliceRomance is 1)[
<div class="choice">It was painful. You liked Felice and seeing everyone so wary of them was… unpleasant.<br />
(link: "“I do not think they would ever hurt me, I… I really have a good feeling about them,”")[
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "A good feeling about them")
] you replied quietly. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You rolled your eyes. It seemed you would have to make things a little clearer for everyone if you wanted them to stop pestering you about Felice.<br />
(link: "“We are just flirting a little, it is nothing life-threatening.”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance > 1)[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
]
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "We are just flirting")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</div>
]}
]}
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
{(if: (history:) contains "Climb that wall")[
You did not want to mention Felice, knowing how Ajmal would react. “I just saw this plant and thought that it would make for a good cover if someone wanted to sneak in and out of the garden. I just wanted to test it out.”
]
(else:)[
“Actually, there is something I wanted to tell you. I just noticed this plant over there…” You started, pointing backward. “And I thought it could be a good place for someone to sneak in or out of the garden.”
]}<br />
“Someone like Felice,” the knight replied without missing a beat, a frown starting to form on his brow.<br /><br />
You sometimes forgot how intelligent Sir Mansoor could be. He was always good at thinking on his feet.<br /><br />
“Or anyone else, really,” you said in a desperate attempt to lead him off track.<br />
“But as far as we know, they are the only one to have been doing this,” Ajmal pointed out, looking at you with an unescapable keenness.<br />
You sighed. “I am not concerned about them.” {(if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
<br /><br />It was not entirely true, but you did not want to admit that just yet.<br />
]}<br />
“I think you should at least be on your guard,” the knight murmured, his expression going back to a worried one. “We know so little about them…”<br />
“I know they mean well. They saved my life, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}. Have you forgotten?”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
The young knight stared at you with an unexpected intensity.
]
(else:)[
The young knight’s gaze was determined when he looked at you.
]}<br /><br />
“I could never,” he said, his voice low but firm.<br /><br />
You swallowed and glanced away, unable to look him in the eye. You did not know anyone more dutiful than him and his duty was to make sure you were safe. The fact that a stranger saved you from a deadly danger when he could not must bring forth complicated feelings for him.<br /><br />
“Then why are you so hung up about them visiting me?” You asked nonetheless.<br />
“It is the secrecy that I do not understand. I just wish we could at least meet them if they are that important to you.”<br /><br />
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
You understood his suspicions more than you could say. You had your own concerns about Felice, but you feared that revealing them would encourage Ajmal — and Lady Domara — to put an end to your budding friendship. Yet how could you argue such a reasonable request?
]
(else:)[
As much as you disliked the suspicion with which everyone was acting when talking about Felice, you had to admit Ajmal had a reasonable point. You suspected he had more resentment towards the Mer than he let on, but more than anyone else, he respected your judgment.
]}<br /><br />
“Maybe that can be arranged…” You murmured reluctantly.<br /><br />
If it could keep the peace, maybe it was for the best. The knight smiled at you.<br /><br />
“I would really appreciate it, $MCcovertitle.” (if: (history:) contains "Climb that wall")[
<br /><br />He glanced towards the direction you pointed at earlier before looking back at you. “Could you show me the place you were talking about?”<br /><br />
You guided him towards the voluminous climber.<br /><br />
“I do appreciate you warning me about this potential breach…” The young knight said hesitantly. “Anyone with ill-intent could use it.”<br /><br />
You were grateful he did not mention Felice this time and you exchanged a faint smile with him.
]
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "Climb that wall")[
You could not mention Felice, so you had to figure something out. “I just saw this plant and thought it would make for a good cover if someone wanted to sneak in and out of the garden. I wanted to test it out.”<br />
“Someone?” The knight asked, and you realized your mistake when worry dug deep lines on his brow. “You… Do you plan on sneaking out?”<br />
“No, no, of course not!” You quickly reassured him.<br />
It seemed to ease some of his tension. “Why the sudden concern then?”<br /><br />
He was still frowning but looked more confused than troubled.<br /><br />
“I… It was just a thought I had,” you answered, feeling uncomfortable as you lied to him. “I wanted to let you know, in case you wanted to take some extra measures to protect the house.”<br />
Ajmal’s expression relaxed into a smile. “That was a good call.”<br /><br />
He looked at the wall before adding: “Although I am not sure it was necessary to go so far as to test your theory.”<br />
You smiled faintly at him. “I like to be thorough.”<br /><br />
It made him chuckle and you were reassured he would not question your intentions any further. It did nothing to alleviate any guilt you might feel, however.
]
(else:)[
“Actually, there is something I wanted to show you. I just noticed this plant over there…” You started, pointing backward. “And I thought it could be a good place for someone to sneak in and out of the garden.”<br />
The knight frowned and glanced in the direction you pointed at. “You worry this might be a security issue?”<br />
“It could be,” you replied hesitantly while you guided him towards the voluminous climber.<br /><br />
Fortunately, Ajmal was trusting enough that he could not see through your half-truths. It was both relieving and guilt-inducing.<br /><br />
He smiled at you. “That is excellent thinking. Thank you for warning me.”
]}
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1 and (history:) contains "Climb that wall" and ($martial < 8 or ($martial < 9 and (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")))[
Quiet filled the air and the silence soon turned uneasy. You cleared your throat.<br /><br />
“Ajmal…” You called softly.<br />
He tilted his head to the side, apparently unaware of your respective positions. “Yes, $MCcovertitle?”<br />
“You are still holding me…”<br /><br />
The knight blinked at you.<br /><br />
“Oh! Oh yes, you are… correct. I am so sorry, I…”<br /><br / >
He finally let you to your feet, stepping awkwardly away from you.<br /><br />
“My apologies,” he mumbled, red-faced and looking anywhere but at you.<br />
“It is alright,” {(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
you replied with a fond smile.
]
(else:)[
you whispered back, your own face turning warm.
]}<br /><br />
]}His attention returned to the wall and his eyes narrowed as he examined the climber and the dry stones. He walked up to it, resting a hand on the structure and glancing up at the mansion.
“It looks like you are right. Someone could climb up and down this section of the wall unseen… As long as they find the cover of the garden’s vegetation quickly enough after that.”
He looked back at you. “Maybe we can get someone to trim the plant… Or organize more patrols in the garden.”
“I am not certain we have hired enough guards for more rounds,” you pointed out.
The knight nodded. “Then trimming the plant would be the more practical solution.”
You looked at the large climber and its numerous purple flowers and you could not help but feel disappointment.
“But it is such a beautiful plant…”
Ajmal followed your gaze and his expression turned sheepish. “That is… true. I will talk to Miss Calvio. Maybe there is an alternative.”
He tried to suppress a grimace when he mentioned the spymaster, but it did not escape you. It was an expression you were becoming familiar with.
“Do you want me to accompany you back to the house?” He asked you, with a tilt of his head.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Please,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Accompanied by Ajmal")
] you answered gratefully.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“No, thank you, I can make it on my own,”->Going back on your own]] you replied.</div>}
“I, huh… I just wanted to do a little bit of exercise,” you lied, not wanting to reveal your true intentions.
{(if: $martial > 7)[
The knight blinked slowly at you and you started to realize your mistake.<br /><br />
“Exercising? I…” He started, looking baffled. “Do you not think you have done enough exercising for the day?”<br />
(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
<br />He looked down at your bandaged ankle.<br /><br />
“Actually, make that for the next two weeks,” he added with a frown.<br />
]
“Well…” You bit your lip, trying to figure a way to turn your lie around. “It is more that I wanted to pick a flower from that plant. I— I just thought they were beautiful.”<br /><br />
You pointed at the climber and Ajmal looked at it. (if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1 and (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal" and $martial < 9)[
He finally let you to your feet, gently releasing his grip around your waist.
]Then he walked toward the voluminous plant and reached up, snapping a flower from its branch. Turning back to you, he offered the purple blossom to you.<br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
<br />“You only had to find me and I would have done it for you,” Sir Mansoor said softly, a slight frown still on his brow. “There was no need for you {(unless: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
to strain yourself
]
(else:)[
to endanger yourself
]}.”<br /><br />
You took the flower, trying not to put too much meaning behind the gesture, but your heartbeat was racing nonetheless.<br /><br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
“Thank you,” you murmured, unable to say anything else.
]
(else:)[
“Thank you,” you said with a fond smile.
]}<br /><br />
Ajmal looked between you and the flower, something giving him pause. His hand finally dropped to his side after an awkward moment of being frozen in place<br /><br />
“Hum… Of course,” he mumbled back, looking to the side.<br /><br />
The knight adjusted his sash and cleared his throat in an attempt to compose himself.<br />
]
(else-if: $MansoorFriendship > 0 or $MansoorAffection > 6)[
You took the flower.<br /><br />
{(if: $MCsize is "tall")[
“I guess I did not really need to climb…” You mumbled, embarrassed by your poorly chosen lie.<br />
“No, you really did not,” Ajmal replied with a lopsided grin.<br /><br />
As bad as your deception was, at least the knight seemed to buy it. It only made you feel guiltier, abusing such an easily given trust.
]
(else:)[
“You do not have to rub in my face how much taller you are, you know,” you mumbled.<br />
Ajmal laughed. “My apologies, I was merely trying to help.”<br /><br />
You forced a smile. The lie was not a good one, but it seemed that the knight bought it anyway. Which only made you feel guiltier, abusing such an easily given trust.
]}<br /><br />
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”<br />
“Of course,” he replied with a softer smile.
]<br />
(else:)[
You took the flower {(if: $MCsize is "tall")[
and felt quite stupid. This was a terrible lie. It was very obvious you had no need to climb to get a flower yourself.
]
(else:)[
and felt a bit awkward. It was not your best lie. Still, you did not see why Sir Mansoor felt the need to show off how much taller he was.
]}<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you mumbled.<br />
“Of course, $MCcovertitle,” Sir Mansoor said with a nod. “But you could have asked me to do it for you. There was no need for you {(unless: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
to strain yourself like this
]
(else:)[
to endanger yourself like this
]}.”<br />
“I… I will remember it next time,” you replied with unease.<br /><br />
Fortunately, it seemed the knight was taking your awkwardness for embarrassment and he did not object to your blatant lie.<br />
]}
]
(else-if: $guile > 7 and ((history:) contains "Sir Mansoor is coming with you" and "Climb the wall up to the tree"))[
The knight blinked at you owlishly.<br /><br />
“… But you already climbed a wall today,” he remarked, looking utterly baffled.<br />
“Huh… I did…” You realized out loud.<br /><br />
Your already weak lie was now falling apart at the seams. You had to salvage it while you still could.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Maybe I developed a taste for it,” you said with a shaky grin, hoping it would be convincing enough.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I just wanted to do it again,” you said, unable to come up with anything else.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I just wanted to climb the wall, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}, there is no need to make it more than what it is,” you grumbled, hoping to convince him to drop the subject.
]
(else:)[
“I guess I enjoyed it more than I thought,” you said with a faint smile, hoping it would be convincing enough.
]}<br />
“Alright,” he replied, still looking confused. “Just, huh… Be careful if you want to try that again? Better yet, please do so when you are not alone.”<br />
“I will keep that in mind,” you assured him, relieved that he did not question you any further.<br /><br />
It was nothing short of a miracle, really, considering the sad excuse you had provided. (if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
It only made you feel guiltier, to take advantage of the knight’s trust in such a way.
]
(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
<br /><br />A moment passed, the silence between you growing awkward.<br /><br />
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}…” You called him gently after clearing your throat.<br />
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle)?” The knight responded, seemingly oblivious to the current situation.<br />
“You are still holding me,” you pointed out.<br /><br />
He stared at you with widening eyes.<br /><br />
“Oh!”<br /><br />
Finally letting you to your feet, he stepped away clumsily.<br /><br />
“I am so sorry!” Ajmal exclaimed, his ears turning dark red.<br />
“It is alright,” {(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
you mumbled, face hot
]
(else:)[
you reassured him with a fond smile
]}.<br /><br />
He adjusted his sash in a clear effort to recompose himself.
]<br />
]
(else:)[
The knight blinked at you, clearly not expecting this answer. For a good reason: it was not a good lie at all.<br /><br />
“Oh. Alright…”<br /><br />
Despite that, he readily accepted your explanation. (if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
You felt a little guilty taking advantage of his trust in such a way.
]<br /><br />
“You could have asked me,” he added with a frown. “If you want to exercise I can find something less dangerous for you to do. At the very least, try not to be alone next time. I would hate it if you hurt yourself and no one was there to help you.”<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
You nearly melted in his arms at his concern.<br /><br />
“I will keep that in mind, thank you {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” {(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
you murmured, your face hot
]
(else:)[
you said softly, smiling at him
]}.<br />
“Of course,” the knight whispered back, a gentle breath caressing your face.<br /><br />
Unfortunately, your affectionate feelings toward the knight did nothing to alleviate your guilt, on the contrary.<br />
A moment passed, unease settling in the quiet.<br /><br />
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}…” You called after clearing your throat.<br />
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle)?” He replied, seemingly oblivious to the situation.<br />
“You are still holding me…”<br />
“Oh!“<br /><br />
The realization made his face turn dark red and he finally let you to your feet, his arms gently releasing their grip around your waist as he awkwardly stepped away from you.<br /><br />
“I am so sorry!”<br />
“It is alright,” you reassured him.<br /><br />
He adjusted his sash, looking anywhere but at you, in an attempt to compose himself.<br />
]
(else-if: $MansoorFriendship > 0 or $MansoorAffection > 6)[
His concern was endearing and you found yourself smiling softly at him. But at the same time, it was not doing anything to alleviate your guilt.<br /><br />
“I will keep that in mind,” you replied, pushing away the uneasy feeling. “Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”<br />
He nodded, smiling back. “Of course. You know you can rely on me.”<br />
You avoided his gaze, too kind to bear. “I do.”
]
(else:)[
You were relieved he did not question you any further, at least, and you let a soft breath out.<br /><br />
“I will keep that in mind,” you replied with a smile. “Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”<br /><br />
The knight nodded, looking more relaxed himself.<br />
]}
]}
“Do you want me to accompany you back to the house?” He asked you, with a tilt of his head.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Please,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Accompanied by Ajmal")
] you answered gratefully.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“No, thank you, I can make it on my own,”->Going back on your own]] you replied.</div>}
“They will not hurt me, trust me,” you replied firmly.
The knight searched your eyes, but all he would find was your resolve. You did not have a doubt in your mind.
“I want to believe you, I really do,” Sir Mansoor said. “But why do they have to see you in secret every time? I think all of us would feel a lot better if only we could meet them.”
You sighed. You would argue more with him, but the request was too reasonable to fight against it.
“Alright,” you replied. “I will consider talking to them about it.”
Ajmal smiled, perking up. “Thank you, I really appreciate it.”
“That does not mean they will agree…” You warned him.
He nodded, eager to take that small victory. But if Felice refused, you were not certain the knight would simply leave the matter alone.
(display: "Felice came to visit (2)")
“I am sorry, I… Would it reassure you if you met them?”
“It would certainly help, $MCcovertitle,” the knight replied, perking up with a hopeful look in his eyes.
“I will talk to them about it, then,” you said, nodding decidedly.
Sir Mansoor smiled, seeming so genuinely relieved that you felt yourself relax as well. “That is all I ask, thank you.”
Hopefully, if Ajmal and everyone else met Felice, they would finally understand that Felice was not the questionable character they made them out to be, and see them for the amicable Merperson you saw them as.
(display: "Felice came to visit (2)")
“I… I know,” you answered quietly, your throat going dry.
“Then why are you not doing as I say?” The knight asked looking utterly confused.
You took a long steadying breath. Of course, you had to explain yourself. But it was hard to admit that you were giving in to your feelings rather than listening to your reason. It went against everything you had been taught after all.
At least, if someone was more likely to offer a compassionate ear, it was Sir Mansoor.
“I do not want to scare Felice off. I have been… craving company. And Felice is… They’re the same age as me, and they are not working for me. With them, I can talk about anything that is not lessons or safety or the revolt or…”
You stopped yourself, feeling overwhelmed just at the thought of it all, all the responsibilities and duties that accompanied every moment of your days. You met Ajmal’s eyes and you saw unrestrained sadness in them.
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -1) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
“I… But…” He stammered and you feared he was about to choke up. “I— I thought…”<br /><br />
It took everything you had to not reach up and cup his cheek.<br /><br />
“What is wrong?” You asked softly.<br /><br />
He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and taking a moment to calm himself.<br /><br />
“Nothing, I… I would offer myself as a conversation partner if you need one, but… I understand if it is not something you are comfortable with.”<br />
“Ajmal, that is not…” You started, feeling instantly regretful.<br />
“It is alright, there is no need to justify yourself,” the knight stopped you, attempting a faint smile. “I know our relationship cannot be as simple as it used to.”<br /><br />
As simple as it used to be… You used to be friends. But now everything was complicated. You felt incredibly foolish. You should not have said anything. Now, this sharp pain was piercing your chest.<br />
An awkward silence settled between you.
]
(else-if: $MansoorFriendship > 0)[
“But… Why would you not come to me if you are lonely?” He asked so innocently that your heart sank in your chest. “I thought we were friends…”<br />
“We are!” You were quick to reassure him. “But you are also my guard… And my teacher now. And we both always have so much work to do, all the time…”<br />
“I… I think I understand…”<br /><br />
Despite his acknowledgment, he still looked very disappointed and you felt like a fool.<br /><br />
“Then if they are that beneficial to you…” Ajmal said after an awkward pause. “Surely a compromise could be reached? I am certain that I could trust them more easily if only I could meet them.”<br /><br />
You sighed. The request was too reasonable for you to argue.<br /><br />
“I will talk to them,” you relented.<br />
The knight perked up, a hopeful look in his eyes. “That is all I ask, thank you, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
He was eager to take that small victory, but you knew that, if Felice were to refuse, it was unlikely that Sir Mansoor would leave the matter be.
]
(else:)[
“I see… I think I understand,” he said and you saw his throat bob up and down. “ I am sorry you are feeling that way… But surely a compromise can be reached? If you only let us meet them, it would be easier to give them our trust…”<br /><br />
You sighed. It was hard to argue with such a reasonable request.<br /><br />
“I guess I can talk to them, see if they would be willing to do that…” You answered reluctantly.<br />
The knight offered you a sheepish smile. “I would greatly appreciate.”<br /><br />
You did not think it would cost anything to bring up the subject with Felice, and it seemed to content the knight for the moment. But if the Mer refused, you were not sure he would leave the matter be…
]}
(display: "Felice came to visit (2)")
“I do not think they would ever hurt me, I… I really have a good feeling about them,” you replied quietly.
The knight sighed. “I want to believe that, I truly do. But how can I when I have never even met them? When they keep seeking your company in secret?”
You were not sure what to say.
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -1) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
“Do you not trust me too?” He whispered after a heavy pause, as if he barely dared to ask.<br /><br />
You swallowed painfully. Confronting your budding feelings for Felice to the deep-rooted ones you had for Ajmal was not something you really wanted to do right now.<br /><br />
“Of course I do,” you murmured back. “I have trusted you with my life for years.”<br />
{(unless: (history:) contains "Climb that wall" and (((history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal" and $martial < 9) or ($martial < 8)))[
He stepped forward, your reassurance giving him confidence, and his hands rested gently on your shoulders while he stared intently into your eyes.
]
(else:)[
You felt his arms tightening around you, hugging you softly against him, while he stared intently into your eyes with renewed confidence.
]} “Then trust me when I urge you to be prudent.”<br /><br />
Your heart started racing. You wish you could be indifferent to Ajmal’s soft plea, but it was impossible, no matter how enticing Felice was.<br />
Then again, how could you resist the Mer when you heard their sweet compliments and felt their lips brushing your hand? Was it something you could ever have with Sir Mansoor?
]
(else:)[
“Please, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal urged you. “You have to be prudent. You know the situation makes it a necessity, I would not dare question your heart in any other circumstances.”<br /><br />
You knew he was right. You knew it. And yet, it was hard to even think of restricting your encounters with Felice when their sweet compliments made your heart feel so light and when their lips brushing your hand made it flutter.
]}
“I… I will talk to them, maybe convince them to meet everyone?” You answered after a long moment of hesitation.
The knight smiled and the relief in his voice made you relax as well. “Thank you, that is all I ask.”
//For now//, you could not help but think. But if Felice refused, would Ajmal leave the matter be? And even if they agreed, would you still be allowed your private moments with them? Nothing was less certain.
(display: "Felice came to visit (2)"){(unless: $MansoorOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $MansoorOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
“We are just flirting a little, it is nothing life-threatening.”
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -1) and ($MansoorRomance > 1))[
You realized too late who you had just said that to. Ajmal’s face turned ashen. {(unless: (history:) contains "Climb that wall" and (((history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal" and $martial < 9) or ($martial < 8)))[
He stayed frozen for a worryingly long time until he took an awkward step away from you, looking everywhere but at you.
]
(else:)[
He stayed frozen for a worryingly long time until the fact that he was still holding you in his arms finally caught up with him. He let you to your feet, gently, before stepping awkwardly away from you, looking everywhere but at you.
]}<br /><br />
“I… I see,” he said, his voice wavering. “It makes sense… Why you would… It makes sense.”<br /><br />
You were not sure what he was trying to say, but it did not matter. All that matters was his obvious pain.<br /><br />
“Ajmal, I…”<br />
“No, no. It is alright, I understand, I just…” He offered you a tight smile and when his eyes met yours, shortly, they were shining under the city’s lights. “We should talk about it, but later. I— I need to go.”<br /><br />
He turned around so fast, his long legs striding away from you at such speed, that there was nothing you could do to stop him. You felt some guilt gripping your throat.<br />
But you had confessed your feelings to the knight months ago and he did not return them. He could not blame you for seeking companionship with someone else. And you suspected he did not.<br /><br />
Yet he was hurt. And it left a bitter taste on your tongue.<br /><br />
There was nothing to be done about it. You went back to the mansion, trying to find something to occupy your mind for the rest of the day.<br />
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
]
(else-if: ($MansoorTrust > -1) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
You watched as the knight’s expression fell.<br /><br />
“Oh.”<br /><br />
{(unless: (history:) contains "Climb that wall" and (((history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal" and $martial < 9) or ($martial < 8)))[
He stepped awkwardly away from you, looking everywhere but at you.
]
(else:)[
He seemed to realize he was still holding you in his arms and he let you gently to your feet, before stepping awkwardly away from you.
]}<br /><br />
“I… I did not know you two were…” He started uneasily and you were not certain what was unsettling him. “Alright. That… That makes sense, actually. Hum…”<br /><br />
He seemed lost in thought for a long moment and you were quite baffled. Sure, your feelings for him had grown past friendship over the years, but you never admitted to anything. It was not like any future with him had ever been presented to you as a possibility.<br />
But right now, Ajmal’s confusion looked a lot like pain.<br /><br />
“Ajmal?” You called him softly.<br /><br />
He finally looked back to you, blinking owlishly.<br /><br />
“I…” He started before swallowing thickly. “I need to… go. We… should talk about it another time.”<br /><br />
With that, he turned around and left, his long legs striding away from you so fast there was nothing you could do to stop him. This unexpected reaction left you feeling unbalanced as if teetering on a tightrope.<br /><br />
You returned to the mansion and tried to busy yourself to bury the sensation.<br />
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
]
(else:)[
The knight blinked owlishly at you.<br /><br />
“You… are flirting with them?” He asked.<br />
You shrugged. “Well, they are flirting with me, so I flirt back. What is wrong with that?”<br />
Ajmal frowned. “You know what is wrong with that, I should think. You are not supposed to… Well, marriage in the- in your family is synonymous with political alliance. I do not think this Felice, whoever they really are, fits the bill.”<br /><br />
Regardless of your feelings about who you should marry or not, you could not help but laugh.<br /><br />
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]}! We are flirting. That does not mean we are planning to get married in any way,” you pointed out, still snickering.<br />
“Oh,” the young knight said, his face darkening. “I-I guess not. My apologies.”<br /><br />
You chuckled and he looked away awkwardly.<br />
(display: "Felice came to visit (2)")
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Climb that wall" and $MansoorTrust > -1 and $MansoorRomance > 0 and ($martial < 8 or ((history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal" and $martial < 9)))[
“Hum… Ajmal?” You called gently.<br />
“Yes?”<br />
“You… You are still holding me,” you said, feeling a little embarrassed to have to bring it up.<br />
“Oh! By the Gods I am so sorry!” the knight exclaimed, finally letting you to your feet, releasing his firm grip around you. He stepped away, looking everywhere but at you, his face flushed.<br />
“Thank you,” {(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[you murmured, your own cheeks turning warm.](else:)[you replied with a fond smile.]}<br />
]}“Anyway,” Ajmal spoke again after clearing his throat. “You said you were trying to find out how Felice escaped?”
You nodded and {(if: (history:) contains "Climb that wall")[
looked up at the wall you had just tried to climb.
]
(else:)[
guided him back toward the voluminous climber.
]} “There is no way for me to be certain but… This section of the wall could be climbed without being noticed by the guards on the balconies, thanks to the cover of that plant.”
The knight turned his gaze to the wall and examined it with a frown.
“Huh. I think you are right. I will see to it that something is done about it. Maybe the plant can be trimmed to clear out the view. Or we could organize more patrols in the garden.”
“I do not know if Zanetta hired enough guards to make more rounds…” You argued.
“Then trimming the plant would be the most practical solution.“
You looked at the climber and its lush purple flowers.
“But it looks so beautiful,” you murmured, unable to hide your disappointment.
“That is true,” Sir Mansoor replied, sounding abashed.
You both looked at the plant in silence for a moment.
“Maybe we can find another solution,” the knight concluded, turning back to you. “I will talk with Miss Calvio about it.“
He tried to suppress a grimace but it did not escape your notice. It was an expression you saw often when he mentioned the spymaster.
“Do you want me to accompany you back to the house?” He asked you, with a tilt of his head.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Please,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
(go-to: "Accompanied by Ajmal")
] you answered gratefully.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“No, thank you, I can make it on my own,”->Going back on your own]] you replied.</div>}
“Please,” you answered gratefully.
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1 and $MansoorRomance > 0)[
The knight smiled softly at you and offered his arm. You took it gladly and he guided you back to the villa where you parted ways.
]
(else:)[
You walked together back to the villa at a leisurely pace and parted ways when you reached your destination.
]}
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
The knight bowed gracefully before parting ways with you. You returned to the villa at your own pace and went back to your daily occupations.
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
“I think I can make it just fine,” you said, glancing down at the crutch you were leaning on.<br />
The knight frowned. “If you are certain…”<br />
“I am,” you stated firmly as you headed towards the foyer’s staircase.<br /><br />
Still, he followed you all the way there and you could feel his eyes boring into your back as you hobbled up the stairs. It was a long and awkward process, and maybe Sir Mansoor’s help would have made the trip a lot smoother, but you reached the landing without incident. You heard the knight’s steps fading away in the hall beneath you once he was sure you had made it safely.<br /><br />
You shook your head(if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[, a lopsided smile pulling at your lips,] and opened your antechamber’s doors.
]
(else:)[
“No, thank you,” you replied with a polite smile.<br /><br />
The knight bowed his head respectfully before walking away.<br />
Once you reached the foyer, you quickly climbed up the stairs and opened your antechamber’s doors.
]}
(display: "Without Ajmal")
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
“I would appreciate it,” you acquiesced.<br /><br />
The young knight nodded with deference and accompanied you through the foyer, to the bottom of the stairs. Once there, he looked at you, then at your crutch, unsure of how to proceed.<br /><br />
“How do you want to… Oh!”<br /><br />
You had already started climbing the first step, reaching for his shoulder to lean your weight on him, as well as the crutch. Ajmal rushed to follow suit and help support you.<br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
His hand pressed tentatively against your back to stabilize you as you progressed slowly up the stairs.
]
(else:)[
He grabbed your waist, nearly lifting your entire body one step after the other without you having to put much effort into it.
]}<br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1 and $mainflirt is "reserved")[
A familiar warmth started creeping up your neck. You glanced timidly at him.<br /><br />
“Hum… You can carry me again. If that is more convenient for you, of course,” you fumbled, biting your lip as soon as you closed your mouth.<br /><br />
The knight stopped in the middle of the stairs, staring at you, his mouth open.<br /><br />
“Right! Of course!” He responded after blinking out of his trance.<br /><br />
And just as easily as he did before, he slid an arm under your knees and lifted you up, holding you to his chest. Something about being in his arms like this made you want to curl up and lean on him. It felt warm and soft, and you would lie if you said it had nothing to do with why you asked him to carry you. You refrained from doing anything of the sort, of course. The very idea was enough to make your skin burn. But fortunately, the climb was a short one.<br /><br />
Soon you were on your feet again, Sir Mansoor letting you go as delicately as if the smallest shock could break you. Or as if he was as reluctant to part from you as you were from him.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
You felt warmth spread through your body from where his hand laid on your waist. Almost instinctively, you tangled your fingers into his shirt as he lifted you to climb the next step. You glanced at him. He was avoiding looking at you. You noticed his water-green irises darting to the side through his thick lashes. A dark flush was coloring his cheeks.<br /><br />
“Would it not be simpler to just carry me?” You suggested as innocently as you could.<br /><br />
The knight nearly stumbled, tripping on a step. His hand held you firmly against him, however, and you were in no danger of falling.<br /><br />
“I—I am sorry, $MCcovertitle,” he stammered, gripping you tightly. “You are right, of course.”<br /><br />
Still averting his eyes, he slid an arm under your knees and lifted you up to his chest as easily as he did before. You relaxed against him, closing your eyes to enjoy his proximity, as short-lived as it would be.<br />
Ajmal climbed carefully up the stairs, barely jostling you, in silence. You did not notice right away when he made it to the second floor.<br /><br />
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle)…?” The knight whispered hesitantly.<br /><br />
You opened your eyes with a sigh and he let you to your feet so delicately, you wondered if he feared you might break at the smallest shock. Unless he was as reluctant to let you go as you wear to leave his arms.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust > -1 and ($MansoorAffection > 5 or $MansoorFriendship > 0))[
You sighed at how carefully the knight was helping you, taking it one step at a time.<br /><br />
“Alright, just carry me, or we will be here all day.”<br />
“Oh! Of course,” Ajmal replied, a dark flush coloring his cheeks.<br /><br />
With that, he slid an arm under your knees and lifted you up to his chest with unsurprising ease. The rest of the trip up the stairs went a lot smoother for it and soon you were back on your feet, the knight letting you go as delicately as he could.
]
(else:)[
It took some time and effort to reach the second floor’s landing, but less so than if you had climbed on your own, you suspected. The knight politely stepped away from you as soon as you arrived.
]}
]
(else:)[
“I would welcome the company,” you acquiesced.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
The knight smiled bashfully at you and accompanied you through the foyer, to the bottom of the stairs. There, he surprised you by offering his arm to you. {(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[You hesitated, but took it, warmth creeping up your neck.](else:)[You took it, smiling warmly at him.]}<br />
He helped you up the stairs and, as unnecessary as it was, you were grateful for the moment of closeness. Once you reached the second floor’s landing, he pressed his other hand on top of yours before letting your arm go, the reassuring touch making your skin tingle.
]
(else-if: $MansoorFriendship > 0 or $MansoorAffection > 5)[
The knight smiled warmly at you and accompanied you through the foyer and up the stairs, all the way to the second floor’s landing.
]
(else:)[
The knight nodded and accompanied you through the foyer and up the stairs until you reached the second floor’s landing.
]}
]}
You approached the door to your chambers and Sir Mansoor cleared his throat behind you. You looked at him over your shoulder.
“Is there anything else you need, $MCcovertitle? Or should I let you rest?”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
The knight was fidgety, his fingers tapping nervously on his thighs, and you knew it as a sign of his restlessness. He probably expected to be dismissed.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0 or $MansoorFriendship > 0)[
The knight was looking at you with sheepish hopefulness. Did he want you to ask him to stay with you?
]
(else:)[
The knight linked his hands behind his back, waiting patiently for your answer.
]}
{<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
[[“I will be fine for now, thank you Ajmal,”->Dismissing Ajmal]] you replied.
]
(else:)[
[[“I will be fine for now, thank you Sir Mansoor,”->Dismissing Ajmal]] you replied.
]}</div>
(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Actually… Maybe you can help me with something,”")[
(if: $MansoorTrust > -1 and ($MansoorRomance > 0 or $MansoorFriendship > 0))[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection + 1)
]
(go-to: "With Ajmal")
] you replied, considering enrolling him in your investigation.</div>
]}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Information about your neighbors'))}
You entered your bedroom, wasting no time and walking straight toward the arches leading to the balcony. Pulling one of the wooden shutters open, you stepped out, embracing your surroundings with a circular glance and resting your hands on the carved stone balustrade.
It was not the first time you looked at the view from there. It was a beautiful one, with the garden just below you, slopping down to the wide, adjacent canal. On the other side was a livelier neighborhood. One with tall and luxurious department stores, with lush and peaceful gardens and plazas. However, even with all the city’s lights, everything was dark and details were hard to distinguish from such a distance.
You narrowed your eyes as you examined the city’s roofline. You wondered if you should have gone to the mansion’s highest floor. As good as the view was from your bedroom, you could not see as far as you would have liked. But what you needed to find was an observation spot that allowed a good enough view of your garden to be able to see the guards doing their rounds. So if it was out of view of your balcony, the balcony would be out of its view as well, never mind the garden.
You quickly realized there was no such spot. Most buildings were not close enough or not high enough to offer one. Maybe someone with a telescope could observe the villa from the higher levels of the stores on the other side of the channel, but you doubted they could distinguish your guards’ movements through the thick vegetation of your garden. Supposing they could do so without alerting the staff of such a public place to begin with.
Your eyes trailed up to the roof of the cave. The constructions hanging from the stalactites would have been high enough to make for a good observation post if they were not so far away. It was probably hard to find your house amongst the sprawling megapolis from up there, let alone spot your guards.
From the roof, you looked back down to your close surroundings. The last options were your two neighbors, but the configuration of your mansion made them hardly viable. The L shape of the building ensured that the garden in front of it remained a secluded space. A very defendable position, you had to give it to Zanetta, or whoever decided to lodge you here. You could not see the neighboring villa on your left from the central position of your balcony, and only part of a wing of the estate on your right was peeking out.
Your gaze lingered on the rows of tall shuttered windows of your neighbor. They were pretty far off, but still a lot closer than any other building visible from where you were. If someone wanted to observe your garden, they could do so — with the help of a spyglass — from the second or third floor. You were not sure the view was ideal but… It was the best option.
It begged the question: how could Felice have access to your neighbor’s upper stories? If they did have access to them.
As far as you were aware, the people living there were an old Dwarven merchant family. The couple owning the house were two middle-aged women, modern and quite active. They were rarely home. They had five children, ranging from seven to fifteen, all born from previous unions, and they shared the home with the family’s matron.
Could Felice have befriended any member of this family? None of them were really close to them in age, so it was a bit hard to imagine… But it was not impossible.
Yet, being a simple acquaintance would not give them access to the upper floors. From what Zanetta had started teaching you about Lagodoro’s high society, guests usually stuck to the ground floor, whether they were business associates or newly-made friends. They would only be welcomed to the upper floors — where the bedrooms were located — if they were close enough to the family to stay the night. It meant they were either relatives, life-long friends, or lovers.
{<div class="choice">[[You dismissed the idea.->You dismissed the idea]] There was no way Felice was that close to the family that lived there.</div>
<div class="choice">Felice knew how to make themself alluring. [[As unlikely as it seemed, they could have charmed their way into the heart of this household.->Charmed their way in]]</div>}
Unfortunately, it meant you had to scrap your idea about how they figured out your guards’ schedule. If that was what they did in the first place. Maybe they were just incredibly lucky, as their name suggested.
It was not a very satisfying theory, so you groaned and moved to rest your elbows on the railing, planting your chin in your hands grumpily.
(display: "Without Ajmal (2)")
They could have befriended the eldest child, although you were not certain in what circumstances they could have met. Surely the Mer did not make all their acquaintances by saving them from drowning.
While the teenager was a little too young to move in the same circles as Felice, their parents were far too old. Of course, a friendship was still not impossible, but not the most likely occurrence.
But then there was the house staff. You were still unclear about the Mer’s social standing, so you were not sure if they could relate easily to the household’s servants. Still, the idea had merits, you thought as you leaned your elbows on the railing, glancing down contemplatively.
(display: "Without Ajmal (2)"){(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Osana acting suspiciously'))}
That was when you spotted one of your maids walking from the garden back to the house. Something struck you as odd, looking at her, without being able to pinpoint the reason at first.
You recognized the servant as the tall and lanky Elf, Osana(if: $martial > 7)[ — Marli’s sister, from what you gathered]. Something in her attitude seemed nervous, ill at ease. Maybe it was the way she glanced over her shoulder a couple of times before entering the villa.
But you also realized that none of the maid’s duties required for her to be in the garden. Of course, nothing forbade her from going there. She could have been on a break. But something in her hurried gait made you doubt that.
You had a short time frame to catch her and figure out what she was doing if you wished to.
{<div class="choice">[[You hurried out of your apartments.->Hurried out of your apartments]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[You stayed still.->Stayed still]] Whatever was going on, you doubted it was anything serious. Or related to the problem you were trying to solve, for that matter.</div>}
You had no plan, really, but you rushed down the stairs regardless(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[, relying heavily on the crutch to support your weight]. You were nearly at the bottom when you glanced up from the steps and froze. Similarly, Osana was standing as still as a statue, looking up at you, eyes round and hand on the main door’s handle.
It was ajar as if she was about to leave the mansion.
“Hum… Can I help you, $MCnutotitle?” She asked awkwardly after a too-long silence.
It felt so out of character for her. You did not know her that well, but she always struck you as a confident and energetic woman. But maybe it was just you, quietly staring at her, that was making her uncomfortable.
“Where are you going?” You blurted out, the first question on your mind making it past your lips before you could stop it.
The Elf looked between you and the exit, and for a brief moment, you thought of a cornered animal.
“I have errands to run,” Osana replied with a stiff shrug of her shoulder. “Can I go now, $MCnutotitle? I’m late and I don’t want to get in trouble…”
{<div class="choice">You nodded. (link: "“Of course.”")[
(set: $FeliceAffection to $FeliceAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Not wanting her to get scolded")
]<br />
You did not want to be responsible for any scolding she may receive. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You tilted your head to the side. (link: "“I will make sure you will not get into any trouble, I just want to ask you something.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Making sure she won't get in trouble")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“What were you doing in the garden?”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "What were you doing in the garden?")
] You asked, disregarding what she just said. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“This is my house,” you pointed out with a frown. “You should be more concerned with //my// opinion, I think. I only want to ask you one question anyway.”")[
(set: $FeliceAffection to $FeliceAffection - 1)
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "More concerned about my opinion")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
You sighed, no closer to an answer than you were before. Maybe that was something you would have to figure out at a more opportune time. You straightened up and walked away from the balcony, going back to your daily occupations.
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
You nodded. “Of course.”
You did not want to be responsible for any scolding she may receive.
Osana grinned at you and at that moment, she looked like herself again. She did not linger, however, and walked through the door as soon as permission was given. You were left questioning if the Elf’s behavior was as strange as you first thought. Maybe her initial nervousness was due to her being late in her duties, as she mentioned. There had been a certain restlessness amongst the staff all day long and you had to suspect it had something to do with it being your birthday.
Still, there could have been other reasons, ones that might come to light if you shared your concerns with someone else.
{<div class="choice">[[You did not think it was necessary, however, and returned to your daily activities.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[You set out to find someone to warn about the Elf’s curious behavior.->Warn someone (2)]]</div>}
You tilted your head to the side. “I will make sure you will not get into any trouble, I just want to ask you something.”
The Elf threw one last longing glance towards the door and she sighed, pushing it close.
“Alright,” she said, looking defeated. “What is it?”
“I saw you coming back from the garden, just a moment ago,” you admitted. “You seemed nervous. Is everything alright?”
“I was just taking my break,” the maid replied defensively. “I wasn’t smoking or anything.”
(display: "Osana's smoking")
“What were you doing in the garden?” You asked, disregarding what she just said.
The Elf blinked, gaping at you like a fish out of water.
“I…” She started with hesitation.
Then it all came out at once. “Nothin’, I was on my break, that’s all. I wasn’t smoking or anything.”
(display: "Osana's smoking")
“This is my house,” you pointed out with a frown. “You should be more concerned with my opinion, I think. I only want to ask you one question anyway.”
The Elf grimaced and the expression made her look a little more like herself.
“Fair enough,” she mumbled, pushing the door close dejectedly. “What’s the question?”
“What were you doing in the garden? I saw you coming back to the house, you looked nervous.”
Osana stiffened.
“Nothing, I swear!” She replied defensively. “I was just taking my break, I wasn’t smoking or anything.”
(display: "Osana's smoking"){(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Ajmal knows about Osana'))}
You did not have to roam around the mansion for very long to find Sir Mansoor again. In fact, he was in his bedroom, inviting you to come in when he heard you knocking on the door. {(unless: (history:) contains "Walking into his bedroom")[
<br /><br />It was not the first time you had a glimpse at the knight’s lodgings. It was a comfortable, square room, even if it was considerably smaller than yours. It was not as decorated either, showing less personality than the master bedroom. The double bed had an ornate iron frame — although nothing as grand as your canopy — and was covered with plain, deep turquoise sheets that matched the two-toned paint on the walls. The bluish greens made the chamber feel cool and relaxing but still inviting, despite the sparse furniture. There was a squat dresser to store a limited amount of clothing and a narrow desk, both made of the same honey-hued wood that was found all over the house. Other than an elegant rug, a simple vase on the dresser, and a still life painting hanging above the desk to tie the room together, there was no other piece of furniture. You had to guess it used to be a guest room.
]}
You found Ajmal sitting in a highback chair, near the lustered desk. He put down his book immediately and stood up as soon as he realized you were the one coming in.
“$MCcovertitle, is there anything you need?”
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 0)[
You opened your mouth, ready to tell him about Osana, but you closed it again. You had no idea how to even approach the matter. The knight did not know about Felice’s existence and the whole point of your little investigation was to discover how they came and went about the mansion unseen.<br /><br />
But Ajmal was looking at you expectantly now, and you had to figure out something.<br /><br />
You cleared your throat. “How familiar are you with Osana?”<br />
The knight frowned. “The maid? I see who she is but… I am better acquainted with the guards.”<br /><br />
You nodded. It made sense, he worked more often with them.<br /><br />
Ajmal’s frown deepened. “Why, did she do something wrong?”<br />
“No, no… I mean, I am not sure,” you replied hesitantly, walking deeper into the room.<br /><br />
You sat on the bed, linking your hands together and resting them on your lap.<br /><br />
“I just saw her coming back from the garden in quite a hurry…”<br />
The knight seemed confused. “What was she doing there?”<br />
“See, that was what I wondered. I met her downstairs in order to ask her. {(unless: (history:) contains "Not wanting her to get scolded")[
She mentioned smoking and quickly left to run some errands. She was quite defensive about it.
]
(else:)[
She was in a hurry to get some errands done, so I did not really get any answers.
]}”<br />
Sir Mansoor started rubbing the back of his neck, looking quite puzzled. “{(unless: (history:) contains "Not wanting her to get scolded")[
I knew some of the staff smoked longflower to relax on their breaks, but I did not know Osana was one of them…
]
(else:)[
That is a bit strange…
]} However, I am not certain what could be so concerning about it?”<br />
“Maybe it is nothing,” you answered, looking down at your entwined fingers. “It just seemed a bit out of character for her.”<br />
“I see,” the knight replied thoughtfully, his arm dropping back to his side. “I will talk to Miss Calvio. She will know if it is something that needs further investigation.”<br /><br />
You looked back up at him just in time to see him grimace slightly. You knew the prospect did not please him.<br /><br />
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded, grateful.
]
(else:)[
You smiled encouragingly at him.
]} “Thank you.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You left his room shortly after, returning to your own occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else-if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
You nodded, a slight frown on your brow. The knight was likely not going to like what you had to say, but you knew it was in your best interest to warn him.<br /><br />
“I am sorry I did not tell you this earlier, but Felice came to visit me while I was in the garden.”<br />
Predictably, Ajmal stiffened, his hands closing into tense fists. “I thought you told them to not do that again?”<br />
You nodded once again. “I did but… Something in the way they talked makes me think it was the last time.”<br />
Sir Mansoor frowned. “Let us hope so.”<br />
“But that is not all I came here to tell you,” you continued, walking further into the room and sitting down on the knight’s bed. “I tried to figure out how they managed to get in and out of the garden unnoticed and while I did not find anything conclusive, I noticed someone behaving strangely.”<br /><br />
The knight crossed his arms over his chest, walking closer to you while his index finger was tapping nervously on his bicep.<br /><br />
“You did?” He asked, his brow lowering.<br />
“Yes… Are you familiar with Osana?”<br />
“The maid? I know who she is, but I know the guards better than the rest of the staff,” he replied while watching you expectantly.<br />
“Well, I just saw her coming back from the garden. She seemed a bit on edge, which I found somewhat unusual for her.”<br />
“What was she doing there?”<br />
Your frown deepened. “That is what I wondered as well, so I went downstairs to meet her and ask her. She was not very forthcoming, saying that she was in a hurry.(unless: (history:) contains "Not wanting her to get scolded")[
She did mention smoking, though.
]“<br />
“Mmh…”<br /><br />
The knight brought a hand up to rub the back of his neck as he looked thoughtfully to the side.<br /><br />
“It sounds a little strange, but maybe she simply had a lot of work to do. Do you think she has anything to do with Felice’s comings and goings?”<br />
You shrugged. “I could not say.”<br /><br />
Ajmal paced around the room for a couple of steps, his hand sliding from the nape of his neck to his chin, bringing a thumb to his lips.<br /><br />
Then he stopped and sighed. “I should speak with Miss Calvio about it. She would know better than me if it is something to be concerned about.”<br /><br />
At the mention of the spymaster’s name, he grimaced shortly, obviously not eager at the prospect.<br /><br />
You found some relief in knowing that Sir Mansoor was taking your concerns seriously and {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
you nodded gratefully at him.
]
(else:)[
you smiled at him.
]} “Thank you.”<br />
He {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
nodded back
]
(else:)[
smiled back
]}. “Doing my duty, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You left his room shortly after, returning to your own occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
You opened your mouth, ready to start talking, but closed it immediately, biting down on your lip, when you realized bringing up your recent encounter with Felice would likely upset the knight.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[Maybe you could tell him of your concerns about Osana without mentioning Felice.->Without mentioning Felice]]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You had to be honest with him and tell him the whole story.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Tell him the whole story")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
]}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Osana may be smoking'))}“Oh…” It was all you could say in your surprise.
You were not going to accuse her of smoking. Was that what she was doing then?
She bit her lip, looking as if she just realized her mistake. “Alright, I really have to go, sorry!”
She did not wait for your permission to open the door again and slip outside, walking away at a fast pace. You stayed motionless, in the middle of the stairs. Too many questions were raised by Osana’s reaction. Was she simply smoking? Was there a stigma around it in Lagodoro that you were not aware of? There had to be, given her antsy behavior.
But more importantly, was it all there was to it?
{<div class="choice">Likely. [[You sighed and turned around, going back to your daily activities.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
<div class="choice">You were not so sure. [[You thought it preferable to seek out someone to warn about her strange behavior.->Warn someone (2)]]</div>}
Ajmal was looking at you expectantly and you felt your face turn hot. You had to come up with something.
You cleared your throat. “How familiar are you with Osana?”
The knight frowned. “The maid? I see who she is but… I am better acquainted with the guards.”
You nodded. It made sense, he worked more often with them.
Ajmal’s frown deepened. “Why, did she do something wrong?”
“No, no… I mean, I am not sure,” you replied hesitantly, walking deeper into the room.
You sat on the bed, linking your hands together and resting them on your lap.
“I just saw her coming back from the garden in quite a hurry…”
The knight seemed confused. “What was she doing there?”
“See, that was what I wondered. I met her downstairs in order to ask her. {(if: (history:) contains "Not wanting her to get scolded")[
She was in a hurry to get some errands done, so I did not really get any answers.
]
(else:)[
She mentioned smoking and quickly left to run some errands. She was quite defensive about it.
]}”
Sir Mansoor started rubbing the back of his neck, looking quite puzzled. “{(if: (history:) contains "Not wanting her to get scolded")[
That is a bit strange…
]
(else:)[
I knew some of the staff smoked longflower to relax on their breaks, but I did not know Osana was one of them…
]} However, I am not certain what could be so concerning about it?”
“Maybe it is nothing,” you answered, looking down at your entwined fingers. “It just seemed a bit out of character for her.”
“I see,” the knight replied thoughtfully, his arm dropping back to his side. “I will talk to Miss Calvio. She will know if it is something that needs further investigation.”
You looked back up at him just in time to see him grimace slightly. You knew the prospect did not please him.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You nodded, grateful.
]
(else:)[
You smiled encouragingly at him.
]} “Thank you.”
<div class="choice">[[You left his room shortly after, returning to your own occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
Ajmal was looking at you expectantly as you tried to figure out the best way to approach the subject. You took a deep breath.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
“Felice visited me earlier in the garden,” you admitted straightforwardly. “I know what you think, but before you say your piece, I want you to know that I was curious about how they came and went without being seen and I came here to share what I discovered with you.”<br />
The knight’s eyes widened in surprise. “I… Alright. What did you discover, then?”<br /><br />
You walked further into the room, sitting down on his bed and linking your hands on your lap. You felt a little nervous now that you had his ear. You realized you did not have that much information to offer.<br /><br />
You took a long inhale and continued:
]
(else:)[
“I am sorry I did not tell you earlier, but Felice visited me when I was in the garden,” you said quietly, linking your hands in front of you.<br /><br />
You watched anxiously for the knight’s reaction, playing with your fingers. He sighed, but where Lady Domara would have frowned and scolded you, Ajmal watched you, his expression holding nothing but worry.<br /><br />
“Again?” He said dejectedly. “I know you are fond of them but… You have to understand how concerning it is that they can come and go as they please without being seen by anyone but you…”<br />
“I understand,” you replied, walking further into the room and sitting down neatly on the knight’s bed. “And I did try to figure it out. That is why I came to talk to you.”<br />
His brow raised in surprise. “Really?”<br />
You nodded and continued:
]} “I figured Felice must have a good knowledge of the guards’ schedule, or at least of their rounds in the garden. It is the best way to avoid them. I tried to find a spot from which they could have observed the villa safely. There are not many options, unfortunately, and I am not sure that they are viable. But doing so I noticed the maid, Osana, coming back from the garden in a hurry. Are you familiar with her?”
Ajmal frowned. “I know of her, but I am better acquainted with the guards than the rest of the staff. What was she doing in the garden?”
You gave him a sideways glance. “That is what I wondered as well. So I went downstairs to meet her and ask her. She was evasive, said she was in a hurry and had errands to run.(unless: (history:) contains "Not wanting her to get scolded")[ She did mention smoking? But nothing else.]”
The knight’s frown deepened and he started pacing the width of the room, every long step muffled by the thick rug under his boots.
“I do not know her enough to figure out if that is suspicious or not,” he admitted. (unless: (history:) contains "Not wanting her to get scolded")[“I know some of the staff smoke longflower on their breaks to relax, but I did not know she did.”]
“Maybe I will ask Miss Calvio what her thoughts are on this,” he added with a sigh and a small grimace. “She would have a better idea.”
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]},” you said with a grateful {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[nod](else:)[smile]}.
You were relieved that he was taking the matter into his own hands, and, thinking he would leave the matter at that, you started getting up from his bed. He cleared his throat, however, bringing your attention back to him.
“I am sorry, $MCcovertitle, I know it is not my business, but… Please tell me. Are you giving your affection to Felice because you feel like you owe them your life?”
You blinked at him, taken aback by the question.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I… I am not certain,” you answered hesitantly. “I do like their company for its sake alone. But surely their good deed warrants some curtesy. Do you not think so?”")[
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Their good deed warrants curtesy")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
(unless: $FeliceTrust < 1)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“No. I like their company and want to be friends with them,”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "No, I like their company")
] you simply replied with a shrug. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
]
<div class="choice">(link: "”I would rather not answer that,”")[
(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
(set: $FeliceTrust to 0)
]
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Uncomfortable with the idea")
] you said, feeling uncomfortable with the idea raised by the knight. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“You are right, that is none of your concerns,”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
(set: $FeliceTrust to 0)
]
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "None of your concerns")
] you scolded him with a frown. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
(if: $FeliceRomance > 0)[
<div class="choice">The memory of Felice saving you from drowning, of their lips on yours as they breathed life into your body, had taken a new color in your mind as your feelings for them developed. But there was no way you could explain that to Sir Mansoor.<br />
(link: "“I… huh… I do not know,”")[
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "I... huh... I do not know")
] was all you could mumble back to him. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</div>
(unless: $FeliceTrust < 1)[
<div class="choice">Actually, you had no issue telling him how you felt about the Mer. (link: "“No, I simply like their company. They are charming and I find that attractive.”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance > 1)[
(set: $MansoorAffection to $MansoorAffection - 1)
]
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "I find them attractive")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</div>
]
]}
“I… I am not certain,” you answered hesitantly. “I do like their company for its sake alone. But surely their good deed warrants some curtesy. Do you not think so?”
“I did not mean that they did not, I…” The young man fumbled, his face darkening. “You are right, of course… I just want to make sure you are not allowing them to cross any boundaries because you think you owe it to them.”
“But I do owe them, do I not?” You asked gently.
The knight shook his head. ”If anyone owes them, I do. Your protection is my responsibility after all.”
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}…” You started with a sigh. “As much as I appreciate your sense of duty, part of it relies on me as well. I ought to avoid making stupid mistakes like the one I made that day.”
(display: "Your mistake")
“No. I like their company and want to be friends with them,” you simply replied with a shrug.
The young knight searched your eyes for a moment, maybe to make sure you were honest with him and with yourself.
“Alright…” He concluded with a sigh and his shoulders sagged. “If you are certain… I simply do not want them to take advantage of your generosity. If anyone owes them, it is me. Your safety is my responsibility after all.”
You frowned. “Surely, I am just as responsible, considering it was my stupid mistake that required my life to be saved in the first place.”
(display: "Your mistake")
”I would rather not answer that,” you said, feeling uncomfortable with the idea raised by the knight.
Ajmal frowned. You suspected the answer would only worry him more, and maybe rightfully so, but it was not something you were ready to discuss until you had sorted your own feelings on the matter.
Were you letting Felice get away with their suspicious behavior because you were grateful they saved your life? You could see how the knight would perceive it that way, especially since he had not met the Mer himself. And you could not be certain there was no truth to his misgivings.
“Alright,” Sir Mansoor said slowly. “That is fine, $MCcovertitle, I just want you to consider it.”
“I will keep that in mind,” you replied stiffly.
The knight nodded and you took it as your queue to leave. Standing back up, you nodded back and exited the room, returning to your own occupations. You had done what you set out to do after all, and Ajmal had already promised to investigate the lead you had given him.
You tried to keep yourself busy to get the subject out of your mind, without much success.
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
“You are right, that is none of your concerns,” you scolded him with a frown.
The young knight looked down, chewing on his lip regretfully.
“Of course, my apologies.”
You stood up, starting to feel tense. As quick as you were to dismiss the question, it was nestling in the back of your mind.
“That was all I needed to tell you,” you declared stiffly, glancing towards the exit.
“Of course, $MCcovertitle,” Sir Mansoor replied zealously.
You found yourself lingering a moment too long, however. Could it be that you had been lenient with Felice because they had saved your life? Would you have tolerated their secret meetings otherwise? These questions were filling you with unease, too pointed, too legitimate.
Seeing you stand motionless in the middle of his bedroom, Ajmal frowned.
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle)…?”
You inhaled deeply. “I will see you later.”
You walked out of his chamber and did your best to focus on your daily occupations, but pesky doubts kept buzzing around in your mind.
(display: "Preparing for the feast"){(unless: $MansoorOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $MansoorOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
“I… huh… I do not know,” was all you could mumble back to him.
Your hesitation was met with deep concern, the young knight frowning at you with evident worry.
“You… You do not know? If you are spending time with them because you feel obligated to do so, please you should not. If anyone owes them anything, it is me. I am responsible for your safety after all.”
“I do not feel obligated in any way,” you tried to rectify, chewing on your lip. “I am spending time with them because I like them. I really do. I just do not know how much them saving me influenced my affection for them…”
“I cannot stop thinking about that day…” You admitted softly, looking down at your joined hands.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
“Oh…”<br /><br />
Sir Mansoor’s expression changed suddenly. It was uncertain, confused, and maybe pained. Even though you tried your best not to show the nature of your inclination toward the Mer, it seemed the knight was starting to guess it.<br /><br />
“I see…”<br /><br />
He started shuffling on his feet, looking deeply uncomfortable.<br /><br />
“That… That would be understandable, I suppose,” he added after clearing his throat. “I am sorry I am not… I am sorry I was not there when you needed me.”<br /><br />
The hurt was now taking over all emotions on the knight’s face and there was an unmistakable shine in his eyes.<br /><br />
“Ajmal, that is not…”<br />
“Please, just know that I am sorry,” he interrupted.<br /><br />
He turned around abruptly, looking down at the desk he was sitting at earlier, trying to subtly wipe his cheeks.<br />
You hesitated, wanting to talk to him, but seeing his back turned on you and his shoulders tensing with emotion, you could not come up with anything that did not ring hollow in your mind.<br /><br />
“I know…” You muttered as you stood back up.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">You left his room quietly, your heart heavy as you returned to your daily activities. [[You found it hard to focus on any of them.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“I… I see…” You heard Sir Mansoor murmur hesitantly.<br /><br />
When you raised your gaze to look at him again, his worry was still there, but he seemed curious too. Maybe you had shown a little more of the nature of your inclination toward Felice than you intended. You felt your face turn warmer and the knight’s brow lowered.<br /><br />
“I understand how it must muddle things, but I urge you to be careful, $MCcovertitle. I would hate it if they took advantage of your confusion…”<br />
“I do not think they are,” you replied as firmly as you could.<br /><br />
That, you were pretty sure of. After all, the Mer had asked for nothing more than your company, which you were giving willingly. (if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[As for their future intentions… You could not be certain of anything.]<br /><br />
“Alright,” Ajmal replied slowly.<br /><br />
He did not seem entirely convinced, but you knew he would not question your judgment.<br /><br />
”In any case,” he added after a short pause. “I will talk to Miss Calvio as soon as I see her. Do not hesitate to bring any other concerns to me or her.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You thanked him again and soon, you left his room to return to your own occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]}{(unless: $MansoorOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $MansoorOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
Actually, you had no issue telling him how you felt about the Mer. “No, I simply like their company. They are charming and I find that attractive.”
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0 and $MansoorTrust > -1)[
<br /><br />The knight’s eyes widened in shock and you suddenly realized who you had just admitted that to.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance is 2)[
“What? I thought… I thought…” He fumbled, his expression falling into one of confusion and hurt.<br /><br />
He gaped at you for a moment longer before clearing his throat. “I see. I understand…”
]
(else:)[
“You… Oh,” he mumbled, his expression falling into one of dismay. “I see… That is… Well, that is good to know.”
]}<br /><br />
He was frowning so painfully that you felt guilt squeezing your heart in an iron grip.<br /><br />
“Ajmal…” You called him softly, trying to find some word of comfort or some justification.<br />
“Then if you are certain… There is no reason to worry, I suppose,” he continued haltingly, ignoring your gentle voice. “I will talk to Miss Calvio as soon as I am able. I… I will see you later, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
This was as close to a dismissal as you would ever hear from the knight, you were sure. You would have called it a bold move on his part, if not for the way his gaze was bashfully avoiding yours, eyes shining in his distress. You watched him standing straight, his hands linked behind his back, almost in a formal posture. One that was putting a clear distance between you. Who it was meant to keep safe, you were not sure.<br />
Your tension made you stand up nearly as stiffly.<br /><br />
“Thank you, Ajmal,” you murmured.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[And you left him to return to your occupations, even though you had way too much on your mind to focus on any of them.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
”Oh,” the knight simply said, blinking slowly. “I see.”<br /><br />
He shifted on his feet looking somewhat uncomfortable.<br /><br />
“That… That is unfortunate.”<br />
You raised an eyebrow at him, watching him twist his hands in front of him. “How so?”<br />
“Well, you know as well as I do that your position comes with a certain amount of… expectations when it comes to marrying.”<br /><br />
You snorted a short laugh, bringing a hand to your mouth.<br /><br />
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}! Me finding someone attractive does not mean I am planning on marrying them.”<br />
The young knight’s face turned dark red. “Oh! Right! Of course.”<br /><br />
He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Regardless, I still think you should be careful around them, at least until we know their intentions better.”<br />
“I do not think they have much ambition beyond spending time with me,” you replied with a shrug. They never asked for anything else.”<br />
“But they insist on secrecy,” Ajmal countered with a frown.<br />
“Privacy,” you corrected. “It is not much of a secret if I tell you about it, is it?”<br />
“That… is true…” He said, hesitant.<br /><br />
He had no argument against yours, but you knew he was still on the fence. You stood up, straightening your clothes.<br /><br />
“There is no need to worry so much,” you tried to reassure him. “I know what I am doing.”<br />
The knight’s flush returned to his face. “I would not question your judgment, $MCcovertitle.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled softly at him. “Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded. “Good.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You nodded firmly. “Make sure that you do not.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled at him. “I appreciate that.”
]}<br /><br />
<div class="choice">With the matter settled for the moment, you left his room and returned to your daily occupations.</div>
]}
As you spoke, your fingers instinctively reached for your medallion.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0 or $MansoorAffection < 6)[
“I guess so,” Ajmal mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.<br /><br />
He did not look entirely convinced and you could see him glance at your hand on the locket. There was a hint of guilt in his expression.<br /><br />
“Either way,” he added more firmly. “Please be careful around Felice. I do not want them to take advantage of your gratitude.”<br />
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
“I promise you, they are not,” you replied with a sigh.
]
(else:)[
“I do not think they are,” you replied, trying your best not to sound as hesitant as you felt.
]}<br />
“Good,” the knight said with a nod.<br /><br />
He wanted to believe you, you were sure, but you were not certain he actually did. He let you go, however, when you stood up. You left his room and returned to your daily occupations.<br />
(display: "Preparing for the feast")
]
(else:)[
Ajmal’s eyes tracked the movement and a sad frown lowered his brow. He took a few steps toward you and sat on the bed by your side, his weight making the mattress dip, gravity pulling you closer.<br /><br />
“It was not a stupid mistake,” he murmured, hesitant eyes glancing from your locket to your face. “You just followed your heart.“<br />
“Then I should not have.”<br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
<br />Your fingers started moving away from the pendant, but before they could, the knight’s hand enclosed yours as well as the medallion. The rough pads of his fingers brushed your knuckles softly, his hold so light you could easily break away if you wished to. Of course, you did not. You froze, feeling your heart race at the unexpected touch.<br />
You looked up at him, his expression was sorrowful.<br /><br />
“Do not say that,” he said, his voice gentle and his breath a caress making your skin prickle. “I want you to follow your heart, and I want to always be there so you can do so safely.”<br />
“Ajmal…” You breathed out. “You know that is impossible.”<br />
“Is it?”<br /><br />
He held your gaze with such intensity, you knew he meant it, he would do it if you just asked. Stay by your side day and night, no matter the exhaustion it would surely induce, just to make sure you are safe. You tried to gather your thoughts to explain to him how unreasonable that was, but they kept fleeting away, vacating your mind as the tender strokes of his thumb on your fingers kept distracting you.<br /><br />
“Ajmal,” you repeated, unable to find anything else to say.<br /><br />
Your fingers tightened their grip around the locket and the movement pulled the knight’s attention from your face to your joined hands. As if suddenly realizing what he was doing, Ajmal’s eyes widened and he jerked his arm away.<br /><br />
“I— I apologize,” he mumbled, now avoiding your gaze. “I should not have… I am sorry.”<br />
“It is alright,” you assured him quietly.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 1)[
The knight glanced one last time at you, a pained frown on his brow, before he stood up, walking away from you.
]
(else:)[
The knight stood up, walking away from you, still unable to meet your eyes.
]}<br /><br />
“As I said,” he fumbled awkwardly, his back to you. “I— I will speak to Miss Calvio about your concerns.”<br /><br />
It was as close to a dismissal as you would hear from Sir Mansoor. You sighed, your heart heavy, and you stood up, smoothing down your clothes.<br /><br />
“Thank you,” you said again. “I will see you later, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”<br />
“Of course,” the young man replied softly.<br /><br />
This time he looked you in the eyes and his expression was apologetic. Gods were your witnesses, you could not keep a grudge against that gentle gaze.<br /><br />
You had to leave, regardless, and you tried to focus back on your daily occupations.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[But the memory of his fingers on yours left a ghost on your skin you had a hard time ignoring.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]
(else:)[
His eyebrows knit together, a concerned line forming between them. “Please do not say that. I would rather you keep listening to your heart. That is why I am here. So that you can do it safely.”<br /><br />
“But you cannot always be here,” you argued, frowning yourself. “You //were not// there when I fell in the canal. If Felice had not saved me…”<br /><br />
You swallowed thickly at the frightening thought.<br /><br />
“But they did,” the knight pointed out softly, his hand reaching up to your shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “And believe me, I am not going to ever forget this. If I have to spend every waking moment by your side to keep you safe, I will do it, you only have to ask.”<br />
You looked at him pleadingly. “Ajmal… You know I cannot ask that of you, of anyone.”<br />
He pursed his lips stubbornly. “You can if I am offering.”<br />
“Ajmal…” You repeated with a sigh.<br />
“I am serious,” Sir Mansoor reinforced, tapping your shoulder lightly. “Just think about it.”<br /><br />
He stood back up. “I will talk to Miss Calvio when I see her. Please bring any other concern you might have to me or her.”<br />
“Thank you,” you replied with {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[a nod](else:)[an affectionate smile]}.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You left him to his reading soon enough and returned to your own occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
]}
]}
“Actually… Maybe you can help me with something,” you replied, considering enrolling him in your investigation.
“Alright?” Ajmal said, lifting a curious eyebrow as you opened the door and walked through the antechamber.
“I have… been visited by Felice again,” you admitted to him, throwing another hesitant glance over your shoulder.
You saw him frown. It was to be expected.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“I thought you told them to stop their clandestine visits,” he said, clearly disapproving.<br />
“I did,” you answered as you entered your bedroom proper. “But I think it was the last time.”<br /><br />
The knight pursed his lips, making his doubts obvious, as he followed you toward the balcony.<br /><br />
“What did they want?” He asked.<br />
You shrugged. “Just to wish me a happy birthday, it seems.”<br />
His expression changed to a sheepish one. “Oh.”<br /><br />
He covered his mouth with his fist and cleared his throat.<br /><br />
“That is nice of them,” he admitted reluctantly. “I did not know you told them that it was today…”<br /><br />
The uneasiness you felt earlier came back. It was your turn to frown.<br /><br />
“I honestly cannot remember when I did.”<br /><br />
The remark was not as casual as it could have been perceived and Ajmal seemed to catch on. Concern lowered his brow once again.<br />
If you truly did not tell the Mer, how did they figure it out?<br />
]
(else:)[
“I wish they would stop doing it in secret,” he grumbled, unsurprisingly.<br />
You sighed. “I know. They simply prefer us to have some privacy.”<br /><br />
It was an argument you already had many times. You suspected it would not be the last. At least the knight was kinder and more understanding about it than Lady Domara was.<br />
You entered the bedroom proper and started walking toward the balcony.<br /><br />
“I understand, but… Well you know my concerns are for your safety and I cannot trust them when I never met them,” Ajmal argued.<br /><br />
And it was a point you could not fight him on. It was too reasonable a reservation to have. (if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[Besides, It was hard to begrudge him his qualms when you had similar ones.]<br />
You attempted a reassuring smile.<br /><br />
“I am certain one day you will,” you affirmed as confidently as you could.<br /><br />
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0 or $MansoorAffection < 6)[
He looked back at you and his frown started to fade.<br /><br />
“I hope so,” he sighed, but you could tell he was less tense.
]
(else:)[
He looked back at you, his expression softening.<br /><br />
“I will take your word for it,” he said and you knew it was an actual declaration of trust, not an expression of disbelief.
]}
]}
“In any case,” you said, returning to the matter at hand. “It made me think. How do they come and go freely, without getting noticed?”
“A question I would very much like the answer to,” Sir Mansoor muttered.
“Well, I figured they have to know the schedule of our guards’ rounds in the garden, somehow.”
“Are you sure?” The knight asked and there was alarm in his eyes when you met them.
“How else have they been able to avoid patrols every time?”
You opened the shutters of one of the arches and stepped out onto the balcony. Ajmal followed you and he frowned deeply. You could not blame him, the thought that someone could acquire such information, regardless of the way they used to get it, was an unsettling one, to say the least.
“If they can know it then… Who else can?” he murmured, resting his hands on the carved stone balustrade.
“Exactly.”
You joined his side, leaning on the railing, and you embraced the view in front of you.
“I wondered how they could know in the first place and thought maybe they could see the guards’ comings and goings from somewhere in the vicinity.”
“So that is what we are doing here? Looking for a viable observation post?” Ajmal asked you and something in his tone made you glance at him.
He was looking at you and there was a subtle smile on his lips.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Yes… Why are you smiling?”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Why are you smiling?")
] You replied with an arched brow. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Yes… And I do not see anything funny about it,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "There's nothing funny about it")
] you grumbled, heat rising to your face. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>There was something about it that made you shift awkwardly on your feet, a warm flush prickling your cheeks.<br />
(link: "“Hum… Yes… Why are you looking at me like that?”")[
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "❤ Why are you looking at me like that?")
] You mumbled. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>}
{(if: $MansoorTrust > -1 and ($MansoorRomance > 0 or $MansoorFriendship > 0))[
“Oh… Alright,” Ajmal said, a little awkwardly.<br /><br />
He bowed respectfully nonetheless and left in the direction of his own room. You felt bad to deny him your company, but you did not want him to know what exactly you were up to.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor bowed respectfully and left in the direction of his own room.
]}
(display: "Without Ajmal")
“Yes… Why are you smiling?” You replied with an arched brow.
The knight blinked at you, his expression falling. “Oh, sorry, I… I did not realize I was. It is just that I did not expect you to think so… tactically. Perhaps it is a bit presumptuous of me, but I feel some pride about it.”
“Pride?”
He smiled again. “It feels like what I have been teaching you is not falling on deaf ears.”
{(if: $MChandicap is "hard of hearing")[
You gave him a pointed look and once you were certain you had his attention, you started to sign: //Oh, but it did.//<br /><br />
Ajmal blinked again and his face took on a darker color.<br /><br />
He started to sign back, frantically: //I am so sorry. That was incredibly rude.//<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You adopted a reassuring smile and signed slowly: //I am not offended, do not worry.//<br />
He still looked remorseful as he responded: //It will not happen again, I promise.//
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
//It was not that rude//, you signed back before shrugging.<br />
He still looked mortified and hurried to add: //It will not happen again, I promise.//
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
//I know it is easy to forget, with how well these enchantments work, but you of all people should remember//, you reminded him severely, but not quite scathingly.<br />
//It will not happen again, I promise//, he signed back with the most contrite expression you had seen on his face.
]
(else:)[
<br />
A crooked smile made its way to your lips while you watched the knight panic.<br /><br />
//It is fine, I am just teasing you//, you reassured him.<br /><br />
He smiled back, but it was timid and he still looked quite remorseful.<br /><br />
//It will not happen again, I promise//, he signed.
]}
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust > -1)[
You blinked at him. You had to admit, you did not look at it that way. Was it truly the knight’s influence that allowed you to follow such reasoning? You were unsure, but you were not about to dash Sir Mansoor’s confidence. Not when you needed his help.<br /><br />
“I suppose there could be some truth to that…” You replied slowly.<br /><br />
Seeing your hesitation, Ajmal was quick to retract his statement, however.<br /><br />
“I could be wrong, of course,” he said, a flustered flush darkening his face.
]
(else:)[
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled back at him, fondly. “Of course not. I value your knowledge.”<br />
Ajmal looked away, sheepish, his face turning darker. “Thank you, $MCcovertitle. Coming from you it is… It is very flattering.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />
You blinked at him. To you, it seemed obvious.<br /><br />
“Of course not,” you replied evenly.<br /><br />
You did not sit through his lesson just to pass time.<br /><br />
“I… I am glad, that is all,” the knight stuttered, looking a bit rattled by your impassiveness.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Of course not,” you replied, your tone a little short. “I do listen to your lessons.”<br />
His smile fell again and his eyes struggled to meet yours. “I… Of course, I did not mean to say you did not… My apologies.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled back at him. “I may have picked up a few things during your lessons, here and there, that is true.”<br />
Ajmal chuckled. “I hope they will prove useful then.”
]}
]}
(display: "With Ajmal (2)")
“Yes… And I do not see anything funny about it,” you grumbled, heat rising to your face.
“My apologies, $MCcovertitle,” the knight was prompt to reassure you, losing his smile when he realized it was offending you. “I am not smiling at your expense, I am merely… Let us just say your tactical-mindedness reminded me of some of the things I have been teaching you.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
You frowned. It was not something you had thought about. Could his lessons have helped you come up with such reasoning? You were not sure, but you were not about to contradict Sir Mansoor, not when you needed his help.
]
(else:)[
You blinked. You had not thought about it this way, but now that he was mentioning it, you realized he was probably right.
]}
“I am only smiling because… Well, I think I am a little proud,” he admitted with a sheepish smile.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Oh,” you said, feeling a bit awkward about how you initially responded. “That makes sense…”<br /><br />
Ajmal smiled a little wider at you.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe" or $MansoorTrust < 0 or $MansoorAffection < 5)[
“Oh,” you said, feeling a bit awkward. “I see…”<br /><br />
Maybe you had overreacted. You should have known the knight did not mean any disrespect.<br /><br />
“Maybe that is a bit presumptuous of me…” Ajmal added, hesitant.<br />
“No, it… It is fine,” you replied.<br /><br />
He nodded gratefully at you.
]
(else:)[
“Oh,” you said, feeling a bit embarrassed about your initial defensiveness.<br /><br />
It was quite touching, actually, and warmth started to spread through your chest.<br /><br />
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you mumbled.<br />
“My pleasure, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal replied with a soft smile.
]}
(display: "With Ajmal (2)")
“Hum… Yes… Why are you looking at me like that?” You mumbled.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
The knight’s back straightened and he averted his eyes, looking nervous as if he was about to get chided.
]
(else:)[
The knight’s own cheeks turned dark red and he averted his eyes.
]} “Oh! I am so sorry! I did not mean to stare, I just…”
He took a deep breath and continued: “If it is not too bold of me to assume, I… I could not help but recognize some of my teachings in your tactical mind.”
“Oh,“ you said, both relieved and a little disappointed by the explanation.
For a moment, you were entertaining the thought that some more tender feelings were behind his smile. But perhaps you should have known better.
“I mean to say… I am proud of you,” Ajmal added, his tone gentle.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
His gaze found yours again and his smile returned, more tentative than before. Maybe you were unlikely to be on the receiving end of a more earnest one again. It was painful to think about.
]
(else:)[
His gaze found yours again and his smile returned, warmer than before and it was enough to melt any doubts you had about his affection. Whatever its nature may be.
]}
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you whispered, the knot in your throat preventing you from speaking up.
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
“Of course, $MCcovertitle,” he responded with a nod.
]
(else:)[
“It is my pleasure, $MCcovertitle,” he responded just as softly.
]}
(display: "With Ajmal (2)"){(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Information about your neighbors'))}
You both turned your attention outward. The view from your balcony had become a familiar one. It was beautiful, although nothing like the ones from Ahadinat’s palace. The garden was neatly landscaped and sloped gently toward the wide channel separating the elegant residential quarters your villa was part of from a livelier neighborhood. On the other side, you could find luxurious department stores, as well as lush and peaceful gardens and plazas. It was a place for the city’s most fortunate to see and be seen during the day. Or what passed for the day in this underground metropolis.
You narrowed your eyes at the city’s roofline. Despite Lagodoro’s many lights, it was still too dark to really make out the architectural details from where you stood. You suspected any observer on the other side of the canal would have the same difficulty when looking at your mansion, let alone the guards in your garden.
“I think you would need a telescope to really have a good look at the house from the other side of the channel,” Sir Mansoor noted, as if he was reading your thoughts. “The buildings facing us are mostly stores, I think. A little too public to be a good lookout.”
You hummed in agreement. “And even then, I am not sure they could make out the guards’ full routes through the vegetation of the garden. The buildings are not high enough.”
You raised your eyes to the roof of the cave. The constructions hanging from the stalactites would have been high enough to make for good observation posts if they were not so far away. The knight looked at you and followed your gaze.
“Too far off,” you said before he could make any comment. “From up there you would have a hard time even spotting the mansion.”
“True…” Ajmal replied thoughtfully. “Even then, do you think Felice would venture there? From what I heard, only the most destitute live up there. Richer folks avoid going in the upper districts.”
You knew that. Nuto had explained the different neighborhoods of Lagodoro to you while you visited the city with him. And if he had brought you into somewhat shady places, he never offered a visit of the stalactites. Which was rather telling.
“It is far too dangerous,” you confirmed.
“The risk of falling?” The knight asked, a little naively.
“That and other dangers,” you replied, glancing sideways at him.
“I see…” He mumbled, shifting uncomfortably beside you. “Then it is most likely not an option.”
So far, you were not having much luck. With a heavy sigh, you looked to your closer surroundings. You had only two options left: your neighbors. The mansion on the left was not even visible from your balcony, so if they could see your garden at all, they only had a partial view of it. You dismissed them in favor of your neighbors on the right.
You could see part of a wing from your position. You observed the rows of shuttered windows as you tried to remember details about the family that lived there.
From what Zanetta told you, they were an old Dwarven merchant family. The couple who owned the house were two middle-aged women, modern and active, and they were rarely home. They had five children, ranging from seven to fifteen, all born from previous unions. They all shared the villa with the family’s matron.
“I guess that is the only viable option,” you heard Ajmal say beside you. “It looks like you would get a good view of the garden from the second or third floor, with the help of a spyglass. But Felice being acquainted with our neighbors would be quite the coincidence.”
{<div class="choice">[[“It seems unlikely, yes,”->It seems unlikely]] you agreed with a sigh.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“Unless it is not a coincidence…”->Unless it's not a coincidence]] You suggested carefully.</div>}
“It seems unlikely, yes,” you agreed with a sigh.
“But then we are out of options,” the knight added with a deep frown, staring at your neighbor’s house.
You inhaled deeply, trying to not show too much of your disappointment. “Indeed we are. Maybe my premise was wrong in the first place. Maybe Felice does not know the guards’ routes in the garden after all.”
Ajmal glanced at you. “No, I think your idea has merit. It is likely they do have an idea of when is the most opportune time to sneak into the garden. Perhaps there is another way they could have come across that information.”
“What way would that be?” You asked him with a raised eyebrow.
He sighed. “I am not sure.”
(display: "With Ajmal (3)")
“Unless it is not a coincidence…” You suggested carefully.
The knight exchanged a very concerned glance with you, obviously unsettled by the idea.
“You really think they would have befriended them in order to keep an eye on you? How long would it have taken them to build enough trust with the household members to have access to the upper floors?” he asked and rightfully so.
Zanetta had told you that, traditionally, the upper floors of a Lagodoro estate were where the bedrooms were located and only close friends and relatives were allowed there. You only had met Felice a couple of weeks ago. Could have they charmed their way into your neighbors’ house that fast? They were charismatic, but still.
You sighed. “You are right, that seems unlikely.”
The knight gave you a side glance before looking back to the villa next door. There was no relief in his expression, contrary to what you had expected.
“That is, of course, unless them saving you was not a coincidence either.”
You looked at him with disbelief.
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you let out tiredly. “No one pushed me into the canal, nor did anyone throw my pendant in the water. There is no way anyone could have orchestrated the rescue.”
“That— That is not what I am suggesting. I simply wonder…” The knight interrupted his flustered response by pinching the bridge of his nose. “Nevermind, I am just being paranoid. Probably.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I— I would not say that,” you attempted to reassure him.<br /><br />
There was some amusement in the gentle smile he responded with.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />You shrugged. You were the first one to suggest the idea after all.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“You are just doing your job and being thorough,” you reminded him.<br /><br />
He responded with a faint but grateful smile.
]
(else:)[
“Maybe a little,” you commented with a crooked smile.<br /><br />
He responded with a wry smile of his own.
]}
“But that means we are back to square one,” Ajmal said, crossing his arms and resting his elbows on the railing, a deep frown on his brow. “We are out of options.”
“Indeed,” you replied with a quiet exhale. “Maybe my premise was wrong in the first place. Maybe Felice has no idea what our guards’ routes are after all.”
The knight gave you a meaningful look. “No, I think you had the right idea. They must know when is the best time to sneak into the garden, somehow.”
“But how?”
He sighed. “I do not know.”
(display: "With Ajmal (3)"){(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Osana acting suspiciously', 'Ajmal knows about Osana'))}
He slipped into a thoughtful silence and you did the same. You looked down at the garden, hoping the strange bushes and trees would reveal the solution. Some movement drew your attention and you saw someone coming back from the garden and heading toward the house. You recognized the tall figure as an elven maid named Osana(if: $martial > 7)[ — Marli’s sister, from what you understood].
You vaguely started to wonder what she was up to when Sir Mansoor spoke again.
“The staff,” he said and your head whipped around to watch him.
He had his eyes on Osana too. You looked down again and watched her enter the mansion after a glance over her shoulder. She looked somewhat… nervous.
“Maybe there is a leak among the staff,” the knight continued.
You frowned and looked back at him. “I thought Zanetta made sure she hired trustworthy people.”
He met your eyes, giving you a significant look. You knew what it meant. He was not certain he could trust Zanetta in the first place.
“Maybe she believes she did. But everyone can be wrong, even her — despite what she may think…”
{(if: $MansoorAffection > 6)[
He mumbled the last part grumpily and you smiled at that. It was short-lived, however.
]
(else:)[
He mumbled the last part grumpily but you did not pay too much attention to it.
]} The implications of what he suggested were concerning.
Ajmal pushed himself away from the balustrade and stepped aside to face you. “I will talk to her about it, see if we should investigate the staff.”
“Maybe I should help you…?”
You started looking into the matter first after all. The knight looked at you, gaping hesitantly.
“I… It should not be necessary, but… I will keep you posted, and if we can find safe ways for you to help… Of course, you can.”
He smiled at you but it was a little tight. You sighed.
“Of course, I understand.”
The knight bowed respectfully and left your apartments at an urgent pace. You watched him leave before returning to your daily occupations.
<div class="choice">[[Although focusing on any of them was a bit hard with so much on your mind.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
Your decision reached, you tried to hunt down your spymaster. It was a bit harder than you thought. It seemed Zanetta had been busy all day and was all over the place. Every guard and servant you asked had last seen her in a different location. But in the end, you managed to find her in the kitchen.
You were not too surprised to find the place buzzing with activity.
Counters and cabinets lined two opposite walls, equipped with multiple stoves, and an island stood at the center, used mostly for plating. The cabinetry was all in khaya wood of course, the whole mansion’s decor being anything if consistent. It was beautifully carved. As opposed to other servants’ quarters, this room was meant to receive the occasional visit of the owners, so it had to be pleasing to the eye, of course. Another evidence of this fact was the gorgeously painted tiles that served as backsplash to the stoves, and the marble countertops.
The cook, Carla, was hard at work with Marli, her assistant. What you were not expecting was Zanetta giving them a hand. When you entered the room, full of rich scents as multiple dishes simmered on hot stoves, she was arguing with Carla about the perfect seasoning for steamed carrots.
You waited for her to be done, but it seemed neither Carla nor Zanetta would ever be done talking about sauces, so you cleared your throat as a subtle way to get her attention.
The spymaster turned her head to look at you, one eyebrow raised. “Oh, it’s you. What are you doing here?”
“You seem very busy, but… Could I borrow some of your time to talk? It is rather important.”
“What’s this about?” She asked while stirring some pot.
Your eyes darted from one corner of the kitchen to the other, but you tried your best to not look specifically at Carla or Marli.
“It is rather sensitive and I would very much like some privacy…” You replied tentatively.
Zanetta frowned, but still answered: “Of course.”
She put down her wooden spoon and removed her apron, throwing it on the counter.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she announced to the cook and her assistant.
“You don’t have to be,” Carla grumbled after her and the spymaster grinned.
She strode past you and opened the door through which you came in, beckoning for you to follow. She guided you through the villa’s corridors to a barely used game room. It was left in obscurity, the only light coming through the closed blinds and skimming the surface of a couple of card tables at the back of the room. There was a more comfortable-looking living space near the windows, with a couch and a few chairs arranged around a circular coffee table.
Zanetta walked up to it and lit a single lamp before resting one leg atop the armrest of an upholstered chair.
“Alright, what did you want to tell me?”
You took a few steps to the couch and sat beside her, smoothing down your clothes as you did, buying yourself time to figure out how to address the matter.
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
(unless: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
<div class="choice">[[You did not really want to talk about Felice’s most recent visit, so you had to be cautious.->Being cautious]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">(link: "You straightforwardly explained what was on your mind.")[
(go-to: "Explain what's on your mind")
] (if: $showtrait is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
]
(else:)[
<div class="choice">It was not going to be easy. [[Zanetta was not aware of Felice and, at least for now, you wanted to keep it that way.->Zanetta doesn't know]]</div>
]}
It was now a matter of finding the man. He was your connection with the rest of the city, so to speak, and as such, he was often out and about. Of course, he had to be available for you when you needed his gondola, but since you spent most of your time in the mansion, he was very nearly free to come and go as often as he pleased.
Now that you thought about it, he was probably the member of your staff that had the most contact with the city at large, which made him the most likely to leak information about the house and its inhabitants.
You frowned at the unsettling thought. At the same time, Nuto was not a talkative Dwarf, so you had a hard time picturing him revealing a great deal of information to anyone, even unintentionally.
Thankfully, you did not have to go very far to find him. He was having a meal all by himself in the staff’s dining room.
It was accessible through a door on the left when you reached the service stairwell. It was a long, unadorned room, a simple wooden table and benches occupying all its length. The walls were decorated with plain square plaster moldings painted a cream color. A couple of windows as well as an archway leading into the garden let some of the city glow into the room. The only other furniture was a couple of cabinets holding basic silverware and plates. Despite how unostentatious the room was, it felt like it was maintained with care, the impression due in no small part to the plant-filled vase sitting at the center of the table. You were not sure any of them were flowers per say, you were entirely unfamiliar with them. They looked mostly like branches of plants you had seen in the villa’s garden, with bulbous leaves of strange colors, like purples, pinks and blueish greens.
It was odd to see the Dwarf sitting alone at the long table, surrounded by empty benches. But Nuto seemed to always be on his own schedule. You suspected he enjoyed some amount of solitude.
Unfortunately for him, you were about to disturb this quiet moment.
When his pale blue eyes met yours, he seemed to understand you wanted to talk to him without a word from you.
“Sit down,” he said, pointing at the bench facing him.
You looked between him and the simple wooden furniture.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I wanted to speak with you,” you decided to voice, as unnecessary as it seemed. “But I can wait until you have finished your meal.”")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "I can wait until you're finished")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You shrugged and took the seat.")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "Taking the seat")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open) (stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You did not like to be told what to do.<br />
(link: "“I can stand,” you replied sharply. “I just wanted to speak with you.”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "I can stand")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
You only had to find either of them. Carla was hard to miss since she spent most of her time in the kitchen. Dolce’s location was harder to pinpoint, as she was often patrolling the property herself. You decided to go for the simple option to start with and headed for the kitchen. You could still hunt down Dolce later if you needed to.
As you approached the kitchen, taking the service corridor running the length of the mansion’s east wing, you started to smell the rich scents of the multiple dishes the cook was preparing, from freshly baked goods to roasting meats and vegetables. When you entered the room, you were still surprised by how busy it was. You did expect Carla and Marli, her assistant, to be hard at work, but you did not count on Zanetta’s presence. She was apparently giving a hand by peeling some oddly shaped root vegetable.
You embraced the room with a glance, while your entrance had still gone unnoticed, looking for the cook’s flash of red hair.
Counters and cabinets lined two opposite walls, equipped with multiple stoves, and an island stood at the center, used mostly for plating. The cabinetry was all in khaya wood of course, the whole mansion’s decor being anything if consistent. It was beautifully carved. As opposed to other servants’ quarters, this room was meant to receive the occasional visit of the owners, so it had to be pleasing to the eye, of course. Another evidence of this fact was the gorgeously painted tiles that served as backsplash to the stoves, and the marble countertops.
When you finally spotted Carla, you walked quietly beside her and cleared your throat. The Dwarven woman looked up at you from the piece of meat she was hacking into pieces with a particularly large knife and narrowed her eyes. Her suspicion was natural, you thought, as you rarely interacted with her so directly. Zanetta was also throwing curious looks your way from her station.
“I am sorry to interrupt your work,” you told Carla in a low tone, hoping to avoid being overheard. “But I would like to speak with you… Privately, if at all possible.”
The Dwarf raised an eyebrow at you but she did not argue. Instead, she turned toward her aide and Zanetta.
“Everyone, out!” She ordered loudly and, while the bulky Elven assistant removed his apron and started to walk towards the nearest door without question, Zanetta looked at the cook with affront painted on her features.
“What? We’re helping!” She protested, gesturing towards the small pile of peeled vegetables in front of her.
“Some help you are,” Carla grumbled. “Always criticizing how I do things. Anyway, the kid wants to speak with me so get out.”
The spymaster’s expression turned smug as she smirked at you. “Is this about some embarrassing food allergy?”
”No!” You replied, your face heating up.
“If you say so,” Zanetta drawled while finally leaving her station and heading out the door.
Once she was gone and the door closed behind her, Carla turned back to you.
“It isn’t about an embarrassing food allergy, is it?“ She asked with a mildly concerned frown.
“No!” You repeated vehemently.
The cook breathed with relief, her expression smoothing into a gentler one. “Oh, good. What is it then?”
As she asked, she violently brought down her knife, splitting a piece of meat, bone and all, in half. You swallowed, impressed by her strength and precision despite yourself.
“Well… Maybe it is something I could have brought up to Zanetta, but… You interact with everyone here, do you not?”
“Yes? So does Zanetta,” Carla remarked, her eyes narrowed, wrinkling her thick, freckled skin at the corners.
“Yes but… You feed them, while Zanetta gives orders. I feel like the staff would be more comfortable around you…”
“I’m not so sure about that,” the cook grumbled, chopping another piece of meat as punctuation. “People find me //intimidating//.”
She spat the word, obviously not fond of it, yet you could see how people could think that. No one wanted to anger the grumpy woman wielding huge cooking knives.
"Dolce has no manners,” Carla continued, her lips unable to stop from smiling fondly at the mention of her wife, despite the harsh words. “Yet folks think of her as more approachable.”
You could see that as well. Dolce was more even-keeled, but she was pretty intimidating as well.
“Actually, I would love to have her opinion as well, but you were easier to find,” you admitted.
“Her opinion on what?”
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
While some of the staff was aware of Felice’s visits since your first encounter, you were not sure Carla was one of them.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">(link: "It was better to check first.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Better to check first")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">[[You preferred not to involve Felice at all, so it was for the best.->Not involving Felice]]</div>
]
(else:)[
<div class="choice">[[While Felice’s existence was still a secret, you would have to find a way to voice your concerns without mentioning them.->Not involving Felice]]</div>
]}
You breathed in slowly and took the plunge: “While I was in the garden, I took some time to think and I have been wondering how Felice always manages to get past our walls without getting noticed.”
Zanetta raised an unimpressed eyebrow. “That’s a healthy thing to wonder about and I can’t say it’s not a question that has come to my mind a few times…”
“I would imagine not,” you replied awkwardly.
You had a feeling you would have a hard time downplaying how suspicious the Mer’s behavior appeared.
“So, what are your thoughts?” Zanetta’s expression softened as she showed genuine curiosity.
“Well… There are a couple of options,” you started, squaring your shoulders in an effort to gain confidence. “Maybe they are good at thinking on their feet… Or maybe they have some knowledge about our guards’ schedule. That would allow them to pick the best time to visit.”
The Dwarven woman frowned, putting her fist in front of her mouth in a thoughtful pose. “But how would they acquire the information?”
You shrugged, but it was not as smooth or as relaxed as you hoped.
“I figured either they found a way to observe the guards’ movements or someone is giving them the information.”
Zanetta’s expression darkened further, if at all possible. “They can’t see the guards patrol, the mansion is too secluded for that, I made sure of it.”
“I suspected it was not a very likely option,” you admitted hesitantly.
“So you think there is a leak?”
You shrugged again, but it was even jerkier than before.
“I just think it is something to consider.”
The spymaster scoffed. “You’re awfully nonchalant about considering the possibility that your new friend is likely spying on you.”
You should have seen this coming. You already had many an argument about Felice with her and you suspected it would not be the last one. (if:$FeliceTrust is 0)[Unfortunately, it was hard to defend the Mer when you knew her suspicions were not baseless.]
You crossed your arms over your chest, your shoulders tensing up. “I do not think there is any ill intent behind their actions. I think they just… have a flair for the dramatic.”
“And yet you bring the issue up to me,” Zanetta pointed out while staring keenly at you. “It must concern even you.”
“It does, because if Felice can get information from our staff, then who else can?”
The Dwarf leaned back, her gaze turning more contemplative as she brushed her lips with her thumb.
“That’s a good point,” she said with a nod. “Glad we can at least reach an agreement on that.”
You perked up. “So what is your opinion? Do you know of anyone who could be the leak among the staff — if there is one, that is?”
Zanetta grimaced. “If there was, I wouldn’t have hired them.”
(display: "The leak")
“While I was in the garden, Felice came to visit me,” you started and before you could continue, Zanetta grimaced.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“Them again? And here I thought we had seen the last of them,” she grumbled, and you could not blame her.<br />
“I think they meant it to be a final secret visit,” you replied with a shrug, giving them a lukewarm defense. “They wished me a happy birthday.”<br />
The Dwarf narrowed her eyes. “How did they know it was today? Did you tell them?”<br />
“I must have…” You said hesitantly, shifting on the sofa. “Or… Well, this is what I came to talk to you about.”<br />
She frowned. “Alright… So what is it?”
]
(else:)[
“Again?” She sighed. “Their impromptu appearances are a bit unnerving, you know. It raises questions about the mansion’s safety.”<br />
You shifted uneasily on the sofa. “I know. That is why I came to talk to you about it.”<br />
The Dwarf raised a surprised eyebrow at you. “Oh? Are you coming to your senses and finally considering them with the suspicion they deserve?”<br />
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
You pursed your lips, staring back at her disapprovingly. “I do not think they do any of this with ill intent. But I have to wonder if someone could not breach the house’s security the same way they do.”
]
(else:)[
You bit your lip at the jab. “I do not think they have any ill intent… But someone else could breach the house’s security the same way they do and that is what concerns me.”
]}<br />
Zanetta exhaled with notable exasperation, but she nodded nonetheless. “Well, at least that’s something we can agree on.”<br />
“I have been thinking of… a few possibilities,” you continued carefully. “I hoped I could run them by you.”<br />
A slight smirk stretched her lips. “Of course. What are your thoughts?”
]}
You took a deep steadying breath, thinking of what could be the best starting point.
“Felice has been able to sneak in and out of the villa’s garden without being seen, somehow. It could be that they simply are very good at thinking on their feet and have been incredibly lucky so far. But another possibility is that they know our guards’ schedule and have been able to choose the best time to infiltrate our walls.”
Zanetta’s expression turned grave as you spoke, the suggestion not boding well.
“How would they have acquired the information?” She asked you.
“Well…” You replied, linking your hands and playing anxiously with your fingers. “Either they have found a way to observe our guards’ patrols directly… Or someone gave it to them.”
The spymaster’s frown deepened further. “They couldn’t have observed the patrols. The mansion is secluded enough, I made sure of it.”
“I suspected as much…” You said, feeling uncomfortable with the implications. “Which means that a leak among the staff is more likely.”
Zanetta groaned, dragging a hand across her face.
“I hate to say it, but you’re probably right.”
You perked up. “If you agree then... Do you have any idea of who could be the leak? If there is one.”
“If I had any suspicions on anyone, I would not have hired them,” she remarked.
(display: "The leak")
You took a deep breath and started with a question, one you were sure would raise more. “How much do you trust every member of the mansion’s staff?”
The Dwarf’s reaction was immediate and one you anticipated. She stared at you with a deep frown.
“I trust them with my life. And yours, obviously. Why are you asking now? I thought we went over this already. I wouldn’t have picked them if I didn’t trust them wholly.”
She was right of course, and you did not know why the answer would be any different now than it was before. But you were still hoping for //something//. Of course, Zanetta did not have all the information you possessed, so she had no reason to doubt your employees. Making her question them without telling her about Felice would be quite the challenge indeed.
“Are you entirely sure?” You insisted. “I can count the people I trust that completely on the fingers of one hand. I know you hired a limited staff specifically for that reason, but it’s still a decent amount of people…”
Zanetta raised an eyebrow and smirked at you. “Well, I haven’t been living a life quite as sheltered as yours. I’ve met a lot of people.”
You pursed your lips at the obvious dig but chose to ignore it. “I understand, but surely you do not know all of them that thoroughly that you would confide everything about yourself to them? Do they know all your secrets?”
Her frown returned. “Of course not, no one knows all of a single person’s secrets.”
“Yes, but…” You started, growing frustrated. “There is little Lady Domara and {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]} do not know about myself. Could you say the same about all of our staff?”
Of course, that was a bit of a lie as you had been hiding the existence of your new friend, Felice, from them. {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
It felt wrong to try and influence Zanetta while concealing the truth from her too, and you could not stop yourself from chewing on your lip nervously.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
Lying had always been tough for you. You could feel your face warm up and you hoped it was nothing noticeable.
]
(else:)[
You tried to not let it bother you, but your brow furrowed nevertheless.
]}
There was hesitation in Zanetta’s brown eyes when she finally answered. “No… I guess I can’t say the same. Not for all of them.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, leaning forward, and she held your gaze with a resolute one of her own. “But what’s your point? Where are you going with this?”
“My life hangs in the balance,” you explained slowly. “I would feel a lot better if you made sure to keep an eye on those in our employ you don’t trust as fully as the others. I do not mean to imply they would willingly throw me to the wolves, but what if they let information about me leak unintentionally?”
Zanetta grimaced as she swallowed something particularly sour. “I suppose that could happen. But I’m already doing my best, I can’t do much beyond damage control if something comes up at this point.”
Your brow lowered despite yourself. What she did not know was that something had already come up.
Unfortunately, the spymaster did not miss your reaction and she narrowed her eyes at you.
“What I still don’t understand,” she said carefully. “Is why this is concerning you now.”
“There is not any particular reason,” you tried to lie with a stiff shrug. “It is simply something I have been thinking about.”
“Really,” she stated, looking unimpressed. “You know, I’ve noticed something.”
You were not sure what she meant, but you had a feeling it was nothing good. You swallowed nervously.
“You did?”
“You’ve been a little secretive, for the past couple of weeks. In fact, since that one time you came back from the dock soaked to the bone and provided an unlikely explanation.”
“I did not know you heard about that…” You said, getting a bit alarmed.
“I’m in the business of knowing things, remember?” The Dwarf replied with a slight smirk.
The smile faded quickly, however, and she leveled a serious gaze with yours. “I think you fell in the canal that day, and for some reason, you don’t want to tell anyone. Maybe you’re hiding something else, I don’t know. But whatever it is, if it raises any security concerns, you should consider coming clean about it.”
She was too close to the truth for comfort and you wrung your hands anxiously. You had to figure out some sort of justification.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You only admitted to falling into the canal, nothing more.")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
(go-to: "Falling into the canal")
] Hopefully, that would be enough to end the conversation.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You admitted to falling into the canal and to having been saved by a stranger.")[
(set: $FeliceKnown to 0.2)
(go-to: "Saved by a stranger")
] You did not want to mention Felice’s regular visits.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You admitted to everything.")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $FeliceKnown to 0.5)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "Admitting everything")
] But maybe you could convince her not to tell anyone else. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'The mansion is a haven for your staff'))}“Are you sure?” You insisted. “Could there not be someone who has a connection you are not aware of? Friends, family outside the mansion they talk to on a regular basis?”
She sighed. “Not really. A lot of them don’t have families or many friends. And when they do, I made sure to hire close relatives and friends whenever possible. All of them have cut ties with their previous life, for various reasons.”
“I see…” You replied slowly, dipping your head. “I have noticed that they all seem to have… a past.”
“That’s one way to put it,” Zanetta replied with a lopsided grin.
{<div class="choice">You had mixed feelings about all that.<br />
(link: "“Are you not…” You grimaced, you did not like to assume the worst of people, but the thought was nagging you. “Are you not taking advantage of people in a difficult situation?”")[
(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection - 1)
]
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "Taking advantage of them")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“They all used to be criminals, did they not?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to $ZanettaAffection + 1)
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "They all used to be criminals")
] You asked, more curious than accusatory. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Could that past not catch up with them? How can you be certain they all can be trusted?”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "How can they be trusted?")
] You questioned her bluntly. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
“Are you not…” You grimaced, you did not like to assume the worst of people, but the thought was nagging you. “Are you not taking advantage of people in a difficult situation?”
Zanetta’s eyebrow twitched and you had to refrain from wincing. Maybe you went a little too far and had touched a nerve.
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
“I know you don’t think much of me,” she said, her tone dangerously low. “But I think that’s a bit rich, coming from a royal brat whose kingdom is built on the back of less fortunate people.”<br /><br />
{(if: $traditionalist > $revolutionary)[
The insult made your face heat up and you glared at the Dwarf. If you went too far, so did she.
]
(else-if: $revolutionary > $traditionalist)[
The Dwarf knew where to aim to cause the most pain, you had to give her that. This time you grimaced.
]
(else:)[
Well, at least you knew how little she thought of you as well. Regardless, the insult was not lost on you.
]}<br /><br />
“Ahabalad is not Telidrica,” you argued.<br />
“Yeah?” Zanetta shot back. “Do your workers live on the lap of luxury as you do?”<br /><br />
Both you and she knew the response to that question, there was no point in answering.<br /><br />
{(if: $traditionalist > $revolutionary)[
“If they did, would they respect my authority?” You asked instead. “I am not meant to be their equal, I am meant to be blessed by the Gods and invested by them to rule. We have a civil war on our hands because people stopped believing that, because my uncle showed them he was just a man, as flawed as they are.”<br />
The spymaster scoffed. “You really believe that, don’t you? You are just like them. What will happen when they realize you are flawed too?”<br />
You pursed your lips. “They will not. My ancestors have managed this far, if I reconnect with our traditions, I believe things can go back to where they were.”<br /><br />
Zanetta shook her head in disbelief. She clearly disagreed with you. Thankfully, she decided against dragging the argument.<br /><br />
“Besides, you have yet to answer my original question,” you added, pointedly.
]
(else-if: $revolutionary > $traditionalist)[
“Maybe they do not, but…” You started, shifting uneasily on your seat. “My parents have done a lot to improve workers’ rights. Things were changing for the better before… Before they…”<br />
“I didn’t know,” Zanetta interrupted you softly, her expression turning more sympathetic.<br />
“I understand your point,” you said, more firmly. “I really do. But my responsibility toward my people does not absolve you of yours. You did not answer my question.”
]
(else:)[
“Maybe not,” you replied, giving her a pointed look. “But I believe you are evading my original question.”
]}<br /><br />
The Dwarf let out a heavy sigh.
]
(else:)[
“I guess that is a fair question,” she sighed, however, all trace of anger leaving her expression. “That’s good of you to worry about these people, at least. But we’ve been working together for a couple of months and you should know better by now.”<br />
“I am sorry,” you said, sheepishly. “But it would really make me feel better if you answered the question out loud.”<br /><br />
The Dwarf let out a heavy breath and a crooked smile graced her lips.
]}
“I have very intimate knowledge of what it’s like to be taken advantage of and I can assure you, I’m not doing that to any of your staff members. They all were given a choice, I would not have thrown them to the wolves if they refused, and they all are well compensated. You don’t have to worry about that.”
You nodded. It was as satisfactory as an answer as you were going to get, you suspected.
(display: "The leak (2)"){(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'All the staff used to be Guild members'))}
“They all used to be criminals, did they not?” You asked, more curious than accusatory.
The Dwarf’s smirk widened and you could not help but think it looked a little predatory.
“Noticed that, didn’t you? Yes, most of them used to work for the Guild,” she replied, her eyes looking keenly into yours, assessing.
“Meaning that they do not anymore?”
Zanetta did not answer right away, taking a moment to observe your reaction, it seemed. But you were only seeking answers, nothing more.
“Of course, they don’t,” she finally said with one shrug of her shoulder. “I don’t want the Thieves’ Guild meddling in our affairs. In fact, all your employees have some grief or another with the Guild and will make sure it doesn’t approach anywhere near us.”
You nodded, taking in the information.
“That does sound helpful, when you put it that way…” You commented. “But would it not attract the Guild’s attention? Having so many of their former members reunited under a single roof?”
Zanetta narrowed her eyes at you. “Aren’t you a smart little pupil? Lady Domara must be so proud…”
She grinned at you and you could not tell if the compliment was an earnest one or sarcasm.
“That’s definitely a possibility,” she continued. “One we should be careful of. I would have hired people with a wider variety of backgrounds if I knew enough of them to trust them.”
You looked at her with curiosity. “It is rather interesting that the only people you trust used to work for a criminal organization.”
She winced. “Well. I had to deal with the Guild a lot in my line of work. And you find trustworthy people in all sorts of unlikely places. Same goes for untrustworthy types.”
You considered what she said and figured that, despite the danger of bringing all those reformed criminals in one place, it was better to have people in your employ Zanetta knew and trusted, rather than people you could not be sure were secretly working for the Guild… or anyone else with ill intent.
(display: "The leak (2)")
“Could that past not catch up with them? How can you be certain they all can be trusted?” You questioned her bluntly.
The Dwarf lost her smile, matching your stare with a cool one of her own. “Because I know their past and I know what to expect if it does catch up with them. The same could not be said of your average house employee, not in Lagodoro. You don’t know which one is just looking for a job and which one will sell information to any noble or even to the Guild as soon as the opportunity is presented to them.”
You frowned. “So you think that criminals are more trustworthy than any regular staff?”
“Criminals I know, yes.”
“That seems harsh,” you commented. “I am sure most of them are trying to get by.”
“Of course they are,” Zanetta agreed with a shrug. “But getting by here, when working for the nobility, often means doing shady stuff. I don’t blame them, believe me, but… We are trying to protect your secrets, here.”
She smirked at you.
“I know it doesn’t sound ideal,” she added in an attempt to reassure you, you supposed. “But believe me, your employees are done with their previous life and will do everything they can to keep themself, and you by proximity, out of it.”
You nodded. It was as good as an answer as you were going to get, you guessed.
(display: "The leak (2)")
“So there is no one you could suspect of leaking information? Yet you do agree that is the most likely possibility?” You asked, going back to the matter at hand.
Zanetta pulled a face. “When you put it that way… I do think it’s the most likely possibility, among the ones we could come up with so far. Maybe there’s a better one still eluding us. Besides, while I don’t suspect anyone from the staff to give out information willingly and consciously, it is possible the leak is involuntary.”
You frowned. “How?”
“That’s something we’ll have to figure out,” the Dwarf replied with a shrug.
She straightened herself, moving away from the chair she was leaning against, looking more solemn. “I’ll keep a close eye on the staff, see what they are up to when they are on breaks. If there are loose ends, that’s likely where I’ll find them. I’ll keep you posted on what I discover, if anything.”
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You nodded. “I appreciate it.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You nodded, satisfied that she took the matter seriously. “That is all I ask.”<br />
The spymaster grinned. “How gracious.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled at her, reassured that she was taking your concerns seriously. “Thank you, Zanetta.”<br />
“Of course,” she answered, {(unless: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[her expression mirroring yours](else:)[one eyebrow quirked up.]}
]}
<div class="choice">[[You parted ways and while the Dwarven woman headed back toward the kitchen, either to help or to pester Carla, you returned to your daily occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
“I did fall into the canal. I managed to catch myself, fortunately, but I was too embarrassed to say so to Lady Domara, and I did not want her or {(if: $Ajmal is "Sleiman")[Sir Mansoor](else:)[Ajmal]} to make a fuss. You know they would…” You said, glancing her way, trying to get her on your side to avoid further questioning.
“They definitely would,” Zanetta agreed with an eye-roll. “How did you fall in the first place?”
Of course, it could not be that easy. You pressed a hand against your chest, where your pendant hung beneath your clothes. You figured telling some of the truth about that would be harmless enough.
“My medallion fell and I tripped trying to catch it.”
“So you managed to catch yourself and your medallion? Impressive,” the Dwarf commented, one eyebrow lifting up.
You were not sure if it was out of surprise or disbelief, and it was rather unsettling.
“So there’s no deep dark secret going on, here? Something that would raise any safety concerns?” She asked again, her gaze intent.
You shrugged, and it was almost painful with how tense your muscles were. “That is the extent of it.”
She narrowed her eyes, watching you for a moment longer.
“You do realize that I don’t really care about your secrets, don’t you? I’m just trying to do my job. If I don’t have all the information I need, it’ll be on both our heads. So, if you’re lying…”
You shifted on the couch, sitting on the edge of it. “I am not lying when I say I would rather you make sure there are no potential leaks among our staff, that is all.”
You were revealing too much by saying as much, you knew it. But while you did not want Zanetta to know about Felice, you did not want her to dismiss the issue.
“I see…” The spymaster replied, her suspecting look never leaving you.
She straightened herself, moving away from the chair she was leaning against.
“I’ll do what I can,” she said, giving you a meaningful glance. “And I’ll be around, for when you decide to tell me what this is really about.”
She walked out of the game room, presumably to go back to the kitchen, either to help or pester Carla. You stayed in the dark room, taking a moment to breathe before you returned to your daily activities.
<div class="choice">[[You tried to keep the matter out of your thoughts, rather unsuccessfully.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
“I did fall into the canal. I did not say anything because I cannot swim and, save for the fortuitous help of a stranger, I would not have come out,” you explained, looking down at your wringing hands.
The memory was unpleasant enough to revisit, and you hoped that would dissuade Zanetta from prying too much.
“Well, shit,” the Dwarf mumbled, looking a little paler.
“I did not want to worry Lady Domara or {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}, you know how concerned they get…”
“I understand,” Zanetta said softly. “But rightfully so, in this case, don’t you think?”
You shook your head. “It was a stupid mistake. It won’t happen again, I promise.”
“How did you even fall in the first place?” She asked, her tone gentle.
One of your hands came to rest on your chest, where your pendant hung beneath your clothes. You could tell the truth about that, at least.
“My medallion fell into the water and I did not think… I jumped after it.”
“Why on earth would you do that? Knowing you can’t swim?” The spymaster asked, staring at you, her eyes round with shock.
“It did not occur to me at that moment. It… It was my mother’s. I could not lose it.”
Zanetta’s expression softened. “I understand.”
You glanced up at her, offering a tight but thankful smile.
But of course, she ended up asking the question you were hoping to avoid: “You said a stranger saved you?”
“Yes,” you confirmed carefully, considering how much you could reveal. “Their name is Felice and they happened to pass by when it happened.”
“Felice, huh?” Zanetta said, her expression a thoughtful one. “Plenty of those going around in Lagodoro.”
You suspected it was true, as well as you suspected a Mer of the same name was a lot rarer. As reluctant as you were, it was something that might be wise to share. If Zanetta were to meet them, one day, she would definitely find the omission suspicious.
“They’re a Mer,” you admitted quietly.
The spymaster instantly perked up, her gaze turning sharp on you. “A Mer? Here, in Lagodoro? Now that is unheard of.”
“Surely there must be some,” you argued, surprised by her vehemence. “It is a vast city.”
“Well, there is at least one, since you met them… Are you positive they were a Mer?”
“Absolutely. They were swimming in the channel, with their tail and all.”
“Huh,” Zanetta hummed with a grimace. “Gross. Why would anyone swim in there…”
She frowned, looking deep in thought. While you figured Mers were a rare sight in Lagodoro, you did not consider it could be as unique as the Dwarf was making it out to be.
“You really have some luck,” your spymaster suddenly said with a chuckle. “Only you would fall in the channels of Lagodoro only for a mysterious Mer to come out of their depths to save you. Let me guess… They looked dreamy too?”
{<div class="choice">You blinked, surprised by the question. In all fairness, you were too shocked by your brush with death at the time for such considerations.<br />
(link: "“I… Yes, I suppose they are rather attractive.”")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "I suppose they are")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned slightly.<br />
(link: "“That was hardly my main concern at the time,”")[
(set: $severe to $severe + 1)
(go-to: "Hardly my main concern")
] you pointed out dryly. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>
(if: $FeliceRomance > 0)[
<div class="choice">Blood rushed to your face. (link: "“Well, huh… I— I suppose one could say that…”")[
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "You could say that")
]<br />
While you did not want to say outright how attractive you thought Felice was, your stammering was doing it for you. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You smiled despite yourself. (link: "“Quite… Waking back from unconsciousness with an attractive person’s lips on mine was hardly the most unpleasant part of the experience.”")[
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "Not the most unpleasant part")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</div>
]}
You closed your eyes, took a deep breath, and eventually started to talk. “Yes, alright, I did fall into the canal. I did not say anything because I cannot swim and I would not have come out of it if not for the help of a stranger. You know how Lady Domara and {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]} get… I feared they would never let me near water after that.”
“A likely assumption,” the Dwarf confirmed with a slight, crooked smile. “But they would be rightfully concerned, don’t you think? How did you fall in the water in the first place?”
Your hand instinctively clutched your pendant through your clothes as you remembered the event.
“I saw… something in the water, while I was staying on the dock. When I leaned over the canal to get a better look, my medallion unhooked from its chain, somehow, and it fell in the water. I jumped after it without thinking.”
Zanetta stared at you with wide eyes. “Knowing you can’t swim? What possessed you to do that?”
Your lips pursed tightly together. “It was my mother’s. I just could not bear the thought of losing it.”
The spymaster’s expression softened, warm brown eyes meeting yours reassuringly. “I understand.”
You offered her a faint, grateful smile, before your gaze darted to your wringing hands, the memory an unpleasant one to revisit.
“I lost consciousness… I would have drowned if Felice did not pull me out and revived me,” you continued.
“Felice?”
“The stranger I mentioned.”
“I guess there is nothing like a brush with death to get you on a first-name basis with a stranger,” Zanetta commented with a smirk.
“I only know their first name, actually,” {(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
you admitted, your eyes locked resolutely on your hands still.
]
(else:)[
you admitted sheepishly.
]}
“That’s not much to go on if we want to find them again,” the Dwarf said and when you looked up, you saw her pull a face. “I’m sure you want to thank them…But there are plenty of Felices to go around in Lagodoro.”
“That… will not be a problem,” you replied, your tone measured. “They are a Mer.”
Zanetta blinked owlishly at you. You suspected a Mer would be a rare sight in the Dwarven city, but by her reaction, it was more so than you thought.
“You really have some luck, don’t you,” she pointed out with a lopsided grin. “Just arrived here and already pulling out Mers from the lake to save you from drowning. You are a living fairy tale. Let me guess… They were dreamy, too?”
“They are… quite charming, yes,” you admitted awkwardly, knowing she was not going to like what would follow.
“Oh?” She said with a raised eyebrow. “How charming are we talking?”
{<div class="choice">(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
[[“Charming enough that I may have let them get away with too much,“->Met multiple times]] you said with a frown.
]
(else:)[
[[“Charming enough that we have met again… Multiple times,”->Met multiple times]] you revealed.
]</div>
(if: $FeliceRomance > 0)[
<div class="choice">Blood rushed to your face and you hoped she would not notice. (link: "“Well, huh… I…”")[
(set: $reserved to $reserved + 1)
(go-to: "Well, huh...")
]<br />
If your expression did not reveal how you felt about Felice, your stammering surely would. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“The kind of charming that makes it worth nearly drowning only to wake up to a beautiful stranger’s lips on yours,”")[
(set: $forward to $forward + 1)
(go-to: "Worth nearly drowning")
] you replied, matching her tone and smile. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</div>
]}
“I… Yes, I suppose they are rather attractive.”
“I imagine you had other things on your mind,” Zanetta suggested with a half-smile.
“To put it mildly…” You replied, your lips stretching faintly.
(display: "Saved by a stranger (2)")
“That was hardly my main concern at the time,” you pointed out dryly.
“Of course,” Zanetta replied, quickly sobering up. “I don’t imagine it was a pleasant experience overall.”
(display: "Saved by a stranger (2)"){(unless: $ZanettaOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $ZanettaOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
Blood rushed to your face. “Well, huh… I— I suppose one could say that…”
While you did not want to say outright how attractive you thought Felice was, your stammering was doing it for you.
Zanetta hummed thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing and her smile sharpening. “Oh? But you wouldn’t?”
“That is not… I did not mean it like that. I just… would not have said it like that,” you spurted, scrambling for an explanation.
“How would you have said it then?” The Dwarf asked, relentless. “That they were irresistibly magnetic? Ravishingly beautiful? Smolderingly gorgeous?”
“I… Please stop,” you whined, your face burning with embarrassment. “They were… charming, yes.”
Zanetta laughed. “Alright. Charming it is. I will have to be on the lookout for this charming Mer named Felice. A peculiar individual, no doubt.”
(display: "Surely you want to see them again"){(unless: $ZanettaOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $ZanettaOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
You smiled despite yourself. “Quite… Waking back from unconsciousness with an attractive person’s lips on mine was hardly the most unpleasant part of the experience.”
You were expecting Zanetta to be amused by your comment, but instead, she frowned.
“It was that bad, huh? You really were about to drown…” She said with a preoccupied frown.
You sighed. “Yes, but I did not. Please, I said I would be more careful in the future.”
She chuckled this time. “Alright, alright. I guess your tutor is starting to rub off on me. Glad you found a bright side to all this. I will have to stay on the lookout for a dreamy Mer named Felice. A peculiar individual, no doubt.”
(display: "Surely you want to see them again")
You tensed up and the spymaster seemed to notice.
“What’s the matter? Surely you want to see them again…”
“Of course!” You were prompt to reply all the while your gaze darted away from her keen eyes. “I just… You do not have to look for them, you already have enough on your plate as is.”
“Alright…” Zanetta said, with some hesitation and maybe some suspicion.
(display: "Saved by a stranger (2)")
“Now I understand why you would want to keep such an event close to your chest,” she pondered out loud, her arms crossing in front of her. “But I’m not sure how all of this would make you suspicious of our staff.”
“It would not,” you replied, fiddling anxiously with the hem of your clothes. “As I said, it was just something I thought about.”
Zanetta pursed her lips, looking as skeptical as ever, yet she did not insist.
“Alright,” she sighed. “If you say so… I’ll keep an eye on the staff, but it won’t be very helpful if I don’t know what to look for. If there is a //real// reason why you are so suspicious, feel free to come tell me anytime.”
With that, she straightened herself and moved away from the chair she was leaning on. She left the room, presumably to go back in the kitchen and help — or pester — Carla.
<div class="choice">[[You took a moment to breathe before you returned to your own daily occupations, trying to put the matter out of your mind — without much success.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>{(unless: $lastpassage is "Well, huh..." or "Worth nearly drowning")[
<br />{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“Charming enough that I may have let them get away with too much,“ you said with a frown.
]
(else:)[
“Charming enough that we have met again… Multiple times,” you revealed.
]}<br />
]}The spymaster frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that Felice has been coming back to visit me regularly since that day.”
“On the dock?” She asked, her gaze sharp.
“Sometimes… Other times… Well, that is why I wanted to talk to you about a possible leak,” you confessed carefully.
“I’m not going to like this, aren’t I?” Zanetta sighed.
“I do not think so…”
You explained to her how Felice snuck into the garden and the thought process that led you to suspect a leak among the house’s staff.
The Dwarf groaned. “I hate to say it, but I think you’re right. A leak does sound like the most likely option. The villa is too secluded to be observed from the outside. If your new friend somehow managed to get their hand on the guards’ schedule, it has to be through the staff.“
“Then, if you agree,” you said eagerly, leaning forward. “Is there anyone among them that you would suspect of spreading information?”
Zanetta grimaced. “Of course not. I wouldn’t have hired them if I did.”
(display: "The leak"){(unless: $ZanettaOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $ZanettaOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
Blood rushed to your face and you hoped she would not notice. “Well, huh… I…“
If your expression did not reveal how you felt about Felice, your stammering surely would.
Zanetta’s eyes narrowed knowingly. “I see… The kind of charming that leaves you speechless, huh?”
“I… It would seem so,” you mumbled, hiding your face behind your hand out of sheer embarrassment.
The Dwarf chuckled, but, despite her teasing, she was watching you with a soft gaze. You still felt utterly ridiculous that someone you barely started to know was putting you in such a state.
“Then we’ll really have to find them and thank them adequately,” she said with laughter in her voice.
You shifted uncomfortably, sitting on the edge of the sofa. “Well… As I said, that is not necessary.”
(display: "Met multiple times"){(unless: $ZanettaOtherFlirts contains 'Felice')[
(set: $ZanettaOtherFlirts to it + (a: 'Felice'))
]}
“The kind of charming that makes it worth nearly drowning only to wake up to a beautiful stranger’s lips on yours,” you replied, matching her tone and smile.
Zanetta’s eyes narrowed knowingly. “I see. I wouldn’t try again, however.”
“Only if I am certain of the outcome,“ you replied with a playful smile.
“Then we do have to find them if you are that eager to repeat the experience.”
You tensed up, your amusement quickly leaving in favor of apprehension.
“Well… As I mentioned, it will not be necessary.”
(display: "Met multiple times")
“I wanted to speak with you,” you decided to voice, as unnecessary as it seemed. “But I can wait until you have finished your meal.”
“Sit down,” Nuto repeated, slower but warmer. “You aren’t bothering me.”
You smiled gratefully at him and took the seat in front of him.
(display: "Taking the seat")
“I can stand,” you replied sharply. “I just wanted to speak with you.”
“Suit yourself,” the Dwarf said with a shrug.
You opened your mouth, ready to start talking but you realized it would be very awkward with you just standing around while Nuto sat and ate his meal. So you decided to sit after all.
Fortunately, the gondolier had no reaction either way when you took the seat in front of him.
(display: "Taking the seat")
“What’s this about?” he asked while digging his wooden spoon in a bowl of stew.
You did not know what the meat was and the dish seemed fairly unsophisticated, but you could smell the warm spices from the other side of the table. It was enough to wake your appetite and your stomach started growling. It did not help that, when Nuto broke his bread apart, the golden crust cracked pleasantly and the crumb tore slowly, soft and elastic.
“Well…” You started, your eyes trained on his food.
“You’re hungry?” The gondolier interrupted. “Carla always has stew going.”
You hesitated, looking up at him and down again at the bowl of stew.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“If that is not too much of a bother…” You said timidly.<br />
“Of course not,” Nuto assured you evenly. “Let’s get you something to eat.”
]
(else:)[
“As a matter of fact, I am,” you admitted.<br />
“Then let’s get you something to eat.”
]}
He stood up and turned to the hutch pushed against the wall behind him. Grabbing a plate and a spoon, he then headed towards the kitchen next door. You followed after him.
You were not surprised to find the room buzzing with activity, Carla and her assistant hard at work.
Counters and cabinets lined two opposite walls, equipped with multiple stoves, and an island stood at the center, used mostly for plating. The cabinetry was all in khaya wood of course, the whole mansion’s decor being anything if consistent. It was beautifully carved. As opposed to other servants’ quarters, this room was meant to receive the occasional visit of the owners, so it had to be pleasing to the eye, of course. Another evidence of this fact was the gorgeously painted tiles that served as backsplash to the stoves, and the marble countertops.
What you did not expect was to find Zanetta, who was apparently giving them a hand. The cook glanced at Nuto as he entered and narrowed her eyes when she saw you behind him.
“What do you want?” The redheaded Dwarf asked the gondolier in a short tone.
“Food for the little one,” Nuto replied, walking purposefully toward a large pot over a low flame.
Your face warmed at the designation. It was a strange thing to be called when you were taller than the Dwarf.
“Lunch will be ready soon enough,” Carla retorted.
“Well, $MCpronoun(print: $MCplural of (a: "’s", "’re")) eating with me now,” Nuto stated, unbothered, as he raised the wooden bowl to ladle stew into it.
The cook threw the ball of dough she was kneading onto a floured countertop.
“And what about lunch?” She grumbled at the gondolier, now turning his back to her.
“Someone’ll eat it, don’t worry.”
He put the spoon in the generous bowl and found a piece of bread for you. You could have argued in favor of Carla, but Nuto seemed determined to feed you and you figured it was best to not get involved. The cook glared at him the whole time as he made his way back to the staff’s dining room.
You heard Zanetta chuckle from her spot, where she was peeling some vegetables. “You know there’s no stopping him.”
“Hardheaded bastard,” Carla grumbled, returning to her dough-kneading.
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You quietly followed the Dwarf, leaving the kitchen behind you.
]
(else:)[
“Sorry,” you mumbled before leaving the kitchen after the Dwarf.
]}
You both took your earlier places around the table, a bowl of stew and a piece of bread now waiting in front of you.
“Alright. Where were we?” Nuto asked, continuing his meal.
You took a deep breath. It was not an easy subject to bring up.
“I have been wondering… If you had noticed any kind of odd behavior among the staff lately?”
Nuto looked at you, one eyebrow raised. He carefully set his spoon down in his bowl.
“It’s not really my job to watch the staff,” he said, his tone neutral.
“I know. That is why I think you are more likely to see what is going on. No one really has to hide from you.”
A half-smile started to creep on his lips and he picked up his spoon, sipping some of the broth. “Clever. But I’d like to keep it that way if you don’t mind.”
“I am not asking you to spy on anyone,” you rushed to explain. “I was just curious if you had seen anything lately.”
“Eat your stew, it’s going to get cold,” Nuto instructed, choosing not to answer right away.
You took a spoonful of the meal and realized the meat was actually fish. It was probably a more common resource down here. You started eating while eagerly watching Nuto, waiting for his reply. The spices were warm and tingly on your tongue, a rainbow of flavor washing down your mouth as you drank the broth.
Instead of answering your question, however, the gondolier asked you a question: “What’s worrying you? Why is it bothering you now?”
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
Since you had told Lady Domara and Ajmal about Felice, you assumed Nuto, as well as most of the staff, were aware of them. The question was, were you willing to admit to the gondolier that your new friend was the reason you had some concern about the house’s safety?<br /><br />
<div class="choice">Why not? Nuto was not one to judge, as far as you could tell. If you came to him, that was because you felt safe talking openly with him. (link: "You told him everything.")[
(set: $open to $open + 1)
(go-to: "You told him everything")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Everyone was wary enough of Felice as it was, you did not want to add to it. [[You tried to be as unspecific as you could.->Keeping it unspecific]]</div>
]
(else:)[
With Felice’s visits still a secret between you and them, you could not mention the real reason you had concerns about the house’s safety.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You would have to keep things as vague as you could.->Keeping it unspecific]]</div>
]}
“Felice,” you said and Nuto’s eyebrows raised slightly.
“The Merperson who saved you from drowning?”
You nodded.
“They have been visiting me now and again since then. Sometimes they sneak into the garden to do so.”
The Dwarf hummed, but if he had any thoughts about the Mer’s behavior, he did not share them.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“While I am grateful for their good deed… I cannot help but worry when I know someone is getting in and out of the garden without any issue. Who else could do the same?”<br />
“A reasonable concern,” Nuto confirmed with a short nod.<br /><br />
Part of you was hoping that he would give a hint of how he felt about Felice in particular, but he did not let anything through his stoic expression.
]
(else:)[
“While I do not think they have any ill intents,” you said slowly, watching for the gondolier’s reaction. “Whatever way they use to go about the garden unnoticed could be used by someone else less scrupulous.”<br /><br />
Nuto did not give any sign that he agreed or disagreed with you.
]}
“So I have been thinking,” you continued. “About the way they do it. And while it is possible that they are incredibly lucky or talented and just manage to get in while patrols are not going through the garden… I think it is more likely that they know at least some of the guards’ schedule.”
“And you think someone from the staff could have given that away,” Nuto completed, still without any hint about whether he approved or not.
“Maybe not intentionally…” You said uneasily, looking down at your plate.
“I agree,” the gondolier said. “I don’t think they would have done it intentionally if that’s what happened.”
You played around with a piece of fish with your spoon and glanced up at him. “Do you think it is possible?”
Nuto sighed, his chest heaving wearily. “Unlikely. But not impossible, I suppose. The guards’ patrols aren’t something the staff just chats about — to anyone. In fact, most of them don’t know the whole schedule. The only ones who do are Dolce and Zanetta and they don’t mess around.”
You exhaled, your shoulders drooping with disappointment. “That makes sense.”
“If your Mer friend has the guards’ schedule, they figured it out on their own, or they have some other way of getting around patrols.”
You frowned. “I cannot think of anything else. I do not think there is a way for them to observe the patrols and make note of their pattern.”
Nuto shrugged. “Not to my knowledge either. The garden is pretty secluded. I don’t know this Felice enough to know how they would go about this.”
You blinked, your spoon falling out of your hand and splashing some drops of broth on the wooden table. Something about what he said stood out to you.
<div class="choice">[[“You don’t know them enough… Meaning you do know them?”->You do know them]]</div>{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'The mansion is a haven for your staff'))}
“It is nothing specific, really,” you lied. “I have just been thinking about how exposed I would be if anyone were to chat, even casually about what happens in the house, about their schedule, or any details about myself. If someone were to use that information with ill intent…”
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
Nuto raised an eyebrow at you. “It’s about your Mer friend, isn’t it?”<br /><br />
You sighed. Of course, you could not keep Felice out of the conversation. You rested your elbows on the table, bringing your fingers to your temples.<br /><br />
“I… do not think Felice has any ill intents,” you said slowly. “But if they use information acquired from the staff to go about the grounds unnoticed… Maybe someone else could. I want to know how they manage it, to make sure it is not a security breach.”<br />
“Understandable,” the Dwarf nodded.<br /><br />
You were grateful he did not seem inclined to lecture you about your new friend, at least, unlike Lady Domara or Zanetta. Or even Sir Mansoor, in his way.<br />
]
(else:)[
Nuto hummed, either thoughtfully or skeptically. “I’m sure that’s something Miss Calvio has covered.”<br />
“I am sure,” you agreed carefully. “But she wields some authority over the staff. I am afraid she might not know everything they are up to because of that.”<br /><br />
The Dwarf considered you while scratching his scraggly beard.<br /><br />
“I suppose that’s fair,” he agreed after a moment of thought.
]}
“So… What do you think?” You asked him before taking your spoon again to eat another bite of fish.
Nuto leaned back, crossing his arms over his wide chest.
“What I think?” He started. “I’m not sure the staff is where you should be looking. Most of them barely get out of the house as it is, and when they do, they know better than to chat with strangers about what’s going on inside. It would harm them as much as you. They see this place as a haven for you and for them, they don’t want it compromised.”
“I see… They all are in need of a haven, then…”
You suspected as much. It seemed like all of your employees had a past.
“They would have figured something to keep themself safe, I’m sure,” Nuto replied. “But this job was a golden opportunity for all of them.”
It was something you had mixed feelings about.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“If they are all trying to escape some kind of danger…” You said, hesitant to speak ill of anyone. “Is Zanetta not holding that against them? It seems… wrong, somehow.”")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 1)
(set: $compassionate to $compassionate + 1)
(go-to: "It seems wrong somehow")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“How can I trust them, if they have their own safety to worry about?” You asked with a frown. “If selling me out becomes the safer option, what happens then?”")[
(set: $stoic to $stoic + 1)
(go-to: "How can I trust them")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'The brooch may be stolen', 'Felice had humble beginnings'))}
“You don’t know them enough… Meaning you do know them?”
“Not really, no,” Nuto replied, as even-tempered as usual. “But I’ve seen them around a few times. I see a lot of people, navigating through the city. A Mer stands out. Tall fellow? Pale with pink hair?”
You nodded eagerly. “Where have you seen them?”
“Fancy parts of town, walking. Always seemed odd, rich folks don’t walk that much. They have carriages driving them around. But I’ve seen them before that, a long time ago. Not as well dressed, a scrawny little kid. But a lot of you long-legged folk look too skinny to me. They were always alone, though.”
That certainly was new information.
“So Felice is from humble origins. Is that what you are saying?” you asked Nuto.
“I’m saying they can’t be as rich as they might look. No one climbs the social ladder that high, not here.”
A thought crept forward from the back of your mind. How did they afford the incredibly expensive gift they gave you, then? It was a worrisome thought. Could they have acquired it through illegal means?
{(if: $FeliceTrust is 1)[
Somehow, it was hard to see the well-mannered and thoughtful Mer as a hardened criminal. There had to be another explanation.
]
(else-if: $FeliceTrust is 0)[
The idea made you feel uneasy. As much as you enjoyed the Mer’s company, your suspicions about them kept growing. You hoped there was a reasonable explanation for all this.
]
(else:)[
Sadly, it all added up. Their talent for breaking in, their taste for secrecy… As charming as they were, none of this was painting the Mer in a flattering light.
]}
You continued eating, mostly in silence. You had a lot to ponder over, and Nuto left you to your thoughts, content to keep you quiet company.
<div class="choice">[[You thanked him before parting ways, and you returned to your daily occupations, trying to keep what you learned out of your mind for the rest of the day, without much success.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
“If they are all trying to escape some kind of danger…” You said, hesitant to speak ill of anyone. “Is Zanetta not holding that against them? It seems… wrong, somehow.”
You were nervous Nuto might react strongly to your assessment, but, as per his usual, he did not.
“I wouldn’t worry about that,” he said calmly instead. “She’s not holding anything against anyone. No one is here against their will.”
His quiet assurance was enough to ease your mind. The fact that the gondolier never raised his voice and never seemed upset at anything had a soothing effect and you wanted nothing else than to believe him.
“Alright,” you said with a smile. “I am glad they all found safety here, then.”
The Dwarf’s lips twitched upward for a short moment and he disentangled his arms.
“Eat,” he said, tapping the wooden table near your bowl of stew.
You promptly followed the instruction, taking a spoonful of broth.
(display: "What to look at"){(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'All the staff used to be Guild members'))}
“How can I trust them, if they have their own safety to worry about?” You asked with a frown. “If selling me out becomes the safer option, what happens then?”
“That won’t happen,” Nuto replied firmly.
“How can you be so sure?”
Your frown deepened. The gondolier leaned back on his chair and took a long breath.
“There is trust between them and Zanetta. The kind that takes time and meaningful acts to build. Sure, there are players in Lagodoro who have more power and wealth than her. But your staff knows — from first-hand experience, for most of them — that the kind of safety they have to offer is a short-lived one.”
“I understand…” You said slowly. “But what if, instead of the promise of safety, they use threats.”
The Dwarf held your gaze, his expression still composed. “Anyone can be threatened. You’re better off with people used to dealing with threats. And we all are well-versed with them.”
Your frown did not leave. You were not sure you liked the implications.
“As in… You are used to receiving them? Or giving them?”
“Bit of both,” Nuto answered.
“I am not sure if it is something to be reassured about or something to be concerned about,” you admitted, repressing a shiver.
“They are on your side,” the gondolier affirmed. “There are enough incentives for that. Be reassured. You don’t have to like it, no one expects you to make friends with the likes of us.”
{<div class="choice">It sounded harsh. But maybe it was deserved. And maybe it was just how things were down here.<br />
(link: "“Is friendship really out of the question?”")[
(set: $NutoAffection to $NutoAffection + 1)
(set: $revolutionary to $revolutionary + 1)
(go-to: "Is friendship out of the question?")
] You asked with hesitation. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(revolutionary)//]</div>
<div class="choice">Some distance was probably for the best. (link: "Meddling with former criminals might soil your reputation if the information came to light.")[
(set: $traditionalist to $traditionalist + 1)
(go-to: "What to look at")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(traditionalist)//]</div>}
“Is friendship really out of the question?” You asked with hesitation.
{(if: $NutoAffection > 1)[
Nuto’s lips quirked up. “With you? Maybe not.”<br /><br />
You smiled back at him. It was reassuring to hear.
]
(else:)[
Nuto shrugged. “It doesn’t really happen here. But with time and depending on how you interact with everyone… I suppose nothing is out of the question.”<br /><br />
You nodded. Maybe it was not the answer you were hoping for, but a small chance was better than no chance at all.
]}
The Dwarf leaned forward, disentangling his arms to tap the table near your bowl.
“You should eat your stew,” he said gruffly.
You quickly picked up your spoon at the reminder and took a sip of warm broth.
(display: "What to look at")
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Felice may be using Mer magic'))
“If you do not think I should look at the staff,” you said, going back to the subject at hand. “How do you think Felice manages to avoid the garden’s patrols?”<br />
The Dwarf shrugged. “I don’t know. I just know that Merfolks have talents you or I can’t have. Maybe they use illusion magic to distract guards or hide themself. If that’s the case, I wouldn’t worry about anyone else using the same tricks down here.”<br />
You frowned. “You are right. I cannot believe I did not think of that.”<br /><br />
Nuto chuckled.<br /><br />
“Maybe you’ve been thinking a little too much, lately,” he said with a half-smile.<br />
You sighed, thinking of all the lessons Lady Domara was piling on you. “Probably.”
]
(else:)[
(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Some of the staff have been out of it'))
“If you are certain there is no risk of a leak from the staff, I guess I should not worry so much about it,” you said, returning to the subject at hand. “Still… I would feel a lot better if you answered my initial question.”<br />
The Dwarf quirked one eyebrow. “If I noticed any odd behaviors?”<br /><br />
You nodded and he stared in the distance, visibly giving the question some thought.<br /><br />
“I can’t say I have… Although…”<br /><br />
You leaned in, looking at him eagerly.<br /><br />
“Usually, the others say hello when I pass them by. Some of them have missed doing that on rare occasions, lately. Maybe they were just in a rush, though. With your birthday, everyone has been in a bit of a frenzy.”<br />
“So it is not that odd, then…” You commented with a sigh.<br />
“Not really, sorry.”<br />
“Thank you for answering, regardless,” you replied with a tight smile.<br />
“Sure.”
]}
You finished eating your stew in thoughtful silence.
<div class="choice">[[Nuto was happy to keep you quiet company until you parted ways, returning to your respective, daily occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>
“Have you heard about Felice?” You asked her, watching her dice the meat with impressive speed.
“Felice? Which Felice?”
Maybe it was a common name in Lagodoro. But it was certainly not worn by a common individual in this case.
“The Mer who saved me from drowning,” you clarified, finding yourself tapping the countertop nervously.
Carla glanced up at you from her cutting board. “I heard, yeah. Didn’t know their name was Felice…”
“They have been visiting me regularly for the past couple of weeks,” you started to explain and the Dwarven cook frowned.
“Visiting? I’ve not been asked to cook for any guest.”
“That is because they have yet to visit in any conventional way. They come to chat with me on the dock. And sometimes they sneak into the garden.”
Carla’s frown deepened. “That does seem to be something you should bring up with Zanetta or Dolce. If it’s about the house’s safety…”
“It is… sort of,” you admitted awkwardly.
The cook’s brow raised back up, digging deep furrows on her forehead.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
“Whether Felice means any harm or not, I am also worried that someone even less recommendable could walk in their footsteps and break in.”
]
(else:)[
“I do not really think Felice means any harm,” you expanded. “But I am worried whatever way they use to get in could be used by someone else. Someone less recommendable.”
]}
Carla nodded and returned to her work. “So far, I follow. But what could you want my opinion for? I don’t go that much to the garden. Don’t know if there’s any hole in the walls or anything.”
You shook your head. “I do not think there is any hole in the walls. And the physical way they are able to get in is not what concerns me the most. What I do not understand is how they are able to avoid the guards’ patrols.”
The cook’s frown returned. “That’s a good point. Guess all this book reading you’re always doing is useful after all. I wouldn’t have thought of that myself.”
She nodded along her own remark and you felt your face warm at the compliment — as colorfully put as it was. Your silence made Carla pause her work and look at you through narrowed eyes.
“I didn’t say anything rude, did I?”
There was uncertainty in her tone and in the way her feet shuffled slightly on the tiled floor.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You were quick to smile reassuringly at her. “No, on the contrary.”<br />
She expelled a short breath, looking relieved. “Oh good. Sorry, I’m not really used to cooking for fancy folks like you.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You shrugged. “Not really, no.”<br />
She looked a bit relieved. “That’s good. Sorry, I’m not used to cooking for fancy folks like you.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You pursed your lips. “Well… It could have been said more gracefully, but I think you meant to compliment me.”<br />
She winced. “Yeah, sorry. I’m not used to cooking for fancy folks like you.”
]
(else:)[
You smiled at her. “It was an oddly put compliment, but a compliment nonetheless and I will take it as such.”<br />
She chuckled a little awkwardly. “Sorry. I’m not really used to cooking for fancy folks like you.”
]}
The admission took you by surprise and you blinked at her. You would not have been able to tell from her work alone. But before you could inquire about it, the door leading to the staff’s dining room swung open, and both your heads snapped in its direction.
<div class="choice">[[“What are you conspiring about?”->Dolce]]</div>
“I have some concerns about the house’s safety,” you said, choosing not to address why.
Carla frowned. “That’s more Zanetta’s or Dolce’s area than mine…”
“Maybe so, but there is one specific point I think you can help me with.”
“Shoot,” the cook said, dicing the meat at an impressive speed.
You looked at her work for a short, silent moment.
“One of the concerns I have is about the staff,” you admitted slowly, gauging her reaction.
“The staff?” She repeated, glancing at you with her frown still firmly in place.
“Could they not — even unintentionally — leak information about the house? About me?” You asked, trying to broach the subject as delicately as you could.
When the cook’s gaze darkened and she put her knife down on the cutting board, you started to get an idea of what she thought of that. You swallowed thickly, ready to receive a piece of her mind. Hopefully, no knife would be involved.
“A bit of an odd timing to be asking that.”
The voice was not Carla’s, but a deeper, more gravelly one, coming from the door leading to the staff’s dining room.
<div class="choice">[[Both you and the cook snapped your gaze in its direction.->Dolce]]</div>
Dolce had entered the kitchen and was leaning against the door frame, looking at you with curiosity. She raised the wooden bowl she was carrying in her hand, a spoon resting inside of it.
“Came to get some stew,” she explained.
“And you took that opportunity to eavesdrop,” Carla grumbled at her wife.
A deep chuckle shook the guards’ captain’s shoulders. “Only a little.”
The cook groaned and turned back to her cutting board, taking another piece of meat and carving out the excess fat from it.
“Well, it’s good you’re here. The little one wanted your opinion as well,” she said, pointing at you with her large knife, startling you into taking a step back from the sharp tool.
{(if: (history:) contains "Better to check first")[
“Oh?” Dolce replied nonchalantly, walking across the kitchen to a simmering pot. “What about?”<br />
“It’s about that Merperson,” Carla helpfully provided. “(upperfirst: $MCpronoun)(print: $MCplural of (a: "’s", "’re")) worried about how they avoid guards, sneaking into the garden.”<br /><br />
Dolce had started ladling stew into her bowl while listening to the cook and she paused midway through it when she heard her last sentence.<br /><br />
“I’m worried about that too,” she said with a frown, resuming her ladling. “We’ve been turning the problem over in our heads for a while with Zanetta. Still have to figure it out.”
]
(else:)[
“Well, you heard my opinion,” Dolce replied nonchalantly, walking across the kitchen to a simmering pot.<br />
“It is just something I recently thought about,” you attempted to lie, feeling uneasy when the Dwarf’s sharp eyes peered at you.<br />
“Really?” She said slowly, ladling stew into her bowl. “Months after most of us have been hired?”<br /><br />
You had a hard time finding a justification for that, not without revealing the true reason for your worry. Dolce stopped midway through her ladling to stare at you when you stayed silent a moment too long.<br /><br />
{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
“Wouldn’t that have to do with that Mersperson sneaking into the garden to see you?” She provided in your stead, returning to pouring stew into the wooden recipient.<br /><br />
You sighed. The cat was out of the bag and there was no point in hiding the truth anymore.<br /><br />
“It… does actually,” you admitted.<br /><br />
You explained how concerned you were about the way they seemed to avoid the guards’ notice and how someone else could do the same.<br /><br />
“I’m worried about that too,” Dolce said with a frown. “We’ve been turning the problem over in our heads for a while with Zanetta. Still have to figure it out.”
]
(else:)[
“Things have been quiet for too long,” you said, avoiding her too-keen eyes. “It makes me nervous. I just need reassurances.”<br /><br />
Fortunately, this seemed to do the trick. Dolce sighed and returned to her pouring stew into the wooden recipient.<br /><br />
“That’s understandable.”
]}
]}
Once her bowl was full she walked closer to you and Carla and set the bowl down on the island. She pushed herself up and sat on the countertop.
“That was covered with flour,” the redheaded Dwarf deadpanned, putting one fist on her waist.
The guards’ captain looked at her, one eyebrow raised, looking thoroughly unbothered. It was a striking contrast with Carla, who glared at her, looking very much bothered.
“You’re going to put flour on every chair you sit on with your flour-covered ass.”
“You can help me wipe it before I leave,” Dolce shot back with a wink.
Carla groaned, turning towards her workstation, a slight flush on her cheeks, while her wife grinned at her back.
<div class="choice">{(if: $FeliceKnown is 1)[
[[“Anyway… Where were we?” Dolce’s raspy voice rumbled.->How Felice sneaks in]]
]
(else:)[
[[“Anyway… Where were we?” Dolce’s raspy voice rumbled.->Reassurances]]
]}</div>{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'The patrols change every week'))}
“Figuring out how Felice, the Mer, gets passed the patrols,” you informed her after clearing your throat.
“Right,” Dolce replied with a nod.
“I have some ideas on that,” you said tentatively, looking between her and Carla.
They both looked at you expectantly so you continued: “And I think the most likely option is that they somehow know at least part of the patrols’ schedule.”
Dolce frowned and shook her head, taking her stew-filled bowl into her hands. “That doesn’t seem likely.”
Your shoulders sagged with defeat but you pressed her nonetheless. “Are you sure? Could no one observe them and figure out the pattern? Or could the guards not let slip something about it to an outsider?”
Once again, Dolce shook her head. She took a spoonful of broth, the smell of spices wafting over to you.
“I don’t know where anyone could observe the patrols from,” she said after swallowing, confirming your suspicions. “The mansion’s garden is secluded enough that it doesn’t seem likely to me. Even if they did, it wouldn’t be a great help.”
“Why not?”
“Because I change the schedule every week,” Dolce replied with a raised eyebrow. “There’s no pattern to figure out.”
“Oh,“ you said, surprised, both pleasantly and with a bit of disappointment.
It was a smart thing to do and you were grateful that Dolce was obviously competent at her job. But you were not closer to an answer as a result.
“What about the guards leaking the schedule?” You asked, trying to keep some optimism.
“They can’t,” Dolce dashed your hopes once again as she took another spoonful of stew, a big chunk of what looked like fish coming with it. “Only I and Zanetta have the full schedule. Besides, none of them want to talk about patrol schedules in their free time, believe me.”
“Of course, that makes sense,” you sighed. “I just… I cannot believe that Felice has been lucky enough to pass through the patrols without prior knowledge of them.”
“Maybe that’s why their name is Felice,” Dolce said with a playful grin.
It did nothing to cheer you.
“There has to be another explanation,” you insisted. “All I have left… {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[Well, it is not something I would like to imply, but…](else:)[I don’t see anything else.]} Either someone feeds them the information willingly or they are simply letting them in.”
Dolce hummed thoughtfully and it was all the answer you obtained for a while. Carla looked at the both of you with some concern. You held the guards’ captain’s gaze, hoping for a more in-depth response.
“I understand why you’d come to that conclusion,” she finally said after a long exhale. “But I can assure you we made sure to hire trustworthy guards. I don’t think they would do either of those things.”
“Then someone else among the house’s staff?” You suggested, turning to Carla.
The cook shook her head. “Same for them. They’re reliable folks.”
<div class="choice">[[“Are you certain nothing could have changed?” You asked the both of them, desperate to find a solution. “Has none of them behaved oddly recently?”->Odd behaviors]]</div>{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'The mansion is a haven for your staff'))}
“Reassurances,” you reminded her after clearing your throat. “About the staff and any possible leak of information.”
Dolce sighed. “Right. Honestly, I’m not sure what to tell you, besides what Zanetta already explained to you. We made sure to hire trustworthy folks.”
Your shoulders drooped. “Are you sure none of them could talk about what is going on in the villa to friends or family?”
She shook her head. “Most of them don’t have friends and family outside the house because we hired most of their close relations.”
“You… what?”
You blinked at her in surprise. You did not know that. Not really. But now that you thought about it, you realised that a good number of your staff had a spouse, a sibling, or another parent working alongside them.
“A job and safety for the whole family is a good incentive,” Dolce explained with a raised eyebrow as she grabbed her bowl of stew. “And it insures that conversations about the job stay in the mansion. Not that they like talking shop in their free time in the first place…”
As if to punctuate, she took a spoonful of broth, the smell of spices wafting over to you.
“I see,” you said with a sigh, crossing your arms over your chest as you pondered over this new information. “But that means you do not know //all of them// that well, does it not? You cannot be familiar with all the employees //and// their relatives.”
“We know them enough to trust them,” Carla intervened firmly. “I deal with all of them daily. Some of them are a bit… rambunctious, but they are good folks, I can tell you that much.”
Dolce chuckled darkly and you glanced her way, noticing the dangerous glint in her eyes.
“Rambunctious. That’s one way to put it,” She said with a sharp grin. “Since our fancy little $MCcovertitle2 here may have a different notion of what good folks are, I’ll say this: not only do we trust them, but we think they are all smart enough to act in their best interest. As it is now, betraying you goes against their best interest.”
You frowned, watching her with some concern. “How so?”
Dolce took another spoonful of stew, a large chunk of what looked like fish coming with it.
“You’re not the only one in need of shelter here,” the captain answered after swallowing. “In fact, we all are, for one reason or the other. By protecting you, we’re protecting ourselves. See it as a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
It was something you somewhat suspected. All the members of your staff seemed to have a past of some kind. Something you had mixed feelings about.
You kept them to yourself, however, and did not ask what Dolce and Carla were hiding from. You did not think you were well-acquainted enough with them for them to answer in good faith.
But you decided to ask one last question: “You said //now//… It can change, though, can it not? What if it became more dangerous to protect me?”
Dolce and Carla exchanged a glance. The guards’ captain frowned.
“We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen,” she replied firmly.
Despite her frown, her gaze had softened somewhat. She was trying to reassure you, you thought. It was what you asked for after all… But you were left without an answer about the way Felice snuck into the property without the knowledge of its inhabitants.
You decided to take your leave. You did not think you could probe more information out of Carla or Dolce without revealing anything about the Mer. It was best if you kept an eye out for any odd behavior in the house for now.
<div class="choice">[[You returned to your daily activities, but you had trouble keeping this matter out of your mind.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>{(set: $FeliceClues to it + (a: 'Paolo was seen wandering a corridor'))}
“Are you certain nothing could have changed?” You asked the both of them, desperate to find a solution. “Has none of them behaved oddly recently?”
Dolce and Carla exchanged a look, seeming at a loss in front of your insistence.
“No, not that I can tell,” the cook replied with a shrug.
Meanwhile, Dolce inhaled sharply.
“There was one of my guys, once…” She said and you started to hope you had finally found a lead. “Paolo. I found him wandering a corridor once, one that wasn’t on his route.”
You focused on the name and tried to recollect which guard she meant. If you were not mistaken, it was a young Dwarf of medium height but quite muscular, with a gentle green gaze.
“I asked him what the Hells he was doing there,” Dolce continued. “And ordered him to return to his post.”
“And what did he say?”
The captain shrugged. “Mumbled a few apologies, said he needed to go to the bathroom or something, and left in a hurry. Later on, I checked to make sure he wasn’t fooling around and, sure enough, he was back on his route. He wasn’t even late at the end of his shift, so I assumed he didn’t leave his patrol for long and didn’t think much of it.”
You frowned, considering this new information. You had to admit that, on its own, it was not exactly an alarming fact. Your staff was made of living, breathing beings, they were not machines. Small slip-ups like this one were to be expected.
“Could it be that it was not a single occurrence?” You asked. “Could it have happened regularly without you noticing?”
Dolce sighed. “Maybe. But if not me, someone else would have.”
“Maybe it is still worth looking into?” You offered carefully.
The Dwarven woman nodded.
“I will, but if Paolo is in some kind of trouble and hasn’t said anything to me, he likely won’t answer if I question him directly.”
She turned her gaze to her wife. “Can you keep your ears open when he’s around?”
Carla rolled her eyes, clearly not amused by the prospect.
“I will,” she agreed nonetheless.
You breathed a little more freely after their exchange. Maybe this mystery would get resolved after all. You decided to take your leave.
<div class="choice">[[You thanked them both and returned to your daily occupations.->Preparing for the feast]]</div>{(if: ($intelligence > 7) or ($charisma > 7))[
(set: $outfit to (a: "casual", "comfortable"))
]
(else:)[
(set: $outfit to (a: "casual", "practical"))
]}
You were wearing the same garments you had been sporting for most of the day when Sir Mansoor came to knock on your door.
“Oh,” he said when he saw you. “You… You did not change?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I… This is more comfortable,” you replied, hoping no one would be offended by your choice.<br />
“I understand,” the knight responded and he did not bring the matter up again.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I wanted to be comfortable,” you replied simply.<br />
“I understand,” the knight responded and he did not bring the matter up again.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“I did not,” you confirmed. “Let us go.”<br /><br />
You did not think you owed anyone an explanation.<br /><br />
“Of course,” the knight replied, bowing his head.
]
(else:)[
“I am not feeling in a celebratory mood,” you admitted.<br />
“That… is understandable,” the knight replied, his expression saddened. “I am sorry.”
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
He helped you climb down the stairs
]
(else:)[
You climbed down the stairs together
]} and, instead of heading toward the dining room, he guided you to the living room, which you were a little surprised about.
(display: "The feast's setup")
You washed your face and hands in your bathroom before opening your dresser’s drawers to pick an outfit for the night.
You had few choices when it came to your old clothing and you had been avoiding wearing them since you arrived here. Not all of them would give away your identity, but you did not want to take that risk. And some of them were indeed fit for Baladian royalty.
But during your stay in Lagodoro, you had filled your wardrobe with new garments, some of them typically Galanian, others very much belonging to Teledrican fashion.
As for jewelry, you only brought a few pieces from the palace and had only spent sparsely to fill the void. You would have to accessorize lightly. There was Felice’s brooch, of course, but wearing it would raise questions you were not ready to answer tonight.
{<div class="choice">(link: "It was your birthday and Lady Domara wanted a Baladian feast, so you pulled out your favorite formal robes.")[
(set: $outfit to (a: "formal", "baladian", "robes"))
(go-to: "Putting on a formal outfit")
] You would wear them atop silk trousers and with a long sleeveless coat for special occasions, back at the palace.</div>
<div class="choice">Your preferred formal outfit was an embroidered tunic and billowing trousers, with a coat to wear over your shoulders. (link: "You made sure to bring it with you when you fleed the palace and you decided to wear it that night.")[
(set: $outfit to (a: "formal", "baladian", "tunic"))
(go-to: "Putting on a formal outfit")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You picked a Galanian dress and long coat, the hem falling to the calves, leaving the breezy trousers visible underneath.")[
(set: $outfit to (a: "formal", "galanian", "dress"))
(go-to: "Putting on a formal outfit")
] As trustworthy as Zanetta made the staff to be, you still wanted to look the part for your cover.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You preferred a shorter Galanian tunic and bejeweled vest to wear over breeches, allowing a wider range of movement.")[
(set: $outfit to (a: "formal", "galanian", "tunic"))
(go-to: "Putting on a formal outfit")
] It was both elegant and comfortable.</div>
<div class="choice">You were in Lagodoro, so you might as well blend in, even in your own home. (link: "You chose a lengthy Teledrican dress with a low neckline, to be worn over structured undergarments.")[
(set: $outfit to (a: "formal", "telidrican", "dress"))
(go-to: "Putting on a formal outfit")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You favored Telidrican suits and their simple, sharp lines. (link: "You took a formal three-piece and a silk tie out of the drawer.")[
(set: $outfit to (a: "formal", "telidrican", "suit"))
(go-to: "Putting on a formal outfit")
]</div>}
The light pressure on their hand was enough to grab their attention and their lavender eyes darted sharply to yours, holding your gaze with an intensity that left no more doubt in your mind that their initiative was very much purposeful.
As they lowered your joined hands, their thumb grazed your knuckles to prove their point further. As their fingers slid away from yours, you found yourself missing the touch more than you cared to admit. You were left speechless for a meaningful moment.
“The pleasure is shared, Felice,” you said after clearing your throat.
“I’m delighted to hear it,” Mer replied with a crooked smile. “Although I’m sure the circumstances could have been better.”
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Those were interesting, to say the least,” you admitted with a grin of your own, your eyes still locked with theirs. “But I cannot regret them when they led me to meet you.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Undoubtedly,” you confirmed, unable to look away from them. “But they make me twice as glad to have met you.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Maybe so,” you replied, your eyes still locked with theirs. “But they also revealed your character in a way I cannot regret.”
]
(else:)[
“Maybe so,” you murmured thoughtfully, your eyes still locked with theirs. “But sometimes, it is in dire circumstances that good people shine brighter.”
]}
They seemed taken aback, blinking at you in surprise. But their smile quickly returned, both confident and soft.
“You flatter me,” they said. “But I would rather not repeat the feat if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not,” you replied, feeling a little flustered and looking away.
(display: "Any relatives?")
You smiled at them. “You know I would like that, regardless of the circumstances.”
You tried to not make your eagerness too obvious, despite your quickening pulse.
They grinned, but there was a soft warmth to their gaze when they held yours. “I’d still like to make sure they are more pleasant for you next time.”
You bit down on your lower lip, trying your best to not smile like an idiot, however tempting it was with how elated you felt at the idea of seeing the Mer again.
“But how will I find you?” You asked them. “I do not even know your full name.”
“Well… //I// know where to find you,” Felice replied with a raised eyebrow and an amused smirk.
They looked up, staring at the villa through the foliage of the many bushes and trees that stood between the building and the dock.
“And as for my full name,” they continued, adopting a more relaxed attitude. “You may have noticed I’m not exactly a Dwarf.”
Despite the casual remark, they did not meet your eyes and you denoted some tension in their voice.
“People here have a hard time pronouncing my name, so I just go by Felice.”
There was a strain in their smile when they finally looked back at you and you suspected there was more to this story. Still, you were not going to prod if that made them uncomfortable.
(display: "Standing back up")
You changed into the selected outfit and, when Sir Mansoor came knocking on your door, you were ready.
“Oh!” He said when he saw you.
{(if: $outfit contains "baladian")[
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
He blinked his surprise away. “It has been a long time since I last saw you wear this…”
]
(else:)[
His surprise quickly melted into a fond and nostalgic expression. “It has been a while. I had forgotten how good {(if: $outfit contains "robes")[these robes look](else:)[this tunic looks]} on you.(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[ You are resplendent.]”(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
<br /><br />
He flushed slightly as he pronounced those last words.<br />
]
]}
]
(else:)[
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
He blinked his surprise away, a polite smile appearing on his lips. “You dressed up as Lady Domara wanted.”
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
From surprised, he quickly became flustered. “You… hum. You look resplendent, $MCcovertitle.”
]
(else:)[
His surprise was quickly replaced by a warm smile. “So you did dress up. You look really good.”
]}
]}
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
“I thought it would be appropriate, considering {(if: $outfit contains "baladian")[Lady Domara’s](else:)[her]} efforts,” you replied as you glanced down at your attire.<br />
The knight’s expression became a little warmer. “I am sure she will appreciate it.”
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you replied with a smile, {(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[your face feeling warm after hearing his generous compliment](else:)[your mood quickly brightened by his generous compliment]}.
]
(else:)[
“Thank you,” you replied with a smile(unless: $outfit contains "baladian")[ of your own], your mood lifting a bit thanks to the compliment.
]}
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
He helped you climb down the stairs
]
(else:)[
He climbed down the stairs with you
]} and, instead of heading toward the dining room, he guided you to the main living room, which was a bit unexpected.
(display: "The feast's setup")You quickly understood why when you saw the setup before you. Instead of the sofas and armchairs gathered around the coffee table that usually stood at the center of the room, a low table had been placed, covered by an elegant patterned cloth and surrounded by all sorts of cushions on which Lady Domara, Zanetta, and Nuto were already seated.
Ordinarily, the dishes were served one after the other in the dining room, but this time, all of them were already crowding the table, ready for you to pick and choose whatever you wanted to eat. Few oil lamps had been lit, leaving the room in an intimate dimness, but a couple of candles sat on the table, making warm light flicker on everyone’s face.
This was how you used to eat with your family. As a child, you would often fall asleep on the cushions while your parents would talk endlessly over an after-dinner tea or coffee.
This was as close to home as you could get down here.
When you approached, Lady Domara and Zanetta interrupted whatever argument they were having to look at you.
“Good evening, $MCcovertitle,” your tutor welcomed you with a tentative smile. “Please come sit with us.”
With a quick glance, you noticed free space beside Lady Domara and beside Zanetta.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You kneeled down on the pillows near Lady Domara.")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Beside Lady Domara")
]</div>
<div class="choice">[[You sat close to Zanetta.->Beside Zanetta]]</div>}
Lady Domara’s expression turned somewhat softer when you joined her. Sir Mansoor sat on your other side, staying close to you.
“Happy birthday, $MCcovertitle. I know the circumstances are not ideal, but I do hope you will enjoy the evening nonetheless.”
“Thank you, Lady Domara.”
Despite yourself, your gaze wandered to Nuto. His presence here was unexpected. He did not usually dine with you.(if: $NutoAffection > 0)[ Not that it was an unpleasant surprise.]
Your tutor noticed your distraction and cleared her throat. “Nuto wanted to be here, to celebrate with us. I thought it would be alright, considering how helpful he has been the past few months…”
You looked back at her and noticed how nervous she seemed. Her fingers were tapping rapidly on the table as she awaited a response from you.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I am happy to have him here,” you reassured her with a smile before turning to the Dwarf. “I wish he would eat with us more often…”")[
(set: $compassionate to it + 1)
(set: $open to it + 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to it + 2)
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Happy to have him here")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate) (open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“You did well,”")[
(set: $stoic to it + 1)
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Deserves to be here")
] you assured her.<br />
Nuto’s presence by your side had been more instructive than you could have expected and that made him Lady Domara’s equal in your eyes. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I would rather be consulted on such matters…”")[
(set: $severe to it + 1)
(set: $SabraAffection to it - 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to it - 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it - 1)
(go-to: "Would rather be consulted")
] You replied with hesitation.<br />
You were reluctant to chase Nuto away, as it would seem cruel now that he had been invited. But you were not sure it was proper for him to be here. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
Zanetta welcomed you with a lopsided smirk and Sir Mansoor sat on your other side, keeping close.
“Sabra has been very… particular about your birthday’s preparations,” The Dwarf said as you settled down. “I hope you’ll enjoy the result.”
Lady Domara glared at her, both for using her first name and for the likely less charitable adjective Zanetta was going to say before changing her mind.
“Thank you, Lady Domara,” you said, looking at your tutor.
She softened a bit as you addressed her. “Of course, $MCcovertitle. I know the circumstances are not ideal, but I do hope you have a nice birthday nonetheless.”
You nodded but your gaze kept finding Nuto. His presence here was unexpected. He never dined with you.(if: $NutoAffection > 1)[ Not that it was an unpleasant surprise.]
Zanetta noticed what had your attention.
“Nuto is usually on his own schedule,” she explained. “But he wanted to set aside time to be here tonight. He doesn’t do that for just anyone, you know.”
You did not miss her implied meaning. //Be thankful.//
{<div class="choice">And you were. (link: "“I am glad he is here. I wish he could eat with us more often.”")[
(set: $compassionate to it + 1)
(set: $open to it + 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to it + 2)
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Happy to have him here")
]<br />
You smiled at him. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate) (open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Thank you,”")[
(set: $stoic to it + 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to it + 1)
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Deserves to be here")
] you said, looking at Nuto.<br />
His presence by your side had been more instructive than you could have expected. In your eyes, he was Lady Domara’s equal. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">It was a bit rich, if anyone cared to know your opinion. Why did no one bother to ask //you// if that was something you wanted on //your// birthday? Now you were put in an awkward position where you could not chase the Dwarf away without appearing cruel.<br />
(link: "“I would have liked to be consulted first,”")[
(set: $severe to it + 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to it - 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it - 1)
(set: $SabraAffection to it - 1)
(go-to: "Would rather be consulted")
] you remarked. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
{(if: (history:) contains "Beside Lady Domara")[
“I am happy to have him here,” you reassured her with a smile before turning to the Dwarf. “I wish he would eat with us more often…”
]
(else:)[
And you were. “I am glad he is here. I wish he could eat with us more often.”<br /><br />
You smiled at him.<br />
]}
“I’m flattered, $MCnutotitle,” the gondolier’s deep voice rumbled. “I’ll try to be there more often if I can.”
Lady Domara looked particularly relieved, her shoulders relaxing and her smile exceptionally genuine. You rarely saw her that happy.
“We should start eating before the food gets cold,” she pointed out, trying to not make her satisfaction too obvious.
(display: "Starting dinner")
{(if: (history:) contains "Beside Lady Domara")[
“You did well,” you assured her.<br /><br />
Nuto’s presence by your side had been more instructive than you could have expected and that made him Lady Domara’s equal in your eyes. <br />
Lady Domara relaxed visibly, her smile turning exceptionally genuine. You rarely saw her that happy.<br /><br />
“Thank you, $MCcovertitle.”<br /><br />
For a moment, she did not seem to know what to do with herself.<br /><br />
Until she cleared her throat and attempted to control her expression. “We should start eating before the food gets cold.”
]
(else:)[
“Thank you,” you said, looking at Nuto.<br /><br />
His presence by your side had been more instructive than you could have expected. In your eyes, he was Lady Domara’s equal.<br /><br />
“No need,” the gondolier’s deep voice rumbled. “Happy to be here.”<br /><br />
Lady Domara seemed incredibly relieved, her smile more genuine than you ever saw it. She rarely looked that happy.<br /><br />
“We should start eating before the food gets cold,” she pointed out, controlling her expression to not make her satisfaction too obvious.
]}
(display: "Starting dinner")
{(if: (history:) contains "Beside Lady Domara")[
“I would rather be consulted on such matters…” You replied with hesitation.<br /><br />
You were reluctant to chase Nuto away, as it would seem cruel now that he had been invited. But you were not sure it was proper for him to be here.
]
(else:)[
“I would have liked to be consulted first,” you remarked.<br />
]}
Your words were met with uncomfortable, stunned quiet. The concerned party — Nuto — was the only one who did not seem bothered. But it was hard to tell how he felt about anything when he was always silent and his expression, always even.
{(if: (history:) contains "Beside Lady Domara")[
“I… understand,” Lady Domara ended up saying, looking rather disappointed. “I will take it up to you next time.”<br /><br />
Zanetta’s glare let you know she did not agree with your tutor’s compliant response, but she did not say anything.
]
(else:)[
“Way to make things awkward for everyone,” Zanetta retorted after a moment of icy silence. “Without Nuto, you may not have had a birthday at all, so stop being a brat.”<br /><br />
The insult made your blood rush. “I am not being a brat! Wanting to be asked who I would like to sit at //my// table for //my// birthday is not an unreasonable expectation, I should think.”<br /><br />
Zanetta opened her mouth to retort something venomous, you had no doubt, but Lady Domara raised a hand to interrupt her.<br /><br />
“It is not, you are right,” she said calmly, despite her obvious disappointment. “You should blame me, however, I was the one to agree to Nuto’s request. I should have asked your permission first. I apologize.”<br /><br />
Zanetta’s glare was enough to tell you she did not agree with your tutor’s accommodating interjection, but she did not say another word.
]}
“We should start eating before the food gets cold,” Lady Domara pointed out after another awkward pause, hoping to dispel the unease.
(display: "Starting dinner")You all started gathering food from the multitude of dishes on the table, filling your plates generously. It seemed the staff had spared no expense in preparing this feast and you found some familiar foods amongst it, like lamb meat, slow-cooked to the point of melting on the tongue, ripe fruits and vegetables that had to come from the surface, as well as wheat semolina, rice, and flatbread. You recognized a lot of the spices used in the stews and sauces as well, and if everything did not taste exactly like home, it was pretty close.
Those well-known flavors were more comforting than you could say. You did not imagine it had been easy to find all these ingredients and you could see Lady Domara’s perfectionism behind it all.
You watched her delicately eat her food, her manners perfect as always, unaware of your observation. Beside you, Ajmal was eating as fast as usual, maybe faster, his plate emptying at an alarming rate. It was quite a thing to witness when you were not used to it. But all of you were familiar with his appetite. Except for Nuto.
The Dwarf watched him with the most surprised expression you had seen on his scarred face.
“You got to pace yourself, son,” he advised the young man. “You’re going to choke yourself at this speed.”
“Oh.” Sir Mansoor flushed, suddenly embarrassed by his table manners. “Sorry.”
You watched him, amused, make a conscious effort to eat slower.
The meal was pleasant and conversations stuck to mundane topics. You were grateful that everyone decided to avoid serious or upsetting matters, the reminders that you were far from home all too present already.
You noticed you were not alone in finding comfort in the familiar food. Lady Domara was often closing her eyes, taking in the flavors, while Ajmal kept coming back for more, filling his plate multiple times.
Zanetta and Nuto were also enjoying themselves, it seemed, discovering dishes they had never tasted before. You quickly found out that Nuto was not too good at handling spicy food, to Zanetta’s greatest joy.
The dinner ended when you all shared a piece of honey-soaked cake with a hazelnut filling. Mint tea was served as a palate cleanser.
Once you were all relaxing on the cushions, sipping your hot drink, Zanetta leaned purposedly on the table, clearing her throat to get your attention.
<div class="choice">[[“Now that you’re a full-fledged adult, we need to discuss your introduction to Lagodoro’s high society.”->The avviamento ball]]</div>
{(if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you"))[
“You are talking about the avviamento ball,” you said, remembering your encounter with Master Vanni Conte, earlier that day.<br />
“I am sorry, the what?” Ajmal asked, looking between you and Zanetta.<br />
The Dwarven woman sighed. “Yes, the avviamento ball.
]
(else:)[
I take it you have plans?” You asked her, frowning at the serious turn the conversation took.<br />
“Yes,” she replied. “The avviamento ball.
]} It’s a yearly event, meant to introduce young adults — specifically nineteen-year-olds — to Lagodoro’s high society. It’s quite a big deal, a lot of people will be there, and while it’s the perfect opportunity to make an appearance among the well-to-do without attracting excessive attention, an absence will be noticed. For that reason, I’ve secured an invitation. It takes place in a little over two weeks.”
Sir Mansoor frowned. “That does not seem like a lot of time to prepare for such an event.”
“I’ve been teaching $MCpronoun2 Teledrican etiquette for several months now. (upperfirst: $MCpronoun)(print: $MCplural of (a: "’s", "’re")) more than ready,” Zanetta retorted. “It’s just a matter of refining $MCpronoun3 dancing skills now.”
She turned to you. “But I’m not going to lie, you’ll be plenty busy for the next couple of weeks. Like everything we do, the avviamento ball is laced with traditions and protocols. Every young person who attends it is expected to go in pairs. So you’ll have to find a partner, one of the right age, of course.”
Your brow lowered and you asked:
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Could I not go with you?”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Going with Zanetta")
]</div>
{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Could I not go with Ajmal?”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Going with Ajmal")
]</div>
]
(else:)[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Could I not go with Sir Mansoor?”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Going with Ajmal")
]</div>
]}
<div class="choice">[[“What kind of partner should I be looking for?”->What kind of partner?]]</div>}
“Could I not go with you?”
{(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[
The Dwarf raised one surprised eyebrow. “I’m not sure why you want me to be your partner in the first place, but no, you can’t. Your partner will need to be nineteen years old or have their nineteenth birthday this year.”
]
(else-if: $ZanettaRomance > 0)[
An amused and maybe fond smile stretched the Dwarf’s lips. “As flattered as I am, no you can’t. Your partner needs to be nineteen years old or have their nineteenth birthday this year.”
]
(else:)[
The Dwarf smiled crookedly at you. “As convenient as it would be, no, you can’t. Your partner needs to be nineteen years old or have their nineteenth birthday this year.”
]}
(display: "Zanetta or Ajmal")
“Could I not go with {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}?”
The knight blinked when you proposed his name.
“No, you can’t,” the Dwarf replied. “Your partner needs to be nineteen years old or have their nineteenth birthday this year.”
“Regardless, I would not be an appropriate candidate,” Ajmal weighed in. “I’m supposed to be a mercenary.”
He threw a glare Zanetta’s way as he said that last word, still unhappy with her choice of cover for him.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 1)[
“Oh,” you said, unable to hide your disappointment.<br />
The young man rested a gentle hand on your shoulder. “I know it would be easier to go with someone you are familiar with. I am sorry.”<br /><br />
Of course, you wanted him as a partner for more than just familiarity. Still, you appreciated the comforting touch and you smiled at him.
]
(else-if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
“I see,” you said.<br /><br />
It made sense, you supposed. Still, you would have rather gone with someone familiar at your side.
]
(else:)[
“Oh,” you said, feeling a little disappointed. “It would have been nice to go with someone familiar.”<br />
The young man smiled apologetically at you. “I am sorry.”
]}
(display: "Zanetta or Ajmal")
{(unless: ($lastpassage is "Going with Zanetta") or ($lastpassage is "Going with Ajmal"))[“What kind of partner should I be looking for?”<br />]}{(if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you"))[
“Technically, you may not even need to look. I’m sure you will start receiving proposals soon.”<br />
“Master Conte mentioned that…” You remarked thoughtfully.<br />
Your spymaster nodded. “Yes, but unlike them, I don’t think people will send them because they think you’re ‘lovely’. Most of them have no idea what you look like. But I’m certain quite a few of them will want to know.
]
(else:)[
“Technically, you may not even need to look. I’m sure you’ll start receiving proposals soon.
]} Curiosity is a vice shared by many nobles in Lagodoro. Having you as a partner for the avviamento ball will be seen as a novelty and that will be enough to convince some of them to send you a proposal. Then there are the grafters, young people who are not invited but hope to put one foot in high society’s door by being an attendant’s partner.”
“Is this allowed?” You asked with a confused frown.
“Of course,” Zanetta replied with a dangerous smirk. “It fosters the idea that anyone can elevate themself to wealth and influence, that high society is accessible to a few lucky individuals. It lets the masses dream and keeps them in check, in a way. Besides, nobles love the drama. Having people of low birth come to the ball allows them to mock their fashion and spread scandalous rumors about whoever invited them.”
“Then no one would want to invite them, would they?” You questioned, even more baffled.
“It //is// rare, but it happens. Being gossiped about means you are relevant and it can be beneficial.”
{<div class="choice">(link: "“That… That is awful. Using people’s hopes for fun and gain like that,”")[
(set: $compassionate to it + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it + 1)
(set: $NutoAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "That is awful")
] you stuttered, shocked. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Maybe I should accept one of those… //grafters’// proposals,” you pondered out loud. “If it will make someone’s life better, I do not mind what people will say.”")[
(set: $compassionate to it + 1)
(set: $open to it + 1)
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it + 1)
(set: $SabraAffection to it - 1)
(go-to: "Accepting a grafter")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate) (open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You nodded for her to continue.")[
(set: $stoic to it + 1)
(go-to: "The proposals")
] You did not feel one way or the other about the matter. From everything you had learned about Lagodoro, this seemed to fit. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Does no one value their reputation in this city?”")[
(set: $severe to it + 1)
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Does no one value their reputation?")
] You asked, quite offended by the notion of //wanting// people to soil your name. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}“Sabra, Ajmal, and I will be accompanying you, though, so you shouldn’t worry,” Zanetta continued after taking a sip of tea. “The attendants are still chaperoned by their families during the event. And well… Let’s say we’ll be representing your family.”
“So what kind of partner will I be looking for?”(display: "What kind of partner?")
“That… That is awful. Using people’s hopes for fun and gain like that,” you stuttered, shocked.
Zanetta smiled joylessly at you. “That is something we can agree on.”
That was not a particularly reassuring answer, but you were glad that at least someone else saw how horrible that was.
(display: "The proposals")
“Maybe I should accept one of those… //grafters’// proposals,” you pondered out loud. “If it will make someone’s life better, I do not mind what people will say.”
“While I’m tempted to let you do just that…” Zanetta started carefully. “We’re trying to protect your life, remember? That could attract undue attention. Besides, you wouldn’t do them as much of a favor as you might think. To make good use of that opportunity, they would have to secure connections with high society members during the ball and that’s incredibly hard to achieve when they all think you’re worth less than the dirt on their shoes. In the end, for most of them, it’s an ordeal to go through with very little result other than social ridicule.”
“But it can still happen?”
“The chance is too small to risk your safety on it, in my opinion. But if that’s really what you want to do, I won’t stop you.”
Lady Domara cleared her throat, her piercing glance revealing her opinion on the matter.
“I would rather you did not make a choice that will drag you into a scandal, $MCcovertitle,” she said, politely but firmly.
“Scandals are the bread and butter of Lagodoro’s rich folks,” Nuto intervened, to everyone’s surprise. “They pop up like mushrooms. I say do it. They’ll forget when a bigger, juicier scandal inevitably appears.”
Your tutor stayed stunned by the gondolier’s encouragement. Yet, as offended by the notion as she surely was, she did not say another word.
Zanetta chuckled. “He’s got a fair point.”
{<div class="choice">Only one person had not weighed in on the matter, you noticed. {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“What do you think, Ajmal?”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Asking Ajmal's opnion")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“What do you think, Sir Mansoor?”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Asking Ajmal's opnion")
]
]}</div>
<div class="choice">[[It seemed that, ultimately, the choice would be up to you.->The proposals]]</div>}(set: $questions to 0)
“So I will be receiving proposals…” You started after a short pause. “Then it is just a matter of choosing a partner and informing them of my choice, right? Surely this cannot take too long…”
Zanetta winced. “It wouldn’t if it wasn’t a little more complicated than that. You can’t just send a letter to say you accept a proposal. You have to meet them. Preferably in town, to be seen together. You only send an answer after however many dates you decide to go on.”
“It almost sounds like a game…” You remarked hesitantly.
The Dwarf offered you a lopsided smile. “Oh, that’s because it is! Spotting the young couples across the city during the weeks leading up to the avviamento ball has become a sport of sorts. People will talk about you no matter what. Everything is of interest. How many suitors did you meet? Was it a lot? Very few? Who were they? Were they of high birth? Or one of those scandalous grafters? There’s even a small — entirely frowned upon, of course — gambling ring forming every year where nobles bet on who will come with who at the ball.”
“Your nobles truly need to find something more substantial to busy themselves with,” Sir Mansoor grumbled.
The Dwarven woman smiled at him and, surprisingly, not in a sarcastic way.
“So…” You said slowly, trying to gather all the information your spymaster had given you. “I will be receiving proposals, which I will have to go through to choose who I want to meet. Then I will have to go on dates with the individuals I have picked, and finally, send a letter to whoever I want to go with at the ball. Is that right?”
“You got it,” Zanetta replied with a grin. “I’ll help you choose by giving you information on each suitor. If we don’t find any satisfactory proposal, you’ll be able to send your own. I’m sure someone will bite either way.”
You nodded slowly.
“I think I understand.”
{(if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you"))[
“Good,” Zanetta concluded. “I think that’s about all you need to know. Questions?”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">(link: "“What can I expect from the avviamento ball? Can you walk me through what I will have to do during the event?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Walkthrough")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“Will there be any other individual at the ball I should be wary of?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Anyone to be wary of?")
]</div>
<div class ="choice">(link: "“Will there be a dress code?” You asked anxiously. “I hardly think two weeks will be enough to have something made for the event…”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Dress code")
]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“No, I think that should be enough information for now,”->The evening winds down]] you replied, shaking your head.</div>
]
(else:)[
“Good…” Zanetta started before grimacing. “Shit. There’s something else I need to mention. Could be good news, could be bad news.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[“What is it?”->Prince Marsili]] You asked with a concerned frown.</div>
]}
“Does no one value their reputation in this city?” You asked, quite offended by the notion of //wanting// people to soil your name.
Zanetta raised an eyebrow at your vehement remark. “On the contrary, they value it immeasurably. It’s just that they find value in both good and bad reputations.”
“The value you speak of is one of money and power,” you retorted. “I am talking about moral value.”
The Dwarven women smirked. “Oh, my bad. Then you’re right, they don’t give a snail’s shit about morals.”
“None of them? Really?” You asked, feeling unsettled.
Zanetta exhaled deeply as she considered you. You were not sure what she saw but her expression {(if: $ZanettaTrust < 0)[stayed even](else:)[became sadder]}.
“Some do, I’m sure… For a while. More often than not, they become bitter and are forced to throw their morals down the drain to survive.”
You were not certain whether to believe her or not. Did her own bad experience color her vision of the world or were things truly that bad? You guessed you would find out soon enough.
“Has it… always been that way?” You asked her tentatively.
“I don’t know, maybe not.”
She shrugged.
“Surely a society cannot go on like this forever.”
Zanetta smiled wryly at you. “That’s my hope.”
That was not the most reassuring answer, but you took some comfort in knowing Zanetta agreed with you.
(display: "The proposals")
Only one person had not weighed in on the matter, you noticed. “What do you think, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}?”
“Who? Me?” The knight seemed a little surprised to be asked his opinion.
When he realized everyone was looking at him, he shuffled on his cushion and cleared his throat awkwardly.
“I would rather you prioritized your safety, of course, $MCcovertitle. But I would not want to stop you from doing what you think is right.”
Zanetta hummed thoughtfully, slowly grinning at him. “Non-commital, I see…”
“That’s truly my opinion,” Ajmal protested, flushing slightly.
You were glad that at least no one seemed willing to force a choice on you.
(display: "The proposals")
“What can I expect from the avviamento ball? Can you walk me through what I will have to do during the event?”
“Sure,” Zanetta answered, rolling her shoulders back and getting comfortable on her cushions. “We’ll go over the details later, but I can sum it up roughly for you. Bear in mind that each year the ball is hosted by a different prominent member of high society, and it can affect the flow of the event, depending on what personal touches the host will bring to the table.”
{(if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you"))[
“And this year, it is Master Conte’s turn, right?”<br />
The Dwarf nodded. “It’s very… convenient that they happen to be a friend of mine.”
]
(else:)[
“Who is this year’s host?” You asked.<br />
“Master Vanni Conte, our most famous opera singer,” the Dwarf replied with a genuine smile. “Which is… very convenient, since they’re a friend of mine.”
]}
“That is convenient indeed,” Lady Domara pointed out with a raised eyebrow, giving the spymaster a questioning look.
Zanetta’s only answer was a mysterious smile.
“Here’s how the avviamento ball generally goes,” she continued explaining. “First, the young couples are gathered in a waiting room while their entourage proceeds to the ballroom. The host announces and ushers in each couple, one by one, so they all get a moment of attention on them. The first dance starts during which only the young guests and their chosen partners are allowed on the dance floor. The other attendants are permitted to join in during the second and third dances.
After three dances, the food and drinks are brought in and there is a break while attendants introduce themselves to each other, socialize and eat. Dances start again after an hour or so and things get a lot more informal from there. You can leave during that time if you want to.”
“Does that clear things up?” She asked as a conclusion.
“It does, thank you,” you replied.
{(if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
“Good. I think that’s about all I can tell you about the ball without getting bogged down in details.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You nodded and returned to finishing your mint tea.->The evening winds down]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 4)[
“Good. I think that’s about all I can tell you about the ball without getting bogged down in details.”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You nodded and returned to finishing your mint tea.->The evening winds down]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“Good. Anything else you need to know?”<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 03")
]}
“Will there be any other individual at the ball I should be wary of?”
“You should be wary of pretty much everyone there,” was Zanetta’s quick answer. “Each attendant will be looking to benefit from every interaction they’ll have with anyone. It’s best to keep that in mind. But if there’s someone you have to be on the lookout for more than anyone else, it’s Lady de Roccialta. She’s high society’s most dangerous player at the moment.”
You frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean that she has the most influence. Powerful ties to the Thieves’ Guild, many investments in very lucrative businesses, the Royal family’s friendship — if you can call it that — and, very likely, her own spy network. Or at least some efficient ways to secure secrets about other nobles that allow her to blackmail them or keep them in check. It’s not someone you want to have as your enemy.”
“Is… all that allowed?” You asked slowly, baffled by the apparently blatant ties between nobles and organized crime.
“If you have enough blackmail material on the right authorities, yes,” the Dwarven woman replied with a shrug that was not quite as casual as intended.
It looked like even she was bothered by the extent of the things Lady de Roccialta could get away with, despite her usually jaded attitude.
“I see… I will make sure to avoid her,” you said carefully.
“You won’t be able to,” Zanetta replied, a dark look in her warm brown eyes. “She wants to control everything and you’re an unknown. She’ll feel the need to make sure you won’t be an inconvenience.”
“That is concerning,“ Lady Domara intervened, her lowered brow matching her words. “If she is that powerful and if she takes an interest in $MCcovertitle2 $MCname, she could discover $MCpronoun3 true identity.”
Your spymaster smiled wryly. “When I said you had no idea how dangerous Lagodoro can be, I meant it. We’ll have to be very careful with her, make sure to appear as harmless as possible to her. And above all things, don’t meddle in any of her affairs. As long as you do that… she can be fairly reasonable.”
“Have you had a lot of dealings with her?” You asked.
Zanetta winced. “Unfortunately, yes. She’s pretty unavoidable in my line of work.”
“At least we will benefit from your experience, then,” you concluded.
The Dwarf smiled a little softer at that.
{(if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<div class="choice">[[You took note of this new — and alarming — information and returned to finishing your mint tea.->The evening winds down]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 4)[
<div class="choice">[[You took note of this new — and alarming — information and returned to finishing your mint tea.->The evening winds down]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“Do you need to ask anything else?”<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 03")
]}
“Will there be a dress code?” You asked anxiously. “I hardly think two weeks will be enough to have something made for the event…”
Zanetta shook her head. “The only dress code is to wear your best garments. This ball is about standing out and letting your personality shine, which, especially in Lagodoro, includes the way you choose to dress. So the rules are very loose. Anything formal you already have in your wardrobe should do.”
You nodded. That was a relief.
“I would warn you to avoid your Baladian outfits, however,” the spymaster continued. “If you really want to wear them, I’m sure we can argue that it’s all you were able to bring with you when you left Ahabalad, if the question arose. But better to avoid it entirely.”
“I will keep that in mind,” you said.
To be honest, you had no idea what you wanted to wear yet. It was something you would have to decide on soon enough.
{(if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<div class="choice">[[With all your questions answered, you returned to finishing your mint tea.->The evening winds down]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 4)[
<div class="choice">[[With all your questions answered, you returned to finishing your mint tea.->The evening winds down]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“Any other question?” Zanetta asked.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 03")
]}
{(if: $questions is 0)[
“No, I think that should be enough information for now,” you replied, shaking your head.<br /><br />
Zanetta nodded and you all returned to quietly sipping your mint teas.<br /><br />
]
(else-if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions < 3))[
“No, I think that should be enough information for now,” you replied, shaking your head.<br /><br />
Zanetta nodded and you all returned to quietly sipping your mint teas.<br /><br />
]
(else-if: $questions < 4)[
“No, I think that should be enough information for now,” you replied, shaking your head.<br /><br />
Zanetta nodded and you all returned to quietly sipping your mint teas.<br /><br />
]}As the evening winded down, Nuto and then Zanetta left the table, wishing you a good night. You were ready to follow suit and settle for the evening, but as soon as you started getting up, you felt Ajmal’s hand on your arm.
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), please a moment,” he asked softly. “There is something else I… We wanted to offer to you, tonight. You don’t have to accept of course.”
His green eyes darted to Lady Domara as if seeking her approval. You stayed put, watching him curiously.
“What is it?” You asked.
“It was Sir Mansoor’s idea,” your tutor replied in the knight’s stead. “And I thought it was a good one, so we worked together to gather the ingredients and tools.”
“The ingredients and tools for what?”
“Hum… Just a moment!” Sir Mansoor said, looking a bit flustered as he rose to his feet and hurried out of the living room through the east wing door.
When he came back, he was holding a small platter that he set down on the low table. A familiar, pungent smell was wafting from a bowl filled with a dark brown paste. Beside it was sitting a couple of wooden sticks of different sizes and shapes.
Ajmal sat beside you again and started to explain: “I know that, under the circumstances, getting the Dimeritia crest tattooed onto your skin is out of the question. But the tradition is such an integral part of every noble’s nineteenth birthday that I felt bad you could not experience it today. It’s a poor replacement, I know, but I figured that we could mark the design temporarily on your skin with henna. It’s not the same but… If it can make you feel a little closer to your family… I can apply it if you want, or Lady Domara can if you prefer.”
You stared down at the platter on the table. Ordinarily, a member of the family is the one to apply the tattoo. Everyone learned how to do it, but some were more talented artists than others. In your case, it would probably have been your father doing it, if he still lived. He was always good with delicate work…
{<div class="choice">You brought a hand to your mouth when you started choking up. (link: "“Thank you, Ajmal. That is incredibly thoughtful.”")[
(set: $compassionate to it + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Incredibly thoughtful")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You smiled softly at the knight and then at Lady Domara, despite the aching nostalgia you were feeling. (link: "“Thank you, I would love that.”")[
(set: $open to it + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "I would love that")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You were too stunned to speak for the longest time. Your emotion was stuck in your throat, preventing you to say anything. When you finally did, it came out as a disgraceful croak.<br />(link: "“I… I do not think I can. I am sorry. It is too much to think about.”")[
(set: $stoic to it + 1)
(go-to: "Too much to think about")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">You felt the blood in your veins turn to ice, cold freezing your body in place. It was for the best, cooling the grief to a sluggish, faraway thing.<br />
(link: "“I do not think it would be appropriate. I would rather not.”")[
(set: $severe to it + 1)
(go-to: "I would rather not")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“Prince Marsili, King Pace’s middle child, is turning nineteen this year, so they’ll be at the avviamento ball. The good news is that they’re going to be the center of all attention this season, which gives you room to breathe. The potentially bad news is that, being part of the royal family, they’re one of the very few people who know who you really are. And they love causing chaos and scandals. A dangerous combination as far as you’re concerned.”
“That does sound bad…”
“I would advise not to interact with them at all,” Zanetta continued. “And if you do, make sure to stay on their good side.”
“Actually,” Lady Domara interjected and you both looked at her. “Socializing with Prince Marsili could be beneficial in the long run.”
Zanetta stared at her, eyes narrowed.
“Really? How would it be beneficial?” She asked without hiding her skepticism.
“They are royalty from a neighboring nation. A marriage could cement an alliance between Ahabalad and Telidrica…”
The Dwarven woman blinked slowly at her before bringing a hand to her face and pinching the bridge of her nose.
“You want $MCpronoun2,“ she started, waving her hand in your direction. “… To marry Prince Marsili? Prince Marsili, who is a notorious dilettante, a shameless seducer, and the occasional drunk?”
Your tutor shifted on her seat uncomfortably. “It may not be an ideal choice, but we are running out of those and I merely wanted to let the option be known. I am in no position to make the decision for $MCpronoun3 Majesty.”
“Well, thank the Saints,” Zanetta grumbled, rolling her eyes.
“I…” Sir Mansoor started to say and all of you turned to him. “I do not think we should make any kind of betrothal plans when…”
He glanced at you and you had a feeling you knew where he was going with that.
“When many situations need to be resolved first, back on the surface,” he completed after some hesitation.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
You understood where his reservations about new wedding plans came from. You wished it was because he had feelings for you, but you knew it was not the case, and that he would not let his personal sentiments get in the way of your future as a $MCtitle2. No, there were enough reasons for him to object that had nothing to do with how he felt about you.
]
(else:)[
While Zanetta seemed surprised by his intervention, you knew him well enough to understand his reservations. Of course, jumping to new wedding plans in the current circumstances would not sit well with him, especially with a questionable candidate.
]}
“Whatever he means, I agree with him. For once,” Zanetta declared, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at Lady Domara. “Safety should be the priority here.”
“Of course,” your tutor replied, pursing her lips. “It is just that such an opportunity may not present itself again…”
You cleared your throat, hoping to put an end to the argument.
“If anyone cares for my opinion on the matter…”
“Of course, $MCcovertitle,” Lady Domara quickly responded, looking contrite.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I have no plan to marry Prince Marsili. I would rather avoid them entirely as Zanetta advised.”")[
(set: $ZanettaAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Would rather avoid them")
]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“We are not going to reach a decision on something that important tonight. Let us just see how the ball goes.”->Let's just see how it goes]]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am curious about this Prince Marsili and why they behave the way they do… Surely it cannot hurt to get to know them a little better?”")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Getting to know them a little better")
]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[
(link: "“I agree with Ajmal. I do not know Prince Marsili and I will not judge them before I do. But… We need to try and mend things back home before anything else.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Mend things first")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“I agree with Sir Mansoor. I do not know Prince Marsili and I will not judge them before I do. But… We need to try and mend things back home before anything else.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Mend things first")
]
]}</div>}
“I have no plan to marry Prince Marsili. I would rather avoid them entirely as Zanetta advised.”
“Smart idea,” Zanetta approved with a grin. “Glad someone here has survival instincts.”
“Of course, you would say that,” Lady Domara mumbled.
“I think that about sums it up,” the spymaster said, ignoring your tutor. “Do you have any questions?”
She looked at you expectantly.
(display: "Questions directory 03")
“We are not going to reach a decision on something that important tonight. Let us just see how the ball goes.”
Your words did not seem to satisfy anyone, but none of them argued against them.
“Fair enough,” Zanetta sighed after a tense silence. “But if you do decide to… socialize with the Prince, please let us know so we can prepare for the worse.”
“I may not have a choice in the matter,” you pointed out. “What if they come to me first?”
The Dwarf groaned and admitted: “You’ve got a point. Well, in that case… Just be yourself, I guess.”
“Really?” Ajmal said dryly, unimpressed by her piece of advice.
“Actually, yes,” she shot back, a little defensively. “If there is one thing Prince Marsili hates, it’s pretenses. They’ll like you a lot better if you are honest with them. Especially if being honest means you’ll say something a little outrageous.”
Lady Domara looked at you pleadingly. “Please do not say anything outrageous during the ball.”
Zanetta rolled her eyes dramatically. “You were the one who wanted $MCpronoun2 to talk to the Prince, I gave my advice. Take it or leave it, I don’t care.”
Quiet followed Zanetta’s annoyed remark and everyone started sulking, except for Nuto, who was peacefully enjoying his tea.
“Anyway, that’s all I needed to inform you about,” the spymaster said, looking at you after the uncomfortable silence. “Do you have any questions?”
(display: "Questions directory 03")
“I am curious about this Prince Marsili and why they behave the way they do… Surely it cannot hurt to get to know them a little better?”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Zanetta replied adamantly. “Getting to know them better could very much hurt. If you’re that curious I can tell you what their deal is right away: they’re a royal brat. That means they struggle with expectations that make them miserable so they lash out. They’re not the heir, so they don’t really have a goal beyond making a good marriage and they resent that. Add to that that they could never conform to the rigid Teledrican high society and you get Prince Marsili.”
“That seems a bit reductive,” you said, pursing your lips.
“Maybe so,” the Dwarf admitted. “But that’s all you need to know. Anything beyond that would be getting dangerously close to them. //You don’t want that.// Not when they could scream your identity over Lagodoro’s rooftops as soon as anything you do or say offends them in any way.”
You did not say anything in response. Maybe Zanetta was right and it was not worth the risk. But you were certain that even she could be wrong. She could be wrong about Prince Marsili. And you were tempted to figure that out.
In the absence of reaction, Zanetta continued: “I think that’s all I needed to inform you about. Any other question?”
(display: "Questions directory 03")
“I agree with {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. I do not know Prince Marsili and I will not judge them before I do. But… We need to try and mend things back home before anything else.”
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -1) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
The knight smiled at you, yet his heart did not seem to really be in it.
]
(else:)[
The knight smiled at you.
]}
Lady Domara sighed. “You are probably both right. It is just a unique opportunity and I am afraid one like it will not present itself again.”
“Which is for the best, really,” Zanetta grumbled. “My work is complicated enough as it is.”
“I did not say I would avoid the Prince at any cost, however,” you reminded her.
The Dwarven woman winced.
“I really wish you did…” She said, crossing her arms over her chest. “Any slight might convince them to yell your identity over Lagodoro’s rooftops. They know they’re not supposed to do that. And if there’s one thing they love, it’s doing //exactly// what they’re not supposed to do. I would love it if we could all avoid giving them any encouragement.”
Grave silence followed her statement. None of you wanted to take that danger lightly. Zanetta could have been blowing it out of proportion, you could not say, but maybe it was better to be safe rather than sorry in such a case.
“Anyway…” The spymaster sighed to interrupt the tense moment. “I think that’s all I needed to inform you about. Any question?”
(display: "Questions directory 03"){(unless: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you"))[
(unless: ($lastpassage is "Do I have to go?") or ((history:) contains "Do I have to go?"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Do I really have to go to this ball?” You asked, pursing your lips in distaste. “I am not fond of such events…”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Do I have to go?")
]</div>
]
]
(unless: ($lastpassage is "Walkthrough") or ((history:) contains "Walkthrough"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“What can I expect from the avviamento ball? Can you walk me through what I will have to do during the event?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Walkthrough")
]</div>
]
(unless: ($lastpassage is "Anyone to be wary of?") or ((history:) contains "Anyone to be wary of?"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Will there be any other individual at the ball I should be wary of?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Anyone to be wary of?")
]</div>
]
(unless: ($lastpassage is "Dress code") or ((history:) contains "Dress code"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Will there be a dress code?” You asked anxiously. “I hardly think two weeks will be enough to have something made for the event…”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Dress code")
]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“No, I think that is all I need to know,”->The evening winds down]] you replied, shaking your head.</div>}
“Do I really have to go to this ball?” You asked, pursing your lips in distaste. “I am not fond of such events…”
“I’m afraid so,” Zanetta confirmed(if: $ZanettaTrust > - 1)[ with an apologetic smile]. “Like I said, your absence will be noticed if you don’t go and that will get people curious, possibly to the point of compromising your identity. You have to appear as normal as possible, given the circumstances. Not every young person in Lagodoro likes to go to balls, salons, and other parties but all of them go through the avviamento ball.”
“As much as I would like to keep you locked in until things get safer,” Lady Domara intervened, her voice unusually soft. “Miss Calvio is right. And it might do you some good to see some fresh faces for once.”
You were not certain the faces of vapid Teledrican nobles were something you wanted to see. But you understood where she was coming from. You did want to go out, things were getting a little claustrophobic in the mansion. Just… not like this.
However, you could not argue the safety concerns. It seemed the avviamento ball was something you would have to suffer through.
“Alright, I understand,” you said with a nod.
{(if: ($guile > 7) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<br />
<div class="choice">[[Zanetta nodded back and you all returned to finishing your mint tea.->The evening winds down]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 4)[
<br />
<div class="choice">[[Zanetta nodded back and you all returned to finishing your mint tea.->The evening winds down]]</div>
]
(else:)[
“Anything else you would like to know?” Zanetta asked.
<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 03")
]}
You brought a hand to your mouth when you started choking up. “Thank you, Ajmal. That is incredibly thoughtful.”
Your burst of emotion put both the knight and your tutor at a loss for a moment.
Sir Mansoor was quicker to recover, however. {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
He put one gentle hand on your shoulder, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on your upper arm.<br /><br />
“Of course, $MCcovertitle,” he replied softly.
]
(else:)[
He wrapped an arm around your shoulders to pull you gently against his chest in a side hug, his hand slowly rubbing your upper arm.<br /><br />
“Of course, $MCcovertitle,” he murmured.(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[ “Anything for you.”]
]}
When you managed to keep your tears under control, wiping your wet cheeks with your hands, you looked up at Lady Domara. She was patting down her eyes with as much discretion as she could.
“I am glad you like the idea,” she said after she gathered most of her composure, her voice a little fragile. “Who would you like to apply the henna for you?”
{<div class="choice">(link: "“I think Sir Mansoor should do it since he was the one to come up with the idea.”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Ajmal applies the henna")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I would like for you to do it.”")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Sabra applies the henna")
]</div>}
You smiled softly at the knight and then at Lady Domara, despite the aching nostalgia you were feeling. “Thank you, I would love that.”
The knight brightened at your response and even your tutor looked relieved, a faint smile dancing on her lips.
“We are happy to be of service,” Ajmal said gently. “Who would you like to apply the henna?”
{<div class="choice">(link: '“I would like you to do it, it was your idea after all.”')[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Ajmal applies the henna")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I would rather Lady Domara did it.”")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Sabra applies the henna")
]</div>}
“I… I do not think I can. I am sorry. It is too much to think about.”
Sir Mansoor exchanged a slightly panicked look with Lady Domara before turning to you again.
“It is perfectly alright, $MCcovertitle! I did not mean to put you on the spot, I— I apologize.”
“We are not offended,” Lady Domara assured you, a soft but pained expression on her face. “We only wanted to offer you the choice.”
The young knight hurried to remove the platter and took it away before coming back a moment later.
“Would you like me to escort you back to your room?” He asked with a polite bow of his head.
You could tell he felt guilty. He probably thought he should have expected the outcome. You did not know how he could have.
“I will be fine, Sir Mansoor, thank you,” you replied, feeling suddenly drained.
All you wanted was to be alone.
<div class="choice">[[Your tutor and bodyguard wished you a good night and you returned to your chambers.->Back to your room]]</div>
“I do not think it would be appropriate. I would rather not.”
Both the knight and your tutor watched you in a stupor.
Sir Mansoor was the quickest to recover. “I am so sorry, $MCcovertitle. I should have considered that.”
He looked panicked and guilty while Lady Domara frowned.
“Sir Mansoor never meant to impose,” she said a little sternly. “He only gave you the option. If you do not want us to do it, that is perfectly understandable.”
You pursed your lips. It felt oddly as if she was lecturing you when your feelings were the ones being hurt. Still, you were too tired to start any sort of argument so you simply nodded in response.
Sir Mansoor took the platter away before coming back a moment later.
“Would you like me to accompany you to your chambers?” He asked with a polite bow of his head.
“I will be fine,” you replied as you stood up.
<div class="choice">[[Lady Domara and the young knight wished you a good night and you returned to your room.->Back to your room]]</div>
{(if: (history:) contains "Incredibly thoughtful")[
“I think Sir Mansoor should do it since he was the one to come up with the idea.”
]
(else:)[
“I would like you to do it, it was your idea after all.”
]}
The choice made sense for you, yet the young knight seemed a little surprised.
“Oh! Alright. I can do it,” he replied, inhaling deeply.
It almost looked like he was trying to convince himself more than anyone else.
Lady Domara rose to her feet. “I will leave you to it then. Goodnight, $MCcovertitle.”
Your tutor departed, leaving you and Ajmal alone in the vast and dark living room. It felt a bit strange, being just two in this large space, quiet settling in the house as its occupants ceased their daily activities.
“I do not know that I can make the design very pretty,” Sir Mansoor warned you. “But I will do my best.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“I am sure it will look lovely, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you reassured him, smiling softly.<br /><br />
The young knight smiled back, grateful.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“The effort is what matters,” you replied with a warm smile. “I will be proud to wear it, regardless.”<br /><br />
The young knight smiled back, a little more confident.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I am not asking more,” you assured him.<br />
]
(else:)[
“I appreciate it, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you replied with a faint smile.<br />
]}
You watched him mix the paste in the bowl one last time, making sure it was as smooth as can be. He picked up one of the tools and turned to you, his eyes quickly scanning over you.
“Hum… Where do you want it?”
An excellent question. In your family, it was traditional to sport the Dimeritia crest on the chest. Not everyone followed that tradition, however, and some wore it on another part of their body. Besides, the marking would not be permanent on you, so its location did not matter too much, you figured.
{<div class="choice">(link: "You still wanted the crest on your chest, close to your heart.")[
(set: $henna to "chest")
(go-to: "Ajmal - Chest")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You wanted it on your arm, so you could look at it whenever you wanted to as well as hide it easily when the need arose.")[
(set: $henna to "arm")
(go-to: "Ajmal - Arm")
]</div>}(set: $questions to 0)
{(if: (history:) contains "Incredibly thoughtful")[
“I would like for you to do it.”
]
(else:)[
“I would rather Lady Domara did it.”
]}
The choice made sense. {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
You were on tense terms with the knight and while you were certain he would not make an issue of it, it was still… uncomfortable
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
Asking the knight to share such an intimate moment with you was tempting, of course, but you were afraid that your feelings for him would prove too overwhelming to bear in such circumstances.
]
(else:)[
While Sir Mansoor had always been part of your life, Lady Domara all but took over the role of your parents once they passed. If someone could be a substitute member of your family, she already was.
]}
Your tutor inclined her head to acknowledge your request, but she still blinked at you, looking a little surprised. “If that is what you wish, $MCcovertitle, I will happily oblige.”
You nodded back to confirm.
Ajmal rose to his feet. “Then I wish you a good night, $MCcovertitle. Lady Domara.”
After a polite bow, he left you and your tutor alone in the vast living room. Lady Domara sat closer to you and pulled the platter with the bowl of henna and the application tools toward her.
“I have studied noble crests and the traditional decorative designs that usually frame them,” Lady Domara explained as she organized the sticks neatly on the platter, looking like a surgeon ready to operate. “I am, however, not too familiar with the proper techniques to apply henna.”
“I am sure what you know will be enough,” you reassured her. “It does not need to be perfect. It is temporary after all.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that, $MCcovertitle, but…”
You watched her hesitate for a moment, staring down at the platter. {(if: $SabraAffection < 2)[
Whatever she was about to say, she changed her mind and shook her head.<br /><br />
“Nevermind.”
]
(else:)[
<br /><br />
With a sigh, she continued: “What I mean to say is that I never saw anyone applying henna firsthand.”<br />
You stared at her with surprise. “Really? How come?”<br />
“Well, it is done only for important celebrations, especially among the common folks. Celebrations like…”<br />
“Weddings?” You proposed.<br />
She winced. “Precisely. And more broadly, gatherings that involve having a family… Since I do not have one, the opportunity never really presented itself.”<br /><br />
You nodded. You were aware of her upbringing and knew that she grew up an orphan. You did not really realize what it meant on a practical level, however. A lot of Baladian traditions revolved around family, so she probably missed out on many of them.
]}
Lady Domara grabbed the bowl of henna and started mixing vigorously to smooth out the paste, looking eager to change the subject.
“Where would you like me to apply the henna, $MCcovertitle?” She asked.
Right. It was something you had to consider. Traditionally, the Dimeritia crest was tattooed on the chest. Not everyone followed the tradition however and some had it done on a limb or another part of their body. Besides, the markings would not be permanent, so the location mattered little.
{<div class="choice">(link: "Still, you wanted to follow tradition and have the henna applied to your chest.")[
(set: $henna to "chest")
(go-to: "Sabra - Chest")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You preferred if she applied it on your arm, both more visible to you and easily concealable.")[
(set: $henna to "arm")
(go-to: "Sabra - Arm")
]</div>}
You found yourself alone in the spacious room and you knew the night was now yours. No one would come to disrupt your solitude until the next morning. It was the perfect time to finally pull out Felice’s letter and read it.
You turned on the oil sconces of your chambers at a dim level and walked to your desk. There was an elegant lamp on the secretary’s highest shelf that was not linked to the mechanical system allowing you to light the room with a single knob. Using a match, you lit it yourself and adjusted the strength of the flame to your needs. Then you retrieved the drawer’s key and unlocked it, grabbing the letter which had been patiently waiting for you nearly all day.
You unsealed it with a letter opener and took out the neatly folded paper that was inside. It was lightly scented with a lavender perfume and the neat and flowy handwriting had been traced with a dark purple ink.
//Dear $MCcovertitle2 $MCname//, it said.
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
//I hope, by the time you are reading this, that you had a pleasant birthday and that you are feeling well. I know we may not be on the best of terms and that this letter may come as a surprise, but I would very much like us to have a fresh start, on a better footing.<br /><br />
You have made it clear that the secrecy of our meetings was a concern to you, and that is perfectly understandable. That is why I decided to give you — us — a chance to meet in a public fashion. You will receive another missive of mine, in the coming days, through more conventional means. It will be a formal request to accept me as your partner for the avviamento ball.<br /><br />
You may disregard it or accept to meet me as you see fit. I have no expectations, I just hope you will consider giving me the opportunity to make things right by you.<br /><br />
Regardless of your decision, I wish you well.<br /><br />
With all my respects,<br /><br />
Felice.//
]
(else-if: $FeliceRomance > 0)[
//While I am writing this before our meeting, I can safely say it was a unique pleasure to see you again, as it always is. I hope, by the time you are reading this, that you had a wonderful birthday and that you are feeling well. I hesitated writing this letter, as I considered letting the next one be a surprise — hopefully, a pleasant one. The unusual circumstances of our encounters, however, make a forewarning necessary, I think.<br /><br />
I wanted us to have a chance to meet in a more public fashion. I know how protective and caring the people in your household can be and I would very much like to put their minds at ease. Of course, I would lie if I said my personal feelings about you had nothing to do with this. It may be selfish of me, but I sometimes find myself wanting more than what a few stolen moments during a secret meeting can provide. I would be very lucky indeed if you shared that desire and agreed to my request.<br /><br />
In the coming days, you will receive another missive of mine, through more conventional means. It will be a formal request to accept me as your partner for the avviamento ball. I would not want to go with anyone else and the prospect of dancing with you fills me with an embarrassing amount of giddiness. But even if you choose another partner for the ball, agreeing to a meeting will open the door for us to see each other again, publicly this time, and I hope this is something you would like as much as I do.<br /><br />
I am excited to hear from you once you receive my invitation. Regardless of what you decide, I wish you the best and send you all my affection.<br /><br />
Yours truly,<br /><br />
Felice.//
]
(else:)[
//While I am writing this before our meeting, I can safely say it was lovely to see you again, as it always is. I hope, by the time you are reading this, that you had a pleasant birthday and that you are feeling well.<br /><br />
The purpose of this letter may come to you as a surprise. But I wanted us to have the chance to meet in a more public fashion and my next missive should give us that opportunity. I know how protective and caring the members of your household can be and I thought it wise to put their minds at ease.<br /><br />
That is why you will receive, in the coming days and through more conventional means, a formal request to accept me as your partner for the avviamento bal. Even if you end up choosing somebody else, accepting to meet with me in this formal setting will open the door for us to see each other again, publicly.<br /><br />
Of course, I respect you too much to impose on you, but I would be ever so grateful if you considered my request. Our budding friendship means a lot to me and I would like to see it flourish.<br /><br />
I am eager to hear from you once you receive my invitation.<br /><br />
Affectionately,<br /><br />
Felice.//
]}
As you finished reading the elegantly written words, you flattened the paper on the table and straightened your back.
{(unless: $FeliceTrust < 0)[
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>You felt yourself smiling excitedly. (link: "Going to the avviamento ball with Felice sounded so much more enticing than having to go with some stuffy stranger.")[
(set: $forward to it + 1)
(if: $FeliceRomance is 0)[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 0.5)
]
(go-to: "❤ Excited")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(forward)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
]
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>Your heart had started beating faster and louder as you read the letter. (link: "Despite yourself, the idea of walking into the avviamento ball with Felice at your arm gave you a not-so-unpleasant rush.")[
(set: $reserved to it + 1)
(if: $FeliceRomance is 0)[
(set: $FeliceRomance to 0.5)
]
(go-to: "❤ A rush")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(reserved)//]</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
(unless: $FeliceTrust < 0)[
<div class="choice">You smiled softly at the letter. (link: "You were happy Felice provided you with the perfect excuse to introduce them to your protectors and make things less… awkward in the future.")[
(set: $open to it + 1)
(go-to: "Introducing Felice")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
]
(if: $FeliceKnown is 0)[
<div class="choice">You did not know why, but you were a little anxious at the idea of revealing the existence of your new friend to everyone else. [[Part of you wanted to keep them secret.->Wanting to keep them secret]]</div>
]
<div class="choice">While you appreciated the forewarning, you felt a little concerned about Felice’s true motives. Were they just using you to get into the avviamento ball? (link: "Was it their intent all along?")[
(unless: $FeliceTrust < 0)[
(set: $FeliceTrust to -0.7)
]
(go-to: "Their intent all along")
]</div>
<div class="choice">You frowned at the letter, the expression deepening the further you read. As amicable and polite as it was put, the idea of receiving a request to be partnered with them was… uncomfortable. You knew so little of them. [[Was an invitation from them even appropriate to receive?->Was it appropriate to receive?]] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“I want you to make it on my chest,” you said.
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -0.8) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
Ajmal stared at you for a moment, his eyes wider than usual. You saw his throat bob up and down as he swallowed.<br /><br />
“Are you… sure?” He asked.<br />
{(if: $mainflirt is "reserved")[
“Well…” You started, turning shy under the intensity of his gaze. “That is how my father wore it and I… It is what is familiar.”
]
(else:)[
“Certain,” you assured him even though your heart was already beating faster under the intensity of his gaze.
]}<br />
“Alright…” He murmured. “Do you need help with…”<br /><br />
He started raising a nervous hand toward your neckline before pulling it back, shaking his head.<br /><br />
“Of course not,” he mumbled to himself.<br /><br />
{(if: $outfit contains "dress")[
You settled in front of him, your skin already accessible thanks to your low-cut dress.
]
(else:)[
You opened up the top part of your {(if: $outfit contains "suit")[shirt](else-if: $outfit contains "tunic")[tunic](else-if: $outfit contains "robes")[robes](else:)[clothes]}, feeling very aware of Ajmal’s eyes, darting restlessly between your exposed skin and the bowl of henna he had set down between you.
]}<br />
Once you were ready, Ajmal inhaled deeply and picked up a modest amount of henna with the smallest stick. His hand was still trembling, however, when he bent over the small distance between you and him. His fingers hovered above your skin, shaking and hesitant.<br /><br />
His hand retreated again.<br /><br />
“I am so sorry… I do not know why I am so nervous,” he said with a strained chuckle. “Maybe I am scared I will mess up.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
<br />
You reached over and took his hand in both of yours.<br /><br />
“I am nervous too,” you admitted.<br /><br />
You placed his fingers around your wrist, his thumb over your pulse. “Can you feel it?”<br /><br />
At first, you thought it was a bad idea. Ajmal’s face darkened and he looked even more flustered than before. But after a moment, you both were breathing deeper, slower and he was staring at your wrist, his thumb brushing the sensitive skin lightly. The rhythm of your blood pulsing through your veins seemed to have a soothing effect.<br /><br />
“Yes… But you should not be. I would never… I could never take advantage of such a situation,” he finally murmured, revealing what was truly bothering him.<br />
“I know,” you replied softly. “Then you should not be nervous either.”<br />
He took a deep breath. “You are right.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Is it really what it is?” You asked, your words blunt but your voice low and soft.<br /><br />
He looked up at you, eyes locking with yours, wide with surprise.<br /><br />
“I… I guess there is more to it,” he admitted. “I just do not want to take advantage of the situation… If my touch was inappropriate in any way…”<br />
“Ajmal…” You started, holding his gaze firmly. “You and I both know you would never do that. And if I ask for your touch, then it is welcome, not inappropriate.”<br /><br />
At first, you thought you had said the wrong thing, seeing the force with which his face turned dark red. But after considering your words a moment, your adamant statement seemed to do the trick and Ajmal visibly relaxed.<br /><br />
“You… You are right,” he said after taking a deep breath. “Thank you.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Is that truly what you are scared of?” You asked, the words sharp but your voice soft despite yourself. “I have known you braver than this.”<br /><br />
He looked up at you suddenly, eyes locking with yours in shock.<br /><br />
“What… What do you mean?” He stammered.<br />
“In battle, you face the risk of failure head-on. Why can you not do this here?”<br /><br />
He swallowed again, his green eyes darting to the exposed skin on your chest and back to your face.<br /><br />
“Maybe it is my lack of experience that makes me uncertain. I have been training to fight since I was a child. This… This is not something anyone can teach me, not really.”<br /><br />
He could not be talking about drawing henna markings anymore and your heart started to race. You reached out and took his free hand in yours.<br /><br />
“Some things you need to experience for yourself to learn them,” you said, your throat so dry it made your voice come out rough. “But we will be learning together, will we not?”<br /><br />
Your words seemed to reassure him. He smiled at you, his tension melting.<br /><br />
“Things are less frightening when you have company to face them, that is true,” he murmured.<br /><br />
He squeezed your hand before letting go of it and inhaling deeply.
]
(else:)[
You reached over, resting a hand on his knee.<br /><br />
“It is alright,” you said very softly, hoping to soothe him. “Just breathe and you will be okay. It is fine even if you do mess up, it is only temporary after all. Besides, even the mistakes will be yours and will remind me of you. I could not be happier about that.”<br /><br />
Your words seemed to take effect and his tension melted away visibly as he looked back at you with overwhelming tenderness.<br /><br />
“That is a lovely sentiment, $MCcovertitle. Thank you.”<br />
Your hand moved away from his knee and you smiled gently at him. “Of course.”
]}<br /><br />
Once again, his hand approached your chest, a little steadier, and he started applying the henna, slowly tracing the Dimeritia’s sun and moon over your skin. He took his time, focusing and applying himself to do the best job he could.<br /><br />
Meanwhile, you had to calm your own nerves, your heavy breaths making his work more difficult than it should be. But how were you to keep calm when his fingers kept brushing softly over your heart? Yet you did not want the moment to ever end.<br /><br />
Ajmal would sometimes glance up at your face, his water-green irises darkened by the shadow of his heavy lashes, to check on you maybe. Make sure you were still alright with this.<br />
Of course, you were, but how could you let him know?
]
(else:)[
Ajmal nodded {(if: $outfit contains "dress")[
and you settled in front of him, the low cut of your dress already allowing him to work on your bared skin
]
(else:)[
and you opened up the top part of your {(if: $outfit contains "suit")[shirt](else-if: $outfit contains "tunic")[tunic](else-if: $outfit contains "robes")[robes](else:)[clothes]} to bare the skin you wanted him to work on
]}.<br /><br />
He scooped up a bit of henna with the smaller stick and leaned over the gap between you to start tracing lines on your skin. There was something relaxing about feeling the delicate touch of the knight as he drew and painted the Dimeritia sun and moon over your chest.<br />
He was applying himself, gaze intensely focused, hands slow and precise. You let him work in silence, not wanting to break his concentration.
]}
(display: "Ajmal applies the henna 2")
“Could you do it on my arm?” You asked Sir Mansoor.
“Of course,” the knight replied with a smile.
You rolled your sleeve up your {(if: $missinghand is "right")[left](else:)[right]} arm and Ajmal scooped a bit of henna with the smallest stick. Turning back to face you, he hesitated before extending his free hand, palm open.
“May I?”
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -0.8) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
{(if: $mainflirt is "forward")[
“Anytime,” you said with a warm smile, placing your hand in his.<br /><br />
]
(else:)[
“Huh… yes,” you said awkwardly, internally cursing yourself.<br /><br />
You placed your hand in his.
]}It felt so warm and comforting, despite the rough cals due to his training. His fingers wrapped around your hand, securing it to support your arm while he worked.<br /><br />
He glanced up at you, his water-green gaze a little nervous under the heavy shadow of his lashes. His hand was hovering above your arm, uncertain.<br /><br />
“I am sorry,” he murmured with a tense chuckle. “I am a little anxious. I do not want to mess up.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I am nervous too,” you admitted with a faint smile.<br /><br />
You turned your wrist around in his hand and placed his thumb over your pulse.<br /><br />
“Can you feel it?” You asked softly.<br /><br />
He stared down at your hand as if fascinated. His thumb brushed over the sensitive skin of your inner wrist until he found the artery, pressing down gently. You shivered and your heart started beating even faster.<br /><br />
As soon as he felt the frantic pulsations of your blood under his thumb, he looked back up at you, a concerned frown knitting his brow. “Please, do not be nervous, I promise I will do my best.”<br />
“We both know you will,” you assured him. “So no need to be anxious either. Besides, the markings will fade away, remember?”<br /><br />
You turned your wrist back around and squeezed his hand. He inhaled deeply and squeezed back.<br /><br />
“You are right. Of course.”<br /><br />
He smiled at you.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
<br />
You stared at him. What was he truly nervous about? The markings would fade away in a matter of days. It was about the gesture, the moment shared with a loved one, a moment of belonging for both participants. Maybe that was it. Maybe that was the symbolism behind it making him nervous and he was scared of belonging to you and you to him even for a short time.<br /><br />
“Is that all there is to it?” You asked him, words blunt, but voice soft.<br /><br />
His eyes widened, shock freezing him in place.<br /><br />
“Maybe not…” he admitted after a long moment, casting his eyes down to your linked hands. “This… This is something that always was meant to be done amongst family… And I do not want to seem like I am trying to replace your family.”<br /><br />
Your heart squeezed and you pushed down the memory of your parents’ faces, surging in the light of this conversation. Your fingers tensed against Ajmal’s palm.<br /><br />
“You are not replacing my family, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. You were always part of it, in your own way.”<br /><br />
The knight’s unease melted away as soon as he heard your words. He looked back at you with overwhelming tenderness.<br /><br />
“I am so happy to hear it. Thank you.”<br /><br />
You could only nod in response, the way he watched you creating a knot in your throat.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“There is no reason to be nervous,” you said, your voice softer than you intended. “The markings will fade away in a matter of days.”<br />
“I know, I just…” The knight started before trailing off.<br />
“What is it?” You asked after a moment of silence.<br />
“It is more than just markings on your skin, is it not?” He said, holding your gaze. “The whole process is about belonging, about being welcomed in a family. It should not be me doing this…”<br /><br />
As he spoke, you could tell he was getting agitated. When he moved to stand up, you squeezed his hand, stopping him in his tracks.<br /><br />
“{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you said firmly. “You are my knight, you guard my life with yours. We have been bound together for years now. If this is not belonging, I do not know what is.”<br /><br />
He blinked at you and then looked down at your joined hands. His thumb rubbed over your knuckles and you closed your eyes, trying to push back the shiver prickling your skin. When you opened them again, he was looking at you again, his eyes so tender you felt a sharp ache in your chest.<br /><br />
“If you believe I deserve to be by your side…” He murmured softly.<br />
“Of course I do,” you replied gently. “You would know it otherwise.”<br /><br />
He smiled and squeezed your hand back.
]
(else:)[
<br />
You instinctively reached over with your free hand, resting it on his knee.<br /><br />
“Do not be,” you replied softly. “The markings will not be permanent, remember? Besides, I will be more than happy to sport any mistake you might make because they will be yours and they will remind me of you every time I see them.”<br /><br />
At first, you thought you had reacted poorly, Ajmal tensing as soon as your fingers touched him. But as you tried to reassure him, any unease he might have felt melted away and he looked back at you with overwhelming tenderness.<br /><br />
“That is a lovely sentiment,” he said quietly as he smiled at you. “Thank you.”<br />
“Of course,” you returned his smile while your hand retreated from his knee.
]}<br /><br />
His hand approached your arm again and this time he started tracing the Dimeritia’s sun and moon on your skin. There was something intimate about the way he applied the henna so slowly and so carefully, his entire being focused on this one task. The delicate brush of the wooden stick, tracing deliberate circles on your arm was enough to make your blood rush.<br /><br />
You took deep breaths, trying to calm your heart. Ajmal glanced up at you, checking if you were alright. You were more than alright. You never wanted this to stop. But how could you tell him?<br /><br />
He returned to his work, turning your wrist gently to the left and to the right, the design wrapping around your forearm.
]
(else:)[
<br />
You placed your hand in his so he could support your arm while he worked.<br /><br />
He started tracing delicate lines on your skin, slowly and carefully, his focus intent on the design. You stayed quiet, not wanting to break his concentration.<br />
There was something relaxing in feeling the wooden stick travel in circles across your skin, the knight gently turning your arm left and right to cover the surface.
]}
(display: "Ajmal applies the henna 2"){(set: $questions to 0)}Once the sun and moon were done, he started to add flourishes and decorative geometric shapes that usually accompanied the family crest in nobility tattoos.
Looking at him work with such quiet intensity reminded you that he had not said a whole lot during the evening either, specifically while Zanetta explained what the avviamento ball was about. He only spoke when prompted.
“What do you think about it?” You asked without really thinking.
Sir Mansoor blinked and looked up at you. “What?”
“Sorry, I meant the avviamento ball,” you specified.
He frowned, picking up the larger stick to fill in some shapes with henna.
“What I think about it does not matter much. It sounds like you will have to go either way.”
“But I would still like to know your opinion about it.”
The knight sighed.
“You already know how I feel about these kinds of events. I do not like them. They are tedious and loud and every noble is watching you like a hawk, waiting for you to make a mistake and judge you for it.”
He interrupted his diatribe to take a deep breath and pick up more henna.
“But this time, no one will look at me. All the gazes will be on you. And I do worry…”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
He looked up and the pained concern in his eyes confirmed how genuine his words were.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
He looked up and the soft sadness in his eyes made your heart skip a beat.
]
(else:)[
He looked up and there was a soft sadness in his eyes.
]}
“Diplomacy, political games…” He continued. “All of that is beyond me. I do not know how to protect you from it. All I can do is trust that Lady Domara and Miss Calvio have prepared you for it. And be there if all else fails. That, I can do.”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
“You never skirt your duty,” you replied with a small smile.
]
(else:)[
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you replied, touched by his dedication.
]}
He raised his face again to smile back at you.
(display: "Questions directory 04"){(unless: ($lastpassage is "Will you be dancing") or ((history:) contains "Will you be dancing?"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Will you be dancing?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Will you be dancing?")
] You asked slowly.<br />
You knew he was not the most confident dancer, but that did not mean he should not have a little fun himself.</div>
]
(unless: ($lastpassage is "What about the food?") or ((history:) contains "What about the food?"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Do you not enjoy anything at all about high society events? Not even the food?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "What about the food?")
] You asked, tilting your head.</div>
]
(unless: ($lastpassage is "What about the music?") or ((history:) contains "What about the music?"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Balls mean music,” you pointed out. “You love music, do you not? Maybe it will not be so bad to listen to a Teledrican orchestra all night.“")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "What about the music?")
]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet again.->Ajmal applies the henna 3]]</div>}
“Will you be dancing?” You asked slowly.
You knew he was not the most confident dancer, but that did not mean he should not have a little fun himself.
Sir Mansoor stared at you blankly for a moment. “Me? Dancing? At the ball?”
“Yes,” you confirmed, feeling dejected as you quickly realized what the answer was going to be.
“You know it is something I have no talent for.”
You did not necessarily agree with him, but you knew it was something he stubbornly believed, so you did not feel like arguing with him now would accomplish anything.
“And even if I did… I would not be able to dance at the avviamento ball,” he continued. “My cover is one of a mercenary. As far as anyone will be concerned there, I am not nobility so no one will look at me and see a potential dance partner. To be honest, I am surprised Miss Calvio thinks I will even be allowed in the ballroom.”
“From what she said, Teledrican nobility seems fond enough of scandals that I would not put asking you for a dance past any of them,” you pointed out.
Ajmal grimaced and that told you enough about what he thought of the prospect.
“Maybe… Still, I will be there as your bodyguard, and I intend to focus on my job, not on… dancing.”
“But if you could, would you like to dance?” You insisted.
He paused, his stick hovering above your skin, and looked deep in thought as he stared down at his design. {(if: ($MansoorTrust > -0.8) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
When his gaze raised to meet yours, he seemed to be searching your face.<br /><br />
“Not… not with just anyone,” came his late response as he started applying henna to your skin again.
]
(else:)[
“I am not against dancing, even though it might sound like I am,” he said after the small lull. “I just do not like the idea of doing it with just anyone and in front of so many eyes,” he explained after a moment of silence.
]}
{<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“What about with me?”")[
(set: $forward to it + 1)
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(go-to: "❤ With me?")
] You asked softly.</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice"><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td>(link: "“I see…”")[
(set: $reserved to it + 1)
(if: $MansoorRomance is 0)[
(set: $MansoorRomance to 1)
]
(go-to: "❤ Did not dare ask")
] You murmured hesitantly.<br />
You wanted to ask who he would be willing to dance with, but you could not dare.</td>
<td width="5%"><span style="margin-left: 10px;">❤</span></td>
</tr>
</table></div>
<div class="choice">[[“I understand,”->I understand]] you replied.</div>}
“Do you not enjoy anything at all about high society events? Not even the food?” You asked, tilting your head.
“The food… is not bad,” Sir Mansoor admitted reluctantly.
“Not bad?” You repeated, an amused smile forming on your lips.
“Well… It is good, just not very filling. Besides, you have to take the tiniest bites if you do not want people staring at you as if you had just committed public indecency. It gets tiresome.”
Of course. The speed at which he usually consumed food was not considered very elegant in most high-born circles.
“It is not supposed to be filling, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}. It is about the combinations of flavors and textures, harmonizing to create a unique sensory experience. I would have thought someone who appreciates art as you do would be sensitive to that.”
It was more curiosity than an accusation, yet his face reddened with embarrassment and he cast his glance back down to his task, avoiding your eyes.
“I did not mean to disparage the artistry behind the dishes made for such occasions, $MCcovertitle,” he said in an apologetic tone. “Maybe I would appreciate it more in a private context, without having to concern myself with image.”
“I see what you mean…” You replied slowly.
Sir Mansoor was more concerned about substance and practicality than superficiality, which explained why he had so little patience for high society functions that were very much about appearances. He understood the necessity of maintaining one’s presentation, but it did not come easy to him. It meant having to watch himself every moment during each of these events. You could easily imagine how difficult that was.
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<div class="choice">[[He continued his design as you both fell quiet.->Ajmal applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
“Balls mean music,” you pointed out. “You love music, do you not? Maybe it will not be so bad to listen to a Teledrican orchestra all night.“
You saw Ajmal’s expression soften and you thought you might have found something he could be enthusiastic about.
“I must admit to some curiosity,” he said, with reserve at first. “It will be interesting to discover what kind of melodies Teledricans dance to. Of course, I would much prefer the calmer setting of a concert to enjoy music, but the one you listen to and the one you dance to are not always the same, are they?”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[You started to smile](else:)[You raised an eyebrow]}, seeing him getting more invested as he spoke.
“Besides, Telidrican instruments can be a little different from ours, so I would love to know how each of them sounds in person,” he continued while mindlessly filling the shapes on your skin with henna, his strokes slowing to a crawl. “Do you think there will be any singing?”
{(if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ($MansoorTrust > -0.8))[
His eyes flicked up to look at you questioningly but he caught the too-tender way you were watching him and started to flush.<br /><br />
“Sorry, I got a little carried away,” he mumbled.<br />
“I do not mind it, on the contrary,” you replied soothingly. “I would prefer if you did not have a terrible time during the ball, so it is nice to know there is something you may enjoy there.”<br />
“That is thoughtful of you, $MCcovertitle, but do not worry about that. I will not have a terrible time, not when… Well… You will be there, will you not? I always appreciate your company.”<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“That… That is very sweet, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you murmured, your voice weak as your heart squeezed in your chest.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“I— I am glad,” you whispered back to him.<br /><br />
The words were lacking to express the strength of the feelings making your throat and heart so tight right now.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
<br />
His words sent blood rushing through your veins, bringing warmth to your face. How did you even react to such a compliment?<br /><br />
“I… Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}, I am touched,” you said quietly, your voice embarrassingly weak.
]
(else:)[
“Thank you, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you murmured, warmth spreading in your chest. “The feeling is very much mutual.”
]}<br /><br />
The knight seemed at a loss for words after his own confession. He smiled tightly at you and doubled down on turning his attention to your skin, blocking out more shapes with henna.<br/><br />
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<div class="choice">[[You quietly watched him paint his design.->Ajmal applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]
(else:)[
His eyes flicked up to look at you questioningly but his face quickly took on a dark red hue when he saw {(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[your delighted smile](else:)[your wide, surprised gaze]}.<br /><br />
“Sorry, I got a little carried away,” he mumbled.<br />
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[Your grin softened.](else:)[You blinked away your perplexity.]} “It is more than alright. It is good that you will find something to enjoy during the ball.(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[ I would hate for you to have a terrible time].”<br />
“Yes, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal replied, flustered. “I do appreciate your efforts to lift my spirits. I apologize if I was sounding too negative earlier.”<br />
“No harm done,” you assured him(if: $MansoorAffection > 5)[ with a smile].<br /><br />
His expression brightened with relief.<br /><br />
{(if: $questions is 3)[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as he continued painting his design on your skin.->Ajmal applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]}
A few minutes later, Sir Mansoor straightened his back, taking some distance between him and his work.
“I think it is done,” he said before meeting your gaze. “Unless you want me to add more details?”
{(if: $henna is "chest")[
You looked down at your chest. From your perspective, it was hard to see the full design, but what you could see of it looked lovely. It was maybe a bit clumsy in places, but you could only notice if you looked closely at it.
]
(else:)[
You lifted your arm to take a look at it, turning it around to see the full design. It was lovely. Maybe a bit clumsy in some places, but you could only notice if you looked closely at it.
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled at the young man. “It is perfect, thank you.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“It is charming,” you declared with a wide smile.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“It will suffice,” you assured him.
]
(else:)[
“It looks good, you confirmed with a nod.
]}
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
“You are too kind,” he replied with a little color on his cheeks as he set down his tools.
]
(else:)[
“I am glad,” he replied, setting down his tools.
]}
{(if: $henna is "chest")[
He helped you cover your chest with bands of cloth to prevent the henna from staining your clothes and bed sheets while the color was setting overnight.
]
(else:)[
He wrapped your arm with bands of cloth to prevent the henna from staining your clothes and bedsheets while the color was setting overnight.
]}
“Would you like me to escort you to your chambers?” The knight asked as soon as he was done.
{<div class="choice">[[“Please,”->Ajmal escorts you]] you said after you adjusted your clothes.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“I will be alright, thank you,”->Going back alone]] you replied, standing up.</div>}
“What about with me?” You asked softly.
He looked at you — briefly — and frowned. {(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
<br /><br />
“I…” He started, visibly hesitant.<br /><br />
He cleared his throat after a tense moment. “I do not think that we should. For the reasons I already mentioned, it would not be safe for us to be seen dancing together at the avviamento ball. It would attract the wrong kind of attention to you. I would rather not take that risk.”<br />
“I understand,” you said, feeling your throat tighten.<br /><br />
{(if: $questions is 3)[
Maybe it was best to drop the subject.<br /><br />
<div class= "choice">[[You both fell quiet as he continued to paint the design on your skin.->Ajmal applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Maybe it was best to change the subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]
(else-if: $MansoorAffection < 5)[
<br/><br />
“Is that… really something that you want?” He asked, sounding surprised both by your request and his own reply.<br />
“I… yes?” You said with a confused frown.<br /><br />
You would not have made the suggestion otherwise.<br /><br />
“Oh,” Sir Mansoor said without elaborating.<br /><br />
You waited a moment and he finally cleared his throat. “I… If we danced together at the avviamento ball, I am afraid it would attract the wrong kind of attention to you, for the reasons I stated before. If circumstances were different, maybe… But we cannot take that risk.”<br />
“I understand,” you said, feeling your throat tighten.<br /><br />
{(if: $questions is 3)[
Maybe it was best to drop the subject.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as he continued to paint the design on your skin.->Ajmal applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Maybe it was best to change the subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]
(else:)[
His tongue peeked out to wet his lips, so quickly you almost missed it.<br /><br />
“I… Do not get me wrong, I am not opposed to the idea of… dancing with you. In fact, I would much prefer that than to do so with anyone else. But… If we are seen dancing together at the avviamento ball, I am afraid it will attract the wrong kind of attention to you. We cannot take that risk.”<br /><br />
Of course, that would be his answer. Safety first.<br /><br />
“I understand,” you said, feeling your throat tighten.<br /><br />
Maybe your disappointment could be heard in your tone. Ajmal looked up from his work and swallowed as he held your gaze.<br /><br />
“I am sorry,” he murmured. “But if… If you would like to dance in private… To practice, I mean — I will be at your service.”<br /><br />
The proposal was a surprise and it softened your heartache somewhat. You were grateful for it.<br />
Any occasion to be closer to him was a blessing.<br /><br />
You smiled at him. “Thank you, Ajmal. You do not know how much I appreciate that.”<br /><br />
He smiled back at you and you saw the tip of his ears turning dark red. {(if: $questions is 3)[
Maybe it was best to drop the subject for now.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as he continued to paint the design on your skin.->Ajmal applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Maybe it was time for a change of subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]}
“I see…” You murmured hesitantly.
You wanted to ask who he would be willing to dance with, but you could not dare.
{(if: ($MansoorTrust < 0) or ($MansoorAffection < 5))[
An awkward silence followed. Ajmal focused back on his work, making the henna markings more and more intricate.<br />
{(if: $questions is 3)[
(display: "Ajmal applies the henna 3")
]
(else:)[
Maybe it was best to change the subject.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]
(else:)[
An awkward silence followed during which you barely glanced at each other.<br /><br />
After a moment, Ajmal cleared his throat. “If you need a partner for practicing(if: ((history:) contains "❤ Dancing with Ajmal") or ((history:) contains "Dancing with Ajmal"))[ again], I would be happy to be of service, though.”<br /><br />
The offer took you by surprise and you blinked at him.<br /><br />
“You would?”<br />
The young knight hesitated. “If you would find that helpful…”<br />
You smiled. “Of course.”<br /><br />
It did not mean much, of course. Sir Mansoor was always volunteering his help in any way he could. Still, you were happy to steal any moment you could to be close to him. Like this moment. It was nice to have him so near, his knuckles brushing your skin as he made the henna markings more and more intricate.<br />
When a dark flush rose to his cheeks, you realized you had been staring at his focused face for far too long.<br /><br />
You averted your eyes and cleared your throat. {(if: $questions is 3)[
<br /><br />
<div class="choice">[[You both fell silent as the knight continued his design.->Ajmal applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
Maybe it was best to change subjects.<br /><br />
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]}
“I understand,” you replied.
{(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
For a moment, it felt as if the knight was about to say something else, glancing repeatedly at you, his lips parting open.<br /><br />
But he kept quiet, his mouth closing into a thin line and a single wrinkle forming between his eyebrows. He focused back on your henna markings.<br />
{(if: $questions is 3)[
(display: "Ajmal applies the henna 3")
]
(else:)[
<br />
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]
(else:)[
The knight smiled faintly at you. He looked relieved you did not push the issue further.<br />
{(if: $questions is 3)[
(display: "Ajmal applies the henna 3")
]
(else:)[
<br />
(display: "Questions directory 04")
]}
]}
“Please,” you said after you adjusted your clothes.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
Sir Mansoor helped you stand up and handed you your crutch before exiting the living room in your company. Making sure you made it up the stairs safely, he paused in front of your apartments’ doors to wish you a good night.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor left the living room with you and accompanied you up the stairs. He paused in front of your apartments’ doors to wish you a good night.
]}
“I know this was not what your nineteenth birthday should have been, but I hope you had a nice time nonetheless. I am sorry we could not do more,” he said, a sad frown on his brow.
{<div class="choice">(link: "“You and Lady Domara went above and beyond anything I expected,” you reassured him with a gentle smile. “I had a very nice time, thank you.”")[
(set: $compassionate to it + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "Above and beyond")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I cannot deny that it is painful to celebrate my birthday so far from home… Without my family…” you replied, your voice trailing as melancholy caught up with you. “But you did everything you could given the circumstances and for that, I am grateful.”")[
(set: $open to it + 1)
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(go-to: "You did everything you could")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“That is alright,”")[
(set: $stoic to it + 1)
(go-to: "That is alright")
] you assured him, unable to say more for fear of summoning unpleasant thoughts. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">{(if: $Ajmal is "Ajaml")[
(link: "“There are more important things to be concerned about than if I had a good time during my birthday, Ajmal,”")[
(set: $severe to it + 1)
(go-to: "More important things to be concerned about")
]
]
(else:)[
(link: "“There are more important things to be concerned about than if I had a good time during my birthday, Sir Mansoor,”")[
(set: $severe to it + 1)
(go-to: "More important things to be concerned about")
]
]} you replied a little sternly. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“I will be alright, thank you,” you replied, starting to stand up.
“As you wish, $MCcovertitle,” he replied, bowing his head respectfully.
{(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
He still helped you stand up and handed you your crutch with a concerned frown. Once he made sure you were able to walk without his help, he picked up the platter with the leftover henna paste and the used tools.
]
(else:)[
He stood up and took the platter with the leftover henna paste and used tools.
]}
Wishing you a goodnight, Ajmal took his leave and stepped in the direction of the kitchen.
You returned to your apartments on your own.
(display: "Back to your room")
“You and Lady Domara went above and beyond anything I expected,” you reassured him with a gentle smile. “I had a very nice time, thank you.”
{(if: $maintrait is "stoic" or "severe")[
You were not usually one to make over-the-top compliments but your efforts were rewarded by Ajmal’s bright, sunny smile.
]
(else:)[
Ajmal’s face brightened as soon as he heard the compliment, as easily given as it was.
]}
“Good… That is good,” he said, his relief made nearly palpable by a deep exhale.
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -0.8) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
He paused, standing awkwardly in front of you.<br /><br />
“I… Huh… I should let you rest. Goodnight, $MCcovertitle,” he mumbled.
]
(else:)[
“I should let you rest,” he added, his smile softening. “Goodnight, MCcovertitle.”
]}
(display: "Saying goodnight to Ajmal")
“I cannot deny that it is painful to celebrate my birthday so far from home… Without my family…” you replied, your voice trailing as melancholy caught up with you. “But you did everything you could given the circumstances and for that, I am grateful.”
Ajmal smiled softly, but it still looked a little sad. “That was the least we could do, $MCcovertitle.”
“Nonsense,” you interjected gently. “You did a lot more than ‘the least’.”
His smile widened subtly.
“Thank you,” he murmured.
{(if: ($MansoorTrust > -0.8) and ($MansoorRomance > 0))[
A moment passed and he stood awkwardly in front of you.<br /><br />
“I… Huh… I should let you rest. Goodnight, $MCcovertitle,” he mumbled.
]
(else:)[
He glanced at your bedroom’s doors before adding: “I should let you rest. Goodnight, $MCcovertitle.”
]}
(display: "Saying goodnight to Ajmal")
“That is alright,” you assured him, unable to say more for fear of summoning unpleasant thoughts.
Ajmal smiled faintly at the reassurance, but he still watched you with uncertainty.
Standing awkwardly in front of you, he cleared his throat after a quiet moment. “I… Huh… I should let you rest. Goodnight, $MCcovertitle.”
(display: "Saying goodnight to Ajmal")
“There are more important things to be concerned about than if I had a good time during my birthday, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you replied a little sternly.
“Oh! Of course, $MCcovertitle,” Ajmal said in a hurry. “Simply… I wanted you to be able to not worry so much, at least for one day… I am sorry if that came across as shallow, I was simply concerned about your well-being.”
“Oh…”
{(if: $MansoorTrust < 0)[
That was nice of him, you realized. Especially since you may have not always been so nice to him in the past. Of course, he was in charge of making sure you were safe and sound, physically speaking. But this… This was definitely beyond his job description. Even you had to admit it.
]
(else-if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
How could you properly react to the knight’s thoughtfulness when it was making your heart swell twice its size? Of course, he was in charge of making sure you were safe and sound, physically speaking. But this? This was definitely beyond his job description. And you were desperately trying not to see too much into it.
]
(else:)[
You were not sure how to react to such thoughtfulness. Of course, he was in charge of making sure you were safe and sound, physically speaking. But this… This was definitely beyond his job description.
]}
“I appreciate the thought, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]}.”
He smiled faintly at you but still watched you with uncertainty.
Standing awkwardly in front of you, he cleared his throat after a quiet moment. “I… Huh… I should let you rest. Goodnight, $MCcovertitle.”
(display: "Saying goodnight to Ajmal"){(if: ($MansoorTrust > -0.8) and (($MansoorFriendship > 0) or ($MansoorRomance > 0)))[
<div class="choice">(link: "You stopped him as he was about to turn away and pulled him in your arms for a hug.")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
(set: $forward to it + 1)
]
(go-to: "Pull him into a hug")
] (if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ($showtraits is 1))[//(forward)//]</div>
]
(if: ($MansoorAffection > 5) and ($MansoorTrust > -0.8))[
<div class="choice">You took gentle hold of his wrist, making him halt. (link: "“Would you be alright with a hug?”")[
(set: $MansoorAffection to it + 1)
(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
(set: $subtle to it + 1)
]
(go-to: "Asking for a hug")
] (if: ($MansoorRomance > 0) and ($showtraits is 1))[//(subtle)//]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[“Goodnight, Ajmal,”->Goodnight, Ajmal]] you responded with a smile.</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You nodded at him and let him go.")[
(set: $stoic to it + 1)
(go-to: "Let him go")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
He looked a little stunned for a moment, but he let you wrap your arms around {(if: $MCsize is "tall")[his shoulders](else:)[his waist]}, tugging him close. His hands settled easily against your back, squeezing you affectionately, happily returning the hug.
(display: "Hugging Ajmal")
You took gentle hold of his wrist, making him halt. “Would you be alright with a hug?”
A tender smile graced his lips as he took a step toward you. “It would be more than alright.”
His arms wrapped around your back and pulled you gently but surely against his chest, encasing you into a warm, tight hug. You sighed and relaxed into the embrace, your arms settling around {(if: $MCsize is "tall")[his shoulders](else:)[his waist]}.
(display: "Hugging Ajmal")
“Goodnight, Ajmal,” you responded with a smile.
The knight smiled back and, with a polite bow of his head, took his leave. You watched him walk toward his room for a moment before opening your apartments’ doors.
(display: "Back to your room")
With a polite bow of his head, the knight took his leave. You watched him walk toward his room for a moment before opening your apartments’ doors.
(display: "Back to your room"){(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
You stayed a long moment, your face nestled {(if: $MCsize is "tall")[into his neck](else:)[against his chest]}, long enough for your thoughts to wander and your rushing heart to slow to rhythmic, powerful thuds against his. He had washed before dinner, you could tell by the smell of orange blossom soap permeating his skin still. The warmth of his body was radiating through his shirt, you could feel it seep into your hands and your torso and you wanted nothing more than to melt into it.
]
(else:)[
Sir Mansoor’s hugs were always warm, familiar, and reassuring, making you want to overstay your welcome too many times.
]}
You had to pull away eventually, however. {(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
It seemed as difficult for him as it was for you, his hands lingering on you as he stepped back, yours leaving his warmth reluctantly.
]
(else:)[
Ajmal gave your back a gentle pat before stepping back.
]}
“Sleep well, $MCcovertitle,” the knight said in a quiet voice.
“Goodnight, {(if: $Ajmal is "Ajmal")[Ajmal](else:)[Sir Mansoor]},” you replied.
<div class="choice">[[You watched him leave and opened the doors to your apartments.->Back to your room]]</div>
“I would like it to be on my chest, please,” you replied.
Lady Domara smiled. “Like your father.”
Your heart sank a little at the mention of him. But there was comfort there too.
“Yes… And like most of Ahabalad’s monarchs, I noticed.”
She nodded. “Quite true.”
{(if: $outfit contains "dress")[
The low cut of your dress was already giving access to your bared skin for her to work on so you settled in front of her while she finished getting the henna ready.
]
(else:)[
You opened the top part of your {(if: $outfit contains "suit")[shirt](else-if: $outfit contains "tunic")[tunic](else-if: $outfit contains "robes")[robes](else:)[clothes]}, baring the skin you wanted her to work on while she finished getting the henna ready.
]}
Your tutor scooped up a bit of the paste with the smallest pick and started tracing lines on your skin. It took her a moment to get used to the tool, her focus pinching a line between her eyebrows. Despite her difficulties, the sensation of the pick forming the Dimeritia sun and moon over your heart was quite soothing.
(display: "Sabra applies the henna 2")
“I would like it to be on my arm, please” you replied.
Lady Domara smiled. “Like your mother.”
Your heart sank a little at the mention of her. But there was comfort there too.
“Most of Ahabalad’s monarchs seem to have it on the chest, I noticed. I guess Mother chose differently.”
She nodded, a twinkle in her eye. “That she did.”
You rolled up the sleeve of your {(if: $missingarm is "right")[left](else:)[right]} arm and presented the bared skin to her. She finished getting the henna ready and gently took your hand in hers while her other grabbed the smallest pick. Scooping up a little bit of the paste, she started tracing lines on your skin.
It took a moment for your tutor to get used to the tool, her focus pinching a line between her eyebrows. Despite that, the sensation of the pick forming the Dimeritia sun and moon on your arm was quite soothing.
(display: "Sabra applies the henna 2")“Do you know why your mother chose to have the Dimeritia crest tattooed on her arm and your father on his chest?” Lady Domara asked as she started to build on the design. “I do not think we ever went over the symbolism of a crest’s location before…”
“I always assumed that my mother chose to do so as an act of rebellion against tradition and that my father wanted to show his respect for our ways as he joined the family. There is symbolism involved?”
She nodded again, approving your insight. “There is some of that, to be sure, but people seldom do things for a single reason. Where you choose to sport your crest says something about how you intend to rule your land. It is especially true of the Dimeritia. Wearing it on your heart means you want your reign to be one of compassion. A monarch choosing to have it tattooed on their arm intends to lead through actions. Your mother saw her parents’ rule as stagnant and yes, she was rebelling against that, both by going against the tradition and by signifying it was time to act in favor of change. When your father chose to have the crest on his chest, he was both looking to reassure your family and our people, by showing them that he respected our traditions and that he would rule with a soft hand.”
You had never considered this. It was a bit disheartening. Once again, you were reminded of how competent and subtle your parents were. How could you match what they had been for your country?
With a minute shake of your head, you pushed the thought away. It was not a good time to let your insecurities get the better of you.
“What if it is tattooed on other parts of the body?” You asked her, moving the conversation forward as she traced symmetrical lines on your skin. “Is there other symbolism involved?”
“Absolutely,” your tutor replied, eager to satiate your curiosity. “Tattooed on the legs, the crest becomes a sign of pragmatism and stability. On the back and shoulders, it symbolizes the strength required to carry the burdens of leadership. And a ruler with a crest on their face signifies their desire to lead through reason.”
”My uncle wears the Dimeritia sun and moon on the forehead,” you realized out loud.
Lady Domara’s nose wrinkled in distaste for a very short instant, but you did not miss it.
“He always saw himself as an exceptionally intelligent man,” she said with as even of a tone as she could muster.
But it was not hard to guess that she was of a different opinion. Maybe you could prod her about it. Or change the subject entirely.
(display: "Questions directory 05"){(unless: ($lastpassage is "Is the Regent not intelligent?") or ((history:) contains "Is the Regent not intelligent?"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“Do you not think the Regent intelligent?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Is the Regent not intelligent?")
] You asked carefully, trying to keep a neutral tone.</div>
]
(unless: ($SabraAffection < 2) or ($lastpassage is "Have you considered marriage?") or ((history:) contains "Have you considered marriage?"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“If you do not mind me asking… Have you ever considered marrying? Make a family of your own?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Have you considered marriage?")
]</div>
]
(unless: ($lastpassage is "Sabra's opinion on the avviamento") or ((history:) contains "Sabra's opinion on the avviamento"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“How do you feel about the avviamento ball?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "Sabra's opinion on the avviamento")
]<br />
While you went over the practical details with Zanetta, you were not sure what Lady Domara’s opinion about the whole thing was.</div>
]
(if: (history:) contains "Prince Marsili")[
(unless: ($lastpassage is "About the prince") or ((history:) contains "About the prince"))[
<div class="choice">(link: "“I am surprised you would think of making marriage plans in times like these,” you said with a frown. “Do you really think Prince Marsili is a good candidate?”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "About the prince")
]</div>
]
]
(unless: ($lastpassage is "You value Nuto's opinion") or ((history:) contains "You value Nuto's opinion"))[
<div class="choice">You knew it could be too personal of a question, but you had to bring it up. (link: "“Nuto’s opinion seems to mean a great deal to you…”")[
(set: $questions to it + 1)
(go-to: "You value Nuto's opinion")
]</div>
]
<div class="choice">[[You decided to stay quiet, letting Lady Domara focus on her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>}
“Do you not think the Regent intelligent?” You asked carefully, trying to keep a neutral tone.
Lady Domara briefly glanced up from her work to look at you.
“(upperfirst: $MCcovertitle), you must know that my position makes any answer to this question quite difficult.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
<br />
You chewed on your lower lip, feeling shameful for putting her in an awkward position. You still wanted her opinion, however.<br /><br />
“I realize that and I apologize, but I would still like for you to speak candidly. I promise I am not trying to get you in trouble.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "open")[
“Why is that?” You asked, raising an eyebrow. “You have made your dislike of the Regent quite clear before.”<br />
“Have I?” Your tutor replied with a flat stare.<br /><br />
Now that you thought of it, maybe she had not. Not vocally anyway. You only inferred it from her tone and her expression whenever the topic of your uncle was discussed.<br /><br />
“You do realize that I would rather you speak candidly, do you not?” You said with a frown.<br /><br />
You did not want Lady Domara to hold back her thoughts for fear of being offensive. You valued honesty much more.<br /><br />
“Even if it could put me in trouble?” She answered pointedly.<br />
“It will not,” you assured her.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“It should not,” you replied with a frown. “As of today, I am of age to rule over Ahabalad, my uncle does not have any claim to power anymore.”<br />
“But he does as long as you have not been inducted,” your tutor retorted.<br /><br />
You pursed your lips. You knew she was right. But you still did not think it should stop her to speak up.<br /><br />
“Your duty is to me first, Lady Domara, you are my tutor and I want to hear your opinion.”
]
(else:)[
You shrugged. “My uncle is not here to hear you and I am not going to repeat what you said to anyone.”
]}
She sighed, her gaze returning to her design. “Very well. I do not think the Regent lacks intelligence… not in the usual sense, anyway.”
She paused, picking up henna from the bowl before tracing more lines on your skin.
“But intelligence alone is not sufficient to be an effective ruler. You need compassion to temper your decisions, you need to be grounded in the reality of your people to take appropriate actions and you need the right instincts when a situation requires you to act swiftly. Of course, you need to be versed in many fields and to have excellent reasoning too, but… Can you truly say you are intelligent if you fail to take all these other aspects into consideration?”
“So you’re saying my uncle has failed to take those into consideration?”
Lady Domara’s mouth turned into a flat, bitter line. “His rule will be forever marked by the rising of our people against him. What do you think?”
There was no denying that Sargon had a role in how the revolt came to be. What did he overlook to lead your nation to the brink of ruin?
{<div class="choice">(link: "Compassion, undoubtedly.")[
(set: $compassionate to it + 1)
(go-to: "Overlooking compassion")
] For Sarnah, for your people. Even for the soldiers doing his bidding. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "He should have listened to other people than the noble sycophants who only flattered his ego.")[
(set: $open to it + 1)
(go-to: "Let nobles flatter his ego")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You did not think he even considered how his actions would affect your people on a daily basis.")[
(set: $stoic to it + 1)
(go-to: "How his decisions affect your people")
] (if: $shwotraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "… Sargon failed in every aspect of leadership, in your opinion.")[
(set: $severe to it + 1)
(go-to: "Every aspect of leadership")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(severe)//]</div>}
“If you do not mind me asking… Have you ever considered marrying? Make a family of your own?”
Lady Domara froze, the stick in her hand hovering above your skin. She blinked up at you. Was the question too much of a private one?
“Me? Marrying?” She huffed. “I do not have time for that.”
“You could make time,” you suggested. “If you wanted to, of course.”
“It is frivolous and wasteful,” she replied dryly, her frown reinforcing her disapproval. “I find taking care of your education a much more worthy occupation than having to pay constant attention to a needy husband.”
Ah. So if she were to marry, she would have a husband, you noted. Lady Domara seemed to realize what you realized and her cheeks took on a redder color.
“He does not have to be needy,” you pointed out. “I’m sure you could find someone supportive if that were your wish. Do you not feel lonely?”
The question made her pause again. She looked a little uncomfortable.
“Sometimes,” she admitted quietly before raising her voice again. “But it is not something only a spouse can fix.”
She glanced at you, almost timidly. Did she mean that you helped her feel less lonely?
{<div class="choice">(link: "“Lady Domara…” You started, touched. “You are right, you do not need a husband to have a family. You are part of mine after all.”")[
(set: $compassionate to it + 1)
(set: $open to it + 1)
(go-to: "Part of my family")
] (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(compassionate) (open)//]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "You locked up, unable to say anything.")[
(set: $stoic to it + 1)
(go-to: "You locked up")
] You were not used to letting things get emotional, especially not with Lady Domara. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(stoic)//]</div>}
“How do you feel about the avviamento ball?”
While you went over the practical details with Zanetta, you were not sure what Lady Domara’s opinion about the whole thing was.
She frowned as she continued her work. “I am not going to lie: it makes me nervous. But as much as it might feel safer to stay hidden until we can leave this place, it is only an illusion of safety. As curious as Telidrican nobility sounds like, isolation would only attract scrutiny.”
“You think it will be safer for me to go there, then?”
Your tutor grimaced. She obviously had conflicted feelings about the whole affair.
“I wish I could provide you with certainty but… I truly do not know. There will be so many people, and so many occasions to slip up. I would rather have your introduction to Lagodoro’s high society be a gentler and less crowded one. But its importance makes the avviamento ball unavoidable. As Miss Calvio pointed out, too many people could notice your absence.”
“Is the Telidrican nobility even aware of my existence? I have had little to no interaction with… well anyone.”
Lady Domara did not answer right away, applying herself to finish a delicate line first.
“They undoubtedly are. Do you remember how Miss Calvio said Telidrica’s society is stable to the point of rigidity? You only need one pebble to send ripples across the surface of a mirror-still lake. Any new blood in the narrow circle of Lagodoro’s nobility is bound to be at the center of many discussions.”
You took a deep breath in to calm your nerves. This was not a reassuring thought. You certainly hoped you would not be the talk of the entire ball. Then you remembered the presence of Prince Marsili there. With any luck, it would be enough to redirect any excessive attention away from you.
Your tutor glanced at you for a short moment. “We will be at your side, however. You will not have to face this alone.”
You directed a small smile at her. //That// was a little more reassuring.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<div class="choice">[[She continued her design as you both fell quiet.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: ($questions is 4) and (($SabraAffection < 2) or ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")))[
<div class="choice">[[She continued her design as you both fell quiet.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[She continued her design as you both fell quiet.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“I am surprised you would think of making marriage plans in times like these,” you said with a frown. “Do you really think Prince Marsili is a good candidate?”
{(if: (history:) contains "Would rather avoid them")[
“You made it quite clear you would rather have nothing to do with them,” Lady Domara pointed out, and there was no hint of resentment in her tone. “I am not going to push the issue. It was only meant to be a suggestion.”<br />
“That does not answer my question. Would you really think of them as a reasonable choice for a spouse?”<br />
]}Your tutor sighed. “They are not an ideal choice, no. But having one choice is better than none at all. We are in strained relationships with all of our neighbors, thanks to the Regent’s many campaigns. All of them except Telidrica. I am not suggesting for you to go ahead and ask for their hand in marriage. Rather, I think it would be a good thing to count them as a connection you could call on later, if needed. An alliance with Telidrica would be a rare and valuable occurrence in our kingdom’s history.”
“I see… But would that alliance be worth having… a potentially troublesome monarch for Ahabalad? They would have to rule over our country as my equal. Is that really a good idea?”
Lady Domara frowned, looking concerned. “If what Zanetta said about them is true… Maybe not. However, they are young and… Well, maybe their issues, whatever they are, could be resolved.”
“Maybe…” You said thoughtfully.
{(if: (history:) contains "Would rather avoid them")[
You had your doubts, of course, and you were still reluctant to the idea, but at least you had a better grasp of where Lady Domara was coming from.
]
(else-if: (history:) contains "Getting to know them a little better")[
Hearing Lady Domara’s opinion only made you more eager to meet the Prince for yourself. There had to be a person under all the flaws Zanetta painted them with.
]
(else:)[
You were still undecided about Prince Marsili, but at least you knew and understood where Lady Domara was coming from.
]}
“What about you, $MCcovertitle?” Your tutor asked, pulling you out of your thoughts.
“What about me?”
“What are your thoughts on the matter? I know you already said how you felt about the whole Prince Marsili situation but… If you have other options in mind, I would be curious to hear them.”
{<div class="choice">[[“I… have not given marriage much thought,” you admitted. “Not after my parents…”->Haven't given it much thought]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“I would have liked to follow through with my parents’ wishes,“ you replied quietly. “I trusted their decisions more than any one I could make for myself.”->My parents wishes]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“Actually… I know this may sound silly, but… I would rather marry for love,”->Would rather marry for love]] you replied with a wince, ready to hear a lengthy counterargument.</div>}
You knew it could be too personal of a question, but you had to bring it up. “Nuto’s opinion seems to mean a great deal to you…”
Lady Domara startled, smudging some henna on your skin.
“Shit!” She let the word slip past her lips and some color darkened her face as soon as she realized it.
She quickly grabbed a piece of cloth on the platter and wiped away the mess she made.
“I… huh… Of course I value his opinion. He is a level-headed man and in some respects, much more experienced than Zanetta.”
{(if: $maintrait is "open")[
“I do not think that is the only reason,“ you said slowly.<br />
“What other reasons could I have?” She replied, her cheeks turning redder and her voice rising in pitch.<br />
“I think you like him.”<br />
“Of course I like him, everybody does. He is an agreeable man.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“Is that it?” You asked bluntly.<br />
“Of course!” she exclaimed, her cheeks turning redder.<br />
“Is it not because you like him?”<br />
“Of course I like him, everybody does! He is an agreeable man.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Really? He does not strike me as someone who mingles with high society. Are you sure his advice on the matter of the avviamento ball is that valuable?”<br />
“You should be more respectful of him,” she replied dryly, flashing a dark glance at you. “I would not dismiss any wisdom he is willing to share if I were you.”<br />
“And I think you are biased. I think you value his opinion because you like him.”<br />
“Of course I like him!” Lady Domara exclaimed, her cheeks turning redder. “Everybody does. He is an agreeable man.”
]
(else:)[
“That makes sense,” you admitted. “I was just under the impression that you liked him.”<br />
“Of course I like him,” she replied, her cheeks turning redder. “He is an agreeable man, everyone likes him.”
]}
It was not hard to guess that she was hiding a stronger affection than that. Her expression was enough to confirm your suspicions. You could push for a firmer answer, but it did not look like she was ready to give you one.
{<div class= "choice">No one said you could not tease her a little about it, though…<br />
(link: "“You are very red in the face, Lady Domara,”")[
(set: $open to it + 1)
(go-to: "You are very red in the face")
] you pointed out, biting down on a grin. (if: $showtraits is 1)[//(open)//]</div>
(display: "Questions directory 05")}
It took a few more minutes for Lady Domara to complete the henna markings on your skin. When she did, she pulled away and looked up at you.
“It is done, $MCcovertitle. I hope you are satisfied with it?”
You glanced down. {(if: $henna is "chest")[
You did not have the best angle to judge her work, but from what you could see, the design was simple, without many details, but clean and precise.
]
(else:)[
The design was not overly detailed, but it was clean and precise.
]}
For someone with so little experience, it seemed rather impressive to you.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
You smiled at your tutor. “It looks beautiful. Thank you, Lady Domara.”<br />
“I am glad you like it,” she replied with a faint smile.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“It looks good,” you replied straightforwardly.<br />
She nodded. “I am glad you are satisfied with it.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“Given the circumstances, I think this is the best it can be.”<br />
She sighed. “I am afraid it is. I did what I could, $MCcovertitle.”
]
(else:)[
“You have a very steady linework,” you commented. “I am impressed.”<br />
“You flatter me, $MCcovertitle,” she replied with a small, embarrassed smile.
]}
{(if: $henna is "chest")[
She helped you wrap your chest with bands of cloth to prevent the henna from staining your clothes and bedsheets while the color set overnight.
]
(else:)[
She wrapped your arm with bands of cloth to prevent the henna from staining your clothes and bedsheets while the color set overnight.
]}
Once she was done, she rose to her feet. {(if: (history:) contains "Fencing with Ajmal")[
“Would you like me to help you up the stairs?”<br /><br />
<div class="choice">(link: "“I would appreciate it, yes.”")[
(if: (history:) contains "Part of my family")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
]
(go-to: "Sabra helps you up the stairs")
]</div>
<div class="choice">(link: "“I will be alright, thank you.”")[
(if: (history:) contains "part of my family")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
]
(go-to: "Without help")
]</div>
]
(else:)[
“I will let you rest, now. Goodnight, $MCcovertitle.”<br />
“Goodnight, Lady Domara.”<br /><br />
She bowed politely and gathered up her tools on the platter before leaving — in the kitchen’s direction you suspected. Alone in the dark living room, you stood up as well and headed toward the staircase.<br /><br />
<div class="choice">(link: "You climbed up to your chambers.")[
(if: (history:) contains "Part of my family")[
(set: $SabraAffection to it + 1)
]
(go-to: "Back to your room")
]</div>
]}
You said as much to your tutor.
“You are right, of course,” she replied, nodding along. “The Regent’s lack of compassion is both what allowed him to grow in power and what caused his ruin. Even so… If he is that intelligent, should he not have seen this turn of events coming?”
“I… do not know…” You admitted.
You were never very close to your uncle, but what you knew of him was that he was indeed an intelligent and well-educated man… To what degree, you could not really say. It did feel like he should have known better, regardless of his lack of compassion.
Lady Domara smiled sadly at you. “Of course, you would not know. Your first instinct was compassion. You could not put yourself in the shoes of a man whose mind’s inner workings are so utterly different.”
You sighed. “Can I not? Is compassion not about relating with other people, no matter how different they are?”
Your tutor frowned. “That… is a good point.”
“Why can I not understand him, Lady Domara?”
“I do not know, $MCcovertitle,” she replied softly. “I do not understand him either. The future will tell us what he was trying to accomplish or we may never know.”
You stayed quiet at that. She was right, there was not much point speculating now. What was done was done and it only mattered how you would deal with the consequences of your uncle’s actions… But it was not a topic for that night.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<div class="choice">[[You were both silent as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: ($questions is 4) and (($SabraAffection < 2) or ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")))[
<div class="choice">[[You were both silent as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[You were both silent as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
You said as much to your tutor and her lips curled in distaste.
“He certainly had a way of surrounding himself with people who would approve of anything he did or said. But as far as I can tell, this was… intentional, rather than a mistake on his part.”
“Whether it was intentional or not, it //was// a mistake, was it not?”
“I… Of course…” Lady Domara glanced at you again, seeming hesitant.
You frowned. “But?”
“But he obviously did so because he did not care to hear any other opinion. Should people have been there to advise him… I still do not think he would have listened. I would know… I have tried to give him my advice.”
You looked at her with curiosity. She did not let anything through her expression.
You were quite young when your parents passed and Sargon took over as Regent. You could not understand everything that was going on at the time. It is very possible you missed what Lady Domara is talking about. Or you were spared the details on account of your age.
“What happened when you did?” You asked slowly.
“I was immediately shut down,” Lady Domara replied, a cold undertone coloring her otherwise even voice. “Stripped of any of the counseling responsibilities that traditionally comes with the position of court mage. I realized that if I did not want to lose my position as your tutor, I had to keep quiet.”
By the way she pursed her lips, you could tell it was not a sacrifice she did lightly.
{(if: $maintrait is "severe" or "stoic")[
You did not say anything, but you were grateful. You did not need to lose your only anchor at the time. And ultimately, it was probably the best choice for Ahabalad as well. If you could fix the mess your uncle left in his wake, that is.
]
(else:)[
“Thank you, Lady Domara. I am glad you stayed with me,” you said softly.
Her expression quickly warmed, the hint of a smile gracing her features. “Of course, $MCcovertitle.”
]}
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<div class="choice">[[You were both quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: ($questions is 4) and (($SabraAffection < 2) or ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")))[
<div class="choice">[[You were both quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[You were both quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“My uncle never seemed all that practical-minded,” you reflected out loud. “Maybe if he was less concerned about what to accomplish and more about what it takes to accomplish it…”
“That is the heart of the problem, is it not?” Lady Domara replied. “The lack of concern…”
“Maybe he did not realize how his actions affected the people,” you suggested half-heartedly.
“But he must have, to some extent. Nation-wide revolts do not start out of nowhere. There were warning signs, it takes time and some degree of organization to prompt the people to rise against their ruler. Yet the Regent showed little reaction to these omens.”
You frowned. “Assuming he did not care about our people… He must at least have cared about how it would eventually affect him.”
Your tutor’s brow lowered as well. “This is what I do not understand about him. He may have underestimated the threat out of ignorance but… You know him better, he //is// your uncle. Does that sound like him at all?”
“I… I could not say,” you admitted reluctantly.
You were not sure you knew him better than her, actually. While Sargon had been friendly whenever you interacted with him, you never bonded with the man who seemed to have little time to spare for children. What you knew of him was that he was indeed an educated and intelligent man. But to what degree, you were not certain.
Lady Domara attempted a reassuring smile, but you could see the undercurrent of her own concerns in her expression. “You should not worry about that, especially not tonight. There is nothing to be done about it, and we may never know what was going through the Regent’s mind.”
You nodded. All you could do was attempt to fix the situation to the best of your abilities. But that would take time and for the moment, you needed to stop thinking about it.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: ($questions is 4) and (($SabraAffection < 2) or ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")))[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
And you said as much to your tutor. She raised a mildly surprised eyebrow at you and you felt you may have been the one out of line here after all.
“I cannot say I disagree,” she said slowly, however. “Although there is something he had great success with: using our people’s anger to unify them under a common cause after… after your parents’ passing. The invasion of Sarnah was swiftly achieved.”
You narrowed your eyes at her. “Are you saying it was a good thing?”
“Absolutely not. But it was the Regent’s goal and he accomplished it through cunning leadership.”
“So the problem is not his aptitude as a leader, but his goals?”
Lady Domara grimaced. “That is what I would say but… Surely, as intelligent as the man says he is, he should have seen the revolt coming, should he not? I highly doubt his goal ever was to be overthrown by Ahabalad’s people.”
You did not have an answer to that. Even if he was your uncle, you were never close to the Regent. You knew him as an intelligent and well-educated man, but to what degree? You could not say.
Your tutor shook her head. “We may never know what your uncle truly intended, so let us not dwell on the matter tonight.”
You nodded. What was done was done and all you could hope to accomplish was to fix the Regent’s mistakes to the best of your abilities. And that would take time.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: ($questions is 4) and (($SabraAffection < 2) or ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")))[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as Lady Domara continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“Lady Domara…” You started, touched. “You are right, you do not need a husband to have a family. You are part of mine after all.”
Maybe you should have known better than to be so open with your tutor. You knew she had a hard time conveying her emotions. Her expression was almost painful to look at.
“That… That is very kind of you to say, $MCcovertitle,” she said as she attempted to sneakily pat her eyes dry.
You were tempted to give her a hug and comfort her, but with fresh henna on your skin, that was hardly convenient.
“It is only the truth,” you assured her gently.
Lady Domara scoffed and smiled, rubbing her eyes one more time with her free hand. “Telling the truth does not come easy to everyone, so I am grateful that you did.”
You smiled back at her.
It took her another moment to regain control, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, and she focused back on the design she was tracing on your $henna.
{(if: ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 4))[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as she continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[You both fell quiet as she continued her work.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
Thankfully — or unfortunately? It was hard to say — your tutor shared your discomfort with being vulnerable and she was not about to hold it against you. It did not make the moment any less awkward, however.
Lady Domara cleared her throat in an attempt to distract both of you from the tense silence and she focused back on the design she was tracing on your $henna.
{(if: ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 4))[
(display: "Sabra applies the henna 3")
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
(display: "Sabra applies the henna 3")
]
(else:)[
<br />
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“I… have not given marriage much thought,” you admitted. “Not after my parents…”
You did not finish your sentence and you did not need to.
“That is understandable,” Lady Domara was quick to respond. “You had more urgent things on your mind. You still have. There is no hurry, you do not have to make a decision any time soon. I would just like for you to consider keeping your options open.”
“I will think about it, Lady Domara, thank you.”
She continued applying the henna on your skin in silence.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ($questions is 4))[
(display: "Sabra applies the henna 3")
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
(display: "Sabra applies the henna 3")
]
(else:)[
<br />
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“I would have liked to follow through with my parents’ wishes,“ you replied quietly. “I trusted their decisions more than any one I could make for myself.”
Lady Domara looked up at you with a tight, apologetic smile. “I am afraid that, such as things are, it is impossible.”
You swallowed. “Things could change, could they not?”
“Of course, and I hope they will. But to the point of leading to a wedding? It seems unlikely. I would… not hold my breath for that particular avenue. I am sorry, $MCcovertitle.”
You sighed and your breath was shaky. In normal circumstances, you would never have been in a position to choose a spouse. And that was fine by you. The idea of choosing the wrong one made you quite anxious.
“You still have time,” your tutor reassured you quietly. “And I will offer any guidance you might need when we get there. I am simply suggesting you keep your options open in the meantime.”
“I will think about it. Thank you, Lady Domara.”
A small smile stretched her lips before she returned to her task.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ($questions is 4))[
<div class="choice">[[She stayed quiet as she continued working on her design.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[She stayed quiet as she continued working on her design.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“Actually… I know this may sound silly, but… I would rather marry for love,” you replied with a wince, ready to hear a lengthy counterargument.
Your tutor stopped her work and stared at you. She inhaled deeply and sighed so tiredly that you grimaced again.
“This is not… silly, $MCcovertitle,” she replied, her tone incredibly weary. “I understand where the desire is coming from.”
“But you are going to tell me why I cannot,” you sighed as well.
“Do I need to? I think you know very well why.”
“My parents loved each other, why can I not have what they had?”
“Your parents were incredibly lucky to find romantic love in their marriage, but they did not choose their spouse. This rare set of circumstances was fortuitous but… I fear it has given you unrealistic expectations about married life.”
You pursed your lips. “So am I doomed to have a miserable conjugal life?”
“It does not have to be miserable,” Lady Domara explained in a gratingly patient tone. “You do not need romantic love to be fond of each other and be happy together. To a lot of your ancestors, this was more akin to a work relationship. More often than not, they and their partner respected each other greatly.”
You stayed quiet. You knew she was trying to comfort you. Maybe she was even telling the truth, but it still did not sit well with you.
{<div class="choice">[[“But if I don’t love my spouse, I… I do not want them to touch me,”->Do not want them to touch me]] you admitted quietly, feeling yourself recoil at the very notion.</div>
<div class="choice">[[“What if I fall in love with someone else?”->Falling in love with someone else]]</div>
<div class="choice">[[“Does no one ever marry for love?” You asked, unable to hide your disappointment. “Does it only happen in stories?”->Does no one marry for love?]]</div>}
“But if I don’t love my spouse, I… I do not want them to touch me,” you admitted quietly, feeling yourself recoil at the very notion.
Lady Domara’s expression instantly turned into a more compassionate one. “Oh, $MCcovertitle2 $MCname, you will not have to do any of that if you do not wish to. Many Baladian nobles adopt heirs for that very reason. You have the same right.”
You relaxed somewhat, but there was something about that that did not make much sense. To you
“I… always thought that I would have a duty to keep the Dimeritia bloodline intact,” you admitted.
”Why is that…?” Lady Domara started to ask but she quickly understood what you meant. “Oh. The water magic.”
You nodded. “How is it transmitted, if not by blood?”
“I do not know,” your tutor replied, frowning deeply. “But I can tell you that blood cannot have been the key. The Dimeritia bloodline has been broken several times in the past, and…”
“… And I do not have water magic despite being the same blood as my mother,” you completed for her.
Lady Domara smiled at you apologetically. “Blood relation has never guaranteed the inheritance of magical abilities. The Dimeritia case is still a mystery to me.”
Maybe it was truly a blessing of the Rain Daughter. It was an uncomfortable thought. Was the fact that you did not receive it the sign you were never meant to rule?
Your tutor must have seen some of your distress in your expression. She put a hand on your shoulder, a light squeeze pulling your attention back to her.
“I would not put too much stock into that. There might be an explanation no one has thought of yet.”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate" or "open")[
Grateful for her comforting words, you smiled at her. Still, some doubts lingered. What if there was no other explanation?
]
(else:)[
You nodded. You were grateful for her attempts to comfort you, but your doubts lingered. What if there was no other explanation?
]}
You took a deep breath, pushing down the nagging thought.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ($questions is 4))[
<div class="choice">[[Lady Domara continued her work as you both fell silent.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[Lady Domara continued her work as you both fell silent.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“Does no one ever marry for love?” You asked, unable to hide your disappointment. “Does it only happen in stories?”
A small smile betrayed Lady Domara’s amusement. “Of course not. It happens quite often. Simply not amongst the nobility. And that is why they are the ones to long for it the most.”
“Can you blame them?”
Your tutor lost her smile and stayed quiet for a moment, her fingers moving steadily as she traced thin lines around the Dimeritia’s sun and moon.
“I suppose not… Everyone wants what they cannot have. But one must realize that the nobility has wealth and power and it comes at a cost. Having to marry to make connections is a minor one, in my opinion, especially when you can have consorts to make up for the loss.”
You suspected that “one”, in this scenario, was you. What she said made sense and now you worried you might have sounded a little… entitled, complaining about this issue. Furthermore, she was right about the consorts. Many nobles had them but it could be a controversial position and not everyone wanted to be a consort or have one. Still, the nobility was not entirely deprived of romantic unions thanks to the existence of consorts and your desire to marry out of love may have sounded greedy to Lady Domara who came from a humbler background.
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
“You are right, Lady Domara, I apologize,” you said, your tone contrite.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
“That… is a good point,” you admitted.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
“You may have a point,” you admitted. “Duty should come before such concerns.”
]
(else:)[
“I did not think of it that way,” you admitted.
]}
Your tutor softened visibly. “I did not mean to lecture you, simply to offer another way for you to look at it.”
Her gentler tone helped you relax and you nodded at her.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ($questions is 4))[
<div class="choice">[[She continued her work as you both fell silent.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[She continued her work as you both fell silent.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“What if I fall in love with someone else?”
“That is what consorts exist for,” Lady Domara replied with a shrug.
You frowned. She was right, of course, and while consorts had always been a part of Baladian high society, it was not a position that everyone found desirable for several reasons. The first one was that becoming a consort locked you out of the benefits of a political union. For Baladians of high birth, it was usually a step-down, but for the common people, it was an opportunity for a life of luxury. As a consequence, consorts were sometimes seen as self-serving by the nobility, neverminding the hypocrisy of it all. And that was without getting into the many other nuances and complexities of the position.
“What if they do not want to be a consort? What if my spouse does not want me to have a consort?”
It was all very likely possibilities. Especially since your spouse could come from a different enough culture that they would not be comfortable with the notion.
Your tutor’s lips pursed. “I know this might not be the answer you want to hear, but… Leadership requires sacrifices, from yourself and the people around you. It will be up to you to find the best compromise.”
She was right about one thing: it was not something pleasant to hear. But it would be a long time before the issue would arise. Hopefully, you would be armed with more wisdom when the time came to choose a spouse. {(if: $MansoorRomance > 0)[
It was hard not to think about Ajmal. Was marrying him truly out of the question? And if so… would he be willing to become your consort? Would //you// want him to be your consort?
]}
You kept your thoughts to yourself, letting silence answer Lady Domara’s statement. She gave you a curious glance but left you to your reflection.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ($questions is 4))[
<div class="choice">[[As you both kept quiet, she continued to work on her design.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[As you both kept quiet, she continued to work on her design.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“You are very red in the face, Lady Domara,” you pointed out, biting down on a grin.
“I am not!” Your tutor protested vehemently while her face took on even more color.
“Huh-uh,” you hummed with a smug smile.
“And even if I was, it is rude to point it out!”
{(if: $maintrait is "compassionate")[
Your smirk immediately lost its edge, your expression turning apologetic.<br /><br />
“I am sorry, Lady Domara. It //was// rude.”
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "stoic")[
You winced. She was right. You would not like it if you were in her position.<br /><br />
“Sorry,” you mumbled.
]
(else-if: $maintrait is "severe")[
You lost your smirk immediately. She was right, of course. How did you forget your manners so quickly? Just to poke fun at Lady Domara’s feelings for Nuto? That was unworthy, to say the least.<br /><br />
“Sorry, it will not happen again,” you replied, contrite.
]
(else:)[
Your smirk did not even flinch.<br /><br />
“Why would it be? You should not be so embarrassed to show a little emotion, Lady Domara.”<br />
“Please, we both know making me feel embarrassed was the goal here,” she retorted pointedly.<br /><br />
And she was not entirely wrong. You winced.<br /><br />
“Sorry.”
]}
She huffed softly. “It is alright. But I would rather you left the matter be.”
“Of course,” you assured her with a tight smile.
Maybe you should have known better than to push your tutor’s buttons, of all people.
{(if: ($SabraAffection < 2) and ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you") and ($questions is 3))[
<div class="choice">[[An awkward silence followed as she continued to work on her design.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: ($questions is 4) and (($SabraAffection < 2) or ((history:) contains "Zanetta is coming with you")))[
<div class="choice">[[An awkward silence followed as she continued to work on her design.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else-if: $questions is 5)[
<div class="choice">[[An awkward silence followed as she continued to work on her design.->Sabra applies the henna 3]]</div>
]
(else:)[
(display: "Questions directory 05")
]}
“I would appreciate it, yes.”
Your tutor assisted you as you stood up and she handed you your crutch. She accompanied you to the entryway’s staircase and let you grab onto her arm as you climbed up to your bedchambers.
Once you made it safe and sound to the landing, she smiled at you. “Goodnight, $MCcovertitle.”
“Goodnight, Lady Domara.”
She bowed respectfully and left, walking down the eastern corridor to her room. You turned to the double doors in front of you and entered your own apartments.
(display: "Back to your room")
“I will be alright, thank you.”
Your tutor frowned slightly, her eyes glancing down to your injured ankle. “If you are certain…”
“I am,” you assured her with a nod.
“Then I wish you a good night, $MCcovertitle.”
“Goodnight, Lady Domara.”
She gathered her tools on the platter and bowed respectfully, leaving in what you assumed was the direction of the kitchen.
Alone in the dark living room, you decided to make your way back to your apartments. You stood up, grabbing your crutch, and headed for the staircase. You climbed up the steps at a painfully slow pace, but you eventually made it safely to the landing.
You pushed one of the double doors open and entered your bedchambers.
(display: "Back to your room")
Maybe it was a bit harsh of you to cast such a judgment on people you did not know. You had yet to have any contact with Lagodoro’s high society. But nothing of what Zanetta told you made you want to come near any of them. Not when Felice was right there.
The avviamento ball sounded a lot more appealing, all of a sudden. Instead of something you had to do for appearance’s sake, it was turning into something to look forward to.
You put the letter back in its locked drawer and started to ready yourself for bed, your head full of thoughts of shining ballrooms, beautiful garments, twirling couples, and a certain charming Mer.
You were too excited to find sleep and too restless to stay in bed. You occupied yourself by {(if: $MChobby is "writing")[reading a book](else-if: $MChobby is "painting")[drawing in your sketchbook](else:)[watching the city’s lights from your balcony]} until your eyelids were too heavy to keep open.
When sleep finally caught up with you, you were certain of one thing.
<div class="choice">[[The next weeks would be quite eventful.->CHAPTER THREE]]</div>
{(if: $FeliceTrust < 0)[
You knew not to trust Felice, which made the realization that much more uncomfortable. But they had saved your life, leaving you with complicated feelings; and their charms had an undeniable effect on you, you hated to admit.
]
(else:)[
You had ambivalent feelings about the whole thing. It was so unlike you to fall so fast for someone you knew next to nothing about. Sure, Felice had saved your life and they had earned some amount of trust that way. Yet… Part of you was urging prudence. And another part of you was about ready to fall into their arms. It was embarrassing, really.
]}
You closed your eyes and tried not to think of each of your encounters, of each of their tender attentions. But doing so, you could not stop thinking about them, of course.
You huffed and put the letter back in its locked drawer, hoping you would be able to move on once it was out of your sight.
Unfortunately, as you readied yourself for bed, your thoughts kept going back to it. What were you going to answer to their proposal? Was it wise to even entertain the idea? It would not hurt to meet them publicly, surely? At least Lady Domara and Sir Mansoor could keep an eye on you. But going to the ball with them? That could not be a good idea.
Yet your heart sank in your chest at the very idea of rejecting them.
You were too agitated and uncomfortable to find sleep, so you busied yourself by {(if: $MChobby is "writing")[reading a book](else-if: $MChobby is "painting")[drawing in your sketchbook](else:)[watching the city’s lights from your balcony]} until your eyelids were too heavy to keep open.
When sleep finally caught up with you, you were certain of one thing.
<div class="choice">[[The next weeks would be quite eventful.->CHAPTER THREE]]</div>
You were not sure yet if you would pick them as a partner for the ball. You were certain Zanetta would have a lot of opinions on who to choose and who to avoid. But the chance to make your friendship with them a public one was too great to let pass.
You put the letter back in its locked drawer and readied yourself for bed. When sleep slowly took you under its heavy pall, you were certain of one thing.
<div class="choice">[[The next weeks would be quite eventful.->CHAPTER THREE]]</div>
Part of you //just knew// that Lady Domara, Sir Mansoor and maybe even Zanetta would not approve of your relationship with Felice. You were not ready to be subjected to one of their lectures. What if they told you to cut all ties with Felice? The idea made you shiver.
You put the letter back into the locked drawer and tried to get your mind off the matter by readying yourself for bed. Unfortunately, anxious thoughts about the proposal you would soon receive from the Mer kept haunting you, making you too restless to sleep.
You busied yourself by {(if: $MChobby is "writing")[reading a book](else-if: $MChobby is "painting")[drawing in your sketchbook](else:)[watching the city’s light from your balcony]} until your eyelids were too heavy to keep open.
When sleep finally caught up with you, you were certain of one thing.
<div class="choice">[[The next weeks would be quite eventful.->CHAPTER THREE]]</div>
{(if: $FeliceTrust is -1)[
You already had suspicions about them and despite the obvious attempt to assuage them, this was only adding to them. Although, there was something relieving in thinking that all they wanted was to get a foot in the very secure door of Lagodoro’s high society. That would mean they had no particular interest in you and you could keep your secrets safe.<br /><br />
But Felice’s intentions were still a mystery, so you could not ignore the potential danger of letting them get closer to you.
]
(else:)[
Felice had saved your life and that earned them some amount of trust, of course, but the thought was there, nagging at your anxious mind. What if their friendship was only pretense? What if they had ulterior motives? It was unpleasant to think about but you could not ignore it.<br /><br />
With how little you knew about the Mer, could you afford to ignore the danger and let them get closer to you?
]}
You put the letter back in its locked drawer, hoping that your worries would abate once it was out of sight. But your mind kept coming back to it as you readied yourself for bed.
Your concerns kept you awake for too long as you lied, restless in your bed. Once sleep finally caught up with you, you were certain of one thing.
<div class="choice">[[The next weeks would be quite eventful.->CHAPTER THREE]]</div>
You had no idea what their social standing was. Would that put them in the same category as those opportunists Zanetta mentioned? Were you already being used for someone else’s social climbing? The idea was unpleasant and you felt a little insulted by it. Of course, you could be wrong, but in that case, would it not have been more polite for the Mer to fully introduce themself to you first? You did not even know their full name, nor where they lived. Or anything, really, beyond their given name.
You put the letter back into the locked drawer, where its sight would not offend you anymore, and tried to move on by readying yourself for bed. Your mind kept going back to it, however. You still did not know what to make of it.
Sleep did not find you easily that night, but when it did, you were certain of one thing.
<div class="choice">[[The next weeks would be quite eventful.->CHAPTER THREE]]</div>(set: $chapter to "CHAPTER THREE")
You've reached the end of the story for now!
Make sure to follow me on <a href="https://oscar-arcane.itch.io">itch.io</a> or on <a href="https://eight-years-revolution.tumblr.com">tumblr</a> to get updates on the story's progress. You can also donate to my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/oscararcane">Patreon page</a> or on <a href="https://ko-fi.com/oscararcane0624">Ko-Fi</a> to help me out! There's also the <a href="https://href.li/?https://discord.gg/WSuBgWRag2">discord server</a> now, where you can discuss the game and give feedback.
If you're feeling like giving me some feedback, feel free to do so, politely and constructively, of course. There are several things I would love your opinion on:
• Typos and grammatical errors, awkward expressions, etc. (English is not my native language so I need all the help I can get on that front.)
• Bugs, coding errors, inconsistencies, etc.
• Balance: does it feel like the characters are reacting appropriately to your choices? Does the flavor text feel like it matches your character?
Thank you for reading the Eight Years Revolution!
(display: "THANKS")
<div class="inputbox">(input-box: bind $MCname,"X",1,"Enter your character’s first name here")</div>
{(live: 100ms)[
(unless: $MCname is "Enter your character’s first name here")[
<div class="choice">[[Start the story->Your name]]</div>(stop:)
]
]}