*title Ilyaaren: The Explosion *author Valerie Dunn *scene_list prologue *comment Character Info *create Name "J." *create Gender "unknown" *create their "unknown" *create theirs "unknown" *create them "unknown" *create they "unknown" *create title "Keeper" *create themself "unknown" *create lady "unknown" *create child "unknown" *create sibling "unknown" *comment Character Appearance *create Hairstyle "unknown" *create Haircolor "unknown" *create Height "unknown" *create Body "unknown" *create Eyes "unknown" *create Skintone "unknown" *create bald false *create short false *create average false *create tall false *comment Relationship Stats *create Evelyn 55 *create Tarvin 35 *create Rylee 0 *create Eliot 0 *create Saaren 0 *create Leona 0 *create Briala 40 *create Leofric 20 *create Ellarian 0 *create Filoris 0 *create Derrick 35 *create parents 25 *comment Skill Stats *create morality 50 *create lawful 50 *create health 100 *create Magic 0 *create Thievery 0 *create Fighting 0 *create Leadership 0 *create Dragontaming 25 *create con 0 *create cha 0 *create int 0 *create str 0 *create dex 0 *create wis 0 *comment Dragon Stuff *create Dragon 0 *create Color "unknown" *create Sex "unknown" *create Nickname "unknown" *create Dragonpower 0 *create Dragonmorality 0 *create Dragon_lawful 0 *create Dragon_int 0 *create Dragonstr 0 *create Dragonpride 0 *create Dragonloyalty 0 *create dragonabandon "unknown" *create dragonabandon2 "unknown" *create Dragon_they "unknown" *create Dragon_them "unknown" *create Dragon_their "unknown" *create Dragon_theirs "unknown" *create Dragon_themself "unknown" *comment Story Markers *create HasDragon false *create Knows_Eliot false *create Knows_Rylee false *create Knows_Saaren false *create Knows_Leona false *create Knows_Ellarian false *create Knows_Filoris false *create Derrick_keep_talk false *comment Evelyn Relationship Markers *comment Evelyn is pansexual (all genders ok) *create Evelyn_flashback1 false *create Evelyn_flashback2 false *create Evelyn_flashback3 false *create Evelyn_flashback4 false *create Evelyn_romance false *create Evelyn_romance_possibility true *comment Briala Relationship Markers *comment Briala is pansexual (all genders ok) *create Briala_friend1 false *create Briala_friend2 false *create Briala_friend3 false *create Briala_friend4 false *create Briala_romance false *create Briala_romance1 false *create Briala_romance2 false *create Briala_romance3 false *create Briala_romance4 false *create Briala_romance_possibility true *comment Derrick Relationship Markers *comment Derrick is homosexual (M only) *create Derrick_friend1 false *create Derrick_friend2 false *create Derrick_friend3 false *create Derrick_friend4 false *create Derrick_romance false *create Derrick_romance1 false *create Derrick_romance2 false *create Derrick_romance3 false *create Derrick_romance4 false *create Derrick_romance_possibility false *comment Eliot Relationship Markers *comment Eliot is pansexual (all genders ok) *create Eliot_friend1 false *create Eliot_friend2 false *create Eliot_friend3 false *create Eliot_friend4 false *create Eliot_romance false *create Eliot_romance1 false *create Eliot_romance2 false *create Eliot_romance3 false *create Eliot_romance4 false *create Eliot_romance_possibility true *comment Rylee Relationship Markers *comment Rylee is pansexual (all genders ok) *create Rylee_friend1 false *create Rylee_friend2 false *create Rylee_friend3 false *create Rylee_friend4 false *create Rylee_romance false *create Rylee_romance1 false *create Rylee_romance2 false *create Rylee_romance3 false *create Rylee_romance4 false *create Rylee_romance_possibility true *comment Leona Relationship Markers *comment Leona is heterosexual (M only) *create Leona_friend1 false *create Leona_friend2 false *create Leona_friend3 false *create Leona_friend4 false *create Leona_romance false *create Leona_romance1 false *create Leona_romance2 false *create Leona_romance3 false *create Leona_romance4 false *create Leona_romance_possibility false *comment Tarvin Relationship Markers *create Tarvin_friend1 false *create Tarvin_friend2 false *create Tarvin_friend3 false *create Tarvin_friend4 false *comment Ellarian Relationship Markers *comment Ellarian is homosexual (F only) *create Ellarian_friend1 false *create Ellarian_friend2 false *create Ellarian_friend3 false *create Ellarian_friend4 false *create Ellarian_romance false *create Ellarian_romance1 false *create Ellarian_romance2 false *create Ellarian_romance3 false *create Ellarian_romance4 false *create Ellarian_romance_possibility false *comment Saaren Relationship Markers *comment Saaren is heterosexual (F only) *create Saaren_friend1 false *create Saaren_friend2 false *create Saaren_friend3 false *create Saaren_friend4 false *create Saaren_romance false *create Saaren_romance1 false *create Saaren_romance2 false *create Saaren_romance3 false *create Saaren_romance4 false *create Saaren_romance_possibility false *comment Filoris Relationship Markers *comment Filoris is pansexual (all genders ok) *create Filoris_friend false *create Filoris_friend1 false *create Filoris_friend2 false *create Filoris_friend3 false *create Filoris_friend4 false *create Filoris_romance1 false *create Filoris_romance2 false *create Filoris_romance3 false *create Filoris_romance4 false *create Filoris_romance false *create Filoris_romance_possibility true *comment Miscellaneous Markers *create Elanor_title "Your Majesty" *create Leofric_title "Your Majesty" *create hiddenstats false *comment Secret Markers *create Elanor_secret1 false *comment Money *create gold 0 *create silver 0 *create copper 50 *comment Armor *create lightarmor false *create magiclightarmor false *create leatherarmor true *create magicleatherarmor false *create chainmailarmor false *create magicchainmailarmor false *create platemailarmor false *create magicplatemailarmor false *comment Magical Items *create magicbook false *create healingpotion 0 *create healingkit 0 *create trapkit 0 *create thieveskit 0 *create poisonkit 0 *comment Weapons (not bow/arrows) *create sword false *create magicsword false *create mace false *create magicmace false *create hammer false *create magichammer false *create dagger false *create magicdagger false *create shield false *create magicshield false *comment Bow & Arrows *create bow false *create magicbow false *create arrows 0 *create firearrows 0 *create electricarrows 0 *create magicarrows 0 *achievement rider visible 15 In the Air How will you take flight? Became a Dragon Rider! *achievement keeper hidden 90 Secret Keeper Hidden You kept all of the Queen's secrets! *achievement traitor visible 20 Traitor Perhaps you aren't as trustworthy as they think... The Queen will never forgive you for betraying her trust. *achievement bestfriend hidden 75 Best Friend Hidden You've seen all of the friend scenes for every companion. *achievement evieromance visible 15 If Wishes Were Poppy... We'd all be dreaming. Unlocked Evelyn's romance. *achievement evieflashbacks visible 15 Summer Dreaming If only you could remember it all... Unlocked all of Evelyn's flashbacks. *achievement briromance visible 30 It Was Necessity Loving you was never an option. Completed Briala's romance. *achievement brifriend visible 15 Four Leaf Clover Hard to find, lucky to have. Unlocked all of Briala's friendship scenes. *achievement filorisfriend visible 50 Rainbow As bright and as rare. Unlocked all of Filoris' friendship scenes. *achievement derrickfriend visible 15 A Knot... Tied by Angels' hands. Unlocked all of Derrick's friendship scenes. *achievement derrickromance visible 30 Stuck in a Tree He sure knows how to pick his spots. Completed Derrick's romance. *achievement leonafriend visible 15 Unlikely Honestly, how'd you manage that? Unlocked all of Leona's friendship scenes. *achievement leonaromance visible 30 Fire Whether it will warm your hearth or destroy your house is the only question. Completed Leona's romance. *achievement forbidden visible 100 Forbidden Fruit Oh how tempting it truly is. Unlocked Filoris' romance. *achievement ryleefriend visible 15 Shining Through Your true colors are beautiful. Unlocked all of Rylee's friendship scenes. *achievement ryleelove visible 30 Can you rephrase the question? No way can love actually be the answer. Completed Rylee's romance. *achievement eliotfriend visible 15 The Greatest Gift You've received it. Unlocked all of Eliot's friendship scenes. *achievement eliotlove visible 30 Relativity An hour is merely a moment in your presence. Completed Eliot's romance. *achievement saarenfriend visible 15 A Lottle It's like a little, but actually a lot. Unlocked all of Saaren's friendship scenes. *achievement saarenlove visible 30 Favorite Day Is any day spent with you. Completed Saaren's romance. *achievement ellarianfriend visible 15 Tied Up Somehow your times together always end up like this. Unlocked all of Ellarian's friendship scenes. *achievement ellarianlove visible 30 Partition She's the kind of girl you like. Completed Ellarian's romance. *achievement tarvinfriend visible 15 Ties You should have assumed that this is how life would end up. Unlocked all of Tarvin's friendship scenes. *achievement angelic hidden 100 Angelic Hidden Completed the game with 100 Good. *achievement demonic hidden 100 Demonic Hidden Completed the game with 0 Good. *achievement tamer visible 15 Tamer Max out Dragontaming. *achievement magician visible 25 Magician Max out Magic. *achievement rogue visible 25 Rogue Max out Thievery. *achievement leader visible 25 Leader Max out Leadership. *comment GAME STARTS HERE You toss a dead pig into the dragonlings' pen with a grimace, watching as they begin to fight over the meat on the animal. There are only two, despite the last queens' clutches producing fifteen total eggs. As such, it is incredibly important that these two survive. They're only a few months old, but already, they're nearly the size of warhorses. You never thought you'd feel such an attachment to the creatures, considering you don't have the birthright to befriend nor ride a dragon. Due to your low birth, you are lucky just to be able to help care for them as a Keeper (in training, anyway). It is beyond your station to even daydream about one day being able to bond with one of these majestic creatures. Even so, you allow yourself to have a personal favorite. Your favorite of the dragonlings is a beautiful, metallic shade of... *label color_choice *choice #Blue. *goto blue *label blue Blue dragons tend to be rather evil creatures, though they tend to obey the law and/or their trainer. However, they have been known to abandon riders whom they find to be nauseatingly good. They are incredibly powerful but are not the smartest dragons, nor are they the most physically powerful. They are moderately prideful and loyal. Is this truly the color of the dragonling? *choice #Yes, my favorite dragonling is blue. *set Color "blue" *set Dragon_int %+5 *set Dragon_lawful %+80 *set Dragonmorality %+10 *set Dragonpower %+60 *set Dragonstr %+15 *set Dragonpride %+50 *set Dragonloyalty %+50 *set morality %-20 *set lawful %+20 *set con %+3 *set cha %+3 *set int %+0 *set str %+0 *set dex %+3 *set wis %+3 *set dragonabandon "good" *set dragonabandon2 "lawless" *goto dragonling1 #No, I would like to review the other colors. *goto color_choice #Silver *goto silver *label silver Silver dragons are very moral and lawful creatures. Legends state they will even abandon their rider, if they feel that their rider strays too far from the righteous path. For those few riders who maintain the near-saintly standards of this breed of dragon, there is no better fighting partner. These creatures are loyal, humble, and very powerful. What they lack in intelligence and strength, they make up for in sheer power. Is this truly the color of the dragonling? *choice #Yes, my favorite dragonling is silver. *set Color "silver" *set Dragon_int %+10 *set Dragon_lawful %+80 *set Dragonmorality %+80 *set Dragonpower %+60 *set Dragonstr %+10 *set Dragonpride %+25 *set Dragonloyalty %+75 *set morality %+20 *set lawful %+30 *set con %+3 *set cha %+3 *set int %+0 *set str %+0 *set dex %+3 *set wis %+3 *set dragonabandon "evil" *set dragonabandon2 "lawless" *goto dragonling1 #No, I would like to review the other colors. *goto color_choice #Amethyst *goto Amethyst *label Amethyst Amethyst dragons do not lean towards good nor evil. In addition, they do not care one way or the other for such silly things as law and chaos. That being said, Amethyst dragons are extremely haughty and self-absorbed. Amethyst dragons feel themselves to be above any beings who care about such silly things as morality and chaos. They are of average intelligence and strength, with slightly above average powers. They have been known to abandon riders who stray too far in any direction on the moral scale, and they tend not to be particularly loyal. Is this truly the color of the dragonling? *choice #Yes, my favorite dragonling is amethyst. *set Color "amethyst" *set Dragon_int %+30 *set Dragon_lawful %+50 *set Dragonmorality %+50 *set Dragonpower %+40 *set Dragonstr %+30 *set Dragonpride %+80 *set Dragonloyalty %+15 *set morality %+0 *set lawful %-10 *set con %+0 *set cha %+12 *set int %+0 *set str %+0 *set dex %+0 *set wis %+0 *set dragonabandon "good" *set dragonabandon2 "evil" *goto dragonling1 #No, I would like to review the other colors. *goto color_choice #Emerald *goto Emerald *label Emerald Emerald dragons are incredibly curious and lawful beings, however they are rather neutral on the morality scale. They believe in learning for the sake of learning. They are moderately loyal and quite humble, and they rely mostly on their intellect and power, as they are not particularly strong. They have been known to abandon "brutish" riders. Is this truly the color of the dragonling? *choice #Yes, my favorite dragonling is emerald. *set Color "emerald" *set Dragon_int %+65 *set Dragon_lawful %+80 *set Dragonmorality %+50 *set Dragonpower %+30 *set Dragonstr %+5 *set Dragonpride %+15 *set Dragonloyalty %+40 *set morality %+0 *set lawful %+0 *set con %+0 *set cha %+0 *set int %+6 *set str %+0 *set dex %+0 *set wis %+6 *set dragonabandon "strong" *goto dragonling1 #No, I would like to review the other colors. *goto color_choice #Copper *goto Copper *label Copper Copper dragons are generally good creatures, but they are incredibly free-willed, with a distate for leadership. They'll do the "right" thing, assuming their whims align with the "right" thing to do. If a rider is too driven to obey laws, copper dragons have been known to go their own way. This dragon breed is known for being completely average, aside for its distate for laws and general goodness. Is this truly the color of the dragonling? *choice #Yes, my favorite dragonling is copper. *set Color "copper" *set Dragon_int %+33 *set Dragon_lawful %+5 *set Dragonmorality %+60 *set Dragonpower %+33 *set Dragonstr %+33 *set Dragonpride %+35 *set Dragonloyalty %+35 *set morality %+10 *set lawful %-20 *set con %+2 *set cha %+2 *set int %+2 *set str %+2 *set dex %+2 *set wis %+2 *set dragonabandon "lawful" *goto dragonling1 #No, I would like to review the other colors. *goto color_choice #Black *goto Black *label Black Black dragons are the epitome of "self before all else". These creatures have no care for such silly things as laws, and they tend to do horrible things just for the fun of it. They are quite probably the most intelligent of all the dragons, but they tend to use this intelligence for quite evil things. They are not particularly powerful and are of median strength. If a rider manages to get their trust, they are fiercely loyal creatures, but they are known for abandoning any riders who are too moral or lawful; in addition, black dragons are not humble in the slightest. Is this truly the color of the dragonling? *choice #Yes, my favorite dragonling is black. *set Color "black" *set dragon_int %+70 *set dragon_lawful %+0 *set dragonmorality %+0 *set Dragonpower %+5 *set dragonstr %+25 *set Dragonpride %+70 *set dragonloyalty %+30 *set morality %-10 *set lawful %-20 *set con %+0 *set cha %+0 *set int %+12 *set str %+0 *set dex %+0 *set wis %+0 *set dragonabandon "lawful" *set dragonabandon "good" *goto dragonling1 #No, I would like to review the other colors. *goto color_choice #Topaz *goto Topaz *label Topaz Topaz dragons are self-absorbed creatures with little care for society's laws. They love chaos and seeing what happens from their actions. This breed is incredibly difficult to befriend, but once they've made a friend, they're friends for life. These creatures are of medium power and above average strength, with below average intelligence. They are relatively humble. Topaz dragons very rarely abandon their rider, but if they do, it's because the rider is too bookish. Is this truly the color of the dragonling? *choice #Yes, my favorite dragonling is topaz. *set Color "topaz" *set dragon_int %+15 *set dragon_lawful %+10 *set dragonmorality %+50 *set dragonpower %+35 *set dragonstr %+50 *set dragonpride %+10 *set dragonloyalty %+60 *set morality %+0 *set lawful %-20 *set con %+0 *set cha %+0 *set int %+0 *set str %+6 *set dex %+6 *set wis %+0 *set dragonabandon "intelligent" *goto dragonling1 #No, I would like to review the other colors. *goto color_choice #None of these colors is right. There are, of course, other colors of dragons; colors as infinite as the rainbow. What color is your dragon? *input_text Color *goto createadragon1 *label createadragon1 So your favorite dragonling is ${color}? Interesting. What is the ${color}'s strongest skill? *choice #Intelligence. *set dragon_int %+50 *set int %+7 *goto createadragon2 #Strength. *set dragonstr %+50 *set str %+7 *goto createadragon2 #Power. *set dragonpower %+50 *set con %+3 *set dex %+3 *set str %+1 *goto createadragon2 #All of its skills are pretty equal. *set dragon_int %+33 *set dragonstr %+33 *set dragonpower %+33 *set con %+2 *set cha %+2 *set int %+2 *set str %+2 *set dex %+2 *set wis %+2 *goto createadragon3 *label createadragon2 And what is its second strongest skill? *choice #Intelligence. *if (dragon_int >=50) Your dragonling already has intelligence as its strongest skill! *page_break *goto createadragon2 *else *set dragon_int %+30 *set int %+3 *goto createadragon3 #Strength. *if dragonstr >=50 Your dragonling already has strength as its strongest skill! *page_break *goto createadragon2 *else *set dragonstr %+30 *set str %+3 *goto createadragon3 #Power. *if (dragonpower >=50) Your dragonling already has power as its strongest skill! *page_break *goto createadragon2 *else *set dragonpower %+30 *set con %+1 *set dex %+1 *set str %+1 *goto createadragon3 *label createadragon3 *if (dragonstr <30) *set dragonstr %+10 *goto createadragon3choice *elseif (dragon_int <30) *set dragon_int %+10 *goto createadragon3choice *else *set dragonpower %+10 *goto createadragon3choice *label createadragon3choice And what is the ${color} dragon's morality? *choice #Very Good *set dragonmorality %+80 *set morality %+20 *goto createadragon4 #Good *set dragonmorality %+60 *set morality %+10 *goto createadragon4 #Neutral. *set dragonmorality %+50 *goto createadragon4 #Evil *set dragonmorality %+40 *set morality %-10 *goto createadragon4 #Very Evil *set dragonmorality %+20 *set morality %-20 *goto createadragon4 *label createadragon4 What are the ${color} breed's general view of laws? *choice #Chaos should reign. *set dragon_lawful %+10 *set lawful %-30 *goto createadragon5 #They're pointless. *set dragon_lawful %+20 *set lawful %-20 *goto createadragon5 #They have some use. *set dragon_lawful %+40 *set lawful %+10 *goto createadragon5 #They are the foundation of society! *set dragon_lawful %+80 *set lawful %+20 *goto createadragon5 *label createadragon5 How loyal is this breed? *choice #Not loyal in the slightest. *set dragonloyalty %+0 *goto createadragon6 #Somewhat loyal. *set dragonloyalty %+15 *goto createadragon6 #Average loyalty. *set dragonloyalty %+35 *goto createadragon6 #Very loyal. *set dragonloyalty %+50 *goto createadragon6 *label createadragon6 And, finally, with ${color} breed, what is one thing that could cause them to abandon their rider? *choice #Being too good. *if (dragonmorality >=40) But this breed isn't known for being evil! *page_break *goto createadragon6 *else *set dragonabandon "good" Riders should be careful not to be too evil, then! *goto createadragon7 #Being too evil. *if (dragonmorality <=40) But this breed isn't known for being good! *page_break *goto createadragon6 *else *set dragonabandon "evil" Riders should be careful not to be too good, then! *goto createadragon7 #Being too intelligent. *if (dragon_int >=30) But this breed isn't known for being unintelligent! *page_break *goto createadragon6 *else *set dragonabandon "intelligent" Riders should be careful not to be too smart, then! *goto createadragon7 #Being too strong. *if (dragonstr >=30) But this breed isn't known for being weak! *page_break *goto createadragon6 *else *set dragonabandon "strong" Riders should be careful not to be too strong, then! *goto createadragon7 *label createadragon7 And what is another reason the ${color} breed might abandon its rider? *choice #Being too chaotic *if (dragon_lawful <=30) But this breed isn't known for being lawful! *page_break *goto createadragon7 *else *set dragonabandon2 "lawless" Riders should be careful not to be too lawless, then! *goto dragonling1 #Being too lawful *if (dragon_lawful >=35) But this breed isn't known for being chaotic! *page_break *goto createadragon7 *else *set dragonabandon2 "lawful" Riders should be careful not to be too lawful, then! *goto dragonling1 #Being too weak. *if (dragonstr <=25) But this breed isn't known for being strong! *page_break *goto createadragon7 *else *set dragonabandon2 "weak" Riders should be careful not to be too weak, then! *goto dragonling1 #Being too dumb. *if (dragon_int <=25) But this breed isn't known for being intelligent! *page_break *goto createadragon7 *else *set dragonabandon2 "unintelligent" Riders should be careful not to be unintelligent, then! *goto dragonling1 *label dragonling1 With a wistful sigh, you watch the ${color} dragonling. It seems to be winning the fight with its clutchmate to eat the pig. Not that it really matters which of them gets this pig, since there's another pig on the way, courtesy of Briala, your direct superior. You suddenly hear Tennyson, the head Dragon Keeper, shout across the fields. He sounds angry, and you realize that he's likely calling for you. After all, you've developed a bad habit of lingering with the dragonlings, just watching them eat and play. Before you even have the chance to wipe the pig blood off your hands, Tennyson is barreling through the fields, over to the dragonlings' pen. Apparently he [i]was[/i] looking for you. "Where have you been, Brache?" he asks, his voice gruff and a glare on his pale face. *choice #Be polite. *set morality %+5 *set lawful %+5 *goto tennyson_polite *label tennyson_polite "Sorry, Tennyson. I got caught up feeding the dragonlings," you say in your sweetest voice. The brusque man heaves a giant sigh before shaking his head in dissapointment. "You need to stop that, kid. You're just setting yourself up for heartbreak, you know." You nod. He's right. You know that, but you can't help but lose yourself in the daydreams of one day being a Rider, instead of just a Keeper. "I know the princess has taken a shine to you, and all, but you can't let yourself get cocky." "Yes, sir." You try to keep the disappointment off your face, but Tennyson has trained you long enough to know you. "Come now, Brache. Briala's looking for you. Best to go find out what she wants," he says in the kindest way he knows how, as he gently pushes you in the opposite direction of the dragonlings' pen. *page_break *goto briala1 #Be sarcastic. *set morality %-5 *set lawful %-5 *goto tennyson_sarcastic *label tennyson_sarcastic "I don't know, boss. Am I even here, right now? Maybe I'm a mirage sent by the Citadel mages, just to screw with you." "Watch your tongue, Brache!" the older man yells at you, a bit of spittle landing on your cheek. Tennyson's never been a fan of those with smart mouths, and yours regularly gets you in trouble. You're pretty sure the only reason you haven't been fired so far is that you're a childhood friend of Princess Evelyn. Actually, that's pretty much guaranteed, now that you think about it. "Or what, you'll --" Before you can finish your sentence, Tennyson cuts you off. "You should know better, by now, to be polite to your betters," he growls. "The only reason you're not sitting in shit in the Slaves' Quarter is Princess Evelyn having a soft spot for the poor." Your nostrils flare as your cheeks burn in embarrassment. Rather than risk your boss' ire further, you bite your tongue and wait for him to tell you what it was he wants. "No back-talk for once? Amazing. Briala's looking for you. Be glad she's your trainer, because you would be a much [i]quieter[/i] person, were I directly in charge of you." "Yes sir," you say, before shooting him a glare and turning on your heel, going the direction he indicates Briala is waiting for you. *page_break *goto briala1 #Ignore him and focus on the dragonlings. *set dragon %+10 *goto tennyson_ignored *label tennyson_ignored You don't even spare your boss a glance. He makes outbursts like this every day - he's just a loud, stressed out man. The best course of action when he's like this is to just let him get it out of his system. "Have you not heard Briala and me calling for you for the last quarter hour, Brache?" he exclaims more than asks. Rather than answer him, you just maintain eye contact with your beautiful ${color} dragonling. It almost feels like the future dragon is talking to you, telling you that everything will be okay. That's not possible, of course, since only full-grown dragons can communicate with people - and even then, it's only with the Rider they've made a bond with. "Brache! Am I talking to the air, or are you just that daft and hard-headed?" Finally, you turn to face the muscled man, who just sighs and runs a hand through his mussed hair. "I'm getting too old for this shit. Briala's been looking for you. She has something she needs to talk to you about, or something. I don't know. But I'm taking far too much time out of my day trying to find you. I've my own work to do, you know!" You nod. Tennyson just rolls his eyes and points you in the direction of where Briala's been waiting. *page_break *goto briala1 *label briala1 It takes you a few minutes to find where, exactly, Briala is. In fact, you hear her before you see her. Her laugh is a very unique, husky thing. She's leaning against one of the main dragon pens' fences, her blonde hair straying from its bun an blowing in the wind. Sitting on a log next to her is her twin brother, Derrick, whom you haven't had the chance to see in quite some time. The two of them are just chatting and don't seem to be in remotely a rush, as Tennyson had so strongly implied. Part of you is a little peeved with your boss for exaggerating the necessity of you seeing Briala. You could have spent more time with the 'lings. She sees you after a moment and waves you over, calling your name, which is... *choice #Dana. *set name "Dana" *goto briala2 #Alex. *set name "Alex" *goto briala2 #Jamie. *set name "Jamie" *goto briala2 #Crystal. *set name "Crystal" *goto briala2 #Tanner. *set name "Tanner" *goto briala2 #Something else... *input_text name *goto briala2 *label briala2 "Hey, ${Name}! Long time, no see," Derrick says, a grin on his handsome face. "Oh yes, Der, it's been so long since this morning, right?" Briala rolls her eyes at her twin. "It's been longer than that, Bri! It's been at least a week or so since I've seen ${Name}." The woman just puts her hands on her hips and stands up straight. "I guess Tenny sent you here in a bit of a rush, huh?" You nod. She sighs. "I can tell. You didn't even take off your apron. You look like you just ran from the scene of a murder!" Derrick laughs. "Mayhap I should arrest you, then!" "Oh please, you can't arrest..." *choice #her! *set Gender "female" *set Title "Miss" *set their "her" *set theirs "hers" *set them "her" *set they "she" *set themself "herself" *set lady "lady" *set Ellarian_romance_possibility true *set Saaren_romance_possibility true *set child "daughter" *set sibling "sister" *goto briala3 #him! *set Gender "male" *set Title "Mister" *set their "his" *set theirs "his" *set them "him" *set they "he" *set themself "himself" *set lady "gentleman" *set Derrick_romance_possibility true *set Leona_romance_possibility true *set child "son" *set sibling "brother" *goto briala3 #them! *set Gender "nonbinary" *set Title "Keeper" *set their "their" *set theirs "theirs" *set them "them" *set they "they" *set themself "themself" *set lady "person" *set child "child" *set sibling "sibling" *goto briala3 #I would like to input my own pronouns. *set Gender "nonbinary" *set Title "Keeper" *set lady "person" *set child "child" *set sibling "sibling" *goto ownpronouns *label ownpronouns Okay! Do you use any of the following pronouns? *choice #ey/em/eir/eirs/eirself *set they "ey" *set them "em" *set their "eir" *set theirs "eirs" *set themself "eirself" *goto briala3 #per/pers/perself *set they "per" *set them "per" *set their "pers" *set theirs "pers" *set themself "perself" *goto briala3 #ve/ver/vis/verself *set they "ve" *set them "ver" *set their "vis" *set theirs "vis" *set themself "verself" *goto briala3 #xe/xem/xyr/xyrs/xemself *set they "xe" *set them "xem" *set their "xyr" *set theirs "xyrs" *set themself "xemself" *goto briala3 #ze/hir/hirs/hirself *set they "ze" *set them "hir" *set their "hir" *set theirs "hirs" *set themself "hirself" *goto briala3 #No, none of these are quite right. Okay! What is your preferred subject pronoun (like "he")? *input_text they *goto pronoun2 *label pronoun2 And what is your preferred object pronoun (like "him")? *input_text them *goto pronoun3 *label pronoun3 What is your preferred possessive (like "her")? *input_text their *goto pronoun4 *label pronoun4 What about your preferred possessive pronoun (like "hers")? *input_text theirs *goto pronoun5 *label pronoun5 And what is your reflexive pronoun (like "themself")? *input_text themself *goto briala3 *label briala3 "Oh just have fun for once, Briala! ${Name} is aware I'm joking!" Derrick exclaims, a wide grin on his face and an excited gleam in his eyes. Briala just groans. "Sometimes I wonder how we're even related. Anyway, ${Name}, I had Tenny find you, because I wanted to see if you wanted to go to lessons with me, since we're just about done work for the day, once I finish feeding the 'lings." "Or you can train with me a bit!" her brother exclaims, an almost-bloodthirsty look on his face. *choice #Go to lessons with Briala. *set Briala %+22 *goto acceptbriala #Train with Derrick. *set Derrick %+22 *goto acceptderrick #Hang out with the Dragonlings some more. *set Briala %-6 *set Derrick %-6 *set dragon %+10 *goto acceptdragon #Wander around the Dragonfields. *set Briala %-5 *set Derrick %-5 *set con %+2 *set cha %+2 *set int %+2 *set str %+2 *set dex %+2 *set wis %+2 *goto wander *label acceptbriala "I guess I can spend some time with you, Briala," you say. "I've been needing to catch up on my lessons." "Wise choice!" she exclaims with a smile reminiscent of her brother's ever-present smirk. "Today we're practicing letters and reading simple sentences." Reading isn't a common skill among poorer folks, and though the Vesli family is far richer than yours, Derrick, Briala, and their parents aren't as well-learned as even higher class folks. Briala is better at reading and writing than you are, which is why she's sometimes willing to tutor you. You try to go with her to lessons as often as possible, but usually she is too busy to take you, and you don't have to ability to go to lessons on your own, because your family has no spare money, even with your job as a Keeper. She quickly drops off the pig in the dragonlings' pen, grinning over at you, as you watch your beloved ${color} dragonling once again fight its clutchmate for the succulent, raw meat. "Come on, then!" she exclaims, pulling you forcibly away from the animals. *page_break *goto brialalesson1 *label acceptderrick "I think I'm going to practice fighting with Derrick, actually," you say. "I've been needing to let off some steam." Derrick shoots you a thumb's up. "Hells yeah. See, ${Name} likes me more, Bri." "That's not what ${they} said, you dungherder." A look of mock affrontation crosses the male Vesli's face. "I became a guard specifically so I [i]wouldn't[/i] be a dungherder, oh sister mine." His sister just rolls her eyes. "Go on, then. Go be a brute instead of learning how to read and write, ${Name}. Maybe it'll help with dragon keeping." "Oh don't listen to her. She's just a spoilsport. Let's go get ready to spar, yeah?" You nod at the male, before following him from the Dragonfields to a sparring area quite a ways away. *page_break *goto derricklesson1 *label acceptdragon "Actually, guys, I think I'm going to head back to the 'lings. I'll finish feeding them and make sure their pen is clean." Briala gives you a pitying look. "You do realize you're not going to become a Rider, right, ${Name}?" Derrick nods, the smile gone from his face for once. "You're just breaking your own heart, ${lady}." You just shrug. "Where's the pig to feed the dragonlings, Briala?" She sighs before pointing to where it lies. With a grunt, you heft it over your shoulder and march back to the dragonlings' pen. You [i]know[/i] you won't ever be a Rider, so why do your so-called "friends" have to ruin the only time you may have to be with the majestic creatures? You just want a taste of greatness. You'll be okay with not achieving it. Probably. *page_break *goto dragonlings1 *label wander "I'm just going to wander a bit, actually. I have a lot to do later this evening, so for now, I think I just want to enjoy being alone." Briala and Derrick exchange a Twin Look, before Briala walks over to you. "Promise me you're not going back to the dragonlings' pen, ${Name}." You barely suppress your groan. The twins are always like this. The dragonlings have only been around for a few months, but since the day they hatched, the Veslis have been on your case about not getting attached. They even managed to convince Evelyn, or Evie, the princess of the entire [i]country[/i] to hound you about this. "I assure you, I'm not going back to the pen. I just need a break away from animals and people before I have to go into court." Derrick nods. "Right, some members of the court aren't the nicest to people of our stature. I totally understand." "Well I don't," Briala says. "I'm going to make sure someone keeps an eye on the pens. If I find out you went there, you'll have cut wages for a week!" "You can't do that, Bri, so don't threaten poor ${Name}. Just look at ${their} face! Have some decency." You roll your eyes. "I'm leaving, now. Enjoy your lessons, Briala; and enjoy sparring with the dummies, Derrick!" You toss a wave over your shoulder as you hear Derrick jokingly call out that that's no way to talk about his fellow guardsmen. *page_break *goto wander1 *label brialalesson1 Briala leads you to one of the many scattered sheds in the Dragonfields, as far from the Hunting Grounds as possible. "I'm glad you were able to see reason and come to lessons instead of going to beat the life out of my brother, as much as that deadbeat may deserve it." She flops down, before taking her satchel off. "So what do you want to focus on, today? My teacher won't be ready for at least an hour." You blink in surprise. Usually, when Briala is able to give you lessons, she only has a quarter hour, or she just sneaks you to her classes and has you sit outside and listen through the window. "Well?" *label briala_study_choice *choice #Study old wars. *set str %+5 *set wis %+5 *set dex %+5 *goto brialalesson2_wars #Study reading and writing. *set int %+10 *set wis %+5 *goto brialalesson2_reading #Study moral tales. *set wis %+10 *set int %+5 *goto brialalesson2_morals #Study the classics. *set cha %+5 *set wis %+5 *set int %+5 *goto brialalesson2_classics *label derricklesson1 Derrick shoots you one of his trademark grins, his eyes practically twinkling as he looks at you. "You definitely made the right choice, ${Name}," he says. "Book learning has its place in the world, sure, but when you're working with dragons and the like, nothing is more beneficial than a solid understanding of how the body works and what your own limits are." Once at the training grounds, your friend leans against the fence, his gloved left hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "What will it be today, ${Name}? Same as last time, or do you want to try spreading your wings a little bit?" He chuckles at his own little joke, after punctuating it with a cheeky wink in your direction. *choice #Speed, like last time. *set dex %+5 *set cha %+5 *set str %+5 *goto derricklesson2_speed #Archery, for once. *set dex %+5 *set str %+5 *set con %+5 *goto derricklesson2_archery #Sword, as usual, of course! *set str%+4 *set fighting %+4 *set con %+4 *set leadership %+3 *goto derricklesson2_sword #Riding - I may be lowborn, but I love to ride. *set dex %+3 *set leadership %+4 *set con %+3 *set dragontaming %+5 *goto derricklesson2_riding *label dragonlings1 Briala and Derrick might be right, but getting attached to your favorite dragonling, the one with the beautiful ${color} scales, is your mistake to make. As soon as the dragonlings sense your approach, they toddle over to you as quickly as they can, falling over one another and generally being absolutely adorable. It takes only a moment to drop the dead animal into their pen, much to their enjoyment. The ${color} dragonling coos loudly,when it sees you. You idly wonder what your friend's name is. Like a whisper on the wind, a voice in the back of your mind tells you - [i]I have no name at this time. Perhaps soon, you will provide me with one. [/i] Part of you wonders how you know this - and whether you're just going crazy - but everyone knows that dragons are mysterious creatures, beyond common understanding, even for Keepers. For now, you should decide what to do with the dragonlings, until it is time for you to return to reality. How will you spend the next hour? *choice #Training the dragonlings. They're old enough to learn simple commands, at this point, though the ${color} one is always the most responsive to me. *set con %+7 *set dragontaming %+3 *set wis %-5 *set dragonloyalty %+5 *goto dragonlings2_training #Talking to my ${color} dragonling. I feel a kinship with it. *set cha %+4 *set dragontaming %+3 *set dragonloyalty %+5 *set wis %+3 *goto dragonlings2_talking #Playing with the dragonlings, though I feel myself drawn to the ${color} one. *set str %+4 *set dex %+3 *set dragontaming %+3 *set wis %-5 *set dragonloyalty %+5 *goto dragonlings2_playing #Studying the dragonlings, though my eye never seems to leave the ${color} dragonling. *set wis %+3 *set int %+4 *set dragontaming %+3 *set dragonloyalty %+5 *goto dragonlings2_studying *label wander1 It's rare that you're able to take a few minutes to yourself, without having to worry about working or fulfilling obligations to those who are close to you - be they royalty, your superiors at work, or your family. Frankly, you're uncertain how to spend your alone time, since you so rarely get it. You run your hands through the tall blades of grass, as you stray aimlessly from the path within the Dragonfields, knowing that none of the adult dragons are going to attack you. They know you by now, after all, even if you aren't allowed to care for them very often. However, it doesn't take you long to get bored. When you're always busy and doing something, it can be mind-numbing to do absolutely nothing. You need to find something to do - and quickly, else you'll feel you've wasted your rare moments of freedom. The way you see it, you have a few options: *choice #It's been a while since I just sat and thought about those I love. Who do you wish to think of? *choice #My parents. And are you thinking of good memories or bad ones? *choice #Good ones, of course! *set parents %+5 *set cha %+5 *set wis %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_parents_good #Unfortunately, I can't seem to think of anything but bad memories, right now. *set parents %-5 *set con %+5 *set dex %+5 *set int %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_parents_bad #My brother. And are you thinking of good memories or bad ones? *choice #Tarvin is a great brother, so good ones, of course! *set Tarvin %+5 *set dex %+5 *set cha %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_tarvin_good #Tarvin is a...complex person. We have a difficult relationship, you see... *set Tarvin %-5 *set str %+5 *set con %+5 *set wis %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_tarvin_bad #One of my friends. And which friend would that be? *choice #Princess Evelyn Redmayne, or Evie. And are these good memories or bad ones? *choice #She's my oldest, and best, friend. They're good, of course! *set Evelyn %+5 *set con %+5 *set cha %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_evelyn_good #Evelyn has been a thorn in my side for as long as I can remember. *set Evelyn %-5 *set dex %+5 *set str %+5 *set con %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_evelyn_bad #Briala Vesli. And are these good memories or bad ones? *choice #Briala is a great superior and a better friend. *set Briala %+5 *set str %+5 *set int %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_briala_good #She may be my boss, but that doesn't mean I have to like her. *set Briala %-5 *set cha %+5 *set dex %+5 *set con %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_briala_bad #Derrick Vesli. And are these good memories or bad ones? *choice #Derrick has become a very good friend over the years. I have nothing but good memories. *set Derrick %+5 *set con %+5 *set str %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_derrick_good #Bad *set Derrick %-5 *set dex %+5 *set cha %+5 *set int %+5 *goto wander2_reminisce_derrick_bad #I could practice sneaking! It's been a while since I was able to do so. *set dex %+5 *set cha %+5 *set int %+5 *goto wander2_sneaking #It's been a while since I brought herbs and flowers home to my parents. *set int %+5 *set cha %+5 *set wis %+5 *goto wander2_herbs #I've actually never seen all of the Dragonfields. It would be nice to explore a bit! *set dex %+5 *set str %+5 *set int %+5 *goto wander2_explore *label brialalesson2_wars "So you want to learn about wars?" She looks at you, slightly disappointed. "You're as bad as Derrick, seriously." You just shrug. There's nothing wrong with learning about war, in your opinion. At least it's interesting. Your superior just huffs, before she goes through her books. "I have one book. It's about King Leofric Redmayne the First, the barbarian who was tasked, by the Citadel, with freeing Ilyaaren from Pellarin 150 years ago." It is a tale most citizens of your country know quite well, but you have never read written accounts of it before. All you know is through word of mouth and through Evelyn's impressions of her father, when she is in a particularly sarcastic mood. "Would you like me to read it to you, or would you like to try to read it yourself?" Briala asks you, holding the book out towards you. *choice #"I'd like to try to read it," I say, taking the book from her. Your friend smiles at you as you open the book. She looks over your shoulder, prepared to help you with any troublesome words. Shakily, you start reading, putting your finger under each word as you read it. "Only a few gen...generations ago, Ilyaaren was not the wonderful, free country it is today. The Pellarin Empire held tight control of all lands, from the mountains to the north to the ocean in the west and forests in the south. They used our lands to grow their wealth, all while keeping slaves and..." You pause, uncertain over the next passage. Briala grins, taking over, for the moment. "Where were you? Oh, right. All while keeping slaves and hoarding the wealth for themselves. This angered the Citadel mages, who felt that those who live here have a right to all that is produced here. As such, they took it upon themselves to ally with a tribe of wandering barbarians, the leader of whom was the man we now know as King Leofric Redmayne the First." She hands the book back to you, allowing you to continue reading. You do, learning much about the Five Years' War of the past, as well as becoming more confident in your own reading skills and understanding. *page_break *goto after_free_time #"Perhaps you should read it for me," I say, leaving the book in her hands. Briala frowns slightly at you. "You should be more confident in yourself, ${Name}! You have practiced so much. Your reading is quite good, now." After a moment, she shakes her head. "Fine. If you're certain. Come here and at least read over my shoulder as I go." You acquiesce, moving to sit next to and slightly behind your friend, in view of the old leather tome she has open in front of her. Briala glances up, to make sure you're there, before she starts reading slowly, moving her finger along with each word. "Only a few generations ago, Ilyaaren was not the wonderful, free country it is today. The Pellarin Empire held tight control of all lands, from the mountains to the north, to the ocean in the west and forests in the south. They used our lands to grow their wealth, all while keeping slaves and hoarding the wealth for themselves." She pauses for a moment, glancing up at you to make sure you're following along. You smile slightly at her, to assure her you're paying attention. The blonde breathes in once more before resuming her steady pace. "Where was I? Oh, yes. They used our lands to grow their wealth, all while keeping slaves and hoarding the wealth for themselves. This angered the Citadel mages, who felt that those who live here have a right to all that is produced here. As such, they took it upon themselves to ally with a tribe of wandering barbarians, the leader of whom was the man we now know as King Leofric Redmayne the First." Over the next hour, Briala continues to read about the Five Years' War of the past. Though you didn't read the passage out loud yourself, you feel yourself becoming more confident in your reading ability, as well as more knowledgeable, in general. *page_break *goto after_free_time *label brialalesson2_reading "You just want to practice reading and writing? Do you care what about?" she asks you, a slightly confused look on her face. After all, generally speaking, when you study with your superior, you're learning how to read and write. "No, I have no real preference today," you say, going to stand near the blonde. She bites her lip, obviously deep in thought. After a moment, she makes an 'a-ha!' motion with her hand, a grin not unlike her brother's spreading across her face. "I have some children's books with me. They're not difficult, but they have some writing drills in them. Does that sound like something you'd like to do?" *choice #Actually, it does, and I say as much to her. Your superior grins at you, before she shuffles through her bag. After a moment, she brings you three small books, their bindings worn. "They're well-loved, as you can see," she says with a breathy, embarrassed chuckle, "but they'll do the trick." "Thanks, Bri." You grin over at her, as you flip through the books. They're not particularly difficult in essence - the most difficult sentence you've seen said, 'The amazing thing about writing is that it allows you to send messages to your loved ones from anywhere in the world in your own hand!' It's only very slightly below your own comprehension level, however, and over the next hour, you find yourself reinforcing the reading skills you have already cultivated, whilst also bettering your dismal penmanship. *page_break *goto after_free_time #No, no it does not. I'd rather study something specific, and I tell her as much. *goto briala_study_choice *label brialalesson2_morals "Moral tales, hm? I do have a book of simple parables with me." Briala ruffles through her bag, before pulling out a very well-worn leather book emblazoned with the words [i]Maker's Tales for the Aspiring Philospher[/i] on the front. It takes you a moment to even fully process that, as the words are quite difficult for you to understand. "It says [i]Maker's Tales for the Aspiring Philospher[/i]." She tells you, her tone placating and helpful. "Yes, I read that," you say. "Wait - really? Would you like to read from the book, then?" You shake your head no. "I think it might be too advanced for me. It took me too long to understand what it said." She nods. "That's fair, of course. I'm very proud of you for being able to read the big words, though!" She pauses, biting her thumbnail. "So...do you want me to read you a tale of heroics or a tale of moral downfall?" *choice #Heroics, of course! They're so inspiring. *set good %+5 Briala licks her thumb quickly before ruffling through the pages of the old book. "The tale of Saint Marius the Stout is a good one. Come here, ${Name}. You should try to read over my shoulder, as I go." You listen to her, sitting beside and slightly behind her, so as to read over her shoulder. When she is certain you're there, she starts reading in an even pace, moving her finger with each word. "Saint Marius the Stout was a dwarf of impeccable taste and stature. Though they were the shortest of their generation, they were naught but helpful and caring. Any time a friend needed help, Marius was there, always ready to extend a generous, helpful hand. One day, the Regent of Dwarves went missing, causing the entire faction of people to panic. What were they to do without their fastidious ruler? Without the Regent, Almerti the Wise, the world as the Dwarves knew it was ending. However, while everyone else was in a panic, Marius the Stout, ignored during these trying times, due to their dimunitive size, even among their kin, did what nobody else could think of. They used their kind heart and ingenuity to build a Magical Machine of Dwarven Proportions, as Dwarves are wont to do. This machine, however, was able to answer any question asked of it. Marius the Stout asked it where the Regent was. It turned out, Regent Almerti the Wise had simply gone on a long walk in the caves and gotten lost! The rest of the Dwarves were so amazed with this creation that they forever regarded Marius the Stout with respect and awe." Briala giggles, before continuing on with the rather long, wordy tale. As she reads, you feel yourself getting a better grasp on difficult vocabulary, as well as a better understanding of how to be a good person, in general. *page_break *goto after_free_time #Moral downfall is so much more interesting, and I tell Briala as much. *set good %-5 Briala licks her thumb quickly before ruffling through the pages of the old book. "The tale of Andrus the Pious is fitting! Come here, ${Name}. You should try to read over my shoulder, as I go." You listen to her, sitting beside and slightly behind her, so as to read over her shoulder. When she is certain you're there, she starts reading in an even pace, moving her finger with each word. "Andrus the Pious was a human man who was obsessed with the sanctity of the Holy Word of the Maker. For the majority of his years on this world, he devoted his life to worship of the Maker. Nary a person could say that Andrus was ignorant of the Word, nor that he was a sinner, devoid of holiness. When Andrus was nearing middle adulthood, he became distressed over the lack of worship in his village. '[i]Why,[/i] he thought, '[i]do the peasants here ignore my words of praise for the Maker? Why do they take the Maker's name in vain and disregard the Holy Word?[/i]' These questions became an unhealthy distraction for the pious. Every day, he spent hours toiling over the Holy Texts, often forgetting to eat, bathe, and sleep. The townsfolk of his village became concerned for his health and would check up on him at least once a fortnight, however, every time someone came to his door, Andrus just barked at them to come back when they were more certain of their faith in their Maker. Over the next months, Andrus became a husk of his former self, doing naught but studying the Texts and berating the villagers for ignoring his sanctimonious preaching." Briala pauses for a breath, before she continues, a scolding tone to her voice. Though this wasn't quite what you were expecting out of a tale of moral downfall, you do find yourself understanding how to read and pronounce bigger words better. In addition, you realize that sometimes even those who perceive themselves as better than others are just as bad as those who are selfish and hateful. *page_break *goto after_free_time *label brialalesson2_classics "Hmm...the classics? I don't have any of the true classics, but I do have a collection of older short stories. They're not quite as exciting, but they're still pretty good." Briala shuffles through her bag, pulling out a leather-bound book. Engraved on the cover are the words [i]Short Stories for All Statures[/i]. "If this isn't okay, we can do something else, instead." *choice #No, this is okay! "Great! This book isn't too horribly difficult. Would you like to try reading it, or shall I read it for you?" She asks, holding the book out towards you, an encouraging smile on her face. *choice #I'll read it. "I believe in you, ${Name}," she says with a smile. "I'll be right here, if you have any questions." You flip through the book until you see a story that seems relatively interesting. "The Tale of the Sempra Bird," you read out. "The Sempra Bird was known for its colorful plu...plumage. It was a small bird, but it was never ignored, as its feathers drew the eyes of everyone around. The Bird knew it was handsome, so it felt that it was above all of the other birds trying to court it. One day, though, a hunter, unaware of the fact that the Sempra Bird was special and...beloved?...shot an arrow at it, wounding the bird. The Sempra Bird was very sad when it re...alized that its beautiful feathers were now permanently stained with blood. The bird, now alone and suitor-less, wished that it had been kinder to the other birds. Instead, it just died alone." You blink - short story, indeed! Also, it seems like a rather pointless, dark tale. Briala sees your look and chuckles. "There are further pages, ${Name}. Just turn the page and continue reading." You assent, soon learning that The Tale of the Sempra Bird isn't quite as sad as you'd assumed. It's actually quite a sweet tale of redemption and love. Briala was right - while these short stories aren't [i]quite[/i] as good as the classics, there are certainly some similarities. You soon become more confident in your reading skills, as well as feeling a sense of wisdom from the words. *page_break *goto after_free_time #I'd rather she read it. Briala rolls her eyes at you. "Fine, I'll read it. You're better than this, ${Name}. You really [i]should[/i] try harder sometimes." She ruffles through the pages of the book, before settling on a story. You move to sit near her, looking over her shoulder. She reads slowly and clearly, her finger following along with the reads, so you can read along. "The Tale of the Sempra Bird," she reads. "The Sempra Bird was known for its colorful plumage. It was a small bird, but it was never ignored, as its feathers drew the eyes of everyone around. The Bird knew it was handome, so it felt that it was above all of the other birds trying to court it. One day, though, a hunter, unaware of the fact that the Sempra Bird was special and beloved, shot an arrow at it, wounding the bird. The Sempra Bird was very sad when it realized that its beautiful feathers were now permanently stained with blood. The bird, now alone and suitor-less, wished that it had been kinder to the other birds. Instead it just died alone." She pauses, gauging your reaction. At the shock on your face, she giggles. "The tale isn't finished just yet, Brache. Pay attention, now." You listen closely, soon learning that The Tale of the Sempra Bird isn't quite as sad as you'd assumed. It's actually quite a sweet tale of redemption and love. Briala was right - while these short stories aren't [i]quite[/i] as good as the classics, there are certainly some similarities. Though you did not read the tale, yourself, just watching Briala read helped to cement your skills. In addition, you feel slightly wiser for having read this. *page_break *goto after_free_time #Briala's right. I'd rather study something else. *goto briala_study_choice *label derricklesson2_speed "A race, then?" he asks, a playful glint in his eyes. "I can't say I'm surprised. This was what we did last time, after all. You really need to learn to live a little, ${Name}." His teasing is nothing new, and you just roll your eyes. "Big words, Vesli." You respond. "After all, as I recall, you lost last time." "I disagree, dear Brache. As I recall it, you could not even catch up with me after the first half. In fact, I believe I even fell asleep [i]waiting[/i] for you at the tree." You scoff. "Yes, and I was still wearing my Keeper's smock. It's quite heavy." Just to be certain things are actually [i]fair[/i] this time you remove your smock, hanging it over the training yard fence. Derrick smiles. "Fair enough. Same rules as always?" You nod. "Okay. Starting line is the fence. Finishing line is the willow tree by the stream." Said willow tree is roughly two miles from the outer fence of the training yard. "Right. Why are you going over the rules again, Der? We both know them, by now. Don't tell me -- are you chickening out?" The blond laughs, his open grin inviting and friendly. You have to remind yourself that his friendly face is just a facade. This is a man who stops at absolutely nothing to win. *choice #As such, I'm going to start running before he says, "Go!" *set lawful %-5 Derrick laughs in mock outrage, as he watches you take off before he can even begin counting down. "Really, ${Name}? You couldn't beat me on your own merit?" You don't even bother turning back to face him; instead you just laugh, yourself. It's been a while since you have felt the freedom of wind stinging your face and ruffling your clothes, as you sprint from one destination to another. After all, you usually just walk everywhere, too tired after all the heavy lifting of your work days. Derrick is quickly gaining on you, though - you can tell by his constant jabs at your form. "Come on, ${Name}! You're better than this. Push more power into your legs and core. Watch your breathing!" You roll your eyes. Derrick is always like this - he's told you these same things a thousand times, if he's told you once. Despite all this, you still attempt to listen to his advice - he's just trying to help you be better, after all. You take a moment to center yourself and focus your breathing. After another moment, you start to feel sweat beading at your brow. You wipe it off on the sleeve of your tunic, so as to not blind yourself with your own sweat. When you have clear vision once again, you see that Derrick has, as usual, taken the lead. "Come on, Brache! You can do this! Catch up with me," he shouts at you, laughing, before he starts running backwards towards the willow tree, which is now within sight. You curse lightly under your breath before you summon the last vestiges of energy within you and push forward with a force that you honestly didn't know you had in you. With a gasp - and potentially a twisted muscle - you get to the tree before Derrick. Of course, it's by mere seconds. "Congratulations, ${Name}!" Derrick's hair is drenched in sweat, his upper lip glistening as well, drawing your eye away from his characteristic grin. "Of course, you only won, because you cheated." *page_break *if (Derrick_romance_possibility = true) You squint your eyes at Derrick in suspicion. "You let me win, didn't you." You don't ask - you state, the accusation clear in your voice. Derrick's already-flushed face somehow manages to flush further. He chuckles nervously. "Aye, I did. Didn't think you'd catch on, to be honest." There's something in Derrick's voice that hints at more, but you don't have the energy - nor time - to confront it, at this point. "One day, I'm gonna win on my own, Derrick." He smiles at you, an uncharacteristic softness to his features. "Yeah, I know you will, mate." *page_break *goto after_free_time *else After a moment catching your breath, you get a niggling suspicion. Whirling on your friend, you fix him with a mock glare. "You let me win, didn't you?" you ask. He chuckles. "Aye, you caught me, ${Name}. Thought you could use a boost of confidence, after the last time I whomped you." You roll your eyes at your friend's teasing tone. "One of these days, I really will beat you." He walks over, putting an arm lightly around your shoulders. "I know you will, ${Name}. I know you will." *page_break *goto after_free_time #Even so, I believe I can win on my own merits. *set lawful %+5 Derrick shoots you one of his trademark mischievous grins, and your stomach sinks. You know what he's going to do, but you have already decided to be honorable. Your friend starts to count, readying himself. "Three...two..." Before he gets to one, he sets off at a sprint, his laughter echoing in the fields. With a huff, you follow after him, knowing you're already a good deal behind your much-stronger friend. "Just make sure to manage your breathing, ${Name} - you can do it!" His voice is teasing, but his advice is good nonetheless. As such, you try to remember to regulate your breathing, as much as you possibly can, knowing that if you have any hope of winning one of these races, for once, you need to do everything you possibly can. He turns to face you, very slightly, shouting in your general direction. "Remember - power to your legs and core. Move your arms to create a more fluid motion. Sort of like swimming, but on land!" It takes everything in your power not to shout something sarcastic back. He says the same things every time you race one another, and at this point, you almost want to ignore his advice and just run in a way that feels more natural to you. The problem is, you know he's right, so you continue to follow his advice, even as he gets further and further ahead of you. When you're roughly halfway from the willow tree, Derrick slows to a jog. "Come on, ${Name}! You're never going to win if you don't try!" You glare at your always-teasing friend, wiping the sweat from your brow, as you run to catch up to him. "I didn't realize I wasn't trying," you say, panting. Derrick just laughs. "Well, I guess you are. Try harder, then!" Before you have the chance to formulate a response, he takes off a sprint. By the time you fully realize what's happening, he is already halfway to the tree. With a curse, you follow after him, pushing your muscles to their maximum capacity. You lose once again, but Derrick grins over at you, when you [i]do[/i] finally reach the tree, completely out of breath. *page_break *if (Derrick_romance_possibility = true) He walks over to you, handing you his freshly-filled water canteen. "You did well today, friend." As you guzzle water, he pats your back in a friendly manner. After a moment, you stand up to fully catch your breath once more. "You know, you could at least [i]try[/i] to give me a chance at winning once in a while." Your friend laughs, a playful lilt to his voice. "Aye, I could indeed, but if I did that, folk might think I was treating you special." You furrow your brow at him - what an odd choice of words! - but rather than confront it at this time, you just focus on catching your breath and wiping the sweat fully from your brow. *page_break *goto after_free_time *else Derrick tosses you his freshly-filled water canteen, which you struggle to catch, tired as you are. "Good job, ${Name}," he says. "I'm proud of you. This is your best time, yet." You furrow your brow, after taking a long gulp of the offered water, a look of confusion on your face. Derrick smirks in response. "Aye, you made the run in about 17 minutes." "Seriously?" You feel a proud smile spreading across your own face in response to your friend's words. "Aye. At the rate you're going, you'll beat me in no time." He wipes the sweat from his own brow, before washing his face in the stream. *page_break *goto after_free_time *label derricklesson2_archery "Archery this time, eh?" Derrick cracks his neck, before leading you over to the archery range. "You remember our last lessons, aye?" You nod, walking over to grab a bow and quiver. The blond scratches his head, as he watches you. "It's been quite some time since we last went over how to shoot, so do you want me to show you how to do it, or would you rather just jump right in?" *choice #"I'll just jump right in, Derrick," you say, adjusting your grip on the bow. He shoots a surprised look your way. "Alright then, ${Name}! Show me what you got." You nod, moving to stand behind the fence near the closest target to you. As you train your eye on the target, your friend speaks up once more. "Remember, aim slightly above where you want the arrow to land. Pull back slowly, with your dominant hand, breathe in, and loose the arrow upon breathing out." Instead of responding to the man, you just narrow your eyes and follow his instruction to the T...and entirely miss the target upon loosing the arrow. Your shoulders sag in dejection, as your friend chuckles beside you. "Don't feel too bad, ${Name}. Archery is difficult. Here, why don't I show you, once more?" *if (Derrick_romance_possibility = true) Rather than picking up his own bow, Derrick walks over to you. "Your stance is all wrong. You want to have one leg in front of the other, with your bow parallel to your body." He adjusts your stance accordingly. The blond leans in towards you, making his eyeline as level as possible with your own. "When you aim, you need to account for the arrow falling slightly as it shoots through the air. I always shoot about four inches above my intended target." Your friend moves your hands to the appropriate positions on the bow. "Now, remember to keep your arrow between your two fingers - and try to avoid pulling back for too long. You can really tear up your arms that way, even with vambraces on." He steps away, to allow you to try to make the shot yourself. Though you don't do all that much better, you do manage to at least [i]hit[/i] the target, this time. Derrick smiles at you. "Good job! Now, do it again." *page_break *goto after_free_time *else *label watcharchery Derrick readies his own bow, narrating every step of the way. "You need to make sure that your dominant foot is behind and diagonal to your secondary foot. You want your dominant hand on the bowstring, your secondary hand steadying and aiming the bow. The bow needs to be parallel to your body." You watch quietly. "I try to aim my arrow about four inches above my intended target. Start to pull the bowstring back as you breathe in. Try to keep your arms steady, all the while. You want to keep your arrow between your fingers, and try to avoid pulling back for too long. The string may snap, which will really tear up your arms, even with vambraces on. "Now, I'm going to let the arrow loose as soon as I breathe out. The second one arrow leaves the string, I am preparing to notch another. You need to learn the rythm, if you ever want to be able to fight with a bow." *page_break *goto after_free_time #"It may be best if you show me how once more," you say, putting the bow down. *goto watcharchery *label derricklesson2_sword test *finish *label derricklesson2_riding test *finish *label dragonlings2_training test *finish *label dragonlings2_talking test *finish *label dragonlings2_playing test *finish *label dragonlings2_studying test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_parents_good test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_parents_bad test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_tarvin_good test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_tarvin_bad test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_evelyn_good test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_evelyn_bad test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_briala_good test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_briala_bad test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_derrick_good test *finish *label wander2_reminisce_derrick_bad test *finish *label wander2_sneaking test *finish *label wander2_herbs test *finish *label wander2_explore test *finish *label after_free_time test *finish