*temp fname1 "Korrina Spiros" *temp fname2 "Leon Antoniou" *temp name1 "Korrina" *temp name2 "Leon" *temp richdad false *temp richmom false *temp kingtrust false *temp hatesparta false *temp metparis false *temp treason false *temp fight "0" [i]Would you like to skip the flashback? (Predetermined choices will be made for you to fill the gaps for later character interactions.)[/i] *choice #No. *page_break *goto historystart #Yes. *set gender1 "female" *set queentrust true *set loveparis true *set yourtrojanhorse true *set fightwithtrojans false *set kissparis false *finish *label historystart *set history0 false *set history1 true *set scenecolor "" *set scenecolor2 "" *set health "0" *image http://i.imgur.com/N4pO8fo.png *line_break There is a long, deep red velvet carpet before you, leading up to a giant set of thrones, both embezzled in gold. The hall is spacious, the air lingering with the smell of burned roses. Your knees sink into the soft carpet. Your shoulders ache from bowing for so long, the strain sitting between your shoulder blades and traveling up your neck. The air is teeming with the heat of the Grecian sun, and there are prickles of perspiration running down your face. But you stay bowed; you do not dare get up unless told otherwise. The king finally speaks. *page_break "You may rise," his voice rings out. *set togglescenefade false Your sore muscles rebel as you stand to your full stature. King Menelaus sits on his magnificent throne; a true monarch in his own right. To his left, his wife, Queen Helen, daughter of Zeus and Leda, sits on another. You had heard odes of her infamous beauty; one that rivals Aphrodite's, even. Now you see that they sing the truth. Her skin is a deep gold, her hair the color of Cupid's bow, and her eyes a blue the consistency of the sky. She is breathtaking, in short. "You are but a child," the king's deep voice states, pulling you out of your thoughts. Of course, to a king as renowned as him, all he sees when he gazes upon you is a young... *fake_choice #man of evident Spartan blood. *set gender1 "male" *set he1 "he" *set him1 "him" *set his1 "his" *set man1 "boy" *set sir1 "Ne Lavei" *set mr1 "Saore" *goto next #woman of evident Spartan blood. *set gender1 "female" *set he1 "she" *set him1 "her" *set his1 "her" *set man1 "girl" *set sir1 "Na Lavei" *set mr1 "Saora" *goto next *label next "Tell me, how old are you?" King Menelaus asks, tilting his head. His crown glints under the sky light. "Seventeen summers and no less, your Grace," you reply, averting your gaze in respect. You straighten your spine as if appearing taller will delude to your age. "Pah," the king says with a dismissive wave. "Seventeen summers? You are not even of age. How is it you have come before me now?" *fake_choice #"My mother, your Majesty," you begin. "She is a high ranking noble that you have blessed several times. She had--" *set richmom true *set Intelligence +20 "I know of your mother, child," the king says, interrupting you with a grin. "Why else would I allow myself to be consumed by your presence?" The queen, although far too reserved to say anything, cuts a glance at her husband, her sweet mouth souring. The king sighs. *if gender1 = "female" "What I meant was, I have no need for yet [i]another[/i] Royal Adviser," he says, his tone softer. "Especially one as young as you. You should focus on your studies, and start thinking seriously about marriage. Do you not have courters? With your intelligence, you would make a fine wife indeed." You know you must hold back your arguments, which sit on the tip of your tongue. The king continues, "Furthermore, what wisdom could you provide that men more than twice your age did not?" "I know I am young, your Grace," you admit. "But I have much to offer. Looks can be quite deceiving. My wisdom lies with my soul, not my age. Surely you, with all your blessed intelligence, can see that?" *if gender1 = "male" "What I meant was, I have no need for yet [i]another[/i] Royal Guard," he says, his tone softer. "Especially one that is not even of age. You should focus on your training at the Agoge, boy." You know you must hold back your arguments, which sit on the tip of your tongue. The king continues, "Furthermore, they have what you lack; experience." "I know I am young, your Grace," you admit. "But I have much to offer. Think of this as a learning opportunity, so that when I am of age, I can serve the blessed army properly." *page_break The king observes you intently. #"My father, your Majesty," you begin. "He is a high ranking General in the blessed army. He had---" *set richdad true *set Will +20 "I know of your father, child," the king says, interrupting you with a grin. "Why else would I allow myself to be consumed by your presence?" The queen, although far too reserved to say anything, cuts a glance at her husband, her sweet mouth souring. The king sighs. *if gender1 = "female" "What I meant was, I have no need for yet [i]another[/i] Royal Adviser," he says, his tone softer. "Especially one as young as you. You should focus on your studies, and start thinking seriously about marriage. Do you not have courters? With your strength, you would make a fine wife indeed." You know you must hold back your arguments, which sit on the tip of your tongue. The king continues, "Furthermore, what wisdom could you provide that men more than twice your age did not?" "I know I am young, your Grace," you admit. "But I have much to offer. Looks can be quite deceiving. My wisdom lies with my soul, not my age. Surely you, with all your blessed intelligence, can see that?" *if gender1 = "male" "What I meant was, I have no need for yet [i]another[/i] Royal Guard," he says, his tone softer. "I know that your father may have passed down his advanced knowledge of the art of war to you, but I have enough men at my beck and call as is." You know you must hold back your arguments, which sit on the tip of your tongue. The king continues, "Furthermore, they have what you lack; experience. You are not even of age boy; focus on your training at the Agoge." "I know I am young, your Grace," you admit. "But I have much to offer. Think of this as a learning opportunity, so that when I am of age, I can serve the blessed army properly." *page_break The king observes you intently. Then, he sighs. "A trial then," he declares. "You will serve me for a month. If I am satisfied, I will bestow upon you a permanent position." Queen Helen smiles beside him, her radiance in tune with the sun. "Thank you, My Liege," you say, dropping into a deep bow. "I am beyond words to describe my gratitude." The king nods, turning his attention to the queen. *page_break *if (richmom = true) and (gender1 = "female") After being escorted from the castle by the king's helots, you began your journey home. Your mother owns a vast amount of land in the northern region of the city. Your house is a sprawling estate, the envy of many. You know you are privileged, and you never once take it for granted. You find your mother, Morgan, in her bedroom, her slaves presenting her with various fine clothes. Your mother is a tall and lean, like most Spartan women, but slightly softer than lower-ranking women. "That is truly wonderful news!" she says after you explain your hearing with the king and queen. "Could you imagine how proud your father will be?" You nod, delight and excitement on your face. "Korrina Spiros; Royal Adviser. You are simply blessed my dear girl," your mother says. A slave brings bright yellow drapery to her attention, and she touches the fabric, then frowns. "No, this will not do." You sit with your mother, accepting the warm broth she places in front of you. "I have some gossip for you," she says, an excited glint in her dark eyes. *page_break "It is about the Gods." *goto scene1a *if (richdad = true) and (gender1 = "female") After being escorted from the castle by the king's helots, you began your journey home. Your father, due to his success in the army, owns a dignified plot of land in the northern region of the city, a house sitting upon a large hill surrounded by your mother's beautiful flora. You know you are privileged, and hold a certain amount of influence due to your father's position, and you never once take it for granted. You find your mother, Morgan, in the kitchen, her slaves cooking a thick broth. Your mother is a tall and lean, like most Spartan women. "That is truly wonderful news!" she says after you explain your hearing with the king and queen. "Could you imagine how proud your father will be?" You nod, delight and excitement on your face. "Korrina Spiros; Royal Adviser. You are simply blessed my dear girl," your mother says. A young slave girl named Vika brings a large bowl over to her. You mother smiles at her and takes a taste of the broth. "Simply delicious, as always." You sit with your mother, accepting the warm broth Vika places in front of you. "I have some gossip for you," your mother says, an excited glint in her dark eyes. *page_break "It is about the Gods." *goto scene1a *if (richmom = true) and (gender1 = "male") After being escorted from the castle by the king's helots, you began your journey home. Your mother owns a vast amount of land in the northern region of the city the contains a large house, but like all young men, you live in a communal with fellow soon-to-be soldiers and veterans. But still, you know you are privileged, and you never once take it for granted. You find your close friend, Marv, stewing over a scripture in his sector. Before you even greet him, he speaks. "Do not tell me, brother. You were whipped and sent to live a life of shame with those blasphemous Athenians." You shake your head, then blurt out, "I have a trial. The king has decided to give me a trial!" Marv, throwing down his book, leaps up from his cot. "I hope that lie burns your tongue!" You stand up as well, the adrenaline pumping through your veins. "There are no lies to burn [i]my[/i] tongue, brother!" you exclaim. "It is true, I tell you!" You watch as Marv, eyes wide and mouth agape realizes the truth in your words. "Dear Gods," he begins. "That is amazing! How you ever got King Menelaus to agree to such a thing is beyond me." You nod, recalling the way Queen Helen seemed to convince him with just her eyes. "My news may not be as blessed as yours, brother," Marv continues, picking up the scripture. "but it is none the less to be of interest to you." *page_break "It is about the Gods." he says. *goto scene1b *if (richdad = true) and (gender1 = "male") After being escorted from the castle by the king's helots, you began your journey home. Your father, due to his success in the army, owns a dignified plot of land in the northern region of the city, but like all young men, you live in a communal with fellow soon-to-be soldiers and veterans. You find your close friend, Marv, stewing over a scripture in his sector. Unlike most Spartans, he has a shock of red hair that falls down his back in a single braid and pale, freckled skin. Before you even greet him, he speaks. "You do not have to not tell me, brother. You were whipped and sent to live a life of shame with those blasphemous Athenians." You shake your head, then blurt out, "I have a trial. The king has decided to give me a trial!" Marv, throwing down his book, leaps up from his cot. "I hope that lie burns your tongue," You stand up as well, the adrenaline pumping through your veins. "There are no lies to burn [i]my[/i] tongue, brother," you exclaim. "It is true, I tell you!" You watch as Marv, eyes wide and mouth agape realizes the truth in your words. "Dear Gods," he begins. "That is amazing! How you ever got King Menelaus to agree to such a thing is beyond me." You nod, recalling the way Queen Helen seemed to convince him with just her eyes. "My news may not be as blessed as yours, brother," Marv continues, picking up the scripture. "but it is none the less to be of interest to you." *page_break "It is about the Gods." he says. *goto scene1b *label scene1a "The Gods?" you ask. "What could it be this time?" Your mother sits up straighter. "Thetis is getting married to King Peleus! Can you believe that?" No, you can't. The last you heard, Zeus and Poseidon were both deeply in love with Thetis, a sea nymph known for her beauty. "How has this come to be?" "Believe it or not, Zeus told her to marry King Peleus!" "What? Why would he do [i]that[/i]?" you ask, eyes wide. "Thetis is immortal, and Peleus is mortal...it cannot last." "I haven't the slightest idea," your mother admits. "It may be due to the fact that the two had a child more than a decade ago." "A child? I am just now hearing of this, mother," you say in surprise. Your mother nods excitedly. "Yes, a son. The rumor is that he has been hidden away; no one has seen him in years!" "Well, when is the wedding, then?" you ask, focusing on the bigger news. "Is it open to all, or is it an exclusive divine affair?" "I do not have all the details; the entire thing is rather vague." You frown. A slave brings you two water and bread, signifying the end of the conversation. *page_break The next week, you begin your first day as a temporary Royal Adviser. *goto scene2a *label scene1b Sitting on the floor next to Marv's cot, you listen to his tale. "Thetis is getting married to King Peleus," Marv begins, excitement in his eyes. "Can you believe that?" No, you can't. The last you heard, Zeus and Poseidon were in love with Thetis, a sea nymph known for her beauty. "How has this come to be?" "Believe it or not, Zeus told her to marry King Peleus!" "What? Why would he do [i]that[/i]?" you ask, eyes wide. "Thetis is immortal, and Peleus is mortal...it cannot last." "I haven't the slightest idea," Marv admits. "But the rumor is that they already had a child, more than a decade ago. "A child? I am just now hearing of this," you say in surprise. Your friend nods excitedly. "Yes, a son. The rumor is that he has been hidden away; no one has seen him in years!" "Well, when is the wedding, then?" you ask, focusing on the bigger problem. "Is it open to all, or is it a divine affair?" "I do not have all the details; the entire thing is rather vague." You frown. The bell for dinner rings, promising another night of light soup and bread. *page_break The next week, you begin your first day as a temporary Royal Guard. *goto scene2a *label scene2a The first week of your trial, you had been nervous. Far too nervous to even [i]think[/i] about making a mistake, but just nervous enough to trip on the way into the throne room on your first day. King Menelaus had been wary of your presence in the castle, but over time, you soon saw that he... *fake_choice #grew to trust me. I told him I would prove myself to him, and I did. With each passing day, I was becoming his most trusted citizen. *set kingtrust true *set King_Menelaus +50 And even the king could not deny that you were, above all else, highly skilled in... *fake_choice #the complex politics of our society and all aspects of scholarly. *set Intelligence +30 It was true that you had an amplitude of knowledge at your beck and call; much that the king had found useful on various occasions, especially regarding the trades with Asia. *goto andthequeen #the overtly violent aggressions of war and strategy. *set Will +30 *set Intelligence +20 It was true that you knew war like the back of you hands. But that was not all; you knew even more about the complexities of war than average war centered Spartan. *goto andthequeen #the art of seduction and negotiation skills. *set Seduction +30 *set Intelligence +20 It was true that you could convince the sun not to set and make people drop to their knees with one word, but your skills did not end there; you were highly adept in the art of persuasion, making you the King's right hand in matters of trade. *goto andthequeen #grew to become even more wary of me. For reasons unknown, my daily presence did nothing to ease his concerns about me. *set kingtrust false But, despite this, even the king could not deny that you were, above all else, highly skilled in... *fake_choice #the complex politics of our society and all aspects of scholarly. *set Intelligence +30 It was true that you had an amplitude of knowledge at your beck and call; much that the king had found useful on various occasions, especially regarding the trade with Asia. *goto andthequeen #the overtly violent aggressions of war and strategy. *set Will +30 *set Intelligence +20 It was true that you knew war like the back of you hands. But that was not all; you knew even more about the complexities of war than average war centered Spartan. *goto andthequeen #the art of seduction and negotiation skills. *set Seduction +30 *set Intelligence +20 It was true that you could convince the sun not to set and make people drop to their knees with one word, but your skills did not end there; you were highly adept in the art of persuasion, making you useful in matters of trade. *goto andthequeen *label andthequeen In regard to the queen, you soon found yourself... *fake_choice #becoming her absolute confidant. Within just a week I had gained insight into her deepest and darkest thoughts and desires. *set queentrust true *set Queen_Helen +50 You remember your second day when the queen approached you in the royal gardens. She wore a long gown of flowing blue fabric, the exact shade of her eyes, and her short hair loosely pulled back to frame her enchanting face. "Why there you are!" she had exclaimed, a bevy of noble women following her. "I have been looking all over for you." *if gender1 = "male" Nodding to your watch partner, you stepped out of formation, greeting the queen with a low bow, showing your respect. Her eyes gleamed like pools, filled with the same undeniable joy that seemed to always linger in them. She nodded to her ladies, who dispersed, casting glances at you. "Leon Antoniou," she had proclaimed. It was an honor just for her to speak your name. "Young man, you are the talk of the city. Please, escort me through the gardens." Standing a respectful distance behind her, you followed as she walked through the rose garden, rumored to be her favorite, stopping every few moments to marvel at the beauty of the flora. "I sense something," Queen Helen began. "Something that I feel deep in my very bones, Leon." Surprised at her flippant yet intimate use of your first name, you did not immediately reply. "...your Majesty?" *page_break "Can I trust you, Leon?" she had asked, turning to you. *goto scene3a *if gender1 = "female" You had been walking through the garden in order to get to the east side of the castle to pick up more packaged favors for the king. But, you greeted the queen with a low bow, showing your respect. Her eyes gleamed like pools, filled with the same undeniable joy that seemed to always linger in them. She nodded to her ladies, who dispersed, casting glances at you. "Korrina Spiros," she had proclaimed. It was an honor just for her to speak your name. "Oh, dear girl, you are the talk of the city. Would you care to accompany me through the gardens?" Standing a respectful distance away from her, you followed as she walked through the rose garden, rumored to be her favorite, stopping every few moments to marvel at the beauty of the flora. "I sense something," Queen Helen began. "Something that I feel deep in my very bones, Korrina." Surprised at her flippant yet intimate use of your first name, you did not immediately reply. "...your Majesty?" *page_break "Can I trust you, Korrina?" she had asked, turning to you. *goto scene3a #keeping my distance. Within just a week I had established a strict sense of professionalism our relationship. *set queentrust false You remember your second week, when the queen had passed you in the hall, accompanied by her noble ladies. She had looked, in short, absolutely bored. And maybe, even, a little more than sad. She had worn dark robes, contrasting against her light eyes, her short hair falling just above her shoulders. *if gender1 = "male" You had been patrolling the perimeter all morning, and you had been called in by your superior for a meeting. When she saw you, she smiled, albeit halfheartedly, ever polite. You smiled back, and that was the extent of your relationship. *page_break The weeks rushed by in a blur of excitement. *goto wedding1 *if gender1 = "female" You had been running errands all morning for the king, who had recently called in for you. When she saw you, she smiled, albeit halfheartedly, ever polite. You smiled back, and that was the extent of your relationship. *page_break The weeks rushed by in a blur of excitement. *goto wedding1 *label scene3a *fake_choice #"Of course, your Majesty," I said. "You can trust me." *set Queen_Helen +5 The queen stared intently at you, and you nearly shrunk under her gaze. Then, she had smiled. "Yes, of course. Of course I can." You two had studied one another for a moment, listening to the birds chirp their loves song to each other. You did not speak for a long time, allowing a comfortable silence to settle upon you. *page_break From that day onward, you were always at the queen's side. *goto queenscene1 #"Truthfully, I am not sure, your Majesty," I said. "That is your decision to make." *set Queen_Helen +10 The queen stared intently at you, and you nearly shrunk under her gaze. Then, she had smiled. "I don't think...anyone has ever given me that kind of choice before." You two had studied one another for a moment, listening to the birds chirp their loves song to each other. You did not speak for a long time, allowing a comfortable silence to settle upon you. *page_break From that day onward, you were always at the queen's side. *goto queenscene1 #"Do you think you can, your Majesty?" I asked, attempting to keep my voice light. The last thing I needed was a whipping. *set Queen_Helen +5 The queen stared intently at you, and you nearly shrunk under her gaze. You feared for a moment that you had spoken out of line and that punishment would come down with an iron fist. Then, she had smiled. "I think I can. Yes, I [i]know[/i] I can. I have a feeling about you." You two had studied one another for a moment, listening to the birds chirp their loves song to each other. You did not speak for a long time, allowing a strange silence to settle upon you. *page_break From that day onward, you were always at the queen's side. *goto queenscene1 *label queenscene1 *if gender1 = "female" Somehow, the Queen convinced King Menelaus that your immediate presence around her was dire. You try not to think about what she had to do to accomplish this. Every day, you set out to accompany Her Majesty through the gardens, talking of simple things, complicated things, and so on. The queen shows sympathy for the helots, but her sympathy comes from a position of power, never treading into empathy. "You all need to be very careful," she muses to you, pausing to sip her tea. You sat in her sitting room, which was frowned upon, but she assured you no one would interrupt your meeting. "The helots outnumber you all overwhelmingly...the second they realize the power in numbers, even with your advanced army...all hell would break loose." The Queen sighs. She has been more and more distracted as of late, her thoughts jumping from one thing to another. She often talks of her sisters; Athena and Aphrodite. She seldom speaks of her father. But above all else, she talks about the city of Troy. This is the one day she does not bring them up, because just hours prior, she and the King had been officially invited to Thetis and King Peleus' wedding celebration. The details were nonexistent, the parchment invitation delivered by a dove. "It's just, I listened to my father and Poseidon moan over Thetis for decades! And now he marries her off to some mortal king? It makes no sense." Most of the time, you simply listen. Having the ear of the queen has its benefits; your patrols are usually during the day, instead of at night like many of your fellow guards, and your role of following the queen around isn't a particularly grueling job; she stays inside the grounds for most of the day, doing very little but talk to you and some of her noble ladies. The downside of having the queen's ear, though, is that you know how one wrong word could land your head on the execution block. *page_break Lost in thought, you failed to notice the queen observing you. *goto whatdoyouthink *if gender1 = "male" Somehow, the queen convinced King Menelaus to put you on her personal guard. You try not to let your mind linger on what she had to do to accomplish this. Every day, you set out to accompany Her Majesty through the gardens, talking of simple things, complicated things, and so on. The queen shows sympathy for the helots, but her sympathy comes from a position of power, never treading into empathy. "You all need to be very careful," she muses to you, pausing to sip her tea. You sat in her sitting room, which was frowned upon, but she assured you no one would interrupt your meeting. "The helots outnumber you all overwhelmingly...the second they realize the power in numbers, even with your advanced army...all hell would break loose." The Queen sighs. She has been more and more distracted as of late, her thoughts jumping from one thing to another. She often talks of her sisters; Athena and Aphrodite. She seldom speaks of her father. But above all else, she talks about the city of Troy. This is the one day she does not bring them up, because just hours prior, she and the king had been officially invited to Thetis and King Peleus' wedding celebration. The details were nonexistent, the parchment invitation delivered by a dove. "It's just, I listened to my father and Poseidon moan over Thetis for decades! And now he marries her off to some mortal king? It makes no sense." Most of the time, you simply listen. Having the ear of the queen has its benefits; your patrols are usually during the day, instead of at night like many of your fellow guards, and your role of following the queen around isn't a particularly grueling job; she stays inside the grounds for most of the day, doing very little but talk to you and some of her noble ladies. The downside of having the queen's ear, though, is that you know how one wrong word could land your head on the execution block. *page_break Lost in thought, you failed to notice the queen observing you. *goto whatdoyouthink *label whatdoyouthink "Tell me, my friend, what do you think of the Trojans?" she asks suddenly. *fake_choice #"I think this everlasting tension between us needs to end, My Queen," I admit carefully. "Before...before it leads to something worse." *set Intelligence +20 The Queen smiles. "I told you to call me Helen when we're alone," she says, carefully not acknowledging your answer. "My memory is not that short." You sit in comfortable silence, faint music playing from another wing of the castle. Then, she speaks. "Remember...that feeling I had? In the garden?" You nod. "It's back. Stronger than before. I grow wearier by the day, my dear friend." "What do you think it is?" you ask. "I'm not sure. The feeling seems to want to shatter my bones. I wish I knew what it is." The queen smiles weakly at you. "Do not look at me like that; it's probably nothing," she says not so reassuringly. "Nothing bad will happen." *page_break Later that week, the king and queen prepare to leave for the wedding. *goto wedding1 #"I think we should consider waging war, My Queen," I admit. "The Trojans have plagued us for far too wrong." *set Will +10 *set Loyalist +20 The Queen frowns. "I am not sure war is the answer here. You sound like Ares," she pauses, looking at you. "And I told you to call me Helen when we're alone. My memory is not that short." You sit in comfortable silence, faint music playing from another wing of the castle. Then, she speaks. "Remember...that feeling I had? In the garden?" You nod. "It's back. Stronger than before. I grow wearier by the day, my dear friend." "What do you think it is?" you ask. "I'm not sure. The feeling seems to want to shatter my bones. I wish I knew what it is." The queen smiles weakly at you. "Do not look at me like that; it's probably nothing," she says not so reassuringly. "Nothing bad will happen." *page_break Later that week, the king and queen prepare to leave for the wedding. *goto wedding1 #"I think we should consider calling for a formal peace treaty, My Queen," I admit. "We have both been far too aggressive as of late; the last thing we need is a war." *set Will +10 The Queen nods understandingly. "I agree; I am not sure war is the answer to our problems," she pauses, looking at you. "And I told you to call me Helen when we're alone. My memory is not that short." You sit in comfortable silence, faint music playing from another wing of the castle. Then, she speaks. "Remember...that feeling I had? In the garden?" You nod. "It's back. Stronger than before. I grow wearier by the day, my dear friend." "What do you think it is?" you ask. "I'm not sure. The feeling seems to want to shatter my bones. I wish I knew what it is." The queen smiles weakly at you. "Do not look at me like that; it's probably nothing," she says not so reassuringly. "Nothing bad will happen." *page_break Later that week, the king and queen prepare to leave for the wedding. *goto wedding1 #"I think we should consider calling for a formal peace treaty, My Queen," I admit. "We have been a plague on the Trojans for far too long." *set Intelligence +20 *set Loyalist -20 The Queen stares at you. "I agree with the calls for peace, but I am not sure that this situation is as one sided as you think it is," she pauses, looking at you. "And I told you to call me Helen when we're alone. My memory is not that short." You sit in comfortable silence, faint music playing from another wing of the castle. Then, she speaks. "Remember...that feeling I had? In the garden?" You nod. "It's back. Stronger than before. I grow wearier by the day, my dear friend." "What do you think it is?" you ask. "I'm not sure. The feeling seems to want to shatter my bones. I wish I knew what it is." The queen smiles weakly at you. "Do not look at me like that; it's probably nothing," she says not so reassuringly. "Nothing bad will happen." *page_break Later that week, the king and queen prepare to leave for the wedding. *goto wedding1 #"I have no opinion on the matter, My Queen," I admit. *set Seduction +10 The queen stares at you. "Well, I cannot blame you. It is a complicated thing," she pauses, looking at you. "And I told you to call me Helen when we're alone. My memory is not that short." You sit in comfortable silence, faint music playing from another wing of the castle. Then, she speaks. "Remember...that feeling I had? In the garden?" You nod. "It's back. Stronger than before. I grow wearier by the day, my dear friend." "What do you think it is?" you ask. "I'm not sure. The feeling seems to want to shatter my bones. I wish I knew what it is." The queen smiles weakly at you. "Do not look at me like that; it's probably nothing," she says not so reassuringly. "Nothing bad will happen." *page_break Later that week, the king and queen prepare to leave for the wedding. *goto wedding1 *label wedding1 The castle is buzzing with anticipation the days leading up to Thetis--[i]Queen Thetis[/i]--and King Peleus' wedding. You have been hoping to bring up the progress of your trial with the king, but he had been far too busy to call upon you, and the queen seemed even more inclined to disappear for days on end. But now it seems that your wish has been answered; you got a message from a slave girl that the king and queen require your presence. You only had a week left until your trial was completed; over time, you had come to know the ways of the monarchy inside and out. Your eyes have been opened. You think as you walk toward the throne room that... *fake_choice #Sparta is doomed. I have now seen with my owns eyes that this city is not as stable as I had once believed. It makes me sad to think of its inevitable downfall. *set Loyalist +5 You think of the fields you used to play in when you were younger being turned to ash. You think of the home you used to know so fondly, looted by Trojans. You think of the people you know, six feet under the earth. Your thoughts are veiled with a heavy kind of sadness. *page_break You are once again bowed before the king and queen. #Sparta is doomed. I have now seen with my owns eyes that this city is not as stable as I had once believed. I feel a sense of satisfaction tug at my heart at the thought of this inevitable downfall. *set hatesparta true *set Loyalist -5 You think of the children who get whisked away at the age of seven, only to be lead into a life devoted to bloodshed. You think of the women who marry but never see their husbands. You think of the helots, their bare backs scarred and exposed to the harsh sun, and the opression they suffer at the hands of your people, simply for existing in a place that has no room for acceptance. Your thoughts are veiled with dark contempt. *page_break You are once again bowed before the king and queen. #I don't know what I'm doing here. The only certainty is that I now feel a deep sense of indifference settling into my heart. You think of the passive way you've accepted the life laid in front of you; The army controlling ever aspect of your life, the hierarchy, the iron grip of the monarchy. You try to stir up some kind of emotion, but you can't. Your thoughts are muddled. *page_break You are once again bowed before the king and queen. "Rise," the king says, finally. You do, mindful to keep your posture straight. "I am certain that by now you know of the upcoming celebration." It is not a question, but a statement. You nod. "Yes, My Liege." "Then it must not come as a shock to you that you will be accompanying us," the king states. You, in your surprise, accidentally look up at the king. You quickly avert you gaze, trying to keep your composure. *if (gender1 = "male") and (queentrust = true) "Pardon me, My Liege," you begin, cautiously. "But what further assistance could I provide? Do you not have your regular guards appointed?" The king shakes his head. "It is not about that; this is simply the final leg of the trial. What better way to test your aptitude than this event, where so many uncertainties lie?" [i]Uncertainties?[/i] you wonder. [i]Is the king worried about something...or someone?[/i] "I would feel much more at ease if you were to come," the queen says in her honeyed voice. Since she so rarely speaks in the king's presence, this is a surprise to you both. "Please, Leon." The king glares at the queen, then you, and back again. A new perspective and a jealous gleam in his eyes. The couple stares at you expectantly, but it's not as if you can decline without offending. You agree. The queen beams and the king frowns. *page_break The glorious wedding is held on Mount Olympus. *goto wedding2 *if gender1 = "male" "Pardon me, My Liege," you begin, cautiously. "But what further assistance could I provide? Do you not have your regular guards appointed?" The king shakes his head. "It is not about that; this is simply the final leg of the trial. What better way to test your aptitude than this event, where so many uncertainties lie?" [i]Uncertainties?[/i] you wonder. [i]Is the king worried about something...or someone?[/i] "Maybe your young warrior is not ready yet," the queen says in her honeyed voice. Since she so rarely speaks in the king's presence, this is a surprise to you both. The king glares at the queen. "If not now, then when?" The couple stares at you expetantly, but it's not as if you can decline without offending. You agree. The queen looks bored, and the king beams. *page_break The glorious wedding is held on Mount Olympus. *goto wedding2 *if gender1 = "female" "Pardon me, My Liege," you begin, cautiously. "But what further asistance could I provide? What need would you have for an adviser during a celebration?" The king shakes his head. "It is not about that; this is simply the final leg of the trial. What better way to test your aptitude than this event, where so many uncertainties lie?" [i]Uncertainties?[/i] you wonder. [i]Is the king worried about something...or someone?[/i] "I would feel much more at ease if you were to come," the queen says in her honeyed voice. Since she so rarely speaks in the king's presence, this is a surprise to you both. "Please, Korrina." The king glares at the queen, then you, and back again. A new perspective gleams in his eyes. "Since Helen is so rightly fond of you, and I want nothing more than her happiness, it would be in your best interest to appease her." The couple stares at you expetantly, but it's not as if you can decline without offending. You agree. The king and queen beam. *page_break The glorious wedding is held on Mount Olympus. *goto wedding2 *label wedding2 You, a mortal, are on Mount Olympus. You can hardly believe it. But getting here had been a hassle; Mount Olympus is located far too close to Athens for anyone's comfort. *if gender1 = "male" You had been even more alert than usual, your sword and shield never once slack in your hands. The hostile energy as you crossed the border was palpable. Before you left, the king had bestowed you with ceremonial armor, nicer than anything you had ever owened. Its bronze plates shined in the sunlight, accompanied by a finely forged helm with signature red wefts rising out of it, and new, stern sandals. A thick, dark red cape flows behind you as you travel through the gates on your stede. The king and queen travel behind you in an impressive carriage led by horses, flanked by guards on either side. You still are not sure what the cause for caution is; the queen is back in her homeland among her Godly relatives, and no Gods have ill contempt for the King. When you all arrive at the ceremonial area, the Gods roam around the endless fields of clouds. White orchards litter the space, and large pillars as high as the eye can see levitate off the ground. There are porceline rows of benches ordaned with pale roses, and twinkling of fireflys acting as decorative lights. Glittering mist floats in the air. It is enchanting. *page_break "Make way, make way!" a voice calls out. *goto wedding3 *if gender1 = "female" You had been even more nervous than usual. Your hands were sticky with sweat. Before you left, the queen had bestowed you with a new chiton, nicer than anything you had ever owened. The silk was as finely made and soft as the queen's own robes. The neckline was modest, but of the latest fashion that the noble ladies rave over. The length reaches just below your knees, and the dark red fabric flows in the faint wind. The king and queen travel in front of you in an impressive carriage led by horses, flanked by guards on either side. You still are not sure what the cause for caution is; the queen is back in her homeland among her Godly relatives, and no Gods have ill contempt for the king. When you all arrive at the ceremonial area, the Gods roam around the endless fields of clouds. White orchards litter the space, and large pillars as high as the eye can see levitate off the ground. There are porceline rows of benches ordaned with pale roses, and twinkling of fireflies acting as decorative lights. Glittering mist floats in the air. It is enchanting. *page_break "Make way, make way!" a voice calls out. *goto wedding3 *label wedding3 Another large carriage comes through the pathway. All chatter ceases, and you watch the king's face contort into pure annoyance. The queen places a hand on his arm. There is not just one carriage, you see. There are two. The first one is the biggest, with large wheels with gold detailing. It stops just before the archway of silk draped trees. King Priam of Troy steps out, with his wife, Queen Hecuba, beside him. The second chariot stops behind them, and Prince Hector and Prince Paris step in line behind their parents. Their hair is both inkly dark and intricately curly, and combined with their deeply brown skin, they are a stark but beautiful contrast against the white of the wedding, just like their parents. The two kings stop before each other. The everlasting fued between these two nations seem to be embodied in these two men; and the citizens that are forced to endure it are represented by their families, who do as they are told without question. A bell chimes, and its melodious yet haunting echos are left behind in its wake, symbolizing the bride's approach to the altar. Each queen pulls away her husband, guiding them away. King Menelaus has no heirs, so only the two Trojan Princes remain, gazing about the packed ceremonial area their parents have disappeared into. Prince Hector grabs his younger brother's arms, guiding him toward a row of empty seats near their parents The princes are coming closer, almost passing you... *page_break Then, a feeling overtakes you. The feeling is cold and ancient, awakened deep inside you; somewhere no one could ever reach. Quickly, you turn, just as Prince Paris passes by you. Prince Paris looks at you too, eyes wide, as he passes. Then he pauses, ever so slightly. He opens his mouth to speak... And his brother pulls him away, rather violently. You feel a not so subtle pull, an invisible string tugging between you and the receding figure of the prince. The feeling is now warmth, building up deep in your chest. A voice in your mind whispers sinisterly, [i]"Go, go. Now!"[/i] You obey blindly and take a step forward. Then, another bell chimes, louder and more demanding than before. *page_break "You may now be seated as the blessed bride descends upon us!" the holy priest belts out. *if gender1 = "female" You sit to the left of the queen, who looks on at the wedding with mild interest. *if gender1 = "male" You stand near the pews, your hand lingering on your sword, with ten other Royal guards and Watchers. *label guests You observe the guests. *fake_choice *disable_reuse #Hera and Zeus. To your right, sitting in a floating balcony that overlooks the wedding are the Gods. Hera sits next to Zeus, a loving smile on her face. She says something to him, but he must not hear her because he comments something to the young God Apollo, who sits beside him. You watch Hera's face sadden significantly, then take on an utterly blank expression. *goto guests *disable_reuse #Poseidon and Aphrodite. Poseidon sits next to Aphrodite, who whispers into his ear. His face is impassive, if not a little annoyed. The Goddess of beauty seems to either know this and not care or is oblivious. You remember that Poseidon was in love with Thetis as well. You wonder how he feels about Zeus marrying her off to a mortal. *goto guests *disable_reuse #Athena and Odysseus. To your left, you spot Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, in all her natural glory sitting with her new Hero, Odysseus. The Hero is clad in silver ceremonial armor, an owl, which is Athena's symbol, marked on his left breast. Athena has her hand on his large arm, and Odysseus leans over every few moments to whisper something into her ear that breaks her mask of boredom and lets way to a radiant smile. *goto guests *disable_reuse #King Menelaus and Queen Helen. The Queen casts longing gazes up at the Gods who sit in the floating balcony. King Menelaus has a possessive grip on her hand as she does so, but his attention is solely on King Priam and the Trojan royal family. *goto guests *disable_reuse #King Priam, Queen Hecuba, and the Trojan Princes. The king and queen speak with their Royal advisers, the King of Troy casting stormy looks at the King of Sparta. Prince Paris reads from a scripture, while his brother, Prince Hector, tries to get his attention to no avail. Prince Paris looks up as if sensing your gaze. You look away. *goto guests #The final bell rings out, and you all turn to the bride. *page_break *goto herecomesthebride *label herecomesthebride Thetis is robed in brilliant white lace, her body draped in seashells and pink flowers. Her feet are bare, her toes tinged with ceremonial white paint. She leaves a trail of flowing white behind her. You see now why both Zeus and Poseidon were--and maybe still [i]are[/i]--in love with her. King Peleus beams at her, love certainly evident in his eyes. The priest clears his throat, beginning the ceremony. *page_break "Divine, mortal, and all in between; we are gathered here today..." After the ceremony, you are all directed into a large dining hall illuminated by floating lanterns. A table of nearly a hundred feet laden with fine china and food that leaves your mouth watering lays in front of you. *if gender1 = "male" Still, you tear your gaze away from the food, making your way over to where the guards are expected to be. Someone catches your arm. You turn and see Queen Helen in all her beauty. "Where are you going? Everyone sits to dine. It's tradition." she says softly. Smiling at you, she turns, walking back toward the table. *if gender1 = "female" Still, you tear your gaze away from the food, making your way over to where the other Royal Advisers must be. Someone catches your arm. You turn and see Queen Helen in all her beauty. "Where are you going? Everyone sits to dine. It's tradition." she says softly. Smiling at you, she turns, walking back toward the table. There are plenty of empty seats; one is next to Prince Paris, who stares off into a burning flame while his brother drones on in his ear. Another is next to Odysseus, who chats with Athena, a wide smile on his face, as she sips methodically from a wineglass. There is another seat next to Queen Helen, who speaks with Aphrodite in a hushed voice. *fake_choice #I make my way over to Prince Paris, the tug deep in my chest demanding it of me. *set Prince_Paris +50 *set Loyalist -10 You close your eyes and feel the invisible tether pulling at your heart strings. It's stronger now, its power seeming to pull something from you. You have seen magic; the beings in this very room are proof of it, but never had you thought magic could be inside [i]you[/i]. *page_break Prince Paris looks up as you approach, which in turn captures his brother’s attention. *set metparis true *goto paris1 #I make my way over to Odysseus and Athena, interested in their ventures. *set Odysseus +50 Although there is a persistent tug in your chest, you ignore it. The duo has caught your attention all day with their secret whispers and mischievous glances. *page_break Odysseus and the Goddess of Wisdom both look up as you approach. *goto odath1 #I make my way over to Queen Helen and Aphrodite, their eyes gleaming with similar beauty. Although there is a persistent tug in your chest, you ignore it. The queen and her sister are of more interest. *page_break Queen Helen of Sparta and her sister, are deep in conversation. *goto helaph1 *label paris1 Prince Paris and Prince Hector are similar in likeness to their father, both with Greek noses and high cheekbones, but that is where the similarities begin and end. Whereas Paris’s brown eyes are warm and kind, Hector’s are cold and calculating. You bow in respect. The older prince, the heir to the Trojan throne, places a protective hand on his younger brother's shoulder as he addresses you. *if gender1 = "female" “So you are the new adviser I have heard endlessly about,” Prince Hector begins. “They mentioned your wisdom, but said nothing of your beauty.” You cast a glance around but see no sign of prince Hector’s wife. The prince lets out a mirthless laugh as you take a seat beside prince Paris, who stares at his hands. You wonder if he feels the tug on both your souls. "I take it our wise Korrina Spiros hasn't met you before," the prince says to his brother. Prince Paris does not reply; he simply stares at you. "Forgive my brother...he is rather rude this time of night." There is silence as Prince Hector pours himself a glass. You have heard stories of him being the Trojan's most prized and honored warrior, but before you, he simply looks like a man with no sense of danger in his bones. And that is truly the most dangerous thing about him. *if gender1 = "male" “So you are the new guard I have heard endlessly about,” Hector begins. “They spoke fondly of not only your strength and wisdom, but failed to mention that you're just a scrawny child.” You feel your cheeks turn red. The prince lets out a mirthless laugh at your expense as you take a seat beside prince Paris, who stares at his hands. You wonder if he feels the tug on both your souls. "I take it our valiant Leon Antoniou hasn't met you before," the prince says to his brother. Prince Paris does not reply; he simply stares at you. "Forgive my brother...he is rather rude this time of night." There is silence as prince Hector pours himself a glass. You have heard stories of him being the Trojan's most prized and honored warrior, but before you, he simply looks like a man with no sense of danger in his bones. And that is truly the most dangerous thing about him. "It is a pleasure to meet you," Young Paris says finally, meeting your gaze. Silence carries the conversation. Every few moments, you cast a glance at the prince just as he looks away from you. Prince Hector goes on about his latest victory. The younger prince leans back in his seat. Observing him now, with the string between you all consuming, you nearly ask him outright if he feels it. But, maybe, after all, you are simply crazy. *fake_choice #"Prince Paris," I begin, quietly enough so Prince Hector, who has launched into another story, will not hear. The Prince of Troy turns, his dark eyes focused on you. *if gender1 = "female" "Yes, Lady Spiros?" he asks. You feel the warmth in your chest grow. You take a deep breath, then speak: "Do you--" *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris *if gender1 = "male" "Yes, Lord Antoniou?" he asks. You feel the warmth in your chest grow. You take a deep breath, then speak: "Do you--" *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris #I catch the prince's eye and gesture toward the back of the dining room You drop your fork against your plate, cashing a light clash. The prince turns toward you, a question in his eyes. You hold his gaze, then gesture toward the end of the hall. The prince looks confused, but only for a moment. He then nods, making a move to get out of his chair... *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris #I try to get answers through casual conversation. *if gender1 = "female" "How did you like the wedding, Prince Paris?" you begin. "It was beautiful, Lady Spiros," he says. You feel the warmth in your chest grow at the sound of his voice. "And how are you feeling personally, your Highness?" you continue, keeping your voice light. The prince pauses, glancing at his occupied brother. "Well, in all honesty, I've had the strangest--" *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris *if gender1 = "male" "How did you like the wedding, Prince Paris?" you begin. "It was beautiful, Lord Antoniou," he says. You feel the warmth in your chest grow at the sound of his voice. "And how are you feeling personally, your Highness?" you continue, keeping your voice light. The prince pauses, glancing at his occupied brother. "Well, in all honesty, I've had the strangest--" *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris #I ignore the feeling. I might have truly lost it. You begin to eat your own meal, pausing only to trade glances with the prince, who grows more uncomfortable by the second. Suddenly, he turns to you, opening his mouth to speak... *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris *label odath1 “Well, hello,” Odysseus says first, tilting his head. His unruly hair falls into his face. "I don't believe our paths have ever crossed." You cast a glance at Athena. Her eyes are almost as dark and brooding as the red wine she sips with leisure. She looks at you, disinterest marking her fine features. *if gender1 = "female" "The mortal King of Sparta's newest trophy to hang off his arm," she muses. "As if my sister wasn't enough." You feel your cheeks warm. "It is nothing like that, I---" *if gender1 = "male" "Another one of the mortal King of Sparta's mindless killing machines," she muses. "As if the thousands at his beck and call aren't enough." You feel your cheeks warm. "Well, Theos--" "Get out while you can," she says, interrupting you. "How sad it would be to see you tarnished...you're better than that. Besides; something of more importance is coming." "Ignore her," Odysseus says, smiling at the Goddess in humor. "She hasn't had any innocent children to devour today." "Make light of this, just as you did with my earlier predictions," she argues. "But I am seldom wrong!" "Your paranoia has reached a new peak, my Lady," Odysseus says. "You'd think Nyx herself would be upon you." *if gender1 = "female" The Goddess holds her Hero's gaze but speaks to you. "Young Korrina Spiros; take care in choosing your friends. Be sure you can stand them for more than a day." *if gender1 = "male" The Goddess holds her Hero's gaze but speaks to you. "Young Leon Antoniou; take care in choosing your friends. Be sure you can stand them for more than a day." They both smile, wide and carelessly. This would be the time to speak up. *fake_choice #"What feeling has overtaken you, Goddess of Wisdom?" you ask Athena. The Goddess tears her eyes away from her Hero. "Oh, it is hard to explain..." she begins. "Do you know the feeling you get right before you venture into the unknown?" You nod. "It is like that," the Goddess says. "But, it is also more than that. I--" *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris #"What was the result of your latest voyage, Valiant Odysseus?" you ask the Hero. *set Odysseus +10 The Hero tears his eyes away from the Goddess. "Shall I regale you with a tale?" he asks you. You nod. "Well, just a fortnight ago," the Odysseus begins dramatically. "And here we go..." Athena groans. "In the midst of the Sirens, I--" *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris #But I stay quiet, hunger overtaking curiosity. You stare at the food that has somehow appeared on your plate. Ripe, tender meat drizzled with thick gravy, with the softest potatoes you have ever encountered... You rip off a piece of meat, bringing it to your mouth... *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris *label helaph1 "...if he cannot do it then he will face the consequences," Aphrodite nearly yells, a protective hand on the queen's slumped shoulder. "You cannot allow him to walk all over you! I will not...ever..." "...No...I know." Aphrodite catches your gaze over Queen Helen's blonde head. She shakes her head grimly, then turns her attention back to her sister. *page_break The glowing lanterns flicker, then blow out. *goto helloeris *label helloeris The entire room seems to lose its earlier warm, merry cheer. *if gender1 = "male" You stand up from your seat, your hand immediately going for your sword. You crane your neck for the queen's blonde head or the king's glinting crown. *if gender1 = "female" You stand up from your seat, immediately looking for the queen's blonde head or the king's glinting crown. Then, your breath hitches in your throat. Before the large crowd stands Eris, Goddess of chaos and discord. Fear fills your body; wars and far worse have been caused due to just simple words from this Goddess's mouth. Her sharp, dark eyes survey all in the hall. Her alabaster skin contrasts her burnt orange finery, which hanging off her slim shoulders and gives way to dark, silky hair. Her smile is all consuming, dulling every other feature; you see bloodshed and duels and death in that smile. There seems to be a raging war on her face. [i]Chaos,[/i] you think. [i]She is a chaos embodied.[/i] "Am I interrupting something?" she asks mockingly, her voice edged with an indiscernible emotion. You all watch as the Goddess makes her way from across the long hall, chairs falling in her wake, silverware crashing into the wall, wind blowing around her. She picks up an abandoned wine glass as she strolls by, not a care in the world. "I do love a good party. Pity I wasn't invited." Her gaze lands on Zeus, who has stood up in the midst of her destruction. "Eris," the King of Gods warns. "You are not welcomed here." "Oh, I know. Which is exactly why I am here!" she pauses, smiling. "I also come bearing gifts." The Goddess lays her pale palm out before you all, and a silver box appears. You all watch as the box floats up, up, up, until it floats before Queen Thetis. *page_break "For the blessed bride..." Eris murmurs. "May she and her offspring get what they deserve." The Nymph Queen, with understandable hesitance, slowly reaches into the box. She pulls out a glinting necklace. You all hold your breath. She smiles. You all breath once more. Now you turn to Eris, who doesn't cast a glance at Thetis, but at the three Goddesses beside Zeus; Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena. *page_break "Now this gift, is the most special of all--" Eris begins. "That is [i]enough[/i]," Zeus bellows, taking a step toward the Goddess. Eris takes a step backward, humor in her eyes. "--this gift is one that cannot simply be gifted...no it is earned. It can only be given to--" Eris continues. "Eris, I am warning you." "--a special being that defies all--" A roar of thunder shakes the sky. Silence. Then laughter; cruel, thin laughter. "[i]Fine,[/i]" Eris hisses. "If you wish it so, oh most wise King of Gods, then the gift will simply go to whoever it is destined to go to." She pauses, smiling. "And you will live with the consequences." The Goddess's hair swirls around her and black tinged wind forms around her. she takes a step back, the layers of her gown exposing her bare feet. Then, she disappears into a puff of smoke. The crowd breathes a sigh of relief, but that relief is short-lived... ...because in the Goddess's place, she has left the gift. *page_break A beautiful, glinting golden apple. It seems out of place in this world. It is too perfect, igniting some kind of longing inside you. Zeus picks the apple up, reading the faint inscription. "For the fairest," A soft, melodious laughter fills the room. You all turn to Aphrodite. "By Father," she says, her smile radiant. "If she wanted to give me a cursed apple, she could have done it without all the dramatics." The Goddess takes a step forward, reaching for the apple...then a hand touches her arm, stopping her. "And what, pray tell, makes you believe that the apple is for [i]you[/i]?" Hera asks. Aphrodite's eyes widen. "It says, 'For the fairest.'" "Which is exactly why it is not for you, sister." Athena muses, smiling behind her hand. Aphrodite twirls, a vision of pink. "I am the Goddess of [b]BEAUTY[/b]!" she shrieks. "Have all your minds been eaten by worms?" "Oh, please, child. If anything, I am the fairest; I am the Queen of Gods." Hera says calmly, her beautiful eyes shining. "And I thought the notion of Aphrodite being the fairest was absurd..." Athena whispers to Odysseus, who laughs behind his large hand. "Not as absurd as the notion of you being the fairest!" Aphrodite yells, pointing a finger at Athena. "How so?" Athena asks, voice eerily calm. "It makes sense. You are both thinking in physical terms...fairest of all [i]in what[/i]? Intellect? Strength? I am both." Aphrodite and Hera sniff. "Oh, please. Get off that high horse you seem to be permanently saddled on." Hera remarks. Aphrodite turns to Zeus. *page_break "Father," she says, voice as sickly sweet as sugar. "Who do you think is the fairest?" The King of Gods pauses. "What do you mean?" Aphrodite rolls her eyes. "You know what I mean; do not play a fool." Hera steps toward Zeus as well. "Yes, dear husband. I am curious. Who do [i]you[/i] think is the fairest?" Athena joins the group, her eyes sharp. "Who do you think deserves the gift, Father?" The three Goddesses, in all their immortal power, glare at each other. Something is happening to them, you realize. That apple is making them act this way; Athena is far too wise to succumb to something as vain as a beauty contest, Hera is far too arrogant to believe otherwise, and Aphrodite is...well... You look at the three Goddesses. Although this is nothing more than a sinister trick by Eris, you believe that the apple should be given to... *fake_choice #Hera. The Queen of Gods is clearly the fairest like she claimed. Her dark skin glows in the newly revived lantern lights, her features are as symmetrical and absolute as a sculpture, and her smile illuminates the very stars in the night sky. A person would have to be blind not to see her superior beauty. #Aphrodite. The Goddess of beauty is clearly the fairest like she claimed. Her very being is love and beauty. Her eery white skin is without flaw, her eyes the richest brown, her features high and prominent. A person would have to be blind not to see her beauty. #Athena. The Goddess of wisdom is clearly the fairest like she claimed. Her intellect and cunning shine through her beauty, enhancing it. Her brown skin is flawless, her cheekbones are prominent, her eyes are large and assessing, coveted by all who gaze into them. A person would have to be blind not to see her beauty. Aphrodite holds onto the apple, the first of the three Goddesses to touch it. Then comes Hera's slender hands, then Athena's strong grip. Something like gunshots goes off as the Goddesses stare at each other, each more unrelenting than the last. No one moves, then Zeus takes a step back, raising his arm. Suddenly, you are blinded by a flash of white light, and the floor falls out from under you. *page_break News of the Golden Apple Dilemma spreads quickly. *goto scene3b4 *label scene3b4 Three weeks later, a decision still has not been made. Zeus stopped responding to the Goddesses, who grow more impatient by the day. *if gender1 = "male" But, more importantly, your trial is over, and you now wear the official Royal Guard armor, the gold shining proudly back at you. *if gender1 = "female" But, more importantly, your trial is over, and you now wear the official Royal Adviser robes, the dark red fabric flowing around you. Near the end of April, as you walk through the halls of the castle, on your way to see the king as requested, you overhear some helot girls talking. "Can you believe Zeus chose Prince Paris of all people?" the first maid says. "What a mess this all is!" You stop. "What did Zeus choose Prince Paris for?" you ask the girls. They pause, eyes wide. "Oh...well...he decided to let Paris choose who would be granted the golden apple." "When was this?" you demand. The second girl speaks up. "I believe just a fortnight ago...the entire thing was very secretive." Without another word, you turn to leave, but your mind lingers; on Eris, the golden apple, Zeus's agenda, Prince Paris's involvement, and the three very vengeful Goddesses... *page_break There are times in different destinies meet at an absolute middle, altering each individual's life forever. Today was one of those times. *if queentrust = true It began like it always did: earlier in the day you rose from your chambers, bathed, got dressed, had a quick meal in the kitchens, and set out on your duties. You were called in by the king, as usual, and given new orders. For dinner, you dined with the fellow line-ins of the estate then left for some leisurely time to yourself. The only abnormality in your day was that you were not summoned by the queen for your daily discourse. But when you returned to your chambers weary and exhausted, there was a note on your bed, with one, simple word: [i]ELEVEN.[/i] [i]-H[/i] *goto helenoftroy1a *if queentrust = false It began like it always did: earlier in the day you rose from your chambers, bathed, got dressed, had a quick meal in the kitchens, and set out on your duties. You were called in by the king, as usual, and given new orders. For dinner, your dined with your fellow men and women then left for some leisurely time to yourself. But, throughout the day, you noticed a bitter feeling settle in your stomach. The feeling had lingered all day and had somehow traveled into your mind. [i]Something is wrong...[/i] you think to yourself as you lay in your bed. The owls speak to each other in the night. [i]Something is truly wrong.[/i] That is the last thing you think of before you fall asleep. *page_break You are awakened by pandemonium. *goto thequeenisgone *label thequeenisgone You jump out of bed, awakened by the sounds coming from down the hall. You throw on a chiton quickly, then rush down the halls. People are rushing from one place to another, and royal guards have their armor on, swords out, anger evident on their faces. You catch the arm of one. *if gender1 = "male" "Superior Venis," you say to one of your fellow guardsmen. "What is this?" "Valiant Antoniou," he says, bowing his head slightly. "We have been blindsided." "What is it, what happened?" you ask frantically. Venis pauses, grief in his eyes. *page_break "Queen Helen has been stolen." *goto thequeenisgone2 *if gender1 = "female" "Please enlighten me," you plead to one of the Royal Guards. "What is this?" "Most Wise Spiros," he says, bowing slightly. "We have been blindsided." "What is it, what happened?" you ask frantically. The guard pauses, grief in his eyes. *page_break "Queen Helen has been stolen." *goto thequeenisgone2 *label helenoftroy1a You stare at the note under the setting sun. [i]Her chambers?[/i] you wonder. [i]What could be the meaning of this?[/i] *if gender1 = "male" Maybe this is a trick set up by the king. He has long suspected that the queen and I are having an affair... But maybe it truly is the queen. You crumble the paper, your decision made. *fake_choice #I will leave a quarter to eleven. The queen needs me. *set visitqueen true The queen needs you. Of course you will go! *goto helenoftroy1 #I will not go, opting instead to rest my weary body. You deserve this time to rest; after the events of the month, of course you will not go! [i]I am no use to anyone if my mind if muddled by exhaustion.[/i] That is the last thing you think of before you fall asleep. *page_break You are awakened by pandemonium. *goto thequeenisgone *label helenoftroy1 Getting to the queen's chambers had been frighteningly easy; she must have alerted her guards of your visit. *if gender1 = "male" Your fellow men show no sign of emotion as they allow you to enter the queen's chambers so late in the night. You hope rumors do not spread. When you enter the room, it is a disaster. You see the queen's slim figure move from one discarded pile of clothing to the next. You clear your throat. Queen Helen turns to you. A smile breaks out on her face. *if gender1 = "male" "Oh, Leon!" she exclaims, rushing to you. The smell of jasmine overtakes you as she wraps her arms around you. "Thank the Gods that those maids followed my instructions. I feared they would give the note to someone else!" "Queen He--" you pause. "I mean, [i]Helen[/i]; what is the meaning of this?" *if gender1 = "female" "Oh, Korrina!" she exclaims, rushing to you. The smell of jasmine overtakes you as she wraps her arms around you. "Thank the Gods that those maids followed my instructions. I feared they would give the note to someone else!" "Queen He--" you pause. "I mean, [i]Helen[/i]; what is the meaning of this?" She stares blankly at you, then continues to flit around the room, picking up one robe then throwing it into a different pile. You call her name, trying to catch her attention. "What? What is it?" she asks, wrapping herself in a black chiton. The queen runs to you, then places one of her crowns atop your head. "How lovely...so lovely. You are just so lovely." You look into her eyes. And...they are as wide as saucers; an unnerving size. Her pupils are dilated to twice their size, the whites of her eyes nearly shadowed by them. "Helen," you say. "What happened to you?" "The best thing that has ever happened to me!" she exclaims, gripping your hands with shocking strength. *page_break "I am in love!" Helen exclaims. "In love?" you echo. "With who?" "Prince Paris of Troy!" Your blood runs cold. "Who?" "You heard me!" she says, running to the far corner of her room. "But I will say it again just to hear his name; Prince Paris, Prince Paris, Prince Paris!" You watch as the queen twirls around with a gold wrap tied around her head. "How can this be?" you ask her. "You've never even said one word to him!" "Oh, that's not important!" she says with a dismissive wave. "Who needs words when you have love to guide you?" The queen pauses. "Oh no; he will be here any second. I am not ready!" You watch her pick up the piles of clothes, throwing them into empty satchels. She is not acting like herself; she is usually so rational and calm... You are lightheaded. A feeling of dread fills your body, the only explanation being that... *fake_choice #I've grown to truly care about Helen and her well being. *set Queen_Helen +10 From the very beginning, Helen has shown incredible trust in you. Enough even, to tell you some of her darkest secrets. And in turn, you have grown to love her as a friend. You cannot let her be manipulated like this. *page_break A sound emits from outside the queen's balcony. *goto parisandhelen1 #I have my own feelings for the Trojan Prince. *set loveparis true *set Prince_Paris +20 Since the wedding, you have not forgotten the bond between you two. [i]You[/i] are the one linked to the prince, not the queen. You know he must feel the bond as well. You cannot let her take your prince. *page_break A sound emits from outside the queen's balcony. *goto parisandhelen1 #I understand the consequences of their actions; this can only lead to one thing. *set Intelligence +15 The tension between Troy and Sparta is at an all-time high; this union of the queen and prince will only start a war. You cannot let this happen. *page_break A sound emits from outside the queen's balcony. *goto parisandhelen1 #[i]I[/i] am the one in love with Helen. *set lovehelen true *set Queen_Helen +20 Helen has always been the one to comfort you, to trust you like no other. She has shown you nothing but kindness, and because of this, you now realize that you are in love with her. You cannot let her run away with the prince. *page_break A sound emits from outside the queen's balcony. *goto parisandhelen1 *label parisandhelen1 Helen rushes to the balcony, swinging the doors open. "Oh, finally!" Outside the balcony is a golden chariot led by two white horses... And inside the chariot is Prince Paris. He jumps from the chariot, landing onto the balcony with graceful ease. Helen runs into his arms, and he spins her, the fabric of her white robes swirling around them. "Stay here, I am nearly done!" Helen exclaims to him, rushing back inside the room. Prince Paris observes you. *if (metparis = true) and (gender1 = "female") "Oh, Lady Spiros!" he exclaims, recognition filling his eyes. "I did not think I would see you again." He takes your hand, smiling. You look into his eyes...and see that they are exactly like the queen's; large with dilated pupils. He looks entirely out of his mind. *if (metparis = false) and (gender1 = "female") "Hello, fair Lady," he says. "You seem familiar." Ignoring his greeting, you lean in to look into his eyes...and see that they are exactly like the queen's; large with dilated pupils. He looks entirely out of his mind. *if (metparis = false) and (gender1 = "male") "Hello, my friend," he says. "You seem familiar." Ignoring his greeting, you lean in to look into his eyes...and see that they are exactly like the queen's; large with dilated pupils. He looks entirely out of his mind. *if (metparis = true) and (gender1 = "male") "Oh, Lord Antoniou!" he exclaims, recognition filling his eyes. "I did not think I would see you again." Paris smiles. You lean closer, observing his face...and see that his eyes are exactly like the queen's; large with dilated pupils. He looks entirely out of his mind. "Prince Paris," you say. "You are not yourself!" "What do you mean?" he asks. "I have never been more myself." "What is the last thing you remember?" The prince's brows furrow in confusion. "Well, I gave Aphrodite that ridiculous golden apple." [i]Of course,[/i] you think. [i]Aphrodite must have promised the prince something in exchange for the apple...something he couldn't resist; the most beautiful woman in the world. And to ensure the bargain, she must have ordered Eros to strike them with his arrows![/i] Helen rushes through the balcony, satchels in her arms. Prince Paris assists her in putting them in the chariot. *if lovehelen = true You feel a dark tug at your heart when Helen kisses the prince before she enters the chariot. You can't help the feeling. *if loveparis = true You feel a dark tug at your heart when Prince Paris kisses the queen before she enters the chariot. You can't help the feeling. "Please," you plead. "Do you know what this will cause?" Helen turns to you, looking down at you from the chariot. "Oh, my dear friend!" she exclaims, reaching out a small hand to you. You grab it tightly. "Do not worry; I will find a way to contact you." Your eyes burn. "A friend like you comes only once in a lifetime; what a fool I'd be to let you get away." *page_break The chariot descends into the night, leaving you staring after it. *label thequeenisgone2 [b]Some time later...[/b] The King of Sparta had officially declared war on the Trojans. The events afterward came furiously, everything leading up to the final battle. *label events *fake_choice *disable_reuse #Achilles. The son of Queen Thetis and King Peleus has been given two prophecies. The first one destined him to live a life of glory that would abruptly end on the battlefield or to live a long, but dreadfully boring life. The second prophecy bestowed upon him said that he would be the one to help the Spartans win the war. Queen Thetis, ever the concerned mother, decided to give Achilles immortality. She took him to the Underworld, and dipped him in the river of Styx, making him invincible. But no one had seen the young prince since the news of his mother's act spread. Rumors said he was hidden by Queen Thetis in an unknown kingdom. *goto events *disable_reuse #Odysseus, Telamonian Ajax and Phoenix. When all three Heroes were vying for Queen Helen's hand, they all made a pledge to protect both the queen and whoever she married. King Menelaus decided it was long past time to call in that promise. With the help of all three Heroes, Menelaus was able to successfully find Achilles, who had been disguised as a woman. *goto events *disable_reuse #The prophecy of Calchas. The four Heroes made a sacrifice to the God Apollo, praying for insight on the war. Before them, a snake appeared out of thin air. The snake slithered over to a bird's next, eating the mother and nine of her eggs. This symbolized that the war would last for ten years and that Troy would finally fall on the tenth year. *goto events *disable_reuse #The death of Prince Hector. When the Heroes finally reached Troy, a battle was already raging. When Agamemnon, the brother of King Menelaus, stole Achilles' concubine, Achilles refused to fight in the war until she was returned to him. It was not until Patroclus, a close friend of Achilles, was slain by Prince Hector that Achilles agreed to fight in the war, but only after Agamemnon returned his concubine to him. Led by grief and an unquenchable thirst for vengeance, Achilles killed Prince Hector. Achilles went further with his revenge, using Hector's body as decoration for his chariot. Only when begged by King Priam of Troy did he allow Prince Hector's body to be buried. *goto events #And, as for your role in all of this... *page_break *goto whatdoyoudo *label whatdoyoudo Just a little more than a week shy of your eighteenth birthday, you sit in a dark tent, accompanied by the four Heroes, King Menelaus, and Agamemnon. They are all hunched over a large map of Troy, so different from its now ruined state. You have become the king's official right hand. After Queen Helen's betrayal, the king grew paranoid. He cast out all but you, swearing that you were the only one he could trust, whether he wanted to or not. You close your eyes. The king and all these Heroes trust you... *fake_choice #but little do they know that I am not fighting on their side. *set treason true You have been giving King Priam weekly updates on every move the Spartans make. You have been discreet, so discreet that no one has caught you. Yet. But you have played your cards right and have earned your place. That is why you now sit in the tent with the Heroes of Sparta and their king, trying to learn their secrets, if only to give them away. *page_break "We need to think rationally," Odysseus says, pulling you out of your thoughts. *goto ideas #and they are entirely right to. *set Odysseus +20 *set Achilles +50 *set King_Menelaus +20 You have been nothing but loyal to your nation. You have now devoted your life to destroying the Trojans, at whatever cost. Not only that, but you have become a notable figure in the war. Which is why now, you sit in the tent with the Heroes of Sparta and their king, going over battle tactics. *page_break "We need to think rationally," Odysseus says, pulling you out of your thoughts. *goto ideas *label ideas Achilles, with his strong brow and intense gaze, shakes his head. "What do you think we have been doing?" "Not enough!" Agamemnon screams. "Do you think anyone finds the idea of being at war for years appealing?" "It cannot be helped," Odysseus explains. "It is the prophecy." "But if we were to find a way--" "It is the prophecy," Odysseus says again, his voice firm. "One would think it'd be easier to defeat those Trojans..." King Menelaus mutters. "All they do is lounge around and groom their horses." The men all laugh, grateful for a distraction. "I have never seen worshipping of an animal that intense," Phoenix remarks, a wicked smile on his face. "You'd think they lay them to bed each night." "And who is to say they don't?" Achilles replies. Another burst of laughter, then Telamonian Ajax's calm voice. "The Trojans do worship the horses. They are seen as a sacred animal." The men all nod, albeit skeptically. "The only thing they value more than horses is their ego." Agamemnon points out. All the men agree. "We could give them the world in a gold gift box and they'd turn their noses up at it!" King Menelaus jaunts. Achilles says, "I believe that's what they want from us; not just surrender, but a gift as well. As if to say, 'We truly apologize for destroying your lands. Please accept this fruit basket as a show of our condolences.'" Then men roar with laughter. But you stay quiet...a thought forming in the back of your mind... [i]Yes,[/i] you think. [i]The Trojan's do want more than a surrender. They want a surrender that appeals to their ego's. They want...[/i] The idea develops fully in your mind. You look at the men, who are still laughing at their own humor. You know how to end this war. The question is...will you tell them? *fake_choice *selectable_if (treason = false) #I have to end this war. Of course I tell them. *set yourtrojanhorse true You capture the men's attentions, then you go into brief detail about your idea, your voice sounding frantic even to your own ears. For a long time, no one speaks. Then, they break out into more laughter that is fueled by the idea of a Trojan Horse being enough to end a bloody war. *page_break #No. The war will end on its own, without my direct interference. You shake your head, letting the thought disperse, and join the men in their laughter. [i]What a silly thought that was[/i], you think. *page_break [b]One week later.[/b] *if gender1 = "female" Achilles and Odysseus had predicted that the battle taking place inthe heart of Troy tomorrow would be one of the bloodier ones. You may be the king's most trusted member of his inner circle, but you are still a woman...and in their eyes, the battlefield is no place for a woman. *if gender1 = "male" Achilles and Odysseus had predicted that the battle taking place inthe heart of Troy tomorrow would be one of the bloodier ones. As one of the king's favored warriors, your presence will be crucial. But, the night before the battle, you sneak out. The neighborhood is a skeleton of its formy glory, the damage done mostly by your fellow Spartans. The night owls sound off in the distance. *if treason = true You spot a robed figure outside one of the devastated buildings. Without pausing to speak, you slip a piece of paper into their hand as you pass them. You hear a faint [i]thank you[/i] before you turn the corner. You walk in silence, the abandoned neighborhood completely quiet. *page_break Then you bump into a person rushing down a pathway. *goto itsparis *if treason = false You walk in silence... *page_break Until you bump into a person rushing down a pathway. *goto itsparis *label itsparis "Prince Paris?" you ask. *if visitqueen = true The prince stares at you, eyes wide. You notice that his eyes are not as off-kilter as before, but his pupils are still abnormally dilated. Perhaps the effects of Eros's arrows are slowly wearing off. Your mind drifts to the queen. Does the same ring true for her? *if visitqueen = false The prince looks different from the last time you saw him at the wedding. There is something...strange about his eyes. His pupils are dilated to almost twice their size. Silence comes from the prince, and for a second you worry that he has forgotten who you are, although the bond between you comes alive once more. Then, he speaks. *if gender1 = "male" "Lord Antoniou?" he asks. "This is incredible! I didn't think I'd run into anyone so close to--" *if gender1 = "female" "Lady Spiros?" he asks. "This is incredible! I didn't think I'd run into anyone so close to--" "What are you doing here?" you interrupt him. *if treason = true The prince glances behind you. You wait. "My father sent me here to gather information." *goto canyouhelp *if treason = false The prince pauses, glancing behind you. "I am truly sorry, but...I cannot tell you," he says. "In fact, I should leave." *goto runaway *label runaway You stare at the prince as he turns to leave. "Wait!" you call out. The prince does not listen. He cast one last look at you, then disappears into the night. *page_break The day of the battle is upon you. *goto battle *label canyouhelp The prince smiles. "But...I was also sent to find you." "[i]Me[/i]? Why is that?" you ask. *page_break "My father wants you on our side in tomorrow's battle." *if gender1 = "male" "But I won't be any use to you if they find out I am not loyal to them!" you argue. "What good can come of this?" "It won't matter after tomorrow if you lead us to victory. You're a fine warrior, the best the king has, whether he has admitted it to you or not. We [i]need[/i] you." *if gender1 = "female" "But I won't be any use to you if they find out I am not loyal to them!" you argue. "What good can come of this?" "It won't matter after tomorrow if you lead us to victory. You're smart; that's why the king values you so much. And he may be so ignorant as to not allow you to fight, but we're not; we [i]need[/i] you." The prince stares at you, waiting for your decision. *fake_choice #"I will fight on your side, Prince Paris." *set fightwithtrojans true The prince smiles, bowing his head to you. "We are most honored." *goto andafter #"I am sorry, Prince Paris. I cannot put myself at risk." *set fightwithtrojans false The prince frowns, if only for a minute. "I cannot lie and say that I do not understand your refusal." *goto andafter *label andafter *if loveparis = true You watch the handsome prince gaze up at the sky, which for once is not ridden with smoke from destruction. Your heart still skips a beat when you look at him, and it is not just from the indescribable bond between you two. But you [i]do[/i] feel the bond between you two pulse. Now would be the time to admit your feelings, if tomorrow really is as vicious a battle as the prince predicts, and ask him about the force connecting you two. *goto tellhim *if lovehelen = true You watch the handsome prince gaze up at the sky, which for once is not ridden with smoke from destruction. There is a question on the tip of your tongue. "Prince Paris..." you begin. "Where is Helen?" The prince turns his attention to you. "She is well, my friend. Do not worry." Oh, but you do. You worry about her with every part of your soul. Suddenly, you feel the bond between you two pulse. This would be the time to ask him about it. *page_break *goto tellhim *if (loveparis = false) and (lovehelen = false) You watch the handsome prince gaze up at the sky, which for once is not ridden with smoke from destruction. It is too calm. "Prince Paris..." you begin. "What do you think will happen tomorrow?" The prince turns his attention to you. He opens his mouth, as if to speak, then closes it again. When he finally speaks, his voice sounds far off. "I ask myself that question often." You feel the bond between you two pulse. This would be the time to ask him about it. *page_break *goto tellhim *label tellhim *fake_choice #"I have something to tell you, Paris." I say. (Possible romance) *set kissparis true *if gender1 = "female" "What is it, Korrina?" Paris asks you, taking your cue to leave behind your respective titles. *if gender1 = "male" "What is it, Leon?" Paris asks you, taking your cue to leave behind your respective titles. You take a step toward the prince, and then another until you stand directly before him. "Do you feel it as well?" you ask him, observing his reaction. "It's a force deep in my chest. I first noticed it when I saw you at the wedding." The prince seems to freeze. "Does it feel like a sort of tether...?" he asks quietly. "Something that guides you to me?" You nod eagerly. "Yes, exactly!" The prince visibly sighs. "Oh, thank Gods. I thought I was going mad." "What do you think it is?" you ask. "I do not have the slightest idea," he admits. "It may be a curse. There are plenty of mages that put curses on children, simply for the fun of it." For a moment, neither of you speak, Paris's explanation seeming most inadequate. Then, you speak. *page_break "But it's not just that, Paris." you say slowly. *goto iloveyou #"I have a question for you, Paris." I say. *if gender1 = "female" "What is it, Korrina?" Paris asks you, taking your cue to leave behind your respective titles. *if gender1 = "male" "What is it, Leon?" Paris asks you, taking your cue to leave behind your respective titles. "Do you feel it as well?" you ask him, observing his reaction. "It's a force deep in my chest. I first noticed it when I saw you at the wedding." The prince seems to freeze. "Does it feel like a sort of tether...?" he asks quietly. "Something that guides you to me?" You nod eagerly. "Yes, exactly!" The prince visibly sighs. "Oh, thank Gods. I thought I was going mad." "What do you think it is?" you ask. "I do not have the slightest idea," he admits. "It may be a curse. There are plenty of mages that put curses on children, simply for the fun of it." For a moment, neither of you speak, Paris's explanation seeming most inadequate. Then, you speak. *page_break "I would like to try something." you say slowly. *goto theessence #But I say nothing, opting instead to enjoy the calm before the storm. It may be the faint wind, the countless stars, or the deadly quiet of the night, but you choose to simply join Prince Paris in watching the stars. They shine particularly bright tonight as if they too are saying farewell to the peace. *page_break The day of the battle is upon you. *goto battle *label theessence Paris seems to read your mind. You hold out a hesitant hand to him, and he mirrors you, hands shaking. There is a dark circular mark on his palm, the exact same one you have. Slowly, you place your palm onto his. *page_break A bright light blinds you. You are not sure what is worse, the pain of the light to your eyes, or the heat that scorched your hand. Or maybe, worst of all is the feeling of utter power that flowed through you. It was like you had the ability to change the very fundamentals of all that you knew to be true. As if you could do anything if you wanted. Complete dominance over the Universe itself. The sky above you thunders, clouds that were not there moments ago having suddenly appeared. Paris looks down at his hand, eyes wide. Neither of you speaks. *page_break The day of the battle is upon you. *goto battle *label iloveyou You take place a hand on Paris's shoulder, and he must see this as a rather friendly gesture because he smiles warmly at you. "I am glad we met," he admits. "It seems destined that we be friends, don't you think?" "I think it is more than friendship," you say. "At least for me." Paris stares at you, his gaze unflinching. "What do you mean?" "I think..." you begin, leaning into him. "I..." *if Prince_Paris >=70 Your lips find his, and they are soft and inviting. For a moment, the prince does not return your kiss... Until he does. His arms are around you in a second, comforting and strong. When you finally pull away, you look into his eyes. They are no longer apparitions; they are the same warm brown they were at the wedding. *line_break [b](Prince Paris >=70)[/b] For a moment, you simply look at each other. Neither of you speaks as the sky rumbles above you, overtaken with dark, angry storm clouds. *page_break The day of the battle is upon you. *goto battle *if Prince_Paris <70 Your lips find his, and they are soft and inviting. But just a moment later, the prince pulls away. He places his hands on your shoulder, eyes pleading, brows furrowed. The meaning of his action is clear. For a moment, you simply look at each other, your expression hurt, and his confused. *line_break [b](Prince Paris >=70)[/b] Neither of you speaks as the sky rumbles above you, overtaken with dark, angry storm clouds. *page_break The day of the battle is upon you. *goto battle *label battle *if fightwithtrojans = true You kept your word to the prince and now stand on the Trojan's side of the front. King Priam himself has seemed surprised when you showed up at their base clad in Trojan armor. But just as quickly as you turned your back on the Spartans, the king accepted you into his ranks. You have been studying the battle tactics of the Trojans, comparing it to those that you recall the Spartans making in their tent last night. You point them out to the Commanders and Generals, who smile at you. An hour later, you have acquired your own horse, complete with a glinting sword and your own bronze shield. *goto leadus *if fightwithtrojans = false You watch the warriors of Sparta prepare for battle. The sun is nearly ready to set on the horizon, and the wind blows your hair into your eyes. You take a deep breath, the tension in the air nearly insufferable. It is time. *goto fightone *label fightone *if gender1 = "female" From atop a horse given to you by King Menelaus, you gaze at the Spartans that prepare for war. You are not allowed on the battlefield, but the king still looks to you for advice. You have to be discreet about it. None of the men must know that the king cannot lead his own army. *goto leaduss1 *if gender1 = "male" From atop a horse given to you by King Menelaus, you look upon your fellow warriors. The king looks to you. You know that he is silently asking you for aid, but does not want to appear weak in front of his own men. *goto leaduss1 *label leaduss1 The Generals, section leaders, and Commanders gather around the king. You gaze over to the battle front. There is a large hill to the east, high enough that your men will be seen, but close enough to the Trojan's side of the front that they can easily attack when called upon. There is a mass dried out trees to the west, not thick enough to conceal anyone but a few soldiers who could run scrimmage as a distraction. There is also a lake to the south, farthest away from the Trojans, but completely vulnerable. The king repeats the orders you had given him just hours before dawn broke. *fake_choice #"I want most of the men positioned on the east hill." he says. *set fight +3 The General nods, gesturing to the majority of the soldiers. Some look on skeptically, wondering if that was the best idea while others grin, confident in his decision. You can see a few Trojan warriors from where you are mounted on the far side, closest to the Trojan wall. They must be here to get a good feel of the setting of the front. *goto leaduss2 #"I want most of the men positioned in the west forest." he says. *set fight +1 The General nods, gesturing to the majority of the soldiers. Some look on skeptically, wondering if that was the best idea. You can see a few Trojan warriors from where you are mounted on the far side, closest to the Trojan wall. They must be here to get a good feel of the setting of the front. *goto leaduss2 #"I want most of the men positioned near the south lake." he says. *set fight +2 The General pauses, then nods, gesturing to the majority of the soldiers. Many look on skeptically, wondering if that was the best idea. You can see a few Trojan warriors from where you are mounted on the far side, closest to the Trojan wall. They must be here to get a good feel of the setting of the front. *goto leaduss2 *label leaduss2 "And where do you want us?" another section leader asks the king. There were only a few more areas available for you to place the men. Most of them are horsemen, clad with swords and shields. They are usually used to lead the battle, but in this case, you could also hold them back until the final thrust. The king repeats what you told him, once again. *fake_choice #"I want the rest of the men to be front and center." he says. *set fight +3 The section leader nods, then leads the horsemen away from the base, leading them closer to the Trojans. The Trojan warriors are flooding in numbers now, preparing for war. *goto leaduss3 #"I want the rest of the men to be held off until the last minute." he says. *set fight +1 The section leader nods, then leads the horsemen away from the base, leading them closer to the Trojans. The Trojan warriors are flooding in numbers now, preparing for war. *goto leaduss3 *label leaduss3 A loud horn sounds off in the distance, answered by another battle cry. You make eye contact with the king, who nods to you. You watch as Odysseus makes his way to the front of the line. He takes a deep breath, then yells, "FOR SPARTA!" The warriors echo him. "FOR SPARTA!" *page_break The sound of deafening screams fills the once somber front. *if gender1 = "female" You can only watch on in horror as the men begin to kill one another with undeniable glee. [i]This is what mass murder looks like,[/i] you think. *goto femalefight *if gender1 = "male" You lead the attack, your warriors flanking you on either side. You grip your shield with your left hand, and hold your spear in your right. Your bronze helmet feels heavy on your head, crushing the sides of your face. You slash your spear at a Trojan that tries to break the secure wall you've set up, then bang your shield against his head, knocking him off his horse. The horse yields, its head whipping back in search for its master. You keep riding on. *goto malefight *label malefight *if fight >=5 You see the men you urged the king to send ahead of your own group rushing through the Trojans, their spears clashing against armor and their shields bashing against flesh. It looks like you set up your men well. *page_break You nearly get hit by a spear. *goto malefight2 *if fight <5 You see the men you had urged the king to send ahead of your own group rushing through the Trojans, their spears clashing against armor and their shields bashing against flesh. Although at first it looks like they are successful, they are quickly overwhelmed by the aggressive Spartans, and you see many of them fall back. It looks like you had a miss in setting up your men. *page_break You nearly get hit by a spear. *goto malefight2 *label malefight2 You pull on your reins, just as a Trojan warrior rushes you, his spear poised for your heart. "The blood of Sparta will paint this land!" he screams, reining his horse forward. Luckily, one of your men slashes at him from his side, giving you enough time to gallop away. You are still in the heat of the battle, trying to kill as many Trojans as possible without getting yourself completely consumed by the bloodshed. Then, you see Achilles, rushing through the masses. The invincible Demigod prince is untouchable, unstoppable, a force of nature. Spears stab at him, shields swing in his direction, but he rages on... ...Straight for Prince Paris, who leads his own sector toward the Demigod, bow and arrow poised at Achilles. [i]There is no way the prince will live to see the end of this battle,[/i] you realize. [i]Not when Achilles has him on his death list.[/i] You also see the same Trojan warrior from before, once again coming through the masses of death and blood. A large gash spills dark liquid down his face, which is contorted in focused rage. He is coming for [i]you[/i]. You... *fake_choice #turn my horse in the direction of Prince Paris and Achilles. You cannot let this happen. If there is a way you can stop it, then you will find it. You signal to a group of your men, who immediately turn their sights on the Trojan warrior. With a final glance in his direction, you turn your horse and gallop toward the princes. You nearly avoid getting speared, your shield becoming dented and your arms getting weak. You see that Achilles has abandoned his horse, and you rince Paris makex his way up the east hill, trying to get away from Achilles. "Come now, mortal prince!" Achilles screams, his voice sending a shiver down your back. "We are men! We do not run from fights!" Achilles advances on Paris, making his way up the hill. You will your horse to go faster, faster, faster... ...Then your horse brings up its front legs, throwing you off its back. You fall to the ground with a loud [i]thud![/i] You look up and see the spear in its side, thrown in from the battle behind you. *page_break You watch in horror as a yellow light shines down on Prince Paris. *goto death #grip my spear and charge toward the Trojan warrior. You will not be killed by him. It ends here. Your men, understanding the personal tone to the fight, scatter, setting their sights on some barging Trojans. As the warrior reaches you, you stab your spear toward his chest, just as he slams his shield into the side of your face. You reel back, feeling your eye begin to throb. The sun begins to set. With a wide grin full of bloodlust, the warrior lunges at you. He does not aim to miss. *page_break Then, you feel a world shattering force deep in your chest. *goto essence *label leadus *set fight "1" You are in possession of two legions, all mounted on horses similar to yours. The first battle cry sounds off in the distance. It is time. Your men turn to you, their expressions unreadable under their bronze helmets. "Where do you want us positioned?" one of the Generals asks you. The top of his spear seems to wink at you under the setting sun. You gaze over to the battle front. There is a large hill to the east, high enough that your men will be seen, but close enough to the Spartans side of the front that they can easily attack when called upon. There is a mass of dried out trees to the west, not thick enough to conceal anyone but a few soldiers who could run scrimmage as a distraction. There is also a lake to the south, farthest away from the Spartans, but completely vulnerable. *fake_choice #"I want most of the men positioned on the east hill." you say. *set fight +3 The General nods, gesturing to the majority of the soldiers. Some look on skeptically, wondering if that was the best idea while others grin, confident in your decision. You can see a few Spartan warriors from where you are mounted on the far side, closest to the Trojan wall. They must be here to get a good feel of the setting of the front. *goto leadus2 #"I want most of the men positioned in the west forest." you say. *set fight +1 The General nods, gesturing to the majority of the soldiers. Some look on skeptically, wondering if that was the best idea. You can see a few Spartan warriors from where you are mounted on the far side, closest to the Trojan wall. They must be here to get a good feel of the setting of the front. *goto leadus2 #"I want most of the men positioned near the south lake." you say. *set fight +2 The General pauses, then nods, gesturing to the majority of the soldiers. Many look on skeptically, wondering if that was the best idea. You can see a few Spartan warriors from where you are mounted on the far side, closest to the Trojan wall. They must be here to get a good feel of the battle area. *goto leadus2 *label leadus2 "And where do you want our men?" another section leader asks you. There are only a few more areas available for you to place the men. Most of them are horsemen, clad with swords and shields. They are usually used to lead the battle, but in this case, you could also hold them back until the final thrust. *fake_choice #"I want the rest of the men to be front and center." you say. *set fight +3 The section leader nods, then leads the horsemen away from the base, leading the closer to the Spartans. The Spartan warriors are flooding in numbers now, preparing for war. *goto leadus3 #"I want the rest of the men to be held off until the last minute." you say. *set fight +1 The section leader nods, then leads the horsemen away from the base, leading the closer to the Spartans. The Spartan warriors are flooding in numbers now, preparing for war. *goto leadus3 *label leadus3 A loud horn sounds off in the distance, answered by another battle cry. You make eye contact with a Commander. Gripping the reins of your horse, you raise your hand. "FOR THE GLORY OF TROY!" The warriors echo you. "FOR THE GLORY OF TROY!" *page_break The sound of deafening screams fills the once somber front. You lead the attack, your warriors flanking you on either side. You grip your shield with your left hand, and hold your spear in your right. The bronze helmet of the Trojan's feels heavy on your head, crushing the sides of your face. You slash your spear at a Spartan that tries to break the secure wall you've set up, then bang your shield against his head, knocking him off his horse. The horse yields, its head whipping back in search for its master. You keep riding on. *if fight >=5 You see the men you sent ahead of your own group rushing through the Spartans, their spears clashing against armor and their shields bashing against flesh. It looks like you set up your men well. *if fight <5 You see the men you sent ahead of your own group rushing through the Spartans, their spears clashing against armor and their shields bashing against flesh. Although at first it looks like they are successful, they are quickly overwhelmed by the aggressive Spartans, and you see many of them fall back. It looks like you had a miss step in setting up your men. *page_break You nearly get hit by a spear. You pull on your reins, just as Odysseus rushes you, his spear poised for your heart. "The blood of traitors will be spilled on this land!" he screams, reining his horse forward. One of your men slashes at him from his side, giving you enough time to gallop away. You are still in the heat of the battle, trying to kill as many Spartans as possible without getting yourself completely consumed by the bloodshed. Then, you see Achilles, rushing through the masses. The invincible Demigod prince is untouchable, unstoppable, a force of nature. Spears stab at him, shields swing in his direction, but he rages on... ...Straight for Prince Paris, who leads his own sector toward the Demigod, bow and arrow poised at Achilles. [i]There is no way the prince will live to see the end of this battle,[/i] you realize. [i]Not when Achilles has him on his death list.[/i] You also see Odysseus, once again coming through the masses of death and blood. A large gash spills dark liquid down his face, which is contorted in focused rage. He is coming for [i]you[/i]. You... *fake_choice #turn my horse in the direction of Prince Paris and Achilles. You cannot let this happen. If there is a way you can stop it, then you will find it. You signal to a group of your men, who immediately turn their sights on Odysseus. With a final glance in his direction, you turn your horse and gallop toward the princes. You nearly avoid getting speared, but your shield is dented and your arms are weak. Achilles has abandoned his horse, and you see Prince Paris make his way up the east hill, away from Achilles. "Come now, mortal prince!" Achilles screams, his voice sending a shiver down your back. "We are men; we do not run from destiny!" Achilles advances on Paris, making his way up the hill. You will your horse to go faster, faster, faster. Then your horse brings up its front legs, throwing you off its back. You see the spear in its side, thrown in from the battle behind you. You fall to the ground with a thud. *page_break Then, you watch in horror as a yellow light shines down on Prince Paris. *goto death #grip my spear and charge toward Odysseus. You will not be killed by him. It ends here. Your men, understanding the personal tone to the fight, scatter, setting their sights on some barging Spartans. As Odysseus reaches you, you stab your spear toward his chest, just as he slams his shield into the side of your face. You reel back, feeling your eye begin to throb. The sun begins to set. With a wide grin full of bloodlust, Odysseus lunges at you. He does not aim to miss. *page_break Then, you feel a world shattering force deep in your chest. *goto essence *label femalefight You are guarded by two Spartan warriors. Like a trophy that the king and Heroes do not wish to be damaged. You close your eyes, sighing. And when you open them once more, you cannot believe what you see. You straighten atop your horse. There is Achilles, rushing through the masses. The invincible Demigod prince is untouchable, unstoppable, a force of nature. Spears stab at him, shields swing in his direction, but he rages on... ...Straight for Prince Paris, who leads his own sector toward the Demigod, bow and arrow poised at Achilles. [i]There is no way the prince will live to see the end of this battle,[/i] you realize. [i]Not when Achilles has him on his death list.[/i] You... *fake_choice #grab a spear from the nearest guard. I'll be damned if I'm kept from this war. You cannot let this happen. You raise your foot, and from your high vantage point, you kick the guard closest to you in the head. Before he can react, you snatch his spear from him. The second guard tries to stop you, but you're already galloping away, eyes narrowed on Achilles and the prince. You plow through hundreds of men, their sights set more on each other than a woman with a spear rushing through the battle. Your dress hitches up on your thighs, and you feel exhaustion in your arms, but you ride on. You see that Achilles has abandoned his horse, and Prince Paris makes his way up the east hill, away from him. "Come now, mortal prince!" Achilles screams, his voice sending a shiver down your back. "We are men; we do not run from destiny!" Achilles advances on Paris, making his way up the hill. You will your horse to go faster, faster, faster. Then your horse brings up its front legs, throwing you off its back. You see the spear in its side, thrown in from the battle behind you. You fall to the ground with a thud. *page_break Then, you watch in horror as a yellow light shines down on Prince Paris. *goto death #watch on in horror, the shock taking over your senses. Your body cannot seem to grasp the situation. [i]Achilles...Paris![/i] Even the guards that keep you behind the battle seem to watch on in awe at the two princes. It's hard to tell, but you think Achilles has abandoned his horse, and Prince Paris makes his way up the east hill, away from him. "Come now, mortal prince!" Achilles screams, his voice sending a shiver down your back. "We are men; we do not run from destiny!" Achilles advances on Paris, making his way up the hill. Your breath seems to halt. *page_break Then, you watch in horror as a yellow light shines down on Prince Paris. *goto death *label death It seems to caress the side of his head. He closes his eyes, savoring the warmth. The sun now sinks in under the horizon. Prince Paris brings his bow and arrow to his face. He aims. He will not miss. You watch as the arrow flies through the sky like a bird, the arch perfect, the aim true. [i]Achilles never had a chance,[/i] you realize. The Hero seems to laugh when the arrow strikes his heel...but only for a second. It is only a moment after the arrow has sunk into his heel does he see death in his eyes...then he falls. The invincible Achilles has fallen. You nearly smile in relief, until a savage war cry is called out. You turn, too slow, as an arrow, different from the one Paris launched, sinks itself into the prince's heart. You see the horror you had felt reflected in his eyes. *page_break Then, you look down at your own chest. You rip off your outerwear and paw at your chest. Blood pools near your heart. A pain unlike any you have ever known fills your body. The blood does not clot; instead, it spills out of your chest like it has a neverending source. The red is so bright. Too bright. *page_break Then, you feel a world shattering force deep in your chest. *goto essence *label essence *set togglescenefade true [i]It is the feeling of worlds being created and destroyed right before your eyes. The stars you had longingly stared up at countless times in your life wink back at you.[/i] [i]Every thing that has ever been, and will ever be, calls you master.[/i] [i]The wind whispers your name.[/i] [i]The animals worship the very ground you walk on.[/i] [i]The sun shines on your soul.[/i] [i]You feel your feet float up, up, up, off the ground. [i]The force is warmer than ever, wrapping around your mortal vessel.[/i] [i]You look down at the raging world below. The mortal men stop look up at you in awe, blood coating their faces. The Heroes scream your name. You wonder if your mother will mourn your loss, just as the countless other mothers you've had mourned you.[/i] [i]You think of the life you have given to all. You think of the chaos that has stemmed from the very center of your being. You think of the love you have created, the wars, the death...the creation of all.[/i] [i]Then, you do not think at all.[/i] *page_break You close your eyes, and the world drops dead. *set history0 true *set history1 false *finish