[b]CHAPTER 1[/b] You wake up with a start, your pajamas' soaked in cold sweat and your heart galloping at a speed that could put a Serifian thoroughbred stallion to shame. Sitting up in bed, you flex your fingers and rub your hands which are still trembling like leaves in a storm. You pull off the blanket and move your body to the edge of the bed and place your feet on the soft velvet rug. The warm pastel colours of the Tasryni dye help calm you. With that thought in mind you take deep stuttering breaths in and out, in and out like the doctor said. After calming down, you get off your bed in one smooth motion and stretch your back to your full height.. *choice # You are Short (5.5 feet and below) *set height "short" *goto ++ # You are of average height (5.6 feet to 5.8 feet) *set height "average" *goto -- # You are tall (5.9 feet to 6 feet) *set height "tall" *goto ** # You are very tall (6.1 feet to 6.6 feet) *set height "very tall" *goto %% *label ++ *fake_choice # 5.0 feet and below *set hm "-1.52 metres." # 5.1 feet *set hm "1.55 metres" # 5.2 feet *set hm "1.57 metres" # 5.3 feet *set hm "1.60 metres" # 5.4 feet *set hm "1.63 metres" # 5.5 feet *set hm "1.65 metres" *goto ?? *label -- *fake_choice # 5.6 feet *set hm "1.68 metres" # 5.7 feet *set hm "1.70 metres" # 5.8 feet *set hm "1.73 metres" *goto ?? *label ** *fake_choice # 5.9 feet *set hm "1.75 metres" # 5.10 feet *set hm "1.78 metres" # 5.11 feet *set hm "1.80 metres" # 6.0 feet *set hm "1.83 metres" *goto ?? *label %% *fake_choice # 6.1 feet *set hm "1.85 metres" # 6.2 feet *set hm "1.88 metres" # 6.3 feet *set hm "1.91 metres" # 6.4 feet *set hm "1.93 metres" # 6.5 feet *set hm "1.96 metres" # 6.6 feet and above *set hm "+1.98 metres" *goto ?? *label ?? You rotate your neck till you hear the satisfying creaks and then make your way into your bathroom. Trudging to the basin you splash some lukewarm water onto your face and let it drip along your features. Grabbing your toothbrush you squirt a little paste onto it and start brushing your teeth. Glancing up at the mirror, you lock eyes with your reflection and see the fear still radiating in their gaze. *choice # Amber The soft amber of the fire that burns within the forges of Serifi. *set eye "amber" *goto 1 # Dark brown Dark, rich chocolate eyes that are nearly black. *set eye "dark brown" *goto 1 # Light brown A gorgeous sugary wheat brown. *set eye "light brown" *goto 1 # Black Black as ink, your eyes are as gorgeous as they are mysterious. *set eye "black" *goto 1 # Green Like the lush fertile grasslands of Ferosi. *set eye "green" *goto 1 # Grey The pale silver of the freshly minted silver coins of Ivylan. *set eye "grey" *goto 1 # Blue The beautiful blue reminiscent of the clean and pure blue lakes found in the wild jungles of Tasryn. *set eye "blue" *goto 1 # Violet A very unique and beautiful violet shade. *set eye "violet" *goto 1 # Ocean Green A gorgeous mix of blue and green that is reminiscent of the algae covers of the lakes found in Tasryn. *set eye "ocean green" *goto 1 *label 1 You rinse your mouth, spit and put the brush back. Stretching your toes, you twist the hot water knob and peel off your sweaty pyjamas and throw them in the linen bin. You then lower your tired and sore body into the tub. The hot water helps soothe your muscles whereas the steam helps clear your lungs. You wash yourself clean, rinse off the soap and get out of the tub. Wrapping a towel around your naked body, you drain the tub and walk out of your bathroom dripping water onto the hardwood floor. Standing in front of the full length mirror, you let the towel drop revealing a naked… *choice # Man Congratulations, it's a boy!!! *set gender "male" *set he "he" *set him "him" *set his "his" *set himself "himself" *set man "man" *set boy "boy" *set sir "sir" *set son "son" *set brother "brother" *set handsome "handsome" *set godson "godson" *set nephew "nephew" *goto 2 # Woman Mhmmm…. very nice...You do you girl! *set gender "female" *set he "she" *set him "her" *set his "her" *set himself "herself" *set man "woman" *set boy "girl" *set sir "ma'am" *set son "daughter" *set brother "sister" *set handsome "beautiful" *set godson "goddaughter" *set nephew "niece" *goto 2 # Person Ooo la la, very nice… (Wolf whistle) *set gender "non-binary" *set he "zie" *set him "zim" *set his "zirs" *set himself "zirself" *set man "person" *set boy "kid" *set sir "xr" *set son "child" *set brother "sibling" *set handsome "attractive" *set godson "godchild" *set nephew "nibling" *goto 2 *label 2 Satisfied with what you see, you see that your skin... *choice # Porcelain *set skin "porcelain" *goto 3 # Ivory *set skin "Ivory" *goto 3 # Peach *set skin "peach" *goto 3 # Olive *set skin "olive" *goto 3 # Golden brown *set skin "golden brown" *goto 3 # Light brown *set skin "light brown" *goto 3 # Medium Honey brown *set skin "deep honey brown" *goto 3 # Dark dusky brown *set skin "dark dusky brown" *goto 3 # Espresso *set skin "espresso" *goto 3 # Midnight black *set skin "midnight black" *goto 3 *label 3 Your ${skin} skin has a few bruises on it, nothing unusual. You might have bumped into the wall or the bed post again. Picking the towel off its hook, you dry hair which is... *choice # Dark Brown *set hair "dark brown" *goto 4 # Light Brown *set hair "light brown" *goto 4 # Black *set hair "black" *goto 4 # Dark Blonde *set hair "dark blonde" *goto 4 # Honey Blonde *set hair "honey blonde" *goto 4 # Ice Blonde *set hair "ice blonde" *goto 4 # Auburn *set hair "auburn" *goto 4 # Deep Red *set hair "deep red" *goto 4 # Strawberry Blonde *set hair "strawberry blonde" *goto 4 *label 4 *choice # Straight *set texture "straight" *goto 5 # Wavy *set texture "wavy" *goto 5 # Kinky *set texture "kinky" *goto 5 # Curly *set texture "curly" *goto 5 *label 5 *choice # Buzz cut *set style "buzz cut" *goto 6 # Crew cut *set style "crew cut" *goto 6 # Chin length *set style "chin length" *goto 6 # Shoulder length *set style "shoulder length" *goto 6 # Medium length (reaching below chest) *set style "medium length" *goto 6 # Long (reaching lower back) *set style "long" *goto 6 *label 6 You dry your ${style} and ${texture}, ${hair} hair. Opening your closet, you pick out your usual work clothes; *choice # A knee length dress with a corset jacket dyed in gorgeous light pastel colours and ankle length light brown boots. *set Charisma %+10 *goto 7 # A blazer and trousers with a triple looped belt dyed in light pastel colours and black shoes. *set Charisma %+10 *goto 7 # A smart white dress and a black blazer with red detailing and black ankle length boots. *set Intelligence %+10 *goto 7 # A smart white collared cotton shirt, dark navy blue blazer and black trousers with smart polished black shoes. *set Intelligence %+10 *goto 7 # A knee length khaki pants with a light cream cotton shirt and efficient brown leather running shoes. *set speed %+10 *goto 7 # An all black ensemble with deer skin boots which muffle sounds. *set stealth %+10 *goto 7 *label 7 You have just finished dressing up, when the door opens with a bang. Your little brothers Aiden and Caden run in, without the courtesy to knock as usual. They are identical twins and are 10 years younger to you. Finishing each other's sentences and being the gods of tricks and stunts is their hobby. They set your father's leg on fire once and you still have no idea how they managed to do that. Your mother and you are the only ones who can tell them apart. "Hey! What if I was naked?", you exclaim. *if (gender="male") "Pff! You have nothing we haven't seen before." snarks Caden. "Hmmm true" adds Aiden. You roll your eyes, " My, I had no idea!” *goto q *if (gender="female") "Oh! Gross! We are only eight, what is wrong with you?" says Caden. Aiden bends over clutching his stomach and puts a hand over his mouth and groans "I am going to be sick". "Hey! Don't you dare throw up on my good hardwood floor", you snarl. *goto q *if (gender="non-binary") "Oh no, yuk! Do you want to scar two little boys this early in the morning" says Caden. Aiden puts his hands over his eyes, drops to the floor and starts wailing, "My eyes, my eyes!!. It burns, it burns". You roll your eyes at their antics, "I shall try to remember how traumatizing my naked body is, the next time I bed someone". *goto q *label q Shaking his head to remove the idea of you naked, Caden says "Anyhow Mum sent us to get you down…". Aiden continues "For breakfast". Right then you hear your mother shout from downstairs, "Aiden, Caden and … *choice # Naoir *set name "Naoir" *goto 8 # Xenar *set name "Xenar" *goto 8 # Lex *set name "Lex" *goto 8 # Nia *set name "Nia" *goto 8 # It is... *label p *input_text name *goto y8n *goto 8 *label y8n Are you sure, your name is ${name}? *choice # Yes. *goto 8 # No *goto p *label 8 Aiden and Caden shout “Coming mum” and run down the stairs without lingering for you. You exhale, close your chamber door, and walk down the stairs to the dining room. The twins are seated at the dining table with your father, while your mother is in the kitchen. Your father is your whole world and best friend. He is retired Wing Commander Alias Dexer, and he lost his leg during the war. Your mother Lieutenant Ciandra Dexer was a nurse in the M&E Regiment. She is the strict one. They adopted you as a baby on the day the wall war 2 ended. They call this day, "The Anniversary". On this day people come together and celebrate the end of the war and have fairs, parties and celebrations which are held till midnight. About your birth parents.... *fake_choice # You don't really care because your family loves you and you love them too. *set bpr "1" # You did wonder about your birth parents when you were younger but now you can hardly remember that you are adopted. *set bpr "2" # You love your family but sometimes you do feel a bit sad and wonder about the identity of your birth parents. *set bpr "3" # It makes you angry to think about the people who abandoned you and you want nothing to do with them. *set bpr "4" # You feel confused when you think about your birth parents. You love your family and yet it nags you, that your real family is out there somewhere. *set bpr "5" You walk into the kitchen and see your mother chopping tomatoes. Strands of her once bright auburn curls fall into her doe like green eyes. Upon seeing you enter the kitchen, your mother says, “Ah, there you are ${boy}. Your breakfast is on the table, go on and eat it before it gets cold,”. You tuck the errant strands of her hair behind her ear, “I am 18 years old you know, I am not a little ${boy} any more.” With that you walk into the dining hall and sit yourself at the table next to your father, who is busy reading the day’s newspaper. Your mother had already placed a bowl of porridge for you. As you are about to eat the first spoonful, the twins seated across from you point to their bowls of porridge, clutch their throats and make gagging sounds. Your father looks over the newspaper at you with his dark sapphire eyes, points to his bowl and makes a throat slashing motion before going back to reading the newspaper. By now, you know better than to doubt the men of your house with your mother’s cooking and decide that you would rather play it safe than sorry. You stand up to grab an apple from the fruit basket and are about to walk out the door. Sadly, your mother catches you and blocks your exit, “${name}, you haven’t even touched your breakfast.” Before you can reply, your father rises from the table, “Oh, leave ${him} be, ${he} has to get to work and you are going to make ${him} late.” He then turns to you with his back to your mother and winks at you, “I don’t feel like eating either, so the boys can have the rest of mine and ${name}’s porridge too. Such delicious stuff should not go to waste.” The twins smile at your mother, who walks back into the kitchen. The minute the coast is clear, they glare at your father and growl simultaneously [b]"Traitor”[/b]. Your father smirks, “Don’t take it personally, boys. I just can’t stand your mum’s cooking.” You sigh and walk out the door to save yourself while you still can. *page_break The warm sunlight hits the spot as you take a bite of your apple and walk towards the town centre. You live on the outskirts of a border town called Swerth in Haldirye district. Haldirye was the first wall to be breached. Your mother often recalls it as a nightmare come to life. You have nightmares too. Fighting and slaying divryns makes very holistic nightmares. But last night was different. It felt like you were underground with stifling darkness everywhere. Strangely, you felt comfortable and safe in the dark. When you were younger, the nightmares were worse and more frequent. As you grew older; they became less frequent. You never had the same vision twice. Your nightmares were always changing and continued where you had left off the last time. You visited a lot of doctors, but they all said the same thing. [i]"Your imagination gets carried away, dear child..."[/i] [i]"You have been listening to far too many war stories."[/i] Waking up screaming and disoriented was part of the norm for you. Your father used to sit by your bed the whole night. Whenever you had a nightmare, he would scoop you into his lap and rub soothing circles on your back. Enveloped in his powerful arms you would feel safe like nothing in the world could harm you. Now you work through it yourself with the help of the deep breathing exercises the doctor taught you. But last night’s dream was very strange, you can’t remember.....It seems hazy like a blur. That has never happened before. You remember feeling scared but can’t remember what you were scared of. Busy contemplating your nightmare, you don't hear the person creeping behind you till they grab you around the waist in a bear hug. Startled you turn in their arms and come face to face with your best friend; *choice # Alistair Basri He has shoulder length, straight golden blonde hair tied back in a low ponytail and cream colour skin with a light tan due to all the time he spends outdoors. A couple of teenagers passing by giggle and give him a good once over and you don't blame them. With his athletic build and lean muscles, standing at 5 foot 9 inches, Alistair does make quite the sight. The ridiculously tight beige breeches with black deer skin running shoes and white shirt with the first 3 buttons undone and a dark blue jacket with gold detailing that compliments his mischievous sapphire eyes does not help the high blood pressure of the poor 66 year old Lady Adesla who looks like she might faint any minute now. *set alistair "Alistair" *set al_he "he" *set al_him "him" *set al_his "his" *set al_himself "himself" *set al_man "man" *set al_sir "sir" *set al_brother "brother" *set al_boy "boy" *set al_handsome "handsome" *goto 9 # Alice Basri She has medium length golden blonde hair styled neatly in a fishtail braid and cream colour skin with a light tan due to all the time she spends outdoors. A couple of teenagers passing by giggle and give her a good long once over and frankly you don't blame them. With her athletic build, toned thighs and soft feminine curves standing at 5 feet 5 inches, Alice does make quite a sight. The ridiculously tight beige breeches with black deer skin running calf length boots and a white lacy off shoulder blouse with a tight dark blue corset with gold detailing on top that compliments her mischievous sapphire eyes does not help the high blood pressure of the poor 66 year old Lady Adesla who looks like she might faint any minute now. *set alistair "Alice" *set al_he "she" *set al_him "her" *set al_his "her" *set al_himself "herself" *set al_man "woman" *set al_boy "girl" *set al_brother "sister" *set al_sir "ma'am" *set al_handsome "beautiful" *goto 9 *label 9 You and ${alistair} have been best friends since you both were in cribs and are the same age, went to the same school, were in the same class and sat together on the same bench. It doesn't come as a shock that ${alistair} managed to sneak up on you like that because ${al_he} is the fastest runner in all of Haldirye district. You do not have a single childhood memory that does not have ${alistair} in it. Then you realize that you are still in ${al_his} arms. *choice # "Are you going to let me go now, because you are crushing me", You say with a friendly smile. "Okay, but only because you asked nicely". snorts ${alistair}. *set Friend +1 *set Relationship %+20 *set genuine %+10 *goto 10 # "Ummm, can you let me go now?" you say, with a light blush creeping into your face at ${alistair}'s proximity to you. Smiling mischievously ${alistair} says "Hmmm, nope I like the way you blush in my arms" and pulls you closer and holds you tightly in ${al_his} arms. *set Flirt +1 *set Relationship %+20 *set Shy %+10 *goto 10 # "You know, the view from here is very nice", you purr and wrap your arms around ${alistair}'s waist. "Well I can guarantee that it is nothing compared to what I see in front of me" says ${alistair} with hooded eyes pulling you closer in ${al_his} arms and pressing ${al_his} body against yours. *set Flirt +1 *set Relationship %+20 *set Shy %-10 *goto 10 # "Good morning to you too ${alistair}", you say and step out of ${al_his} arms. "Wow, you always this cheerful in the morning or is it just me". Says ${alistair}. You shrug your shoulders, "Nope, just you". *set Friendly %-10 *goto 10 # "Geeze ${al_man}! Ever heard of personal space", You groan and pull yourself out of ${al_his} arms. Pouting ${alistair} groans, "Awwww, but I really wanted a hug from my best friend" in a annoying baby voice. Sighing, you pinch the bridge of your nose. *set Compassion %-10 *goto 10 *label 10 You are about to say something when ${al_he} exclaims, "Oh I almost forgot, I was coming to get you right now. I heard that Sir Nicholas is going to be hiring members for the Candy feast and has called in the both of us." You sigh and shake your head; everybody in town knows what a miser Sir Nicholas is and how much he hates children. What the entire town also knows is how much that old miser hates you because of what you did on his wedding day. It wasn't your fault; you were only 11 years old. You were part of the choir and were standing next to the 8 feet tall candle stand minding your own business. As fate would have it, you had one of your infamous fits and collapsed as the vows were being exchanged. ${alistair} was standing right behind you and caught you before you fell face first. You bumped into the tall candle stand and it fell right on the bridegroom's 15 meter long veil. The bloody thing caught fire and the stupid diva ran around panicking, trying to escape the fire. He managed to set half the church on fire. The priest's robes caught fire as well and he panicked as well. The guests panicked, and everyone ran for the exits. Your father had thrown you over his shoulder and tucked ${alistair} under his arm. He then carried the both of you to safety. The church repairs lasted an entire month, the priest recovered from his burns and everything was back to normal. Everything except for poor Sir Nicholas. The bridegroom broke their engagement and walked out of his life forever. You felt bad and went to apologize in person, but the man had refused to accept your apology. He then closed himself behind the doors of his large manor. You often feel guilty about it. Although everybody in the town including your parents said that it was not your fault. You often think that you are the reason the old man hates children. *page_break "You forget that he hates me with a passion" you snark, crossing your arms over your chest. “Well come now, he hates everybody." You raise a brow and frown at ${al_him}. "Truth be told, he might hate you the most.....But.....who cares what that old miser thinks anyway." Before you can come up with a retort, the early morning bells ring indicating that you are now late for work. Turning to ${alistair}, “We can talk about this later. I am already late for work." and with a wave goodbye set off towards the town square at top speed. You work as an assistant for… *choice # Farmer Hoxley who owns the Askion farms, the largest farming grounds in all of Haldirye district. Peroul Hoxley was an officer in the Vanguard and served during the war. You work in the fields and help with the livestock as well. All that hard work under the sun has made you as strong as an ox and helped strengthen your willpower as well. When you first signed up for the job, the other farmers were doubtful of how long you would last. They were very kind and helped you with your tasks in the initial beginning. After working here for two years, you have earned the respect and trust of the other farmers. You are in such a hurry that on your way in you nearly run over Hoxley, who was standing at the door talking to Mrs Cazi. You come to a stop at the last second and wobble a little on your feet. Hoxley puts an arm on your shoulder to steady you, "Hey ${boy}! Where's the fire?". Taking heaving breaths, "Sorry Hoxley, I got delayed on my way and got here as fast as I could". Hoxley chuckles and pats you on the back so hard you topple over, "It's alright ${boy}.....now go on and get to work". Straightening up and rubbing the sore spot left by Hoxley, you walk into the office. You work on the fields till noon and have your lunch break with the other farmers. Later on you take the livestock out to the lake for a drink and graze them for the next 3 hours before calling it a day. You had just finished sealing the barn door when you turn and see ${alistair} running up to you. *page_break *set job "Apprentice Farmer" *set Willpower %+30 *set Strength %+30 *set Charisma %+20 *set Friendly %+10 *set Easygoing %-10 *set Genuine %+10 *goto 11 # Mx Jinx Zalshrye, the local trade merchant who owns the Axely shopping centre and warehouse. Mx Jinx was an Aviation officer during the war. As their assistant, it is your job to greet the customers, maintain the accounts and books. You also order the goods that need restocking and take care of the deliveries as well. The job has helped you with your social and people skills as you deal with all kinds of customers day in and day out. Daily calculations and business have made you a lot smarter and done wonders for your memory. You have also become much faster on your feet and glide through the lanes of the warehouse. Running, you nearly collide into Magnus the delivery man standing at the doorway who shouts, "Whoa! Slow your horses there ${boy}!" You mumble an apology and walk into the warehouse converted Store. The minute you set foot in the warehouse, Mx Zalshrye grabs your arm and says, "There you are darling, I have been looking everywhere for you." Then they look you up and down, "Well my sweet, you look exhausted, are you alright?" You take a deep breath, "Yes, I am alright, just got delayed on my way here and had to run to make it here as fast as I could". Mx Jinx smiles, "It's alright love, take a breather and then get to work. I have to go to the Supplies office in Daior and will be back in about 3 hours. Thus I need you here to take care of everything". *page_break You nod, "I will get to it right away" and make your way towards your office. Your next 3 hours are spent at the billing counter, helping the customers and taking custom orders. After lunch break you spend all your time in Mx Jinx's office settling the accounts for the day. Finishing by taking inventory of the warehouse. You are just locking up the Warehouse, when you turn and see ${alistair} running up to you. *set job "Apprentice Merchant" *set Charisma %+30 *set Intelligence %+30 *set Speed %+20 *set Friendly %+10 *set Easygoing %+10 *goto 11 # Retired Colonel Elliot Danner, well assistant is a long shot you are more like a glorified secretary. The Colonel lost both his legs during the war and now wears removable vinyl and steel alloy artificial limbs. He walks with the help of a cane, which he often uses to chase away people who try to help him. Col. Elliot Danner is a very rough spoken man with a stoic and rather intimidating presence. Even though he has artificial limbs, he stands at 6.4 feet and has piercing emerald eyes. The Colonel lost both his children and wife to the war, and has lived alone in the mansion at the edge of town ever since. He hates sympathy, repeating orders and asking for help. He had fired 18 assistants before you showed up and for some reason, the Colonel decided that he liked you and hired you as his assistant. Your job is to maintain the Colonel's accounts and schedule. You are to make sure everyone working in the mansion gets paid, does their job, act as the Colonel's right hand, accompany him on his trips and take care of his health along with his comfort. You have learned a lot in these last two years. The Colonel's intimidating nature seems to have rubbed off on you. You have now become very competent at speed walking. That is because the Colonel hates "Stupid, mangy, slow walking, day dreaming buffoons". As well as a few explicit words that can curdle dairy that is fresh from the farm. You run as fast as your legs can carry you and nearly trip on the stairs to the manor door. The butler Ramzes who looks as pristine and calm as always opens the door for you. You rush past him and hear him say "The Colonel is waiting for you ${sir}". "Thank.....you...Ramzes", you wheeze as you run up the stairs to the Colonel's study where he sits behind his big imposing study table. He sits there looking over the documents that came in yesterday, all the way from the High Chief of Tasryn. *page_break You throw open the door, "${name}.....reporting....in....Sir". The Colonel looks at you with piercing eyes behind reading glasses and clicks his tongue, "Oh! For heaven's sake you idiot, take a seat before you pass out on the floor". Ever the gentleman he rises from his seat and offers you his chair which you collapse into with as much grace as you can muster. You mumble out a thank you between huffing breaths. The colonel rolls his eyes at you and mutters something like today's youngsters. He then moves to fill you a glass of water from the glass jug kept on his table and hands it to you. You take the glass from his hands and start gulping it down. The old man smacks you behind the head, "Slowly you idiot, take small gulps or you will feel sick later on". You follow his advice, " Sorry....I got delayed on my way here....got here as fast as I could....sir". The colonel grabs his cane from its stand, "Well you nearly killed yourself getting here, so you are forgiven.." "Now....I had just finished signing the documents that had come in yesterday when you burst through my door". He moves to the table, grabs the sheets and hands them over to you, "I want these mailed to 4 contacts all, and remember to send them a thank you note or whatever works these days. The Therapist said something about my legs needing more exercise, so we both need to work on that. And Ramzes said something about the attic roof leaking. So run along, do your job and report to me later". Making a mental checklist of all the things you need to do, you walk out the door. You spend the entire morning taking care of the documents and writing the thank-you notes and hand them over to Ramzes. He will deliver them to the post office on his way home. *page_break After lunch you and the Colonel work on his leg exercises. Later on, you spend the rest of your working hours buried in bills, repairs and set the Colonel's schedule for the coming week. Soon you finish up and after giving the colonel a full completion report ,wish him a good night and step out of the manor. You then turn around and see ${alistair} running up to you. *set job "Personal Assistant" *set Intimidation %+30 *set Intelligence %+20 *set Willpower %+30 *set Friendly %-20 *set Genuine %-20 *goto 11 # Doctor Gwendolyn Thresher, who runs the local clinic. The doctor is a very kind and patient woman who was part of the M&E Regiment during the war. Townsfolk prefer the doctor's clinic over the municipal hospital and always go to the doctor before going to the hospital. Your job is maintaining the Doctor's schedule and the patient reports, her mail, delivering medicines and prescriptions, file all the medical data and a few errands. You have definitely gotten a lot smarter over the past two years you have worked under her and have become very light on your feet due to the [b]"Silence in the clinic rule"[/b]. You rush up the path that leads to the back door of the clinic and nearly run into the doctor who is too busy talking to her wife Deniece to notice you. Before you could run her over like a mad bull, Deniece sees you coming and pulls Dr. Gwendolyn out of the way. You come to a full stop, " Sorry...for....being....late". Deniece bursts out laughing, "Awww sugar, no need to be sorry, it's alright. Besides, you made it on time. I was about to leave and let Gwen get back to work". *page_break Doctor Gwendolyn grins, "That's true. Next time you get late, I want you to take it easy. Not dash through the town like a mad bull." You smile and get to work right away. Starting with getting out the schedule for the appointments, then clearing the filing cabinets to make room for more files. You spend the time after lunch delivering the medicines and prescriptions . The rest of your day is spent shopping at the pharmacy in the town square and restocking the cabinet. Calling it a day, you wish the doctor goodnight and have just finished locking up the clinic when you turn around and see ${alistair} running to you. *set job "Personal Secretary" *set Intelligence %+30 *set Willpower %+20 *set Charisma %+30 *set Friendly %+20 *set Genuine %+20 *goto 11 # Qwin Drir, the leader of the town's hunting guild. The local hunting guild is in charge of providing the townsfolk with fur and meat. Statistics of wolves,bears, wild cats and the other livestock predators are kept under check by the hunting guild. The first lesson that Qwin had taught you when you started working for her was how to be light on your feet. The second lesson was that animals can sense fear like divryns. You were taught that no matter how big or heavy your kill is, you must carry it yourself. Once you managed to hunt down a rabid bear that had been terrorizing the farmers for a week and had to carry the bloody thing all the way to the hunter's cabin. You learnt how to skin the meat and the fur apart, what gets thrown and what is kept, polish and maintain the blades, arrow heads and other traps, how to work the mechanisms of the traps and how to build them. She had been an engineer in the M&E Regiment during the war. On your way up the stone path Qwin catches you before you could collide into her, "Hey! What have you got a rabid wolf pack after you? Keep running like that and you might beat Ozir one day." Ozir,the big Serifian Stallion standing behind Qwin snorts and you both laugh. You finally catch your breath, " Yeah sorry, I got delayed on the way and decided…" Qwin interrupts you," To run like a mad bull intent on crushing the poor helpless huntress." You chuckle, " Something like that". *page_break "Anyhow I caught you at a good time, I have to go to the Mayor's office and won't be coming back to the cabin. I need you to cake care of business today and lock up on your way out." You nod, "Will do, see you later" and walk up the path to the cabin and get to work. The next 3 hours are spent in the cabin, making trinkets out of claws and teeth to be sold at the town market. After lunch you go to the town blacksmith and place an order for 14 arrowheads and 3 razor star blades. Ending the day by brushing out and soaking the fur pelts. You have just finished locking up when you turn around and see ${alistair} running towards you. *set job "Apprentice hunter" *set Intimidation %+30 *set Stealth %+30 *set Strength %+20 *set Genuine %-20 *set Friendly %-20 *goto 11 *label 11 ${alistair} is the town's runner, ${al_he} delivers all the mail, parcels and deliveries from house to house. $!{al_he} slows down when ${al_he} reaches you and asks without pausing for breath, "Hey, you done for the day?". You smile and say, "Yes, just closed up." and start walking home. You and ${alistair} walk home together every day. You set off together and when you walk across the town's tavern, you see the whole place is lit up. You can hear the sounds of raucous laughter coming from inside. ${alistair} stops to look at the tavern and says, "Hey tell you what, lets go out for drinks tonight. We haven't had some fun together in ages, and I hardly see you anymore. So what do you say?". You look at ${alistair} and you can see the hope in ${al_his} eyes. Then you look at the Tavern with its colourful lighting and emanating laughter and… *choice # You roll your eyes with a friendly smile, "Oh alright, but first round is on you." "Yes! Onwards oh best friend of mine, together we will paint this town red". shouts ${alistair} with a whoop of joy. $!{al_he} puts ${al_his} arm around your shoulders and together you make your way into the tavern. *set Friend +1 *set Relationship %+30 *set Cautious %-20 *goto Pubscene # You blush and try your best to not let it show, "Mmm, okay if you want to...then yes." "Hmmm….we can get up to some very naughty things...afterwards that is, if you are up for it hmmm…" drawls ${alistair}. $!{al_he} slowly brushes his fingers up and down your arm, eyes alight with mischief and something more and entwines ${al_his} fingers with yours, tugging you along with ${al_him} into the tavern. *set Flirt +1 *set Relationship %+30 *set Shy %+20 *goto Pubscene # You slowly tap your fingers up ${al_his} arm, "Hmmm....What do I get if I come with you?". You close the distance between your bodies and look at ${alistair} with hooded eyes. ${alistair} raises an eyebrow, looks you up and down slowly. $!{al_he} trails ${al_his} fingers along your cheek to your jawline, whispering into your ear, "It's a surprise". $!{al_his} husky voice makes tingles erupt all over your skin. $!{al_he} then wraps ${al_his} arm around your waist, pulling you against ${al_him} and walk into the tavern with you by ${al_his} side. *set Flirt +1 *set Relationship %+30 *set Shy %-20 *goto Pubscene # You shrug your shoulders apologetically, "Sorry but maybe some other time" ''Oh well, if you say so", mumbles ${alistair} and you both walk on towards home. *set Cautious %+20 *set Compassion %+20 *goto Homescene # "Really? I mean, we meet every day, that counts as spending time, and I don't want to go to the tavern." you say. "Fine.." says ${alistair} crestfallen and you both walk on towards home in silence. *set Compassion %-20 *goto Homescene *label Pubscene The moment you push open the door and walk into the pub, you are hit by a euphoric wave of colours, lights and sounds. You see the familiar friendly faces and bump into Steve, your town blacksmith. He turns around and says in his booming voice, "Well look here folks, it's the commander's ${boy} and our town's runner." You and ${alistair} are now the center of attention and silence befalls the pub for the next few minutes. It is broken by Fergus, an old man with a thick grey beard who shouts out between drunken hiccups, "Ain't you the…hic… ${boy} who set the oll..hic..chhurch..on fire." Another person named Ravius says, "Oh, yeah I remember that day....it was bloody hilarious. You even set the old priest on fire." and both of them burst into fits of drunken laughter. "Steve here even made a song about it, go on man sing it for them." The entire tavern chants and shouts their encouragement. After a while Steve gives in, "Alright, you nitwits I'll sing." The barkeep hands him a lute as he finds himself a seat on one chair and adjusts the strings. Two more chairs are pulled out for you and ${alistair}. After you are seated, Steve plays the lute and sings the first few verses of the song. The comical lyrics and melody sung in Steve's loud, deep voice makes everyone in the tavern roar with laughter and the singing soon turns into dancing with the entire tavern in a jolly mood. You are so busy laughing at Fergus's and Ravius's antics that you forget your second round of drinks. ${alistair} on the other hand is having ${al_his} 4th round and is still standing though ${al_his} face has become a unique shade of pink. ${alistair} walks up to you, "We better head home now before we get into trouble". You stand up, finish your drink in one go and shake your head to clear it. Offering ${alistair} your arm who links it with ${al_his} own, you both walk out of the tavern and are walking down the stairs. Suddenly ${alistair} trips and would have fallen on ${al_his} face if it wasn't for you holding ${al_him} up. You both turn around and see… *goto gh *label homescene ${alistair} and you continue through your usual shortcut in the old ruins. The ruins used to be the town hall, but it fell during the Second war. Since money was scarce, people did not rebuild it and instead got a new hall built right across town. You and ${alistair} used to play hide and seek in these ruins for hours on end and always walked home from school through this route. ${alistair} stops and exclaims, "Hey ${name}! Come and see this". You make your way over to ${al_him} to look at whatever has piqued ${al_his} interest. ${alistair} stands in front of the pillar on which you both had carved your names when you were kids. Inspiration had struck and you both decided to leave behind your sign too. So you and ${alistair} had carved "${name} + ${alistair}" in a big circle and underneath it [b]Best friends forever[/b]. ${alistair} traces the carving with ${al_his} fingers, "Wow, feels like so long ago doesn't it?" "Yeah, we made a lot of wonderful memories here." you say with a nostalgic smile. "Sure....I remember how easy it was to beat you in King of the Hill" "Hey! That was because you cheated....you cheater!" "Oh please! You were so bad at it that I never needed to cheat", snarks ${alistair} and playfully sticks ${al_his} tongue out at you. You are about to fire back when you feel a sharp pain at the back of your head. A small stone falls down after colliding with your head. Wincing you put a hand on the sore spot before turning around to see… *goto gh *label gh *page_break Five tall figures walk out from the shadows The notorious Gezer gang, the bane of your and ${alistair}'s childhood. The five of them Lilly, Cory, Damien, Wex and Cruger Gezer their leader hate you with a passion. Cruger Gezer is the son of Lord Gezer, the richest and most influential man in all Haldirye district. He thinks that he is above the law and can do anything he wants. He especially hates you. Maybe even more than old Sir Nicholas. Cruger and his gang used to make fun of you because of your flash fits and nightmares. ${alistair} always had your back when you were younger and you both used to fight them off together. As you both grew older, Cruger took a very disturbing interest in ${alistair} and even asked ${al_him} out. ${alistair} refused and spurned him brutally in public. Since then Cruger and his gang have made your life a living nightmare. Wow! The irony of that statement. You only wish your nightmares would be as mundane as that but no.....you see death and darkness. ${alistair} snarls at Cruger, "What is your problem! You fucking prick! Why can't you just leave us alone! Cruger snaps his fingers and Damien and Wex crack their knuckles and make their way towards you both. Lilly and Cory stand next to Cruger with dumb smirks on their faces. "Can I break ${al_his} pretty face now?" Cruger rolls his eyes and with a glare in their direction says, "Did I say you could speak worms?" and both Lilly and Cory cower back. "Now, before the worms interrupted, I was about to say that you look ravishing today. So ravishing in fact that I could eat you right now." says Cruger with a leering grin. "Yeah dream on you pervert, the only thing you are going to eat tonight is your regular diet of pigs vomit." says ${alistair} with a snort. You can't control the giggle that escapes you, and all six pairs of eyes turn to you. Cruger turns to glare at you and snarls, "You think this is funny, you little prick!" *fake_choice # "Duh, it was hilarious. The look on your face.....", you burst into laughter. # "Awwww.... did ${alistair} hurt your feewings....", you gasp mockingly, "Bad ${alistair}, bad...bad ${alistair}!." # "No, but my boot in your face will be funny", you snarl. # You just stare at him with a bored expression. # Your cold glare is good enough to cool his hot head. # You clench your fists and take a threatening step towards him. # You look down and cower back in fear. # You try to stand tall, even though you are trembling like a leaf. # "Hey, lets calm down and sort out our differences peacefully." "You worm! How dare you even look at me! You don't deserve to eye me or talk to me! Break ${his} face now!" Lilly and Cory move towards the both you with evil smirks on their faces. Before you could make another move, ${alistair} grabs your wrist and squeezes gently. $!{al_he} then steps forward and shouts, "Why the hell do you obey him? He treats you like shit and you still drool at his feet like a pair of mutts. Even when those very feet kick you in the face!" Both Lilly and Cory stop in their tracks and look at each other, then look at ${alistair} and then at you. Lilly breaks the silence, "Shut up! You stupid runt! Our boss doesn't treat us like shit." "Are you sure about that doll? Didn't Cruger break the chalkboard and then tell the teacher that you broke it.....hmm…remember that day." drawls ${alistair} with a faux thoughtful expression. Lilly freezes on the spot and after a moment of hesitation mumbles, "Yes it was, I remember. My mother had to pay 200 gold coins as fine and she earns 350 gold coins a month". ${alistair} turns to Cory, "Did you know that at the summer dance, Cruger was the one who told everyone not to ask you out. And who spread the rumour about your head lice?" Cory gasps, glares at Cruger and shouts, [b]"Oh, how dare you! I never had any lice in my hair."[/b] ${alistair} then turns to you and nods. It's your turn. *page_break You turn towards Damien and Wex who have been standing on the sidelines watching. ${alistair} nods ${al_his} head again and you nod back. There are two ways you can go about this, you can either be the charismatic one like ${alistair}, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar after all. Or you can be the Intimidating one, it always works when done right. You will have to be careful though, because if neither works...the blows made by ${alistair} would weaken. *fake_choice # Let's drizzle some honey... *if ((Charisma < 40) and (Intimidation < 40)) "OK.. ummm….What I mean to say is…." you stutter. God bless ${alistair} who comes to your rescue and says, "See, even ${he} doesn't understand why you wallow under his shadow when you could be your own people." *if ( Charisma >= 40) Being the charismatic ${boy} that you are, "You guys don't have to listen to him, he doesn't pay you does he? No, but he uses you. He uses you because you have the strength he doesn't". # Time to boss up. *if ((Charisma < 40) and (Intimidation < 40)) "OK.. ummm….What I mean to say is…." you stutter. God bless ${alistair} who comes to your rescue and says, "See, even ${he} doesn't understand why you wallow under his shadow when you could be your own people." *if (Intimidation >= 40) [b][i]"Toughen up you spineless dolts and listen up!"[/i][/b] you say in your best drill sergeant voice. With your hands folded behind your back and your spine ramrod straight, you shout out [b][i]"Are you cowards? Yes. Were you born cowards? No. Then why the hell do you obey that prick."[/i][/b] Both of them look at each other and then at Cruger. Then Wex mumbles, "It's true, I am done playing the doormat." Damien adds "I agree, from now on Cruger you're on your own." Cory and Lilly nod their heads, "Yeah, you little bitch. From now on you can do your own laundry." Cruger's expression changes from shock to anger. He snarls, [b][i]"You ungrateful bastards! I made you what you are, and you turned your backs on me! Watch bitches, I am going to make you pay!".[/b][/i] ${alistair} snickers, "So will you take cash or check". Everybody present bursts into fits of giggles at the expression on Cruger's face. Then his face changes colour from pink to red. He looks like he might blow a gasket, and steam seems to blow out his ears. Snarling like a rabid dog, he turns to ${alistair}, "You belong with me,me,me! I could have given you anything you could have ever desired wrapped with a ribbon, laid at your feet! But no, you spurned me, me for that useless, worthless little shit!." He then shifts his attention to you and screams, [b][i]"You worthless piece of shit, you are the one who caused all this. This is all your fault".[/b][/i] Putting a hand inside his blazer pocket, he removes a switchblade. He presses the button, revealing the long iron-steel blade. Collective gasps of surprise and fear echo around you. [b][i]"I am going to kill you for this"[/b][/i] He charges towards you like a Category D that has sensed movement. *page_break Oh boy, shit just got real... You can see the moonlight glinting off the blade, it's a good quality blade. Probably sharp enough to slice through you. Your eyes trail from the blade to the hilt and then to the arms of its bearer, who is still rushing at you. You can see the blade get closer and closer till all of a sudden ${alistair}, grabs you by the arm and pulls you out of the way. The both of you nearly tumble down but manage to keep your balance. And stand up to ready yourself for round 2 of Switchblade & Cruger Vs ${name} & ${alistair}. This time when Cruger comes at you, you instinctively duck and ${alistair} pulls you out of the way. The one advantage of fighting alongside your childhood best friend is that you make an unbeatable team. You and ${alistair} fall into this strange dodge and pull routine while Cruger continues swinging like a mad man swatting at mosquitoes. The moron then tries to swing the switchblade at ${alistair}' head, who ducks like a rabbit. You slide forward and stick your foot between his legs causing him to trip and lose his balance. He falls to the ground with the switchblade slipping from his grip. He presses the switch and it folds in before dropping to the ground. Rising to his feet, he picks up the switchblade but this time with the blade end pointed towards himself. He begins walking towards you again. You and ${alistair} realize his mistake and are about to shout a warning but the idiot presses the switch. The blade unravels and pierces his abdomen. Everything slows down. Cruger freezes and looks down at the sheath in his hand along with the blade now embedded in his abdomen. He falls down to his knees wailing and screaming as blood gushes out from the wound. It spreads like Divryn's poison, staining his bright blue blazer a bruising purple. You and ${alistair} stand still too shocked to move. Wex and Damien rush forward with Lilly and Cory at their heels. You snap out of your daze and snap your fingers at ${alistair}'s face, "Hey, come on". ${alistair} shakes ${al_his} head vigorously to clear it and rushes with you towards Cruger. *page_break *if (Intelligence < 40) Lilly is the first one to speak. She has to shout to be heard over Cruger's chanting of "I am going to die" and "Oh how cruel the world is." "We should let the blade be, because pulling it out is going to cause more blood to flow from the wound and increase blood loss." She then proceeds by instructing Damien to hold up Cruger's head, gingerly pulls off his blazer which she hands to Cory, who works as an apprentice at the tailor's shop and instructs her to tear it from the seams to make strips out of it. Cruger the wailing moron screams, "No, not my blazer! It costs 3000 gold coins, you monster!". Cory rolls her eyes and tears the blazer by the seams and hands one end of the shreds to Wex, who helps her tear it into strips and then hands these strips to Lilly. She takes them and with the skill born from years of practice, wraps them around Cruger's wound, binding it tightly. *if (job = "personal assistant") You rush over and kneel beside a wailing and moaning Cruger and look at his wound. Once you are done analysing it, you know what to do thanks to your training under Dr. Thresher. "We shouldn't remove the blade because pulling it out is going to cause more blood to flow from the wound and increase blood loss." Proceeding by instructing Damien to hold up Cruger's head and gingerly pull off his blazer. You then hand the blazer to Cory who works as an apprentice at the tailor's shop and instruct her to tear it from the seams so you can make strips out of it. Cruger the wailing moron screams "No, not my blazer! It costs 3000 gold coins, you monster!". Cory rolls her eyes and tears the blazer by the seams and hands one end of the shreds to Wex, who helps her tear it into strips. She then hands these strips to you. You take them and with the skill born from years of practice, wrap them around Cruger's wound, binding it tightly. *if (Intelligence >= 40) You rush over and kneel beside a wailing and moaning Cruger and take a look at his wound. Once you are done analysing it , you know what to do thanks to your smarts. "We shouldn't remove the blade because pulling it out is going to cause more blood to flow from the wound and increase blood loss." Proceeding by instructing Damien to hold up Cruger's head and gingerly pull off his blazer. You then hand the blazer to Cory who works as an apprentice at the tailor's shop and instruct her to tear it from the seams so you can make strips out of it. Cruger the wailing moron screams "No, not my blazer! It costs 3000 gold coins, you monster!". Cory rolls her eyes and tears the blazer by the seams and hands one end of the shreds to Wex, who helps her tear it into strips. She then hands these strips to you. You take them and with the skill born from years of practice, wrap them around Cruger's wound, binding it tightly. You and ${alistair} then rush to Dr. Thresher's house and get her to the clinic. Wex and Damien along with Lilly and Cory carry a wailing and moaning Cruger to Dr. Thresher's clinic. After fetching the Doctor, you leave Cruger in her capable hands. You and ${alistair} wait outside the operation theatre, on the cold wooden benches. Wex, Lilly, Cory and Damien have gone to inform Cruger's parents about the accident and to tell your parents and ${alistair}'s grandmother that you both will be staying at the clinic till the time Cruger's parents arrive. You and ${alistair} huddle up on the cold wooden bench outside, waiting for Dr Thresher to finish up and give you some good news. The both of you sit there, staring at the O.T doors. ${alistair} turns to you, "Are you alright?" You reply; *choice # "I feel fine and You?", you ask with a grim smile. "I feel great, I mean you are alright and I am alright and so I am OK." says ${alistair} with a grin. "This would have been hilarious if that dodo hadn't stabbed himself" says ${alistair} with a grim smile. *set Friend +1 *set Genuine %+10 *set Relationship %+20 *goto ld # You give a shy smile, "You always make me feel good". "Do I now" purrs ${alistair} shifting closer to you. ${al_he} says "You know there are other I can make you feel good right?" and waggles ${al_his} eyebrows at you. *set Flirt +1 *set Shy %+10 *set Relationship %+20 *goto ld # You shift closer to ${al_him}, wink, "You know, you look really hot, when you are worried for me". "Do I really?" says ${alistair} with a faux gasp of surprise. *set Flirt+1 *set Shy %-10 *set Relationship %+20 *goto ld # "Oh! Just peachy! I love seeing people go crazy and try to stab me and then stab themselves", you snark. "Glad to see, you are still the sarcastic punk I know." *set Genuine %-10 *set Easygoing %-10 *set Merciful %+10 *set Polite %-10 *goto ld # "Yeah, can we not talk right now" "OK" says ${alistair} with a roll of ${al_his} eyes. *set Compassion %-10 *set Friendly %-10 *set Merciful %-10 *set Polite %-10 *goto ld *label ld Somehow after this conversation you and ${alistair} doze off. *if ((alistair = "Alistair") and (Relationship >= 40)) He lays down on the bench with his head in your lap, while you entwine your fingers in his soft blonde hair. *if ((alistair = "Alice") and (Relationship >= 40)) She pulls up against you and rests her head on your shoulder near your neck. You put an arm around her and pull her closer. You didn't even realize that you had dozed off when you feel someone shake your shoulder. Cracking open your eyes, you sit up and blink at the two blurry shapes in front of you. Still groggy, you rub your eyes to clear them and what you see leaves them wide open. There are two officers of the Military Police standing in front of you. You then shake ${alistair} awake. $!{al_he} pushes ${al_himself} upright and attempts to rub the sleep out of ${al_his} eyes. As soon as ${al_he} opens ${al_his} mouths to talk and ${al_he} notices the M.P officers. The first officer has chin length blond hair and the rank bars designating them as a Captain. Their nameplate says Percy, He points to you and then ${alistair} and asks, "Are you ${name} Dexer and ${alistair} Basri?" You look at ${alistair} who shrugs, "Yes sir, that's us" The other officer has dark raven hair, and their nameplate says Sasha. They come forward, [b][i]"${name} Dexer and ${alistair} Basri, you are both under arrest"[/b][/i] ${alistair} jumps onto ${al_his} feet, "What? Why? What are we being charged with?" Captain Percy says [b][i]"You are being charged for the attempt on Cruger Gezer's life"[/b][/i] *page_break Next Chapter *goto_scene chapter2