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Wightwhisper is a choose-your-own adventure fantasy style story taking place in the magical world of Esereale. This story is written and worked upon by Monika Yosifova for the 2021'Capstone Course, in order to explore the power of words in games. She hopes you enjoy your stay!
All music belongs to the amazing Adrian von Ziegler.
Please keep in mind that all of your choices in this playthrough are recorded in Google Analytics for research!
[[Begin the story]]
<<audio Intro play>>
“Mother!”
[[Next]]“Mother NO!”
You could vaguely remember that night. The smell of soot and fire, the way your feet dragged across the gravel, the pain coursing through your body as you tried to get through the crowd...
[[Page 1]]The guards pulled you away from the screeching creature as a lake of blood and bone accumulated underneath the horde of assembled men and women in blue.
It hurt. It hurt so much...
[[Page 2]]They all held silver pikes.
Silver hurt.
The screeching continued.
It wasn't yours.
[[Page 3]]“No! That’s my MOTHER! PLEASE!”
Your throat was hoarse and your screams died in the air. Even if they heard you, they didn't care. A horrible night, surrounded by horrible people who were pulling sharp objects towards somebody you cared about. She'd done nothing wrong!
[[Page 4]]A pair of strong hands grasped onto your shoulders. Without mercy, the guards carried you away and your eyes found themselves looking at the sky again.
That loud violet sky that carried screams… were they yours? Had they turned into someone else's? The horrible noises seemed to blend into a horrible cacophony that seemed to painfully electrify your blood.
Until it stopped.
[[Page 5]]<<audio Intro stop>>
''Pick your character:''
''Nevra Wightwhisper ''
The eighteen year-old daughter of the Wightwhisper noble family, burdened with the difficult job of raising the household name up from the ground once they return from exile. Quiet and aloof, but with a natural talent for magic of all kinds, Nevra has to navigate the difficult eccentricities of court and balance her happiness with that of the rest of her family.
[[Pick Nevra]]
''Leanther Wightwhisper''
Twenty-four and completely uninterested in anything that has to do with royal politics, Leanther’s two true engrossments in life are vengeance for his family’s exile, and the happiness of the love of his life, his adoptive sister- Nevra. Through dark comedy, lies and athleticism, Leanther has a tendency to jump headfirst into dangerous situations in his bout for revenge and claim for love.
[[Pick Leanther]]
<<audio Nevra play>>
A gentle touch, almost a tickle on your neck.
Your eyebrows knit together in confusion as you slowly came to from a horrible nightmare. One of that dreadful night fifteen years ago.
[[Page 6]]<<audio Darkness play>>
Home.
Dark wooden hallways lit up by enchanted candles.
A boring never-ending false visage of happiness.
[[Continue to Page 1]]
The feeling on your neck repeated over and over and it woke you up gradually as the nightmare faded quickly from your memory.
You stirred and stretched, displeased.
[[Page 7]]Your unnaturally bright violet eyes met the light of day briefly before you glanced back at the man silently asleep next to you.
//Of course...what better way to start your morning?// You thought sarcastically.
[[Page 8]]He was the cause of your awakening, and your now growing exasperation.
He would get you both in trouble just because he enjoyed taunting you and your mother.
[[Watch him...]]
[[Push him out of your bed.]]Your gaze softened for a split second as you got a good look at your adoptive older brother.
While you both shared the exact same shade of platinum hair and pale skin, despite not being related by blood, his features were more likely to make a woman any age jealous. If not for the complexion, then the envy would be directed towards his long white eyelashes.
[[Page 10]] While you both shared the exact same shade of platinum hair and pale skin, despite not being related by blood, his features were more likely to make a woman any age jealous. If not for the complexion, then the envy would be directed towards his long white eyelashes.
You were about to wake him the way you usually did, by pushing him off of your bed, but the dark circles underneath his eyes stop you. Had he been up practicing magic again in the evening?
//Damn it, Leanther. //
[[Page 9]]Your gaze softened for a split second as you got a good look at your adopted older brother.
You both shared the exact same shade of platinum hair and pale skin, despite not being related by blood.
[[Page 10]]Not in the human sense anyways.
[[Page 11]]Even in his sleep, one could tell that his dark eyelashes were thicker than yours despite your gender.
You had told him it made you jealous, several times, but it didn't really do much other than boost his ego.
[[Page 12]]His skin was clean and his lips were just a bit thinner than yours, despite the fact that you were sure he used them more than you.
[[Page 13]]"Staring is unbecoming of a lady, sister," the owner of these features murmured.
The words came out lower and crisper than what you were used to hearing as his everyday voice.
[[Page 14]]You know that this was the throaty bullshit that all of the other women in Kaverna fell for, and it almost made you want to throw him out of your room right there and then.
[[Page 15]]But it was his silver eyes that caught you off-guard.
//Ah, those silver eyes.//
The one thing that set you two Wightwhisper siblings apart other than your lack of a human blood connection- the colour of your eyes.
[[Page 16]]Yours were like the violet gemstones of the nobles' jewelry.
[[Page 17]] His were like the dangerous quicksilver that so many used to measure a fever.
Bloodshot as they were.
[[Say Nothing.]]
[[Retort.]]It was just about time for breakfast and your mother would be waiting for you both downstairs.
"I'll think of something to tell Mom," you whisper as you pull the purple covers of your bed over him.
By the rise and fall of his chest you could already tell that he was fast asleep.
[[Page 19]]Leanther hid his silver eyes away again and sighed tiredly, relaxing into your bed.
[[Page 18]]"Rest some more, before mother sees the condition you're in," You huffed gently as you sat up.
You half-expected him to argue with you or tease you, the way he usually did when he was bored, however the dark circles didn't lie.
[[Page 18]]<<audio Nevra stop>>
<<audio GettingAlong play>>
Now came the most difficult part of the day for you:
''Dressing-up. ''
The Outfits your eyes moved to were four.
A) A sleeveless white dress that goes down just to the ankles. Its sides are imbued with an impossible quantity of different-sized bows.
B) A short-sleeved puffy pink dress that goes down to your knees, paired with white hosiery.
C) A black bowtie-button up shirt paired with high-waist black pants.
D) A silk white button-up with puffy sleeves, matched with an ankle-length pink skirt.
[[A)]]
[[B)]]
[[C)]]
[[D)]]
In the end you throw on the simplest pair of heels you could find that would math with what you’re wearing.
You proceed out into the wooden hallways and then gently down the steps whereupon you walk into the scrutinizing gaze of your adoptive mother in the tea room.
Lady Ashna Wightwhisper.
Her bony hand holds a cup of tea so hot that the steam would’ve clouded her glasses had they not been enchanted to prevent these exact mild inconveniences.
She looks you over, as if appraising an expensive statuette, before nodding at your attire.
[[Page 20]]In the end you throw on the simplest pair of heels you could find that would math with what you’re wearing.
You proceed out into the wooden hallways and then gently down the steps whereupon you walk into the scrutinizing gaze of your adoptive mother in the tea room.
Lady Ashna Wightwhisper.
Her bony hand holds a cup of tea so hot that the steam would’ve clouded her glasses had they not been enchanted to prevent these exact mild inconveniences.
"While this dress can be worn at home, I shall not hear of it at court," she scrutinizes you, seeming rather annoyed at your childish choice of clothing.
[[Page 20]]In the end you throw on the simplest pair of heels you could find that would math with what you’re wearing.
You proceed out into the wooden hallways and then gently down the steps whereupon you walk into the scrutinizing gaze of your adoptive mother in the tea room.
Lady Ashna Wightwhisper.
Her bony hand holds a cup of tea so hot that the steam would’ve clouded her glasses had they not been enchanted to prevent these exact mild inconveniences.
[[The Response...]]In the end you throw on the simplest pair of heels you could find that would math with what you’re wearing.
You proceed out into the wooden hallways and then gently down the steps whereupon you walk into the scrutinizing gaze of your adoptive mother in the tea room.
Lady Ashna Wightwhisper.
Her bony hand holds a cup of tea so hot that the steam would’ve clouded her glasses had they not been enchanted to prevent these exact mild inconveniences.
She looks you over, as if appraising an expensive statuette, before nodding at your attire.
[[Page 20]]Upon seeing your outfit, Lady Ashna purses her lips into a frown.
"Change," she demands, "No lady of the court wears pants."
[[You go back to change...]]You go back to change...putting something more presentable on. What were you thinking? Perhaps Leanther's visitation had thrown you off your game...
[[Page 20]]You curtsy, earning yourself a small smile before sitting on the couch across from the woman, and regard her quietly.
Today was the day. Yesterday was your bloodline’s last day of exile.
[[Page 21]]Fifteen years since the last time you saw your home…and tomorrow you’d be waking up in the bed you were meant to grow up in all along.
[[Page 22]]“You must remember, Nevra, the noble families that rule Sigil will not take kindly to someone trying to disturb the order that they spent so long setting," The elderly woman warned before taking a sip of her tea. Honeyberry and rosehip.
As the maids quickly served the breakfast pastries on the table between your mother and you, Ashna continued.
[[Page 23]] "The Avgust family have a firm hold on the country's military. Most of their petitions in the senate are related to Sigil's two armies and weaponry. "
You pick up a scone in your hand.
It was aptly cut into two perfect pieces and you could see the lavender color of ludoberry jam spread from the inside.
“The Mirael family are responsible for the country's trade and agriculture. From what intel we've been able to gather, their second son recently got married to a foreign duchess,"
Your eyebrows as rose with surprise.
[[Page 24]]"They were the family that withheld their vote against our exile."
Ashna’s tone had briefly turned soft.
Your mouth was, at the present, quickly biting off a piece of the delicious scone. The maid had done her job.
"The Ganems were the one family in the senate that voted against our exile. They grew into prosperity due to their late Count's understanding of the Arts and poetry…"
"Do you remember the color that represents their noble house?"
[[A)Gold]]
[[B)Purple]]
[[C)Silver]]
[[D)Green]]
"Gold?"
You were uncertain, and it showed. Your mother shook her head.
"Purple, Nevra. Like your eyes."
[[Page 25]]"Purple, Mother."
You'd notice a proud smile adorn her thin lips for the briefest moment.
When you give her a grin, however, she scolds you instantly.
"A lady should never celebrate so openly, Nevra!"
You hid your smile behind your hankerchief.
[[Page 25]]"Silver?"
You were uncertain, and it showed. Your mother shook her head.
"Purple, Nevra. Like your eyes."
[[Page 25]]"Green?"
You were uncertain, and it showed. Your mother shook her head.
"Purple, Nevra. Like your eyes."
[[Page 25]]"The Miraels wear gold to represent the wheat harvest and agriculture that they're in charge of and the Avgusts' sapphire blue is representative of their hereditary blue eyes. "
"Lastly we have the..."
You would see your mother’s grip on her cup of tea as she tried speaking. Her calm amber eyes seemed to suddenly be bathed in darkness, as if the devil himself had gripped her.
[[Help her out.]]
[[Let her speak.]]"The de Angels. They're in charge of the Kingdom's Magic and their representative color is rose pink," you filled in, as you watched your mother attempt to keep her composure.
[[Page 26]]"The de Angels."
The name was uttered like a hiss. That family is in charge of the Kingdom's Magic and their representative color is rose pink
[[Page 26]]"You shouldn't worry about them, mother. Leanther and I know exactly how to handle them."
It wasn’t the correct answer that seemed to calm the elderly woman down, but rather the last sentence’s confidence.
Lady Ashna hated the de Angels, the family that had taken the prestige of the Wightwhispers away.
[[Page 27]]“The Bright Ones.” That’s what society called them.
“The Deceivers.”
That’s what your family called them. “Betrayers, liars, rats of magic…”
Or as Leanther referred to them in private, “Cesspool shit.”
[[Page 28]]“Speaking of your brother, were is he?”
//Oh, right... the lie.//
[[He went out early to buy travel supplies.]]
[[He’s practicing magic upstairs.]]
[[I haven’t seen him this morning.]]
Lady Ashna raised an eyebrow at you and put down her teacup. Her lips moved into a thin line.
“I see.”
She could read through your lies.
[[Page 29]]“I’ll have Heather look for him. In the meantime, you should get ready for the carriage ride to the Capital. We’re leaving in an hour.”
“Yes mother.”
[[-END Prologue Nevra-]]
<<audio Thanks play>>
<<audio GettingAlong stop>>
Thank you for playing through the prologue! The process of travelling to Sigil was calm. You, your brother and your mother were allowed to your vices. At some points you discussed the politics of the country with your mother and Leanther would chip in with a snarky comment or two that made you roll your eyes. If he caught your attention when Lady Ashna was staring out of the window or focused on reading, your adoptive brother would send a wink your way.
[[A)Politely ignore his behaviour and focus on your conversation with your adoptive mother.]]
[[B)Shake your head and hide your smile behind the novel in your hands as Ashna is speaking. ]]
You lift a hand up and snap your fingers, letting the darkness inside of you manifest and swallow up the magic from the one candle in particular that glowed a bit too brightly for your taste.
You could see perfectly fine in the dark.
Manifesting your powers didn’t make you feel particularly better though.
[[Continue to Page 2]]You were exhausted after a long day of plotting your return back to Sigil society.
You would be home tomorrow. And vengeance on the de Angel family would finally be upon your grasp after so many years.
As you walk up to your room, your eyes land on a stack of papers, neatly placed in front of the door.
[[Take a brief look]]
[[Go into your room]]
A never-ending pile of paper women that you had to look through. Your Mother, Lady Ashna Wightwhisper wanted to marry you off to a powerful noble lady the moment you set foot on Sigil soil.
But you had no interest in being married.
[[Continue to Page 3]]As you open the door into your room you find yourself looking down at the squeaky clean floor and frown.
The circle of blood was gone again, but you’d been unable to summon a demon of any kind.
“How disappointing.”
[[Continue to Page 3]]You click your tongue and close the door back up before heading down to your sister’s room.
There was still light coming into the hallway from her side of the house.
“Tumna sqnka na lunata.”
You murmur the incantation under your breath and your body promptly sinks into the ground. Now you were a mere shadow. You slink in from underneath the door and materialize with ease by your sister’s desk.
[[Continue to Page 4]]Much to your disappointment, Nevra had fallen asleep.
Her soft snowy curls hid most of her beautiful face from visibility, and her breathing was slow and controlled.
A part of you wanted her attention.
But she was sleeping so soundly…darkness had taken her home for a bit. She deserved the rest.
Your silver gaze turned to look at the clock on her wall before a sigh left your lips.
[[Continue to Page 5]]It was two hours away from sunrise. Sleeping in such a position could be bad for her back…
Your lips turn into a small frown...
[[Move her into her bed]]
[[Cover her with a blanket]]
You hoisted her carefully into your arms and carried her fully dressed body into her luxurious bed…before regarding her quietly.
She carried such a large burden on such small shoulders. Perhaps once you’d exacted your revenge, she could finally relax.
Until then…you’d just be her bigger brother. For the sake of customs.
You slipped into her bed besides her and relaxed, a smirk on your face.
[[Continue to Page 6]]
You pulled the expensive silk covers off of her bed and placed it over her body. She didn’t make a sound.
You regarded her quietly. She looked like a saint sent down to preach conversion into the Hells. If you could sell your soul to her again you would.
“Mmmmm…”
Nevra shifted to face away from you. She carried such a large burden on such small shoulders ...Perhaps once you’d exacted your revenge, she could finally relax.
Until then…you’d just be her bigger brother and give her shit.
You slipped into her bed and relaxed, a smirk on your face. For the sake of customs and amusement.
[[Continue to Page 6]] Her annoying older brother.
[[Continue to Page 7]]When morning came, you’d feel the shift of the bed next to you and open your silver eyes to look at your adopted sister.
That’s all you were, bound not by blood but by something more.
Something inhumane.
[[Continue to Page 8]]
"Staring is unbecoming of a lady, sister," you murmured, teasing her, watching her amusing reactions.
She rolled her eyes at you, and her annoyance made you chuckle into the pillow. There was no-one quite like her.
Nobody could compete in beauty, in skill of magic, in intelligence…she was everything a man could ever want. And yet your mother would make her marry for power to one of the asshats from the noble families back home.
[[Continue to Page 9]]When were they going back to Sigil again?
It was hard to think that 15 years had passed so fast. That their exile was over. The dreaded Wightwhispers. The most feared enemy of the kingdom…once their strongest sorcerers…
Nevra scolded you briefly, before pulling the bedsheets over your head. You could sense she gauged the low amount of sleep you’d had.
[[Tease her more]]
[[Try to get some rest]]"You'll get wrinkles if you frown and mother will never manage to marry you off then."
You teased her, and she gave you a little glare.
//Ah, always so uptight...//
[[Continue to Page 10]]
You loved getting on your sister's nerves. But perhaps this once, considering the day you both had ahead of you, you would make her life easier.
This bed was softer than yours anyways, at least in your opinion.
[[Continue to Page 10]]You closed your eyes as you saw her moving over in front of her large closet. Your mother, Lady Ashna Wightwhisper, had requested that no maids help your sister dress over the last week. It was a test in acceptable courtly style.
Your breathing slowed as your eyelids grew heavy.
[[Continue to Page 11]]You’d all be travelling back to your homeland today. You were just annoyed at how your mother was handling this. Nevra didn’t have to lick the boots of all the upper noble families to get them back into a position of power…
All they had to do was discredit the other houses instead. Start rumours, slip notes, create scandals. You were good at this. Lying, stealing, bribery and seduction were your favoured weapons, and if all else failed, a pair of daggers and some magic.
[[Continue to Page 12]]<<audio Darkness stop>>
<<audio GettingAlong play>>
A set of footsteps caused you to stir from your half-asleep state.
“Master Leanther,” Ah, the maid, “Your mother is looking for you. We are to leave soon. She asks you make yourself presentable and come to breakfast.”
[[Ignore her and try to sleep more]]
[[Groan in annoyance but respond]]
You pretend to be asleep at the sound, hoping that if you pretended it wasn't there, it would go away.
"Master, I made scones, and Lady Nevra has already finished half of them."
This made you yawn and rub your eyes, turning to face the maid who had been serving you for over a decade.
The maid would nod and vanish behind the door as you made your way out of bed.
[[Continue to Page 13]]“Tell her I fell asleep drawing blood circles in my room.”
You responded with a groan, running a hand through your white hair.
The maid would nod and vanish behind the door as you made your way out of bed.
[[Continue to Page 13]]
You quietly made your way out of Nevra's room, sneaked past the hallway that lead to the stairs...and could hear Lady Ashna quizzing Nevra on the Noble Families of Sigil.
You begrudgingly ran them through your head.
[[Continue to Page 14]]The Avgust family that have a firm hold on the country's military. They wear sapphire blue to represent their unique hereditary blue eyes.
The Mirael family that is responsible for the country's trade and agriculture. The family that withheld their vote against your exile. They wear gold, to represent the wheat harvest and agriculture they rule over.
The Ganems that grew into prosperity due to their late Count's understanding of the Arts and poetry… They are the one family in the senate that voted against you exile. Their color is purple, like Nevra’s eyes.
[[Continue to Page 15]]Lastly …
The de Angels. They're in charge of the Kingdom's Magic and their representative color is rose pink.
The //cunts// who got your family in exile ‘cause they couldn’t keep their mouths shut.
[[Continue to Page 16]]You walk past the blood circle in your room, quickly throwing on a posh grey set of travel-ware and headed down the steps, giving your mother a little bow. Nevra sat across from her, and you took your spot besides her.
“You’re late,” he could sense the displeasure in Lady Ashna’s voice.
[[Continue to Page 17]]“My apologies, mother. I was drawing blood circles and attempting to communicate with the Abyss late into the evening. I fell asleep shortly before dawn.”
The plummy manner of speech. The confident tone. The obnoxious smile. This was your best weapon, your façade.
The eldest Wightwhisper raised an eyebrow at your excuse. You were a good liar. You could sense that while she knew the truth, she wouldn’t comment on it because he hadn’t shown any signs of lying.
[[Continue to Page 18]]“You both must be on your best behaviours once we get back to Sigil. Our kind of magic, the kind that links us with the Abyss and lets us channel the power of blood and the dead is still regarded with a lot of scepticism. While they can’t punish us for its practice anymore, we must still use it scarcely in public.”
[[Respond with flamboyant confidence.]]
[[Let Nevra do the talking and stuff your face with breakfast.]]
" “Of course, mother. Nerva and I are trained in this. We know how to handle ourselves publically.”
You would chuckle with a smile as you took a sip of your tea. Your grey eyes moved over to your sister briefly.
She seemed to be listening intently to Lady Ashna.
[[Continue to Page 19]]You glanced at your adopted sister before reaching for a scone.
"We will not dissappoint you, Mother. Our training has not been for naught"
You took a bite out of the treat.
The maid really was great at bakes.
[[Continue to Page 19]]The idle chatter in preparation for travel would continue for another 10 minutes. Both your mother and Nevra seemed to be ready to leave, but out of courtesy and manners, they were letting you finish your meal.
Once you were done, you were guided to the coach with the rest of your family.
[[END Prologue Leanther]]<<audio Thanks play>>
<<audio GettingAlong stop>>
Thank you for playing through the prologue!
The process of travelling to Sigil was boring. Your sister, your mother and you were allowed to your vices. At some point Nevra discussed the politics of the country with your mother and you shook your head at the bullshit propaganda from the book she was reading. It should be burned.
“If the angels exterminated all sinful behaviour from Sigil then they clearly missed a few spots and need to come back down for a visit.”
[[Continue to Page 30]] Leather could be tricky to deal with- he always got into trouble with Lady Ashna but in truth he was a softie inside. He’d been a part of your life for twelve years and in between classes on courtly behaviour, dancing, table manners, languages and magic, he had been the only person to nudge you towards having fun. Time with him passed faster somehow, and while his teasing and jokes were bordering on inappropriate and annoying, he was family.
[[Page 30]] Leather could be tricky to deal with- he always got into trouble with Lady Ashna but in truth he was a softie inside. He’d been a part of your life for twelve years and in between classes on courtly behaviour, dancing, table manners, languages and magic, he had been the only person to nudge you towards having fun. Time with him passed faster somehow, and while his teasing and jokes were bordering on inappropriate and annoying, he was family.
[[ Page 30 ]] When you were together your darkness was strongest, your senses were heightened and your power seemed to grow faster. You weren’t related by blood, but by magic. It had been a test, an experiment of self-enhancement that a few families in Sigil had undertaken- trading with the most frightening Masters of Hell’s never ending nights. Your mother, like Leanther’s father, had been among those willing to sacrifice their bloodline, humane pigmentations and information to a devil in exchange for power.
[[Page 31]]Leanther and Ashna were exiled alongside you, with the eldest woman only surviving because she was incapable of actually utilizing magic at all. She raised you instead to be the perfect lady in society’s eyes. Now that “black magic” was more accepted and society was progressing towards modernity, your exile had been dropped.
[[Page 32]]You arrived at Sigil long after the sun had set. The house which your carriage stopped at was of two stories and of respectable size for a noble family. A maid was waiting in front of it and helped your family get settled quickly. Lady Ashna had sent her ahead of time to prepare your lodgings. The dinner that followed was prompt and you were encouraged to go to bed quickly.
[[A)Get some rest after a long day of travelling.]]
[[B)Stay up and read a bit.]]
The interior of your new room adorned a mix of burgundy walls, curtains and carpets, three large wooden wardrobes, several bookcases, a desk, a mirror and a large king-size bed. It was eerily similar to the room you’d left behind today in the old house. After slipping into your nightgown, you sank in between the soft black bedsheets and find yourself asleep within seconds. Travelling had exhausted you more than it seemed. Tomorrow would be an important day.
[[Page 33]]You pluck a random book from the small library in the corner of your room and settle down to read in your nightgown. Not long after you begun The Adventures of Miciana you felt another presence in the room with you.
[[A)Pay them no attention.]]
[[B)Humor them.]]
Several soft knocks reached your ears as the maid walked into the room to help you get ready for the day. She spoke of berry porridge for breakfast and an outing to the market district of Sigil for dress shopping, orders from Lady Ashna. The evening would be calm.
Over breakfast you were informed by your mother that tomorrow both you and Leanther would have to attend the Royal Wine Tasting event. There was no mention of who had extended the invitation to their household, but it was clear that those of influence knew the Wightwhisper lineage had made its way back into Sigil.
[[Page 34]]“You will go with Leanther and dance with as many noblemen as you can. You will laugh at anything remotely funny and mingle with grace.” You nodded gracefully as you sipped your tea.
After breakfast you spent some time at a dress-store and acquired a few garments of varying colours before heading back through the streets towards your home.
[[A)Look around through the market.]]
[[B)Head home and get your thoughts together for the ball tomorrow.]]
Your purple eyes sweep over the market and a small smile tugs at your lips. Children are pulling their mothers to small stalls of wooden toys, saleswomen pushing jewellery onto the nearest man and magicians offering to read one’s fortune or perform a trick. You couldn’t remember much from the town of Sigil from when you were young, but it seemed like a nice enough place to live.
[[Page 35]]For one reason or another, what lies before you makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps it is a waste of time? You could just spend your time trying on dresses at home or reading instead. You could practice political conversation with Lady Ashna, or revise ballroom dancing steps with your brother, if he was home.
Any of those options seemed much better than wasting time at this market.
[[-Page 36-]]As the thought passed through your head, you notice a small boy sitting on the edge of the market, a wooden cup in front of him. He was covered in dust and soot from head to toe and his clothes were frayed in too many places for the untrained eye to count.
Perhaps Sigil wasn’t as nice as it was at first glance?
[[A)Approach the child on the street.]]
[[B)Take a look at the stalls. ]]
[[C)Head home.]]
Your feet moved quietly towards the edge of the market and you found yourself in front of the young boy. The maid that was chaperoning you attempted to dissuade you from approaching, but you didn’t listen to her.
The child’s brown eyes moved from staring at the ground, to looking up at you. There was uncertainty in them.
[[A)Put a few coins in his cup.]]
[[B)Walk away.]]Take a look at the stalls. ]As you glanced through a few market stalls, you quickly began having merchants screaming at you to take a look at their produce or quality of items.
“It is a Tuesday, my lady, the items of best quality are out only on Friday.” The maid informed helpfully, seeming to notice the rapidly increasing chance of this ‘shopping’ becoming a problematic experience as too many gazes were turning to you too fast.
Your feet quickly move you out of the market.
[[-Page 36-]]For one reason or another, what lies before you makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps it is a waste of time? You could just spend your time trying on dresses at home or reading instead. You could practice political conversation with Lady Ashna, or revise ballroom dancing steps with your brother, if he was home.
Any of those options seemed much better than wasting time at this market.
[[-Page 36-]] You pull out about three silver pieces from a pouch and place them into the small wooden cup of the boy. The amount was more than enough to provide food for two weeks. The brown eyes widened visibly and the young child wobbled onto its feet, pulling out a deck of cards from his one functioning pocket. The other one seemed to have a hole in it.
[[Page 36]]
For one reason or another, what lies before you makes you uncomfortable. This child's weakness was due to it's parents not working hard enough.
This was a waste of time? You could instead just spend your day trying on dresses at home or reading instead. You could practice political conversation with Lady Ashna, or revise ballroom dancing steps with your brother, if he was home.
Any of those options seemed much better than wasting time at this market.
[[-Page 36-]]“M-miss please let me thank you with a magic trick!”
There was nervousness in that young voice, and as he moved she noted that he could be no-older than eight. He was skin and bones… With the way he held the cards, you could tell he was still unfamiliar with how to use them, but he seemed willing enough to give you thanks.
[[A)Allow him to show you a magic trick.]]
[[B)Decline politely and head home.]]
You give the boy a soft nod and his nervousness turns into an endearing form of concentration as the child asks you to pick a card. Any card. Your hand reaches out for one at random and the boy nods. You watch him fumble with the cards, a few of them slipping out of his hands as he picks them up quickly.
He made visible mistakes, but in the end produced the card that was yours. His eyes were, however, glassy.
[[A)Thank him and tell him he did well.]]
[[B)Clap softly.]]
For one reason or another, what lies before you makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps it is a waste of time? You could just spend your time trying on dresses at home or reading instead. You could practice political conversation with Lady Ashna, or revise ballroom dancing steps with your brother, if he was home.
Any of those options seemed much better than wasting time at this market.
[[-Page 36-]]The boy seemed to perk up at your response and a little smile rose to his lips. His posture seemed to shift into one that indicated he was proud of himself. After a moment of staring at one another, you gave the little boy a little nod and turned around. Only to find yourself the center of someone’s attentions the way the child had been yours.
Had it not been for the way your magic had suddenly stirred you into high alert, you would’ve played the part of the perfect lady and walked away, but the man in front of you was demanding attention. Bright green eyes interlocked with yours. A shade of red powder had been dusted to accentuate them even further over the dark chocolate skin tone of the man who regarded you curiously.
[[Page 38]]The boy seemed to perk up at your response and a little smile rose to his lips. His posture seemed to shift into one that indicated he was proud of himself. After a moment of staring at one another, you gave the little boy a little nod and turned around. Only to find yourself the center of someone’s attentions the way the child had been yours.
Had it not been for the way your magic had suddenly stirred you into high alert, you would’ve played the part of the perfect lady and walked away, but the man in front of you was demanding attention. Bright green eyes interlocked with yours. A shade of red powder had been dusted to accentuate them even further over the dark chocolate skin tone of the man who regarded you curiously.
[[Page 38]]“Lord Mirael.” Your maid fell into a curtsy and you followed quickly, but without lowering yourself as far as she had. You rose back up quickly and took out your fan, hiding your face from the nobleman in front of you. Your maid was intelligent in signalling you to display manners.
“I’ve never seen anyone give this much money to a child before.” There was almost a lingering question in the low voice that came from the nobleman in front of you. He didn’t seem to disprove of your actions.
[[A)“The money would be of more use to the boy than to me as of right now.”]]
[[B)Remain quiet. ]]
The male across from you crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head to one side, inspecting you with little modesty. A few strands of hair seemed to break away from his swept-back do before he moved a bit closer.
“Kassimer te Mirael.” He gave a little bow with his introduction, and she could feel the mana in the air around them jump as he got closer. It was obvious to you that he could use magic of some kind if your pact devil was this curious of him.
[[Page 39]]The male across from you crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head to one side, inspecting you with little modesty. A few strands of hair seemed to break away from his swept-back do before he moved a bit closer.
“Kassimer te Mirael.” He gave a little bow with his introduction, and she could feel the mana in the air around them jump as he got closer. It was obvious to you that he could use magic of some kind if your pact devil was this curious of him.
[[Page 39]]“Nevra Wightwhisper.” You introduced yourself in return and watched as something seemed to visibly peace together in his head. After a moment, a well-practiced smile came upon his lips as his eyes sparked with something that loosely reminded you of Leanther’s playfulness. It was at this point that you noticed the small crowd of people that was watching this set of interactions curiously.
“Meeting you has been the highlight of my relatively dull day.” He seemed to be acting with restraint, but you could feel that it was only because they were in public.
[[A)“I return that sentiment wholeheartedly my lord.”]]
[[B)“Thank you.”]]
You watch the young nobleman’s eyebrows lift with amusement and his next word attained a new warmth that earned you a disapproving glance from the maid who had come with you.
“I trust you will be attending the Ball tomorrow evening? My family is hosting.” There was playful curiousity in the question.
This was new information to you, one so vital that you couldn’t fathom why your mother had chosen to hide it. No wonder the maid had been pushing you to purchase several golden dresses.
[[ Page 40 ]]Kassimer glanced beside you, seemingly noticing the fidgeting of your maid. He returned his gaze to you before giving you a little nod.
“I trust you will be attending the Ball tomorrow evening? My family is hosting.”
This was new information to you, one so vital that you couldn’t fathom why your mother had chosen to hide it. No wonder the maid had been pushing you to purchase several golden dresses.
[[Page 40]]You gave the man a nod, and he, seemingly satisfied said his goodbyes. He quickly disappeared between the market stalls and you turned to head home. Kassimer te Mirael, the second son who had recently been married to a foreign duchess. It wasn’t his decision. The unruliness of his magic gave it away. He had fallen prey to the fate of noble kind- marrying for politics and business, rather than for passions of the heart.
[[Act 1 End: New Lady in Town!]]You gave the man a nod and a well-practiced smile, and he, seemingly satisfied, gave you a wink and said his goodbyes. He quickly disappeared between the market stalls and you turned to head home.
Kassimer te Mirael, the second son who had recently been married to a foreign duchess. It wasn’t his decision. The unruliness of his magic gave it away. He had fallen prey to the fate of noble kind- marrying for politics and business, rather than for passions of the heart.
[[Act 1 End: An Introduction He Won't Forget]]Congratulations! You got the "''New Lady in Town!''" Ending for Chapter 1.
This means you've:
- Survived the most boring carriage ride in the world.
- Have not reciprocated Leanther's Interest.
- Acted with propriety infront of Kassimer and impressed him.Congratulations! You got the "''An Introduction He Won't Forget!''" Ending for Chapter 1.
This means you've:
- Survived the most boring carriage ride in the world.
- Have not reciprocated Leanther's Interest.
- Openly showed interest in Kassimer, who is married. [Potential Romance Option]Leanther and Ashna were exiled alongside you, with the eldest woman only surviving because she was incapable of actually utilizing magic at all. She raised you instead to be the perfect lady in society’s eyes. Now that “black magic” was more accepted and society was progressing towards modernity, your exile had been dropped.
[[ Page 32 ]] When you were together your darkness was strongest, your senses were heightened and your power seemed to grow faster. You weren’t related by blood, but by magic. It had been a test, an experiment of self-enhancement that a few families in Sigil had undertaken- trading with the most frightening Masters of Hell’s never ending nights. Your mother, like Leanther’s father, had been among those willing to sacrifice their bloodline, humane pigmentations and information to a devil in exchange for power.
[[ Page 31 ]]You arrived at Sigil long after the sun had set. The house which your carriage stopped at was of two stories and of respectable size for a noble family. A maid was waiting in front of it and helped your family get settled quickly. Lady Ashna had sent her ahead of time to prepare your lodgings. The dinner that followed was prompt and you were encouraged to go to bed quickly.
[[A)Get some rest after a long day of travelling.]]
[[ B)Stay up and read a bit. ]]
You pluck a random book from the small library in the corner of your room and settle down to read in your nightgown. Not long after you begun The Adventures of Miciana you felt another presence in the room with you.
[[A)Pay them no attention.]]
[[B)Humor them.]]
The feeling disappeared shortly after. Your brother had been in one of his few conservative moods. Unusual but welcome on a day such as today.
Tomorrow would be an important day, and as you thought about all of its possibilities, you found yourself drifting to sleep, book in hand.
[[Page 33]]“What do you want?”
“Aww…and here I thought you missed me,” Leanther’s smooth voice came from besides you as you found him sitting beside you, staring into the book you held in your hands.
“Is it interesting?” It wasn’t. It was a garbage recreational book that you could learn nothing from, that’s what Ashna would say.
“It’s…alright.”
[[ Next]]A chuckle reverberated through the air.
“I can always trust you to give me a straight answer.”
You turned to look at him. His metallic gaze was skimming through the words on the pages you had open. He wasn’t looking at you, yet you knew he was paying attention to your every move. You could feel his darkness intertwining with yours, your devils enjoying each other’s presence. It was as though your magic fell into playful fits when you were together. It had a mind of its own. The mana reached out, pulled back, flirted, took and gave.
[[ Next ]]“You’re staring, sister.” The words came out with a teasing undertone and you realized that he was indeed, looking back at you.
“You shouldn’t be here. We’ll get in trouble.” You said as you turned your head back towards your book. You had the same devilish charm he did because of your magic. Logistically, that would mean the effects cancel out when you spoke one another. But the world didn’t function on logic.
[[ Continue ]]“I know, but in case mother dearest has forgotten, trouble is in our blood.”
You found yourself smiling at that comment. He was correct. A shiver ran up your spine and you could hear Leanther’s heartbeat ringing in your ears for a split second. Your mana had latched onto his, sunk its claws into him. Your devils were becoming comfortable in their games.
[[A)Make it stop.]]
[[B)Stand still.]]
Double-click this passage to edit it.His breathing quickly became your own and a wave of warmth swept over you.
Leanther himself seemed to pause. This happened on occasion, a playful wrestling match for supremacy between your magic and his. It was as though you’d taken a bite of who he was, and he’d tasted your soul. It was addictive feeling.
Leanther pushed himself off your bed after a few more moments. The connection of spirits severed just as quickly as it was established.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” And just like that, your brother had disappeared into the shadows, that seemed to almost stretch in offer to hide him and make his movement easy.
[[ Page 33 ]]Several soft knocks reached your ears as the maid walked into the room to help you get ready for the day. She spoke of berry porridge for breakfast and an outing to the market district of Sigil for dress shopping, orders from Lady Ashna. The evening would be calm.
Over breakfast you were informed by your mother that tomorrow both you and Leanther would have to attend the Royal Wine Tasting event. There was no mention of who had extended the invitation to their household, but it was clear that those of influence knew the Wightwhisper lineage had made its way back into Sigil.
[[ Page 34 ]]“You will go with Leanther and dance with as many noblemen as you can. You will laugh at anything remotely funny and mingle with grace.” You nodded gracefully as you sipped your tea.
After breakfast you spent some time at a dress-store and acquired a few garments of varying colours before heading back through the streets towards your home.
[[ A)Look around through the market. ]]
[[ B)Head home and get your thoughts together for the ball tomorrow. ]]
Your purple eyes sweep over the market and a small smile tugs at your lips. Children are pulling their mothers to small stalls of wooden toys, saleswomen pushing jewellery onto the nearest man and magicians offering to read one’s fortune or perform a trick. You couldn’t remember much from the town of Sigil from when you were young, but it seemed like a nice enough place to live.
[[ Page 35 ]]For one reason or another, what lies before you makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps it is a waste of time? You could just spend your time trying on dresses at home or reading instead. You could practice political conversation with Lady Ashna, or revise ballroom dancing steps with your brother, if he was home.
Any of those options seemed much better than wasting time at this market.
[[-Page 36-]]As the thought passed through your head, you notice a small boy sitting on the edge of the market, a wooden cup in front of him. He was covered in dust and soot from head to toe and his clothes were frayed in too many places for the untrained eye to count.
Perhaps Sigil wasn’t as nice as it was at first glance?
[[ A)Approach the child on the street. ]]
[[ B)Take a look at the stalls. ]]
[[ C)Head home. ]]
Your feet moved quietly towards the edge of the market and you found yourself in front of the young boy. The maid that was chaperoning you attempted to dissuade you from approaching, but you didn’t listen to her.
The child’s brown eyes moved from staring at the ground, to looking up at you. There was uncertainty in them.
[[ A)Put a few coins in his cup. ]]
[[ B)Walk away. ]]Take a look at the stalls. ]As you glanced through a few market stalls, you quickly began having merchants screaming at you to take a look at their produce or quality of items.
“It is a Tuesday, my lady, the items of best quality are out only on Friday.” The maid informed helpfully, seeming to notice the rapidly increasing chance of this ‘shopping’ becoming a problematic experience as too many gazes were turning to you too fast.
Your feet quickly move you out of the market.
[[-Page 36-]]For one reason or another, what lies before you makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps it is a waste of time? You could just spend your time trying on dresses at home or reading instead. You could practice political conversation with Lady Ashna, or revise ballroom dancing steps with your brother, if he was home.
Any of those options seemed much better than wasting time at this market.
[[-Page 36-]] You pull out about three silver pieces from a pouch and place them into the small wooden cup of the boy. The amount was more than enough to provide food for two weeks. The brown eyes widened visibly and the young child wobbled onto its feet, pulling out a deck of cards from his one functioning pocket. The other one seemed to have a hole in it.
[[ Page 36 ]]For one reason or another, what lies before you makes you uncomfortable. This child's weakness was due to it's parents not working hard enough.
This was a waste of time? You could instead just spend your day trying on dresses at home or reading instead. You could practice political conversation with Lady Ashna, or revise ballroom dancing steps with your brother, if he was home.
Any of those options seemed much better than wasting time at this market.
[[-Page 36-]]“M-miss please let me thank you with a magic trick!”
There was nervousness in that young voice, and as he moved she noted that he could be no-older than eight. He was skin and bones… With the way he held the cards, you could tell he was still unfamiliar with how to use them, but he seemed willing enough to give you thanks.
[[ A)Allow him to show you a magic trick. ]]
[[ B)Decline politely and head home. ]]
You give the boy a soft nod and his nervousness turns into an endearing form of concentration as the child asks you to pick a card. Any card. Your hand reaches out for one at random and the boy nods. You watch him fumble with the cards, a few of them slipping out of his hands as he picks them up quickly.
He made visible mistakes, but in the end produced the card that was yours. His eyes were, however, glassy.
[[ A)Thank him and tell him he did well. ]]
[[ B)Clap softly. ]]
For one reason or another, what lies before you makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps it is a waste of time? You could just spend your time trying on dresses at home or reading instead. You could practice political conversation with Lady Ashna, or revise ballroom dancing steps with your brother, if he was home.
Any of those options seemed much better than wasting time at this market.
[[-Page 36-]]The boy seemed to perk up at your response and a little smile rose to his lips. His posture seemed to shift into one that indicated he was proud of himself. After a moment of staring at one another, you gave the little boy a little nod and turned around. Only to find yourself the center of someone’s attentions the way the child had been yours.
Had it not been for the way your magic had suddenly stirred you into high alert, you would’ve played the part of the perfect lady and walked away, but the man in front of you was demanding attention. Bright green eyes interlocked with yours. A shade of red powder had been dusted to accentuate them even further over the dark chocolate skin tone of the man who regarded you curiously.
[[ Page 38 ]]The boy seemed to perk up at your response and a little smile rose to his lips. His posture seemed to shift into one that indicated he was proud of himself. After a moment of staring at one another, you gave the little boy a little nod and turned around. Only to find yourself the center of someone’s attentions the way the child had been yours.
Had it not been for the way your magic had suddenly stirred you into high alert, you would’ve played the part of the perfect lady and walked away, but the man in front of you was demanding attention. Bright green eyes interlocked with yours. A shade of red powder had been dusted to accentuate them even further over the dark chocolate skin tone of the man who regarded you curiously.
[[ Page 38 ]]“Lord Mirael.” Your maid fell into a curtsy and you followed quickly, but without lowering yourself as far as she had. You rose back up quickly and took out your fan, hiding your face from the nobleman in front of you. Your maid was intelligent in signalling you to display manners.
“I’ve never seen anyone give this much money to a child before.” There was almost a lingering question in the low voice that came from the nobleman in front of you. He didn’t seem to disprove of your actions.
[[ A)“The money would be of more use to the boy than to me as of right now.” ]]
[[ B)Remain quiet. ]]
The male across from you crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head to one side, inspecting you with little modesty. A few strands of hair seemed to break away from his swept-back do before he moved a bit closer.
“Kassimer te Mirael.” He gave a little bow with his introduction, and she could feel the mana in the air around them jump as he got closer. It was obvious to you that he could use magic of some kind if your pact devil was this curious of him.
[[ Page 39 ]]The male across from you crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head to one side, inspecting you with little modesty. A few strands of hair seemed to break away from his swept-back do before he moved a bit closer.
“Kassimer te Mirael.” He gave a little bow with his introduction, and she could feel the mana in the air around them jump as he got closer. It was obvious to you that he could use magic of some kind if your pact devil was this curious of him.
[[ Page 39 ]]You watch the young nobleman’s eyebrows lift with amusement and his next word attained a new warmth that earned you a disapproving glance from the maid who had come with you.
“I trust you will be attending the Ball tomorrow evening? My family is hosting.” There was playful curiousity in the question.
This was new information to you, one so vital that you couldn’t fathom why your mother had chosen to hide it. No wonder the maid had been pushing you to purchase several golden dresses.
[[ -Page 40- ]]Kassimer glanced beside you, seemingly noticing the fidgeting of your maid. He returned his gaze to you before giving you a little nod.
“I trust you will be attending the Ball tomorrow evening? My family is hosting.”
This was new information to you, one so vital that you couldn’t fathom why your mother had chosen to hide it. No wonder the maid had been pushing you to purchase several golden dresses.
[[-Page 40-]]“Nevra Wightwhisper.” You introduced yourself in return and watched as something seemed to visibly peace together in his head. After a moment, a well-practiced smile came upon his lips as his eyes sparked with something that loosely reminded you of Leanther’s playfulness. It was at this point that you noticed the small crowd of people that was watching this set of interactions curiously.
“Meeting you has been the highlight of my relatively dull day.” He seemed to be acting with restraint, but you could feel that it was only because they were in public.
[[ A)“I return that sentiment wholeheartedly my lord.” ]]
[[ B)“Thank you.” ]]
You gave the man a nod, and he, seemingly satisfied said his goodbyes. He quickly disappeared between the market stalls and you turned to head home. Kassimer te Mirael, the second son who had recently been married to a foreign duchess. It wasn’t his decision. The unruliness of his magic gave it away. He had fallen prey to the fate of noble kind- marrying for politics and business, rather than for passions of the heart.
[[Act 1 End: A Devil's Curiousity]]You gave the man a nod, and he, seemingly satisfied said his goodbyes. He quickly disappeared between the market stalls and you turned to head home. Kassimer te Mirael, the second son who had recently been married to a foreign duchess. It wasn’t his decision. The unruliness of his magic gave it away. He had fallen prey to the fate of noble kind- marrying for politics and business, rather than for passions of the heart.
[[Act 1 End: Keep your Husbands Close!]]Congratulations! You got the "''Keep Your Husbands Close!''" Ending for Chapter 1.
This means you've:
- Survived the most boring carriage ride in the world.
- Mostly Reciprocated Leanther's Interest. [Potential Romance Option]
- Openly showed interest in Kassimer, who is married. [Potential Romance Option]Congratulations! You got the "''A Devil's Curiousity''" Ending for Chapter 1.
This means you've:
- Survived the most boring carriage ride in the world.
- Mostly Reciprocated Leanther's Interest. [Current Romance Option]
- Acted with propriety infront of Kassimer and impressed him.The maid followed after you as you did your best to remember your way home. Sigil was like an endless labyrinth of dark alleyways, gorgeous houses, shops and stalls. It would be difficult for most, but you were not just anybody.
As you found yourself in front of your new house, you felt an amazed gaze on your back, one belonging to the maid no doubt. Upon entering, you had your cloak taken and stepped into the main hall, greeting your mother and brother. They both seemed to be glaring at each other. Upon your entrance, they both seemed to put on their best casual smiles and greeted her.
[[-Page 37-]]entrance, they both seemed to put on their best casual smiles and greeted her.
“Hope dress shopping was interesting? I already have everything packed so I couldn’t come with.” Your brother’s grin widened when he watched the maid scamper up the stairs, about eight heavy dresses between her hands. “You really did a number on her, huh?”
[[A)“It wasn’t my intention.”]]
[[B)Hide your smile and ignore him.]]
[[C)Ignore him thoroughly.]]
“Yes, I requested that she buy everything she need. You will both be attending a ball soon. A wine tasting for the upper-class, hosted by the Mirael family.” No wonder the maid had made you pick out at least three golden dresses. You watched a look of annoyance flash over your brother’s face for a split second. He hadn’t known either.
[[-Page 38-]] “Is there anything else on our itinerary?”
“You will both be attending a ball tomorrow night. A Wine Tasting for the upper-class, hosted by the Mirael family.” No wonder the maid had made you pick out at least three golden dresses. You watched a look of annoyance flash over your brother’s face for a split second. He hadn’t known either. “It will be your introduction into high society, so do not disappoint me.”
[[A)“We won’t.”]]
[[B)Remain quiet.]]
“Is there anything else on our itinerary?”
“You will both be attending a ball tomorrow night. A Wine Tasting for the upper-class, hosted by the Mirael family.” No wonder the maid had made you pick out at least three golden dresses. You watched a look of annoyance flash over your brother’s face for a split second. He hadn’t known either. “It will be your introduction into high society, so do not disappoint me.”
[[A)“We won’t.”]]
[[B)Remain quiet.]]
“Yes, I requested that she buy everything she need. You will both be attending a ball soon. A wine tasting for the upper-class, hosted by the Mirael family.” No wonder the maid had made you pick out at least three golden dresses. You watched a look of annoyance flash over your brother’s face for a split second. He hadn’t known either.
"It will be your introduction into high society, so do not disappoint me.”
[[A)“We won’t.”]]
[[B)Remain quiet.]]
You spoke up as you walked over to their table and poured yourself a cup of tea. There was confidence in your voice. The confidence of a true heiress. A pure Wightwhisper. You could almost swear you saw a bit of pride in the eyes of both Leanther and Ashna. Almost. It had gone just as fast as it had appeared.
[[-Page 39-]]"Don't worry Mother, we know what to do." Leanther spoke up, turning to look at the woman he had no doubt been feuding with, just a few minutes prior. His tone of voice now held confidence and certainty. He was related to Lady Ashna by blood, after all.
He turned to give you a brief glance as you moved to sit beside him after giving them both a quick curtsy.
[[-Page 39-]]“Good. I trust that I’ve been able to educate you well enough in our last fifteen years together. Both of you. Do not fail me.”
Leanther and you glanced at each other before nodding gently at Lady Ashna. She could be harsh on you both, but you knew she did it out of love. She put on a hard exterior but, like Leanther, was kind-hearted after all. What was it that they said about the apple falling from the tree?
[[Act 1 End: What's a Devil Without Their Kin?]]Congratulations! You got the "''What's a Devil Without Their Kin?''" Ending for Chapter 1.
This means you've:
- Survived the most boring carriage ride in the world.
- Mostly Reciprocated Leanther's Interest. [Potential Romance Option]
- Have not met Kassimer.
- Have ressured Lady Ashna of your success in court.This earned you a disproving gaze from Nevra and a scolding from Lady Ashna. His opinion was never to be expressed in public. It made you chuckle and you glanced out of the window. At some point Lady Ashna seemed to sink back into reading her book and you glanced over at Nevra. She was looking at you disprovingly.
[[A)Wink at her.]]
[[B)Look away.]]
When you and Nevra were together your darkness was strongest, your senses were heightened and your power seemed to grow faster. You weren’t related by blood, but by magic. It had been a test, an experiment of self-enhancement that a few families in Sigil had undertaken- trading with the most frightening Masters of Hell’s never ending nights. Your father, like Nevra’s mother, had been among those willing to sacrifice their bloodline, humane pigmentations and information to a devil in exchange for power
[[Continue to Page 31]]When you and Nevra were together your darkness was strongest, your senses were heightened and your power seemed to grow faster. You weren’t related by blood, but by magic. It had been a test, an experiment of self-enhancement that a few families in Sigil had undertaken- trading with the most frightening Masters of Hell’s never ending nights. Your father, like Nevra’s mother, had been among those willing to sacrifice their bloodline, humane pigmentations and information to a devil in exchange for power
[[ Continue to Page 31 ]]The rest of the ride home was peaceful. You arrived when it was dark and dinner was quick and surprisingly quiet. Everyone seemed tired from the near 11 hours of travel. Lady Ashna instructed you and Nevra to both head to bed early.
The room that you were given was relatively large, and eerily similar to the one back at your old house. It was furnished tastefully, with dark green walls, wooden wardrobes and bookshelves. The bed was king-sized, and dressed with black pillows and covers. Long dark curtains stayed open, revealing the night sky lit up by the houses and streets of Sigil itself.
[[A)Go to sleep.]]
[[B)Check in on your sister.]]
[[C)Sneak out of the house to explore the city.]]
You find yourself drawn to the soft bed, tired from today’s journey. You could explore the city tomorrow. There was too much to cover in one night, and you didn't wan't to cause suspicion if you used dark magic. There were knights flying around like sparrows, keeping watch for the slightest mistake, the slightest reason to note that something was off...
You quickly change into something more comfortable and slip into the comfortable sheets. Sleep takes you almost immediately.
[[Continue to Page 34]]Was she sleeping? If she was, you wouldn’t bother her. She was probably tired, but there was always the chance she wanted some company. You were both in new territory, enemy territory, and could perhaps Nevra could use the comfort as much as you could.
Through some basic magic, your form faded into the shadows and moved into the room that wasn’t your own. The rays of lamp-light shone through the crack of the door. Your sister had indeed, stayed up, reading a book no less. Sleep would’ve been more beneficial to her at this point.
From the way her fingers paused in flipping a page, you knew she’d sensed you.
“What do you want?”
[[A) Tease her a bit.]]
[[B)Leave her be and head back into your room.]]
Through some basic magic, your form faded into the shadows and moved down the stairs and through the crack underneath the wooden door, onto the streets. The stars seemed weirdly faded and difficult to spot as you appeared beside the carriage that had driven you into town today.
The moon was shining down brightly, almost as if watching you and warning you to be careful of concealed enemies. The street you were on was empty for the most part, and your legs took you out into exploring your new neighbourhood- Alturia. It was different from the one where your blood had resided before the exile. You were no longer upper nobility, after all.
[[Continue to Page 35]]The rest of the ride home was peaceful. You arrived when it was dark and dinner was quick and surprisingly quiet. Everyone seemed tired from the near 11 hours of travel. Lady Ashna instructed you and Nevra to both head to bed early.
The room that you were given was relatively large, and eerily similar to the one back at your old house. It was furnished tastefully, with dark green walls, wooden wardrobes and bookshelves. The bed was king-sized, and dressed with black pillows and covers. Long dark curtains stayed open, revealing the night sky lit up by the houses and streets of Sigil itself.
[[ A)Go to sleep. ]]
[[ B)Check in on your sister. ]]
[[ C)Sneak out of the house to explore the city. ]]
You find yourself drawn to the soft bed, tired from today’s journey. You could explore the city tomorrow. There was too much to cover in one night, and you didn't wan't to cause suspicion if you used dark magic. There were knights flying around like sparrows, keeping watch for the slightest mistake, the slightest reason to note that something was off...
You quickly change into something more comfortable and slip into the comfortable sheets. Sleep takes you almost immediately.
[[ Continue to Page 34 ]]] Was she sleeping? If she was, you wouldn’t bother her. She was probably tired, but there was always the chance she wanted some company. You were both in new territory, enemy territory, and could perhaps Nevra could use the comfort as much as you could.
Through some basic magic, your form faded into the shadows and moved into the room that wasn’t your own. The rays of lamp-light shone through the crack of the door. Your sister had indeed, stayed up, reading a book no less. Sleep would’ve been more beneficial to her at this point.
From the way her fingers paused in flipping a page, you knew she’d sensed you.
“What do you want?”
[[ A)Tease her a bit.]]
[[ B)Leave her be and head back into your room. ]]
Through some basic magic, your form faded into the shadows and moved down the stairs and through the crack underneath the wooden door, onto the streets. The stars seemed weirdly faded and difficult to spot as you appeared beside the carriage that had driven you into town today.
The moon was shining down brightly, almost as if watching you and warning you to be careful of concealed enemies. The street you were on was empty for the most part, and your legs took you out into exploring your new neighbourhood- Alturia. It was different from the one where your blood had resided before the exile. You were no longer upper nobility, after all.
[[ Continue to Page 35 ]]“Aww…and here I thought you missed me,” your moved to sit beside her, not too close but not too far. Your eyes moved from watching her, to skim reading the page she was looking through.
“Is it interesting?”
“It’s…alright.” You could hear from her tone that it was probably something their mother would consider “a waste of time.” A little chuckle reverberated left you.
“I can always trust you to give me a straight answer,” you joked, irony clearly present, but you continued to read through the two open pages. Some girl was meeting with some king and being hired to quest and kill a dangerous enemy of the kingdom.
[[ Continue to Page 32 ]]Your sister didn't seem to be in the mood to humour you, and you were feeling courteous. You would let her have her peace for the evening.
You head back into your room and find yourself drawn to the soft bed, tired from today’s journey. You could explore the city tomorrow. There was too much to cover in one night, and you didn't wan't to cause suspicion if you used dark magic. There were knights flying around like sparrows, keeping watch for the slightest mistake, the slightest reason to note that something was off...
You quickly change into something more comfortable and slip into the comfortable sheets. Sleep takes you almost immediately.
[[Continue to Page 34]]“Aww…and here I thought you missed me,” your moved to sit beside her, not too close but not too far. Your eyes moved from watching her, to skim reading the page she was looking through.
“Is it interesting?”
“It’s…alright.” You could hear from her tone that it was probably something their mother would consider “a waste of time.” A little chuckle reverberated left you.
“I can always trust you to give me a straight answer,” you joked, irony clearly present, but you continued to read through the two open pages. Some girl was meeting with some king and being hired to quest and kill a dangerous enemy of the kingdom.
[[Continue to Page 32]]Your sister didn't seem to be in the mood to humour you, and you were feeling courteous. You would let her have her peace for the evening.
You head back into your room and find yourself drawn to the soft bed, tired from today’s journey. You could explore the city tomorrow. There was too much to cover in one night, and you didn't wan't to cause suspicion if you used dark magic. There were knights flying around like sparrows, keeping watch for the slightest mistake, the slightest reason to note that something was off...
You quickly change into something more comfortable and slip into the comfortable sheets. Sleep takes you almost immediately.
[[ Continue to Page 34 ]]You could feel Nevra turn to look at you. Her amethyst gaze was watching you carefully, paying attention to your every move. Your darkness intertwining with hers, your devils enjoying each other’s presence. It was as though your magic fell into playful fits when you were together. It had a mind of its own. The mana reached out, pulled back and danced.
“You’re staring, sister.” Your gaze moved back to her as the words left you. Your eyebrows raised as you watched her pause with uncertainty. Even without makeup, she was easily the most beautiful creature in the kingdom. The skin pigmentations that were sacrificed to the devils meant that neither of you could really have dark circles under your eyes, that zits appeared to be little bumps and that discolorations were a myth.
[[ Continue to Page 33 ]]You could feel Nevra turn to look at you. Her amethyst gaze was watching you carefully, paying attention to your every move. Your darkness intertwining with hers, your devils enjoying each other’s presence. It was as though your magic fell into playful fits when you were together. It had a mind of its own. The mana reached out, pulled back and danced.
“You’re staring, sister.” Your gaze moved back to her as the words left you. Your eyebrows raised as you watched her pause with uncertainty. Even without makeup, she was easily the most beautiful creature in the kingdom. The skin pigmentations that were sacrificed to the devils meant that neither of you could really have dark circles under your eyes, that zits appeared to be little bumps and that discolorations were a myth.
[[Continue to Page 33]]“You shouldn’t be here. We’ll get in trouble.” Your sister said as she turned her head back towards her book. You both had the same devilish charm because of your magic. Logistically, that would mean the effects cancel out when you spoke one another. But the world didn’t function on logic.
“I know, but in case mother dearest has forgotten, trouble is in our blood.” You couldn’t resist pointing this out and it earned you a small smile. She knew you were correct. A shiver ran up your spine and you could hear her breathing as if it was your own. Nevra’s mana had latched onto yours and sunk its claws in. Your devils were becoming comfortable in their games.
[[A)Pull away and call it a night.]]
[[B)Observe what she would do.]]
“You shouldn’t be here. We’ll get in trouble.” Your sister said as she turned her head back towards her book. You both had the same devilish charm because of your magic. Logistically, that would mean the effects cancel out when you spoke one another. But the world didn’t function on logic.
“I know, but in case mother dearest has forgotten, trouble is in our blood.” You couldn’t resist pointing this out and it earned you a small smile. She knew you were correct. A shiver ran up your spine and you could hear her breathing as if it was your own. Nevra’s mana had latched onto yours and sunk its claws in. Your devils were becoming comfortable in their games.
[[ A)Pull away and call it a night. ]]
[[ B)Observe what she would do. ]]
You found yourself pulling back and getting up from her bed. This happened on occasion, a playful wrestling match for supremacy between your magic and hers. It was as though she’d taken a bite of who you were, and you’d tasted her soul. It was addictive feeling.
As you moved away the link seemed to sever in split seconds.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” You murmured, stuffing your hands into your pockets. Just like that, you sank back into the shadows, which seemed to almost stretch in offer to hide you and you’re your movement easy.
You head back into your room and quickly find yourself drawn to the soft bed, tired from today’s journey. You could explore the city tomorrow.
You quickly change into something more comfortable and slip into the comfortable sheets. Sleep takes you almost immediately.
[[Continue to Page 34]]Double-click this passage to edit it.Double-click this passage to edit it.You found yourself pulling back and getting up from her bed. This happened on occasion, a playful wrestling match for supremacy between your magic and hers. It was as though she’d taken a bite of who you were, and you’d tasted her soul. It was addictive feeling.
As you moved away the link seemed to sever in split seconds.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” You murmured, stuffing your hands into your pockets. Just like that, you sank back into the shadows, which seemed to almost stretch in offer to hide you and you’re your movement easy.
[[ Continue to Page 34 ]]Double-click this passage to edit it.Double-click this passage to edit it.Your footsteps made no sound as you moved through the pathways and dark alleys until your devil jumped abruptly. A sweat covered your forehead as you felt an icy magical presence so intimidating that you almost missed the sound of large leather wings flapping in the air.
[[A)Hide]]
[[B)Stay still.]]
You blended into the shadows of the ground and moved to the nearest building, only to watch as a pair of large sharp claws landed exactly where you’d disappeared. A blue dragon leaned down and sniffed the ground where you’d disappeared. A man who couldn’t be much older than yourself was sitting between its wings.
An Avgust. A nobleman from the families who voted “yes” for your exile. Murder crossed your mind briefly, but there was no way you could take on both a dragon and its master. With the way the blue-eyed man was looking around, you could tell that he had sensed your use of dark magic. It had bothered him. The wuss.
After a few minutes of vicious searching, the man and the dragon flew back up and after a short while, vanished into the north of the city of Sigil, where the Avgust family manor was located.
[[ Continue to Page 35]]As you stood still, you watched as a blue dragon flew directly above the roof of your house and landed by the carriage. It leaned down and sniffed the ground where you’d regained your human form. A man who couldn’t be much older than yourself was sitting between its wings.
An Avgust. A nobleman from the families who voted “yes” for your exile. Murder crossed your mind briefly, but there was no way you could take on both a dragon and its master. With the way the blue-eyed man was looking around, you could tell that he had sensed your use of dark magic. It had bothered him. The wuss.
"Who dares use devil magic in the Kingdom of Sigil. Show yourself!"
[[A)Remain quiet.]]
[[B)Reveal yourself as per his orders.]]
The city was much better protected than you had originally thought. The Avgust family was monitoring magic use, it would seem, and whoever this particular man was, he was a powerful sorcerer if he could sense you from far off...//Not good. //
If you were to cause scandals on the De Angels, then you needed to learn more, to observe them and to learn the limits of Avgustine magic tracing.
Until then...
[[-Continue to Page 34-]]After a few minutes of vicious searching,you watch the nobleman furrow his eyebrows. Perhaps you had indeed left already?
The dragon flew back up into the night sky and after a short while, vanished into the north of the city of Sigil, where the Avgust family manor was located. The sound of flapping wings was no more...
In light of the magic monitoring information that you had gathered, your eyes narrow and you decide that, for tonight at least, you should make yourself safe at home...
[[-Continue to Page 34-]]As you let your magic seep away from your features, your body emerged from the shadows.The head of the Avgust snaps into your direction. You watch as he pauses briefly. It seemed as though his mind is going 100 miles per hour. His magic was spiking, flaring up and then dying down.
“State your name and business, foreigner.”
Another command. Did this man ever get off his high horse? He was worse than your mother.
[[ -Page 37- ]]You head back into your room and find yourself drawn to the soft bed, tired from today’s journey. You could explore the city tomorrow. There was too much to cover in one night, and you didn't wan't to cause suspicion if you used dark magic. There were knights flying around like sparrows, keeping watch for the slightest mistake, the slightest reason to note that something was off...
You quickly change into something more comfortable and slip into the comfortable sheets. Sleep takes you almost immediately.
[[-Continue to Page 35-]]Double-click this passage to edit it.Your footsteps made no sound as you moved through the pathways and dark alleys until your devil jumped abruptly. A sweat covered your forehead as you felt an icy magical presence so intimidating that you almost missed the sound of large leather wings flapping in the air.
[[ A)Hide ]]
[[ B)Stay still. ]]You blended into the shadows of the ground and moved to the nearest building, only to watch as a pair of large sharp claws landed exactly where you’d disappeared. A blue dragon leaned down and sniffed the ground where you’d disappeared. A man who couldn’t be much older than yourself was sitting between its wings.
An Avgust. A nobleman from the families who voted “yes” for your exile. Murder crossed your mind briefly, but there was no way you could take on both a dragon and its master. With the way the blue-eyed man was looking around, you could tell that he had sensed your use of dark magic. It had bothered him. The wuss.
After a few minutes of vicious searching, the man and the dragon flew back up and after a short while, vanished into the north of the city of Sigil, where the Avgust family manor was located.
[[Continue to Page 35 ]]As you stood still, you watched as a blue dragon flew directly above the roof of your house and landed by the carriage. It leaned down and sniffed the ground where you’d regained your human form. A man who couldn’t be much older than yourself was sitting between its wings.
An Avgust. A nobleman from the families who voted “yes” for your exile. Murder crossed your mind briefly, but there was no way you could take on both a dragon and its master. With the way the blue-eyed man was looking around, you could tell that he had sensed your use of dark magic. It had bothered him. The wuss.
"Who dares use devil magic in the Kingdom of Sigil. Show yourself!"
[[ A)Remain quiet. ]]
[[ B)Reveal yourself as per his orders. ]]
The city was much better protected than you had originally thought. The Avgust family was monitoring magic use, it would seem, and whoever this particular man was, he was a powerful sorcerer if he could sense you from far off...//Not good. //
If you were to cause scandals on the De Angels, then you needed to learn more, to observe them and to learn the limits of Avgustine magic tracing.
Until then...
[[ -Continue to Page 34- ]]You head back into your room and find yourself drawn to the soft bed, tired from today’s journey. You could explore the city tomorrow. There was too much to cover in one night, and you didn't wan't to cause suspicion if you used dark magic. There were knights flying around like sparrows, keeping watch for the slightest mistake, the slightest reason to note that something was off...
You quickly change into something more comfortable and slip into the comfortable sheets. Sleep takes you almost immediately.
[[ -Continue to Page 35- ]]After a few minutes of vicious searching,you watch the nobleman furrow his eyebrows. Perhaps you had indeed left already?
The dragon flew back up into the night sky and after a short while, vanished into the north of the city of Sigil, where the Avgust family manor was located. The sound of flapping wings was no more...
In light of the magic monitoring information that you had gathered, your eyes narrow and you decide that, for tonight at least, you should make yourself safe at home...
[[ -Continue to Page 34- ]]As you let your magic seep away from your features, your body emerged from the shadows.The head of the Avgust snaps into your direction. You watch as he pauses briefly. It seemed as though his mind is going 100 miles per hour. His magic was spiking, flaring up and then dying down.
“State your name and business, foreigner.”
Another command. Did this man ever get off his high horse? He was worse than your mother.
[[ -Page 37- ]]Double-click this passage to edit it.“Leanther Wightwhisper. I live here.” You leaned against the nearby building and watched as the dragon turned its head towards you. The pupil seemed to narrow. You were showing mild disrespect by not referring to the man by a noble title, and it was obvious it was annoying both him and his pet.
“We’re you the one using forbidden magic?”
You cocked an eyebrow. His tone was downright authoritarian. // I’m willing to bet this lad has no clue how to have a fun time.// he wasn’t climbing off his dragon but hadn’t moved a hand to his sword. A confident magic-user then...
[[ -Page 38- ]]“From my understanding, Sigil now accepts the dark arts.” You were testing his patience. You could see it on his face. The Avgust family members were usually identified by their blue eyes; to you it was becoming obvious that “having a stick up their ass” was another identifying factor. This prick in particular spent the next ten minutes scolding you for not referring to him as “My Lord” and having to register at the Cobalt Tower to use magic openly.
“I will not be so lenient the next time I catch you.”
[[A) Stay Quiet]]
[[B)“I’m quaking in fear, my lord.”]]
To Be Continued...To Be Continued...“Leanther Wightwhisper. I live here.” You leaned against the nearby building and watched as the dragon turned its head towards you. The pupil seemed to narrow. You were showing mild disrespect by not referring to the man by a noble title, and it was obvious it was annoying both him and his pet.
“We’re you the one using forbidden magic?”
You cocked an eyebrow. His tone was downright authoritarian. // I’m willing to bet this lad has no clue how to have a fun time.// he wasn’t climbing off his dragon but hadn’t moved a hand to his sword. A confident magic-user then...
[[ -Page 38- ]]“From my understanding, Sigil now accepts the dark arts.” You were testing his patience. You could see it on his face. The Avgust family members were usually identified by their blue eyes; to you it was becoming obvious that “having a stick up their ass” was another identifying factor. This prick in particular spent the next ten minutes scolding you for not referring to him as “My Lord” and having to register at the Cobalt Tower to use magic openly.
“I will not be so lenient the next time I catch you.”
[[ A)Stay Quiet ]]
[[ B)“I’m quaking in fear, my lord.” ]]
To be Continued...To Be Continued...<<cacheaudio "Intro" "Music/Oath.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Morning" "Music/Alvae.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Leanther" "Music/Leanther.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Thanks" "Music/Thanks.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Nevra" "Music/Hello Nevra.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "Darkness" "Music/Theme.mp3">>
<<cacheaudio "GettingAlong" "Music/GettingAlong.mp3">>
<<audio ":all:not(:ui)" volume 0.10>>
Lady Ashna raised an eyebrow at you and put down her teacup. Her lips moved into a thin line.
“I see.”
She could read through your lies.
[[Page 29]]Lady Ashna raised an eyebrow at you and put down her teacup. Her lips moved into a thin line.
“I see.”
She could read through your lies.
[[Page 29]]