Your fate in my hands

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(set:$angst to "yes") Your settings: Explicit sexual content: (if:$spice is "yes")[YES](if:$spice is "no")[NO] Major character death: (if:$angst is "yes")[YES](if:$angst is "no")[NO] Now you are ready to embark on your adventure. Good luck! [[Let's Go]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:#f3e0be))

(set:$angst to "no") Your settings: Explicit sexual content: (if:$spice is "yes")[YES](if:$spice is "no")[NO] Major character death: (if:$angst is "yes")[YES](if:$angst is "no")[NO] Now you are ready to embark on your adventure. Good luck! [[Let's Go]] (enchant:?page,(text-colour:#f3e0be))

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (textsize:2)[''Your Fate In My Hands''] [[Chapter 1]] (set: $map to "no") (set: $artefact to "no") (set: $ring to "no") (set: $medicine to "no") (set: $pack to "yes") (set: $proposal to "no") (set: $fallen to "no") (set:$machine to "no") (set:$food to "2") (set:$exploration to "1") (set:$basement to "no") (set:$entrance to "no") (set:$lower to "no") (set:$middle to "no") (set:$top to "no") (set:$elevator to "no") (set:$Joshua to "fine") (set:$villagefood to "no") (set:$moogle to "no") (set:$cathair to "no") (set:$sexytime to "no") (set:$Dion to "fine") (set:$basementex to "no") (set:$lowerex to "no") (set:$middleex to "no") (set:$tryfood to "no") (set:$trymedicine to "no") (set:$tryclothes to "no") (set:$deadline to "no") (set:$evening to "no") (set:$night to "no") (set:$topwait to "no") (set:$clonesex to "no") (set:$clones to "no") (set:$kidjoshua to "no") (set:$Clive to "no") (set:$Mid to "no") (set:$Charon to "no") (set:$Vivian to "no") (set:$injury to "no") (set:$ao3 to "no")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Would you like to enable ''explicit sexual content''? [[Enable explicit scenes<- YES]] [[Disable explicit scenes<- NO]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (textsize:1.5)[''Chapter 1: Preparations''] There was something magical about the grey hours of morning. Rising earlier than most people, Dion had always appreciated the calm - that sense of the world resting for a little while before it awoke in bustling activity. A breath of air, fresh and unused, peaceful. In the Hideaway, that kind of calm was a rare occurrence; there was always someone milling about, people rising with the sun to tackle all the numerous tasks required to keep a community like theirs alive. He found that he did not mind much, however. Not since he had found his own little haven of calm, undisturbed by voices and footsteps and all the sounds bleeding in from the outside. He blinked open his eyes, squinting against the few beams of bright morning light that had snuck into the tiny room. A small niche in the swirling structure of the Fallen ruins, separated from the rest by a ramshackle wall of wooden planks. Barely bigger than the bed he had slept in back in the Imperial Palace, but it contained all he needed. He turned his head on the pillow, and Joshua's sleeping face came into view. It was half buried in the pillow, mouth open and hair ruffled from sleep. His long limbs were sprawled every which way as usual, legs entangled with Dion's until it was hard to determine which of them belonged to whom. With a fond smile, Dion reached out to brush a stray strand of hair out of Joshua's face. It earned him a sleepy grumble and the utterly adorable sight of Joshua scrunching his nose in irritation before his face went slack once more. Dion chuckled. Joshua had never been a morning person, but for Dion it was an excellent excuse to laze around during these sweet hours of morning and admire the breathtaking creature that had somehow found its way into his bed and - more importantly - his heart. How did he get so lucky. All at once, the peaceful bliss seemed to slip through his fingers as his heart did an almost painful jump in his chest. Ah, yes. Today was the day. There would be no peaceful hours to while away, not today. There were preparations he had yet to see to, because this day and the ones that followed had to be perfect. And they would be - wouldn't they? //You are putting too much thought into this//, Jill had said with a laugh when he had spoken to her. Between her and Clive, she had seemed like the safer choice - both in regard to her advice, and in regard to Dion's chances of coming out of the conversation unscathed. //He won't care if you pop the question wearing finery or covered in chocobo dung. He will be overjoyed either way. // Reassuring, but inadequate. Joshua deserved nothing but the best after all. Reluctantly, Dion began to untangle his legs from Joshua's, eliciting another disapproving grunt. Even dishevelled as he was, Joshua really looked angelic in the warm morning light. His hair a halo of copper around the soft lines of his face, freckles dotting his skin like flecks of gold. Dion sighed. [[Start preparations]] (if: $spice is "yes") [[Stay (E) <- It can't hurt to stay a little while longer - can it?]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion slipped out of bed quietly. Undisturbed, Joshua would most likely sleep for another hour at least. Which gave Dion ample time for his preparations. He got dressed just as quietly, tiptoeing out of the room. Once he had pulled the door shut behind him, he took a deep breath. His nerves were spurring his pulse to a frantic rhythm, worse than any anticipation he had felt before battle or even taking on Ultima himself. //Pull yourself together//, he told himself sternly. He just had to go and see a few people. Not too difficult, compared to the insanity of his life up until this point. Everything else would come after. Just a few preparations. Surely nothing could go wrong with such a simple task. He probably should see to the most important errands on his list right away. [[Clive1 <- Go see Clive]] [[Charon1 <- Go see Charon]] [[Mid1 <- Go see Mid]] [[Vivian1 <- Go see Vivian]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Defeated, Dion sunk back into bed. This was his most important adventure yet, wasn't it? He might as well savour it. As soon as he had returned to Joshua's side, long legs immediately wrapped around his and Joshua scooted closer to bury his face against Dion's chest. Dion readily wrapped his arms around him and ducked his head to place a kiss on the feathery hair that tickled his nose. His fingers caressed Joshua's back in lazy strokes, wandering a little lower to appreciate the swell of his buttocks. Joshua muttered something incoherent, then a bleary blue eye blinked open. 'S early', he slurred. Dion chose to take it as a statement instead of a complaint. 'I apologize', he said, though his smile most likely undermined the sincerity of the words. 'It seems I am quite unable to keep my hands to myself if you look so utterly delectable in the morning.' Joshua hummed, then his face split apart in a huge, undignified yawn. He blinked, giving Dion an impish smirk. 'Or maybe you are just insatiable.' 'That too. How could I not?' Dion chuckled, giving Joshua's ass a gentle squeeze. How did he get so lucky indeed. The thought sobered him up somewhat. There were still preparations to be done after all, and he could not afford to dawdle. But Joshua's body against his was quite distracting, especially when hands cupped his face to pull him down into a sweet kiss. Oh well. The day had to be perfect, and what better way to start it than this. He readily parted his lips when Joshua deepened the kiss, a hot tongue licking into his mouth while Joshua ground their hips together. Dion's half hard cock twitched in interest. But it was a special occasion, and he couldn't very well let Joshua do all the work. And so he untangled himself from Joshua's vice-like grip, not giving him the opportunity to protest before he dove down under the blanket. The fabric muffled Joshua's voice in his ears, but the way his hand gripped flaxen hair when Dion mouthed along his hardening length was telling enough regardless. The sun had already drifted higher in the sky when they stretched out side by side on the mattress again, more sweaty but also considerably more satisfied than before. Dion had only just allowed his eyes to drift close again, mind settling in for another hour or so of relaxed napping, when suddenly he bolted upright in bed. 'What is it?', Joshua asked alarmedly, though his tongue seemed still heavy from sleep and pleasant exhaustion alike. 'I... have to go. I apologize.' 'Right now?' With a frown, Joshua watched as Dion scrambled to get dressed. 'Ah, right. You said you had something planned for today.' Dion hastily closed the last clasp of his shirt and ducked his head to catch Joshua's lips in one last quick kiss. 'Relax for a while. I will be back soon.' And he slipped out into the corridor, leaving a confused Joshua behind. Once he had pulled the door shut behind him, he took a deep breath. His nerves were spurring his pulse to a frantic rhythm, worse than any anticipation he had felt before battle or even taking on Ultima himself. //Pull yourself together//, he told himself sternly. He merely had to go and see a few people. Not too difficult, compared to the insanity of his life up until this point. Everything else would come after. Just a few preparations. Surely nothing could go wrong with such a simple task. He probably should see to the most important errands on his list right away. [[Clive1 <- Go see Clive]] [[Charon1 <- Go see Charon]] [[Mid1 <- Go see Mid]] [[Vivian1 <- Go see Vivian]] (set:$Joshua to "awake")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Charon's Toll was empty this early in the morning, the merchant herself standing behind the deserted counter and barking orders at Goetz, who was stacking crates of newly arrived goods in a complicated system. Dion stepped up to the counter, discreetly clearing his throat to grab Charon's attention. The merchant turned around to him with a sour expression. 'There you are. You're early.' Dion inclined his head in a shallow bow. 'I apologize, Lady Charon. I hope I am not intruding on your time.' She waved him closer impatiently, turning to rummage around in her many crates and chests. She pulled out a small package neatly wrapped in soft cloth and placed it on the counter. 'There you are. It cost me quite a few favours to get it - but according to the information you dug up, that monster on your path is a nasty one. Protection wise, this is as good as you'll get.' 'Thank you.' With relief, Dion reached out to pick up the package. But Charon swiped it from under his hand and held it up. 'I spent the better part of the month chasing this down, you know?', she said. 'Cost me a pretty penny too.' With a sweet smile, Dion pulled out his coin pouch. 'And I would never ask the finest merchant in the Twins to work without due compensation.' She watched approvingly as he counted a dizzying amount of gil into her hand and then graciously offered the package. He retreated with his prize in hand, curiously pulling aside the cloth to reveal a small piece of Fallen technology, no larger than his hand. It glowed faintly, sending out gentle waves of energy. Charon had assured him that it was completely safe for humans, but reliably fended off certain creatures. Which was quite handy, since he did not intend to spend the most important day of his life fighting for his - and more importantly Joshua's - life. Satisfied, he re-wrapped the artefact and fastened it to his belt. [[people choice 2 <- Continue]] (set:$artefact to "yes") (set:$Charon to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Mid's workshop was suspiciously quiet when Dion descended the stairs. He was used to a steady stream of clanking, grinding, and occasionally cursing to drift up from the Hideaway's basement, but then again, he rarely came here at this hour. Mid was notorious for working deep into the night and only dragging herself out of bed - or out of the workshop, where she slept most of the time - after life at the Hideaway had long since resumed its course in the morning. The workshop's lamps were still burning when Dion entered, illuminating Mid's form where she sat slumped over her workbench, head resting on her folded arms. Usually, Dion would have let her sleep, or at least talked her into going to her quarters for a few more hours of rest. But today, he was on a schedule. He gently shook her shoulder, expertly dodging a hit to the head when she jerked upright with her arms flailing. 'Whassit?' She shook herself, blinking at him until she was able to make sense of his presence. 'Oh! Dion! Sorry, I'm done, I'm done, here... somewhere...' She jumped up from her chair, frantically rifling through the mountains of papers and knick knacks on the table. Dion almost felt bad for her, but he was too busy fighting against the anxiousness rising in his own chest. He trusted Mid. Surely she had kept it safe, surely - 'Aha!' Mid dramatically swiped aside one more stack of papers. In her enthusiasm, she sent the small container that had been hidden underneath flying and Dion had to jump to her side to catch it before it might hit the ground. With a hammering heart, he inspected the intricate object in his palm. 'Sorry', Mid said sheepishly. Then, with a proud grin, she plucked the container from his hands. 'Here, let me show you.' It was a metal box, though that description hardly did it justice. It barely looked like a box at all, the outside a delicately constructed depiction of a tiny dragon and a no less tiny Phoenix being entangled in shimmering coils. When Mid pressed a seemingly random series of spots on their bodies they untangled with a click, allowing the box to open. Inside rested two rings; a smaller one made from silver, its scaled surface set with tiny turquoise gems, and a slightly bigger one made from gold with engraved feathers and red stones. Though Dion himself had been the one to commission the finest goldsmith in Storm for these exact rings, seeing them still stole away his breath. Mid closed the box again, dragon and Phoenix sliding back into place. 'So?', she asked. 'Fancy enough for your liking?' 'It is beautiful', he said, voice thick. 'You outdid yourself. And I am sure he will appreciate the little puzzle.' She snorted. 'I have no doubt. Almost a shame that he'll have forgotten all about it as soon as he sees the contents. Just see that he doesn't drop it when he jumps you.' 'I... yes. Of course.' 'Oh, come on. Relax a little. Or Joshua will spend the entire time worrying about you being constipated. I'm sure that would kill the mood.' He chuckled, straightening his shoulders and carefully sliding the precious box into his pocket. 'You are right. Thank you again.' He stumbled back a step in surprise when she launched herself at him, pulling him into a hug. 'Good luck', she said, and he thought that she almost sounded a little choked up. 'I'm happy for you.' He relaxed into the embrace, hugging her back. 'You should save the congratulations for when we return.' She released him and pushed him towards the stairs with a laugh. 'Then go get 'im, will you?' He walked up the stairs with a smile on his lips, though by the time he had reached the platform, his nerves had returned in full force. [[people choice 2 <- Continue]] (set:$ring to "yes") (set:$Mid to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Vivian was already waiting for him when Dion entered the map room. The map she had spread out on the table in front of her was smaller than her usual ones, travel-sized and worn at the edges. 'Lady Vivian', Dion greeted her. 'I see you found what I asked you for.' 'Of course.' She waved him closer, gesturing towards the map. 'It is quite a journey you have in front of you. The area up to the closest village is well known, and the paths leading beyond are no mystery either. You will find that they are documented quite clearly on this map. The last part of your travels however will lead you through wilderness. Only legends and local tales can tell you what lurks there.' Dion peered at the map. The paths they were about to travel indeed faded into nothingness on the paper, ending where the cartographer's knowledge had done the same. Amidst the blank nothingness, an ominous tall shape rose on the page. 'I know', he said. 'I have gathered as much information as I could. It should be enough - neither of us is unaccustomed to travelling through unknown territory, after all.' 'Oh, I am aware.' She carefully folded the map and handed it to him. 'Still - do try not to lose it. It can be lifesaving in strange lands.' 'I will take care. Thank you, Lady Vivian.' She nodded approvingly. 'Then all that remains is wish you good luck, and a wonderful journey. Too many of your travels have been aimed at danger and death; it is all the more precious for one of them to celebrate love instead.' He swallowed thickly, warmth rising in his chest. Not all too long ago, he would never have thought that he could find a sense of community such as this, but the people of the Hideaway had proven him wrong time and again. He took the map and inclined his head. 'I could not agree more. Your words are much appreciated, my lady.' He left the map room with a somewhat lighter step than he had arrived with, anticipation tingling under his skin. [[people choice 2 <- Continue]] (set:$map to "yes") (set:$Vivian to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion carefully straightened his clothes and ran a hand through his hair. Everything was in place, no egregious oversight for him to fix. Which was a shame really, because it meant that he had no excuse to linger in front of Clive's door any longer. With a deep breath, he raised his hand to knock. 'Come in!', a gruff voice called out on the other side of the door. Dion told himself that the hard part was already done. He had approached Clive before even starting to think about rings and locations and the right words to say, because blindsiding an overprotective - and sometimes somewhat dense - older brother was a sure way to ruin even the most well-prepared proposal. They had been on friendly terms ever since Dion had joined Cid's merry band, developing a light-hearted rivalry in the training arena and an easy camaraderie outside of it. Clive had only begun to unnerve him once Dion had started to truly court Joshua - maybe because he was all too aware of the man's protective streak and everything that might make him a less than perfect suitor for the precious younger brother. Or maybe because he himself had few positive experiences with family. But Joshua adored Clive, and Dion did not wish to be skewered by Clive, and so in this, their interests were aligned. Dion squared his shoulders and marched through the door, coming face to face with the man himself who had planted himself in the middle of the room, arms crossed. He raised an eyebrow when Dion took up position in front of him. 'I hope that is not the face you plan to wear when you ask the big question. You look like you're about to fight Ultima all over again.' Despite his nerves, Dion felt his lips twitch into a faint smile. 'I am merely preparing myself for your speech.' Clive grunted, then he grabbed Dion's shoulder in an almost bruising grip. His blue eyes under perpetually frowning brows bored into Dion's. 'Let me make one thing clear', he said, and Dion swallowed hard. 'You', Clive continued, 'are a good man who will make my brother very happy. I am looking forward to calling you family.' Dion blinked. The words settled in his heart, a warm weight. A burden of expectation, yes, but one he would gladly carry. Trust - that is what it was. A family, one he actually wanted to be a part of. 'Thank you', he said, though his voice would not quite come out right. Clive clapped him on the shoulder and then released his hold on him. 'Are you leaving right away?' 'No, I still have a few more preparations to make. We shall leave after breakfast.' 'Alright then. I won't keep you.' Dion turned around to head back outside, his heart a fuzzy thing in his chest. It was a strange thing, to be so welcome. Even if the most important part was still ahead, Clive's approval meant more than he could say. 'Oh, and Dion?' Dion stopped, his hand already at the door. When he glanced back over his shoulder, Clive was wearing a dangerous smile on his face. 'If you hurt him, I will roast you alive over a small flame.' Dion nodded his understanding and quickly fled the room. [[people choice 2 <- Continue]] (set:$Clive to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion wandered back out into the Hideaway, breathing deeply of the morning air to clear his head. Right, more preparations to come. He just hoped that he would not forget anything. (unless:$Clive is "yes")[[Clive2 <- Go see Clive]] (unless:$Charon is "yes")[[Charon2 <- Go see Charon]] (unless:$Mid is "yes")[[Mid2 <- Go see Mid]] (unless:$Vivian is "yes")[[Vivian2 <- Go see Vivian]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Charon's Toll was still empty with the Hideaway only slowly coming to life all around them, the merchant herself standing behind the deserted counter and barking orders at Goetz, who was stacking crates of newly arrived goods in a complicated system. Dion stepped up to the counter, discreetly clearing his throat to grab Charon's attention. The merchant turned around to him with a sour expression. 'Ah, there you are.' Dion inclined his head in a shallow bow. 'I apologize, Lady Charon. I hope I am not intruding on your time.' She waved him closer impatiently, turning to rummage around in her many crates and chests. She pulled out a small package neatly wrapped in soft cloth and placed it on the counter. 'There you are. It cost me quite a few favours to get it - but according to the information you dug up, that monster on your path is a nasty one. Protection wise, this is as good as you'll get.' 'Thank you.' With relief, Dion reached out to pick up the package. But Charon swiped it from under his hand and held it up. 'I spent the better part of the month chasing this down, you know?', she said. 'Cost me a pretty penny too.' With a sweet smile, Dion pulled out his coin pouch. 'And I would never ask the finest merchant in the Twins to work without due compensation.' She watched approvingly as he counted a dizzying amount of gil into her hand and then graciously offered the package. He retreated with his prize in hand, curiously pulling aside the cloth to reveal a small piece of Fallen technology, no larger than his hand. It glowed faintly, sending out gentle waves of energy. Charon had assured him that it was completely safe for humans, but reliably fended off certain creatures. Which was quite handy, since he did not intend to spend the most important day of his life fighting for his - and more importantly Joshua's - life. Satisfied, he re-wrapped the artefact and fastened it to his belt. (unless:$Joshua is "awake")[[people choice 3 <- Continue]](if:$Joshua is "awake")[[Interuption <- Continue]] (set:$artefact to "yes") (set:$Charon to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Mid's workshop was suspiciously quiet when Dion descended the stairs. He was used to a steady stream of clanking, grinding, and occasionally cursing to drift up from the Hideaway's basement, but then again, he rarely came here at this hour. Mid was notorious for working deep into the night and only dragging herself out of bed - or out of the workshop, where she slept most of the time - after life at the Hideaway had long since resumed its course in the morning. The workshop's lamps were still burning when Dion entered, illuminating Mid's form where she sat slumped over her workbench, head resting on her folded arms. Usually, Dion would have let her sleep, or at least talked her into going to her quarters for a few more hours of rest. But today, he was on a schedule. He gently shook her shoulder, expertly dodging a hit to the head when she jerked upright with her arms flailing. 'Whassit?' She shook herself, blinking at him until she was able to make sense of his presence. 'Oh! Dion! Sorry, I'm done, I'm done, here... somewhere...' She jumped up from her chair, frantically rifling through the mountains of papers and knick knacks on the table. Dion almost felt bad for her, but he was too busy fighting against the anxiousness rising in his own chest. He trusted Mid. Surely she had kept it safe, surely - 'Aha!' Mid dramatically swiped aside one more stack of papers. In her enthusiasm, she sent the small container that had been hidden underneath flying and Dion had to jump to her side to catch it before it might hit the ground. With a hammering heart, he inspected the intricate object in his palm. 'Sorry', Mid said sheepishly. Then, with a proud grin, she plucked the container from his hands. 'Here, let me show you.' It was a metal box, though that description hardly did it justice. It barely looked like a box at all, the outside a delicately constructed depiction of a tiny dragon and a no less tiny Phoenix being entangled in shimmering coils. When Mid pressed a seemingly random series of spots on their bodies they untangled with a click, allowing the box to open. Inside rested two rings; a smaller one made from silver, its scaled surface set with tiny turquoise gems, and a slightly bigger one made from gold with engraved feathers and red stones. Though Dion himself had been the one to commission the finest goldsmith in Storm for these exact rings, seeing them still stole away his breath. Mid closed the box again, dragon and Phoenix sliding back into place. 'So?', she asked. 'Fancy enough for your liking?' 'It is beautiful', he said, voice thick. 'You outdid yourself. And I am sure he will appreciate the little puzzle.' She snorted. 'I have no doubt. Almost a shame that he'll have forgotten all about it as soon as he sees the contents. Just see that he doesn't drop it when he jumps you.' 'I... yes. Of course.' 'Oh, come on. Relax a little. Or Joshua will spend the entire time worrying about you being constipated. I'm sure that would kill the mood.' He chuckled, straightening his shoulders and carefully sliding the precious box into his pocket. 'You are right. Thank you again.' He stumbled back a step in surprise when she launched herself at him, pulling him into a hug. 'Good luck', she said, and he thought that she almost sounded a little choked up. 'I'm happy for you.' He relaxed into the embrace, hugging her back. 'You should save the congratulations for when we return.' She released him and pushed him towards the stairs with a laugh. 'Then go get 'im, will you?' He walked up the stairs with a smile on his lips, though by the time he had reached the platform, his nerves had returned in full force. (unless:$Joshua is "awake")[[people choice 3 <- Continue]](if:$Joshua is "awake")[[Interuption <- Continue]] (set:$ring to "yes") (set:$Mid to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Vivian was already waiting for him when Dion entered the map room. The map she had spread out on the table in front of her was smaller than her usual ones, travel-sized and worn at the edges. 'Lady Vivian', Dion greeted her. 'I see you found what I asked you for.' 'Of course.' She waved him closer, gesturing towards the map. 'It is quite a journey you have in front of you. The area up to the closest village is well known, and the paths leading beyond are no mystery either. You will find that they are documented quite clearly on this map. The last part of your travels however will lead you through wilderness. Only legends and local tales can tell you what lurks there.' Dion peered at the map. The paths they were about to travel indeed faded into nothingness on the paper, ending where the cartographer's knowledge had done the same. Amidst the blank nothingness, an ominous tall shape rose on the page. 'I know', he said. 'I have gathered as much information as I could. It should be enough - neither of us is unaccustomed to travelling through unknown territory, after all.' 'Oh, I am aware.' She carefully folded the map and handed it to him. 'Still - do try not to lose it. It can be lifesaving in strange lands.' 'I will take care. Thank you, Lady Vivian.' She nodded approvingly. 'Then all that remains is wish you good luck, and a wonderful journey. Too many of your travels have been aimed at danger and death; it is all the more precious for one of them to celebrate love instead.' He swallowed thickly, warmth rising in his chest. Not all too long ago, he would never have thought that he could find a sense of community such as this, but the people of the Hideaway had proven him wrong time and again. He took the map and inclined his head. 'I could not agree more. Your words are much appreciated, my lady.' He left the map room with a somewhat lighter step than he had arrived with, anticipation tingling under his skin. (unless:$Joshua is "awake")[[people choice 3 <- Continue]](if:$Joshua is "awake")[[Interuption <- Continue]] (set:$map to "yes") (set:$Vivian to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion carefully straightened his clothes and ran a hand through his hair. Everything was in place, no egregious oversight for him to fix. Which was a shame really, because it meant that he had no excuse to linger in front of Clive's door any longer. With a deep breath, he raised his hand to knock. 'Come in!', a gruff voice called out on the other side of the door. Dion told himself that the hard part was already done. He had approached Clive before even starting to think about rings and locations and the right words to say, because blindsiding an overprotective - and sometimes somewhat dense - older brother was a sure way to ruin even the most well-prepared proposal. They had been on friendly terms ever since Dion had joined Cid's merry band, developing a light-hearted rivalry in the training arena and an easy cameradery outside of it. Clive had only begun to unnerve him once Dion had started to truly court Joshua - maybe because he was all too aware of the man's protective streak and everything that might make him a less than perfect suitor for the precious younger brother. Or maybe because he himself had few positive experiences with family. But Joshua adored Clive, and Dion did not wish to be skewered by Clive, and so in this, their interests were aligned. Dion squared his shoulders and marched through the door, coming face to face with the man himself who had planted himself in the middle of the room, arms crossed. He raised an eyebrow when Dion took up position in front of him. 'I hope that is not the face you plan to wear when you ask the big question. You look like you're about to fight Ultima all over again.' Despite his nerves, Dion felt his lips twitch into a faint smile. 'I am merely preparing myself for your speech.' Clive grunted, then he grabbed Dion's shoulder in an almost bruising grip. His blue eyes under perpetually frowning brows bored into Dion's. 'Let me make one thing clear', he said, and Dion swallowed hard. 'You', Clive continued, 'are a good man who will make my brother very happy. I am looking forward to calling you family.' Dion blinked. The words settled in his heart, a warm weight. A burden of expectation, yes, but one he would gladly carry. Trust - that is what it was. A family, one he actually wanted to be a part of. 'Thank you', he said, though his voice would not quite come out right. Clive clapped him on the shoulder and then released his hold on him. 'Are you leaving right away?' 'No, I still have a few more preparations to make. We'll leave after breakfast.' 'Alright then. I won't keep you.' Dion turned around to head back outside, his heart a fuzzy thing in his chest. It was a strange thing, to be so welcome. Even if the most important part was still ahead, Clive's approval meant more than he could say. 'Oh, and Dion?' Dion stopped, his hand already at the door. When he glanced back over his shoulder, Clive was wearing a dangerous smile on his face. 'If you hurt him, I will roast you alive over a small flame.' Dion nodded his understanding and quickly fled the room. (unless:$Joshua is "awake")[[people choice 3 <- Continue]](if:$Joshua is "awake")[[Interuption <- Continue]] (set:$Clive to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The sun had wandered across the sky a good bit and Dion felt the nervous anticipation crawl under his skin. Almost done. He only had to go and... (unless:$Clive is "yes")[[Clive3 <- Go see Clive]] (unless:$Charon is "yes")[[Charon3 <- Go see Charon]] (unless:$Mid is "yes")[[Mid3 <- Go see Mid]] (unless:$Vivian is "yes")[[Vivian3 <- Go see Vivian]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Charon's Toll was still empty even with the Hideaway having erupted in the busy activity of the day all around them. The merchant herself was standing behind the deserted counter and barking orders at Goetz, who was stacking crates of newly arrived goods in a complicated system. Dion stepped up to the counter, discreetly clearing his throat to grab Charon's attention. The merchant turned around to him with a sour expression. 'You're late. Thought you might have changed your mind.' Dion inclined his head in a shallow bow. 'I apologize, Lady Charon. I had some matters to attend to.' She waved him closer impatiently, turning to rummage around in her many crates and chests. She pulled out a small package neatly wrapped in soft cloth and placed it on the counter. 'There you are. It cost me quite a few favours to get it - but according to the information you dug up, that monster on your path is a nasty one. Protection wise, this is as good as you'll get.' 'Thank you.' With relief, Dion reached out to pick up the package. But Charon swiped it from under his hand and held it up. 'I spent the better part of the month chasing this down, you know?', she said. 'Cost me a pretty penny too.' With a sweet smile, Dion pulled out his coin pouch. 'And I would never ask the finest merchant in the Twins to work without due compensation.' She watched approvingly as he counted a dizzying amount of gil into her hand and then graciously offered the package. He retreated with his prize in hand, curiously pulling aside the cloth to reveal a small piece of Fallen technology, no larger than his hand. It glowed faintly, sending out gentle waves of energy. Charon had assured him that it was completely safe for humans, but reliably fended off certain creatures. Which was quite handy, since he did not intend to spend the most important day of his life fighting for his - and more importantly Joshua's - life. Satisfied, he re-wrapped the artefact and fastened it to his belt. There was still more to do. [[Move on <- Continue]] (set:$artefact to "yes") (set:$Charon to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Mid's workshop was suspiciously quiet when Dion descended the stairs. He was used to a steady stream of clanking, grinding, and occasionally cursing to drift up from the Hideaway's basement, but Mid must have worked overtime. She was notorious for tinkering deep into the night and only dragging herself out of bed - or out of the workshop, where she slept most of the time - after life at the Hideaway had long since resumed its course in the morning. But this hour was late even for her. The workshop's lamps were still burning when Dion entered, illuminating Mid's form where she sat slumped over her workbench, head resting on her folded arms. Usually, Dion would have let her sleep, or at least talked her into going to her quarters for a few more hours of rest. But today, he was on a schedule. He gently shook her shoulder, expertly dodging a hit to the head when she jerked upright with her arms flailing. 'Whassit?' She shook herself, blinking at him until she was able to make sense of his presence. 'Oh! Dion! Sorry, I'm done, I'm done, here... somewhere...' She jumped up from her chair, frantically rifling through the mountains of papers and knick knacks on the table. Dion almost felt bad for her, but he was too busy fighting against the anxiousness rising in his own chest. He trusted Mid. Surely she had kept it safe, surely - 'Aha!' Mid dramatically swiped aside one more stack of papers. In her enthusiasm, she sent the small container that had been hidden underneath flying and Dion had to jump to her side to catch it before it might hit the ground. With a hammering heart, he inspected the intricate object in his palm. 'Sorry', Mid said sheepishly. Then, with a proud grin, she plucked the container from his hands. 'Here, let me show you.' It was a metal box, though that description hardly did it justice. It barely looked like a box at all, the outside a delicately constructed depiction of a tiny dragon and a no less tiny Phoenix being entangled in shimmering coils. When Mid pressed a seemingly random series of spots on their bodies they untangled with a click, allowing the box to open. Inside rested two rings; a smaller one made from silver, its scaled surface set with tiny turquoise gems, and a slightly bigger one made from gold with engraved feathers and red stones. Though Dion himself had been the one to commission the finest goldsmith in Storm for these exact rings, seeing them still stole away his breath. Mid closed the box again, dragon and Phoenix sliding back into place. 'So?', she asked. 'Fancy enough for your liking?' 'It is beautiful', he said, voice thick. 'You outdid yourself. And I am sure he will appreciate the little puzzle.' She snorted. 'I have no doubt. Almost a shame that he'll have forgotten all about it as soon as he sees the contents. Just see that he doesn't drop it when he jumps you.' 'I... yes. Of course.' 'Oh, come on. Relax a little. Or Joshua will spend the entire time worrying about you being constipated. I'm sure that would kill the mood.' He chuckled, straightening his shoulders and carefully sliding the precious box into his pocket. 'You are right. Thank you again.' He stumbled back a step in surprise when she launched herself at him, pulling him into a hug. 'Good luck', she said, and he thought that she almost sounded a little choked up. 'I'm happy for you.' He relaxed into the embrace, hugging her back. 'You should save the congratulations for when we return.' She released him and pushed him towards the stairs with a laugh. 'Then go get 'im, will you?' He walked up the stairs with a smile on his lips, though by the time he had reached the platform, his nerves had returned in full force. [[Move on <- Continue]] (set:$ring to "yes") (set:$Mid to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Vivian was already waiting for him when Dion entered the map room. The map she had spread out on the table in front of her was smaller than her usual ones, travel-sized and worn at the edges. 'Lady Vivian', Dion greeted her. 'I apologize for my tardiness. I see you found what I asked you for.' 'Of course.' She waved him closer, gesturing towards the map. 'It is quite a journey you have in front of you. The area up to the closest village is well known, and the paths leading beyond are no mystery either. You will find that they are documented quite clearly on this map. The last part of your travels however will lead you through wilderness. Only legends and local tales can tell you what lurks there.' Dion peered at the map. The paths they were about to travel indeed faded into nothingness on the paper, ending where the cartographer's knowledge had done the same. Amidst the blank nothingness, an ominous tall shape rose on the page. 'I know', he said. 'I have gathered as much information as I could. It should be enough - neither of us is unaccustomed to travelling through unknown territory, after all.' 'Oh, I am aware.' She carefully folded the map and handed it to him. 'Still - do try not to lose it. It can be lifesaving in strange lands.' 'I will take care. Thank you, Lady Vivian.' She nodded approvingly. 'Then all that remains is wish you good luck, and a wonderful journey. Too many of your travels have been aimed at danger and death; it is all the more precious for one of them to celebrate love instead.' He swallowed thickly, warmth rising in his chest. Not all too long ago, he would never have thought that he could find a sense of community such as this, but the people of the Hideaway had proven him wrong time and again. He took the map and inclined his head. 'I could not agree more. Your words are much appreciated, my lady.' He left the map room with a somewhat lighter step than he had arrived with, anticipation tingling under his skin. But first he had more to do yet. [[Move on <- Continue]] (set:$map to "yes") (set:$Vivian to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion carefully straightened his clothes and ran a hand through his hair. Everything was in place, no egregious oversight for him to fix. Which was a shame really, because it meant that he had no excuse to linger in front of Clive's door any longer. With a deep breath, he raised his hand to knock. 'Come in!', a gruff voice called out on the other side of the door. Dion told himself that the hard part was already done. He had approached Clive before even starting to think about rings and locations and the right words to say, because blindsiding an overprotective - and sometimes somewhat dense - older brother was a sure way to ruin even the most well-prepared proposal. They had been on friendly terms ever since Dion had joined Cid's merry band, developing a light-hearted rivalry in the training arena and an easy cameradery outside of it. Clive had only begun to unnerve him once Dion had started to truly court Joshua - maybe because he was all too aware of the man's protective streak and everything that might make him a less than perfect suitor for the precious younger brother. Or maybe because he himself had few positive experiences with family. But Joshua adored Clive, and Dion did not wish to be skewered by Clive, and so in this, their interests were aligned. Dion squared his shoulders and marched through the door, coming face to face with the man himself who had planted himself in the middle of the room, arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently. He raised an eyebrow when Dion took up position in front of him. 'I hope that is not the face you plan to wear when you ask the big question. You look like you're about to fight Ultima all over again.' Despite his nerves, Dion felt his lips twitch into a faint smile. 'I am merely preparing myself for your speech.' Clive grunted, then he grabbed Dion's shoulder in an almost bruising grip. His blue eyes under perpetually frowning brows bored into Dion's. 'Let me make one thing clear', he said, and Dion swallowed hard. 'You', Clive continued, 'are a good man who will make my brother very happy. I am looking forward to calling you family.' Dion blinked. The words settled in his heart, a warm weight. A burden of expectation, yes, but one he would gladly carry. Trust - that is what it was. A family, one he actually wanted to be a part of. 'Thank you', he said, though his voice would not quite come out right. Clive clapped him on the shoulder and then released his hold on him. 'Are you leaving right away?' 'No, not quite. We'll leave after breakfast.' 'Getting a bit late for breakfast, isn't it? Alright then. I won't keep you.' Dion turned around to head back outside, his heart a fuzzy thing in his chest. It was a strange thing, to be so welcome. Even if the most important part was still ahead, Clive's approval meant more than he could say. 'Oh, and Dion?' Dion stopped, his hand already at the door. When he glanced back over his shoulder, Clive was wearing a dangerous smile on his face. 'If you hurt him, I will roast you alive over a small flame.' Dion nodded his understanding and quickly fled the room. [[Move on <- Continue]] (set:$Clive to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) With a sigh, Dion slumped against the railing of the platform. He felt as if he had gone and fought a horde of akashic already, and it was still fairly early in the morning. But he would be done soon, all that remained now was... 'Dion!' Dion turned around to see Yvan wave at him from behind his counter. He straightened up and headed over to the man with a determined step. It was still strange to have the people around here address him so casually, and it filled him with a quiet sense of happiness every time they did. It had taken quite a while for them to drop his title, but the effort had been well worth it. 'Here, just like you asked', Yvan said as he pushed a covered tray over the counter. It smelled of freshly baked bread and the strong tea Joshua preferred in the mornings. Dion took it with a grateful smile, then he hesitated. 'You did not add anything... exotic, did you?' Yvan puffed out his chest. 'Of course not! One of the cursebreakers brought me back some wonderful specimen that I'm sure would have made a truly delectable addition, but alas... I followed your request precisely.' 'My thanks.' Dion carefully carried the tray back to his and Joshua's room, only making a detour to pick up the small bouquet of wyverntails and fire lilies he had prepared the day before and left in Jill's helpful hands. She gave him a wink when she handed it to him and sent him away with a 'Good luck!'. The flowers found their place among the heavenly smelling morsels of food Yvan had prepared. Satisfied with his work, Dion awkwardly shouldered open the door to their room while holding the tray, slipping inside on quiet feet. (unless:$Joshua is "awake")[[Breakfast asleep <- Wake Joshua for breakfast]](if:$Joshua is "awake")[[Breakfast awake <- Have breakfast]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion had just stepped back out into the bustle of the Hideaway when he ran straight into Joshua. He was still bleary-eyed and his clothes were rumpled as if he had been half asleep while putting them on, but once he spied Dion, his face lit up. 'Dion! I was looking for you!' Dion came to a halt, hastily taking stock of himself to make sure nothing about him would hint at what he had been up to. Then he cleared his throat, trying to put on a neutral expression. 'Joshua? You are up early today.' 'Well, someone left in a hurry this morning. I was curious.' 'Right.' Dion shifted from one foot to the other. 'Listen, I am almost done here. Why do you not get back to our room - I shall pick up breakfast on my way back.' The curious gleam in Joshua's eyes only intensified. 'Oh? Breakfast in bed? You really do have something special planned today.' Blue eyes narrowed. 'Is there a special occasion? Did I forget something?' 'Nothing of the sort.' Dion forced his lips into an easy smile and gave Joshua a chaste kiss on the cheek. 'Let me do something special for you once in a while. But I cannot do that if you run off.' Joshua laughed and raised his hands in surrender. 'Alright, alright. I shall patiently await the things that are to come.' And with a playful bow he turned around, swaggering back in the direction of their room. Dion let his shoulders drop with a relieved sigh. //Right. Where was I?// (unless:$Clive is "yes")[[Clive3 <- Go see Clive]] (unless:$Charon is "yes")[[Charon3 <- Go see Charon]] (unless:$Mid is "yes")[[Mid3 <- Go see Mid]] (unless:$Vivian is "yes")[[Vivian3 <- Go see Vivian]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua was still lying in bed, peacefully asleep. He had burrowed into the covers in absence of Dion's warmth, and only his hair was sticking out from under the blanket. With a fond chuckle, Dion placed the breakfast tray on the bedside table and sat on the bed, brushing back strawberry blond curls to reveal Joshua's face. He traced a finger over a freckled cheek until Joshua mumbled something in his sleep. 'Good morning', Dion said. One blue eye blinked open and peered up at him blearily before Joshua's face split apart in an undignified yawn. 'S early', he slurred. 'It is really not.' With a sigh, Joshua forced his eyes to open fully. He stretched with another yawn until his back audibly cracked, then reluctantly sat up. His body swayed as if ready to collapse back into the sheets any moment. Amused, Dion steadied him with an arm around his shoulders and pressed a kiss to his cheek. 'I brought breakfast.' 'Oh.' Joshua squinted at the tray Dion placed on the bed, sniffing the air as the aroma of tea wafted up. Dion poured him a cup from the small kettle Yvan had placed on the tray. Meanwhile Joshua let curious fingers wander over the soft petals of the flowers. 'What is the occasion?', he asked. 'Did I miss something?' 'Not at all. I simply wished to treat you.' Blue eyes narrowed in suspicion, but then Dion pressed the cup of tea into Joshua's hands and that seemed to thoroughly pacify his curiosity for the moment. Together, they set to demolishing their breakfast while cuddled up against each other in bed, enjoying the soft morning sun that filled the room. It was a good morning. Perfect, even. Dion just hoped that the rest of his endeavour would be just as perfect. [[Boat <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua was sitting in bed reading. He looked up when Dion entered, face splitting into a wide grin. 'Finished all your errands, then?' Dion set down the tray on the bedside table before arranging himself on the mattress next to Joshua. Then he placed the food by their legs, within comfortable reach. 'Yes, I think I did.' Joshua reached out to pick up the flowers, running a finger over the soft petals. His smile widened. 'Are you sure there is no special occasion?' 'Not at all.' That earned him another knowing smirk. Knowing and very curious. 'Because I found both of our packs that you prepared yesterday and stashed away in secret. You are going through an awful lot of preparations to just //do something special once in a while//.' 'Well.' Dion poured a cup of tea from the small kettle Yvan had added to the tray and offered it to Joshua who received it gratefully. 'I simply do not do things by halves.' Joshua laughed. 'On that, we can agree. Well then. Let us see what we got here...' Together, they set to demolishing their breakfast while cuddled up against each other in bed, enjoying the soft morning sun that filled the room. It was a good morning. Perfect, even. Dion just hoped that the rest of his endeavour would be just as perfect. [[Boat <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) With their bellies full, the bed seemed like an awfully tempting choice. On any other day, Dion would have happily continued cuddling under the covers for a few more hours. But today, he had a schedule to keep if they wanted to reach the first inn on their journey before nightfall. And so he wheedled Joshua into getting up and, with the packs he had prepared the day before in hand, lead them both to the docks where Obolus was waiting. Joshua climbed into the boat without asking more questions, though Dion saw the curiosity in his eyes. It was the gleeful anticipation with which a new mystery was being examined, and it warmed Dion's heart to see that even just his secrecy was enough to entertain Joshua thoroughly. Hopefully, it would only get much better from there. It felt nostalgic, just the two of them leaving the Hideaway for an adventure of their own. It was how they had first deepened their connection, in the days before Origin. Going on hunts together had been intended as a way to pass the time and keep their skills sharp before facing Ultima, but what they had found during long days of travel and shared nights by the campfire had been something far more precious. Dion could not wait to feel the echo of these days once again, this time without the shadow of primogenesis looming over them. The boat took course towards the shores of Bennumere, the steady lapping of the water and the whisper of the wind following them. Joshua turned his face into the breeze that ruffled his hair, closing his eyes to savour the warm sun on his skin. It was an ache in Dion's chest - that overwhelming feeling of love. He wanted to see that face every day, every hour for the rest of his life. Joshua opened one eye to give Dion a sideway glance. 'You really will not tell me where we are going, will you?' 'Not a chance.' 'Fine.' Joshua laughed. 'My fate rests in your hands, then.' //And I shall guard it with my life//, Dion thought. But he merely gave Joshua a broad smile and together, they continued across the silent lake. [[Chapter 2]] (set:$Joshua to "fine")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (textsize:1.5)[''Chapter 2: Journey''] It took them only a few days of travel to arrive at the village of Blackspire in the Crystal Belt. Time that flew past quickly, filled with conversation and evenings lounging by the fire and Joshua not-so-subtly needling a tight-lipped Dion about the destination of their journey. Despite its menacing name, the village they finally arrived at was a charming collection of wooden houses nestled into a lush green valley, far away from busy trade routes or major cities. The woods surrounding it were near untouched by humans, the plants Dion and Joshua passed by the roadside strange and exotic. It was evening when their chocobos climbed up the last steep hill separating them from Blackspire, the air crisp and filled with the hues of dawn. From up high on the hill, they had an excellent view of the village below and the woods surrounding it, climbing up towards harsh mountain peaks. When he saw what lay beyond, Joshua let out a delighted gasp. 'You did not!' He turned around to Dion with wide eyes. 'You found another?' Dion could not help but preen at his excitement. The jagged silhouette of the tower rising above the blazing red horizon was menacing, tall and needle-sharp as if it sought to cut apart the clouds like cloth. But Joshua looked at it as if he had found the most beautiful treasure in the realm; his entire body seemed to be vibrating with the anticipation of unearthing the secrets it housed. It had cost Dion a lot of time and no small amount of help from Clive's scouts to locate the Fallen structure in this forgotten corner of the continent, but every moment he had spent on it had been worth it. 'You spoke so fondly of the Sagespire you explored with your brother. I know you wanted to return there, but I thought an entirely new -' He was cut off by Joshua leaning towards him at a precarious angle to throw his arms around Dion's neck with a laugh. Their chocobos protested with an irritated wark, but Joshua barely seemed to notice. 'It is wonderful! Thank you.' He righted himself in the saddle, face lit up by a huge grin. 'Come, quickly. I will race you to the village!' He spurred on his chocobo and Dion had to hurry to keep up. They raced down the street, only slowing down right in front of the village gates, gasping with laughter. The lone guard at the gate gave them a confused look but let them through without question. The village did not see much trade or travellers, but there was still a stable to house their chocobos right by the village square. The stable hand that they entrusted their birds to was an older man with a gruff voice but a gentle hand who expertly saw to their tired steeds. Once he had settled the birds, he gave them a curious look. 'What brings you here, then? That's quite some travel gear you are carrying, and mighty fancy weapons.' Dion and Joshua exchanged a look, and Joshua shrugged. 'We mean to explore the path towards the tower', Dion said. Better to play down their endeavour a bit - most people who did not know about their capabilities would surely declare them insane. Exploration of Fallen ruins was not encouraged for average travellers. 'The tower, eh?' The man hummed. 'Not the first ones to take an interest. You can't go that way on chocobo back, the forest is too wild. But you look like spry lads, you'll be fine. As long as you know how to handle those weapons - there are some nasty rumours about the beasts living in those hills.' Joshua inclined his head. 'The warning is appreciated. I believe we should be able to handle them.' Their Eikons might be gone since Origin, but they were still more than capable warriors both. Dion just hoped that this tower did not house any monsters or constructs of the same calibre as those that had populated the Sagespire. But since Ultima's fall, the Fallen ruins across the world seemed devoid of such dangers, the strange living machines they had used to encounter there now empty shells. It should be safe enough for the two of them if they stuck to the path Dion had mapped out beforehand. The man nodded with a grunt and waved them off. But as they turned around to make their way to the inn for the night, he called them back. 'There's this old... scholar or something, Theobald. He is obsessed with the tower. He insists that he is an expert, but everyone else just thinks he's barking mad. If you have some spare time to waste, you could go and find him. He lives next to the tailor's shop. Though personally I would spend the time buying provisions for the journey.' 'Thank you for the advice', Dion said, then they continued on their way. As they strolled towards the inn, Joshua pursed his lips in thought. 'It might be wise to seek out this Theobald', he mused out loud. 'Possibly', Dion answered. 'Though we will have to leave early in the morning if we want to do any meaningful exploration before nightfall. And buying more provisions or other supplies might be a more pressing concern - we still have enough food, but if we are delayed, rations might be tight. And the village's merchants might have other things for sale that could help us. We could always compare notes with the scholar once we return.' 'Hm, true.' They had reached the inn's door and Dion gallantly opened it for Joshua to step through. 'In any case, it is a concern for tomorrow. Let us get ample rest, we have quite the day ahead of us.' Which was true in more ways than Joshua knew, and the thought made Dion swallow hard. Tomorrow. At the top of the tower, when the sky was burning Phoenix red once more. It would be perfect. Despite his words, Dion did not get much sleep that night. He lay awake with a pounding heart while Joshua slumbered peacefully, curled up against his chest. Only slowly his mind surrendered to the darkness, and it seemed that he had only just closed his eyes when he jolted awake again. Pale morning light greeted him along with the song of birds outside the window. //Today is the day.// They forewent breakfast in favour of making better time on the road. As soon as they had gathered their packs and weapons they stepped out into the village square, Joshua bleary and dishevelled and Dion ever-alert. The streets were busy despite the early hour. 'Well, then', Joshua said and suppressed a yawn. 'It seems we have time for one detour before departing for the tower.' With a frown, Dion considered their options. [[Get food <- Go buy food]] [[Get medicine <- See what else the merchants might have to offer]] [[Get fallen info <- Go look for Theobald]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The south gate of the village was not guarded, and the cobblestones of the road that led towards the tower were weathered and uneven. It had clearly gone unused for a long time, and after no more than a few yards the stone was choked by weeds and overgrown bushes. They could still vaguely see that the road split outside the village, one path leading further south and disappearing into the underbrush of the forest. The other one split off east and seemed to wind through a less densely grown part of the forest, the grass covering it soft and flecked with sunlight. Dion rubbed his chin in thought. 'Both of these should lead us to the right spot... south might be shorter, but the terrain seems rougher.' Joshua grinned at him, bowing in an exaggerated fashion. 'I shall trust your judgement, oh great leader.' 'Let us hope it will not lead us astray. (if:$villagefood is "yes")[We should heed the innkeeper's advice though... ]There are plenty of dangers between us and the tower.' Joshua just smirked at him. 'Come now, where is your sense of adventure? You have become quite the worrywart, //Dion the Bold//.' 'Ha. Only because you get so excited you forget to worry at all. So it falls to me to worry for us both.' Or maybe it was simply the fact that for the first time since he could remember, death was no longer an option he would deem acceptable. Not for him, and certainly not for Joshua. It was a novel experience, being so focussed on keeping them both alive; fragile mortals they now both were. Dion shook off the thought and faced the two paths leading into the wild. [[Safe path <- Go east]] [[Danger path <- Go south]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Their path lead them past young trees standing far apart, their slim trunks and light green leaves leaving ample sunlight for the grass at their feet. In some places the trees even gave way to shrubs and lush meadows, exotic flowers blooming in big patches of red, yellow and pink. The sun was starting to burn down on them as it rose in the sky, but a gentle breeze cooled their skin and carried the scent of fresh leaves and the calls of birds with it. 'What are these flowers?', Dion asked as they came across another patch of strange blooms, violet petals curling in peculiar ways he had never seen before. 'I do not know', Joshua said. 'I have never come across anything close, not on my travels or even in a book. They almost look... unnatural.' He hummed in thought, gaze wandering to where the very tip of the Blackspire rose above the trees on the horizon. 'I wonder if maybe it is an effect of the tower, something that changes nature around here? Some power leaking from the Fallen ruins?' 'That is... an unsettling thought.' Dion eyed the flowers warily, while Joshua seemed mostly intrigued. He let his fingers run over a smooth petal. 'In any case, this seems like a good spot for a rest, does it not? We have made good time already.' On that, Dion could agree. The sun hung high in the sky and they had marched a good few hours already. Without protest, he followed Joshua into the meadow lining their path and dropped his pack to the ground. [[rest <- Take a rest, you can eat on the road]] [[picnic <- A picnic sounds nice]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The south path cut straight through the forest, lined with gnarled trees and prickly bushes. The cobblestones soon gave way to packed earth that was almost completely covered in creeping vines and winding roots that snatched at their boots. They hiked for a few hours while the sun wandered across the sky, barely noticeable through the dense roof of branches and leaves above their heads. It was late morning when they slowed down. 'We should look out for a spot to rest', Dion said. Joshua looked ahead with a longing expression as if he might be able to see the tower's silhouette through the trees, but reluctantly agreed. They found a small clearing with a fallen tree that provided a somewhat more comfortable spot to sit than the ground with its prickly vines. Dion dropped his pack on the ground and stretched his sore muscles with a pleased grunt. [[Danger rest <- Take a rest, you can eat on the road]] [[Danger picnic <- A picnic sounds nice]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They settled on the fallen tree, drinking from their waterskins and stretching out their legs. The shade of the trees was pleasantly cool, the air filled with the scent of damp earth and rotten leaves and the ever-present sounds of the forest. It was peaceful, a lovely spot to catch their breath despite the wildness of the woods. There was a rustle. Dion raised his head to peer at the bushes but soon turned back to the simple stretches he was doing. Carrying his halberd on a trek like this was not exactly comfortable, but he would feel terribly naked without the weapon. Another rustle, closer this time. It seemed to move through the bushes, slowly circling the clearing. 'Do you hear that?', Joshua asked. Dion nodded quietly and reached for his halberd. Probably just a fox or another small creature, curious about the humans that had invaded their home. Probably. The rustling came closer and then something appeared in the bushes - a head that looked more like a cat than a fox, but a little bigger. Round, bright eyes that observed them intently, and tentacle-like whiskers. Not as long as a coeurls but still unsettling in the way they seemed to have a life of their own. 'What is that?', Dion whispered. 'I have no idea', Joshua whispered back. 'I have never seen something like this, not even in books. But I thought before that the flora seemed strange as well. Maybe it is something about the tower that changes nature around here? Some power leaking from the Fallen ruins?' 'I do not like that idea', Dion mumbled. But Joshua was leaning forward to study the creature more closely, who in turn studied him. 'Maybe we can lure it closer? I want to see what it looks like.' Dion hesitated. Whatever it was, it was small. It should not pose any danger. But then again there was something strange and predatory in the way the creature moved, as if it was not concerned in the slightest that the two humans were too big of a prey to take on. [[feed creature <- Offer it some food]] [[continue danger path <- Better leave and continue down the road]] (set:$rest to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They settled on the fallen tree, spreading out some of their food between them for a late breakfast. The shade of the trees was pleasantly cool, the air filled with the scent of damp earth and rotten leaves and the ever-present sounds of the forest. It was peaceful, a lovely spot to catch their breath despite the wildness of the woods. The food was simple, but after their hike it still tasted heavenly and they ate with delight. There was a rustle. Dion raised his head to peer at the bushes but soon turned back to the food. The woods were noisy in their own way, and he was not bothered by wild animals slinking through the underbrush. Another rustle, closer this time. It seemed to move through the bushes, slowly circling the clearing. 'Do you hear that?', Joshua asked. Dion nodded quietly and reached for his halberd. Probably just a fox or another small creature, curious about the humans that had invaded their home. Probably. The rustling came closer and then something appeared in the bushes - a head that looked more like a cat than a fox, but a little bigger. Round, bright eyes that observed them intently, and tentacle-like whiskers. Not as long as a coeurls but still unsettling in the way they seemed to have a life of their own. 'What is that?', Dion whispered. 'I have no idea', Joshua whispered back. 'I have never seen something like this, not even in books. But I thought before that the flora seemed strange as well. Maybe it is something about the tower that changes nature around here? Some power leaking from the Fallen ruins?' 'I do not like that idea', Dion mumbled. But Joshua was leaning forward to study the creature more closely, who in turn studied him. It crept closer, crouched low to the ground. Its body, too, was cat-like, but the skin was hairless and almost scaly looking. The creature raised its head and sniffed the air, eyes fixed on the half-eaten sausage in Joshua's hand. 'It seems hungry', Joshua said. 'It also seems remarkably unbothered by two humans', Dion added uneasily. Unbothered, and predatory. It was small enough that it should pose no danger to them, but the complete lack of fear was unnerving. 'Perhaps I could lure it closer.' Joshua considered the sausage in his hand. 'I would really like to study it.' [[feed creature <- Offer it a little food]] [[shoo creature <- Shoo it away]] (if:$food is "2")[(set:$food to "1")] (if:$food is "3")[(set:$food to "2")]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (unless:$rest is "yes")[Joshua threw a piece of sausage](if:$rest is "yes")[Joshua reached into his pack to pull out a sausage. He ripped off a piece and threw it] in the creature’s direction, careful to keep his movements as slow and non-threatening as possible. The creature jumped to catch the morsel out of the air and swallowed it whole, then its bright eyes settled back on Joshua. Slowly, it crept closer still. Delighted, Joshua ripped off another piece and prepared to throw it, but then Dion put a hand on his shoulder. 'Look.' The bushes around them were moving. More eyes appeared in the shadows, round and glowing like lamps. There were too many to count, and every time Dion let his eyes wander, more seemed to crawl out of the underbrush. 'This... is not good', he murmured. Joshua's eyes jumped from the sausage in his hand to the bushes to the sword at his side. 'I do not think we can fight off that many', he whispered. Dion shared his opinion. One big enemy - sure. Even a pack of wolves would pose no great problem. But the sheer number of creatures surrounding them was staggering. They no longer had magic attacks at their disposal that could wipe out many of them at once, and so they would have to resort to killing them one at a time. They would get swarmed from all sides. 'We should go', he said as calmly as possible. Joshua nodded and reached for his pack on the ground. His movements were agonizingly slow, his fingers creeping closer inch by inch. Then he shifted his weight and a dry branch cracked under his foot. And all at once, the creatures rushed forward. It was a mass of feline bodies jumping at them with their small, needle-like teeth bared. 'Run!', Joshua shouted. Dion grabbed his halberd and threw himself to the side to avoid the first of the creatures leaping at him. They both ran, dodging and slicing a few of the creatures apart but each one seemed to be followed by two others taking its place. They raced through the woods the way they had come, breaking into a proper sprint once they had reached the overgrown road and trees were no longer blocking their way. The creatures did not follow and soon they came to a stumbling halt. 'At least they keep to the clearing', Joshua gasped. 'You think... it is their hunting ground?' 'I do not think it is the clearing', Dion answered. 'They attacked before I could grab my pack. I fear they are enjoying the food inside as we speak.' Joshua let out a deep breath, sheathing his sword. 'Well, at least I still have some provisions in mine. We should be able to reach the tower and get back without having to resort to hunting.' Dion chuckled and reached out to pluck a leaf from Joshua's hair. 'Nothing will keep you from reaching that tower, is it?' Joshua just gave him a wide grin. [[Crossroads <- Make for the Crossroads]] (set:$ring to "lost") (set:$map to "lost") (set:$food to "1") (set:$medicine to "lost") (set:$pack to "lost")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Come, better leave it alone', Dion said. 'Who knows, there might be others hiding in the bushes.' With a sigh, Joshua acquiesced; though not without shooting the creature another intrigued look. But then he grabbed his pack and brushed the dirt off his trousers, and together they slowly made their way back towards the road. They avoided hectic movements that might trigger pursuit, and after a few yards Dion looked back and noticed that the strangely bright eyes had disappeared. It made him breathe a little easier. [[Crossroads <- Make for the Crossroads]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'I do not think luring it closer is a good idea', Dion said. 'Maybe you are right', Joshua sighed. Dion stood up, grabbing his halberd and taking a menacing step towards the creature. 'Shoo!' The creature hissed, baring needle-like fangs. Dion refused to back down and motioned with the halberd, hoping to drive it off. Those huge glowing eyes made his hair stand on end. The creature hissed again, then its body tensed into a coil and it leapt at Dion with a snarl. His keen reflexes saw it cut in half before he even fully realized what was happening, and the dead body slumped into the grass. 'Dion?' He followed Joshua's gaze and noticed that the bushes all around them were rustling, more eyes appearing in the shadows. More and more. 'I believe we might be unwelcome here', Dion said dryly. He slowly crept backwards, bending down to retrieve his pack without letting the eyes in the underbrush from his sight. He straightened back up, movements just as careful. 'Let us go.' They turned around and ran. Behind them, many voices hissed viciously, and they only just heard the sound of clawed feet hitting the ground at an alarming pace. Then they raced through the forest, breaking into a sprint as soon as they had reached the overgrown road and trees were no longer blocking their way. They only came to a stumbling halt once they were sure nothing was following their trail. 'That was... not very nice of them', Joshua panted. He straightened up, taking a deep breath. 'Come, then. We still have a ways to go.' Dion answered with a breathless chuckle and reached out to pluck a leaf from Joshua's hair. 'Nothing will keep you from reaching that tower, is it?' Joshua just gave him a wide grin. [[Crossroads <- Make for the Crossroads]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They marched on until the trees eventually parted for them to reveal the crumbled remains of houses, the bones of a settlement that now lay long abandoned. The walls were covered in ivy, the roots of trees having done their part in taking apart what humans had built. Beneath the carpet of moss and creeping vines, worn cobblestones were only just visible. The old road split off in three directions and vanished into the foliage. 'Where to now'?, Joshua asked. 'Well, according to the map...' (if:$map is "no")[[no map <- Right... where is the map?]](if:$map is "lost") [[lost map <- Right... where is the map?]](if:$map is "yes")[[choose path3 <- Look at the map]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They settled down in the soft grass, next to a patch of red flowers. Joshua sprawled out on his back to watch the clouds while Dion did a few simple stretches - carrying his halberd on a trek like this was uncomfortable, but he would have felt terribly naked without the weapon. In this meadow however, he felt comfortable laying down his blade. It was peaceful - the mild air, the sun on his skin. The fragrant grass and the birdsong all around. He looked back to where Joshua was lying on the ground, eyes closed and a soft smile on his face. The sun was playing on his hair, giving it a golden glow. He looked so beautiful that Dion had almost dropped to his knees and asked the question right then and there. But no... he had a plan. A perfect plan. Everything would be perfect. They rested for a while, drinking from their waterskins and lying in the grass, watching the clouds pass by. Dion remembered doing the same as children when they had first met - gazing up into the sky and finding the strangest and most wonderful shapes in the clouds. Then Joshua entwined their fingers and when Dion saw his smile, he knew that Joshua was thinking of the same thing. 'We should get going', Dion said eventually. Joshua hummed in agreement. The tower was still far, and they did not wish to lose too much daylight. [[Crossroads <- Continue down the path]] (if:$spice is "yes")[[sexy times <- The grass feels awfully soft... would be a shame not to take advantage]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They settled down in the soft grass, next to a patch of red flowers. Their food was quickly spread out for a late breakfast - a simple meal, but after their hike it tasted heavenly and they ate with delight. Once their stomachs were full, Joshua sprawled out on his back to enjoy the sun while Dion did a few simple stretches. Carrying his halberd on a trek like this was uncomfortable, but he would have felt terribly naked without the weapon. In this meadow however, he felt comfortable laying down his blade. It was peaceful - the mild air, the sun on his skin. The fragrant grass and the birdsong all around. He looked back to where Joshua was lying on the ground, eyes closed and a soft smile on his face. The sun was playing on his hair, giving it a golden glow. He looked so beautiful that Dion had almost dropped to his knees and asked the question right then and there. But no... he had a plan. A perfect plan. Everything would be perfect. So instead, he joined Joshua on the ground and they stayed like this; lying in the grass, watching the clouds pass by. Dion remembered doing the same as children when they had first met - gazing up into the sky and finding the strangest and most wonderful shapes in the clouds. Then Joshua entwined their fingers and when Dion saw his smile, he knew that Joshua was thinking of the same thing. 'We should get going', Dion said eventually. Joshua hummed in agreement. The tower was still far, and they did not wish to lose too much daylight. [[Crossroads <- Continue down the path]] (if:$spice is "yes")[[sexy times <- The grass feels awfully soft... would be a shame not to take advantage]] (if:$food is "2")[(set:$food to "1")] (if:$food is "3")[(set:$food to "2")]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Or', Dion added, 'we could stay a bit.' Joshua gave him a look, eyebrow raised. 'Oh?' Dion reached out to trace a finger across his cheek. It was warm from the sun, freckles covering it like constellations of tiny stars. Dion ran his thumb over Joshua's lower lip, then rolled around to prop himself up on his elbow and duck his head for a kiss. Joshua kissed back sweetly and chuckled when they separated for air. 'You would let yourself be distracted so easily?', he teased. 'Shame on you.' 'Not easily, no.' Dion kissed him again. 'You are //very// distracting.' 'Hmm, yes, I believe that is a compliment I can return.' Dion's smile widened. 'Even though there is an entire Fallen tower waiting for you on the horizon? I am shocked.' 'The tower will not go anywhere, now won't it? At least not for the next few minutes.' Dion laughed and mouthed at Joshua's throat, placing a wet line of kisses down to his collarbones. 'I intend to take longer than a few minutes.' Joshua answered with a gasp, hands pulling at the fabric of Dion's shirt. 'Then you better hurry to get started.' Dion indulged him all too gladly. He opened the laces of Joshua's shirt, following his fingers with his mouth. While he nibbled at the freshly exposed skin Joshua clawed at his shirt, and Dion had to pause briefly to pull it over his head. Then his ministrations had reached the waistband of Joshua's trousers and he opened those laces too, freeing Joshua's hardening cock from its confines. He gave it a stroke, but Joshua impatiently shoved away his hands and pulled down his trousers, wiggling out of the tight leather until he could cast it aside. 'Take me', he gasped, and the sound of his voice made heat pool between Dion's legs. The meadow was peaceful, the air filled with the songs of birds and rustle of trees and their enthusiastic moaning when Dion pushed inside Joshua until their bodies were flush. Joshua let his head drop back into the grass, baring the long line of his throat for Dion to suck on and kiss while his hips started up a frantic pace. He knew Joshua's body inside and out by now, knew exactly how to move and where to tease and when to linger to take his love apart completely. He knew without asking when Joshua wanted him to go slow, making love to him with reverent, sensual touches. And he knew that this was very much not what Joshua was asking of him this time. This time Dion fucked into him hard and fast, the body beneath him shaking with his thrusts. He kept thrusting until it wasn't just moans any longer that drifted across the meadow, but desperate babbling as well and then his name screamed in Joshua's voice until they both collapsed on the ground, sore and spent. They lay there for long minutes, catching their breaths with their limbs still entangled, until they found the energy to move and clean themselves up. To Dion's delight, Joshua left his shirt unlaced after slipping his pants back on, leaving his chest bare and the fresh marks on his skin uncovered. Dion himself barely spent a thought on getting dressed, donning his clothes all too impatiently when all he wanted was to rip them off again to go for another tumble in the grass. But alas, they had a schedule to keep.(if:$artefact is "yes")[ Preoccupied as he was, he did not notice the glint of metal that remained in the grass, or the empty spot on his belt where Charon's artefact was supposed to be. (set:$artefact to "sexylost")] While Dion got dressed and then gathered up their supplies, Joshua's attention was captured by the strange flowers once again. 'These look a little different than the rest', he mused as he squinted at an especially vibrant specimen. 'Look, they grow taller over there by the trees. Have you ever seen flowers that size?' Dion looked up from their packs. 'No, I have not.' Joshua was already on his way towards the strange cluster of blooms. Dion hurried to follow him, fondly shaking his head. By the time he had caught up, Joshua was already nose-deep in one of the giant blossoms. 'They smell exquisite!', he exclaimed. 'Come, Dion, take a look at this!' [[Sex pollen? <- Examine the flowers]] [[leave flowers <- Better move on]] (set:$sexytime to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Blackspire did not have a market or bazar like larger towns would, but the innkeeper was willing to part with some provisions in exchange for a stack of gil. They were very probably overcharged for their collection of bread, sausages and dried fruit - anyone taking a look at their clothes and gear would know that they could afford it. But the innkeeper also threw in a small bag of cookies dripping with honey and a wineskin, and that was well worth the expense. Happy to know that they had enough food to weather even a considerable delay in their travel - and also to have a nice picnic along the road if they chose to - they made their way towards the door of the inn. But the innkeeper called them back before they had the chance to slip outside. 'You're going to the tower, aren't you?' 'Indeed we are', Dion answered cautiously. 'Then be careful with that food. There are many strange beasts about.' Intrigued, Joshua walked back towards the counter. 'Can you tell us more about these beasts?', he asked. 'Not sure, nobody has gone out there in a long time. But there are two paths towards the crossroads you need to reach. The path that loops east should be pretty safe if you don't go crawling through the woods. But there are rumours about the path that goes straight south. It might just be superstition, but if you must go there, don't stop to eat until you reached the Crossroads. Might attract unwanted attention.' Joshua nodded. 'Understood. Thank you for the warning.' With that, they left and made their way towards the south edge of the village. But they had only just stepped out of the shadow of the houses and approached the forest when Joshua slowed down. With a frown, he peered at the underbrush. 'What is it?', Dion asked. 'I... thought I saw something move there.' 'Well, it is a forest. There should be plenty of animals around.' 'It looked almost like... ah, probably not.' Joshua shrugged. 'Come, let us go.' (if:$artefact is "no")[[Choose path <- Continue]] (if:$artefact is "yes") [[Moogle <- Continue]] (set:$food to "3") (set:$villagefood to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Blackspire did not have a market or bazar like larger towns would, but asking around led them to a merchant who sold all kinds of practical goods a traveller might need. The cluttered little store reminded Dion of Charon's Toll, though the merchant herself seemed much more enthusiastic than the grouchy old woman. 'Ah, dear travellers! Come in, come in. What can I help you with?' They wandered into the store, Joshua curiously inspecting the goods on display while Dion stepped up to the counter. 'Greetings', he said. 'We have a rough journey ahead of us, possibly several days in the wild. We have basic gears and necessities, but perhaps you have something that might give us an edge?' The merchant hummed, giving them an appraising look. 'That depends', she said carefully. 'How much are you willing to pay?' 'Let us say money is no issue, if your goods are worth it.' That elicited a broad smile on the woman's face and with renewed eagerness, she dove behind his counter. She pulled out a flask - it was small, containing barely more than a mouthful of a suspiciously purple liquid. 'This', she said gravely, 'is most likely the greatest invention I have ever gotten my hands on. For five hundred gil, it is yours.' Dion almost choked on empty air. 'Excuse me? That is quite a steep price for a flask this small. Are you going to claim it contains the blood of Greagor herself?' 'Oh no, much better.' The merchant proudly puffed out her chest. 'It is a healing potion. No crystals or bearers needed, you see. There are still beasts and plants about with magic abilities of their own, and some madman managed to harvest those and put them in a bottle. With the Mothercrystals gone and Bearers being useless, it's worth a fortune. The only healing magic left in the world. But I am willing to part with it for quite a reasonable price, considering the amount of trouble I had to go through to acquire it.' Dion considered the flask. It sounded like a ploy, but the other goods the merchant had on display were genuine and of good quality. And they had basic salves and bandages in their packs, but they did not know what would await them. A potion like that could very well save their lives out in the wild. If it worked as advertised. [[Buy potion <- Buy the potion]] [[No potion <- This has to be fake. Better save the money]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) It took them a while of asking around to find the tiny run-down house Theobald lived in. There were weeds growing between the cobblestones in front of the door and the window frames looked as if they might crumble away any moment. Dion was almost scared to knock on the door for fear it might fall off its hinges. He settled for only rapping his knuckles gently against the aged wood and hoping it would be enough to catch the man's attention. Next to him, Joshua tried admirably to contain his excitement. There was a pause, then a clatter. And then the door opened with a creak, just far enough to reveal a pair of pale green eyes squinting at them. 'Who is there?', the man croaked. 'I don't have any money.' 'We are not here for money', Joshua said quickly. 'We want to know about the tower.' The eyes widened, and the door opened a little farther until they could see a weathered face crowned with wispy grey hair. 'Really?' 'We are scholars as well', Joshua said smoothly. 'We travelled here from far away to learn about the Blackspire. And we heard that you were the man to ask about it.' Now the door swung open completely, and Theobald waved them inside with eager gestures. He was small and shrivelled, his head barely reaching either of their chests. But he moved with the energy of a much younger man as he led them inside the cluttered house, motioning for them to sit on a narrow wooden bench in the living space. Dion gingerly moved aside a stack of stained papers to make room for them. As soon as he was sitting, something soft and warm curled around his ankle, making him jump. It was a cat - as plump and fuzzy as its master was thin, purring loud enough for Dion to feel it in his bones. The cat looked up at him with lazy green eyes before pressing against his leg even more insistently. [[Pet the cat]] [[Ignore the cat]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They had not taken more than a few steps when suddenly something flitted past them, rushing through the air from one hiding place in a bush towards the next behind the trunk of a tree. They whirled around, standing in stunned silence as they waited for the creature to appear again. Dion noticed that whatever it was they had startled in the bushes, it seemed to have dropped something on the packed earth of the road. He crept closer, inspecting the bundle. It was a small bag, the size of a coin purse. When he peered inside, he saw some coins, a necklace, a shimmering stone. There was an indignant squeak and he whipped up his head to where the mysterious creature had vanished behind the tree. There was a fuzzy head poking out behind the rough bark. It was round and covered in white fur, with an orange pompom on top. 'A moogle!', Joshua exclaimed with delight. 'I knew they lived in forests, but I would not have expected one so close to a village.' 'It seems this one has a penchant for shiny things', Dion said, holding up the bag. 'And robbery.' Another indignant squeak, and more of the round body appeared behind the tree. Cautiously the moogle hovered a little closer, shifting in the air. 'Do you think we can communicate with it?', Joshua said with bright eyes. 'Clive can speak to the one at the Hideaway - oh, I wish I could ask this one questions. Maybe it knows about the tower!' 'I am not sure.' Dion inspected the bag in his hand and the moogle that was bouncing up and down in the air with agitated squeaks. 'This one seems like it might want to be left alone with the fruits of its labour.' [[Leave bag <- Leave the bag and move on]] [[Greet Moogle <- Greet the Moogle]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion set down the packs and stepped closer. Joshua turned around to him, cheeks flushed and eyes bright. Was that the excitement? 'It's - it's...' He wobbled on his feet, and Dion rushed forward to steady him. 'Are you alright?' 'Hm? Yes, yes... The flowers, Dion. They are... they...' Joshua pulled away to stumble towards the flowers, almost tipping over in his enthusiastic attempt to take another sniff. 'They are //exquisite//.' 'Yes, you said that.' Joshua giggled, and by now Dion was more than a little concerned. Even more so when Joshua grabbed him by the hand to pull him closer, then stumbled once more and slumped against him. His face ended up pressed against Dion's neck, and he buried into the warm skin with almost unsettling delight. 'Ah, you smell nice, too.' Joshua righted himself again and pulled Dion forward even though he himself was swaying on his feet. 'Come, look at them!' [[Sex pollen?? <- Examine the strange plants]] [[continue to Crossroads <- Insist on leaving]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Joshua.' Dion grabbed Joshua by the shoulders and shook him gently. The blue eyes that met his had a feverish glow to them. 'We should go. Now.' Joshua opened his mouth to protest, but Dion simply grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away from the flowers. Unsteady as he was, Joshua had no choice but to follow. 'Dion...' Dion marched on with determination. They had almost reached the overgrown road. 'Dion... I feel... really hot.' What kind of flowers were those? Maybe Joshua had been right, and they had been influenced by the tower's presence; something unnatural turning them into... whatever they were now. Dion just hoped that their effects were temporary. Joshua's skin felt feverish, and he kept whining as he stumbled behind Dion. He even tried to reach out and grasp at Dion's shirt and, when he was unsuccessful, his ass. But Dion dodged the searching touch and quickened their pace to prevent any further attempts. Whatever had possessed Joshua, he was not in his right mind. They kept walking like this until eventually, Joshua spoke up again. 'Dion... I think you can let go of me now.' Warily, Dion turned around and peered into Joshua's face. His eyes did seem clearer, more focussed. He swayed on his feet, rubbing his forehead with a grimace. 'Ugh... my head hurts.' 'Are you alright? How are you feeling?' Joshua batted away Dion's hands trying to feel his temperature. 'Like... I'm about to throw up.' He did not throw up, but he sat down heavily at the side of the road and stayed there until his headache subsided. Soon he claimed to no longer feel any effects at all, rising to his feet with a confused frown. 'Founder. What was that?' 'I do not know', Dion answered. 'And I am not sure I want to.' Joshua grunted his agreement. 'Well then. We still have quite the road ahead of us.' 'Are you sure you are well enough to keep going?' 'Of course.' Joshua shot him a crooked grin. 'Nothing will keep me from that tower. And I promise I will steer clear of any flowers.' [[Crossroads <- Make for the Crossroads]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion stepped closer to the plants. They //did// smell very nice, he had to admit. There was almost a hypnotic quality about the scent, beckoning him towards those bright splashes of colour. Next to him, Joshua giggled again. Then suddenly Dion was enveloped in body heat, Joshua's lean form draped over him entirely. Lips caressed his exposed neck. 'You smell //really// good', Joshua mumbled. As he pressed against him, Dion noticed that he was hard again even though they had only just thoroughly exhausted themselves. [[continue to Crossroads <- This is... not good. Better move on]] [[Ending: Sex pollen! <- Sniff the plant]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion leaned forward and drew in the rich scent of the flower. It seemed to fill his lungs like smoke and set his body alight. The smoke rose to his head and clouded his thoughts while the heat settled in his groin. His pants suddenly felt tight. And... hot. His entire body felt hot. He was wearing far too many clothes. 'See?', Joshua slurred into his ear, but his voice sounded distorted. '//Exquisite//.' Dion turned around to him, slow like in a dream. He was not slow when he grabbed Joshua and pulled him close, nor when he tore at the fabric of his shirt until it drifted to the ground in tattered shreds. The feeling of skin on skin was intoxicating, wiping what thoughts remained from his mind until all that remained was the burning //need//. They tumbled to the ground, crushing some of the flowers under them. A new wave of that sweet scent rolled over them and Dion gasped, frantically pulling at Joshua's trousers until that last barrier was gone as well. They rolled through the flowers in a tangle of limbs and lips and teeth and fingers grasping at bare skin, their bodies sliding together in a desperate rhythm. Finally, Dion got his hands on Joshua's shoulders and pinned him to the ground, aching cock sliding into the delicious heat of the waiting body without resistance. Joshua's legs wrapped around him and suddenly it was him being pinned to the ground, Joshua's hips grinding down on him until he saw stars. Joshua rode him until they were both shuddering their way through an orgasm more intense than anything Dion had ever felt, ripping through his body until he nearly blacked out. They collapsed in exhaustion, chests heaving and lungs drawing in more and more of that heavenly scent. When Dion looked down he realized he was still hard, the aching need under his skin not diminished in the slightest. He did not have time to even attempt to think about it, because a hand shoved his face into the grass, into the crushed remains of the flowers, and a hot body was draped across his back, a hard cock sliding over his skin. They pushed each other over the edge again and again until their bodies gave out and forced them to catch their breath, lying in the grass and revelling in the sweet scent that filled the air. Then their eyes would meet and they would jump each other again, bodies dragged back to the height of arousal, ravenous and feverish. Their packs lay forgotten, just like all thoughts of the tower on the horizon. There was only the heat of their bodies, and the smell of flowers. Maybe, some time not too far off, someone would grow concerned and dare to brave the wilderness to come look for them. But until then, nothing could intrude on their desire. Not reason or thought and certainly not the memory of well-laid plans for a perfect day. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) He groaned, burying his face in his hands. He remembered - he had meant to pick up the map from Vivian. In his haste the morning of their departure, he had forgotten. 'Dion?' 'I...' Greagor, how could he have forgotten? He had planned //everything//, how difficult could it be to actually go through with it? 'I... forgot to take the map with me', he confessed. Joshua gave him a long look, then his lips twitched into an amused smile. 'Really?', he chuckled. 'I never knew you to be forgetful. This trip really is that important to you?' Dion gave him a questioning look and Joshua laughed. 'If it made you so nervous as to forget vital errands beforehand, it must be really important to you. Is it not?' 'I... yes. It is.' Dion shook his head with a sigh. 'I apologize. I wanted to do something truly special, but it seems I sabotaged myself.' 'Oh come now. It is nothing so dramatic. Look - the path to the right seems to go off in the wrong direction, maybe back to the village. But the other two might both lead us closer to the tower. Why don't we just try one? We can always go back if it leads us astray.' 'Alright. Yes.' Dion straightened up, settling his pack a little more comfortably on his shoulders. 'Onwards, then.' (if:$moogle is "yes")['And let us hope we will not stumble into the lair of the monster I have been warned about', he added. 'Without the protection artefact that moogle has stolen, that might be unwise.' Joshua clapped him on the shoulder. 'We will be fine.' Dion hoped they would.](if:$artefact is "sexylost")[Dion reached for his belt. One of these roads would lead them through the lair of the monster he had been warned of when gathering information for their journey. But with Charon's artefact, they should be... wait. He patted himself down, frantically looking for the artefact that should be fastened to his belt. He //knew// it had been there, he was sure of it. But he only felt the blank leather strap under his fingers. Had he put it in one of his pockets? No, no, it had been on his belt. 'What is the matter?', Joshua asked. 'It seems I lost something along the way... damn it!' 'What was it?' 'A protection artefact. It was supposed to guard us from a monster that has its lair close to the tower.' Dion raked his fingers through his hair. The artefact could be anywhere between here and the village - how would they ever find it in this gods forsaken forest? This was going swimmingly. He could not fail so early on. He could not. Joshua took him by the arm. 'It’s alright', he said. 'We fought plenty of monsters in our time. I am sure we can handle it.' 'Joshua, we no longer have our Eikons. Even a single injury could kill us. I am not taking that risk.' 'Have a little faith in us. Besides, you knew that there could be other beasts lurking in that forest that might be just as dangerous. We will be fine.' He squeezed Dion's arm reassuringly. 'We might not even encounter it.' Dion took a deep breath. Joshua was right - an expedition into the wilderness was never without peril. He had known that. He was only reacting like this because his carefully crafted plan was coming apart. //It was supposed to be perfect.// But Joshua looked at him with that confident smile, and he melted under the warmth like he always did. He returned Joshua's smile with a crooked one of his own. 'You are right. As always.'] [[creature's lair <- Go left]] [[into tunnels <- Go straight ahead]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) He groaned, burying his face in his hands as he thought of the map safely stored away in his pack - the pack that had most likely been torn apart by the strange cat-like creatures they had encountered during their rest. 'Dion?' 'The map. It was in my pack.' '...Oh.' Dion carded his hands through his hair, grinding his teeth at his own stupidity. 'I apologize, I should have been more alert. I should have - ' Joshua put a hand on his arm with a reassuring smile. 'Oh come now. It is nothing so dramatic. Look - the path to the right seems to go off in the wrong direction, maybe back to the village. But the other two might both lead us closer to the tower. Why don't we just try one? We can always go back if it leads us astray.' 'Alright. Yes.' Dion straightened up, taking a deep breath. 'Onwards, then.' (if:$artefact is "mooglelost")['And let us hope we do not stumble into the lair of the monster I have been warned about', he added. 'Without the protection artefact that moogle has stolen, that might be unwise.' Joshua clapped him on the shoulder. 'We will be fine.' Dion hoped they would.](if:$artefact is "sexylost"or "no")[Dion reached for his belt. One of these roads would lead them through the lair of the monster he had been warned of when gathering information for their journey. But with Charon's artefact, they should be... wait. (if:$artefact is "sexylost")[He patted himself down, frantically looking for the artefact that should be fastened to his belt. He //knew// it had been there, he was sure of it. But he only felt the blank leather strap under his fingers. Had he put it in one of his pockets? No, no, it had been on his belt. 'What is the matter?', Joshua asked. 'It seems I lost something along the way... damn it!' 'What was it?' 'A protection artefact. It was supposed to guard us from a monster that has its lair close to the tower.' Dion raked his fingers through his hair. The artefact could be anywhere between here and the village - how would they ever find it in this gods forsaken forest? This was going swimmingly. He could not fail so early on. He could not.](if:$artefact is "no")[The artefact. He had been meaning to pick it up the morning of their departure. Charon had spent weeks hunting it down on his behest, to secure them safe passage to the tower. And then... he had //forgotten//. 'What is wrong?', Joshua asked. Dion raked his fingers through his hair. This was going swimmingly. He could not fail so early on. He could not. 'This route is supposed to lead us past a monster that has its lair close to the tower', he admitted. 'I meant to pick up a protection artefact from Charon, but I... forgot it in my haste.'] Joshua took him by the arm. 'It’s alright', he said. 'We fought plenty of monsters in our time. I am sure we can handle it.' 'Joshua, we no longer have our Eikons. Even a single injury could kill us. I am not taking that risk.' 'Have a little faith in us. Besides, you knew that there could be other beasts lurking in that forest that might be just as dangerous. We will be fine.' He squeezed Dion's arm reassuringly. 'We might not even encounter it.' Dion took a deep breath. Joshua was right - an expedition into the wilderness was never without peril. He had known that. He was only reacting like this because his carefully crafted plan was coming apart. //It was supposed to be perfect.// But Joshua looked at him with that confident smile, and he melted under the warmth like he always did. He returned Joshua's smile with a crooked one of his own. 'You are right. As always.'] [[creature's lair <- Go left]] [[into tunnels <- Go straight ahead]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They followed the cobblestones that lay buried beneath plants and patches of spongy earth, until the road turned into a path of dirt. It snaked its way past trees that grew smaller and smaller and were eventually replaced by gnarled shrubs and feathery grass. The ground grew softer until it squelched under their boots; they had to avoid stepping into puddles of water and mud that threatened to pull them in to their knees. There was an eerie silence hanging over the bog. There seemed to be almost no animals save for the insects buzzing around their heads, vicious blood flies feasting on every patch of exposed skin they could find. Joshua snorted as one of the tiny monsters flew straight into one of his nostrils. 'Damn those things!' He waved his hands through the air in an attempt to rid himself of their assailants at least for a moment. 'What I would not give for some Phoenix fire right now to fry their wings.' 'How uncharacteristically bloodthirsty of you', Dion teased him. And immediately regretted opening his mouth as he spat out a few flies that had taken advantage of his lowered guard. Joshua snickered. They marched through the bog as fast as the treacherous ground allowed, eager to leave the unhospitable area as soon as possible. The tower was looming on the horizon, marking their direction even long after the path had disappeared in the grass. Eventually, the soft green all around them parted here and there for large boulders. They were worn down by water and wind, smooth shapes covered in moss. Soon there were more of them, forming piles and then small hills, the ever-present mud lapping at their feet. Dion slowed down, carefully observing their surroundings. (if:$artefact is "yes") ['I was warned about a creature that has its lair in these parts. I believe we are close - we should be careful.'](unless:$artefact is "yes")['I believe we are close to the lair of that creature I was warned about.' Joshua sighed. 'I suppose it was too much to hope that we could avoid it', he said. Though there was a curious gleam in his eye that was at odds with his words.] (if:$artefact is "yes")[[passing through lair <- Enter the lair]](unless:$artefact is "yes")[[getting ambushed <- Enter the lair]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The road led them through the valley in unpredictable coils, winding like a snake on its way farther south. Eventually, the slopes of the hills around them turned to steep walls of rock that in some places turned into the familiar arches of Fallen ruins. 'This does seem like the right path', Joshua said as he studied the ruins. 'They look different from other ruins I have seen - except maybe Phoenix Gate. They are more intact.' He gestured at a point above their heads where something blue glimmered among the grey structures. '//Something// around here is still active.' The thought made Dion grab his halberd a little tighter, but Joshua bounced ahead with such enthusiasm that it was hard for him to dwell on his unease. They followed the road deeper into the hills that seemed to grow closer to mountains with every step they took, until suddenly they stood in front of the gaping mouth of a cave. The walls were carved from natural rock but covered in Fallen arches and more faintly glowing blue lights. Joshua marched on unperturbed and so Dion followed, their steps echoing from the damp walls of the tunnel. The deeper they went the more lights lined their way, allowing them to save the torches they had brought. Some aspects of losing their magic were horribly impractical, really. Ahead of them, the tunnel split into two paths. Joshua inspected both of them before returning to Dion with bright eyes, his demeanour entirely too gleeful considering they were stumbling through a strange cave without a map to guide them. 'One of the tunnels seems to lead further down, the other up.' 'The tower is on top of a mountain, right?', Dion considered. 'So up might be the right way.' 'I thought the same, but the one that leads down also seems to stick to our direction while the other would divert us to the west. It might still loop around, so one choice is as good as the other I suppose.' [[towards tower <- Go down]] [[towards slime <- Go up]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The tunnel ate its way deeper and deeper into the mountain, a dark maw opening up before them. But the blue lights that were embedded in the rock shed just enough light to lead their way, and the ground was smooth and even apart from the steep slope. Almost suspiciously even - it felt more like strolling down a well-paved road than walking down a tunnel cut from natural stone. Eventually, the blue lights grew more numerous, as did the delicate arches of the Fallen architecture. Soon they replaced the grey rock entirely, and Joshua stopped every few paces to study the intricate designs. 'The tower cannot be far now', he said reverently. 'Dion, these are exquisite! I have never seen such extensive intact structures since Phoenix Gate! Even the Sagespire was damaged and corrupted, but this...' Smiling, Dion watched him trace the swirling lines on the wall with careful touches. It seemed the tower was everything he had hoped it would be. It certainly was a special place - (if:$proposal is 'yes')[even if he had already done what he had come here to do. With a warm feeling in his chest, he touched the ring on his finger.](if:$proposal is 'no')[special now and even more so once he had done what he had come here for. //Soon.//] The blue lights were reflecting in Joshua's eyes, a galaxy of stars in the dark. Dion watched them dance as he wrapped an arm around Joshua's shoulders and pressed a kiss to his cheek. It was warm despite the cool air of the tunnels. Joshua raised an eyebrow, lips twitching in amused delight. 'What was that for?' 'Can I not kiss (if:$proposal is 'yes')[my fiancé ](if:$proposal is 'no')[you ]if I wish to?' Joshua laughed. '(if:$proposal is 'yes')[You will never get tired of saying that, do you?' He leaned into Dion's embrace, his lips almost touching Dion's cheek. 'I like it', he whispered. 'Though ]I did not know standing around and watching me fuss over ancient architecture put you in the mood. But lucky for you, there will be much more of that once we reach the tower proper.' 'We better keep moving then.' Joshua seemed to agree, judging by the eagerness with which he took Dion's hand and pulled him along, deeper into the mountain. The tunnel continued as it had for quite a while, perfect arches and angles lit by ghostly light; until, at once, it came to a stop. 'Curious', Joshua muttered as he inspected the door in front of them. It was made of countless tiny parts woven together, their edges visible like thorns sticking out of a rose bush as the door had frozen mid-movement. The gap at its centre was just big enough to squeeze through, and Joshua lost no time doing just that. Dion had to struggle not to shred his clothes on the sharp fragments of the door; his bulkier frame was decidedly less convenient for this endeavour. But he made it through with only minor scratches, and then they were both standing in the bowels of the Blackspire. [[Chapter 3: enter basement <- Chapter 3]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'If it is all the same to you, I would rather avoid going any farther underground than we must', Dion said, and Joshua nodded. 'After you, then.' The tunnel led them upwards in a gentle slope, with short passages of steep rock they had to climb. The blue lights still illuminated their way, indicating the tower's presence. And sure enough, after a while the tunnel made a sharp turn to abandon its westwards path, diverting them back towards their destination. Soon the walls of rock grew farther apart, widening into a cavern flooded with the eery blue light of the Fallen. More followed - wide spaces connected by narrow passages. The floor was uneven, puddles of water and then entire lakes forming left and right of their path. 'Dion, look.' Dion turned to see what Joshua had discovered. He was crouched over a rock formation that rose from the floor, poking at the stone gingerly. There was a strange substance covering it - gelatinous and coloured a translucent blue. 'What is that?', Dion asked and Joshua shrugged. 'It could have been left behind by a creature of some kind. Or maybe it is even a kind of plant or fungus.' He wiped his finger on his trousers and grimaced at the way the residue clung to his skin. Finally he gave up and pulled out his notebook, scribbling down a short passage to document his find. There was more of it as they went on. Smears of blue on the rocks, trails on the floor, glowing with a light of their own. They carefully sidestepped the strange tracks, though Joshua did not miss an opportunity to loudly speculate about what might have caused them. So far, he was fairly certain that they had been left behind by some kind of creature, possibly another mutation caused by the tower's technology. Dion listened to his ramblings amusedly, torn between the urge to kiss his adorably excited face and the instinct to raise his weapon a little higher in case said creature might try to attack them from the shadows. As it turned out, the caution was very much warranted. They had only just entered another cave when suddenly Dion noticed something in the very corner of his eye. He grabbed Joshua's shoulder and dragged him towards the floor, just in time for a glob of blueish slime to whizz past their heads and stick to the wall with a wet sound. Dion whipped around and came face to face with a gelatinous mass, as tall as a man and glowing from the inside as if it had swallowed a shard of light crystal. 'Is that a flan?', Joshua wheezed. He had found his footing again and drew his sword. 'It seems that way.' Dion adjusted his grip on his halberd, falling into an easy fighting stance. The flan hissed and gurgled, twisting its malleable body into strange shapes. Behind it, more of its kind rose from puddles of slime on the ground. Three, four... five. Their translucent flesh seemed to resonate, all of them moving in an eery harmony. 'They are //fascinating//', Joshua said even as he raised his sword. 'I wonder how different they are from normal flans.' Dion pulled one of his daggers from his belt and weighed it in his hand. 'Let us test it.' With a quick motion, he threw the dagger at the creature closest to them. Lightning fast, the flan's mass parted for the blade to pass through it without effect. The hissing and gurgling grew louder, agitated. 'Well.' Joshua pursed his lips. 'They do not seem too aggressive. As if they are trying to intimidate us rather than attacking outright.' Dion glanced between him and the flans. The tension in the air was rising, he could feel it on his skin. His instincts told him to get moving - a dragoon jump straight into their middle to stun them, and then dispatch of them one by one. 'The edge of their territory is not far, according to their trails', Joshua continued without letting the creatures out of his sight. 'If we can flee until they lose interest, we might be able to sneak past them.' Dion frowned. 'Why? We can take them.' 'We could observe them instead. Learn more about them.' 'We would leave ourselves wide open.' 'It’s for science.' Joshua cocked his head in thought. 'Though I suppose I could always study their corpses.' Dion fondly shook his head. He slowly twirled his halberd in his hand while the flans inched closer, considering his options. [[running away <- Try to escape]] [[slime fight <- Stand and fight]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) With a sigh, Dion lowered his halberd. 'You are lucky you are the love of my life, otherwise I would never go along with your ideas.' Joshua shot him a grin. 'Yes, you would. You can never resist playing the hero.' And with that they both whirled around and ran. The hissing behind them rose in volume and Dion believed to hear the wet sound of the flans gliding across the floor in pursuit. He urged his legs to move faster, jumping over the uneven terrain while glancing backwards to ensure that Joshua was right behind him. They rushed through the narrow tunnel connecting the cavern with the one they had passed through before, ducking down to avoid another glob of slime being launched at their heads. The cavern flew past, and the dark maw of the next tunnel in front of them promised the border of the flans' territory. The ground dipped down in a steep slope and they launched themselves through the narrow passage, bursting into the next cave. Dion heard a surprised yelp behind him and as soon as his feet had found even ground, he whirled around to Joshua behind him. Joshua was landing on the floor much less elegantly, his legs and chest covered with glowing blue slime. He hit the rock face first, legs stuck together, grunting as he struggled to roll on his back. Dion immediately rushed to his side, positioning himself between him and the flans. But the creatures seemed to have lost interest, wobbling around in the entrance of the tunnel before turning around and gliding back the way they had come. Dion watched their retreat with bated breath until he was certain they would not return, then he turned back to Joshua. He was fighting against the sticky substance that covered him, face wavering between exasperation and amusement. Finally he slumped back down, looking up at Dion. His lips twitched with a barely supressed helpless laughter. 'I think I need help.' [[getting stuck <- Try to remove the slime]] [[finding solution <- Look around the area]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'It is too risky', he said. 'We should not turn our backs.' Joshua sighed. 'Fine. I suppose you are right.' Dion gripped his halberd a little tighter and launched himself into the air, seemingly hovering right under the ceiling for a moment before shooting down towards the group of flans. He landed in a crouch, slamming the tip of his halberd into the ground to send a shockwave rippling towards the enemies. The flans wobbled and hissed, their movements slowing down for a moment as they shook off the effects of the attack. Out of the corner of his eye, Dion saw Joshua rise his sword and twirl towards the closest creature, blade flashing and biting at the gelatinous flesh like an angry snake. Then Dion had to duck under a slimy tentacle whipping through the air and then he no longer had time to concentrate on Joshua because he was far too busy dodging flans left and right. Their blades had frustratingly little effect on the shifting and changing bodies they were swung against. The flans were fast, and able to contort themselves into the strangest shapes to avoid getting hit. 'I will stun them again', Dion called out to Joshua, raising his voice above the insistent hissing and gurgling as the flans drew closer once more. 'You will have to move in quickly.' Joshua glanced around the cave, gnawing on his lip. Dion could see the gears turning behind blue eyes, devising a strategy. But he did not have time to wait for the result as he sidestepped one of the flans, halberd twirling in his hand to slash across the creatures back - or front, it really was hard to tell. He dodged another attack and rushed forward to deliver a fatal blow, but the flan in front of him simply split down the middle and the blade cut through thin air. The two halves of the creature rejoined with a wet squelch. 'Dion!', Joshua shouted somewhere behind him. 'The water!' Dion cast a quick glance over his shoulder to see that he was standing a mere few yards from the nearest pond where the water had eaten into the cave floor. Almost a small lake, crystal clear and, from the look of things, about hip deep. Did Joshua mean for them to retreat into the water? Or had he warned Dion not to touch it? Dion hoped for the latter; with his heavy armour, the water would severely hinder his movements. No effortless jumps or flips, he would be grounded like a bird with its wings clipped. A sopping wet bird. But the flans might not fare much better... Joshua himself was too busy fending off flans to offer an explanation, dancing around the flailing tentacles on swift feet. With trepidation, Dion realized that he was moving towards the lake. //I really do not want to go in there...// Dion looked from the flans to the water and back. [[fight in water <- Make for the lake]] (if:$angst is "yes")[[fight on ground <- Try to stun the flans with a dragoon jump]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion crouched down next to him, reaching out to try and scrape away the nasty gunk. 'Dion, wait - ' The moment his hand made contact the slime seemed to suck him in. It was cool and tingled on his skin, and it stubbornly refused to give as he tried to pull away. Joshua groaned again. 'You cannot be serious.' Dion stared at his hand with a frown. He pulled again, but he was firmly stuck to Joshua's arm. He could move maybe half an inch, then the viscosity of the slime forced him to give up. 'Well', Joshua said. 'This is a problem.' Dion carefully tried to wriggle one of his fingers free, but apart from a squelching noise nothing happened. With a huff, he straightened up as much as their predicament allowed. 'Alright, let me just -' He tried to shift to look around for anything he might use to work on the slime, but he had not noticed that his boot had brushed Joshua's side and was now fused to him as well. Unexpectedly, his leg did not follow his movement and he lost his balance. There was not enough time to brace himself, and so he crashed to the floor - or rather, on top of Joshua. There was another disgusting sound as their chests collided and promptly got stuck. Their legs did not fare any better, leaving them thoroughly immobilized. Dion stared at Joshua's face a mere inch from his. Joshua stared back. 'Shit', he said. They stared for a while longer. 'Could we... roll over?', Joshua said eventually. 'You are heavy.' 'Oh. Right.' It took them a moment to coordinate, but after some groaning and flailing as much as the slime allowed them, they ended up on their sides. Joshua breathed a sigh of relief, then he glanced around. 'Do you think we could make it back outside?' Dion took stock of his limbs. He could move his left leg a little, and his left arm was almost completely free. Joshua could still move both his arms, which left them with three and a half functioning limbs between the two of them. 'We could roll', Joshua suggested. Dion gave him a doubtful look, and Joshua grinned. 'We walked uphill, so maybe we can just... roll back down. Our chances of being found would be better outside.' 'This will hurt.' 'Indeed it will.' With a snort, Dion relented. It did hurt - the stone was rough and uneven and the supplies they were still carrying did not make things easier. But they could not get rid of them either since bags and pouches had suffered the same fate as them. Dion did not want to know how many bruises they would be left with later. But first they had to ensure that there //was// a later, and so they clumsily rolled across the uneven stone floor, stopping from time to time to wriggle around and adjust their course. During the second of these pauses Joshua started to laugh hysterically, and Dion could not help but join in. Soon they both had tears in their eyes, bellies hurting from their gasping breaths, but they pressed on valiantly. It might have been an hour or so, but eventually they rolled over one more time and suddenly the stone ceiling above them was gone, replaced by a bright sun shining through rustling leaves. They both drew in the fresh air greedily, coming to a halt gasping and giggling. //A perfect plan indeed//, Dion thought, and it made him burst into laughter all over again. Joshua's face was right in front of his, flushed and dirty, dry leaves stuck in his hair. His laughter was ringing in Dion's ears and it was beautiful. Ridiculous, as their entire situation, but beautiful. (if: $ring is "no") [[Ending stuck no proposal <- Continue]](if:$ring is "lost") [[Ending stuck no proposal lost <- Continue]](if: $ring is "yes") [[propose while stuck? <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Just a moment', Dion said. 'It will not help us if I get stuck as well.' Joshua wiggled on the ground, testing his range of motion. It was not much. 'Very reasonable. Let us think this through.' Dion straightened up and looked around. Maybe there were some hints, some weakness he could uncover. The flans... the flans had not crossed into this cave. Why was that? There was nothing special about it; the same grey rock as in the ones that had followed, the same blue lights on the walls, the same puddles of water on the floor. But there was something here that the creatures avoided, and they were //made// of slime. If it harmed them, it might help Joshua in his predicament. Dion reluctantly left Joshua's side and crept closer to the tunnel the flans had vanished in. There was no movement, no trace of their pursuers except the remnants of blue slime on the ground. There was a small pond of crystal-clear water to the left of the tunnel's entrance, and it stretched a shallow arm across the path leading to the tunnel. Dion stopped before his boots would get wet - he remembered jumping over the water in their mad dash to safety. Huh. He squinted, crouching down to take a closer look at the ground on the other side of the puddle. It was covered in slime, but the tracks ended right where the water began. Curious, he dipped his hand in the cold water and splashed some of it at the glowing blue substance. It swirled around and then seemed to dissolve, leaving only a shimmer of blue in the retreating water that quickly disappeared. With a relieved grin, Dion stood and walked back to Joshua. A strange weakness for creatures living in a damp cave, but he would not protest the convenience. 'Did you find anything?', Joshua asked weakly. He had given up on struggling against the slime, lying on the ground defeated and blinking up at Dion. Dion's smile widened. 'Oh yes.' He bent down, but Joshua tried to wiggle out of the way. 'What are you doing? You will get stuck, too!' But Dion simply picked him up and confidently marched towards the pond next to the tunnel. He walked straight in, dunking a sputtering Joshua under the water and watching as the blue glow melted away. Joshua shot out of the water spitting and flailing. 'What in the... You //know// I hate swimming - Oh.' He looked down at his legs that were still submerged, but very much free of stickiness. Dion waded to the edge of the pond and offered him a helping hand to climb back on dry land. 'Fine, fine', Joshua muttered. 'You are forgiven. Barely.' He brushed his sopping wet hair out of his eyes, shuffling away from the pond awkwardly in his soaked boots and clothes. But he did breathe a sigh of relief when he moved around his legs and found that every trace of slime had disappeared. 'Thank you.' Dion felt only a little guilty for not warning him, but Joshua's grumpy face that he valiantly tried to keep up even while laughter sparkled in his eyes was too lovely to miss out on. Their most pressing concern though were their drenched clothes and supplies, and in silent agreement they made their dripping, squelching way back towards where they had first entered the tunnels, leaving an impressive trail of puddles behind. Once outside, they gathered as much dry wood as they could find and Dion paid his penance by building a fire and taking care of their belongings by hanging them from the branches of the nearby trees to dry. Meanwhile Joshua was lounging by the fire, watching him fondly. They curled up together close to the flames, waiting for the heat and the soft breeze rustling in the trees to dry them at least far enough to press on. (if:$spice is "yes")[It was nice to lie pressed together like this, skin to skin next to a crackling fire. Even their underclothes had been drenched through and were now hanging from a branch, and Dion was not above enjoying the way Joshua's bare ass was resting against his hips. He let his hand wander over freckled skin, over the sharp jut of a hipbone and down a slender thigh until Joshua chuckled. 'You never miss an opportunity, do you?', he teased. 'How could I resist?' Dion let his lips ghost over Joshua's neck, his hand on his thigh squeezing down. 'You are beautiful.' Joshua laughed. 'I am filthy, and just escaped being covered in literal slime. I am sure I have seen better days.' Dion kissed the soft spot behind his ear and slowly dragged his hand back up the inside of Joshua's thigh. 'And still you are the most stunning person I have ever seen in my life. How do you do it?' 'I think you are just horny.' 'Perish the thought.' Joshua shuddered when Dion's hand reached his cock and gave it a lazy stroke from root to tip. 'Hm, fine. I agree to being the most stunning person you have ever seen in your life, if you agree to stop teasing. We still have a tower to explore.' 'Oh?', Dion laughed. 'So that tower is more important than I am?' Joshua turned around so his front was pressed against Dion's, grinding their cocks together and drawing a moan from them both. He gave Dion an impish grin. 'Absolutely.' Dion snorted but he obliged and took both of them in hand, stroking and squeezing and peppering Joshua's face and neck with kisses until they were both a panting mess. It was a wonderful way to spend the time while their clothes dried in the breeze. ]Once both them and their belongings had reached an agreeable degree of dampness, they got dressed once more and smothered their fire. The tunnel entrance loomed in front of them. 'So', Joshua said. 'Let us try the way down, then.' Dion did not argue. [[towards tower <- Go down]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) This had been the entire reason for this journey. Joshua's smile, the most beautiful of smiles. Dion had imagined it time and time again, the way it would glow in the evening sun when Joshua opened the box with the rings and - The rings. The rings he had given to Mid so she could craft a perfect little box for them, a puzzle box because it was for //Joshua//, so of course it had to be a puzzle. The rings he had then forgotten to pick up the morning of their departure. His perfect plan. And he would have ended up at the top of the Blackspire, standing in front of his love with empty hands. He started laughing again, so loud that a few bids flew up from the branches above them to flee the noise. Joshua gave him a questioning look, but Dion just shook his head and pressed a kiss to his filthy lips. 'Never mind me', he giggled. 'I am an idiot.' Joshua snorted, but he kissed him back. 'Possibly, but you are my idiot.' With a chuckle, he rested his forehead against Dion's. 'Now. I think I need a rest before we go and figure out how to get out of this.' 'Hm, yes. I believe a rest is in order.' Dion squinted at him. 'Though - please tell me you do not plan to press on towards the tower, if we do manage to free ourselves somehow?' Joshua made a show of pursing his lips in thought as if he needed to thoroughly consider the thought, and Dion's eyes narrowed some more. But then Joshua laughed and shook his head. 'Not even I would be that eager. I believe our gear and clothes are ruined beyond repair, and my body is a single bruise. So let us rest and then figure out how to get back home. We can always try again.' Dion thought about the rings that were still lying around somewhere in Mid's workshop. 'Yes', he said. 'We can try again.' THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) This had been the entire reason for this journey. Joshua's smile, the most beautiful of smiles. Dion had imagined it time and time again, the way it would glow in the evening sun when Joshua opened the box with the rings and - The rings. The rings he had stashed away in his pack, safely tucked away in the beautiful little puzzle box Mid had created just for them. The rings that were now possibly in the stomach of one of the cat-like creatures they had encountered, or at the very least lost somewhere in the endless forest that lay between them and the village. His perfect plan. And he would have ended up at the top of the Blackspire, standing in front of his love with empty hands. He started laughing again, so loud that a few birds flew up from the branches above them to flee the noise. Joshua gave him a questioning look, but Dion just shook his head and pressed a kiss to his filthy lips. 'Never mind me', he giggled. 'I am an idiot.' Joshua snorted, but he kissed him back. 'Possibly, but you are my idiot.' With a chuckle, he rested his forehead against Dion's. 'Now. I think I need a rest before we go and figure out how to get out of this.' 'Hm, yes. I believe a rest is in order.' Dion squinted at him. 'Though - please tell me you do not plan to press on towards the tower, if we do manage to free ourselves somehow?' Joshua made a show of pursing his lips as if he needed to thoroughly consider the thought, and Dion's eyes narrowed some more. But then Joshua laughed and shook his head. 'Not even I would be that eager. I believe our gear and clothes are ruined beyond repair, and my body is a single bruise. So let us rest and then figure out how to get back home. We can always try again.' Dion thought about the rings that were lost somewhere beyond reach. It would lighten his coin purse considerably, but they could be replaced. 'Yes', he said. 'We can try again.' THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Joshua?' 'Hm?' 'Can you reach my pack?' Joshua gave him a questioning look. But he reached around Dion's head with careful motions, trying to avoid getting stuck even more. 'Yes, I can. Do you need something?' 'You could say that. Can you find a pouch with a small metal box inside?' Joshua started to rummage through his pack, brow furrowed in concentration. It was an awkward affair, but eventually he pulled out the pouch in question. 'Take out the box. It is... well. It is for you.' Joshua gave him a confused look, but then curiosity won out and he pulled out the beautiful box with the dragon and the Phoenix entwining in an intricate dance. A little gasp escaped his lips as he studied it. 'This is beautiful! Did Mid make it?' 'That she did.' Dion's face was smushed against Joshua's cheek as Joshua turned over the box in his hands behind Dion's head. After a mere minute, Dion heard the telltale click of the mechanism sliding open and Joshua froze. Dion waited with a hammering heart, until suddenly he felt a wetness on his face. 'Dion...', Joshua whispered. 'I am sorry. I wanted to give it to you once we reached the top of the tower, but it seems my goals were all too lofty. I... I wanted it to be perfect.' Joshua stared at the rings. Then he barked a laugh, dissolving into a new fit of giggling and gasping until even more tears ran down his cheeks. 'Oh Dion', he wheezed. 'It //is// perfect. You are perfect.' He wrapped his arms around Dion's neck, no longer heeding the danger of ending up even more entangled than they already were. Their kiss tasted of tears of laughter and of dirt and a very faint hint of flan, but neither of them cared. 'The answer is yes', Joshua whispered into Dion's ear. The words made Dion's heart soar, and he held on to Joshua as best he could while their lips found the other's once more. They would have to figure out how to free themselves, how to get back home. Their clothes and gear were most likely ruined, and their bodies bruised from their tumble through the caves. Knowing Joshua, they would probably also have to plan how to get to the tower again, and reach the top this time. But all that could wait, because they had the whole rest of their lives together. Dion was not sure if Joshua was even still holding on to the rings or if they were lying somewhere on the forest floor, or maybe stuck in the slime along with everything else. All he knew was that Joshua was in his arms, and that he had said //yes//, and that was enough. It was perfect. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion sighed, letting his head drop to the damp forest floor. //Another time. A new plan.// Because his current plan had worked out so very well. He started laughing again, so loud that a few bids flew up from the branches above them to flee the noise. Joshua gave him a questioning look, but Dion just shook his head and pressed a kiss to his filthy lips. 'Never mind me', he giggled. 'I am an idiot.' Joshua snorted, but he kissed him back. 'Possibly, but you are my idiot.' With a chuckle, he rested his forehead against Dion's. 'Now. I think I need a rest before we go and figure out how to get out of this.' 'Hm, yes. I believe a rest is in order.' Dion squinted at him. 'Though - please tell me you do not plan to press on towards the tower, if we do manage to free ourselves somehow?' Joshua made a show of pursing his lips in thought as if he needed to thoroughly consider the thought, and Dion's eyes narrowed some more. But then Joshua laughed and shook his head. 'Not even I would be that eager. I believe our gear and clothes are ruined beyond repair, and my body is a single bruise. So let us rest and then figure out how to get back home. We can always try again.' Dion thought about the rings in his pack. They felt heavy with promises. 'Yes', he said. 'We can try again.' THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) With a curse on his lips Dion ducked under a ball of slime that was launched right at his head and threw himself in the direction of the lake. The water splashed high as he jumped into it, pulling at his clothes and armour. He waded deeper, thankful that the ground was solid rock instead of mud or the like. Next to him, Joshua dove into the lake, crashing into the water and coming back up spitting and sputtering, wet hair plastered to his forehead. The flans wobbled around at the edge of the lake, uttering their unnerving hissing noises. 'The trails', Joshua coughed as he tried to push his hair out of his eyes. 'They never touch the water. So I thought, maybe...' Dion stared at him, stunned. Only Joshua would notice such a vanishingly small detail in the middle of a fight. One of the creatures gurgled and then created a slimy tentacle from its body, cracking it through the air above the lake like a whip. Dion moved without thinking, his halberd flashing as he hacked at the slimy appendage. Water splashed and the flan screeched, its flesh liquefying where the droplets touched it and dripping down to dissipate in the lake. 'Well, that is something', Joshua said, watching with fascination how the creature pulled back to a safe distance and angrily swayed back and forth. 'Oh I wish I could study them.' Dion almost felt bad for him, but his mind was already devising a plan how to use this newfound knowledge. There was a rock rising up above the water right next to him. It took a few tries to climb it with his halberd in hand and his eyes never leaving the flans, but Joshua soon realized what he was doing and gave him a boost. With his feet on dry land once more, Dion wasted no time bending his knees and launching himself into the air. Joshua hasted to take cover behind the rock as Dion shot back down, the force of his halberd sinking into the rock beneath the lake sending a massive wave in every direction. The flans screeched as it hit them, their bodies dissolving and being washed away like oil stains. The wave crashed back down over Dion's head and he surged up, breaking through the surface of the lake and gasping for air. The water around him was shimmering blue, like the bodies of the flans that had now vanished completely from where they had loomed at the shore. Dion grimaced in disgust and waded towards the edge of the water, Joshua close behind him. They crawled back on land and wrung out their clothes until they could at least move again. Joshua kneeled down to inspect the ground where the flans had been. 'Fascinating', he said. 'I have never heard of flans that dissolve in water. I wonder if it is a subspecies, or a mutation... It seems like a horribly inconvenient weakness.' Dion hummed in thought, then took up his halberd and wandered towards the far end of the cave. It was brightly lit by the ever-present blue lights, the rock smooth and without cracks or crevices. 'I am afraid this is a dead end', he said. 'We will have to turn back.' Joshua agreed reluctantly. As they turned back the way they had come, he looked down at his soggy clothes with disgust. 'I hate swimming', he grumbled. 'It was your idea.' 'I still hate it.' Dion felt only a little bad for him. But their most pressing concern were their drenched clothes and supplies, and in silent agreement they made their dripping, squelching way back towards where they had first entered the tunnels, leaving an impressive trail of puddles behind. Once outside, they gathered as much dry wood as they could find and Dion tried to mollify Joshua by building a fire and taking care of their belongings by hanging them from the branches of the nearby trees to dry. Meanwhile Joshua was lounging by the fire, watching him fondly. They curled up together close to the flames, waiting for the heat and the soft breeze rustling in the trees to dry them at least far enough to press on. (if:$spice is "yes")[ It was nice to lie pressed together like this, skin to skin next to a crackling fire. Even their underclothes had been drenched through and were now hanging from a branch, and Dion was not above enjoying the way Joshua's bare ass was resting against his hips. He let his hand wander over freckled skin, the sharp jut of a hipbone and down a slender thigh until Joshua chuckled. 'You never miss an opportunity, do you?', he teased. 'How could I resist?' Dion let his lips ghost over Joshua's neck, his hand on his thigh squeezing down. 'You are beautiful.' Joshua laughed. 'I am filthy. I am sure I have seen better days.' Dion kissed the soft spot behind his ear and slowly dragged his hand back up the inside of Joshua's thigh. 'And still you are the most stunning person I have ever seen in my life. How do you do it?' 'I think you are just horny.' 'Perish the thought.' Joshua shuddered when Dion's hand reached his cock and gave it a lazy stroke from root to tip. 'Hm, fine. I agree to being the most stunning person you have ever seen in your life, if you agree to stop teasing. We still have a tower to explore.' 'Oh?', Dion laughed. 'So that tower is more important than I am?' Joshua turned around so his front was pressed against Dion's, grinding their cocks together and drawing a moan from them both. He gave Dion an impish grin. 'Absolutely.' Dion snorted but he obliged and took both of them in hand, stroking and squeezing and peppering Joshua's face and neck with kisses until they were both a panting mess. It was a wonderful way to spend the time while their clothes dried in the breeze.] Once both them and their belongings had reached an agreeable degree of dampness, they got dressed once more and smothered their fire. The tunnel entrance loomed in front of them. 'So', Joshua said. 'Let us try the way down, then.' Dion did not argue. [[towards tower <- Continue downwards]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) He turned his back on the lake and crouched down, launching himself into the air with practiced ease. He would have to be careful not to hit Joshua, but he should be able to stun most of the flans in one hit. Jumping was easy, his body turning in the air gracefully without him even spending a thought on it. He angled his halberd and felt gravity taking over as he reached the highest point of his jump, a moment of weightlessness, and - Something cold wrapped around his ankle and suddenly the air rushed past him too fast, too fast, the ground coming up to meet him and then pain cracked through his skull with a sickening sound. 'Dion!' He faintly heard Joshua call out to him, heard an angry roar and then hands grasped at his body. He tried to move but his limbs were slack, his head ringing, too loud to think, //too loud//. Something warm trickled down his face. He tasted metal. Dark spots were dancing in front of his eyes but he dimly noticed that he was being moved, and suddenly it was cold and he was floating. Water. He was moving through that too, heard splashing and screeching and then he was dragged on dry land again. Rock was scraping along his back, his head knocked against stone and the flash of pain drew a moan from his lips. 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry.' Joshua's face appeared above him, his stunning blue eyes blown wide with panic. Dion opened his mouth to tell him he was fine, but his tongue felt strangely heavy. 'Don't speak.' Joshua's voice was frantic. 'You will be fine. Just stay still. It will be fine.' Dion's hand twitched, reaching for his halberd - where was it? They were still fighting, he needed his blade, he... His head lolled around as he tried to see where the enemies were, and the nausea that washed over him along with a new wave of pain almost robbed him of the last thread of his consciousness. 'We are safe', Joshua whispered. 'We are safe. They will not cross the water.' His trembling fingers felt along Dion's forehead, eliciting another weak groan when they found the wound that leaked a steady stream of blood across Dion's pale face. (if: $medicine is "yes") [[save Dion <- Continue]](if: $medicine is "no" or "lost") [[Dion dying <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) There was the rustle of cloth, Joshua cursing under his breath in that desperate tone that made Dion's heart ache. He should have been more careful, he... 'I am... sorry...' 'Don't.' Joshua pressed the word through his teeth, jaw clenched. 'Don't you dare.' There was the clink of glass and then hands were pulling Dion away from the cold floor. It hurt, made the world spin around him violently, but then he was cradled in warm arms. Something cold and smooth pressed against his lips - a flask? - and then suddenly his mouth was filled with a taste so vile his entire body seized in an attempt to get rid of it again. The liquid's texture was weirdly slimy and the sharp taste seemed to crawl up Dion's nose and into his head. He tried to spit it out but a hand clamped over his mouth. 'Swallow it', Joshua commanded. His hand did not move, and so Dion forced himself to choke down the hellish concoction. It seemed to cling to the inside of his mouth and throat and he had to struggle not to bring it all right back up again. The effort robbed him of the last of his strength and he slumped into Joshua's arms, eyes fluttering shut. 'No, no, stay awake.' He groaned as Joshua shook him gently and every slight movement was answered with a painful pounding in his head. 'Stay awake. You will be fine, come on. Come on.' There was a tingle in his veins. A feeling like from too much ale, warm and fuzzy. A tickle, sort of. It felt... nice. He would have laughed if he had been in control of his body, but his muscles had gone slack as the warm feeling spread through his veins. He was not sure how long he was lying there, mind fading in and out of consciousness. But then he blinked as the world came back into focus, the pain in his skull having faded away without him even noticing. The vile taste still clung to the back of his tongue and he grimaced. 'Ugh.' The fingers that had been stroking his hair stilled at the sound. 'Dion?' Joshua still sounded frantic and by now Dion's mind had cleared enough to realize just how much he had messed up. //I just had to go off on my own, didn't I? Greagor, this was supposed to be the best day of his life, not the worst.// 'Dion? Are you awake? Are you alright?' He groaned again, swallowing against the dryness of his throat and gagging as the action intensified the revolting taste in his mouth. 'Water', he croaked. Joshua hurried to press his waterskin into Dion's hands, propping up his head to help him drink. Dion filled his mouth with the blissfully tasteless liquid and then rolled himself off Joshua's lap to spit the water onto the rock. He rinsed his mouth a few more times until his stomach was no longer rebelling against him. 'That... was disgusting', he wheezed as he heaved himself up into a sitting position. Joshua watched him with wide eyes. As soon as Dion had stopped swaying he reached out to examine the spot where rock had split open skin and possibly bones, gingerly wiping away half-dried blood. The skin below was sore but not painful. 'It healed', Joshua said with awe. 'That potion really worked.' He laughed, incredulous and relieved. His hands were still stained with blood when they cradled Dion's face and pulled him in for a kiss; deep and insistent, almost bruising. 'I thought...' He swallowed thickly. 'I thought I had lost you.' 'I am sorry.' Joshua pushed him away to arm's length, scowling. '//Never// do that again.' Dion barked a laugh. He still felt a little unsteady, not to mention nauseous from the concoction he had swallowed. His clothes were soaked, just like Joshua's, clinging uncomfortably to his skin. But he was alive, surprisingly, miraculously alive. 'I do not intend to ', he said. Joshua would never let him live it down if he died from a //fall// of all things. Quite a dragoon he was. But he supposed that was the fate of mortals without the power of an Eikon at the tips of their fingers. Next to him, Joshua closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he seemed to shake off the shock and panic that had clung to his body like a shadow. He went to rinse his hands in the lake and then took off his scarf to soak it in the water, using the wet cloth to dab at the blood on Dion's forehead. The cave was quiet around them and suddenly Dion was reminded of the flans they had fled from. He peered into the twilight of the cave that lay on the other side of the water, but there was no trace of the creatures to be seen. 'They disappeared once they realized they could not reach us', Joshua said as he finished cleaning Dion's face. 'It seems they are really not fond of water. If we are quick, we should be able to slip out the way we came without angering them again.' He picked up the empty flask that lay abandoned on the ground next to Dion's pack. Traces of the purple liquid still clung to the glass. 'We should take this with us. There is not much left, but Tarja might be able to glean some of the ingredients from it.' Dion nodded in agreement. He was the - thankfully still living - proof how powerful that potion was. Even though the price of procurement made it a rare commodity, it could still save countless lives. Joshua gave him a look, both fond and worried. 'How are you doing?' 'I feel fine, really. A little sore, but that is all.' Joshua nodded. Then suddenly he slumped forward to bury his face against Dion's shoulder with a weak laugh. 'Founder', he whispered. 'I am so glad. You scared me.' Dion rubbed a soothing hand over his back. 'I am fine. We are fine.' (if: $ring is "yes") [[Joshua finds ring slime <- Continue]](if: $ring is "no")[[move on slime <- Continue]](if:$ring is "lost")[[move on slime <- Continue]] (set:$medicine to "used") (set:$injury to "healed") (set:$Dion to "healed")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion blinked against the darkness pushing in from the edges of his vision. He tried to speak again, a series of pitiful sounds until he finally got his tongue to move. 'I am... sorry.' 'Don't.' Joshua pressed the word through his teeth, jaw clenched. 'Don't you dare.' 'Just... wanted it... to be perfect.' 'Stop it.' Joshua vanished from his field of vision and Dion heard the rustle of cloth, the clink of metal. He smelled disinfectant, sharp and clean, and then a burning, wet bandage was pressed against his forehead. It stung, ate into his skin like fire but he did not have the strength to fight against it. //A single fall. Embarrassing, really.// His clouded eyes drifted towards the pack on the floor, contents spilled in Joshua's frantic search for their medical supplies. (if: $ring is "yes")[[Ending Dion dies ring <- Continue]](if:$ring is "lost")[[Ending Dion dies lost ring <- Continue]](if: $ring is "no")[[Ending Dion dies no ring <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The small pouch with the puzzle box was right there. He reached for it, almost knocking it aside in his feeble attempt to grasp it. But then it was in his hand, a reassuring weight. He had wanted it to be perfect. 'What is that?', Joshua asked. His face was wet, voice shaking. Why did he look so upset? '... for... you.' He let his head fall back on the stone, eyes fluttering shut. He barely heard how Joshua pulled the box from the pouch, the ringing in his ears was too loud. 'Dion?' He hated how small Joshua's voice sounded. The box... the box would make him happy, right? '...inside.' There... a click. It pierced the ringing sound that filled his head to the point of bursting. As did the sob that wracked Joshua's body, so close that Dion could feel the tremor of it. That did not seem right. Joshua... Joshua was supposed to be happy. Was he not? But Dion's thoughts were slow, like moving through syrup. He felt like he was sinking, slowly sinking deeper. Away from the sound of Joshua's cries. He forced his eyes to open. 'I'm... sorry...' 'Don't.' Hands were pulling on him and it hurt, but then he was lifted away from the cold stone and cradled in warmth. Joshua's arms. It was nice. If only his head stopped pounding... 'It will be fine', Joshua whispered. 'Everything will be fine. Just stay with me, alright? Stay awake. You will be fine.' He pressed something hard and cold into Dion's hand. Dion's fingers grasped at it weakly - the puzzle box. 'You will give it to me once you are better.' Joshua's trembling fingers closed around Dion's stiff ones. 'You will ask me properly. Everything will be fine.' '...alright.' Joshua's face was blurring in front of Dion's eyes and he did not have the strength to bring it back into focus. His thoughts were drifting away, wisps of smoke. He did not notice when his body started seizing, the box clattering to the floor. He did not hear Joshua's wails echoing from the walls of the cave. It had been a perfect day... had it not? THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The pack... The box was inside, he needed to give the box to Joshua. Did he not? Maybe then Joshua would stop looking so upset. The box would make him happy. But... no. The box... the box was with Mid, the box and its precious contents. The two most perfect rings. He had forgotten. How had he forgotten? It had been important, the one, most important thing. 'I'm... sorry...' Joshua shushed him. He looked so upset. It was Dion's fault, was it not? He should fix it. But his thoughts were slow, like moving through syrup. He felt like he was sinking, slowly sinking deeper. Away from the sound of Joshua's cries. 'I'm... sorry...' 'Don't.' Hands were pulling on him and it hurt, but then he was lifted away from the cold stone and cradled in warmth. Joshua's arms. It was nice. If only his head stopped pounding... 'It will be fine', Joshua whispered. 'Everything will be fine. Just stay with me, alright? Stay awake. You will be fine.' 'I just... wanted it to be... perfect.' Joshua's face was blurring in front of Dion's eyes and he did not have the strength to bring it back into focus. His thoughts were drifting away, wisps of smoke. The only thing he knew was that he had failed. It had been supposed to be perfect. He did not notice when his body started seizing. He did not hear Joshua's wails echoing from the walls of the cave. He had just wanted it to be a perfect day. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua's pack. His own... his own was important, was it not? The box was inside, he needed to give the box to Joshua. Did he not? Maybe then Joshua would stop looking so upset. The box would make him happy. But Dion's pack was lost in the woods, somewhere out of reach. How could he have lost it? It was important. 'I am... sorry...' Joshua shushed him. He looked so upset. It was Dion's fault, was it not? He should fix it. But his thoughts were slow, like moving through syrup. He felt like he was sinking, slowly sinking deeper. Away from the sound of Joshua's cries. 'I'm... sorry...' 'Don't.' Hands were pulling on him and it hurt, but then he was lifted away from the cold stone and cradled in warmth. Joshua's arms. It was nice. If only his head stopped pounding... 'It will be fine', Joshua whispered. 'Everything will be fine. Just stay with me, alright? Stay awake. You will be fine.' 'I just... wanted it to be... perfect.' Joshua's face was blurring in front of Dion's eyes and he did not have the strength to bring it back into focus. His thoughts were drifting away, wisps of smoke. The only thing he knew was that he had failed. It had been supposed to be perfect. He did not notice when his body started seizing. He did not hear Joshua's wails echoing from the walls of the cave. He had just wanted it to be a perfect day. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua sat back, shaking himself. Then he snatched Dion's pack from where it lay on the ground, carefully stashing away the flask. Suddenly he frowned. 'What is this?' He pulled out an object not much bigger than his palm. When Dion saw the glint of metal between his fingers, he felt his heart stutter in his chest. //Oh no.// The ribbon on the simple leather pouch that had contained Mid's puzzle box had come undone, leaving the intricate work of art out in the open among the other supplies in Dion's pack. Joshua studied the entwined figures wrapping around the box with bright eyes, their recent ordeal forgotten for a moment as he marvelled at the beauty of it. Dion could only watch, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to come up with something to say, preferably something that would distract Joshua from his discovery. //This is not how this was supposed to go.// 'Oh it is beautiful!', Joshua exclaimed in delight. 'Did Mid make it? I recognize her hand... oh!' His deft fingers had easily found one of the hidden pressure points of the opening mechanism. Dion watched with something like dread as he turned the box over in his hands with renewed interest, precise touches exploring the finely crafted metal. There was a series of satisfied noises as Joshua figured out the rest of the puzzle in no time, the lid popping open with a click. 'Wait - ', Dion said, but Joshua was already holding the box into the blue light of the cave to study its contents. 'Oh.' The rings sat on their bed of soft black cloth, gleaming with flawless beauty. With wide eyes, Joshua turned around to Dion. 'Oh', he said again. Then he blinked rapidly, his eyes suddenly shining. //Like gemstones//, Dion thought, but he did not have time to think much else because Joshua snapped the box shut again and barrelled into him, slender arms wrapping around his neck. 'You fool', Joshua whispered hoarsely. He pulled back to let his hand roam across Dion's face, tracing the freshly healed wound on his forehead. His other hand was tightly clutching the box. 'All this, just for... You could have //died//!' 'I do not think my intentions made this journey any more dangerous, and I do not recall you complaining -' 'Don't argue', Joshua cut him off, an accusing finger pointed at Dion's face. He was pressing the box to his chest as if he did not intend to ever let go of it again and despite his angry words, his eyes were bright as they stared at Dion. His lip was wobbling adorably, as if he was not quite sure whether he should start bawling or break out into a mad grin. Dion obediently sat in silence, but as it stretched on and on without Joshua uttering another word, he dared to open his mouth again. 'May I have the box?' Joshua gave it to him reluctantly, his fingers clinging to it until Dion gently pulled it from his grasp. They were already sitting on the floor so kneeling was pointless, but Dion still did his best to cut a decent figure - an endeavour that was somewhat undermined by his clothes and hair dripping a steady stream of water onto the ground. He opened the box and took Joshua's hand, clearing his throat. He had thought that there would be more time to prepare himself - as if he had done anything else for the past few months - but the box sat out in the open now. He had almost died, and he would not give fate another chance to snatch him away before he had asked the question. The moment was here. 'This is not what I had planned', he said, every word carefully formed and placed at Joshua's feet. 'I wanted to make this moment as special as I could, because you deserve nothing less.' His lips curled into a smile. 'But then again, you always have a way of overthrowing my plans and showing me that life can be so much sweeter than I ever imagined. You are... the greatest blessing I could ask for. My love.' He laced their fingers together, holding on fast to keep himself from throwing away the box and cradling Joshua in his arms instead, kissing away the tears that were trailing down his cheeks. Those blue eyes were so bright, so full of wonder. It was about to make his heart burst. 'Joshua Rosfield. Will you do me the honour of marrying me?' Joshua slowly let go of a deep, shaking breath. 'You...' He shook his head. 'You //idiot//.' It was somewhere between a sob and a laugh, his grip on Dion's hand tightening until he was almost crushing his fingers. 'How could this... how could //you// ever be anything but special?' He caressed Dion's cheek, tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. Fingers fluttering over skin as if he was not sure where to touch first. His eyes were bright and he was smiling, a more beautiful smile than Dion had ever seen. But maybe he was a little biased. 'Yes', Joshua breathed. 'Yes, of course.' He laughed again, and Dion could not help himself but pull him into a kiss. The sweetest kiss - sweet and familiar and perfect. Wet and shivering because the air in the cave was cold and they were drenched, and faintly tasting like the disgusting potion Dion had swallowed not long before. Eventually Dion remembered the rings in his hand, and he pulled back to pick up the slightly smaller one. Joshua gasped quietly as it slid in its place on his finger, the tiny gemstones catching the light when he moved his hand. He marvelled at it only for a moment before he returned the favour, and Dion thought his heart might stop at the feeling of cold metal settling on his skin and quickly warming up. A glint in the corner of his eye, a feeling barely noticeable but ever present. Part of him and still special and shining, like his love. //Perfect.// They sat there huddled together, gazing in wonder at the rings and each other, until the cold air biting into their skin reminded them of their predicament. [[move on slime <- Continue]] (set:$proposal to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Perhaps we should move.' Joshua reluctantly untangled himself from Dion's arms and nodded. 'You are right. Though... are you sure we should continue? Maybe it would be best to return to the Hideaway to have Tarja take a look at you.' 'I feel perfectly fine. We will have to rest to dry our clothes anyway - until we are ready to move on, I will be as good as new.' Joshua gave him a doubtful look, so Dion added: 'And I promise I will tell you if I feel any lingering effects of the wound. Then we can still turn back. But it would be a waste to give up before we even reached the tower.' Joshua seemed sufficiently reassured, and so they made their way back through the lake and towards the tunnel they had come through. They moved swiftly and quietly, but no flans assaulted them and soon they had reached the part of the caves that was bare of the slimy tracks that marked the creatures' territory. They made their dripping, squelching way back towards where they had first entered the tunnels, leaving an impressive trail of puddles behind. Once outside, they gathered as much dry wood as they could find before starting a fire and taking care of their belongings by hanging them from the branches of the nearby trees to dry. Then they curled up together close to the flames, waiting for the heat and the soft breeze rustling in the trees to dry them at least far enough to press on. (if:$proposal is "yes")[Joshua used the time to gaze fondly at the ring on his hand, his arm stretched out as he was lying on his back so the metal and gems would catch the sunlight. There was a soft smile playing on his lips and Dion found himself watching it with just as much adoration. //His fiancé.// He thought it over and over, but the word kept sending thrills down his spine no matter how often he repeated it in his mind.](if:$spice is "yes")[ It was nice to lie pressed together like this, skin to skin next to a crackling fire. Even their underclothes had been drenched through and were now hanging from a branch, and Dion was not above enjoying the way Joshua's bare ass was resting against his hips. He let his hand wander over freckled skin, the sharp jut of a hipbone and down a slender thigh until Joshua chuckled. 'You never miss an opportunity, do you?', he teased. 'How could I resist(if:$proposal is "yes")[ my fiancé]?' Dion let his lips ghost over Joshua's neck, his hand on his thigh squeezing down. 'You are beautiful.' Joshua laughed. 'I am filthy. I'm sure I have seen better days.' (if:$proposal is "yes")[His smile softened as his fingers brushed over the unfamiliar piece of metal on Dion's hand. 'Though I would not trade this day for any other. Except maybe the part where you almost died. And the impromptu bath. I always hated swimming - do you see what it did to my hair?'] Dion kissed the soft spot behind his ear and slowly dragged his hand back up the inside of Joshua's thigh. 'And still you are the most stunning person I have ever seen in my life. How do you do it?' 'I think you are just horny.' 'Perish the thought.' Joshua shuddered when Dion's hand reached his cock and gave it a lazy stroke from root to tip. 'Hm, fine. I agree to being the most stunning person you have ever seen in your life, if you agree to stop teasing. We still have a tower to explore.' 'Oh?', Dion laughed. 'So now that tower is more important than I am?' Joshua turned around so his front was pressed against Dion's, grinding their cocks together and drawing a moan from them both. He gave Dion a impish grin. 'Absolutely.' Dion snorted but he obliged and took both of them in hand, stroking and squeezing and peppering Joshua's face and neck with kisses until they were both a panting mess. It was a wonderful way to spend the time while their clothes dried in the breeze.] Once both them and their belongings had reached an agreeable degree of dampness, they got dressed once more and smothered their fire. The tunnel entrance loomed in front of them. 'So', Joshua said. 'Let us try the way down, then.' Dion did not argue. [[towards tower <- Continue downwards]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua gave Dion a nudge with his elbow. 'Come on, don’t be shy. Maybe if you give it back its hard-earned treasure, it will be more trusting.' Dion sighed but crept towards the moogle with the bag in his outstretched hand. He tried to look unthreatening, like when taming a feral dragonet. At least the moogle had no sharp teeth to worry about. And it seemed receptive to his advances, very slowly hovering forwards to meet him. It tilted its head, eyeing Dion up and down. Then suddenly it rushed forward, making Dion flinch on instinct. But it just snatched the bag out of his hand, then hovered in the air indecisively. 'Hello', Joshua said in a soft voice, tiptoeing closer to the creature. The moogle shot him a quick glance, then dove through the air quick as lightning to snatch something off Dion's belt. It had vanished into the underbrush before either of them had the time to react. 'Damn it!' Dion's hands flew to his belt to survey the damage. He only found a blank leather strap - the artefact Charon had given him was gone. 'We have to go after it.' 'What did it take?', Joshua asked. 'A protection artefact. It was supposed to guard us from a monster that has its lair close to the tower.' He raked his fingers through his hair. The moogle was long gone - how would they ever find it in this godsforsaken forest? This was going swimmingly. He could not fail so early on, he could not. Joshua took him by the arm. 'It's alright', he said. 'We fought plenty of monsters in our time. I am sure we can handle it.' 'Joshua, we no longer have our Eikons. Even a single injury could kill us. I am not taking that risk.' 'Have a little faith in us. Besides, you knew that there could be other beasts lurking in that forest that might be just as dangerous. We will be fine.' He squeezed Dion's arm reassuringly. 'But if you are that concerned, we can always try to find a different way to the tower.' Dion took a deep breath. Joshua was right - an expedition into the wilderness was never without peril. He had known that. He was only reacting like this because his carefully crafted plan was coming apart. //It was supposed to be perfect.// But Joshua looked at him with that confident smile, and he melted under the warmth like he always did. He returned Joshua's smile with a crooked one of his own. 'You are right. As always.' [[Choose path <- Leave for the tower]] (set:$artefact to "mooglelost") (set:$moogle to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Hm, I suppose you are right.' With a mournful sigh, Joshua backed away a step from the nervous creature. 'It might not appreciate an interrogation.' Dion briefly considered taking the bag of stolen goods back to the village, but Joshua gave him a look that was both chastising and amused. 'Come, leave it. It is barely more than a handful. And it would probably just return to steal more.' With a shake of the head, Dion set the bag down on the ground and raised his hands in surrender. 'Fine.' They continued on their path, but not without secretly looking over their shoulders to observe the moogle zipping towards the back and gathering it in its stubby paws, buzzing off into the shadow of the trees with its prize. They exchanged matching grins of wonder, then turned back towards their goal rising menacingly on the horizon. [[Choose path <- Leave for the tower]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion pulled the map Vivian had given him from his pack. The information on this part of the woods was sparse, but the crossroads were marked with spidery lines sprawling on the yellowed paper. 'Right here. The route to the tower is to the left.' (if:$artefact is "sexylost" or "no")['Alright, to the left, then', Joshua said and started to march down the road. Dion reached for his belt. This road would lead them through the lair of the monster he had been warned of when gathering information for their journey. But with Charon's artefact, they should be... wait. (if:$artefact is "sexylost")[He patted himself down, frantically looking for the artefact that should be fastened to his belt. He //knew// it had been there, he was sure of it. But he only felt the blank leather strap under his fingers. Had he put it in one of his pockets? No, no, it had been on his belt. 'What is the matter?', Joshua asked. 'It seems I lost something along the way... damn it!' 'What was it?' 'A protection artefact. It was supposed to guard us from a monster that has its lair close to the tower.' Dion raked his fingers through his hair. The artefact could be anywhere between here and the village - how would they ever find it in this gods forsaken forest? This was going swimmingly. He could not fail so early on. He could not.](if:$artefact is "no")[The artefact. He had been meaning to pick it up the morning of their departure. Charon had spent weeks hunting it down on his behest, to secure them safe passage to the tower. And then... he had //forgotten//. 'What is wrong?', Joshua asked. Dion raked his fingers through his hair. This was going swimmingly. He could not fail so early on. He could not. 'This route is supposed to lead us past a monster that has its lair close to the tower', he admitted. 'I meant to pick up a protection artefact from Charon, but I... forgot it in my haste.'] Joshua took him by the arm. 'It’s alright', he said. 'We fought plenty of monsters in our time. I am sure we can handle it.' 'Joshua, we no longer have our Eikons. Even a single injury could kill us. I am not taking that risk.' 'Have a little faith in us. Besides, you knew that there could be other beasts lurking in that forest that might be just as dangerous. We will be fine.' He squeezed Dion's arm reassuringly. 'But if you are that concerned, we can always try to find a different way to the tower.' Dion took a deep breath. Joshua was right - an expedition into the wilderness was never without peril. He had known that. He was only reacting like this because his carefully crafted plan was coming apart. //It was supposed to be perfect.// But Joshua looked at him with that confident smile, and he melted under the warmth like he always did. He returned Joshua's smile with a crooked one of his own. 'You are right. As always.' Joshua considered the map in Dion's hands. 'Alright then, let us think about this. This is the most direct path, but without your protection artefact, it might be perilous. Do we take our chances, or do we try to find a different path? The road to the right seems to loop back towards the village, but the one straight ahead could be promising.' Dion hummed in thought. 'If it is up to me...' [[creature's lair <- Take your chances with the monster]] [[into tunnels <- Try to find a different path]]](if:$artefact is "mooglelost")[Joshua considered the map in Dion's hands. 'Alright then, let us think about this. This is the most direct path, but without your protection artefact, it might be perilous. Do we take our chances, or do we try to find a different path? The road to the right seems to loop back towards the village, but the one straight ahead could be promising.' Dion hummed in thought. 'If it is up to me...' [[creature's lair <- Take your chances with the monster]] [[into tunnels <- Try to find a different path]]] (if:$artefact is "yes")[[creature's lair <- Follow the map]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Fine.' Dion reached for his coin purse and counted the coin into the merchant's hand. The woman took it and stashed it away with well-practiced motions. Her professionalism assuaged Dion's suspicion somewhat. Hopefully the potion was worth it. He carefully tucked the flask away in his pack and looked up to see Joshua pull his nose out of an old tome that had been on display. He put it aside mournfully and joined Dion on his way out of the store. 'Did you find something good?', he asked. 'Hopefully, yes.' Joshua lifted an eyebrow when Dion told him of the potion. 'That sounds like an important discovery, if it is genuine. We should look into it once we return.' Dion could only agree. But for now they had to get on their way, if they wanted to avoid being caught in the forest after nightfall. With their new purchase safely stashed away, they made their way towards the south edge of the village. [[Choose path <- Leave for the tower]] (set:$medicine to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Thank you, but no’, Dion said. He knew better than to rely on snake oil out in the wild. The merchant shrugged. 'Your loss.' Dion turned around to see Joshua pull his nose out of an old tome that had been on display. He put it aside mournfully and joined Dion on his way out of the store. 'Did you find something good?', he asked. 'No. Just a merchant that is either gullible or dishonest, I fear.' Joshua hummed. 'A shame. But we are well stocked for the journey, we should be fine.' Dion could only agree. But for now they had to get on their way, if they wanted to avoid being caught in the forest after nightfall. Together, they made their way towards the south edge of the village. [[Choose path <- Leave for the tower]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'We really should get going.' With a huff, Joshua turned away from the flowers. His cheeks were flushed and for a moment Dion thought that his eyes were a little too bright. 'Do we have to?', he whined. 'Yes, I think we do', Dion said with even more determination than before. 'Come, this way.' He took Joshua by the arm and pulled him along towards the road. Joshua seemed worryingly unstable on his feet, though his steps regained purpose after but a few yards. By the time they had reached the overgrown road he was walking on his own, rubbing his forehead with a frown. 'Are you alright?', Dion asked. 'Yes, just... a headache.' Joshua shook himself like a wet dog, then straightened his shoulders. 'I feel fine. Lead on.' [[Crossroads <- Make for the Crossroads]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They pressed on, eyes sharp and feet light, weapons at the ready. The rocks now piled high enough to tower over their heads, enclosing them in a gully that eventually widened into an almost circular field scattered with more puddles and debris. The moist earth was disturbed in places, shrubs broken and flattened, rocks marked by something that looked suspiciously like gigantic claws. Dion's hand wandered to the artefact at his belt, noting with relief that it felt warm to the touch. //Hopefully that means that it is working.// 'Look at that!', Joshua whispered. 'This beast must be thrice the size of a morbol!' 'And you are looking far too happy about that', Dion retorted. He could not quite hide the amused fondness in his voice - he loved watching Joshua gleefully examine everything new they came across, his never-ending love for the strange and wonderous things of world. It was just that Dion would have preferred if those things were not thirty feet tall and possibly trying to eat them. Joshua did not seem worried about the prospect as he made his way across the field, inspecting the strange tracks that betrayed the creature's frequent presence in this place. It was barely a ten-minute walk until they had reached the spot where the path disappeared once more between walls of rock, but Dion breathed a sigh of relief once they stepped into their shadow. It seemed the artifact had worked just as intended, warding off the monster's presence so effectively that they had seen neither hide nor claw of it. Dion had to admit that it was a //little// bit of a shame - he could not imagine what kind of creature would leave marks such as the ones marring the field behind them, and he was not above some curiosity. But he would not complain about having avoided a fight. This was not a hunt after all, and it would not do for them to be forced to turn back because of injuries or supplies running low. //That would not do at all.// The tower was close now, close enough to see the swirling structures of its walls. Dark but elegant, an intriguing menace that had stood watch over these lands for centuries. Promising never seen wonders resting hidden within its bones and at its very peak a view more stunning than everything Dion would be able to provide elsewhere now that they had both lost their wings. //Perfect.// They left the empty lair behind and made their way up the winding path that would lead them to the tower's gates. [[Enter tower <- Approach the tower]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They pressed on, eyes sharp and feet light, weapons at the ready. The rocks now piled high enough to tower over their heads, enclosing them in a gully that eventually widened into an almost circular field scattered with more puddles and debris. The moist earth was disturbed in places, shrubs broken and flattened, rocks marked by something that looked suspiciously like gigantic claws. Dion gripped his halberd a little tighter. They had barely set foot on the field when suddenly the air was ripped apart by a guttural roar that made them both whip around, weapons raised. Dion was not sure whether the beast had leapt out from behind the rocks or whether it had risen from the bog itself, but it was far closer than its size should have allowed without them noticing. It looked vaguely like a morbol - if a morbol were thrice its size and had the shape of a gigantic toad, with the tentacle-like vines covering its hunched back. It certainly had the same foul, crooked teeth in its wide maw, and also a set of impressive claws on its feet. 'What //is// that?', Dion blurted out, but then a clawed foot was already swiping at him and he had to leap to safety. 'Whatever it is, it seems to be angry', Joshua shouted as he scrambled to take cover behind one of the rocks. 'Do you think it is a natural mutation, or another anomaly caused by the tower?' 'Maybe focus on killing it first, then you can dissect its corpse.' In silent agreement that this was the wisest course of action, they both got to their feet again and leapt at the creature from two sides. They had to dodge flailing tentacles as they did, blades swiping in wide arches to cut off the foul-smelling limbs. Blood, dark and viscous like tar, splattered their clothes and the monster gave another deafening roar. The sound was accompanied by a spray of greenish liquid, and Dion threw himself to the side with a curse as the first drops ate their way into the rock at his feet. The acid spray caught the edge of his chainmail, a handful of the metal links liquifying with a sharp hiss. Dion and Joshua both cowered behind one of the taller rock formations until the acid had ceased to rain down on them. Then they both jumped out to start hacking at the squirming vines once more. It was tedious work; The creature's tentacle-like appendages kept them at a distance, unable to land a proper hit to more vital body parts. Every few minutes they had to take cover to escape another acid spray, only to start their slow advance all over again. The ground beneath their feet was treacherous, even more so once they had to avoid the puddles of acid that were forming all around the raging beast. Dion soon realized that he was having an easier time of it than Joshua did; his halberd gave him a greater reach and he even landed a few hits on the creature's massive body. Joshua on the other hand was mostly busy keeping the vines from taking a hold of him, the sheer number of them hindering his movements as his sword was unable to carve out a proper space for him. The monster seemed to take notice as well; its enormous round eyes settled on Joshua and its claws dug into the soft earth, ready to jump. Dion gritted his teeth. //Oh no, you don't.// [[separate <- Leap to a vantage point; you might be able to distract it]] [[stay together <- Try to make your way to Joshua]]

2.41(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) A short glance at their surroundings revealed a small outcrop in one of the rock formations, just big enough for one man to stand on. It was at the creature's back, away from Joshua who was still dodging vines left and right. His steps were still swift, dancing past the beast's attacks, but Dion could see that he was getting tired. Dion himself was not faring any better; the clothes under his chainmail were sticking to his sweaty skin and his breath was wheezing in his lungs. The stench that surrounded the creature was not helping, either. They had to end this, and fast. Dion took a step back, then he crouched low to the ground and launched himself into the air. With a backflip over the flailing vines he landed on the outcrop, perfectly positioned in the beast's blind spot. (if:$pack is "yes")[[throw pack? <- Continue]] (if:$pack is "lost")[[attack creature <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) As soon as the creature raised one of its clawed feet to swipe at Joshua, Dion moved. He ducked under the flailing vines that were easier to dodge now that the creature had its entire attention on Joshua, until he was close enough to ram his halberd into the descending leg. Dark blood sprayed out of the wound and the monster reared up with a roar. The sudden movement ripped the halberd out of Dion's hands, the blade firmly stuck in the leg's thick hide. With a curse Dion threw himself to the side to avoid a vine swiping at his head. Joshua was right at his back, hacking at the squirming appendage with his sword. 'Are you alright?', Dion wheezed. 'Fine', Joshua answered, no less out of breath. 'Careful - here it comes.' The creature had shaken off the halberd in its leg and was now gearing up for another attack. Its movements were slower than before, less coordinated now that one of its legs would no longer bare its full weight. Dion looked around hastily, trying to locate his weapon. There - a glint of metal in the torn-up earth, right under the beast's belly. //Perfect//, he thought dryly. 'Can you distract it?', he asked Joshua, earning a wary glance. 'Of course. But... be careful.' 'I always am. Mostly.' With a cocky grin, Dion crouched low and waited for the attack. Joshua charged at the creature, cutting away at the vines ferociously until the gigantic eyes were firmly settled on him once more. Dion tensed, watching its every move. As soon as the injured foot lifted to swipe at Joshua again, he charged forward. He hit the ground in a roll, grinding his teeth as he felt acid bite at his skin. But then the smooth metal of his halberd was in his hand again, and he stabbed the blade upward into the creature's bloated belly with all the strength he had. A gush of foul-smelling blood and other liquids poured down on him, making him gag. He spat out the vile mixture before hurrying to roll out of the way once more, this time to escape the creature's massive body that was collapsing on top of him. He made it just in time before the full weight of the beast crashed to the ground lifelessly. Wheezing and spitting he sprang to his feet, stumbling to the nearest pool of water and throwing himself into it. The cool water washed away the sting of acid on his back and the disgusting filth of bodily fluids from his face. When he came up sputtering, Joshua was already kneeling at the edge of the water, reaching out a hand to pull him back on land. 'You fool!', Joshua chided him when Dion collapsed into the grass next to him, dripping wet and breathing heavily. 'What happened to being careful?' 'It worked, did it not?', Dion retorted with a grin. Then he grimaced, gingerly reaching for his back. The acid had eaten straight through his chainmail and shirt, leaving his skin raw and blistered. With a frown, Joshua stepped behind him to survey the damage. 'That looks bad. Can you move?' 'Of course. I am fine...' Dion moved to stand up and quickly sank back down with a hiss. 'Just give me a moment.' (if:$medicine is "yes")[[heal Dion? <- See to the wound]](unless:$medicine is "yes")[[patch Dion up <- See to the wound]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) With a hammering heart, Dion watched the creature turn to Joshua fully, swiping at him with its claws. Joshua dropped to the ground and rolled out of the way, and Dion winced as he saw red and black fabric starting to smoke where it touched one of the acid puddles. //Quickly now.// The weight of his pack sat on his shoulders uncomfortably. Maybe if he threw it... one moment of distraction might be enough to kill the beast. It would cost him his supplies, but that was a fleeting concern when Joshua's life was at stake. [[attack creature <- Risk attacking without a distraction]] [[throw pack <- Throw the pack]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) He raised his halberd, crouching low so he could get back into the air at a moment's notice. He only had one chance, and he had to make it count. The creature could not see him up here; its backside was turned, so if Dion landed behind it, he would be able to take out its hind legs. But that would be slow work, and Joshua was already dangerously close to the beast's teeth. If Dion landed a clean hit to its neck, he might be able to kill it in one blow instead. Risky - if he missed even by a few inch, he would tumble right into the foul maw. Not a particularly pleasant prospect. [[kill creature <- Go for the killing blow]] (if:$angst is "yes")[[Joshua wounded <- Try to incapacitate]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion jumped again, launching himself as high up into the air as he could before shooting back down with his halberd outstretched. The blade dug into the back of the creature's neck with a squelching sound, caught on something bony and got stuck. The massive body reared up, seeking to shake off its attacker. It bared its bulging throat for just a moment, but it was long enough for Joshua to ram his sword into the beast's hide. He jumped back just in time to avoid the gush of dark blood that soaked the ground where he had stood. The massive body under Dion's feet shivered and then collapsed. With a relieved sigh, he pulled his halberd free and jumped down to Joshua who was already wiping his blade on the grass. 'Are you alright?' Joshua sheathed his sword and inspected his shoulder where the acid had eaten into the fabric of his shirt. 'Fine. It was but a few drops, it barely reached my skin.' Dion still wrapped him up in his arms, heart beating too fast as their chests collided, and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Joshua chuckled and cupped Dion's jaw, giving him a peck on the lips. Then he grimaced. 'You smell.' 'Well, so do you.' Joshua gingerly sniffed his own shirt and shuddered in disgust. 'You are right. Let us hope it will dissipate in time - or did you take an entire wardrobe on this trip just in case?' 'Unfortunately, no', Dion said. 'Perhaps we should at least find some clean water, to get rid of the worst of the smell.' 'Not before I have taken a few notes', Joshua piped up from his spot next to the creature's corpse. 'This is a //fantastic// specimen. It would be a crime against science to leave it here undocumented.' With amused resignation, Dion went to find a dry rock to sit on. This would likely take a while. Once Joshua had finished, they left the destroyed field and the creature's corpse far behind and went to find a stream in which to rid themselves of the filth. They took off their clothes to rinsed out the worst of the blood, mud and acid; then they waded into the shallow water to do the same with their bodies. Dion dunked his head into the water unceremoniously, washing away the filth and bodily fluids that caked his hair. When he came up for air, throwing back the wet strands that let water cascade down his bare skin in shimmering rivulets, he noticed Joshua's eyes on him. Joshua himself was standing in the water that barely rose to his thighs, gaze dragging appreciatively up and down Dion's body. Water droplets shimmered in his hair and on his lashes like tiny jewels. Dion took Joshua by the hand and pulled him against his chest, their warm bodies a wonderful contrast to the cold water. A hand settled firmly on Joshua's back, the other tracing the line of his cheekbone. 'You are beautiful', Dion whispered. Joshua chuckled. He carded fingers through Dion's wet hair, settling a warm palm on the nape of his neck to knead the tense muscles there. 'I am filthy', he corrected. 'But perhaps you want to help me remedy that?' Dion obliged and crouched down with him in the water, gently washing the dirt from Joshua's hair as best he could. Joshua leaned back against his chest, sighing contentedly even though the cold of the water raised gooseflesh on his skin.(if:$spice is "yes")[ Dion smoothed it away with his hands and, when Joshua hummed in appreciation, wrapped his arms around the lithe body that was curled up against him. He pressed open mouthed kisses to Joshua's throat, letting the warmth of his breath ghost over cold ears and cheeks until Joshua turned around to him far enough to capture his lips in a kiss. 'Do you want to take this to the shore?', Joshua mumbled. 'My cock is freezing, and I would very much like for it to work right now.' Dion obliged with a laugh, wading to the shore and finding them a relatively dry piece of grass to sit down on. Joshua lost no time climbing in his lap and straddling him, grinding down until Dion gasped into his open mouth. Dion cupped his buttocks, fingers pressing deeper until they rubbed against Joshua's entrance. They traded sloppy kisses while rutting against each other, wet skin warming up quickly. Joshua arched his back with a keening sound when Dion breached him (if:$sexytime is "yes")[easily, his body still pliant from their earlier indulgence.](unless:$sexytime is "yes")[digit by digit, rubbing slow circles that he knew would drive his love mad.] Joshua braced himself against a sturdy chest and rode Dion's fingers eagerly while stroking both their weeping cocks, head lolling forward. By the time they were done, their skin was sticky again; but a quick rinse in the stream took care of that.] Once both them and their belongings were relatively clean, they got dressed once more. Before them stretched the winding path that would lead them to the tower's gates. 'So', Joshua said. 'Onwards, then.' Dion did not argue. [[Enter tower <- Continue towards the tower]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion jumped again, landing in a crouch behind the creature's back and immediately launching into a flurry of attacks. His blade hacked away at tendons and muscle until the massive hind legs collapsed under the body's weight. The beast roared. Joshua screamed. Dion felt a cold hand close around his heart. Faster, he had to be faster. He jumped once more, bringing himself to the creature's front. It seemed blinded by pain, barely reacting to his presence. Dion had to dodge the flailing claws but then he found and opening and he rammed his halberd into the creature's throat until dark blood was gushing from the wound to soak the earth. He did not wait to see if the beast was dead before rushing to Joshua's side. He was lying on the ground, clutching at the bloody gashes in his side. His face was pale, a stark contrast to the red that stained his lips. 'Dion...' 'Don't speak.' The blood was seeping into the earth, sizzling where it mingled with the acid. Dion pressed his hands against the gaping wounds, muttering //sorry, I'm sorry// under his breath as Joshua groaned in pain. 'Is it... dead?', he whispered. Dion tore his eyes away from Joshua's face just long enough to glance over his shoulder at the lifeless body of the creature. 'Yes, it is dead', he said. He had to swallow hard to banish the hoarseness from his voice, and even then his words barely rose above the frantic hammering of his heart. 'We did it. We are safe.' //We are safe. Please, let him be safe.// (if:$medicine is "yes")[[heal Joshua <- Continue]](unless:$medicine is "yes")[[Joshua dying <- Continue]]

2.51(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion tore the pack from his back and threw it at a group of stone pillars to the creature's right. The pack hit the stone with a loud clatter that echoed across the field, and the creatures broad head whipped around. Joshua took advantage of its carelessness and hacked at its leg, eliciting a roar that shook the rock under Dion's feet. Dion jumped again, launching himself as high up into the air as he could before shooting back down with his halberd outstretched. The blade dug into the back of the creature's neck with a squelching sound and the massive body reared up with a shrill scream like steam escaping from a kettle. The massive body shivered and then collapsed. With a relieved sigh, Dion pulled his halberd free and jumped down to Joshua who was already wiping his blade on the grass. 'Are you alright?' Joshua sheathed his sword and inspected his shoulder where the acid had eaten into the fabric of his shirt. 'Fine. It was but a few drops, it barely reached my skin.' Dion still wrapped him up in his arms, heart beating too fast as their chests collided, and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Joshua chuckled and cupped Dion's jaw, giving him a peck on the lips. Then he grimaced. 'You smell.' 'Well, so do you.' Joshua gingerly sniffed his own shirt and shuddered in disgust. 'You are right. Let us hope it will dissipate in time - or did you take an entire wardrobe on this trip just in case?' Dion did not, but the question reminded him of his pack that lay abandoned on the other side of the creature's corpse. But as he went to inspect it, he regretfully realized that it had landed in one of the damned acid puddles. Most of the leather had dissolved, and likely its contents along with it. 'Nothing to save here', he muttered. 'No matter. Let us press on, before more of our belongings start falling apart. Though - perhaps we should find some clean water first, to get rid of the worst of the smell.' 'Not before I have taken a few notes', Joshua piped up from his spot next to the creature's corpse. 'This is a //fantastic// specimen. It would be a crime against science to leave it here undocumented.' With amused resignation, Dion went to find a dry rock to sit on. This would likely take a while. Once Joshua had finished, they left the destroyed field and the creature's corpse far behind and went to find a stream in which to rid themselves of the filth. They took off their clothes to rinse out the worst of the blood, mud and acid; then they waded into the shallow water to do the same with their bodies. Dion dunked his head into the water unceremoniously, washing away the filth and bodily fluids that caked his hair. When he came up for air, throwing back the wet strands that let water cascade down his bare skin in shimmering rivulets, he noticed Joshua's eyes on him. Joshua himself was standing in the water that barely rose to his thighs, gaze dragging appreciatively up and down Dion's body. Water droplets shimmered in his hair and on his lashes like tiny jewels. Dion took Joshua by the hand and pulled him against his chest, their warm bodies a wonderful contrast to the cold water. A hand settled firmly on Joshua's back, the other tracing the line of his cheekbone. 'You are beautiful', Dion whispered. Joshua chuckled. He carded fingers through Dion's wet hair, settling a warm palm on the nape of his neck to knead the tense muscles there. 'I am filthy', he corrected. 'But perhaps you want to help me remedy that?' Dion obliged and crouched down with him in the water, gently washing the dirt from Joshua's hair as best he could. Joshua leaned back against his chest, sighing contentedly even though the cold of the water raised gooseflesh on his skin.(if:$spice is "yes")[ Dion smoothed it away with his hands and, when Joshua hummed in appreciation, wrapped his arms around the lithe body that was curled up against him. He pressed open mouthed kisses to Joshua's throat, letting the warmth of his breath ghost over cold ears and cheeks until Joshua turned around far enough to capture his lips in a kiss. 'Do you want to take this to the shore?', Joshua mumbled. 'My cock is freezing, and I would very much like for it to work right now.' Dion obliged with a laugh, wading to the shore and finding them a relatively dry piece of grass to sit down on. Joshua lost no time climbing in his lap and straddling him, grinding down until Dion gasped into his open mouth. Dion cupped his buttocks, fingers pressing deeper until they rubbed against Joshua's entrance. They traded sloppy kisses while rutting against each other, wet skin warming up quickly. Joshua arched his back with a keening sound when Dion breached him (if:$sexytime is "yes")[easily, his body still pliant from their earlier indulgence.](unless:$sexytime is "yes")[digit by digit, rubbing slow circles that he knew would drive his love mad.] Joshua braced himself against a sturdy chest and rode Dion's fingers eagerly while stroking both their weeping cocks, head lolling forward. By the time they were done, their skin was sticky again - but a quick rinse in the stream took care of that.] Once both them and their belongings were relatively clean, they got dressed once more. Before them stretched the winding path that would lead them to the tower's gates. 'So', Joshua said. 'Onwards, then.' Dion did not argue. [[Enter tower <- Continue towards the tower]] (set:$ring to "lost") (set:$map to "lost") (set:$food to "1") (set:$medicine to "lost") (set:$pack to "lost")

2.45(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion's fingers trembled as they tried to hold back the blood, hold back Joshua's life that was steadily seeping into the ground. Blue eyes watched him, dulled by pain. The most beautiful eyes he had ever seen; he had sworn to make them shine. For the rest of their lives. He had sworn... The eyes fluttered shut, Joshua's body tensing under Dion's hands. 'No, no, stay with me.' Panic threatened to swallow him, blurring his vision. But Dion pushed it down and carefully shifted his grip, one hand still pressing down on the wounds while freeing the other to dig through (if:$pack is 'lost')[Joshua's](unless:$pack is 'lost')[his] pack. There were bandages in there, disinfectant, //something//... The bandages were already stained with the blood that covered his hands as he started wrapping them tightly around Joshua's torso, whispering apologies for every grunt of pain - and then curses when the grunts stopped and gave way to oppressive silence. The laboured rise and fall of Joshua's chest was all that remained, and Dion refused to take his eyes off the faint movement as he tied the bandages and pulled Joshua's slack body into his lap. He did not notice that his cheeks were wet, not until Joshua blinked up at him with clouded eyes, brows pulling down into a frown. 'You're... crying.' The words were slurred, barely audible. Dion blinked away the tears in his eyes and shook his head. 'Do not worry about me. Just... stay awake, yes? It will be fine.' 'We can... still see... the tower?' Dion's arms tightened around Joshua's form. He curled up around him, face buried in blond hair caked with dirt and blood as he gently rocked them back and forth. 'Yes, of course', he whispered. 'You will see it all. I planned everything, did I not? I planned it, I...' It was all his fault. He had just wanted... (if:$ring is "yes")[[Ending Joshua dead proposal <- Continue]] (if:$ring is "no")[[Ending Joshua dead ring forgotten <- Continue]] (if:$ring is "lost")[[Ending Joshua dead ring lost <- Continue]]

2.48(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) His pack was lying next to him, half its contents spilled and stained with blood. Its contents, except for the box. The box he had meant to pick up from Mid the morning of their departure, the box holding the two most perfect rings. He had forgotten. The one reason they had come here, and he had forgotten. Just another failure. It was all his fault. Joshua shivered weakly in his arms. 'I'm... tired', he mumbled. The bandages were soaked with blood, the fabric barely stemming its steady flow. Dion made a choked noise. 'It's alright', he whispered. He brushed a strand of hair out of Joshua's face with unsteady fingers, caressing the cold skin of his cheek. 'Just rest. You can rest.' It was all his fault. Another life shattered under his ruinous touch. He had believed... He had just wanted it to be perfect. Joshua's eyes were slipping shut, his beautiful face slack and pale under Dion's hands. Dion cradled him against his chest, tears flowing freely as he pressed a kiss to unmoving lips. 'I love you', he choked out. Joshua's mouth curled into a faint smile. His beautiful smile - so sweet, so happy. As if Dion had given him the greatest gift as he lay bleeding in the wilderness, breaths growing weaker and weaker. As if it had all been worth something. The serene smile stayed on his face as his chest stopped moving, as Dion clutched his body to his chest and called his name without receiving an answer. He called louder and louder until his voice cracked and all he could utter was a scream that echoed across the silent field. He screamed until his throat was hoarse, all his despair and his rage against himself, against their cruel fate that would tear them apart after everything they had suffered. //All my fault.// He had just wanted it to be perfect. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

2.47(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) His pack was lying next to him, half its contents spilled and stained with blood. The string on the leather pouch that held Mid's puzzle box had come undone, the delicate work of art lying in the dirt, stained red. Dion reached for it, clutching it in his hand as if the dream that was contained within could somehow be willed into being. The dream of a happy future, the first dream of its kind he had ever dared to dream. It was all his fault. Joshua shivered weakly in his arms. 'I'm... tired', he mumbled. The bandages were soaked with blood, the fabric barely stemming its steady flow. Dion made a choked noise. 'It's alright', he whispered. He pressed the box into Joshua's limp hand, closing cold fingers around the slippery metal. 'See? It's alright. It's alright. Just rest.' It was all his fault. Another life shattered under his ruinous touch. He had believed... He had just wanted it to be perfect. Joshua's eyes were slipping shut, his beautiful face slack and pale under Dion's hands. Dion cradled him against his chest, tears flowing freely as he pressed a kiss to unmoving lips. 'I love you', he choked out. Joshua's mouth curled into a faint smile. His beautiful smile - so sweet, so happy. As if Dion had given him the greatest gift as he lay bleeding in the wilderness, breaths growing weaker and weaker. As if it had all been worth something. The serene smile stayed on his face as his chest stopped moving and the box slipped from his fingers, as Dion clutched his body to his chest and called his name without receiving an answer. He called louder and louder until his voice cracked and all he could utter was a scream that echoed across the silent field. He screamed until his throat was hoarse, all his despair and his rage against himself, against their cruel fate that would tear them apart after everything they had suffered. //All my fault.// He had just wanted it to be perfect. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua's pack was lying next to him, half its contents spilled and stained with blood. His own was abandoned somewhere in the forest, torn apart by beasts. Lost, along with the small leather pouch that held Mid's puzzle box. The entire reason they had come here, and Dion had lost it. Just another failure. It was all his fault. Joshua shivered weakly in his arms. 'I'm... tired', he mumbled. The bandages were soaked with blood, the fabric barely stemming its steady flow. Dion made a choked noise. 'It's alright', he whispered. He brushed a strand of hair out of Joshua's face with unsteady fingers, caressing the cold skin of his cheek. 'Just rest. You can rest.' It was all his fault. Another life shattered under his ruinous touch. He had believed... He had just wanted it to be perfect. Joshua's eyes were slipping shut, his beautiful face slack and pale under Dion's hands. Dion cradled him against his chest, tears flowing freely as he pressed a kiss to unmoving lips. 'I love you', he choked out. Joshua's mouth curled into a faint smile. His beautiful smile - so sweet, so happy. As if Dion had given him the greatest gift as he lay bleeding in the wilderness, breaths growing weaker and weaker. As if it had all been worth something. The serene smile stayed on his face as his chest stopped moving, as Dion clutched his body to his chest and called his name without receiving an answer. He called louder and louder until his voice cracked and all he could utter was a scream that echoed across the silent field. He screamed until his throat was hoarse, all his despair and his rage against himself, against their cruel fate that would tear them apart after everything they had suffered. //All my fault.// He had just wanted it to be perfect. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The path that led away from the creature's lair steadily climbed the mountain's flank, winding through rock formations and underbrush and finally up the blank rocky slope that separated them from the foot of the tower. And then they stood in front of a gaping archway, elegant Fallen architecture forming an imposing entrance that taunted them to press on ahead. Joshua reached out a hand and traced the swirling lines with reverent touches. 'Dion, these are exquisite!', he exclaimed. 'I have never seen such extensive intact structures since Phoenix Gate! Even the Sagespire was damaged and corrupted, but this...' Smiling, Dion watched him examine the wall next to the entrance with awed enthusiasm. It seemed the tower was everything he had hoped it would be. It certainly was a special place - special now and even more so once he had done what he had come here for. //Soon.// He joined Joshua by the wall and wrapped an arm around his shoulders before pressing a kiss to his cheek. It was warm despite the cool breeze that ruffled their hair up here on the mountain. Joshua raised an eyebrow, lips twitching in amused delight. 'What was that for?' 'Can I not kiss you if I wish to?' Joshua laughed. 'I did not know standing around and watching me fuss over ancient architecture put you in the mood. But lucky for you, there will be much more of that once we go inside.' 'We better keep moving then.' Joshua seemed to agree, judging by the eagerness with which he took Dion's hand and pulled him along. They linked arms and then, side by side, stepped into the vast halls of the Blackspire. [[Chapter 3: enter front <- Chapter 3]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'We have to treat this', Joshua said firmly. 'Where do you keep the medicine we bought in the village?' 'No.' With gritted teeth, Dion managed to sit up and awkwardly started working on removing his armour. His chainmail was damaged, but it should still be mostly functional once he had seen to the wound underneath. 'If that medicine is as potent as the merchant claimed it to be, we should save it for an emergency.' 'If you get an infection in the wilderness, it will be an emergency', Joshua argued. 'And what if we have to fight another monster? We need you at full strength.' 'I will be fine, I promise.' [[heal Dion <- Use the medicine]] [[patch Dion up <- Save the medicine for later]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$medicine is "yes")['Fine', Joshua grumbled. 'But if you get worse, I will force it down your throat.' 'That seems like a fair deal.' ]Joshua opened his pack and started to dig through it until he produced a roll of fresh bandages and a bottle of disinfectant. Then he helped Dion take off his armour plates and damaged chainmail, then his drenched shirt. The disinfectant stung on the damaged skin, but Dion valiantly bit back any groans of pain - to not worry Joshua any further, if nothing else. Obediently, he allowed Joshua to neatly wrap the bandages around his torso. The wound was still throbbing, but after a moment of rest Dion was at least able to move again. Joshua steadied him as he got to his feet, and together they gathered their supplies from where they were strewn all across the muddy ground. 'Maybe we should turn back', Joshua said hesitantly. 'Get you back to the Hideaway.' 'That does not sound like you', Dion teased. 'The tower is right there.' 'You are hurt.' 'I will be fine. And I promise I will tell you if it gets worse.' Joshua agreed only reluctantly, though Dion could see the expectant shine in his eyes as they turned in the direction of the tower once more. 'Let us go then', he said, but Joshua held up a hand to stop him. 'Not before I have taken a few notes', he announced as he stalked towards the lifeless body of the creature that was lying in the middle of the torn-up field. 'This is a //fantastic// specimen. It would be a crime against science to leave it here undocumented.' With amused resignation, Dion went to find a dry rock to sit on. This would likely take a while. [[Enter tower <- Continue towards the tower]] (set:$Dion to "hurt") (set:$injury to "healed")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Absolutely not', Joshua said. And before Dion could protest, he was already elbow-deep in his pack. Dion slumped back against a rock while Joshua rummaged through the pack, breathing through the vicious stinging sensation in his back. (if:$ring is "yes")[He only looked up when he heard a confused noise from Joshua's direction - and immediately froze. Joshua was holding a small leather pouch in his hand. A leather pouch that held a box, meticulously crafted by Mid and hiding two perfect rings inside. Joshua turned it over in his hand, weighing the shape in his palm. 'What is this?', he asked. Dion's mouth was suddenly very dry. 'This? Uhm... nothing.' //Smooth.// Joshua raised a sceptical eyebrow. He examined the pouch a moment longer but, when Dion still did not offer an explanation, tucked it away in the pack again before continuing to dig for his intended prize. ]Finally there was the clink of glass and Joshua proudly held up the flask with its ominous purple liquid. Dion eyed it warily when it was pressed into his hand. 'Are we sure this is safe?', he asked. 'You bought it, so I would hope you trust in it.' With a sigh, Dion pulled out the stopper and downed the potion before thinking all too hard about what it is he was swallowing. But as soon as the liquid touched his tongue, he had to fight hard not to bring it right back up. Its texture was weirdly slimy and the sharp taste seemed to crawl up his nose and into his head. It was very possibly the vilest thing he had ever tasted. He still choked it down, even though the hellish concoction seemed to cling to his tongue and throat, unwilling to let go. But through the violent roiling of his stomach, he suddenly felt a... tingle in his veins. A feeling like from too much ale, warm and fuzzy. A tickle, sort of. It felt... nice. 'How are you feeling?', Joshua asked somewhere close. 'Ugh', Dion answered, because he was still not sure whether to laugh like a drunkard or gag at the taste in his mouth. The fuzzy feeling slowly faded and he carefully rolled his shoulders. There was no pain left, not even tenderness. His skin seemed perfectly healthy and hale, with no trace left of the acid that had eaten at it. 'Remarkable', Joshua breathed as he examined Dion's back. 'It really worked! This potion is incredible!' 'It is vile', Dion said dryly as he pulled out his waterskin to thoroughly rinse his mouth. 'Nonetheless, we should take this flask back to Tarja', Joshua said. 'If we can determine the ingredients, think of how many lives it could save!' On that, Dion could agree. And so they packed up the flask and Joshua helped him back into his damaged chainmail before they turned in the direction of the tower once more. 'Let us go then', Dion said 'Not before I have taken a few notes', he announced as he stalked towards the lifeless body of the creature that was lying in the middle of the torn-up field. 'This is a //fantastic// specimen. It would be a crime against science to leave it here undocumented.' With amused resignation, Dion went to find a dry rock to sit on. This would likely take a while. [[Enter tower <- Continue towards the tower]] (set:$medicine to "used")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (textsize:1.5)[''Chapter 3: The Tower''] They stepped into a wide hall, perfectly round and dominated by swirling designs as most Fallen ruins were. It was easy for the eye to get lost in the intricate patterns, a labyrinth of grooves and arches that seemed to have no discernible purpose. The scattered blue lights that had illuminated their way since the tunnels now coalesced into clusters high above their heads, bathing the chamber in their ghostly glow. They had been joined by strings of light, running along the walls like the veins of a living being. Joshua stepped closer to one such vein that hung low enough to reach and carefully touched it with the tip of his finger. 'It is... humming', he said. 'I wonder what it does.' He seemed entirely captured by the strange structures, and so Dion left him to marvel at them undisturbed. Instead, he circled the room to make sure there were no guardians or other nasty surprises waiting for them. The Blackspire seemed quiet, both more and less so than any comparable Fallen structure Dion had seen. There were no defence nodes to be found, no enemies lying in wait to ambush them. None that he could see, at least. But the tower itself felt //alive//, labouring silently with its lights and its inner mechanisms yet unseen. It was an unsettling feeling, but looking at the strange, impossible beauty of the building, Dion could understand Joshua's deep fascination with it. There were two paths splitting off from the main chamber. One led to a round shaft that seemed connected to the higher levels, an empty platform at its bottom. The other path led away from the shaft, deeper into the mountain. The veins of light seemed to flow away - or into - it, crawling over the ceiling and the walls until there were so many it hurt to look at them. 'I believe there is a kind of elevator over there', Dion said as he returned from his short surveillance mission. 'It seems that if we want to explore the tower itself, that is our way.' 'Excellent!' Joshua turned away from the vein he had been poking, eyes lit up both by eagerness and the blue glow surrounding them. He peered into the direction of the elevator, then followed the bright veins on the walls with his gaze. 'Though I am very curious where these lead. Do you think there is a kind of core in the mountain, powering the entire tower?' (unless:$proposal is "yes")[Dion bit back the words that would urge Joshua towards the elevator. He was eager to reach the top, to do what he had come here to do. The wait was killing him. It did not matter, he told himself. They had made it to the tower, and it would always be a day Joshua remembered - whether Dion proposed in the basement or on the roof or anywhere in between. It would be fine.](if:$proposal is "yes")[Dion watched him with fond amusement. Now that the rings were safely glittering on their respective fingers, he could indulge Joshua's curiosity without the anxiety that had wracked him before. Maybe he should have planned things this way all along.] 'Perhaps', he said. 'We could explore further, if you like.' Joshua looked back and forth between the elevator and the tunnel, clearly torn. 'We will have to prioritize what to explore', he said reluctantly. 'Our food will run out eventually. We cannot stay indefinitely.' (if:$food is "1")['You are right', Dion agreed after doing a quick mental count of their remaining provisions. They had used up some of them on the journey here, but he had taken care to keep tabs on their rations.(if:$pack is "lost")[ It was all the more important now, when half of them had been lost along with his pack.] 'Our supplies have dwindled considerably. Perhaps once we know the extent of the tower, we can plan another expedition accordingly.'](unless:$food is "1")['We still have ample provisions left', Dion said after doing a quick mental count of their remaining supplies. They had eaten while walking, but he had taken care to keep tabs on their rations. 'Even if we leave later tomorrow, we can comfortably make it back to the village. But perhaps it would still be wise to get a sense of the tower's size before dedicating ourselves to one route.'] Joshua brightened at these words. 'True. Well then, which path to take?' [[elevator first<- Use the elevator]] [[towards akashic <- Explore the basement]] (set:$basement to "yes") (set:$enter to "basement")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (textsize:1.5)[''Chapter 3: The Tower''] The Blackspire was a wonder. Dion had never quite shared Joshua's deep fascination with Fallen ruins, but even he could admit as much. From the inside, the tower seemed less like a tower and more like a whole city, built vertically into the air instead of spreading out on the ground. The delicate outer structure allowed sunlight to reach the inside, where bridges that looked like entire separate buildings spanned a circular chasm eating deep into the mountain. In the middle of the chasm, an actual tower rose to unknown heights. For the first time, Dion felt genuine doubt that they would make it to the top of the spire before night fell. But Joshua craned his head with an open mouth, eyes bright with delight, and Dion thought that he would gladly spend an entire month exploring these winding paths just to see more of that expression. He jumped a little when Joshua barrelled into him, wrapping him up in a tight embrace.(if:$Dion is "hurt")[ He had to suppress a wince at the pressure on his back where the swamp monster's acid had eaten into the skin, but luckily Joshua did not seem to notice.] 'Thank you. This is the most wonderful surprise. Thank you so much.' It made Dion feel warm and fuzzy inside, as if he had swallowed a handful of Phoenix down. Though of course the Phoenix in his arms would forever be enough for him, with or without his fire. He felt his face split into a broad smile and this time it was him who grabbed Joshua and pulled him along. 'Then let us see if it lives up to your expectations.' Joshua chuckled and leaned into Dion as they walked, arms linked. 'It already has.' They strolled down a path - a road really, smooth and straight - that led from the entrance in the direction of the inner tower. Many more paths split off from it, spreading out towards the structures that crowded this outer ring of the spire. The main path however did not deviate a single inch from its course, cutting through the labyrinthine area until it ended at a bridge. The slender arch spanned the chasm they had seen from the entrance, leading to a chamber at the foot of the inner tower. It was shrouded in shadow, blue lights glimmering in the twilight like fireflies. 'This should be an elevator', Joshua said, motioning towards the other side of the bridge. 'If we want to explore the upper floors, this is our way.' Even as he said it, he considered the winding paths of the outer ring with a longing gaze. (unless:$proposal is "yes")[Dion bit back the words that would urge Joshua towards the elevator. He was eager to reach the top, to do what he had come here to do. The wait was killing him. It did not matter, he told himself. They had made it to the tower, and it would always be a day Joshua remembered - whether Dion proposed in the basement or on the roof or anywhere in between. It would be fine.](if:$proposal is "yes")[Dion watched him with fond amusement. Now that the rings were safely glittering on their respective fingers, he could indulge Joshua's curiosity without the anxiety that had wracked him before. Perhaps he should have planned things this way all along.] 'We could explore down here first, if you like', he said. Joshua looked back and forth between the elevator and the sunlit area around him, clearly torn. 'We will have to prioritize what to explore', he said reluctantly. 'Our food will run out eventually. We cannot stay indefinitely.' (if:$food is "1")['You are right', Dion agreed after doing a quick mental count of their remaining provisions. They had used up some of them on the journey here, but he had taken care to keep tabs on their rations.(if:$pack is "lost")[ It was all the more important now, when half of them had been lost along with his pack.] 'Our supplies have dwindled considerably. Perhaps once we know the extent of the tower, we can plan another expedition accordingly.'](unless:$food is "1")['We still have ample provisions left', Dion said after doing a quick mental count of their remaining supplies. They had eaten while walking, but he had taken care to keep tabs on their rations. 'Even if we leave later tomorrow, we can comfortably make it back to the village. But perhaps it would still be wise to get a sense of the tower's size before dedicating ourselves to one route.'] Joshua brightened at these words. 'True. Well then, which path to take?' [[elevator first<- Use the elevator]] [[mime <- Explore the entrance hall]] (set:$enter to "front") (set:$entrance to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion bent down and offered his hand for the cat to sniff. It was met with approval, judging by the way the animal rubbed its head against his palm, encouraging him to scratch it behind the ears. The volume of its purrs increased dramatically. While running his fingers through the fluffy fur, Dion caught Joshua watching him with an amused smile. 'Jealous?', he teased while working on an especially itchy spot on the cat's back. Joshua chuckled. 'I will share, just this once.' Meanwhile, Theobald was flitting around the room, pulling random books and papers from the shelves and stacks that covered the floor. He dropped it all on the table that might have been a desk once, but was now too cluttered to be of any use at all. Dion looked at the assorted writings with vague dread, especially when he saw Joshua's eyes light up. 'Remember, we need to leave soon', he said quietly and Joshua sighed. 'I am afraid we are on a schedule', he addressed Theobald. 'We will gladly visit you again soon to look at all your findings. But for now - do you have any information that would be of immediate use if one wanted to explore the tower?' Theobald stopped in his tracks where he had been about to gather even more books from a shelf. 'Explore the tower?', he echoed. 'That - well, that would be madness! The beasts that lurk between here and there are one thing, and the tower itself is most likely filled with dangerous Fallen technology!' 'Most likely?' Joshua exchanged a look with Dion. 'You have never been there?' 'Of course not! Do I look mad?' Dion rubbed a hand across his face in exasperation, while Joshua seemed even more intrigued if possible. 'We are quite skilled, I assure you', he said to the old scholar. 'But if you have anything to share that might help us, we would be very grateful. We could provide you with information on the tower's inside once we return. As a token of our gratitude.' Theobald's eyes lit up and he licked his lips. 'Really?' 'Of course. It would only be fair.' The old man nodded to himself, then he began to feverishly dig through the writings he had gathered. He pulled out a worn little notebook and offered it to Joshua, who opened it and let his eyes fly across the pages greedily. 'I have compiled this from my studies of various Fallen ruins all across Storm. The runes they use have always been a mystery, but I believe I have cracked the code.' Joshua's eyes grew huge. 'You mean...' 'Indeed.' Theobald proudly puffed out his chest. 'This is a cipher to translate the writings of the Fallen. Well... some of them. It is imperfect, a work in progress. But it will be invaluable if you want to navigate the tower.' 'Thank you. This is...' Joshua ran his fingers across the notebook's frayed cover reverently. 'This is incredible work. I shall guard it with my life.' 'Oh, I have made ample copies. The knowledge is safe, even if you die there.' 'What a relief', Dion said dryly. But silently he was happy enough to see Joshua so enthused about their destination and the knowledge they were gathering. It had been the entire reason for their journey - to give him an experience he would not soon forget. After thanking Theobald many more times they left the ramshackle house. Once outside, Joshua turned to Dion, bouncing on the balls of his feet. 'A cipher, Dion! The things we might uncover! We should go, there is so much to see!' And off he went, leaving Dion to follow him with an amused chuckle. Together, they made their way to the village's south edge. [[Choose path <- Leave for the tower]] (set:$fallen to "yes") (set:$cathair to "no")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The cat circled Dion's legs a few more times before casting him a scathing look and stalking towards Joshua instead. Joshua immediately bent down to run his fingers through the fluffy fur, much to the animal's satisfaction. Its purring increased in volume as it closed its eyes in bliss. Joshua narrowed his eyes at Dion. 'You are a monster.' Dion shook his head with a chuckle. 'I am sure it will get over the insult. Besides - I prefer pets with scales over those with fur. The hair gets everywhere.' They did not get much further in their debate, for their attention was drawn away by their host. Theobald flitted around the room, pulling random books and papers from the shelves and stacks that covered the floor. He dropped it all on the table that might have been a desk once, but was now too cluttered to be of any use at all. Dion looked at the assorted writings with vague dread, especially when he saw Joshua's eyes light up. 'Remember, we need to leave soon', he said quietly and Joshua sighed. 'I am afraid we are on a schedule', he addressed Theobald. 'We will gladly visit you again soon to look at all your findings. But for now - do you have any information that would be of immediate use if one wanted to explore the tower?' Theobald stopped in his tracks where he had been about to gather even more books from a shelf. 'Explore the tower?', he echoed. 'That - well, that would be madness! The beasts that lurk between here and there are one thing, and the tower itself is most likely filled with dangerous Fallen technology!' 'Most likely?' Joshua exchanged a look with Dion. 'You have never been there?' 'Of course not! Do I look mad?' Dion rubbed a hand across his face in exasperation, while Joshua seemed even more intrigued if possible. 'We are quite skilled, I assure you', he said to the old scholar. 'But if you have anything to share that might help us, we would be very grateful. We could provide you with information on the tower's inside once we return. As a token of our gratitude.' Theobald's eyes lit up and he licked his lips. 'Really?' 'Of course. It would only be fair.' The old man nodded to himself, then he began to feverishly dig through the writings he had gathered. He pulled out a worn little notebook and offered it to Joshua, who opened it and let his eyes fly across the pages greedily. 'I have compiled this from my studies of various Fallen ruins all across Storm. The glyphs they use have always been a mystery, but I believe I have cracked the code.' Joshua's eyes grew huge. 'You mean...' 'Indeed.' Theobald proudly puffed out his chest. 'This is a cipher to translate the writings of the Fallen. Well... some of them. It is imperfect, a work in progress. But it will be invaluable if you want to navigate the tower.' 'Thank you. This is...' Joshua ran his fingers across the notebook's frayed cover reverently. 'This is incredible work. I shall guard it with my life.' 'Oh, I have made ample copies. The knowledge is safe, even if you die there.' 'What a relief', Dion said dryly. But silently he was happy enough to see Joshua so enthused about their destination and the knowledge they were gathering. It had been the entire reason for their journey - to give him an experience he would not soon forget. After thanking Theobald many more times they left the ramshackle house. Once outside, Joshua turned to Dion, bouncing on the balls of his feet. 'A cipher, Dion! The things we might uncover! We should go, there is so much to see!' And off he went, leaving Dion to follow him with an amused chuckle. Together, they made their way to the village's south edge. [[Choose path <- Leave for the tower]] (set:$fallen to "yes") (set:$cathair to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$exploration is "4")[They made their way back to the elevator. Light was seeping into the hollow of the shaft, soft sunlight that was already fading to copper and gold. Evening was approaching. (if:$food is "1")['We should wrap up any exploration we want to do', Dion said, though he felt the sting of regret at pulling Joshua away from the marvels of this place. 'We will need to get a good night's sleep and leave first thing in the morning to restock at the village.' Joshua sighed. 'Yes, I suppose you are right. Well, time for one more floor, right?' There was a hopeful glint in his eyes and Dion had almost agreed with him then and there. (unless:$proposal is "yes")[But he still had a plan, and he felt his pulse spike with anxiety and eagerness alike when he thought of it. There would be other days for Joshua to spent as much time with his research as he wanted, Dion told himself. They could always return, together. But for now, he had a perfect plan. [[tower top sunset <- Take the elevator to the top of the tower]]](if:$proposal is "yes")[Though... he just might, given that his plan for the perfect proposal at the top of the tower had already crumbled. They could explore the last remaining floor and leave first thing in the morning, rings safely on their fingers either way. Though he had been very much looking forward to a romantic moment at the top of the tower watching the sunset, and he was hesitant to give it up. Joshua looked at him with big, pleading eyes. [[tower top sunset <- Take the elevator to the top of the tower]] [[elevator final <- Continue exploring]](set:$deadline to "yes")]](unless:$food is "1")[Dion felt a spike of anxiety churning his guts. He had planned this - an evening atop the tower, watching the sunset. The most perfect evening. (unless:$proposal is "yes")[They had enough supplies to delay their departure, so they could still explore the rest of the tower in the morning. It was not ideal - Dion had hoped for a grand culmination of their journey, with naught but the road home awaiting them after. He could of course also wait until the next day to ask his question - a sunrise was quite symbolic when it came to a new beginning, together. He supposed it hardly mattered, except for the nervous flutter in his chest that grew stronger every passing hour. [[tower top sunset <- Take the elevator to the top of the tower]] [[elevator final <- Continue exploring]](set:$deadline to "yes")](if:$proposal is "yes")[They had enough supplies to delay their departure, so they could still explore the rest of the tower in the morning. Or right now, given that his plan for the perfect proposal at the top of the tower had already crumbled. They could explore the last remaining floor and leave at their leisure in the morning, rings safely on their fingers either way. Though he had been very much looking forward to a romantic moment on top of the tower watching the sunset, and he was hesitant to give it up. Joshua looked at him with big, pleading eyes. [[tower top sunset <- Take the elevator to the top of the tower]] [[elevator final <- Continue exploring]]] (set:$deadline to "yes")] ](if:$exploration is "1" or "2" or "3")[They made their way back to the elevator. The platform hummed under their feet when they stepped on it, as if awaiting their next command. (if:$fallen is "no")[ [[top <- Button]] [[basement <- Button]] [[middle <- Button]] [[lower <- Button]] [[entrance <- Button]] ](if: $fallen is "yes")[ [[top <- 'Sky']] [[basement <- 'Deep']] [[middle <- 'Time']] [[lower <- 'Flesh']] [[entrance <- 'Meeting']] ] ]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion looked over Joshua's shoulder as he pored over the tiny glyphs, the worn notebook with Theobald's cypher in hand. After a lot of mumbling and frowning, Joshua straightened up with a triumphant grin. 'Can you read them?', Dion asked with no small amount of awe. The Fallen script had always been a mystery to even the greatest scholars as far as he knew. To be able to unearth their secrets by reading the records left by their very own hand... the prospect was staggering. 'Not quite', Joshua admitted. 'The meaning can be obscure. But I believe I can make an educated guess.' He gestured towards the buttons. 'These are the most accurate meanings I could discern.' [[top <- 'Sky']] [[basement <- 'Deep']] [[middle <- 'Time']] [[lower <- 'Flesh']] [[entrance <- 'Meeting']]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua shrugged. 'Well, I suppose there is no way to know what they do unless we try.' [[top <- Button]] [[basement <- Button]] [[middle <- Button]] [[lower <- Button]] [[entrance <- Button]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$basementex is "yes")[The elevator sank down into the dark and halted within view of a familiar chamber illuminated by blue light. They stepped down from the platform and looked around the circular hall. 'The tunnels again', Dion said. 'I do not believe there is more to explore down here.' 'Hm, quite', Joshua agreed. 'Let us choose a different destination, then.' (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]](unless:$basementex is "yes")[ (if:$basement is "yes")[The elevator sank down into the dark and halted within view of a familiar chamber illuminated by blue light. They stepped down from the platform and looked around the circular hall. 'The tunnels again', Dion said. 'Do you want to take a closer look this time? (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] [[towards akashic <- Explore the basement]]](if:$basement is "no")[The elevator sank down into the dark, the smooth surface of the shaft around them occasionally broken by small blue lights like stars in a night sky. The platform came to a halt in a circular chamber devoid of sunlight, the artificial lights the only thing illuminating the intricate structures flowing across the walls all around. 'This seems to be the basement.' Joshua stepped off the platform and peeked into the short corridor that seemed to lead to a second, bigger chamber. 'Come, let us take a look.' They stepped into a wide hall, perfectly round and dominated by swirling designs as most Fallen ruins were. It was easy for the eye to get lost in the intricate patterns, a labyrinth of grooves and arches that seemed to have no discernible purpose. The scattered blue lights that had illuminated their way down now coalesced into clusters high above their heads, bathing the chamber in their ghostly glow. They had been joined by strings of light, running along the walls like the veins of a living being. Joshua stepped closer to one such vein that hung low enough to reach, and carefully touched it with the tip of his finger. 'It is... humming', he said. 'I wonder what it does.' He seemed entirely captured by the strange structures, and so Dion left him to marvel at them undisturbed. Instead he circled the room to make sure there were no guardians or other nasty surprises waiting for them. There were two paths splitting off from the main chamber. One was short and ended at a door. It was made of countless tiny parts woven together, their edges visible like thorns sticking out of a rose bush as the door had frozen mid-movement. Behind it, the distinct Fallen structures faded into natural rock - another entrance to the tower, most likely. The other path led away from the elevator and deeper into the mountain. The veins of light seemed to flow away - or into - it, crawling over the ceiling and the walls until there were so many it hurt to look at them. 'I wonder where those lead', Joshua mused. 'Do you think there is a kind of core in the mountain, powering the entire tower?' 'Perhaps.' Dion squinted into the cold twilight of the tunnel. The shape of it dissolved into formless blue light after but a few yards - it was impossible to tell how far it went, or what might await them at the end. 'Do you want to explore further?' Joshua hummed in thought as he joined Dion's observation of the tunnel. 'It is hard to tell how much time it would take us to find anything meaningful down here. What do you think? Should we attempt it?' [[towards akashic <- Explore the basement]] (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] (set:$basement to "yes")]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The tunnel was well lit and perfectly straight, with no side paths or forks to lead them astray. Every few yards they would pass through another door like the entrance to the basement they had come across, tall constructs made from tiny parts that fit together in strange patterns. The doors were open, inviting them deeper into the mountain. They had walked for quite a while when Joshua slowed, head craned to inspect the ceiling. 'Look at this!', he exclaimed. 'I have not seen those farther back, have you?' It took Dion a moment to see what he was pointing at. In the mass of glowing veins and strange patterns it was difficult to discern any details. But yes, there was something new on the ceiling - veins or ropes made from a smooth material, not glowing but a dark, inky black. They seemed to connect small nodes that were attached to the ceiling in a geometrical pattern. Dion squinted and believed to see a faint light swirl under their surface, like a slumbering power waiting to be woken. 'This is fascinating', Joshua mumbled. 'Different networks for different purposes. But what? Power, information? Aether?' He walked on, eyes still fixed firmly on the ceiling. When the tunnel suddenly widened into an elongated chamber, Dion had to catch him by the arm to stop him from walking straight into the opposite wall. 'Oh. Thank you.' Joshua gave Dion a sheepish smile, then spun around to take in the chamber. 'I suppose we found the end of the tunnel.' It seemed that way. The chamber looked just the same as the rest of the basement, the ceiling covered with a network of glowing veins and shimmering nodes. At the far end of the room, another door was set into the wall, this one closed. But Joshua was already hurrying off to the side, waving Dion along. He was heading to the only other irregularity in the chamber's walls, hidden in a nook not far from the tunnel's entrance. It was a strange structure that almost looked organic in the way it connected to the black veins on the ceiling. 'Look, all these pathways lead to this apparatus', Joshua said. 'Whatever these nodes are for, this must be the key to operate it.' 'But it must also have something to do with the door, I expect', Dion mused. 'These are the only things of note down here - someone placed them next to each other on purpose.' 'Yes, yes.' Joshua nodded along eagerly. 'Perhaps whatever lies behind the door will give us more insight into the apparatus.' He rested his hand against his chin in thought. 'Though if the apparatus is connected to the door, opening the latter might as well set something off. A trap, or a security system. Either way, we should proceed with caution.' [[security system <- Examine the apparatus]] (if:$angst is "yes")[[akashic <- Examine the door]] (set:$basementex to "yes") (if:$exploration is "4")[(set:$exploration to "5")] (if:$exploration is "3")[(set:$exploration to "4")] (if:$exploration is "2")[(set:$exploration to "3")] (if:$exploration is "1")[(set:$exploration to "2")]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (unless:$machine is "yes" or "wrong")[Examining the door first seemed prudent. If there was more information on the mysterious workings of the tower to be found, Dion would prefer to acquire it //before// messing with unknown machinery. Mid had always scolded him if he had tried to touch any kind of object in her workshop before first suffering a lengthy lecture on what it was and how it was used - perhaps this was mostly due to her eagerness to talk about her creations, but the caution now seemed very sensible. A door, on the other hand, was much clearer in its function. ]Their steps echoed from the high ceiling as they crossed the chamber. There was something uneasy about breaking the ancient silence of these halls, something that made Dion's hair stand on end. The air suddenly seemed... thicker, less suitable for breathing than it had been just a moment ago. The door was the same as all the others they had come across, except that the myriad of tiny parts it consisted of were firmly locked with each other. At least that was what it looked like to Dion, but Joshua leaned forward until the tip of his nose almost touched the grey material and squinted at the flowing design with a frown. 'What do you see?', Dion asked. He had long accepted that Joshua saw the world with different eyes than he did; Dion was a soldier, looking at threats and enemy movements and dark corners in which assassins might hide. Joshua looked at the wonders of the world, at its inner workings and hidden secrets that lay waiting to be unravelled. And while Joshua marvelled at the world, Dion marvelled at Joshua. Learning to find that curiosity again he had known as a child, the hunger for knowledge. Before his father's war had consumed him. 'You are doing it again.' Dion blinked, only now noticing that Joshua had paused in his examination of the door to give him a soft smile. He reached out to give Dion's furrowed brow a gentle poke. 'You are thinking about the wrong things. Stop it.' Dion chuckled, allowing Joshua's smile to wipe away the sullen thoughts. It was getting easier these days, much easier. 'You are right, as usual.' He shook his head. 'Well then, tell me about this door.' 'I believe it is malfunctioning.' Joshua gestured at the patterns that covered the deceptively solid-looking surface. 'There are irregularities in the design, which indicate that the parts did not slide into place all the way. Not enough to force it open, but with a little dexterity...' He traced the grooves in the door with curious fingers, carefully pressing and pushing the tiny interlocking parts. For a moment nothing happened, but suddenly the door groaned and shuddered as movement rippled across its surface. It parted in the middle, the design unravelling to pull back into the surrounding walls. Dion watched as Joshua turned around to him, a triumphant grin on his face. He stood and watched as the uneasy feeling sitting at the back of his neck suddenly intensified, and with startling clarity he knew what it was he had been sensing all along. Aether. He stood and watched, time slowed to a crawl, as a humanoid figure appeared in the darkness the door had revealed, hands stained glowing blue reaching for Joshua's throat. He shot forward, one hand already working on unstrapping the halberd from his back while the other pulled Joshua out of the way. The akashic leapt into empty air and gave an enraged howl, a terrible sound that transformed into a gurgle as the blade of Dion's halberd was driven into its chest. The akashic turned into dust before their eyes, its body dropping to the ground in a pile of ashen flakes that soon melted away into the empty air. Joshua stared at it with wide eyes, chest heaving. His hand was tightly clutching the hilt of his sword. Dion had taken up position in front of him, the point of his weapon aimed at the door. There were footsteps in the dark. Slow, dragging footsteps. Too many of them to count. The glow of their bodies was the only thing penetrating the darkness; aether staining their skin and clothes like mould, like a sickness. It was impossible to tell if they had been human once or perhaps something else, their features warped with aether and rage. But there were many of them, so many that Dion could see no end to the mass of bodies pushing towards the door, towards the light. Towards them. [[activate machine? <- Ready yourself to fight]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua crouched down in front of the apparatus, eagerly investigating the connections running up to the ceiling and the glyphs etched into the grey material of the structure itself. They swarmed around a round protrusion that glowed with the same eery light as the nodes on the ceiling. 'Can you make any sense of this?', Dion asked. He admittedly felt some scholarly curiosity himself, being presented with so many strange wonders so far beyond the capabilities of modern engineering. What a world that must have been, filled with such staggering technology. 'I am not sure.' Joshua gestured at the round light at the centre of the apparatus. 'This seems to be a button to activate it, but the glyphs... give me a moment...' (if: $fallen is "yes") [[deciphering machine <- Let Joshua work]](if: $fallen is "no") [[guessing machine <- Let Joshua work]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'This is not good...', Joshua mumbled next to him. Dion could only wholeheartedly agree. He widened his stance, weapon at the ready to strike any time. But the sheer number of bodies he could spy in the darkness was staggering, and there had to be even more lurking in the dark beyond. He felt his chest tighten. 'We cannot fight so many', Joshua said voicelessly. 'We have to try.' It was not the first time they had faced a horde such as this. But it was the first time they faced it without the powers of their Eikons, the steel in their hands the only line of defence they had. It was the first time they faced it without the resigned certainty of death looming in their future. They could not fall here, not now. Not after everything. There was grim silence from Joshua, and then a sharp intake of breath. 'The apparatus.' His fingers closed around Dion's arm, tight enough to hurt. (if:$machine is "yes")['This is what it was built for, is it not? If we activate it, and flee into the tunnel...' It could work. If they were fast enough, if the akashic did not catch up to them while their backs were turned. If the apparatus did what they thought it did. Dion ground his teeth, his instincts screaming at him to leap forward and rush into the line of enemies before they could attack first.](if:$machine is "wrong")['If we activate it...' 'How would that help?', Dion hissed under his breath without letting the akashic at the door out of sight. They were crawling closer, step by step. Soon they would reach the chamber, and then they would see themselves faced with intruders. They would attack. 'I am not sure’, Joshua said tightly. 'But it must do //something//, right? Perhaps it will distract them.' It could work. If they were fast enough, if the akashic did not catch up to them while their backs were turned. If the apparatus did something useful - or anything at all. Dion ground his teeth, his instincts screaming at him to leap forward and rush into the line of enemies before they could attack first.](if:$machine is "no")['If we activate it...' 'We have no idea what it does!', Dion hissed under his breath without letting the akashic at the door out of sight. They were crawling closer, step by step. Soon they would reach the chamber, and then they would see themselves faced with intruders. They would attack. 'I am not sure, Joshua said tightly. 'But it must do //something//, right? Perhaps it will distract them.' It could work. If they were fast enough, if the akashic did not catch up to them while their backs were turned. If the apparatus did something useful - or anything at all. Dion ground his teeth, his instincts screaming at him to leap forward and rush into the line of enemies before they could attack first.] [[activate machine <- Activate the apparatus]] (if:$angst is "yes")[[fight akashic <- It's too risky. You have to fight them off.]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion raised his halberd, the blue glow of the approaching horde reflecting off the sharp edge of the blade. He felt Joshua breathe at his back, heard the scraping sound of his sword leaving the scabbard. Then the first akashic leapt towards the gap of the door, mouth opened in a guttural scream. Dion rammed the halberd into its guts(if:$Dion is "hurt")[, wincing as the movement pulled at his sore back where the swamp monster's acid had eaten into his skin]. But the next foe pushed past the first before he had time to pull the blade free; Joshua jumped to his side and swiftly hacked off the arm that swiped at Dion's face, driving his sword clean through the creatures throat and filling the air with grey dust. They stood shoulder to shoulder in the door, Joshua disposing of any akashic that had slipped past Dion's halberd. Soon the dust in the air made it hard to breathe, and the stream of enemies was unending. Dion could see it in the dark, the raging mass like a single, massive being that slowly pushed towards them. He suppressed any horrifying thought of why these creatures were even down here, what had created them - it did not matter, only survival mattered, Joshua would gladly pore over the mystery once they had survived this, he was sure. If they survived this. He thrust his blade forward with a cry, skewering two akashic at once before they could tear out Joshua's throat with their teeth. While the glowing bodies dissolved in the air, he desperately tried to come up with a strategy, eyes flying across what little of the cavern beyond the door he could see. His weapon was not made for combat in such close quarters; it would be much more effective if Joshua stepped back to give him more room, if he could swing it freely, if he could jump. But if even a handful of the creatures made it past him, they would be surrounded. The only choice was to block the door entirely, which meant Joshua could not pull back. They were trapped at their position, and still their enemies crashed into them with the relentlessness of a flood.(if:$Dion is "hurt")[ Dion’s back was pulsing with pain now, and he believed to feel the wetness where barely healed skin had split open anew. Every movement of his arms made the pain flare up, slowing down his attacks.] An akashic ducked past Dion's spear and barrelled into him with all the rage of a feral beast, teeth snapping at his arm. Fingernails, long and chipped, raked across his cheek as the creature flailed wildly, drawing blood. (if:$Dion is "hurt")[Dion jumped back, attempting to kick the akashic in the chest and send it flying. But then he felt something tear in his back and his legs buckled under him, sending him crashing to the ground. Immediately the akashic were on him, swarming his body like flies a piece of carrion. He swung his blade in a weak arc, but it was knocked out of his hand and fell to the floor with a clatter. Bodies stained sickly blue crowded his field of vision, snapping maws and fingers twisted into claws. Pain exploded in his shoulder with a sickening crunch, pain raked across his throat and warmth bloomed in its wake. Dion's vision clouded, but he could still see the flash of red in the sea of raging blue, could see Joshua's face twist in horror as his mouth opened for a silent scream. Dion wanted to call out to him to move, to run, to defend himself. But Joshua stood frozen, just a moment too long. The mass of akashic swallowed him the same moment darkness swallowed Dion's mind. //I am sorry//, was his last thought. //I am so sorry. It is all my fault.// END [[end screen <- Continue]]](else:)[Dion jumped back just far enough to make room to raise his leg, kicking the akashic square in the chest and sending it flying into the midst of his comrades. Immediately more of them flooded out of the door, claiming the space Dion had forfeited and pushing him farther back. 'We cannot go on like this!', Joshua cried. He was bleeding from a shallow wound on his arm and his face was streaked with sweat and the grey dust of their felled foes. His attacks had slowed, just like Dion's own, their weapons growing heavier in their hands with every minute. How long had they fought by now? Too long. They had to do something, but what? The chamber was empty, nothing they could use to their advantage. Except the nook next to the tunnel entrance, where the strange apparatus was located. It was big enough to hide in, if they were fast. Perhaps the akashic would lose interest, allowing them to slip away or at least come up with another plan. Perhaps. Teeth clamped around Dion's arm and he roared in pain and rage, but the creature would not be shaken off. Joshua's blade cut through its exposed neck and its jaw slackened, head and body crashing to the floor where they evaporated. The pain was pulsing in Dion's arm, torn muscle screaming as he tried to move it. Their enemies did not give him the time to assess the injury and so he tightened his grip around his halberd with his remaining good hand and raised his weapon. He felt the blood drip down his arm, warm and wet, but he ignored it as he cut down the next creature. From the corner of his eye he caught Joshua's gaze, wide-eyed and desperate. The next akashic pushed through the door. And the next. And the next... [[Ending both die <- Keep fighting]] [[Ending akashic <- Try to hide]]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion clenched his teeth against the pain and dug his heels into the ground. They could not stop, no matter what. There were tunnels at their back that led outside, into a whole world that thought itself safe from akashic. They had to stop the horde here, before it could ever see the light of day. They had to... He was not sure how much longer they fought. He hacked his way through the mass of enemies, lungs burning and his injured arm sending jolts of fire through his body, the agony of it making him lightheaded. But every time exhaustion made him slow down his eyes caught Joshua next to him, the same feverish determination on his face that Dion felt burning in his own heart. They could not stop. His breath was burning in his lungs, just like his muscles were burning under his skin. His arm was growing cold, the pain a distant thing gnawing at his mind, but he pushed it away. One more kill. One more. Just one more, always just one more. They could make it. They had to. A tearing pain in his thigh made him stumble, knee crashing to the floor as his leg could no longer support his weight. Immediately the akashic were on him, swarming his body like flies a piece of carrion. He swung his blade in a weak arc, but it was knocked out of his hand and fell to the floor with a clatter. Bodies stained sickly blue crowded his field of vision, snapping maws and fingers twisted into claws. Pain exploded in his shoulder with a sickening crunch, pain raked across his throat and warmth bloomed in its wake. Dion's vision clouded, but he could still see the flash of red in the sea of raging blue, could see Joshua's face twist in horror as his mouth opened for a silent scream. Dion wanted to call out to him to move, to run, to defend himself. But Joshua stood frozen, just a moment too long. The mass of akashic swallowed him the same moment darkness swallowed Dion's mind. //I am sorry//, was his last thought. //I am so sorry. It is all my fault.// THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'We need to hide!', Dion called out above the clamour of feet and the hoarse roars of the akashic. 'The nook by the entrance. It is our only chance!' Joshua's eyes flitted down to Dion's arm that hung bloody and limp at his side. He set his jaw and nodded grimly. Dion motioned for Joshua to fall back, then he crouched down to prepare himself for a jump. The arm uselessly dangling at his side did not make it any easier, but he clenched his teeth against the pain and catapulted himself off the ground. Below him, the horde immediately flooded the place where he had just stood, snarling and snapping. He turned in the air and shot back down, landing right in their midst and sending out a shockwave that brought most of them to fall and evaporated a few of those closest to him immediately. Then he ran. They stormed towards the chamber's entrance, not daring to look back even once to where the akashic were swiftly recovering from Dion's attack. They could hear their voices, the dragging steps on the ground. They ran. They dove into the nook in the wall, their momentum slamming them into the sharp edges of the apparatus that loomed before them. Dion groaned in pain but quickly bit back his voice and then they both pressed themselves into the tiny space between the apparatus and the wall. It was dark, and just big enough for them both. Joshua's heartbeat was racing, Dion could feel it on his skin where they were firmly pressed together. His own was no better, and he clapped a hand over his mouth to muffle his heavy breathing. Outside, the akashic flooded into the chamber. No longer running and leaping like they had done when their enemies had been right in front of them, but a slow, stumbling march as inexorable as the tide. They came closer to Dion's and Joshua's hiding space, closer... They walked past. Broken eyes staring straight ahead they shambled right past the nook, entering the tunnels in an endless, grim procession. 'Dion', Joshua whispered. His eyes were blown wide in horror. 'Those tunnels... they lead outside.' Dion felt the words wrap around his throat like a rope that slowly pulled tight. Outside. Into a world that thought itself safe from akashic, that had only just started to recover from the horrors of the aether floods. Outside, to a sleepy little village in the mountains - and from there, out into civilization. It would be a massacre. 'What have we done?', he whispered. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion patiently observed as Joshua pulled out Theobald's cypher and compared the tiny notes on the paper with the glyphs in front of him. After careful consideration, he nodded to himself. 'I cannot say for sure what it does', he said, 'but I believe I can approximate the meaning of the glyphs. Here, there is one that could mean //unravel// or //unmake//... destruction? Deconstruction?' 'That sounds... worrying', Dion commented. Joshua shushed him. 'And here, there is //sky// or //up//? And this. This one is //arrow// or //quick// or maybe //flight//, with //peril// right underneath.' 'None of this sounds particularly healthy', Dion said dryly. 'Perhaps not.' Joshua frowned and followed the black veins with his eyes, from the apparatus all the way to the nodes on the ceiling. '//Up//', he said. 'And //unravel//. Do you think these could bring down the ceiling? But why?' '//Flight// and //peril//', Dion mused. 'Perhaps it is a last resort in case the tower is attacked, to protect what is within?' He cast a wary glance at the door at the other end of the chamber. 'Or, considering that the nodes are clustered around that door, perhaps it is to protect against something getting out.' 'Oh.' Joshua's eyes lit up. 'Yes! The nodes only reach a little farther into the tunnel. If there is just enough delay between pushing the button and the ceiling being destroyed, there would be time for whoever operates the apparatus to flee to safety while everything coming for them from the direction of the door would be destroyed.' To Dion's deep concern, he eyed the button with barely suppressed curiosity, as if he were all too eager to put that theory to the test. [[activate machine 2 <- Push the button]] [[no death <- Leave the machine alone]] (set:$machine to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion patiently waited while Joshua frowned at the glyphs, occasionally cursing under his breath. He had a surprisingly colourful array of courses at his disposal, even though he usually restrained himself from using them. Dion was fairly sure that he had collected them on purpose in all the taverns and more unsavoury places he had visited on his travels. He could not prove it yet, but he was convinced there was a list of them somewhere in Joshua's numerous notebooks. After a while, Joshua stood and shook his head in frustration. 'The Fallen script has been a mystery to scholars since they first started studying it. I suppose I cannot expect to decipher it in a day.' He sighed. 'Well, that only leaves logic. What could an apparatus like this be used for?' Dion considered the nodes at the ceiling. They were spread across the room and a few yards of the tunnel beyond in regular intervals, the swirling lights at their centre dim and flickering weakly. A power hidden underneath their surface, waiting to break free. Though what use would a power spread throughout so many tiny sources be? If it was weak, it could not do much. If it was strong, what shape would it take that would not bring down the ceiling along with it? Was the light supposed to shine brighter than this? If it did, it would surely illuminate the entire room, chasing away the tinted twilight that hung in the corners. But as they were, the nodes looked more like dim eyes set into the ceiling, watching them from every direction. [[wrong guess no1 <- They are light sources]] [[wrong guess no2 <- A surveillance system, perhaps]] [[right guess <- ... Explosives?]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) With a curse, Dion whirled around and dashed towards the chamber's entrance. Joshua was close on his heels. They ran, not daring to look back even once to where the akashic were pushing through the door, a snarling, snapping mass of bodies flooding the chamber's hollow. They could hear their guttural voices, the dragging steps on the ground. They ran. They dove into the nook in the wall, their momentum slamming them into the sharp edges of the apparatus that loomed before them. Dion immediately jumped to cover Joshua's back, halberd raised to fend off any attacker that might be on their heels. 'I pushed it', Joshua cried behind him. 'Come, into the tunnel. Quickly!' A rumbling sound made the chamber tremble. Then the nodes above their heads lit up in bright flashes, starting around the door at the other end of the room but quickly closing in on them. They turned around and bolted towards the tunnel, not looking back even as the ground shook beneath their feet and the deafening sound of cracking stone roared in their ears. A shockwave of dust and heat hit their backs and threw them forwards, causing them to crash to the ground in a wholly undignified manner. Dion coughed and spat out the dust in his mouth. He was bruised up a little, but at least no bones were broken. After a quick glance towards Joshua to make sure he had escaped harm just the same, he turned around to survey the destruction. The tunnel they had just fled through was entirely blocked by huge chunks of Fallen architecture, the splintered pieces piling all the way to the ceiling that was now a mess of cracked stone. A faint whisp of grey dust curled up from a gap, a last trace of the akashic that had been buried under the rubble. Joshua sat up and shook pale dust out of his hair. (if:$machine is "yes")['It seems we were right', he wheezed. 'A triumph... ' He coughed. '...for logic... and deduction.'](if:$machine is "wrong")['Well', he wheezed. 'It seems we were...' He coughed. '...quite wrong. But... I will not complain.'](if:$machine is "no")[Well', he wheezed. 'That was... ' He coughed. '... more effective... than I had hoped for.'] Dion crouched down next to him and placed a soothing hand on his back, but luckily the coughing fit subsided along with the dust settling on the ground. So he pulled Joshua to his feet, both of them swaying slightly as the adrenaline left their veins. They tightly wrapped their arms around each other until their legs had regained their steadiness. 'That was too close', Dion muttered. His fingers tightened on Joshua's waist. //Far too close//. 'I agree.' Joshua leaned against Dion's shoulder for support and glanced over his shoulder at the blocked tunnel. 'Why were they down here, I wonder? Were they studied? Experimented on?' Dion shook his head. 'You know, I do not really care to know.' Joshua hummed in quiet agreement. 'Come', he said. 'Let us leave this place.' (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Return to the elevator]] (set:$machine to "activated")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Let us hope we are right, then.' Joshua grinned at Dion with a slightly manic joy in his eyes and pressed the button. A rumbling sound made the chamber tremble. Then the nodes above their heads lit up in bright flashes, starting around the door at the other end of the room but quickly closing in on them. Dion stared at the fireworks with rising dread; he had only just formed the thought in his head that this had been a very bad idea, then the ceiling collapsed on them with a deafening sound. The Blackspire shuddered in its foundations, the gentle movement of an ancient giant sighing in its sleep. Once the tremors had subsided, it stood as still and silent again as it had for centuries, its hidden halls devoid of life. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'I suppose it would be a tad risky to just try it, wouldn't it', Joshua said mournfully. Dion felt his shoulders sag in relief. 'Yes, I suppose it would', he agreed. 'But I am sure there are still plenty of other mysteries to solve.' Joshua's eyes immediately zeroed in on the door, like a bloodhound finding a new scent. It //was// the closest mystery at hand, after all. (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Return to the elevator]] [[akashic <- Open the door]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'They could be light sources', Dion said. 'If they did any kind of work in these tunnels, they would need brighter and more evenly distributed light sources than these veins on the walls. I do not know what power they use to operate their lights, but surely they require some kind of resource. Which means it would make sense to have some way to turn it on and off.' 'Brilliant.' Joshua gave him a proud grin. 'Perhaps you should be the one to help Mid with all her inventions once we get back.' 'Ha! You just want an excuse to deny her if she asks you to put down your books again.' 'It would be convenient from time to time, yes.' Joshua chuckled. 'But only from time to time. Perhaps we should help her together. Then I would have more opportunity to hear you say smart things.' Dion raised an eyebrow. 'You mean to say that I usually only say stupid things?' Joshua slung an arm around him with a laugh and pressed a kiss to his cheek. 'Never. Now, let us see...' (if:$angst is "yes")[[push the button? <- Continue]](if:$angst is "no")[[no death <- Continue]] (set:$machine to "wrong")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'They could be part of a surveillance system', Dion said. 'They do cover the entire room, and if that door is important, they would have needed surveillance. They already have mechanical creatures that fight intruders for them, so why not smaller ones for observation as well? Perhaps they can even launch ranged attacks.' 'Brilliant.' Joshua gave him a proud grin. 'Perhaps you should be the one to help Mid with all her inventions once we get back.' 'Ha! You just want an excuse to deny her if she asks you to put down your books again.' 'It would be convenient from time to time, yes.' Joshua chuckled. 'But only from time to time. Perhaps we should help her together. Then I would have more opportunity to hear you say smart things.' Dion raised an eyebrow. 'You mean to say that I usually only say stupid things?' Joshua slung an arm around him with a laugh and pressed a kiss to his cheek. 'Never. Now, let's see...' (if:$angst is "yes")[[push the button? <- Continue]](if:$angst is "no")[[no death <- Continue]] (set:$machine to "wrong")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'I cannot think of anything these could do', Dion said. 'They seem too small to have much of an effect, whatever that effect might be. However...' He frowned at the door. 'They are all clustered around that door, and the apparatus to activate them is positioned at the very edge of their network. So what if this is a line of defence against whatever lies beyond that door? If these explode, they could injure anything coming through this chamber, or even bring down the ceiling and bury it. And whoever operates the apparatus might still have time to escape into the tunnel.' 'Brilliant.' Joshua gave him a proud grin. 'Perhaps you should be the one to help Mid with all her inventions once we get back.' 'Ha! You just want an excuse to deny her if she asks you to put down your books again.' 'It would be convenient from time to time, yes.' Joshua chuckled. 'But only from time to time. Perhaps we should help her together. Then I would have more opportunity to hear you say smart things.' Dion raised an eyebrow. 'You mean to say that I usually only say stupid things?' Joshua slung an arm around him with a laugh and pressed a kiss to his cheek. 'Never. Now, let's see...' [[push the button? <- Continue]] (set:$machine to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The button was glowing at the centre of the apparatus. Joshua eyed it curiously, as if he were all too eager to test out their theory. (if:$machine is "wrong")[[Ending: instant death <- Push the button]](if:$machine is "yes")[[activate machine 2 <- Push the button]] [[no death <- Leave the machine alone]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They stepped on the elevator's platform. Dion placed his feet carefully, overly conscious of the fact that below them, the hollow shaft most likely dropped many feet or even miles into the dark of the mountain. But Joshua seemed to have faith in the Fallen's construction, and so Dion as well dared to walk across the round disk with more confidence. It did not shake or even vibrate the slightest bit under the soles of his boots, as if he were standing on solid stone. The platform was decorated with the same swirling designs as the walls, making it easy to stumble if they did not pay attention to their feet. The floor dropped down in shallow steps towards the centre of the platform, where a smooth form rose up to half a man's height. It was shaped like a stone monolith, slender enough to circle it with both arms and glowing with an array of blue lights. Joshua stepped forward to inspect the lights, gently running his fingers over the grey surface. 'I believe they are controls', he said. 'There are buttons to be pushed, though they have no discernible order. There are Fallen glyphs next to each... hm...' (if:$fallen is "no")[[guess elevator <- Try to glean something from the glyphs]](if:$fallen is "yes")[[decipher elevator <- Use Theobald's cypher]] (set:$elevator to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$middleex is "yes")[The elevator carried them to a platform held aloft by graceful columns and surrounded by nothing but empty air. A cool wind greeted them as soon as they stepped out of the central shaft. 'We have explored this level already', Joshua said as he looked around. 'I would rather see if we can find somewhere new.' (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] ](unless:$middleex is "yes")[(if:$middle is "yes")[The elevator carried them to a platform held aloft by graceful columns and surrounded by nothing but empty air. A cool wind greeted them as soon as they stepped out of the central shaft. 'We have been here before', Joshua said as he looked around. 'We could see where that staircase leads us, if you are amenable?' (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] [[time machine <- Explore this level]] ](if:$middle is "no")[The elevator carried them to a level in the upper half of the tower, as was evident by the view that presented itself all around the platform they were standing on. It was only surrounded by fragile looking columns that spiralled up towards the higher levels, leaving them exposed to the wind that pulled at their hair. This high up the air was no longer quiet, and they carefully stayed away from the platforms edge. 'They could have built a railing, at least', Dion remarked as he peeked into the abyss. 'Perhaps their feet stuck to the floor', Joshua speculated. 'Like flies. Perhaps they could simply walk over the edge and then continue head down on the underside of the platform.' He cackled when Dion gave him a doubtful look. 'Come, there seems to be a kind of staircase here.' The staircase in question was suspended in the air without visible supports, winding its way towards a platform above them in wide loops. 'Do you think this reaches all the way to the top?', Dion mused. If so, it would be a long climb. 'It might.' Joshua leaned his head back to squint at the tower, irregular layers of walkways and platforms stacked atop each other in a gravity-defying construction. 'Shall we try it?' [[time machine <- Explore the staircase]] (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] (set:$middle to "yes")]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$lowerex is "yes")[They entered a dim hallway that looked familiar to Dion's eyes. It led to an enormous open space, winding walkways suspended in the air. 'Ah, it seems we have returned to familiar paths', Joshua said. 'Perhaps it would be wisest to leave this level alone.' (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] ](unless:$lowerex is "yes")[(if:$lower is "yes")[They entered a dim hallway that looked familiar to Dion's eyes. It led to an enormous open space, winding walkways suspended in the air. 'Ah, it seems we have returned to familiar paths', Joshua said. 'Shall we see what they hold in store for us?' (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] [[cloning chamber <- Explore this level]] ](if:$lower is "no")[The hallway they entered after stepping off the platform was just as dim and coldly lit as the elevator shaft itself. It was narrow but with a ceiling as high up as that of a royal ballroom, the bold arches housing swirling shadows. Dion and Joshua walked down the path carefully, mindful of any sudden movement in the dark. But the hallway was just as devoid of life as the rest of the tower seemed to be, and nothing disturbed them until they reached a wide open space. It was not a hall as much as it was a hollow in the construction of the tower, filled with walkways that hung in the empty air as if suspended in time. They curved and arched around each other like snakes, some high above and some far below. The tower's wall gave way to delicate open structures in places that allowed sunlight to flood the room. 'Very similar to the Sagespire', Joshua mumbled as he took in the architecture. 'But there, large parts of the building were covered in crystals. Though I did not have much time to inspect the tower itself, since Clive was all too eager to get to the next monster.' 'Then you have the opportunity to make up for it now', Dion said. That was why they were here after all; so Joshua could follow his passion. So they could experience this marvel, together. Joshua's smile alone was worth it, and then he took Dion's hand and pulled him along the winding walkways, through pools of liquid sunlight gathering on the ground. It truly was a sight to behold. The walkway led them to a building complex of sorts, more hallways and chambers with high ceilings illuminated by blue light, the cave-like structures alternating with airy paths spanning sunlit caverns. Joshua gestured towards the nearest passage that ended in front of a tall door, round and set with a bright blue light. 'Shall we take a peek?' [[cloning chamber <- Explore this level]] (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] (set:$lower to "yes")]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$entranceex is "yes")[They were greeted by sunlight as soon as they stepped out of the elevator shaft, a gentle breeze ruffling their hair. (if:$exploration is "4" and $evening is "exploration")[The evenig light falling through the outer structure of the tower painted steadily shifting shadows on the floor and the buildings around them.](if:$exploration is "4" and $evening is "sunset")[The morning light falling through the outer structure of the tower painted steadily shifting shadows on the floor and the buildings around them.] 'The entrance hall again', Dion said. 'I believe we have done all there is to do here.' (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] ](unless:$entranceex is "yes")[(if:$entrance is "yes")[They were greeted by sunlight as soon as they stepped out of the elevator shaft, a gentle breeze ruffling their hair. (if:$exploration is "4" and $evening is "exploration")[The evenig light falling through the outer structure of the tower painted steadily shifting shadows on the floor and the buildings around them.](if:$exploration is "4" and $evening is "sunset")[The morning light falling through the outer structure of the tower painted steadily shifting shadows on the floor and the buildings around them.] 'The entrance hall again', Dion said. 'Do you want to look around?' (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] [[mime <- Explore this level]] ](if:$entrance is "no")[They were greeted by sunlight as soon as they stepped out of the elevator shaft. For a moment Dion closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth on his skin, then a delighted exclamation drew his attention towards Joshua. He slowly spun in a circle, head craned as he took in their surroundings. Dion had to admit that they were impressive - they seemed to stand at the tower's base, which offered them a whole new perspective on its structure. From here, the Blackspire seemed less like a tower and more like a whole city, built vertically into the air instead of spreading out on the ground. The delicate outer structure allowed sunlight to reach the inside, where bridges that looked like entire separate buildings spanned a circular chasm eating deep into the mountain. In the middle of the chasm, the actual tower with the elevator at its centre rose into the sky. From where they stood, a straight path led across one of the bridges and into a labyrinth of buildings that spread all across the outer ring. 'Shall we explore?', Joshua asked with bright eyes. [[mime <- Explore this level]] (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] (set:$entrance to "yes")]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$top is "yes")[The elevator climbed upwards until they stepped onto the platform at the top of the tower. (if:$evening is "sunset")[ 'I believe we have already attended to our business here', Dion said with a smile. 'That we have', Joshua chuckled. 'Let us move on.' [[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]](unless:$evening is "sunset")[(if:$exploration is "4")[The setting sun now painted the mountain slopes and the woods below in hues of gold, the sky above a brilliant spectacle of colour.] Joshua leaned his head back and drew in the crisp air, wind playing in his hair. 'I will never get tired of this', he said. Dion could only agree. 'Do you want to stay for the sunset?', he asked. (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] [[tower top wait <- Stay and wait for the sunset]]]](if:$top is "no")[The elevator rose higher and higher until it finally halted in the middle of an empty platform. There was nothing above it but open air, and nothing around but the arches and columns of the tower below reaching towards the sky like a giant’s crown. They formed a barrier not even a man's height, the structures so sparse and delicate that they barely obstructed the view at all. And what a view it was. The mountains lay at their feet, seeming little more than gentle hills from this height. (if:$exploration is "1" or "2" or "3")[The sunlit woods lapped at the mountain's slopes like the waves of an ocean, and the sky above it was so vast and blue that it seemed to swallow whoever dared to look at it from this close. ](if:$exploration is "4")[The setting sun painted every leaf of the woods below with gold, and the sky was awash with hues of red and gold. ]From here, they could see the thatched roofs of the village of Blackspire and the winding road that had brought them there. And beyond even that, the quiet landscape of the Crystal Belt stretched all the way to the horizon. Joshua laughed as he spun around on the empty plateau, stretching out his arms and letting the wind play between his fingers. 'It feels almost like flying! I never thought I would have this feeling again.' Dion felt his lips stretch into a smile so wide it ached. He turned his face into the stiff breeze, his heart soaring as he tasted the familiar air, the playful currents he had once ridden on the wings of his Eikon. Then Joshua grabbed him by the hands and spun him around with bright laughter until they both stumbled, catching each other in their arms. When they righted themselves again, Dion noticed that Joshua's eyes were shining wetly. He blinked, and with surprise he realized that his own vision was swimming as well. 'Thank you', Joshua whispered. 'This is wonderful. Thank you.' Dion thought that this was the right moment to say something - something heartfelt, something romantic. But he could only cup Joshua's face with his hand and marvel at its beauty, at the way the sun transformed him into a vision the greatest artists of the realm could not have painted any more perfectly. He could only marvel at the fact that they were here, after so many trials, together. (if:$proposal is "yes")[That Joshua had chosen him, every time, from back to when they had met again in that tent to when he had accepted the ring from Dion's hand no more than a few hours ago.] Joshua leaned forward to rest his forehead against Dion's. The wind was dancing around them but the air between them felt still, peaceful, their breath mingling on their lips. (if:$exploration is "1" or "2" or "3")['A part of me wants to stay up here forever', Joshua mumbled. 'We can stay', Dion whispered back. 'It is not too long until sunset. I am sure the view will be marvellous.' 'Ah, but there is still more to explore', Joshua said. 'And we cannot stay too long in the morning unless we want our provisions to run out in the middle of the wilderness. Still - it is a tempting thought.'(unless:$food is "1")[ 'We still have enough food', Dion said. 'We should be able to leave later in the day tomorrow without issue. That would give us time for at least one more floor in the morning.'] (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]] [[tower top wait <- Stay and wait for the sunset]]](if:$exploration is "4")['A good thing we have no other plans tonight', Joshua mumbled. 'Because a part of me wants to stay up here forever.' 'A good thing indeed', Dion whispered back. 'I am sure the view will be marvellous.' [[tower top sunset <- Stay to watch the sunset]]] (set:$top to "yes")]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$exploration is "1" or "2" or "3" or "4")[The platform hummed under their feet when they stepped on it, as if awaiting their next command. (if:$fallen is "no")[(unless:$evening is "sunset")[[tower top sunset choice <- Button]](if:$evening is "sunset")[[top <- Button]] [[basement <- Button]] [[middle <- Button]] [[lower <- Button]] [[entrance <- Button]] (if:$night is "yes")[[leave for Hideaway <- Leave the tower and return to the Hideaway]]] (if: $fallen is "yes")[(unless:$evening is "sunset")[[tower top sunset choice <- 'Sky']](if:$evening is "sunset")[[top <- 'Sky']] [[basement <- 'Deep']] [[middle <- 'Time']] [[lower <- 'Flesh']] [[entrance <- 'Meeting']] (if:$night is "yes")[[leave for Hideaway <- Leave the tower and return to the Hideaway]]] (unless:$evening is "sunset")[(set:$evening to "exploration")]](if:$exploration is "5" and $evening is "exploration")[They made their way back to the elevator. By now, Dion felt the long day of travel in his bones, the sun disappearing below the horizon dragging his body towards the ground along with it. 'Let us rest for the night', Joshua said, as even he seemed to have lost the energy that had driven them thus far. 'An excellent suggestion.' Dion hid a yawn behind his hand. 'I suppose the platform is as good a camp as any. At least we will be able to get away quickly should any unwelcome surprises find us in the night.' Joshua agreed, and so they set up their camp next to the elevator's controls.(if:$pack is "lost")[ Dion's sleeping roll had been lost along with his pack, but they spread out whatever blankets or spare clothes they still had, and it made for a cozy little nest.] It was not a luxurious place for the night by any description, but the weariness of the day made the hard ground seem like the softest bed. They scarfed down what provisions they could spare and curled up in each other's arms. [[night <- Go to sleep]]](if:$exploration is "5" and $evening is "sunset")['It seems we have explored all we could for now', Joshua said as they stepped onto the elevator's platform one more time. 'We should not tax our supplies more than necessary.' He seemed exhausted but happy, his entire face glowing with tired satisfaction. Dion did not doubt that in his mind, he was already planning a second expedition to the tower to study it more thoroughly. (if:$proposal is "yes")[Dion would be all too happy to indulge him, even though no journey would ever come close to this one. He traced the metal band on his finger, and his heart almost burst when he caught Joshua's gaze watching him fondly. No, nothing would ever come close to this.](unless:$proposal is "yes")[Dion would be all too happy to indulge him. Though a second attempt to ask for Joshua's hand would not be left to fate, not again. He would have to make a new plan, this one with no room for failure. A perfect plan. He was looking forward to it.] 'Come', he said. 'Let us go home.' [[leave for Hideaway <- Leave the tower and return to the Hideaway]]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (unless:$ao3 is "yes")[//Thank you for reading! This story is a labour of love to the Phoenixflare fandom and all the wonderful people that keep it alive. If you enjoyed the journey, please consider [[AO3 Link <-returning to AO3 to leave a kudos and/or a comment]], I would appreciate it so much! (Clicking this link will not close this page)//](if:$ao3 is "yes")[//Thank you for leaving a comment and/or kudos!//] (text-size:1.8)[Achievements] //(according to your current settings)// How much of the story yet remains undiscovered? ''COMPLETIONIST'' Discover all (if:$spice is "yes")[(if:$angst is "yes")[10](if:$angst is "no")[5]](if:$spice is "no")[(if:$angst is "yes")[9](if:$angst is "no")[4]] endings ''SUPREME COMPLETIONIST'' Discover all (if:$spice is "yes")[(if:$angst is "yes")[25](if:$angst is "no")[16]](if:$spice is "no")[(if:$angst is "yes")[24](if:$angst is "no")[15]] variations of the endings (if:$spice is "yes")[''ADVENTUROUS'' Have sex in 6 different ways ''INSATIABLE'' Have sex 4 times in one playthrough ]''MONSTERSLAYER'' Fight 5 different types of creatures ''UNLUCKY'' Have your journey cut short in (if:$angst is "yes")[(if:$spice is "yes")[4](if:$spice is "no")[3]](if:$angst is "no")[(if:$spice is "yes")[3](if:$spice is "no")[2]] different non-lethal ways (if:$angst is "yes")[''FINAL JOURNEY'' Get one or both of the main characters killed in 4 different ways ]''IMPATIENT'' Get engaged (if:$angst is "yes")[in 2 different ways] before reaching the tower ''KUPO!'' Encounter a moogle ''BLAMELESS'' Avoid a scolding upon returning to the Hideaway ''SICK LEAVE'' Go see Tarja ''ANIMAL LOVER'' Encounter more than one cat You still have more to discover? [[Let's Go<- Return to the beginning to try again]] or use the arrow in the upper left corner to return to previous decisions!

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The door at the end of their path opened without protest when Dion gave it a push, revealing another cavernous room. This one had openings in the wall to one side to let in sunlight and was fitted with several objects that rose to a man's hip. They might have been tables of a sort, with flat surfaces and buttons set into them. But they were an immovable part of the architecture, as if grown straight from the floor. For how unnatural much of the Fallen's relics seemed, they also had something strangely organic about them. Joshua flitted through the room; inspecting the tables, marvelling at the designs on the walls and leaning out of the opening in the wall to see how deep a drop lay beyond. Dion followed him, trying to keep up with all the details Joshua seemed to collect like pieces of a puzzle. More doors and more rooms followed as they moved on, some empty and some with tables, some sporting cylindrical structures made from glass that were big enough to hold a grown man. The latter seemed to cause Joshua some concern, but they were unoccupied and did not hold any unwelcome surprises. Finally, they reached a round chamber at the centre of the complex. It had tables set up in a ring along the walls, and a circular vat in the middle. Artificial veins crept along the walls and even the floor, flowing towards the vat. It gave Dion the feeling of standing inside the guts of a gigantic beast, ready to be devoured. (if:$fallen is "yes")['The glyphs in the elevator said //flesh//', he pointed out uneasily. ]'That seems... foreboding.' 'It should be fine', Joshua reassured him, which to Dion did not seem very reassuring. 'So far, nothing in this tower has ambushed us outright. We will just take a look.' And with that he marched towards the vat. It was about thigh-high and filled with a viscous liquid that churned and roiled in its confines, even though there was nothing to see that might have stirred it. A faint blue glow rose from its surface, tinting Joshua's face a ghostly shade as he leaned over it. (if:$cathair is "yes")[[clone cat <- Examine the vat]](unless:$cathair is "yes")[[no cat <- Examine the vat]] (set:$lowerex to "yes") (if:$exploration is "4")[(set:$exploration to "5")] (if:$exploration is "3")[(set:$exploration to "4")] (if:$exploration is "2")[(set:$exploration to "3")] (if:$exploration is "1")[(set:$exploration to "2")]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They climbed the staircase, mindful of the gaping emptiness to both sides that promised a quick death upon a single missed step. After several loops, it led them inside once again, disappearing through a high arch in the wall and then morphing into a short hallway. It felt almost like stepping into a cave; from one step to the next, the gentle sunlight had been replaced by the cold blue hue of the Fallen lights, and even the air felt cooler than it had outside. The hallway was bare, its floor and walls straight and utilitarian, though they still showed the flowing designs all Fallen buildings had in common. Their path ended in front of a door that opened easily for them, allowing them to enter the massive chamber that lay beyond. It reminded Dion of a cathedral with arches criss-crossing its high ceiling and columns lining the walls. But this had clearly not been a place of worship - at least if the Fallen had worshipped their deities in any way close to modern religion. The room was filled with vein-like structures, with apparatuses of different kinds that rose from the ground in hulking forms, covered in glowing blue lights like fallen trees in fungus. There were more lights on the walls, set into a dark, shimmering surface that adorned the room like a faceless mural. 'Now what is //this//', Joshua mumbled, craning his head here and there to take it all in. Slowly, they made their way through the chamber. Instinctively, Dion set his feet with care, mindful not to disturb the silence of this place any more than he needed to. Joshua walked at his side, eyes full of awe as he inspected the strange objects they passed. 'There are buttons on this - controls of some form? Did they manipulate something in here or perhaps observed something? These could be instruments of measurement, but those connections to the building - did they operate the tower itself from here? Or...' He kept rambling quietly to himself, not expecting Dion to follow along with his thoughts but Dion made an effort to understand it anyway. He loved listening when Joshua let his thoughts flow freely like that, the unbridled joy of discovery, of rotating the mystery in his mind and slowly picking it apart. It was a fascinating process to observe. The apparatuses only filled about two thirds of the chamber, as they came to discover. The rest of it was empty, the floor dropping down in concentric steps like those on the elevator’s platform, only that these were decorated with carved glyphs. They approached the open space, eyes still on the strange structures around them. With a high-pitched whirring sound, the glimmering lights all around them flashed to life. There was a hum, swelling in the air like a swarm of angry bees closing in on them from all sides. The room itself seemed to awaken, a sleeping beast roused from sleep. Dion's hand flew to his halberd. [[Kid Dion <- Jump in front of Joshua]] [[Kid Joshua <- Check behind you]] [[No kids <- Pull Joshua backwards]] (set:$middleex to "yes") (if:$exploration is "4")[(set:$exploration to "5")] (if:$exploration is "3")[(set:$exploration to "4")] (if:$exploration is "2")[(set:$exploration to "3")] (if:$exploration is "1")[(set:$exploration to "2")]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They made their way along the winding paths that criss-crossed the entirety of the tower's outer ring in a dizzying pattern. (if:$exploration is "4" and $evening is "sunset")[The rising sun filled the wide space with its hues of gold, the outer structure of the tower casting ever shifting shadows on the swirling architecture. ](if:$exploration is "4" and $evening is "exploration")[The setting sun filled the wide space with its hues of red and pink, the outer structure of the tower casting ever shifting shadows on the swirling architecture. ]The tower around them seemed asleep, peaceful even. A gentle breeze ruffled their hair as they walked, bringing with it the scent of the mountains. The structures around them - entire buildings in their own right - were perfectly intact but seemed entirely abandoned. No objects or any other irregularities that told of a hasty retreat or even a violent end of those that had presumably lived here once. The sense of emptiness should have been eerie, but it felt almost like walking through an exhibition of particularly complicated statues, a reverent silence shrouding these monuments of time past like a soft blanket. Joshua stepped off the path a few times to examine one of the buildings or strange protrusions in the walls or ground. But none of them seemed to have any kind of opening or even buttons to interact with as the elevator did. The tower in this area seemed clamped shut like a stubborn seashell - unwilling to give up any of its secrets, but no less beautiful for it. Eventually, walking turned into strolling. Joshua's hand found its way into Dion's, and they continued in content silence with their fingers intertwined. (if:$proposal is "yes")[Dion felt the shape of Joshua's ring press against his skin, his bones, as if it wanted to carve out a space of its own there. Right where it belonged. The thought brought a smile to his lips and a flutter to his heart.] Even Joshua's enthusiasm for the tower seemed dampened into quiet wonder as they enjoyed a moment between themselves. 'I still cannot believe that you went through all this trouble just to bring me here', Joshua said. His voice was soft as to not disturb the peacefulness of the place, but his smile glowed all the brighter. Dion lifted their locked hands to his lips to press a kiss to Joshua's knuckles. 'It was worth it.' Joshua chuckled and bumped his shoulder into Dion's as they walked - and froze in his tracks. Dion saw it only a heartbeat later. A figure, standing at the centre of what might have been a town square or something similar. It was humanoid, standing perfectly still with its face turned in their direction. 'It might be a statue', Joshua suggested, voice quiet. He had let go of Dion's hand, fingers closing around the hilt of his sword instead. 'It might not', Dion answered. He unstrapped the halberd from his back, cautiously taking another step towards the figure. It did not seem to react, but he did not let that lull him into a false sense of security. He had never seen a statue such as this in a Fallen ruin, and the way Joshua had taken on a fighting stance told him that he did not truly believe in his own theory either. They crept closer, until they were able to take a better look at the figure. It was just as tall as a human, wrapped in a tattered cloak that billowed in the breeze. Its skin seemed bleached like a piece of cloth in the sun, its face almost white and barely recognizable. 'Do you think...', Joshua whispered under his breath, '...that this is a Fallen?' His voice wavered with barely concealed awe. 'Or it is simply another one of the creations they left behind', Dion whispered back. They had reached the edge of the square, and the creature had still not moved. But by now Dion was certain that it //was// a creature - there was movement in its body, barely visible but it was present. The stirring of life. They took a step towards the centre of the square, weapons at the ready. The creature moved. Its head turned, the obscured face gazing at them out of invisible eyes. It raised an arm, a sweeping gesture. Dion's hand tightened around the shaft of his halberd and he raised the blade in return. 'Wait', Joshua hissed. 'Perhaps... there is some way to communicate with it?' 'We do not know what it is capable of.' Dion took a calculated step to the side, ready to flank the being should it attack. 'We cannot risk giving it an opening. Have you ever met a friendly creature in a Fallen ruin?' Joshua hesitated, visibly torn. [[kill mime <- Attack the creature]] [[talk to mime <- Attempt to communicate]] (set:$entranceex to "yes") (if:$exploration is "4")[(set:$exploration to "5")] (if:$exploration is "3")[(set:$exploration to "4")] (if:$exploration is "2")[(set:$exploration to "3")] (if:$exploration is "1")[(set:$exploration to "2")]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (unless:$topwait is "yes")[(if:$top is "no")[The elevator rose higher and higher until it finally halted in the middle of an empty platform. There was nothing above it but open air, and nothing around but the arches and columns of the tower below reaching towards the sky like a giant’s crown. They formed a barrier not even a man's height, the structures so sparse and delicate that they barely obstructed the view at all. And what a view it was. The mountains lay at their feet, seeming little more than gentle hills from this height. The setting sun painted every leaf of the woods below with gold, and the sky was awash with hues of red and gold. From here, they could see the thatched roofs of the village of Blackspire and the winding road that had brought them there. And beyond even that, the quiet landscape of the Crystal Belt stretched all the way to the horizon. Joshua laughed as he spun around on the empty plateau, stretching out his arms and letting the wind play between his fingers. 'It feels almost like flying! I never thought I would have this feeling again.' Dion felt his lips stretch into a smile so wide it ached. He turned his face into the stiff breeze, his heart soaring as he tasted the familiar air, the playful currents he had once ridden on the wings of his Eikon. Then Joshua grabbed him by the hands and spun him around with bright laughter until they both stumbled, catching each other in their arms. When they righted themselves again, Dion noticed that Joshua's eyes were shining wetly. He blinked, and with surprise he realized that his own vision was swimming as well. 'Thank you', Joshua whispered. 'This is wonderful. Thank you.' Dion thought that this was the right moment to say something - something heartfelt, something romantic. But he could only cup Joshua's face with his hand and marvel at its beauty, at the way the sun transformed him into a vision the greatest artists of the realm could not have painted any better. He could only marvel at the fact that they were here, after so many trials, together. (if:$proposal is "yes")[That Joshua had chosen him, every time, from back to when they had met again in that tent to when he had accepted the ring from Dion's hand no more than a few hours ago.] Joshua leaned forward to rest his forehead against Dion's. The wind was dancing around them but the air between them felt still, peaceful, their breath mingling on their lips. Dion tilted his head to close the gap, and their kiss tasted of the sky itself.](if:$top is "yes")[The elevator climbed upwards until they stepped onto the platform at the top of the tower. The stunning view greeted them, the land at the Blackspire's feet rolled out like a carpet that reached all the way to the horizon. The setting sun now painted the mountain slopes and the woods below in hues of gold, the sky above a brilliant spectacle of colour. Joshua leaned his head back and drew in the crisp air, wind playing in his hair. 'I will never get tired of this', he said. Dion could only agree.]] They laid out their blankets on the plateau, facing west so they could watch the spectacle of blazing colour in the sky. ]Sitting side by side, they spread out a part of their provisions. It was no banquet, but Dion had packed some scrumptious morsels nonetheless. Bread packed with dried fruits and nuts and another seasoned with fragrant herbs, cheese and sausage and little meat pies all made for a veritable feast after being on the road for so long. (if:$villagefood is "yes")[The cookies and wine the innkeeper in the village had given them joined their meal, and did their share in raising already high spirits. ]Soon they were both chewing happily, feeding each other little bites as the sky turned from gold to deep red. When the sunset was at its most beautiful, Joshua rose from his spot at Dion's side and strolled towards the edge of the tower to watch. The sparse clouds on the horizon were lit by the dying sun, glowing apparitions in the fiery sky. Red and gold like Phoenixfire, and the warm light played on Joshua's hair like the flames of his Eikon had used to do. It caressed the lines of his smile, set his sparkling eyes alight. And for a moment, Dion could only watch in awe. (if:$proposal is "yes")[That a person so wonderful had chosen him. It was a miracle in itself, and Dion could not help the idiotic grin that spread on his face when he stood and joined Joshua at the edge of the plateau. 'You seem in high spirits', Joshua chuckled as Dion wrapped his arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. 'Should I not be?', Dion asked. 'No man has ever been as lucky as I am. Let me enjoy it.' 'Ah, I fear I must object.' Joshua leaned into Dion's embrace with a smile. 'The luckiest man is me. There is no doubt about it.' 'Then we shall agree to disagree, and both celebrate being luckier than most.' Joshua did not object, and so they stood and watched as the sun set on the proud walls of the Blackspire, a firework just for them.](if:$proposal is "no" or "know" or "announced")[Then he remembered why he was here. The most perfect moment, right here, right now. After a glance to make sure Joshua was thoroughly distracted, Dion turned to open his pack. (if:$ring is "yes")[The small leather pouch rested at the very bottom, carefully hidden under his supplies. It felt heavy in his hand, much heavier than it was, and his fingers were clumsy when they untied the pouch's string. With a deep breath, Dion cradled Mid's puzzle box in his hand, hidden behind his back. Then he stood and joined Joshua at the edge of the platform. Joshua greeted him with a smile, then turned back to silently watch the sunset. Dion cleared his throat, and Joshua raised an eyebrow at him. 'Yes?' Dion opened his mouth and closed it again. Perhaps there were words to say in that moment, but if there were, he did not know them. Instead he pressed the box into Joshua's hands, closing his fingers around the delicate metal. 'This is for you.' Joshua looked at the box in surprise and then in delight. With bright eyes he studied the entwined figures wrapping around the box and traced their intricate shapes. 'Oh it is beautiful!', he exclaimed. 'Did Mid make it? I recognize her hand... oh!' His deft fingers had easily found one of the hidden pressure points of the opening mechanism. Dion watched with a hammering heart as he turned the box over in his hands with renewed interest, precise touches exploring the finely crafted metal. There was a series of satisfied noises as Joshua figured out the rest of the puzzle in no time, the lid popping open with a click to reveal the rings resting inside. 'Oh.' (unless:$clones is "yes")[With wide eyes, Joshua looked up from the box and at Dion, who had sunken to one knee before him. 'Oh', he said again. He blinked rapidly as his eyes began to shine. 'Dion...'](if:$clones is "yes")[He looked up from the box and at Dion, who had sunken on one knee before him. 'Oh Dion, they are perfect.'] 'Joshua Rosfield.' Dion reached out to cradle Joshua's hands around the box. They were warm as always, fitting into his own so perfectly. 'Ever since we first met - since you walked into my tent like a shining light I thought long lost - since you saved me from first my madness and then my despair and gave me a home, both for my body and for my heart. There has never been a brighter flame in my life. I know that your kindness and your love are the only reasons I am now able to stand before you and ask you to gift me the rest of your life in exchange for mine. I can only pray that I am worthy of you, and I swear that I will spend every day until my dying breath devoted to your happiness. You are... the greatest blessing I could ask for. My love.' He laced their fingers together, holding on fast to keep himself from throwing away the box and cradling Joshua in his arms instead, kissing away the tears that were trailing down his cheeks. Those blue eyes were so bright, so full of wonder. It was about to make his heart burst. 'Joshua Rosfield. Will you do me the honour of marrying me?' (unless:$clones is "yes")[Joshua slowly let go of a deep, shaking breath. 'You...' He shook his head. 'You //idiot//.' It was somewhere between a sob and a laugh, his grip on Dion's hand tightening until he was almost crushing his fingers. 'This entire mad journey... all of it...' He caressed Dion's cheek, tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. Fingers fluttering over skin as if he was not sure where to touch first. His eyes were bright and he was smiling, a more beautiful smile than Dion had ever seen. But maybe he was a little biased. ]'Yes', Joshua breathed. 'Yes, of course.' He laughed, and Dion could not help himself but pull him down into a kiss. The sweetest kiss - sweet and familiar and perfect. Eventually Dion remembered the rings in his hand, and he pulled back to pick up the slightly smaller one. Joshua gasped quietly as it slid in its place on his finger, the tiny gemstones catching the light when he moved his hand. He marvelled at it only for a moment before he returned the favour, and Dion thought his heart might stop at the feeling of cold metal settling on his skin and quickly warming up. A glint in the corner of his eye, a feeling barely noticeable but ever present. Part of him and still special and shining, like his love. //Perfect.// Then Joshua barrelled into him to throw his arms around Dion's neck, and they sat wrapped up in each other's embrace and kissed while behind them, the sun set far beyond the proud walls of the Blackspire.(set:$proposal to "yes")](if:$ring is "lost" or "no")[(if:$pack is "lost")[(if:$ring is "no")[His pack... No, his pack was lost. And the rings... he had given them to Mid so she could craft a perfect little box for them, a beautiful puzzle box because it was for //Joshua//, so of course it had to be a puzzle. The rings he had then forgotten to pick up the morning of their departure. For a moment he sat and stared at the blank floor next to Joshua's pack, as if the missing rings might materialize there through sheer power of his will. His perfect plan. The entire journey - months of planning and then days of travelling, all for this one moment. And he had //forgotten//.](if:$ring is "lost")[His pack... No, his pack was lost. Left behind in a monster's lair, along with its contents. Including a leather pouch containing the most wonderous little puzzle box, with the most perfect rings hidden inside. Gone. For a moment he sat and stared at the blank floor next to Joshua's pack, as if the missing rings might materialize there through sheer power of his will. His perfect plan. The entire journey - months of planning and then days of travelling, all for this one moment. And he had //lost the rings//.]](unless:$pack is "lost")[The moment he opened it, he remembered. The rings... he had given them to Mid so she could craft a perfect little box for them, a beautiful puzzle box because it was for //Joshua//, so of course it had to be a puzzle. The rings he had then forgotten to pick up the morning of their departure. For a moment he sat and stared at the contents of his pack, as if the missing rings might materialize through sheer power of his will. His perfect plan. The entire journey - months of planning and then days of travelling, all for this one moment. And he had //forgotten//.] He buried his face in his hands with an incredulous laugh. This could not be happening. All of it - for nothing. 'Are you alright?' He looked up to find Joshua crouched down in front of him, watching him with a concerned crease on his brow. 'I... yes. Never mind me.' Dion barked another laugh. 'I am an idiot.' (if:$proposal is "announced")['How so?', Joshua asked. 'You remember how I told you I only brought one set of rings? As it turned out, I... did not. I...' He barked a slightly hysterical laugh. 'I (if:$ring is "no")[//forgot// them. Back at the Hideaway.'](if:$ring is "lost")[lost them. On the road.'] 'Oh', Joshua said. He stared at Dion for a moment, then his lips twitched into an amused smile. 'Well', he said, and reached out to pat Dion's cheek. 'You will just have to try again, then. There is plenty more to see in this tower, so our next expedition here will not be far off. It is but another reason to return soon.' His smile was smug. It made Dion's shoulders sag in relief and the next laugh that escaped him was one of genuine mirth at the pure stupidity of his mistake. 'I will not disappoint you a second time', he promised. 'You never could.' Joshua pulled him to his feet and towards the edge of the plateau. 'And now we have a sunset to watch.'(set:$proposal to "failedknow")](unless:$clones is "yes")['Perhaps', Joshua said. 'But you are my idiot. One who concocted the most wonderful of journeys, just for me. That deserves recognition.' Dion looked at his face, the most beautiful face, lined with gold by the fading light. Joshua was happy. Had that not been the entire point of their journey? He could always try again, find another perfect moment. The wait might just kill him, but Joshua was worth it. He shook off the despair and stood, pulling Joshua up with him. 'Then let us enjoy the fruits of my labour', he said.(set:$proposal to "failed")] Together, they stood and watched as the sun set far beyond the proud walls of the Blackspire, the night bringing with it the promise of a second chance.]] [[night 2 <- Continue]] (set:$evening to "sunset") (set:$top to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Morning came with nothing but habit to mark the hour of sunrise, the never-changing blue light of the Blackspire giving no such hint. They both rose from their makeshift bed and stretched their limbs that were stiff from sleep, before packing up their belongings and supplies. (if:$Dion is "hurt")[Dion had to clench his teeth to hold back a groan as the tight muscles of his back protested the movement, the wounds from the swamp monster's attack still not fully healed. But they bothered him less and less, and he was confident that they would be gone by the time they had returned to the Hideaway.] (unless:$food is "1")[After a quick breakfast, Joshua seemed as energized as ever as he inspected the buttons on the elevator's controls. 'Let us move on, shall we?', he asked excitedly. (if:$evening is "exploration")['Indeed.' (unless:$proposal is "yes")[Dion swallowed his nerves as his eyes caught on the one button that would bring them to the top of the tower.](if:$proposal is "yes")[Dion's eyes caught on the button that would bring them to the top of the tower. The ring was already sitting comfortably on his finger, but it would still be a wonderful spot for a romantic breakfast.] 'There is still one place I wanted to see. Would you accompany me there?' [[tower top morning <- Take the elevator to the top of the tower]]](if:$evening is "sunset")['Indeed.' Dion joined Joshua at the controls. Now that the evening at the tower's top had passed, he felt much more focussed on the mysteries that awaited. Perhaps he should have planned it that way all along. 'Let us go.' [[elevator final <- Continue exploring]]]](if:$food is "1")[After a quick breakfast, they stepped up to the elevator's controls one last time. 'Back to the Hideaway, then', Joshua said, though he sounded regretful. 'We can always return', Dion reassured him, which afforded him a bright smile. 'And I will!', Joshua announced. 'But let us focus on getting home, first. Are you ready?' [[leave for Hideaway <- Leave the tower and return to the Hideaway]]] (set:$night to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$top is "no")[The elevator rose higher and higher until it finally halted in the middle of an empty platform. There was nothing above it but open air, and nothing around but the arches and columns of the tower below reaching towards the sky like a giant’s crown. They formed a barrier not even a man's height, the structures so sparse and delicate that they barely obstructed the view at all. And what a view it was. The mountains lay at their feet, seeming little more than gentle hills from this height. The rising sun painted the slopes of the mountains in hues of rose and gold, the sky still new and pale. From here, they could see the thatched roofs of the village of Blackspire and the winding road that had brought them there. And beyond even that, the quiet landscape of the Crystal Belt stretched all the way to the horizon. Joshua laughed as he spun around on the empty plateau, stretching out his arms and letting the wind play between his fingers. 'It feels almost like flying! I never thought I would have this feeling again.' Dion felt his lips stretch into a smile so wide it ached. He turned his face into the stiff breeze, his heart soaring as he tasted the familiar air, the playful currents he had once ridden on the wings of his Eikon. Then Joshua grabbed him by the hands and spun him around with bright laughter until they both stumbled, catching each other in their arms. When they righted themselves again, Dion noticed that Joshua's eyes were shining wetly. He blinked, and with surprise he realized that his own vision was swimming as well. 'Thank you', Joshua whispered. 'This is wonderful. Thank you.' Dion thought that this was the right moment to say something - something heartfelt, something romantic. But he could only cup Joshua's face with his hand and marvel at its beauty, at the way the sun transformed him into a vision the greatest artists of the realm could not have painted any better. He could only marvel at the fact that they were here, after so many trials, together. (if:$proposal is "yes")[That Joshua had chosen him, every time, from back to when they had met again in that tent to when he had accepted the ring from Dion's hand no more than a few hours ago.] Joshua leaned forward to rest his forehead against Dion's. The wind was dancing around them but the air between them felt still, peaceful, their breath mingling on their lips. Dion tilted his head to close the gap, and their kiss tasted of the sky itself.](if:$top is "yes")[The elevator climbed upwards until they stepped onto the platform at the top of the tower. The stunning view greeted them, the land at the Blackspire's feet rolled out like a carpet that reached all the way to the horizon. The rising sun now painted the mountain slopes and the woods below in hues of rose and gold, the sky above still new and pale. Joshua leaned his head back and drew in the crisp air, wind playing in his hair. 'I will never get tired of this', he said. Dion could only agree.] They laid out their blankets on the plateau, facing east so they could watch the sky slowly fill with colour as the sun climbed to her place among the clouds. Sitting side by side, they spread out a part of their provisions. It was no banquet, but Dion had packed some scrumptious morsels nonetheless. Bread packed with dried fruits and nuts and another seasoned with fragrant herbs, cheese and sausage and little meat pies all made for a veritable feast after being on the road for so long. (if:$villagefood is "yes")[The cookies and wine the innkeeper in the village had given them joined their meal, and did their share in raising already high spirits. ]Soon they were both chewing happily, feeding each other little bites as the sky turned from pale rose to orange to blue. When the sunrise was at its most beautiful, Joshua rose from his spot at Dion's side and strolled towards the edge of the tower to watch. The sparse clouds on the horizon were painted gold by the light of dawn, gold like Phoenixfire, and the warm light played on Joshua's hair like the flames of his Eikon had used to do. It caressed the lines of his smile, set his sparkling eyes alight. And for a moment, Dion could only watch in awe. (if:$proposal is "no" or "know" or "announced")[Then he remembered why he was here. The most perfect moment, right here, right now. After a glance to make sure Joshua was thoroughly distracted, Dion turned to open his pack. (if:$ring is "yes")[The small leather pouch rested at the very bottom, carefully hidden under his supplies. It felt heavy in his hand, much heavier than it should be, and his fingers were clumsy when they untied the pouch's string. With a deep breath, Dion cradled Mid's puzzle box in his hand, hidden behind his back. Then he stood and joined Joshua at the edge of the platform. Joshua greeted him with a smile, then turned back to silently watch the sunrise. Dion cleared his throat, and Joshua raised an eyebrow at him. 'Yes?' Dion opened his mouth and closed it again. Perhaps there were words to say in that moment, but if they were, he did not know them. Instead he pressed the box into Joshua's hands, closing his fingers around the delicate metal. 'This is for you.' Joshua looked at the box in surprise and then in delight. With bright eyes he studied the entwined figures wrapping around the box and traced their intricate shapes. 'Oh it is beautiful!', he exclaimed. 'Did Mid make it? I recognize her hand... oh!' His deft fingers had easily found one of the hidden pressure points of the opening mechanism. Dion watched with a hammering heart as he turned the box over in his hands with renewed interest, precise touches exploring the finely crafted metal. There was a series of satisfied noises as Joshua figured out the rest of the puzzle in no time, the lid popping open with a click to reveal the rings resting inside. 'Oh.' (unless:$clones is "yes")[With wide eyes, Joshua looked up from the box and at Dion, who had sunken to one knee before him. 'Oh', he said again. He blinked rapidly as his eyes began to shine. 'Dion...'](if:$clones is "yes")[He looked up from the box and at Dion, who had sunken on one knee before him. 'Oh Dion, they are perfect.'] 'Joshua Rosfield.' Dion reached out to cradle Joshua's hands around the box. They were warm as always, fitting into his own so perfectly. 'Ever since we first met - since you walked into my tent like a shining light I thought long lost - since you saved me from first my madness and then my despair and gave me a home, both for my body and for my heart. There has never been a brighter flame in my life. I know that your kindness and your love are the only reasons I am now able to stand before you and ask you to gift me the rest of your life if I give you mine. I can only pray that I am worthy of you, and I swear that I will spend every day until my death devoted to your happiness. You are... the greatest blessing I could ask for. My love.' He laced their fingers together, holding on fast to keep himself from throwing away the box and cradling Joshua in his arms instead, kissing away the tears that were trailing down his cheeks. Those blue eyes were so bright, so full of wonder. It was about to make his heart burst. 'Joshua Rosfield. Will you do me the honour of marrying me?' (unless:$clones is "yes")[Joshua slowly let go of a deep, shaking breath. 'You...' He shook his head. 'You //idiot//.' It was somewhere between a sob and a laugh, his grip on Dion's hand tightening until he was almost crushing his fingers. 'This entire mad journey... all of it...' He caressed Dion's cheek, tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. Fingers fluttering over skin as if he was not sure where to touch first. His eyes were bright and he was smiling, a more beautiful smile than Dion had ever seen. But maybe he was a little biased. ]'Yes', Joshua breathed. 'Yes, of course.' He laughed, and Dion could not help himself but pull him into a kiss. The sweetest kiss - sweet and familiar and perfect. Eventually Dion remembered the rings in his hand, and he pulled back to pick up the slightly smaller one. Joshua gasped quietly as it slid in its place on his finger, the tiny gemstones catching the light when he moved his hand. He marvelled at it only for a moment before he returned the favour, and Dion thought his heart might stop at the feeling of cold metal settling on his skin and quickly warming up. A glint in the corner of his eye, a feeling barely noticeable but ever present. Part of him and still special and shining, like his love. //Perfect.// Then Joshua barrelled into him to throw his arms around Dion's neck, and they stood wrapped up in each other's embrace and kissed while above them, the sun rose above the proud walls of the Blackspire.(set:$proposal to "yes")](if:$ring is "lost" or "no")[(if:$pack is "lost")[(if:$ring is "no")[His pack... No, his pack was lost. And the rings... he had given them to Mid so she could craft a perfect little box for them, a beautiful puzzle box because it was for //Joshua//, so of course it had to be a puzzle. The rings he had then forgotten to pick up the morning of their departure. For a moment he sat and stared at the blank floor next to Joshua's pack, as if the missing rings might materialize there through sheer power of his will. His perfect plan. The entire journey - months of planning and then days of travelling, all for this one moment. And he had //forgotten//.](if:$ring is "lost")[His pack... No, his pack was lost. Left behind in a monster's lair, along with its contents. Including a leather pouch containing the most wonderous little puzzle box, with the most perfect rings hidden inside. Gone. For a moment he sat and stared at the blank floor next to Joshua's pack, as if the missing rings might materialize there through sheer power of his will. His perfect plan. The entire journey - months of planning and then days of travelling, all for this one moment. And he had //lost the rings//.]](unless:$pack is "lost")[The moment he opened it, he remembered. The rings... he had given them to Mid so she could craft a perfect little box for them, a beautiful puzzle box because it was for //Joshua//, so of course it had to be a puzzle. The rings he had then forgotten to pick up the morning of their departure. For a moment he sat and stared at the contents of his pack, as if the missing rings might materialize through sheer power of his will. His perfect plan. The entire journey - months of planning and then days of travelling, all for this one moment. And he had //forgotten//.] He buried his face in his hands with an incredulous laugh. This could not be happening. All of it - for nothing. 'Are you alright?' He looked up to find Joshua crouched down in front of him, watching him with a concerned crease on his brow. 'I... yes. Never mind me.' Dion barked another laugh. 'I am an idiot.' (if:$proposal is "announced")['How so?', Joshua asked. 'You remember how I told you I only brought one set of rings? As it turned out, I... did not. I...' He barked a slightly hysterical laugh. 'I (if:$ring is "no")[//forgot// them. Back at the Hideaway.'](if:$ring is "lost")[lost them. On the road.'] 'Oh', Joshua said. He stared at Dion for a moment, then his lips twitched into an amused smile. 'Well', he said, and reached out to pat Dion's cheek. 'You will just have to try again, then. There is plenty more to see in this tower, so our next expedition here will not be far off. It is but another reason to return soon.' His smile was smug. It made Dion's shoulders sag in relief and the next laugh that escaped him was one of genuine mirth at the pure stupidity of his mistake. 'I will not disappoint you a second time', he promised. 'You never could.' Joshua pulled him to his feet and towards the edge of the plateau. 'And now we have a sunset to watch.'(set:$proposal to "failedknow")](unless:$clones is "yes")['Perhaps', Joshua said. 'But you are my idiot. One who concocted the most wonderful of journeys, just for me. That deserves recognition.' Dion looked at his face, the most beautiful face, lined with gold by the newborn light. Joshua was happy. Had that not been the entire point of their journey? He could always try again, find another perfect moment. The wait might just kill him, but Joshua was worth it. He shook off the despair and stood, pulling Joshua up with him. 'Then let us enjoy the fruits of my labour', he said.(set:$proposal to "failed")] Together, they stood and watched as the sun rose above the proud walls of the Blackspire, the dawn bringing with it the promise of a second chance.]](if:$proposal is "yes")[That a person so wonderful had chosen him. It was a miracle in itself, and Dion could not help the idiotic grin that spread on his face when he stood and joined Joshua at the edge of the plateau. 'You seem in high spirits', Joshua chuckled as Dion wrapped his arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. 'Should I not be?', Dion asked. 'No man has ever been as lucky as I am. Let me enjoy it.' 'Ah, I fear I must object.' Joshua leaned into Dion's embrace with a smile. 'The luckiest man is me. There is no doubt about it.' 'Then we shall agree to disagree, and both celebrate being luckier than most.' Joshua did not object, and so they stood and watched as the sun rose above the proud walls of the Blackspire, a firework just for them.] [[leave for Hideaway <- Leave the tower and return to the Hideaway]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (textsize:1.5)[''Epilogue: Home''] (set:$Dion to "fine")(set:$Joshua to "fine")(set:$Clive to "yes") After their eventful journey, the road back to the Hideaway seemed all too short. They barely seemed to have left the village of Blackspire behind when the familiar mountains of the former deadlands rose before them, soon giving way to the glittering surface of Bennumere slumbering in the sun. It was good to see the Hideaway in the distance, its lively decks and bridges, the flowers that had begun to grow in every corner since the Blight had begun to retreat. It felt like home. (if:$proposal is "yes")[And yet there was something surreal about returning with the rings shining on their fingers; like stepping into a new life that was somehow just the same as the old.] Dion remembered returning. Returning from the front, the towers of Whitewyrm and later Twinside looming over him like blades ready to fall. The familiar halls, white and cold and lonely, stifling and judging his every move. He remembered returning to the Hideaway after Origin, hurt and lost, still grappling with the fact that he was damned to live on despite everything he had done. Returning to faces he barely knew, to a world he was not sure had a place for him anymore. As he returned to his home now, he thought that in these moments past, he would never have believed returning could be so joyful. Now, he knew the faces that greeted him, knew their smiles and the way they waved at him when they noticed the boat approaching. He knew the stairs and bridges, knew the hidden nooks they led to and all the precious memories clinging to them. He knew the very planks of the walls, had helped place many of them himself. Strange, how many details he noticed with fondness after just a short while away. Dion slung an arm around Joshua's waist as the boat drifted towards the docks. He was not sure if he would ever have found the will to live on, to build a new life from nothing if not for the person at his side. His flame in the dark. In this way, their latest journey felt very much like their time together always had: Strange and wild and wonderful, leading him along paths he would never have tread on his own - and yet always leading towards something familiar, something comfortable, that beautiful feeling of being where he belonged. He had never tried his hand at poetry, but in moments like this one, he thought he might. (if:$Dion is "hurt")[As soon as they had set foot on the docks, Joshua grabbed Dion by the shoulders and steered him towards the infirmary, without acknowledging the curious looks that followed them. 'No protests', he said when Dion was about to do just that. 'I noticed that that wound still bothered you back in the tower. You will let Tarja have a look at you, then we can properly celebrate our return.' The latter sounded quite enticing, and so Dion complied with the former. [[Ending Infirmary <- Go to the infirmary]]](if:$Dion is "healed")[As soon as they had set foot on the docks, Joshua grabbed Dion by the shoulders and steered him towards the infirmary, without acknowledging the curious looks that followed them. 'No protests', he said when Dion was about to do just that. 'You were gravely wounded. You will let Tarja take a look at you to make sure that miracle potion worked flawlessly, then we can properly celebrate our return.' The latter sounded quite enticing, and so Dion complied with the former. [[Ending Infirmary <- Go to the infirmary]]](if:$Joshua is "healed")[When they disembarked on the docks, Dion grabbed Joshua by the arm before he might run off to Mid's workshop or the Shelves to share his new findings. 'Let us go to the infirmary first', he said. And when Joshua gave him a confused look, he added: 'That monster wounded you gravely. I want Tarja to make sure that the potion worked as intended.' 'I feel perfectly fine', Joshua argued. 'You know that she will just make me swallow disgusting //fortifying// tinctures.' Dion just gave him a sweet smile and pulled him along, ignoring any further protests. [[Ending Infirmary <- Go to the infirmary]]](if:$Dion is "fine")[(if:$Joshua is "fine")[When they set foot on the docks, Dion could already feel the curious gazes of the Hideaway's residents following them. But he was not quite ready to share, not yet. Despite the perils of the journey, he had savoured the time on the road with just the two of them. And so he pulled Joshua along, towards their quarters. There would be time enough for questions and tales later. (if:$Clive is "yes")[[Ending Room <- Retreat to your room]](if:$Clive is "no")[[Ending Room Clive <- Retreat to your room]]]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'Well then', Joshua said with a slightly manic joy in his eyes. 'If we are right with our theory, we will have to run fast.' Dion had only just formed the thought in his head that maybe this was a bad idea after all, then Joshua pressed the button. A rumbling sound made the chamber tremble. Then the nodes above their heads lit up in bright flashes, starting around the door at the other end of the room but quickly closing in on them. They turned around and bolted towards the tunnel, not looking back even as the ground shook beneath their feet and the deafening sound of cracking stone roared in their ears. A shockwave of dust and heat hit their backs and threw them forwards, causing them to crash to the ground in a wholly undignified manner. Dion coughed and spat out the dust in his mouth. He was bruised up a little, but at least no bones were broken. After a quick glance towards Joshua to make sure he had escaped harm just the same, he turned around to survey the destruction. The tunnel they had just fled through was entirely blocked by huge chunks of Fallen architecture, the splintered pieces piling all the way to the ceiling that was now a mess of cracked stone. Joshua sat up and shook pale dust out of his hair. 'We were right!', he exclaimed triumphantly. 'A win for science. Though... I would have liked to know what lay beyond that door.' 'Perhaps you should have thought of that before you pushed the button?', Dion dared to suggest, but Joshua just waved him off. 'Every experiment has its toll', he said. 'And I must assume that whatever was hidden there, it was too dangerous to disturb if it warranted such severe security measures.' Still he cast a look of longing towards the rubble that now blocked the tunnel, then he turned away with a sigh. 'Come, let us move on.' Dion shook his head in amused exasperation, making stone dust rain down on his shoulders. Then he stood and followed Joshua back through the tunnel. (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Return to the elevator]] (set:$machine to "activated")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'I fear you are right', Joshua said. He slowly pulled his sword from its scabbard. The creature stood still. They crept another step closer and suddenly it did move, raising its hands in a repelling gesture in front of it. The air between its fingers shimmered and warped, a translucent bubble of aether not unlike the Phoenix's protective shields. Then it swiped its arm in a wide arc and more aether coalesced in its hand, forming a blade - no, a war hammer. Just as ghostly as the shield, a flurry of blue, but the being wielded it as if it weighed as much as a steel weapon. 'That is quite clear as far as communication goes', Dion remarked. Then he jumped forward, halberd colliding with the creature's shield in a rain of blue sparks. Joshua jumped into the fray at his side, ducking under a swipe of the war hammer and attacking the barrier. It lit up and trembled under the assault, but stood firm. The creature watched their efforts with its expressionless face before readying itself for another swing. It was an undignified hacking and chipping, both of them launching attack after attack at the unmoving barrier. The being behind it remained rooted to the spot, only jumping forward to deliver the occasional counter before returning to its post. It was a strange fight, more reminiscent of a training match than an actual battle. Attack, evade. Attack, evade.(if:$Dion is "hurt")[ Dion's back started to ache, the barely healed wounds protesting the repetitive movement.] But finally, the barrier trembled and started to form cracks under their blades. And then the aether particles in the air dissolved with a sound like splintering glass, leaving their enemy defenceless. Dion and Joshua leaped forward to strike its weathered body, but they only landed a few solid hits before another shield formed. Joshua groaned in annoyance. 'And once more, from the top...' The second barrier fell quicker than the first. The creature seemed to weaken, and fast - Dion supposed that that was to be expected, with the aether in the air having dwindled considerably since Origin had fallen. It was a wonder this last guardian of the Fallen was able to use it at all. It still managed to form a third barrier, but they broke through it with nothing more than a few strikes. The creature fell under their blades, body crumbling to dust like that of an akashic. Only the tattered cloak remained, a formless pile of ancient fabric on the ground. 'Curious', Joshua mumbled as he crouched down to poke at it. 'Usually, the clothes of akashic dissolve with them. But this creature did not seem like an akashic at all. I wonder what it was.' 'At least it cannot cause any nasty surprises anymore', Dion said. 'For us or anyone else that might come here.' 'Indeed.' Joshua thought for a moment, then he grabbed the cloak from where it lay on the ground and stuffed it into his pack. 'You never know', he said when Dion raised an eyebrow at him. 'We might be able to glean something useful from it.' Dion just chuckled at the scholarly zeal and offered his arm for Joshua to take. 'Well then. Shall we be on our way?' (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Continue to the elevator]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) The sword remained stubbornly in Joshua's scabbard. He shuffled a little closer, hands raised appeasingly. The creature watched him with its expressionless face, but did not react. Joshua came to a halt and performed a gesture, a near perfect imitation of the one the being itself had just shown them. It was impossible to tell what it could mean - a threat, a greeting? At least it elicited no violent reaction, the being standing still and watching. Then, slowly, it raised a hand. Fingers, their skin unnaturally pale, closed around the empty air and then pulled back towards the creature's chest. It repeated the motion, a silent demand. 'You... want us to give you something?', Joshua guessed. The creature repeated the motion. Dion and Joshua exchanged a quick glance. What could an ancient being want from them? Dion took mental stock of the supplies they had left - it was not much, since they had been travelling as light as possible. Meanwhile, the gestures became more insistent. 'We should just try something', Joshua said. 'I have a feeling it will let us know it if is pleased with our offering.' 'That is what I am worried about', Dion muttered. What could they possibly have that might be of value to a living relic of the Fallen? [[Food?]] [[Clothes?]] [[A weapon?]] [[Something unusual?]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'I... would think that it did not have anything to eat in a few centuries', Dion offered. (if:$food is "1")[Joshua hummed in thought. 'Most likely. But we have no food to spare. I fear we are running low on supplies as it is. And as much as I want to explore every possible avenue, wasting food would mean we would have less time to spent in the tower before we have to return to the village.' 'What else, then?.' (unless:$tryclothes is "yes")[[Clothes?]] [[A weapon?]] (unless:$trymedicine is "yes")[[Something unusual?]]](unless:$food is "1")[Joshua hummed in thought. 'Most likely. And we are still stocked well enough that we can spare a little. Let us see what we have...' He bent down to rummage through his pack, every movement calculated to defend himself in an instant should his efforts be taken the wrong way. Then he produced a loaf of bread, long and thin like it was popular in Sanbreque. Dion almost stopped him - with some cheese and wine it would be perfect for their picnic at the top of the tower. But then he sighed and resigned himself to this sacrifice for the greater good. The creature stared at the loaf of bread. It stretched out a hand to mirror Joshua's, and pale fingers closed around the offering. It brought the bread to its face - was it //sniffing// it? - and inclined its head in what seemed to be approval. It was a thoroughly absurd situation. But Joshua's face lit up with a beaming smile and he rocked on his feet with barely concealed giddiness. The creature raised its fist to its chest and then moved it towards them, fingers opening. The reverse of the first gesture, an offering instead of a demand. 'You will give us something in return?', Joshua asked eagerly. 'Could you answer our questions? Give us knowledge?' The creature stood quiet, waiting. 'What was this tower used for?', Joshua asked. The creature gestured at their surroundings in a big sweeping arc. Then it closed its fingers again as if catching the view in its hand, bringing the fist to its face. It tapped its temple. Joshua observed the motions with a thougthful frown. 'Hm... observation? Gathering... knowledge? Learning?' He whirled around to Dion, almost bouncing with excitement. 'Science! It is a laboratory, a scientific workshop! The Sagespire was built to develop weapons, but this... //this// is a place of learning!' The creature gestured again. It pointed downwards, towards the cntre of the tower. Or to what lay beneath. It shook its head. (unless:$basementex is "yes")['Oh', Joshua breathed. 'Is there something dangerous down there?' The creature seemed to ignore him, pointing again and shaking its head more insistently. 'I see', Joshua said. 'Thank you for the warning.' The curious glint in his eye told Dion that it might not be so easy to deter him from the mysteries of the deep.](if:$basementex is "yes")[(if:$machine is "activated")['Ah', Joshua said. 'I fear we already learned ourselves that the basement is better left alone. But I thank you for the warning.](unless:$machine is "activated")['Oh', Joshua breathed. 'Is there something dangerous down there?' The creature seemed to ignore him, pointing again and shaking its head more insistently. 'I see', Joshua said. 'Then we can count ourselves lucky that we made it out unscathed. Still, I thank you for the warning.']] The creature nodded, then it grew still again. The bread in its hand, it stood just the same as they had first found it, watching over the sunlit paths of the tower like a pale statue. 'This is all it is willing to give us, then', Joshua sighed. He considered the motionless figure, but then he stepped back. 'I think it has earned its rest. Come, then. Let us leave it in peace.' (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Continue to the elevator]]] (set:$tryfood to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'I suppose it could use a new set of clothes', Dion said with a glance at the creature's coat. It was faded to a mottled grey, frayed and tattered until nothing but rags remained. 'Well, that is... a thought, I guess.' A little doubtful, Joshua examined the contents of his pack. His movements were slow, carefully watching their strange companion for any signs of aggression. Dion had packed little in terms of spare clothing, but he had included an additional layer for Joshua, since he knew how much the former Phoenix despised the cold. The woollen shirt was now pulled free and offered to the creature. It stared at the shirt with its empty face, then turned away from it and repeated its grabbing motion. Joshua stuffed the shirt back in his pack. 'I cannot claim to be surprised', he said. 'Any other brilliant ideas?' (unless:$tryfood is "yes")[[Food?]] [[A weapon?]] (unless:$trymedicine is "yes")[[Something unusual?]] (set:$tryclothes to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'A risky thought', Dion said, 'but... if I were guardian of a secret tower, I would not want my guests to walk around armed. Or at least not stand by without a weapon myself.' Joshua hummed in thought. 'This theory might have merit.' Slowly, eyes fixed on the creature, he pulled the dagger from his belt. He turned it in his hand to point the hilt away from him, then took a careful step forward. The creature watched on. He took another step - and suddenly it did move, raising its hands in a repelling gesture in front of it. The air between its fingers shimmered and warped, a translucent bubble of aether not unlike the Phoenix's protective shields. Then it swiped its arm in a wide arc and more aether coalesced in its hand, forming a blade - no, a war hammer. Just as ghostly as the shield, a flurry of blue, but the being wielded it as if it weighed as much as a steel weapon. It raised the hammer to attack. 'It seems it did not need a weapon after all', Dion remarked. Then he jumped forward, halberd colliding with the creature's shield in a rain of blue sparks. Joshua unsheathed his sword and jumped into the fray at his side, ducking under a swipe of the war hammer and attacking the barrier. It lit up and trembled under the assault, but stood firm. The creature watched their efforts with its expressionless face before readying itself for another swing. It was an undignified hacking and chipping, both of them launching attack after attack at the unmoving barrier. The being behind it remained rooted to the spot, only jumping forward to deliver the occasional counter before returning to its post. It was a strange fight, more reminiscent of a training match than an actual battle. Attack, evade. Attack, evade.(if:$Dion is "hurt")[ Dion's back started to ache, the barely healed wounds protesting the repetitive movement.] But finally the barrier trembled and started to form cracks under their blades. And then the aether particles in the air dissolved with a sound like splintering glass, leaving their enemy defenceless. Dion and Joshua leaped forward to strike its weathered body, but they only landed a few solid hits before another shield formed. Joshua groaned in annoyance. 'And once more, from the top...' The second barrier fell quicker than the first. The creature seemed to weaken, and fast - Dion supposed that that was to be expected, with the aether in the air having dwindled considerably since Origin had fallen. It was a wonder this last guardian of the Fallen was able to use it at all. It still managed to form a third barrier, but they broke through it with nothing more than a few strikes. The creature fell under their blades, body crumbling to dust like that of an akashic. Only the tattered cloak remained, a formless pile of ancient fabric on the ground. 'Curious', Joshua mumbled as he crouched down to poke at it. 'Usually, the clothes of akashic dissolve with them. But this creature did not seem like an akashic at all. I wonder what it was. If we could have come to an understanding.' 'At least it cannot cause any nasty surprises anymore', Dion said. 'For us or anyone else that might come here.' 'Indeed.' Joshua thought for a moment, then he grabbed the cloak from where it lay on the ground and stuffed it into his pack. 'You never know', he said when Dion raised an eyebrow at him. 'We might be able to glean something useful from it.' Dion just chuckled at the scholarly zeal and offered his arm for Joshua to take. 'Well then. Shall we be on our way?' (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Continue to the elevator]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'We can only hope to impress it with something unusual', Dion mused. 'Do we have anything with us it might not have seen before?' (unless:$medicine is "yes")[Joshua pursed his lips. 'I cannot think of anything. We only carry standard travel supplies. Hardly something that would surprise a creature like this.' 'Then we will need a different approach.' (unless:$tryfood is "yes")[[Food?]] (unless:$tryclothes is "yes")[[Clothes?]] [[A weapon?]]](if:$medicine is "yes")[Joshua pursed his lips. ''I cannot think of anything. We only carry standard travel supplies... wait.' He gestured for Dion to give him his pack and Dion handed it over. Confused, he watched as Joshua started rummaging through it, then produced a small flask containing a strange purple liquid. The medicine they had acquired at the village. A concoction with the power of a magic spell, without the need for actual magic. That was surely something unusual enough. 'Are you sure?', Dion mumbled. 'If this actually works, we might still need it.' 'Agreed.' Joshua pulled the stopper from the flask and held it out carefully, tilting it slightly but not enough that the liquid spilled over. 'We shall see if a drop is enough. If it is as potent as advertised, we might be in luck.' The creature stared at the flask. It stretched out a hand to mirror Joshua's, and Joshua carefully spilled a single drop into its palm. The purple stained its pale skin, swirling around like a living thing. The creature brought the drop close to its face - was it //sniffing// it? - and inclined its head in what seemed to be approval. It was a thoroughly absurd situation. But Joshua's face lit up with a beaming smile and he rocked on his feet with barely concealed giddiness. The creature raised its fist to its chest and then moved it towards them, fingers opening. The reverse of the first gesture, an offering instead of a demand. 'You will give us something in return?', Joshua asked eagerly. 'Could you answer our questions? Give us knowledge?' The creature stood quiet, waiting. 'What was this tower used for?', Joshua asked. The creature gestured at their surroundings in a big sweeping arc. Then it closed its fingers again as if catching the view in its hand, bringing the fist to its face. It tapped its temple. Joshua observed the motions with a thoughtful frown. 'Hm... observation? Gathering... knowledge? Learning?' He whirled around to Dion, almost bouncing with excitement. 'Science! It is a laboratory, a scientific workshop! The Sagespire was built to develop weapons, but this... //this// is a place of learning!' The creature gestured again. It pointed downwards, towards the centre of the tower. Or to what lay beneath. It shook its head. (unless:$basementex is "yes")['Oh', Joshua breathed. 'Is there something dangerous down there?' The creature seemed to ignore him, pointing again and shaking its head more insistently. 'I see', Joshua said. 'Thank you for the warning.' The curious glint in his eye told Dion that it might not be so easy to deter him from the mysteries of the deep.](if:$basementex is "yes")[(if:$machine is "activated")['Ah', Joshua said. 'I fear we already learned ourselves that the basement is better left alone. But I thank you for the warning.](unless:$machine is "activated")['Oh', Joshua breathed. 'Is there something dangerous down there?' The creature seemed to ignore him, pointing again and shaking its head more insistently. 'I see', Joshua said. 'Then we can count ourselves lucky that we made it out unscathed. Still, I thank you for the warning.']] The creature nodded, then it grew still again. Fingers closed around the remains of the potion, it stood just the same as they had first found it, watching over the sunlit paths of the tower like a pale statue. 'This is all it is willing to give us, then', Joshua sighed. He considered the motionless figure and the flask in his hand, but then he stepped back. 'I think it has earned its rest. Come, then. Let us leave it in peace.' (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Continue to the elevator]]] (set:$trymedicine to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua reached out as if to touch the liquid. Before Dion could jump in to tell him what a bad idea that was, the liquid suddenly started to churn even faster, darkening and bubbling like soup in a pot. Joshua jumped back with a sound of surprise. 'What is that?', Dion asked frantically. 'What happened?' 'I believe it was... cat hair.' Dion stared at Joshua blankly. 'From Theobald's cat', Joshua explained. The bubbling grew louder, a gurgling sound that echoed from the chamber's walls. 'It stuck to my clothes, and it fell into the liquid.' 'It stuck to you //all the way here//?' Dion groaned. 'This is why I prefer scales.' Something moved in the liquid. A shape - no, several shapes - rising from the strange concoction. They grew as they moved towards the vat's edge, clinging to the wall that held back the liquid and... Dion grabbed Joshua by the arm and pulled him away when the strange shapes clung to the vat’s edge and then crawled over it. With a splat, a very wet cat dropped to the floor. Then another. And another. Dion and Joshua stood dumbfounded as the animals - five in total - shook themselves and looked around with big eyes. They soon decided that their current drenched state was more important though, and settled down to thoroughly clean themselves. The liquid in their fur did not stay long; instead it evaporated within moments, leaving the cats dry and fluffy and very much the spitting image of the one they had met in Theobald's home. 'What', Dion said eloquently. 'That is... hm.' For once, even Joshua seemed to have no words to describe what had happened right in front of him. He crouched down, offering a hand to one of the cats. It rubbed its head against his knuckles, body vibrating with a content purr. 'It... certainly //feels// like a normal cat', Joshua said. He frowned in thought, then studied the sleeve of his shirt. After a moment, he had plucked another cat hair from the fabric and stood up to head towards the vat again. 'Joshua...' Dion's warning had little effect, and Joshua dropped the single hair into the liquid. It gurgled and bubbled once more, sending the cats running. Dion jumped after them when they headed towards the door, but the slippery beasts evaded every attempt at catching them. By the time he had turned back around, Joshua triumphantly held up a sixth cat. 'It duplicates organic beings!' The cat did not approve of being held and wriggled free with a hiss. It dropped to the floor elegantly and ran after its companions. Joshua's shoulders sagged. 'Oh. Do you think they will survive in the tower? Should we try to catch them?' 'I highly doubt we can catch a cat in this labyrinth', Dion said. 'Much less six of them. But they are crafty beasts, I am sure they can find prey even here, or at least a way outside.' 'I hope so.' Joshua turned to Dion, eyes sparking with excitement. 'But did you see that? It can read the entire information required to build a living thing from a single hair! And then construct a body from it! I wonder how it affects memory - do the copies know who they are? Are they like newborns, or do they have the original's life experience? Oh I wonder if it would work with a human as well...' 'I will stop you right there', Dion said decisively. 'You will //not// drop your hair in there.' 'But imagine what I could do if there were two of me.' Joshua gave him an impish grin. 'We could explore this tower so much faster. I could read twice as many books in my lifetime! Think of the possibilities!' The Fallen had been insane, Dion decided. Utterly insane. And so was Joshua, apparently, but Joshua had the advantage that Dion was in love with him. He sighed. [[clones <- Let Joshua drop his hair in the vat]] [[no clones <- Leave the vat alone]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'What do you think this does?', Joshua mused. 'I have no idea.' Dion joined Joshua at the vat, if only to stop him from doing something inadvisable. The liquid looked almost like a living being from here, pacing in its cage. Hungry. Joshua pulled the leather string from the purse on his belt and dangled it above the liquid. Slowly he lowered it down, until the string touched the surface. The liquid seemed to curl around it, circling it lazily, but nothing happened. Joshua pulled the string out and examined the wet end. 'No signs of corrosion or the like', he mumbled. He pocketed the string and reached out again. [[clones <- Let him touch the liquid]] [[no clones <- Stop him]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$cathair is "yes")[Face still split into a broad grin, Joshua pulled out one of his hairs and let it fall into the vat. Breathlessly they both followed it with their eyes as it floated down gently until it came to rest on the glowing surface. The liquid began to bubble again. Another shape formed, bigger than the first, much bigger. It rose and rose from the surface and finally tumbled over the vat's edge, falling to the ground gracelessly. Before them on the floor lay a person. A person with familiar reddish blond hair, its colour becoming apparent as it rapidly dried in the air. A person that was very naked, which should not have surprised Dion but somehow it still did. 'Founder', Joshua whispered next to him.](if:$cathair is "no")[Joshua dipped his finger into the liquid. Dion watched breathlessly as he snatched it back quickly, examining the wetness on his skin. 'Are you alright?', Dion asked tensely. 'I am fine.' Joshua turned his finger into the light, observing how the liquid evaporated in but a few moments. 'It feels... warm.' The liquid in the vat began to bubble. There was a gurgling sound as the churning surface darkened, the movement growing more agitated. They both jumped back but they could still see the shape, a shape rising from the vat, growing as it moved towards its edge. It strained against the liquid's surface, rising, rising - rising to the height of a man, and then it crawled over the edge and fell to the ground with a wet splat. Before them on the floor lay a person. A person with familiar reddish blond hair, its colour becoming apparent as it rapidly dried in the air. A person that was very naked, every mole and freckle on their skin painfully familiar. 'What', Dion said eloquently.] The person stirred on the ground. They lifted up their head, and Dion stumbled back when they rose to a sitting position. Their long limbs seemed a little unsteady, but they managed to plant their feet on the ground and stand up. The light hit their face, familiar blue eyes behind a drooping frame of blond hair. 'Now this is most strange', they said. ‘I agree.' Joshua stared at the person, at the vat behind them, back at the person. He circled them slowly, inspecting them from head to toe which they allowed patiently. Though the longer Joshua's examination went, the more excited both seemed to become, four eyes sparkling and four feet bouncing with barely contained glee. Finally, they both whirled around to Dion. (if:$cathair is "yes")['It worked!', both Joshuas exclaimed at the same time. 'It truly worked!'](if:$cathair is "no")['It duplicates organic beings!', both Joshuas exclaimed triumphantly. They exchanged a glance, and then both burst into laughter. Once they had found their composure again, Joshua jumped to Dion's side and grabbed him by the arm. 'Did you see that? It can read the entire information required to build a living thing from a single fragment! And then construct a body from it!'] 'I... can see that', Dion said weakly. 'What do you remember?', Joshua asked his doppelganger eagerly. 'How much do you know?' 'Everything up until the point I was created.' The doppelganger pursed his lips. 'Fascinating. This kind of technology... I cannot fathom how it works, but it is remarkably thorough.' He leaned his head to the side in thought. 'I wonder if it is possible to create multiple copies. Would the substance read me the same as you, as a fully living thing in its own right?' 'Wait...' They ignored Dion's faint protest and hurried back to the vat. Shortly after there was another splat. And then another. And another. 'By Greagor's... Stop. Please stop.' The crowd of Joshuas turned around. It was unsettling to be watched by so many identical faces at once, and now Dion was glad that the doppelgangers were not wearing clothes. At least it meant he could easily identify the original. 'Ah', Joshua said sheepishly. 'Yes. I believe I got carried away.' He looked around at his facsimiles surrounding him. 'Well...' 'This is fortunate', one of them piped up. 'We can now study the tower in much greater detail. We should split up, spread out across all floors.' 'We will need a base of operations', another chimed in. 'One of the surrounding rooms should do, they provide ample space to work. We shall reconvene there on the regular to compare notes.' 'An excellent suggestion', a third agreed. 'Shall we create a roster, then? We can divide the tower into sections, though it would be wisest to explore in pairs should we encounter any danger -' 'Joshua?' Dion winced when the entire group turned to face him as one. 'Could we perhaps... speak for a minute? In private?' 'A fascinating question', one of the doppelgangers whispered to another. 'Examining the ethical and philosophical aspects of our circumstance - how much privacy can we have from one another if we all share the same memories up until a few minutes ago? Are we all the same person or could we develop into different -' Dion pulled Joshua aside, leaving the doppelgangers to chatter among themselves. 'Apart from this being... very strange', Dion said reluctantly, 'there are a few issues here. More than a few, I dare say.' 'I must agree.' Joshua scratched his head and cast a glance back to where the doppelgangers seemed to now be engaged in an eager debate about the nature of human existence. 'This was one of my more impulsive decisions.' 'Well, now that they are here...' Dion took a deep breath and tried to push aside the utter lunacy of it all. Tried to approach this the way he would have as an army commander, where unforeseen complications had to be taken care of swiftly and efficiently. There was still time to lose his mind later. 'Let us assume that they really are actual humans and not some devilry concocted by this tower.’ They certainly seemed like humans, acting and speaking exactly like Joshua himself. So Dion would give them the benefit of the doubt for now. ‘First of all, we have no way to feed them all. We have no weapons for them to defend themselves, no //clothes// for that matter - ' 'What, you do not enjoy the view?', Joshua teased. '- and even if we manage to keep them alive long enough to reach civilization', Dion smoothly avoided answering that question, because he was //not// ready to think on this, ' - what would they do? They have all your memories. But they cannot very well all live your life.' 'That is indeed a conundrum', Joshua said, more serious now. 'I suppose we could simply ask them what they intend to do with their lives now. Though there is one factor currently present that might make that decision quite... awkward.' 'What would that be?' Joshua raised an eyebrow. 'You.' 'Right.' Dion narrowed his eyes as Joshua glanced at the group of doppelgangers again, and the vat beyond. 'I am //not// touching that thing', he warned. 'You all will have to make do with one of me.' 'A shame.' With a grin, Joshua slung an arm around Dion's shoulders and patted his biceps. 'But then I suppose there is enough of you to go around.' 'You cannot be serious.' (if:$spice is "no")[Joshua laughed and pulled him back towards the group of doppelgangers. 'I could hardly be jealous of myself, now could I? As long as I still get enough of you for myself. But then again, your day only has so many hours. Dividing it among all of us would deprive me of far too much of your affection.' [[clone solution <- Moving on…]]](if:$spice is "yes")[The doppelgangers had noticed that they had finished their conversation and were now drawing closer, still naked as the day they were born - or created, in their cases. Their expressions were perfectly innocent, curious as they awaited what Dion and Joshua had to say. But it was hard to avoid looking, especially since they all looked so eerily similar to Joshua that Dion was not even sure whether he would be //allowed// to look. Whenever he attempted to avoid his eyes, his gaze would just fall on another patch of bare skin on a different version of his beloved, and his body was starting to make itself known. Joshua rested his chin on Dion's shoulder. 'What are you thinking about?', he asked with a sly smile. [[clone solution <- Nothing at all]] [[clone sex <- (//Come on, you wanted to see smut. I know what you're thinking about.//)]]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$cathair is "no")[Dion grabbed Joshua's arm before he could make contact with the liquid. ]'I really think this is a terrible idea.' Joshua's lips curled into a pout, and it was almost enough for Dion to let go of him and allow him to do however he pleased. But the urge to protect Joshua from harm was stronger than the one to give him everything he wanted, and so Dion gently pulled him away from the vat. Joshua looked back at the swirling liquid, then he shook his head with a chuckle. 'Yes, I fear you are right. I got carried away.' 'Then let us leave before temptation strikes again', Dion said amusedly. (if:$cathair is "yes")['Perhaps see what those cats are up to'] 'That seems most reasonable.' (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Return to the elevator]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion cleared his throat awkwardly. 'Anyway', he said. 'We will need to find a solution for... this.' He weakly gestured at the group of Joshuas that observed him curiously. 'We already made a plan', one of them said. 'We have designed a system to explore the tower as efficiently as possible. Our first objective will be to see if there is any clothing, weapons or other useful objects to be found. Two of us are assigned to go outside and see if there is any game to hunt in the vicinity.' 'Right', Dion said(if:$clonesex is "yes")[ and wondered when in the world they had had the time to do so]. 'Wonderful. You... do that.' Joshua patted his shoulder. 'You look like you could use a break. Come, we will look around this room while the others scout the tower.' Dion had no objections to that, and so the doppelgangers, armed with papers and pencils from Joshua's pack, swarmed out while him and Joshua stayed behind. As soon as it was just the two of them, he took a deep breath to order his thoughts. 'We need to figure out what to do with them.' Joshua shrugged. 'First, we all need to return to the Hideaway unscathed. Then we can think about the larger implications.' The mere thought of Clive’s face upon their return made Dion cringe. But even that was a secondary worry. He tapped his foot on the ground, a show of disquiet he would never have allowed himself just a year ago. But every wall or front he had ever put up had crumbled when it came to Joshua, and so he did not even stop himself from starting to pace as his thoughts churned uncomfortably. Because... 'Maybe we should speak to them as soon as they get back here', he proposed. 'They have to make a decision sooner or later.' Joshua watched him with a frown. He caught Dion's arm when he next passed him and gently cupped his cheek with a warm hand. It was always warm, even now that the Phoenix was gone. 'We have time to sort this out', he said. 'No need to fret.' 'It is just...' Joshua's brow furrowed in concern. 'What?' (if:$proposal is "yes")['Joshua, we only just got engaged', Dion said helplessly. 'And they have //all// your memories.' 'Oh.' Joshua blinked, taken aback. 'I... apologize. I am still not used to that.' He traced the shape of the ring on his finger with a reverent touch, humming in thought. 'Yes, that... complicates things.'](if:$proposal is "no")['I only brought one set of rings', Dion blurted out. Joshua stopped. He just stopped moving, standing still as a statue as he stared at Dion, eyes blown wide. His mouth opened into a silent 'Oh', but no sound escaped him. Dion quickly stepped back, hiding his face in his hands. 'Greagor', he groaned. 'This is not how this was supposed to go.' 'I...' Joshua closed his mouth, opened it again - and closed it. 'Dion...' Dion chanced a glance at him through his fingers - surely now he had messed it all up, there was no coming back from this. But in Joshua's expression lay so much adoration that it seemed to flow over, just like the tears that were gathering in his eyes and making them shine. As if there had been a single day they had not been shining, ever since they had first found each other. //Like gemstones//, Dion thought, but he did not have time to think much else because Joshua shook off his stupor and barrelled into him, slender arms wrapping around his neck. 'You fool', he whispered into Dion's shoulder. 'All this... this entire mad journey, just for...' 'For you', Dion cut him off gently. 'If it brings you joy, I will gladly find every Fallen ruin in the Twins. I would dig them out of the ground myself if I had to.' He hesitated but a moment; he had thought that there would be more time to prepare himself - as if he had done anything else for the past few months - but his intentions sat out in the open now. The moment was here. The doppelgangers were gone and it was just the two of them, and in this moment, he could not care less about whatever complications the Blackspire had thrown their way. 'Joshua Rosfield - ', he began, but Joshua pressed a finger to his lips before he could continue. 'No', he said. 'You planned all this. I want to know what you envisioned for us. Do it the way you meant to do it.' He pressed a soft kiss to Dion's lips and rested their foreheads together, face split into a grin so bright Dion almost expected him to erupt into flame, Phoenix or no. 'I am looking forward to it.'(set:$proposal to "announced")](if:$proposal is "failed")['I want to get married', Dion blurted out. Joshua stopped. He just stopped moving, standing still as a statue as he stared at Dion, eyes blown wide. His mouth opened into a silent 'Oh', but no sound escaped him. Dion quickly stepped back, hiding his face in his hands. 'Greagor', he groaned. 'This is not how this was supposed to go.' 'I...' Joshua closed his mouth, opened it again - and closed it. 'Dion...' Dion chanced a glance at him through his fingers - surely now he had messed it all up, there was no coming back from this. But in Joshua's expression lay so much adoration that it seemed to flow over, just like the tears that were gathering in his eyes and making them shine. As if there had been a single day they had not been shining, since they had first found each other. //Like gemstones//, Dion thought, but he did not have time to think much else because Joshua shook off his stupor and barrelled into him, slender arms wrapping around his neck. 'You fool', he whispered into Dion's shoulder. 'You could have //told// me...' Dion could not help but laugh, a breathless little laugh. 'That would have ruined the surprise, would it not?' Joshua chuckled and he squeezed Dion a little harder. 'I am looking forward to it', he whispered into the hollow of Dion's neck.(set:$proposal to "know")] They both jumped apart when footsteps sounded from the direction of the hallway. One of the doppelgangers appeared in the door and hasted towards them, urgency in his steps. 'Is something wrong?', Joshua asked tensely, the mood of the moment wiped away by worry. 'Yes... and no', the doppelganger answered. 'You could say that we made some observations that are highly relevant to our existence in general - or, well, my existence.' 'What does that mean?' Dion peered past the doppelganger into the hallway, but it lay deserted. 'Where are the others?' 'It seems', the doppelganger continued smoothly, 'that the copies cannot move too far from this chamber without their bodies reverting into the substance that created them. Do be careful when you explore the rest of the tower - it is quite... messy in places.' Dion and Joshua exchanged a stricken look. 'They are... dead?', Joshua asked. 'We never fully explored the ethical and philosophical aspects of our circumstance, so there is still room for argument whether they were alive in the first place. These new developments certainly cast a new light on that question.' 'But you cannot be the only one that stayed close!', Joshua argued agitatedly. 'Are all of them...' 'It appears our radius of movement is quite small. I dare say the technology was experimental at best.' When neither Dion nor Joshua knew how to answer, the doppelganger smiled. It was a familiar smile, sweet and sunny with apparently not a care in the world. 'Do not worry. There is plenty for me to study in here. I think I will stay a while longer, see if this body holds up until I grow tired of this room.' He cocked his head, considering. 'It has been a strange existence. Very strange. But fascinating.' Joshua's eyes flew from Dion to the doppelganger, wide and frantic. 'Maybe we can find a way to get you out of here', he pleaded. 'Maybe...' 'We would help in any way we could', Dion agreed. It seemed exceptionally cruel that after all his fretting, their problems would solve themselves in this manner. 'I am fine. And I believe you have great plans for the future, do you not?' The doppelganger made a shooing motion. 'Go.' 'If you are sure...', Joshua said hesitantly. 'I am. After all, I know you will take good care of Dion for me.' The doppelganger gave Joshua a wink, then he grabbed Dion by the collar and pulled him in for a deep, filthy kiss. (unless:$clonesex is "yes")[He let go before Dion could work through the question of whether he should protest or not, and shoved them both in the direction of the door.](if:$clonesex is "yes")[He wrapped an arm around Dion's waist as he did so, grabbing a handful of his ass and squeezing it. ‘Thank you’, he whispered into Dion’s ear, ‘for letting me love you this once. For that alone, it was worth being created. And I know the others felt the same.’ Then he let go with a grin and shoved them both in the direction of the door.] 'Now out with you.' They stumbled out into the hallway, blinking owlishly at the sunlight that assaulted their eyes after standing in twilight for so long. Behind them, the door slid shut with a grinding sound. 'I hope he really is alright', Joshua said quietly. 'We must believe that he knows best.' Dion raised a hand to touch his lips. 'He certainly seemed alright.' Joshua barked a laugh, a tremble in his voice as he was still shaken by what had just transpired. He took a deep breath to steady himself. 'Onwards then. It would not do to disappoint him.' (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Return to the elevator]] (set:$clones to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'You are... not mad?', Dion asked carefully. Joshua laughed. 'I could hardly be jealous of myself, now could I? I decide to take it as a compliment.' 'I know it is not sustainable', one of the doppelgangers said as he joined them, melting against Dion's other side and wrapping an arm around him as a perfect mirror of the original. 'But just this once, perhaps we could share?' The situation was escalating so quickly that Dion's head was swimming, but then again - him and Joshua had never shunned an opportunity that had presented itself. At the beginning of their relationship, he had expected their appetite to be tempered at least a little with time - but that had barely been the case. And living on a cramped island with very thin walls did not lend itself to exploring more adventurous avenues on the regular, which only fuelled their desire. //This// was certainly adventurous. Dion sent one more questioning look Joshua's way, just to make sure. But Joshua's gaze was heated as he looked from Dion to his doppelganger and back, tongue darting out to wet his lips. He nodded. So Dion tilted his head to capture the doppelganger's lips in a kiss; it felt familiar, the same plush warmth, the same rhythm of movement, the same taste as a tongue pushed into his mouth. He groaned into the kiss when suddenly there were lips on his neck as well, kissing the exposed line of his throat and sucking marks into the skin. Then there was a pair of hands on his belt and another pair pulling at his shirt and then he lost track of how many there were. His clothes were pulled off with dexterous fingers and warm touches roamed his skin, lips caressing his face, his chest, kissing a line down his spine. A tongue teasing his nipple and teeth scraping over the inside of his thigh. He caught a flash of red and black fabric; Joshua's scarf was gone and his shirt unlaced, eyes hungry as they raked up and down Dion's form. He moved to shed his shirt, but Dion reached out a hand to stop him. 'Keep it on', he croaked. 'I do not want to lose track of you.' A few of the doppelgangers cooed and Joshua's eyes softened. 'As you wish.' Dion pulled him closer and they sank into a sweet kiss, at least until lips wrapped around Dion's cock and he had to come up to gasp for air. The moment he did a doppelganger wrapped his arms around Joshua from behind, nuzzling against his throat and letting his hands roam over the loose shirt. Dion's cock twitched in the searing heat that enveloped it as the doppelganger slipped a hand past Joshua's waistband and Joshua let his head fall back with a moan. There was an eager mouth working him almost to completion, and then another pulling him over the edge. There was an eager body he was thrusting into, and after that another riding him. There was a cock in his mouth and the sight of Joshua's flushed face, many of them but only one that mattered. Eventually they both lay collapsed on the floor, breathing heavily as their bodies refused to rise to the occasion any longer. They exchanged a glance as they lay there, both dishevelled an exhausted, and then Joshua started to cackle. Dion could not resist the laughter, breath hitching in his chest as he chuckled. He took stock of his limbs, grimacing at how wobbly they felt when he sat up. 'I feel like I just woke from a fever dream.' Joshua and the doppelgangers surrounding them all seemed very pleased with themselves, so he was not all too bothered by his terrible state. But the ground was cold and not all too comfortable, and so he still stood and pulled Joshua up with him. It all began to feel even more surreal once they had started the mundane task of cleaning themselves up as best they could and getting dressed again, and Dion might have truly thought it a very elaborate - and pleasurable - hallucination if not for the utter exhaustion and various aches of his body. (if:$Dion is "hurt")[The wound on his back stung, but it was a minor inconvenience compared with the raw feeling between his legs.] 'This was quite the experience', Joshua said with a grin as he helped Dion put his clothes in order. Dion's lips curled into a smile. 'That it was.' 'Perhaps we could do something similar again in the future.' Dion considered the doppelgangers that all looked all too eager at the thought. Greagor, his dick had never been so sore. 'Perhaps.' [[clone solution <- Back to more important matters…]] (set:$clonesex to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion blinked his eyes open. Lights were dancing in front of them, as if he had looked into the sun for too long, so he could not see what was in front of him. But he could feel - he felt that he was tangled up in something, and he felt a great weight press down on him. He squeezed his eyes shut and when he opened them again, he could see a little clearer. He was surrounded by something grey - Fallen ruins, he had seen them before, but never so //much // of them - and all of it was illuminated by a strange blue light. He looked down and saw that he was trapped in a mess of white fabric and silver chainmail - that was what was weighing him down - and next to him lay a spear. A halberd, long and richly decorated, like a dragoon would use. It was much longer than the practice spears he used to train, but it lay next to him as if it had slipped from his hand. There was a gasping breath somewhere close, and only then he noticed the man staring at him. The man was tall, but not broad like a soldier. He was not dressed like a soldier either, or a noble - he was dressed in layers of red and black, with scarves and belts that made no sense at all. (if:$kidjoshua is "yes")[Strangely, he did not wear any boots.] 'Dion?', the man said weakly. Dion stiffened. He did not know the man. Father did not like it when people he did not know well called him by his name instead of a title. Father would be mad at the man. 'Where am I?', Dion asked, and he hated how small his voice sounded. Small and scared. He was not allowed to be scared. The man stared at him some more with an open mouth, then he shook himself and suddenly there was a smile on his face. It was very warm and very friendly, but just a little too broad, too tight. 'Do you remember me?', the man asked. Dion shook his head and the man swallowed visibly, but his smile did not drop. 'My name is Joshua', he said. 'And we are... hm. Do you know where you were before you came here?' 'Oriflamme.' Dion was not entirely sure that was right, now that he thought about it. But he did not remember leaving, so it had to be right. 'Of course. And... can you tell me how old you are, Dion?' Dion pulled the white fabric a little tighter around his body. 'Six.' 'Right.' The man took a deep breath. 'We are in a Fallen tower, you see. This seems to be a... transportation device. It has malfunctioned just a little, and brought you here.' Dion watched the man with the too-wide smile carefully. There was something tense about him, like the servants at home that tried too hard to be nice to him. His father said it was not right to be friends with them, but Dion did not know yet if that man was a servant. 'Can you bring me back?', he asked. 'Yes, I can.' The man reached out a hand to Dion. 'But you will need to come here. I cannot step on the device, or I might... end up somewhere else, too.' That seemed to make sense, and so Dion fought himself free of the chainmail and pulled the white fabric close so he would not stumble over it. They were clothes, he realized, far too big for him. His feet were sticking in boots that were too big as well, and he had to pull them off to be able to walk. (if:$kidjoshua is "yes")['Why are you not wearing shoes?', he asked while he climbed the stairs that rose all around him in a circle. 'You know, I am not entirely sure myself', Joshua replied cheerfully. ]When he had finally reached Joshua's side, Joshua held out a hand and after a bit of hesitation, Dion took it. Together, they walked away from the strange circle. 'Now', Joshua said. 'Let me see if I can figure out how to fix this.' [[Kid Dion puzzle <- Follow Joshua]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion whirled around, eyes scanning the room. The sounds around them rose to a shrill wail and then a flash of light illuminated the entire chamber. Joshua cried out in surprise, then the room fell silent again. Dion turned back, heart racing as Joshua's voice still echoed in his ears. The room was empty. The circles on the bare floor in front of him were glowing faintly, the light rapidly fading and leaving them behind just as dark and unremarkable as they had been before. 'Joshua?' Dion's hand tightened around the halberd on his back, but there was no enemy to fight. Only silence, and... There was a dark lump on the floor, right at the centre of the open space. Red and black fabric, the glint of a sword that lay discarded. '//Joshua!?//' His voice rose to a frantic pitch, echoing loudly in the empty chamber. But Dion did not care to keep it down, not when Joshua had just vanished before his very eyes, not when... The lump on the floor moved. A small head of strawberry blond hair popped out of it, turning this way and that and then lifting up to reveal blue eyes, huge and round. Dion stumbled back. The child - a young boy, younger than Dion had ever seen him - sat up, dark fabric pooling around him as it slipped off his narrow shoulders. The boy stared and Dion stared back. 'Who are you?', the boy asked. 'Greagor', Dion blurted out. The boy cocked his head and frowned, a tiny crease appearing above his button nose. 'That is a weird name', he said. 'No, I...' Dion dragged a hand down his face and forced the other to let go of the halberd on his back. This could not be happening. But no matter how often he blinked - when he opened his eyes again, the boy was always there. //What in the...// 'Dion. My name is Dion. And you are... Joshua?' He did not need to ask, not really. The boy might be younger than the one he had met at the Remembrance Ceremony, but it was undoubtedly him. Joshua hugged the adult-sized shirt he was tangled in to his chest, like a flimsy armour. 'Where is Clive?', he asked. 'Why is he not here? He should always be with me.' Dion took a step forward but then he froze in his tracks; he did not know what had triggered the chamber to do this in the first place, so he could not risk stepping carelessly again. 'Joshua', he said tensely. 'Can you come to me?' Joshua gnawed on his lip, hugging the shirt even closer. 'Where is Clive?', he asked again, and now there was a hint of panic bleeding into his voice. Dion closed his eyes and tried to calm himself. He had no idea how to speak to a child so young - he rarely had interacted with those at the Hideaway, and Olivier had certainly been no example to speak of. 'Listen.' He crouched down where he stood to get closer to Joshua's height, though he still towered over him even like this - he had been such a scrawny boy. 'This will be... hard to believe, but... you should not be here. Not like this. You are supposed to be grown up now, like me.' Big blue eyes stared at him warily. //I am not very good at this, am I?// 'Something happened', Dion continued. 'I will try to figure out what, and how to reverse it. But first I need you to come here. Please.' Joshua's face scrunched up, lips turning down into a wobbly pout. 'This is not funny.' 'No, I am not - ' 'Clive sometimes tells me things to scare me. And Uncle Byron, too. But they are funny. They tell it better than you.' The wobbling intensified. 'I don't like this joke.' 'It is not -' Dion bit back the words. This was not working. He had to think - what had Joshua been like as a child? How had they found that immediate connection, that instant trust, back then? Would he be able to do it again, with more than two decades separating them now? He stood up, trying not to wince at how tiny Joshua looked from up high. He raised his hand to his heart like for a salute, or an oath. Joshua had always liked a bit of theatrics, and he had been enchanted by tales of knights and heroes even back then. Dion had tried to impress him with everything he had seen the dragoons and the nobles at court do, and Joshua had looked at him with stars in his eyes from the first moment. 'I swear I am not trying to deceive you', Dion said solemnly. 'I do not know yet what happened, or how to fix it, but I promise you are safe with me. I swear on my life, and my honour.' Joshua looked up at him with big eyes. 'Like a Shield?' 'Yes. For now, I am your Shield.' Joshua worried at his lip with his teeth, but then he gave a hesitant little nod. It was not easy for him to walk, buried in adult-sized clothes as he was, but after he had shed his boots and hugged the excess fabric close, he shuffled the short way up the shallow steps on the floor without incident. Dion felt his shoulders drop in relief as soon as they were both standing safely between the apparatuses, out of reach of the strange contraption on the floor. Then he jumped when a small hand wrapped around his fingers. Joshua looked up at him curiously. 'You do not look Rosarian', he said thoughtfully. But before Dion could answer, Joshua already pressed on, unbothered. 'But you can still be a Shield! One of father's Shields, he has hair like you. He only just became a Shield, so he is not very good at it. Even Clive could beat him, and Clive is eleven!' He wrinkled his nose. 'He mucks out the stables a lot, because he is not good at fighting. Once - ' he giggled while Dion stared down at him, waiting for a pause in the flood of words, 'Once, he fought against Uncle Rodney and he fell on his face before they even did anything, because he had - he had //poop// stuck under his boot!' There was more cackling over the poor recruit's fate - or the hilarity of faeces in general - before suddenly Joshua snapped his mouth shut. 'I'm sorry', he mumbled. 'Mother says I am not allowed to say words like that. But...' his lips twitched. 'It was very funny. Everyone was laughing, even him! Can you fight?' Dion blinked as he tried to catch up and noticed that Joshua was staring at the halberd on his back. 'Ah... yes, I can. You need not worry, I will keep both of us safe.' Joshua gave a satisfied nod, then he pulled Dion towards one of the apparatuses. 'What is that for?' Dion resigned himself to fate and followed him, all the while wondering desperately how on earth he would fix this. [[Kid Joshua puzzle <- Try to find a solution]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion wrapped a hand around Joshua's arm, pulling him back between the apparatuses. The sounds around them rose to a shrill wail and then the innermost circle of the open space in front of them started to glow. A wide beam of light shot up from the floor and dissipated under the ceiling. Then the room fell silent again. They both stared at the floor, rooted to the spot. Dion's heart was hammering wildly in his chest, //too close, too close//. Eventually, Joshua patted the hand that was still clamped around his arm. 'I believe you can let go now', he said hoarsely. Dion did so reluctantly, but not before he had pulled Joshua yet a little farther away from the now dark circles on the floor. 'We should stay away from these', he said tensely. 'Agreed.' Joshua had already shaken off the shock and was now examining the nearest apparatus from a respectful distance. It had gone back to glowing silently, nothing remaining of the sudden burst of power that had flowed through it just moments ago. Dion stayed on the lookout while Joshua wandered through the chamber, skirting the open space as to not trigger another burst. When he finally abandoned his endeavour, he was bouncing on the balls of his feet with excitement. 'I cannot glean much from this for now', he said, though he seemed not overly bothered by it. 'I will have to return with proper materials to record everything, maybe bring Mid to examine the machinery. This is an extraordinary find!' Dion chuckled. 'I am glad you like it.' Joshua's eyes were shining. 'I love it.' His face split into a blinding smile and he surged forward to press a kiss to Dion's cheek. 'I cannot wait to study this tower from top to bottom. You spoil me.' He deflated a little. 'Ah, but it will have to wait. It is but our first expedition here, so I will try not to be too greedy. For now, shall we return to the elevator?' (if:$elevator is "yes")[(unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]] (unless:$elevator is "yes")[[elevator first<- Return to the elevator]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They strolled along the platform's edge, enjoying the view while keeping their arms slung tightly around each other to ward off the chilly air. When they had seen their fill, they spread out their blankets on the floor, looking west to watch the sky slowly fill with colour as the sun drifted towards the horizon. Joshua curled up at Dion's side, resting his head against Dion's chest. 'This was the most wonderful journey', he said. 'Not without its troubles, but our journeys never are. And I shall never forget this one. Thank you' (if:$proposal is "yes")[Dion laced their fingers together, marvelling at the glint of the rings that adorned them. 'I should thank you', he said. 'That you have agreed to pledge your life to me in return for naught but one expedition fraught with peril.' Joshua chuckled. 'What can I say? I am easily convinced.' He traced the golden band on Dion's finger with a smile. 'But only when it comes to you.'](if:$proposal is "no" or "know")[Dion was about to reply, but he found that the words were stuck in his throat as his nerves suddenly returned full force. This journey was not over yet, and the most important part was still to come. //Soon.// ]They sat and watched the approaching sunset bathe the world in its gentle colours. Evening was approaching, and it was just as perfect as Dion had envisioned. [[tower top sunset <- Watch the sunset]] (set:$topwait to "yes") (set:$exploration to "4") (set:$deadline to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) 'You are not very good at this.' Dion buried his face in his hands with a sigh, but he had to admit that Joshua was right. The boy was sitting on one of the table-like surfaces that were scattered across the room - after Dion had inspected it and declared it free of strange buttons - kicking his feet and watching Dion examine the apparatus in front of him. He barely sat still; sometimes scooting closer to look over Dion's shoulder, little fingers and bony elbows digging into various tender places; sometimes contenting himself with prodding Dion's arm until Dion gave him a smile or reached out to muss up his hair, much to Joshua's delight. Every now and then he would think of a story or other, usually of Clive's exploits which were plenty, or excursions beyond Rosalith's city walls he himself had been part of, which were far less numerous. Dion made an effort to nod or hum along, but his mind was frantically buzzing around the incomprehensible mess of Fallen technology in front of him. Perhaps he should have paid closer attention to Joshua's studies before coming here. He should have anticipated that such knowledge would be invaluable should Joshua become incapacitated on this journey of theirs. But if he was honest with himself, even that would most likely not have helped him now. He was a soldier - he could run an army and plan a military campaign, but this was far beyond his capabilities. And even though his life since Origin had afforded him much more time to follow other passions, his scholarly interests had always veered more towards history and philosophy, not engineering. He was startled out of his thoughts by a small hand in his hair. It patted the top of his head like one would do with a puppy, or a small child. 'It's alright', Joshua said from his perch on the table. From there, they almost saw eye to eye. 'It is going to be alright.' He recited it like a magic spell that could right any wrongs in the world; and maybe for him it was just that, a spell that had been spoken to him many times. And now he imparted it on Dion with his small hands and child's voice, sitting very straight and solemn as if imitating someone much older than he was. It was an amusing sight, and... comforting. Kind to a fault, even as a boy. And just as observant as his older self. Dion smiled a tired smile. 'Thank you. I am sure it will be.' 'Clive sometimes sneaks candy into my room when I am sad', Joshua said. 'Do you have candy?' 'No, I fear not.' 'Or he reads my favourite stories to me. I can read myself, but he does all the voices. Do you want to hear a story?' 'You know, I think I do.' Dion abandoned the apparatus and sat next to Joshua, who straightened up and made an important face that did not fit his soft features at all. Then he started to tell a rambling story about a knight and a princess, and he did make an effort to do all the voices. Dion's smile deepened while he listened, but halfway through his thoughts drifted away. He could not go on like this forever. But what should he do? Maybe there was a chance he would figure out how to operate the technology that had turned Joshua. But how long would that take? Could he afford to try, especially since he now had a child to take care of? His eyes were drawn towards the circle on the far end of the room. Perhaps... perhaps if he triggered it again, it would return Joshua to his adult self. Or it would change him even more, or even kill him outright. But perhaps there was anything to be gleaned from the device itself? So far, he had not dared come near it. Should he risk it? Or take the safer route, possibly wasting precious time? Next to him, Joshua was gesturing wildly as he enacted a great battle of some kind, blissfully unaware of the turmoil in Dion's mind. [[switch kids <- Inspect the device on the ground]] [[Ending kid Joshua <- Continue examining the room]] (set:$kidjoshua to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) It did not take much to persuade Joshua to return to the circle on the floor. Quite the opposite - he scampered ahead, energized by the prospect of being able to help. It was bewildering how trusting he was towards a man he had - for all intents and purposes - only just met. But Dion was not about to complain if it made his life easier. Greagor knew he could use any advantage he could get right now. He caught Joshua by the arm before the boy could run straight into the circle. 'Stay here', he instructed. 'Do not step on these rings there.' And when Joshua hung his head dejectedly, he amended: 'Perhaps you can help me look at it from here? See if anything stands out to you, a pattern or...' He trailed off, uncertain what it even was he should be looking for. 'Like in the writing?' Dion blinked. 'Uhm - what do you mean?' Joshua pointed at the circles on the ground. 'The writing there. It is the same over and over again.' He was right. The glyphs on the ground were incomprehensible, but their shapes were distinct enough to determine that the same group of them repeated over and over again. No - it was two groups, alternating back and forth. Switching places. Dion frowned at the design on the floor. He had not seen any obvious controls for the device, so perhaps... perhaps it was because it did not need controls. Because it could only go two ways. Back and forth. Could it be so simple? [[solution Joshua <- Ask Joshua to step on the device]] [[switch kids 2 <- Better inspect it a little closer first]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua told his stories and Dion worked. Though he was not sure it could be called working when he felt like he was stumbling around blindfolded, trying to navigate a labyrinth without sight or even knowing the meaning of left and right. He had barely made his way through a quarter of the room when Joshua declared that he was hungry. Dion spent another small eternity retrieving Joshua's pack from the centre of the ominous circle by dragging it closer carefully with the tip of his halberd. They ate what Dion thought they could spare for now before he pressed on. Time was dragging on and Joshua grew bored, and it became harder and harder to keep him from wandering off. It felt like no more than an hour had passed when he claimed to be hungry again. Then he needed to relieve himself. Then he asked for Dion to explain what he was doing, which almost made Dion despair since he had to admit he had no way to answer that question. (unless:$evening is "sunset" and $exploration is "5")[Eventually, Dion took Joshua to the top of the walkway to get fresh air and to determine the time by the position of the sun. When he stepped outside to find the first stars blinking into being in the night sky, he accepted defeat. Joshua's ravenous hunger had already caused their supplies to dwindle to a concerning degree, and returning to civilization would take much longer with a child in tow. They could not stay in the tower any longer. Dion watched Joshua skip over the swirling designs on the floor that were barely visible in the heavy twilight that now choked the Blackspire like a blanket. He seemed to play a game with himself, absorbed in his own world. Dion shuddered at the thought what Clive would say when they returned to the Hideaway like this... he would certainly not be happy. But at least he would now what to //do// with a child. He would take care of his brother, like he had always done, and much better than Dion had at that. Dion let go of an unsteady breath. They could plan another expedition to the tower to find a solution. He could take Mid, her assistants, whoever was more learned in Fallen technology than he was. It would be alright. It had to. Tomorrow, they would have to leave for the village. But for now, Dion took Joshua by the hand and led him back inside. There they found an empty corner of the hallway and made camp as best they could, and Joshua curled up against Dion's chest and fell asleep almost as soon as his head had hit the ground. Dion wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close.](if:$evening is "sunset" and $exploration is "5")[Eventually, Dion took Joshua to the top of the walkway to get fresh air and to determine the time by the position of the sun. When he stepped outside to find the mountains brightly illuminated by the midday sun, he accepted defeat. Joshua's ravenous hunger had already caused their supplies to dwindle to a concerning degree, and returning to civilization would take much longer with a child in tow. They could not stay in the tower any longer. Dion watched Joshua skip over the swirling designs on the floor that the sun had turned into a mosaic of light and shadow. He seemed to play a game with himself, absorbed in his own world. Dion shuddered at the thought what Clive would say when they returned to the Hideaway like this... he would certainly not be happy. But at least he would now what to //do// with a child. He would take care of his brother, like he had always done, and much better than Dion had at that. Dion let go of an unsteady breath. They could plan another expedition to the tower to find a solution. He could take Mid, her assistants, whoever was more learned in Fallen technology than he was. It would be alright. It had to. Dion took Joshua by the hand and led him down the walkway, towards the elevator. As they stood on the platform that carried them towards the tower's entrance, he wrapped an arm around Joshua's shoulders and pulled him close.] It would be fine. He would make sure of it. Somehow. THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Joshua did not protest Dion's request. He seemed almost giddy when he skipped down the steps and then - One moment, Dion was watching his small form with a hammering heart, hands balled into fists to fight the urge to leap forward and pull Joshua back, out of harm's way. The next, a beam of light shot up from the circle on the floor and swallowed Joshua whole, only to dissipate under the ceiling like a cloud of smoke. Dion blinked against the brightness that had seared itself into the back of his eyes. But there. There was Joshua, //his// Joshua, tall and handsome and a little dishevelled. He looked around in a daze before his gaze dropped to take stock of himself. 'Dion?', he said, confused. 'Why am I not wearing boots?' Dion breathed an incredulous laugh, the relief rushing through his veins seeking to make him dizzy. Just this once… things had actually been that simple. 'I will tell you on the way back to the elevator', he answered. 'But first - //please// get out of there. I want to leave this place as quickly as possible.' (unless:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator <- Go back to the elevator]](if:$deadline is "yes")[[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion shuffled closer to the edge of the device. Once he was within reach, he took his halberd and used the end of the shaft to press down on the floor in front of him. Nothing happened, so he reached a little farther and poked the design on the ground once more. If memory served, this was about where him and Joshua had stood when they had first triggered the device. But once again, his attempts yielded no result. He pondered. If they were to attempt turning Joshua back, he wanted to know exactly how far Joshua would have to go. If there would be any chance of Dion pulling him back should things go wrong. He reached out again, as far as his arm would go, and pressed down on the floor with all his strength. Nothing happened - but when he tried to pull back, his boots slipped on the blank floor and he lost his footing. Suddenly the weight of the halberd was dragging him forwards, towards the deceptively dark circles on the ground. They rushed closer and closer as he tilted forward and... his body reacted before his mind did, making his feet stumble forward to catch up with the rest of him. He watched as his boots scuffed over the glyphs on the floor, watched them light up brilliant blue - Before the light swallowed him, he heard Joshua yell his name and hasty footsteps coming towards him. Then the circle erupted. [[Kid Dion <- What happened?]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion was fidgeting. It was a habit that his father often scolded him for, but this time, he could not help it. He was standing where Joshua had left him, next to one of the strange objects that were scattered around the room. Joshua was inspecting it and Dion stood, shoulders straight and hands clasped behind his back. Fidgeting. It was all too much. The lights, the room with its swirling walls and floor, the stranger next to him. So many things to watch out for. He did not know what he was supposed to do with it all, and that was bad. He always needed to know what to do, because otherwise he was in danger of doing it wrong. Had his father noticed his absence? Would he be mad when Dion got back? He was not supposed to leave on his own, father would be mad, he would be so mad... 'Dion?' His eyes snapped up and met Joshua's. Joshua was watching him with a little frown on his face, and Dion quickly stopped fidgeting. 'Can you maybe help me with something?', Joshua asked. Dion nodded eagerly - helping was good, he liked helping. Joshua pulled a dagger from his belt. It was resting in a beautiful sheath made from white leather. 'Do you know how to use this?' 'Yes.' Of course he did. He had more experience with spears, but his father's master of arms made sure he knew other kinds of weapons as well. It made his chest swell with pride when Joshua nodded approvingly and handed him the dagger. 'Would you be my lookout?', he asked. 'Make sure that no one sneaks up on us from the door?' 'Yes!' Maybe his voice had been a little too loud, but Joshua did not seem to mind. He smiled, and this time it was all natural, not too wide or too tense. It made Dion feel giddy inside, and he quickly took up position at Joshua's back. Dagger at the ready, standing tall and imposing like the guards in the Imperial palace. As it turned out, standing guard was a terribly dull task. Joshua was absorbed in the weird objects and there were no monsters or bandits or anything else to fight. But Dion did not want to be useless, and so he took up practicing with the dagger instead. It was important to train with a new weapon after all. The shadows in the room made for excellent monsters, and he took to slaying them with great enthusiasm. After his first kill he snuck a glance at Joshua, but the man did not seem bothered. And slaying shadows was fun, and so Dion hacked his way through feral wyverns and morbols and dragons that hid in the shadows, eyes glowing aether blue and vicious in the dark. They snarled and snapped and lunged from the corners of his eyes, and... Startled, he whirled around. Was that shadow alive? Were those lights blinking at him, or had it just been a trick of the eye? Was that the sound of his own breath or were there claws dragging across the floor...? He stood, panting, dagger clutched tightly in his hand. There were so many shadows. And he did not know this room, he did not know if there were walls behind the darkness or caves and tunnels filled with creatures, he did not know if his father's guards or better yet, the dragoons would show up to save him if he was in danger. His breath hitched but he forced himself to stand in place, stand strong, because that was what was expected of him. He was not allowed to be afraid. [[Kid Dion solution <- You need a proper weapon to defend yourself]] [[Kid Dion puzzle 2 <- Get closer to Joshua. He can protect you.]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion whirled around and ran past the apparatuses, towards the empty space at the end of the room and the halberd that lay shimmering within. Behind him, he heard Joshua call his name but then he had reached the circle. He jumped down the shallow steps and reached for the halberd, so powerful and sharp and perfect, promising protection. His feet had barely hit the ground when the room around him came to rumbling life, and light swallowed him from all sides. [[solution Dion <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion retreated from the shadowy corners, weapon raised to a trembling point. He stumbled backwards until he was sure he would bump into Joshua, surely he was still there, he could not have left Dion alone, could he...? 'Dion? Are you alright?' Joshua's voice was very warm and very gentle. Dion stood in place clutching his dagger, but suddenly there was a hand on his shoulder. Its touch was much lighter and much softer than that of his father. 'It's alright', Joshua said as he crouched down and gently turned Dion around to face him. 'Did you get scared? I apologize, I should not have left you to guard the room all alone.' He ran a soothing hand through Dion's hair. 'It is alright to be scared.' Dion shook his head because it was //not// alright, but Joshua took both his hands in his big, warm ones and held them steady. 'I am scared too, sometimes. But do you know what makes it all better for me? A hug.' He opened his arms and waited. Dion stood clutching his dagger, but then the weapon clattered to the floor and he buried himself against Joshua's chest. Joshua was very warm, and he wrapped his arms around Dion and rocked him back and forth a little, and it felt so, so good. It felt safe. Dion clung to Joshua until he felt calm. Joshua did not try to pull away, not until Dion squirmed out of the hug and rubbed his eyes. 'Better?', Joshua asked. 'Mmh-hm.' 'Then come, help me a little with those apparatuses. I am sure you have driven away any monsters - you were really impressive.' Dion perked up at that. 'I was?' 'Oh yes.' Being told that he had been impressive even though he had gotten scared was almost as good as being hugged. And so Dion hurried to keep up with Joshua's long legs, eager to be even more impressive. Joshua had asked for his help after all. They had pored over glowing buttons and weird symbols until Dion's eyes felt dry and tired, when suddenly Joshua straightened up with a triumphant exclamation. 'Yes! It all makes sense. The repeating glyphs, alternating circuits that interlock within the device itself. The room is mirrored, a single machine in two parts. Yes, yes, it is all coming together.' Dion stared at him blankly, but Joshua just gave him a broad grin and pulled him along in the direction of the circle where the halberd still lay on the floor. 'The machine has two parts that are the same but reversed, and only one can be active at a time. And there are no dials or switches to adjust it, because it can only ever go one way or the other.' They stopped in front of the circle, and suddenly Joshua's grin faded. He looked very serious now, and a little nervous. 'If my theory is correct', he said, 'and I am certain that it is; you need but step into the circle again and the device will reverse itself.' Dion shuffled his feet. 'I will... go back? To my father?' 'I... ' Joshua hesitated. Then he crouched in front of Dion again until they were the same height and took him by the shoulders. 'Everything will be alright', he said. 'I promise. And I will always be there for you. Do you trust me?' Yes, Dion did. So he nodded, and then he took a deep breath before turning around and marching towards the stairs. He had only just made it down the first two when the room around him came to rumbling life, and light swallowed him from all sides. [[solution Dion <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) They set up their camp next to the elevator's controls, since the platform seemed as good a place to sleep as any. Certainly more inviting than the plateau on top of the tower, where sharp winds would have disturbed their rest.(if:$pack is "lost")[ Dion's sleeping roll had been lost along with his pack, but they spread out whatever blankets or spare clothes they still had, and it made for a cozy little nest.] It was not a luxurious place for the night by any description, but the weariness of the day made the hard ground seem like the softest bed. They scarfed down what provisions they could spare and curled up in each other's arms. Morning came with nothing but habit to mark the hour of sunrise, the never-changing blue light of the Blackspire giving no such hint. They both rose from their makeshift bed and stretched their limbs that were stiff from sleep, before packing up their belongings and supplies. (if:$Dion is "hurt")[Dion had to clench his teeth to hold back a groan as the tight muscles of his back protested the movement, the wounds from the swamp monster's attack still not fully healed. But they bothered him less and less, and he was confident that they would be gone by the time they had returned to the Hideaway.] (unless:$food is "1")[After a quick breakfast, Joshua seemed as energized as ever as he inspected the buttons on the elevator's controls. 'Let us uncover the tower's final secrets, shall we?', he asked excitedly. (if:$topwait is "yes")[One more floor. We better choose well.'] 'Indeed.' Dion joined Joshua at the controls. Now that the evening at the tower's top had passed, he felt much more focussed on the mysteries that awaited. Perhaps he should have planned it that way all along. 'Let us go.' (set:$exploration to "4") [[elevator final <- Continue exploring]]](if:$food is "1")[After a quick breakfast, they stepped up to the elevator's controls one last time. 'Back to the Hideaway, then', Joshua said, though he sounded regretful. 'We can always return', Dion reassured him, which afforded him a bright smile. 'And I will!', Joshua announced. 'But let us focus on getting home, first. Are you ready?' [[leave for Hideaway <- Leave the tower and return to the Hideaway]]] (set:$night to "yes")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Dion carefully shifted his grip, one hand still pressing down on the wounds while freeing the other to dig through his pack. Its contents grew slippery with Joshua's blood as he sifted through them blindly, but finally he felt the smooth shape of the flask in his fingers. The purple liquid sloshed around in its vessel as he pulled it out and removed the stopper with his teeth. A sharp, unpleasant smell wafted up and almost made him drop the flask, but he held onto it with all the desperate hope he could muster. //Please. Please work.// He put the flask to Joshua's lips, tilting it gently to let the viscous liquid slide past slack lips. Joshua's eyes flew open and he began to struggle weakly, but Dion clamped a hand over his mouth before he could spit out the precious potion. 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry... please, you have to drink it. Please.' After what felt like an eternity of flailing, Joshua finally choked down the liquid. Dion hastily pulled his hand away from his mouth to press it to the wound again - the uncontrolled blood flow had already soaked his trousers and the ground Joshua was lying on. Joshua himself slumped in Dion's hold as soon as he had swallowed the mouthful of potion, eyes sliding shut in exhaustion. 'Joshua?' Panic welled up in Dion's throat, but when he checked Joshua's pulse it was weak but steady. The weeping gashes in his side began to feel sticky under Dion's fingers, and when he reluctantly pulled away his hand he noticed that the flow of blood had slowed to a trickle that soon stopped entirely. He was not sure how long he sat there, cradling Joshua in his arms and breathlessly watching how the colour returned to his face, how his breath grew stronger and the torn skin knitted itself back together. He was still shaking though when Joshua's eyes blinked open, staring up at him with sleepy confusion that quickly turned into a grimace of pure disgust. 'That', Joshua croaked, 'is vile.' Dion breathed an incredulous laugh. He grasped Joshua's face, not caring about his blood stained hands, and pressed a kiss to his lips. 'It worked.' Another shaky laugh escaped him. 'It really worked.' Joshua gingerly poked the skin at his side that was now only marred by jagged pink lines where the creature's claws had sliced him open. 'Remarkable!', he exclaimed. 'We need to learn more about this potion. Imagine how many lives it could save if we -' Dion pressed a finger to his lips. Then he slumped down, resting his forehead against Joshua's - warm skin, because he was //alive// - and drew in a deep breath. 'I thought I had lost you', he whispered. Joshua cupped his cheek with a grimy hand, thumb gently caressing Dion's skin. 'It is alright', he said. 'You did not.' When after long minutes Dion finally let Joshua wiggle out of his grasp, they both stood up to take stock of their clothes. Most of them were ruined, soaked with blood and eaten by acid. 'Well', Joshua said. 'Luckily we do not expect to have company in the tower. Once we give them a rinse, it should be fine.' 'Should we not return to the Hideaway?', Dion asked wearily. 'Have Tarja take a look at you? We do not know the extent of that potion’s capabilities.' 'I feel fine', Joshua reassured him. 'I suppose we will need to rest anyway, to wash our clothes and ourselves. After that, I should be fully recovered.' Dion felt reluctant to continue after this endeavour had almost cost Joshua his life, but Joshua himself would not be convinced. And so they left the destroyed field and the creature's corpse far behind - though not before Joshua had eagerly examined it - and went to find a stream in which to rid themselves of the filth. They took off their clothes to rinse out the worst of the blood, mud and acid; then they waded into the shallow water to do the same with their bodies. Dion dunked his head into the water unceremoniously, washing away the filth and bodily fluids that caked his hair. When he came up for air, throwing back the wet strands that let water cascade down his bare skin in shimmering rivulets, he noticed Joshua's eyes on him. Joshua himself was standing in the water that barely rose to his thighs, gaze dragging appreciatively up and down Dion's body. The wound in his side had healed to nothing more than a few faintly pink lines, but seeing them still made Dion's throat tighten. He took Joshua by the hand and pulled him against his chest, their warm bodies a wonderful contrast to the cold water. A hand settled firmly on Joshua's back, the other tracing the healed wound on his side. 'You are beautiful', Dion whispered into the crook of Joshua's neck. //And alive.// The thought buzzed in his mind, making his heart beat faster than it should. Remnants of the panic he had felt, the fear. He pressed closer to Joshua and let the warmth of his body drown out the memories. Joshua chuckled softly. He carded fingers through Dion's wet hair, settling a warm palm on the nape of his neck to knead the tense muscles there. 'I am filthy', he said. 'But perhaps you want to help me remedy that?' Dion obliged and crouched down with him in the water, gently washing the dirt from Joshua's hair as best he could. Joshua leaned back against his chest, sighing contentedly even though the cold of the water raised gooseflesh on his skin.(if:$spice is "yes")[ Dion smoothed it away with his hands and, when Joshua hummed in appreciation, wrapped his arms around the lithe body that was curled up against him. He pressed open mouthed kisses to Joshua's throat, letting the warmth of his breath ghost over cold ears and cheeks until Joshua turned around to him far enough to capture his lips in a kiss. 'Do you want to take this to the shore?', Joshua mumbled. 'My cock is freezing, and I would very much like for it to work right now.' Dion laughed - there might have been a slight hysterical edge to it, the tension of the fight and Joshua's injury still sitting in his bones. But what better way to distract himself, and so he waded to the shore with Joshua still wrapped up in his arms and found them a relatively dry piece of grass to sit down on. Joshua lost no time climbing in his lap and straddling him, grinding down until Dion gasped into his open mouth. Dion cupped his buttocks, fingers pressing deeper until they rubbed against Joshua's entrance. They traded sloppy kisses while rutting against each other, wet skin warming up quickly. Joshua arched his back with a keening sound when Dion breached him (if:$sexytime is "yes")[easily, his body still pliant from their earlier indulgence.](unless:$sexytime is "yes")[digit by digit, rubbing slow circles that he knew would drive his love mad.] Joshua braced himself against a sturdy chest and rode Dion's fingers eagerly while stroking both their weeping cocks, head lolling forward. By the time they were done, their skin was sticky again; but a quick rinse in the stream took care of that.] Once both them and their belongings were relatively clean, they got dressed once more. Before them stretched the winding path that would lead them to the tower's gates. 'So', Joshua said. 'Onwards, then.' Dion did not argue. [[Enter tower <- Continue towards the tower]] (set:$medicine to "used") (set:$injury to "healed") (set:$Joshua to "healed")

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (if:$Dion is "hurt" or "healed")['You are perfectly fine', Tarja said as she finished her examination. 'Apart from the smell. You could both use a bath.' 'All too gladly', Dion said while pulling his shirt back on and closing the clasps. 'It has been a long time since I have travelled this far, and I must admit I have grown rather fond of the luxury of regular baths.'](if:$Joshua is "healed")['You are perfectly fine', Tarja said as she finished her examination. 'Apart from the smell. You could both use a bath.' 'All too gladly', Dion said while he watched Joshua pull his shirt back on. A shame, really. 'It has been a long time since I have travelled this far, and I must admit I have grown rather fond of the luxury of regular baths.'] 'Hm, quite', Joshua agreed.(if:$spice is "yes")[ He gave Dion a wink that promised a very //pleasurable// bath experience later; their tub was just big enough to fit two people, and they had made ample use of it in the past.] It was nice to rest, even though they both had thoroughly enjoyed their time on the road together, just the two of them. And neither planned to rejoin the bustle of the Hideaway all too soon, not when they could instead revel in the Hideaway's comforts and each other's company for a while longer. Tarja was about to shoo them out of the infirmary to do just that when suddenly, heavy footsteps approached on the corridor. Then the door was thrown open with a bang, and Clive burst into the infirmary with a dark frown on his brow. 'Lesage!', he growled. 'You were supposed to put a ring on my brother's finger, not put him in the infirmary!' (if:$proposal is "yes")[(if:$Dion is "hurt" or "healed")['Calm down, Clive.' Joshua patted his brother's shoulder. 'We are not even here for me. So as you can see, he succeeded in both.'](if:$Joshua is "healed")[Calm down, Clive.' Joshua patted his brother's shoulder. 'I am perfectly healthy, as Tarja can attest. So as you can see, he succeeded in both.'] Clive's eyes wandered down to Joshua's hand, and the ring glittering on his finger. His expression cleared, reluctantly at first, but he never seemed able to stay mad when Joshua was involved. Once he had lost his fight, his shoulders softened and his face split into a wide smile instead of the usual scowl. Dion even believed to see the trace of a tear in the corner of his eye - but he might have been wrong. Clive pulled Joshua into a bear hug that looked like it might have cracked at least a few of his brother’s ribs. 'I am happy for you', he said. 'Both of you.' His voice sounded as deeply moved as Dion had ever heard it, and he felt his chest swell with gratitude. Clive had welcomed him even before he had officially become engaged to his brother, but now the ties that bound them were real and true. And Dion could not wish for a better family. 'Out with you, then.' Clive made a shooing motion. 'Enjoy yourselves as long as you can, before the rest of the Hideaway learns of your good fortune. They won't let you rest for at least a week once they do. I'm sure they have already prepared the celebrations.' Joshua and Dion exchanged an amused glance. 'That does sound foreboding', Joshua chuckled. 'Shall we retreat to our quarters for now?' Dion agreed readily. And so they made their way down the familiar hallways and to their tiny room that awaited them, quiet and peaceful, bathed in golden sunlight. The eagerness of all their friends - their family - brought its own warmth to Dion’s heart. But for now, he was not quite willing to share. Not yet. For now, he wanted to have Joshua all to himself. His //fiancé//. He would truly never get tired of the thought. After everything, it had all worked out perfectly.](if:$proposal is "know")['Calm down, Clive.' Joshua patted his brother's shoulder. 'I am perfectly - wait, what?' With wide eyes, he turned around to Dion. 'You... meant to ask on our journey? Why...' Clive looked back and forth between the two of them with an open mouth. 'You didn't ask!?' 'I...' Dion should have anticipated this. Of course he could not quietly try again, not when half the Hideaway knew of his plans. With a pained groan, he ran a hand through his hair. 'It... did not go as I expected. I meant to wait for another time.' Clive seemed to gear up for a barrage of questions, but then he just threw his hands in the air and turned back to the door. 'The both of you can talk this out without me.' 'Wonderful idea', Tarja interjected dryly. 'And please do so outside my infirmary. I have work to do.' Dion obeyed and took an equally amused and confused Joshua by the hand to retreat into the privacy of their room. It seemed that he had some explaining to do.](if:$proposal is "failedknow")['Calm down, Clive.' Joshua patted his brother's shoulder. 'I am perfectly fine. And, well... things did not go quite according to plan, but Dion still made a valiant effort.' Dion grimaced when Clive looked at him with his eyebrows raised all the way to his hairline. 'You //didn't// ask?' 'As Joshua said... things did not go according to plan. But I will soon rectify that mistake.' Clive seemed to gear up for a barrage of questions, but then he just threw his hands in the air and turned back to the door. 'As long as the both of you are happy...' He pointed at Joshua. 'If he takes too long, tell me to knock some sense into him.' 'Thank you kindly for the offer, I will not consider it', Joshua said cheerfully. 'I have complete trust in Dion's ability to get out of this pickle himself.' 'Wonderful', Tarja interjected. 'Now would you all please get out of my infirmary? I have work to do.' They obeyed, as none of them wished to get on their physicker's bad side. As soon as they were outside, Dion took Joshua by the hand. 'Shall we retire to our quarters for now?' 'You want to escape the questions of everyone who knew what you were planning, do you not?' Dion cleared his throat awkwardly. 'I merely wish to have you to myself for a while until our return gets widely known. I know you will spend the next weeks holed up with Mid and Master Harpocrates.' 'Perhaps.' Joshua wrapped an arm around Dion's waist and together, they made their way down the Hideaway's corridors. 'But tonight, I am all yours. In spirit, if not officially.' Dion groaned quietly. 'You will never let me live this down, will you?' Joshua grinned.](if:$proposal is "failed")['Calm down, Clive.' Joshua patted his brother's shoulder. 'I am perfectly - wait, what?' With wide eyes, he turned around to Dion. 'You... what?' Clive looked back and forth between the two of them with an open mouth. 'You didn't ask!?' 'I...' Dion should have anticipated this. Of course he could not quietly try again, not when half the Hideaway knew of his plans. With a pained groan, he ran a hand through his hair. 'It... did not go as I expected. I meant to wait for another time.' Clive seemed to gear up for a barrage of questions, but then he just threw his hands in the air and turned back to the door. 'The both of you can talk this out without me.' 'Wonderful idea', Tarja interjected dryly. 'And please do so outside my infirmary. I have work to do.' Dion obeyed sheepishly and took a wide-eyed Joshua by the hand to retreat into the privacy of their room. It seemed that he had some explaining to do.] THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) Their room was quiet even though the thin walls did not afford much privacy. But at this time of the day, most of the Hideaway's inhabitants were working in the common areas, and so their little nook remained undisturbed. The sunlight bled through the gaps in the wooden planks and painted golden designs on the bed sheets. Joshua dropped his pack in the corner and promptly deposited himself on the bed with barely enough time to pull off his boots. 'It has been too long since we have been on the road like this', he lamented. 'I have grown soft.' With a chuckle, Dion joined him. It was probably not advisable to lay on the bed with all their travel clothes - they were both dusty from the road and desperately needed a bath - but the soft mattress was all too tempting. Joshua leaned his head against Dion's shoulder. He closed his eyes in bliss when Dion carded a hand through his hair, gently massaging his scalp without being bothered by the filth of the road that clung to both of them. 'This was a perfect surprise', Joshua said as he snuggled in a little more closely, long limbs wrapping around Dion's body. 'Thank you.' Dion had only just opened his mouth to answer when suddenly there were heavy footsteps approaching on the corridor. Then the door was being thrown open and Clive burst into the room with a dark frown on his brow. 'Lesage!', he growled. 'Did you really think you could leave to propose to my brother without bothering to speak to me? And not even have the decency to tell me when you came back?' (if:$proposal is "yes")[Calm down, Clive.' Joshua muttered from where his face was pressed into Dion's chest. 'I am sure he had better things to do that day. And it all worked out perfectly.' Clive's eyes wandered down to Joshua's hand, and the ring glittering on his finger. His expression cleared, reluctantly at first, but he never seemed able to stay mad when Joshua was involved. Once he had lost his fight, his shoulders softened and face split into a wide smile instead of the usual scowl. Dion even believed to see the trace of a tear in the corner of his eye - but he might have been wrong. 'I am happy for you', Clive said. 'Both of you.' His voice sounded as deeply moved as Dion had ever heard it, and he felt his chest swell with gratitude. Clive had welcomed him even before he had officially become engaged to his brother, but now the ties that bound them were real and true. And Dion could not wish for a better family. 'Well.' Clive blinked and only now seemed to notice the way they were entangled on the bed. He cleared his throat awkwardly. 'Carry on.' He abruptly turned around to the door, but before he left, he chanced one more glance in their direction. 'Enjoy yourselves as long as you can, before the rest of the Hideaway learns of your good fortune', he said. 'They won't let you rest for at least a week once they do. I'm sure they have already prepared the celebrations.' Joshua and Dion exchanged an amused glance. 'That does sound foreboding', Joshua chuckled. 'We shall make good use of the time.' The announcement was enough to make Clive flee for good, but Dion agreed wholeheartedly. The eagerness of all their friends - their family - brought its own warmth to his heart. But for now, he wanted to have Joshua all to himself. His //fiancé//. He would truly never get tired of the thought. After everything, it had all worked out perfectly.](if:$proposal is "know")['Calm down, Clive.' Joshua muttered from where his face was pressed into Dion's chest. 'I am sure he - wait, what?' With wide eyes, he extracted himself from their embrace to stare at Dion. 'You... meant to ask on our journey? Why...' Clive looked back and forth between the two of them with an open mouth. 'You didn't ask!?' 'I...' Dion should have anticipated this. Of course he could not quietly try again, not when half the Hideaway knew of his plans. With a pained groan, he ran a hand through his hair. 'It... did not go as I expected. I meant to wait for another time.' Clive seemed to gear up for a barrage of questions, but then he just threw his hands in the air and turned back to the door. 'The both of you can talk this out without me.' Dion squirmed uneasily as the door fell shut and he had nowhere to turn except an equally confused and amused Joshua. He took a deep breath. It seemed that he had some explaining to do.](if:$proposal is "failedknow")['Calm down, Clive.' Joshua muttered from where his face was pressed into Dion's chest. 'I am sure he had better things to do that day. And, well... things did not go quite according to plan, but Dion still made a valiant effort.' Dion grimaced when Clive looked at him with his eyebrows raised all the way to his hairline. 'You //didn't// ask?' 'As Joshua said... things did not go according to plan. But I will soon rectify that mistake.' Clive seemed to gear up for a barrage of questions, but then he just threw his hands in the air and turned back to the door. 'As long as the both of you are happy...' He pointed at Joshua. 'If he takes too long, tell me to knock some sense into him.' 'Thank you kindly for the offer, I will not consider it', Joshua said cheerfully. 'I have complete trust in Dion's ability to get out of this pickle himself.' Clive left shaking his head, and Dion sank back into the sheets with a sigh. 'I hope he is the only one willing to break down a door to greet us.' Joshua looked at him amusedly. 'You just want to escape the questions of everyone who knew what you were planning, do you not?' Dion cleared his throat awkwardly. 'I merely wish to have you to myself for a while until our return gets widely known. I know you will spend the next weeks holed up with Mid and Master Harpocrates.' 'Perhaps.' Joshua nuzzled into the hollow of Dion's throat and placed a kiss below his jaw. 'But tonight, I am all yours. In spirit, if not officially.' Dion groaned quietly. 'You will never let me live this down, will you?' Joshua grinned.](if:$proposal is "failed")['Calm down, Clive', Joshua muttered from where his face was pressed into Dion's chest. 'I am sure he - wait, what?' With wide eyes, he extracted himself from their embrace to stare at Dion. 'You... what?' Clive looked back and forth between the two of them with an open mouth. 'You didn't ask!?' 'I...' Dion should have anticipated this. Of course he could not quietly try again, not when half the Hideaway knew of his plans. With a pained groan, he ran a hand through his hair. 'It... did not go as I expected. I meant to wait for another time.' Clive seemed to gear up for a barrage of questions, but then he just threw his hands in the air and turned back to the door. 'The both of you can talk this out without me.' Dion watched as the door fell shut, leaving them alone once more. Sheepishly, he turned to Joshua. It seemed that he had some explaining to do.] THE END [[end screen <- Continue]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) //This choice will lead you to the top of the tower. Do you want to stop exploring for the day and watch the sunset instead?// [[tower top sunset <- Watch the sunset]] [[elevator final <- Go back to the elevator]]

(enchant:?passage,(text-colour:#f3e0be)) (open-url:"https://archiveofourown.org/works/74645406") (set:$ao3 to "yes") (display:"end screen ")