Asher

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There is a city lost to time and lost to place. You have never heard of it, nor have you seen it. You have never crawled its catacombs nor walked its streets.(click: "place")[ In fact, it exists only in vague and slate-colored dreams. This city has a name and its name is…](click: "its name is")[ [[Asher->ActI.2]]]

However, this is not the story of a city, but of a young lady named [[Tetrine Reish]]. Tetrine is about to be swallowed whole by the secrets of this city—(click:"this city")[much in the way an egg is devoured by a [[snake.->ActI.3]]]

Tetrine Reish, hailing from the fine city-state of Auros. About 5'6", a librarian's assistant. Nobody important. But [[we all have secrets->ActI.2]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div>

####3120 E. Danaus Street. Tetrine's Apartment. (transition: "dissolve")[It was early fall, when the wind was just beginning to bite… That morning Tetrine dreamt of [[portraits in a long hallway->ActI.4]].]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_sad2.jpg"></div>

The portrait hall spread out in every direction. Tetrine stood there, uneasy. (click:"portrait hall")[It wasn't what she usually thought of when she thought of portrait halls. The [[portraits]] were painted directly onto the cool limestone walls. Fresco, she realized.] [[Light->ActI.5]] sifted through a door at the end of the hall.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div>

There was at least a dozen. Maybe more. Some had glassy black eyes and pale skin. Others were pale like faded photographs, as if time had bleached away the color.(click: "bleached")[ It certainly wasn't sunlight that had faded the paintings. Not down here.] //She couldn't look away from their [[faces]].// Instead, she felt pulled, drawn to the other end of the [[corridor->ActI.5]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div>

All wholly unfamiliar, but no. One of them was quite familiar indeed.(click: "familiar")[ Tetrine shrank from the face, and turned away. Her gaze fell upon the [[door->ActI.5]] at the end of the hallway.]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_afraid.jpg"></div>

Once she looked, she could not turn away. The magnetic faces painted on the walls faded to nothing compared to the [[door->ActI.6]] and its soft compelling light.(click: "light")[ //There shouldn't be a light in a place like this,// Tetrine thought. //Not one as bright as electric light, anyway.//](set:$bedchamberseen to false)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_talking.jpg"></div>

(if: $bedchamberseen is false)[Tetrine stood at the door, hesitating.(click-replace: "hesitating.")[and could only stare.] ]A beautiful bedchamber spread out before her. Rich velvet curtains(click-append:"curtains")[ the color of blood] seemed to spill onto the marble floor.(click-replace:"the marble floor")[a marble floor the color of bone] A [[figure]] rested on the decadent swanbed. A [[shadow]] stood in the corner behind the bed.

//The Empress//.(set:$bedchamberseen to true) Tetrine would know the Empress's elegant silhouette anywhere, even wrapped up in gauze and silk as she was. (click:"gauze and silk")[The garment was a palla in the late Imperial style, Tetrine noted.] But that wasn't the most important thing in the [[room->ActI.6]].

Tetrine started when she looked directly at the shadow. It wasn't a shadow at all, of course.(click: "of course")[ It was //the// Shadow. The Empress' Shadow.](click:"Empress' Shadow")[ They called her [[Kialee->ActI.7]].]

Tetrine almost woke from the slight bitter taste left behind by the unsettling dream. She drifted, almost awake, her limbs heavy. It was cold out there, beyond the blankets, and despite the frightening dream she wanted only to sleep. * [[Just a few more moments->Sleep]]. * [[Time to wake up->Monday]].(set: $seconddream to false)

Tetrine slept. This new dream mingled with her memories and plucked an image of the park outside her [[old boarding house]] from her mind. Why this place? And why did she suddenly feel afraid at the sight of it?(click-replace:"afraid")[terrified](if: $boardinghouse is true)[ Come to think of it, she couldn’t remember why she had moved to an apartment—they were so much more expensive than boarding houses in Asher.] //Something isn’t right.// Then she caught sight of [[a man->Markaius]] perched on the low wall.(set: $seconddream to true)

####Khepera Memorial Library. Monday morning. As Tetrine mounted the steps to the [[library->Khepera Memorial Library]], she passed a woman. There were a number of striking things about that woman—(click:"woman—")[to start, she wore trousers.(click:"trousers")[ Not like one might dress in overalls in the privacy of one’s own garden, but out and about in public, with her [[hair down]] and kept in a long style that suggested a deliberate disregard for the pervasive fashion.(click:"pervasive")[ Not that Tetrine cared. She still wore her mother's clothes out of what she called her Aurean sense of frugality.]] The woman offered her a long hard stare in lieu of a good morning, and Tetrine looked away, unsettled. Then Tetrine [[entered through the library doors->Monday.1]].](set:$saw_kalevel to true)

He looked vaguely familiar. His hair and attire were not quite old-fashioned enough to be considered a costume, but they came close. But no. He was //more// than vaguely familiar. What was his name? Mark? Marten? Something starting with an M, she was sure of it. His presence opened up a baffling sense of emptiness—and a well of longing at the same time. (click:"longing")[//Why longing?// she thought. But no memories rose to mind to answer her question.] * (link: "“Do I know you? I think I must. But I can’t remember your name.”")[(set: $tet_strong to 1, $dream_choice to 1)(goto: "Dream.2")] * (link: "“Am I dreaming?”")[(set: $tet_meek to 1, $dream_choice to 2)(goto: "Dream.2")](set: $tet to "mean") * (link: "“You seem so familiar to me.”")[(set: $tet_kind to 1, $dream_choice to 3)(goto: "Dream.2")]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_talking.jpg"></div>

(if: $dream_choice is 1)[//Tetrine// “Do I know you? I think I must. But I can’t remember your name.” //Markaius// “My name is Markaius—but that is not the name you knew me by.”](elseif: $dream_choice is 2)[//Tetrine// “Am I dreaming?” //Markaius// “There is reality in dreams, and there are dreams in reality.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “You seem so familiar to me.” //Markaius// “I should hope so.”] //Tetrine// “I was sure your name was Marcus. Yes—yes, that was it. We went to school together—I think.” He laughed, softly. (if: $tet_strong > $tet_meek)[Tetrine scowled.](else:)[Tetrine frowned thoughtfully.] * (link: "“What's so funny?”")[(set: $dream_choice to 1)(goto: "Dream.3")] * (link: "“Then you weren't at the university?”")[(set: $dream_choice to 2)(goto: "Dream.3")] * (link: "“Perhaps you have mistaken me for someone else.”")[(set: $dream_choice to 3)(goto: "Dream.3")]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown2_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div>

(set: $boardinghouse to true)She started living in the boarding house shortly after she first arrived in Asher. She'd met Rosemary in her class on Aeserian playwrights, and not long after Tetrine had moved in with her. But something about this [[place->Sleep]] now filled her with dread.

(if: $dream_choice is 1)[(set: $tet_strong +=1)//Tetrine// “What's so funny?”](elseif: $dream_choice is 2)[(set: $tet_meek +=1)//Tetrine// “Then you weren't at the university?”](else:)[(set: $tet_kind +=1)//Tetrine// “Perhaps you have mistaken me for someone else.”] He gestured vaguely. //Markaius// “Marcus, you say? Ah, but should I not know my own name?” He paused, and seemed to mull over his words. //Markaius// “Ah, I had hoped—but you see, I lost you. By now it must be two years ago. Although perhaps it is more.” <i>I lost you...</i> Had she known him as more than mere acquaintance? <i>[[Hold you.]] Kiss you.</i> The thoughts passed through her mind, airy and light and sweet, but she would not allude to such longing aloud. She reminded herself that she [[did not know]] this man.(set: $holdyou to false)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div>

=><= ##Act I <== Sitting within, Harking and prying I might begin To dicker with [[dying->ActI.1]]. <i>Edna St. Vincent Millay</i>(set: $boardinghouse to false, $tet_meek to 0, $tet_strong to 0)<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="https://www.sunlabyrinth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pose2_meansmile.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="https://www.sunlabyrinth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pose2_meansmile.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="https://www.sunlabyrinth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pose2_meansmile.jpg"></div>

Where could such desires even come from? They were so familiar, like the casual impulse to touch one might feel for a dear friend—or a [[longtime lover->did not know]].(set: $holdyou to true)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_closed.jpg"></div>

(if: $holdyou is true)[But a lover?](else:)[Or did she?] Tetrine sought out a memory. It felt tattered around the edges, as if it belonged to a bit of old cloth stuffed into a drawer. One good tug and it would either reveal itself—or rip apart.(click-append:"rip apart.")[ And then it would be gone, like a pleasant dream on waking.] She [[drew back->Dream.4]] from the memory with a shudder.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “The snow came early this year.” //Markaius// “You resist—how interesting. Is this a dreamer’s willfulness, I wonder? Or do you recall something you wish you didn’t?” Her thoughts scattered from his words. She didn’t try to catch them. //Markaius// “It was January when it happened.” //Tetrine// “Oh—I think there was a little blood.” //Markaius// “[[More than a little->Dream.5]], I should say.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_smiling.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_smiling.jpg"></div>

=><= ---- <div id="navitext">| [[Save]] | [[Load]] | [[About]] | [[Main Menu->Divert]]</div>{ <script> $('tw-sidebar tw-icon.undo').text("Back").attr("title", "Back"); $('tw-sidebar tw-icon.redo').text("Next").attr("title", "Forward"); </script> <hmtl><meta name="viewport" content="user-scalable=no,initial-scale=1,maximum-scale=1,minimum-scale=1,width=device-width"></html>}

=><= ###About ####Art and Story S. A. Welland ####Patreon Backers F.C. Asatiir Andrew C. ####Dedication //To Mom & AJC// <img src=https://www.sunlabyrinth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/deco.png">

####Load (if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot A")[[Slot A]<loada| (click: ?loada)[(load-game: "Slot A")] (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot A")](else:)[EMPTY] (if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot B")[[Slot B]<loadb| (click: ?loadb)[(load-game: "Slot B")] (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot B")](else:)[EMPTY] (if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot C")[[Slot C]<loadc| (click: ?loadc)[(load-game: "Slot C")] (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot C")](else:)[EMPTY] (if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot D")[[Slot D]<loadd| (click: ?loadd)[(load-game: "Slot D")] (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot D")](else:)[EMPTY] (if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot E")[[Slot e]<loade| (click: ?loade)[(load-game: "Slot E")] (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot E")](else:)[EMPTY] (if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot F")[[Slot F]<loadf| (click: ?loadf)[(load-game: "Slot F")] (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot F")](else:)[EMPTY] (if: (savedgames:) contains "Slot G")[[Slot G]<loadg| (click: ?loadg)[(load-game: "Slot G")] (print: (saved-games:)'s "Slot G")](else:)[EMPTY]

//Markaius//(set: $key_comment to false) “If only I had the foresight—I might have left the wound alone. Then there would be a scar to spark that memory of yours.” //Tetrine// “I keep [[yarrow and marigold]] for cuts and scrapes in a little jar.” //Markaius// “Yarrow and—?(click: "and—")[ Ah. Dreamers can be so intractable. It was January. You could not find your (link: "key")[(set: $key_comment to true)(goto: "Dream.6")], and no one answered your (link: "knock")[(set: $key_comment to false)(goto: "Dream.6")].”](set:$ice_comment to false)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div>

Yarrow and marigold, like her mother used to make from great Gran Hailie's recipes. Mother would pour the stuff in jars with olive oil and turn it into a salve with beeswax. Or, on rare occasions, she'd make a tincture with spirits.(click-append:"spirits.")[ Alcohol cost a fortune, of course. It wasn't exactly //legal// in Auros, either. Mother made a special distilled mead for the purpose.] Tetrine shook her head. She had other things to [[think->Dream.5]] about.

(if: $key_comment is true and $ice_comment is false)[//Tetrine// “But the key...” //Markaius// “It was your roommate’s habit to keep a spare above the door. But y](elseif: $key_comment is false and $ice_comment is false)[//Tetrine// “Rosemary didn't answer.” //Markaius// “She was often away. She often forgot her key as well, and so kept a spare above the door. But y](else:)[//Tetrine// “I... you were saying?” //Markaius// “Y]ou had never forgotten your key before, and so you did not know. There was a nail there, on the frame above the door, and you slipped on the (if: $ice_comment is false)[(link-goto:"ice")](else:)[ice] when you reached for it. It left a [[nasty cut]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div>

//It was January.//(set: $ice_comment to true) //Tetrine// “I don't remember January.” She did not remember that year at all. //Markaius// “I know. I am trying to help you [[remember->Dream.6]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown2_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div>

She saw the image then. Bright red drops on brilliant snow, like a picture in the darkest fairy tale. Then she cried out, not because of the pain but because she knew wasn’t alone out there, on the walk outside that lonely boarding house.(click:"Bright red")[ //Tetrine// “There was blood, Marcus. Far [[too much->Dream.7]] of it to be all mine.”](click:"alone")[ She hesitated. //Tetrine// “Was that you? Were [[you there]]?”]

Then she was there, in the memory, standing in the snow. How could she forget such a vivid red on such a pristine canvas? Her gaze followed the trail of blood to a shape that she took to be a shadow at first, by some strange trick of light. Then she met its [[eyes—->demon eyes]]

Eyes like a rat's, or a deers, with hardly any whites at all, but a deep, inky purplish hue all the same. [[Demon eyes.->Dream.8]]

//Tetrine// “There was a body. I think he was only a boy—(click-append:"boy—")[ Marcus, he was //only a child//.” Her voice took on a shrill note, and she retreated from her own words, from her own half-remembered panic. Silence drifted like snow around them. She felt the chill begin to creep into her through the dream. The last piece of her memory waited for its moment to [[slide into place]].(click-append:"dream")[—this dream that did not feel like a dream at all]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown2_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine//(set: $mark_point +=1) “You were there, too, weren't you? //Answer me.//” //Markaius// “How many times have you wandered this memory in your dreams and never asked? Yes. I was there. What else do you remember?” //Tetrine// “That there was [[blood->Dream.7]] in the snow.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_angry1.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div>

(if: $mark_point is 0)[//Markaius// “Every time I show you this, the terror is the same. You cling to it, but it’s long over now.”](else:)[//Markaius// “A glimmer of recognition this time. I must be content with that.”] //Tetrine// “I don't know what you're talking about.” //Markaius// “I regret [[the pain]] it causes you. But sometimes I regret more that you have [[forgotten me]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_terrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “The pain?” (set: $mark_point -=1, $tet_strong +=1)For a moment, half-remembered resentment warred with her confusion—and the rising fear that threatened to choke her. The pieces of her memory swirled in her mind, just out of reach. Then [[realization->Dream.9]] dragged her into wakefulness with fingers of ice.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_smiling.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Just tell me //what// I have forgotten.” (set: $mark_point +=1, $tet_kind+=1, $tet_meek +=1)For a moment, half-remembered tenderness warred with her confusion—and the rising fear that threatened to choke her. The pieces of her memory swirled in her mind, just out of reach. Then [[realization->Dream.9]] dragged her into wakefulness with fingers of ice.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// (if: $mark_point >1)[“Marcus—”](else:)[“You—”] Tetrine woke.(click:"woke")[ The sensation that she knew a dangerous secret hung in the air like a lingering unpleasant fragrance. Of course, just //what// it was that she had learned during those final dreaming moments eluded her grasp, as slippery as an eel. She ignored her trembling hands and the cold sweat that sent creeping chills across her skin.(click-replace:"creeping")[lingering] In the daylight the dreams did not seem so frightening or ominous.(click:"the dreams")[ Their vivid reality faded to a grey malaise.] She thought she felt a familiar presence—(click-replace:"presence—")[presence, but the feeling disappeared the moment she concentrated on it.] Hastily, Tetrine [[got ready for the day->Monday]]. ]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_terrified.jpg"></div>

(if:$saw_kalevel is false)[She entered the library through the large double doors. ]Rosemary, the other librarian’s assistant, waved her over(if:$saw_kalevel is true)[, and the strange woman fled her mind.](else:)[, and Tetrine resigned herself to another day.] //Rosemary// “Would you be a dear and take care of this for me?” Rosemary indicated [[a cart]] full of books.<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

Old. Imperial era, to be sure. The newest addition was built to house the growing collection. That was after the university bought the old building. It was Tetrine's idea to work at the library—a small thing she still felt proud of—and Rosemary followed suit not long after. Of course, the fantasy had lost a little of it's shine, but a job was a [[job.->Monday.1]](set:$saw_kalevel to false)

Down, but not in the more acceptable cork-screw curls. Not that Tetrine blamed her. Before she had got up the courage to bob her own hair she had tried rag-curling it night after night. It was so much easier to simply do away with it—(click:"it—")[although thankfully hairdressers had caught on to the fashion and one no longer needed to invade the barber's.] Tetrine smiled to herself and passed through the library's large [[double doors->Monday.1]].

Tetrine eyed it in dismay. It looked as if half the city had decided today was the day to return their unread books, including a complete set of Verdel's masterworks. //Tetrine// “Of course—” //Rosemary// “I’ve got to run.” //Tetrine// “But it’s only eight o’ clock—” //Rosemary// “Trina, it’s a real play this time! I’m so sick of radio—(click:"radio—")[I <i>can’t</i> miss this audition. Wish me luck?” //Tetrine// * (link: "“For the gods' sake.”")[(set: $tet_strong +=1, $chMonday_1 to "a")(goto: "Monday.2")] * (link: "“Will you be gone all day?”")[(set: $tet_meek +=1, $chMonday_1 to "b")(goto: "Monday.2")] * (link: "“Good luck, Rosie.”")[(set: $tet_kind +=1, $chMonday_1 to "c")(goto: "Monday.2")] ]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/startled.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// (if:$chMonday_1 is "a")[“For the gods' sake, Rosemary.”](elseif:$chMonday_1 is "b")[“Will you be gone all day?”](else:)[“Ah—Lunam’s luck to you. Tell me how it goes?”] //Rosemary// (if:$chMonday_1 is "a")[“I'll be quick, I swear.”](elseif:$chMonday_1 is "b")[“Probably? I don't know.”](else:)[“Oh, that’s right. It is Monday, isn’t it? I suppose I should stop by the Temple. You’re so good at these things.”] //Tetrine// “Ah—” //Rosemary// “Oh, Trina, you’re a doll! I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow—(click:"tomorrow—")[bye!” Rosemary [[fled->Monday.3]]—presumably before Tetrine could question her further.]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

Tetrine stared at nothing for a little while, feeling the lonely quiet of the library acutely. Then her gaze dropped to the cart of books.(click-replace:"books.")[books, without really seeing it.] And her thoughts wandered to acting and Rosemary.(click-replace:"acting and Rosemary.")[acting and Rosemary, and she thought how Asher was hardly the city-state for actresses of any ambition.] It was going to be one of [[those days]]. Then she realized that someone stood [[uncomfortably close->Monday.4]] to her.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_worried.jpg"></div>

The kind filled with books and dust and silent rooms, just like the old house in Auros. And how many years had it been since she'd abandoned her family home? Ancient stone walls always carried ghosts. Tetrine did not want to think of ghosts. //Woman// “I was never fond of libraries. Except perhaps mine.” Tetrine [[whirled->Monday.4]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div>

It was that woman. The one she'd seen this morning. //Woman// “Trina, was it?” <i>Eavesdropping, were we?</i> But Tetrine didn't say that aloud. //Tetrine// “It’s Miss Reish, if you don’t mind.” //Woman// “I don’t mind, hon.” //Tetrine// “Can I help you with something?” //Woman// “I was wondering about a book.” (if: $seconddream is true)[It might have been the dreams.](else:)[It might have been that unsettling dream.] It might have been the woman’s confident, oddly familiar manner. Either way, Tetrine would never understand later how she had responded to the woman the way she did that [[moment->Monday.5]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_anticipation.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// (if:$tet_strong > $tet_meek and $tet_strong > $tet_kind)[“I'm sure you were. This is a library.”](elseif: $tet_kind > $tet_strong)[“Does this book have an author’s name?”](else:)[“I don't know what you mean.”] //Woman// “Don’t be coy. I am not in a patient mood today.” //Tetrine// “Well, then. What kind of book would you like me to find for you—madam?” //Woman// “It would have arrived recently—perhaps wrapped in paper or somesuch.” //Tetrine// (if: $tet_meek > $tet_strong)[“I can’t recall…](elseif: $tet_strong > $tet_meek and $tet_strong > $tet_kind)[“I don't know, madam.] Is there a title I can look up?” //Woman// “How about something that doesn’t belong?” //Tetrine// (if: $tet_strong > $tet_meek and $tet_strong > $tet_kind)[“This isn’t the post office.” On second thought, probably best not to outright goad the woman.](else:)[“I wouldn't know where to begin.”] Tetrine sighed.(click:"sighed")[ //Tetrine// “I’m sorry. I’ll look.” //Woman// “I’ll wait—dove.” Tetrine tried to think. According to the woman the book could be anywhere. * Look in [[lost and found]]. * Look in the [[lobby]]. ]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_anticipation.jpg"></div>

Tetrine went behind the desk to look through the lost and found box, but there was not so much as a knit sweater—(click:"sweater")[which was the sort of thing usually to be found in the box at this time of year.] It wasn't [[here->Monday.6]].

Tetrine moved the chairs and looked into the corners, the kind that students liked to sleep when exams were nigh. But she didn't find so much as a paper wrapping or a lost pencil. It wasn't [[here->Monday.6]].

Tetrine returned to the desk. //Woman// “Nothing, hm? Damn him. What did he say—(click:"say—")[right.” Tetrine was suddenly glad Miss Nora wasn't around to enforce her rules of language. //Woman// “Be a dear and look through the <i>folk</i> section, will you?” //Tetrine// “Folk? As in stories, or customs, or med—” //Woman// “I haven’t the faintest idea. Se’en gods save me. Between you and the old meddler…” //Tetrine// “I’ll just—look around.” (set: $sectionvisits to 0)(set:$crocodiles to false) She should try... * [[Southern Aeserian History and Customs]] * [[Herbal and Folk Medicine]] * [[Folklore]] * [[Phonographic Records]] (Folk Songs) ]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking2.jpg"></div>

####Southern Aeserian History and Customs (set: $sectionvisits +=1)(if: $sectionvisits is 1)[Tetrine searched the Southern Aeserian history section first. ]She assumed the woman would have said something if she meant the sparsely populated northern region, so Southern Aeser it was. But nothing stood out to her. She should try... * [[Herbal and Folk Medicine]] * [[Folklore]] * [[Phonographic Records]] (Folk Songs)

####Herbal and Folk Medicine (set: $sectionvisits +=1)Books stuffed the shelves.(unless:(history:) contains "Herbal and Folk Medicine")[ Tetrine scanned the titles, thinking of Gran Hailie's cabinets full of drying herbs.] Folk medicine was a popular topic, given the prohibitive cost of Temple medicine and treatment—and the mistrust most sensible citizens held for Temple doctors. She should try... * [[Southern Aeserian History and Customs]] * [[Folklore]] * [[Phonographic Records]] (Folk Songs)

####Folklore (if: $sectionvisits is 0)[Tetrine paused at the stairs. She didn't like that section much. (set:$crocodiles to true) //Woman// “I haven't got all day. What are you waiting for?”](else:)[She passed the reception desk on the way there, where the woman stood waiting, and braced herself. //Tetrine// “Nothing yet, I’m afraid.” //Woman// “Gods and house gods and little house <i>cats</i>. I am going to strangle that son of crocodiles.”] Tetrine suppressed a wince at the woman’s raised voice. She would have to say something about that. She hoped the woman wouldn’t complain to Miss Nora, her boss. Tetrine was beginning to feel silly and stupid, as if she were missing something obvious. But a nameless book ‘wrapped in paper’ <i>was</i> awfully vague. //Woman// “Well?” The woman’s voice wasn’t getting any softer. Tetrine would have to say something. * (link: "Remind her to keep her voice down.")[(set: $tet_strong +=1, $kal_point -=1)(goto: "Remind Her")] * (link: "Tell her about the folklore section.")[(set: $tet_kind +=1, $kal_point +=1)(goto: "Be Helpful")]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/neutral.jpg"></div>

####Phonographic Records (set: $sectionvisits +=1)A modest collection of phonographic records sat next to the phonograph proper. (unless:(history:) contains "Phonographic Records")[Technically, only Miss Nora was permitted to operate it, which was probably the reason for the growing layer of dust.] Books and book-shaped packages were notably absent. She should try... * [[Southern Aeserian History and Customs]] * [[Herbal and Folk Medicine]] * [[Folklore]]

//Tetrine// “I was about to visit the fairy tale section. Would you like to come with me? Perhaps I missed—” //Kalevel// “You have an entire section.” //Tetrine// “It’s very popular—especially Felicia Nesta’s folktale compilations.” //Kalevel// “Why wasn’t that your first choice?” (if: $sectionvisits is 0)[//Tetrine// “It //is// my first choice, actually.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “I don’t remember your saying anything about stories, or it—”] //Kalevel// “For the love of—(click:"love of—")[(if: $sectionvisits is 0)[//fine//.](else:)[you didn’t have to answer that.] Nesta’s books, now? That’s amusing.” Tetrine didn’t know how it was amusing, but before she could ask— //Kalevel// “Let’s look at this ‘fairy tale’ section of yours, then.” //Tetrine// “It’s [[upstairs…->Monday.7]]”]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/smirking.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// I’m sorry, Madam, but I have to ask you to keep your voice down. //Kalevel// “You <i>have</i> to, do you?” //Kalevel// “Dove, there’s hardly anyone here. And if I wasn’t in the mood for your earlier nonsense, I am certainly not in the mood—(click:"mood—")[look at me.” Cold fear struck Tetrine, and her heart gave a painful lurch. //Demons// asked people to look at them. They wanted to catch your gaze with theirs and then—(click:"then—")[ //Kalevel// “Oh, a superstitious one, I see. I bet you’re the sort to get inside before dark like a good little Imperial citizen, too.” This was true, but Tetrine wasn’t about to admit to it out loud. //Kalevel// “Just get me my book.” //Tetrine// “It isn’t here.” //Kalevel// “Find it for me, and we can be off on our separate little ways.” //Tetrine// “I don’t know what you want <i>me</i> to do about it.” //Kalevel// “You’re going to find it. That’s what you’re going to do about it.” * [[Politely explain there’s nothing that can be done.->Please Leave]] * [[Ask for more details on her item.->More Details]] * [[Refuse to help her.->Refuse to Help]] ]](set:$refuse_to_help_ to false)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/angry2.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I don’t think I can help you. It seems your package isn’t here. Why don’t you try again later?” //Woman// “I know it’s here. It’s just—you’ve looked everywhere?” //Tetrine// “Just about—(click: "about—")[oh. I was about to check the fairy tales. Perhaps that is what your friend meant?” //Woman// “My friend?” //Tetrine// “I had got the impression that someone told you to look here.” //Woman// “Hah! My //friend// might have meant that. I’ll come with you.” Tetrine wished she wouldn’t come along—something about the woman made Tetrine deeply uneasy—but she said [[nothing->Monday.7]].]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/reacting.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Well, I can’t find it without a name, or some more specific instructions.” //Woman// “You //are// a good little Imperial citizen. Do you keep an altar to the Immortal Empress, too?” Tetrine wasn’t sure how to respond to that. She decided to carry on as if the woman had not insulted her. //Tetrine// “If you don’t have an author’s name, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to find it.” //Woman// “It won’t be listed among your little paper cards, I assure you.” //Tetrine// “If it’s not in the collection, whatis it doing in the library? I should check the new books instead.” //Woman// “No. It’s here, dear-heart. It’s in your folk section—(click:"section—")[whatever that means.” //Tetrine// “I was going to try folklore next. But I think we might have a small section on rural Aeserian art…” //Woman// “No. Folklore. That must be it.” //Tetrine// “Are you sure there’s no way to identify this book, it’s just in a bit of brown packaging?” //Woman// “I’ll know it when I see it, dove. Now [[show me.->Monday.7]]”]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/angry2.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine//(set: $shadow_point +=1) “It seems I can’t help you. Perhaps you should come back later.” //Woman// “Fine—I’ll look for myself.” //Tetrine// “Of course.” Tetrine didn’t intend to look the woman in the [[eye—]](set:$refuse_to_help_ to true)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/2_angry.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/smirking.jpg"></div>

Tetrine led the way upstairs. This section was part of the original building, and was said to date back to the Immortal Empress’ founding of Asher She thought it might be true, judging on the age of the brick in places, although little else of the original building remained. Despite the sunlight sifting through the window, this wing of the library always felt isolated. [[The Nell]] marks on the book shelf caught her attention first, and she drew in a sharp breath.

—but the moment she did, she felt a sharp pain, and thought she felt the warmth of her own blood, spilling—[[spilling—]]

Then it was gone. She touched her cheek and throat but the skin felt smooth. It was only her imagination, stoked by her silly fears. This woman wasn’t a demon. That was nonsense. But she was an unhappy patron, and that was something Tetrine could do something about. She just hoped the woman hadn’t noticed that, for a few moments, Tetrine had been about to faint. //Woman// “My book, dove.” //Tetrine// “Of course—(click:"course—")[how can I help you?” //Woman// “Give me the tour. I’m looking for the ‘folk’ section.” //Tetrine// “I was just going to look in the fairy tale section for something….” //Woman// “That’s it. [[Show me.->Monday.7]]”]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_anticipation.jpg"></div>

For a moment she felt the pull of the Nell itself. That other world from which the marks came called to her, and the pull was like a sudden tide. She could see the golden fields and the glittering river itself in her mind’s eye—flowing with the words and disjointed letters that formed magic itself. When the sensation passed and her [[vision cleared...->Monday.8]]

...Tetrine saw the strange woman, holding up a piece of paper. //Tetrine// “You didn’t take that from a book, did you?” //Woman// “No, darling. It was on the ground. Don’t worry—I’d much prefer the whole book.” //Tetrine// “Is that what you were looking for?” //Woman// “It’s hard to say.” But before she could ask—(click:"ask—")[ //Woman// “Not today. I’ll come back tomorrow. There’s something—but never mind.” The woman gave her a long look, then left the room. Tetrine glanced again at [[the Nell marks]], and could not help but feel like the dreams of late and the Nell marks portended [[nothing good]].]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_anticipation.jpg"></div>

Tetrine had grown so used to ignoring them. They were everywhere in the city, most often found carved into foundation stones to mark a building for protection, but also to hide secret doors and any number of other things. She tried not to think of them, [[when she could->nothing good]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_worried.jpg"></div>

#####3120 E. Danaus Street. Tetrine's Apartment. Tetrine arrived home that evening feeling troubled. It wasn’t the dreams—Tetrine often had vivid dreams—it was the sight of Nell marks that troubled her the most. //“The Nell is the demon tongue. No one remembers how to speak it anymore.”// Her [[brother’s words]] drifted to mind, and [[she closed her eyes]].(set: $brotherswords to false)

#####Auros City-State. Four years ago. (set: $brotherswords to true) //Tetrine// “Can you read it?” //Devne// “Nah. Supposedly Gran Hailie had some old books, but I don’t think even she could read any of it. But it was dangerous to let on you could see them. Still is, if you live in Auros. I’ll never understand why Gran settled here.” Tetrine fiddled with the buttons on her cuff. //Tetrine// “I’m going to Asher for school.” //Devne// “What?” //Tetrine// “No one believes in magic in Asher. Isn’t that nice?” //Devne// “It still isn’t safe. You can’t let on that you see the marks, Tetrine.” //Tetrine// “I won’t.” //Devne// “Promise me.” //Tetrine// “Why? People will assume I tell fortunes or something.” //Devne// “//[[Some—]]//<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/reacting.jpg"></div>

(set:$tet_strong +=1, $shadow_point+=1)Devne was always worried about the Nell marks, although he knew barely more about them than she did. Tetrine pushed the memory aside and [[got ready for bed.->Third Dream]]

//Devne// “—//Some// people won’t assume any such thing. Promise me.” //Tetrine// “Fine. I promise.”(click:"I promise")[ Of course, she had tried to make light of it. After all, he couldn’t—or wouldn’t—give her a straight answer about the supposed dangers. Tetrine knew that the Immortal Empress had hunted people who were different or talented or otherwise threatening to the Empire when she was alive... But the [[Empress was dead->Third Dream]].]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/sad.jpg"></div>

That night Tetrine half-awoke to the brush of cold breath on her throat, but she couldn’t sit up. It felt as if someone—two someones—stood just beside her bed—she couldn’t scream.(click:"she couldn’t scream.")[ //Man's Voice// “Hush. Don’t be afraid. There isn’t anything you can do, Miss Reish.” //Woman's Voice// “We can’t be hurt anymore.” //Man's Voice// “It’s the truth.” //Tetrine// “And we have all the time in the world to hunt for you. You poor, lost bunny.” Tetrine [[woke with a start.->Tuesday]]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="shadow/01.jpg"></div>

#####Tuesday morning. 6 o’ clock. (if: $seconddream is true)[Three vivid dreams now? This was an omen she could not ignore. She did not know enough of [[her own magic]] to say whether or not she saw the future.](else:)[Two dreams now. Tetrine wondered if she would ever have a normal night’s rest again.] She didn’t know what to trust, or what to dismiss. What if the dreams were important? What if they only reflected her day-to-day fears? Lost in thought on her morning walk to the library... * She lingered by the [[old monument]]. * She took the long way through [[the park]] next to her old boarding house.

Only what Devne had told her, which wasn't much. She [[shook her head->Tuesday]] at the memory.

(set: $tet_meek +=1)Many such statues commemorated the fall of the Empress—and [[her final victims]]. Every time she came here, she looked for the name of her family ancestor.(click:"family ancestor")[ //Shandra Reish.//] This was [[getting nowhere->Tuesday.1]]; she lingered here because she was afraid. But they were only dreams, weren’t they? They didn’t actually //mean// anything.

#####Khepera Memorial Library. The gentle hush of the library greeted her as she entered, and she was relieved to find that she wasn’t even late. Then her troubled night caught up to her, and she [[sank->Tueday.2]] into one of the chairs, just for a moment, or so she told herself. The peace of the library lulled her.

(if: $seconddream is true)[(set: $mark_point +=1)Something important had happened here. Tetrine scanned the park, which stretched out seemingly until it met the mountains. In spring, couples and families would picnic here and children would play all kinds of games. But people did not laugh and children did not play during the dead times. Winter belonged to the Empress and her Shadow. //Something important happened here.// Tetrine turned to look toward the old boarding houses, and an old fear stirred up in her heart. She [[retreated->Tuesday.1]] in the face of that memory.](else:)[It wasn't much of a detour, after all. Tetrine scanned the old bench and wondered why she never took this route, if only to try something different. Something... //something// seemed to tease at her memories, but the feeling didn't last. Tetrine shook her head, bemused with herself. Time to stop [[delaying the inevitable->Tuesday.1]], she supposed.]

<img class="responsive-image" src="nell_letter.jpg"></div> A piece of paper filled her vision, and Tetrine started so that her head struck the back of the chair. Nell marks filled the page. Active marks. (click-replace:"Active marks.")[Active marks, not the sort passively captured in stone or wood or—in this case—on paper.] Tetrine looked up to see that woman again, this time holding the page of marks, a triumphant look spread across her face. * [[“Excuse me?”]] * [[“Can I help you?”]] * (if: $brotherswords is true)[(link-goto:"Pretend not to see them.")](else:)[Pretend not to see them.](set:$caughtlying to true)

Tetrine let her gaze skim across the page as if she saw nothing.(set:$caughtlying to false) Doubt entered the expression on the woman's face.(set:$tet_strong +=1) //Tetrine// “What can I help you with, Madam?” //Woman// “I was sure I was right. I'm still not convinced I'm wrong.” * [[Insist on the lie.]] * [[Ask her how she knew.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking2.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Excuse me?”(set:$kal_point -=1) (display: "Tuesday.3")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_anticipation.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Uhm. Can I help you?”(set: $tet_meek +=1) Tetrine reluctantly drew her gaze from the sheet of paper. (display: "Tuesday.3")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking2.jpg"></div>

//Woman// “Ah-ha! Just as I thought.” //Tetrine// “Madam?” //Kalevel// “Don’t try to lie to me, dove. You saw them.” Too late, Tetrine remembered her brother's warning: //You can’t let on that you see the marks, Tetrine.// //Tetrine// “I—but...” Tetrine stumbled over a [[lie—->Tuesday.4]]

//Tetrine// “Really, Madam, it’s a blank piece of paper. What sort—what sort of joke is this?” //Woman// “Don’t require me to force the answer out of you. I would find it tiresome. As if you weren’t tiresome enough the other day.” * [[Ask her how she knew.]] * [[Insist on the lie.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/irritated.jpg"></div>

(set:$shadow_point -=1, $kal_point +=1)(if:$caughtlying is false)[Though it frightened her, Tetrine was neatly caught and she wasn’t a wonderful liar.](else:)[Tetrine could not keep up this façade much longer.] //Tetrine// “I’m not supposed to tell anyone.” //Woman// “Good. Keep it that way.” //Tetrine// “I beg your par—” //Woman// “Your kin are quite useful to me—” The woman eyed the placard on the desk. //Woman// “—Tetrine //Reish//. But only so long as you remain alive; you are less useful dead. A little furrow rose between the woman's brows in a contemplative frown. //Woman// “Look, hon, I need your eyes. Are you going to [[help me->How she knew]]—or [[hinder]] me? You see, my usual expert has up and vanished, in his typically aggravating manner—(click:"manner—")[that son of //beasts//.”]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking.jpg"></div>

(set: $shadow_point +=1)//Tetrine// “Please. You showed me a blank piece of paper covered in smudges.” //Woman// “Imagine that. Smudges, she says.” //Tetrine// “What else did you expect?” //Woman// “Why, I don’t know. The truth, perhaps—” Tetrine suddenly wanted to be anywhere—anywhere else. //Woman// “Little dove, why are you frightened?” Tetrine, startled, looked into the woman's [[face—->feed kalevel]] //Woman// “Is it because you told me [[a lie->Ask her how she knew.]]?”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking.jpg"></div>

(set: $kal_point -=1, $shadow_point +=2)//Tetrine// “I can't get involved in this. I'm sorry.” //Woman// “Is that so?” The woman took a step [[toward Tetrine->feed kalevel]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_irritated.jpg"></div>

//Woman// “Naturally he would hide a book among books, without telling me how... Point is, dove, you can see what I can’t—what is <i>disguised</i> to my eyes. Are you following?” //Tetrine// “Well, when will your usual expert be back?” //Woman// “Sweetheart, you’re still missing the point. I shall be reasonable— (click:"reasonable—")[one—(click:"one—")[last—(click:"last—")[time. Or do you know somebody else who can help me?” Devne. Tetrine had never met anyone besides her brother who could see Nell marks, but she wouldn’t betray him like that. //Woman// “No one? Well, come along, then. Let's have that //tour// of your [[fairy tale section->that library]].” ]]]

The woman took Tetrine’s chin between thumb and forefinger. Tetrine, shocked, could only stare into the woman’s eyes for a moment—and a moment was more than enough. (if: (history:) contains "spilling—")[ There was no pain, this time. ] Then Tetrine was blinking to clear her vision and the woman somehow [[stood some feet away]].

Tetrine shook her head. A wisp of memory teased at the edge of her mind and was gone. //Tetrine// “I’m sorry. Did you say something?” It felt like ice was growing on the surface of her skin, spreading from her throat and sending its chilly fingers down her back. Tetrine dismissed the feeling as nerves. //Woman// “What do you see?” The woman held out the paper again, and Tetrine smiled. //Tetrine// “Marks. They’re blue and white, mostly. I don’t recognize these; they aren’t like the ones that they carve into wards.” //Woman// “Now why did that have to be such a chore? You could have done it of your own will. But you resisted—for what purpose, I cannot see. So tell me.” Alarm, vivid as a splash of ice-water, cleared Tetrine's muddied thoughts. //Tetrine// “I’m //not supposed// to tell.” //Woman// “Ah. The old scrivener rules. Well, let it never be said that I lack mercy. Come along then—let’s have a look at [[that library]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking.jpg"></div>

Tetrine led the way upstairs. (if: $brotherswords is true)[//That’s it. I’ve really done it. A stranger knows I can read the marks and it’s exactly as Devne said.// She shivered.] //This woman is more than she appears,// Tetrine thought, //and she is dangerous//. Where that thought came from, or whether it was entirely her own, Tetrine could not say. But now that her ability to see the marks was discovered, should she leave? Where would she go? To her [[home in Auros]] with its many ghosts?(if: $shadow_point > 2)[ She shivered, this time from far more than the cold.] //Woman// “Now, dear, I feel guilty. I’m sorry you felt the need to lie to little ol’ me.” The woman stood [[too close]]. Tetrine could feel her breath.

Devne had accrued debt, and so had turned their childhood home into a boarding house. Tetrine had debt herself, and it would not be ideal to leave now. Maybe she didn't have to go, [[not yet->that library]].

Tetrine realized it was her mistake this time—she had paused in the door, reluctant to see the Nell marks once more. Resolved, she stepped toward them. They were scattered all over the bookshelf, but seemed centered on one book in particular. There were no library markings on its spine.(click:"on one book")[ She reached to touch it, and almost jumped at the electric sizzle that leapt to her hands. She felt the brilliant energy—the <i>life</i>—that fueled them, and that other world seemed to reach in turn [[toward her—]]]

...[[and she could see it.->Tuesday.5]]

Swiftly, she took the book from the shelf and thereby broke the marks that held it. No sooner had she wedged it free than the woman was at her side, snatching it from her hands. Tetrine did not protest; she was glad to see the last of it.(click:"glad")[ She wanted nothing to do with its magic, and the sooner it—and the woman—were gone, the better.] Then the woman chucked her lightly under the chin, and left the room. Tetrine walked to the window seat and collapsed on it, and stared for a long moment out the window, [[thinking of nothing at all->Act II]].

=><= ##Act II <== 'Tis all a Chequer-board of Nights and Days Where Destiny with Men for Pieces [[plays->Private Eye]]: Hither and thither moves, and mates, and slays, And one by one back in the Closet lays. //The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Fitzgerald Translation//

When she came down, she found Rosemary speaking with a patron. //Young Woman// “I thought you had a familiar accent. I’m from Cales, too. What brought you to Asher?” //Rosemary// “University—and the Harus company radio shows. But I didn’t mean to go on about myself like that. You were looking for—” //Young Woman// “Histories. Anything on Southern Aeser will do.” //Rosemary// “That will be on your left, past the chairs.” The young woman thanked Rosemary and left. Rosemary [[whirled on Tetrine]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="sab/smiling.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

Ah, that Aeserian obsession. How did the Immortal Empress die? Was she truly immortal? And most important of all, who brought about her end? The Verdel play, written not long after the event itself, was the most popular, but the Empress' final days never ceased being a source of fascination. It had been a novelty to Tetrine, once.(click:"novelty")[ Auros, though no less tempted by heresy than any other of the twelve city-states, had had strict censorship laws concerning criticism or portrayal of the Empress until well after Tetrine had left to Asher for school. The thought of the Empress and her spirit still stirred fear in her heart, a supersition she had never fully been able to shake.] Tetrine [[waved the thought away->Tetrine shivered]].

//Rosemary// “Trina! I didn’t know where you were.” //Tetrine// “I've been upstairs a while. Did you see anyone else here today? A woman—she stood out, you would have noticed right away—” //Rosemary// “I’ve only seen one patron today, but I have a confession—” //Tetrine// “Oh?” //Rosemary// “I came in late. I’m so excited. It’s a production of [[Mara Seita]].” That dream, that one about the Empress—[[Tetrine shivered]] at the thought.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/startled.jpg"></div>

//Rosemary// “What’s wrong? It’s exciting, isn’t it?” Rosemary paused. //Rosemary// “Don’t worry, Trina, if the Empress’s restless spirit were going to strike us dead, it would have happened long before <i>this</i> play.” //Tetrine// “Oh, no, it’s not that. I’m sorry, I’ve just been having these awful dreams and… Never mind. Khepera’s version, I take it?” //Rosemary// “Verdel. But hon, you don’t look so good. You’re a little too pale; I hope you're eating. At least at the boarding house we had three meals a day. I still say you should move back in with me. I don’t have a new roommate yet.” Tetrine said nothing. She wondered [[who->Rosemary's Role]] her friend would play. She could not fit the image of Rosemary very well with either the Empress or her Shadow. But that dream.... best to just [[wish Rosemary luck]] and be done with it.(set: $saw_march to false)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I’m fine, Rosie. Who will you play?” She could not match the image of her cheerful friend with the cool elegance of the Empress, nor with the deadly Kialee. //Rsoemary// “I think they liked my audition for Kialee. I couldn’t muster up the Empress’ sense of presence. You know, [[all haughty and cold->wish Rosemary luck]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/smiling1.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

(if: (count: (history:), "Rosemary's Role") is 0 and (count: (history:), "kill chickens") is 0 and (count: (history:), "gods’ days of the week") is 0)[Tetrine pushed away the image from her dream with a shudder. She tried to speak, but words stuck to her tongue like bitter molasses. //Tetrine// “March’s luck to you.”(click:"March’s")[ //Rosemary// “You always know the [[gods’ days of the week]]. I forget. They don’t care so much in Cales.” //Tetrine// “They made us pray in school growing up—in the old way.” //Rosemary// “Ew. Doesn’t that mean you had to [[kill chickens]]?” Rosemary waved, as if to dismiss that thought.] ]//Rosemary// “Anyway, Mr. Harus is producing it. You know, that fellow who owns all those papers, and that shabby theater down in Aura Prefecture?” //Tetrine// “Mm.” //Rosemary// “You’re not paying attention.” //[[Man's Voice]]// “Got a moment, Miss Reish?”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/neutral.jpg"></div>

She turned toward the sound of the voice. She did not recognize the man at all. //Rosemary// “It’s all right, Trina. I’ve got things to do.” //Tetrine// “Oh, but—” //Let it be about an ordinary book,// she thought fervently. Rosemary smiled and left. A shabbily dressed young man stood there. His clothes looked a little worn, a little ill-fitting. (click:"a little ill-fitting")[In short, he should have been unremarkable.] * [[Stay alert.]] * [[He seems all right.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

//Seven gods and four, seven gods and four.// //Four for all the seasons, seven for all the weeks.// //Seven gods and four, there shall be a feast.// Lunam, March, Turms, Jove, Victrix, Celi and Solis for the days. January, Apru, Julia, and October for the months. And one more, to make twelve for each of the twelve city-states, but that one was nameless. Of course Tetrine knew them by heart. [[She sighed.->wish Rosemary luck]](set:$saw_march to true)

Tetrine hadn't. Rosemary was probably confusing Aurean traditions with that of the North. But she didn't [[feel like explaining->wish Rosemary luck]] that to Rosemary.(set:$saw_march to true)

(set: $jul_point +=1, $picture_seen to false)He motioned to the stairs. //Tetrine// “Are you looking for a book?” //Man// “Your friend is listening.” //Tetrine// “Do you have something to hide?” //Man// “Not me—Miss Reish. Care to share your secrets with the world?” Dread hit Tetrine like ice-water. She turned [[toward the stairs]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/3_smiling.jpg"></div>

(set: $tet_meek +=1, $tet_kind +=1)He indicated the stairs and she followed. //Tetrine// “Do I know you?”(if: $seconddream is true)[ The words sat strangely on her tongue, as if she had spoken them recently.] //Julius// “Julius Reini. Private eye.” //Tetrine// “Reini—that’s an Aurean name, isn’t it?” //Julius// “That was my mother. You’ve got the accent, though.” //Tetrine// “My family was originally from Asher, actually.” //Julius// “Fancy that. Say—can you tell me if you’ve met this woman?” The man held up [[a picture->a picture 2]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/3_smiling.jpg"></div>

(if: $picture_seen is false)[//Tetrine// “What is this about?” //Man// “Miss Reish—” //Tetrine// “I <i>don’t</i> believe we’ve met.” //Man// “Julius Reini. Private eye.” //Tetrine// “You can’t be serious.” //Julius// “Yeah, well, we can’t all be librarians. ...(click-replace:"...")[How well do you know this woman?” He pulled [[a picture]] from his pocket.]](else:)[He waited, then, after a moment, put the picture back in his pocket. He offered her a satisfied smirk. //Tetrine// “Mr. Reini—that’s an Aurean name, isn’t it?” //Julius// “Stalling, Miss Reish? If I didn’t know better, I might think you’re buying time for a lie.” * [[Tell him about the woman.]] * [[Tell him nothing]]—he’s not trustworthy. ]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_smiling1_down.jpg"></div>

It was undeniably the woman from before—down to the cocky pose. But the style of dress and photograph made her think the picture had been taken at least twenty years before. [[It couldn't be.->toward the stairs]](set:$picture_seen to true)

(set: $tet_kind +=1, $jul_point +=1)//Tetrine// “I don’t know her well at all. She came in for a book that didn’t belong to the library. It was all very strange.” //Julius// “Which one?” //Tetrine// “I don’t know—it wasn’t one of ours, Mr. Reini.” //Julius// “Thanks. [[So long, then]]—Miss Reish.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_smirking.jpg"></div>

(set: $jul_point -=1, $tet_strong+=1)//Tetrine// “I’ve never seen her.” //Julius// “Mentioned her to your friend there. Hard not to notice that one, remember?” //Tetrine// “This is Asher’s largest public library, Mr. Reini. I help quite a few people.” //Julius// “Julius is fine. Look, all I want to know is what she wanted.” //Tetrine// “A book. What else would one want in a library?” //Julius// “Cute. Going to be more specific than that?” //Tetrine// “I didn’t pry into her business, Mr. Reini.” //Julius// “Uh-huh. [[So long, then]]—Miss Reish.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_smirking.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “You said you knew a secret. What secret?” //Julius// “Celi’s Hell, Miss. Everyone’s got something. Saying it got you up here, didn’t it?” He touched the brim of his hat in mocking goodbye, [[and left]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_smiling2_down.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// (if: $beau_ch is "a")[“Don't be silly.”](elseif: $beau_ch is "b")[“Is that what it looks like?”](else:)[“He wanted to ask about an obscure title. You know those intellectual types. A little shy.”] //Rosemary// “(if: $beau_ch is "a" or "b")[I was only teasing—he’s far too shabby for you. I just thought I might try cheering you up. Was it bad news or something? Are you selling Empress’ Mercy under the table? You have to admit he looks the sort.](else:)[He looked more like the selling-Empress'-Mercy under the table sort of shabby rather than I-never-leave-the-library sort of shabby, if you know what I mean. I hope you're not taking up with ne'er-do-wells. You must know I worry about you.]” //Tetrine// “Se’en gods, no.” (if: $tet_strong is >2)[//Rosemary// “I mean, your brother used to do that sort of thing.” Tetrine fought with the urge to take offense. Finally, she sighed. //Tetrine// “I never did.”](else:)[//Rosemary// “You look so pale. Are you all right?”] Tetrine felt another wave of fatigue(if: $tet_strong is >2)[, as if Rosemary's words had conjured it.](else:)[.] //Tetrine// “Right now, all I want to do is sleep without dreams.” //Rosemary// “Maybe you should go home and nap.” //Tetrine// “I don’t think Miss Nora would approve.” //Rosemary// “No, but I owe you—I’ve had a lot of auditions this month. I figure I should pay you back a little //before// I quit this job. Think—this time next year I could be performing all around the city-states. If it works out, and it’s not a promise, not by a long way, but if it is, then now’s my chance to repay you.” (if: $tet_strong is >2)[ //Tetrine// “Thank you.” //Rosemary// “Of course, Trina. I try to be a good friend.”](else:)[ //Tetrine// “You’ll be fine.” //Rosemary// “Thanks—every artist needs a friend who believes in them, even if they amount to nothing. So go home, Trina.” (if: $beau_ch is "a" or "b")[ //Tetrine// “Rosie?” //Rosemary// “Hm?” Tetrine decided to shrug off the comment about Empress' Mercy. She had to admit that she probably appeared to be acting strange from Rosemary's perspective. //Tetrine// “Thank you.”]] [[Tetrine left.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

#####Khepera Memorial Library. 6 o’ clock. Rosemary closed the big library doors and locked up. She passed the old monument, and stopped. What was going on for Tetrine? She hadn't seen her act so strangely since the year Tetrine moved out of the boarding house. Rosemary had thought it an affair, but— [[Voices drifted to her in the quiet]], and she realized she was not alone in the square. A prickling of fear tugged at her, and she decided to stand out of sight.<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/c_skeptical.jpg"></div>

Although faded and old, it was unmistakably the woman from before. Strange—the photograph and the woman’s clothing looked to be twenty years old or more. Yet the woman she had met could not have been more than thirty—and probably less. But Tetrine had waited too long to speak. [[She could not conceal]] that she had met this woman.

//Julius// “Right. Seems you do. Do you know what she took?” //Tetrine// “A book. It wasn’t one of ours.” //Julius// “That’s all?” //All that I’m willing to tell you,// she thought. [[Speaking of…->So long, then]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/3_smiling.jpg"></div>

#####Wednesday noon. Monument Square. After a dreamless night and no sight of either woman or private detective—if he was a private detective—Tetrine was willing to believe that things might be returning to normal at the library. It was a sunny day, and Tetrine took that as another good omen. She decided to eat her lunch out at the square. Bundled up and in the direct sun, the cold air was almost pleasant. She let her gaze wander the barren landscape; leafless trees ensured that she could just see her old boarding house from here. She thought it looked old and ominous—old bricks and old Nell marks graced its foundation, winking even in the noon light.(click:"its foundation")[ She was thankful that her current apartment was too new to have a warded foundation—she did not need a daily reminder of her curse. Come to think of it, the lack of wards on her apartment was one of the reasons it was so cheap.] //[[Woman's]] Voice// “So she’s the one, is she?”

Tetrine jumped at the intrusion on her thoughts and turned to face the speaker. //Speakers//, she amended. //Julius// “Yeah.” //Tetrine// “Oh, it’s you.” //Woman// “Plus a pal. Tell ’er I'm your associate.” The woman dragged out the word associate and finished it with hard //t//. //Tetrine// “And you are another detective?” Asher had a small number of female officers, she supposed. //Julius// “Yeah, yeah. This is my associate—Miss Aya Gavial.” He gestured in the woman's general direction. The woman, Aya, Tetrine supposed, [[scowled at him]] in return.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_smiling1_down.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/1_smirk.jpg"></div>

//Aya// “Celi’s <i>Bones</i>, Boss. Want to tell her my birth date, too?” //Julius// “So it is your real name.” //Aya// “Shove it, Jules.” //Tetrine// “Is this about that woman? I’m sorry to disappoint you again, but I’ve only seen her twice.” //Aya// “But what <i>kind</i> of book she wanted is what I want to know.” //Julius// “Miss Reish sees marks. Pretty sure, anyhow.” //Aya// “How do you figure?” //Julius// “The other one showed her a page of ‘em. <i>She</i> seemed pretty convinced.” //Aya// “Aw, I knew you were a catch, Jules. Man after my own heart. We got one. Our own scrivener...(click-replace:"...")[. Good work.”(if: $jul_point > 1)[ //Tetrine// “I knew you weren’t a real detective.” The woman snickered. //Aya// “And she’s bright, too.] Julius shrugged. //Aya// “So what do you say—care for a joyride, dollface?” * [[Agree and watch for an opportunity.]] * [[Get out of there //now//.->Get out of there now]] * [[Call for help.]] ]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/2_angry_down.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_smiling1_down.jpg"></div>

(set:$tet_meek +=1, $shadow_point +=1)Tetrine’s spirit sank. There was no point. //Tetrine// “What do you want with me?” //Aya// “I figure you owe us a favor. You know, for helping out our enemy and all.” //Julius// “Give her a break, Aya. She doesn’t know the demon.” //Aya// “You’re just gullible, hon.” //Julius// “Nah, she isn’t lying about that. I saw enough to know.” //Aya// “Never going to get rid of that country softness, are ya, Jules? //Julius// “[[Come on]], Miss Reish. It won’t be a long trip.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/1_surprisedsmile_down.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_neutral.jpg"></div>

Tetrine ran. But Julius caught her—so easily that Tetrine was stunned for a moment into stillness. //Julius// “Aya?” //Aya// “Well, hold her, dummy.” //Julius// “We won’t hurt you. Just help us out, all right?” //Tetrine// “Help you? Don’t be ridiculous—and let me go!” To her surprise, Julius did. But there was a tension in his stance that told Tetrine that he would catch her again if necessary. //Aya// “Ugh. Sometimes you make me wanna hurl, Jules.” //Julius// “I think maybe you made this harder than this had to be by threatening her from the start.” //Aya// “Tch.” //Julius// “[[Come on]], then, Miss Reish.”

Tetrine began to cry out—(click:"cry out—")[and was cut off by a terrific blow. She crumpled to the ground—(click:"ground—")[and it was all she could do to catch her breath. It was all she could do to //try//. She gulped in air—(click:"air—")[ //Julius// “Aya—wait.” And Aya hit her again, using her foot this time. The blow connected with Tetrine’s ribs—and Tetrine curled in on herself. Tears stung her eyes. //Julius// “Aya, what in two Hells—” //Aya// “She’s fine. Can’t scream without breath, [[you know. ...]] ]]]

//Julius// “Aya, look. Kidnapping—it’s something else again.” //Aya// “Dry up, Jules. We’ll never get another chance to bust the palace. Scriveners don’t grow on trees. So no chickening out on me, got that? Or by Celi’s <i>Hell</i>, I swear—(click: "I swear—")[” //Julius// “You could have at least offered to pay her.” //Aya//a “Sure—we’ll pay you when we get back with our new hoard, toots. How would you like that?” Aya twisted Tetrine’s arm behind her back—(click-replace:"her back—")[her back, then yanked for good measure. Tetrine cried out at the sudden pain. //Julius// “Whoa, Aya. You losing your mind?” //Aya// “She’s a scrivener. I don’t know what tricks she's got.” Aya led the way, half-dragging Tetrine along after. Julius trailed them. Tetrine wondered if his bout of conscience would [[offer an opening]].]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/2_angrysmile.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/3_surprised.jpg"></div>

But no opening presented itself—Aya didn’t leave them alone together for one moment. Then they were in a strange car, and Aya was sliding in beside her. //Aya// “Just making sure you’re comfy-cozy, dollface.” //Tetrine// “I don’t understand what you need me for.” //Julius// “There’s an old palace ruin just out of town. Full of marks only you can see—so Aya says.” //Aya// “So Aya //knows//, Jules. Aren’t you tired of disbelieving me yet? ... (click-replace:"...")[But that’s mostly right. You’re special, toots. Ain’t you lucky?” //Tetrine// “Turms help me.” //Aya// “The gods ain’t listening. [[Come on->into the ruins]], princess.”]

A hundred years of neglect had not treated the palace well. And that was after much of it had been burned and buried following the Empress’ death.(click:"burned and buried")[ But the palace was made of stone, and some of the entrances were old enough to have been carved from the very bedrock. This looked like one such entrance.] Tetrine eyed the old door dubiously, then studied the sign [[nailed to its center]].

The way down into the ruins was dark and narrow. The heady smell of mold and earth closed in around Tetrine. As they drew deeper into the tunnel, the blackness became near total. Tetrine could hear Aya fumble with the [[lamp’s dim light]].

—and the vision threatened to [[consume her]].

set: $tet_meek to 4 (set: $tet_strong to 4) [[Empress’ ghost rose up]]

Some time passed, then Aya broke the silence. //Aya// “Saw those festivals in Auros, once. Lots of people [[cryin’ and lighting candles.]]” Tetrine [[ignored her->Further into the Ruins]].

They came to a hall like all the others, except Tetrine suddenly realized her use to Aya and Julius. They'd come upon a door, crowded around with [[Nell marks->Through the Door]]. //They probably can't see it. But I can.// Tetrine marvelled for a moment. The marks drew her, //sung// to her. Then she tore her gaze away. But she could not shake the sensation that they were pulling her.

Tetrine followed Aya into a long hallway. The walls were painted a bold red. Delicate decorative designs tracked the walls, bordering the many paintings. At the end of the hall, a faint blue light emanated from the far door—which stood a little ajar. (click-replace:"faint")[familiar](click:"little ajar")[ And again, Tetrine recalled her dream. //Tetrine// “I don't want to go back there.” <i>That would be wise.</i> Tetrine paused, unnerved. Had that been her own thought? The voice felt familiar, but it was not her own.] * [[“I can feel the magic.”]] * Say nothing, but [[observe them.]](set:$outforblood to false)

//Tetrine// “I can feel it. It’s like a hum that goes right through me. It’s so strong I—” //Aya// “It's just the magic keeping everything running. Took a helluva lot of dead scriveners to keep this place going in its day. Think we got to worry about traps, Jules?” //Julius// “I don't think so. It isn't a tomb. Or anyhow, not a formal one.” //Aya// “Right. They took the bodies out, didn’t they? Must’ve.” //Tetrine// “Not all of them. This is probably her final resting place.” Judging on her dreams. Or perhaps this was only the site of her death. //That// she hadn't thought of before. //Aya// “Come on. You don’t think they paraded ol’ Mara Seita’s corpse around after they finally got her? That’s the kind of nasty thing people do to tyrants, when the bloodlust is high. Bet you never heard of the //baronies// in Cales, huh? Maybe they strung her up—” //Tetrine// “I’ve read my history. They buried her somewhere in the palace.” //Aya// “Squeamish, are we? Like you wouldn't have been out for blood had it been you in that crowd, Miss High ’n Mighty.”(set:$outforblood to true) //Julius// “No one knows where she is buried.” //Aya// “But think of the dough we could make if we found <i>that</i>, huh, Jules?” Aya led the way to open door at the end of the hall. Tetrine [[watched->observe them.]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/1_smirk.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_neutral.jpg"></div>

As they neared the chamber, Tetrine slowed her steps. Her captors didn't notice her reluctance—so eager they were for whatever reward they imagined lay beyond that door. Julius paused to touch a miniature on the wall—(click:"miniature")[but when it did not come easily away he dropped his hand.] Then he followed Aya into the lit chamber.(click:"lit chamber")[ A <i>lit chamber</i>. After so much time had passed, how could there be lights? Unless they were fueled by Nell magic, she supposed. Still, the presence of lights unnerved her.] She hoped—spitefully—that there were traps for her captors. (if:$outforblood is true)[At that thought, Aya’s comment about being just as bloodthirsty as anybody else rose to mind. No, Tetrine didn’t care what happened to them.] She turned to go— But froze at the sight of the strange woman from the library, who pressed a hand to Tetrine’s mouth, effectively muffling Tetrine’s [[cry of surprise]].

//Tetrine// “Mmou!” //Woman// “You know, I find arrogance to be the most common and widely-accepted poison of choice.” Tetrine jumped backwards and nearly struck the wall. The woman made no further move to touch her. //Tetrine// “What are you talking about? Just who <i>are</i> you?” //Woman// “If I told you, I'd have to eat you.” Then the woman shrugged and added— //Woman// “I am Kalevel Venhera.” //Tetrine// “Didn't you—” //Woman// “No, somebody else killed the Empress. But the Knight was certain I would take up her mantle if he could prove how the people <i>loved</i> me. And so history has given me the credit. Are you afraid now?” (if: $tet_strong > $tet_meek and $tet_strong > $tet_kind)[//Tetrine// “Not really. I always thought of you as a hero... like the pirate queen, Oona Brune.” But the woman was intent on what lay beyond the door.](else:)[Tetrine bit her lip and said nothing.] //Kalevel// “It won't be long now. They are nearly past the threshold. Come look and tell me what you see, dove.” //Tetrine// “Is it different from what someone else would see?” //Kalevel// “I only know two others who can see as you do—one is a liar, the other a beast.” Tetrine inched forward and [[peered through the door]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking.jpg"></div>

She fully expected to see the vision from her dream, but was greeted instead by a somewhat different scene: The [[pale Empress]] lay crumpled in the folds of her robes. A circle of Nell marks surrounded her, even making their way up onto the walls. A ghost. Tetrine knew ghosts.(click: "knew ghosts.")[ Great Gran Hailie had only haunted her childhood home for as far back as anyone could remember. Then her mother's ghost had joined that of Great Gran Hailie's. And hadn't that been why Tetrine had left Auros in the first place? Well, there were countless reasons.]

(set: $kal_point +=1)//Tetrine// “In truth, I am more relieved to know that demons exist than to merely worry that they do.” //Kalevel// “Is that so? Ah, but you are Aurean.” //Tetrine// “I don’t see how that makes such a difference.” //Kalevel// “No offense intended, dove. It’s that the people of Asher don’t even worry. They just don't believe. Wouldn't unless it were about to kill them.” Kalevel [[turned to face the room.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/neutral.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I don't think you are toying with me. Still, I am not sure I can believe in demons and mythical heroes.” //Kalevel// “Cute, dove. Now allow me to assure you—I don't need <i>you</i> to believe in me.” Kalevel [[turned to face the room.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking2.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine//(set: $shadow_point +=1) “I don't see what <i>choice</i> I have. It's pretty plain that you are who you say you are.” //Kalevel// “If you fight reality, dearheart, it will surely bite you.” //Tetrine// “I wasn’t—” Kalevel [[turned to face the room.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking2.jpg"></div>

//Kalevel// “Now hush. It's about to start.” //Tetrine// “Is that her? Is that truly the Empress?” //Kalevel// “Only what was left behind. A little ghost-print on the world, mindless and mad—(click:"mad—")[but I said <i>hush</i>.” Aya set her lamp down and picked up something from the debris on the floor in the Empress' chamber. Neither seemed to notice the Empress lying in her dusty bed on the far side of the room. //Aya// “I didn't know these were real. Lookee here—a bona-fide jinni bottle. What do you say—the real deal or an Aeserian copy?” //Julius// “I thought you could tell.” //Aya// “Just testin' to see if you've been listening to me all these years. Definitely a copy, but the real kind if you know what I mean. Say—reckon there's really something init?” //Julius// “I doubt it. Even if it wasn't imported, it should be worth something if the original seal is there.” //Aya// “Looks like the original seal to me. Remember my uncle?” //Julius// “You’ve got a couple.” //Aya// “I mean the one who runs the old speakeasy in Tyrix Prefecture. I bet he could find a swell buyer.” Beside Tetrine, [[Kalevel smirked]].]

//Kalevel// “Now, unlike our dearly departed Empress, her Shadow is real.” //Now// Tetrine saw the Shadow, standing as if she had been there all along. Tetrine felt a chill through her coat, to her skin. //Tetrine// “Where did she come from?” //Kalevel// “She is always there. It's one of her tricks, hiding in plan sight. Things should get interesting in a moment. Unless she has other plans today.” Aya stood just in front of the Shadow, and peered into the darkness behind the drapes. //Aya// “Hey, what's that?” Julius came up behind her. //Julius// “Seeing things, Aya? Not like you to be afraid of shadows.” //Aya// “Uhm, Jules. Something is //strange// right here. Do you see this?” //Julius// “Blight it. The lamp. It's a trick of the light.” //Aya// “That why you got the piece out? Se'en gods, Jules. You're jumpier [[than I—]]”

//Kalevel// “You mortals forget your stories so easily. The Shadow cannot cross the circle in which she is bound.” //Tetrine// “Aya—get out of the—” //Kalevel// “You want to <i>rescue</i> them after what they did to you? Have you lost your mind, dove? Did you ever have a mind to lose? Your conscience is not worth the trouble they are to me—nor to you, if you gave it half a thought!” Tetrine turned away from the scene just as the Empress' Shadow seized Aya. //Kalevel// “[[Get out of here]]. Her other shadow demons might come after dark, and you don’t have much time.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_horrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/irritated.jpg"></div>

Tetrine didn't wait, but stumbled through the earthy darkness of the ruins by [[light of Nell Marks alone]].

A motorcar with a crank. She’d heard of people who’d broken an arm while trying to operate one. Now did not seem like the right time to learn how to drive. But she decided to look through the compartments for anything useful. (click:"compartments")[ She found a metal flask.(click-replace:"metal flask.")[metal flask full of—and she supposed she shouldn't be surprised—alcohol. (click:"alcohol.")[ Centuries of blight and Imperial Prohibition had rendered all but the most expensive liquors unpalatable, and one never knew whether one was getting a simple homemade brew or coffin varnish. She was neither desperate nor thirsty enough to risk it.]]] Then Tetrine [[turned away->light of Nell Marks alone]].(set:$car_seen to true)

//Tetrine// “Marcus? I'm sorry. You look like someone I used to know.” Wait... //Tetrine// “No, I'm sure of it. I know you.” //Marcus?// “Do you? I would be pleased if that were true. I hope you are not frightened.” //Tetrine// “No—I—(click:"I—")[perhaps I should be.” But it was as if his very presence smothered her fear. //Tetrine// “You <i>are</i> Marcus, then. I know your face but I can't think of the context in which we’ve met. I’m very sorry.” //Marcus// “I have told you my name.” The words came to her then.(click-replace:"The words came to her then.")[//My name is Markaius, but that is not the name you knew me by.//] //Tetrine// “Oh! You are going to find this very strange and silly, but I think I know you from a dream.” //Markaius?// “There is not much that I find strange, my dear.” He didn't recognize her. For some strange reason, she could not keep the disappointment from her voice. //Tetrine// “Kalevel said something about you.” //Tetrine// “So you are the Empress' Knight. You must look familiar because I've seen your face on a statue or a painting somewhere.” //Marcus? Markaius?// “I've been told I have that sort of face. A familiar one.” There was laughter in his voice, but she thought it was a sad kind of laughter. “I'm sorry. I've—(click:"I've—")[I don't know what to say. I've never met a demon before.” //Markaius// “We are not very different—older and sometimes, but not always, wiser, and certainly a thousand times more apathetic. Only—do not look us in the eyes if you can help it.” The moment he said it, her gaze flickered to his. His eyes were a brilliant, unnatural blue, and there was an undeniable twinkle. //Markaius// “You know, [[you do not seem afraid]] at all.”]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/3_smile.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

The man looked so familiar. She couldn't place him, but she felt an odd mixture of unease and longing. //Man// “I did not mean to startle you.” //Tetrine// “Who are you?” //Marcus// “I am Marcus Nathum—some of the time.” //Tetrine// “Some of... I don't have the presence of mind to tell whether or not you are joking.” //Marcus?// “I was hoping—but never mind. In truth, I am Markaius.” //Tetrine// “Markaius. Then you are...” //Markaius// “The Empress' Knight. A misleading term, I assure you. But Aeser is such a small world, isn't it? Ah—(click-replace:"Ah—")[Ah, but here you stand at the center of that 'small world'. Asher is the very heart of Aeser—it is all that the Empress ever hoped for and loved.” He paused. //Markaius// “It began here, and it ended here, on this very soil.” //Tetrine// “So you're another demon. Are there so many of you?” //Markaius// “More than anywhere else. As I said—Asher is the heart of the world.” He studied her face. //Markaius// “Pray do not mistake my meaning, but I [[expected you to fear me->you do not seem afraid]]. I am pleased you do not.”]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/3_smile.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

(set: $seconddream to true) [[Get out of here]]

//Tetrine// “I'm afraid appearances are misleading. I plan to faint the moment I arrive home.” //Markaius// “I find it heartening that you are managing your fear a little better, Tetrine.” (if: $seconddream is true)[Tetrine bristled at the comment. As if he //knew// her. //Tetrine// “Have we met? Because I don't think I know you.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “I //do// know you, don't I?” He hesitated. Then he spoke, taking apparent care with each word.] //Markaius// “Kalevel asked for my assistance in this matter.” //Tetrine// “I see. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a very long walk.” //Markaius// “It is safe enough to linger. The Shadow cannot leave her tomb, and her children will not rise until it is quite dark.” Her children? Were there other demons beneath the palace? Tetrine shivered. //Tetrine// “What if you're wrong?” //Markaius// “I set the wards around Kialee myself. And you must know that shadow demon invariably find daylight intolerable.”(click:"you're wrong")[ //Tetrine// “But if you're wrong?” //Markaius// “//If// I were wrong—they would rip you to pieces if they could, and Kialee would curse them for it later, when she learned what was lost.”] Tetrine hastened to change the subject. //Tetrine// “Does the daylight bother you?” //Markaius// “Do not fret. I am no shadow demon to be ruled by hunger alone.” That shouldn't have been reassuring—he <i>was</i> a demon—but she found she was nevertheless reassured. * [[“Go away. I have to walk home.”]] * [[“Will Kalevel be all right?”]] * [[“I feel as if I've met you before.”]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_smile.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point -=1)//Tetrine// “Well, it was very nice to meet you, but it’s a long way to town. And I don’t need an escort.” //Markaius// “You would walk rather than accept my help?” Tetrine thought for a moment. //Tetrine// “Yes.” //Markaius// “I wonder what you will do if they rise early.” //Tetrine// “You //said// it was safe.” //Markaius// “It will take you two, perhaps three hours to walk to Asher from here. It could be longer. And I am a poor judge of these things.” [[Tetrine hesitated->Woods]].<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

(set: $kal_point +=1)//Tetrine// “Will Kalevel be all right? I left her back there.” //Markaius// “The Shadow’s children have more to fear from Kalevel than she does them. But she is bored, these days. I think she will give them a sporting chance to amuse herself. A pity there is a factor she is neglecting to account for.” Tetrine tried to pick apart his meaning. He had a way with words that was almost a dance. //Tetrine// “So—she’ll be fine?” //Markaius// “Oh, yes.” [[Tetrine hesitated.->Woods]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point +=1)//Tetrie// “I am so sure I’ve met you before. Only I can’t say where.” //Markaius// “It grieves me, but I cannot tell you.” //Tetrine// “Why not?” //Markaius// “One must respect the freedom of the will, the spirit. Too much force, and something breaks. And then we have something a little like Kialee.” //Tetrine// “But—all I wanted to know was where I’d met you before.” [[Tetrine hesitated.->Woods]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_smile.jpg"></div>

//Markaius// “Walk a little ways with me.” Tetrine followed. The woods seemed cheerful at this time of day, and she noticed that the snow had largely melted off. Weather in Asher was funny like that sometimes. Part of her—and it was silly, wasn't it, after all she'd gone through—wanted to enjoy the quiet and the crisp air, and the picture of yellow and orange leaves still clinging to their colors, but when she tried to forget her troubles she found she could not shake [[one burning question]].

(set: $mark_point -=1)//Tetrine// “I think you’ve done a little more harm than good. I can’t think of any reason you wouldn’t just give Kalevel her book—instead you sent her to me on purpose.” (display:"Answers?")<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_irritated.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “It’s her fault, really. She must have known that Julius was following her.” //Markaius// “I’m sure she did—but in her defense, I do not think it occurred to her that they would target you. It is our blindness—the older we become, the more we see mortal concerns as frivolous. And Kalevel is about that age.” //Tetrine// “I don’t think ‘I am an immortal demon’ is a very good excuse.” (display:"Answers?")<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_skeptical.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Fine. More than one factor got me to where I am. And there’s no point in blaming anyone. Well—maybe Aya and Julius. But even that won’t get me somewhere. I must focus on what I do now.” (display:"Answers?")<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_weary.jpg"></div>

(Display: "Wasting Time") //Tetrine// “No, I think I had better go.” //Markaius// “You will not accept my help.” Did she detect disappointment? Anger? She could not say. //Tetrine// “You’re surprised? I’m sorry. But I hardly know you.” //And I don’t trust you.// //Markaius// “It is a very long walk to Asher.” //Tetrine// “I’ll take that risk, thank you all the same.” Tetrine started [[down the road]].<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_irritated.jpg"></div>

(if: $answers is 4)[(goto:"“That’s all I wanted to know.”")](if: $answers is 0)[(Display: "Wasting Time")](else:)[(either: "The forest was silent but for the occasional night bird or chirping cricket.", "Tetrine found she could not bring herself to meet Markaius' eyes for very long.","The man, Markaius, seemed at home in the woods. Why not? she supposed. He was a demon and had nothing to fear.", "An owl hooted. Tetrine looked up, more from reflex than any real hope of seeing the bird. It seemed early for owls.")] * [[“Why was Julius following Kalevel?”]] * [[“Who was the Immortal Empress?”]] * [[“Why do some demons have black eyes?”]] * [[“Why me?”]] * [[“That’s all I wanted to know.”]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

//Markaius// (either: "“Perhaps I may offer you some answers.”","“Would you like some answers?”","“Perhaps I can help. You must have questions.”") * (if: $mark_point <= 0)[(link-goto: "“I’m going home.”", "Going home")](else:)[“I’m going home.”] * (if: $mark_point > 0)[(link-goto: "“Yes.”", "Answers")](else:)[“Yes.”]

(if: $tet_strong > $tet_meek and $tet_strong > $tet_kind)[//Tetrine// “I feel like we are wasting time. I don’t feel up for another encounter with shadow demons.” The words seemed to quiver on her lips, but she ignored her fear.](else:)[//Tetrine// “I feel like we are wasting time. I don’t want to see more of those—things.” //Shadow demons//, but somehow she couldn’t say the words aloud.] //Markaius// “You are safe with me. And if we wait until nightfall, my use of the Nell will not drain me so severely.”

//What will I do when the sun finally sets?// By the time she got back to the city, it would be well past curfew. The buses would no longer be running and she didn’t have enough money for a taxi.(click:"money")[ Any money all, she corrected herself, after checking her pockets.] The last mile through the woods lay in darkness, and she dared not run. She saw the occasional marker, aglow with Nell marks. The moon lit her way through a mercifully sparse canopy. Even though she hurried, it was well past dark when she [[saw the first buildings]] through the woods.

#####3120 E. Danaus Street. Tetrine's Apartment. The heel of her right boot broke almost the moment she stepped onto her street. Too weary to remove it, she limped the rest of the way to her door. She [[fell asleep->Asher Post]] as soon as she collapsed on her couch. Her bedroom felt as if it lay not a few paces, but another ten or twenty miles away.

Sunday, December 3. 1320 years after the Empress and her Knight made the World. * [[Scylla Street Nightly Slayings]] * [[The Maiden Clara Departs for the Other World]] * [[Local Production of Mara Seita Well-Received]] * [[Today in the City-States]] * [[Weather]] * [[Done.]](set: $killers_article to false)

(set: $answers +=1)//Tetrine// “Julius was following Kalevel—that’s how he found out about me. Why?” //Markaius// “They are treasure hunters. Who might accrue treasures?” //Tetrine// “So they follow demons. Did they follow you?” //Markaius// “Little did they dare.” //Tetrine// “That’s funny. I find Kalevel more frightening than you.” //Markaius// “They knew that Kalevel could not vanish into thin air—and that she would hesitate before hurting a mortal.” //Tetrine// “You wouldn’t?” //Markaius// “Ah, but I am fair—Aya survived her lesson with me.” Tetrine hastily [[sought another topic->Answers]].<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_smiling.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_skeptical.jpg"></div>

(set: $answers +=1)//Tetrine// “So who <i>was</i> the Immortal Empress? Was she a demon, too?” //Markaius// “Ah. Mara was a woman of great vision—for a time. Then she made a shell of this world, and ceased to change—worse, she would not allow any change in the end.” //Tetrine// “Is that why you betrayed her?” //Markaius// “She trapped me in a bargain, once. Its terms had become intolerable, where once they had amused.” //Tetrine// “A bargain?” //Markaius// “One can bind a demon with his name.”(click:"name")[ //Tetrine// “I’ve heard that. It’s in all the old stories. But is it that only a demon who can bind another demon?” //Markaius// “Oh, mortals can enter into bargains, and often do.”] //Tetrine// [[“I see.”->Answers]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div>

(set: $answers +=1)//Tetrine// “Why do some demons have whiteless black eyes, like Kialee?” //Markaius// “That is the mark of a shadow demon—Mara Seita’s cursed line.” //Tetrine// “But she has normal eyes. I think they’re blue.” //Markaius// “Interesting. Then you have seen her recently.” //Tetrine// “I see her in my dreams—and just before, in the ruins, although her eyes were closed.” //Markaius// “Mara killed her father, for demons were born and not made once, and with his dying breath he laid a curse on her blood.”(click:"on her blood")[ //Tetrine// “Her blood?” //Markaius// “She wasn’t aware—not at first. It was many centuries before the curse took full effect. But by the time we had built Aeser together, and formed the court, her children began to lose themselves to a mindless hunger upon their making.” //Markaius// “I was able to aid her—a little, but in the end all I could do was temper the curse’s full effects.” //Tetrine// “I almost feel sorry for Kialee.” //Markaius// “Kialee is worse off than most. The Empress took her mind when she proved difficult to control.” //Tetrine// “That’s awful.”] She shied [[away from further->Answers]] conversation down that line.<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid2.jpg"></div>

(set: $answers +=1)//Tetrine// “Why me? Why did this happen to me?” //Markaius// “You can work Nell magic.” //Tetrine// “But you sent Kalevel to me. Aren’t there others like me?” //Markaius// “They are rare. The Empress kept a small stable of families for her purposes, but the others—(click:"others—")[she sent her shadow demons out to find and take them.” //Tetrine// “I—I see. Why?” //Markaius// “Mortals who could see the Nell aided us in making the walls that keep Aeser from dissolving away into the other world. Do you not think they could also unmake all that work?” //Tetrine// “I wouldn’t do that. They wouldn’t, either. This is our home, too.” //Markaius// “I am merely elucidating the Empress’ fears on the matter.” //Tetrine// “Of course you are.” <i>But you are not telling the whole story,</i> she thought.] //Tetrine// [[“Hmm…”->Answers]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_smiling.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_weary.jpg"></div>

Night would fall soon. (set: $answers +=1)//Tetrine// “I guess that’s all.” //Markaius// “Very well. It's time to go.” He offered her his arm. She hesitated, but decided to humor him. And then it was as if all the colors—the yellow leaves, the dead brown grass—in the world blurred together, and she heard the [[tinkling of bells->tinkling bells—]]—<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_smiling.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_skeptical.jpg"></div>

—and a golden field opened up before her. The river Nell cut through the grass, babbling gently. //Tetrine// “Are we...?” //Markaius// “Yes.” //Tetrine// “It’s so beautiful here. But the river—it’s more of a brook, isn’t it?” //Markaius// “It’s deeper than it appears. But it isn’t wise to [[linger here]].”

#####Scylla Street Square ….And then they stood in Scylla Street Square. //Markaius// “Do you know where Kalevel lives?” //Tetrine// “No.” //Markaius// “It’s the mansion on South Scylla Street. Perhaps I should show you—” //Tetrine// “Oh—Venhera House. Of course. It never occurred to me that she lived there. I thought it was only named in her honor.” //Markaius// “If you are ever in need, you must go there. Someone will be able to help you.” //Tetrine// “You live in that big old house, too?” //Markaius// “The House serves as a meeting ground for a number of us.” //Tetrine// “She really is Kalevel Venhera. So it’s all real. Demons and everything. [[… Oh.”->disappearing act]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_smiling.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

The short walk to her apartment seemed to take longer than usual. When she fell onto her couch—she [[was asleep->Asher Post]] almost as soon as her cheek rested against the upholstery.

####Scylla Street Nightly Slayings Continue City-State officials warn against night-time excursions near Scylla Street and Scylla Square. The Scylla Street killings struck again last night. The bodies were discovered by local residents this morning. Witnesses claim to have seen a tall man in a long coat and a small woman dressed in a riding outfit. None have seen their faces. Police commissioner Eligius recommends retreating to well-lighted areas after sunset, and avoiding shortcuts—the killers have been known to take advantage of dark, unlit alleys. [[Back->Asher Post]](set: $killers_article to true)

####The long-delayed //Maiden Clara// departs for the Other World. Readers everywhere have been waiting for news of the //Maiden Clara//’s voyage with bated breath. Now, the brave men and women of the //Clara// will set forth on a journey through the Dens in an effort to find the Other World. Tomorrow afternoon they begin their journey across Atlanticus. (link:"Continued on page 9.")[In May 1319, it seemed the trip was doomed to fail before it even began when protesters and Temple officials sought to cancel the voyage. High Priest Cornelius Cirrus, of the Temple and rumored member of the Cult of the Empress, is one of the most notable dissenters—he claimed in an interview that crossing the Dens would invoke the Empress’ final curse. “I am sorry that the [crew of the //Maiden Clara//] have chosen to disregard my warnings,” the High Priest told our reporters after he learned of the decision to depart. He later said that he would support the cause if he believed that only the crew members would bear the brunt of the curse’s consequences. He remains convinced that Aeser will suffer, despite evidence to the contrary. “Crossing Atlanticus in this day and age is much safer than it would have been a hundred years ago,” Mrs. Anthusa Melia said, “The Empress’s final statements were too ambiguous to judge.” Mrs. Melia, who can trace her lineage back to the famous Imperial explorer, Leonus Melia, donated considerable funds to the project.] [[Back->Asher Post]]

####Local Production of Mara Seita Well-Received Once upon a time, a destitute aristocrat and playwright named Borus Verdel penned the most lurid retelling of the Empress’ fall ever to grace the stage. This new production comes on the heels of new evidence suggesting that Verdel’s mother had, indeed, played a role in the Imperial court as he claimed. Now, the Harus Company presents this glorious tribute to the Empire’s fall, which has already been been praised by Verdel’s last living descendant, Alexander Meryson. Rosemary Deid of Asher, originally from Cales, a smart little actress who has lent her voice to a number of radio productions— —most famously to the serial drama Athusa Sharp—portrays the Empress’ Shadow in a chilling performance. [[Back->Asher Post]](set: $play_article to true)

####TODAY by S. Nat Athans. (Copyright, 1320) Rivalry between city-states is ongoing, but it reached a fever pitch this past summer over the southern railway project. What everyone want s to know is what will happen to the wheat and corn prices—but this author assures you that prices will remain stable in the coming months. (link:"Continue.")[ --- Now that the Maiden Clara is ready to depart, the real debate begins. What is left in the Other World? Did the Empress tell us the truth? Is it truly a wasteland, or do the great empires of old still lay beyond the Dens? There is one question we wonder most of all—will the crew of the Maiden Clara return alive? We have employed our greatest precautions and technological advances, but is it enough to counter the weight of fear and superstition? This humble writer intends to find out by attending the Maiden Clara Atlanticus Conference, hosted by Asher University. Scientific experts and historians gather this week to found out what will become of the first great voyage across the Dens in three hundred years. (link:"Continue.")[ --- Another frontier settlement failed to survive its first year. Tense negotiations with Western Fort led to an investigation into New Phoenicia, which was later discovered to have been abandoned. It is common for settlements build outside the walls of one of the original twelve city-states to fade away within a year or two of founding. These ghost settlements often spur unnecessary panic with tales of demon killings.]] [[Back->Asher Post]]

Fair to-day, but snow expected to-morrow and on Tuesday. Cold winds coming from the East. [[Back->Asher Post]]

#####December 4, 1320. Monday. November passed Tetrine swiftly by, and then became December. She returned to her routine as if nothing at all had happened—she saw no sign of Kalevel or Markaius, and, of course, Aya and Julius were dead.(if: $killers_article is true)[ Or so she thought.(click:"Or so she thought.")[ When she read the brief descriptions of Scylla Street killers in the paper, her heart began to race. Aya had worn riding attire, she thought. It could have been clothes designed for sports or outdoors work, but it was a distinct ensemble. It was far too much of a coincidence for her to ignore, and she took special care to avoid Scylla Street proper.]](else:)[ Although this morning she'd seen a headline in the paper that made her think of shadow demons. But she tried not to give it too much thought.] Things were [[normal at the library]]—which meant, at this time of year, that the students had deserted it in order to return home to their native city-states for the solstice.

#####Khepera Memorial Library. December 4nd, 1320 CE. Thursday. 3 o’ clock. //Rosemary// “I forgot to ask earlier—did the tincture help?” (link:"Tetrine shrugged.")[(set: $tet_kind +=1)//Tetrine// “What is it—valerian? I think it did. I didn’t dream at all last night.” //Rosemary// “Only a little valerian. It’s mostly hops.” //Tetrine// “I wondered. Valerian usually wakes me up instead of putting me to sleep.” Rosemary nodded in satisfaction, then changed the subject.] //Rosemary// “I gave Miss Nora my notice. Jove willing, she won’t have a fit. It is Jove’s day today, isn’t it?” //Tetrine// “Oh, Rosie, that's wonderful news. Are you—are you leaving soon?” //Rosemary// “It will be a few days.”(if: $play_article is true)[ //Tetrine// “I saw an article in the papers. The play was well-received. They like you.” //Rosemary// “The Asher Post, right? It’s not that big a paper.” //Tetrine// “But you’re quitting, so you must be off to a good start.”](else:)[ //Tetrine// “It'll turn out all right.”] //Rosemary// “If it doesn’t work out after the tour, I’ll continue working in radio. They’re starting up a new serial, and the producer thinks I’m right for the part. Anyway—(click:"Anyway—")[a letter came in for you. I think it’s from your brother. Didn’t you tell him your home address?” //Tetrine// “Ah—no. He’s been away.” //Rosemary// “Anyway, I put it in your box. And Trina? I’ll miss you. Let’s have lunch at Clementina’s or something before I go, all right?” (if: $tet_kind > $tet_meek and $tet_kind > $tet_strong )[//Tetrine// “Of course—and I’ll go to the showing tonight.” //Rosemary// “You’re a doll.”](elseif: $tet_meek > $tet_strong and $tet_meek > $tet_kind)[//Tetrine// “I wish they wouldn't have all the showings at night. Why not on a Saturday morning?” //Rosemary// “Sorry, Trina. But you'll go anyway, right? Just wait after for me and we can walk home.” //Tetrine// “That's... that's fine. You don't have to do that.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “I look forward to seeing it, Rosie.” //Rosemary// “And I can't wait to hear what you think.”] Rattled from news of the [[letter]] and the thought of Rosemary’s imminent departure, Tetrine moved like a sleepwalker to her box.]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/smiling1.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

The envelope bore a return address and Tetrine’s name, but no postal markings. The return address belonged to their family home in Auros. Her hands trembled on [[the envelope]]. //Rosemary// “Trina? Is something wrong?” //Tetrine// “I don’t think so. I just need some air. All these sleepless nights, you know. I’ll be right back.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

Out in the sunlight, she felt a little better. She hesitated another moment.(click-replace:"She hesitated another moment.")[Then she opened the letter:(set: $tet_meek +=1) Trin, I’ve just arrived in Asher. A mutual acquaintance of ours offered me a job a while back. Kind of like your job last month, only I had a choice in the matter. Didn’t plan to tell our friend that I had a sister—although I’m pretty sure I know how she found out. I’ll be at the Venhera House for a few days while I figure out where to live. It’s not wise to share secrets—even in my foul handwriting. See you around. - DR Tetrine frowned at the letter. //A little cryptic, aren’t we, Devne?// Her reluctance to ackowledge any reminders of her ordeal last month coupled with her fear of what Devne had done.(click:"Devne had done")[ She wasn’t sure that involving himself with demons was an improvement over rum-running in Auros. From her own experience, she knew it couldn’t be much safer. The image of the tall, sturdy Julius collapsing like an umbrella before Kialee flit through her mind. [[Not much safer at all.->That Night]]] Nevermind. She folded the letter and (link: "put it away")[(set: $tet_meek -=1)(goto: "That Night")].]

#####Later that night. Scylla Street. The street was deserted now. Rosemary loved the quiet peace of the city. And Asher was so very quiet. The scent of the air was rich with earth. Rosemary wondered if it was about to rain. Well, this was the second to last showing here. She would miss this place, the library… her friends.(click:"her friends.")[ She hadn’t seen Tetrine in the crowd at the theater, but that would be just like her friend—too shy to come up and say hello.] The last of the rush from her performance ebbed away, and now Rosemary longed only to wash off her stage makeup and sleep. Soft laughter met her ears and she wondered if it was one of the crew or the other actors, on their way to celebrate at Clementina’s. [[She turned, not yet afraid,]] almost certain that the sound came from a nearby house and not the street at all, it was so soft.

[[Then she felt the weight of predatory eyes.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/c_afraid_flipped.jpg"></div>

//Aya// “Oh, right. You were going tell us where your little friend lives, weren’t cha, Rosie-girl? It’s hard to follow someone who doesn’t go out at night, you know? It’s a real conundrum. We’re in quite a pickle, see. We’re <i>awfully</i> new to all this. But you’ll help us, won’t you?”(click:"Rosie-girl")[ The woman grinned. //Aya// “That’s fine. I know what you're thinking. ‘How do these funny characters know who I am?’ Well, toots, we know you, but that's a class-e-fied secret.” Then the woman giggled. It wasn’t a pretty sound.] //Julius// “Have to let her speak, first.” //Aya// “Yeah, yeah. In good time. Lemme have a little fun.” Rosemary tried to scream—and heard only her own soft breath in the silent dark. Too silent, she realized, because the other two [[did not breathe at all.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/c_startled_flipped.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/2_bsmug.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_bneutral.jpg"></div>

#####Khepera Memorial Library. Friday. Seven o’ clock. The dim light of Winter hastened Tetrine’s steps that morning. But she did not curse grim January, lest the god hear—the brisk morning air seemed eager to snatch such a curse from her lips and bring it to some vengeful deity’s ear.(click:"the god")[ //Victrix.// She whispered the day-god’s name instead, for luck.] When she reached for the library door, she was surprised [[to find it unlocked.]]

But the library was dark, and she saw no sign of Rosemary.(click:"no sign of Rosemary")[ <i>Rosemary.</i> Rosemary would be going away, soon. The thought interrupted her fears—for a moment.] She told herself that perhaps Rosemary had forgotten to lock up, after all. Tetrine herself had locked up so many times before that it had become an automatic task, such that she didn’t always remember having done so. The air carried with it the scent of something dark and earthy, as if someone had overturned a pot of soil. (click:"dark and earthy")[It reminded Tetrine of the palace ruins, and for a moment she would not—<i>could</i> not—move.] Then she flew to the light switches, and the harsh yellow light revealed—(click:"light switches")[nothing. Nothing at all seemed out of place. (Display:"Search Library")](set: $library_search to 0)

* [[Call for Rosemary]] * [[Check the lobby.]] * [[Check upstairs.]]

(set: $library_search +=1)//Tetrine// “Rosie?’’ The silent library seemed to drink up her words. (Display:"Search Library")

(set: $library_search +=1)Rehearsals could be exhausting. It wouldn’t be the first time Rosemary had fallen asleep in a chair or while pressed into a corner by a bookcase. But Tetrine found no sign of her. (Display:"Search Library")

(if: $library_search is 0)[//Tetrine knew.// She didn't know how she knew, but dread settled, unshakeable, undeniable, in her gut and she //knew.//] //Tetrine// “Rosie?” Her voice wavered. She turned on the first set of upstairs lights.(click:"upstairs lights.")[ There was something caked on the carpet—dry in spots, gummy in others. She took a hasty step back. In truth, she would have run then, except— //Rosemary// “Trina?” Tetrine [[snapped on the light]], and held back a gasp.]

//Rosemary// “I think I must’ve fainted.” Tetrine had never seen so much blood; she did not have to see beneath the dried blood and smeared makeup to know that Rosemary was not well; her lips were an unhealthy pale grey. //Rosemary// “I am so tired. I don’t know...” //Tetrine// “Yes—yes. It’s all right. You just need—need to rest.” Tetrine bent over her friend to study the damage.(click:"the damage")[ Splotches of caked blood lined her throat and exposed arm, but nothing oozed. With the exception of one long line, as of a cut from a knife, the injuries were small and round. The blood on the floor must have come from the longer injury tracing from Rosemary’s wrist to elbow. <i>But the skin beneath the blood was smooth.</i>(click:"was smooth")[ //Tetrine// “How very strange. There are no wounds.” //Rosemary// “Wounds?” The first thread of alarm rose in Rosemary’s voice. //Demons. The spots of blood are all the right shape.// And what creature other than a demon would leave disappearing wounds? Tetrine felt sure that if Rosemary’s injuries had not ‘disappeared,’ her friend would already be dead.]] //Tetrine// “It’s all right, Rosie. [[I’ll get help.]] You’ve had an accident. You just need to rest.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/bloody1.jpg"></div>

Tetrine went to [[Venhera House]].

Her hand flew out to catch herself, and she landed painfully. //Devne// “Two Hells—we’re out in the open! Have you gone mad? You can't just //appear// like that.” Markaius dismissed Devne's outburst with a shrug and turn to offer Tetrine a hand up. //Markaius// “My apologies.” * Resigned, (if:$mark_point>2)[(link-goto:"she accepted.")](else:)[she accepted.] * She [[preferred not to accept help]]. * Since it was his fault? (if:$tet_strong > $tet_kind and $tet_strong >$tet_meek or $shadow_point >2)[(link-goto:"Definitely not.")](else:)[Sefinitely not.]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_sad2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/reacting.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point +=1)Tetrine took his hand. It wasn’t his fault that she was jumpier than usual. She’d been tense before he’d arrived. //Markaius// “Again, I offer my apologies.” //Tetrine// “Of course. Thank you. I came because [[my friend->My friend]]...”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/skeptical.jpg"></div>

Tetrine shook her head and got to her feet, brushing off the snow. //Tetrine// “It’s fine, but thank you.” //Markaius// “Very well.” //Tetrine// “[[My friend]] is in trouble.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/skeptical.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point -=1, $shadow_point +=1)Tetrine got to her feet and turned toward Devne, brushing the snow off her clothes. //Tetrine// “I wish you wouldn’t. Look, I don’t know how much time I have. [[My friend]]—”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/skeptical.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “And you said Kalevel can't help me?” //Markaius// “She has no particular talent for healing. Unless you wish to save your friend by offering her immortality.”(click:"offering her immortality")[ //Devne// “Say—Kalevel doesn’t exactly hand it out.” //Tetrine// “How do you know?”] Markaius gestured impatiently. //Markaius// “Tetrine, my dear. I can help your friend if she was injured by demons.” //Devne// “I thought the sun didn’t agree with you. You have energy for that, old man?” //Markaius// “And you—ah, but I nearly forget myself. She doesn’t know yet what you’ve done.”(click:"what you’ve done")[ Tetrine turned to her brother. //Tetrine// “What <i>you’ve</i> done?” //Devne// “Hey, now—” Tetrine shook her head. She didn't have //time// for this.] //Tetrine// “Look, my friend is hurt <i>now</i>. <i>Please.</i> Just tell me if taking her to a Temple doctor would do any good, or if I can <i>give</i> her something, anything that might help.” //Markaius// “Where is she?” //Tetrine// “The library.” Markaius [[took her by the arm]]—<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/skeptical.jpg"></div>

//Devne// “Wait a minute—” (if: $tet_strong >2 or $mark_point <1)[//Tetrine// “I didn't //say// you could touch me.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “Where...?”] —and the [[world dissolved away]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_sad2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/reacting.jpg"></div>

(if: $mark_point <1)[Tetrine jerked her arm away. Or she tried. //Markaius// “If I let you go, you could become lost here.” She decided she didn't know the Nell well enough to take that chance. ]//Markaius// “Now we have a little more time, for a cost.” //Tetrine// “What do you mean?” //Markaius// “Working this magic in the daylight takes from me—but the Nell is almost free of time. I’ve bought a moment while you decide.” //Tetrine// “Decide //what?//” //Markaius// “Your friend could die, and I might be able to aid her. But I have seen something I do not like, and I would also save you, if you allow it.”(click:"save you")[ //Tetrine// “<i>Save</i> me?” She felt like the mythical Echo, repeating his words as she did, but she could think of nothing else to say.(if: $tet_strong >2 or $mark_point < 1)[ Then his words sank in—//but I have seen something I do not like//—and Tetrine laughed. //Tetrine// “//Seen// something, have you? Was it written in the //tea leaves//, Sir Knight? Do you need to read my palm to confirm your vision?” //Markaius// “You must believe a little. I find the most adamant disbelievers are so because they are afraid.”]] The brook babbled gently, and Tetrine thought she heard the tinkling of bells. //Markaius// “A demon’s bargain on it would bind me to my word—and you to yours.” (if: $tet_strong >2 or $mark_point <1)[//Tetrine// “Is that necessary?”](else:)[//Tetrine// “I'm not sure what to say.”] Silence answered her. (set: $TheBargain to false) * [[He can help Rosemary.]] * [[A demon’s bargain? Never.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/3_smile.jpg"></div>

She tried again.(set: $RosemaryDeath to false) //Tetrine// “Why do you need my word?” //Markaius// “You might not like how I try to save you.” //Tetrine// “But you’re not going to tell me what I might not like about it.” //Markaius// “There are things I will not risk.” (if: $tet_strong >2 or $mark_point<1)[//Tetrine// “That //you// won't risk? You mean, you're taking the choice from me.” He did not answer.](elseif: $tet_kind > $tet_strong and $tet_kind > $tet_meek)[//Tetrine// “Poor Rosie.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “I shouldn’t do this.”] (if: $tet_kind > $tet_strong and $tet_kind > $tet_meek)[What choice did she have, really? Tetrine was not equipped to handle demons.](else:)[But Rosemary still lay in the library, so very pale, and Tetrine had no notion what to do for her.] //Tetrine// “Very well. I agree.” //Markaius// “[[Upon your name->Agree to Bargain]], my dear.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “<i>You</i>—you are like some storybook demon trying to tempt me into a bad bargain. You’re trying to trick me. Is this all a game to you?” //Markaius// “All of it.” But he was mocking her. //Tetrine// “All I wanted was to help my friend. If you can’t do it, you should say so. I can help her myself. I could have spent this time <i>helping</i> her! Instead you—you…” //Markaius// “I see. Then I shall trouble you [[no further->Rosemary Death]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/2_angry.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “How do I do that?” //Markaius// “A simple ‘yes’ will suffice. Do you agree, upon your name?” //Tetrine// “Then—yes.” //Markaius// “And I by mine. It is done.”(click:"It is done")[ Tetrine saw the bargain as it formed, stretching between them. And for a moment she saw an interconnecting web. Then the bargain took hold, and she gasped. //Markaius// “This way.” And [[the world spun]].](set: $TheBargain to true)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_smiling.jpg"></div>

#####Khepera Memorial Library. //Markaius// “Good day to you, then, Miss Reish.” He left, or Tetrine thought he did. She wasn't paying attention. Instead she went to her friend's side and touched her cheek. Rosemary’s forehead was hot, but her limbs were cold and clammy. //Tetrine// “Rosie? Can you hear me?” //Devne// “Tetrine?” Tetrine jumped at the sound of her [[brother’s voice]].(set: $RosemaryDeath to true)

Dread ate at Tetrine. The next events of that day were a blur. Devne called a taxi. Tetrine found a clean rag and some water, and together they carried Rosemary and set her down in the back seat. She cleaned off Rosemary's wounds while they drove to the Temple in Tandix prefecture. It didn't matter. There weren't any wounds left. But she didn't know what else to do. The Temple doctor called for a blood transfusion upon their arrival—(click:"blood transfusion")[but by then it was too late. Rosemary remained unconscious. No one asked questions about how Rosemary had got to be like this, and Tetrine wondered if Temple doctors saw more of demons and their victims than they would openly admit. She could not think of any other explanation for the Temple's silent staff. Rosemary //would not wake up//.(click: "would not wake up")[ Tetrine clutched her friend's hand, in the end. Memories of her lively friend did not match up with what she saw at the end, before Rosemary drew her last breath: bloodless lips tinged with blue, her expression weary and drawn as if no amount of rest would ever replenish her. Then Rosemary was gone. Tetrine arrived home [[late into the day]].]]

The walk up her steps was a blur—then somehow she was home, locking her door. She dropped her keys onto the little table by the entrance. They struck the edge of the table and fell to the floor, but she was too weary to pick them up. She fell onto her sofa, just to rest her feet. Every time she closed her eyes, [[she saw Rosemary]].

Tetrine sucked in a breath. It came out choked, half a sob. She clamored to her feet—as if to flee the images. Then she took herself, half-stumbling, to her bedroom and collapsed on the bed. She began to drift, but memories of Rosemary yet haunted at her. After a time, [[dreams drew her down->Dreams drew her down]].

The chill air of her apartment kissed her cheeks, and she made a note to make a fire in the wood stove—perhaps tomorrow. * [[Wake up.->Wake Up.2]] * [[Go to sleep.]]

Tetrine stumbled forward. The smell of books and blood and earth rose up around her. And Rosemary lay as Tetrine had left her—far too still. //Tetrine// “Rosie?” //Markaius// “She is not gone yet.” //Tetrine// “What are you going to do?” He wrote marks into the air, which glowed at his fingertips. Tetrine could only stare. //Markaius// “I will buy her time to heal.” //Tetrine// “The wounds are gone. I looked.” //Markaius// “As I said. I will buy her time to heal.”(click:"wounds are gone")[ She frowned. //Tetrine// “But I looked. They’re gone.” //Markaius// “I believe this—” He traced the long line of dried blood on Rosemary’s limp arm— //Markaius// “—was intended to end what they began. But someone must have licked the wound.” Tetrine grimaced at the thought.] //Tetrine// “I think I should go lock the doors so no one comes in.” //Markaius// “I will be done momentarily.” But Tetrine [[didn’t wait]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div>

Tetrine had just reached the library entrance when she spotted [[Devne through the window.]](set:$disclose_bargain to false)

(set: $tet_meek +=2, $tet_kind +=5) [[didn’t wait]]

(set:$disclose_bargain to true, $tet_kind +=1, $tet_meek+=1)//Tetrine// “He offered to help Rosemary.” //Devne// “Just like that. And did he show you the price tag, too?” //Tetrine// “He said he wanted to save my life.” //Devne// “And you believed him.” //Tetrine// “I think I can make my own decisions. And what about you? He implied you’re keeping something from me. Did you make a bargain with one of them? Was that part of your <i>job</i> for Kalevel?” //Devne// “Look, about that—I was going to tell you. But I can hardly go out and said, ‘hey, Trin, I’m a demon now’. It’s kind of a lot to take in.” //Tetrine// “I—I see.” //Devne// “You know that’s the Knight, don’t you? And you made a bargain with him, just like that. Didn’t even think.” //Tetrine// “Rosemary was going to die. He didn’t ask for a sacrifice, and even if he had—” //Devne// “Who in two Hells is Rosemary?” //Tetrine// “She my <i>friend.</i>” //Devne// “//Fine.// [[Fine->Oh Brother]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/irritated.jpg"></div>

(set:$tet_strong+=1)//Tetrine// “I can take care of myself, Devne. I have for a long time.” //Devne// “Yeah. Looks like you’re doing a swell job.” //Tetrine// “Things are usually much more manageable than this. //This// isn’t going to keep happening to me.” //Devne// “Sorry, Trin, but you’re involved now. I don’t think things are going back to normal.” //Tetrine// “And what about your choices—what did your job for Kalevel entail? Did you make some demon’s bargain with her?” //Devne// “No. She offered me immortality. [[I accepted->Oh Brother]].” //Tetrine// “I—I see.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/2_angry.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/irritated.jpg"></div>

//Devne// “So I take it he’s up there, helping that friend of yours.” //Tetrine// “How do you know?” //Devne// “I smell the blood.” * [[“You took the easy way out again.”]] * [[“You didn’t have to lie to me.”]] * [[“Look what you’ve become.”]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/disgust.jpg"></div>

(set:$shadow_point +=1, $tet_kind +=1)//Tetrine// “You took the easy way out again. Just like in Auros with the rum-running.” //Devne// “That’s over, Trin.” //Tetrine// “It’s cheating, Devne. Immortality is just another scheme. And it’s already fallen through, hasn’t it? Or is it what you hoped it would be?” (Display:"Devne left")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/sad2.jpg"></div>

(set: $tet_meek +=1)//Tetrine// “You didn’t have to lie to me.” //Devne// “Yeah? So I could have told you before all this and you would have been fine with your brother being a demon.” //Tetrine// “No. You told me never to tell anyone I could read the marks, but then you decided to work for Kalevel. <i>That</i> is what I’m talking about.” (Display:"Devne left")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/skeptical.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/irritated.jpg"></div>

(set:$shadow_point +=1, $tet_strong +=1)//Tetrine// “Look at what you’ve become. What a wonderful talent you’ve sacrificed your mortality for—I always wanted to be able to smell blood from another room.” //Devne// “There’s a lot more to it than that.” //Tetrine// “I’m sure you have <i>so</i> much to be proud of, Devne.” (Display:"Devne left")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/sad2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/irritated.jpg"></div>

Devne [[headed toward the stairs]]. //Tetrine// “Where are you going?”

//Devne// (if: $disclosed_bargain is true)[“To cancel your contract. <i>I’ll</i> help your friend.”](else:)[“To get him out of here. <i>I’ll</i> help your friend.”] //Markaius// “That won’t be necessary. She will wake restored, if not fully recovered, on the morrow, thinking it all a terrible dream—just a nightmare to shiver over. But we all have a few of those, don’t we, Miss Reish?” Did he know about her dreams? For a moment, Tetrine could think of nothing to say. //Markaius// “We have a bargain to complete, my dear.” //Devne// “<i>Tetrine—</i>” But [[the world was already dissolving away.]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_sad2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/reacting.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div>

#####Tetrine’s Apartment //Tetrine// “Where? Oh.” It took Tetrine a moment to get her bearings. Her ears were still ringing. They hadn't paused long enough to even see the Nell, this time. He strode [[toward the vase]] next to the door, brushing one finger across its surface. (click: "surface")[Its very likely dusty surface, Tetrine realized.]

#####Tetrine's Apartment. Later,Tetrine fell onto her sofa and closed her eyes. She was so very tired. But how could she be? It was only five or so in the afternoon. How had the day passed so swiftly? That was it. Rosemary—she’d gotten help for Rosemary. That must be it. But Rosemary would be all right now. [[Dreams drew her down]].

And down, and Tetrine saw bloody kisses trailing up Rosemary’s arms. She grasped for kinder dreams, but they darted from her fingers like a handful of minnows. A whisper of fear woke her enough that she could fight off the dreams. She sat up with a gasp. She did not know why she was afraid, but she dragged herself up anyway. * (if: $tet_strong > $tet_kind and $tet_strong > $tet_meek)[(link-goto:"Get a knife.")](else:)[Get a knife.] * [[Don’t be silly.]]

(set: $get_knife to true, $shadow_point +=1)Tetrine didn’t own a gun.(click:"gun")[ Devne had offered to buy her a bicycle gun once. But it was a ridiculous hassle to have one imported from Ithus and registered properly. Besides, she had reasoned, she had no experience—so there was just as much of a chance she would shoot herself as any would-be intruder.] Tetrine stumbled, still half-asleep, to the chest of drawers that supported the heirloom vase, and removed the hunter’s knife she kept there.(click:"hunter’s knife")[ She thought it had been her father’s—or perhaps her grandfather’s. She didn’t know either of their names, so the word ‘Baro’ etched onto the knife and again on its leather sheathe meant little to her.] It was one of the things she had scavenged from the family home before Devne had turned it into a boarding house—there had been two such knives.(click:"two")[ Devne had sold his. Tetrine scowled at the memory.] She went to her bedroom, and stowed the knife underneath her pillow. Then she dressed properly for sleep and [[fell gracelessly->To Dream, To Sleep]] onto the bed.

She shook her head at her silly fears, and got ready [[for bed->To Dream, To Sleep]]. Then she burrowed under the covers.

Sweet oblivion consumed her. Then dreams drew her down into darkness, and held her fast. Sleep became quicksand all around her, and sucked her under. The more she fought, [[the stronger its pull became]].

She pressed her face into the pillow, and let out a long sigh. She was finally <i>comfortable.</i> She did not want to wake. * [[Wake up->Wake.4]] * [[Go to sleep.]]

She wondered if a gun could even kill a demon, as she turned in her half-asleep, half-wakeful state. An image of the long line that should have been a gash on Rosemary’s arm rose in her minds eye, and she pressed her face into the pillow to stifle the encroaching vision. * [[Wake up->Wake.4]] * [[Go to sleep.]]

Tetrine struggled to wake. But it was so cold out there beyond the covers. * (if: $get_knife is true)[(link:"Wake up.")[(goto:"Wake_Knife")]](else:)[(link:"Wake up.")[(goto:"Wake.3")]] * [[Go to sleep.]]

Something was wrong. The faintest snick-snick sound came to her. (click:"snick-snick")[ Yes, there was definitely a metallic sound, and it seemed as if it came from the front door. Her heart lurched in her chest and cold fear did what mere unease could not. She was as awake as if she’d been doused in ice water. Tetrine nearly fell in her haste to get to the window. It was her only [[chance of escape->Flee]]. She fumbled with the latch in the dark as the sharp snick in the lock told her that whoever it was had succeeded at picking it. <i>Aya,</i> she thought.]

Tetrine landed heavily in the dead winter grass outside of her apartment. She was lucky that her building was built into a hill; her room was on the second floor. But it wasn't until she was halfway to Scylla Street Square that she realized she did not know where to go, and that her toes were growing numb from the cold. Kalevel had said to come to the Venhera House if she was in trouble, but Tetrine didn’t know if anyone would be there to let her in. The library, though. She knew the library well, it was close, and who would expect her to go that way? <i>You can’t outrun a demon.</i> The thought went round and round in her thoughts, taunting her. * //[[I need to think.->Caught]]// * //[[I should find Venhera House.]]// * //[[I know the library best.]]//

(if: $TheBargain is true)[//Julius// "Looking a little pale, Miss Reish.” //Aya// “Aw, shucks. Another thin-blooded woman.”](else:)[//Aya// “Sweet dreams, bunny?” //Julius// “To die, to sleep…” //Aya// “Don’t mind him. He’s just in a good mood from chomping on your little friend.”] //Aya// “Now where were we?” //Julius// “We come to you at Shadow’s call.” //Aya// “Uh, that you, Jules, or the lady?” //Julius// “Remember where to leave her.” //Aya// “Yeah, yeah. I remember where to dump the body.” Terror, or perhaps a moment too long spent looking into demons’ eyes, fixed Tetrine in place. She could only manage a pitiful whimper. //Aya// “She didn’t say how we could get rid of her, right? ‘Cause I’m thinking…(click:"thinking…")[ ” //Julius// “Bloody.” //Aya// “Man after my heart, Jules. Man after my heart.” Icy panic ran through Tetrine’s veins. She could not remember the day-god, and prayed to Victrix, to Celi, to Solis. //Aya// “I have never met a dame with worse luck, ya know?” //Julius// “Give her a chance.” //Aya// “What, you gone soft? Ahh… I gotcha. Yeah, let’s give her a sporting chance.” The stiff tension in Tetrine’s limbs eased. She drew in a hasty breath. //Aya// “No screaming. Or this’ll end real fast.” She could move again. (click: "She could move again.")[Whatever magic their gaze had worked on her was lifting—this was her ‘sporting chance’. Tetrine looked wildly about the room, but she was trapped. She knew she would not have time to open the bedroom window before she was caught. //Tetrine// “I don’t understand why you want to kill me.” //Julius// “The Woman of the Big House might make use of you.” //Aya// “And you can read the marks. It’s an old habit of the lady’s, you see. If she sees a scrivener, she’s just got to kill it. ’S like a wasp nest in the roses—just won’t do, now, would it?” * [[Negotiate.]] * (if: $get_knife is true)[(link:"Get the knife.")[(goto: "Grab knife")]](else:)[Get the knife.] ]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/1_bsmirk.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_bmeansmile.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I can—I can make a demon’s bargain with you.” //Aya// “We ain’t bargaining, sweetcheeks.” //Tetrine// “Isn’t the Empress’ Shadow trapped in the ruins? I can see the Nell marks. I can help her.” Silence.(click:"Silence.")[ //Julius// “Yes.” //Aya// “That the lady talkin’ in your head, Jules?” //Julius// “Come along.” //Aya// “What the man said, dollface. We’re going to [[take a little walk.]]” //Tetrine// “Not until I make that bargain!” //Aya// “We weren’t giving you an option there.”]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown2_terrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/2_bsmug.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_bneutral.jpg"></div>

Tetrine reached for the knife beneath her pillow, conscious of their gazes. She tried to make her motion casual, as if she had merely slipped her hand there by accident. //Tetrine// “Are you sure the Empress’ Shadow wants to kill me? I thought she was trapped by Nell marks. I can release them, like I did the door. Do you remember the door in the ruins?” Julius turned to look at Aya, and Tetrine [[took her opportunity->Knife Death]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown2_terrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/2_bsmug.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_bneutral.jpg"></div>

//Aya// “Julius!” The knife was sharp, but no sooner had it scored his flesh than Tetrine was wrapped in an embrace so tight that her grip on the knife lost its strength. Her last impression was of pain, sharp and wet, crunching into her jugular, and a sensation of hot and cold as the blood poured down her front—(click:"pain, sharp and wet,")[and then a very final kind of cold. //Aya// “Jules… hey!” //Julius// “Stupid girl.” Silence, interrupted only by Tetrine's labored breath. The two demons stood like carven figures, their expressions unchanging.(click:"Silence")[ //Aya// “Ugh. She bled out, and you didn’t leave any for me.” //Julius// “Had a knife.” //Aya// “Tch. Now we hafta hide a fresh stiff ’till we get there.” //Julius// “’S fine.” //Aya// “Says you, Boss.” They carried Tetrine’s body to the [[big house on Scylla Street->Dumped]].]]

//Aya// “So why didn’t the lady want us to take her to the ruins? Little Miss Scrivener coulda freed her and all.” //Julius// “Dunno. Just did.” //Aya// “Nice. I like it when it’s just you I’m talking to.” //Julius// “Nobody here.” //Aya// “What? Oh, you mean //here//, not in your head. Yeah, that’s right. Didn’t sense so much as a rat scuttling around in that garden. Seems the ‘Woman of the Big House’ is gone. Why doesn’t Kialee just call her by name? Even <i>I</i> know her name.” //Julius// “Old enemies.” //Aya// “Right. Swell.” Aya dropped into the garden, [[as graceful as a cat]].

//Tetrine// “This is—this is Venhera House.” //Aya// “Ooh, smart one we got here.” //Julius// “A moment, Aya.” //Aya// “What? You gonna snack on her right here? What about—” //Julius// “Little chat. The [[lady wants to know]] something.” //Aya// “Fine. Just… call me over or somethin’ when you’re through.”

Julius’ voice was the same, but now it took on an unfamiliar cadence and accent. //Julius// “The Shadow has allies who are biding their time. What need does she have for one more scrivener?” //Tetrine// “I—” //Julius// “Tick, tock, Miss Reish.” //Tetrine// “But how many scriveners does she have? What about one who’s trapped in a bargain with her?” //Julius// “One more unwilling servant. Pah.” Tetrine scrambled for something—anything—to pique the Shadow’s interest. //Julius// “Tick. Tock.”(click:"“Tick. Tock.”")[ //Tetrine// “I—” //Julius// “Tick. Tock.” //Tetrine// “But wait—” //Julius// “Tick. Tock.” The voice shifted again, becoming almost feminine. //Julius// “Ah, and yet—perhaps I have been caged for too long.” Julius turned on her, [[an intent expression]] on his face. //Tetrine// “No! No.”]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_bneutral.jpg"></div>

Julius stiffened, and his lips curled back in a snarl. But the words that came from him were soothing, teasing: //Julius// “//[[Behave,]]// Julius.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown4_terrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_bmeansmile.jpg"></div>

He relaxed visibly, the tension leaving his body. His face became serene. //Julius// “Ah. There we are. Perhaps we are willing to entertain your proposition.” //Tetrine// “I can be a willing servant.” The unfamiliar cadence and accent dropped. //Julius// “Nah, Miss Reish. Sorry, Lady. But we can't do that.” Julius took her by the chin and [[caught her eyes—->The demon Julius fed.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_bneutral.jpg"></div>

...and darkness filled Tetrine’s vision. The demon Julius fed. //Aya// “Oh, don’t leave any for me. That’s swell. You know, I think I liked palling around with you better when you were alive.” //Julius// “’S personal thing.” //Aya// “Oh yeah? How so? And why couldn’t that involve a little sharing?” Silence.(click:"Silence.")[ //Aya// “You know what, Jules? You’re selfish. [[Come on then->Dumped]], I guess. Gotta finish this.”]

(if: $TheBargain is true)[(goto:"Nell Choice")](else:)[(goto:"True Death")]

Alas, in restless sleep you lie. With dying breath and dusty cry. As you lie now, so once did we, Prepare to rise and [[follow me]]. //Early Imperial Burial Curse//

At last in peaceful rest I lie. With dying breath and dusty sigh. As I am now, so you shall be, [[Embrace your end]] and follow me. 10th Century Imperial Epitaph(set:$ending to "True Death", $TrueDeath to true, $ending_number to 4)(save-game: "True Death")

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending IV: ####True Death TETRINE REISH March 12th, 1204 – December 6th, 1230 //Taken on Celi’s Day.//](click:"December 6th, 1230")[ The funeral was a quiet affair, as Miss Reish possessed only one living relative and a handful of friends—many distant. Her supervisor, Miss Nora, who attended two funerals that week, noticed the presence of two unusual individuals at Tetrine’s.(click:"unusual individuals")[ The man and woman, who stood apart and left early, gave Miss Nora a chill that she could not shake for hours afterward. Of course, there had been no will; Tetrine had been taken in the prime of her life. But a young man who claimed to be her brother showed up at the library one day to donate a few of the books from Tetrine’s small apartment. One item was not a book at all, but appeared to be a journal.(click:"a journal")[ In its pages were scrawled a few strange symbols—but other pages were completely blank, though yellowed with wear and use. Out of curiosity, Miss Nora sent the book to the university on the chance that the symbols were something more than they appeared. But—to her disappointment—both notebook and its secrets were misplaced while in the university’s care.] Time passed, and new employees replaced the old at Khepera Memorial Library. After a few years, the only people who remembered the young woman Tetrine Reish were not people at all. [[The End->Credits]]]]

=><= ####Ending: $ending ####Ending unlocked: $ending_number / 9 ####Art and Story S. A. Welland ####Patreon Backers F.C. Asatiir Andrew C. ####Dedication //To Mom & AJC// <img src=https://www.sunlabyrinth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/deco.png"> Liked Asher? Check out the sequel: <a href="http://tad.sunlabyrinth.com"><img alt="Tell a Demon, the Asher Sequel" src="http://s30.postimg.org/q48umslqp/half_banner.png"></img></a> (Display: "Restart Passage")

(align: "=><=")[###Asher #####[[New Game->Act I]] #####[[Load Game->Load]] #####[[Endings]] <img src=https://www.sunlabyrinth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/deco.png"> ]

###Extras [[Endings]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_smiling.jpg"></div>

I. (if: (saved-games:) contains "Ending I")[(link: "Ending I")[(load-game:"Ending I")]](else:)[Locked] 2. (if: (saved-games:) contains "Ending II")[(link: "Scot-Free")[(load-game:"Ending II")]](else:)[Locked], (if: (saved-games:) contains "Scot-Free (II)")[(link: "Scot-Free (II)")[(load-game:"Scot-Free (II)")]](else:)[Locked] 3. (if: (saved-games:) contains "Ending III")[(link: "Escaped")[(load-game:"Ending III")]](else:)[Locked] 4. (if: (saved-games:) contains "True Death")[(link: "True Death")[(load-game:"True Death")]](else:)[Locked] 5. (if: (saved-games:) contains "Betrayal")[(link: "Betrayal")[(load-game:"Betrayal")]](else:)[Locked] 6. (if: (saved-games:) contains "Shadow's Child")[(link: "Shadow's Child")[(load-game:"Shadow's Child")]](else:)[Locked] 7. (if: (saved-games:) contains "Best Forgotten")[(link: "Best Forgotten")[(load-game:"Best Forgotten")]](else:)[Locked] 8. (if: (saved-games:) contains "Regret")[(link: "Regret")[(load-game:"Regret")]](else:)[Locked] 9. (if: (saved-games:) contains "Haunted")[(link: "Haunted")[(load-game:"Haunted")]](else:)[Locked]

[[Play Again->Main Menu]] | [[View Extras->Extras]] | [[Quit]]

(goto-url:"https://www.sunlabyrinth.com/portfolio/asher/")

Kalevel arrived around sunset that day. (click:"arrived")[Nothing seemed out of order from the gate—just a whiff of that scent particular to shadow demons. Were they sizing up Venhera House while she was gone? The thought amused her. And she wouldn’t put it past the Empress’ Shadow to [[command such a thing—]]](set:$ending to "Shadow's Child", $EndingVI to true, $ending_number to 6)(save-game: "Shadow's Child")

Maybe it was the light. Maybe it was the sound of voices. Either way, Tetrine woke [[for a moment.]] And the cold was gone.(click:"cold")[ //No, not quite,// she thought.]

(set: $shadow_point to 4)(goto:"Nell Choice")

//Markaius// “It’s all right, Tetrine.” She felt a cool hand on her cheek, brushing her mussed hair away from her ear. //Tetrine// “I died, didn’t I? Am I dead, Marcus? I was in the Nell, and I don’t know how I got there, so I must be dead.” //Markaius// “No. You are well and whole.” //Tetrine// “But all the blood—” He kissed her forehead, and then he wrapped his arms around her. Tetrine could not contain a sob. He held her like that, in silence, until her weeping subsided.(click:"in silence")[ Then a knock sounded at the door, and they broke apart. //Tetrine// “//They’re still out there.//” //Markaius// “It is Kalevel—and, I believe, your brother. But your shadow demons will be dealt with, by and by. One way or another.” Tetrine stepped to the door, trying to muster the courage to face anyone after what had happened. She glanced, once, [[over her shoulder]]...]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_bsad1.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div>

//Devne// “Hey, Trin. It’s all right.” She felt her brother’s hesitation, then he put his arm across her shoulders. Awkward, but well-meaning. //Tetrine// “I died, didn’t I? Am I dead, Devne? I was in the Nell, and I don’t know how I got there, so I must be dead.” //Devne// “Hush. You’re not dead.” //Tetrine// “But the blood. I—” //Devne// “It’s over now. They can’t hurt you anymore.” Why did he have to use that turn of phrase? Tetrine shuddered as Aya’s words flit through her thoughts. //We can’t be hurt anymore, dollface.// //Tetrine// “They’re still out there. “ //Devne// “Kalevel will take care of them. Hells--maybe she’ll let me help out this time. You’re safe.” //Tetrine// “But they came <i>here.</i>” //Devne// “Yeah, you’ll—” A knock sounded on the door.(click:"knock")[ //Devne// “Must be Kalevel.” He strode ahead to [[answer the door->New Home]]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_bsad1.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/sad2.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point to 3, $get_knife to true, $tet_kind to 1, $tet_meek to 2, $seconddream to true)(goto:"Sunlight")

...but the room was empty. For a moment she worried he’d been a dream. But the rapping on the door became impatient and she didn't have time to ponder it. The she sighed and [[turned to answer the door->New Home]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_bworried.jpg"></div></div>

//Kalevel// “Good morning, dove.” //Tetrine// “What happened? I think I remember your garden, but I can’t be sure. It is so green in my memory, but that can’t be.” //Kalevel// “My garden is always green. It seems the Shadow decided to send me one of her reminders—I was quite dismayed to find you in my garden. //Dead.// How are you feeling?” Tetrine became conscious of her bloodied nightgown, and winced. //Tetrine// “I need to change.” She [[turned to her bedroom and shut the door]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown1_bworried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_smiling1.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/skeptical.jpg"></div>

To her surprise, she could hear Devne and Kalevel as clearly as if she hadn’t left. If they knew she could hear, they pretended otherwise. //Devne// “She doesn’t look like a shadow demon. I couldn’t be sure until she opened her eyes.” //Kalevel// “No. Markaius told me what he did. If I had any doubts, she’d be locked up in my basement rather than here in her own bed. Antonine would have given me a great deal of trouble if we were spotted carrying her here. You owe me, Devne.” //Devne// “Her death wasn’t pretty, Kal. She needed some place she recognized when she woke up.” //Kalevel// “Neither was mine—but I suppose you have a point, dearheart. That sort of shock might have made things dificult.” //Devne// “You said earlier that she would be nearly human.”(click:"nearly human")[ Tetrine froze in shock.] //Kalevel// “If it is true, Markaius proves once more that his gifts and his curses are impossible to tell apart.” Tetrine felt her teeth with her tongue, and found no obvious difference to the canines. They were blunt. No, perhaps they were a little longer, sharper. Were they? It could have been fear stoking the fires of her imagination. //Kalevel// “Dove, you’re taking [[an awfully long time]].”<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_angry1_down.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/reacting.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “They must think I’m dead, right? Aya and Julius, I mean.” //Kalevel// “You’re not thinking of going on living here, are you?” //Devne// “I’ll have a place above Clementina’s in a few days. You could live at Venhera House for a bit, then—” //Kalevel// “I’m sorry, Devne, but it’s a nasty old speakeasy. Noise, every day and night… Tetrine, you’re welcome to stay at Venhera House as long as you like. Most of the new ones do.” //Tetrine// “Ah—well, that’s very—” //Kalevel// “I haven’t slept yet, doves. I came in late and then—well, I’m going to go. Just think on it, all right?” [[Kalevel left.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_smiling1.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/irritated.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Oh—what day is it? I have to go to the library.” //Devne// “Saturday. Around eleven o’ clock, now, I figure.” <i>No one</i> asked for Celi’s luck, not ever. //Tetrine// “Tomorrow, then. I’ll go tomorrow.” //Devne// “You don’t have to work there, you know. Say, you never said what happened to [[your university career]].” Devne stopped next to Shandra’s Urn. //Devne// “I wondered [[whatever happened to this]] old thing.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/smiling.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I graduated. Then I decided to further my degree at the library.” The particulars of leaving the university were blurred in her mind. She thought it had been around the time she left her old boarding house. //Devne// “No, really. You were studying history or to become a schoolteacher or something like that.” //Tetrine// “The schools are run by either the Temple or the government.” //Devne// “That bad, huh?” //Tetrine// “I thought the university degree would help, but after a while I learned that they wanted obedient teachers, not better ones.” (if: $tet_strong > $tet_meek and $tet_strong > $tet_kind)[//Devne// “Yeah, that wouldn't sit well with me, either.”][//Devne// “Hells, I didn’t think that would be your problem.” //Tetrine// “That’s not funny, Devne. I might not be—<i>strong</i> like Kalevel. But I've always had my own mind.”] (Display:"Place to Stay")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/sly.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I figured it was safer with me than at home.” //Devne// “Yeah, you’re probably right. What an ugly old thing. Ever figure out what it was for?” The question tugged at her memory. //Tetrine// “Apparently, Shandra Reish made it. It’s a—” She knew more about it, she was sure of it. It was on the tip of her tongue. //Tetrine// “I must be very tired, still, because I can’t remember.” (Display:"Place to Stay")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/smiling.jpg"></div>

//Devne// “Doesn’t matter. Anyhow, you’ve got to find a different place to live. Come [[stay at Venhera House]] for a bit. And check out Clementina’s. The noise isn’t so bad.”

//Tetrine// “I’m fine here for a short time.” //Devne// “They <i>can</i> come out in the daylight, you know. They just don’t like it very much.” //Well, that’s a comforting thought.// But she could see why shadow demons didn't; those eyes somewhat revealed the underlying demon nature. //Tetrine// “I don’t want to impose on Kalevel.” //Devne// “She expects people to pull their own weight by and by, so it isn’t charity, if that’s what you’re worried about. She’ll probably have you organize her library or work Nell magic for her or something.”(click:"Nell magic")[ //Tetrine// “I don’t know Nell magic.” //Devne// “But you can learn.” //Tetrine// “Doesn’t she have you for that?” //Devne// “Nah. Kalevel made me a demon. We discovered the hard way that no one in her line can use magic.” //Tetrine// “Oh…” //Devne// “Don’t worry about it.” //Tetrine// “Then—then I might [[go back home]].” She’d have to quit her job, and probably leave right away. Auros kept strict Imperial hours—trains were not allowed through the city walls after dark, and Aurean way stations left much to be desired. //Devne// “That’s not a good idea. We don’t know what [[the hunger]] will be like for you, yet.”]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/reacting.jpg"></div>

(set:$ending to "Haunted", $EndingIX to true, $ending_number to 9)(save-game: "Haunted")Tetrine left the city that day, taking the first train to Auros. Over the next few months she arranged for her things to be shipped or sold. It drained a sizable portion of her meager savings, but her dread of returning to Asher overshadowed her desire to manage her affairs inexpensively.(click:"dread of returning")[ However, she could not escape the memories or the dreams. Twice she thought she saw Markaius while she was out. More than once she started in fear while passing a street or alley. Every shadow seemed to hold a demon, and images of Aya and Julius haunted her day and night.(click:"haunted")[ Ghosts of her childhood home—both figurative and more literal ones—brooded in every corner of the big old house. Converting the old building into a boarding house had resulted in no small part of her income while she had studied in Asher as a student, but now she had to share her space with strangers. That, in itself, didn't bother her until she discovered that she hungered for that [[same dark Drink]] craved by all demons.]]

She had a terrible sinking feeling at this. //Tetrine// “The hunger?” //Devne// “Could be you’re like Kalevel and don’t have much—” //Tetrine// “What am I going to do? I can’t go out every night and—and—” //Devne// “Hey, it’s easier than you think. Just pick someone, look ’im in the eye, and done. Not much trouble, the marks go away on their own—” //Tetrine// “<i>I am not feeding on people like a demon.</i>” //Devne// “Good luck figuring out a way to undo it.”(click:"undo it")[ //Tetrine// “Can it be done?” //Devne// “Some think so, some don’t. Trin, what in two hells—don’t tell me you don’t like the idea of living forever. I hear Markaius has a great gift. Unpredictable, but you might end up like Kalevel and have all the power without all the hunger.”] //Tetrine// “Markaius. Markaius did this to me?” //Devne// “Yeah. I dunno how you’d forget a thing like that—he’d have to give you the elixir and all.” Tetrine didn’t know, either. But a feeling of dread was creeping across her skin. //Tetrine// “I guess I’ll pack my things, if you really think it’s too dangerous here.” //Devne// “It’s probably fine, shadow demons aren’t too bright, but I don’t see why we should take a chance.” * [[Tetrine packed a few essentials and went to Venhera House.]] * [[Tetrine packed her things and prepared to go to Auros.->go back home]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/skeptical.jpg"></div>

She stayed in a guest bedroom decked out in frivolous mauves and grays. Its last occupant had decorated it, she was told rather firmly by Kalevel herself. Exhaustion struck her by high noon that day. She fell into a heavy doze, and woke at sunset. She wondered if this was an effect of her change, or merely a delayed reaction to her ordeal. She intended, despite everything, to go to the library as usual on the morrow. After all, she had not experienced [[so much as a twinge->even a twinge]] of that infamous “hunger.”

#####Khepera Memorial Library //Rosemary// “Trina!” Tetrine jumped at the sound of Rosemary’s harsh whisper. //Rosemary// “[[Come upstairs]], you must see this.” //Tetrine// “What is it?” //Rosemary// “Blood. There’s blood right here, on the floor. Well, there's some downstairs, too, but this is the worst.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/startled.jpg"></div>

Tetrine arrived at Venhera House just before sunset, and stayed a little while in the garden. The decidedly green garden. It was the first time she actually stopped and looked around. She caught sight of the pond, and glanced away quickly. //Kalevel// “Do you remember being taken here?” //Tetrine// “I remember lying in the water. But—no, not really.” //Kalevel// “I thought as much. Markaius has been tampering with your memory. I wouldn’t let him get away with that, if I were you.” //Tetrine// “That—that seems a leap. It was Julius who—killed me.” //Kalevel// “All of a piece, dove, it’s all of a piece. But—rules are different now, so maybe you’ll [[forgive him]]. Or [[maybe you won't->maybe not]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking2.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point +=1, $tet_strong -=1)//Tetrine// “Do I forgive him? I don't know. It was Julius who killed me. I am not sure how ‘forgiveness’ is necessary, with Markaius.” Kalevel laughed. Tetrine could not tell whether it was mocking or not. //Kalevel// “Perhaps you are right.” (display: "Distant family")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/skeptical.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point -=1, $tet_strong +=1)//Tetrine// “If what you’re saying is true, that’s not something I could forgive.” //Kalevel// “Sensible of you.” (display: "Distant family")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_irritated.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/smirking.jpg"></div>

//Kalevel// “Just so you know, running away won’t help, dove. We demons are like—distant family members. We know one another on sight, must put up with the other’s bad behavior, and if we are lucky, we only see each other once every ten years.” //Tetrine// “I’m not sure I follow, but then, my experience of family, distant or otherwise, is somewhat lacking.” //Kalevel// “But we’re seldom lucky in Asher. So it’s unwise to let things fester with Markaius, unless you plan to leave the city.” //Tetrine// “I might go back to Auros.” //Kalevel// “At least say something to him about your memories.” //Tetrine// “What’s to stop him from doing it again?” //Kalevel// “The fact that you are a demon, sugar. Rules are different. Even I have to tamper with mortal memories from time to time. So have you thought about staying here?” * [[“If you don’t mind.”]] * [[“I don’t want to be a bother.”]](set: $whygreen to false, $whatmarkaius to true, $wheremarkaius to false, $whatcurse to true, $whyshadow to false, $whydevne to false, $workforkal to false)

//Tetrine//(set:$workforkal to true) “For a little while. If it’s not a bother.” //Kalevell// “I wouldn’t offer if it were, dove. Although I wouldn’t think it’s only out of the goodness of my heart, if I were you.” //Tetrine// “I’ll make myself useful.” Kalevel laughed. //Kalevel// “So—for someone who spent the night in my pond, you’re looking well.” Tetrine did not answer; she could not tear her eyes from the unnatural greenery. It looked as lush as a jungle in the Southern Isles, she thought, although in truth Tetrine had never left the continent and didn’t know what a jungle looked like except from fanciful illustrations. //Kalevel// “You’ve had a hard time of it. I’m sure you have questions.” (Display:"Kalevel Questions")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_smile.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I don’t think it’s a good idea, but thank you for your offer.” //Kalevel// “Suit yourself.” //Tetrine// “I had better go, I think.” //Kalevel// “I’d find a warded place to live, if I were you.” Tetrine nodded her thanks, and turned. As she opened the gate, the metal bars burned her with cold—in stark contrast to the warmth of the gardens.(click:"warmth of the gardens")[ She paused and glanced back. //Tetrine// “Do you mind if I ask a question?” //Kalevel// “Whatever you like, dove.” //Tetrine// “It’s not Nell magic that keeps your garden alive, is it?” //Kalevel// “The garden thrives as long as I am here.” Tetrine looked around at the garden once more. It reminded her of the Nell—beautiful, but with a hint of some darker nature just beneath its surface. She shuddered.] She managed a smile, a little too stiff for all that Kalevel had done for her, but as it was, it took all of Tetrine’s effort not to flee [[when she finally left]] by way of the gates.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_smile.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking.jpg"></div>

{ (if: $whygreen is false)[* (link:"“Why is your garden green?”")[(goto:"“Why is your garden green?”")]](if: $whatmarkaius is false)[* (link:"“‘...what Markaius can or cannot do on purpose’?”")[(goto:"“‘...what Markaius can or cannot do on purpose’?”")]](if: $wheremarkaius is false)[* (link:"“Where does Markaius come from?”")[(goto:"“Where does Markaius come from?”")]](if: $whatcurse is false)[* (link:"“What is the Empress’ curse?”")[(goto:"“What is the Empress’ curse?”")]](if: $whyshadow is false)[* (link:"“Why did the Empress make the Shadow?”")[(goto:"“Why did the Empress make the Shadow?”")]](if: $whydevne is false)[* (link:"“Why did you offer Devne immortality?”")[(goto:"“Why did you offer Devne immortality?”")]] * [[“That’s all I can think of.”]] }

(set: $whygreen to true)//Tetrine// “Your garden is very lovely.” //Kalevel// “All year round, dove.” //Tetrine// “Why is that? I don’t see any Nell marks.” //Kalevel// “It is my particular gift. The garden is only one of a number of unusual things about me.” //Tetrine// “Oh? I confess I can’t imagine Devne keeping a garden.” //Kalevel// “Ah. Well, those to whom I offer immortality don’t acquire my gifts—not even my tolerance for the sun. It rather inconveniently strips them of any magic that was once theirs.” //Tetrine// “Oh.” //Kalevel// “You have no idea how often I wonder what Markaius can or cannot do on purpose.”(set: $whatmarkaius to false) (Display:"Kalevel Questions")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/smirking.jpg"></div>

(set: $whatmarkaius to true)//Tetrine// “What does Markaius have to do with that?” //Kalevel// “He offered me the elixir.” //Tetrine// “I see. I didn’t know about you. I’d only heard that the Knight gave the Empress immortality.” //Kalevel// “Is that what people believe now?” //Tetrine// “Is it a secret?” //Kalevel// “Ordinarily it is, but you’re different now, aren’t you?” (Display:"Kalevel Questions")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_skeptical.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_anticipation.jpg"></div>

(set: $wheremarkaius to true, $whatcurse to false)//Tetrine// “Where did he come from? Markaius, I mean.” //Kalevel// “Even I don’t know that. The Other World? To be sure he’s not from this one. For all I know he’s from the demon city that lies in the Nell. But I know he did not give the Empress immortality—she was born a demon, hailing from a time in which demons were born and not made. Perhaps she is older than Markaius, and her curse came as a result of a life longer that I can fathom, but I believe the tale that she was cursed. If I had the power to curse her, I certainly would have.” (Display:"Kalevel Questions")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking2.jpg"></div>

(set: $whatcurse to true)//Tetrine// “I didn’t know about a curse.” //Kalevel// “Ah—the Empress’ cursed bloodline. Somewhere along the way she came against something that could fight back, I suppose. Perhaps it was a scrivener like yourself, which might explain how vicious she was toward them, but I expect it was another demon with the ability to work that magic.” Kalevel shrugged. //Kalevel// “It took centuries for her bloodline to fully break. Not long before it did, she made the Shadow, and the Mind-Chain that binds all shadow demons, so that she could make use of her broken children. Practical woman, our Empress.” (Display:"Kalevel Questions")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_skeptical.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking.jpg"></div>

(set: $whyshadow to true)//Tetrine// “Why would she need to make the Shadow?” //Kalevel// “Kialee’s blood isn’t cursed. Her children, though more susceptible to a demon's natural weaknesses, are relatively stable. The Empress' bloodline is another story. Toward the end, most of the demons she made lost their minds, or rose as half-human things, or became little more than rotting, animated corpses.” Kalevel’s expression grew distant with some remembered pain. //Kalevel// “She sometimes used her gift as a form of execution, although I don’t think even she could bear what she wrought in the end. In the end there are things I do not know, dove. Perhaps it was her great age that caused all the trouble; Markaius’ elixir, although not cursed, is certainly unstable, and I know he must be ancient.” (Display:"Kalevel Questions")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/neutral.jpg"></div>

(set: $whydevne to true)//Tetrine// “Why did you offer immortality to Devne?” //Kalevel// “You know, that’s an odd thing. Asking for immortality says something about the petitioner that I’m not sure I like, and I am usually unwilling to grant such a request. I think at the very least that they must be cowards trying to escape the burden of life. But Devne was clearly floundering. He was having trouble breathing, among other things. Blood poisoning, or something of the kind. I looked into it, of course. Cases of poisoning were common in the nearby town.”(click:"Cases of poisoning")[ //Tetrine// “Devne never told me that.” //Kalevel// “I can’t say how serious it was; I have trouble gauging the severity of mortal illness. But I couldn’t lose a scrivener, so I made a choice in haste.”] (Display:"Kalevel Questions")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/2_smirking2.jpg"></div>

//Kalevel// “Any more questions, dove?” //Tetrine// “No—I— Sorry.” //Kalevel// “Well. It looks like we’ll have to wait and see how you turn out. That could be exciting.” //Tetrine// “Excuse me?” //Kalevel// “Sorry, dove, that was unkind. I don’t know whether Markaius is intentionally cruel or if his gift is just like that.” //Tetrine// “There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with your—gift.” //Kalevel// “No, I suppose not.” //Tetrine// “Now I’m worried.” //Kalevel// “I’d be lying if I said you shouldn’t be.” //Tetrine// “But yours doesn’t seem to be so bad. I wouldn’t mind losing my magic. I would be glad to be rid of it, in fact.” //Kalevel// “I can’t say I feel the same way, dearheart. I’ve been looking for one of you for [[an awful long time]].” But Tetrine didn't see what was [[so terrible]] about Kalevel's “curse.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/neutral.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Why have you been looking for someone like me?” //Kalevel// “My sister suffers from the Empress’ curse.” //Tetrine// “She is a shadow demon?” //Kalevel// “Yes. And I believe that Nell magic can help her.” (Display: "Something wrong")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_skeptical.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/smirking.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “What is so terrible about your curse?” //Kalevel// “I found out by accident, when I kept a largely human household. My housekeeper lived a good hundred and thirty years.” Kalevel's smile became a little sad. //Kalevel// “Of course, she begged me to let her die after she buried her last child. By that time she was retired and living on the grounds. I hardly saw her and didn’t make the connection until that day. Everything I touch remains the same.” //Tetrine// “That’s not the worst thing I’ve ever heard.” //Kalevel// “Is it not? Perhaps you don’t understand. If you were human and fragile, and prone to illness and misery, would you want to live like that forever? Isn’t it a blessing at last, to go to that final rest?” //Tetrine// “Only an immortal demon would say such a thing, I think.” //Kalevel// “Felicia was an old woman when she first came to me. Perhaps it would have been different if she were young. But I doubt it.” (Display: "Something wrong")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/skeptical.jpg"></div>

Kalevel shook her head. //Kalevel// “There is something wrong about what we are, dove. I wouldn’t expect roses if I were you.” [[Tetrine went away]], unable to shake the feeling that Kalevel was terribly right.

(if: $workforkal is true)[(Display:"Working for Kalevel") ]//Markaius// “I knew you would come here eventually. How this place must pull at your missing memories.” (if: $workforkal is true)[Tetrine [[looked around->Work for Kal.2]].](else:)[Tetrine [[looked around->Didn't work for Kal.2]].]

Some time later she shook the feeling away, and looked up to find that her feet had taken her to Scylla Street Square. The monument to the dead loomed over her. Thoughts of home and safety warred with the realization that no matter where she went, she wasn’t sure she could ever truly escape her new memories. Whether she liked it or not, they had left their mark. * [[Perhaps she should return home to Auros.->go back home]] * [[No, no point. Demons were everywhere.->Life as usual]]

When it came down to a decision, Tetrine decided not to leave the city. After all, Aya and Julius had killed her. Why would they come after a dead woman? But to be safe, she took up Devne on his offer of housing until she could find a better place. (if: $RosemaryDeath is false)[And she stayed on as an assistant librarian at Khepera Memorial Library. It was lonely without Rosemary, whose replacement was a surly first year from the university who had very little in common with Tetrine.](else:)[And she stayed on as an assistant librarian at Khepera Memorial Library. It hurt to work there without Rosemary, whose replacement was a surly first year from the university who had very little in common with Tetrine.] Time passed, and Miss Nora forgot about Tetrine's poor performance of the past months, and life returned more or less to normal. Tetrine found herself almost longing for excitement, particularly when she had nothing to do and no one to talk to in the empty, silent library. Perhaps that was how she found herself [[out at night->Final Encounter]] for the first time in weeks—pushing her good luck, as it were.

...And there she found Markaius. //Markaius// “How do you like Venhera House?” //Tetrine// “Oh. I like the old books. I haven’t seen so many old things since I took an archaeology course at the university.” //Markaius// “Old things tend to accumulate for our kind.” //Tetrine// “I can’t imagine it.” //Markaius// “Give it time.” //Tetrine// “I’m learning to read the Nell marks.” //Markaius// “Kalevel’s books are a touch outdated.”(click:"touch outdated")[ (if: $mark_point > 2)[(Display:"Really Likes Mark")](elseif: $mark_point <=2 and $mark_point >0)[(Display:"Tetrine likes Mark")](else:)[(Display:"Tetrine doesn't Like Mark")]] He shook his head.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/3_smile.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Will you—I don’t want to be a bother, but would you help me with the marks from time to time?” //Markaius// “Of course. It seems I will be making regular visits to Venhera House—and to its dusty library.” //Tetrine// “I’m not here all the time.” Which was less and less true now that she had quit her job. Suddenly she didn’t like how beholden she was to Kalevel. //Tetrine// “Did I ever know where you lived? Kalevel says you are secretive about it.” //Markaius// “Most of the people who want to know where I rest have wanted to kill me at one time or another. But someday I’ll take you there again.”

//Markaius// “Now you will be shut up in your tower with your dusty books.” //Tetrine// “Not always. I went to see a motion picture the other day.” An image, brief and elusive, flitted through her mind. //Tetrine// “I feel as if we’ve had this conversation before.” //Markaius// “This, and many more like it. I confess I thought I was reclusive until I met you.”

//Tetrine// “Well, you might offer to help me, then.” //Markaius// “The last time I offered, you refused. But I gather you don’t remember that.” Tetrine stared at him. //Markaius// “It was a long time ago. You didn’t want to see the marks, much less speak of them.” //Tetrine// “I haven’t got a choice now, have I?”

//Tetrine// “If you wanted to speak to me, why not visit me at Venhera House?” //Markaius// “We have no memories at Venhera House. This is where it began. Besides, this is between you and I. Kalevel does not need to know.” //Tetrine// “Perhaps I should tell her.” //Markaius// “I have many enemies, Tetrine, and Kalevel is seldom happy with me.” //Tetrine// “She already knows about us—at least a little.” //Markaius// “I trust Kalevel more than the others, but I can think of at least one case in which she would be tempted to sacrifice you to get at me. I advise you not to invite her curiosity in this.”(click:"not to invite her curiosity")[ (Display: "Can't Trust")]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Why wait for me to come here? How were you so certain that I would come here?” //Markaius// “For the same reason I knew that now was the time.” Tetrine sighed. //Markaius// “I trust you have found a better place to live than that apartment.” //Tetrine// “I am sharing a space with my brother above Clementina’s. He’s hardly there, but the noise is horrid. I've been looking at this other boarding house near where I work, and it doesn’t seem so bad. It’s got a warded foundation, at least.” //Markaius// “You will not find it easy to live so close to mortals.” //Tetrine// “No. Not with—not with the hunger. Markaius, I did not want to be a demon.”(click:"I did not want")[ (Display: "Can't Trust")]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I hate that I can’t trust anyone.” //Markaius// “Has it ever been the case that one might trust freely and foolishly, however one pleases?” //Tetrine// “I can’t even trust <i>you.</i> And I remember how fond I was of you, even as I remember so little else.” //Markaius// “Someday, I will be able to tell you the entire truth. It is not this day.” //Markaius// “I can show you a little of what you’ve forgotten.” * [[“I want to know.”]] * [[“I don’t think that’s necessary.”->Best Forgotten]]

//Tetrine// “I must know.” (if: $seconddream is true and $mark_point <1 or $tet_strong > $tet_meek and $tet_strong > $tet_kind)[ //Tetrine// “I don’t remember anything. And I <i>need</i> to know what you made me forget. Did you send me dreams, Markaius? How much have you influenced my thoughts?” //Markaius// “As little as I am able.”](elseif: $seconddream is true and $tet_kind >2 or $tet_meek >2)[ //Tetrine// “I dreamed of you. I dreamed of—that night. I think it was the last night I remembered you.” //Markaius// “I hoped you would.” //Tetrine// “Please tell me.”](else:)[ //Markaius// “I hoped you would remember a little by now.”] He looked away. //Markaius// “I can only show you memories I have been a part of. I did not see all of what happened that day.” //Tetrine// “Then they are gone forever.” //Markaius// “Some can be retrieved in time. It’s easier if—[[I show you]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div>

Darkness.(click:"Darkness")[ //Markaius// “Don’t worry. They’re only memories.” His voice filtered through them. Cold, ice cold hit her—the day was still and it was cold, bitterly cold. But mercifully [[no wind blew that day]].]

//Markaius// “The Shadow’s child was new and it was hungry. It smelled of strong earth—and of the carrion it had scavenged in the woods—but there was nothing so alarming that it would have alerted you.”(click:"alerted you.")[ //Tetrine// “I don't know how I could have missed it. Aya and Julius smell strongly of earth.” //Markaius// “It desired blood with the maddening thirst of shadow demons. Had its own living kin crossed its path, it would have killed. I was waiting at the boarding house, not sure whether I should show myself to you.”(click:"I should show myself")[ //Tetrine// “Why not?” //Markaius// “You weren’t there when I came. And you weren’t at our usual meeting place that afternoon. Were you upset and avoiding me? I could not say.”]] //Tetrine// “There was a package under my arm. Do you see it? That—I think I know what it is.” Tetrine reached for the memory. (click:"reached for the memory")[It flitted just out of reach. //Tetrine// “All I can remember is that it was important, and I was going to ask you about it. You always knew such funny things about Aeserian history. That must be it.”] //Markaius// “It hated the noise of the city as the new ones do. Your quiet corner of campus lay next to that peaceful park. A quiet place, a meal—few shadow demons could resist the lure.” //Tetrine// “Is it because I am a scrivener?” //Markaius// “Have you noticed that Asher has become a ghost city? The Shadow’s children are growing in number. Kalevel cannot keep up with them all. But no, the Empress’ Shadow did not know of you then. However, that year was one of the worse. Even I helped to keep them in check from time to time.”(click:"keep them in check")[ //Tetrine// “The shadow demon you killed looked like a teenage boy.” She shuddered.] //Tetrine// “I remember a little now—I looked up, and you were there. There was blood on your hands, and the body belonged to a child. I must have thought you were going to kill me next.” //Markaius// “Even the demon’s gaze did not calm you. I did not know what to make of it. I took the memory of the sight—I did not think. I should have told you everything then, I should have waited—”(click:"should have waited")[ //Tetrine// “But I was mortal, and you demons take memories without even thinking.” Tetrine could not keep the bitterness from her voice. //Markaius// “Ah, I regret I cannot deny it.”] He looked into her face this time. //Markaius// “Are you not a demon now, Tetrine?” //Tetrine// “I don’t feel like one.” //Markaius// “Well, when the demon’s gaze did not work, I tried again. You went into your apartment, and to sleep. And the next day, you did not remember me at all.”(if: $tet_strong >2)[(click:"you did not remember")[ //Tetrine// “I am missing more memories than that, Markaius.” //Markaius// “From when we made our bargain, yes.”]] //Tetrine// “How can I trust you knowing that you might take my memories at any time?” //Markaius// “I would bargain on it, Tetrine. I would swear to it on my name if you asked. I will not do that again.”(click:"if you asked")[ //Tetrine// “Must you be coerced by a bargain?” [[Silence.->The Dead Shadow's Child]]]

(if: $mark_point > 1)[//Tetrine// “I want to trust you, but I don’t know how I can if you treat me like a mortal plaything.” //Markaius// “Tetrine—” //Tetrine// “What can you possibly say?” //Markaius// “Tetrine, I apologize. I have done this for too long.” //Tetrine// “Please—just show me what you took.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “What did you take from me recently? Just <i>show me.</i>”](click:"show me")[ //Markaius// “Aya and Julius knew you, and what you could do. The Empress’ Shadow kills scriveners when she finds them—very often before she remembers that she needs one to be free. If you died, it would buy you time to learn to use your magic in peace.” //Tetrine// “You could have simply warned me that I was in danger. I could have left Asher.” //Markaius// “You need to be here.” //Tetrine// “Is that true, or is it that you want me here?” Tetrine waited, but [[no words came]].]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_sad2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/3_angry1.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Why do you want me here?” //Markaius// “You must be here. A few drops of demon blood mixed in with a draught of some liquid—water, usually, although wine will do—is all it takes to make a demon.” //Tetrine// “Excuse me?” //Markaius// “I gave you this elixir, and took your memory of it so you would not give yourself away to the shadow kind. They were to believe you were mortal when you died. Were you to die—as I thought likely—you would rise again because you had drunk of the elixir.” //Tetrine// “Who do you think you are, Markaius? How dare you—” (if: $mark_point > 1)[(link:"He laughed, softly.")[(goto:"Ending I")]](else:)[(link:"He shook his head.")[(goto:"Regret")]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_irritated.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div>

//Markaius// “Ah, the gods. Such things never turn out as I plan.” //Tetrine// “But I played right into your plans, I suppose.” //Markaius// “There are alternatives to ‘my plan’ that you would not like—including death.” //Tetrine// “Instead of making a silly bargain with me, you could have told me to go to Auros until the Shadow’s children stopped looking for me.” //Markaius// “Do you think there are no Shadow’s children in Auros? No, this way—you are safe for a time. Safe to learn the Nell marks and safe to give me time enough to—” //Tetrine// “I don’t understand any of this. Why would you do this to me?” //Markaius// “Tetrine—(click:"Tetrine—")[some things are more important than my wishes. And I would not wish you pain. This is why I took your memories in the first place.”(click:"why I took your memories")[ //Tetrine// “I’m not a child to be shielded and coddled.” //Markaius// “No, I suppose not.”]] //Tetrine// “I—the problem is I care very much for you, and I don’t <i>want</i> to care for you. Part of me wishes you had been a complete monster—(click: "complete monster—")[so I could hate you. Now I am simply confused.”] Tetrine hesitated. Her throat threatened to close on her next words. //Tetrine// “I remember that I l—(click:"I l—")[loved you. I thought you were so clever, and you always seemed to know everything about everything and you always knew just what to do and—and—” She let her words trail off into silence. //Tetrine// “(set: $forgiven to "I’m not promising")<tw-link class='cyclingLink' data-cycling-texts='["I’m not promising", "I don’t know if", "Maybe", "Maybe someday", "The trouble is", "I don’t think"]' onclick='clickCyclingLink(this, "$forgiven");'>$forgiven</tw-link> I’ll forgive you, but...”] He reached out to her, then paused, waiting. * [[She let him.->“I’m not promising I’ll forgive you.”]] * [[“Don’t touch me.”->Regret]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div>

(set:$ending to "Regret", $EndingVIII to true, $ending_number to 8)(save-game: "Regret")//Tetrine// “How dare you choose for me?” Then a glimmer of memory [[threatened to undo her]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_angry1.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div>

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending I: ####Markaius ] She did not resist when he took her up into his arms. With a sigh, she rested her cheek against his chest.(set:$ending to "Ending I", $EndingI to true, $ending_number to 1)(save-game: "Ending I") //Tetrine// “Just this once. And it is still hard to forgive you.” //Markaius// “I’ll ask for no promise. But I will swear on my name that I will never meddle with your memory again.” She felt the demon’s bargain as he made it—she shivered as the hairs on the back of her neck rose, and a prickling sensation that had nothing to do with the cold winter air spread across her skin. //Tetrine// “But will you tell me the truth?” //Markaius// “I haven’t lied to you.” //Tetrine// “I want more than that.” //Markaius// “As much as I can.” //Tetrine// “Hush, I want to pretend that things are just like they were.” A memory crept up to her, gentle and timid, and she reached for it with all the care she might take with a small, frightened animal.(click: "memory crept up")[ (Display:"memory crept up")]

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending VIII: ####Regret ] //Tetrine// “Don't touch me. I don’t want your love. I don’t want to love you. So what will you do about it, Markaius?” She could not help the bitter edge that touched her next words. //Tetrine// “Will you toy with my mind again, plant some more favorable memories?” //Markaius// “I knew it was an uncomfortable truth, and you would not like it. But it is better thus—for the first time since I have known you, you have accepted the uncomfortable truth over the seductive lie.” His words stung her. <i>How dare he?</i> //Markaius// “If you allow others to speak truth to you without being denied, perhaps they shall.” //Tetrine// “So it is my fault that you took my memories?” (if: $tet_strong >1 or $tet_meek <2)[//Markaius// “It is mine. <i>Vae,</i> I regret what I had to do. Ah, Tetrine. That stubbornness of yours can serve you. Or it can rule you.” //Tetrine// “I think I can take care of it myself.”](else:)[ //Tetrine// “I regret it, too.”] [[The End->Credits]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_angry1.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div>

In the memory she sat next to him on a checkered cloth in this same park. His arm was around her, warmth holding off the gentle chill of the spring air. Her own laughter rose up, as light and airy as soap bubbles, or butterflies—or love. //Markaius// “Tetrine.” [[The End->Credits]]

//Tetrine//(set:$ending to "Best Forgotten", $EndingVII to true, $ending_number to 7)(save-game: "Best Forgotten") “I don’t care anymore. It’s over. I’m a different person now. Those memories don’t matter.” //Markaius// “I see.” (if: $mark_point>0 or $tet_strong <2)[ //Tetrine// “I’m sorry. But it’s for the best.” //Markaius// “Perhaps it is, though I regret it.”](else:)[ //Tetrine// “I could never trust you after what happened.” //Markaius// “Perhaps not.”] He stood there a moment, and then he bowed to her—in that funny, old-fashioned way. Tetrine [[felt somehow lighter...]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_sad2.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/3_angry1.jpg"></div>

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending VII: ####Best Forgotten ] ...as if letting of lost memories had also released a burden she’d been carrying—a burden that had tethered her in some fashion to Markaius. Now the tether was gone. She walked home with a new bounce in her step. She felt free. [[The End->Credits]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div>

The gates of Venhera House loomed ahead. The slap of pursuing feet that seemed to come from behind her could have been only the echoes of her own footfalls, but she didn’t dare look back. //You can’t outrun a demon.// She nearly ran into the gate. Her hands circled the metal bars and she called out: //Tetrine// “Kalevel! Please, it’s me.” But the lights in the house were dark, and the gate was locked. //Tetrine// “//Gods!// Somebody, please just answer—” //Julius// “Look at that.” //Aya// “Right where we want you.” Tetrine screamed. A large hand clapped over her mouth and [[ended the sound]].

Tetrine ran. Her bare feet slapped painfully on the icy ground. But she didn’t dare slow down and she wasn't sure she dared to look back. * //[[I should see if they are following me.->Caught]]// * //[[I don’t have time; I should hide.->ScotFree.1]]//

(set: $tags to (passage: (history:)'s last)'s tags)(set: $event to (random: 1, 3)) (if: $event is 1)[(goto:"Caught.1")](elseif: $event is 2)[(goto:"Caught.2")](else:)[(goto:"Caught.3")]

Cold hands crushed her. Tetrine gasped. //Aya// “Nice try, Miss Reish.” Cold lips touched her throat. Sharp, icy teeth pierced her throat, her wrist. <i>Pain.</i> //Aya// “It wasn't nice to make us come get you.” Tetrine fought, but found she couldn’t move. She tried to scream, but Aya silenced her with a hand over her mouth. Then the demon caught her eyes, and Tetrine knew no more. Then they dragged Tetrine's body [[to Venhera House->Dumped]].

Too slow. Too painfully human and <i>far too slow</i>. Cold, hard fingers dug into her, and anther hand sank into her hair and yanked her head back at a sharp angle. //Julius// “There.” Two sets of fangs pierced her wrist, her throat. <i>Pain.</i> //Aya// “What do you think of librarian, Jules?” //Julius// “Mm.” //Aya// “That’s what I say.” Then they dragged their prey [[to Venhera House->Dumped]].

Aya plucked her from her feet with a strength and speed that should have been impossible. //Aya// “Well, well. What do we have here, boss?” Julius took Tetrine’s chin, and Tetrine tried to look anywhere but in his eyes. //Julius// “Hunger.” //Aya// “Close, but no cigar. That’s all right. You see, Miss Reish, Jules isn’t all there anymore. A pity, ain’t it? ’Cause he might feel sorry for you if he were himself. Ain’t that right, Jules?” //Julius// “Hm.” //Aya// “Articulate fellow, ain’t he?” Julius forced Tetrine’s chin, and when she avoided his eyes, Aya’s face darted into her line of vision. And Tetrine [[saw no more->Dumped]].

Only the two demons heard Tetrine’s final, muffled whimper. //Aya// “Tch. You’re such a messy eater. Say, think the lady of the house is here?” //Julius// “Mm.” //Aya// “Yeah, she’d probably have [[come out by now->Dumped]] if she were. Poor little bunny. Lucky us, unlucky you.”

<i>No,</i> she thought, realizing she didn’t have a key. Her throat tightened in fear and tears pricked her eyes. <i>No.</i> Tetrine had locked it herself, unless Rosemary—wait. Rosemary was prone to forget her keys. Perhaps, just like when they’d roomed together…? Heart pounding, Tetrine reached above the door for a spare key.(click:"reached above the door")[ Her fingers brushed something hard and metal. She flinched.(click:"She flinched.")[ A flash of a very different memory passed through her mind. Then a single key clattered to the ground. <i>They could be here any moment.</i> She was trembling, and she had to use both hands, fingers tightly clenched on the key, to steady it as she [[slid it into the lock]]. ]]

It pounced her one day, and dug in its claws. At first, it clung like a kitten—an infant hunger that she could shrug off. Then ordinary food began to make her increasingly ill, until she could no longer eat. A week passed in this fashion.(click:"A week passed in this fashion")[ Once she tried to phone Venhera House, but she was so afraid that she might run into one of her tenants in the hall that she didn't wait for the operator to connect her call. She made a plan to order an animal from the butcher—a prospect she would have cringed at had she not been desperate—except that between one morning and the next, she found herself unable to rise from bed.(click:"unable to rise from bed")[ She wavered in a half-dream state for three days. On the third, she was delirious; repeatedly she saw wavering images of her deceased mother passing from room to room, clucking over the loss of her heirlooms and fretting over Tetrine's curtains, which were shut tight against the sunlight. She had never seen her mother's ghost so clearly. [[On the fourth day]], one of the tenants butchered a rabbit on the grounds.]]

The scent of blood opened a maw of mindless thirst that swallowed all memory, all thought, all consciousness. The hunger became a living thing and Tetrine [[its helpless puppet]].

When she came to herself again, the absence of the gnawing hunger was almost as keen as its presence had been. But it was the light of the sun that woke her. (click:"light of the sun")[It crawled and prickled on her skin.] She grasped at her scattered thoughts, and was surprised to find them within easy reach. The sluggish fatigue that had dogged her for weeks was gone. Then she stumbled to her feet and began to [[turn on the lights]].

She marveled at her newfound clarity of mind and was almost smiling to herself—when she stumbled over the first body in the kitchen. Only then did she notice the [[blood on the walls]], and the strange taste lingering on her tongue.

She choked on a scream. She didn't—didn't—(click:"didn't—")[all the blood—](click:"blood—")[didn't //recognize// them—](click:"them—")[//Gods//—](click:"Gods")[ //[[no no no]]//]

//Markaius// “Are you quite done yet?” The voice hammered through her panic. She could hear the laughter in it. She backed up until she [[came into the living room]].<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “How...” //Markaius// “Your brother asked me to come. He wanted to know if you received his letter.” //Tetrine// “Why would he ask you to come? Devne doesn’t trust you.” //Markaius// “Apparently you did not receive it, given the state of your home… and dress.” //Tetrine// “I don't... I...” //Markaius// “I put it on the table next to the door before I realized what had happened. Why don't you go retrieve it?” //Tetrine// “But—” //Markaius// “My dear, your guests will wait patiently… they have little else to do.” She fled from his words as much as to [[retrieve the letter]]. <div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/bloody_terrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_condescending.jpg"></div>

Her hands shook as she lifted it. It was unmarked. Not even a stamp. //Tetrine// “He didn't send it like this, d—did he?” //Markaius// “No, this is a copy. He made another when I intimated that you might not have received the first.” The letter contained a warning about the hunger. About its power, the way it had a mind of its own—and the ways that it might torment its victim even as it wouldn't let her die. It seemed a demon could not die of hunger—not of her own will, at least. The hunger would take command and [[exact its due]]. <div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div>

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending IX: ####Haunted ] //Tetrine// “Why didn't—didn't he call?” //Markaius// “Perhaps he did. I am not cognizant of Devne’s affairs. Regardless, should he have? Is it not up to you to learn your new limits?”(click:"your new limits")[ //Tetrine// “I...” //Markaius// “You died, and you rose. What else could you be <i>but</i> a demon?”] //Tetrine// “They're dead!” //Markaius.// “All of them?” (link:"She tore the letter to bits.")[//Tetrine// “Stop it! Just—stop.” Tetrine’s voice cracked on a sob. Her fingers left behind smudges of red and brown on the white pieces, and they fell to the floor in a shower of tainted snowflakes. //Markaius// “Now, now. I'll help you clean this up. I doubt they're all dead. Seeing as you lack fangs.”] //Tetrine// “I would have preferred to die. I wish you had let me die.” //Markaius// “Don’t be tiresome.”(click:"tiresome")[ She laughed. //Markaius// “What a mess you’ve made. It seems your hunger is unusual—rather like that of a shadow demon. Perhaps the nature of your death—but no. Kalevel died under similar circumstances.” //Tetrine// “Wonderful.”] Tetrine shuddered. //Tetrine// “This can't be happening.” //Markaius// “I’m sure your denial compounded the situation. Kalevel is occasionally blind, but you—my dear, you could make denial a sport.”(click:"make denial a sport")[ //Tetrine// “I hate you.”] Markaius smiled softly. //Markaius// “The elixir wasn’t supposed to—well. I won’t apologize. I’m not sorry you’re alive.”(click:"I’m not sorry")[ Tetrine could think of nothing to say to that. //Markaius// “Let’s get this over with, shall we? I sense life yet. We’ll see what can be recovered. Then you will accept what you are and return to Venhera House.”] [[The End->Credits]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/bloody_terrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div>

She searched the library for the old storage room. As she remembered, it was concealed part of the way by a bookcase. [[She squeezed in.]]

###Act III If every sunbeam the Nell hath marked Hath turned thine eye beyond the dark Then sleep thou in peace but do beware There are no demons that [[do not dare]]. //An Imperial Temple Curse, 700 CE//

The storage room was old, and the worn plaster revealed the underlying stone in places. Tetrine could see winking Nell marks, but little else. (click:"winking Nell marks")[She flinched away from them.] Even in the storage room she could hear the door as it made one final sickening crack before giving way. She huddled in the dark, listening for voices. They came—muffled and indistinct at first, then louder as they neared her hiding place.(click:"louder")[ //Aya// “Where else <i>would</i> she go? It's not a big library.” //Julius// “Soon.” //Aya// “Yeah, you’re right. If she’s here, it’s only a matter of time before we find her. Mm, I smell blood.” They were demons. Would the sound of her beating heart give her away? //Julius// “Old blood.” She closed her eyes and hugged herself, wanting to be anywhere, <i>anywhere</i> else. She shivered as the Nell marks pulled her. <i>Now is not the time.</i> //Aya// “You hear that?” //Wait, the Nell!// Her eyes flew open and she reached for the marks, grasping for that [[Other world.]]]

Like that, the babbling brook of the Nell came to her. How eagerly it seemed to welcome her, and only her terror of Aya and Julius kept her from fleeing its smothering embrace. //Aya// “Naw.” But the voice was distant this time. She felt as if she were dissolving, as she had when Markaius had taken her to the Nell. <i>I don’t even know if I’m doing this right,</i> she thought frantically.(click:"she were dissolving")[ Time scraped her like sandpaper on raw skin. It seemed to race on one side of her, and crawl on the other, threatening to twist her in two. The door slammed shut in the real world. Was it real? Was any of it real? Tetrine [[fled the Nell]], and it let her go reluctantly.]

(set:$ending to "Ending III", $EndingIII to true, $ending_number to 3)(save-game: "Ending III")She stayed for a long time in that storage room, frozen in place, not daring to move even when the pounding of her heart began to lessen. The library wasn't heated, and she wore only her nightgown. She began to chatter. The uncomfortable clacking of teeth seemed to echo in the small room. The danger gone, fatigue at last caught up with her. But she was far too cold and frightened to sleep. However, a sort of light doze overtook her at some point. It might have been hours later; she had no sense of time in that closet. Whether it was (if: $RosemaryDeath is true)[(link-goto:"a dream")](else:)[a dream] she had that night or some kind of (if: $RosemaryDeath is false)[(link-goto:"terror-induced hallucination")](else:)[terror-induced hallucination], she was never quite sure.

(set: $RosemaryDeath to true)(goto: "fled the Nell")

[[She saw the Nell]], or perhaps the Nell had drawn her back into its arms, and this time she could not escape.

Her waking dreams felt warm compared to the ice of the library, and once more, the Nell opened up before her, seeming to beckon. She tried to draw away but the peace of it brushed her with a sweetness she could not resist. And was it her imagination or had the Nell changed? //Markaius// “It appears differently to those who can see the Nell.” //Tetrine// “You? But—” //Markaius// “It changes for various other reasons.” //Tetrine// “It looks more alive now.” //Markaius// “For me, it appears as a wasteland. But then, we have an old relationship, the Nell and I. Tell me—why do you think it has changed?” * [[“I was supposed to die.”->Curbed Fate]] * [[“I’m connected to it.”->I'm Conneced]] * [[“Did you do this?”->Supposed to Be]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/coln_condescending.jpg"></div>

It was so warm here, compared to the frigid library. //Rosemary// “I thought you came over for a moment. But it’s not because you’re dead. It’s because you’re you, isn’t it? I always thought—well. Do you remember when we used to room together?” Pain twisted in Tetrine’s heart. Her eyes burned, and she blinked back tears. //Tetrine// “Of course I do, Rosie.” //Rosemary// “It’s all right, Trina. I knew there was something about you. You seemed to see more than the rest of us sometimes. And you were afraid of wards and other old things. Faye seemed to think it was because you were from Auros, but that wasn’t it, was it? And then there were those funny dreams…” //Tetrine// “I wish I could have told you.” Rosemary only smiled. It was a sad smile, brief and trembling. [[And then it was gone.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/col_neutral.jpg"></div>

//Rosemary// “Something feels strange. It’s like you played a trick on Fate. Even if you weren’t you, well—what you’ve gone through seems like more than enough to give anybody visions of the dead.” Tetrine felt a twinge of guilt. //Rosemary// “No, it’s not your fault, not all the way, anyway, and I’m not mad.” (click-replace:"I’m not mad.”")[I’m not mad. Well, all right, I'm mad. Do you know how <i>close</i> I was? I was <i>this</i> close to touring the city-states. And now that train is going to leave without me. But I'm not mad at you. Demons are old and tricky. I can’t blame you for not making a bargain with one. And you did try to save me.” Rosemary looked out at the low golden hills for a moment. //Rosemary// “Besides, it’s so much effort to feel anger without a body. Everything seems inconsequential and vague, as if my life were a dream.” //Tetrine// “Perhaps they need actresses in the demon city. …(click:"…")[ I’m sorry, Rosie.” //Rosemary// “I'll miss you, you know.” //Tetrine// “I miss you. I’m so sorry. I should have made the bargain. I should have <i>tried.</i>” Rosemary hesitated. //Rosemary// “You should get out of this city. You know... in case you aren't ahead of me there.” Then the [[warmth of the Nell drained away]].]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/col_neutral.jpg"></div>

Tetrine woke to a cold sweat in the icy library that morning. Trembling, dressed only in her nightgown, she took herself [[to her apartment]].

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending III: ####Escaped ] Tetrine did not remember the train ride. Of course, she remembered the long, cold night in the way station. Every shadow, every noise disturbed her peace. Then she was past the great city gates of Auros and on her way to Reish House. Three generations of her family had lived and died in the big house. The ghosts of old memories—as well as more literal ghosts—lingered there, waiting for her. She soon discovered that the presence of the boarding house tenants relieved only a little of the haunted, drafty feeling she remembered from her childhood. The last time she had seen the place, it had been almost empty, except for a few of her own things being packed into boxes to be stored in a closet somewhere—very few of their treasures had been spared by the estate taxes, and Devne’s debts had not helped matters. She remembered watching her things gradually disappear. Aged fifteen when her mother died during the Aurean red fever epidemic, Tetrine had been surprised to see her mother’s ghost join that of her great-grandmother, known locally as Gran Hailie. She wondered even now what would happen if she died in this house. Was she fated to haunt it, too? But a few bad memories were better than death at the hands of the Shadow's children—or playing Markaius’ game. While working for Kalevel did not seem so bad... Tetrine preferred her independence. This was better. She would dust away the figurative ghosts and ignore the more literal ones. She was alive and free and her own person. What else mattered? [[The End->Credits]](set:$ending to "Escaped", $EndingIII to true, $ending_number to 3)(save-game: "Escaped")

//Tetrine// “Was I supposed to die?” He hesitated. //Tetrine// “I’ve heard you could see the future. Is that true?” //Markaius// “As you do, in your dreams sometimes. Perhaps I do so more often.” //Tetrine// “I see. But was it <i>supposed</i> to happen?” //Markaius// “I have never thought Fate to be written in stone. If you change, so does your outcome.” //Tetrine// “Oh.” This [[must be a dream->Mark Vision Continued]], Tetrine decided. Just an awful dream.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/coln_askance.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “It’s my connection to the Nell because of what I am, isn’t it?” //Markaius// “It’s more than that.” //Tetrine// “You are impossible. Just tell me.” //Markaius// “I saw another future. Although perhaps this one is better, in its way. Still, the Nell has changed because you have changed, and so has your outcome.” This [[must be a dream->Mark Vision Continued]], Tetrine decided. Just a ridiculous dream.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/coln_askance.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point +=1)//Tetrine// “All of this—Kalevel coming to my library, Aya and Julius recruiting me for that—that <i>excursion.</i> I can’t help but feel like you were a part of it.” //Markaius// “I was permitted to influence the outcome.” Tetrine could not conceal her incredulity. //Tetrine// “Permitted? By <i>whom</i>?” //Markaius// “Events were synchronizing. My interference seldom garners the desired result when this is not the case.” //Tetrine// “Are you //trying// to be as obtuse as possible?” //Markaius// “You would not like the truth.” //Tetrine// “So you’re <i>lying</i>?” //Markaius// “Merely dancing. Dance with me.” This [[must be a dream->Mark Vision Continued]], Tetrine decided. Just an awful, silly dream.<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/coln_askance.jpg"></div>

//Markaius// “What do you know of scriveners?” //Tetrine// “Almost nothing. Until—until Kalevel, I didn’t even know we had a name.” //Markaius// “Your brother didn’t tell you.” //Tetrine// “Mother was secretive about the whole thing. I don’t think he knew until recently.” //Markaius// “Does ignorance ever keep our children safe?” //Tetrine// “I—” //Markaius// “Nevermind.” //Tetrine// “I should know more, if this is going to keep getting me into trouble.” //Markaius// “What would you give me in exchange?” * [[“What could you possibly want?”]] * [[“I’m so tired of this.”]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_afraid.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/coln_condescending.jpg"></div>

(set: $mark_point +=1)//Tetrine// “What could you possibly want?” //Markaius// “I have a question.” //Tetrine// “Is that all? I thought you might ask for my full name or blood, or another promise to bargain.” //Markaius// “I already know all of your names, Tetrine Mariam Reish. And I know that you were almost a Hailie, after your great-grandmother. You told me so yourself.” //Tetrine// “I’ve never told you any such—” //Markaius// “But no. That day in January—who died?”(if: $seconddream is true and $mark_point > 2)[ //Tetrine// “I don’t know. I—I remember <i>something</i>, but it’s like a dream I’m can’t quite recall. Why can’t I remember?” //Markaius// “I told you to forget. Only you forgot more than I intended.” At once, he seemed far away and weary. //Markaius// “I didn’t mean to be unkind. I have waited a long time for synchronous events to align in my favor, but it seems I have failed again..”](else:)[ //Tetrine// “I—” Images, familiar yet alien to her, crept in on the edges of her thoughts. She shrank from them. //Markaius// “Still you refuse to remember, just as you refuse to dream.”] (Display: "More Answers")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_skeptical.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/coln_askance.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Oh, what does it matter? I’m so <i>tired</i> of this. I don’t owe you anything.” //Markaius// “Perhaps I phrased my question poorly.” //Tetrine// “I think very poorly.” (Display: "More Answers")<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/coln_skeptical.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/coln_askance.jpg"></div>

//Markaius// “I think I have done enough for now, fool that I am.” //Tetrine// “Markaius, wait—don’t go.” //Markaius// “Even I need to rest, and this wearies me. You are safe for now.” //Tetrine// “Just tell me if this is real.” But [[he was gone->Rosemary Visit]].

Tetrine left the library before the late afternoon sun began to dim. (if: $TheBargain is true)[ For the first time, she was glad that Rosemary was leaving Asher soon. She thought her friend would be safe from harm. Once Rosemary was away from Asher and any unpleasant reminders, it would be as if nothing had ever happened. ] But Tetrine couldn't stay in Asher. She realized she didn’t have time to get a reference from Miss Nora. But with how the past couple of months had gone, she supposed Miss Nora's reference wouldn't be ideal anyhow. So she gave her notice, citing a family emergency as her reason, and packed a few essential things. On the way to the train station, she paused at Venhera House. Perhaps she could see Devne before she left.(click: "she paused at Venhera House")[ (Display: "she paused at Venhera House")]

The place looked deserted. And how odd that the vines still looked green, as if winter had not touched them at all. //Tetrine// “Hello? Is anyone there?” At once she was glad that she had chosen to go to the library instead of Venhera House last night—the place looked abandoned. A car passed by. Tetrine idly watched it go. She couldn't see the driver very clearly, but she thought it might be a woman. <i>Kalevel, perhaps?</i> The thought was confirmed when the car drove up to the gate. Tetrine [[decided to wait]].

//Kalevel// “I leave for a few days and all the excitement happens without me. Devne sent a telegram intimating that Markaius was up to something. I hope you haven’t gotten in over your head.” //Tetrine// “Just a little. Did you have a nice trip?” //Kalevel// “How sweet. It was quite fine, dove. But don't change the subject. Did you agree to anything?” //Tetrine// “Agree?” //Kalevel// “With the old meddler, sweet. If he’s involved, it’s a bad idea. Did you agree to anything rash?” (if: $TheBargain is true)[ //Tetrine// “Maybe a little rash. But Rosemary, uhm, my friend would have died if I hadn’t agreed. He said something about saving my life, too, but I guess I did that myself.” //Kalevel// “Hah! That will rankle him. But by the gods, I hope you got clear of it. What exactly—no, don’t tell me. Nothing I can do. You’re mortal, and mortals can’t break bargains.” //Tetrine// “It can’t be that bad. He seemed to want to help me.” //Kalevel// “Is that what it looked like to you? You’ll learn, I’m sure.” ](else:)[ //Tetrine// “No. And my friend is dead because I didn’t.” //Kalevel// “Sometimes I’ve thought it might better to be dead than to be in a contract with Markaius. It makes one’s life is infinitely simpler.” Tetrine closed her eyes—intending to do so for only a moment, but then she felt tears well up. //Kalevel// “But I’m sorry for your friend.” ] The woman hesitated. //Kalevel// [[“Come inside, dove.”]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_angry1.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Is my brother here?” //Kalevel// “Not that I’m aware.” //Tetrine// “Oh, you have a very pretty garden. It’s still so green.” Impossibly green. //Kalevel// “It’s one of my talents.(if: $TheBargain is true)[ My, but you look pale. Did someone bite you?”](else:)[ You’re looking pale. I gather it’s from fear and not that you were bitten by a demon.”] //Tetrine// “I don’t—” But Tetrine stopped. Something tugged at her memory.(click:"tugged at her memory")[ //Kalevell// “Don’t bother. You won’t find it.” //Tetrine// “I—right. Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but I thought, back in the palace—perhaps I assumed, but I had the idea that you were going to do something about Aya and Julius.” //Kalevel// “You mean ‘kill them,’ dearheart. Let’s not mince words.” //Tetrine// “Fine.” //Kalevel// “The woman hails from a family of sorcerers that can conceal themselves from my kind—and particularly from me. It is certainly a nuisance. And they are usually so stupid when they first rise—”(click:"first rise—")[ //Tetrine// “They came after me last night.” For a moment, Kalevel only looked at her. //Kalevel// “Oh, dove. I try to get them when I can. Don’t tell me they were the ones that bit you. Shadow demons aren’t exactly known for leaving their prey alive.” (if:$TheBargain is false)[ //Tetrine// “You’re assuming someone bit me. Do you always know, or are you guessing?” //Kalevel// “It’s a guess. You have the faraway look of one who has lost memories.” //Tetrine// “I think I lost a lot of memories once.”](else:)[ //Tetrine// “What?” //Kalevel// “My guess would be Markaius.” //Tetrine// “Oh.” She tried again to remember this afternoon, and what had happened after Markaius had brought her home. //Tetrine// “Surely you can't mean...” //Kalevel// “That’s how some of us are with mortals,. Especially Markaius, who would think it as natural as breathing.”] Tetrine didn't even know where to start when it came to missing memories, and even less at the implication that she had been a demon's prey without being aware. But Kalevel had already moved on to a different subject, very much as if a mortal's missing memories were no more notable than the weather report. //Kalevel// “The Empress' Shadow can never remember whether she wants to kill scriveners or [[make use of them]]. I don't think she'll stop hunting you if she thinks you're alive.” ]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_anticipation.jpg"></div>

//Kalevel// “Usually she kills them before she remembers that she needs one to set her free. I think that was Markaius’ doing as well, though I disapprove of his meddling with her mind.” //Tetrine// “Why?” //Kalevel// “I disapprove of Markaius’ meddling as a matter of course, dove.” Which wasn't an answer. //Kalevel// “So what did they do? Catch you on the way home?” //Tetrine// “They broke into my apartment.” //Kalevel// “You’d think a scrivener would know to live in a warded home.” //Tetrine// “I didn’t think they worked.” //Kalevel// “There are ways to disrupt the ward, and Kialee can get around them if she’s in the vicinity, but otherwise they work.” Tetrine fell silent, shocked at her own ignorance.(click: "fell silent")[ //Kalevel// “Indeed. I think you have to find somewhere else to live.” The woman hesitated. //Kalevel// “There’s always room at Venhera House. It’s not uncommon for a new demon to stay with me for a time, until the hunger becomes more bearable. But there’s no one new right now.” //Tetrine// “I'm not a demon.” //Kalevel// “Yes, but it’s probably the safest place to be. And I assure you, the Empress’ Shadow will send more of her children after you—until she’s certain you are dead.” //Tetrine// “Lovely.”(click-replace:"“Lovely.”")[“Lovely. I was thinking of returning to Auros.” //Kalevel// “Well, that’s up to you.”] Tetrine frowned. She doubted Kalevel was offering charity for charity's sake. //Tetrine// “You want something from me, don’t you?” //Kalevel// “I’ve been looking for a scrivener. But I’m not Markaius. He has few scruples about meddling with other demons and none at all when meddling with mortals. If you want to stay here, I’d have work for you, but I could also protect you. And I wouldn’t [[toy with your memory]].” ]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_smiling1.jpg"></div>

(if:$refuse_to_help_ is true)[Tetrine thought of those strange, missing moments from Kalevel's visits to the library. //Tetrine// “No more than you already have?” ](else:)[//Tetrine// “I see.” ] //Kalevel// “I’d swear on it, dove, and a demon must keep a bargain. It’s for you to decide. There would be no debt between us, if you help me with my library and the Nell marks. Markaius doesn’t offer the same, I assure you, and one never knows what he is hiding.” //Tetrine// “And what else should I know, if I agree to work for you?” //Kalevel// “Mortals who live near me do not die. They often do not even age.” //Tetrine// “I think some might consider that a benefit.” //Kalevel// “It might cost more than you are willing to pay.” //Tetrine// “Thank you—for the offer, and for being truthful with me.” //Kalevel// “Is that a yes or a no?”(set:$work_for_kal to false) * [[“It’s a yes.”]] * [[“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_smiling1_down.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I think I will.” [[Tetrine smiled.->Decisions]](set:$work_for_kal to true)<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_smile.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_smiling1.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I’m sorry. I don’t think it’s a very good idea. Besides, I should probably manage the boarding house for a little while.”(click-replace:"little while.”")[little while. Devne did it for a long time.”] //Kalevel// “As you like, dove. But take care. Auros might not be far enough. I’m not sure anywhere is, for a scrivener.” //Tetrine// [[“I’ll keep that in mind.”->Decisions]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_angry1.jpg"></div>

(if: $TheBargain is false and $work_for_kal is false)[(goto:"train ticket to Auros")](elseif: $TheBargain is true and $work_for_kal is true)[(goto:"Kalevel Scot Free Ending")](else:)[(goto:"Snowy Nightmares")]

(if: $work_for_kal is true)[Some weeks passed. Tetrine learned her way around Kalevel's collection of writings on the Nell. She was beginning to recognize Nell marks and learn their uses. (if: $TheBargain is true)[ (Display: "Rosemarygrams") ] The ‘Scylla Street Night Haunts,’ as the papers called Aya and Julius, attacked people on Scylla Street from time to time. Kalevel would leave Venhera House on such days, a grim expression on her face, and go hunting. Once, she returned blood-spattered but grinning—much to Tetrine’s discomfort. Kalevel said that they weren't dead, but probably licking their wounds and steering clear of the area for the time being. The papers made no mention of them for some weeks. But the first time Tetrine saw Markaius after her ordeal was also the first time she forgot to be afraid to [[go out at night.->Snowy Nightmares II]]](else:)[Tetrine's thoughts were a whir of memory, color, light and shadow. Especially of shadow, and of liquid, rather literal doe eyes in too-pale human faces. She didn't pay attention to where her feet were taking her, and so she found herself on the street in front of the park next to her old apartment. It wasn't far from the train station, and yet she wondered why she had come this way. She felt the first hint of regret that she might [[have to leave Asher->Snowy Nightmares II]] after all that had happened.]

//Kalevel// “Good. I think that's a little better than running away.” //Tetrine// “I'll just stay here until Aya and Julius are gone.” //Kalevell// “Until I kill them, you mean. Go get a suitcase. I'll track down somebody to help you. You have a few hours before sunset.”(click:"before sunset.”")[ //Tetrine// “Before sunset?” //Kalevell// “And about that. Just because they don't come out during the day doesn't mean they can't. It costs the Shadow's children more, but if a rat really needed to come out during the day, the sun wouldn't stop him. So be quick about it.” //Tetrine// “Of course.”] Tetrine felt Kalevel's hesitation, as if the woman were mulling over her words. Finally, she spoke: //Kalevel// “And Tetrine, dear—people are playthings to Markaius. He doesn't think like ordinary folk. He doesn’t even think like ordinary demons.” //Tetrine// “I'll remember that. Thank you.” //Kalevel// “Not a worry, dove.” Tetrine [[went to get her things.->Snowy Nightmares]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_smiling1.jpg"></div>

Rosemary performed in her home city-state of New Constans. Her letters—and occasional telegrams—were brief, but seemed happy. She made no mention of the events of that day. Tetrine doubted that she would see much of her friend again, but she was happy for her.

Tetrine felt the sizzle of Nell marks. Then //he// was there. //Tetrine// “Must you do that?” //Markaius// “Do you want to know what you have forgotten?” //Tetrine// “Well, good evening to you, too. I think the question you are looking for is ‘do you want to remember what I <i>made</i> you forget?’ ” //Markaius// “You can phrase it as such if you wish. Only tell me if you do.” His intensity took her aback. //Tetrine// “Why does it matter? Didn’t you do it on purpose?” //Markaius// “I doubt you would believe me if I said no.” //Tetrine// “Kalevel says that you don’t lie much. Just twist the truth round and round. I’m not sure I see the difference.” He said nothing. //Tetrine// “Fine, I...” * [[“Actually, I don’t want to know.”]] * [[“I must know.”]] <div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_irritated.jpg"></div>

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending II: ####Scot-Free ] (set:$ending to "Scot-Free", $EndingII to true, $ending_number to 2)(save-game: "Ending II")Tetrine thought about it for long moments. She thought of the things she was missing and didn’t miss—because she didn’t remember them. It was as if, in forgetting, they didn’t exist. Accepting his offer now would only raise the lid of that proverbial Pandora’s box, and she wasn’t sure she would like what she found there. No, taking back her memories could bring only unhappiness. If anyone benefited at all, it would be Markaius, not Tetrine herself. //Tetrine// “I think I can live without knowing.” //Markaius// “As you like.” If he sounded a little sad, Tetrine didn’t notice. Her thoughts were already far into the future. The past was broken; it did not matter. She was free. [[The End->Credits]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_weary.jpg"></div>

Tetrine thought about it for long moments. She thought of the things she was missing and didn’t miss—because she couldn’t remember them. She felt the empty space where memory should be. She thought of how it must be like raising the lid of the proverbial Pandora’s box. She might not like what she found there. But shouldn’t she face what she had lost? What if something important had been left behind? What if she had lost not only memories, but some fundamental part of herself? //Tetrine// “I have to know.” //Markaius// “Are you certain?” //Tetrine// “It’s hard to hold to my resolve when you question me.” //Markaius// “Very well. We met three years ago. You thought I was another student.” (if: $mark_point <1)[ //Tetrine// “Even with the funny old-fashioned haircut?” //Markaius// “You teased me for my—eccentricities.”](else:)[ //Tetrine// “I find it hard to imagine.” //Markaius// “You were a different person—perhaps not so suspicious. Although you have every right to be so.”] He gestured to encompass the park. //Markaius// “We met here, from time to time.”(if: $seconddream is true)[ //Tetrine// “I’ve dreamed of this place.” //Markaius// “Dreams have a way of getting to the truth, if only in metaphor. It helps that you are a scrivener, and dreams mean more to you than to another person.”] He hesitated. //Markaius// “[[It happened in January]]. I don’t know why you were out late that evening. It wasn’t like you—you who followed Imperial law almost unconsciously.”<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/3_smile.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

//Markaius// “The Shadow’s child was new, and it was hungry. You didn’t see it. The blood from its first kill was still hot on the snow, but a mortal would not have detected the smell of blood in the dead of winter.” Tetrine felt an old, half-remembered fear stir in her chest. //Markaius// “The scent of shadow demons is distinct, of course—like newly turned soil. It is a strange scent, but nothing to remark upon, unless one already knows what to look for. You were entirely unaware, and I did not know then that you were in danger.” He paused. //Markaius// “It only happened that I wished to speak to you, and I wasn’t sure whether or not you were avoiding me. I forget the structure of modern courtship. There were too many rules in Imperial times, and too few today.” //Tetrine// “It sounds trying.” //Markaius// “You are laughing at me. Ah, but it must be cold out here for you. The things I forget.” //Tetrine// “I’m fine; I like the cold. And the wall stops the wind. Markaius, it’s as if you aren’t entirely in the here and now.” He hesitated, and his confusion was palpable. Tetrine found herself [[feeling sorry for him]]. <i>Which is probably not a good idea. You still don’t know him, even if you might have known him once.</i>

//Tetrine// “It must be strange to live so long. Everything around you has changed more than once, I’d imagine.” //Markaius// “You must not feel sorry for me. I should not cling to the past as I do. It causes confusion after a time, among other things. I become steeped in it, and the present loses its solidity. The future can be just as seductive, and all my dreams are of possibilities just outside my grasp.” Tetrine tried to think of one of her portentous dreams, but none had such substance. Her vision of the Empress' bedchamber had not included Aya and Julius. //Markaius// “If only there were one or two, I’ve often thought, instead of a hundred, I could keep my mind in order. Perhaps that is true. Forgive me—(click:"Forgive me—")[my mind is my own burden. In truth, I seek to walk that tightrope, because I want to shape the future. I pay the price willingly.” He smiled tightly. //Markaius// “I had not intended to tell you all this.” //Tetrine// “I don’t mind. I confess I’m afraid to know what I’ve forgotten.” //Markaius// “Ah, Tetrine.” //Markaius// “I took your memory because you were distraught. It is a thing I have done more times than I can count—any demon can do so, even the shadow kind. But you were still upset. You were going to hurt yourself, and I thought I had missed something.” //Tetrine// “And you couldn’t have waited until I calmed down?” Tetrine projected her most skeptical tone—the one she reserved for patrons who returned damaged books or no books at all. //Markaius// “You were afraid of <i>me</i>, Tetrine. And [[you wouldn’t say why]].”]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_askance.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_weary.jpg"></div>

(if:$mark_point >=2)[(goto:"Pound of Flesh")](else:)[(goto:"Scot Free II")]

Then Tetrine knew why, and suddenly the need to get away overtook her desire to know what she had lost. But she concealed her reaction—and took care to avoid his eyes. //Tetrine// “I think I’ve changed my mind. I had better go.” Markaius was a demon—and one who could be anywhere he wanted at will. It was night, and he was in his element. Tetrine forced a smile. //Markaius// “Had you?” (if: $work_for_kal is false)[//Tetrine// “Yes. I have a train to catch. I’m headed home.” //Markaius// “They don’t let anyone through the city walls of Auros after dark.” //Tetrine// “Oh? Oh, right. It seems I’ve become spoiled on Asher’s lax attitude toward Imperial law. But now there are way stations for night travelers.” He said nothing. In truth, the way stations had earned their awful reputations, but she thought one night in a flea-infested bed was worth her escape.](else:)[//Tetrine// “Kalevel is expecting me.” //Markaius// “She cannot wait?” //Tetrine// “I agreed to work for her. I wouldn’t want to disappoint her before I’ve even started.”] [[He took a step toward her.]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/smirking.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

She looked out at the park. That was when the memory came to her, as fragile as a two weeks old kitten. It wavered as if on unsteady legs. Tetrine reached for the memory, to rescue it [[before it could fall away]].(set:$ending to "Betrayal", $EndingV to true, $ending_number to 5)(save-game: "Betrayal")<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I was looking for you. I don’t think I knew who you were, just that you were Marcus and I was fond of you. I found—(click:"I found—")[I found Gran Hailie's contract, or rather, a tenant mailed it to me. Do you remember that?” //Markaius// “It is hard to forget.” //Tetrine// “I was going to ask you about it. You always knew the funniest things about Aeserian history. But that’s all I can remember. I think I lost the contract again soon after. I don't remember what you said about it.” He brushed aside her unspoken question. //Markaius// “I was looking for you; in truth I was concerned you were avoiding me. We must have missed each other that day. I came to your apartment—but you weren’t there, and it was getting dark. There were many shadow demons that year—the Empress’ Shadow had had some luck with her victims.” //Markaius// “I pursued one from your door. But I didn’t see you when I killed the shadow demon. Then, there you were, looking for the spare key. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself—or to the body—so I did not move.” //Markaius// “Of course, that was when you cut yourself—”(click:"cut yourself—")[ //Tetrine// “It was the first time I looked down, and there was much more blood in the snow than I expected to see. And then I saw you—and I was afraid. I must have thought you were a demon come to kill me. But I can’t remember exactly what I was thinking then.” //Markaius// “It is difficult to fully recover memories. If only they were a little more like motion pictures and a little less like dreams. You should hate me, for what I have done.” //Tetrine// “But—I don’t think—” //Markaius// “More so, for what I am about to do. Kalevel says I should act, and not merely orchestrate, my designs. Perhaps she is right. I doubt you will forgive me, but you do not need to like me to play your part. That much I have seen.” //Tetrine// “What—what are you talking about?” //Markaius// “The goddess is growing restless. It has been too long since her last sacrifice. The Empress’ Shadow remembers you, and you are mortal and defenseless. It is for the best, though I loathe the idea.” //Tetrine// “You’re frightening me.” //Markaius// “If only the shadow demons had… Then it would be I who saved you, not I who took your life after your lucky escape. How could I have known you would elude them? It is so seldom that mortals succeed against us.” Tetrine backed away—but then she made the mistake of looking into his eyes. He was so alien and yet so familiar—her memories were indistinct, but her care for him was crystal clear. And she had cared for him. For no other reason would she look anybody in the eyes. Habits borne of strict upbringing and intimate familiarity—even half-remembered familiarity—did not die easily. That was her mistake. //Markaius// “I wish—ah, but I cannot even tell you why.” It took effort to speak, as if, in being held in his gaze, she had been partly frozen. //Tetrine// “It—it seems you <i>won’t</i> tell me why, not that you can’t.” //Markaius// “A mortal would not survive what you must face. You could become one of their puppets.” //Tetrine// “And I am not—yours?” //Markaius// “No, Tetrine.” //Tetrine// “Will I remember this, or will you take this, too?” //Markaius// “<i>Vae</i>—I think I must take some. Even now I have said too much.” //Tetrine// “What—<i>what</i> must you do?” //Markaius// “My bargain with you is not complete. I have not—saved your life. You are not caught in the demon’s gaze, my dear. It is that you trust me still. That is why you have not fled. You should try. I don’t think I can bear to harm you if you trust me.” She felt the chill eat into her, as if her sturdy wool coat had turned to fine gauze. She thought she knew exactly what he meant to do, and fear followed fast on the heels of the bone-deep cold that had dug its claws into her. * (if: $mark_point > 2)[(link-goto:"“Do what you must, but don’t apologize.”")](else:)[“Do what you must, but don’t apologize.”] * <i>[[I escaped the Shadow’s children once.]]</i> * (if: $tet_strong >2)[(link-goto:"“I despise you.”")](else:)[“I despise you.”] ]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/3_angry1.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid.jpg"></div>

She smiled, but it came out as the sort of tight smile that might give her away if it lasted too long. <i>I escaped the Shadow’s children once, didn’t I?</i> Then she flung her handbag into his face, and spun on her heel. At least they were low heels, she thought, as she scrambled down the street. Kalevel was at Venhera House—that was her best bet. Hiding in the library probably wouldn’t work with Markaius. She reached the gate—(click:"reached the gate")[(Display: "reached the gate")]

//Tetrine// “Don’t apologize. Do what you must, but don’t apologize. It’s not much better than lying at this point.” //Markaius// “My dear, I—” //Tetrine// “No. All you had to do was tell me. I don’t see how that’s so difficult, but mincing around the topic has me so much more frightened than if you just said you had to—had to—” //Markaius// “I’m not sure that’s true.” //Tetrine// “Just—(click:"Just—")[just stop it.” //Markaius// “Hush.” He touched her lips with his fingers, then lifted her chin with one finger until she [[met his eyes->PoF II]].]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_weary.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I despise you.” //Markaius// “Then I cannot do more harm than I already have.” //Tetrine// “You have a strange idea of harm.” She turned away from him. //Tetrine// “Are you going to kill me?”(click:"kill me")[ //Markaius// “Yes.” She flinched. //Tetrine// “Do you expect me to beg?” //Markaius// “It’s too late.” //Tetrine// “I despise you. You’re a monster.” //Markaius// “As I am now—so you shall be, my dear.” He took her by the elbow and gently turned her round. Tetrine did not resist, though her heart pounded. She met [[his gaze fearlessly->PoF II]], and hoped he knew how she hated him by her eyes.]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_angry1.jpg"></div>

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending V: ####Betrayal ] And the world faded away, consumed in dreams, and darkness. She felt the warmth drain from her, replaced by an ice that grew and grew—in her limbs, in her heart. His arms banded around her—growing warmer as she grew colder. <i>Markaius,</i> she thought, wistful and sad. Then, <i>Markaius,</i> she thought, with a slow and growing rage, hot as the coals at the bottom of the hearth. Then she tasted bitter betrayal, and sharp grief, as if her feelings were fruits plucked from the branch too soon. Tetrine might not remember much of this night, but she knew she would remember how she felt with her last mortal breath. [[The End->Credits]]

when she slipped on the ice. She closed her eyes—anticipating a painful fall—(click:"fall—")[and someone caught her by the elbow—](click:"elbow—")[she looked up—](click:"looked up—")[and [[into Markaius’ face->PoF II]].]

<i>How dare he?</i> //Tetrine// “Do you think I can—” She couldn’t say “love.” //Tetrine// “Do you think I can <i>care</i> for someone who doesn’t respect my free will?” He paused. //Tetrine// “I remember why I was upset, Markaius. It was about Gran Hailie’s contract—the one she had with <i>you</i>. It was sent to me that day.” Tetrine found she was trembling. //Tetrine// “Are you going to take my memories again, now that I’ve found out? Were you planning to lie to me and make up some other memory to put in my head as if—as if I were a plaything and not a person at all?” //Markaius// “No.” //Tetrine// “But I must have been a plaything all along to you. This is why Mother never wanted Devne or I to ever leave Auros. This is why I grew up in a house haunted by my great-grandmother.” She smiled to herself, a little stiffly. //Tetrine// “I remember, as a child, I was afraid to go into any room with cupboards, because she was always opening them, looking for that contract. She would speak to me in my dreams, demanding I find it. And then it’s mailed to me one day by a tenant who found it—<i>finally</i> found it—and I came to ask you about it.” She sighed. //Tetrine// “Not because you were Markaius—I didn’t know that then. I just knew you as Marcus. Marcus, who always seemed to know funny things about Aeserian history. Marcus—(click:"Marcus—")[whom I trusted.” The memory came to her then, and dredged up an old, slow mixture of anger and confusion. //Tetrine// “And what happens when I go to your department at the university, to ask after you? No one has heard of you. You didn’t exist. Everything I knew about you was a lie.” //Markaius// “I never told you I studied there. I simply did not deny it when you made the assumption—what could I have told you, that you would have believed?” //Tetrine// “But I came to <i>you</i> and <i>you took my memories</i>. That was why I was out late that night. I spent hours hunting down connections that turned out not to be there—where you worked, where you claimed to live, whom you claimed to know.” Tears threatened. //Tetrine// “Fool that I was, that was when I noticed that you had a tendency not to confirm or deny something whenever I asked you a question. Instead you implied and you intimated. <i>So you still lied to me.</i> And I was such a fool.” //Markaius// “I cannot deny that much. But nothing that day turned out as I intended, least of all what happened to your memories.” She couldn’t believe her ears. //Tetrine// “Are you trying to tell me that it was a <i>mistake</i>?” //Markaius// “Tetrine, if you had asked about the contract, I could have told you the entire truth. It would have made things infinitely easier. Hailie asked for wealth, and I gave it to her. She found a loophole in the bargain and exploited it. She didn’t have to—ah, but you have already turned your mind against me.” His voice was hard, brittle. //Markaius// “Do you think I preferred to tiptoe around what frightened you? You would not even look at the Nell marks.” //Tetrine// “You pretended to be a scrivener, too. A mortal scrivener just like me.” //Markaius// “There were thousands of lies you would have believed over one uncomfortable truth—that is true even now. You prefer to remember only the worst of me, and none of the good. I am merely a demon to you, and nothing I can say will change your mind.” //Tetrine// “Is that your excuse? You haven’t //tried// to change my mind.” //Markaius// “May others look on you with such judgment. Only a paragon could please you—well. I am consoled in knowing that such are liars.” [[And then he was gone.]]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/regret.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_angry1.jpg"></div>

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending II: ####Scot-Free (II) ](set:$ending to "Scot-Free (II)", $EndingII_2 to true, $ending_number to 2)(save-game: "Scot-Free (II)")Tetrine mused over the words. She struggled to find some relevance, some meaning to them. In the end, she ceased to struggle. //I've been a fool. I've dallied with demons and lost.// //Not entirely.// She was still alive, and whole, and herself. Then she looked up at the night sky, and the gentle snowfall, and the light of the lamp that illuminated this stretch of street. <i>I am mortal, and the night does not belong to me,</i> she thought, and looked behind her for shadows. There were none. (if: $work_for_kal is true)[Then she hurried to Scylla Street—and Venhera House.](else:)[Then she hurried to the train station.] [[The End->Credits]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

//Kalevel// “January’s <i>Hell</i>.” She wasn’t sure how long she stood there, looking at the body in her pond. Only the sound of approaching footsteps finally jarred her from her reverie. She didn’t look up. //Kalevel// “That you, Devne?” //Devne// “Yeah. What’re you—Trin?” Silence. //Devne// “Kalev. Is—is she—?” //Kalevel// “Oh, I have a feeling her death [[isn't the end->it isn’t permanent.]].”

//Devne// “Shadow demons.” //Kalevel// “Unfortunately, I think you’re right. There’s a chance she’s not caught up in the Mind-Chain. The Shadow’s line doesn’t always kill off the Nell magic, so she might still be a scrivener. All I can say for sure is that she won’t be happy when she wakes up.” //Devne// “But if the Empress’ Shadow got her into the Mind-Chain...” //Kalevel// “No more memories. No more Tetrine Reish.” //Devne// “That’s recoverable. It must be.” //Kalevel// “If it could be fixed, don’t you think I would have done it by now, dove? It depends. They wake up a little, sometimes, when loved ones are near. You should wait with her. I’ll see if I can track down Markaius. Seems the old meddler has some affection for her—he might help her where he has refused to help me. Gods, am I going to have words for him.” //Devne// “Right.” //Kalevel// “Let’s take her down to the basement. Have I had you chain a new demon before?” //Devne// “No, ma’am.” //Kalevel// “Now’s as [[good a time to learn as any]].”<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_angry1.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/sad.jpg"></div>

The demon Tetrine lay for long hours alone in the basement. The young man was gone—he’d tried to hold her hand—and hadn’t liked how she’d gouged him with her nails. She strained to hear the bell-like sound of the [[Shadow’s voice]].

Images of a young woman plying yarn flitted through her mind. Her yarn became spider’s thread as she wove. The spindle hanging from her thread bobbed and danced with a spellbinding rhythm. Voices intruded. //Markaius// “[[It can’t be done.]] I can break her free of the Mind-Chain temporarily, but the magic is tied to Kialee’s blood. One would have to kill—”

//Kalevel// “No.” //Devne// “You can’t be serious. All she does is create more of those—those monsters.” //Kalevel// “I’ll find another way, Devne. In the meantime, Markaius can help Tetrine cope.” The voices needled at Tetrine's senses. Only the Shadow's voice soothed some of her restlessness. <i>[[I won’t let you go.]] They’ll only use you against me. I’ll take your mind before I let you go—little Trina, little demon.</i><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/resigned_flipped.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/angry2.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/sad2.jpg"></div>

The web passed across Tetrine’s vision in delicate patterns. It looked fundamentally <i>wrong</i> in places, as if Kialee could not remember the proper pattern. Tetrine reached out and heard the other shadow demons through the web. Aya and Julius fed well this night, and Tetrine longed to join them in the hunt. But [[the voices drew her back]]. Resentment spread, quick as poison in the blood, and filled Tetrine's mind. //How dare they?//

//Markaius// “I’ll see what I can do, but Kialee is not kind to scriveners. I am not sure I will be able to separate her mind from the web.” //Kalevel// “Well, dove, since you got the poor girl into this mess, the least you can do is <i>try</i>.” //Markaius// “Somehow, she chose the Shadow. It was a risk, when I gave her the elixir. There is little I can do about that.” [[Tetrine ignored the voices.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/askance_flipped.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/irritated.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/sad.jpg"></div>

(align: "=><=")[ ###Ending III: ####Shadow's Child ] She thought instead of warm blood, and the beautiful spider’s threads, through which she could feel her kin. The web caught her up, and she embraced it. [[The End->Credits]]

(reload:)

####Save (set: $previous to (history:)'s last) {[Save A]<savea| (click: ?savea)[ (if:(save-game:"Slot A",$day+", " + $hour+ ", " + $place))[Game saved!](else: )[Sorry, game could not be saved.] ] (set: $day to (current-date:)) (set: $hour to (current-time:)) (set: $place to $previous)} {[Save B]<saveb| (click: ?saveb)[ (if:(save-game:"Slot B",$day+", " + $hour+ ", " + $place))[Game saved!](else: )[Sorry, game could not be saved.] ] (set: $day to (current-date:)) (set: $hour to (current-time:)) (set: $place to $previous)} {[Save C]<savec| (click: ?savec)[ (if:(save-game:"Slot C",$day+", " + $hour+ ", " + $place))[Game saved!](else: )[Sorry, game could not be saved.] ] (set: $day to (current-date:)) (set: $hour to (current-time:)) (set: $place to $previous)} {[Save D]<saved| (click: ?saved)[ (if:(save-game:"Slot D",$day+", " + $hour+ ", " + $place))[Game saved!](else: )[Sorry, game could not be saved.] ] (set: $day to (current-date:)) (set: $hour to (current-time:)) (set: $place to $previous)} {[Save E]<savee| (click: ?savee)[ (if:(save-game:"Slot E",$day+", " + $hour+ ", " + $place))[Game saved!](else: )[Sorry, game could not be saved.] ] (set: $day to (current-date:)) (set: $hour to (current-time:)) (set: $place to $previous)} {[Save F]<savef| (click: ?savef)[ (if:(save-game:"Slot F",$day+", " + $hour+ ", " + $place))[Game saved!](else: )[Sorry, game could not be saved.] ] (set: $day to (current-date:)) (set: $hour to (current-time:)) (set: $place to $previous)} {[Save G]<saveg| (click: ?saveg)[ (if:(save-game:"Slot G",$day+", " + $hour+ ", " + $place))[Game saved!](else: )[Sorry, game could not be saved.] ] (set: $day to (current-date:)) (set: $hour to (current-time:)) (set: $place to $previous)} =><= (link: "Resume Game")[(goto:$previous)]

She came out into the late afternoon. She stopped to catch her breath—and to wait for racing heart to slow. She looked at the [[motor car]] wistfully. (if: $car_seen is true)[A pity she had never learned to drive one. So Tetrine abandoned the car and followed along the road.] //It will be fine. I have enough daylight. It wasn't such a long drive. It would be about an hour of walking....// //Maybe two....// She heard a soft rustle and the sharp crack of a twig, and jumped. //(if: $seconddream is true)[(link:"Man's")[(go-to:"I know you.")]](else:)[(link: "Man's")[(go-to:"Who are you?")]] Voice// “Tetrine.”

//Aya// “Woah, it’s still green, like it’s the height o’ summer.” Julius followed after, scaling the wall with lizard-like grace, Tetrine slung over one shoulder. He laid the body out in the pond and arranged her limbs. //Aya// “The lady tell you to do that? Treat her all nice and such? I guess it's not so nice, just kind of decorative.” //Julius// “Mm.” //Aya// “Uhm, right. [[Let’s go->Act III Branching]].”

Tetrine drifted. She felt cold, so very cold. Then light and warmth filled her senses.(click:"filled her senses")[ //It’s so warm here.// She dreamed she lay in the river Nell, staring up into the night sky. Marks glowed above her. She (link:"reached for them")[(if: $shadow_point>3)[(goto:"Moonlight")](else:)[(goto:"Sunlight")]], her fingers tingling.]

But it might have been a dream, because in the next moment, Tetrine woke up in her own bed with a sigh. The light glared through her window, telling her that it was late morning, or perhaps early afternoon. She felt light, as if her cares and worries had lifted away. Then she sat up, and frowned when she discovered that her clothes were damp and tacky. A brown stain spread over her nightgown, faded, but new—at least, she didn’t remember it from the day before. (click:"damp and tacky")[ She’d apparently been sleeping in damp clothes in winter, but she didn’t feel the cold. No, that wasn’t quite true. She felt its temperature, but not its bite. Odd, in her drafty apartment.] Frowning, she stood. Then she heard movement—faint footfalls. //Aya and Julius,// she thought, in a panic. //They’ve come back.//(if: $get_knife is true)[ She searched for her knife, and found it lying beneath the bed. A dried coating of blood dulled the bright metal of the blade. Tetrine dropped it as if it were a spider, and stepped back.] She stepped toward the opening that led to what passed for her parlor in the tiny apartment. (if: $mark_point > 2 and $seconddream is true and $tet_kind > $tet_strong or $tet_meek > $tet_strong)[(link-goto:"Markaius stood there.")](else:)[(link-goto:"It was only her brother,") she saw, to her relief.]

Over a hundred years ago, a series of blights crippled the twelve city-states, each one worst than the last. In her arrogance, the Empress raised the taxes. Even fears of demons could not suppress the tide of outrage. That Imperial boot crushed rebellion after rebellion, but in one last attempt, the people of Asher stormed the Imperial palace. Tetrine shook her head and [[looked away->old monument]].

(set: $saw_march to true)(go-to:"wish Rosemary luck")

//Rosemary// “I didn’t know you had a beau.” (if: $tet_strong > $tet_meek and $tet_strong > $tet_kind)[Tetrine laughed.](else:)[Tetrine sighed.](set: $beau_ch to "") * (link: "“Don't be silly.”")[(set: $tet_strong +=1, $beau_ch to "a")(goto: "too shabby")] * (link: "“Is that what it looks like?”")[(set: $tet_meek +=1, $beau_ch to "b")(goto: "too shabby")] * (link: "“He wanted to ask about an obscure title.”")[(set: $tet_kind +=1, $beau_ch to "c")(goto: "too shabby")]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_thoughtful.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/neutral.jpg"></div>

//Woman// “I learned that lesson already, old man. You must be so happy that I am not rid of you just yet.” //Man// “Now, now, my dear. I think we make a fine pair. Besides, I can give you <i>this</i> one.” //Woman// “A pair, he says. All we have between us is an old bargain, and one little clause which ensures that you serve <i>me.</i> Remember <i>that</i>, dearheart.” //Man// “Indeed.” //Woman// “Ah—(click: "Ah—")[I see we aren’t alone.” //Man// “You forget yourself when you are angry, or you would have noticed sooner, I dare say.” //Woman// “What a nuisance.” //Man// “Don’t trouble yourself; I’ll take care of this one.” //This one.// Rosemary [[didn't wait around->Wednesday]] to see whom they meant.]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/condescending_flipped.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_angry1_down.jpg"></div>

//Woman// “It’s about time you showed up.” //Man// “No gratitude, my dear. That can’t be good for you. Did I not introduce you to your scrivener’s younger sister?” //Woman// “I suppose you know that he lost the ability, and are goading me, as usual. Wait—(click:"Wait—")[she is his sister? He never told me about her. I don’t see it—maybe you’re mistaken.” //Man// “They look so unalike to you?” //Woman// “Save that charming condescension—dearheart. Tetrine is clearly middle class and Devne is—less obviously so, although I suppose one might attribute his mannerisms to the company he was keeping when I found him. But Devne isn’t so—(click:"isn’t so")[so—” //Man// “<i>Concerned</i> about rules.” //Woman// “Mm. I want you to bring him here—the quick way. It’s about time he came to Asher. He is too new and foolish to be left to himself.” //Man// “As you wish.” //Woman// “This girl can read the marks as Devne could, then.” //Man// “Yes. But if you offer her—” Rosemary [[strained to hear]].]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/amused_flipped.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/c_angry1.jpg"></div>

//Aya// Whew. That was a bit of exercise. Bet you’ll behave now, huh?” Aya seized Tetrine by her upper arm and shoulder and yanked her to her feet. //Aya// “[[Come on]], then, //Miss// Reish. You poor dumb bunny.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_horrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/2_vicious.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/3_surprised.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “It says ‘no trespassing.’” //Aya// “Say, boss. What’s the bet that goody-two-shoes here doesn’t jaywalk, neither?” //Julius// “You got the lock?” //Aya// “Yeah, yeah. Of course I got it.” Aya manipulated the padlock that held the ancient door in place with a number of delicate tools she drew from an inner pocket of her coat. //Aya// “Child’s play. City’s getting cheap, but that’s nothing new. ... (click-replace:"...")[You first, princess.” //Tetrine// “So I’m to be the canary, too.”(click: "the canary")[ First one to perish, when things inevitably went wrong.] //Aya// “Sure. You can be [[Princess Canary]].”]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/1_surprisedsmile_down.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_neutral.jpg"></div>

The light of the lamp barely helped to illuminate the decaying paintings that spread across the walls. //Aya// “If I burn it any higher, we could run out halfway through.” //Julius// “I got extra kerosene.” When Tetrine’s hand brushed against the wall, she shivered from the rough, but somehow clammy sensation of plaster—or perhaps it was limestone. This section of the palace felt far more like a cave than a castle. Then an image of the [[Empress’ ghost rose up]]—<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/1_smirk.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_neutral.jpg"></div>

(if: $tet_meek > $tet_strong and $tet_meek > $tet_kind or $tet_kind > $tet_strong and $tet_kind > $tet_meek)[//Tetrine// “No! No, please.” Tetrine stumbled, then lost her balance. The icy limestone floor came up to meet her, and she gave an involuntary cry. Every limb shook, whether with pain or fear she did not know. //Aya// “What’s wrong with her?” Tetrine felt Julius’ heavy hand on her shoulder. //Julius// “Miss Reish. There’s nothing here. This like when you get caught in a spell, Aya?” //Aya// “Naw. I sense magic here, all right, but I don’t feel anything right now.” //Tetrine// “The Empress—” //Julius// “Ah. I know what this is. Kid, you’re not in Auros anymore. There is no vengeful imperial ghost.”](else:)[Tetrine stumbled back a pace.] Julius caught Tetrine's eyes. She couldn't tell whether he felt sympathy or the kind of pity one might reserve for a stray dog. Either way, she knew she didn't like that stare. //Julius// “The Empress is dead. She wasn’t even a demon to begin with. It’s all right.”(unless: $tet_meek > $tet_strong and $tet_meek > $tet_kind or $tet_kind > $tet_strong and $tet_kind > $tet_meek)[ //Tetrine// “I wasn't—”] //Aya// “I’d dispute that, Jules, but I’m not in the mood. Hurry up, Boss. She’s slowing us down.”(click:"Boss")[ Tetrine turned to Julius. //Tetrine// “Why does she call you that?” //Julius// “It's Aya's idea of an inside joke.”] (if: $tet_meek > $tet_strong and $tet_meek > $tet_kind or $tet_kind > $tet_strong and $tet_kind > $tet_meek)[ //Julius// “Can you stand?” //Tetrine// “Yes.” ] They passed through the rooms for a time [[in silence]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/1_smirk.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_neutral.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “It’s for the people who perished raiding the palace. The Empress died in the end, but not before she slaughtered them. <i>Hundreds</i> of people.” //Aya// “Yeah?” //Tetrine// “It is said that she sent some to the Other World, but others she killed by separating their souls from their bodies as sacrifice to the nameless goddess of Aeser. All with a single word.” //Aya// “I guess an Aurean would know, huh?”(click:"Aurean")[ //Tetrine// “I don’t know why Auros is the only place that remembers the cost of the revolution. It happened <i>here</i> in Asher.” //Aya// “But now I know why you Aureans are so touchy—I’d be too if I grew up with bedtime stories like yours.”] //Julius// “Fairy tales. [[Come on->Further into the Ruins]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/2_smile.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_neutral.jpg"></div>

With a touch, the marks released, and revealed a door—the red paint looked as if it had been applied only yesterday. <i>I suppose the Nell must preserve things, sometimes,</i> Tetrine thought. //Aya// “Gods above—would you look at that.” //Julius// “Well, I’ll be. Is it a trick or—” Julius jiggled the knob. The handle gave way with an ease that Tetrine did not find encouraging. //Julius// “Easy as pie.” //Aya// “Easy as <i>eatin’</i> pie.” And Aya strode through [[the door->Red Door]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/2_smile.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/3_surprised.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I see the Empress. But where is her Shadow? They say she guards the Empress’ final resting place still, if she did not die herself.” //Kalevel// “Where indeed. Tell me what you see.” //Tetrine// “I see the Empress... I think she's holding something in her other hand, but I can't see it from this angle. Aya and Julius don't seem to see her.” //Kalevel// “The last I saw her, she held the knife that slew her. It was Markaius' blade. Ah, but you know him as the Knight.” The name sent chills through her. But Tetrine couldn't have said <i>why</i>. So she only said— //Tetrine// “I didn't know the Knight had a name.” //Kalevel// “What do you think we called him at court? Sir Knight? Lord Knight? But this is interesting. I think you actually believe me.” * [[“Of course—it makes sense.”]] * [[“I’ll reserve judgment.”]] * [[“I don’t see what other choice I have.”]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/skeptical.jpg"></div>

The Empress' Shadow seized Julius by the throat, and Aya's words ended in a hoarse scream. Tetrine [[looked away]].

//Tetrine// “Can't you <i>do</i> something?” A wet, sickly sound issued from Julius' gaping mouth. //Tetrine// “<i>Gods.</i>” //Kalevel// “[[Silly children—]]”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_horrified.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="kal/skeptical.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “I don’t understand it. If Kialee is trapped down there, how does she—” Tetrine stumbled over the word ‘feed’ and settled for something else— //Tetrine// “—how does she survive?” //Markaius// “Her children bring her offerings. And sometimes she can call prey to her.” Tetrine shivered at the thought. //Tetrine// “So… how did <i>you</i> get here? And Kalevel? Did you follow us in another car?” She hadn't seen one. //Markaius// “I employed a shortcut.” He smiled. The way he said it sounded like he knew a secret. //Tetrine// “Why is that amusing?” //Markaius// “How much do you know of the Nell—and of the marks?” //Tetrine// “Very little. My great-grandmother kept a library and some old works, but Mother discouraged us—my brother and I, I mean. She thought it was too dangerous.” Something clicked into place at the realization that Markaius could see and manipulate the Nell.(click:"clicked")[ //Tetrine// “Oh—I see it now. //You’re// the friend of Kalevel’s who put the book in the library.(if: $crocodiles is true)[ The son of croc—” //Markaius// “I see she is still speaking of me in memorable terms. Like you, I can manipulate the Nell. I am also able to travel with its aid.”](else:)[” //Markaius// “Like you, I can manipulate the Nell. I am also able to travel with its aid.”] //Tetrine// “I wish I could do that.” //Markaius// “You could, but it is not wise. Mortals are fragile, and the river is treacherous.” (if: $mark_point < 1 or $tet_meek is >2)[//Tetrine// “I see. Then if you’re the one who sent her to the library, it’s you who really got me into this mess.” //Markaius// “Your captors did not play some small role in your predicament, then? It is interesting that your instinct is to point the blame at me. I shall take it as a sign.” //Tetrine// “But—” //Markaius// “Kalevel told me of your difficulty, and we came to help you. Think hard on why that is not enough to satisfy you.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “Why did you put that book in my library?” //Markaius// “It was a neutral enough location.” //Tetrine// “Is that //really// why?” //Markaius// “I see. You think I got you into your predicament.”] * [[“You haven’t exactly helped me.”]] * [[“Kalevel brought Aya and Julius to me, I suppose.”]] * [[“Sometimes things like this happen.”]] ](set: $answers to 0)<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div><div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_uncertain.jpg"></div>

He was [[gone->… Oh.”]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_afraid.jpg"></div>

(set: $tet_meek to 4)(goto: "normal at the library")

//Aya// “Now, now, Jules. Don’t jump the gun. I know you’re hungry and all…” //Julius// “Mm.” //Aya// “Sorry about him. He ain’t so sharp these days, ‘cept for the odd bout of poetry. He must take after Mother.” //Julius// “Scare her.” //Aya// “That’s what I’m trying to do, Boss.” Rosemary did not understand why, but the moment she met their eyes, she found herself frozen with a fear so powerful she could not so much as whimper. //Aya// “Look at that—face paint. For a moment I thought you were as pale as one of us. Wouldn’t make such good eatin’ then, would it, Jules?” //Julius// “Mm.” //Aya// “Pah! I’m sick of thin-blooded women. But our lady commands and we obey. Isn’t that right, Jules? //Julius// [[“Remember, Aya—”]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/c_afraid_flipped.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="aya/1_bsmirk.jpg"><br><img class="responsive-image" src="jul/1_bmeansmile.jpg"></div>

And stopped in her tracks. //Tetrine// “Devne?” //Devne// “About time you came to see me.” //Tetrine// “I—my friend…” //Devne// “Blight it, you’re not even wearing a coat. What were you thinking?” Tetrine took a shuddering breath. //Tetrine// “My friend was attacked by demons. I haven’t—you can scold me some other time, Mr. I'm-not-wearing-a-coat-either. I need—(click:"need—")[I need to speak to Kalevel.” //Devne// “I think she’s gone.” //Man's Voice// “Kalevel can’t help you.” Tetrine started, and her heeled boots [[slid on the ice.]]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/4_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/reacting.jpg"></div>

She let him in. //Tetrine// “Devne.” //Devne// “What’s he after?” //Tetrine// “Who? Markaius?” //Devne// “I don’t trust him. He wants something from you.” (if: $tet_kind > $tet_strong and $tet_meek > $tet_strong)[//Tetrine// “I suppose he’s only being helpful.” //Devne// “Not him. Don’t be stupid about this, Trin.”](else:)[//Tetrine// “I didn't have much of a choice.” //Devne// “Choice with what? Doesn't matter. I'm sure that's what he wanted you to think.”] * [[Tell him what happened.]] * [[It’s none of his business.]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_neutral.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="dev/irritated.jpg"></div>

//Tetrine// “Don’t touch that.” //Markaius// “I haven’t seen one of Nysa’s Urns in many years.” //Tetrine// “It’s a <i>Shandra’s</i> Urn, actually.” <i>Nysa</i> was her mother’s name. Tetrine frowned at the odd coincidence. //Tetrine// “Anyway, it’s not really an urn. That’s just how it looks. I’m told that one of my ancestors made it, but naturally that’s difficult to confirm.” //Markaius// “10th century, I think. Scrivener works from that century look so—unfinished. Perhaps because their makers were so often hiding from her Imperial wrath.” //Tetrine// “I didn’t know that—but I don’t see any Nell marks on it.” //Markaius// “They wouldn’t want to give themselves away by anything so apparent.” //Tetrine// “That vase always kills the flowers I put in it.” His mouth turned in a slim smile. //Markaius// “What an interesting turn of phrase.” //Tetrine// “You want it, don’t you? Would you take that instead—for our bargain?” //Markaius// “Ah, yes. Our bargain. But a substitute...?” He turned to her and [[met her eyes]]. //Markaius// “I think not.”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div>

//Julius// “Hush. Don’t be afraid.” Her dreaming mind plucked Julius’ voice from her memory, and gave it a macabre life. //Julius// “There isn’t anything you can do, Miss Reish.” //Aya// “That’s right, darlin’. It’s time to wake up.” The grating voice came near her ear, and Tetrine jerked up. A strong hand clamped over her mouth, cutting off her cry. //Aya// [[“None of that now.”]]<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="shadow/01.jpg"></div>

Relief washed over her. Tetrine shut the doors behind her and locked them. It wouldn’t stop them, but she hoped Aya would take the time to pick the lock instead of merely breaking the door. It was going to be a long and frightening night, even if they didn't come. And if that wasn't enough to have nightmares about, she could still see Rosemary's dried blood in the shine of moonlight on the carpet. * [[They might not look upstairs.->Caught]] * [[There is a storage room on this floor.]]

Tetrine woke shivering. The light sifting beneath the door told her it was morning. She was certain that Aya and Julius were gone, but long minutes passed before she got up the courage to open the storage room door and [[peek out]].

It was snowing, she saw, to her dismay. //Rosemary// “Trina? The lock’s broken.” Tetrine started at the sound of her friend's voice. //Rosemary// “Brr! It’s cold out here.” Tetrine heard Rosemary moving about, drawing back drapes and moving carts, but Tetrine did not stir. //Rosemary// “Seems a bit late in the year for pranksters. So was it like this all night? Was anything stolen? Did you phone Miss Nora? Or, I suppose, the police…” She would have to reveal herself, Tetrine realized. Nightgown and bizarre story and all. Her thoughts whirred and came to a halt, like a stopped wind-up toy. //Rosemary// “Trina? Are you here? I’m sorry I'm late. I just feel so drained from all the rehearsals, I guess.” Tetrine bit her lip, trying and failing to think of anything she could say to Rosemary that her friend might believe. //Rosemary// “Trina?” Finally, Tetrine [[made her way out]] from behind the bookshelf, her arms clasped about her for modesty as much as to fend off the cold. This was several kinds of awful all rolled into one.

But Rosemary—she looked just like she always did. Not a sign anywhere that she had nearly died. //Rosemary// “Are you all right?” //Tetrine// “I was worried about you.” //Rosemary// “Trina! I should be asking <i>you</i> that question, not the other way around!” //Tetrine// “Right. This is //awful// embarrassing. Do you have a coat I could borrow so I can get home?” //Rosemary// “Do I get to know <i>why</i> I find you at work in your nightdress?” //Tetrine// “Rosie, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” //Rosemary// “What kind of answer is that? I’m sure it’s an incredible story. Not even a coat.” //Tetrine// “I—it seemed sensible at the time.” <i>I am a terrible liar.</i> //Rosemary// “In winter?” Tetrine said nothing. (click: "Tetrine said nothing.")[After a moment, the sound of her chattering teeth filled the silence. //Rosemary// “All right. Take my coat. But you owe me the full story.” Rosemary glanced down at Tetrine’s feet. //Rosemary// “By the gods! You’re not even wearing slippers.” //Tetrine// “Thank you, Rosemary.” //Rosemary// “Wait... you can borrow my shoes. We're about the same size. And you'll be back later, won't you?” //Tetrine// “I’ve got to return your things, haven’t I?” Tetrine hurried to the door. //Rosemary// “You promise you’ll tell me?” <i>You don’t want to know and that I’ll promise you,</i> Tetrine thought. But again she said nothing as [[she walked out]] into the snowy morning in her borrowed coat.]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/nightgown3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smile.jpg"></div>

Rosemary [[watched Tetrine go]], then looked away and shook her head. She wasn’t going to forget the sight of Tetrine at the library in her <i>nightdress</i> any time soon. What could Tetrine have been here for? Sleepwalking? Could sleepwalkers go that far? Or perhaps a tryst. No—Tetrine, in love? Apart from one suitor some years ago, whom Rosemary had never met, she had never known Tetrine to let anyone very close. But a tryst was the most likely answer, wasn’t it, given Tetrine’s attire? //Rosemary// “Oh, please. A tryst!” Then Rosemary spotted the dried blood on the floor.<div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/smirk.jpg"></div>

Tetrine [[made her way home]]. Her too-small shoes pinched and, despite the warm coat, the icy wind bit at her face and exposed fingers.

Tetrine opened her front door without thinking, and froze when she realized it was still unlocked from last night—after Aya had picked it. She stayed like that, one hand on the knob of the open door, wondering if Aya and Julius were somewhere inside waiting for her. But the door to her room was open, too, and the apartment appeared empty. No one—unless they were in the bedroom just out of her line of sight. Tetrine was relieved for the first time that she didn’t have a separate room for the kitchen. Still she waited, frozen in space, blinking into the dim morning light sifting through the window. If they weren’t here now, they would be back again, and she had a feeling that she wouldn't be so lucky a second time. But how would she know if they were here? Would they have shown themselves by now if they were, or were they waiting in some shadowy place to catch her unawares? She wondered just how stupid it would be to step past that threshold. Another part of her was too tired to care anymore.(click: "tired to care")[ Besides, there was hardly room for a large fellow like Julius to hide in her cramped bedroom, much less for two people. It wasn’t as if they could fit in the wardrobe.] Tetrine stepped into the room, leaving the door open behind her. She darted to the bedroom and found—(click: "and found—")[ —no one. Her shoulders slumped with relief. Her shoes pinched, and she remembered that she couldn’t go to sleep, as much as she longed to. She had to get dressed and return Rosemary’s things. Then— Then she could say goodbye to Rosemary. She leaned against the wall, feeling weighed down. She would say goodbye. Then what? Leave Asher and go to some other city-state? Perhaps return to her native Auros or try some other city—the stories held that there were fewer demons up north. Right. First things first. She washed and dressed—and then? * (if: $tet_kind > 2 or $tet_meek > 4)[(link-goto:"She returned to the library.")](else:)[She returned to the library.] * [[She needed to speak to Kalevel.->she paused at Venhera House]] ]

//Rosemary// “Tetrine Mariam Reish! Do you mind telling me why there’s blood on the carpet?” Her full name, so recently spoken by someone else, gave Tetrine pause. For a moment she could only stare at Rosemary. //Tetrine// “Don’t you remember?” A blank expression passed over Rosemary’s face. After a moment, her friend’s more usual smile returned. //Rosemary// “What do you mean?” //Tetrine// “Well, I had to close the library yesterday. You left early.” //Rosemary// “Oh! After my fainting spell. That’s <i>so</i> embarrassing. I do hope Miss Nora wasn’t too upset.” Rosemary truly didn’t remember. Tetrine felt a chill slip down her spine like a trickle of ice water. Could Markaius plant new memories so easily? //Rosemary// “Do you think someone broke in while it was closed? Maybe they cut themselves on something. Are any of the windows broken?” //Tetrine// “I don’t think so.” //Rosemary// “Maybe it was rum runners.” //Tetrine// “What could they want with the library?” //Rosemary// “No, you’re right. It must have been children or something like that.” Tetrine said nothing—(click:"Tetrine said nothing—")[hoping that her silence passed for agreement. //Rosemary// “Why didn’t you talk to Miss Nora?” //Tetrine// “I had—a trying day.” In truth, Tetrine was missing a chunk of yesterday, too. //Rosemary// “Do you think it's too late to wash it out?” //Tetrine// “What? Oh, you mean the floor. I'm not sure. The carpet is a dark color, so it's possible, I think?” //Rosemary// “I'll get a bucket. I wonder what happened here. What did they do, break in, bleed on the carpet, and leave?” //Tetrine// “Perhaps we should call the police before cleaning it up.” //Rosemary// “I'm...” Was that a flicker of doubt in Rosemary's face? //Rosemary// “I'm not sure. Sorry, I had a chill just now... no. If it was only children, I suppose //maybe// we should wait to see if it happens again…” //Tetrine// “Are you sure you’re all right?” //Rosemary// “I'm not myself today.” //Tetrine// “It's all right. Anyway, I doubt the police would make any more sense of this mess than we could.” Rosemary said nothing, appearing to waver in indecision. Tetrine knew how she felt; she longed only to forget the entire thing and resume living her life in pretend ignorance. //Rosemary// “Oh, about the door, I called a locksmith already. Maybe—maybe if we split the cost—” //Tetrine// “Good.” Then they wouldn’t have to tell anyone. Tetrine wondered if that would even work, but she let silence stretch between them.(click:"she let silence stretch between them")[ //Rosemary// “We should get started.” Tetrine turned to look for a bucket. She thought there might be one in the storage room. //Rosemary// “Trina?” //Tetrine// “Hm?” //Rosemary// “I’ve been walking around in my stockings all day for you. You owe me a [[real explanation.]]” //Tetrine// “You’re still in your stockings? I thought I gave you your shoes.”]]<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/3_worried.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/neutral.jpg"></div>

They couldn't entirely erase the stain in the carpet. But when they were through with it, it was much less noticeable. None of the patrons that day commented and only one person asked why the library had been closed the day before. Tetrine managed to evade Rosemary’s questions. It took surprisingly little effort; Rosemary shied away from any detail that came too close to the events that had nearly ended her life. In the end, Tetrine thought she got off lightly considering [[what might have happened->he was gone]].

Once home and warm, Tetrine packed her things. //I have to get out of here.// The shaking wouldn't stop. * [[Buy the ticket home.->train ticket to Auros]] * [[Find Kalevel at Venhera House.->she paused at Venhera House]]

//Tetrine// “Is that a new rug?” //Rosemary// “I had to cover it up. But that <i>is</i> blood, isn’t it? Do you think someone broke in last night and—” (link:"She sought a suitable lie.")[//Tetrine// “I don’t know. It could be sauce, or maybe mud.” But the excuse sounded pitiful in her own ears.] //Rosemary// “Maybe it’s dirt. There is a smell, but—what did they do? Break in and make a mess, and leave?” //Tetrine// “I suppose so. Why don’t we clean it up? Are you feeling well? I was worried about you the other day.” //Rosemary// “Oh, I’m fine now. I was positively drained yesterday. Between working at the library and the play…” Together [[they were able to make the stain on the rug less noticeable]].<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/uncertain.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="rose/startled.jpg"></div>

Tetrine downplayed the events that had nearly led to Rosemary's death and came quite close to convincing her friend that the library had been beset by unruly pranksters. The broken lock on the door cemented her argument, at least on the surface. From there the day passed pleasantly and they closed the library at its usual early hour on Sunday. Then they had a last lunch at Clementina’s. Tetrine found that the thought of food made her nauseous, but she was able to sip at an herbal tea. She wondered if this was the last time she would be able to [[pretend to be only human]].

Tetrine fell into a new routine. To avoid the possibility that Aya and Julius would discover that she was alive, she lived in one of the guest rooms at Venhera House. By day she worked at the library, but only temporarily—she gave Miss Nora her notice, and stayed on until a new assistant was found to replace her. After a few weeks, the papers stopped mentioning slayings on Scylla Street. That was shortly after Kalevel came back to Venhera House one morning, wearing her most feline, cat-that-ate-the-canary grin, while wiping the blood from her cheek. She told Tetrine that the two rats—as she liked to call the Shadow’s children—had got away, but that they were licking their wounds. So perhaps Tetrine had become too complacent when [[she found herself at the park->Final Encounter]] one evening.

//Tetrine// “I was in l—” Her voice halted on the word. //Markaius// “So you said. More than once.” Was he mocking her? //Tetrine// “Well, I am not that person anymore. I’m not sure how you could even think I could care for you after what you’ve done.” //Markaius// “One more time, and I am done. The stability of Aeser is assured, but there is always a cost. Sometimes I must pay the price, though it is not my hand that holds the knife, nor my mouth that utters the word.” //Tetrine// “What could you possibly mean by that? Are you threatening me?” //Markaius// “Never.” //Tetrine// “So it is only more riddles and nonsense. Do you think you are some kind of god?” //Markaius// “I played god once. It did not end as I had hoped.” //Tetrine// “Then it seems you [[haven’t learned your lesson->Regret II]].”<div id="portraitL"><img class="responsive-image" src="tet/c_weary.jpg"></div><div id="portraitR"><img class="responsive-image" src="mark/pose2_amused.jpg"></div>