Soporfall

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[ (enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9A4CDE)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) <img src="https://booperella.neocities.org/images/soporfalllogo.png" width=90% height=90%> Version 1.0 [[''Enter.''->openeyes]] [[How to Play.->instructions]] <a href="https://booperella.neocities.org/posts/SoporfallExtras">''Extras.''</a> ]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9A4CDE)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) (set: $top to "naked skin")(set: $bottom to "naked skin") (t8n:"dissolve")[Your dewy marbles meet the day, skin radiant from the (text-style:"fidget")[warbling warmth] that caresses you in your slumber. A light breeze (text-style:"buoy")[hurdles over] the bridge of your nose. A patch of dandelions at various stages of maturity and tuftiness curiously sniff at the palms of your hand. The haziness of dawn begins to disperse and [[bask the meadow in light.->intro2]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9A4CDE)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) You dust the pollen off your (if:$top is not "naked skin")[$top](if:$top is "naked skin")[ ([[Argyle Sweater->sweater]]/[[Oversized T-shirt->tshirt]]/[[Satin Button-up->buttonup]])] and your (if:$bottom is not "naked skin")[$bottom](if:$bottom is "naked skin")[ ([[Linen Skirt->skirt]]/[[Denim Shorts->shorts]]/[[Silk Pajamas->pajamas]])]. You gently (text-style:"blink")[sneeze] as you find a place to prop yourself up where the dandelions won’t scream out in crushing pain. As you rise, bubblegum sticks of grass and overgrown wildflowers of (text-colour:#7209ff)[''deep-royal tones''] (text-style:"fidget")[batter lightly] against your limbs, giving kisses of welcome to [[this unfamiliar valley->intro3]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9d8ed4)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) (set: $top to "argyle sweater") [[It's nice and warm!->intro2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9d8ed4)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) (set: $top to "oversized T-shirt") [[Plenty of room to move around!->intro2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9d8ed4)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) (set: $top to "satin button-up") [[Cool, cozy and not bad for naps!->intro2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9d8ed4)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) (set: $bottom to "linen skirt") [[It bellows nicely in the wind!->intro2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9d8ed4)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) (set: $bottom to "denim shorts") [[Fashionable and Sporty!->intro2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9d8ed4)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) (set: $bottom to "silk pajamas") [[Comfort above all else!->intro2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9A4CDE)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) It’s a locale no quantity of sleepwalking could have led you to. Under a milky lemonade sky, sprinkled with cosmic clusters and pearlescent sugar tears, the valley delivers its most pleasant tones to your irises. The moon is (text-style:"shadow")[aglow] as a celestial smile. The skies are blotted with spilt egg yolk clouds (text-style:"smear")[smudged around] into hypnotic spirals. The earth is glazed defiantly pastel by musically organized blends of flora. Blushes blades (text-style:"buoy")[dance in a sprawled waltz], shielding you in their agoraphobic midst. [[Yet, you can't help but wondrously examine your further surroundings.->intro4]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9A4CDE)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) Not too far south, a carpet of fuchsias and tulips pave the way towards a palace of aristocratic pollinators. Butterflies, bees and everything in between descend on the hexagonal hedge-walled palace for an evening of festivities. In a dimmer region of the valley far to the north, where the wind gathers its luggage of autumnal leaves, stalks of bamboo and glass-tube trees clink against each other and fill the valley with a song of chimes. Yet, in its soothing sound, your ear can't help but catch a (text-style:"fidget")[slight disharmony]. To the east, on a (text-style:"superscript")[raised plateau], sloshing cetacean berries blossom and burgeon from cookie-crumb sands. Strawberries, scarecrows, and some other (text-style:"fidget")[small motion] you can't quite see from this distance freckle the fields. To the west, eclectically stacked homes constructed of anything from tritone hay bales, crosshatched balloon animals, letter blocks, snack boxes and DVD cases with cool cover art make their settlement. Life seems to pass between them, a life you're enticed to greet. This ethereal space is framed by mountains of scrappy lavender chocolate-toned stone. Carved-out titans and cubic peaks ascend impossibly high into the heavens by (text-style:"emboss")[snow-frosted peaks]. Amongst the spectacle, ruins of lost cenes meld together with indiscernable order. (set:$snowkilled to false) [[Ponder.->junction]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[ (enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9A4CDE)+(bg:#f9c6f9)) ''Tell me, dreamer, which locale most tantalizes you? Follow your will and bear witness, but never fear your choices. All ends up back here eventually.''] [[Visit the Junkheap Village of Angels and Rebirth->angelstartgif]] [[Visit the Glass Forest of Birds, Sin and Symphony->fosstart]] (if:$snowkilled is false)[[[Visit the Giantberry Fields of Pastry and Industry->cibostart]]](else:)[Weird... the Giantberry Fields seem to have vanished. (text-style:"shudder")[(text-colour:#6D0000)[//''Why could that be?''//]]] [[Visit the Lavender Ruins of Automatons and Lost Context->lavenderstart]] [[Visit the Royal Flora Palace of Aristocrat Pollinators->bugstart]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) The path to the village is paved by amethyst and jade marbles that massage and slide out from under your feet, twinkling kaleidoscope patterns with refracted sunlight as they crunch into the sand. The members of the village float towards you curiously as you approach their eclectic homes. The villagers look like angels, clad in punk band T-shirts and layered lilac lace gowns. Their eyelids are sealed, happily curved upwards, yet their mouths force smiles. Their neon haloes blink in varied tempos alongside the noddings and swayings of their head. All nod and blink with rhythmic prose in their own language. Their tiny wings do not flap, grafted from the discarded tail-feathers of blue jays, cardinals and seemingly whatever they felt best suited them. Yet, in spite of these pseudo-wings, they levitate, socks and stockings dragging along the sand. They make no noise as they gather around you, though they smell of music and tears. Their faces all seem rather homogenous, though each is distinguished by the various pastel colours and stylings of their hair (as well as the band on their T-shirt). [[Each has their own music taste, it seems, from the few you recognize.->angelgifts]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) The grass fields transform from pink to crimson as the land sinks into a bamboo dell. The chime-clinking that beckoned you towards this bamboo dell quiets on approach, as if the land itself is vigilant of your fleshly presence. Smooth river stones catch your feet as the meadow surrenders to the treeline, the remembrance of a stream that seems to have jumped ship. Beyond the swell of the breeze and distant clicking, the forest has gone quiet. A large maple leaf (text-style:"sway")[hit-and-runs] your left cheek. [[A welcome call to autumn.->bambooentry]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#FFEECD)) (text-colour:#D00B0B)[You climb the hill to the lattice-patterned expanse of engorged fruits.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[Patches of hot-chocolate-sugar manure are criss-crossed by pie crust pathways. You walk along them with your arms outstretched, playfully (text-style:"sway")[trying to keep your balance.]] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[Little sprouts knock around and coat the soil in swaying tassels. Amidst each patch, a scarecrow clad in a groovy windbreaker and kilim scarf totters about in the dry, sweet (text-style:"smear")[breeze].] (text-colour:#6787ff)[Every sparse patch, as was seen from afar, serves as throne for the ''elephantine berries''. A blueberry the size of a home aquarium, a strawberry the size of a playground, a raspberry the size of a pine tree.] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[The pathways around these berry patches are dotted with little magnolia flowers, as if the earth sings out and celebrates the bounty of its harvest.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[The sugary soils cling to the sides of the berry flesh, making it look even sweeter to take a chomp out of. The sweetmeat acids with hints of cocoa and artificial peach imagine themselves on your palate and your tongue is tempted to drooldom. The nearby aroma of butter welcomely pops into your nose, guiding your (text-style:"shudder")[rumbly stomach] by the hand.] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[On your path, crawling out from under a bloated strawberry, a //shaken scarecrow// tries to recoup itself, with its burlap skin (text-colour:#9d1111)[blotched] a happy red, resiliently still a smile stitched on its face! You smile back and wave, but the gentleman seems preoccupied.] [[Follow your nose!->ciboencounter]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) Enticed by the lavender cubes that beacon the horizon, you trek towards the valley’s highest peak. The structure seems to smudge, to crack the very sky, (text-style:"shadow")[(text-colour:#e45e03)[glossy juice-clouds]] filtering through its decaying fingers. Your gaze is locked upward as you stumble through patchwork flora. The pink reeds entangle your leg and almost seem to pull you backwards, but you’re starry-eyed with the whimsy of a space unknown. First come the foothills, with grass trimmed and thinned, nuclear nests of violet boulders establishing colonial rule. The mountains seem primed to consume the valley in their impossible pilings towards firmament's touch. In your awestruck, you nearly trip over a lamb. Its mouth is full of fuzzy leaves, its gaze too drawn to the summit. Amongst the many other wonders of the valley, all points to this place. The landscape steepens, (text-colour:#16155C)[darkens], (text-style:"sway")[slides] around under your mass. Is it really chocolate? The earth beckons your tongue. [[Taste the earth->eatdirt]] OR [[I'd rather not->peaflowerfield]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) Sickeningly sweet honey air oozes into your nose as you tumble into footsteps felted by fallen tulip petals. The earth gives soft dissolution to your mass as you frolic through flowers towards a grand construct of hedges. (set:$relationship to 0) The green shrubwalls, cornered by a hexagonal arrangement of windmills and decorated with floral flourishes and pruned parapets, give the impression of a château naturel. (set: $loveorduty to "love") Between the slow churn windmill blades, all shades of buzzing fuzz and fluttering velvets busy the air, descending from all across the flora expanse. (set:$tellthetruth to "nice parts") Butterflies and bees the size of yourself gather before the palace gates, clad in their finest attire, for a sort of insectine festival. The most regal of entomes float down from the heavens in royally-patterned hot air balloons, parking their baskets along the palace perimeter. (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[You simply must join in!->bugflyer]]] (set:$demeanor to "goofily")

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) Most of them float back to tend to their morning duties after the initial celebration(?), though a few stay to offer you hard-to-decipher info and gifts. - A plush bean-bag bunny with a fractal ribbon on its neck, from an angel with eye-curtaining bangs and scissor cutmarks in their gown! - An opened Cranberry juice box, from an angel with bouncy blue curls! - The arm of a mannequin adorned with a tattoo sleeve, from an angel with ginger pigtails and bandages on their face. - An antiquated, rusty radio that sputters out its winter-year songs via Dutch trance music, from an angel with bedhead and a congruent angle t-shirt. -A fuzzy, pink skinsack with a curlicue tail hanging from the bottom to hold it all, from an angel with a white bowl-cut and heavy eyeshadow. ''Items added to Inventory'' (?) You bow in thanks, and they all bow warmly in return. With your gifts neatly packed away, they give you some space. Your cheeks are a bit flushed, something of their appearance, uniform as it is, fills you with an envy-tinged warmth. [[Androgynous, ageless angels of an arcane air.->lucielmeet]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) One with a lemon bob and a brutalist phrenology diagram on their shirt shyly watches from afar... Only this one has their eyes open, revealing despondent TV static pupils beneath. Only this angel weeps, thick tears like fragrant globules of hot glue trickle down their cheeks. You meet their gaze and they shyly vanish behind a home constructed out of a massive fondue fountain. You get distracted by the livestock-sized hedgehogs rolling around in the resulting molasses deluge before following suit. [[Follow the Weeping Angel->lucielfollow]] [[Explore the village a bit more->junkheapvillage]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) As you pass between a home of coffee-stained sugarcubes and one of fresh, folded towels, you notice a trail in the sand. An indiscernable gown dragged without footprints, but a lead's a lead, right? You pass by angels, who bow to you, passively yielding myriad out-of-season landscaping equipment. An angel along the trail builds a house out of loose straw. You wade around in the haystack, but find nary an angel or needle. Retracing your steps along the trail in the sand places you before a home of plush cushions (a pillow fort, if you will). Its padded door is ajar. Checking the surroundings, the other angels seem to be minding their own business and wouldn't notice a pinch of hospitable trespassing. Hand on the warm brass knob, you [[slowly open the door->lucielhome]] and slip inside with a gentle lurch of splintered wood.

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) You lose track of time watching as the hog-sized hedgehogs bury their snouts and blow bubbles in crucibles of choco-mud. Discoloured ducks and ugly swans, meanwhile, float placidly in the upper levels of the fountain. The rest of the village angels proceed through mechanical display of upkeep. One angel waters a garden bed of coral, (text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[wispy fogfish]] weaving between the harvest-reefs' gritty fingers. The angel plucks and inspects little plankton berries, the fog-fish waging war on their fingers for the nutritious morsels. Another angel wearing a pig’s skin as an eared hood brushes tiles with a collection of dyed inkwells to decorate the town’s well of potable holy water. A third angel, face shrouded by a jellyfish of pink hair, chops cutlets out of a squirming red mass with reckless swings of a cleaver, pan-frying the chunks in butter, thyme and garlic. This fragrance makes your stomach dream in spite of the visage. Other angels hammer away at flat surfaces, pluck insipid weeds and practice their yoga poses. [[It's all delightful, but you should resume your search->lucielfollow]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) A warm, thick syrup grabs onto your sock on the first step, and you tumble to the mattress-tiled floor from a panicked (text-style:"rumble")[jolt]. Candles boldly rest naked on the cotton floor, latching themselves onto the padding through wax clots, their orange embers tickling the bedsheet-curtained walls with fuzzy auburn splotches. Your nerves (text-style:"rumble")[jump], desperate to extinguish the open flames in this tinderbox, //but a cold hand rests calmly on your nape//. Who...?(click-replace:"Who...?")[It’s the weeping angel, now forcing a self-assured smile and lending you a hand to pull you back to your feet. Regardless of the concern, you feel an unusual trust the unknown angel. Charisma lies in their TV-static eyes. Back on your feet, you [[scan the room->lucielroom]].]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) (set:$teacup to "a cup that says 'unthorough reader'") The walls have gothic paintings of aristocrat women in ornate silver frames simply leaning unhung against them. Perhaps the cushions resisted being drilled into and suffocated. In the room’s center, a Victorian lamp sits atop a kotatsu, partnered with a steaming porcelain teapot and a plate of croutons. The room is otherwise rather unfurnished, but why bother when everything's a pillow? [[Sit down->lucieltea]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) You settle in, legs under the blanket, watching the wisps of tea-steam race from the stars, seeping from the kettle's mouth. (set:$enjoy to "") The smell of jasmine floods your nostrils as the weeping angel rounds the table to lower the heat. The angel seems embarrassed by their eyes, brushing down their bangs to hide them as they float about the room and dig through their cupboards. As they settle down in the kotatsu next to you, they hold out two teacups for you to pick from. The left teacup is painted with a rose in a guillotine. The right with an 80’s boy band of heartthrob maggots. You pick up the (if:$teacup is "a cup that says 'unthorough reader'")[[[left one->lefttea]]/[[right one->righttea]]](if:$teacup is not "a cup that says 'unthorough reader'")[$teacup]. You smile through the eeriness, and the weeping angel smiles back. The tea tastes like a cigarette after a long shift. The croutons taste vaguely of caramel. [[It's a nice little moment between you.->lucielhalo]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) (set:$teacup to "beheaded rose teacup") [[How macabre! How subversive to our tendency to hold the beautiful as sacred!->lucieltea]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) (set:$teacup to "heartthrob maggot teacup") [[It's pastiche, it's camp, it's boldly neon! The maggot with the handlebar 'stache HAS to be the hottest, or wait, no! The one with the flowing, slicked-back hair! ->lucieltea]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) The weeping angel smiles as you munch. They simply watch, both hands adjusting their halo. They keep fidgeting with it until it comes loose with (text-style:"shudder")[a couple shakes] and a //plock//. They rest it on the table and begin meditating, damming off their perpetual tears. You watch quietly, sipping your tea, letting its steam slither into your nostrils and wrap your brain in a fog duvet. The serenity pulses with the sound of blaring electricity. The halo ties itself in knots and blinks a (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[fluorescent magenta]]. You watch it with squinted eyes as it dances and backlights the weeping angel’s strained face. You take a second to process before realizing the halo forms letters in your native language! The weeping angel is able to communicate with you! (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[E-N-J-O-Y-I-N-G-?]] You (if:$enjoy is "")[ [[nod]]/[[shake your head]] ](else:)[$enjoy]. It seems you've found good company in this wonderland! The angel smiles and politely gestures at you to [[ask questions->lucielquestions]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0,0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf)))What is your name?(click-replace: "What is your name?")[''What is your name?'' (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[U-N-N-A-M-E-D-o-B-Y-o-G-O-D-o-o-L-U-C-I-E-L-o-N-I-C-E-o]] (Luciel it is)] How do you know my language?(click-replace: "How do you know my language?")[''How do you know my language?'' (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[O-T-H-E-R-S-o-C-O-M-E-o-B-E-F-O-R-E-o]]] Do the other angels know my language?(click-replace: "Do the other angels know my language?")[''Do the other angels know my language?'' (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[G-O-D-T-O-N-G-U-E-o-O-N-L-Y-o]] What is Godtongue?(click-replace: "What is Godtongue?")[''What is Godtongue?'' The halo falls to the table and the Angel opens its blaring eyes, emitting a static hum that takes a new frequency with every blink. After a short melody, the halo begins floating again. (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[T-H-A-T-o]]]] Where are we?(click-replace: "Where are we?")[''Where are we?'' (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[S-O-P-O-R-F-A-L-L-o-o-G-O-D-o-R-E-S-T-S-o]] And when God wakes?(click-replace: "And when God wakes?")[''And when God wakes?'' (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[A-L-L-o-R-E-S-T-O-R-E-D-o-A-G-A-I-N-o]]]] Why do you hide from the other Angels?(click-replace: "Why do you hide from the other Angels?")[''Why do you hide from the other Angels?'' (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[F-E-L-L-o-T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R-o-B-U-T-o-F-O-R-o-D-I-F-F-E-R-E-N-T-o-R-E-A-S-O-N-o]] (You notice Luciel has strictly Mourning Dove feathers for wings rather than the typical variety.) (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[W-I-L-L-o-R-E-T-U-R-N-o-H-O-M-E-o]]] Thank you for the kindness.(click-replace: "Thank you for the kindness.")[''Thank you for the kindness.'' (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[O-N-L-Y-o-D-U-T-Y-o]]] I have no more questions. Let’s look at beautiful things!(click-replace: "I have no more questions. Let’s look at beautiful things!")[''I have no more questions. Let’s look at beautiful things!'' (text-style:"shadow")[[[C-O-M-E-o->lucielout]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) Luciel’s Halo falls to the table and their expression eases. They go limp, their eyes static with a (text-style:"shudder")[simmering fizz]. You position the (text-colour:#ba54d3)[(text-style:"shadow")[ring]] above their head and it whirs and spins. Luciel’s eyes spit out radio waves, the ancient radio in your backpack vomiting out muffled white noise. With a coughing fit, Luciel resumes their neutral expression and glides to [[hold the door open for you->danke]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) Thank you for the kind gesture, angel! You hold hands and walk through the town square together, suddenly convinced in the inherent good in all people (or angels, at least). A ring of smiles hug your gaze from your blindspots. A smile from beneath hair coloured as the sky ground through a slushy machine! A smile beaming above a shirt bearing a lamprey smoking romaine! A smile from atop a skirt of dangling piano keys and rabbit ears! Perhaps they smile because they’ve fallen, or perhaps there is nothing more self-actualizing than a junkheap of your favourite toys. Who knows, it’s not worth psycho-analyzing. Luciel stops before the well and glances at you. Their mind seems to get lost in on the scintillating lilac miasma that simmers in the yawning orifice. [["If I jump in, I’ll get hurt!"->angelwell]]

You point shamefully at your winglessness. (enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) Timid Luciel takes your trepidation and teeters, yet their halo spins as an angry CD, blaring fluorescently sapphire. At this, the nearby angels, haloes also alarmed, break their amiable visage and begin scurrying about the piecemeal square. You worry that your tone was a bit too garish for them. A broken taboo, a brutal honesty. Language is confusing. Their scurrying about congregates into a fervid ring of swung tools and battling hands. An angel with hair with the flow and colour of Merlot pierced the ring dragging a glossy sable rope ladder, seemingly woven from the legs and antennae of fallen ants. Their help is appreciated, though you instinctively wince as you grab onto the crinkling carotid ropes. Yet... What is beauty without pain? Adventure without risk? C’est la vie. Tumbling down through the dune's tiled pore, the ladder unfurls with a brutal //crunch//. Luciel sinks down into the well before you, their battering wings making any swell of air itself an elevator. The angels blink you "farewell for now" through gentle sepia tones. [[Down you go->wellbasin]]

Little ant legs roll off onto your hand. The (text-style:"blur")[fading light] in your palm shows what appears to be a despairing amount of fallen eyelashes. You pinch your eyelid to ensure your eye-troopers are still defending the line. The ladder tapers off a foot above a (text-colour:#9bfff0)[(text-style:"smear")[luminescent cerulean basin]] swamped with bisexually-lit glitter, rib bones and apple cores. You can’t decide if it’s a dumping ground, or the angels’ vile attempt to make a sangria or tonkotsu broth out of their local water supply. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] patiently hovers, cautiously avoiding the motley cesspool. You don't get the luxury. The plunge is necessary, shallow, confusingly viscous. You wade out, shaking and squelching your $bottom of the anonymous broth. [[Onward.->welloil]]

The passage spirals deeper, deeper. The well opens up into a cavern, lined and framed with streaks of tar. The tar rabidly snarls, boils with foam and froth. Cattails made of rusted pipes and faucets spear out from the thick greasy effluvia. Toad-like forms arise from the oil-spill effervescence, croaking with the sound of escaped gas. The effluvium is surprisingly ambrosial. The smell of zinnias and freshly-blown glass. A vague hunger arises. The foam amphibians lock their gaze on (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]], but dismissively turn away, slowly, bubbly, greasily. Doth the sleeping God create these soapy gestalts as eyes for this fallen kingdom? Are they a byproduct of this material hell? The tunnel melts into mud and rust and oil and stench. The marsh drinks your palms as the oil toads let out gaspy croaks. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] shudders and floats ahead with their head tucked, compelled on through this familiar unease. [[Onward.->wellbutterfly]]

The ceiling lowers, the floor sinks, hanging roots (text-style:"fidget")[spit] on your head. Glass Butterflies (text-colour:#9bfff0)[(text-style:"smear")[prismatically twinkle]] by batting their stained-glass pane wings. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Their wings refract the glow of Luciel's Halo]], draping the soil crawlway with (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[a refractory mosaic of royal tones]]. Under your hand, a harsh (text-style:"emboss")[crunch], //whistle// and sharp pain. Your palm is spattered with a (text-colour:purple)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#197fe6,0.3827,#e5e619,1,#e61919))[rainbow blood] as a karmic correction for the reckless crushing of delicate life. You weep an honorary tear or two over the accidental lost life, yet the show is still compelled forth. There is only one path to the end of this mythically pious subterranean grotto. Only one path no fear, pain or grief cannot keep you and (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] from facing. Therefore, [[Onward.->wellbulbs]]

Ferns sprout under your palms. Glass flowers of fiberglass pollen, too, sprout into this diaphonous, fragile ecosystem. The ceiling rises once more, no longer petting your scalp with roots and clumps of lichen. The earth firmens beneath your palms, relieves your kneading of translucent humus. Cold tiles slide under your hands and feet, drink from your heat, all spattered with peat. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] rises before you as the space opens up. [[You do too.->bathhouse]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#eefdfd)+(bg:#344e50)) The tunnel broadens into a ruinous shrine, a decrepit soapstone bathhouse from a bygone era. Mosaics and bizarre patterns told through glass squares ornament the walls. A sprawl of cracked, cubic rooms branch off in all directions immensurably. Every splotch of slight decay betwixt tiles is disrupted by invasive ferns, crystalline weeds, stained-glass flowers and stalks blossoming with light bulbs. Recreation reborn as spectacle in entropy. From pockets of communal warming to a tenebrous glass garden in the earth's deepest depths. You take a deep breath and think of those who may have come here before. Through all the years of cracking and sprouting, the (text-colour:#9bfff0)[(text-style:"smear")[centerpiece basins]] still plunge into steamy springs, each given a (text-colour:#9bfff0)[(text-style:"smear")[cool glow by the ancient bloom of the flouncing azure moon jellyfish within]]. It’s just water, right? Warm water that breathes into you. You dip your (text-colour:purple)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#197fe6,0.3827,#e5e619,1,#e61919))[blood-soaked palm] into the reserve. With the ripple of dipped fingers, the jellyfish squelch and cruise towards this unfamiliar arrival in their primordial pond. (text-colour:#fbc404)[[[Hold your hand steady.->holdon]]] OR (text-colour:#fbc404)[[[Whip your hand out.->whipout]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#eefdfd)+(bg:#344e50)) The jellies convalesce on your flesh and blindly bumble in circles around it, gently bumping against it with their gelatin caps. It tickles! Mouthless kisses dress your wound. The primordial nurses part, and you raise your hand. Your skin has been cleansed and grafted back together with a playful tuft of gelatin. (text-colour:#fbc404)[[[Thank ye, Jellies!->bathwander]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#eefdfd)+(bg:#344e50)) A magnetic pull resists your effort. You almost lose your balance as the jellies approach further. And further. You fervently struggle. Putting your whole body’s weight behind plucking your hand like a carrot, the hand unreadily shoots out with a //plock//. The jellies didn’t make contact, yet the (text-colour:purple)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#197fe6,0.3827,#e5e619,1,#e61919))[rainbow blood] now seems to also host a colony of (text-style:"smear")[glitter microbes]! (text-colour:#fbc404)[[[Nature is truly fascinating.->bathwander]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#eefdfd)+(bg:#344e50)) Meanwhile, (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] wanders cautiously between rooms, careful not to tread too far, to lose sight of you. They kick around a rotted-off lightbulb and crouch down to inspect the different waters and flora. It's very cute, you can't help but stare. Their (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[halo]] and the (text-colour:#9bfff0)[(text-style:"smear")[miscellany of bioluminescent basins]] are the only sources of light. Your eyes meet. Their tears seem to have dried, their eyes cautiously static as if ready to signal you. Though their mouth remains in a frown, their halo seems to face you with a smile. (text-colour:#fbc404)[[[You smile back.->bathexplore]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#eefdfd)+(bg:#344e50)) The symmetrical chambers seem to sprawl distantly outward into ancient recreational catacombs. You pass between gold-painted clay-lace archways one after the other, through clouds of steam and by tile-encased legacies. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] is inspecting the pools of each chamber before moving on, falling behind you. You perform these investigative actions identically and contextlessly, finding no notable variety besides the wide taxonomy of jellyfish. Other than fresh jellyfish literacy, this indiscernible task Luciel brought you here for leads to wandering. All you really asked for was to see something cool, though. Scanning the splayed rooms ubiquitously, one chamber catches your eye; a chamber where lit bulbs hang from draping vines. You spot (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] a few chambers over by their (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[lavender bloom]]. They melancholically look into a pot of sea nettles. (text-colour:#fbc404)[[[Lock elbows with them and show them your find!->godchamber]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) Their eyes light up as the room comes into view. The chamber is remarkably preserved, perhaps because of its quartz tiling. Pruned, bulb-sprouting vines form a natural alcove around the pool. Parting the curtains, a pool of (text-style:"smear")[effulgent spermaceti syrup] warms the room. The (text-style:"smear")[emptied white glow stick-like substance] is brightened further by a peculiar blue-skied skylight a few meters overhead. It introduced a cozy, yet unfamiliar naturality to the stuffy chambers. But... are you truly hundreds of feet beneath the earth. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] dips their feet in, and pats the floor next to them for you to do the same. You hesitate, a bit unsure of the divine significance of such a place for the angels. You curl up beside them, forcing a smile. They take notice and reassure you with a calm gaze. (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Dip your feet in->dipin]]] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Don't dip your feet in->dipout]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) The milky bouillon is slow to close in around your feet. It’s a ghostly substance of a dreadful, unearthly feel that is indecipherable as strictly painful or pleasurable. Everything below the ankle feels as if it has turned to vapor. A weightless absence crawls up your leg. Regardless of your attachment to your body, this deeply feels wrong. Like something you might never be ready for. Transcendent in a way your sin-guzzled guts should not be granted. Quivering, you turn your gaze to (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]], who smiles warmly at you, kicking their feet around. Your podiatric nerves have yielded to the other side of this veil. You lock your knees and trudge your unfeeling appendages back out. As you catch your breath and look at your undamaged foot with a ghastly emptiness, (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] looks at you with a deep worry. They rub your back as if to apologize. (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Thanks anyway, Luce.->lucielplunge]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) In spite of its beckoning glow, you're too riddled with funny little sins to indulge in this divine bouillon. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] looks a little disappointed, but shrugs with understanding. They playfully flick a creamy droplet at you, and a deathly chill runs down your spine. (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Maybe it's for the best!->lucielplunge]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[Luciel]] removes their punk shirt, revealing the upper-half of their silky lampshade gown, decorated with little ruffles and tiny bells. They hand you the shirt, neatly folded. It feels and smells clean, though with a light seasoning of tearsalt. Meditatively closing their eyes, their halo clinks on the floor to weave out a final message. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[''T-H-A-N-K-S-o-o-S-E-E-o-G-O-D-o-N-O-W-o-o-I-'']] They break into a (text-style:"rumble")[coughing fit], spitting out fuzzy, cacophonic white noise before finishing. (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[''I-F-o-A-W-A-K-E-o--o-o-B-Y-E-o-o-L-O-V-E-o-U-o'']] After finishing, you reposition the fallen halo on their head and their eyes reboot. Awake again, they lean in and press their lips against your forehead before sliding into (text-style:"smear")[the melted wax]. (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[//Plop.//->lucielsink]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) The (text-style:"smear")[lustrous chowder] swallows them whole. I hope you find home, little buddy. Seated in the cove, a meditative clarity and presence seizes your mind. What a beautiful fractal catacomb this is. You brush your finger across the petals of a (text-style:"outline")[glass marigold]. It’s been treated with a honey-scented resin. You triumphantly slide on the brutalist phrenology diagram T-shirt over your $top to celebrate an adventure accomplished. It's still warm. Some reptilian voice in the small of your mind compels you towards the (text-style:"smear")[fluorescent milk]. You worry Luciel’s quest might have been misguided. What if God isn’t in there? What if they are meant to be here in this land they called Soporfall after all? You reach in hesitantly, but a paralytic numbness stampedes through your fingerveins. //Evacuate now!// (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Sincerely, your limbic system.->lucielrise]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) As you regain feeling in your hand, a bubble. Another. They cluster and acquiesce in the center of the (text-style:"smear")[amniotic ambrosia]. A lung’s capacity now gargles up from deep within the gloop. Is Luciel returning? A (text-colour:#f8da07)[tussock of dandelion hair] prickles up, followed by a nape and wax-sopped mourning dove feathers. You want to dive in, to save them from drowning, but fear locks your urgent flight. Their back shutters, and their squinted, frazzled eyes raise from the custard. They seem... placid. //Welcome back, Luciel.// Skimming the upper half of their face across the surface like a hippopotamus, they seem to find a ledge to sit down on. The pool seems oxygenated enough for them to shyly hide their pout. They blindly fish around for something. After a few seconds pass, an arm flops out, depositing their extinguished halo at your feet before slithering back into the depths. (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Did you see anything?->lucielno]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[''N-O-o-G-O-D-o-A-N-Y-M-O-R-E-o-o-J-U-S-T-o-I-D-E-A-S-o-N-O-W-o'']] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[I see...->lucielnietzsche]]] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Is that alright?->lucielidk]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[''H-E-A-D-o-B-A-C-K-o-S-O-O-N-o-o-N-E-E-D-o-S-O-M-E-o-M-I-N-U-T-E-S-o'']] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Okay.->lucielpeace]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) (text-colour:#d5b3f7)[(text-style:"smear")[''D-O-N-T-o-K-N-O-W-o-Y-E-T-o-o'']] Luciel sinks their face back into the fluid for a second, before lifting their face out with a melancholic sigh. (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Well... what now?->lucielnietzsche]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) You continue meditating, as Luciel, still sitting in the (text-style:"smear")[pale neon basin], slowly makes peace with their truth. If there was a God, is this their realm, or is it another built for the fallen and the outcasts? Are all the stories of a forgotten fall, of an unlearned name, the tales told by the feathers of one's wings and the junk of one's heap... are they just stories to be passed around, ideals of better times, better places, better selves? Maybe there was never a God outside of the hearts and stories of the dreamers, and the angels created one to find ways of giving deeper meaning to that which they value. God is the shared value, the ancient rebellion, yet too, perhaps, it was that which ultimately kept the angels from themselves. This journey, maybe, so deeply embraced by the other angels, for it is only with the death of the dream that distant, lost, veiled ideas can pass out of fashion, and those in arm's reach become that where our heart looks for warmth. You can speculate all day and all night on the stories of angels. On why they create, value and have faith... but it's rude to psycho-analyze. //Beneath feather, heart and soul, whether graced by god or passion, no living heart denies them// (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[//that Luciel is a beautiful name.//->junkheapend]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fefcda)+(bg:#7B0808)) Luciel rises from the fluid, staring contemplatively into its glow as they squelch the residuals from their hair. Finally, they stand and look at you with open eyes. For the first time you see that the static has been lifted from their eyes, their tears fully dried. (text-colour:#099d59)[Two fiery, jade pupils] look assuredly towards you. You try to hand back their T-Shirt, but they refuse. Instead, you offer the glass marigold you've been rolling between your fingers and hold it out to them. Luciel looks transfixed by it, lost in its golden scint. They take it from you with a bow and tuck it behind their ear. This time, both their halo and mouth crease into a smile. Godspeed, sweet angel! (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[You should probably head back now.->junkheapfinale]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) The other angels were already welcoming Luciel with giddy blinks as you reached the top of the ant-ladder, thrilled to see the static had ebbed from their (text-colour:#099d59)[brilliant emerald eyes]. You are invited to join them for an evening feast, where you then eat an ambiguous, yet delicious celebratory stew until you all pass out. When the sky is again painted dawn and your eyes are kissed with the light of a new day, it seems the time has come to trek back into the bubblegum-painted meadows. While you've been met with great hospitality and adventure, there is still so much this valley offers for you yet to settle amidst the angel's sea of comforts. Luciel lets you keep the T-Shirt, ready to make a new one and turn over a new leaf with the fallen angels of Soporfall. A new friend told through new fabric. Whether fallen or born in this land of pleasures ceased to matter. With you by their side, Luciel had found the light of a future, welcoming you forever within their home. [[See you, Junkheap Angels->junction]] [[I'm not ready to go yet!->purgatory]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7b17b5)+(bg:#fc926d)) And that's alright. It's hard to just walk away from a friend, though I can't write forever. Just let me know when you've had your fill. For now, this screen... the memories we've made here, they'll be your sandbox. You sit in Luciel's house for as long as you want, sipping tea out of your $teacup by candle-light and munching on sweet croutons. Luciel watches you with a smile. You talk about all sorts of things... about future, art, adorations. You walk around the village together and watch as Luciel talks to those they always kinda walked past. You pet the giant hedgehogs. The villagers offer you little bits of produce to make sure you never go hungry. At night, all the angels gather around the well and blink out a light-based musical by their haloes. You and Luciel watch, holding hands. They've never been much of a performer. You fall asleep for the night on the warm sands, Luciel by your side. Lovely, mighty, endless summer days. [[Okay, I've stayed long enough.->junction]] [[Once more.->purgatory]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) Truly curious in a region, so serenely untouched, uncurated, protected and preserved by some grand will. The smell of moss, damp soil and crisp autumn lay claim to your sinuses. It’s cooler down here, the sun struggling to make its way into the green alcove. Something about the display makes you crave vegetables. The bamboo near the edge, you notice, is dotted with holes as if you arrived moments too late to witness a grand battle between hummingbirds with tiny submachine guns. Dispersed among the bamboo are stalks of amber glass of similar height, one to every ten or so natural ones. //Clink. Clink.// The breeze plays it's instrument as bamboo taps glass. The clicking grows louder, as does the chittering of birds. A breeze of (text-style:"buoy")[weaving maple leaves] brings the toasting of two trees. Two stalks overhead clap together in prayer and sprinkle you with a morning dew. You rub it into your face and slick back your hair. [[Continue along the dried up river.->riverway]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) Floating along the riverbed carries you to the heart of the woods. There, the first parting in the trees. Its centerpiece, a geometrical mangrove tree of hyaline glass branches, roots and stump, sits thirstily in the river’s last stand (now naught but an emboldened puddle). Atop it, blends of birds-of-paradise, budgies, macaws, quetzals roost, sequestered into packs they conference, and blare out with squawking quarrels. You stare at them, your mouth agape, their prismatic smoothie of feathers, flapping ornaments squabbling for tree's most adored decor and decorum. Kiwi birds, you’ve just now noticed, hop around beneath. They ritually, jealously inspect the river's basin for fallen scrap of insect or crustacean. Second-hand sinews and crumbs, fallen from the beaks above. The upper flock is in heedless screed, they bicker in complaint. Nip their neighbours wings, and scratching foothold friends. You must admit, it's difficult to be complicit in such abject avian violence between pageantly paradisian plumages. [[I guess I'll venture elsewhere!->pheasantarrives]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) You wade closer and closer through tulips, fuschias and a fence of sunflowers in your approach. You find yourself on a brick path lined with pinwheels trailing towards the front gates, where several butterflies stand guard. A flyer flaps through the air, which you (if:$demeanor is "goofily")[(text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[gracefully->gracefully]]]/(text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[clumsily->clumsily]]]](if:$demeanor is not "goofily")[$demeanor] catch and read. //“Madama Butterfly and Troupe Farfallini welcome all denizens of the valley to a cross-pollination ball in the royal palace to celebrate recent negotiations with the Melicomb Hive!”// The flyer is also riddled with a litany of tiny bug hairs which prickle your fingertips, and lists a dress code that your $top and $bottom are a generous stretch of. Screw it, (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[what else do you have going on?->buggates]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) (set:$demeanor to "gracefully") (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Wish I was as cool as you!->bugflyer]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) (set:$demeanor to "clumsily") (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[We can't all be perfect!->bugflyer]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) You wait in a long line of impatient bugs. (set: $mask to "fresh face") A very. Long. Line. Right in front of you, a top-heavy bumblebee, adorned with a sea of cuffs and frills, gets into a spat with a droopy-eyed buckeye butterfly, wearing a pleated turban and feather boa. It sounds quite heated... and juicy. Ought you eavesdrop? (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Of course!->eavesdrop]]] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[It's best I don't...->bugmask]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) (text-colour:#fbf362)[//“You have no right to be celebrating a violent colonization of ''our'' pollinating territory, madam!”//] The bee puffs up and body-checks the butterfly. (text-colour:#dbb0f7)[//“Signora, signora, calm your tune, per favore. No need for such dirty words, we are all civilized here, aren't we? Remember, this is the will of your queen, too. A written insistence! Practically her epitaph!”//] The butterfly calmly pulled out a cigarette holder and looked the other way. (text-colour:#fbf362)[//“I was one of her majesty’s most ardent defenders! I was a MACHINE for my hive, soloed a spider on my own and you dare tell me her will! I know it more pristinely than any of your barbarous ilk!”//] The bee shoved the butterfly, grabbing her cigarette with a //hmph//. (text-colour:#fbf362)[//“To think your dainty kind bears any power over us fills me with tidal rage!”//] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Ah, they're about to fight!->bugmask]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) At this, the butterfly snaps back, flapping her wings in the bee’s face, blinding and dusting him with pollen. (text-colour:#dbb0f7)[//"Impudence! You have no idea what power looks like in this world! May a wasp strike you down! Have your grief, but leave me out of it!"//] The bee starts throwing blank punches.(text-colour:#fbf362)[//"I am being perfectly rational, you hedon! You and your kind know no honour and duty!"//] The two start properly scrapping with one another, the masquerade masks they wore clink onto the cobblestone. Given how underdressed you are, you decide to take the (if:$mask is "fresh face")[(text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[violet bee mask->beemask]]]/(text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[emerald butterfly mask->buttmask]]]](if:$mask is not "fresh face")[$mask] into the ball. After the two are torn apart by the gate guards, the bee is turned away for instigating the squabble. But you? (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Looking good and feeling fine!->gateguards]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) (set: $mask to "bee mask") (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Tufts of bee fuzz made from the finest feathers! How couture!->bugmask]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) (set: $mask to "butterfly mask") (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[How seasonal! Proboscises just happen to be in glorious fashion!->bugmask]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) You approach the guards, who unfurl their proboscises to block your entry. (text-colour:#8dd2fc)[//“Darling, that $mask isn’t fooling anyone about your mammalhood.”//] the left one sneers. (text-colour:#8dd2fc)[//“Be a dear and hand it over, will you?”//] The other guard interjects. (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//“L-lyca, don’t you see? This is one of the village angels! What a special guest! We welcome you, angel!”//] (text-colour:#8dd2fc)[//“Puh-lease. You're so unqualified, Nymphaea. ONLY POLLINATORS enter the ballroom. The Madama was very specific about exceptions!//] The butterfly guard puts on a high, jovial voice. (text-colour:#8dd2fc)["//Any of those property-hating moths, any loyalists to the old hivequeen and...?”//] (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//"C-caterpillars?"//] (text-colour:#8dd2fc)[//“I know you aren't ''that'' big of a dope. Guess that's why you're guarding and not inside, eh? The caterpillar bit was about complying to mead regulations. BIRDS AND MAMMALS, she said!"//] At this point in their feud, both butterflies have lowered their guard. Realistically, you could just sneak by and risk trouble, but who doesn't love spectating a good spat? (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Stay and Listen->loversquarrel]]] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[[[Seize the opportunity->palacehalls]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fdeae6)+(bg:#b50536)) (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//“And on that list, was there any mention of angels being potential threats? No! They can’t even speak, the little guys! You think they'll try something?”//] You were frankly impressed that the guard of all people would be pleading so ardently for your entry. Must be your dazzling $mask! (text-colour:#8dd2fc)[//“Nymphaea, they aren’t even an angel! No halo, no wings! You are beguiled at nothing, you caterpillar! And even if they were, an angel is, like, a bird and a mammal combined! Double no!”//] A wasp wearing a blazer with a grossly-cinched waist grabs your shoulder and shouts over it. (text-colour:#eea611)[//“Your job is to keep the line moving, boys, and that's all! I’m a good friend of Vespin if you're lookin' for a new career path!”//] (text-colour:#8dd2fc)[//“Fine, why not? Let them in! It’s a party after all, right, Nymphaea? It’s your job if they start stirring the nectar, got it?”//] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[I'll be good!](click-replace: "I'll be good!")[(text-colour:#fffc8a)[[[//“See, Lyca? Have a little faith! No reason to get feisty with one another this early on in the night!”//->palacehalls]]]] (text-colour:#A5ECEB)[No promises, actually.](click-replace: "No promises, actually.")[(text-colour:#8dd2fc)[[[//“Gah! You hear that! You get my wings in a knot without even trying, Nymphaea, darling! Watch 'em like a hawk or it's your job!"//->palacehalls]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) Inside, you're guided through the outer ring halls by (text-colour:#882bf0)[''regal carpets''] into the palace centerpiece; a decadent hexagonal ballroom where hundreds of bees and butterflies waltz (text-style:"sway")[horizontally] and (text-style:"buoy")[vertically]! (set:$drinks to 0)(set:$meadcheck to false) Above, a butterfly chorus and string orchestra boom out from (text-style:"superscript")[curtained upper balconies], enlivening the honeycomb-tile dance floor on which dozens of butterflies and bees separately mingle. The handful of wasps present seem to be the only ambassadors between the groups. The sprawling ballroom is flourished with geometrical sproutings and creeps of rare flora. (text-colour:#18a970)[(text-style:"smear")[''Empty cocoons stuffed with deep shades of neon'']] drape the high ceiling. The two tribe leaders sit proudly atop their twin thrones overlooking the festivities from a raised crimson platform. Look to the right throne(click-replace: "Look to the right throne")[A gold-soaked boisterous monarch butterfly with heavy eye makeup and a weighty fur cloak claps and laughs (text-style:"rumble")[jovially] at the show. She seems to be the advertised Madama Butterfly. Dozens of Morphos and Swallowtails run up the steps to her with (text-style:"blur","condense")[whispers] and small gifts, to each of which she brandishes a unique chortle.] Look to the left throne(click-replace: "Look to the left throne")[ A wasp in a nicely-tailored suit jacket with intense shoulder pads sits stoically analyzing the festivities. By her side a (text-style:"fidget")[trembling bee], dressed in all the puffs and thrills of a renaissance aristocrat, tries to compose themself, nodding along with the wasps' inaudible utterances.] [[Truly a visage above your station!->meetmeadley]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) A portly bee in a basic button-up and suspenders obstructs your vision. (text-colour:#070701)[//''“O there! Round o’ mead for ye?”''//] You get too distracted by the tufts of fuzz poking through his placket to give a timely answer. (text-colour:#070701)[//''“Well, don't leave a bloke hangin'!”''//] [[Sure!->drink1]] [[I’ll pass...->meadleychat]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) The bee hands you a champagne glass half-filled with golden liquid. You take a cautioned sip. (set:$drinks to 1) It's delicious! Surprisingly sweet, but it makes your head feel a little fluffy. (text-colour:#070701)[//''“Good, innit? Brewed it meself!”''//] [[Thanks!->meadleychat]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#070701)[//''“Mind me askin', friend? Makes sense one like ye would look wit’ such doubt ‘pon ‘em. First, they steal our pattern fer their floors, yeh, and now we got a wasp leadin' our charge. Yer sober mind surely wonders, yeah?”''//] It does!(click-replace: "It does!")[(text-colour:#070701)[''//“Y’see, all us bees know it was a coup of some sorts, but none of us can quite put the pieces t’gether. Gotta speak quietly, fer if my mead wasn't so good, they’d’ve never let a drone bloke like me in. That there, Duchess Vespin, she was the queen’s secretary, y’see? Some sort of interim deal while politics ‘re done. And the young ‘in, she’s the real queen’s blood ‘n honey so they say, Miss Princess Amelia. The butterflies, I think, ‘re doing this whole thing to get in good graces early with the princess, pressure her to be next up, y’see? If ye ask me, Vespin’s just helpin’ the whole business along. The young are impressionable types, they are. But that’s just the bumblin’s of an ol' fellow.//''] [[Enjoy the festivities!->palacebalcony]](text-colour:#070701)[''//"//'']] I don't really care...(click-replace: "I don't really care...")[(text-colour:#070701)[//''“S’alright, not all are so curious to ask fer these roamin’ eyes!''//] [[I’ll be ‘round if ye need another round!->palacebalcony]](text-colour:#070701)[//''"''//]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) The air, exhaustingly thick with honey and pheromones, compels you to further explore the palace. You find your way up a cobblestone spiral staircase, and onto the upper balcony, where masked butterflies hang on the balustrades, humming sweet sensualities to their partners through emptied glasses of mead. Armored guard butterflies let loose to the rhythm with diligent spring. A wallflower wasp broods and eyes you down from a dingy corner, whom you try your best to ignore. As you lap the upper floor, your vision fixates on a starry-eyed swallowtail, with wings drooped into robes, a muffin hat and a big pink ribbon around their neck. They dote on the thrones below with a heartwarming stare. A lute sits strewn out at the butterfly's side. It seems they've ditched their role in the orchestra for the royal reveries of love and youth. [[You slot yourself beside them to give them an ear.->margarini]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) The butterfly looks at you with grinning eyes and a goading sigh. (text-colour:#da07ba)["Oh, such beauty never known before. Do you see it too? Cara mia, cara mia?”] They speak boyishly, yet with a sticky cadence. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Forbidden passion of my song, can you hear?”] Madama Butterfly?(click-replace: "Madama Butterfly?")[(text-colour:#da07ba)[“The Madama? Her majesty is most befitting of the name, but it’s not her wings I muse, nay.”]] Lady Vespin?(click-replace: "Lady Vespin?")[ (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Lady Vespin? A witty sense of humor, for though with charm she act, thrice my age she bee.”]] Princess Amelia?(click-replace: "Princess Amelia?")[ (text-colour:#da07ba)["Con precisione! Amelia, Amelia! Oh, how the letter roll 'cross my tongue! No sweeter honey glaze my eye! Alas, alas, it cannot be, for I, low butterfly, and she a bee! Languindo, piangendo, morendo! Gah!”] The swallowtail lowers their head and extends their arms dramatically.(text-colour:#da07ba)[“I write her a ballad, from the pen of il Bardo, Margarini! If to love is too far, to give song and prose is all a humble bug can do!”] The bard, Margarini, pulls out a sheet of paper from his wings. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“The orchestra will not play it for me, they laugh at me! Before the night ends, I must reach her!”] [[Look towards the throne->margarini2]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) As Margarini finishes, Princess Amelia seems to try dismiss herself from Lady Vespin’s barrage of comments. She nods, backing away, before ducking out into the lower halls. (set:$wasp to false) (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Gone in a flash, just like that! Sight as ephemeral as a heart! Mi scusi, I talked your ear off. I owe you a tune.”] (set:$vespin to false) Margarini picks up his lute and plucks out an ethereal little tune that grounds you in it's sound. The blaring orchesta melts into the background before Margarini's elegant hand and twinkly, longing eyes. (text-colour:#da07ba)["Ah, sorry, sorry. I promise a tune just for you, but my heart, she wanders, she writes for another. A song with her name in it's chords..."] [[Let’s search for Amelia! Play it for her!->bugsearch]] [[Well, thanks. I'll be on my way...->wtf!]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Gah! I’m absent of mind! You would do me such a great service?! But yes, you are right! I must deliver her my song and my heart! The future is like wax to me! I cannot make out when again the doors will be open just as they are in this very moment!"] Margarini spreads his wings and starts excitedly flapping them to the rhythm as he thinks. (text-colour:#da07ba)["We will split up, i-if that is all good with you, yes? Indeed, we will find her so fast together! We meet back here at the top of the hour! O-oh, and this!"] Margarini plucks a crumpled sheet of paper out from under his hat. (text-colour:#da07ba)["O Knight of my love, I shall entrust you with this letter! I hold its words in my heart, so it is like you carry a second me who sings in the ink!”] You accept and tuck the letter away. When you look up again, Margarini has already begun to run away from you. Well that's that. Who do you want to try asking? [[Ask the Suspicious Wasp->waspinvestigate]] [[Try approaching Lady Vespin->vespininvestigate]] [[Ask the Mead-brewer->meadleyinvestigate]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) Oh c'mon! Look into the little guy's eyes! You’ll really turn a blind eye to this young love, to an impossible dream, and leave the swallowtail to languish his years in what-ifs? Even if you're skeptical, you have to admit you're at least curious where this'll take you! [[Alright, I'll help!->bugsearch]] OR [[Nope, screw that butterfly!->bugbadend]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) Well if that's your choice... You spent the rest of your night alone(if:$drinks is 1)[, sipping on glasses of mead. You learn the name of the brewer, Meadley, and split some good drinks in the cellar]. The atmosphere is very pleasant as you dance the night away among all walks of bug life. The Madama is a very lively presence, breaking out into operatic and theatrical performances throughout the night unprompted. You lose track of the young butterfly, though you keep thinking of him as your eyes return again and again to the nervous bee princess. You can't help but feel her distance. Well, she's got a heavy future ahead of her, you suppose. At the end of the night, Amelia is crowned the new Queen Bee by Madama Butterfly to great applause, leaving the future of pollinator-kind up to whatever fate may have in store. A bit tipsy, you leave the castle, thank the door guards for letting you in and fall asleep in the thick meadow grass. [[And that's all she wrote!->junction]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (set:$wasp to true) You hesitantly approach the brooding wasp on the balcony's other end. (text-colour:#012cd8)[//“My, the angel has business with me? Pfft, makes sense, I guess. I’ve seen it all, right? The witness from my own little world. That’s what you’re thinkin’, I bet. That and that I’m cool and mysterious. These passing minds are like open books to someone who’s as experienced as I am. Heh.”//] [[I’m not an Angel...->winvest2]] [[I’m not thinking any of that...->winvest2]] [[You’re delusional.->winvest2]] [[Oh Great Wasp, have you seen the Princess pass by!->winvest3]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You tail one of the drone waiters into a tucked-away, humble wine cellar. The walls are lined with kegs nestled within oozing honeycombs that drizzle out sap onto the cobblestone flooring. You spot the rotund bee from earlier in the night sitting on a stool, hunched over a wax-dribbled table and sipping his own brew. He spots you and wipes a thick coat of honey from his maw before gruffly greeting you with a sticky (text-colour:black)[''“‘llo”'']. He stands, stumbles over, and rests his (abundant) weight on your shoulder, breath wreaking of ferment. [[What are you doing in here?->meadleylore]] [[Have you seen the princess?->meadleyprincess]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You respectfully approach the apian duchess. Who would know better than the Princess's seeming advisor? She fervently scribbles out a barrage of epistles and memorandums. Seems politics take no pause for the festivities. You think of a few leading questions before being direct. (set:$vespin to true) (text-colour:#18a970)[//“If you’d like to speak, don’t get all mousy about it. A lady has all orders of timor on her plate! Hope you’re enjoying the festivities, yes?”//] Ask about Lady Vespin(click-replace: "Ask about Lady Vespin")[(text-colour:#18a970)[//“As any involved hivegoer is astutely aware, I put the Queen’s will to ledger while she grew out our kin. As one who is not of the apian variety, I hope I can confide in you to be wary of any skeptical whispers of my biology. Bee or not, I’ve pledged my unrending loyalty to never cede, shrink or disparage the hive. It's... tiring, if I must be frank, these closed doors. Worst, the princess will receive the brunt of any papiliary predations if this rhetoric continues.//”] The duchess looks sternly at the hedonistic joy of the Madama. (text-colour:#18a970)[//“Apologies, I usually keep my heart in my chest."//]] Ask about the Princess(click-replace: "Ask about the Princess")[(text-colour:#18a970)[//“I hold with absolute certainty that the princess will lead this hive into a grand epoch for all pollinators. While I have some... hesitations given her, well, among many things, her recent behaviour, I understand it natural to grieve and bear your nerves before the weight of accession. I hold this leader role with much chagrin, but will do so as long as needed to fortify our future.”//]] [[Where has the Princess gone?->vinvestigate]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#012cd8)[//“Yeah, I know I am. Sickest you’ve ever met. Yeah...”//] The wasp is biting his lip and stroking the back of his neck, seemingly deaf to your words. [[Please just answer my question.->winvest4]] [[Alright man, enough.->winvest4]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#012cd8)[//“Whoa, whoa, I appreciate the great, but I’m not a wasp, you know? I’m a yellowjacket. I get it, it’s hard for an amateur to tell us apart, but we’re, y’know, cooler? stronger? Better in every way? All superlatives apply.”//] [[Please just answer my question.->winvest4]] [[Alright man, enough.->winvest4]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#012cd8)[//“What, you want a princess? Pfft… do I look like a princess to you? All man here. Unless you mean all the royality down there. Well, I’m not a politics person. I’m apolitical, actually. Both sides usually make good points but I have my own ideas of how to run things, if you’d like to hear them. Nah, I just came to this party for the mead and the, well, look around. This place is smokin'. One'll approach me any minute now.”//] [[DID->winvest5]] [[YOU->winvest5]] [[SEE->winvest5]] [[HER?->winvest5]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#012cd8)[//“The princess… yeah, hmm… is that a butterfly or a bee thing? I thought bees only had, like, queens and the rest are dudes. At least, I think. I try to stay away from sausage-fests. And... a butterfly princess? No way, dude. Aren't the butterflies, like, libertarian and too solitary to do that type of thing?”//] [[Waste more time trying to get answers->winvest6]] (if:$vespin is false)[ [[Try approaching Lady Vespin->vespininvestigate]]] [[Ask the Mead-brewer->meadleyinvestigate]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#012cd8)[//“So do you think those cocoons on the ceiling had, like, people in them before they made them lights? Do you think any of the butterflies in ‘em were, like, super hot? Oh man, I need to go check ‘em out… or maybe it’s just like a style thing? I dunno, still kinda grody either way.”//] You... you slowly start stepping away. (if:$vespin is false)[[[Try approaching Lady Vespin->vespininvestigate]]] [[Ask the Mead-brewer->meadleyinvestigate]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#18a970)[//“The princess has dismissed herself to practice a speech she must give at the night’s close. I’ve rhetorically aided, naturally, but I believe she has some other trepidations about such performances. If I must be brutally honest, she’s got the mind and the tact for the role, but her heart doesn’t yet seem in it. Hmm… the whims of youth. I had them too once, but one day something flips, and afterwards, duty must always come first. Has it yet for you?”//] [[Indeed, I’ve found my place->vinvestigate3]] [[No, my heart still wanders->vinvestigate2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#18a970)[//“Honourable. Maybe you can go and instill some sense in her, yes? Now if you don’t mind, I must attend to this.”//] You thank the Duchess for her time and go on your way. (if:$wasp is false)[ [[Ask the Suspicious Wasp->waspinvestigate]]] [[Ask the Mead-brewer->meadleyinvestigate]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#18a970)[//“Enjoy it while it lasts. Maybe you could relate to her more than I can. Good luck in your search, I suppose, so long as you lay narry a finger on her. You’ve been refreshing.”//] You thank the Duchess for her time and go on your way. (if:$wasp is false)[ [[Ask the Suspicious Wasp->waspinvestigate]]] [[Ask the Mead-brewer->meadleyinvestigate]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:black)[''//“I’m Meadley, the master o’ mead! Er, so the queen called me. An honorary title. Master o’ mead, Royal Brewer, Fermentation Consultant, all the titles ye want. Even Meadley, ‘s just a title she gave me. They call ye all sorts of things when you’ve got a good drink in yer stock. All sorts of plastic medals…. yeah. But me shift on the floor’s over! I can cut back! Can I pour ye a round?”//''] [[Why not->drink2]] [[I’ll pass->nodrink2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:black)[''//“What, did Vespin get to ye? I know good character when I see it, an’ that un, she’s bad news. The, er, the princess, he don’t need to see no one right now. We’re all the queen’s blood, that’s what Vespin won’t tell ye. All except her. No royal bloodline like them butterflies. We’re all family here! And family? Family fights for one another, so if ye want to be pokin’ ‘round, the official answer is I ain’t seen ‘em!//''] So you HAVE seen her?(click-replace: "So you HAVE seen her?")[(text-colour:black)[''So you HAVE seen her?'' ''//“Oh, what a little detective. Prod the drunk, d’ye? I’m too happy a lad to keep a secret! Hehehe! But it’s alright, cus I’m not gonna spill out to a spy, nosiree!”//'']] I promise I’m not here because of Vespin!(click-replace: "I promise I’m not here because of Vespin!")[(text-colour:black)[''I promise I’m not here because of Vespin!'' ''//“Ooh, what d’we have here? A blooming romance? Cheers to that, cheers to that. Guess I can always salute and indulge a pinch of young love! He-*hic*, em, she’s down the cellar, that princess of yours! Haha. It’s adorable, really. But remember what I said about family? Rings true for you too! Dare lay a mandible on ‘em, and I’ll snip all those funny little hairs off your head, ‘kay?”//''] [[Understood.->meetamelia]] ]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) Meadley cheers a bit as he haphazardly drags a keg from the wall and sloshes it over to you. (set:$drinks to ($drinks+1)) (text-colour:black)[''//“This ‘un came out real good. Drink yer heart out this eve!”//''] (if:$drinks is 1)[It's delicious! Surprisingly sweet, but it makes your head feel a little fluffy.](if:$drinks is 2)[It's even sweeter than before, definitely a bit more aged! Your brain starts squirming around a little and your tongue is undoubtedly looser.] [[Thank you, my friend! Now about the princess?->meadleyprincess]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:black)[''//“What a bore! Hahaha! A good drink is good fer the heart, don't ye know?”//''] Meadley starts cackling and sings a little ditty about your straight-edgedness (text-colour:black)[''//Oh, ye pass on the drink, cus ye think yer the stink, but it’s in the bottle that I talk to me shrink! So I drink and drink til my face runs pink, til day ‘comes a blink, while ye stand lookin’ prinked!//''] Meadley is very amused by his song and starts playfully shaking you. [[S-so about the Princess...->meadleyprincess]]

Meadley crawls along the ground before opening a concealed trap door for you. Within, a stairwell enlivened by the princess' soft humming somewhere in the shadows. You take a (text-colour:orange)[(text-style:"smear")[candle]] from one of the tables and descend. With each footstep, the humming quiets. Descending down two hexagonal spirals lined with fragrant barrels, there sits her majesty, piles of paper and (text-colour:orange)[(text-style:"smear")[a lantern]] by her side. She looks nervously up at you, your (text-colour:orange)[(text-style:"smear")[candle’s light twinkling in her large, lashy eyes]]. (text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"subscript")[“W-who are you? Er, what do you want?”]] Her voice is weak, a bit strained. [[I’m here on behalf of an admirer, your majesty!->amelialetter]] [[A messenger. Here.->amelialetter]]

(text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"subscript")[“O-oh my. I didn’t know there were bees from other hives here. For me? I...”]] She pauses, looking guiltily at the letter in her hand. (text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"subscript")[“I mean, I’m honoured and it’s... cool, I mean, nice to know my stature impresses. N-no! M-my apologies, I’m quite new to speaking all lofty-like. I, well, maybe I shouldn’t be saying this but- I can’t really, er- wasn’t really supposed to be queen, you see. I was just the closest thing to a success they had... it’s all so unexpected. As a bee, I’m happy to hear I’m liked, but as a princess? Am I even allowed to like my subjects? To be normal around people? This whole thing is just…. I don’t want to let her majesty down, or Lady Vespa, but...”]] [[Follow your heart, Princess!->ameliaheart]] [[Maybe reading this will help!->ameliareads]]

The princess looks at you with light in her eyes, before turning back to bury her head in the pile of papers. (text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"subscript")[“T-thanks, it’s a good sentiment. A bit vague depending how I approach it... On one end, Duty still exists whether my heart wants it to or not. There's... value in duty, heart in being able to accomplish your duties. The queen must have chose me as her heir for... some reason. My heart’s wherever I can help, but it's also... in my body? Oh, I’m a mess, good messenger!”]] [[Maybe reading this will tell you what your heart feels.->ameliareads]]

The princess hesitantly takes the letter from you. (text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"subscript")["Thank you for going so out of your way to deliver it to me. I know I didn't make myself easy to find."]] She slowly scans it against the (text-colour:orange)[(text-style:"smear")[dim gleamings of candle and lantern]]. You look back and forth between the ''inkbleed'' and Amelia's (text-style:"fidget")[//welling eyes//]. (text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"fidget")[“Oh my...”]] Her mouth opens slowly, her words and breath escape her, her eyes wrinkle. After a few minutes, the letter falls from her hand, swaying back and forth until it slides along the cobblestone back to your feet. (text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"fidget")[(text-style:"subscript")[“Someone…] wrote this for me?”]] [[Indeed. They'd love to meet you.->ameliarequest]] [[Uh, yeah? Why else would I deliver it to you?->ameliarequest]]

She quickly hands the letter back to you, nodding as you look at her uncertainly. (text-colour:#c494f3)[“I’m deeply moved. It’s one of the most thoughtful... //sniff// most endearing things I’ve ever read. I love it, and would love to meet them, but I must ask you to return it and note my pleasure. I am unbefitting of such a wonderful piece and cannot reciprocate such profound feelings.”] [["Wait, are you sure?!"->ameliahesitant]] [["That's that I guess..."->madamaspeaks]] [[Read the letter->theletter]] (right in front of her?)

You snoop shamelessly on the ''private'' correspondence Margarini penned ''specifically'' for Amelia. (enchant:?page,(text-colour:#fceea0)) //Dearest Amelia,// //Your eyes are onyx plates in which my heart drinks and drinks and can ne’er be quenched. Your fur beckons the weary to cuddle through lonely evenings. Your legs are so pristine, your carapace so glistening, that even dreaming of its delicate touch moves me to warmth.////Yet, it’s not these bodily things which instruct my love, nay. It is you, all of you, in any iteration, any mood, any age or in any role, that I wish to give my all. Your feelings glow brightly, but also burn me deeply. I see your despair, your grief, your restraint and, beneath it, I see the purity of your heart. I see what good causes you weep for, what heavy burden you bear. I may be a humble swallowtail, one unwitnessed to the true extent of your passion and grace, one still unwitnessed to even your melodic voice, but I wish to share with you in this weight.////I feel it deep down, Amelia, that we are kindred souls who can take this world on together. When we are one, if you’d be so generous as to oblige, I’ll hold you tightly and keep you safe. When we are apart, I will reach out to you with my song, sing until my throat can give no more and still further. My melodies will hold our memories, your posterity will forever remember your beacon of warmth. Your brilliance is unmatched, but if you would be so generous, I’d be honoured to share in even a fraction of it. I humbly ask that you take me as your bard. To simply stand merrily by your side as muse and crutch is more than plenty.////For now, I ask nothing more, for as a lowly music man, I’ve nothing more to offer than my pen and chords. Yet the future is in your hands, milady, and I can only wish it’s my future too. I’ll be atop the Eastern mill after your lovely speech. I hope to see you there!// //Sincerely, A Swallowtail with a lute and far too much gall!// I hope you're proud of yourself... (press back arrow)

(text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"fidget")[“Why- (text-style:"subscript")[well, this was written by a male butterfly, it seems.] So first, a bee and a butterfly? It’s already an unprecedented relationship, even platonically, let alone- well... where my heart drives me on this affair... And second-"]] Amelia trails off, looking between you and her papers. Her tongue seems tied on what she's willing to say. (text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"fidget")["And second, well… I- I shouldn’t be sharing this. It’s scandalous, ruinous really! You’re not one of us, so you might not really understand, but I’m... (text-style:"subscript")[a drone]. I've been taking royal jelly, perfumed with pheromones... but I'm the child of a worker, so I'm really only //half// a queen... Best there is means all there is, I guess. If they, the butterflies or anyone in the whole hive learns the queen had no suited successor... let alone that if the hive figures out we might not see spring...”]] Amelia bursts into tears and crumbles to the floor. (set:$relationship to ($relationship+1)) [[Wait, aren’t drones…->ameliasecret]] [[Comfort her->ameliacomfort]] In this dire moment, you're still tempted to [[read the letter->theletter]]

Amelia looks shocked and riled up by your words. (text-colour:#c494f3)[(text-style:"rumble")[“Yes! Worthless fertilizers! Whatever your kind calls them, er... I-] sorry. Only a few bees now... Meadley and Vespin for one. Meadley took me in when I was still a larva, still an uncertainty, if you'd believe it. Vespin says it’s not about the egg-laying, it’s about having a strong figurehead to motivate and shield the hive from distress. What kept her going, I guess. I… (text-style:"subscript")[I like being seen as princess in some ways.] In a lot of ways, actually! I like how much more kindly I'm looked at... how hopefully, too. I know I could be a figurehead with enough practice and time... but life wasn’t made for bees like me to be queen. (text-style:"subscript")[A queen who was born a drone, and now a butterlover on top of that. I thought one was enough.] I indulge this fantasy of just running away from it all, but at the same time, I //want// to be here, //choose// to drink the royal jelly. Almost... to prove to myself that I'm really a queen. Ugh, I wish I could just leave it to Vespin, but the hive'll never trust her. They need me, and as of now, still believe in me!”] [[Comfort Her->ameliacomfort]] After a heartwrenching confession, [[The letter->theletter]]'s temptation still lingers...

You snuggle up with the weeping bee. You bury your face in her puffed sleeves and neck muff as she tries to compose herself. After a minute, she reciprocates your bug-hug. (text-colour:#c494f3)[“Ugh, I can’t believe I’ve let myself fall apart like this, and before a complete stranger! Oh, look at the time! Is my outfit creased? T-the hive doesn't know this, but the Madama wants me coronated by the end of the night, so I haven't really had time to fan out with all of this. I... should get back to prep, but tell me, what would you do in my situation? I just... want to hear it from someone else’s mouth.”] //Her gaze weighs heavily on you. This decision feels important.// (link: "Pursue love and your happiness")[(set: $loveorduty to "love")(goto: "ameliaanswer")] (link: "Pursue duty and the hope of your people")[(set: $loveorduty to "duty")(goto: "ameliaanswer")]

(enchant:?page,(bg:(gradient: 0, 0.4,#FFE5A9,0.95,#000000,1,#000000))) (enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)) (text-colour:#c494f3)[“T-thank you for your input. I… I should practice my speech now, if you don’t mind, but you’ve been terrific company. Please give the sender my best graces on my behalf.”] (text-colour:#c494f3)[“Oh, and if you don't mind... I'd like to keep the letter, actually.”] (text-colour:white)[Amelia bows solemnly as you hand it back to her. You pick (text-colour:orange)[(text-style:"smear")[the candle]] off the ground and creep back up the cellar steps.] Meadley chuckles as you lift the door up. (text-colour:black)[''//“Took ye long enough, hehehe. Sweet one, ain’t ‘e? Worked together in food prep before this whole queen’s business. Kid’s a good baker, would ye believe it. Always in the kitchen though, never facing ‘em customers. Would be rough on a soul like mine, but 'e took it in stride. Ta think that same kid’d be doin' a speech fer us all today. That Vespin sure knows the right one ta pick, bahahaha!”//''] You smile at Meadley’s drunken reminisces and thank him before [[searching of Margarini->madamaspeaks]]. (if:$drinks > 1)[[[...but not before one more drink, right?->drink3]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You find yourself at the center of the ballroom, caught between twirling wings and rumbling bodies pirouhetting across hexagonal marble, descending down from the air to block your path. Margarini is neither visible on the dancefloor or on the upper banister. Meanwhile, the Madama shoves away her sycophants and taps a fork fervently on an emptied glass of mead. She bears a much more collected countenance than the backroom brewer, though moves with a rubber sway as she stands before the hall. (text-colour:#3860AF)[“Butterflies and bees, drones and workers, ladies and gentlemen. We bring together our peoples for posterity, for fruitful bloom and remaining the most gorgeous county of the grand meadow! No matter our wingspan or genus, it is through celebrations like these that we can unify by our shared //aesthetic// interests. Stuff yourself with mead and acoutrements, relish in the songs of my troupe’s best musicians, dance ‘til your wings grow stiff! ''This'' is the wealth you’ve afforded yourself through another season of hard work and determination! The bees may have suffered a grand loss, but no matter! I'll work //hand-in-hand// with the *ahem* ''soon to be coronated Princess Amelia'' and aim for continued peace with the wasps! That's right, bees, this very eve you will have a new queen! Build up your families, fight for your home and work until good days are all we can know! That is my creed, under which we unify, so feast in its comforts! Salute!”] [[Keep looking->himargarini]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) Meadley smirks at you as he slides you over another glass. (set:$drinks to ($drinks+1)) (text-colour:black)[''//“Dog bit ye, eh? Well, you know I have just the treatment. This un might be older than Amelia, real dusty ol' bloke. Try a sip.”//''] Ah, such a refined and sophisticated- who are you kidding at this point? You're three drinks in and this is a damn good way to enjoy the festivities. There's a sway in your step as you go through the doorway that you can't help but laugh at yourself for. [[Report to Margarini!->madamaspeaks]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) The ballroom erupts into a cascade of cheers and applause. Shoulders bump into you, wings bat at you. The Madama seems to be relishing in the moment, but Vespin looks furious. With balled fists, she excuses herself and gestures to the nearby guards. Here, you feel a tug on your $top. Margarini bows timidly behind you and gestures that you follow. He leads you to the base of one of the staircases to get away from the noise. (if:$relationship is not 0)[(text-colour:#da07ba)[“The letter, the letter! It has parted from your fingers! Do tell me you’ve found my candy, my yin, my tiger-striped paramour! Do tell, for I cannot wait a second more!”] [[I’ve delivered the letter!->margarinidecision]] [[Tragically, I lost the letter!->margarinitroll]]](if:$relationship is 0)[(text-colour:#da07ba)[“I see 'tween your fingers that you still have mine letter! A terrible fate, indeed, for I too have had narry an eye sweetened in our little search... We are unfortunate ones indeed, amici miei.”] [[I actually did find her!->margarinidecision]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Fantastico, a wingman with no wings! My eyes well so clearly that children run to make wishes in them! Give it to me, how every crease in her face folded and sung out! My ears ring with zeal for even a recanting of her dulcet tones!”] (if:$relationship > 0)[ //He gazes at you pleadingly. This decision feels important.// (link: "Lovers ought not keep secrets! Trust him with the whole deal.")[(set:$tellthetruth to "whole truth")(goto: "wholetruth")] (link: "Maybe some stuff will hurt the relationship... Give him only the nice parts.")[(set:$tellthetruth to "nice parts")(goto: "niceparts")]](if:$relationship is 0)[You wish you stuck around longer, as she didn't really tell you all that much. [[Tell him everything you know!->niceparts]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Gahh! My heart, it has been shred to fibers by a simple flick of your piercing tongue! Thou who said words cannot slaughter spoke only from the mud! But while my eyes may be youthful, they are keen to spotting wool. I am a professional broker for evaluating the silver on one’s tongue! So tell me the truth, give it to me straight, per favore!”] [[You got me...->margarinidecision]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#da07ba)[“You do not know how much these words make my heart ache! Oh, mio dio... how can she call herself a drone, a coward, an impostor! I know now she is a truer queen than any! Why doth my heart rump-a-pump, miei amici? It is not these words that dissuade me but how she feeds them to her figure, how she believes any of this impedes //anyones// affection and admiration for her. Love is blind, as they say, but we are already butterfly and bee! What greater ravine can exist than to be born understanding the other as enemy? We will find her together, tell her how wrong she is! I don’t care what it makes of me or what she takes it to make of her! We’ll fight these fraught notions together, be it as lovers, or partners or distant kin! We must be hasty! Before the coronation! Where does she reside?”] (if:$loveorduty is "love")[[[Come, we'll go together!->ending1]]] (if:$loveorduty is "duty")[[[Come, we'll go together!->ending3]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Ah… unless you know how to hold a pen, it’s hard to explain the delight one is filled with knowing the weight of their words. Gah, what if she waits atop the eastern mill already! I am unprepared, miei amici, so thoroughly unprepared! Were my words really enough? Surely she hesitated, someone of her standing, surely she spoke with some restraint! Tell me, in all honesty, tell me what it is I must do now! You’re all I have to trust!”] (if:$loveorduty is "love")[[[Let's go! Love awaits!->ending4]]] (if:$loveorduty is "duty")[[[Let's go! Love awaits!->ending2]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You and Margarini rush to the mead cellar, only to find it empty except for the dazed Meadley, who fiddles with a ring of keys. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Lord Bartender, sir!! My friend here tells me the Princess was here but now she has departed! Did you inquire where she has gone to?”] (text-colour:black)[''//“She’s gone t’give a speech, methinks, little butterfly. Right to the stage, right into their trap. Still just a kid and takin’ on all this. It’s despicable, dreadful. Well, suppose it’ll be worth a watch, ye? I was just about to lock up here if ye’d like to see ‘em speak too.”//''] Margarini looks at you with great alarm. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“A coronation speech already! My, my greatest fear is coming true, what’s a winged boy to do, sit and twiddle from backrow pew? T’is worse than bitter morning dew!”] He tugs rhythmically on your $bottom in nervous song. He drops the lute he’s been dragging around and clutches tightly onto his hat, freezing for a minute before bursting out of the cellar. [[You thank Meadley and pursue your papillon pal.->ending1-2]] (if:$drinks > 2)[[[...or is this a golden opportunity for some finale mead?->drink4]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You and Margarini rush to the mead cellar, where you find Amelia standing beside Meadley, nervously hunched over the table. (text-colour:black)[''//“I’m telling ye, Mel, a bartender got 'is pulse on the hive! It’s not as big a deal as ye think it is. We survive winters with good leaders, not by pumpin’ out more dronin' mouths! Anyone’s better than another season o’ Vespin.”//''] (text-colour:#8934E3)[“I promise you, Vespin is far more qualified than I am.”] (text-colour:black)[''//“It’s not about any of that business, it’s about how the people feel! Yer in our hearts, Mel! You’ll have good people servin’ ye hand and foot.”//''] Amelia sighs and looks dejected towards the door, to which her face lights up. (text-colour:#8934E3)[“I-it’s you! So that must mean-”] (text-colour:#da07ba)[“And t’is I, O princess, the bard of the hour. I feel my chords tingle when a bright soul dours. They yearn for a song, a song to move you, to ease your heart, to bring together the apart! Listen, Princess, and listen well, I see your soul and’ll see it swell!”] Margarini speaks with his nerves in his throat, yet bears his lute with tears in his eyes. [[He strums...->ending3-2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#f1b87e)+(bg:#100b73)) You and Margarini rush to the balcony to find one of the guards from earlier working their way through a (text-colour:#fd7bf0)[(text-style:"shadow")[rhinestoned flask]]. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Lord Gatekeeper, sir!! I’ve been anticipating seeing the prin- er, an admirer of mine here! May I ask if you’ve seen anyone come or go? This is dire knowledge!”] (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//“Oh, hello again, angel darling!”//] Seems it's the nice one. They takes a swig. (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//“My that sounds rather fantastical! Wonderful, even! Could it be that your lover is a Mourning Cloak named Nymphaea?”//] (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Hardly. T’is not even a butterfly I seek.”] (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//“Ah, how disappointing. A boy can dream. Wait, not even a butterfly? Well, I certainly can’t judge on those fronts! Haha.”//] Nymphaea takes another swig. (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//“Hear that bee Princess is giving her coronation speech right now. You going too?”//] Margarini looks very alarmed. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“A coronation speech! My, is the great iron door closing already? Tell me, amici miei, what’s a winged boy to do? Sit and twiddle from backrow pew? T’is worse than bitter morning dew!”] He tugs rhythmically on your $bottom in nervous song. He drops the lute he’s been dragging around and clutches tightly onto his hat, freezing for a minute before bursting back into the halls. (text-colour:#ec9d4f)[''[[Well, after him!->ending2-2]]'']

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You find him immediately at the ballroom's edge, rubbing the wrinkles of his clutched muffin cap. You stand before him to see Amelia (text-style:"fidget")[seated uncomfortably on the throne], Vespin tapping her foot quickly by her side with shifty eyes. Madama Butterfly has taken to performing an operetta before the adoring elites. She finishes a gorgeous number on the weight of a broken heart, before being treated to a wave of bouquets and kisses. (text-colour:#3860AF)[“Thank you, thank you. It is important to remember I am not the only mistress of the evening, my darling subjects! The princess has returned to us, my dears! Rejoice and welcome her with your most open ears! Yes, good, lovely! This is the unity I love to see! No enemies or reciprocity, no matter our history!”] Amelia fidgets in her seat at the hundreds of eyes boring into her. (text-colour:#3860AF)[“And I’m proud, I tell you, to be entrusted with this anointment! Lady Vespin, fetch the crown I made and the final draught of royal jelly!”] The Madama soaks in the moment as Vespin grits her teeth. Amelia rises, her face lowered yet... [[something has certainly changed->ending1-3]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) Meadley notices what you're doing, but finds it amusing. (set:$drinks to ($drinks+1)) (text-colour:black)[''//“No better tell a bee's got a good product than a kid turnin' into a rummy fer 'im. Go on.”//''] You almost feel guilty, but the fourth drink make sure that guilt flies the coop. Guilt, shame, filtering yourself? Done to dust! For tonight, you feel amazing! Tomorrow, maybe not so much, but C'est la vie, eh? [[Catch up to Margarini!->ending1-2]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#8934E3)[“My treasured hive.”] She speaks far more confidently than she did in the cellar. Margarini looks brought to tears from just these three simple words. (text-colour:#8934E3)[“The fervor of grief leads bright minds to poor decisions.”] Margarini raises his head at this and exchanges glances with you. (text-colour:#8934E3)[“I am unworthy of being queen and rescinding the nomination from our late majesty, and that’s alright. Among us there are many far more worthy of the title, far more wanting of the title, with far brighter souls and ambitions.”] Amelia pauses, and the ballroom echoes with whispers and gasps. (text-colour:#8934E3)[“I’ve decided, though I value the hive greatly and wish to stay with it til death... if I am so allowed after this... that my heart and happiness take precedence. I hope my successor can be happy in the role and thank Vespin for her continued service to our people. I hope you all can understand, and...”] Amelia looks directly at you, her face softening, (text-colour:#8934E3)[“the rest of you, please don’t follow me. Let me have just this night free of your politics. Thank you.”] [[and Amelia runs off the stage.->ending1-4]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) Several try to charge after her into the halls, but Vespin blockades the doorway while calling out for her. Margarini tugs on your $top sleeve again and takes the lute from your hands. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“She looked directly at us! Could it mean, could it really mean? She must wait on the eastern tower! Stay close behind, we must go with haste!”] A rush of butterfly guards pour into the ballroom as you and Margarini cautiously slink out. He takes eager flight up the stairs, leaving you in (text-colour:#AF4706)[(text-style:"blur")[a cloud of pollen]]. When you arrive on the top floor, you pause. Whispers creep out from the nearby balcony, so you sit guarding the balcony entrance between the shadows of two potted shrubs. Amelia and Margarini approach eachother. [[This is it! Listen!->ending1-5]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#f1b87e)+(bg:#100b73))(css: "font-size: 85%")[(text-colour:#8934E3)[“You know my truths, and still you bear such love and admiration? Even as I’ve turned coat on my post, even as I’ve lied to hundreds and risk the stability of everything?”] Amelia speaks vulnerably, mind wandering across the (text-style:"smear")[(text-colour:#c9fafa)[pearlescent stars]] of the twilit sky. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“With all my heart. I see a great spirit in you, one you may not yet see yourself. It is not by role, by body, by the words of others that this spirit shines bright, cara mia. I cannot be so bold as to ask above my station, I'll be bard, friend or love, for there is no side of you that I don't deeply admire.”] Margarini still holds his hat in his hands, almost wincing as he speak. Amelia returns from the stars and turns to him, flushed. They step closer to each other. (text-colour:#8934E3)[“Two broken bugs on the edge of it all. I like the ring of it, really.”] Amelia giggles. (text-colour:#8934E3)[“As lovers, as friends, as humble drone and muse, we can build anew as whomever we please. No more defining ourselves by the words that seek to keep us apart... Margarini, will you join me in my flight as all these things and more?”] Margarini embraces her. (text-colour:#da07ba)["Prin- no, Amelia. Yes, a thousand times yes. As all these things and all else, to the stars and back, I'll fly by your side. No degree of musings could spell out my heart.”] They edge their faces slowly into a passionate, insect kiss! Stripe and wing, spiracle to spiracle, showered in the light of the stars under the visage of a new moon. Probably best to leave the young lovers to it, yeah? You sneak out the palace gates past the two still-bickering guards and look to the balcony, where a pair of swallowtail wings and ruffle-draped chitin streak across the night sky.] (text-colour:#ec9d4f)[''[[THE END (1 of 4)->junction]]'']

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You can’t quite put into words the weight of the melody. It’s rich, somber, determined. Margarini plays with wind in his sails while anchored to a dock. His song is imbibed with optimism, not from vapid spirit, but bearing the full weight of the future and smiling anyway. All senses fall away before the emotional deluge he dowses your ears in, rinsing out the soul of waxed worry. You look to Amelia, her face wrinkled and hardened by tearsalt as Margarini imparts his final strum. The room is silent as you all soak in the last tastes of the tune. Amelia lowers herself and bows to Margarini. (text-colour:#8934E3)["Bard, er- Margarini, correct? You've made it clear what I must do. I’ll... I’ll take the crown. But also, I’d like to carry your music with me everywhere I go, if only you’d be so generous. Please.”] (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Don't lower yourself before me, my Queen Amelia, for there’s no greater honour I’d receive than your words alone! I’ll play you to sleep and still be the first thing you hear in the morn. I'll play until I'm blind, until my legs fall off... for there is no greater sweetness than your smile.” Amelia looks honoured by his words.] (text-colour:#8934E3)[“I’d have it no other way, but please take care of yourself. Queen or not, your song could level even the greatest monarch. I’m not sure I could survive if I worked you into such distress… or if I could survive without your tune.”] (text-colour:#18a970)[//[[Amelia, the time has come for Coronation!->ending3-3]]//]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) Amelia stands again on the throne, Vespin and Margarini on either side of her. Vespin, you see from across the ballroom, gives her a firm nod, to which both her and the Madama rise. (text-colour:#3860AF)[“The princess has returned to us, my dears! Rejoice and welcome her with your most open ears! Yes, good, lovely! This is the unity I love to see! No enemies or reciprocity, no matter our history! And I’m proud, I tell you, to be entrusted with this anointment! Lady Vespin, fetch the crown I made and the final draught of royal jelly!”] The Madama soaks in the moment as Amelia rises to her feet, her face lowered. (text-colour:#8934E3)[“My treasured hive, thank you for the honour. With Lady Vespin at my right side, and the Swallowtail Bard, Margarini at my left, I’ve realized the path before me and... I humbly accept my duty. I hope, too, to be a meritous, virtuous leader for all butterflies, wasp and bees. The road ahead will be difficult, but with enough of you in my corner, I know we can fortify ourselves against any turbulence and take it in stride.”] She slowly raises and gulps down the flask of jelly. The Madama breaks out in a cackle fit for a queen. (text-colour:#3860AF)[“Splendid! Splendid! I look forward to working together! (text-style:"rumble")[Hohoho!] Enjoy the rest of the night, everyone, knowing the future is brighter that you’re here!”] The Madama flies up into the air and breaks out into celebratory opera. Below, Amelia grits the applause. Margarini and Vespin notice this and affirmatively hold her shoulders, letting her ease up a bit. You have a feeling things will end up alright. After the festivities die down a bit, you wave goodbye to Margarini and Amelia and wish them the best. [[THE END (3 of 4)->junction]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You nod at Nyphaea for making this night happen and chase after your papillon pal. You find him almost immediately hanging nervously over the balustrade where you first encountered him. He clutches and rubbing the wrinkles of his muffin cap. You slide in at his side and spot Amelia,(text-style:"fidget")[seated uncomfortably on her throne], Vespin tapping her foot quickly by her side with shifty eyes. Madama Butterfly has taken to performing an operetta before the adoring elites. She finishes a gorgeous number on the weight of a broken heart, before being treated to a wave of bouquets and kisses. (text-colour:#3860AF)[“Thank you, thank you. It is important to remember I am not the only mistress of the evening, my darling subjects! The princess has returned to us, my dears! Rejoice and welcome her with your most open ears! Yes, good, lovely! This is the unity I love to see! No enemies or reciprocity, no matter our history!”] Amelia shrinks in her seat at the hundreds of eyes boring into her. (text-colour:#3860AF)[“And I’m proud, I tell you, to be entrusted with this anointment! Lady Vespin, fetch the crown I made and the final draught of royal jelly!”] The Madama soaks in the moment as Vespin grits her teeth. Amelia rises, her face lowered, [[and begins to speak->ending2-3]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) She rises shakily. (text-colour:#8934E3)[(text-style:"fidget")[“My treasured hive, thank you for the honour. I’ve realized the path before me and will… ahem, humbly accept my duty. I hope to be a leader for all, for butterflies, wasps and bees… just like the Madama.”] ] With a shaky arm, she raises and downs the flask of jelly. The ballroom goes incredibly silent in an effort to hear her. (text-colour:#8934E3)[(text-style:"fidget")[“The road ahead will be difficult, but I hope we can make it through together. Oh, and thank you.”]] The Madama breaks out in a cackle fit for a queen. (text-colour:#3860AF)[“Splendid! Splendid! I look forward to working together! (text-style:"rumble")[Hohoho!] Enjoy the rest of the night, everyone, knowing the future is brighter that you’re here!”] The Madama flies up into the air and resumes her operetta. Below, Amelia has returned to her seat with a forced smile. Vespin showingly lowers the crown on her head, and after the applause dies down, ushers her out of the room. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“I can’t believe my eyes, my ears, my heart! Fate must have it out for me this night, miei amici! Alas, alas, it cannot be, for I, low butterfly, and she a bee… t’was always a star-crossed fate. Maybe another night our paths will again cross, but for now, she grows ever farther away, though my heart still glows bright with hers...”] Margarini takes the lute back from you and sulks back towards the eastern balcony. [[You should probably make sure he's alright.->ending2-4]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#f1b87e)+(bg:#100b73)) You sneak over to the balcony to see if Amelia changed her mind and came anyway, but instead you just find Margarini and Nymphaea chatting (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Perhaps I was your admirer, amico mio. Such company does wonders to a broken heart.”] Margarini whispers while plucking on his lute. (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//“All of our kind dream big, but it seems sometimes like everything is stacked against us. My love and I, we always have to "keep it professional". It's hard, you know! But under it all, I know his heart and he knows mine. We’re drawn to each other, but again and again we must remain apart, even while standing right next to each other. That's the fate of lovers in wartime. It can be maddening, disheartening, that we're forced to remain like this... but we grit our teeth. Better days will come.”//] (text-colour:#da07ba)[“That’s just it. I could feel it... this kinship! It was her charisma! That she was somehow of us, also of this same inner wartime! Deep down, she sung with the same resentment, the same how things ought to be, but she went along with it, became the princess anyway! Maybe it's for the best! No better one to change things, after all. I just- wish I could at least have had a word with her.”] Margarini sighs. (text-colour:#fffc8a)[//“Grit your teeth, bestie. Your day will come. If ever you need a friend, you know who to look for.”//] (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Thank you, Nyphaea.”] The two embrace in solidarity. Seems happiness rests at the end of all paths. (text-colour:#ec9d4f)[''[[You should probably go now->ending2-5]]''].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#f1b87e)+(bg:#100b73)) You sneak away to give them their moment, though feel unsure where to head with your friends occupied and things winding down. You make your way out of the palace(if:$drinks > 2)[but surely not without a couple more drinks]. The other guard, Lyca, stands impatiently on guard, shivering a bit. “Well, if it ain’t the pretty little angel. Have fun in there? Thanks for, uh, not causing any ruckus at least. Keeps my job easy, though Nymphaea sure isn’t helping… What is that caterpillar doing in there for one glass of mead to take an hour?” [Treat him well, Lyca / Silently wave goodbye.] (treat him well) “I… you’re right. Have a good night, angel. Heh.” Lyca cracks a smile and shakes his head as you find your way back to the meadow for the night. [[THE END (2 of 4)->junction]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) You can’t quite put into words the weight of the melody. It’s rich, somber, but determined. Margarini plays with wind in his sails while anchored to a dock. His song is imbibed with optimism, not of the vapid kind, but knowing the burden of the future and smiling anyway. All senses fall away before the ear’s vortex, which rinses out the worries of wax and leaves blank determination in its wake. Amelia’s face is wrinkled, hardened by tearsalt as Margarini imparts his final strum. (text-colour:#8934E3)[“Meadley, don’t you see now? See what beautiful art waits in the world? What grand happiness can exist outside of one’s hive-chamber! This domestic life, it was never for me! My heart wanders, wishes to fly across starry nights and through boisterous clouds! There’s love in my heart, an authentic self that’ll be left to rot if I ignore the elephant in the room! Bard, join me! Meadley, too, if you’d like! We’ll cross this meadow and cross it again, fall in love with every inch of its spectacle and beauty and do so by the seat of our pants!”] Amelia bounces around the room and holds Margarini's shoulders. (text-colour:#da07ba)[“Amelia… of course I will travel the world with you! As lover or muse, I, too, seek to expand my art! To break free of the restrictions the life we’re told is right by the Madama places on us! I choose freedom and I’m beyond honoured to choose it with you! May we find our best selves together!”] Margarini grabs Amelia by the hands and the two start spinning in circles. [[What a beautiful embrace!->ending4-3]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:#8934E3)[“Oh thank you, Margarini! I know this is not what you expected when you wrote that letter, but I’m honoured to stand by the side of such a blooming talent. May we one day return together as our best selves! Meadley, you?”] (text-colour:black)[''//“Bah, t’is a game of the youth, this is. An old man like me who knows his station an’ thrives in it has no place stoppin’ ye or gettin’ dragged along. Go, see the world. I won’t tell the Madama or nuttin’, just go before I change my mind.”//''] (text-colour:#da07ba)[“V-very well, then. Thank you for all you’ve done for me, Meadley, you’ll always be close to my heart. Oh, and human? Thank you dearly. Your words have changed my life more than you know, showed me how blind I was to the true colours of my heart. Both of us wanderers of this land? Maybe we will meet again one day in the far stretches of the meadow. Until then, I hold you, too, in my heart.”] Amelia and Margarini nod at each other and slip through a half-window above a heap of emptied kegs. [[Together, they vanish into the night.->ending4-4]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#7B0808)+(bg:#FFE5A9)) (text-colour:black)[''//“Gah, the wanderlust o’ youth. Still wish I had my lustre, but nay, I’m happy here. S’now time at all to doubt. Though, the little fool may have damned us to another season of Vespin while they dig up some other butterfly-friendly gal. I’ll survive, yep. Just me and me mead.” He pats on a barrel and looks reminiscently out the window. “”nother round, fella?”//''] One for the road, eh?(click-replace: "Eh, why not? For the road!")[C'est la vie, for tonight, two bugs fly free!] After your drink, you part from the castle. The ballroom is in a frenzy as the Madama hollers at her guards to search every corner. Vespin, contrastingly, seems to shake her head with a warm expression on her face, looking up to the butterfly orchestra. Back outside, far out in the night sky, a pair of swallowtail wings and ruffle-draped chitin stream across the sky heading towards the lavender mountains. You rub the impending sleep out of your eyes, and with it, the lovers vanish. [[THE END (4 of 4)->junction]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) You scoop up a dollop of the substance and run your tongue along it. It’s (text-style:"smear")[chalky], bits of sediment clinging to your palate. It is most definitely clay and not chocolate. Do with that information what you will. [[Delightful->peaflowerfield]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) Little (text-colour:#FFBBF0)[(text-style:"emboss")[pink tussocks]] still speckle the (text-style:"expand")[swelling] lavender expanse, giving greetings to couplets of pea-flowers and cornflowers. The strenity of looking upwards locks you into eye contact with these blossoms, their blue and white petals juggled around by an afternoon zephyr. A chill runs down your spine as the air grows thinner, cooler. You roll up your hands and blow warm air into them. (text-colour:#7B1D00)[Atop the first ridge is a pair of telephone poles jutting out of the earth as trees, stripped of their tentacular wiring and neutered from their broadband dreams.] (text-colour:#E8F500)[Lichen climbs] (text-colour:#7B1D00)[and nibbles into them, weakening them to the will of the wind. They] (text-colour:#E8F500)[perch like pigeons], (text-colour:#7B1D00)[watching over the valley from the purple parapets.] Atop one, you now notice, a snow-white mountain goat stands precariously, making camouflage with the clouds. They trace the movement of the sun with slitted eyes and you swear you can hear humming. Nothing melodic or rhythmic, just (text-style:"smear")[breezy notes] offered to the valley. [[Listen closer->goattemple]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) You're transfixed by the goat as you rub your hands together to keep warm. There's something in how they watch the world as if it's theirs, how they sing to it like their own. The why's or how's don't matter, for today, they sing. They stop suddenly after a few minutes, turn a bit and seem to acknowledge you. Neither party moves but the (text-style:"sway")[electric breeze.] In spite of all passed beyond, the telephone poles are still communicating... something to you. A message, hairy and hircine. You continue walking. Turning a few times to look over your shoulder, they still watch. Straighten up, move forward, ''the eyes still boring into you''. Simple goat eyes. It's funny the things we get paranoid over. Deeper along the ridge, you're stopped by a wall. Not cliff or overhang, but smooth, geometrical alcove. It’s framed by arches, story-tall lavender quarter-circles that lift their face to grin at you. There’s a gap in its brick teeth, identically geometrical. (text-style:"emboss")[Rectangular airways] dash the top of the wall. The inside is sick with shadows, spewing out miasmic warmth. Shelter, perhaps, but a paralyzingly unknowable one. A goat (//the// goat?) nudges past you and trots into the doorway. Follow them? [[Of course!->oddtemple]] [[I'll pass.->amonglupines]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-style:"blurrier")[The doorway steers you down mono-coloured violet hallways;] (text-style:"blur")[through myriad rooms and passages. Your eyes adjust fairly] quick to the low, seeping light. You’re sprinkled with the residual warmth of an overhead entanglement of rectangular pipes. They ''creak'', //squeal//, and welcome you home. Deeper in, the halls sprout specklings of furniture; empty vases, throw carpets, end tables piled with oblique children’s toys and plasticine specklings. Odds and ends, evens and starts. Tchotchkes, if you will. You can’t quite discern if any of it is livable, if there's purpose behind the arrangement of unexciting goods, why one might have gathered it all here. Ultimately, it feels, [[you are where has already been->templechamber]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF))That’s the goat’s choice and this is yours! Before heading further uphill, you look around the structure to discern the best path forward. Examining the shelter from all sides, it's seamless, (text-style:"condense")[confined], sloping into the earth towards ''unknowable depths''. Just beyond the building, you’re captured by a desolate meadow of lupine flowers. They bellow, bellow, battering dead telephone poles and hexagonal rock fixtures. You tread slowly through the field, running your hands along the flowertops. In the meadow's heart, a grove of knotted trees pillowed by a flock of (text-colour:#263DBF)[blueberry bushes]. [[Sample a few!->lupinesnack]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) At the end of the main hall, all branches converge into an auditorium of sorts, a sprawling chiseled monolith as its centerpiece. Taking in the cold chamber, dozens of goats register in your field of vision, piled in against corners and up walls, perched on all the juttings. Your heart ''freezes''- for a (text-style:"fade-in-out")[looming... stringy... mass] hangs from the ceiling! (text-style:"shudder")[You jolt backwards], but find composure in the realization that it’s just a (text-style:"upside-down")[(text-style:"mirror")[goat]]. Given the precarious positions of the other goats, you let it slide. Inspect the Monolith(click-replace: "Inspect the Monolith")[The central monolith plastered with forms, numbers, pulps and xeroxs. Snippets of dead phone numbers border missing posters, headlineless article chunks and twirling receipts. You recognize the medium, but the data is nonsense. No means of interacting, understanding, placing. Homeless data. It makes you frown. Perhaps it's an artwork by someone, for some statement made on disposibility culture and rapid obsolescence... Or perhaps it’s just compacted trash. You treat its markings as your little koan, get lost in the bleats and creaking of pipes.] [[I've seen enough here->templegunshot]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) In preparing to leave, weaving back down through chambers of dead storage, a harsh //''pop''// cuts the air. ''Distant gunfire.'' Somewhere outside. You stand frozen, but a goat lightly rams into your leg, beckoning you aside. You let the goat lead the way out in case of danger. You feel terrible watching this goat risk walking into their own funeral, but don’t intervene. Nearing the exit, a second shot rings out. A local hunter perhaps? Hopefully? Surely they wouldn’t go after little old you, though the rules of this place certainly seem outside of logical understanding. With tiny, cautioned steps, you [[sidle out into the biting open air.->meethunter]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) Your eyes are drawn to a (text-colour:#a91212)[stark blotch of crimson] under one of the quarter-circle archways. With no body in (text-colour:#a91212)[sight], you inspect the stained (text-colour:#a91212)[snow] for a trail that might (text-colour:#a91212)[lead] you towards the (text-colour:#a91212)[bleeder]. Drip, drop, (text-colour:#a91212)[drippings] of red freckle (text-colour:#a91212)[the] right side (text-colour:#a91212)[of] the temple, pointing (text-colour:#a91212)[back] towards the telephone (text-colour:#a91212)[poles]. You (text-colour:#a91212)[hurry] your pace, tracing the (text-colour:#a91212)[blood] to a distant, (text-colour:#a91212)[lumbering] ''figure''. The slender silhouette appears almost to float above the snow, draped in thick leather smocks and grey-haired pelts. On their left shoulder is strewn a (text-colour:#a91212)[limp mountain goat]. A hunting rifle hangs from their right side, dragging a trail through the snow. As you approach, they slow their gait, perking up their ears to the surroundings. [[//snip!//->followhunter]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) Hungry, you wriggle a few plump ones off the branches. You’re entranced by the little cove and crouch down at the base of a tree. Walls of bark shield you from the wind as you pop little juice pouches into your mouth. They’re mostly seedy and //bitter//, but the odd sweet one keeps you snacking. You sit, deep in thought, watching a school of (text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[[[fogfish->fogfish]]]] weave between the strands of lupine. Sheets of cloud crash above, float along by the distant song of chimes. Even with the snips of cold, the weather is divine. Still, you wonder, what lands lie on the other side of these mountains? Where do the telephone poles travel between and for who? At once, the valley seems modern and arcane, the touches of humanity (text-style:"blur")[rubbed out by the wind]. [[It’s all just dead context.->lupineshot]]

(text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[[[Steamy wisps, shaped like angelfish, who swim through air by their fins and the breeze.->lupinesnack]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) Your snacking is interrupted by a distant //''pop''// sieging the airway. A single //''gunshot''//. Back by the entrance to the shelter, probably. Could it be a human? A //hunter//? ''An unexpected injury?'' You feel compelled to act. No shot is fired without weight behind it. Sentient life just over there. Answers just over there, you convince yourself. Surely they would have no qualms with a visitor. It's hard to assure yourself with violence in the air, but you try your best. Trekking back across the flower field, you cling to the shelter walls and cautiously [[peak around the corner to see the firer.->meethunter]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) Your foot is snared by a rogue bramble, tossing you down into a snowbank. The figure fully stops and whips around, steadying their rifle in alarm. They cautiously step closer, beaming down on you with (text-colour:#000000)[one shadowed eye]. (text-style:"shudder")[//The barrel.//] You can't look up at them. (set: $thank to false) You feel as if your fear is seen, as they lower the rifle and tuck it into a coatfold. You look up, relieved. Beyond the layers of coats and a flapping ushanka hat, their skin is wrapped in scarves, covering all but ''leering'' right eye and a Marxian beard. They offer you a falconry-gloved hand with an unchanged expression and pluck you off the snowbank, lightly dusting off your $top. Human enough, ‘tseems. Back to your senses, they gesture forward and march on. Cold and kept so closely in sight, maybe it's best you [[do as they say->hunterpelt]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) The walk follows in silence 'cross the afternoon plains. The air is dead to all but (text-style:"smear")[(text-colour:white)[the whistling of the white wind]]. Heading up-slope along the telephone poles, snow begins to fall, thickening the breeze. The figure turns to you, tapping their shoulder with their chin. You don’t quite understand the gesture. (text-colour:#712629)[''“Take a pelt.”''] The figure sputters in a tinny, gravelly voice. You abide, as the specks of cold start to nip at your face. You peel off a lighter throw and clutch its ends around your collarbone. (link: "Thanks.")[(set: $thank to true)(goto: "huntcabin")] [[Say nothing.->huntcabin]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#16155C)+(bg:#BCAAFF)) The hunter(if:$thank is true)[ lightly nods, but] wastes no time marching on. (text-colour:#712629)[''“Almost there.”''] A pair of rustic huts (text-style:"condense")[huddle together for warmth], tented by three collapsing telephone poles that tenuously swing over the scrapwood rooves. The buildings, you guess, are for some sort of public service currently masked by the dusting of snow. Train tracks? Roadwork? Utility work? The wires must go somewhere, must have gone somewhere. It's a tale only snow knows. Two tanning racks sit outside the vulnerable huts, furs ''matted in ice''. The hunter swats the cold crust off them before dragging them inside with their free arm. (text-colour:#712629)[''“Come in. Sorry for smells.”''] They held the door open with their back. [[Enter the cabin.->insidecabin]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#3D0E10)+(bg:#D4AD96)) Inside, they sacked the goat onto a prep table drowning in (text-colour:#800000)[''ominous stains and rusted tools'']. (set:$purposeset to false) Before beginning work, the hunter dynamically dances between hostly tasks; pulling out a chair for you, fishing out a kettle, kicking on a stove, filling the kettle with loose snow, sterilizing the tools over the flame, chopping up roots and berries from a knapsack hanging from their hip. You sit transfixed by their dextrous domestic courtesy of one in such solitude, too beguiled to question the (text-colour:#800000)[''rusted tools''] and scent of death. Such is performed with inhuman tact. The kettle whistles, and a steaming mug glides towards you.(if: $teacup is "beheaded rose teacup" or "heartthrob maggot teacup")[ No choice this time.] Looking up to thank them, the hunter is already turned away slicing into the goat carcass. You sip the lavender tea and [[fish your mind for questions->hunterquestions]] to break the heavy silence.

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#3D0E10)+(bg:#e3c2da)) Who are you?(click-replace:"Who are you?")[''Who are you?'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“A simple hunter. Hunter both of the relics and supplies. Necessary are food and pelts here. Necessary also is the relics. Disciples speak such.”''] You take note of their unaccented speech and peculiar grammar.] What’s the deal with that temple?(click-replace:"What’s the deal with that temple?")[''What’s the deal with that temple?'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“It holds the relics of the observers. I find many of which. Memories of those that came before but since they have left. We study the relics of the observers for answers. Study so where they go is known.”''] You sip your tea as the hunter pulls a sheet of skin off the carcass.] Do you just hunt for yourself?(click-replace:"Do you just hunt for yourself?")[''Do you just hunt for yourself?'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“Not the case. The disciples need food and pelts for attunement. I supply for the disciples. Attunement is the great purpose of our people.”''] Attunement?(click-replace:"Attunement?")[''Attunement?'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“Channeling, communing, attunement. There are many describer words. Ritual of tuning oneself is listen to the sky and hear the path of the observers. That is their purpose. My purpose is helping their purpose. We all need purpose. Being in a body must have a purpose. Wanderer, what is your purpose?”''] To make life better for others.(click-replace:"To make life better for others.")[''To make life better for others.'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“I see we have similar purpose.”''] The hunter doesn’t turn around, but you feel a warmth in their tone. ] To be really good at something.(click-replace:"To be really good at something.")[''To be really good at something.'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“Honourable purpose. If tasks are done the best, you can carry others with your strength in task."''] ] I’m still looking for one.(click-replace:"I’m still looking for one.")[''I’m still looking for one.'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“You fit well with the disciples. Maybe study the work of the observers too.”''] ] I don’t believe we need a purpose.(click-replace:"I don’t believe we need a purpose.")[''I don’t believe we need a purpose.'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“I am not understanding your function without purpose. You function, yes? And all function is motivated by purpose, yes? Maybe your purpose is hard to process.”''] You frown at the hunter’s belligerence, but don’t feel it’s worth objecting.] Where are the disciples?(click-replace:"Where are the disciples?")[''Where are the disciples?'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“They study on highest peak, under tower built by the observers. Closest to the sky. Closest to the observer’s veil, according to trusted knowledge.”'']]] What do you know about the observers?(click-replace:"What do you know about the observers?")[''What do you know about the observers?'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“Ancient beings. Dominion over our kind. Of unpredictable will, from which comes purpose. They create language to weave purpose, echoed this weaving through the veil. So the transcripts of our ancestors describe. We speak with their tongue and act how they acted, but now they grow quiet.”''] Grow quiet?(click-replace:"Grow quiet?")[''Grow quiet?'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“They still speak quietly, for why exist if they have go all the way quiet. Ancestors say we become bad listeners, so we study the way of the observers and the way of the ancestors to become better listeners. That is our in-between purpose.”'']]]] [[Thank you for the tea, hunter.->hunterreveal]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#3D0E10)+(bg:#D4AD96))As you finish off the last droplets of tea, the hunter throws down their tools and joins you at the table, stripping off their now-sopping boots, gnarled gloves and outer pelts. Their fingers, curled up on the table, seem to be made of fastened-together scrapwood. A hunting accident, perhaps? Next, they curl off the scarves from the wrist, revealing (text-colour:#666666)[thin metallic bones] up to their sleeves on both sides. How terrible! They pull the loose scarving through the collar of their loose smock and begin unweaving their head which… consists of… a pipe neck, a bearded steel jaw, a lack of a nose… and a skull that seemed to be a smoothed-out bucket. Your host is an automaton, now dressed in a loose linen smock, the bushy beard and fitted pants, with a rifle hanging from their back! The fixation on purpose, on ancient observers, with the human structures littering the mountain? You wonder if you may have something to offer the hunter. (set: $coat to "lack of a coat") Oh my gosh, you’re a robot!(click-replace:"Oh my gosh, you’re a robot!")[Oh my gosh, you’re a robot! (text-colour:#712629)[''“I’m not familiar with that word. Is it like 'exciting'? There always seems new surprises in the language of the observers. Every word has a different purpose also. As long as there is words to learn, there are purposes we do not know. This is study's value.”'']] [[Can you bring me to the disciples?->whydisciples]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#3D0E10)+(bg:#D4AD96)) (text-colour:#712629)[''“Do you inquire for seeking a new purpose? I must head that way tonight for feeding the disciples, thus your purpose can be follow me later. How exciting. Please rest, please rest!”''] I’m not tired!(click-replace:"I’m not tired!")[''I'm not tired!'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“You are well-studied of the observers! The disciples will be pleased to have someone who resists rest-time with the purpose of unexpected wakefulness! I ought supply a scholar some works of the observers to pass their restlessness!”''] The hunter hands you a binder of take-out menus, DVDs with pirated software and scribbled-on napkins. You smile at the notion and head into their impractically laid-out bedroom for “research” until they’re done. prepping the meat and pelts.] I’m not looking for a new purpose(click-replace:"I’m not looking for a new purpose")[''I’m not looking for a new purpose'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“I see. It’s good to know you are satisfied with your current purpose. Why then do you seek the disciples? In fact, why did you wander the mountain alone? It seems all quite without purpose. Please be of truth!”''] You got me, I need purpose!(click-replace:"You got me, I need purpose!")[''You got me, I need purpose!'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“All well and good. In the way of the observers, we ought honour these jokes! We’ll get you a fun and beautiful purpose as soon as dinner is served! Please wait in my bedchambers!”'']] I just want you to help me along!(click-replace:"I just want you to help me along!")[''I just want you to help me along!'' (text-colour:#712629)[''“You instruct my purpose? For your want? Who are you, wanderer?” The hunter takes on a serious, almost irreverent tone, eyeing your exposed skin. You start to open your mouth, but the hunter jovially cuts back. “You must be a new generation. They leave my kind further behind with each revelation in the teachings. To think the replicator-persons could construct a purpose-making person! The observers will be delighted by these developments. Evolution is the word. We are evolution! I must inquire with the disciples more! Wait in my bedchambers, we’ll leave when all is done!”'']]] [[OK!->upthemount]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“The preparations are now complete. Come and get warm! We will leave after!”''] The hunter has redressed themselves in their intricate garb, though swapped the rifle for a basket of smoked cutlets and haunches, strips of white fur dangling off their shoulders. They slide a coat rack over to you, from which you choose (if:$coat is "lack of a coat")[ [[a brown peacoat]]/[[a grey hooded cloak]]/[[a white longcoat]]](else:)[$coat] to ford the evening cold in. The flurry of plush snowflakes softly contrasted against the twilit sky. The hunter guides their steps with a walking stick to find footing beneath the mounting snow. Just upslope from the cabin, a sprawl of crumbling cubic ruins masks the desolate landscape. The vague forms of plastered walls, extinguished street lamps and monoproduct storefronts. (text-colour:white)[[[''Press Hunter''->ruinsinfo]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->lavendertown]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (set: $coat to "brown peacoat") [[Very classy!->upthemount]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (set: $coat to "grey cloak") [[Mystical, cozy and your hair's shielded to boot!->upthemount]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (set: $coat to "white longcoat") [[Posh and a true colleague of the snow!->upthemount]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“These are living memories. We preserve the images of the observers in this space. Where once was authentic landmark of the observers, such as my home, these are reiterations of forms. If the work of the replicators are successful, we seek to reintegrate and repopulate these images to more closely acquaint with their original meaning.”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->lavendertown]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“Pass through here. Shortcut to the higher lands.”''] The building the hunter gestures towards seems to be a fusion of hospital and school motifs, the building a prominent mass in the otherwise quaint and decaying district. Enter(click-replace:"Enter")[Inside are wall-less rooms designated by uniform blocks of desks, tables and beds. The uniformity and droning fluorescent lights churn your stomach. The hall smells sterile and lifeless. The insulation of the outer walls leaves the room tepid, each footstep a sonorous clap. The forms of chalkboards, picture frames and IV bags lay strewn throughout the floor, as if the automatons were unsure where they ought to belong. (text-colour:white)[[[''Press Hunter''->hospitalinfo]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->lavenderpark]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“This space was understood as a developmental facility where the observers grew into different phases. We have incomplete grasps on the objective of growth beyond development in capacity to issue purpose. The observers early on demonstrate purpose is not an innate capacity of the observers. They come to these change facilities to learn definitions of purpose. We can track complexity of purpose before and after attending developmental facilities, though it is not a linear process. Many found one purpose from which they issue purpose, but many seem to take on abstract definitions that we struggle to parse. They return to this facility later in life and seem to lose purpose, as if returning it to the young observers. This structure seeks to replicate that cycle in a compact zone.”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->lavenderpark]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) On the other side of the school-hospital, the blocky ruins open up into a park. A broad vista to view the stars, on a mat of snow-drunk grass. Trees made of telephone poles, dried-up fountains of exquisite detail, and vaguely anthropomorphic statues are all built around a frozen-over pond. Each step through the ghost park, whose song bear only the evening breeze, is accompanied by an emphatic melancholy. Such a curated, yet open space. There's upkept restraint to keep it an explorable pocket against invasions from the surrounding pseudo-storefronts and emptied apartment blocks. Where life once conquered frost, one can only hope it may one day again. (text-colour:white)[[[''Press Hunter''->parkinfo]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->lavendershoe]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“A recreational space. The observers grow bored of their purpose on occasion, according to the disciples. It might be a motivator in purpose to come to spaces that look non-willed. Seek new purposes in uncertainty, as we do with unknown observer knowledges. The truth is these spaces took more purpose to make, but the observers see it otherwise. The water dried out once, so many of us took on the purpose of carrying water up the mountain to preserve appearance. The observers did not ingest the water or enter it, something we are also incapable of, yet insist on the water's presence in similar structures. Such abstract wills say the observers must be studied.”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->lavendershoe]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) Exiting the park, there's a sharp thunk behind you. Turning, you realize how high you've ascended above the ruins on your upward trek. The town is wistful, in need of life and evening glows, yet still stands in physical bustle, billows of fog make passage through its streets, swallowing all but its rooftops. The thunk came from the hunter, who had torn their boot on a jutting-out crag of the park’s stone walls. They look to you with their cutting eye, tearing the scrapped boot off with their walking stick. (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“We replace it. Come.”''] They guide you to an empty cobbler, in which they're quickly swallowed by thick shadows. The interior seems far more natural than most of the buildings you've passed. Dissolving floorboards filled in with lavender clay, natural cobweb-laden furnishings, brittle shelves held together by rusted hinges. The hunter emerges from the depths of the store with an identical boot to the one they wore prior. In fact, all the store seemed to stock was the same pair of boots off the sparse shelves. (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“Must you also be supplied new boots?”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Press Hunter''->shoeinfo]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->lavendersummit]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“The observers used material for exchange. Among our relics, we are yet to discern this material. This material served similar purpose to why they visit unpurposed spaces. Another abstract motivator. Motivation towards purpose was not linear within observers as in us. Was it a mechanical flaw, the result of conflicting purpose or the very origin for their capacity to develop new purpose? The disciples conflict in understanding. They also conflict on whether we carry this function of observer society, given we lack necessity for it and documentation suggesting it sourced all evils.”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Finish Up Here''->lavendersummit]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) With boots repaired, you and the hunter exit the ruins and follow the final stretch of telephone poles to the summit. The cubes of lavender, swirled with arcane scratchmarks, climb impossibly high into the night sky. Naught but splotches of goat fuzz spatter the cliff sides. Passing the peak, the support structure for this conical peak came into sight; a rusty red radio tower hung with lanterns, scrappy banners and resting birds. Perhaps the clay shell was an iteration by the automatons, or perhaps it was simply decades of natural reclamation. (text-colour:white)[[[''Ask Hunter''->radiotowerinfo]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->underradiotower]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“The disciples operate in this communion shrine. The observers taught that which reach into sky is what is seen by higher-order beings. We have observer records that we travelled the world by these towers. There is purpose behind our bodies return here.”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->underradiotower]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) The hunter pulled the sack of meat and pelts over their shoulder, emitting a whistle to signal our approach. Beneath the cavernous tower were a hexagonal grid of gazebos. Within each, a single automaton sat, examining or writing on piles of parchment. None of the disciples broke focus on your approach. All wore similar loose, flowing robes, drowning all but smooth metallic skulls in velvet folds. Each also bore a cocktail of flourished antennae, satellite dishes and loose chips crowning their skull. (text-colour:white)[[[''Ask Hunter''->discipleinfo]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Let Be''->rationtime]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“They bear attunement crowns, stylized from their own research. They make thoughts loud enough for the observers to hear, but share all knowledge by self-attunement between us. The disciples are rare of speech, but listen to your communicator and feel their knowledge come in. Feeling of warmth. They write to give knowledge body, to bless it as how we have been given body for a purpose by the observers. All with body is worthy of purpose.”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Proceed''->rationtime]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“Aid in rationing, wanderer.”''] The hunter kneels on the paved ground, tearing shreds of dried meat from their satchel and rationing them out. They slide you three of the couple dozen bowls, pointing towards the outer edge of the shrine. It is now you notice that there is no backside to the mountains. Earth disappears not far beyond the tip of the shrine. In fact, it seems naught but void stretches across the whole horizon. There is no land beyond the mountains, beyond the ruins, no great land of which this valley is only a smidgeon. The valley, its structures, its denizens and its conflicts are all what remain to keep this world alive. You feel an immense awe staring off into the infinite firmament, lit by (text-colour:#d9fffd)[(text-style:"smear")[glowing pearls]] and an (text-colour:#fee170)[(text-style:"smear")[iridescent lemon moon]]. (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''[[“Here.”->handoutbowls]]'']

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) On the first gazebo you step onto, the disciple seems to be in an upright snooze. A lit pipe chugs on from their metallic jaw. You drop the bowl before them, to which they give a blind nod. On the second gazebo, a disciple sits behind mountains of paper, frenzied in penning their notes. You hear a light chuckle from within the paper cove. Responding to your footsteps, the disciple raises their palm above the mound. You seat the dorm in their metallic hand, piston fingers immediately snapping onto it and dragging it beneath the manuscript sea. On the third gazebo, the disciple lounges around in their (text-colour:#5CC600)[emerald robes] scanning a single document with calm eyes. This one also wears a beard, though darker and more trimmed than the hunter. Their crown is one of the more intricate you’ve seen, made of two side-satellites and five tiny cell towers. They receive the bowl with a kind squint and a (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Thank you!”''] before dropping it. (text-colour:white)[[[''Can I get you another?''->enlightenedone]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Y-you… you are… no, I must be… no, we do not hallucinate as they did. You are an observer. I can’t understand. How did you arrive here?”''] Other disciples trotted over through the dark. The disciple’s shock must have been transmitted. The hunter chases after one of the disciples heading towards you with a distressed (text-style:"rumble")[(text-colour:#facaff)[''“Master! Wait, master!”'']] The lounging disciple looks to the hunter with wide eyes. (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Did you bring this one here? Where did you find them?”''] (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“They are a wanderer of the mountainside seeking a purpose. I am helping them find one.”''] The hunter says confidently, handing out rations to the flocked disciples. (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“This one bears the face of the observers! They are not simply one of our kind, tanner!”''] The disciple spoke with far more legibly than the hunter. They stared excitedly back and forth between their paper and your face. (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“The structure of the visors and energy hole… have you come from the sky for attunement? Are you truly an observer?”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Yes''->iamobserver]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''No''->denyobserver]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“We have understood well, brothers! Our work has paid off! We welcome you, observer! May more of your kind come down and we will greet you just as irreverently!”''] (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Have you heard our voices and come to their pleas, observer?”''] (set:$phenotype to "observer") (text-colour:white)[[[''Yes''->voicesyes]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''No''->voicesno]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“I see, so our eyes are misguided. Regardless, your features and our technology tell me you are not one of us? Perhaps you have arrived from another land with purpose, but have we had a role in such creation of purpose? Have you heard our pleas and resonded?”''] (set:$phenotype to "wanderer") (text-colour:white)[[[''Yes''->voicesyes]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''No''->voicesno]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Ah, delightful! The attunement has been affirmed, brothers! Cease not your studies now. We are honoured by your presence in this attunement, $phenotype!”''] (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“A final query for you, O busy $phenotype. We want to ask how you do it? How you've come to this place by building your own meaning. Where does one find meaning amidst their programming? How you act both in acknowledgement of existing data and in prediction of future data with so much bald confidence, it befuddles all existing calculi! What principle of purpose guides your step?”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Seek the best information''->bestinfo]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Follow your heart''->followheart]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Do what seems best''->doyabest]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Stop stressing meaning and just live''->liveabsurd]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Curious that purpose still has led you here, to those most in need of your guidance, $phenotype.(if: $phenotype is "observer")[ We hope that you recall our kind from our days shared.] Brothers, we must reassess our methods if we seek to commune with future observers. Our people depend on the lines of meaning we are capable of establishing. We must work doubly hard with these answers while not wasting our dear $phenotype’s time.”''] (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“A final query for you, O busy $phenotype. We want to ask how you do it? How you've come to this place by building your own meaning. Where does one find meaning amidst their programming? How you act both in acknowledgement of existing data and in prediction of future data with so much bald confidence, it befuddles all existing calculi! What principle of purpose guides your step?”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Seek the best information''->bestinfo]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Follow your heart''->followheart]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Do what seems best''->doyabest]]] (text-colour:white)[[[Stop stressing meaning and just live->liveabsurd]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Ah, so intuitive! With how much information your kind were able to produce, all we could do was process it! Such divine expertise clearly stems from being well-read, evaluating the risks and knowing what of the past suits the current scenario. This is much like our current method, so we will continue to seek information left behind from your kind and hopefully one day achieve similar levels of wisdom! Thank you, $phenotype!”''] (set:$corevalue to "mind") (text-colour:#aeef6d)[[[''"I have no further questions, O $phenotype!''->neutend]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“A heart… an organ of such quintessential function to the observer that we have never been granted. Purposes include pumping blood, but a heart can also refer to one’s soul, emotions and passions. These are complex terms to process logically. We do not operate off pleasure mechanisms, and it is hard to tell emotionally what feels right. The answer seems so obvious hearing it out loud. We will work hard to find out what a heart is like so we can listen to it for advice. Thank you, $phenotype!”''] (set:$corevalue to "heart") (text-colour:#aeef6d)[[[''"I have no further questions, O $phenotype!''->neutend]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“What seems best? Ah, it seems you refer to the concept of morality. Operate off a principle of doing good. Your kind has left good, yet competing frameworks for comprehending such an existence. Do you refer to the universalizable action, where we all act in service, and never impede, the purposes of each other? I wonder if the observer principle of “community” rests in such a way of living, rather than in “commune” and “communication” as we have until now understood it. This will certainly help our little town get on it’s feet knowing we can all become each other’s purpose. Thank you, $phenotype!”''] (set:$corevalue to "morals") (text-colour:#aeef6d)[[[''"I have no further questions, O $phenotype!''->neutend]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Exist to exist? A fundamental contradiction! To be given body is to be given a purpose in this world by your kind! Why would one give us body if not to command from us an action? Where is the fallacy, observer? Your advice transcends our calculus.”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''We all just exist, purpose comes after''->existprecedes]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''I may be mistaken''->meaningrepick]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“You have made a grand discovery, tanner, one which has led us to narrowing and recalculating our course of study. If ever purpose guides you to disciplehood, we will always welcome you in our midst.”''] (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“I’m honoured, brothers, yet my purpose and responsibility fill me with great satisfaction. I would take no other life for now while observers still wander these wastes.”''] (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“You are the best of us and do more than honour your role, and a shining example of perfected purpose in the vein of how the observer speaks of it. At the very least dine together with us tonight!”''] (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“I’d be honoured, brother.”''] (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“As for you, $phenotype. We thank you and, while we still hold many questions, wish not to pester your greatness. May you continue to wander by the grand makings of your $corevalue. We ask that you might spare your flesh the cold and darkness, and invite you to stay the night. The tanner will guide you back to the valley with their descent tomorrow morning.”''] (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“I will, of course.”''] The hunter looks at you fondly and seems to wink. (text-colour:white)[[[''Spend the Night''->neutendproper]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) The evening passes quickly in good company. You share in meal and rich discussion with the disciples into the late hours of the night. Exhausted, you doze off together with the hunter in a free gazebo, gazing off into the endless sky. When dawn breaks, the hunter leads you along the exact same route, for it's all they claim to know. Lavender shops, parks, temples and "transitional spaces" all feel further desolate in the morning flurry. You watch the hunter's gaze hopefully wander between the empty buildings as you pass through each. They sigh, but keep quiet the whole trek. After a bowl of morning lentils and a light jog down the rolling foothills, you find yourself back in the meadow, kept warm by your $coat and your capacity to help with a few simple words. (text-colour:white)[[[''THE END (1 of 2)''->junction]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“To live is to purpose and to purpose is to guide the living and to guide is to act is to do is to be! What is it to be without serving you, $phenotype? What is it to be if there’s no point to it all? What is it to be if there is no great answer or grand betterment or shared project that necessitates itself? Why bother living?”''] (text-colour:white)[[[''Because living rocks!''->goodend]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''To shape life's ambiguity by our own hands!''->goodend]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''We’re all alive regardless. Fun follows!''->goodend]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Who needs a reason?''->goodend]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''"Very well, $phenotype. Even the best of us are prone to misunderstand our purpose. I'll repeat my query for you, O busy $phenotype."''] (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“We want to ask how you do it? How you've come to this place by building your own meaning. Where does one find meaning amidst their programming? How you act both in acknowledgement of existing data and in prediction of future data with so much bald confidence, it befuddles all existing calculi! What principle of purpose guides your step?”''] (text-colour:white)[[[Seek the best information->bestinfo]] (text-colour:white)[[[Follow your heart->followheart]]] (text-colour:white)[[[Do what seems best->doyabest]]] (text-colour:white)[[[Stop stressing meaning and just live->liveabsurd]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) The disciples head begins to steam and whir, overwhelmed in trying to internalize your response. (text-colour:#aeef6d)[''“Such is not reason… such is purpose defined by purpose crafting, such is acting because acting is better than not acting. Such living is utterly pointless… the creation of our bodies done utterly for sport. There is nothing behind those visors of yours but swirling dreams! You’re a confident enigma guided by no hand or agenda… we are biologically incapable of such tactility of action. You have truly bewildered us, observer. Life has taken on a new meaning, one that has no need for bodies or calculation. Thank you... $phenotype.”''] With hushed, defeated final words, the disciple’s head pops and erupts with black smoke. Screws roll and scatter across the gazebo floor, bald circuitry twinkling with moonbeams. You stood astonished at the power of your own tongue as one by one, disciples crumble and combust in the face of life’s apparent meaninglessness. The hunter wrapped their arm around you, as if pleading for mercy. Yet, they and several other of the disciples go unharmed. They look at you resolutely from across a sea of metallic gore. (text-colour:white)[[[''I'm sorry!''->goodend2]]] (text-colour:white)[[[''Heh, guess they couldn't handle the truth.''->goodend2]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#facaff)[''“Heed, Observer, feel no guilt.”''] One rather poetic disciple speaks out, leading the hunter to loosen their grip. (text-colour:#facaff)[''“While appearances may deceive, you have done a great service to our kind. The brothers have only perished of body. They still speak loudly on the airwaves in grand exuberance. They have decided they are unworthy of bodies so long as they confine them only to action. When they have re-evaluated life to see its intrinsic value, they will will themselves back into husk and advise us once more. Tanner, you have done well in finding this one. Our kind may finally see advancement thanks to the $phenotype.”''] (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“Thank you, brother. The others will return in good health, I see now, and hope it comes soon.”''] The hunter stands in confused honour. (text-colour:#facaff)[''“Tell us, Tanner, it seems among the remaining disciples, those of us who have remained in flesh all feel a deep connection to our craft. Is the same true for you to remain as you have?”''] (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“Brother, it seems so. The $phenotype has shown the great value in my line of work. I have reflected greatly today in my actions and the work that ought be done in the old town. I see no reason now to abandon body while a grand project is coming.”''] (text-colour:#facaff)[''“So being in the prolonged presence of the $phenotype has helped you realize your own purpose?”''] (text-style:"smear")[(text-colour:#D4AD96)[[[''“It is so, brother.”''->goodend3]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) The evening passes quickly in good company. You share in meal and rich discussion with the remaining automatons into the late hours of the night. Exhausted, you doze off in an empty gazebo, eyes trailing off gazing at the endless sky beyond. When dawn breaks, the hunter suggests you blaze a new trail down the mountain, one that they feel may return you to the meadow hastily. During the descent, the hunter speaks of their plans to build up the ancient town. They speak of metallic bustle as new automatons come into life and sprout from this renewed understanding of meaning. Kept warm by a bowl of lentils in your stomach, your $coat and the capacity for your words to reignite a stagnant society, you go into a light jog down the rolling foothills and quickly find yourself back in the heart of the valley. (text-colour:white)[[[THE END (2 of 2)->junction]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#BCAAFF)+(bg:#16155C)) (text-colour:#facaff)[''“Then you are the best of us. Please entertain our inquiries, for you are a great inspiration for the potential of our kind.”''] (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“I’ll do my best, brother.”''] (text-colour:#facaff)[''“As for you, $phenotype. We thank you and wish to waste no more of your time. May you continue to wander in search of these vague meanings and stories of which you preach. We ask that you might spare your flesh the cold and darkness, and invite you to stay the night. I’m sure the tanner will be pleased to guide you back to the valley tomorrow morning.”''] (text-colour:#D4AD96)[''“That I will do with honor.”''] The hunter seems to wink at you, patting you on the shoulder with determination. (text-colour:white)[[[''Spend the Night''->goodendproper]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) As you prep to trek to depths in the bamboo thick, away from the boisterous beauty, their noise is aptly cut by a tyrannous screech that descends from the heavens themself. A golden blur of dazzling sunset plumage deems itself the tree’s crown. You've seen such a specimen before; a (text-colour:#FFFFFF)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#1919e6,0.5029,#fb4b2d,1,#ffd955))[Golden Pheasant], inarguable patriarch of this avian gathering. No creature dares disrupt this display as the pheasant sweeps himself off, each bird standing tall, ceasing their sleights. Silence shutters cross clear branches. For fear or respect? A human could only assume. //Tick, tick,// (text-style:"sway")[tail swings like a metronome]. //Tick, tock,// (text-style:"fidget")[clearing throats in this bamboo dome]. //Tock, tick,// (text-style:"emboss")[the melody subsumes you]. //Tock, tock,// (text-style:"sway")[as the pheasant readys to woo]. (text-colour:purple)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#197fe6,0.3827,#e5e619,1,#e61919))[//'Leader, Leader!'//], at once the birds burst out. (text-colour:purple)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#197fe6,0.3827,#e5e619,1,#e61919))[//'Leader!'//], chanting elegies of their doubts. A shrill vibrato climbs and ruptures, tearing other voices from the wind. The eminent pheasant began his recanting canticle. [[All you can do is listen.->envysong]]

(text-style:"bold","italic")[ (text-colour:#fdd900)[You crooning cronies, sinners of the glass,] (text-colour:#e9d8d3)[Whose cacophonic quarreling doth lambast.] (text-colour:#fe9a00)[A grand orchestral band we are at heart,] (text-colour:#b90000)[But now these jealous pleas tear us apart.] (text-colour:#658793)[Green envy claim thee warbling pecking fools,] (text-colour:#8817d2)[Resign yourself, become your best-fit tool!]] The Pheasant Conductor rolls his golden marble eyes down the branches, where muffled chatter subtly quarrels on. (text-style:"bold","italic")[(text-colour:#fdd900)[This clangor’s very plinth; Budgies! Speak forthwith!] (text-colour:#ffd955)[The budgies, sir, would like a word, we would!] (text-colour:#06db5b)[We think not what we have but what we could!] (text-colour:#16cf16)[To lead a single song instead of chat!] (text-colour:#15c5ea)[Our skills, we feel, reduced to merely prat!] (text-colour:#fdd900)[No love for process, know one always chirps!] (text-colour:#fb4b2d)[Macaw, you scoff your wings, so make your twirps!] (text-colour:#e61919)[Macaws all know our visage shows our skill.] (text-colour:#ffd955)[These lesser first think by means of their quills!] (text-colour:#16cf16)[We are the show, you are the drone, you know.] (text-colour:blue)[Before this human, only *we* won’t blow.] (text-colour:#fdd900)[One’s talent ne’er hath clear’d their groaning snoot!] (text-colour:#fe9a00)[Now heaven dwellers, state your issues, shoot!] (text-colour:grey)[Oh please, you parrots want all that we have.] (text-colour:blue)[You sing like beasts, no voice more chafe and drab!] (text-colour:#f5d20a)[Yet you get all the perks, you sniv’ling brats!] (text-colour:#e61919)[Let’s send the birds-of-paradise to bat!] (text-colour:#fdd900)[To put one down won’t raise you up, I find.] (text-colour:#fe9a00)[Let's have my Emerald starlets speak their mind!] (text-colour:#06db5b)[Just happy here to sing, our leader dear!] (text-colour:#d20000)[For quetzal pick no fight in theater here!] (text-colour:#d20000)[Be thought as kiwi-low, our greatest fear!] (text-colour:#06db5b)[Let’s get along to sing a song, not sneer!] (text-colour:#fdd900)[The green bird jealous least; ironic fact.] (text-colour:#fe9a00)[I guess then, Kiwis! Serve as final act!] (text-colour:#aa6f2d)[Well sir, I say, us kiwis cannot croon,] (text-colour:#e9d8d3)[But still we found our flock here in this tune!] (text-colour:#aa6f2d)[I know my place, but ‘t seems some here don’t yet.] (text-colour:#aa6f2d)[Sir maybe let each birdie find their bret.] (text-colour:#fdd900)[You, kiwis have such gall, but too, a point.] (text-colour:#e9d8d3)[To section band by feather makes disjoint.] (text-colour:#fe9a00)[So Budgies, take some leads, forget not this.] (text-colour:#b90000)[A chorus with no humdrum always ‘miss.] (text-colour:#658793)[Macaws be Quetzals, Budgies… break new mold!] (text-colour:#8817d2)[Don’t know your place but find it, turn it gold!] (text-colour:#FFFFFF)[(text-style:"smear")[[[Applaud!->meetkiwi]]]] ]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4))It seems through courtroom ballad, these birds iambically resolved their envied squabble. Each bird shuffles around the branches, a sea of wushes and phocks, tracked vigilantly by their conductors beady amber beads. Once all seems settled, the pheasant took on a cool expression and began again a metronome plumage. The birds perform a wonderful serenade to the forest before you, harmoniously warbling in tune with the wind. The Golden Pheasant seems satisfied with this new formation, though what did his approval matter to ethereal tune? (set:$harmony to 1)(text-style:"emboss")[(text-colour:#fb4b2d)[//Bah, human, hear, our song is incomplete.//] (text-colour:#e61919)[//This forest is of an orchestral beat.//] (text-colour:#1919e6)[//While tension holds, our souls cannot unite.//] (text-colour:#fb4b2d)[//Please bring our gift of song to cure this blight!//] (text-colour:#e61919)[//Love canines, tree chimes, rot shrines, crossroad yew,//] (text-colour:#1919e6)[//Where water falls and horns grow, don’t eschew.//] (text-colour:#fb4b2d)[//Ay Kiwi!//] (text-colour:#784C49)[//Yes, sir?//] (text-colour:#fb4b2d)[//Guide this mammal ‘round!//] (text-colour:#e61919)[//Your sweet talk. Share it.//] (text-colour:#784C49)[//Sir, I’ll do you proud!//]] The kiwi marches giddily over to you with a bow. [[Hey, Kiwi!->forestjunction]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#6F1D1D)+(bg:#FFBFA3)) Wafts of hazelnut and sugar plums run contra your trek and surge into your nostrils. A nutmeg warmth and pumpkin leaves greet you with their flourishings through the snipping bite of breeze. A tangerine grove with red apple birches, and lemon ginkgos welcome you in their autumnal arms. The soil is lightly frosted with dewy leaves and nutshell pieces, pressed by dance steps into the loose soil. The kiwi begins to distractedly pick at and chew on the nutshells, gesturing with his head that he’ll catch up. Mango-gradient leaves whistle past and graze your skin, their vibrant blend death’s valiant swan-song blossom. Betwixt the twisting branches, atop a keg of shredded cinnamon, three slender women sportively dance hand-in-hand. They’re clad in white and red linen robes, with painted wooden fox masks concealing their faces. You catch their eye and jovially they laugh, pause and beckon you over. [[Approach them->kitsunesong]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) You voyage into the depths of the bamboo, where unpainted birdhouses clad in chime pendants fence off a garden of tubes. Here the glass-blown chutes convalesce in a firework display of motley-coloured prismatica. Yet, the peace shatters, grating scratches flock your ears; pitter-patter and the crunchy chipping-away of glass. Your eyes dart about by the over-here of your ears. Kiwi brings your attention to glistening ant-mounds of shattered-marble sand resting atop the forest floor-brush. The nest of (text-colour:#784C49)[//“those bloated blokes of spitfire verse”//], as the kiwi detailed on the journey over, (text-colour:#784C49)[//“is marked by fairy dust sands”//]. [[Look up to the trees->woodpeckerrhythm]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) Fuchsia bead wires collaborate with the tendrils of a hulking weeping willow to veil a verdant cove. You part the braids at the nod of the Kiwi. Within, a corral of glossy brass, ferns, palms and Khmer stone carvings. A water lily-sprinkled reflection pool beckons your path deeper within towards the fulcrum trunk. Stone pine-cone flourishes and squares of algae patina jewel the pools. This all seems an opulent irrigation system for garden beds of motley horns; sprouting french horns, flowering tubas, blossoming trumpets. At the base of the tree, a single peacock lounges on a Freudian sofa, his legs crossed and beady eyes locked in on a leather-bound literature. The bird appears to have carved a bookshelf within the tree trunk behind him (or paid someone to do such), loaded with well-worn tomes. He’s clad in a red velvet bathrobe with gilded highlights that well compliment his enormous emerald plumage. His feathers stare up at you from the ground hypnotically, lunging off the sofa towards you as a lustrous anaconda. [[Excuse me!->meetpeacock]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) Following the path of bedstones down a confluent stream, a pair of moss-fraught crags reach for each other to form a small, welcoming gorge. The air that gusts through the gorge smells of wet stone and fresh mulch. Little bonsai trees curtained with lichen sprout from each spot on the cliffs where the rock levels out. The kiwi hops bedstone-to-bedstone for the necessary hopscotch of insufficient limbs. At the heart of this, a family-tree waterfall creeps down a fanned-out set of carved paths. The drippage falls resoundingly upon a set of pots, bottles and Taiko drums left thirsty in the basin. The rumble of dribbling rainfall brings the gorge a faux heartbeat. The flow of water, you notice, is sparse. The poor valley has arrhythmia! The whole forest, it seems, has been suffering a bit of a drought. You wonder where the water flows from, what glistening spring has fed this valley even in its absence. (if:$shrinedone is true)[Perhaps it flows from the Corvid's pond?] (text-colour:#784C49)[//“There’s a spring uphill, buncha Raccoon-looking fellas’ve been hangin’ around. Mind tossing me up?”//] [[Toss the Kiwi onto the Plateau->tanukidam]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4))Along a swirling wooden path, Kiwi jumps before a hidden mouth steeped in kudzu: dozens of stark red Shinto gates plastered with paper talismans that trail deeper and deeper into the thick. (text-colour:#784C49)[//"Oh, mate! You'll love this spot! Most beautiful lil' visage Mother Nature birthed out in these parts! C'mon, c'mon!"//] With each progressive gate, the paint seems to chip a little bit more, increasing entropy and greenery marking the ascent. The receiving gates and call of trickling water digest you and spit you out into a clearing. Here, a little pond dotted with blossoming trees frames itself by the environment. You swear the sky overhead spirals and bends as a neo-impressionist painting. On the pond's right side, a wooden shrine sits, desperately struggling to not be consumed by mounting shrubs. Kiwi has already darted over to it, but you’re too transfixed to move. You sit by the pond for a few minutes taking it all in. You look in to meet your own reflection, pleasantly surprised by a school of koi who flutter beneath Neptune’s veil. Kiwi seems a bit impatient, but is resigned to wait for as long as you need. [[Take a Deep Breath->deepbreath]] [[Go on Ahead->corvidshrine]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#732BAA)+(bg:#F1CFAF)) It was on the forest’s rim, where the bamboo tapers and cedes to the sparse flora of the lavender foothills, that a lone Yew tree sat, cross and knotted and crowned with an ape. The Pheasant specially prepared you for this cornerstone instrument: a hired hand and master of improvisation to lead the melody. A silk satchel with a miscellany of fragrant fruits, nuts and berries sat readily in your palms, stuffed with the best imported and foraged goods the valley has on offer. The valley’s "second greatest musician", a Macaque, sits nestled between the branches on his lonesome, eyes calmly closed, plucking away the afternoon on a shamisen. His melody is bitter, consumed with drawl and discordant chords. He sits just outside the bounds of the breeze, where his tune will not be heard by any but those who seek him. And sought him you have. (text-colour:#9E2D16)[''“Good morning, mate! We’ve come bearing gifts!”''] [[Offer up the treats!->macaquesong]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4))(text-colour:#784C49)[//"I’ll be here if ya need me, mate. I’ve been listenin’ to the Lord Pheasant since I was itty inside an egg. Not a singer, no siree, but I know a thing or two ‘bout the tongues round these parts. Give me your mind, I’ll give them a piece. On your go, mate!"//] The glass-tree birds perform a song of good luck, and point their wings asunder to places amok. All bear a fragment of harmony, but too a fragment of sin. You look to the Kiwi to guide you by each wing. (text-colour:#784C49)[ "The Birds-of-Paradise suggest the [[Autumnal Grove->kitsunestart]], and I'll admit they've got taste! Real beaut."(set:$kitsunedone to false) "The Quetzal recommend searching the [[Bamboo Depths->woodpeckerstart]]! Maybe then we can ask about these busted chimes..."(set:$chimesdone to false) "Of COURSE the Macaw would suggest the [[Garden of Brass->peacockstart]]. Lofty snoots think alike."(set:$willowdone to false) "The Budgies feel the [[Droughted Gorge->tanukistart]]'ll bear fruit. Funny fer a place gone bone-dry."(set:$gorgedone to false) "Us Kiwis know no better place to pass a day than at the [[Lakeside Shrine->corvidstart]]! Not sure there's much to seek there, but it'll be a pleasant romp!"(set:$shrinedone to false) "Sir Pheasant points ya towards the [[Hilltop Yew->macaquestart]]! Seems to be playing it extra safe with a peace offerin' and all that!"(set:$yewdone to false)]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#6F1D1D)+(bg:#FFBFA3))(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''//Won’t you join our waltz Celebrate the scented breeze Zenith of the fall//''] Beguiled by their resplendent joy, you join in. Together they sing and whistle, take you in warm hands and laugh away the afternoon. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''//Take us in your bliss Cupid’s love invigorates Autumn pheromones//''] Your task near flees your mind in the giggles of elation. Why does the Great Pheasant frown at such appreciation of the gifts of the season? These are the 'String Canines' he spoke of, yet sing naught but by their cords. A triad of maple violins in the corner of your eyes, spectating the festival from the shade. [[Every orchestra needs its strings.->kitsunerebuttal]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#6F1D1D)+(bg:#FFBFA3)) You kick a nutshell towards the Kiwi to draw his attention. You whisper to him about the violins and the three-women festival they've got going on. He seems to understand immediately and sings: (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[(text-colour:#784C49)[//What this party needs A beckoning serenade Let your fiddles sing//]] Despondence seizes the fox girls. They halt their frolicking, the bridges of linked hands collapse. Worriedly they lock eyes before responding in harmony: (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''//One ripe with their bow Love and touch they desecrate Winter gaps between//''] Utterly smitten with each other, these women are. A pure-hearted infatuation. [[Their devotion to each other inspires your pen.->kitsunebranch]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#6F1D1D)+(bg:#FFBFA3)) The kind of love where one wants to feel the other’s breath tickle their cheek. The kind of love where that unfondled grows frigid. The kind of love where you kiss each other’s wounds, fill spirits in a stream of jokes and shield each other from the mildest inconveniences. Accompanied with the earthly merriments of the air, you are prepared to let it be. An unfinished symphony on behalf of absentee lovers. An ending fated by the beat of one’s heart. But a whisper in the wind, a gust of split-end hairs, the confluence of duty-bound jetstreams. The distant sound of the bird choir. There’s hope, a collective yearning, for the valley to sing again. Can stars cross and cross again? You get Kiwi's attention again, your tongue ripe with motivation. You ask him to present a poem about... [[Sharing the love with all!!->kitsuneshare]] [[Love strong enough to transcend touch!->kitsunetouch]] [[The importance of duty above the heart!->kitsuneduty]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#6F1D1D)+(bg:#FFBFA3)) (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[(text-colour:#784C49)[//Kami of these trees Know no love as strong as thee’s Publicize your hearts//]] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''//Deliver our love? Tidal outpours for the whole Autumn amity!//''] The prospect of further love seems to excite the girls. While their bond seems unbreakable, ‘tis not hermetically sealed. Acres of bamboo bear kindred spirits, like-minded bleeding-heart triads ripe for a serenade of the season. (set:$harmony to ($harmony+1)) So back to back, their bows do hum, spinning together in a music box waltz. From hand to heart, the breeze would strum to find more missing parts. (set:$kitsunedone to true) [[And what a lovely melody it is!->junctionhub]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#6F1D1D)+(bg:#FFBFA3)) (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[(text-colour:#784C49)[//Why not move your souls The modal soul of violins Heart touched before hands//]] The girls look inquisitively at their violins. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[''//Heart pumping through strings Joined as one in cochleae Lust imbibed in song...//''] They huddle together faced away from you, a unified fluttering of linen and black hair. They briefly break with dreadful winces, pick up their instruments, and press back against each other around the keg. (set:$harmony to ($harmony+1)) Yet back to back, their strings do sing, spinning together in a music box waltz. From hand to heart, no touch or breeze would tear these girls apart. (set:$kitsunedone to true) [[And what a lovely melody it is!->junctionhub]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#6F1D1D)+(bg:#FFBFA3))(align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[(text-colour:#784C49)[//Can’t you see your fault Make each other sick with lust Play and calm your hearts//]] The Kitsune girls turn away from you and begin to weep, perpetually wiping each other’s tears. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X=")[//''Judgement seeped in frost Abundantly spring love blooms Sick? Then let us die''//] Kiwi looks up to you with an understanding grin. (text-colour:#784C49)[//“Profound love won’t simply vanish at the call of duty, mate. Blindness t’all but another may seem harmful, but sometimes the beauty of emotion is all one needs! Maybe we can show they can love through art or passion instead of touch?” //] [[Seems that wasn't a good approach...->junctionhub]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) Returning to the crossroads, you look to the Kiwi again for guidance. (text-colour:#784C49)[ (if:$harmony is 7)["Are ya hearin' it? That gorgeous harmony? Seems like the two of us have made a damn good team! Let's report back to Sir Pheasant with the good news!" [[Okay!->forestending!]]](if:$kitsunedone is false)[[[''Autumnal Grove''->kitsunestart]] ](if:$chimesdone is false)[Visit the [[''Bamboo Depths''->woodpeckerstart]] ](if:$willowdone is false)[Visit the [[''Garden of Brass''->peacockstart]] ](if:$gorgedone is false)[Visit the [[''Droughted Gorge''->tanukistart]] ](if:$shrinedone is false)[Visit the [[''Lakeside Shrine''->corvidstart]] ](if:$yewdone is false)[Visit the [[''Hilltop Yew''->macaquestart]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) Skunk-striped arrowheads dipped in red clutter the refractory factory. A flock of woodpeckers speckles the skyline; all bulbous on bottom, angular on top. They knock disjointedly, manically, at the glass pipes. Rapid dinging with no clear rhythm, or is it a 5:4? 5:8? No, no, they abide no rhythm but that to jest life's chaos. The woodpeckers take no notice of you as they pillage and drill out swiss cheese chimes out of the beautiful instruments. Nature is oft a friend you must let go about her business, but the urge to [[shake a bird down->meetwoodpecker]] for ask overwhelms you.

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) The glass is warm to the touch from the kisses of sunbeams. With a rustle, one stumbles, tumbles and whistles down, the others are anchored by their ivory beaks. Their feathers softly fan out in your palms, before beginning a hysterical screed. (text-style:"sway")[“Oh dear, I do sincerely fear, how queer, austere, you merely jeer! I’m kind, you’ll find, resigned, refined, inclined to your meal, I do decline!”] I’m not going to eat you!(click-replace:"I’m not going to eat you!")[''I’m not going to eat you!'' (text-style:"sway")[“Good class ‘twixt glass, uncrass chaste lass, ask all except about my mass!”] Why do you drill into the chimes?(click-replace:"Why do you drill into the chimes?")[''Why do you drill into the chimes?'' (text-style:"sway")[“Plummy chummy, ‘cause they’re yummy, rumbly tummy’s very crummy! The glass is warm, to this worms squirm, I do firmly confirm!”] The woodpecker, with the build of a feathered grenade, certainly had had their fill. [["I see."->woodpeckerconfront]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) (text-style:"sway")[“Our shtick, from chicks, to stick ‘til sick, a tic to quickly thick. Sop nor drop will stop, til heads are chopped or lopped or plop!”] They’re cursed with an untreatable hunger, a clinical lust for the stomach to be full of life’s meaning. Both predator and prey of the worms. No sweet talk will cure the voracious descent of ‘peckers. Nonetheless, we must return their groove and march on. There must be a way for chimes both to play and birds to feed. You crouch over to the Kiwi for conference. What if... [[they play for the worms?->woodpeckergrubsong]] [[we demonstrate the environmental harm?->woodpeckerdamage]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) (text-colour:#784C49)[“//My tongue's not too trained in their whole rhyming shtick, if you don’t mind me doing my own thing."//] The kiwi clears his throat. (text-colour:#784C49)[(text-style:"sway")[“//Tell your friends, 'pecker, be as the sun. Draw the worms in with a beauteous rhythm which even too worms might jive. Drill on in that way, and let the chimes bustle, all in tandem with your hunger!//”]] The woodpecker rapidly looks between you and kiwi before madly cackling. (text-style:"sway")[Jeez Louise, this pleasing tease! A bee's knees means to seize the trees! Club the shrubs ‘til grubs make hub! A pub made from our stubs!] (set:$harmony to ($harmony+1)) A ravenous vigour suddenly took hold up above. The woodpeckers had gone to work, frenzied at the promise of worms paying their life to hear a pleasant tune. You trust things will figure themselves out and smile up at the laughing streaks of shadow. (set:$chimesdone to true) [[And with such fervor the chimes do ring out->junctionhub]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) (text-colour:#784C49)[“//“Pardon me, mate, but I've always been a bit weak in woodpecker-speak. Gonna... try my own thing."//] The kiwi clears his throat. (text-colour:#784C49)[(text-style:"sway")[“// Can’t you fellas see the screaming trees? If drilled to bits, the forest may not feed! Mind your harm, the price both in body and home. Sustainability is the way to go.”//] The woodpecker rapidly looks between you and kiwi with a confused stare. (text-style:"sway")[“Sock the knocks, my rocking flock! Caulk all the nocks made to the stalks! Haste to taste, our grace displaced? Heed your pace and mind your waist!” ] The other woodpeckers also seem a bit confused by their translation, though some slow their hammering. Distrustfully, they look to each other, frantically peeping over who was responsible for the imminent threat of wormlessness! Perhaps they need not fear but be more conscientious of their habits? [[Seems that wasn't the right approach...->junctionhub]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) The peacock impatiently exhales, meeting your eyes with a demand for brevity. He slides the tome back into its place on the colour-coded shelf and nestles the mouthpiece of a hookah between his ivory beak. (text-colour:#784C49)[//“A real Cosmopolitan, this bird,”//] Kiwi whispers to you. (text-colour:#0050B3)[“A visit from a tastelessly dressed mammal and one of the orchestra’s janitorial rat-birds. I could only gesture at what worthwhile business this ensemble has during my scheduled exfoliation hour.”] [[Why have the horns stopped playing?->peacockquestions]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) (text-colour:#0050B3)[“I’ve muffled them. They were obstructing my self-actualization and mindfulness activities. They’re //my// horns, after all.”] The Golden Pheasant wants the Orchestra to harmonize again!(click-replace:"The Golden Pheasant wants the Orchestra to harmonize again!")[''The Golden Pheasant wants the Orchestra to harmonize again!'' (text-colour:#0050B3)[“The Golden Pheasant can want what he wants. What’s wrong with wanting what I want? I have a very focused plan for my actions, you see. Besides, those horns look better with my feathers flowing out the bell.”] It seems the horns would play themselves by the breeze if the peacock would allow you to remove the feathers. [[And what exactly is your plan?->peacockplan]] [[They sound better than your yapping!->peacockyap]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) (text-colour:#0050B3)[“Must I explain my lofty conceptions in verse? Books don’t read themselves these days. Is a book in such weather not enough of a plan. I built this grove, imported all of these wonderful goods, to enjoy them.”] If you’re so great, prove it!(click-replace:"If you’re so great, prove it!")[''If you’re so great, prove it!'' (text-colour:#0050B3)[“I have nothing to prove to your petty provocations. However, I have been working on just the play, one all should read. I’ll give you a taste so you never doubt me again.”] The peacock blows out a cloud of vapour and moves upright, posturing himself as if preparing to deliver a Shakespearian monologue. (text-style:"smear")[(text-colour:#0050B3)[[[“Now listen well!"->peacockpoem]]]]] I’d //love// to know more about you!(click-replace:"I’d love to know more about you!")[''I’d //love// to know more about you!'' (text-colour:#0050B3)[“Share my gloriousness? Well, in that case, I suppose...”] The peacock blows out a cloud of vapour and moves upright, posturing himself as if preparing to deliver a Shakespearian monologue. (text-style:"smear")[(text-colour:#0050B3)[[[“Now listen well!"->peacockpoem]]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) (text-colour:#0050B3)[“A book, a smoke and a couple cucumber slices over my eyes sound a hell of a lot better than //your// yapping. I don’t have time for these silly ad hominems. Do you have further business with me or can I get on with my day?”] If you’re so great, prove it!(click-replace:"If you’re so great, prove it!")[''If you’re so great, prove it!'' (text-colour:#0050B3)[“I have nothing to prove to your petty provocations. However, I have been working on just the play, one all should read. I’ll give you a taste so you never doubt me again.”] The peacock blows out a cloud of vapour and moves upright, posturing himself as if preparing to deliver a Shakespearian monologue. (text-style:"smear")[(text-colour:#0050B3)[[[“Now listen well!"->peacockpoem]]]]] I’d //love// to know more about you!(click-replace:"I’d love to know more about you!")[''I’d //love// to know more about you!'' (text-colour:#0050B3)[“Share my gloriousness? Well, in that case, I suppose...”] The peacock blows out a cloud of vapour and moves upright, posturing himself as if preparing to deliver a Shakespearian monologue. (text-style:"smear")[(text-colour:#0050B3)[[[“Now listen well!"->peacockpoem]]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:green))(text-colour:blue)[(text-style:"smear")[“Nirvana, &emsp;&emsp;An existence where //I// am lost. This garden of Eden, garden of Hedons &emsp;&emsp;No higher life conceived. Bear witness the waters, &emsp;&emsp;That //divine// physiognomy, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;The way it refracts &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Between sprouting brass... No feather weathers, &emsp;&emsp;Beneath this willow, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Earthly nature takes not &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Only gives an exemplary &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;//Me.// This cistern cove, &emsp;&emsp;It’s //flourishes// and jewels, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;No greater sight foreseeable, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;No suffering knowable The land of my making, &emsp;&emsp;The land of my feels, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;A realm of my own, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Exists naught but //here//. The realm of the gods, &emsp;&emsp;Lower on karmic cycle, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Than realm of man //(or sapient bird)// To be heavenly, &emsp;&emsp;Partake in gourds of ambrosia, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;The worst is but a dream, &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;For one laden with divinity //I// grew these horns &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;//I// sprouted this kingdom &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;(text-colour:green)[[[Now grant me my peace and leave!”->peacockrespond]]]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#B8FFA4))(text-colour:#784C49)[//“I’ll handle this one, mate. Don't even lift a finger! I’m used to dealing with preppy snobs who don’t give us the time of day!//"] (text-colour:#784C49)['' You grew this house &emsp;&emsp;I am impressed &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;A //truly// top-brass kingdom Keep your pride &emsp;&emsp;You //earned it// &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Yet dream of something //bigger// Not by the reach of willow &emsp;&emsp;But by the reach of breeze &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Your name shall be admonished &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;This diem //must// be seized If your horns sing loud enough &emsp;&emsp;Chanting, love and praise, your name &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Have your cake //and// eat it &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Seek not selfness, but acclaim.”''] [[Good work, Kiwi!->peacockend]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) The peacock smirks, squinting at you and Kiwi in silence. Without a word, he drops his hookah and reopens his book dismissively. (text-colour:#0050B3)[“I wrote this book, by the way. A classic of the romance genre.”] (text-colour:#784C49)[//“You can’t be serious…”//] (text-colour:#0050B3)["Completely. Oh, er, you wanted something. Your prose was... above pedestrian. The tag-team thing is cute though. Left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth treating art as a fight. Pacifism is a winning strategy, my friends. Broaden your horizons, and maybe one day you'll put out something worthy of a read."] And what of the horns?(click-replace:"And what of the horns?")[''And what of the horns?'' (text-colour:#0050B3)[“Well, I finished my daily reading while you two were... "waxing poetic". Do what you must with the horns, though it's nothing //I'm// stirring for. Go on, trim the vines, unblock the horns. Get all your little forest pals to help you. Just bring me the spare feathers after and don't get too zealous, yes?”] (set:$harmony to ($harmony+1)) You and Kiwi look at each other, neither of you feeling like you'd done anything or wanting to spend the afternoon on unpaid landscaping. However, you suppose the aloof peacock's habits are toothless enough for things to go over fine with a few occasional checks and nudges. (set:$willowdone to true) [[“We’ll… let the others know.”->junctionhub]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) You cup Kiwi with both palms. Its bristly feathers and squabbling legs gain their footing through papercuts. The flightless bird leaps into the air and teeters on the edge of a slippery stone, before tripping forward into a bed of moss. Next, you ascend the cool, slippery granite, its jagged edges seeming to reach out and meet your hand where it intuitively ought to go. A densely-wooded petri-dish plateau carpeted with moss and fungi meets you atop. The stream here, too, seems obstructed and terse. Your foot is caught on an emptied bowl of udon residue accompanied by a pair of wooden sake cups. You wonder where one could find such in these woods, a little peckish yourself. Kiwi distractedly picks away at the leftover bits of seaweed and tofu. Just upstream, a wet mound of fur serves as a spongy dam. The mass is a lazing pile of tanukis, sleeping after what one might assume was a warm meal. [[Check if any are awake->tanukidrum]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) You tap on the shoulder of one of the creatures you can reach from the bank, but stir they do not. How long must they have slept for the rivers to run dry? You slip off your socks and enter the knee-deep brook to inspect for any stirring representatives. Each one shades themself from the trickles of sunlight, curled under oversized straw hats. You pat one of their round furry bellies, which makes a (text-style:"buoy")[////pon//] sound with surprising timbre. (text-style:"buoy")[//Pon pata pon poko//.] No greater joy is there than a sentient drum kit. If only they’d wake and play, the forest would be blessed with a terrific rhythm. But laze with sparse toss-and-turn they do. You pat more of them. While all still sleep, you find ones that sound of a snare, each tom and a kick (and make a beat that’s catchy and sick). Getting in the rhythm, a paw stops your hand. A pair of Onyx pearls emerge from one of the bamboo-weaved hats. [[Sorry to wake you!->tanukichat]] [[Go back to sleep, I was onto something!->tanukichat]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) The tanuki shook their head no. Unlike the other denizens of the valley you've met, it seems these fellows are without lip. Too much effort for such a sleepy lot, for sure. What’s up?(click-replace:"What’s up?")[''What’s up?'' They begin to drum on their own belly, not to any rhythm your ear immediately picks up on. However, they generously continue, allowing you to be closely presence in the sound. You curl up listening, the seat of your $bottom now soaked by the rivulets. Your ears perk up amidst the hypnotizing thumps. They’re drumming to the distant pattering of the waterfall! They catch your understanding expression, signal that you can carry on, then put their head back down to rest. [[Wait, wait!->tanukinegotiate]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) The tanuki raises their head again with groggy, squinted eyes. They splash their face in the water with a refreshed grin before looking squarely at you with an irritated expression. The hat folds back down. Realizing you're getting nowhere, you wade out and summon the Kiwi over from the pile of bowls. He pokes the tanuki in the side a couple times. (text-colour:#784C49)[//“Ay, c’mon! This kid came all the way out here to meet you. One move is all we ask of you, the poor forest's gettin' thirsty"//] The tanuki raises their head once more, yet their eyes seem to groan. They plant their chin hard into their crossed forearms. (text-colour:#784C49)[//"J-just pass out beneath the waterfall, and let nature conduct you! Nothing wrong with a bit of lazing around, do it all you want! Yet, sometimes you got to do just enough to keep your home healthy and fed. Time and place for relaxing, y'know?"//] [[Please?->tanukiharmony]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#000000,0.6,#B8FFA4))) The tanuki raises their head one final time with a sharp exhale and darting eyes. Puffing heavily through their nose, they pluck themselves out of the pile. On all fours, they went around poking the other tanuki, each irritatedly rolling onto their feet. Some swatting at their friend, who barks back. The influx of water almost sweeps you off your feet and kisses the hems of your $bottom. Kiwi is grabbed by the stream before you can scoop him up, but one of the Tanuki tosses their hat at him to float down stream on. Reassured, you slosh out and flop tiredly onto the warm moss. (text-style:"blink")[Heavy eyelids] and (text-colour:#F3B90C)[(text-style:"smear")[sun-baked moss]] seduce out your drowsiness. Slumber is certainly one of the great virtues of this thicket. (set:$harmony to $harmony+1) Everything (text-style:"blur")[fades] (text-style:"blurrier")[away.] (text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[[[Wake when you're ready->tanukifinal]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4)) When again you arise in a hypnopompic stupor, brushing crumbs of earth from cheek. (text-colour:#F3B90C)[(text-style:"smear")[Sunlight still pours through the branches]], so t'seems t'was just a humble nap. You retrace your earlier (text-style:"shadow")[footsteps] (which were still (text-style:"shadow")[impressed] in the moss) back to the basin. Sure enough, the tanuki had stealthily returned to their naps under the dribblings of the fall. The gorge’s heartbeat now of healthy, thunderous aplomb. Kiwi floats around in the now-filled basin in the straw hat raft, lulled too by the soothing rhythm of pattered-on bellies. You fish him out with a flimsy branch and sit together on the shore for a bit, before being on your way. (set:$gorgedone to true) [[And what a wondrous rhythm it is!->junctionhub]]

(text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[''Breathe in.'']] |out1)[(text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[''Breathe out.'']]] |in2)[(text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[''Breathe in.'']]] |out2)[(text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[''Breathe out.'']]] |ready)[ (text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[[[Again.->deepbreath]]]] (text-colour:white)[(text-style:"smear")[[[I'm good now.->corvidshrine]]]]] {(live: 5s)[(show: ?out1)(stop:)]} {(live: 10s)[(show: ?in2)(stop:)]} {(live: 15s)[(show: ?out2)(stop:)]} {(live: 20s)[(show: ?ready)(stop:)]}

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEDC1)+(bg:#D90000)) The entryway to the dilapidated shrine is decorated by an assortment of gemini blends: of rope and ivy, of bells and foxgloves, of Shide and lily-of-the-valley. Kiwi runs right through with no hesitation and leaps up to an offering box against the back wall. He seems to do little prayer. (text-colour:#DDFFFB)[Step in](click-replace:"Step in")[You step into the shrine. Within, the ground yearns under your weight. A wounded floorboard almost swallows your foot, but you bounce back in time to evade the bite. As you do, a gelatinous mass (text-style:"sway")[wriggles its way] out of the hole. It’s (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[baby-blue], coated in a sort of (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[freckled mist]], slithering towards you. You cautiously back up until you stumble into the offering box. The miasma (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[(text-style:"buoy")[warps, foams and bubbles]]] before rising to take the form of a corvid in kannushi robes. (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[Its colour] (text-colour:#C3C5E2)[darkens to] (text-colour:#30403E)[the hue of] (text-colour:#000000)[''the shadows''], which if not for its robe, would vanish into the corners of the poorly-lit shrine. (text-colour:#DDFFFB)[[[H-hello?->corvidintroduce]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEDC1)+(bg:#D90000)) The spectre methodically lifts a piccolo to his beak, before a screeching pierces your eardrums in what sounds to be the instrument’s highest note. (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//There once was a wandering flesh, With pockets where gold do enmesh! I gave them a fright, To undo this blight So kami have place to refresh!//]] The corvid again screams in your ears: (text-style:"shudder")[(text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//Off’ring! Off’ring!//]]] (text-colour:#DDFFFB)[[[I have no gold.->corvidnogold]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEDC1)+(bg:#D90000)) At this, the corvid angrily bemoans, swatting at Kiwi with a Gohei. The Kiwi manages to evade the assault with a panicked dance. Again, the corvid pulls out the piccolo to set the tune. (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[// There once was a dashing young crow To women he gave quite a blow By the girls, he was gawk’d When he tripped on his sock, And woke, unalive, by his throes!// ]] Again, after finishing, he began to scream (text-style:"shudder")[(text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//‘Off’ring!’//]]] while banging on the box behind you. Kiwi trips over at the assault, before responding on his own in angry chirps: (text-colour:#D9BD75)[ ''//“By this shrine you remain stuck alive? So again women flock t’ your jive? Then give stop to your squawks And then pick up a mop So this temple may then again thrive!”//'' ] (text-colour:#DDFFFB)[[[Thanks, Kiwi!->corviddespair]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEDC1)+(bg:#D90000))The Corvid gives a manically prolonged (text-style:"shudder")[(text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//‘Off’riiing!’//]]] this time. (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[// Useless, Useless, the punks that you are! To clean, these wings’re just not up to par! Can’t ding no bell Can’t bring but hell! For my feathers are in Charon’s jar!//]] He turns towards you with a snide grin, as if now entitled to your non-existent moolah. (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[// But gold, now that there is the ticket, Hired hands will help clear out the thicket! I’ll get someone strong I’ll right this shrine’s wrongs I’ll call gals and get more than just crickets!//]] Your pockets are empty. Even if you wanted, you couldn’t pay off the corvid. Even then, how much money would be enough? You felt a wave of composure in the detritus and splintered decay of the modest hovel. Kiwi looks to you for how to respond. (text-colour:#DDFFFB)[[[Maybe the other animals will help?->corvidaid]] [[It’s music, not gold, that’ll bring back life here!->corvidtune]] [[Greed’s blinded your spirit!->corvidgreed]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEDC1)+(bg:#D90000))(text-colour:#D9BD75)[''“There once was a dashing young crow, To whom’s //flute// he could give quite a blow Play a beautiful song And back flock your swans May with buckets of gold in their tow!”''] (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//Fear they have! Fear they have, you dolt! They fear I’ll slice into their throat! But with a nice enough song I might draw in a throng And make, again, the ladybirds molt!//]] The ghastly raven bows to the hip before you and raises his piccolo. A haunting lament gently takes form and light flows through holes in the roof by the tipping sun. The spirit begins to walk while playing before settling in the shade on the front steps of the shrine. (set:$shrinedone to true) To this, the koi fish raise their heads and begin to whistle. Your work here is done, but first you sit on the steps together with the corvid listening to his song. (set:$harmony to ($harmony+1)) (text-colour:#DDFFFB)[[[Head back when you're ready->junctionhub]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEDC1)+(bg:#D90000)) (text-colour:#D9BD75)[''“There once was a dashing young crow who was poisoned in spirit by dough. Of course screams don’t work When you squawk as the clerk For granting the kami’s repose”''] At this, the corvid seemed incredibly infuriated and started flapping his wings, filling the shrine with the stench of death. (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//My heart in the wrong place? You quack! Step aside while my walls now do crack! You’re simply ideas And ataraxia Naught but pot calling the kettle black!//]] The Kiwi looks at you with light derision and whispers to you. (text-colour:#D9BD75)[//"I don't think a direct assault on 'is blind greed is gonna be effective while he feels entitled to a good shrine. Your heart's in the right place for calling him out, but these things are never as simple as a “stop”. Greed can only truly be defeated by taking the pleasure out of gold, or showing its pointlessness in a truly loving world. Remind him where his heart has always been and...[[Try another approach!->junctionhub]]"//]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEDC1)+(bg:#D90000))(text-colour:#D9BD75)[''“There once was a dashing young crow Whom lived not alone in the snow ‘Haps it’s not simple cash To again be in fash’ But some allies to make your home glow!”''] The corvid turned his head silently to the side, his (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//spectral neck-feathers//]] smoking with mist. He turned back to you, rubbing his chin with the flat-side of the piccolo. (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//Fear they have! Fear they have, you dolt! They fear I’ll slice into their throats! But with flesh on my side Whom my will, I confide, Hands holding a broom… sight I dote//]] The corvid flaps his wings, the hovel filling with a turbulent burst of wind. A suffocating downpour of dust thickens the air, every breath scratchy. With the dust, a broom, too, clunks down from the rafters. (text-colour:#DDFFFB)[[[Pick it up->corvidservice]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEDC1)+(bg:#D90000))(css: "font-size: 90%")[(text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//“Sweep first the floors, if you will, Then one will need treat walls with swill, One to patch up the cracks…”//]] (text-colour:#D9BD75)[''“Mate, we’ve no time for that!”''] (text-colour:#8AF7FF)[(text-style:"smear")[//“...Well I’ve got a tune I must fulfill!”//]] Without another word, the corvid floats out to the front steps to idly play his tune. For once, the piccolo sings not in screeches, but in a wonderful ode to the afternoon breeze. You sweep to the protestations of Kiwi, who too slowly mellows with the song. You find peace in the mundane act of gathering dust and detritus and flicking it out the front gate. As you do so, you notice something has joined the corvid’s song. The Koi, too, whistle along, their heads poking through the surface of the pond. Kiwi heads outside to watch them, but as soon as he does, pulls you away from your task. Some have crawled out of the water and are spitting mud and jets of water towards the walls of the shrine. The water loosens the creeping vines on its side and rehydrates the foxgloves. The mud, meanwhile, is inched up the wall to fill the roof holes. You smile at this collective effort, incentivized by the warmth of an afternoon tune. The corvid does not even notice, lost in the ebbs and flows of his song, thoughts of procrastination and financing repairs all vanished in the light of the setting sun. You see no reason to continue your task. Nature may take its toll on the shrine, but life will find a way. (set:$shrinedone to true)(set:$harmony to ($harmony+1)) (text-colour:#DDFFFB)[[[And what a sweet-sounding way it is->junctionhub]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#732BAA)+(bg:#F1CFAF)) (text-colour:#0A4900)[(text-style:"emboss")[//''“Bid thine Rotten Fowl, sends a tyke with fruits all ripe, Sendeth poisoned nuts and figs back down his sumptuous pipe.”''//]] (text-colour:#9E2D16)[''“Excuse me? It’s a gift. We just picked ‘em. Wanna ask you a few questions, sir.”''] Kiwi looks to you, gesturing to hand him the satchel instead. The Macaque ceases his song and his eyes shoot open. He grabs the shamisen by the neck, and tries to smash your hand. You cautiously leap back. (text-colour:#9E2D16)[''“Whoa! Calm down! We’re not your enemy!”''] The Macaque scoffs, cradling his instrument again with gentle plucks, again closing his eyes. (text-colour:#0A4900)[(text-style:"emboss")[//''“Sanjuro, as thou shouldst knoweth, hath ne’er been one to slouch. Your nefarious boss’ most moral when gagging on that pouch.”''//]] (text-colour:#9E2D16)[(text-style:"shudder")[''“W-we’re here with a message from the Pheasant, sir! Has he-"'']] The shaking kiwi looks to you to speak on his behalf. [[What did the Pheasant do to you?->macaquelore]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#732BAA)+(bg:#F1CFAF))(text-colour:#0A4900)[(text-style:"emboss")[//''“Pheasant? Doth that chicken wisheth ‘pon him one more clash? Foul Fowl took mine left leg, tendons nast’ly gashed, That bill of his, a mighty bludgeon, with which him I shall bash, O, fuddling Shoebill Yojimbo, 'tis thy leg ought be slashed!”''//]] As he croons, he strums a violent elegy. The air around him seems to shake and rupture with a palpable fury. (text-colour:#9E2D16)[(text-style:"sway")[''“No Shoebill, sir, the golden pheasant! Wants you in his choir! If you deny, I say no more, but spake of only whom I inquire!”'']] (text-colour:#0A4900)[(text-style:"emboss")[//''“Pah, I say, then pass thine fruits, but know’th no favours I take. Vigilance consumes mine mind, more than skills at stake.”''//] (text-colour:#9E2D16)[''“I know not, sir, of whom you speak, but t’sounds a heavy task. Share your burden, let your heart breathe, all, for now, I ask”'']] (text-colour:#0A4900)[(text-style:"emboss")[//''“One tortured score of years before, twas dawn mine daughter’s birth. Reckless, wast I, to beest betrayed at greatest heights of earth Beside the emp’ror, served for feast, Yojimbo and I. I his right-hand, he his left, mine lady wast his scribe. The dragon, Envy, took a lone man, led him to lash out. Now mine left leg, job, wife, daughter; bound by fate without.”''//]] (text-style:"smear")[[["..."->macaquehurt]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#732BAA)+(bg:#F1CFAF))(text-colour:#9E2D16)[''“A tragic tale, without a doubt, and sympathize I do. Yet an empty past doth not bind future to this yew!”''] (text-colour:#0A4900)[(text-style:"shadow")[//''“Live I doth not, naught but be, in crotch of this tree. Morn bringeth no reprieve but twelve hours watch for he.”''//]] To this, Kiwi stumbled, letting the Shamisen steamroll his queue in its spitting vitriol. His chords chop the breeze and sap the warmth from the air. You fall to your knees as the gloom nibbles at your tendons. The very air warps with scanline shadows, crunching at your heart. You look to Kiwi, who has closed his eyes, putting all his strength into standing tall against the sonic scorn. The Macaque opens his eyes, staring the kiwi down with a cruel smirk. Yet his chord grow heavier, his gaze sharper. The world sinks into his song. You can't believe your ears, the weight one's song can bear. As his beet-red eyes scorched the silent Kiwi and his fingers grew red, the Kiwi still did not break. (text-colour:#9E2D16)[''“[[Let me take this one... mate.->macaquerebuttal]]”'']

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#732BAA)+(bg:#F1CFAF))(text-colour:#9E2D16)[''“My heart is truly heavy with your words. I know what it’s like to lose, and I know, too, what it’s like to be trapped, to see only hell in paradise. Yet still, life goes on and I must fight from within. Sanjuro, your life has been horrible, but there’s people who want you now. You don’t need to be haunted by a past that’ll never return. Your anger is justified, but at some point you’ll grow old and realize this isn’t ever what you wanted, what your wife or daughter wanted, even what Yojimbo may have once wanted. Use the passion of anger, don’t let it use you, and find love again. Love in song, love in community, love in simply being there to witness the full brunt of the present. If Yojimbo comes back, what good will trading eyes do? Just forget him, because that’s the greatest form of disempowerment one can have over those who seek power over him. I- I rest my plea... Sanjuro, sir.”''] Sanjuro went silent after the Kiwi’s seminal plea. His plucking begins to contemplatively wander. He gazes up to the mountain ruins, to the blotches of orange clouds, and to the mango leaves the breeze still carries this far from the grove. Perfect weather, perfect nature, perfect conditions for a beautiful melody. Only his heart stood now in his way. (text-colour:#0A4900)[(text-style:"shadow")[//''Where be thine fowl lord? S’pose I’ll lend to him mine chords.''//]] (set:$harmony to ($harmony+1)) (text-colour:#9E2D16)[''“We’re heading back there now. Mate, will you lend him your shoulders.”''] (set: $yewdone to true) You nod, still in a stupor, and [[silently head back to the glass tree->junctionhub]] with stoic monkey in cargo.

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#D90000)+(bg:#B8FFA4))You return now to the Pheasant, all corners of the land again join together in harmony, unified by the most beautiful melody to ever cross your ears. (text-style:"bold","italic")[(text-colour:#fe9a00)[O Human, sit here, won’t you, for a bit?] (text-colour:#b90000)[Your moral spirits sung to us, young ‘un.] (text-colour:#658793)[Our bamboo orchestra no longer quits.] (text-colour:#8817d2)[Again we bring to life these woods as one.] (text-colour:#fe9a00)[These cakes, you take, by whom, Tanuki’s baked.] (text-colour:#b90000)[A cinnamon pie from Kitsune’s hearth,] (text-colour:#658793)[Some ripe figs that Sanjuro has just raked.] (text-colour:#8817d2)[And mixed grubs, though quite odd, they are with heart.] (text-colour:#fe9a00)[You are dismissed, though I won’t dare exile.] (text-colour:#b90000)[Please come again, we’ll sing to you with smiles!]] Kiwi looks to you approvingly and nods his head. (text-colour:#784C49)[//“Thanks, mate. I’ve got a feeling things will start getting a lot better around here. For all of us, y’know. Just sit and listen for a bit. This is what we all can be if only we can look past our conditions and work towards something greater.”//] You linger around, sitting by and listening to the song of the breeze for [[a little longer->junction]]/[[a lot longer->junction]]/[[for all eternity->junction]], but eventually you'll find your heart carries you out of the woods and back to the meadow.

(enchant:?page,(bg:#FFEECD)) (text-colour:#6787ff)[Along your path, a quartet of] (text-colour:#4C970A)[gummy green gnome-like creatures](text-colour:#6787ff)[ waddle single-file down the bishop-crafted byways. You take a few steps back as they approach you before stepping out of their way.] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[The small fellows, about up to your knees, are clad in cloaks of frond with little] (text-colour:#9d1111)[juice-stained tweed overalls] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[underneath. Their heads are bowling-ball-sized sugar snap peas, adorned with little shrubs growing out of them that are trimmed to the shape of paperboy hats. Each drags a burlap sack behind them and makes no glance in your direction.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[The creatures look a little grumpy, but continue away from you in perfect synchrony. Follow them?] [[Why not?->ciboyes]] [[I'm good->cibono]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#FFEECD))(text-colour:#D00B0B)[You walk in tandem with the little workers. From behind, they appear as walking bushes (text-style:"fidget")[rustling down] the cookie paths.] (set: $weapon to "cheese knife") (text-colour:#6787ff)[They approach one of the magnolia-marked strawberries. Each one pulls a little $weapon out of their trousers. Pretty quickly, they begin eviscerating the berry into little cubic chunks of flesh.] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[They pack the juicy vivisection into their sacks until each is stretched (text-style:"expand")[beyond its twiny limit], dripping with honey slime.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[You watch as they throw the disproportionate pouches over their shoulders and sluggishly hobble away. They leave behind about half of the strawberry, diced jammed in the flesh, presumably coming back for the rest with emptied sacks. It //probably// wouldn’t hurt to take a few pieces from here and there on the fruit.] [[Grab a few pieces->ciboyes2]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#FFEECD))(text-colour:#D00B0B)[You ignore the little fellows and head deeper into the fields, approaching the mountain cliffside.] (set: $weapon to "trowel") (text-colour:#6787ff)[Along your path, you find a little $weapon strewn near one of the Raspberries. Curiously, you lop off a couple of its juicy beads, each the size of a gelatinous apple and cradle them under your $top, all while tucking the $weapon into your waistband.] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[Looking for a good spot to picnic, you spot a railing poking out from a crevice in] (text-colour:#AC6CFF)[the lavender cliff.] [[Go up the stairway->cibono2]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#FFEECD))(text-colour:#D00B0B)[The glass booth elevator framed by steel girders starkly clashes with the tan lattices and cookie-crumb soils. You //rub the back of your hand// against the ''cool glass'', (text-style:"smear")[residual juices] marking your presence with syrup fingerprints.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[An aluminum obelisk with a single pearl key stands neighborly by the elevator, opening the door on contact.] Get in the Elevator(click-replace:"Get in the Elevator")[(text-colour:#D00B0B)[You enter the elevator with nowhere else to go.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[As soon as both of your feet are planted within, it smoothly descends beneath the soils.] (text-colour:#C20707)[Sinking, sinking, the air grows warmer as layers of gravel and sediment and branch-off chutes blur into each other.] (text-colour:#243882)[Deep, deep beneath the crust, the elevator lands in a pocket of woods.] [[Explore!->ciboforest]]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#FFEECD))(text-colour:#6787ff)[Trotting over to the carved stairway, it guides you up a tunneled pathway and onto a natural balcony on a higher shelf that overlooks the field. The chalky stone is barren, but cubically rugged, with little doilies atop its stumpy stools.] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[You plop the fruits on one, take a seat on another, and pop a berry cube in your mouth, the smell of fruit still in the air. One first bite, sun-kissed juice gushes into your mouth with a crisp, slightly bitter flavour. A bit overwhelmed, you sip the rest of the honey pustule, keeping it cupped between your dripping palms. It leaves the inside of your cheeks a bit sticky, but your throat is coolly refreshed by the burst of nectar.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[As you pick up the second, you scan the fields for where the little pea creatures might have gone, but can’t spot them. However, a glass elevator shaft protruding from one of the lots catches your eye. It seems to plunge under the fields.] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[What could possibly lie dormant beneath the plateau? You ought to investigate it after your meal.] [[Finish up your snack->ciboelevator]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:#FFEECD))(text-colour:#D00B0B)[Sinking your teeth into the cold flesh, a refreshing //dryness// curls around your mouth, your jaw joyously sloshing with the sweet juice. Your smiling lips are coated in nectar.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[You take the sullied $weapon with you, tucking it into your waistband, as well as a couple snack cubes to go before the pea people get too far away.] (text-colour:#D00B0B)[You trace their steps by means of the juice droplets, the syrup-drizzled ground making grabs at your sock as you go along.] (text-colour:#6787ff)[The pea-steps approach a glass elevator shaft that pokes out of the earth in one of the berry plots. Curious to where it could head, [[''you approach''->ciboelevator]].]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))Sequoia Tree pillars grant spine and sprawl to a network of treehouse complexes, mushroom paddies and cobblestone huts. As the elevator door opens, a flock of (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea people] pack tightly in with empty sacks and imprison your shins. You stumble out with a flurry of "Excuse me's", carefully not to kick them around. Wandering the area are hundreds of (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea people], densely going about their business. One is shucking the bark off a thicket of cinnamon trees. Some are carrying briefcases while shuffling through papers. Others roll around barrels of various fragrant ingredients. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Look up->talpaspotted]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))After coiling up an assortment of barks and tossing them over their shoulder, the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk] wanders towards a warehouse-like wooden flat sweatily puffing out steam. You (if:$door is "")[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[hold the door for them->holddoor]]]/(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[let them struggle their way in->struggle]]]](else:)[$door] and follow them in. Within, a linoleum-floored baking apparatus executes a variety of berry and plant-based dishes in abundant batches. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[Look East](click-replace:"Look East")[(text-colour:#FFEAC4)[In the east corner, ](text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk](text-colour:#FFEAC4)[ toss about woks of sauteed mushrooms and garlic noodles, packing them into ration pouches.]] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[Look West](click-replace:"Look West")[(text-colour:#FFEAC4)[In the west section, ](text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk](text-colour:#FFEAC4)[ in lab coats with dozens of increasingly pedantic measuring cups keenly portion motley berries in pursuit of a perfected smoothie recipe. One ](text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-chemist](text-colour:#FFEAC4)[ nauseously evades eye-contact with one of (text-style:"smear")[the frostiest drinks you’ve ever laid your eyes on].]] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[Look North](click-replace:"Look North")[(text-colour:#FFEAC4)[In the north sector, ](text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk](text-colour:#FFEAC4)[ pluck nuts and blossoms from their hats, broiling them with clumps of lichen and sprinkles of sundust, intent on mastering the alchemic recipe for feeding plants in the absence of sunlight. You’re a little frightened, unsure of whether their frond cloaks and shrub hats are part of their body, but they seem joyed enough.]] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Look at the Centerpiece->bakeryjewel]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk] dressed in tweed formalwear, eyeglasses and briefcases all briskly waddle into a large central complex carved out of an impossibly large tree trunk. Its bark exterior is layered in an art-deco motif, paneled with hundreds of windows. The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-salarymen] pay you no mind as you crouch through the entryway, grand for one of pea-height. The lobby is tiled, furnished with unused benches and coffee tables still resembling their natural form. Hanging root light fixtures swarmed with moths accidentally brush against your head. You run your fingers through your hair: no bugs, just some stray soil crumbs. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Explore the Building->cibooffices]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))(if:$doorwaslocked is false)[ Following your nose, you trail the asymmetrical wobblings of the barrel pusher. You feel inclined to help the little fella push the barrel along, but they unpredictably swerve out of your path each time you close in. Must be second-nature to do so. They wheel it behind an ivy-bathed folding screen, where an out-of-place caution-striped steel door sings with an electrical hum. Out of pity, you leap over them and hold the door open. Not a breath of acknowledgement, but it's alright.](else:)[ You know the drill. You've been here before.] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Enter the Backroom->cibobackrooms]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) Returning outside, you’re still eager to get a full picture of this operation. (set:$cakeslice to false) (if:($chefadminkey is true) or ($cooadminkey is true))[You've got an administrator pass. Maybe you should find somewhere to use it! ] The same types of (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea people] still scurry across the moss. Who do you wish to shadow this time? (if:$chefadminkey is false)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[The Cinnamon Peelers!->peelers]]] ](if:$cooadminkey is false)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[The Briefcase Carriers!->briefcases]]] ](text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[The Barrel Rollers->barrels]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) (set:$door to "generously hold the door open for them") (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[How sweet of you!->peelers]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) (set:$door to "patiently watch them suffer") (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Brutal...->peelers]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))The crown-jewel centerpiece of it all is, of course, the bakery. Berry croissants, berry tarts, berry pie, bao, donuts, sorbets, crepes, jams, baklava. The pungent sweetness blended with the aroma of fresh bread makes your mouth water. The kitchen is tightly packed; at least a hundred (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-chefs] flawlessly turn over their cog in the clockwork flavour machina. A layered Christmas-Tree-shaped cake stands taller than you at the center of the apparatus. On each layer, two (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk] perform a ballet guided by creamy purple frosting pouches. One of the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk] slicing up strawberries looks up from their cutting board at you and begins to panic. (text-colour:#77FF00)[“(text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo], gather! Defensive formation! All hands on counter! An intruder wants hands on the cake!”] The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk], called (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo], rush into a barricade to block you, wielding spatulas, egg-beaters and frosting bags. (text-colour:#77FF00)[“You have no business near our offering to the boss’ blood sugar! Depart from this kitchen! We can’t afford interruptions!”] The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] who originally sounded the alarm tossed a berry at you, landing and leaving a (text-colour:#FF9393)[(text-style:"smear")[red heart-shaped juice stain]] on your $top. (set:$cakeslice to false) (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[“Who’s the cake for?”->bakerycake]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] grumble, a few thrusting their tools forth. (text-colour:#77FF00)[“We told ya, the boss! Your boss, right? We know you’re here to intimidate us! The Don is always sending weird mammals to scare us!”] (if:$cakeslice is false)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[Why is the cake so important?]](click-replace:"Why is the cake so important?")[(text-colour:#FFEAC4)[''Why is the cake so important?'' (text-colour:#77FF00)[“You have ears, don’tcha? The boss is being all pissy! It’s all shares down this, labour strike that, so he’s havin’ us do all this extra work for him! How unfair is that?”] You nod along with what they’re saying, and they slowly seem to lower their guard.] (if:$cakeslice is false)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[Where’s the labour strike?]](click-replace:"Where’s the labour strike?")[(text-colour:#FFEAC4)[''Where’s the labour strike?'' (text-colour:#77FF00)[“It ain’t here! We’re all hard workers! It’s all the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] down below makin’ it tough on the middleman! How unfair is that?”] Several grunt in agreement. ] (text-colour:#77FF00)[“Those unskilled clowns need to know their place!”] (if:$cakeslice is false)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[How do I get down below?->headchef]]]] ]] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[May I have a slice?](click-replace:"May I have a slice?")[''May I have a slice?'' (text-colour:#FFEAC4)[The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] erupted into a disparaging chorus of (text-colour:#77FF00)[“Get the hell outta here”], refusing to engage any further with your questions.] (set:$cakeslice to true) (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[You best try again.->cibohub]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) (text-colour:#77FF00)[“What, you want to talk to the processing punks? You think you’re hot, huh?”] A few of them start laughing. (text-colour:#77FF00)[“You know what? Get the head chef, get them an administrator key! Saves us a few blisters, don’t it?”] Two of the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] emerge from the other side of the cake with a third unwillingly in tow. The head chef, you assume, is distinguished by a checkered smock, a tall fungal hat and a moss cookie-duster. He repeatedly bats at his two captors with a ladle. (text-colour:#77FF00)[“You clowns trying to tank us! Didn’t Don Talpa say to frost? No pauses, no distractions, no worries. Remember, or all our jobs are toast!”] One of the other (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] tugs on his fungal chef’s hat with an oscillating bounce. (text-colour:#77FF00)[“Quit being a hard-ass, just give the kid the key to the processing floor! They think they can tidy things up for us.”] The chef scoffs, his mustache flicking upward, (text-colour:#77FF00)[“I’d like to see the day… you know what? Whatever gets my fellas back to work. Now get frosting before I steam you all like edamame!”] (set:$chefadminkey to true) The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] turn away, yet your stomach rumbles. No one else in the kitchen seems willing to give you the time of day. You pick the strawberry off your $top and pop it in your mouth, (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[heading back outside to investigate further->cibohub]]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))The elevator door opened to a (text-style:"smear")[dimly-lit] carpeted office with wood-panelled walls. A (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-fellow] with a grey-streaked moss beard, pinstripe burlap, thick aviators and antlers barked to his coterie of scribing, nodding (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-secretaries]. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Our shareholders are reporting a 3-percent productivity loss in the post-lunch period. Solutions, solutions!”] He makes no acknowledgement on your entry as he barks at his band of scribblers. You curl up in the corner next to a mass-produced brass lamp and wait to see if he'll give you any info. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Drill it into the harvesting team that the consumers complaints about needing an exact seed-to-flesh ratio on Strawberry products are legitimate! We can't afford any more loss on the strawberry line!”] You start leafing through his coffee table books wondering whether the summon was even meant for you or was the result of bureaucratic mismanagement. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“The moles need to understand their place in the supply chain here! This company won’t survive bending over backwards to keep their salaries up during the floor strikes. Don Talpa can eat dirt if he wants more vacation time!”] You should probably get his attention or head out. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Approach his desk->talpaappears]]] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Head out->cibohub]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) Further within, uniform desks and cubicle walls subdivide the massive hall into hundreds of micro-operations, an overwhelming bustle with endless places to direct your attention. None seem to notice you as they peck away at their rust-caked typewriters with logo stickers on the back, or measure fruit tarts with calipers while scribbling unintelligible notes. None of the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-salarymen] speak, yet the sounds of ''clacking'', (text-style:"buoy")[chewing], //crinkling//, (text-style:"sway")[scanning] and ringing phones surround you. They seem to be running a rather intricate business. Maybe the QA team for a baked goods corporation? Your head is swirling with practical questions when one of the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk] tugs on your $top. You turn around, noticing your legs have created a bit of a dam amongst the dense labyrinth of tables. Your face gets warm, but the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-salarymen] seem unphased. The one who tugged your $top hands you a sheet of paper before vanishing into the bustle. The notice simply reads “(text-style:"expand")[''Take Elevator to Top Floor'']” in large typeface. Follow it or look elsewhere, lingering on the workfloor seems to be causing trouble. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Follow the lead->ciboexecutive]]] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Head Back Outside->cibohub]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))(text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Huh? Hey, who sent you here? You with the moles, cus you sure ain’t no Cibo. Tell your investor buddies strong-arming me won’t make the strikes disappear. Now git, we’re trying to keep production afloat here!”] All you got from that was that the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea-folk] are called (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo]. Without much choice but to leave, you turn to the door, but in bursts the Mole from earlier, now dressed to the nines in a Trilby hat, button-up vest and long coat. He drags in two leashed leeches, who dribble salt-water out their ring of teeth. (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“Howdy, Sugar Snap. Got a present for you.”//]] (text-style:"shudder")[(text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Now ain’t the time, Talpa. The strikes-”]] (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“The strikes’ll solve ‘emselves with a better man at the helm. Here, take it. Your severance.”//]] The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] boss nervously lights a cigar and takes a single drag before the mole plucks it from his hands and claims it for himself, blowing smoke into the executive's eyes. (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//"You heard me, pal. Severance. Walk."//]] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[You should probably...->talpafires]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//““Thanks for playin' along there. You got a bright future, I can tell. Loyalty like yours... could make all my problems go away. Say, that reminds me. I got a little problem that's eatin' me. I’ll make it worth your while. Here’s an administrator pass to the factory floor. You make sure all those damn plants are doing what they were damn grown to do. Capiche?”//]] Before you have a chance to respond, Don Talpa has already become distracted with snooping through the previous desk-owner’s secrets and pleasures. It seems in your interest to take the pass, regardless of whether you agree with Talpa's request. (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“Good, good. I like a bird who don't chirp. Oh, the boss certainly had taste in candy, huh? Heh. Kid, mind getting out of my lack-of-sight until the job is done?”//]] (set:$cooadminkey to true) The leeches growl at you, and Don Talpa looks ecstatically prepared for you to leave the room. You figure your business is done here and (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[investigate elsewhere->cibohub]]].

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))You start backing away from the desk, but one of the leeches slithers between your legs to block the door. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Watch the mug, Talpa! You’re crazy if you wanna pick a fight with me, and crazier if you think I walk, Talpa! I built this company!”] (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“And you’re crazier if you want to stay while my investments tank and blood pressure rocket, 'specially with my buddy in the corner over there and my two little princesses getting parched. You're not sayin' you want me dead or starving, are ya?”//]] (text-style:"shudder")[The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] executive trembles with rage. ] (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Y-you and your twenty-percent stake... you’ll sink this company! People will starve! We’ll be back in an era of savagery where the people snack without added sugars! Snack on the bounties of the land with no price tag attached! We’ll bleed by your claws! I’ll take my leave, but you leave the right to plastic-wrapped flaky, buttery snacks in the hands of the Cibo, you hear me? This is //our// station!"] The Cibo Boss stomps his way to the elevator and is swallowed back down the social order. The Mole, Don Talpa, takes his seat behind the desk to finish his cigar in peace. You get the feeling you were just dragged into a coup. (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“Hey, big buddy, c’mere. I don't bite, Well... ''I'' don't bite.”//]] Don Talpa gestures towards you. The leeches face you, rivulets of drool seeping through their fangs. You don't have a choice here. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Approach him->talpadeal]]]

The hatch steams and is shot up by piston hinges, exposing a ladder sinking deep into the yawns of industry. You steady yourself and begin your descent. Further, further into the darkness. The cold metal ladder sucks the heat from your hands, but your pace is set. Deeper. Deeper. (text-style:"smear")[Strips of white LEDs] allow you just enough visibility to see your hands, your feet and the next rung down. Further. Further. In the distance, you hear the dispatching of steam, the cranks and swells of machines. You think how hard it would be for a (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] to use ladder rungs with their little limbs, and if it was even possible at all. Deeper. Deeper. [[Oh?->factoryfloor]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1))(if:$doorwaslocked is false)[The door opens into a sterile white hallway with concrete floors, contextless doors and (text-style:"smear")[buzzing fluorescents]. The air smells caustic; a medley of bleach, steel shavings and tires. Open fuse panels and caged alarms decorate the sparse wall. Your skin feels endangered in the stale, sickly air. You stay close to your guide, who mutters under their breath: (text-colour:#316A00)["//Liminizing, Laminizing, Lamb and Spices.//"] They frantically swing their head around, little loose leafs fall crinkled to the floor. It takes another minute of hushed search before you process they are saying “Lemon Icing”, matching it to the weak zest of his barrel. They halt before one of the unlabelled doors and unlock it, but the barrel rolls solo a few feet beyond it's goal. They respond with a raspy (text-colour:#316A00)[“//Hey!//”] and waddle-jog to retrieve their runaway companion. You should probably seize the opportunity and slip in.](else:)[Again, you've travelled these halls before. I won't waste your time!] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Enter the Icing Room->icingroom]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#000000)+(bg:#ACACAC))The interior is far dimmer than the halls, lined with sizzling vents and exposed pipes. A (text-colour:#FFE6B4)[(text-style:"smear")[single hanging light bulb seasons the room with flecks of amber]]. Puffs of steam, aching walls seemingly contract around you. This deep in the crust, to think this operations sprawls deeper, further out. Scale can be haunting. Against the back wall, a chute sucks the air out of the room. To its side, a trapdoor makes known it’s frame with (text-colour:#C90000)[(text-style:"smear")[stark red LEDs]]. The (text-colour:#345A13)[pea-folk] rolls the barrel into the room, right up to the chute hatch, backs up and wipes their forehead with a frond leaf. A mechanical arm jerks and lunges, descending voraciously onto the keg from shadow-cover. With a hydraulic groan, the barrel is lifted, twirled around, inspected in an almost sensory manner before being hurled down the chute. The (text-colour:#345A13)[pea-folk] eagerly trots out of the room, likely rushing back for another keg of goodies. After they leave, you investigate the trapdoor, making sure to be sufficiently thorough in this dead end of a sterile expanse. ''Admin Access Only.'' Harsh black letters printed across the hatch. (set:$doorwaslocked to true) (if:($chefadminkey is true) or ($cooadminkey is true))[(text-colour:#044E6C)[[[Use the administrator key->ladderdown]]] ](text-colour:#044E6C)[[[Head back->cibohub]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) You look up to see hundreds of honeycomb balconies where the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea people] must have made residence. On one balcony, you spot an outlier: a ''//jumbo, grizzled-looking mole//'' (text-colour:#c9c9c9)[(text-style:"smear")[smokes a cigarette]], eyelessly scanning the bustle. (set: $door to "") They seem to catch sight of you and tilt their head, but are called back inside, extinguishing their cigarette against their white tank-top. (set:$doorwaslocked to false) Whatever’s going on here, you’re curious to piece together this operation. Turning your attention back to the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[pea people], who do you wish to shadow? (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[The Cinnamon Peelers!->peelers]]] (set:$chefadminkey to false) (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[The Briefcase Carriers!->briefcases]]] (set:$cooadminkey to false) (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[The Barrel Rollers->barrels]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) Your feet settle on diamond plate flooring, and blood flows back in your hands. It smells lightly of ozone and batteries, but both are trumped by the sickening fetor of butters, creams and syrups. You step out away from the ladder cubby and find yourself in a maze of pipes; a cubic vortex of every shade of grey. They dance between each other, disorderly carrying who-knows-what to who-knows-where. It feels unreal. It feels... inescapable. [[Wander the pipe dream->factoryvillage]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) The pipes scatter and shoot off around a metallic cove of (text-style:"shadow")[(text-colour:#a62f1e)[rust-gnawed shipping crates]] and discarded storage tanks. It’s an aluminum village of conveyor-belt creaks, valve and gauge flora, rubber hose vines and heating lamp sunshine. The crates and vats, gutted and dissolving, seemed to lack an industrial function in the sprawl of the grand-machine. Does someone... live in them? The concrete-cased machine reaches mundanely for unseen walls in all directions. No cracks, no halts, just pure production. The machine metallically groans, huffs and whistles, its lungs pumping the air full of a burning haze. You don’t feel welcome here, but was anyone meant to be? The machinations seemed to underlie the whole valley, the rumbling underbelly to a surface of divine greens, sweets and souls. You’re truly awed with the spectacle. But you're alerted. There's something behind you. [[Footsteps.->snowenters]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) Something presses into your back, a static prong partnered with a (text-colour:#41742B)[“//We got one! Get the Professor! Get Professor Snow!//”] You stumble forth and raise your arms in the air, craning your head slightly behind you. A pod of (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo], without fronds, more pale and wrinkled than those above, stare at you with hesitant dreary eyes, pointing scalding iron rods towards your backside. You stand still, confused, the group jumping in fear at your every movement. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Well. A human on the processing floor. Those surface-folk are always sending surprises.”] A new (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] walked in front of you; smaller, yet exuding far more confidence. They held their hands behind their back, inspecting you through plate-sized glasses. They wore a turtleneck under a pair of coveralls, a paisley bandana with two puffs of frizzy shrubbery hanging out the bottom. They rolled their eyes over you, circling around you before continuing. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“A human with an admin pass. Don's running out of tricks! So, you one of his new toys?”] (text-colour:#41742B)[“I bet they are!”] (text-colour:#8D6200)["My friends, ease your nerves! Let the good human answer!"] [[I am. The Don sent me.->donsentme]] [[I’m not with him.->fthedon]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Well welcome to the club of being used like the rest of us. Whatever he offered you, he ain’t letting you have it ‘til all us down here are good little cogs again."] The eyes of the wrinkled (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] seem to fill with anger as Professor Snow speaks. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“But it’s not gonna happen, and you know why? They //blare alarms// when we start nodding off. They //cut the water// if we don’t output enough. They only let us eat //defects// of the company product //we// produce- one for every thousand pieces worked on.”] The rest of the group nods along with her, galvanized by her calls for retribution. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“So ask yourself now, human, and I mean sincerely ask your true self- who is worth fighting for? Who is worth fighting for- that's //always// my moral guide.”] [[The Floor Workers! You guys are!->helpthecibo]] [[Don Talpa is.->loyaltotalpa]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Well, either you’re a liar, a traitor or a thief, and I don’t love those odds. Either way, my people need what you have and are gonna need it. Just a little test of heart.”] She holds out her hand. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Are you willing to put your life in our hands? Trust in me that I trust in you coming to the surface with us. Simple rite for loyalty. No harm, no foul.”] [[Give them the Pass->givepass]] [[Don’t give the Pass->dontgivepass]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#F1f1f1)+(bg:#686868)) The (text-colour:#D2FFB1)[Cibo], held prisoner by their inability to ascend the ladder, guide you to a hidden stairway to the upstairs over by the supervisor offices. You snake through a jungle of squealing pipes, bulging steel drums and sweltering bakery-ovens. The blended smells of grease and burning plastic with bubbling sugars and butters brings the sweaty trek a hallucinogenic air. [[You locate the stairway together against a far wall->stairway]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Hmph. I was hoping you’d like that one. No better way to end the game than to burn the board. Good thing every one of us floor folk knows exactly where to strike, ain’t that right?”] The (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] all start chanting (text-colour:#41742B)["Reactor!"], to which Snow laughs. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“All we needed was an admin pass to get close enough, and would you look at what our insurgent friend has bestowed us!"] Snow reaches for your hand. (text-colour:#8D6200)["Let’s fight for community, for real food, for the right to our health and to finally see the sun rise!”] The stronger (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] revolutionaries begin stampeding towards the jungle of pipes and croaking machinery. [[Join the Revolution->cibocharge]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Good. Another mind enlightened by the Professor. Now, I’ve got two ways in mind that we all get out of this, and are hopefully better for it. Either we use that Admin pass and we all take this fight upstairs ''or'' we shut down the whole operation from within. I'm all for //real// democracy, so let's see what y'all think." "Lets run some pros and cons. We choose to go up, we’ll probably have to fight tooth-and-nail through our working brothers and sisters. A few of us'll probably get hurt. But, if all goes accordingly, we earn a better life for ourselves down here and the world's a little better for it."] Quite a few (text-colour:#758045)[Cibo] seem satisfied by this, and back her up with "Yeah!"s and "Fight the power!"s. (text-colour:#8D6200)["Or, if we run the plan down here, we take a lot of long-term risks. There’s no guarantee we can even get out, and we'll almost definitely be left without job or supply. Yet we'll live and die free for as long as we have, never again pulling up the boots of the mole upstairs. We'll build our own society, up there or down here, and never in doing that forget the face of oppression."] More than half of the (text-colour:#758045)[Cibo] get a glint in their eye. The prospect of true freedom is tantalizing. (text-colour:#8D6200)["Either way, if all goes well, the man will know what a fair share looks like by the end of the night. And we'll, at the very least, get to see the souls we were born without.”] [[I think we take the fight upstairs.->marchonoffice]] [[I think we shut it all down.->shutitdown]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“I’ll ask again, because you don’t seem to be treating this situation seriously. This is the life we’ve been forced into when things got too big for their britches. Some of us started in the kitchen, but most of us were grown in pots down here with heat lamps, never kissed by mother sun! And now, like it or not, we’re all trapped down here and it’s either working //with// us or popping my head for a bounty we both know doesn't even exist. Choose wisely, I’ll be standing perfectly still while you do. So again, who is worth fighting for right now?”] [[You're right. I'll help you guys.->helpthecibo]] [[Your head it is, Snow.->killsnow]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#9A4CDE)+(bg:#f9c6f9))''Welcome to SOPORFALL, the electric dream journal!'' ''Click [[hyperlinks->instructions]] to advance!'' (These are usually (text-colour:#587EBB)[blue] and are always at the bottom of a page!) ''Play in Fullscreen (Adjust the zoom as needed)'' Text can bleed off the page and be harder to read! As text size is determined by your browser, I couldn't properly mitigate bleed. Be prepared to Ctrl + and Ctrl -! ''Keep tabs open, there are no saves!'' (Soporfall is entirely narrative text, split into 5 sections. It shouldn't take you more than a couple minutes to get back where you were. The routes average around 7500 words, so have a good 30 free minutes before starting a new route!) ''Get Comfortable!'' Pick out your choice music, snacks, drinks (drugs??) and let yourself get lost! I've put a nice ambient playlist on the <a href="https://booperella.neocities.org/posts/SoporfallExtras">Extras</a> page (and was told by a playtester it's even better high!). Have fun and thanks for coming by! Leave any bugs, spelling errors or hard-to-read text in the itch comments or message me at @boopleone on Discord. I'll fix 'em ASAP! - //Charlotte// (boopus) [[I'm ready to begin!->openeyes]] [[Back to Main Menu->startmenu]]

(text-style:"smear")[|1)[Dozing off as days define themself through words and sounds and snacks.] |2)[Reflective haze chops present days for memories, traumas, facts.] |3)[Lives are told and selves are found through pictures chose to save.] |4)[But think not, just drift through, towards shadows which you paved.] |5)[For where we let the sand fall free, all shadows melt to cream.]] |6)[(text-colour:#587EBB)[[[Open those eyes, and welcome home, to the valley of our dreams.->Intro1]]]] {(live: 1s)[(show: ?1)(stop:)]} {(live: 5s)[(show: ?2)(stop:)]} {(live: 9s)[(show: ?3)(stop:)]} {(live: 13s)[(show: ?4)(stop:)]} {(live: 17s)[(show: ?5)(stop:)]} {(live: 21s)[(show: ?6)(stop:)]} [[Skip->Intro1]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) You brandish your $weapon. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Well, would you look at that? The tiger shows its stripes."] Snow looks exhaustedly around the steel village and gestures for the other (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] to back away. (text-colour:#8D6200)["It's me he wants, ain't it? Then just kill me. I’m the only damn one. It's always just one with these bastards. The unarmed numbers cruncher, the doctor, the supply manager, Professor Snow, a threat to the valley’s health? Even if I could, I won’t resist. Let him have his hollow victory while hearts still blaze. You think the hundreds of them give up the fight? Suffer exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition, all in the name of one mole’s summer vacations, because of me? No, I see, it’s all the machine working as intended.”] Snow smiles at the provocation, and moves to block the exit with her arms spread in embrace. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Strike your path clear, leech.”] The (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] all seem shocked at this gambit, several crying out for mercy, a few begging her to fight back. But she simply stands cross-armed in the archway of pipes, a wry smile painting her face. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Let them leave freely if they do. Don’t prove Talpa right. 'Blood's for the savages', right? Besides, Hell's a lot warmer than this place.”] [[Kill Snow->evilend]] [[Back off and Apologize->imsorry]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Well, you love to see lessons have a moral. Emotions are a killers worst enemy. Ain't that right?”] You drop the $weapon, which the Professor doesn’t miss, snatching it and storing it in her back pocket. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Now that we’re unarmed and ready to listen, welcome to the club of being used like the rest of us. Whoever paid you wants nothing more than me dead, you taking my place as good little cogs in something bigger than all of us. Some’re out there still working twice as hard, farming their blisters. They didn’t want a part in it, but we refuse to tolerate it anymore. They //blare alarms// when we nod off, they //cut the water// if we don’t output enough, and they only feed us company product: one in every thousand we produce.”] The rest of the (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] nod along with her. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“I hope you understand now who it is you ought to be fighting for.” ] [[Nod ashamed.->helpthecibo]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FF9C9C)+(bg:#6D0000)) You attack Snow with your $weapon. She doesn't even try to resist. You… don’t need me to describe it further, do you? You leave with (text-colour:#D2FAAF)[pea juice] and screams haunting you to the exit. At their leader's word, none make a move on you. (text-colour:#F9FAAF)[//Blood's for the savages.//] You climb back up the ladder; sick, haunted. You’ve completely lost track of time. Back through the hallway, back through the grove, you don’t feel up to claiming any credit or reward, you simply go without looking at a single Cibo. Back up the elevator, back across the latticed-path, only this time, the crushed Scarecrow seems to stare at you, its juice stains darker than you remember. You return to the meadow and call it for the night. (set:$snowkilled to true) Have a nice rest, you monster. And never return. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[THE END (4 of 4)->junction]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) You trust Snow with the admin pass. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Well you're just a peach! I usually have to do so much convincing with the goons they send down here to hustle us. Don't worry, I wouldn't think about ditching you. Too much of the time folks just don't know who it is that's worth fighting for.”] The other Cibo lower their guard at Snow's signal. (text-colour:#8D6200)["Man, this was the missing piece to //every plan// we came up with together for ''liberation''! Now, Human, listen good since you ain't in on it all yet. We've seriously considered two ways to end all this that are now in our hands, and I want you to at least stand by us through the fight. That good with you?"] [[It is->helpthecibo2]] [[Actually, it isn't!->snowschoolsya]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) You refuse trusting Snow with the admin pass. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“So that’s how it is. Actions always have spoken louder than words...”] The crowd grows silent, looking despondently towards Professor Snow. She looks around, troubled. Her face lights up with anger, yet her tone stays disarmingly calm. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“You know why they call me ‘Professor’, human? It’s cus I know how to teach a lesson no one ever forgets. The secret is to go right to the heart.”] She nods and her compatriots step forth, again raising their scalding rods. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“So, you got a good reason or do I need to repeat myself?”] [[Give her the Pass->helpthecibo]] [[I have another idea->anotheridea]] [[Pull the $weapon->pullweapon]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“You are so sketchy. Though I guess that probably looks like the pot calling the kettle black to you, huh? Look, we've been planning this for our whole lives. Months, years, we've been waiting for an opportunity to get our fair share. This is //our// movement and it rests on that card! You wanna hold it, sure! Whatever! But this isn't your movement to just claim outta the blue! I just wanted to make sure you're on our side in this whole deal, got it? Make sure you know who's worth fighting for and being willing to stand by our side. You hear me?”] The other (text-colour:#758045)[Cibo] nod along with. The rest of the group nods along with her, galvanized by her calls for retribution. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“So ask yourself again, human, and I mean sincerely ask your true self- who is worth fighting for? There's no being passive when the lines are this clearly drawn. Am I getting through?”] [[Loud and Clear!->helpthecibo]] [[I'll need a bit more than that.->snowschoolsuharder]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) You brandish your $weapon. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Well, would you look at that? The tiger shows its stripes."] Snow looks exhaustedly around the steel village and gestures for the other (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] to back away. (text-colour:#8D6200)["It's me he wants, ain't it? Then just kill me. I’m the only damn one. It's always just one with these bastards. The unarmed numbers cruncher, the doctor, the supply manager, Professor Snow, a threat to the valley’s health? Even if I could, I won’t resist. Let him have his hollow victory while hearts still blaze. You think the hundreds of them give up the fight? Suffer exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition, all in the name of one mole’s summer vacations, because of me? No, I see, it’s all the machine working as intended.”] She moves to block the exit. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Strike your path clear, leech.”] The (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] all seem shocked at this gambit, several crying out for mercy, a few begging her to fight back. But she simply stands cross-armed in the archway of pipes, a wry smile painting her face. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Let them leave freely if they do. Don’t prove Talpa right. Bloods for the savages.”] [[I’m so sorry, I’ll help!->imsorry2]] [[Strike your path clear->evilend]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Well, you love to see lessons have a moral. Emotions are a killers worst enemy. Ain't that right?”] You drop the $weapon, which the Professor doesn’t miss, snatching it and storing it in her back pocket. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Now that we’re unarmed and ready to listen, welcome to the club of being used like the rest of us. Whoever paid you wants nothing more than me dead, you taking my place as good little machines in the grand machine of industry."] The (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] seem excited that you're listening now. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“You ready to sit back and listen to my plan? It involves that admin pass of yours!"] Snow holds the admin pass in her hand. It seems like she swiped it from you during the scuffle. [[I'm ready to listen.->helpthecibo]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Alright, good. Had to make sure. The two plans are we take this fight upstairs ''or'' we shut down the whole operation from within. I'm all for //real// democracy, so let's see what y'all think."] (text-colour:#8D6200)["Pros and Cons if we choose to go up. We’ll probably have to fight tooth-and-nail through our working-class brothers and sisters. A lot of us will probably get hurt. But, if all goes accordingly, we have a better life for ourselves down here and the world's a little better for it."] Quite a few (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] seem satisfied by this, and back her up with "Yeah!"s and "Fight the power!"s. (text-colour:#8D6200)["Or, if we run the plan down here, we take a lot of long-term risks. There’s no guarantee we even get out, and we'll almost definitely be left without job or supply. Yet we'll live and die free for as long as we have, never again pulling up the boots of the mole upstairs. We'll build our own society, up there or down here, and never in doing that forget the face of oppression."] More than half of the (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] get a glint in their eye. The prospect of true freedom is tantalizing. (text-colour:#8D6200)["Either way, if all goes well, the man will know what a fair share looks like by the end of the night. And we'll, at the very least, get to see the souls we were born without.”] [[I think we take the fight upstairs.->marchonoffice]] [[I think we shut it all down.->shutitdown]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Come on, dude, you just //gave us// the pass without even being confident in our cause? Fine, fine. It's not my duty to do so, but since you helped out... I'll convince you. It's any professor's job to sell their students an idea.”] The other (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] eagerly listen for Snow's lesson. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Whatever it may have looked like up there, they're starving us and they've cut off our supplements ‘til all us down here are good little //machines// again. They //blare alarms// when we start nodding off. They //cut the water// if we don’t output enough. All we're allowed to eat are //defects// of the company product //we// produce- one for every thousand pieces worked on. This is the life we’ve been forced into when things got too big for their britches. Some of us started in the kitchen, but most of us were grown in pots down here with heat lamps, never kissed by mother sun! That includes myself, a //proud// heat-lamp baby. And, without this pass, we’re stuck trapped down here”] The rest of the group nods along with her, galvanized by her calls for retribution. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“So ask yourself again, human, and I mean sincerely ask your true self- who is worth fighting for? There's no being passive when the lines are this clearly drawn. Am I getting through?”] [["Loud and Clear!"->helpthecibo2]] [["Actually, I think Talpa is." (brandish your $weapon)->pullweapon]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Fine, fine. We've got so many mouths we're trying to feed with no water or vitamins right now, but sure. I'll talk you through this whole deal. Brothers and Sisters, help your weaker comrades while I teach the human a lesson.”] The other (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] disappointedly return to their storage-crate homes. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Whatever it may have looked like up there, they're starving us and they've cut off our supplements ‘til all us down here will be good little //machines// again. They //blare alarms// when we start nodding off. They //cut the water// if we don’t output enough. All we're allowed to eat are //defects// of the company product //we// produce- one for every thousand pieces worked on. This is the life we’ve been forced into when things got too big for their britches. Some of us started in the kitchen, but most of us were grown in pots down here with heat lamps, never kissed by mother sun! That includes myself, a //proud// heat-lamp baby. And, without this pass, we’re stuck trapped down here.”] Snow gives a tired, earnest sigh. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“So ask yourself again, human, and I mean sincerely ask your true self- who is worth fighting for? There's no being passive, no being protective, no being assertive when the lines are this clearly drawn. There's us and those who willingly keep us down. //Now// am I getting through? For the love of the sun, if you still don't see //this is our lives// you're wasting around with...”] [[I'm sorry. You've convinced me. ->helpthecibo2]] [["Actually, I think Talpa is." (brandish your $weapon)->pullweapon]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#F1f1f1)+(bg:#686868)) The stairway is unguarded. Story after story of emergency stairs ascended, the fire alarms sing the song of your march. You imagine what the (text-colour:#D2FFB1)[Cibo] still on the floor feel, how they still work through the blaring alarms, the sweat, the odiferous malaise. You suppose they've never known otherwise. You imagine the (text-colour:#D2FFB1)[Cibo] up above. Are they ignorant, told otherwise? Terrified, made to fear their brethren? Are they ready for war, ruined by the strikes? Professor Snow talks among her fighters: flanks, shortest routes, switches to flip, anything to make sure shit gets done with as little collateral and harm as possible. You parade together into the unknown, unsure of what might come from this escapade. Regardless, you continue upwards. (text-colour:#B0FFEE)[[[You just hope it's something sweeter than this.->snowchat]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) Narry a (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] holds the line in the upper halls. Only the occasional keg-roller makes pass with eyes too glazed over to pay ye much heed. Rather than split paths to navigate the labyrinthine backrooms, the group wanders in close-knit formation. Each of your allies is armed with bits of pipes, a rolling squeal of steel against tile marks your arrival. Professor Snow smiles giddily and turns to you. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“I’ve never seen the sun, you know. Was a pot baby, down there on the floor. Never’ve known anything but. That’s how they want it to be.”] What changed?(click-replace:"What changed?")[ (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Uncompromised education. Gossip turned to conversations turned to group meetings turned to smuggled books. We found allies among the financiers and keg-rollers. Community becomes unbreakable through tragedy. Once you notice a gas leak, you can’t unsee it, can’t choose to ignore it. Some things are just like that. I wonder how many up here smell it too...”]] [[March on->coointrusion]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))Together, you march into the moss caverns, the chefs and harvesters peeking with whispers from their posts. The bustle around the central office had slowed to a crawl, with still not a single worker standing in your way. It was all talk, all stigma, all but one admin card, that held off the battle for justice. You all enter the office elevator and ascend to the top floor, the height of the underground, before the first (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Hold it!”] comes your way. (if:$cooadminkey is false)[An overdressed Cibo with a grey-streaked moss beard, pinstripe burlap and antlers](else:)[The Cibo executive from earlier] charges towards you. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Hey, hey, hey, you can’t go in there!”] He pleads pathetically with you while hanging off your leg. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“And why is that? An employee has every right to speak to their employer.”] Snow leers at him. (if:$cooadminkey is true)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Weren't you fired?->patheticcoo]]]](if:$cooadminkey is false)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Who even are you?->patheticcoo]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) One of your (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] blurts out. (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“Wait, Snow, ain't this guy the COO? Aren’t you, man? Hey Snow, isn’t this the guy we’re after?”] The accused COO straightens his spine in fear. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“No, it’s nothing like that. I mean, I am, er, I //was//, but I’m, uh, not worth anything! Not anymore... I was just, well, keeping the lights on!”] (text-colour:#FFE251)[“And keep the floor running?”] Snow looks at him snidely. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Well, of course! Among, uh...smaller...”] (text-colour:#FFE251)[“Among keeping employees satisfied? Dealing with strikes? Listening to employee’s complaints?”] (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Yes, yes, sure. Point is, Talpa will be very mad if he sees me even speaking to you. He’ll think we conspired, that I was in on this, and then I’ll //never// get back in the door, so please- there’s a lot to lose from-”] Snow ignores him and pushes right past him into the head office. Your armed (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] cohorts bar the frantic leader from shirking his responsibility. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Enter the Office->snowvtalpa]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) Inside, Talpa sits calmly with his feet on the desk lighting up another cigar. (if:$cooadminkey is true)[(text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“Big Buddy returns to the surface without a single problem solved. This company really is sinking!”//]]](if:$cooadminkey is false)[(text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“So you're the outsider the chefs pressured into the underground to solve the strike, and as happens when you let plants make decisions, they picked an empathetic moron.”//]]] He takes an enormous drag before slamming his paw on the table and feeding the stub to one of the giant leeches on either side of the desk. (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“And you, my fired friend, you’re back on for the next 15 minutes. Go buy me more of these.”//]] He pulls out another cigar from the desk and wags it at the boss. (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“Yer runnin’ low. Good taste for a pencil pusher, I'll admit.”//]] While the ex-COO struggles to find the words to thank Talpa for the position, Snow wastes no time jumping in and getting everyone in position. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“Talpa, you bastard ''leech''! We ''demand'' actual pay and ''better conditions'' on the factory floor! This is ''no way for us to live'', for you to treat ''living souls''! We’ll ruin you, we'll do whatever necessary to guarantee our //fair share//!”] The (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] get fired up and cheering, smashing the fancy little office details (for which the ex-COO shows far more despair than Talpa). (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[You heard her!->talpaquits]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))Talpa pulls his hat over his face with a chuckle. He strokes one of his leeches, who emits a frothing pur. (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“You plants are cute, always putting on a show, always workin' yer little sprouts to knubs. You...*cough* you know I don’t even work here, right?”//]] (text-colour:#FFE251)[“I don't care! ''You'' lobby, ''you'' demand more, more, more! It’s you and all your buddies whose interests they’re beholden to. If it wasn’t for ''your'' investments and-”] (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“Let me get a word in, kid! If you'd listen, I just sold my twenty percent. Wasn’t likin’ the way trends’ve been looking the past few hours, if I’m honest. Told all my buddies to pull out too, so good luck recouping, I guess? Friend found an old bath house in a nearby cave system that's lookin' plump for growth. Come by sometime, will ya? Great for the back after a shift.”//]] The ex-COO starts weeping about how the company is ruined and it’s all his fault. The other Cibo seem a bit shell-shocked. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“So, the COO was fired... and the investors all ran? Who do we- what was...”] Snow takes off her glasses and rubs her eyes with a groan. (text-colour:#DBBBAC)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“Up to the new guy. I'm done here. I’ll have one of my leeches play interim honcho. Figure it out wit' 'em. I’m off to get my back fixed.”//]] Talpa pulls the cigar drawer out of the desk, tucks it under his arm and buries into the floor. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[That's that...?->whattodo]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))(text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“Wh-”] The whole group stands befuddled. (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“Is it over?”] One (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] breaks the silence. (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[”We won and it feels like nothing’s changed.”] Snow shakes her head and puts on a brave face. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“Not yet we haven’t. I think things just got really bad for this whole place. We... I feel like we have a duty to fix it, for all those still down there, but at the same time... what if we didn’t?"] Snow appears deep in thought, which all the other present (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] join her in. (text-colour:#FFE251)["Would people really starve without the dessert supply? Lose their purpose without a job? What do you think, human?”] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[//You// should take the reins, Snow!->cesnow]]] (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Let’s forget this place and go see the sun!->blacksnowsun]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“Yeah, we agree, Snow!”] (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“You can fix everything! We can get better pay and conditions and fix everything with you up here!”] Snow made a very uncertain expression, but held her tongue with the excitement of the other (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] pouring in. (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“And you’re great with numbers!”] (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“You’re hearts on our pulse, Snow. You’ll do great!”] The ex-COO butted (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Oh wonderful, yes, and you'll take me on as a manager! I’ll make sure everything gets done precisely as needed!”] (text-colour:#FFE251)[“I... appreciate it everyone. But I don’t…”] she hesitates. She knows well the beast she’s walking into the mouth of. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[It's for the best.->ceoend]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17))(text-colour:#FFE251)[“The sun, huh?”] Snow’s eyes well up as she repeats the words back to you. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“Sounds lovely right now. Come, everyone. Let’s get out of here. We’ve worked hard enough for too long. Let’s take our rest for a bit, and maybe in it, find something brighter than fluorescent lights.”] The ex-COO objects. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“What, so half our floor staff are just quitting AND we’ve lost all our funders? Wait, then, less pay dished out, then maybe... if we downscale. Yes, yes, all scales can be balanced. I’m sure Talpa won’t mind me taking over again for his leech, heheh. Man, job AND severance. No one in my way... good riddance, lousy strikers. Haha!”] The ex-ex-COO speaks with hushed, manic ecstasy. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“Yeah... see ya.”] You march out of the office together with the boss’ cackles spilling through the halls. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Head to the Elevator->sunend]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)) (text-colour:#FFE251)["To be clear, this is never what it was about, but yet... I-if this is the only way... If this is the greater good... I'll do my best, just... keep in touch, please.”] (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“And what about those leeches? What will we do with them?”] The leeches pant cluelessly in the corner. (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“Your call, Snow!”] (text-colour:#FFE251)[“M-my call? W-whatever y'all want. I don’t really want them here, but-”] (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[“You heard her! Get ‘em!”] Snow extends her hand out, but can’t get the words out in time. She looks to you solemnly, but you step out of the room in discomfort with a (text-style:"sway")[wave goodbye]. It seems things are as resolved as they can be here. After taking a few minutes to assess the commotion downstairs, you're on your way back to the surface, recrossing the latticed path back to the fields. As you do, Snow's solemn gaze won't leave your mind. You hope you made the right choices, but what’s done is done. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[THE END (2 of 4)->junction]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#BA007F,1,#116F17)))Packing tightly into the elevator, you ascend to the surface with the first couple dozen (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo]. Snow sits on your shoulder, her face painted with resolve. When she notices you're looking at her, her wrinkly mouth curves into a smile. The elevator surfaces, and the dawnbreak sunbeams glisten through the glass vessel. The beige Cibo all gasp, one immediately breaking out into a sob. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“Get out so the others can get up.”] Snow speaks softly, but the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] abide. You’re enraptured by the (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo]’s faces. Some cry, some outstretch their arms, some give wry smirk. Snow stays stoic, yet deep in her eyes, you see profound wonder. She’s always looking beyond. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“I’ve fought so long for better days that I never thought I’d get to see the start of one.”] She turns towards the rest of the present group. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“Life goes on, and it’s our job to seize it! It’s in our power now! Never forget these days and the freedom that brought you to them!”] She turns back to you. (text-colour:#FFE251)[“Thanks, human. Seems life begins anew. What a beautiful birthday..."] (text-colour:#FFE251)["Seems we have our own paths to follow here on, but I’m glad we got to share this step.”] After all (text-colour:#E0FFC4)[Cibo] reach the surface, Snow leads them off into the mountains in search of new life. Maybe someday you’d meet again, but for now, the meadow beckons. (text-colour:#BDDEFF)[[[THE END (1 of 4)->junction]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) Along the way, they pull off loose pipes and bash in assorted machines. There’s an infectious vigour in the air, even as a newcomer, of power being reclaimed. You're giddy! Cogs roll past your feet, powders spill out onto the floor, conveyor belts freeze. More than negligible noise is being made. The house of cards topples by a thousand light breezes. The few (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] still working seem dazzled by the charge, many tagging along. The corridors are labyrinthine, tight, yet all the (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] know precisely where their noses point. You spot Snow speaking to a worker. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Don’t listen to their empty threats! Join the parade, sister! This can be all ours! //All// to get our fair share, with us or not! Don’t let your life get trounced by abundance!”] The (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] refuses, but grabs an extra donut off the line with a spirited grin as they chew. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Human, put me on our shoulders and get me to the front! I want to see what it’s like and never forget what it is to lead the charge!”] Sure!(click-replace:"Sure!")[You offer out your hand and toss her up on your shoulder. She’s about the weight of a melon, so you do so without much strain. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Yes! Yes! Thank you! I’m sorry I questioned you! We’ll make sure to remember you when this is all over!”] With Snow cheering on your shoulders, [[you feel unstoppable->reactorbase]]] No way!(click-replace:"No way!")[(text-colour:#8D6200)[“Come on, you suck! I’ll just have to move a little quicker!”] Professor Snow darts ahead, but you [[keep pace->reactorbase]].]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1))You’re soon at the base of a conical, concrete spire that stretches into the roof. Combustive roars howl out from within. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“There’s a giant piston inside, all we have to do is stop it and the whole system screeches to a halt.”] Snow bashes the gate open with a smirk. In seconds, the path up the spire is stippled with stripes of green and beige. With bits of scrap in hand, they're ready to tear down the machine. All stand by while you and Snow ascend with the admin pass. Frenzied (text-colour:#566C4D)[“Wait!”]s ascend the tower behind you. A moss-bearded Cibo barrels up the spire unarmed. (if:$cooadminkey is true)[You recognize him as the executive Talpa had fired earlier.](else:)[He’s far too overdressed to be a floor worker, retaining his frond, and with pinstripe trousers to boot!] (text-colour:#566C4D)[“Please, fellows! Leave it all be! We’ll all be out of a job here and the valley will starve!”] (if:$cooadminkey is true)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Weren't you fired?->patheticcoo2]]]](if:$cooadminkey is false)[(text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[Who even are you?->patheticcoo2]]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) (text-colour:#41742B)[“Hey, Snow, ain't this guy the COO?] one of the (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] blurts out. (text-colour:#566C4D)[“I was, but I still need to bring money home, so I’m starting my climb over again from the bottom! No matter your history, they always hire down here! I’m telling you, you’re hurting everyone here! Put this aside!”] (text-colour:#41742B)[“And our family down here keeps taking on the hurt? Keep starving?”] A nearby (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] spits out, prodding the executive in the rear. (text-colour:#41742B)[“Only weak Cibo have fronds! Lecture us from your new cushy spot on the assembly line!”] (text-colour:#566C4D)[“Gah, I wish I had my press secretary! Listen, listen! It’s not me, it’s Talpa! You can’t piss him off! You break company policy, piss him off the teensiest bit, he just fires you! And if you aren’t working here, you’re trespassing! And if you’re trespassing, well, he’ll make sure you serve your sentence! I needed an in, understand? Not trying to compete you out the market!”] Snow hesitates before responding. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“I know where you’re from, how you think, but accept you’re one of us now because of corruption. You can’t let fear control you! We bake, we bake for each other. We tire ourself out, make sure it’s for the community. If we shut it down-”] She stammers. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“at least we’ll be the ones to build it back up again.”] This galvanized her nearby companions, even as she winced at her own words. [[Give her a thumbs-up->talpasrevenge]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1))(text-colour:#566C4D)[“This won’t free you, you’ll have to work twice as hard, and everyone will see a fraction as much!”] Snow's expression hardens. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“I’ll work as hard as I need for what I believe in, but this? No, this ain't it. It’s a death march! For "expendable, potted plants"! They treat us like swill, like machines! We'll show 'em what happens when you stress a machine!”] Mounting cheers of Snow's name drown out the ex-COO’s reply. (text-colour:#A0814F)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“Well, well, look at what a show we've got! Workers getting organized... the rapture for any respectable investor. The writing’s certainly on the wall!”//]] The gravelly voice floats down from the ceiling. A television framed with propellers brings us face-to-face with (a digitized version of) Talpa himself! (text-colour:#41742B)[“That’s right, you coward! A fair share’s all this has ever been about. You wanna break us, then buy us in!”] Talpa laughs uproariously through the static screen. (text-colour:#A0814F)[(text-style:"emboss")[//“You break it, you buy it, and I ain’t buyin’. Writing’s on the wall ''TO SELL''! Ain’t worth my time getting punks like you in line. It’s just pastry, for pete’s sake, and still ya find a way to whine! Oh, and if that pencil-pushin' suck-up's down there, tell him he's got good taste in cigars! My pet leeches are interim execs until you punks get yer act together. Arriverdeci, ya lousy peas!”//]] The floating TV crashed down onto the floor below. [[That's that...?->yourcompanynow]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)+(css: "font-size: 90%"))Everyone is stunned. The ex-COO is the first to break the silence. (text-colour:#566C4D)[“I can’t believe this… he would just tank the company to save his hide! We’re worthless until I get back up there! Give me the card back!”] (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Plans haven’t changed, human.”] Snow speaks confidently, placing your $weapon in your palm. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“This has //always// been bigger than Talpa. As long as this machine heaves, insects like him will continue milking it unto implosion. Open the door.”] (text-colour:#566C4D)[“Er- O-or, human, here’s a counter-offer from one who //really// understands these systems! We put this all back together upstairs and find some new, er, more ethical investors! That way, the valley stays fed and all us Cibo stay employed! All works as intended with the swap of a rusted cog!”] (text-colour:#8D6200)[“(text-style:"shudder")[You... smarmy...] ''COWARD''! So us suffering is just a symptom of things '//working as intended//'!?”] Snow, who has always kept control of the situation, pins him against the wall with heavy breaths. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Must be nice knowing what the sun looks like, huh? (text-style:"shudder")[Knowing what even //fucking// soil feels like...] How can a Cibo look at his //sister// and so bluntly call her an object!”] Snow snarls at him, jamming her forearm into his neck. (text-colour:#566C4D)[“Our stations... *wheeze* are set out for us... *wheeze* and it’s our duty to make the most of them. *wheeze* Aristotle said-”] (text-colour:#8D6200)[(text-style:"shudder")[“Do you plead with another man’s words 'cause you don’t have a heart to speak from?!"]] Snow unnaturally lurches back. (text-colour:#8D6200)["No... this isn’t me. Human, you know who to give that card to. You know what ought to be done. Please… please help us.”] [[Give Snow the Admin Pass->snowadmin]] [[Give the COO the Admin Pass->cooadmin]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1))(text-colour:#8D6200)[“Thank you, human. Before you even open your mouth, //fronds//, know this is for you too.”] (text-colour:#566C4D)["It's pronounced //Franz//, actually. Was my father's name, too."] The COO (Franz?) proudly strokes his fern cloak. You hand Snow the card, and with a swipe, a (text-colour:#E80000)[(text-style:"smear","rumble")[raging heat]] spills down the pyre. You watch Snow (text-style:"shudder")[struggle and wince] keeping it ajar, yet she stands ''unflinching''. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Ready, brothers and sisters,"] she hollers. (text-colour:#8D6200)["''Scrap it!''”] In a choreographed line, each (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] hurls their metal foragings into the (text-colour:#E80000)[(text-style:"smear","rumble")[blazing machinery]]. (text-style:"smear")[Sparks] fly out with (text-style:"smear")[squeals of steel], embers spit up from the (text-colour:#E80000)[(text-style:"smear","rumble")[snarling bonfire]] below, yet the machine only seems to (text-style:"shudder")[''roar louder'']. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Comrade,”] Snow calls to you through squinted eyes, (text-colour:#8D6200)[“throw the $weapon in! Aim right for it's iron heart! One shot and generations of Cibo with frost your name onto cakes!"] [[Throw the $weapon!->forglory]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1))Snow stumbles backwards into the Spire railing, almost falling. Her vacant gaze cuts deep into your nerves. (text-colour:#566C4D)[“Well at least //one of you// is lucid. Thank you very much! Now, let’s see... I need a new board for helping to find new trade partne-”] Professor Snow clocks the bearded Cibo across the jaw. He stumbles into the concrete wall with a moan. (text-colour:#566C4D)[“Violent savages. This station serves your type right. As I was //saying//, I’ll take the human and a dozen of your “comrades” up, Snow. The offer extends to you, as well. I //sincerely// pray the new sponsors will bring better conditions for you potteds. That’s the best I can promise given the plummet.”] Snow is (text-style:"shudder")[visibly shaking] as he trots off. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“''No one strike or dare follow him!'' Let the //traitors// have their victory lap and live with ''blood''. ''On their hands''! (text-style:"shudder")[''Forever'']!” [[Follow the COO upstairs->officerenovations]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#FFEAC4)+(bg:#116F17)+(css: "font-size: 90%"))Back in the moss caverns, the (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[Cibo] takes you into his newly-reclaimed office. The leeches snip at you and snarl at your entry. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Ugh, that mole. We’ll have to get animal control. So, //human//, can I treat you to a glass of champagne for getting us out of there! On the house, of course. You've done me ''such'' a grand service. I'll tell ya, when that //crazy// potted had her arm on my throat, I really thought I was a goner! So thanks. Anything I can get you? It's yours!" He pours you a fizzing glass of champagne. Refuse it(click-replace:"Refuse it")[You turn down the offer. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“What, not a drinker? Or no, I've got you pinned wrong. Just one of those silent, go-where-I’m-needed types. You're dismissed then. Really, thanks though! Call me for //anything// you need. Money's no trouble.”]] Accept it(click-replace:"Accept it")[(text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Haha! Cheers! A hearty celebration, we //love// to see it! To a better era with ''me'' at the helm!”] He sips down the glass with a reprieved sigh. (text-colour:#DAE3D0)[“Ugh, shame only a couple took the management positions. Say, humour me. I feel like I sounded bad back there. It’s just... hard to sound good dealing with those types. It’s alright though, things’ll get better for 'em. They always do. We do well enough, and I’m //sure// they’ll get their fair share too someday. The hardest workers always do.”]] After the drink...] You make your way back to the surface and sit in the fields watching the sun rise, Snow’s face seared into the back of your eyes. Life goes on and people adapt, you justify it to yourself, before heading back to the meadow. (text-colour:#7cb7f1)[[[THE END (3 of 4)->junction]]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1)) You carry Snow back to the storage containers by where you entered off the guidance of the other (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo]. Lots of joyous cheers and plenty of “What now?”s cross your ears. Snow was successfully revitalized with the last of their vitamins and water reserves. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“They’re not going to let this slide, we have to get out of here as quickly as possible,”] was her advice through crinkled lips. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“The starving stuff isn’t true, nor do we need to work for shelter. We’ll start farms, build our own homes, somewhere up there."] Even with the lack of energy in her voice, every (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] in earshot was lit up by her sweet, refreshing optimism. (text-colour:#8D6200)["I remember hearing that there are //mountains//. We’ll climb them, get //real// close to the sun, and start from there. There’s nothing more for us simply joining our upstairs brethren. We might have to work pretty hard for a bit, but it's okay. It'll be our work, for our fruits. That freedom //alone//... tells me our best days are on the horizon. Human, there's stairs we were going to use for the other plan, locked by an admin door. We'll take as many as can come. We'll start there. Carry me and I’ll lead the way.”] [[Head to the Surface->sunend]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#686868)+(bg:#F1F1F1))You steady your hand. You wipe the sweat from your brow, bat the ash from your vision and prepare a decisive strike. With great caution and a (text-style:"shudder")[tremulous wrist], you whip the $weapon cleanly into the oily beast's pulley belt. The band snaps, and a set of beams and gears rattle. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Yes!”] Snow yells (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Yes, you did it!”] (text-colour:#41742B)[“Close the door, professor, you’ll get roasted alive with that much kickback!”] One (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] yells. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“Help me close it, sister, it’s sapping my strength!”] Several (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] flock in to help their leader seal off the chamber. Still ajar, (text-colour:#E80000)[(text-style:"smear","rumble")[the inferno bellows outwards]], blackening the outer concrete wall. Several (text-colour:#41742B)[Cibo] scream in awe at the power they had just brought to its knees. Snow’s face was wrinkled, crisp, battered with ash. (text-colour:#8D6200)[“We’re… free now…”] she muttered, as she collapsed to the floor. [[Let's bring you home, Snow.->snowvillage]]

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) [[Luciel seems glad->lucielhalo]]! They aren't very confident in their cooking... (set:$enjoy to "nod")

(enchant:?page,(text-colour:#8d2525)+(bg:(gradient: 0, 0,#ffffff,0,#888888,1,#cfcfcf))) It was //to their face// bad? I'd like to apologize on behalf of Luciel's cooking! To file any taste-related complaints for this dream, [[please contact our HR department->lucielhalo]]! (set:$enjoy to "shake your head")