The Princess Trap

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<<unset $nameCheck>> <<set $pc.hair.color to $pc.n.hair>> <<set $pc.eye.color to $pc.n.eye>> <<set $pc.skin.color to $pc.n.skin>> <<set $noChar to true>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "jail">> <<set $outfit.set.types to []>> <<set $outfit.top.Name to "Dirty Hempen Smock">> <<set $outfit.top.name to "dirty hempen smock">> <<set $outfit.top.types to []>> <<set $outfit.bottom.Name to "Torn Britches">> <<set $outfit.bottom.name to "torn britches">> <<set $outfit.bottom.types to []>> <<set $outfit.under.name to "none">> <<set $outfit.under.Name to "None">> <<set $outfit.under.types to []>> <<unset $playing>> <<set $pc.pro to 1>> <<set $pc.desc to "in dire circumstances">> <<set $day to 1>> <<set $noStats to true>> <<set $pc.gender to "young man">> You wake up with stiff, sore joints. For a moment you blearily look around the room, confused at why you'd be asleep somewhere so uncomfortable, before your memory catches up with you - you're still in jail. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\opening.jpg]]@@ As you sit up in the stone cot, the only thing that you've been able to sleep on for the last fortnight, you think back to the events that led you to this place. <<link "I flirted with a noble scion, whose displeased father pulled strings for me to be unjustly arrested">> <<goto opening2>> <<set $seduction += 1>> <<set $pc.background to "flirt">> <</link>> <<link "I started a bar brawl that got out of control and ended up causing considerable property damage">> <<goto opening2>> <<set $respect += 1>> <<set $pc.background to "manly">> <</link>> <<link "I'm a heroic adventurer, wrongly implicated in crimes by evildoers seeking to get rid of me and evade justice">> <<goto [[opening2]]>> <<set $friend += 1>> <<set $pc.background to "hero">> <</link>> <<link "I was poor and hungry and stole a loaf of bread to survive">> <<goto opening2>> <<set $inno += 1>> <<set $pc.background to "bread">> <</link>>

<<setter "pc.background to 'flirt'" "pc.background to 'bread'" "pc.background to 'manly'" "pc.background to 'hero'">> <<if $pc.background is "flirt">> You smile bittersweetly at the memory of your brief lover's kiss upon your cheek, unsure if you'll ever be able to feel its like again. <<elseif $pc.background is "bread">> Your eyes glance at the foodtray laying at the floor of your cell. At first you had naively looked on the bright side of your imprisonment; at least now perhaps you'd have steady food and a roof over your head. No such luck - the food here is so grim that you can barely keep it down, and the draft through the ice-cold stonework has made you begin to feel almost wistful about the ramshackle arrangements you had outside. <<elseif $pc.background is "manly">> You can't help but smirk a little at the memory. It hadn't been the best idea, especially since he was the head of the biggest gang around and surrounded by goons, but it sure had been satisfying to sock that asshole right in the face. <<elseif $pc.background is "hero">> You clench your fists in frustration at the thought of the villainy going on in the world outside, and of all the people whose suffering you could maybe be alleviating if you weren't trapped in this damn place. <</if>> You raise yourself to your feet, wincing the whole time. You're about halfway through stretching and easing out the stiffness in your limbs before it sinks in that something in the room is different, and it takes a few more still-half-asleep moments before you finally fully realize what it is: The normally-locked door to your cell is sitting wide open! @@.simg; [img[Images\Passage\opening2.jpg]]@@ <<link "Take the opportunity and try to slip out of jail">> <<set $respect ++>> <<goto [[jailHallway]]>> <</link>> <<link "It's too risky, I'll stay here in my cell">> <<goto [[jailStay]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $jails to "stay">> <</link>>

You nervously let yourself out of your cell. The heavy rusted bars creak loudly, making you wince, but luckily there's no sound of rushing footsteps or shouting guards - for now at least. The jail isn't very full, and most of the cells that you go past sit empty. You tense up every time you notice a figure in the cells that you pass, but luckily you seem to be the first person awake, and they're all still soundly asleep. You consider trying to wake some of them up and maybe help them out, but unless you got your hands on the jailer's keys you wouldn't be much use to them at all, so for now it's probably for the best that they aren't up to cause a ruckus. You make careful but steady progress through the jail, following the vague memory of the route that you had been taken along when you were first imprisoned. Eventually you make it out of the long rows of cells and into the more general rooms used by the guards and staff. @@.simg; [img[Images\Passage\jailHallway.jpg]]@@ Suddenly you hear the sound that you've been dreading this whole time - footsteps coming your way, and fast at that! With little time to do anything else you quickly hide behind a piece of furniture. You desperately hold your breath and hope to not to be noticed. /* To your surprise however the figure that you can see when you peek out of your hiding space isn't any of the guards that you're used to seeing here. Instead, it's a figure almost completely hidden by a floor-length richly detailed white hooded cloak. In fact - they're running full pelt as fast as they can, occasionally glancing behind them as they do. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\whitecloak.png]]@@ The person comes to a gasping stop just feet away from your hiding place to catch their breath and glance at what looks like a hastily drawn map in their hand. */ To your surprise however the figure that you can see when you peek out of your hiding space isn't any of the guards that you're used to seeing here. Instead, it's a figure almost completely hidden by a floor-length richly detailed white hooded cloak. In fact - they're running full pelt as fast as they can, occasionally glancing behind them as they do. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\whitecloak.png]]@@ The person comes to a gasping stop just feet away from your hiding place to catch their breath and glance at what looks like a hastily drawn map in their hand. <<link "Stand up and approach them">> <<goto [[jailKO]]>> <<set $jails to "ko">> <</link>> <<link "Stay hidden">> <<goto [[jailHide]]>> <<set $jails to "found">> <</link>> <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\whitecloak.png]]@@ </td> <td style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; text-align:justify"> < > To your surprise however, the figure that you can see when you peek out of your hiding space isn't any of the guards that you're used to seeing here. Instead it's a figure almost completely hidden by a floor-length richly detailed white hooded cloak. In fact - they're running full pelt as fast as they can, nervously glancing behind them as they do. The person comes to a gasping stop just feet away from your hiding place to catch their breath and glance at what looks like a hastily drawn map in their hand. <<link "Stand up and approach them">> <<goto [[jailKO]]>> <<set $jails to "ko">> <</link>> <<link "Stay hidden">> <<goto [[jailHide]]>> <<set $jails to "found">> <</link>> </td> </tr> </table> /* <<link "Stand up and approach them">> <<goto [[jailKO]]>> <<set $jails to "ko">> <</link>> <<link "Stay hidden">> <<goto [[jailHide]]>> <<set $jails to "found">> <</link>> */

<<set $princessSeen to true>> You tentatively walk over to the jail door, at first peering at it, and then furtively glancing through it to the hallway beyond. It all seems... a little too perfect, right? You could have //sworn// that you remember the guard locking the gate after they had brought you your food last night. Maybe they just... did it wrong? Or the lock broke from rust? You squat down to look closer at the mechanism and find it in pristine condition, and simple enough that even an idiot couldn't get it wrong - suspicious. Besides, even if it //was// as perfect an escape opportunity as it seems, you'd still be smack dab in the middle of one of the most secure jails in the country. Your chances of escape are minimal, and you'd rather not be punished for a failed attempt. With a sigh, you push the door back into place. You can't lock it again without the keys, but the guards can hardly punish you for //not// escaping from an unlocked room, can they? You ease yourself back to the cold stone floor and prepare for another day of agonizing boredom. If anything, it might be all the more agonizing than before, you figure, with the open cell door taunting you with temptation. You hear the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway. At first, you don't think much of them - probably just the jailer doing a morning patrol. When it gets closer though it's clear that that's not the case - whoever it is is running fast! /* You stand up, just in time for the footsteps to arrive and the figure of a person, their entire body hidden by a long elegant hooded white robe, becomes visible through the bars, before turning directly towards you. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\whitecloak.png]]@@ [[Continue->jailStay2]] */ You stand up, just in time for the footsteps to arrive and the figure of a person, their entire body hidden by a long elegant hooded white robe, becomes visible through the bars, before turning directly towards you. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\whitecloak.png]]@@ [[Continue->jailStay2]] <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\whitecloak.png]]@@ </td> <td style="width:50%; vertical-align:top; text-align:justify"> < > You stand up just in time for the footsteps to arrive and the figure of a person, their entire body hidden by a long elegant hooded white robe, becomes visible through the bars. They turn directly towards you. [[Continue->jailStay2]] </td> </tr> </table>

<<unset $noChar>> <<set $princess to {}>> <<set $princess.name to "Woman in the white cloak">> <<set $princess.desc to "A woman dressed in an elaborate white cloak who showed up in your jail cell">> <<set $princess.facts to []>> <<princess "What the //fuck// are you doing here?">> rudely accuses a boyish, but still feminine voice from under the hood. <<princess "I was assured that this cell would be //empty//.">> She doesn't wait for you to respond, instead raising a leather-armored leg from under her cloak, kicking the cell door open, and barging in to poke a threatening finger in your face. <<princess "You're not going to fuck this up for me, kid. I've worked too hard for this.">> Suddenly, a rattling sound of metal-on-metal rings out from the tiny barred window, and a man's voice calls out <<blue "One second, boss, I'll be through these in a jiffy!">> <<link "Ask who she is">> <<goto jailStay3>> <<set $friend ++>> <<set $jailAsk to "who">> <</link>> <<link "Ask her to take you with her">> <<goto [[jailStay3]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $jailAsk to "take">> <</link>>

<<setter "jailAsk to 'who'" "jailAsk to 'take'">> <<set $princess.desc to "A woman dressed in strappy studded leather armor who broke out through your jail cell">> <<set $princess.img to "Images/Character/Princess/" + $pc.n.skin + " " + $pc.n.hair + ".png">> /* At first, the woman barely even acknowledges your <<if $jailAsk is "who">>question<</if>><<if $jailAsk is "take">>request<</if>>, instead she brusquely unclasps the white cloak from around her neck and lets it fall down around her body, revealing the figure of a fairly androgynous young woman about the same age as you (making her referral to you as a 'kid' seem particularly irksome), with short, messy <<print $pc.n.hair>> hair and well-toned <<if $pc.n.skin is "dark">>deep ebony <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "brown">>golden-brown <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "tan">>rosy copper <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "pale">>suntanned pale <</if>> skin under strappy brown studded-leather armor - as close to the opposite of the gaudy white cloak as you could imagine. @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/" + $pc.n.skin + " " + $pc.n.hair + ".png"]]@@ <<if $jailAsk is "who">> @@color:#F535AA;"I'm fucking nobody from now on"@@ comes her reply, her eyes shining excitedly at her own words. @@color:#F535AA;"That's the best bit, kid. Free fucking agent."@@ <</if>> <<if $jailAsk is "take">> She plants her hands on her hips and looks you over from head to toe amusedly, clearly enjoying the power she holds in the situation, before shrugging to herself. @@color:#F535AA;"Why the fuck not? Come on then!"@@ <</if>> */ At first, the woman barely even acknowledges your <<if $jailAsk is "who">>question<</if>><<if $jailAsk is "take">>request<</if>>, instead she brusquely unclasps the white cloak from around her neck and lets it fall down around her body, revealing the figure of a fairly androgynous young woman about the same age as you (making her referral to you as a 'kid' seem particularly irksome), with short, messy <<print $pc.n.hair>> hair and well-toned <<if $pc.n.skin is "dark">>deep ebony <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "brown">>golden-brown <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "tan">>rosy copper <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "pale">>suntanned pale <</if>> skin under strappy brown studded-leather armor - as close to the opposite of the gaudy white cloak as you could imagine. @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/" + $pc.n.skin + " " + $pc.n.hair + ".png"]]@@ <<if $jailAsk is "who">> <<princess "I'm fucking nobody from now on">> comes her reply, her eyes shining with excitement at her own words. <<princess "That's the best bit, kid. Free fucking agent.">> <</if>> <<if $jailAsk is "take">> She plants her hands on her hips and looks you over from head to toe, relishing the power she holds over you in this situation, before shrugging to herself. <<princess "Why the fuck not? Come on then!">> <</if>> <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:45%"> At first the woman barely even acknowledges your <<if $jailAsk is "who">>question<</if>><<if $jailAsk is "take">>request<</if>>, instead she brusquely unclasps the white cloak from around her neck and lets it fall down around her body, revealing the figure of a fairly androgynous young woman about the same age as you (making her referral to you as a 'kid' seem particularly irksome), with short, messy <<print $pc.n.hair>> hair and well-toned <<if $pc.n.skin is "dark">>deep ebony <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "brown">>golden-brown <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "tan">>rosy copper <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "pale">>suntanned pale <</if>> skin under strappy brown studded-leather armor - as close to the opposite of the gaudy white cloak as you could imagine. <<if $jailAsk is "who">> <<princess "I'm fucking nobody from now on">> comes her reply, her eyes shining with excitement at her own words. <<princess "That's the best bit, kid. Free fucking agent.">> <</if>> <<if $jailAsk is "take">> She plants her hands on her hips and looks you over from head to toe, relishing the power she holds over you in this situation, before shrugging to herself. <<princess "Why the fuck not? Come on then!">> <</if>> </td> <td style="width:55%"> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/" + $pc.n.skin + " " + $pc.n.hair + ".png"]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> With that the bars clatter out of place and she pushes past you to easily hoist herself up. Arms from above reach down from the window to clasp hers and help pull her out. Her body's half out, her muscular butt wriggling out the window, when you hear the clatter of footsteps coming your way down the jail corridor - she's being pursued! You urge her to go faster but can only wait anxiously for her legs to finish their exit, but just as you start moving to follow her two men round the corner and barrel into the cell. You can just about hear the woman shout <<princess "Sorry, kid. Looks like we're out of time!">> from the window before gruff hands grab you and you're slammed against the wall. [[Ouch!->jailStay4]]

<<set $rob to {}>> <<set $rob.name to "Two soldiers">> <<set $rob.desc to "Two burly, thickset soldiers dressed in burgundy uniform. They seem to be working for the man dressed in black">> <<set $rob.facts to []>> <<set $merat to {}>> <<set $merat.name to "Man dressed in black">> <<set $merat.desc to "A tall, lithe, sadistic man dressed in fine black clothing.">> <<set $merat.facts to []>> <<unset $jailAsk>> Your head clatters painfully against the wall as you're slammed into from behind and brawny arms twist your arms painfully behind you to hold you against the wall in arrest. It takes a moment before your vision stops spinning and you can fully take in the situation. The room's been taken over by two thickset men in burgundy soldier's uniform, both wielding heavy sabres, with matchlock rifles strapped to their backs. They're huge, and you could practically cut diamonds on their chiseled jawlines. One barks orders at you in a voice too loud for you to make sense of, while the other stands on tip-toes peering through the window-hole and bellowing at the retreating girl and her crew. With their huge bodies there's no way either of them could possibly pursue her through the gap. /* Then another figure slinks into the cell, looking surprisingly relaxed compared to the others. A tall, pale, slim man with immaculate posture and arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ His sharp voice, despite being much quieter than the soldiers, cuts through their bellows like ice as he commands @@color:#307D7E;"Shut up and see if there's another way through, would you?"@@, making both soldiers jump to attention and pour out of the cell as brashly as they entered, unceremoniously dropping you to the floor. You can't help but notice that with his slender frame this man would have a fairly easy time slipping out of the window, but something about his demeanor makes it clear that the notion of him doing something so undignified is utterly impossible. You stumble to your feet, but as you do so, with a lazy flick of his wrist, the man draws the glittering silver sabre from his waist and holds it against your throat. Though the soldiers were barely here for seconds, compared to their brutishness the room feels as silent and cold as the grave as the man casually holds you at his mercy. */ Then another figure slinks into the cell, notably more relaxed than the others. A tall, pale, slim man with immaculate posture and arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ His sharp voice, despite being much quieter than the soldiers, cuts through their bellows like ice as he commands <<merat "Shut up and see if there's another way through, would you?">>, making both soldiers jump to attention and pour out of the cell as brashly as they entered, unceremoniously dropping you to the floor. <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:45%"> Then another figure slinks into the cell, notably more relaxed than the others. A tall, pale, slim man with immaculate posture and arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. His sharp voice, despite being much quieter than the soldiers, cuts through their bellows like ice. <<merat "Shut up and see if there's another way through, would you?">> Both soldiers jump to attention and pour out of the cell as brashly as they entered, unceremoniously dropping you to the floor. </td> <td style="width:55%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> Compared to the others, with his slender frame this man would have a fairly easy time slipping out of the window, but something about his demeanor makes it clear that the notion of him doing something so undignified is utterly impossible.< > You stumble to your feet, but as you do so, with a lazy flick of his wrist, the man draws the glittering silver sabre from his waist and holds it against your throat. Though the soldiers were barely here for seconds, compared to their brutishness the room feels as silent and cold as the grave as the man casually holds you at his mercy.< > [[Oh no!->jailMerat]]

<<set $princess to {}>> <<set $princess.name to "Cloaked figure">> <<set $princess.desc to "A person ran past you in the jail wearing an elaborate white cloak">> <<set $princess.facts to []>> <<unset $noChar>> <<set $rob to {}>> <<set $rob.name to "Two soldiers">> <<set $rob.desc to "Two burly, thickset soldiers dressed in burgundy uniform that ran past you after the cloaked figure in the jail">> <<set $rob.facts to []>> <<set $respect ++>> You figure that whatever troubles that this person has, you're better off without taking them on yourself, and decide to stay safely hidden behind the sideboard. The cloaked figure doesn't linger for long, just a few seconds to collect themselves and check the scrap of paper that they're holding and then they're off running again, scurrying along the route that you just came from. You breathe a sigh of relief at their departure, but the comfort only lasts a second before the rapidly approaching footsteps of the cloaked figure's pursuers sends you back into hiding. Two burly, thickset men come barrelling into the room, both hefting heavy glittering sabres and with long matchlock rifles on their backs. These certainly aren't the dopey, whiskey-nosed guards that you're used to seeing around here - they wear the burgundy uniform of crown soldiers. You could practically cut glass on their chiseled jawlines. <<blue "This way!">> bellows one of the pair, and the two men hurtle down the row of cells after the figure in white; waking up the prisoners in the process and causing a chaos of jeers and nuisances in their wake. With a sigh of relief at the danger having passed you stand back up. Whatever nonsense was going on there - it's none of your business. The ruckus will no doubt be drawing the attention of the guards, but maybe there'll be an opportunity to slip past in the hubbub. [[Continue your escape!->jailHide2]]

<<set $merat to {}>> <<set $merat.name to "Man dressed in black">> <<set $merat.desc to "A tall, lithe, sadistic man dressed in fine black clothing.">> <<set $merat.facts to []>> Regathering your energy, you stand and renew your cautious escape. You turn left down one corridor, and then right down another, then left again, hoping against hope that you're going the right way. Suddenly, as you turn a tight corner, you find yourself almost running into someone. /* Before you stands a tall, pale, lean man with immaculate posture and an arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. A gleaming silver sabre sits at his waist. For a lingering moment you both stand there taking in the other - your shocked surprise is met with impassive curiosity. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ At once you both start moving, your legs twisting as you desperately make your move to run away - to escape! However, he moves quicker, and before you can even turn around his sabre flicks forward with careless precision - stopping you in your tracks as it digs into your neck. */ Before you stands a tall, pale, lean man with immaculate posture and an arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. A gleaming silver sabre sits at his waist. For a lingering moment you both stand there taking in the other - your shocked surprise is met with impassive curiosity. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ At once you both start moving, your legs twisting as you desperately make your move to run away - to escape! However, he moves quicker, and before you can even turn around his sabre flicks forward with careless precision - stopping you in your tracks as it digs into your neck. [[You're at his mercy->jailMerat]] <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:55%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ </td> <td style="width:45%"> Before you stands a tall, pale, lean man with immaculate posture and an arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. A gleaming silver sabre sits at his waist. For a lingering moment you both stand there taking in the other - your shocked surprise is met with impassive curiosity. At once you both start moving, your legs twisting as you desperately make your move to run away - to escape! However, he moves quicker, and before you can even turn around his sabre flicks forward with careless precision - stopping you in your tracks as it digs into your neck.< > [[You're at his mercy->jailMerat]] </td> </tr> </table>

<<set $outfit.over.Name to "White Cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.name to "white cloak">> <<set $outfit.set.id to "wcloak">> <<set $outfit.set.types to []>> <<set $cloaked to true>> <<set $princessSeen to true>> <<set $princess to {}>> <<set $princess.name to "Woman in leather">> <<set $princess.desc to "A woman dressed in strappy studded leather armor who knocked you out in the jail">> <<set $princess.facts to []>> <<set $princess.img to "Images/Character/Princess/" + $pc.n.skin + " " + $pc.n.hair + ".png">> <<unset $noChar>> <<set $friend ++>> <<setter "pc.background to 'manly'" "pc.background to 'bread'">> You stand up from your hiding spot with both hands raised. You're both people on the run in a jail - chances are you'll probably have something in common. Unfortunately, your sudden appearance seems to take them by surprise - though they're anything but caught flat footed. The cloak suddenly unfurls upwards, its elegant velvet cascading forward confusingly to reveal a firm, <<print $pc.n.skin>>-skinned leg clad in brown leather which //thwacks// into your side hard in a fierce instinctive kick. <<if $pc.background is "manly" or $pc.background is "hero">> You're no stranger to combat, and while it's an effective blow it might not have taken you out - that is, if you weren't standing right next to to the wall of the prison. Your head painfully clatters against stone brickwork, sending you to your knees, your vision swaying disorientatingly. <<elseif $pc.background is "flirt" or $pc.background is "bread">> It hurts like hell, but what's worse is that the force of it sends your head straight into the bare-stone wall of the prison, making your teeth clatter painfully together and sending you to your knees, vision swaying. <</if>> <<princess "Fucking hell, watch the fuck out, would you?">> comes a boyish, but still feminine accusing rasp from beneath the cloak.< > She takes a careful glance back at the corridor that she came from. You can dimly hear the sound of more footsteps coming, she must have pursuers. She seems satisfied that they aren't too close on her heels and turns back to you, and though you can't see her face through her hood you can still hear the self-satisfied smirk in her voice as she gloats <<princess "I don't know who the fuck you are, kid, but at least you can be useful to me.">>< > To your surprise, she unclasps the cloak from around her neck and lets it fall down around her. /* Unexpectedly she unclasps the cloak from around her neck and lets it fall down around her. You're still doubled-up trying to get your wits back about you, but you can just about make out the figure of a fairly androgynous young woman about the same age as you (making her referral to you as a 'kid' seem particularly irksome, not that you're in much of a position to do anything about it) with short, messy <<print $pc.n.hair>> hair and well-toned <<if $pc.n.skin is "dark">>deep ebony <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "brown">>golden-ochre <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "tan">>rosy copper <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "pale">>pale <</if>> skin under strappy brown leather armor - as close to the opposite of the gaudy white cloak as you could imagine. But what's most annoying is the cocky grin on her face as she looks down at you. @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/" + $pc.n.skin + " " + $pc.n.hair + ".png"]]@@ With a @@color:#F535AA;"Good luck, kid"@@, she pulls the cloak over your hunched-over body and roughly clasps it under your neck, leaving you in darkness of the hood as the sound of her footprints rush away in one direction and the sounds of her pursuers get closer. [[It hurts!->jailKO2]] */ You're still doubled-up trying to get your wits back about you, but you can just about make out the figure of a fairly androgynous young woman. She's about the same age as you, making her referral to you as a 'kid' seem particularly irksome, with short, messy <<print $pc.n.hair>> hair and well-toned <<if $pc.n.skin is "dark">>deep ebony <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "brown">>golden-ochre <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "tan">>rosy copper <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "pale">>pale <</if>> skin. Under the cloak she's wearing strappy brown leather armor - a stark contrast to the gaudy white velvet. What's most annoying is the cocky grin on her face as she looks down at you. @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/" + $pc.n.skin + " " + $pc.n.hair + ".png"]]@@ With a <<princess "Good luck, kid">>, she pulls the cloak over your hunched-over body and roughly clasps it under your neck, leaving you in darkness of the hood as the sound of her footprints rush away and the sounds of her pursuers get closer.< > <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/" + $pc.n.skin + " " + $pc.n.hair + ".png"]]@@ </td> <td style="width:50%"> You're still doubled-up trying to get your wits back about you, but you can just about make out the figure of a fairly androgynous young woman. She's about the same age as you, making her referral to you as a 'kid' seem particularly irksome, with short, messy <<print $pc.n.hair>> hair and well-toned <<if $pc.n.skin is "dark">>deep ebony <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "brown">>golden-ochre <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "tan">>rosy copper <<elseif $pc.n.skin is "pale">>pale <</if>> skin. Under the cloak she's wearing strappy brown leather armor - a stark contrast to the gaudy white velvet. What's most annoying is the cocky grin on her face as she looks down at you. With a <<princess "Good luck, kid">>, she pulls the cloak over your hunched-over body and roughly clasps it under your neck, leaving you in darkness of the hood as the sound of her footprints rush away and the sounds of her pursuers get closer. </td> </tr> </table> [[It hurts!->jailKO2]]

<<set $rob to {}>> <<set $rob.name to "Two soldiers">> <<set $rob.desc to "Two burly, thickset soldiers dressed in burgundy uniform. They seem to be working for the man dressed in black">> <<set $rob.facts to []>> <<set $merat to {}>> <<set $merat.name to "Man dressed in black">> <<set $merat.desc to "A tall, lithe, sadistic man dressed in fine black clothing.">> <<set $merat.facts to []>> Once the incoming footsteps arrive you feel yourself hoisted up firmly by two sets of thickset arms. Through the darkness of the huge hood you can just about make out the figures of two muscular men in burgundy soldier's uniform, each with jawlines so chiseled that they could cut glass. What concerns you more however is the unmistakable clinking of sabres and muskets held on their persons. For a moment you're worried that they might kill you, but instead one of them self-satisfiedly remarks <<blue "Gotcha">>, only to be elbowed in the ribs by his fellow. You're held tautly in place a while longer, long enough for the world to stop spinning from your concussion at least, before another figure, this one dark, tall, and wiry, silently steps into your limited field of vision and the hood gets thrown upwards off of you. <<blue "It's not her!">> yells one of the soldiers in shocked surprise, but the tall figure barely even sighs at the reveal.< > <<merat "Scour the place, we can't let her get away.">> he commands them irritably. As he does so, he pulls a sabre from his waist and brings it to your neck in an effortlessly swift motion. /* @@color:#307D7E;"Scour the place, we can't let her get away"@@ he commands them irritably. As he does so, he pulls a sabre from his waist and brings it to your neck in an effortlessly swift motion. As the thick-set soldiers frantically bound down the passage that you came from, you take in your captor. He's tall, pale, and slender, with immaculate posture and an arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. Dressed like that it's no wonder that he had looked almost like a long-legged black spider from the limited visibility of the hood. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ */ As the soldiers frantically bound down the passage, you take in your captor. He's tall, pale, and slender, with immaculate posture and an arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. Dressed like that it's no wonder that he had looked almost like a long-legged black spider from the limited visibility of the hood. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ [[You're at his mercy->jailMerat]] <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/merat.png]]@@ </td> <td style="width:50%"> As the soldiers frantically bound down the passage, you take in your captor. He's tall, pale, and slender, with immaculate posture and an arrogant, gaunt face. His black dress shirt and pants are as trim and close fitted as his dark hair, held in a tight ponytail. Dressed like that it's no wonder that he had looked almost like a long-legged black spider from the limited visibility of the hood.< > [[You're at his mercy->jailMerat]] </td> </tr> </table>

<<merat "Well well, what have we here?">> The slender officer, still holding his sabre to your neck, reaches towards your face with his spare hand. You recoil away to avoid it, but before you can do so his arm whips forward to firmly clasp your jaw between his thumb and forefinger, holding your head firmly in place. With glacial calmness, the man twists his hand, firmly pulling your face around at his leisure. His eyes gleam with an emotion that you can't quite place as they inspect your <<print $pc.skin.color>> features, though his expression remains icily indifferent. He shifts his grip slightly to grasp your lower lip with his thumb, digging his sabre a little deeper against your throat as he does so to communicate that trying to twist free in that moment would be foolish, before gently putting a little pressure on your jaw as if to pry your mouth open - except unlike his previous firmness, he barely uses any force at all, as if he expects you to complete the action for him. <<link "Hold my jaw shut">> <<goto jailMerat2>> <<set $respect ++>> <<set $jailMerat to "shut">> <</link>> <<link "There's no use fighting it, he has me at his mercy, best to do what he wants and open my mouth">> <<goto [[jailMerat2]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $jailMerat to "open">> <<set $sub +=1>> <</link>>

<<set $rob.desc to "Two burly, thickset soldiers dressed in burgundy uniform. They seem to be working for the man dressed in black.">> <<setter "jailMerat to 'open'" "jailMerat to 'shut'" "jails to 'found'" "jails to 'ko'" "jails to 'stay'">> The man maintains his impassive expression, but you can see his ice-blue eyes twinkle with amusement <<if $jailMerat is "open">>at your compliance<<else>>at your resistance<</if>>. With a clatter the two soldiers that <<if $jails is "found">> you saw run past earlier <<else>> the man sent off earlier <</if>> return and salute the lithe figure, breaking the tension between the two of you. Their barrel chests heave almost in time with each other from the run as they stand at attention. <<if $jailMerat is "open">> The hand holding your face quickly darts back, as if having been caught in the act. It takes you a second longer to realize that you're still standing there with your mouth dumbly gaping open and you quickly shut it, though you're sure that the soldiers must have noticed. <<else>> The hand holding your face quickly darts back as if having been caught in the act. <</if>> <<if $jails is "found">> <<blue "She's //gone//, sir! Scoured the whole place. All we found was this - left in one of the cells">> reports one of the soldiers, thrusting out a thick arm holding the elegant white robe that you saw the figure wearing earlier. <</if>> <<if $jails is "ko">> <<blue "She's //gone//, sir! Scoured the whole place, couldn't find her anywhere">> reports one of the soldiers, standing firmly at salute. <</if>> <<if $jails is "stay">> <<blue "There's no way around, sir! At least, not in time. She's //gone//!">> reports one of the soldiers, standing firmly at salute. <</if>> <<merat "Yes, I rather thought that she might be">> sneers the man in black's reply. <<merat "A shame, of course.">> <<if $jails is "found">> He reaches out to the guard with his free hand and plucks the white cloak from their fingers before turning to you and once again giving you a penetrating stare. It seems to be analyzing you so deeply that you feel uncomfortably exposed in front of it. <</if>> <<if $jails is "ko">> He once again turns his attention to you, as if wholly uninterested in the soldiers at his command. Again he reaches his spare hand towards you, and you shift uncomfortably after his humiliating inspection earlier, but instead of reaching for your face his narrow fingers trace thoughtfully along the fabric of the white robe that the woman placed on your person. <</if>> <<if $jails is "stay">> With one foot he reaches out and hooks the white cloak that the girl left on the ground with one of his pointed cavalry boots, lifting it so that he can pick it up in his spare hand without his sabre shifting from your neck for a moment. He looks at the clothing thoughtfully, then at you, and then the clothing again. <</if>> <<merat "Losing her is a travesty. An unacceptable situation.">> he says finally, though his dry tone doesn't quite match the urgency of his words, in fact, he seems almost amused. <<merat "But what's most important today is the role that she was to play, and for that... we only need her image - a person wearing the cloak">> His words hang in the air for a few seconds before you realize what he's implying. He couldn't possibly be saying that you should be taking her place for... Whatever weird ritual that's going on, is he? This couldn't have been why he had been inspecting you so closely earlier, could it? Assessing your suitability for the role? You think back and shudder - no, he had been having too much fun for it to have been that alone, but you figure that it might have been //part// of it. The two soldiers seem to finally catch up with the implication, and you're relieved as the larger one blurts out the obvious. <<blue "But... This is a bloke.">> [[Continue->jailMerat3]]

/* You're not exactly the archetype of masculinity - your features trending more towards 'boyish' than 'manly'. <<switch $pc.background>> <<case "flirt">> It's a fact that's sometimes played to your detriment in the game of romance, and at other times to your advantage. You've learnt to play to your strengths. <<case "bread">> <<case "manly">> It's something that your drinking friends would frequently tease you about, and you'd find yourself overcompensating with brash behavior to shut them up and prove them wrong. <<case "hero">> It's a fact that's often played to your advantage as an adventurer - people seem to take you for granted and it's often the last mistake they make - though it's sometimes irritates you that your more classically heroic looking party members seem to get all of the praise after a mission. <</switch>> But you're still a long way from looking like a //girl//, surely?< > */ <<setter "jailMerat to 'open'" "jailMerat to 'shut'" "jails to 'found'" "jails to 'ko'" "jails to 'stay'">> The tall man makes a chiding <<merat "tsk">> at the soldier's confusion before continuing as if patronizing an infant. <<merat "Same height, roughly the same build, and he'll be covered head to toe in the cloak. Nobody will be any the wiser, and it gives me plenty of time to fix this //error//.">> He's not entirely wrong. With his lithe tallness and the soldiers' heaving muscles there's no chance that any of them would have any chance of imitating her figure.<<if $jails isnot "found">> Also, since you share the same skin and hair color with the girl that you saw before, if anyone were to catch a glance of you through the hood you might at least pass a glimpsed inspection.<</if>> The man's sabre suddenly digs a millimeter deeper into your neck, making you gasp a little in spite of yourself as he turns to gesture at you. <<if $jailMerat is "open">><<merat "I'm sure that you'll find that he'll be quite... Pliant to our needs.">><</if>> <<if $jailMerat is "shut">><<merat "And I'm sure you'll find that he's not in any position to disagree.">><</if>> <<link "He's right, I'm at his mercy, it's too risky to disobey.">> <<goto [[jailDress]]>> <<set $sub +=1>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $meratBargain to "no">> <</link>> <<link "Resist. I don't know what's going on but I don't want to be dragged into it.">> <<goto [[jailDisobey]]>> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>>

<<setter "pc.background to 'manly'" "pc.background to 'flirt'" "pc.background to 'bread'" "pc.background to 'hero'">> <<set $meratName to true>> <<set $merat.name to "Merat">> <<set $rob.desc to "Two burly, thickset soldiers dressed in burgundy uniform. They seem to be working for Merat.">> <<run $merat.facts.pushUnique("You made a deal with Merat to clear your criminal record.")>> Fuck this whole situation! These people are insane and you firmly tell them as much. You have no idea who that woman was, and you don't want any piece of whatever weird schemes that they had planned for her whatsoever! You're already in jail for the gods' sake, life was //already// shitty, and now you're being threatened by creepy sadists? What the fuck? When you're done, breathing heavily from the exertion of your outrage, all three of the men are staring at you in surprise. For the first time the tall man in black seems to be at somewhat of a disadvantage, and you realize that at some point in your shouting he had taken his sword from your throat (whether it was from shock, pity, or just nervous that you'd accidentally skewer yourself in your fervor - it's difficult to say). You gain an important realization: they're just as much at your mercy as you are at theirs, if not more so. They //need// you to do this or they're in trouble. You're the one holding the cards in this stand-off. <<merat "Uh...">> the leader says after an awkward pause. <<merat "My apologies. My name is Merat, and these men are...">> He gestures towards the two soldiers, clearly realizes that he'd never bothered to learn their names himself, and finishes with <<merat "Honorable soldiers under the king.">> The two barrel-chested men stand to attention and salute once more at his words. Mostly out of habit it seems. Merat's eyes flicker over you, and then to the jail walls, and he seems to pick up on the most obvious bargaining chip. <<merat "Your jail term - what charges am I to erase in return for this... Favor?">> <<if $pc.background is "flirt">> You quickly explain the false charges that you were accused of by the noble family. When Merat hears the family name his eyes gleam in recognition and he responds <<merat "Ahh, yes, that certainly does sound like them. I'll see to it.">> <<elseif $pc.background is "bread">> You explain your tragic tale of stolen bread to them. You could swear that you see the eyes of the two burly soldiers begin to moisten at your sad history. Merat, clearly expecting something more impressive, airily waves his hand to dismiss it. <<merat "I'll see to it">> <<elseif $pc.background is "manly">> You explain how you got on the bad end of some ruffians at a bar. You make sure to leave how drunk you were and who started the fight out of the explanation, though from Merat's wry gaze you feel like he probably sees right through you. Nevertheless, after you finish he unconcernedly says <<merat "Consider it wiped from the records.">> <<elseif $pc.background is "hero">> You passionately explain how you were so close to heroically stopping a band of ne'er-do-wells' schemes, before they pulled strings to have you sent here. Merat's gaze hardens at your words, and he says <<merat "Well, that sounds like something important - too important for some //vigilante//. We'll have to discuss this later. Nevertheless, consider it wiped from the records, so long as you help us.">> <</if>> <<link "Agree to help them on these terms">> <<goto [[jailDress]]>> <<set $meratBargain to "yes">> <</link>> <<link "Push my luck, maybe I can get more out of them">> <<goto [[pushLuck]]>> <<set $ruthless ++>> <<set $meratBargain to "pushed">> <</link>>

<<run $merat.facts.delete("You made a deal with Merat to clear your criminal record.")>> <<run $merat.facts.pushUnique("You made a deal with Merat to clear your criminal record, but after you pushed your demands you're worried about his intentions.")>> You decide to get cocky and see how much more you can glean off of them. You start listing a longer series of demands - money, land, influence, maybe even a //pony//! You're so busy getting carried away that you realize too late that somewhere along the way Merat's expression has shifted from intently listening to something more... Predatory. You get the sinking feeling that you've made a mistake saying this much. <<merat "You know...">> says Merat somewhat vaguely, seeming to be enjoying himself all of a sudden. <<merat "I think that I might be able to help give you //exactly// what you ask for.">> [[Oops!->jailDress]]

<<set $outfit.over to {}>> <<set $outfit.over.Name to "White Cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.name to "white cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.types to []>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "wcloak">> <<set $outfit.set.types to []>> <<setter "meratBargain to 'yes'" "meratBargain to 'no'" "clocked to true" "clocked to undefined" "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> <<if $meratBargain is "yes">> You wisely decide not to push your luck. An opportunity to get out of jail is already a dream come true. <</if>> <<if $meratBargain is "no">> Grinding your teeth a little in frustration you voice your assent to their demands. <</if>> <<if $meratBargain is "no">> The tall man seems content for now and with a swift movement scabbards his sabre. You let out a deep breath that you had been too scared of moving your neck until now to release. You consider making a break for it, but with both soldiers standing right there it's not like you'd be able to get very far. <</if>> <<if $cloaked is true>> <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>The man in black<</if>> takes a step backwards, and gestures to the shorter burgundy-uniformed soldier. <<merat "Help him with the damn outfit, would you? Just like she had it.">> The soldier steps forward and eyes you up and down. When the woman had unceremoniously draped the cloak over you she hadn't exactly bothered to get it fitted correctly, and the whole thing is completely lopsided. <</if>> <<if ndef $cloaked>> <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>The man in black<</if>> reaches out the arm holding the white cloak. <<merat "Wear the damn cloak then.">> You reach out and grab the garment, and as you do are surprised by how heavy it is. You realize that there's probably more insulation fit into the material than in any bed you've slept in in your life. Still anxious from the situation, you try to simply drape the material over you and secure the silver clasp under your neck, but when you try to reach your hands into the sleeves you realize that you can't find them. <<merat "Help him with it, would you already? Just like she had it.">> snaps <<if $meratName is true>>Merat's<<else>>the tall man's<</if>> chiding voice, and one of the soldiers obediently steps forward to help. <</if>> At the burly man's orders you maneuver the cloak around. You wouldn't have expected a cloak to ever be a complicated item of clothing, but the sheer amount of fabric makes it easy to get lost in. It doesn't help that its thick velvet underlayer ensures that it's impossible to feel any of the inside seams that could act as a guide. Finally the soldier gives up on you and with a gruff <<blue "For the gods' sake, I'll just do it">> he steps forward and roughly manhandles you the rest of the way. Once satisfied he takes a step back to give a final assessment, and all of a sudden you become uncomfortably aware of all three sets of eyes on you. It's just a cloak - there's nothing weird about a guy wearing a cloak after all, and the situation //does// demand it, but you find yourself shifting uneasily under their stares. They're just checking it would pass inspection, but you've never had any reason for anyone to make a weird scene of your clothing before. <<blue "Looks OK. All set up - just the hood now.">> says the soldier as he steps forward once again to lift the thick fabric over you. You find yourself shrouded in darkness as your face is hidden amidst the fabric. <<blue "Now nobody will be able to tell there's a guy under there.">> remarks the other soldier. Great, as if this situation wasn't weird enough already. [[You feel completely absurd->jailLeave]]

<<unset $cloaked>> <<setter "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> <<merat "It'll have to do. Come on, we're late.">> Snaps <<if $meratName is true>>Merat's<<else>>the leader's<</if>> voice, though you can barely see his darkly dressed figure through the hood's limited visibility. He taps his heel firmly against the floor and turns away. With practiced precision, though you can't help but be reminded of pet dogs being called to heel, the two soldiers close in to stand behind your left and right shoulder. At a second tap they start to march, firmly bustling you along in front of them until you get the message to match their pace. The hood shrouds your vision enough that the dim figure of <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the tall man<</if>> looks like an overgrown black spider as he leisurely strides ahead. You keep stumbling at first, unused to having to wade through so much material with every step - especially when the satin underside is so soft that it's impossible to accurately gauge how much give there is to the fabric. Soon however you realize that the unfamiliar sensation was making you overthink it, and if you just walk like normal it feels almost weightless, as if stepping through a cloud. Without looking back, <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the spider<</if>> imperiously orders the soldiers behind him as he walks. <<merat "We're going straight up to the walls. There you're to make sure that he's seen by the public and by all interested parties. Then move to the carriage and get him out of sight. Stay at his side at all times and if he so much as thinks of running then stop him. Discreetly.">> You feel one of the soldier's arms firmly clamp on your shoulder for a second to make the point - with them standing so close that you're practically amid their chest hair it seems like it would be impossible to get even so much as out of their arms reach before getting grabbed and pulled back. [[Step outside the jail->jailCourtyard]]

/* The group firmly escort you you outside the jail, though hidden in the darkness of your hood you can't exactly enjoy your first breath of fresh outside air in weeks. As you walk you become aware of a smell. <<if $princessSeen is true>>You can't imagine the woman you saw being the one to do it, but whomever<</if>><<if ndef $princessSeen>>Whomever<</if>> prepared the outfit must have sprayed it in perfume beforehand, and with the hood up you're completely surrounded by a fruity, citrusy aroma. A short walk later and you almost stub the toe of your bare feet against the first steps of a spiral staircase. Thankfully the soldiers seem amicable enough to your position as someone who can't see the floor well and slow down enough for you to walk safely, though you can see <<if $meratName is true>>Merat's<<else>>the tall man's<</if>> figure looking more and more impatient at the pace. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\jailCourtyard.jpg]]@@ Finally you stand at the top of the staircase in front of a heavy wooden door. However, before opening it <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the black-dressed figure before you<</if>> turns back towards you and reaches his hand forward, plunging it into the hood that you're shrouded in. You're too backed up against the chests of the guards behind you to recoil as his slender fingers grasp onto the unkempt <<print $pc.hair.color>> hair on the back of your head and firmly directs your head to face his. The fact that being shrouded in the hood means that you still can't see much barely reduces the effect as he slowly sneers the words @@color:#307D7E;"Don't. Fuck. This. Up. For. Me."@@ directly at where your face would be before releasing you with one last hair-pulling flourish, turning around, and opening the door. */ <<setter "princessSeen to true" "princessSeen to undefined" "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> The group firmly escorts you out the jail, though hidden in the darkness of your hood you can't exactly enjoy your first breath of fresh outside air in weeks. As you walk you become aware of a smell. <<if $princessSeen is true>>You can't imagine the woman you saw being the one to do it, but whomever<<elseif ndef $princessSeen>>Whomever<</if>> prepared the outfit must have sprayed it in perfume beforehand, and with the hood up you're completely surrounded by a sweet, citrusy aroma. <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:40%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\jailCourtyard.jpg]]@@ </td> <td style="width:60%"> A short walk later and you almost stub the toe of your bare feet against the first steps of a spiral staircase. Thankfully the soldiers seem understanding that you can barely see the floor and slow down enough for you to walk safely, though you can see <<if $meratName is true>>Merat's<<else>>the tall man's<</if>> figure looking more and more impatient at the pace. Finally you stand at the top of the staircase in front of a heavy wooden door. However, before opening it <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the black-dressed figure before you<</if>> turns back towards you and reaches his hand forward, plunging it into the hood that you're shrouded in. You're too backed up against the chests of the guards behind you to recoil as his slender fingers grasp onto the unkempt <<print $pc.hair.color>> hair on the back of your head and firmly directs your head to face his. The fact that being shrouded in the hood means that you still can't see much barely reduces the effect as he slowly sneers the words <<merat "Don't. Fuck. This. Up. For. Me.">> directly at where your face would be before releasing you with one last hair-pulling flourish, turning around, and opening the door.< > [[You're hit by a wave of noise->oTownSpectacle]] </td> </tr> </table> A short walk later and you almost stub the toe of your bare feet against the first steps of a spiral staircase. Thankfully the soldiers seem understanding that you can barely see the floor and slow down enough for you to walk safely, though you can see <<if $meratName is true>>Merat's<<else>>the tall man's<</if>> figure looking more and more impatient at the pace. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\jailCourtyard.jpg]]@@ Finally you stand at the top of the staircase in front of a heavy wooden door. However, before opening it <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the black-dressed figure before you<</if>> turns back towards you and reaches his hand forward, plunging it into the hood that you're shrouded in. You're too backed up against the chests of the guards behind you to recoil as his slender fingers grasp onto the unkempt <<print $pc.hair.color>> hair on the back of your head and firmly directs your head to face his. The fact that being shrouded in the hood means that you still can't see much barely reduces the effect as he slowly sneers the words <<merat "Don't. Fuck. This. Up. For. Me.">> directly at where your face would be before releasing you with one last hair-pulling flourish, turning around, and opening the door.< > [[You're hit by a wave of noise->oTownSpectacle]]

<<set $princess.name to "The Princess">> <<if $princessSeen is true>> <<set $princess.desc to "You briefly met the Princess dressed in strappy studded leather armor in the jail.">> <<else>> <<set $princess.desc to "You saw the figure of what must have been the Princess in the jail, running past dressed in an elaborate white cloak">><</if>> <<setter "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> Shouting, screaming, cheering, laughing, applauding. It all comes cascading over you in a torrent of noise and splendor the moment the door opens. You don't have time to process it all before the soldiers begin hustling you forward. At first your limited eyesight can only make out a confusing kaleidoscope of color, so you have to rely on your other senses to get a grasp of your surroundings. You're standing up on the walls of the town's keep. Below you to your right comes the deafening sound of a sprawling crowd of hundreds of people all cheering and shouting in joy. They must be standing in the town square, below the walls, cheering up at the people in front of you on the parapets. The kaleidoscope in front of you begins to organize itself into recognizable shapes. Standing up ahead are roughly two dozen people, all facing down from the keep walls at the people spread out below them and waving. Every one of them is dressed in some of the most colorful and fancy outfits that you've ever seen. A few of them hold glasses of wine in their hands, but the angle of your hood means that you can't make out any of their faces. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\oTownSpectacle.jpg]]@@ Suddenly, the crowd below you seems to notice your arrival and a tremendous roar of cheering and applause begins. Some of the group up ahead turn toward you at the sound - a few beckoning you to come closer while others raise their glasses of wine to toast your arrival. You realize that you've been standing still in shock and that the soldiers behind you are trying to move you along. As you step forward everything feels incredibly awkward. How was walking supposed to work again? How was it that people held their hands? Everything seems so difficult in your stage-fright. With faltering steps you make your way over to the colorful group. To them the soldiers behind you must look like they're guarding you closely rather than keeping you captive. As you get close you're greeted by choruses of <<pink "Delighted that you could make it, dear">>, <<blue "My lady, you look wonderful today">>, and other platitudes from the expensively dressed nobles. <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>The man in black that led you here<</if>> moves on ahead, effortlessly mingling into the crowd and out of sight. Then a murmur starts up from the crowd, which grows into a hubbub, that grows into a clamor, and then into a roar, until all of the people below are chanting one word over and over. <<blue2>>"Princess!<</blue2>> <<pink2>>Princess!<</pink2>> <<blue2>>Princess!<</blue2>> <<pink2>>Princess!"<</pink2>> You look around as urgently as you can from under the hood - there's a //princess// here? To your surprise though nobody in the group steps forward, instead many of them turn towards you. It's not until the soldiers behind you discreetly but firmly point you towards the crowd below that the penny drops: ''You're here imitating the Princess!'' The crowd below quiets down in anticipation, eagerly awaiting your action. <<link "Wave at the crowd with one hand">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 1>> <</link>> <<link "Lift an arm up in a 'cheers' motion towards the crowd">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 2>> <</link>> <<link "Uhhhh... Raise both arms in the air I guess">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 3>> <</link>> <<link "Ummm.. Maybe try spreading both arms outward towards them?">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 4>> <</link>> <<link "Fuck, I guess I start pointing at random members of the crowd, maybe they'll like it?">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 5>> <</link>> <<link "Throw out a peace sign, people love the peace sign probably">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 6>> <</link>> <<link "Come to think of it, if we're doing signs then I could make a heart symbol with my hands">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 7>> <</link>> <<link "Heck, I could try blowing some kisses?">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 8>> <</link>> <<link "Start flossing.">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle2]]>> <<set $crowd to 9>> <</link>>

<<setter "crowd to 1" "crowd to 2" "crowd to 3" "crowd to 4" "crowd to 5" "crowd to 6" "crowd to 7" "crowd to 8" "crowd to 9" "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> <<if $crowd is 1>>Your dignified, gentle action is meet with coos of adoration from the assembled crowd before they break into loving applause<</if>> <<if $crowd is 2>>Your action is met with a chorus of a hundred people shouting <<blue "Cheers!">> before a sloshing noise as a hundred drinks get quaffed at the same time, before breaking into applause.<</if>> <<if $crowd is 3>>You make sure to hold onto your cuffs so that your sleeves don't fall down as you raise your arms. You can't make out much of the crowd from under your hood but you can see a wave of raised arms spread through the crowd from one end to the other, and then back again. While you can't see it you can even hear the ruffling of clothes as even the noble group behind you catches the return wave, creating a thrilled applause from the crowd in response.<</if>> <<if $crowd is 4>>You spread your arms as if to welcome the whole crowd into the security of your bosom. The action elicits a wistful sigh of adoration in response for your heartfelt action before breaking out into loving applause<</if>> <<if $crowd is 5>>You can't see who you're pointing to, but it doesn't seem to matter. Everywhere you point you hear a scream of overwhelmed adoration at having been personally chosen by the Princess.<</if>> <<if $crowd is 6>>You raise one hand in front of you with two fingers extended in a sign of peace. The crowd gasp in surprise at what they take as a bold and principled stance on the ongoing wars between the nations to the east. Your breath hangs in your throat at perhaps having made a mistake, but thankfully a second later the public erupt into adoring cheers - looks like you were lucky enough to take a popular stance.<</if>> <<if $crowd is 7>>You show how much the crowd means to you by putting both hands together and cupping them to make a heart directed towards the people below. This elicits a chorus of adoring applause at your loving and earnest nature to extend such an action to mere townspeople.<</if>> <<if $crowd is 8>>You bring one hand up to where your mouth would be on the hood as if to kiss it before throwing it out to extend that kiss to the crowd, before doing it over again with the other arm, and then a few more times for good measure. With each kiss the crowd coos and cheers in adoration at having such a loving and gentle princess as to extend kisses to even lowly townspeople<</if>> <<if $crowd is 9>>You dig deep into yourself and find something that you didn't know that you had in you. Starting off slowly you start moving your arms and torso in opposite directions, criss-crossing over each other as if your hands are holding dental floss and your torso is the tooth. You're met with only terrifying dead silence from the confused crowd. Not knowing what else to do, and too scared to stop, you start moving faster, then faster still, until your limbs are a blur of movement before finally you lose the rhythm and awkwardly come to a stop. The crowd is so silent that you could hear a penny drop, but then, as if finally coming to their senses after having seen something so incredible that it took their breath away, they erupt into rapturous applause. You can hear a voice from one of the nobles behind you saying <<pink "My word, that was one the most beautiful things I've ever seen">> and its met by murmurs of agreement. You can just about make out through the hood that a huge number of the crowd members are now trying to imitate your movements in wonder.<</if>> You can't help but smile a little under your hood at your awkward spur-of-the-moment action getting such a positive reaction. After a short while for the crowd to settle down you feel the soldiers nudge your side to move you onwards, and you turn back towards the nobles. The figure of <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the man dressed in black<</if>> extracts himself from the crowd and makes his way over to you. <<merat "I've told the Queen that the Princess is feeling unwell and would like to retire for the afternoon. You can leave now.">> He murmurs in a low voice as he passes the three of you, and the two soldiers begin to walk you over to a set of stairs downwards off of the keep wall, opposite the side you came in on. [[Suddenly, a man steps into your way->oTownSpectacle3]]

You're half-way to the exit when your path is blocked by a man. Both of the soldiers come to an awkward halt. Their bodies are so close behind you that you can feel them tense up with agitation at the unexpected obstacle. You can't get a clear look at the man's face through your hood, but you don't have to work out that he's stinking drunk. His wine glass is swaying so much it looks like it will spill at any moment, and some marks on his gaudy cravat imply that that might have been what happened to his last glass. <<blue "Your Highness, how positively //delightful// to see you again. When last I saw you you were but a child I dare say.">> waffles his slightly-slurred voice, directed right at you. Then his upper body crumples forward. The action is so foppishly sycophantic that it takes you a few moments to realize that he's //bowing// at you - just so low as to almost touch the floor with his forehead. His hand airily draws circles in the air in front of him as if punctuating the action. You feel a discreet elbow into your side from one of the soldiers, clearly something is expected from you in return. <<link "Bow in return">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle4]]>> <<set $bowReply to "bow">> <</link>> <<link "Better look the part. Attempt to curtsy">> <<goto [[oTownSpectacle4]]>> <<set $bowReply to "curtsy">> <<set $fem to 1>> <</link>>

<<setter "bowReply to 'bow'" "bowReply to 'curtsy'">> <<unset $crowd>> <<if $bowReply is "bow">> Acting on instinct more than anything, you bend your upper body forward in a bow in return, though you make sure to not bow quite so low as the noble's servile example.<</if>> <<if $bowReply is "curtsy">> You're not quite certain how to curtsy, but luckily the long cloak that you're wearing obscures your body enough that an awkward dip of your knees is probably sufficient.<</if>> Half way through the motion you're struck by an idea. The guards are keeping you in check mostly by arm's reach alone - if you could just dart out of the way enough to be out of their reach, you bet that they wouldn't know how to react without causing a larger scene than they'd feel comfortable doing. By letting you lower your body in a <<if $bowReply is "bow">>bow<<else>>curtsy<</if>>, the soldiers, both taller than you are, have already let you almost out of arms reach. If you wanted to you could probably dash away now. <<link "Take advantage of the opportunity and try to escape">> <<goto [[oTownSpecEscape]]>> <<set $oTownEscape to true>> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>> <<link "It's too risky. Stay where I am.">> <<goto [[oTownLeave]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <</link>>

<<setter "princessSeen to true" "princessSeen to undefined">> You kick forward with your legs from your lowered position to leap forward into a run. You swear that you can feel the clumsy swipes of the soldiers' arms as they reach out to grab you and miss by a hairs-breadth. You take off running towards the exit as fast as you can, aiming to go just to the left of the noble who had waylaid you. To your surprise however, rather than standing there in shock like you'd expected, the noble steps to his right to intercept you. At the speed you're going you can't divert yourself in time and end up running straight into his open arms. The reek of alcohol assaults your nostrils as the man holds you tight in his arms in an embrace. He shouts out joyfully to his wife <<blue "My word, she //does// remember me, Maude! I told you that she might! Ran right into my jolly arms!">>. You try to struggle your way free before the soldiers can recapture you, but the noble somehow seems to take the action for playing - you feel the invasive sensation of his hands gripping your waist through the cloak. <<blue "Well, I'm sure you remember constantly asking me to pick you up like THIS then, dear girl!">> he cheers, and with a flourish he lifts his arms upwards, attempting to lift you up into the sky like a child. However to his surprise you don't move at all - the weight of a young man being far heavier than he was expecting. For a moment you panic, thinking that the jig is up, but actually come to think of it you doubt that the <<if $princessSeen is true>>woman who you saw earlier<<else>>figure you had seen run past<</if>> would have been light enough to be picked up by the drunkard either. You gulp as you feel the blunt hands of the soldiers clasp onto your shoulders from behind and and firmly extract you from the over-familiar arms of the noble. <<blue "How droll, m'lord.">> you hear one of them say, with a practiced tone that could only have come with having spent far too much time dealing with drunk nobles in the past. <<blue "Now if you excuse us, I think the Princess might be tired and will want to be retiring.">> Which elicits a weak <<blue "Ahh, is that so?">> from the now rather mortified noble in response. [[Damnit!->oTownLeave]]

<<set $rob.name to "Renart and Robiers">> <<set $rob.desc to "Two huge manly soldiers who work for the crown. Usually known as 'Ren and Rob'.">> <<setter "oTownEscape to true" "oTownEscape to undefined" "bowReply to 'bow'" "bowReply to 'curtsy'">> <<if $oTownEscape is true>> More firmly than ever the soldiers briskly march you the rest of the way off of the keep walls and down a set of stairs. You're dreading being punished by the soldiers for having attempted to escape, but you're surprised as instead of being berated, one of them sheepishly asks <<blue "I dunno if he saw it, but if you don't tell our boss that we let you give us the slip, we won't tell him that you tried to escape. Deal?">> You can't help but laugh a little as you respond affirmatively, but despite the moment of comradery their firm grip on your shoulders doesn't weaken for a second. <<else>> <<if $bowReply is "bow">> The noble looks a little perplexed as you rise from your bow, but doesn't seem too bothered by it. <<else>> The noble smiles warmly as you rise from your curtsy, clearly you managed to pull it off without it looking too weird. <</if>> There's an awkward moment of tension as the noble clearly expects you to say something, but there's no way for you to speak without revealing your masculine voice. Thankfully, one of the soldiers coughs to break the tension and tells the noble <<blue "Her Grace is feeling a little under the weather today. She's just retiring for the afternoon">> which thankfully seems to get the message across. Finally unobstructed the three of you make the rest of the way to the exit off of the keep walls. As you step down the stairs you move to try to take off the hood of the cloak but one of the soldiers stops you. <<blue "Best to keep it there for now. Take it off when we're at the carriage.">> <</if>> The three of you reach the bottom of the stairs and enter the courtyard of the keep. Its a vast space, but it feels very small right now - its currently home to at least two dozen huge and extravagant carriages, each larger than most houses that you've been into and led by a parade of horses. This must be the royal convoy on a tour of the local area! @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\oTownLeave.jpg]]@@ <<blue "This way">> motions one of the soldiers. They both seem to relax a bit now that you're so close to the finish line. You look over to the gate and notice that the portcullis is down - <<if $oTownEscape is true>>even if you had managed to slip away earlier you would have been stuck here.<<else>>even if you had managed to slip away earlier you would have been stuck here.<</if>> No wonder the soldiers feel comfortable lowering their guard. [[Continue->oTownLeave2]]

You maneuver through the maze of parked carriages you occasionally walk past small groups of people. Their clothes are more fancy than most that you've seen in your life, but after the glamour of the group upstairs you feel comfortable identifying them as groups of maids, cooks, grooms, and other servants. When they notice you approaching they tense up, often hiding whatever games they were playing among themselves or cigarettes they were smoking in their downtime to bow or curtsy your way. Finally you come across a carriage much more gaudily colored than the others. This one is bright pink. It's not difficult to imagine that this will be the Princess' one. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\princessCarriage.png]]@@ Your escorts motion for you to stop and one starts flicking through a keychain attached to his belt. <<blue "This is it. Wait here for a couple'a hours, then we'll swing back and escort you away. Can't get you out while the keep's still in lockdown - the townspeople outside will try anything to get in and see the royals up close. We'll make sure to lock the door so nobody can stumble in and find you. The windows are tinted so don't worry too much about being seen.">> You can see the other soldier anxiously shifting from one foot to the other, having some kind of internal debate with himself. Finally, he comes to a conclusion - he takes his cap off his head in one meaty hand and holds it to his chest. <<blue "Listen, don't tell 'im we said this - but sorry for the boss. You didn't deserve to be treated like this. Name's Renart and this is Robiers. Ren and Rob they call us.">> <<link "In spite of them holding me captive I can't find myself disliking them. Thank them and tell them my name">> <<goto [[oTownCarriage]]>> <<set $robPal to true>> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>> <<link "I can't wait to be out of here, just nod">> <<goto [[oTownCarriage]]>> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>>

<<unset $bowReply>> <<unset $oTownEscape>> <<set $pc.desc to "on his way to freedom">> <<set $king to {}>> <<set $king.name to "The King">> <<set $king.desc to "The King of the country. A huge labrador of a man.">> <<set $king.facts to []>> <<set $queen to {}>> <<set $queen.facts to []>> <<set $queen.name to "The Queen">> <<set $queen.desc to "The Queen of the country. A serious woman with a seductive dress-sense.">> <<run $queen.facts.pushUnique("Presumably she was on the keep walls with you when you were pretending to be the Princess, but you couldn't tell through your hood.")>> <<run $king.facts.pushUnique("Presumably he was on the keep walls with you when you were pretending to be the Princess, but you couldn't tell through your hood.")>> <<if $pc.n.skin is "dark">><<set $king.skin to "brown">><<set $princess.skin to "dark">><<set $queen.skin to "dark">><</if>> <<if $pc.n.skin is "brown">><<set $king.skin to "tan">><<set $princess.skin to "brown">><<set $queen.skin to "dark">><</if>> <<if $pc.n.skin is "tan">><<set $king.skin to "pale">><<set $princess.skin to "tan">><<set $queen.skin to "brown">><</if>> <<if $pc.n.skin is "pale">><<set $king.skin to "pale">><<set $princess.skin to "pale">><<set $queen.skin to "tan">><</if>> <<if $pc.n.hair is "black">><<set $king.hair to "brown">><<set $princess.hair to "black">><<set $queen.hair to "black">><</if>> <<if $pc.n.hair is "brown">><<set $king.hair to "blonde">><<set $princess.hair to "brown">><<set $queen.hair to "black">><</if>> <<if $pc.n.hair is "blonde">><<set $king.hair to "blonde">><<set $princess.hair to "blonde">><<set $queen.hair to "brown">><</if>> <<if $pc.n.hair is "red">><<set $king.hair to "blonde">><<set $princess.hair to "red">><<set $queen.hair to "red">><</if>> <<if $pc.n.hair is "white">><<set $king.hair to "white">><<set $princess.hair to "white">><<set $queen.hair to "brown">><</if>> <<set $princess.img to "Images/Character/Princess/" + $princess.skin + " " + $princess.hair + ".png">> <<set $king.img to "Images/Character/King/" + $king.skin + " " + $king.hair + ".png">> <<set $queen.img to "Images/Character/Queen/" + $queen.skin + " " + $queen.hair + ".png">> <<setter "robPal to true" "robPal to undefined" "princessSeen to true" "princessSeen to undefined" "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> <<if $robPal is true>> <<run $rob.facts.pushUnique("You got along with the two of them.")>> Renart's face lights up into a wide, earnest grin at you. <<blue "<<print $pc.name>> eh? I'll remember that. We're locals actually - based in Bregin, just up the valley. They brought us southern soldiers in to guard the convoy instead of the palace guard, so that the Capital doesn't go understaffed. Maybe once it's done and we're back in the area we can owe you a pint.">> <</if>> The other soldier, who you now know must be Robiers, finally finds the key that he's looking for and unlocks the door to usher you inside. As you step in you hear the door close behind you and the rattling of the lock being set again. The first thing you do is to push back the huge hood that you've been trapped in and take some deep breaths - the citrus perfume was fine at first, but had quickly become unbearable. Finally able to see fully again, you take in the carriage around you. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\oTownCarriage.jpg]]@@ The inside of the carriage is even pinker than the outside and more fancy than anything you could have imagined. Everywhere you look you can see things that look more expensive than you could afford in a lifetime. Most of the room appears to be a sprawling bedroom, though you can see a few doors leading to smaller rooms off to the side. The absurd pièce de résistance of the carriage is a ridiculous rose-gold throne atop a pointless set of stairs. The extravagant wallpaper on the walls is obscured by dozens of royal portraits. In them you can see three figures appearing over and over: /* <ul><li> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/King/" + $king.skin + " " + $king.hair + ".png"]]@@ A tall regal-looking <<print $king.skin>>-skinned man with a huge proud grin on his face. He's huge and broad-chested and his thick <<print $king.hair>> hair cascades around his face like a lion's mane without even a hint of gray despite his age. He's dressed in fine clothing that leaves much of his broad chest exposed and is adorned in a huge crown in every picture. You recognize him from stories that you've been told as the @@color:#FDD017;King@@. </li> <li> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Queen/" + $queen.skin + " " + $queen.hair + ".png"]]@@ A sensible looking <<print $queen.hair>>-haired woman wearing a tight-fitting dress over her <<print $queen.skin>> skin. Her dress leaves little to the imagination about her figure. A smaller crown on her head marks her as the @@color:#E56717;Queen@@. Despite her revealing outfit she's often pictured holding important ledgers and books, and you get the feeling that she might do more of the administrative work than her huge labrador of a husband. </li> <li> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/Younger/" + $princess.skin + " " + $princess.hair + ".png"]]@@ <<if $princessSeen is true>> Lastly there's another figure, and it takes you some time to realize that you recognize them - it's the woman who you saw in the jail earlier, who you now know is the @@color:#F535AA;Princess@@. No wonder you didn't recognize her at first! Instead of her short hair and the leather armor that she'd been wearing under the cloak, in all of these pictures her <<print $princess.hair>> hair is long and flowing, and her impressively toned <<print $princess.skin>>-skinned body is all but completely covered in huge billowing pink dresses with all manner of pretty jewelry and accessories. It seems like in every picture she's uncomfortable, scowling, or trying to get away. <<else>> Lastly there's another figure, a young woman about the same height as you, who looks like she's scowling, uncomfortable, or trying to get away in every picture. She has a toned, androgynous, physique, flowing <<print $princess.hair>> hair, and <<print $princess.skin>> skin, though you can hardly see it through the huge billowing pink dresses and mountains of feminine accessories she's trapped in in every picture. Something about her makes you think that this must have been the woman in the cloak that you saw run past earlier, which presumably makes this the @@color:#F535AA;Princess@@. <</if>> </li> </ul> */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/King/" + $king.skin + " " + $king.hair + ".png"]]@@ </td> <td style="width:50%"> A tall regal-looking <<print $king.skin>>-skinned man with a proud grin on his face. He's huge and broad-chested and his thick <<print $king.hair>> hair cascades around his face like a lion's mane without even a hint of gray despite his age. He's dressed in fine clothing that leaves much of his broad chest exposed and is often adorned with a huge crown. You recognize him from stories that you've been told as the <<king2>>King<</king2>>. </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> A sensible looking <<print $queen.hair>>-haired woman wearing a tight-fitting dress over her <<print $queen.skin>> skin. Her dress leaves little to the imagination about her figure. A smaller crown on her head marks her as the <<queen2>>Queen<</queen2>>. Despite her revealing outfit she's often pictured holding important ledgers and books, and you get the feeling that she might do more of the administrative work than her huge labrador of a husband. </td> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Queen/" + $queen.skin + " " + $queen.hair + ".png"]]@@ </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/Younger/" + $princess.skin + " " + $princess.hair + ".png"]]@@ </td> <td style="width:50%"> <<if $princessSeen is true>> Lastly there's another figure, and it takes you some time to realize that you recognize them - it's the woman who you saw in the jail earlier, who you now know is the <<princess2>>Princess<</princess2>>. No wonder you didn't recognize her at first! Instead of her short hair and the leather armor that she'd been wearing under the cloak, in all of these pictures her <<print $princess.hair>> hair is long and flowing, and her impressively toned <<print $princess.skin>>-skinned body is all but completely covered in huge billowing pink dresses with all manner of pretty jewelry and accessories. It seems like in every picture she's uncomfortable, scowling, or trying to get away. <<else>> Lastly there's another figure, a young woman about the same height as you, who looks like she's scowling, uncomfortable, or trying to get away in every picture. She has a toned, androgynous physique, flowing <<print $princess.hair>> hair, and <<print $princess.skin>> skin, though you can hardly see it through the huge billowing pink dresses and mountains of feminine accessories she's trapped in in every picture. Something about her makes you think that this must have been the woman in the cloak that you saw run past earlier, which presumably makes this the <<princess2>>Princess<</princess2>>. <</if>> </td> </tr> </table> <ul><li> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/King/" + $king.skin + " " + $king.hair + ".png"]]@@ A tall regal-looking <<print $king.skin>>-skinned man with a proud grin on his face. He's huge and broad-chested and his thick <<print $king.hair>> hair cascades around his face like a lion's mane without even a hint of gray despite his age. He's dressed in fine clothing that leaves much of his broad chest exposed and is often adorned with a huge crown. You recognize him from stories that you've been told as the <<king2>>King<</king2>>. </li> <li> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Queen/" + $queen.skin + " " + $queen.hair + ".png"]]@@ A sensible looking <<print $queen.hair>>-haired woman wearing a tight-fitting dress over her <<print $queen.skin>> skin. Her dress leaves little to the imagination about her figure. A smaller crown on her head marks her as the <<queen2>>Queen<</queen2>>. Despite her revealing outfit she's often pictured holding important ledgers and books, and you get the feeling that she might do more of the administrative work than her huge labrador of a husband. </li> <li> @@.img; [img["Images/Character/Princess/Younger/" + $princess.skin + " " + $princess.hair + ".png"]]@@ <<if $princessSeen is true>> Lastly there's another figure, and it takes you some time to realize that you recognize them - it's the woman who you saw in the jail earlier, who you now know is the <<princess2>>Princess<</princess2>>. No wonder you didn't recognize her at first! Instead of her short hair and the leather armor that she'd been wearing under the cloak, in all of these pictures her <<print $princess.hair>> hair is long and flowing, and her impressively toned <<print $princess.skin>>-skinned body is all but completely covered in huge billowing pink dresses with all manner of pretty jewelry and accessories. It seems like in every picture she's uncomfortable, scowling, or trying to get away. <<else>> Lastly there's another figure, a young woman about the same height as you, who looks like she's scowling, uncomfortable, or trying to get away in every picture. She has a toned, androgynous physique, flowing <<print $princess.hair>> hair, and <<print $princess.skin>> skin, though you can hardly see it through the huge billowing pink dresses and mountains of feminine accessories she's trapped in in every picture. Something about her makes you think that this must have been the woman in the cloak that you saw run past earlier, which presumably makes this the <<princess2>>Princess<</princess2>>. <</if>> </li> </ul> <<if ndef $princessSeen>>Now that you see what she looks like without the cloak you begin to realize why <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the man in black<</if>> might have chosen you to do this absurd task, as you share the same hair and skin color as the Princess. <</if>> You remember a tale you heard about the royal family and check the eye color of the three figures. Sure enough, all three of them have the famous dark-gray eye color of the royal lineage. It looks like you're going to be hanging out here in the carriage for a few hours. You wonder whether you should take off the Princess' cloak now or keep it on. <<link "Take it off. It feels weird wearing something so fancy, and something about having been seen as a girl while wearing it makes me uncomfortable">> <<goto [[carriageHang]]>> <<set $outfit.over to {}>> <<set $outfit.over.types to []>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "jail">> <<set $outfit.set.types to []>> <</link>> <<link "The door may be locked, but I don't know how many servants have the key. Maybe it's best to keep looking like the Princess in case someone comes in. Besides, it's a lot more warm and comfortable than the rags I'm wearing underneath">> <<goto [[carriageHang]]>> <<set $fem += 1>> <</link>>

@@.img; [img[Images\Passage\oTownCarriage.jpg]]@@ You've got some hours to kill in the Princess' carriage until <<if $meratBargain is "no">>Ren and Rob come to collect you.<<else>>you can leave and start your life as a free man anew.<</if>> <<if visited() is 1>> You have time for THREE activities. <</if>> <<if visited() is 2>>@@.img; [img[Images\Passage\carriageHang.png]]@@ From outside you hear the crackling of distant thunder, and soon after that the carriage windows begin to be peppered with raindrops. It's odd - you thought that the weather was completely clear earlier. You have time for TWO more activities <</if>> <<if visited() is 3>>@@.img; [img[Images\Passage\carriageHang2.png]]@@ From out of the tinted windows you can make out thick sheets of rain falling over everything and the air is thick with the sound of the downpour and frequent clashes of thunder. It's really bucketing it down now! You have time for ONE more activity. <</if>> How would you like to spend your time? <<if visited("carriageBathe") is 0>> <<link "I haven't been able to have a good wash for ages. Find a way to bathe">> <<goto [[carriageBathe]]>> <<set $fem ++>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if visited("carriageSteal") is 0>> <<link "There's so much expensive stuff here. Try and steal some">> <<goto [[carriageSteal]]>> <<set $ruthless ++>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if visited("carriageThrone") is 0>> <<link "I have a taste for extravagance. Sit on the throne">> <<goto [[carriageThrone]]>> <<set $ruthless ++>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if visited("carriageSearch") is 0>> <<link "I want to learn more about the Princess. Thoroughly inspect the room to see what I can learn">> <<goto [[carriageSearch]]>> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if visited("carriageWank") is 0>> <<link "There's something kinda hot about being in the Princess' bedroom. Masturbate">> <<goto [[carriageWank]]>> <<set $seduction ++>> <</link>> <</if>>

<<set $clean to true>> You snoop around the carriage a little and quickly stumble on a door leading to a private bathroom. Inside the room there's an elegant rose-gold bathtub. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\carriageBathroom.png]]@@ You're covered in a disgusting layer of grime from having been in prison for weeks so you're relieved to finally have a chance to be free of it. Rapidly you strip yourself of the <<if $outfit.over.Name is "White Cloak">>Princess' white cloak, and then the torn rags that you had on underneath<<else>>torn rags you're wearing<</if>> until you're standing nude in the bathroom. Thankfully it doesn't take long for the bath to run and you can step into the water. The water feels INCREDIBLE against your body as you let it soak and you can feel the stress of the previous weeks lift from your shoulders. As steam fills the room you catch a smell of roses and realize that the water, wherever it's stored, must have been treated with perfume before use. It feels a little weird bathing with such a feminine scent but it's too relaxing for you to care. As you bask in the water you look down and realize that your <<print $pc.n.skin>> legs aren't as clean as the rest of you. It makes sense, you figure - the rags that the jailers gave you were torn at the knee, so while the rest of you has been covered by clothing your legs have been picking up all of the dirt from the cell unobstructed. You look around the steamy room and notice some lotion bottled along the side. That will probably help! With wet hands you remove the bottletop and run the liquid inside thoroughly over your legs and are pleased to see that it seems to do the job. While it's tempting to stay in the water forever you figure that you're plenty clean enough now, and you step out of the water and clothe yourself once more. ''As you re-enter the main room you can feel your legs tingling strangely, but you don't think much of it.'' <<link "Return">> <<if visited("carriageHang") is 3>> <<goto [[carriageScare]]>> <<else>> <<goto [[carriageHang]]>> <</if>> <</link>>

<<set $sluttyLeather to true>> <<setter "jails to 'stay'" "jails to 'ko'" "jails to 'found'" "princessSeen to true" "princessSeen to undefined">> <<if $jails is "stay">>The woman you met in the jail, whom you're still struggling to think of as the Princess, really piqued your interest. Clearly she'd been planning this for a while, maybe she left something here that could teach you something about her? You decide to investigate the room to see what you can find.<</if>> <<if $jails is "ko">>You can't stop thinking about the woman who knocked you senseless in the jail, whom you're still struggling to think of as the Princess. Maybe it's just irritation at having been made a fool of? Regardless, you want to learn more about her, and you decide to investigate the room to see what you can find.<</if>> <<if $jails is "found">>You want to learn more about this Princess that you've been imitating. Why did she run away? Was it by her own volition or was she being manipulated? You decide to have a look around the place to see what you can find.<</if>> You try looking in as many usual places as you can think of, places that the servants and cleaners might neglect to clean - places that something hidden might be stored. It's slow going, and you quickly start to appreciate how thorough the servants must be - even the most obscure nooks and crannies you can think to check are completely dust free. Finally you decide to try flipping the mattress of the elegant pink four-poster bed and at last find what you're looking for. From underneath the mattress you can see a fairly large hole crudely dug into the thick padding of the bed. This must be where she stored her secret things! <<if $princessSeen is true>>The first thing that your hands drag out of the mattress hole is a bundle of leather straps. You recognize the material instantly: it's just like the Princess was wearing when you saw her in jail. Further inspection shows that it's a full set, but of a slightly different style than the one you saw on her. The outfit that she wore was strappy and showed her toned physique, but <<imglink "this one" "sluttyLeatherArmor">> takes that to a whole other level with large gaps left uncovered, especially around the thighs, chest, and stomach. It's... kinda kinky! It seems that maybe this was a first draft at an escape outfit, possibly when she was more interested in looking hot than practical protection, though from your memory of the final outfit it doesn't look like she //completely// gave up looking hot as a priority. <<else>>The first thing that your hands drag out of the mattress hole is a bundle of leather straps. It takes you some time to identify that what you're holding is clothing. Each piece of leather is thick and reinforced with iron studs to make relatively sturdy armor. At first you don't think it's a full set as it doesn't seem like there's enough material, but after further assessment there doesn't seem to be anything missing, instead <<imglink "the armor" "sluttyLeatherArmor">> leaves areas uncovered, especially around the thighs, chest, and stomach. It seems... Kinda sexy to be honest? You find yourself blushing a little at the thought that the Princess might have been wearing something like this under her cloak when you saw her. At the very least, having a spare outfit makes it look like the escape was premeditated<</if>> You reach into the mattress again and find a rod shaped implement of some kind. When you pull it out you almost drop it in shock. You're holding the shaft of a large dildo! Attached to the back of the dildo is a set of straps to fit around someone's waist and butt. A strap on! There seems to be a bottle of lube with it too. Awkwardly you put it back where you found it. At least you've learnt //something// - it sure looks like the Princess is a top. You reach back into the mattress for one last rummage and find one more thing; a plain, unfurnished blade, too short to be a sword but too long to be a dagger. The blade is covered in nicks and scratches - either it was already damaged when the Princess acquired it or she's been sneaking out to practice with it for a long time. ''You now know where to find slutty leather armor and a dagger, as well as some... other things.'' <<link "Return">> <<if visited("carriageHang") is 3>> <<goto [[carriageScare]]>> <<else>> <<goto [[carriageHang]]>> <</if>> <</link>>

<<set $stashedStuff to true>> Stealing is often a bad thing, you figure, but when someone lives in this level of opulence and would probably never notice that something's even missing then it feels like another issue entirely. The problem is, no matter how nice they were to you before, you're certain that Ren and Rob will be inspecting you closely when they come to take you out of here. Whatever you try to steal will have to be small enough that you could slip it past their pat-down. You begin to search the room intently, looking for anything which has a good size-to-price ratio. It's surprisingly difficult. Everything in the carriage must be worth a dizzying amount of money, but surprisingly little of it is small. Instead many things that would otherwise be quite palmable are so much bigger than the versions that you're used to, often to the point where they seem like they must be less usable than their cheaper counterparts. You wonder whether this is why rich people need so many servants - because all of their possessions are too impractical for one person to use alone. Eventually you find your way to a fancy pink dresser. At first all you find is drawer after drawer of makeup, which might well be expensive but you wouldn't know the first thing about how to evaluate or sell it. After a little rummaging however you find exactly what you're looking for: a jewelry box. All of the jewelry is as oversized and impractical as everything else in the carriage, but you manage to pry some sparkling jewels from their sockets. You don't know much about gemstone appraisal but they sure are shiny. <<if $outfit.over is "White Cloak">>You carefully assess the rags you're wearing underneath the white cloak.<<else>>You carefully assess the rags that you're wearing.<</if>> With a little work you manage to pull apart the seams of your hempen smock enough that you can hide the gemstones suspended between the stitching, firmly out of sight and hopefully small enough to pass a pat-down without being discovered. ''You gained some expensive gems'' <<link "Return">> <<if visited("carriageHang") is 3>> <<goto [[carriageScare]]>> <<else>> <<goto [[carriageHang]]>> <</if>> <</link>>

<<set $auth to 1>> <<set $authBonus to 1>> <<set $authTrain to 0>> <<set $throne to true>> <<set $throneAuthBonus to 3>> <<setter "pc.background to 'flirt'" "pc.background to 'manly'" "pc.background to 'bread'" "pc.background to 'hero'">> It's silly, but you're never going to have a chance like this again. You step up the rose-gold staircase up to the throne in the corner of the room. It's very existence seems completely absurd - somewhere along the way someone thought the idea of the Princess not having a throne to sit on while she's on holiday was inconceivable. You wonder if the King and Queen might have even larger thrones in their own carriage. At the top you turn around and let yourself fall backwards into the throne. It's surprisingly comfortable! With a smile you indulge yourself a little, trying out a couple of sitting poses. You eventually find one that feels truly indulgent, relaxing back on the chair with your legs up over one side in a lazy, lethargic pose, as if too important to care about sitting correctly. You imagine yourself as a king, and in front of you come a parade of people seeking your favor. It starts off with everyone who ever treated you poorly; strict school teachers, girls who refused to date you, people who pissed you off. You grin as you imagine them groveling for aid - to which you imperiously decline. <<if $pc.background is "flirt">>You take special care to punish the noble who put you in jail for flirting with his daughter. Asshole.<</if>><<if $pc.background is "manly">>You take special care to punish the ruffians with whom you fought in the barfight that got you put in jail. Assholes.<</if>><<if $pc.background is "hero">>You take special care to punish the evildoers who pulled strings to get you put in jail. Assholes.<</if>><<if $pc.background is "bread">>You take special care to punish the rich people who would look down their noses at you when you were poor on the streets.<</if>> Then you start to get a little more fanciful. The next people who you imagine vying for your attention are a crowd of buxom women begging to be allowed one night of passion with the handsome king. Eventually you're enjoying yourself so much that you find yourself just imagining more ordinary requests like land disputes or taxes. You try to judge them fairly and graciously, relishing the position of authority as you do. Finally you decide that you've had enough of your silly games and stand up from the throne. You enjoyed yourself more than you expected. ''You got a temporary bonus to your Authority skill!''<<check "This will last a few days">> <<link "Return">> <<if visited("carriageHang") is 3>> <<goto [[carriageScare]]>> <<else>> <<goto [[carriageHang]]>> <</if>> <</link>>

<<set $sub += 1>> <<set $bedding to true>> <<setter "princessSeen to true" "princessSeen to undefined" "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> Maybe it's that you're pent up from having been too depressed to masturbate while in jail; maybe it's that the citrus smell from the cloak got you in the mood; or maybe it's just how risqué it feels to be alone inside the Princess' bedroom. Either way you feel yourself becoming horny, and with a few hours to kill you might as well relieve yourself. <<if $outfit.over.Name is "White Cloak">>After discarding the white cloak onto the back of a chair, you sit yourself down onto the Princess' bed<<else>>You sit yourself down onto the Princess' bed<</if>> and reach under your torn britches to start to touch yourself. You're surprised at how quickly your average-length cock grows to its full size, clearly you were even more in the mood than you were expecting. With a sigh of pleasure you let yourself fall backwards to lie on the soft pink bed. You're greeted by a pleasant smell as you do - while the bed is clearly well kept, and even perfumed, you can still faintly make out a rich earthy scent lingering in the plush fabric. The Princess must have slept here last night. You find your grip on your cock tightening at the thought of <<if $princessSeen is true>>the woman you encountered in jail<<else>>the woman in the pictures<</if>> laying here vulnerable and naked. You allow your imagination to soar over her <<if $princessSeen is true>>firm, <<if $princess.skin is "dark">>deep ebony <<elseif $princess.skin is "brown">>golden-ochre <<elseif $princess.skin is "tan">>rosy copper <<elseif $princess.skin is "pale">>suntanned pale <</if>> thighs, over her tightly muscled rear, and up to the gentle curves of her small breasts<<else>><<if $princess.skin is "dark">>deep ebony <<elseif $princess.skin is "brown">>golden-ochre <<elseif $princess.skin is "tan">>rosy copper <<elseif $princess.skin is "pale">>suntanned pale <</if>>thighs, over her delicate butt and boyish hips, and up to her shapely exposed chest<</if>>. You let your imagination guide you into a frantic pace as your hands glide over your throbbing cock ever-faster. You imagine running your tongue up the Princess' thigh as she lies supine and exposed in her sleep. In your mind's eye she wakes, her dark gray eyes flickering open with surprise, only for her to turn her drowsy face to see you, smile, and open her legs wider to invite you forward. You lean forward, your tongue licking firmly along her eager cunt before tenderly lingering on the firm nub at its tip - which elicits a moan from your imaginary lover. You feel her hand on the back of your head, at first gently encouraging, but then firmly holding you in place against her pussy. This isn't how your fantasies usually go, but you're too deep in the throes of lust to think of doing anything other than following her lead, your tongue exploring every inch of her that you can reach. Suddenly you feel the imagined hand gripping the back of your head pull you upwards, hard, almost yanking your hair out as it does. You're panting from your exertion, both in your imagination and in real life, as the Princess firmly lifts your head to hold your face in front of her own. Gone is the sultry, drowsy expression she had before. Instead her features are impassive, judgmental, and cruel. You strain to stop masturbating in shock but your hands disobey you, rubbing against you faster than ever, reaching a fever pitch in their lust, leaving your imagination to do nothing but be held helpless and wide-eyed under the Princess' inspection. After seconds of thick tension the Princess' hand begins to twist and turn, pulling your head from side to side as if examining your features closely. You feel the terrible urge within you to open your mouth wide and allow her to inspect your gasping, obedient throat. Suddenly you're ripped from your fantasy by an earth-shattering orgasm. You lay gasping for air in the Princess' bed, sweat pouring off of your body. You were so trapped in lust that you hadn't been able to grab something to cover your cock in time so now there's long thick ropes of cum covering the pink bedding. Your mind races. That was weird! In all of your fantasies in the past you've always been the dominant partner by default, you've never been someone who might imagine being forced against someone's cunt, and certainly not held before them like you're being inspected. You try not worry about. It's been a weird day - surely that's why your imagination is strange. You desperately try not to think about how you can't remember another time that you've cum that hard before - nor that the way that the Princess in your dream was holding your head was //exactly// the same way that <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the man in black<</if>> had held you before. Not quite knowing what to do with the mess, you take off the sodden sheets and fold them into a little pile next to the carriage door as if in preparation to be washed. Hopefully the servants will clean it without inspecting it too closely. Luckily none of your cum got onto the duvet or pillows so when you make the bed you almost can't tell that it's sheetless underneath. ''You try not to think about where your imagination took you'' <<link "Return">> <<if visited("carriageHang") is 3>> <<goto [[carriageScare]]>> <<else>> <<goto [[carriageHang]]>> <</if>> <</link>>

<<set $crow to {}>> <<set $crow.name to "Armoured figure">> <<set $crow.desc to "A terrifying androgynous figure in chitinous armor covered in blood that you saw from the Princess' carriage">> <<set $crow.facts to []>> Sometime in the hours you've spent in the carriage, despite it looking so clear and sunny before, it started thunderstorming. Now the carriage windows are being buffeted by thick, dense sheets of rain and every few minutes you're surprised by flashes of lightning closely followed by loud thunder - they must be striking close by. The sound of the whistling wind, cascading rain, and booming thunder are loud enough that it takes some time for you to notice that they're joined by new noises - but before long they swell in volume enough to be unmistakable. Screams of fear. Shouts of rage. The clashing of blades. The sharp //crack// of musketfire. They come from all around you. It must be happening all around the keep courtyard, along the walls, and even from the castle proper. You stop what you were doing and run to peer through the windows, but from every vantage point your visibility is blocked by the rain and closely parked carriages. Something terrible is happening. Some kind of attack or invasion - and you're trapped right in the epicenter of it. You strain your ears to try to identify any detail you can. You can hear so much shouting and screaming but the pouring rain obscures the details enough that you can't identify any of the words. Eventually you decide that you can't take it anymore. You move to the door of the carriage to maybe break free and... Help? Flee? You don't even know, you just know that you can't stay here alone any longer. As you reach for the door handle you almost fall to the floor in shock as suddenly it rattles furiously. There's somebody trying to get in! You look up through the door window - and find yourself face to face with a terrifying figure. Their body is completely covered in sleek red armor, unlike any that you've seen before. Instead of looking like a knight, it's attached together in unusual ways, giving the impression of a huge lean chitinous insect exoskeleton, or else something crafted from human bone. Most terrifying is the face, or lack thereof. It's obscured by a thick burlap sack, like a scarecrow. Symbols that you've never seen before are scrawled all over the material. In the figure's armored hands are two crude hatchets, both dripping in red liquid. That's... blood. The hatchets are covered in blood. With a start you realize that you were wrong - the figure isn't wearing red armor, instead their armor, like the hatchets, is dripping with huge swaths of thick red blood. You stand there entranced in terror before realizing that while you can see them, they probably can't see you through the tinted glass. True enough, when their eyes glance through the window pane they scan directly over you. The armored scarecrow looks around the alleyway between the carriages where they stand and seems satisfied with something. They probably think that nobody can see them. The figure lifts their gauntleted hand to their head and reaches around their hatchet to grasp the material of their mask and pull it off of them, giving you a clear view of their face. /* @@.img; [img[Images/Character/crow.png]]@@ */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:45%"> Their ash-gray skin is marked by strikingly hawkish features, with a sharp chin, absurdly high cheekbones, and a forward brow ridge that hoods their piercing red-yellow eyes. Wait... red-yellow eyes? You do a double take but can only confirm it - the center of their irises, just around the black pupil, is a deep red which blends outwards through orange into yellow around the outer rim. Their eyes are punctuated by dark circles underneath as if the figure hasn't slept in weeks. You realize that despite clearly looking at their face you still have no idea if they're a man or a woman. Less because of a neutral androgyny, but rather that they have such strikingly unique features that you wouldn't feel confident saying either way. What's more clear is their age - they're about the same age as you, if not even younger. You wonder what could have happened to make someone so intimidating at such a young age. </td> <td style="width:55%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/crow.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> Their ash-gray skin is marked by strikingly hawkish features, with a sharp chin, absurdly high cheekbones, and a forward brow ridge that hoods their piercing red-yellow eyes. Wait... red-yellow eyes? You do a double take but can only confirm it - the center of their irises, just around the black pupil, is a deep red which blends outwards through orange into yellow around the outer rim. Their eyes are punctuated by dark circles underneath as if the figure hasn't slept in weeks. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/crow.png]]@@ You realize that despite clearly looking at their face you still have no idea if they're a man or a woman. Less because of a neutral androgyny, but rather that they have such strikingly unique features that you wouldn't feel confident saying either way. What's more clear is their age - they're about the same age as you, if not even younger. You wonder what could have happened to make someone so intimidating at such a young age.< > The chitin-clad androgyne spits out a wad of blood, and then another, this time with a guttural cough, before replacing the sack over their face and running out of sight. [[What the fuck was that???->carriageScare2]]

All you can do for a while is stand there in shock at what you just witnessed. Eventually you manage to come to your senses and try the locked door - but it's so sturdy that it doesn't move an inch. You exhaust yourself against it but it's soon clear that you're getting nowhere. As the tense seconds stretch to minutes the sounds of shouting and screaming seem to decrease in volume. It seems like whatever was happening outside is calming down. As the minutes multiply in their dozens the thunderstorm fades into a drizzle, as if pulled away by an unnatural force now that the drama is over. You pace the room for a long time trying to ease your tension, but still to no avail. It's long past when Ren and Rob said that they were going to release you - but that's not exactly a surprise after whatever was going on outside. Eventually time drags on long enough that even your tension can't sustain itself and you find yourself becoming bored - abandoned and forgotten in a carriage not your own. As the time since the attack turns into hours, you begin to hear the sounds of people slowly repopulating the carriage-filled courtyard. You try shouting to alert someone to your presence but either the walls are so thick that nobody can hear your faint calls, or else they're all too busy either frantically working or crying in distress themselves to notice. As the hours extend onward you begin to wonder if maybe you just traded one jail cell for another. Still, someone could show up at any minute so you can't bring yourself to start doing anything with your time. [[Wait impatiently->carriageScare3]]

The sun sets into the late evening. You're laying on your back on the carriage floor<<if $outfit.over is "White Cloak">>, the white cloak pooling around you,<</if>> when finally you hear the rattling of keys from the door. You can't make out much - but the small figure on the other side of the glass definitely isn't either of the soldiers who took you here, nor the armored figure from before. <<if $outfit.over.Name is "White Cloak">> <<link "Pull the hood back over my face. I'll pretend to be the Princess again">> <<append "#append" t8n>><<hr>><<include [[simonePretend]]>><</append>> <<remove "#remove">> <</link>> <</if>> <<link "Hide!">> <<append "#append" t8n>><<hr>><<include [[simoneHide]]>><</append>> <<remove "#remove">> <</link>> <<link "Stand up and greet them">> <<append "#append" t8n>><<hr>><<include [[simoneHello]]>><</append>> <<remove "#remove">>>> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>>

<<set $simone to {}>> <<set $simone.name to "Maid">> <<set $simone.desc to "The Princess' maid who joined you in the carriage">> <<set $simone.facts to []>> You figure that after whatever happened outside, it's probably for the best to be as direct as possible. You stand plainly in the center of the carriage. Despite being in clear sight, when the door opens the figure doesn't immediately notice you. Instead they carefully place their keys on a side counter next to the door and ensure the door is closed behind them before turning your way, allowing you to get a look at her before she sees you. She's short, young, and mousey, her copper-tan skin speckled by freckles. She's dressed in a maid uniform consisting of a short black dress with white apron, but it's clear that she's done some adjustments to it as the monochrome outfit is littered with cute and colorful accessories. Her modest bust, though given her short stature they might be larger than average, is framed by the low cut outfit, and her short skirt ends only inches below her ample behind. Her auburn hair is tied up into two plaits which hang over her shoulders and are adorned with pretty ribbons in addition to her white maid headpiece. She gives a yelp of surprise at you standing there and pulls a long knitting needle out from behind her, pointing it at you like a makeshift weapon. <<simone "Who are you, and what have you done with the Princess?">> She shouts bravely, though you can see her trembling. [[Try to explain yourself->simoneMeet]]

<<set $simone to {}>> <<set $simone.name to "Maid">> <<set $simone.desc to "The Princess' maid who joined you in the carriage">> <<set $simone.facts to []>> <<setter "bedding to true" "bedding to undefined">> You dash out of the main room of the carriage and into one of the adjoining rooms moments before the door swings open, finding yourself packed inside a cleaning cupboard. <<simone "Your Highness? Are you here?">> A spritely voice calls into the now-empty room. After a few seconds you hear her conclude <<simone "Makes sense, she must have been taken somewhere safe.">> to herself. As you the woman makes herself busy in the main room, you quickly find yourself sweating, partly from the nerves and partly from being stuck in such a small space. <<if $bedding is true>> <<set $beddingHid to true>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"Goodness"@@ comes the woman's voice from the main room again. @@color:#F9B7FF;"What's this sheet doing here?"@@ Oh gods! She must have found the sheet that you came all over! A second later and you hear a little yelp from the woman and a disgusted voice ring out @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh for heavens sake! She snuck another boy in again. I bet the poor thing doesn't know what hit him. Oh well, let's get this cleaned up."@@ With a start you realize that her footsteps are coming straight towards the door that you're behind! <</if>> <<if ndef $bedding>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"Goodness"@@ comes the woman's voice from the main room again. @@color:#F9B7FF;"This place is a mess. I don't know what she gets up to."@@ With a start you realize that her footsteps are coming straight towards the door that you're behind! <</if>> The door opens, and you're left standing face to face with a woman. She's short, young, and mousey, her copper-tan skin speckled by freckles. She's dressed in a maid uniform consisting of a short black dress with white apron, but it's clear that she's made some adjustments to it as the otherwise-monochrome outfit is littered with cute and colorful accessories. Her modest bust, though given her short stature they might be larger than average, is framed by the low cut outfit, and her short skirt ends only inches below her ample behind. Her auburn hair is tied up into two plaits which hang over her shoulders and are adorned with pretty ribbons in addition to her white maid headpiece. For a moment you both stare at each other, mutually too shocked to do anything, but the moment is shattered as she gives a little shriek of fear and pulls out a knitting needle from behind her, pointing it at you like a makeshift weapon! @@color:#F9B7FF;"Who are you and what have you done with the Princess?"@@ She shouts bravely, though you can see her trembling. [[Try to explain yourself->simoneMeet]]

You scrabble to put on the hood of your cloak and then scan the room. What would the Princess be doing? What would be princess-like? <<if $auth is 1>> <<link "Use the skills you picked up from sitting on the throne to act princesslike">> <<append "#append2" t8n>><<hr>><<include [[simonePretendGood]]>><</append>> <<remove "#remove2">> <</link>> <<link "Do something else">> <<append "#append2" t8n>><<hr>><<include [[simonePretendDumb]]>><</append>> <<remove "#remove2">> <</link>> <<else>> <<include [[simonePretendDumb]]>> <</if>>

<<set $simone to {}>> <<set $simone.name to "Maid">> <<set $simone.desc to "The Princess' maid who joined you in the carriage">> <<set $simone.facts to []>> <<setter "princessSeen to true" "princessSeen to undefined">> You think about the roleplay that you did in the throne earlier and get back into that mindset. If you were the Princess you'd probably be sitting around regally. As the door begins to open you quickly dash over to a makeup stool and strain yourself to have the most prim and proper posture that you can muster. To your horror the moment the door opens a young woman's voice calls out in surprise @@color:#F9B7FF;"Who are you and what have you done with the Princess?"@@ You think back to <<if $princessSeen is true>>the woman you saw in jail<<else>>the scowling tomboyish face in all of the Princess' pictures<</if>> and realize how out of character acting regal would be for her. Perhaps looking princesslike wasn't the right choice. The jig's up, so you reveal yourself and pull up the hood of the Princess' cloak. Now unobscured by the hood you can finally get a good look at the woman who's entered the carriage. She's short, young, and mousey, her copper-tan skin speckled by freckles. She's dressed in a maid uniform consisting of a short black dress with white apron, but it's clear that she's done some adjustments to it as the monochrome outfit is littered with cute and colorful accessories. Her modest bust, though given her short stature they might be larger than average, is framed by the low cut outfit, and her short dress ends only inches below her ample behind. Her auburn hair is tied up into two plaits which hang over her shoulders and are adorned with pretty ribbons in addition to her white maid headpiece.< > She's holding a long knitting needle out in front of her like a weapon, trembling but bravely standing firm. [[Try to explain yourself->simoneMeet]]

<<set $simone to {}>> <<set $simone.name to "Maid">> <<set $simone.desc to "The Princess' maid who joined you in the carriage">> <<set $simone.facts to []>> Your brain reaches a blank. All you know is that she probably wouldn't be laying in the middle of the carriage floor doing nothing. You lift your upper body to sit forward on the floor just as the door begins to open. Not sure what else to do your brain stupidly goes to the only thing that you can think of: just keep on doing that motion over again and pretend that you're doing sit ups! Your brain is already screaming at you for being an idiot, but to your surprise you hear a young woman's voice cheerfully call out @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh! Exercising again I see, your Highness!"@@ in an unsurprised tone. You almost give a reply before you realize that doing so would reveal your masculine voice. Thinking fast, you raise up to your feet and give a clear, obvious nod. You can't see her well through the hood, but you can feel the woman getting a little wary at your lack of response as the door closes behind her. @@color:#F9B7FF;"And, uh, how did you handle the attack, your Highness?"@@ Knowing it's inadequate, but not seeing any other option, you raise up your arms in a shrug. That does it. The woman's stance becomes tense and guarded as she pulls a weapon out from behind her. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Who are you and what have you done with the Princess?"@@ Her voice has lost all trace of cheerfulness and is now scared and trembling, but she maintains her stance bravely. The jig's up. You reveal yourself, pulling up the hood of the Princess' cloak. Now unobscured by the hood you can finally get a good look at the woman. She's short, young, and mousey, her copper-tan skin speckled by freckles. She's dressed in a maid uniform consisting of a short black dress with white apron, but it's clear that she's done some adjustments to it as the monochrome outfit is littered with cute and colorful accessories. Her modest bust, though given her short stature they might be larger than average, is framed by the low cut outfit, and her short skirt ends only inches below her ample behind. Her auburn hair is tied up into two plaits which hang over her shoulders and are adorned with pretty ribbons in addition to her white maid headpiece.< > The thing in her hand that you thought was a weapon turns out to just be a long knitting needle, but she's still unwaveringly pointing it at you. [[Try to explain yourself->simoneMeet]]

<<set $simone.name to "Simone">> <<setter "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> You try to explain yourself - about how <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the tall man<</if>> dragged you into all this against your will; about how you pretended to be the Princess; and about being trapped in here all day despite the chaos that happened earlier. You decide to leave out the detail that you were imprisoned as a criminal when <<if $meratName is true>>Merat<<else>>the man in black<</if>> found you. You're better off sounding as benign as possible when the girl's pointing a knitting needle at you. You realize half way through that the story sounds completely absurd, and that only someone incredibly gullible would ever believe it. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh you poor thing! That sounds //awful//!"@@ says the girl finally, tears beginning to well up in the corners of her eyes at your tragic tale (which, come to think of it, wasn't even particularly sad). She seems to calm down and finally puts down her 'weapon'. /* @@color:#F9B7FF;"My name is Simone, I'm the Princess' personal maid. I've been at it for //two// whole months and she hasn't driven me away yet!"@@ She puts her hands on her hips and puffs her chest out proudly as she says it. Clearly other maids haven't made it this long. @@color:#F9B7FF;"It's a pleasure to meet you, <<print $pc.name>>"@@ @@.img; [img[Images/Character/simone.png]]@@ <<if visited("simoneAssass") is 0>><<link "Ask what happened outside">> <<goto [[simoneAssass]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if $meratName is true>><<if visited("simoneMerat") is 0>><<link "Ask about Merat">> <<goto [[simoneMerat]]>> <</link>> <</if>><<else>><<if visited("simoneMerat") is 0>><<link "Ask about the man in black">> <<goto [[simoneMerat]]>> <</link>> <</if>><</if>> <<if visited("simonePrincess") is 0>><<link "Ask about the Princess">> <<goto [[simonePrincess]]>> <</link>><</if>> */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top; text-align:justify; width:47%"> < > @@color:#F9B7FF;"My name is Simone, I'm the Princess' personal maid. I've been at it for //two// whole months and she hasn't driven me away yet!"@@ She puts her hands on her hips and puffs her chest out proudly - clearly other maids haven't made it this long. @@color:#F9B7FF;"It's a pleasure to meet you, <<print $pc.name>>"@@ <<if visited("simoneAssass") is 0>><<link "Ask what happened outside">> <<goto [[simoneAssass]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if $meratName is true>><<if visited("simoneMerat") is 0>><<link "Ask about Merat">> <<goto [[simoneMerat]]>> <</link>> <</if>><<else>><<if visited("simoneMerat") is 0>><<link "Ask about the man in black">> <<goto [[simoneMerat]]>> <</link>> <</if>><</if>> <<if visited("simonePrincess") is 0>><<link "Ask about the Princess">> <<goto [[simonePrincess]]>> <</link>><</if>> </td> <td style="width:53%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/simone.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> @@color:#F9B7FF;"My name is Simone, I'm the Princess' personal maid. I've been at it for //two// whole months and she hasn't driven me away yet!"@@ She puts her hands on her hips and puffs her chest out proudly - clearly other maids haven't made it this long. @@color:#F9B7FF;"It's a pleasure to meet you, <<print $pc.name>>"@@ @@.img; [img[Images/Character/simone.png]]@@ <<if visited("simoneAssass") is 0>><<link "Ask what happened outside">> <<goto [[simoneAssass]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if $meratName is true>><<if visited("simoneMerat") is 0>><<link "Ask about Merat">> <<goto [[simoneMerat]]>> <</link>> <</if>><<else>><<if visited("simoneMerat") is 0>><<link "Ask about the man in black">> <<goto [[simoneMerat]]>> <</link>> <</if>><</if>> <<if visited("simonePrincess") is 0>><<link "Ask about the Princess">> <<goto [[simonePrincess]]>> <</link>><</if>>

<<set $merat.name to "Merat">> <<set $merat.desc to "The King's tall, lithe, and sadistic spymaster.">> <<setter "meratName to true" "meratName to undefined">> <<if ndef $meratName>> As you describe the man in black Simone quickly responds with @@color:#F9B7FF;"That's Merat! He's the King's spymaster! He's always hurrying around the palace doing important stuff dressed in black. He's always really nice to the servants though, it's weird that it sounds like he's been really horrid to you."@@ She cocks her head in confusion as she thinks about it. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I guess I always got a weird vibe from him. Lots of the girls think he's dreamy though."@@ <<elseif $meratName is true>> Simone cocks her head to one side in thought as you talk about the man who got you into this mess.< > @@color:#F9B7FF;"Merat's the King's spymaster. He's always hurrying around the palace doing important stuff dressed in black. He's always been really nice to the servants though, it's weird that he's been so horrid to you."@@ She rolls her head to cock to the other side as she thinks further @@color:#F9B7FF;"I guess I always got a weird vibe from him. Lots of the girls think he's dreamy though."@@ <</if>>< > You find yourself frowning at the thought of the cruel man being in good standing. /* Somewhat out of irritation you posit a theory that maybe Merat could have been involved in the assassination attempt. You don't get much more than a shrug from Simone in return though as she ponders @@color:#F9B7FF;"Maybe! It sounds like he was up to //something//, making you pretend to be the Princess and all, but it's not like you princessing effected the assassination attempt at all. Maybe he just didn't want the King and Queen to be worried about their daughter?"@@ */ Somewhat out of irritation you suggest that maybe Merat could have been involved in the assassination attempt. Simone ponders this for a moment. <<simone "I guess it //could// be possible. All of the palace staff were meant to stay in the Capital so that things weren't understaffed there, so it //was// pretty weird that he suddenly announced that he was coming along at the last moment, and we didn't receive any notice of the matter. Come to think of it, I think that it was //his// idea to leave the palace team behind in the first place anyway.">> She muses, but soon her trusting nature overrides even this level of suspiciousness and she quickly concludes <<simone "But I'm //sure// that he was just trying to be helpful.">> <<if visited("simoneAssass") is 0>> [[Ask what happened outside->simoneAssass]] <</if>> <<if visited("simonePrincess") is 0>> [[Ask about the Princess->simonePrincess]] <</if>> <<if visited("simoneAssass") is 1 and visited("simonePrincess") is 1 and visited("simoneMerat") is 1>> [[Looks like that's everything, say goodbye!->simoneStop]] <</if>>

<<set $princess.desc to "The kingdom's tomboyish future ruler. Hated being the princess and having to do princesslike things, so ran away.">> <<simone "I was always worried that she didn't //like// me very much, so when she //insisted// with the staff that I come along on the tour, instead of staying at the palace like I was supposed to, I was so happy. I simply can't believe the Princess would run away now!">> You ask whether Simone thinks she was doing it willingly, or if the Princess might have been coerced somehow. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Gosh, probably! Do you think that's possible? I mean.. After the last //nine// times she tried to run away this year, the chances have gotta be like, a //zillion// to one she'd do it again, right?"@@ You suppress a groan. It sounds like not only did the Princess //definitely// intend to escape, but also that she wouldn't have had to try very hard to do it without her maid noticing. That's probably why she insisted that Simone come along on the tour - so that she wouldn't be replaced by someone less credulous. You change tack and start asking more generally about the Princess. @@color:#F9B7FF;"The Princess is //always// getting in trouble. All of the servants have to work //super// hard to keep her doing princess things, but whenever we turn our backs she's off doing boy stuff like working out (unladylike!), climbing trees (dangerous!), playing with weapons (super dangerous!), sneaking girls in at night (not allowed!), or sneaking boys in at night (SUPER NOT ALLOWED!). And she HATES dresses, even though she has //sooo// many and they're all //super// pretty and cute."@@ A firm picture is beginning to develop in your mind. You ask why the court is so interested in keeping her in dresses and making her act ladylike if she seems so unwilling. Simone purses her lips in thought for a moment. Finally she says @@color:#F9B7FF;"I dunno, I think someone else decides it? Probably the Queen, she decides most things I think. But it's just like, the way things are? Princesses have gotta be princessy, you know?"@@ You don't think that you //do// know, but you at least feel like you understand the situation now. <<if visited("simoneAssass") is 0>> [[Ask what happened outside->simoneAssass]] <</if>> <<if visited("simoneMerat") is 0>> <<if $meratName is true>> [[Ask about Merat->simoneMerat]] <<else>> [[Ask about the man in black->simoneMerat]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("simoneAssass") is 1 and visited("simonePrincess") is 1 and visited("simoneMerat") is 1>> [[Looks like that's everything, say goodbye!->simoneStop]] <</if>>

<<set $crow.name to "The Scarecrow Killer">> <<set $crow.desc to "An androgynous figure who attempted to assassinate the king.">> <<run $crow.facts.pushUnique("You're the only one who saw what the assassin looks like under their mask.")>> <<simone "It was really //really// scary">> explains Simone. <<simone "One minute there was the big parade, and then everyone had to go inside because of the rain, but inside there was this //person//. I didn't see them, I ran away as soon as I heard screaming and hid, but I heard it was 10 foot tall and used witchcraft and had demon horns and was covered in bone and ate corpses and could read your mind!">>< > <<simone "It ran //straight// for the king and tried to kill him, but the soldiers got in the way and the king survived. But //so// many soldiers were killed, and now nobody can find the body so we think it got away! The servants are calling it the Scarecrow Killer, because nobody could see it's face through the sack they wore.">> You look thoughtfully at Simone. For someone who was just a part of something so horrific she's seemed pretty chipper. However as you look closer though you can see the tell-tale lines of tension on her expression - she's really trying hard to stay happy and enthusiastic. As if reading your mind, she gives a weak smile. @@color:#F9B7FF;"No reason to get all teary about it. A smile helps people feel better. Even the ones who lost someone..."@@ You had begun to think that she was a little dim, but you make a mental note not to underestimate her. You think about what Simone told you about the assassin. Some of the details in the middle sounded pretty outlandish, probably a result of people over-exaggerating, or just that they were so scared that they were imagining things. The description seemed too similar to the androgynous figure you saw earlier to be chance, and a chill goes down your spine at the thought of having been so close to a murderer. Simone mentioned that nobody saw the assassin's face under the sack mask. If that's true, then you're the only person who knows what the Scarecrow Killer looks like. This information seems important and could save lives, or perhaps be used as a valuable bargaining chip. <<if visited("simoneMerat") is 0>> <<if $meratName is true>> [[Ask about Merat->simoneMerat]] <<else>> [[Ask about the man in black->simoneMerat]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("simonePrincess") is 0>> [[Ask about the Princess->simonePrincess]] <</if>> <<if visited("simoneAssass") is 1 and visited("simonePrincess") is 1 and visited("simoneMerat") is 1>> [[Looks like that's everything, say goodbye!->simoneStop]] <</if>>

<<unset $meratName>> <<setter "pc.background to 'hero'" "pc.background to 'bread'">> @@color:#F9B7FF;"Goodbye, <<print $pc.name>>! It's been really lovely meeting you!"@@ says Simone sweetly as you stand up, a wide earnest smile on her face. However when you're half way across the carriage a thought seems to strike her and she suddenly dashes over to stand in your way, arms outstretched to stop you. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Wait wait wait wait wait! Where are you going?"@@ You're a little confused - you were just planning to leave now that the door's unlocked and you can start your life as normal again. You can see her eyes widen in shock as she mentally puts something together. @@color:#F9B7FF;"No no no! You can't! Oh gosh, everything's super messed up! I... I don't know what you can do!"@@ She begins frantically, and you give her a moment to calm down and collect herself. Eventually she manages to explain. @@color:#F9B7FF;"The soldiers were saying that their superiors think that the Scarecrow Killer is hiding in the convoy and traveling with us! They're under //strict// orders to cut down //anyone// that they don't recognize! They're keeping close watch over the royal carriages in particular because that's where he might attack next!"@@ You can't stop yourself from letting out a huge sigh of irritation at her words. Sure, this is a perilous situation, but by this point you're just sick and tired of your bad luck today. <<if $pc.background is "manly" or $pc.background is "hero">> You're no stranger to fighting, and if these were your usual city guards you feel like you could probably scuffle your way free. But these are //royal guards//, probably a whole platoon of them - it wouldn't even be close. <</if>> Still, the situation doesn't seem too unworkable. You ask Simone if she could just vouch for you. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Umm... Sorry, but, I wouldn't risk it if it were me."@@ Simone replies, wincing a little at having to tell you this. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I'm always running after the Princess and getting in trouble because of her, you see. I don't think that people here think I'm very smart. They probably wouldn't listen and would assume that I've been tricked."@@ You can understand where she's coming from. If you were on guard for an assassin and someone like Simone came up to you with a story as unlikely as yours then that's probably what you'd think as well, and with the Scarecrow Killer being so deadly you wouldn't have the confidence to try to arrest the stranger or give them time to explain themselves - the safest thing would be to take them out as quickly as possible. Luckily it's not //only// Simone who knows that you're here - Merat should be able to easily resolve the situation, or if not him, Renart and Robiers. Their story would be a lot more believable. If she can just get in contact with any of them you should be fine. Simone seems relieved at being able to do something to help, and excitedly salutes you like she's a soldier being sent on a mission. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I'll do that right away! Stay here where it's safe and I'll be back before you know it!"@@ she shouts as she hurries through the carriage door. [[You hope that she succeeds->simoneReturn]]

<<run $merat.facts.pushUnique("Missing ever since the assassination attempt")>> <<set $rob.name to "Robiers">> <<set $rob.desc to "A burly, thickset soldier. Used to be partners with Ren, who was killed by the Scarecrow Killer.">> <<run $rob.facts.pushUnique("Absent without leave ever since Ren died.")>> <<run $rob.facts.pushUnique("You need him to vouch for you to get out of this situation.")>> <<run $rob.facts.delete("You got along with the two of them.")>> <<setter "robPal to true" "robPal to undefined">> You've done a lot of waiting around today, but this time it passes a lot easier knowing that you've got someone on your side helping you out. Finally you hear the door open and you stand up in excitement - expecting to see Simone along with Merat or one of the soldiers. But the only person who comes inside is a lone Simone looking downcast. She starts rambling apologetically before you can ask her what happened. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I tried asking everywhere I can, but nobody's seen Merat ever since the attack, he's gone missing!"@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"As for Ren and Rob... Ren didn't make it, he was killed by the assassin."@@ she continues, her voice trembling a little. Your heart sinks at the words. <<if $robPal is true>>You had //liked// Ren, and the thought that he isn't around anymore is devastating.<<else>>You hadn't gotten along with Ren, but he had still reached out to you, the thought that he isn't around anymore hurts even more knowing that you had rejected his kindness.<</if>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"Robiers is still alive, but the people who I asked said that he's taking it real badly. They were really close, you know. They didn't know where he went, only that he didn't want anyone to see him, so I didn't want to go looking..."@@ You sit down and try to take in what you've learnt. Merat's disappearance is suspicious, right? Maybe you're still just irritated after hearing that he's well liked, but his disappearance sure sounds like it could mean that he was involved in the assassination attempt. Either way, it seems like you might have to just wait around the carriage a little longer. Chances are that Robiers will show up again tomorrow and Simone can remind him of your situation so he can vouch for you. After all that's happened, another night of waiting is hardly the end of the world. [[Continue->simoneNight]]

<<setter "clean to true" "clean to undefined">> You let Simone in on your thinking, to which she replies. @@color:#F9B7FF;"That makes perfect sense to me! You can just stay here overnight and in the morning everything will be ok. Do you need anything?"@@ You're about to decline, but just as you're about to do so your stomach lets out a loud rumble audible to the both of you. Simone titters to herself. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I can fix something up for us. You're welcome to take a bath for the evening if you'd like<<if ndef $clean>>, you look like you need it<</if>>."@@ <<if $clean is true>> You sheepishly tell the girl that you've already had one while you were waiting in the carriage. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Isn't it lovely water here?"@@ she says smiling warmly @@color:#F9B7FF;"They treat it with rosewater you know, and the Princess is always being given fancy soaps and things, and since we share the bathroom I get to use them too."@@ You explain that you enjoyed the one that you used, the cream that you applied to your legs, but when you do so Simone freezes and looks at you funny. @@color:#F9B7FF;"You mean the one in the jar?"@@ she asks, looking concerned. When you nod in agreement she suddenly seems to be unable to suppress her giggles, leaving you waiting unamused for her to calm down. Eventually she manages @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh wow, thank goodness you only used it on your legs then!"@@ but then the look on your confused face sets her off again in giggles. Finally she seems to calm down and, still smiling, says @@color:#F9B7FF;"Look at your legs, then you'll get it."@@ <<if $outfit.over is "White Cloak">>You pull aside the white cloak you're wearing and inspect your legs poking out from the torn britches underneath.<<else>>You look down at your two legs, still exposed from your torn britches.<</if>> They look the same as ever, your <<print $pc.skin.color>> skin covered in leg hair. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Ok, now rub them."@@ Not knowing what to expect, you do as she says and wipe your hand across your leg. As you do so you're shocked as your hand leaves a thick line of skin behind it now completely hairless. You look at your hand in shock and it's now covered in strands of leg hair. @@color:#F9B7FF;"It's depilation cream"@@ explains Simone, once again having to speak through giggles at the look on your face. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Once it's put on it weakens the hair until it just kinda slips out. Don't worry, it'll grow back, you'll just have to deal with having girly legs for a little bit."@@ You don't like the idea, but it looks like this is what you're stuck with. To be fair, it truly //was// a blessing that you only used it on your legs and not your whole body. @@color:#F9B7FF;"You'll want to wipe your legs down in the bath, else you'll be leaving a trail behind you as they fall out by themselves. I'll get some dinner going."@@ [[Do as she says->simoneLegs]] <<else>> She's right; the weeks in prison without water to bathe in have been rough, so you decide to take her up on the offer and leave her to go to the bathroom. Despite it being a mobile room on a carriage the bathroom is surprisingly spacious. The biggest feature is a huge rose-gold bathtub sitting in the center of the room. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\carriageBathroom.png]]@@ Eager to wash, you rapidly strip yourself of the <<if $outfit.over.Name is "White Cloak">>Princess' white cloak, and then the torn rags that you have on underneath<<else>>torn rags you're wearing<</if>> until you're standing nude in the bathroom. Thankfully it doesn't take long for the bath to run and you can step into the water. The water feels INCREDIBLE against your body as you let it soak and you can feel the stress of your bizarre day lift from your shoulders. As steam fills the room you catch a smell of roses, and realize that the water, wherever it's stored, must have been treated with perfume before use. It feels a little weird bathing with such a feminine scent but it's too relaxing for you to care. While it's tempting to stay in the water forever, you figure that you're plenty clean enough now, and you step out of the water and clothe yourself once more. <<if $outfit.over.Name is "White Cloak">>You decide to leave the Princess' cloak here, as it looks like pretending to be the Princess isn't going to be necessary anymore. <<set $outfit.over to {}>> <<set $outfit.over.types to []>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "jail">> <<set $outfit.set.types to []>> <</if>> <<set $clean to true>> [[Walk back into the main room->simoneEat]] <</if>>

<<set $outfit.over to {}>> <<set $outfit.over.types to []>> <<set $pc.shave to "legs">> <<set $legBed to true>> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\carriageBathroom.png]]@@ Slightly embarrassed, you walk back into the bathroom and run the water for the bathtub again. Once it's filled you step inside and begin to furiously rub your legs with a sponge. With each stroke your legs become a little less hairy. Eventually you manage to get rid of all of it, and you look down to see the bathtub filled with dark leg hair. You had no idea that your legs had so much hair on them! As you pull the plug and watch the stream of hair slip down the plughole you can't help but feel wistful, like your masculinity is getting sucked away with it, but then you roll your eyes at yourself for being so melodramatic. As you step out of the bath you can't help but catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror. You wince as you realize that if you saw a picture of your legs like they are now there'd be nothing to stop you thinking that they belonged to a cute girl. You shake your head to try to dispel the thought and make sure to turn your back to the mirror as you dress so you don't have to think about it. <<if $outfit.set.id is "wcloak">><<set $outfit.set.id to "jail">><<set $outfit.set.types to []>>You put back on the dirty hempen smock and torn britches from before but decide to leave the Princess' white cloak here as it doesn't look like you'll have to pretend to be the Princess any longer.<<else>>You put back on the dirty hempen smock and torn britches from before.<</if>> [[Walk back into the main room->simoneEat]]

<<run forget('peeked')>> <<set $simone.sleepArray to []>> <<set $dinnerTalk to []>> <<set $simone.slept to 0>> As you come back into the main room of the carriage Simone is just setting the table. <<if def $pc.shave>>Sadly your torn britches don't cover your legs, so you feel exposed as the maid looks over as you enter and giggles at how your legs look<</if>> <<simone "It's not much, but you looked hungry so I wanted to be quick">> she explains as she brings over some plates of food. You have no idea what she's talking about - it's some of the most delicious looking food you've ever seen, but you suppose that Simone is used to cooking for royalty after all. You're even hungrier than expected. You demolish the food so quickly that you barely have time to notice that you're eating with golden cutlery on ivory plates. Your food is finished long before Simone's is. It looks like the polite thing to do is make some conversation while she finishes eating. What do you talk about? [[Ask if she likes being a maid->simoneEatMaid]] [[Ask about her family->simoneEatFamily]] [[Ask about the accessories covering her maid outfit->simoneEatAcc]]

<<run $dinnerTalk.pushUnique("acc")>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh, these things?"@@ begins Simone between bites. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I've always loved colors and cute patterns and things, so I was super duper sad when they showed me the maid outfit and it was black and white"@@ She smiles mischievously to herself. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I cried a little to the head butler when he showed me, and then he felt sorry for me so let me add all the bits that I wanted."@@ You're surprised at her mischievous tone - clearly the waterworks weren't //entirely// unintentional. You wouldn't have expected her sweet earnestness to have some cunning to it, and for the second time make a mental note not to underestimate her. @@color:#F9B7FF;"What about you? What were you up to before this?"@@ she asks. <<if $pc.background is "flirt">> You pick your words carefully as you reply. You wouldn't want the girl to think of you as a flirtatious dandy after all. You merely mention that you're a popular figure at parties and occasionally dabbled in noble circles. Simone smiles at your explanation. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Gosh that sounds like a lot of fun. I sometimes staff parties like that and it always looks like people are having a wonderful time.@@ Her face darkens as she thinks a little more <<simone "Other than the rude people who show up and try to take all of the ladies home. We sometimes have problems with them at the palace">> You cough uncomfortably and assure her that those people are truly awful. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "bread">> You admit that you weren't up to much at all - just trying to survive in a world that made it difficult for people like you to get by. Life's tough, but you just gotta keep your chin up and food in your belly and you can get through another day. You can see her lower lip trembling as you describe your poverty. @@color:#F9B7FF;"That's awful! I don't think anyone should ever have to live like that"@@ she says finally. You find yourself smiling at little to yourself at her earnest compassion, it really sounds like she means it. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "manly">> You're eager to regale the girl with stories about your epic pub crawls and street fights. The heroes (you and your mates), the villains (of which there were many, but you keep it to just the ones who really had it coming), and the poor dames who you saved from their clutches (which were rare, but you make sure to embellish one into every story). Simone's eyes are glistening in admiration at your tales of daring-do, cheering and booing at all of the right points. @@color:#F9B7FF;"That sounds wonderful! A true hero of the public houses!"@@ she exclaims finally, sounding like she really means it. You find yourself smiling at her praise. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "hero">> You start talking about your adventuresome lifestyle. Always on the road, always vigilant for evildoers, trying to fix the world one feat of daring-do at a time. You're not one to brag about oneself, but Simone's glistening eyes of admiration and enthralled questions manage to drag one story out of you after another. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Wow!"@@ says the maid finally, @@color:#F9B7FF;"That's amazing! You're so incredible!"@@ You find yourself blushing a little at her earnest praise, but you cough to try to hide it. <</if>> You look up after your conversation and realize how dark it's become. You've talked together well into the night. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I guess it's time for bed"@@ yawns Simone, stretching her arms out as she does. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I have a little bed that pulls out from the wall, you grab the Princess' one."@@ she insists. [[Gladly take the Princess' bed->simoneNBigB]] [[Insist that Simone take the Princess' bed, I can sleep in the smaller one.->simoneNSmallB]] [[I don't like the idea of either of us getting a larger bed. Insist that we both sleep in the Princess' bed together.->simoneNTogether]]

<<run $dinnerTalk.pushUnique("family")>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"We're a comfortable family living in the Capital!"@@ begins Simone between bites @@color:#F9B7FF;"My mam's a seamstress, and dad's a merchant so is away a lot. There's seven of us siblings, all girls, and I'm the youngest."@@ Simone pouts a little as she mentions her siblings. @@color:#F9B7FF;"They all think I'm just cute and little and try to spoil me, but now I'm the Princess' maid so I'm fancier than any of them!"@@ It sounds like a busy family, but a warm one. @@color:#F9B7FF;"What about you? What were you up to before this?"@@ she asks. <<if $pc.background is "flirt">> You pick your words carefully as you reply. You wouldn't want the girl to think of you as a flirtatious dandy after all. You merely mention that you're a popular figure at parties and occasionally dabbled in noble circles. Simone smiles at your explanation. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Gosh that sounds like a lot of fun. I sometimes staff parties like that and it always looks like people are having a wonderful time."@@ Her face darkens as she thinks a little more @@color:#F9B7FF;"Other than the rude people who show up and try to take all of the ladies home. We sometimes have problems with them at the palace"@@ You cough uncomfortably and assure her that those people are truly awful. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "bread">> You admit that you weren't up to much at all - just trying to survive in a world that made it difficult for people like you to get by. Life's tough, but you just gotta keep your chin up and food in your belly and you can get through another day. You can see her lower lip trembling as you describe your poverty. @@color:#F9B7FF;"That's awful! I don't think anyone should ever have to live like that"@@ she says finally. You find yourself smiling at little to yourself at her earnest compassion, it really sounds like she means it. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "manly">> You're eager to regale the girl with stories about your epic pub crawls and street fights. The heroes (you and your mates), the villains (of which there were many, but you keep it to just the ones who really had it coming), and the poor dames who you saved from their clutches (which were rare, but you make sure to embellish one into every story). Simone's eyes are glistening in admiration at your tales of daring-do, cheering and booing at all of the right points. @@color:#F9B7FF;"That sounds wonderful! A true hero of the public houses!"@@ she exclaims finally, sounding like she really means it. You find yourself smiling at her praise. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "hero">> You start talking about your adventuresome lifestyle. Always on the road, always vigilant for evildoers, trying to fix the world one feat of daring-do at a time. You're not one to brag about oneself, but Simone's glistening eyes of admiration and enthralled questions manage to drag one story out of you after another. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Wow!"@@ says the maid finally, @@color:#F9B7FF;"That's amazing! You're so incredible!"@@ You find yourself blushing a little at her earnest praise, but you cough to try to hide it. <</if>> You look up after your conversation and realize how dark it's become. You've talked together well into the night. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I guess it's time for bed"@@ yawns Simone, stretching her arms out as she does. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I have a little bed that pulls out from the wall, you grab the Princess' one."@@ she insists. [[Gladly take the Princess' bed->simoneNBigB]] [[Insist that Simone take the Princess' bed, I can sleep in the smaller one.->simoneNSmallB]] [[I don't like the idea of either of us getting a larger bed. Insist that we both sleep in the Princess' bed together.->simoneNTogether]]

<<run $dinnerTalk.pushUnique("maid")>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"I like it nice enough."@@ begins Simone between bites. @@color:#F9B7FF;"The other maids are always really nice to me, a bunch of them call me their little sister, which is really sweet of them."@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"Things have been hectic ever since I became the Princess' maid. I don't even know why I got picked to be honest, it seems like such an important honor but for some reason they came to me even though I was only a newbie. It's tiring and difficult but it's a privilege to work for the royal family, and all of the staff ruffle my hair and tell me that I'm doing well."@@ You wonder if the reason why Simone ended up the Princess' maid might be because nobody else wanted to do it and the other servants might feel sorry for her, but decide not to say anything. @@color:#F9B7FF;"What about you? What were you up to before this?"@@ she asks. <<if $pc.background is "flirt">> You pick your words carefully as you reply. You wouldn't want the girl to think of you as a flirtatious dandy after all. You merely mention that you're a popular figure at parties and occasionally dabbled in noble circles. Simone smiles at your explanation. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Gosh that sounds like a lot of fun. I sometimes staff parties like that and it always looks like people are having a wonderful time.@@ Her face darkens as she thinks a little more @@color:#F9B7FF;"Other than those rude people who show up and try to take all of the ladies home. We sometimes have problems with them at the palace"@@ You cough uncomfortably and try to assure her that those people are truly awful. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "bread">> You admit that you weren't up to much at all - just trying to survive in a world that made it difficult for people like you to get by. Life's tough, but you just gotta keep your chin up and food in your belly and you can get through another day. You can see her lower lip trembling as you describe your poverty. @@color:#F9B7FF;"That's awful! I don't think anyone should ever have to live like that"@@ she says finally. You find yourself smiling at little to yourself at her earnest compassion, it really sounds like she means it. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "manly">> You're eager to regale the girl with stories about your epic pub crawls and street fights. The heroes (you and your mates), the villains (of which there were many, but you keep it to just the ones who really had it coming), and the poor dames who you saved from their clutches (which were rare, but you make sure to embellish one into every story). Simone's eyes are glistening in admiration at your tales of daring-do, cheering and booing at all of the right points. @@color:#F9B7FF;"That sounds wonderful! A true hero of the public houses!"@@ she exclaims finally, sounding like she really means it. You find yourself smiling at her praise. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "hero">> You start talking about your adventuresome lifestyle. Always on the road, always vigilant for evildoers, trying to fix the world one feat of daring-do at a time. You're not usually one to brag about oneself, but Simone's glistening eyes of admiration and enthralled questions manage to drag one story out of you after another. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Wow!"@@ says the maid finally, @@color:#F9B7FF;"That's amazing! You're so incredible!"@@ You find yourself blushing a little at her earnest praise, and you cough to try to hide it. <</if>> You look up after your conversation and realize how dark it's become. You've talked together well into the night. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I guess it's time for bed"@@ yawns Simone, stretching her arms out as she does. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I have a little bed that pulls out from the wall, you grab the Princess' one."@@ she insists. [[Gladly take the Princess' bed->simoneNBigB]] [[Insist that Simone take the Princess' bed, I can sleep in the smaller one.->simoneNSmallB]] [[I don't like the idea of either of us getting a larger bed. Insist that we both sleep in the Princess' bed together.->simoneNTogether]]

<<set $simone.offered to true>> You announce that, since you're both equals, it feels absurd to have //either// of you take the uncomfortable bed, and it would make you uncomfortable to do anything other than share the Princess' bed together, especially since it's easily twice the size of any bed you've slept on before. Simone's eyes go so wide from shock at your proposal, and she begins to stammer @@color:#F9B7FF;"B-but you're a boy and I'm a girl. What if you t-take advantage and //ravish// me - and t-then no man will marry me after!?"@@ You're shocked by Simone's outburst - it almost sounds like she views you like some kind of rapist! As you consider it though, you realize that her tone isn't accusational in the slightest, instead it sounds almost like she's even more worried that she //herself// might be the one caught up in the moment, or that by merely sleeping in a bed together you'll be struck by cupid's arrow and be unable to resist each other. You get the distinct impression that Simone probably hasn't been intimate with someone before, and that people in her life have been cautioning her to protect her little-sisterly innocence. True enough, you see a blush begin to rise to her panicking cheeks as her imagination gets carried away. You quickly interrupt her train of thought by firmly reassuring her that you'll be on opposite sides of the bed fully dressed, and won't even touch during the night. She calms down a touch. @@color:#F9B7FF;"W-what nightclothes will you be wearing? You'd need to be decent."@@ she says, still eyeing you suspiciously. You usually sleep naked, but you decide not to mention that - instead reminding her that you don't have any nightclothes, or any spare clothing at all. If you did then you wouldn't be choosing to wear these rags. Simone shifts nervously from one foot to the other. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I-I suppose that makes sense, and you can hardly wear any of my or the Princess' bedclothes because you're a boy."@@ You're glad that she understands the situation. As you continue your reassurances though, you accidentally make a mistake; while talking about your clothing you let it slip that you're not wearing any underwear underneath. The moment it exits your mouth Simone is straight back on guard again. With her arms crossed in front of her she firmly declares @@color:#F9B7FF;"There's no //way// that I'm going to share a bed with a boy who's not wearing underwear! If you care about it so much you'll have to wear some of the Princess' or my-"@@ She seems to realize that a boy wearing her underwear might be even more indecent, so retracts @@color:#F9B7FF;"Some of the Princess' pairs."@@ [[Give up, but make her take the big bed->simoneNSmallB]] [[Give up and accept the big bed for yourself->simoneNBigB]] [[Accept her terms and wear the Princess' underwear->simoneNTogether2]]

<<run $simone.sleepArray.push("big")>> <<if visited("simoneNTogether") is 1>> You're definitely not going to do something like that, so begrudgingly you agree to sleep in the big bed. You find yourself stifling a yawn, so quickly say your goodnights to Simone and walk over to the Princess' bed. <<else>> After weeks of sleeping on the cold stone floor you're grateful to Simone for giving you the larger bed. With a yawn of your own you stand from the table and make your way over to the large four-poster bed. <</if>> <<if $bedding is true>> <<if $beddingHid is true>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh, hang on!"@@ you hear from behind you, and Simone comes over with a spare sheet. @@color:#F9B7FF;"The Princess ruined the last one, let me get this set up for you."@@ says the maid as she sets to work. You wince a little as you remember that you're the cause of it. In a well-practiced moment she has it all set up. @@color:#F9B7FF;"There, perfect"@@ she says, sounding a little proud of her work. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I guess I'll see you in the morning."@@ <<else>> With a grimace you remember that you previously ruined the bedsheets. You make a display of looking under the duvet and remark in a tone that you hope sounds convincingly innocent that the sheet seems to be gone. Simone cocks her head to the side quizzically for a few tense moments but you're relieved when she eventually replies @@color:#F9B7FF;"one of the other maids must have done it. Weird, usually they don't touch the place. Oh well"@@ and walks over to grab another sheet from the sideboard and pull it over. @@color:#F9B7FF;"There, perfect"@@ she says after a well-practiced sheet-covering, sounding a little proud of herself. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I guess I'll see you in the morning." <</if>>@@ <</if>> You sigh as you let yourself collapse into the bed. It's so soft and comfortable that it's absurd, and as soon you pull the duvet over you it feels like you're being embraced by a cloud.<<if $legBed is true>><<unset $legBed>> Though you'd never admit it, you're amazed at how incredible your hairless legs feel against the soft fabric.<</if>> You aren't sure whether you'd sleep easily after the day you've had - a day of extremes of tension and boredom. However before you know it you find your eyelids becoming heavy and before Simone has even fully gotten herself to bed you fall into slumber. [[zzz->day2wakeBed]]

<<run $simone.sleepArray.push("small")>> <<if visited("simoneNTogether") is 1>> You're definitely not going to do something like that, but you're not going to let Simone sleep on the smaller bed either, so manage to make her agree to take the Princess' one. <<else>> You insist to Simone that she should take the larger bed, as she has a greater claim to being here than you do. It takes some insisting, but eventually you get your way. <</if>> Simone shows you how to pull out the servants bed, and then with a @@color:#F9B7FF;"Goodnight!"@@ she sleepily grabs her nightclothes and goes to change in the bathroom. While she's in there you settle yourself into the bed with a yawn. <<if $bedding is true>> <<if $beddingHid is true>> Simone emerges wearing a slightly childish green flannel nightie, the trim of which grazes just above the bottom of her butt revealing cute matching panties as she walks over to the Princess' bed. You hear her groan @@color:#F9B7FF;"oh yeah, she ruined the sheets."@@ as she lifts the duvet and finds it sheetless. You wince as you remember that you're the cause of it, but luckily it doesn't seem like too much of an issue and she quickly retrieves a new sheet and starts to set it up. <<else>> Simone emerges wearing a cute green flannel nightie, the trim of which grazes just above the bottom of her butt revealing cute matching panties as she walks over to the Princess' bed. You hear her make a surprised noise as she notices that the sheets are missing, and you wince as you remember that you're the reason why. Luckily it doesn't seem like too much an issue as after a mumbled @@color:#F9B7FF;"weird, the other maids rarely come in here."@@ she retrieves a new sheet and starts to set it up. <</if>> <</if>> Compared to the Princess' lavish bed this pull-out one is very rudimentary, and while it's a lot nicer than sleeping on the jail floor you know that you're still going to be aching in the morning - clearly the designers viewed the comfort of servants as an afterthought.<<if $legBed is true>><<unset $legBed>> What //is// shockingly comfortable though is how incredible your hairless legs feel against the bedding, and despite yourself you find yourself idly kicking your legs to indulge in the sensation.<</if>> You aren't sure whether you'd sleep easily after the day you've had, a day of extremes of tension and boredom. However before you know it you find your eyelids becoming heavy and before Simone has even fully gotten herself to bed you fall into slumber. [[zzz->day2wakeBed]]

<<set $day to 2>> <<unset $beddingHid>> <<if visited("simoneNBigB")>> <<include [[bigBedWake1]]>> <</if>> <<if visited("simoneNSmallB")>> <<include [[smallBWake]]>> <</if>> You hear her light footsteps approach the door and open it. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh, hello sir!"@@ comes Simone's voice as she opens the carriage door For a moment you hope that the visitor might be Robiers and you might be free to go, but while the voice that replies is gruff and masculine it doesn't match his tone, maybe another soldier? @@color:#79BAEC;"'Morning miss. I'm here with instructions for the Princess, is she available?"@@ Simone's voice doesn't hesitate for a moment as she replies @@color:#F9B7FF;"She's just in the bath right now, sir."@@ You breathe a sigh of relief at her quick thinking. You can tell the mental image of the Princess bathing catches the man by surprise a little as he replies @@color:#79BAEC;"Ahh... Er, best not to interrupt then. Please could you pass this on."@@ @@color:#79BAEC;"The convoy is going to be moving on shortly, onwards to Bëlun. We'll be arriving at the building site of the citadel around five and the Princess will be attending a tour of the grounds while the King and Queen meet with the overseer."@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"You mean that we're not going back to the Capital?"@@ says Simone, clearly shocked. @@color:#F9B7FF;"After all that happened yesterday?"@@ You can hear the shrug in the man's voice as he replies @@color:#79BAEC;"Doesn't seem like it."@@ After a moment he continues in a more hushed, conspiratorial tone - @@color:#79BAEC;"It's //insane// if you ask me. But I think the crown's been worried about the southern nobles for a while - doesn't want to show weakness in front of them and all that. The King's too brave for his own damn good."@@ The man's voice returns to his dutiful tone as he continues. @@color:#79BAEC;"To try to keep things safe we'll be doing a daily top-to-bottom carriage search, though to protect the Princess' modesty we'll only be searching this one while the Princess is out on daily activities. Wouldn't want to bother her and all that."@@ Simone only manages a strained @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh"@@ in response, clearly realizing how much this puts you in peril. Luckily from his tone it doesn't seem like the man notices. Instead his voice becomes rather sheepish as he says @@color:#79BAEC;"And err... The Queen instructed me to tell the Princess that she's not to be seen in that white cloak again. Said she's uuh... 'Embarrassed to be seen with a daughter looking like a ghost and if she doesn't dress like a lady she'll have harsh words with her.' Sorry about that."@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"Uhh, thank you, I'll let her know."@@ says Simone quickly, before suddenly remembering your priorities. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh! by the way! Has Robiers shown up yet?"@@ @@color:#79BAEC;"Not since the attack I'm afraid. He's around somewhere I'm sure."@@ Then the man's tone becomes a little teasing as he continues @@color:#79BAEC;"I heard that you were asking around yesterday too. Makes sense to me, lass, strike while the iron's hot and he's single for once - with a guy like that I can hardly blame you. Good luck!"@@ You don't have to be able to see Simone to guess that she's turned bright red in embarrassment at the mix up, and she stammers out @@color:#F9B7FF;"Umm... Umm... I guess that must be it! W-well thank you sir. I'll let the Princess know all of that."@@ You wait until they've said their goodbyes and you hear the door shut before you throw the covers off of you and groan in frustration. [[Shit. You're done for!->day2plans]]

You're awoken the next morning by a loud knocking at the door. You look up groggily from your bed and it takes you a moment to remember why you're sleeping in such a lavish environment. After all the weirdness of yesterday it would have been easier to believe that it had just been a bizarre dream. As you were expecting, you've got some aches from having slept in such a rudimentary bed. Simone, looking a little bleary-eyed herself, stands up from the Princess' bed and stretches herself awake. Perhaps she's forgotten that you're here because as she lifts her arms to stretch them her green nightie rides up and you catch a glimpse of her matching green panties and her slender navel, which you notice isn't spared the cute freckles covering the rest of her. As the knocking becomes more insistent she seems to suddenly remember the situation and quickly looks your way to motion for you to duck under the covers out of sight.

You're awoken the next morning by a loud knocking at the door. You look up groggily from your bed and it takes you a moment to remember why you're sleeping in such a lavish environment. After all the weirdness of yesterday it would have been easier to believe that it had just been a bizarre dream. Simone, looking a little bleary-eyed herself, stands up from her smaller bed. You fell asleep too early to notice but she must have changed into a cute green flannel nightie to sleep in, and the trim of which grazes just above the bottom of her butt revealing cute matching panties as she stretches herself awake. From the strained look on her sleepy face it doesn't look like the smaller bed is very comfortable. As the knocking becomes more insistent she seems to suddenly remember the situation and quickly looks your way to motion for you to duck under the covers out of sight.

<<unset $pantyChoice>> <<unset $bedding>> Simone turns back to you with a sigh of relieved tension at not having been found out by the soldier.<<if $simone.slept is 1>> You can still see a touch of flushed arousal on her cheeks from before, but if she'd rather not address it you decide to do the same.<</if>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"What do we do now?"@@ she asks, mostly rhetorically. You couldn't answer her even if you tried - just about everything that the soldier had announced had been awful news for your plan. Unless Robiers shows up before you get to Bëlun you're done for. Your worrying is cut short by the cracks of whips from outside and with a shake the carriage begins to move. You look out the window and soon see the houses of your hometown going past outside. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day2plans.png]]@@ You sit in depressed silence for a while before Simone breaks the melancholy mood by announcing @@color:#F9B7FF;"Well, I'll change out of my sleepclothes and then we'll have breakfast I guess."@@ as she stands and walks towards the bathroom. You find yourself wondering how she used to change with the Princess here instead of you, since the bathroom seems a strange place to do it if it's a regular thing. Maybe she just did it in front of her? You realize that you don't know much about how girls do stuff like that normally, let alone when one of them is royalty. /* <<if $outfit.under.types.includesAny("panties")>> You realize that if you wanted to slip out of the <<print $outfit.under.name>> that you're wearing, now would be the time to do so. <<link "Take them off. I feel weird wearing them">> <<remove "#remove">> <<append "#append" t8n>> <<hr>><<include [[day2removePanties]]>> <</append>> <</link>> <<link "It's not like I have any mens underwear to change into, keep wearing them">> <<goto [[day2plans2]]>> <<set $fem += 1>> <</link>> <<else>> */ [[Get out of bed and start the day->day2plans2]] /* <</if>> */

<<set $outfit.under to {}>> <<set $outfit.under.Name to "None">> <<set $outfit.under.name to "none">> <<set $outfit.under.types to []>> You're dying to get out of the things so jump at the opportunity - quickly pulling down your torn britches so you can remove them. You breathe a sigh of relief to yourself as you pull your britches back up sans panties. You can't stop it from feeling a little performative though - as much as you try to tell yourself that you're enjoying being able to be going commando again they really //were// comfortable in comparison. You shake your head to try to dispel the thought. [[Get up and start the day->day2plans2]]

<<set $queen.facts to []>> <<set $king.facts to []>> <<set $simone.desc to "The Princess' maid, and your only ally helping you to survive.">> <<run $king.facts.pushUnique("If he sees you he'll be able to tell that you're an imposter and you'll be done for")>> <<run $queen.facts.pushUnique("Will come to tell you off if you've been acting insufficiently princesslike")>> <<run $queen.facts.pushUnique("If she sees you she'll be able to tell that you're an imposter and you'll be done for")>> You get out of bed and do the morning routine of yawning and stretching yourself into feeling ready for the day. Before long Simone pokes her head out the bathroom and comes out back in her revealing maid's dress. You're impressed at how quickly she had managed to reattach all of her accessories about her person. You're both silent while Simone cooks - too busy brooding about your dire situation and what you could do about it to make conversation. It's not until you've both finished your meals that Simone speaks up with an idea. @@color:#F9B7FF;"So... I think I thought of something that might help."@@ She doesn't look enthusiastic though and bites her lip nervously as she continues @@color:#F9B7FF;"I don't think that you're going to like it though..."@@ You're desperate for any lifeline whatsoever and are hardly in a position to turn down any plan. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Well, alright. But //promise// that you'll take it seriously, ok?"@@ After you agree she takes a deep breath in to prepare herself and then begins: @@color:#F9B7FF;"What if you pretended to be the Princess at the thing this evening? Then you'd be out of the carriage when they're doing the search and you could come back again afterwards."@@ You have to strain yourself not to laugh at Simone's plan, you wouldn't want to break your promise after all, but the idea has a huge number of issues. For one thing, while you share some superficial features with the Princess like height, skin, and hair color, the similarities end there - you're both //easily// recognizable as different people. @@color:#F9B7FF;"That's what I was thinking before, but I think it's possible. The Princess //never// does public appearances, not since she was just starting puberty - the Queen's //always// trying to get her to but she sneaks away to do boy things instead. None of the local nobles will know what she looks or acts like, and none of the carriage staff are from the palace team other than me, and Merat too, I guess. The tour's only just begun so nobody else has even seen her yet."@@ You remind the maid that two very important people will still know what the Princess looks like - the King and Queen. @@color:#F9B7FF;"You're right, they'd recognize you straight away if they saw you, but the soldier //did// say that they would be in a meeting. Maybe they'll be too busy?"@@ She thinks for a moment before continuing @@color:#F9B7FF;"Though you'd //definitely// have to make sure to avoid doing things that would upset the Queen. She's //always// coming over to scold the Princess when she hears that she's been acting boyishly - if she does that while you're here then everything's ruined."@@ You finally state the obvious: You're a //guy// - there's no way that you could pretend to be a girl and get away with it. Even when you were completely covered in a white cloak, didn't have to talk, and had two soldiers and Merat covering for you it was a miracle that it worked. Simone sighs deeply and sits back in her chair @@color:#F9B7FF;"Yeah, you're probably right. It's pretty silly. And the white cloak trick won't work again - if the Queen hears that you're wearing it she'll make a scene. It helps that the Queen hasn't been able to //completely// suppress that the Princess is at least known for being //boyish// I guess - it's a different //kind// of boyish but the locals probably wouldn't know that."@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"I just..."@@ begins Simone before getting choked up. When you look over you can see tears beginning to glisten in her eyes. She manages to say @@color:#F9B7FF;"I just don't want you to die, <<print $pc.name>>"@@ before the emotion overtakes her completely and she runs to the bathroom to compose herself. You consider Simone's plan: <ul> <li>Crossdress as the Princess</li> <li>Mingle with high society without being exposed</li> <li>Avoid bumping into the King and Queen, or you're done for</li> <li>Look and act feminine enough for the Queen not to come looking for you</li> <li>For as many days as it takes for Robiers to finally come back from wherever he's gone</li> <li>With almost no chance of escaping - the Princess is a known escape artist, and every guard is ready to stop her</li> <li>While a royal-assassinating murderer is lurking among you waiting to strike</li> <li>???</li> <li>A chance at survival?</li> </ul> You don't even know how to react. It's a million to one. It's //insane//. But she's right - a million to one is //still// a better chance than doing nothing. [[Fuck->day2plansHub]]

<<set $cute to 0>><<set $cuteBonus to 0>><<set $cuteTrain to 0>> <<set $grace to 0>><<set $graceBonus to 0>><<set $graceTrain to 0>> <<if ndef $auth>><<set $auth to 0>><<set $authBonus to 0>><<set $authTrain to 0>><</if>> <<set $voice to 0>><<set $voiceBonus to 0>><<set $voiceTrain to 0>> <<set $slut to 0>> <<set $pc.desc to "trapped in an absurd situation">> Once Simone comes back you grimly let her know that you'll do it, and soon both of you are hurrying around the carriage. You have only 6 hours until the carriage will arrive at the citadel and there's a dizzying number of things to prepare. Simone takes your measurements and starts to work on adjusting some of the Princess' clothes. Soon half of the room is covered in heaps of fabrics, silks, needles, and thread. You offer to help but she waves you away. <<simone "You'd only get in the way. I'll have a couple of different options to choose from by the time we arrive. Nobles //know// fine clothing - if they see you in something poorly fitted they won't believe you're the Princess for a second. Leave this to me - you should start practicing everything else!">> /* It looks like you're going to spend the day learning how to act princesslike. What do you prioritize? */ You decide to take her advice and begin considering how you could start learning how to act princesslike.< > For a moment you consider trying to imitate how the Princess //really// is, tomboyish personality and all, but you quickly abandon that plan. <<if $princessSeen is true>>After meeting her in person you can still barely wrap your head around the idea that that girl could really have been the princess. If<<else>>You're still in half-disbelief yourself about how unladylike she is - if<</if>> these nobles know as little about her as Simone said then, despite being true-to-life, there's no way they'd believe that you're really her with your masculine features, and you'd be rumbled in moments.< > <<simone "Honestly, given how boyish the Princess actually //is//, I was expecting her to spend half the trip with people constantly accusing her of being an imposter or something herself!">> Simone brings up. <<simone "Only... She could get away with it because if they double-checked it then they'd find out that it was really her - but if you did the same you could be done for!">>< > Frustratingly, if you're going to survive this then you'll have to do the task that the Princess has spent her whole life avoiding - actually acting princesslike.< > You have time for TWO activities. <<if $auth is 1>>After playing on the throne yesterday you already feel like you've learned something about ''authority'', but you could easily push it further.< ><</if>> <<link "My commoner bearing will give me away - practice authority">> <<goto [[authTrain1]]>> <</link>> <<link "My lack of poise and eloquence will give me away - practice grace">> <<goto [[graceTrain1]]>> <</link>> <<link "My gruff, masculine demeanor will give me away - practice cuteness">> <<goto [[cuteTrain1]]>> <</link>> <<link "My masculine voice will give me away - practice voice training">> <<goto [[voiceTrain1]]>> <</link>> <<hovertip "You're not ready to train in this skill yet. Maybe that will change if you get more comfortable with your sexuality and find a trainer.">>@@color:#797979;==My sexuality is all I need to get ahead - practice sluttiness==@@<</hovertip>>

Outside the windows of the carriage you can see the countryside go past. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day2plansHub2.jpeg]]@@ Simone makes some lunch for the two of you and you have a break together, but you're both so stressed trying to get everything ready that conversation is sparse. Soon you're both up and ready to continue your tasks. You have time for ONE more activity. <<if visited("authTrain1") is 0>><<link "My commoner way of talking with give me away - practice authority">> <<goto [[authTrain1]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if visited("graceTrain1") is 0>><<link "My lack of poise and eloquence will give me away - practice grace">> <<goto [[graceTrain1]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if visited("cuteTrain1") is 0>><<link "My gruff, masculine demeanor will give me away - practice cuteness">> <<goto [[cuteTrain1]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if visited("voiceTrain1") is 0>><<link "My masculine voice will give me away - practice voice training">> <<goto [[voiceTrain1]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <<hovertip "You're not ready to train in this skill yet. Maybe that will change if you get more comfortable with your sexuality and find a trainer.">>@@color:#797979;==My sexuality is all I need to get ahead - practice sluttiness==@@<</hovertip>>

<<include "cuteTraining">> <<if visited("day2plansHub2") is 0>><<link "Return">> <<goto [[day2plansHub2]]>> <</link>><</if>> <<if visited("day2plansHub2") gte 1>><<link "Continue">> <<goto [[day2plansFinish]]>> <</link>><</if>>

<<include "authTraining">> <<if visited("day2plansHub2") is 0>><<link "Return">> <<goto [[day2plansHub2]]>> <</link>><</if>> <<if visited("day2plansHub2") gte 1>><<link "Continue">> <<goto [[day2plansFinish]]>> <</link>><</if>>

<<include "voiceTraining">> <<if visited("day2plansHub2") is 0>><<link "Return">> <<goto [[day2plansHub2]]>> <</link>><</if>> <<if visited("day2plansHub2") gte 1>><<link "Continue">> <<goto [[day2plansFinish]]>> <</link>><</if>>

<<include "graceTraining">> <<if visited("day2plansHub2") is 0>> <<link "Return">> <<goto [[day2plansHub2]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if visited("day2plansHub2") gte 1>> <<link "Continue">> <<goto [[day2plansFinish]]>> <</link>> <</if>>

As the carriage makes a turn you check out the window and are greeted by the sight of a large defensible building jutting out the side of the mountain ahead, its structure supported by scaffolding. It looks like you're shortly going to be arriving at your destination. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day2plansFinish.png]]@@ You groan deeply to yourself at having run out of time to prepare. There's //so// much left to be done and you don't feel anywhere close to ready. Simone looks up at the noise and notices too, quickly jumping up to her feet. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh gosh"@@ she exclaims, picking up a few items of clothing from the floor as she speaks. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I didn't get as much done as I'd wanted, but I got a couple of options at least."@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"I thought it would be best to find things that covered as much skin as possible while enhancing a feminine silhouette."@@ She looks at your confused face for a moment before explaining @@color:#F9B7FF;"In at the waist, wide at the hips, basically."@@ You think about it for a moment - it feels like something's missing from that list. Wouldn't your flat chest be a problem? @@color:#F9B7FF;"Maybe! But a lot of girls have a pretty flat chest so I thought we could get away with it. The Princess was on the petite side herself, so luckily none of the outfits were too busty to begin with. I guess that if you're worried we could add some padding?"@@ You consider the idea. It's completely optional but maybe you'd feel safer with a little bulk to your bust. <<link "I want padding.">> <<goto [[day2outfitChoice]]>> <<set $outfit.padding to true>> <<set $paddingCheck to true>> <</link>> <<link "If Simone says so then flat chested is fine.">> <<goto [[day2outfitChoice]]>> <<set $outfit.padding to false>> <<set $paddingCheck to false>> <</link>>

@@color:#F9B7FF;"Ok! One last thing to go!"@@ says Simone as she gathers a bunch of stray pieces of fabric from the floor and gathers them into two orbs of material and passes them to you. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Pop these down the top for padding."@@ It's a slapdash solution, but the best you can do at the moment. With not much time left to go you quickly do what she says and slip them into the material. Luckily, the outfit is fitted to expect them and you find that they're held in place by the material without slipping.

<<set $outfitsArray to []>> Simone shows you the outfits that she's prepared. You have to admit that she's chosen them well - all of them are feminine and elegant while still leaving almost all of the body covered. /* [img[Images\Outfits\gcloak.png]][img[Images\Outfits\peach.png]][img[Images\Outfits\tulip.jpg]] */ <table style="width: 100%"> <tr> <td style="width:33%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\gcloak.png]]@@ </td> <td style="width:33%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\peach.png]]@@ </td> <td style="width:33%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\tulip.jpg]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> The first is a green cloak that unfurls out into plantlike ruffles behind you. The cloak doesn't cover the whole body and opens up from the navel downwards showing a fairly tight top and leggings underneath, both in earthy tones. It might have originally been used for a harvest-festival event as it comes with some accessories, including a dagger and sickle - though a quick check reveals that they're fake. Luckily it's the right season for it. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I'm nervous putting you in a cloak again after the Queen said not to wear the white one, but hopefully this is feminine enough to make it ok."@@ explains Simone as you examine the outfit. You're a little more concerned about having your legs and abdomen outlined by the tight clothing, but it does have the advantage of having a hood to hide in if necessary. The second is a peachy orange-brown colored dress. It's a little plain but makes up for it in layers which cascade over each other pleasingly. Under the skirt there's a few layers of extra fabric adding bulk to make it bloom outwards at the waist. @@color:#F9B7FF;"This one also comes with a little waist-cincher"@@ Simone comments. You wince at the idea - but you don't doubt that you could use the help to get a feminine silhouette. It seems like a fairly good all-around safe option. The third one is a lot more dramatic than the other two options. While the others stayed in earthy colors this one is a colorful array of pinks, purples, and blues. The fabrics fold over themselves like a beautiful tulip. The pink material halts below the shoulders like a shoulderless dress would, but then it continues in a darker purple in a different style that almost looks like a the top of a dashing waistcoat. @@color:#F9B7FF;"This one's a lot more feminine in color than the others but other than the shoulder cut-outs it actually covers just as much, and you know that the Queen would be //thrilled// to hear that you, or rather, the Princess, wore something like this."@@ She's not wrong, and it might even help you pass as a girl to the nobles too - simply by wowing them with femininity that they'll have difficulty parsing your masculine features as such. <<link "Pick the green cloak">> <<goto [[day2outfitPutOn]]>> <<set $day2outfitChoice to 1>> <<run $outfitsArray.pushUnique("gcloak")>> <</link>> <<link "Pick the peach dress">> <<goto [[day2outfitPutOn]]>> <<set $day2outfitChoice to 2>> <<run $outfitsArray.pushUnique("peach")>> <</link>> <<link "Pick the tulip dress">> <<goto [[day2outfitPutOn]]>> <<set $day2outfitChoice to 3>> <<run $outfitsArray.pushUnique("tulip")>> <</link>>

@@color:#F9B7FF;"Good choice! Now, let's see about getting you into it."@@ exclaims Simone as she suddenly steps forward and begins pulling at your top. You immediately recoil away in shock at the unexpected invasion of your personal space, leaving Simone blinking in surprise. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh wow!"@@ she says, finally realizing what's wrong. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I'm sorry, part of my job for the Princess is to help dress her and stuff. I guess I'm used to doing it."@@ She steps away from you, but after she takes a moment to think she continues @@color:#F9B7FF;"But some of these outfits are //really// tricky to get into by yourself. Maybe you could use another set of hands?"@@ She might be right - if a //girl// would have difficulty getting into this outfit, then a guy who's never worn women's clothing before definitely will. <<if $outfit.under.types.includesAny("panties")>> You realize that you're wearing panties underneath your clothing. If Simone were to help dress you it would involve you standing in front of her dressed only in your panties. The idea is mortifying. [[I need her help. let Simone dress me->simoneDay2Dress]] [[Too scary. I'll dress myself privately->day2selfDress]] <<else>> Unfortunately you're not wearing any underwear under your clothing so letting yourself be dressed up by Simone would be far too scandalous for both of you. <<if $pantiesWorn is true>> You could quickly put the panties that you slept in back on - then you could be dressed by Simone. The notion of letting her see you wearing only panties, even if just briefly, is terrifying though. [[Quickly put on the panties in the bathroom->simoneDay2Dress]] [[Way too embarrassing! I'll try to put the outfit on myself->day2selfDress]] <<else>> <<hovertip "You need to be wearing panties for this. Try asking Simone to sleep with you at night.">>@@color:#797979;==Get dressed by Simone==@@<</hovertip>> [[I'll dress myself->day2selfDress]] <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $simone.dressedYou to 0>> You can't accept Simone's offer so instead you grab the pieces that she's arranged and announce that you're going to change in the bathroom. After you close the door you pull off your dirty hempen smock and torn britches to stand <<if $outfit.under.types.includesAny("panties")>> wearing only your <<imglink "$outfit.under.name" "pantiesImg">> <<else>> naked <</if>> in the bathroom. You look at the pile of clothing in front of you and try to work out where to start. <<if $day2outfitChoice is 1>> <<include [[gcloakSelfChange]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2outfitChoice is 2>> <<include [[peachSelfChange]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2outfitChoice is 3>> <<include [[tulipSelfChange]]>> <</if>> <<if $outfit.padding is true>> <<include [[day2padding]]>> <</if>> Simone stands back to take in the whole picture. You feel a little anxious under her appraising eye, especially given how silly you feel wearing women's clothing, but soon her face breaks into an encouraging smile @@color:#F9B7FF;"It's perfect! You look cute!"@@ You don't know how to feel about the statement. On one hand it's like a lance through your heart and you feel your masculinity crumble at her words, but on the other hand it's exactly what you need to survive right now. <<if $stashedStuff is true>> Simone does one more check around the pile of garments on the floor to make sure that there's no details missing. While she does so you remember the gemstones hidden in your old clothing. When she's not looking you slip the gemstones out of their hiding place and palm them into a safe spot on this outfit. <</if>> [[Let's do this->simoneDay2DressEnd]]

<<set $simone.dressedYou to 1>> <<if $outfit.under.types.includesAny("panties")>> You tell Simone that you'd appreciate her help putting on the outfit, and the girl happily pulls over a full-length mirror for you to stand in front of. <<else>> <<if $pc.pantiesWorn.first() is "black panties">> <<set $outfit.under.name to "black panties">> <<set $outfit.under.Name to "Black Panties">> <<set $outfit.under.types to ["panties"]>> <</if>> <<if $pc.pantiesWorn.first() is "pink boyshorts">> <<set $outfit.under.name to "pink boyshorts">> <<set $outfit.under.Name to "Pink Boyshorts">> <<set $outfit.under.types to ["panties"]>> <</if>> <<if $pc.pantiesWorn.first() is "lacy boyshorts">> <<set $outfit.under.name to "lacy boyshorts">> <<set $outfit.under.Name to "Lacy Boyshorts">> <<set $outfit.under.types to ["panties"]>> <</if>> You come clean about the situation to Simone who immediately blushes a little, clearly having forgotten about the underwear situation. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Wow... Umm, I guess that you should put them on then"@@ she stammers, suddenly unable to meet your eyes. You're so desperate to break the tension that's suddenly emerged around the two of you that you don't need to be told twice and quickly run to retrieve the <<print $pc.pantiesWorn.first()>> that you wore last night and put them on in the bathroom. When you return to the main carriage room Simone has pulled out a full length mirror and gestures for you to stand in front of it. <</if>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"Right. Lift your arms please"@@ says the maid briskly. You roll your eyes at her in response - you can at least //remove// your clothing by yourself. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Sorry, force of habit. The Princess never let me do it either but I was told to always ask."@@ As you lift your dirty hempen smock off of your body you can see Simone's eyes widen a little from behind you in the mirror as she looks your masculine torso up and down. It's nice to get a little confidence boost about your body, especially given the next thing that you have to do. You pull down the waistband of your torn britches and soon you're left exposed in front of the mirror wearing only <<if $pc.pantiesWorn.first() is "black panties">>a pair of black brief panties with a cute bow adorning them.<</if>> <<if $pc.pantiesWorn.first() is "pink boyshorts">>a pair of pink polkadot boyshorts covered in ruffles and frills.<</if>> <<if $pc.pantiesWorn.first() is "lacy boyshorts">>a pair of sheer lace boyshorts, through which your trapped genitals are visible with only a little inspection.<</if>> <<if def $pc.shave>>The femininity is continued down your legs, which are sleek and hairless.<<else>>They look a little absurd next to your hairy legs, and you once again force yourself not to think about it being a shame that you don't have hairless legs.<</if>> For a mortifying moment Simone just stares, her gaze firmly aimed towards your bulge through the mirror, her face beginning to blush a tinge before she hurriedly breaks eyecontact with it and desperately tries to focus all of her attention on the outfit she's about to put on you. <<if $day2outfitChoice is 1>> <<include [[gcloakChange]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2outfitChoice is 2>> <<include [[peachChange]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2outfitChoice is 3>> <<include [[tulipChange]]>> <</if>> <<if $outfit.padding is true>> <<include [[day2padding]]>> <</if>> Simone stands back to take in the whole picture, her work finally done. You feel a little anxious under her appraising eye, especially given how silly you feel wearing women's clothing, but soon her face breaks into an encouraging smile @@color:#F9B7FF;"It's perfect! You look cute!"@@ You don't know how to feel about the statement. On one hand it's like a lance through your heart and you feel your masculinity crumble at her words, but on the other hand it's exactly what you need to survive right now. <<if $stashedStuff is true>> Simone does one more check around the pile of garments on the floor to make sure that there's no details missing. While she does so you remember the gemstones hidden in your old clothing. When she's not looking you slip the gemstones out of their hiding place and palm them into a safe spot on this outfit. <</if>> [[Let's do this->simoneDay2DressEnd]]

<<set $outfit.top.name to "tight dark-brown top">> <<set $outfit.top.Name to "Tight Dark-brown Top">> <<set $outfit.top.types to []>> <<set $outfit.over.name to "green cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.Name to "Green Cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.types to []>> <<set $outfit.bottom.name to "brown leggings">> <<set $outfit.bottom.Name to "Brown Leggings">> <<set $outfit.bottom.types to []>> <<removedress>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "gcloak">> <<set $outfit.set.types to ["cloak", "hood", "leggings", "pants"]>> The first thing that Simone grabs is the trousers of <<imglink "the outfit" "gcloakImg">> - they seem simple enough - just like a guy's pair except much tighter. Simone holds the garment for you to step into and pulls them up your <<if def $pc.shave>>hairless<</if>> legs, hesitating for a moment as she gets to the top of your thighs before determinedly going the rest of the way, her hands brushing past the soft material of your panties as she does so. It feels really strange for your legs to be completely wrapped around with tight material. All of the trousers that you've worn have been fairly baggy in comparison, the sensation of being lightly squeezed on all sides is suffocating at first. Before long though you find yourself getting used to it - compared to mens trousers the material is a lot softer and stretchier so it's like your legs are in a stifling but comforting hug. Next comes a top which is thankfully normal enough. Like the trousers it's tighter than most that you've worn but luckily not nearly to the same extent. The cut feels strange on you, you're not used to having this low a neckline nor such a high waist, but it's nothing //too// unusual. The next garment that Simone brings along is the elegant green cloak which Simone drapes over your shoulders. Rather than attaching at the neck like the white cloak you wore before this one secures at the chest. @@color:#F9B7FF;"There we go! See, that wasn't too harmful was it? Now there's just accessories."@@ She's right - while the trousers were a struggle and still feel really strange around you the rest had been very simple. You think about how weird you'd be feeling right now in a dress and thank the heavens that you picked this outfit of the three. Simone helps you put on the rest of the items. Black gloves; a belt that hangs aloofly off the hip that holds a few pouches; a fake sickle; and a pair of black riding boots. You look in the mirror and see... Yourself in women's clothing. You don't know whether it's reassuring or not that you're not magically transformed into a stranger.

<<removedress>> <<set $outfit.top.name to "tight dark-brown top">> <<set $outfit.top.Name to "Tight Dark-brown Top">> <<set $outfit.top.types to []>> <<set $outfit.over.name to "green cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.Name to "Green Cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.types to []>> <<set $outfit.bottom.name to "brown leggings">> <<set $outfit.bottom.Name to "Brown Leggings">> <<set $outfit.bottom.types to []>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "gcloak">> <<set $outfit.set.types to ["cloak", "hood", "leggings", "pants"]>> The first thing that you grab is the trousers of <<imglink "the outfit" "gcloakImg">>. They seem simple enough, just like a guy's pair except much tighter, and you quickly pull them up your <<if def $pc.shave>>hairless <</if>>legs. You can't believe how weird it feels for your legs to be completely wrapped around with tight material. All of the trousers that you've worn have been fairly baggy in comparison, the sensation of being lightly squeezed on all sides is suffocating at first. Before long though you find yourself getting used to it - compared to mens trousers the material is a lot softer and stretchier so it's like your legs are in a stifling but comforting hug. Next comes a top which is thankfully normal enough. Like the trousers it's tighter than most that you've worn but luckily not nearly to the same extent. The cut feels strange on you, you're not used to having nearly this low a neckline nor such a high waist, but it's nothing too unusual. The next garment is the elegant green cloak which you drape over your shoulders. Rather than attaching at the neck like the white cloak it takes you some time to work out that this one secures at the chest, leaving your neckline exposed. All in all it hasn't been too difficult. You think about how weird you'd be feeling right now in a dress and thank the heavens that you picked this outfit instead. As you reenter the main room Simone smiles widely at seeing you in the full outfit and helps you put on the rest of the accessories. Black gloves; a belt that hangs aloofly off the hip that holds a few pouches; a fake sickle; and a pair of black riding boots. You look in the mirror and see... Yourself in women's clothing. You don't know whether it's reassuring or not that you're not magically transformed into a stranger.

<<removetop>> <<removebottom>> <<removeover>> <<set $outfit.dress.name to "peach dress">> <<set $outfit.dress.Name to "Peach Dress">> <<set $outfit.dress.types to []>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "peach">> <<set $outfit.set.types to ["dress"]>> Simone picks up <<imglink "the peach dress" "peachImg">> and goes to put it over you, only to realize that she's too short, so has to quickly gather a stool to stand on before she manages to get it on you. The moment it's flowing over you you realize that you made the right choice asking for Simone's help. There's so many layers of fabric pouring over each other that it would be very easy to get lost in. Even once it's firmly on you Simone has to spend some time checking every layer to affirm that it's falling the way that it's supposed to and not twisted over itself. While she does that you try to grapple with the weird sensations. You still feel completely exposed from the waist down. Despite knowing full well that you're covered, and can see as much in the mirror, your brain is screaming at you to put some trousers on. Weirdly you find yourself hyperfixating on the feeling of the soft <<imglink "$outfit.under.name" "pantiesImg">> even more than you did when you were otherwise nude - the juxtaposition between your clothed top and unclothed-feeling bottom is striking. You try walking around a little hoping that that will resolve the sensation. It doesn't, instead the airiness is only increased- a soft current of air flowing over your legs and groin with the movement. The layers of petticoats under the dress caress your bare <<if def $pc.shave>>hairless<</if>> legs with every step while still leaving you without the tangible support that you're hoping for. Simone grabs the last part of the outfit: a matching peach-color waist cincher. It's a little like a corset but instead of reaching up over your ribs it only sits around your waist. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Ok, so this is going to be weird. When I say three you've got to breathe in, ok?"@@ explains Simone while wrapping the item around you. You get the feeling that you're not going to like this. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Ready? One. Two. //THREE//."@@ It //hurts//. At first it feels less like a tightness and more like a punch in the gut as the material pushes all of the air out of your lungs leaving you as winded as if you'd just run a marathon. You desperately gasp for air to refill the void but it just doesn't come, instead you're gasping without being able to suck anything in. @@color:#F9B7FF;"It's ok, shallow breaths, <<print $pc.name>>, you can do it."@@ soothes Simone, patting your back encouragingly. You try to take her advice. It feels really weird to force yourself to take shallow breaths instead of the gasping ones that your brain is telling you that you need, but they seem to do the job. It's like you've got the tiny lungs of a bird and have to take three small breaths for every one that you had to do before. @@color:#F9B7FF;"There you go, you've got it!"@@ You still don't think that you do, but at least you don't feel like you're dying. You look in the mirror and see... Yourself in women's clothing. You don't know whether it's reassuring or not that you're not magically transformed into a stranger. Simone brings over a pair of shoes and socks for you to slip into. Luckily your legs will be covered by the dress so you can use the most masculine of the Princess' footwear, but even //that// turns out to be a pair of little black pumps that leave the tops of your feet exposed.

<<removetop>> <<removebottom>> <<removeover>> <<set $outfit.dress.name to "peach dress">> <<set $outfit.dress.Name to "Peach Dress">> <<set $outfit.dress.types to []>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "peach">> <<set $outfit.set.types to ["dress"]>> You pick up <<imglink "the peach dress" "peachImg">> from the bathroom floor and try to work out how to get into it. It's a difficult task - the outfit consists of so many layers of overlapping material draping over itself it takes a lot of work to even identify which end is the top and which is the bottom, let alone if you're meant to put it over your head or to step into it and pull it up. Eventually you decide to just try one and pull the soft fabric over you to let it fall over your body. It seems to get halfway and then things get really quite confusing - you can't see anything except peach-colored material and have no idea where you are in the garment. You can't even take it off again, let alone work out where you're supposed to be going. Finally you see a hole of open air through the material and push your head towards it to pop out at, thankfully, the head hole. You look in the mirror and see that along your journey you managed to shift the entire thing to the wrong angle, though luckily you manage to shimmy it over until you can get your arms through it. Finally you come back into the main room, and Simone smiles widely at seeing you in the outfit before her eyes widen and she hurries over saying @@color:#F9B7FF;"Don't worry, I can fix it."@@ You can't help but feel a little disappointed - you had thought that you did a decent job, but Simone has to spend a long time carefully checking every layer of the material and making sure that it's falling the way that it's supposed to and not twisted over itself. While she does that you try to grapple with the weird sensations. You still feel completely exposed from the waist down. Despite knowing full well that you're covered and can see as much in the mirror your brain is screaming at you to put some trousers on. <<if $outfit.under.types.includesAny("panties")>>Weirdly you find yourself hyperfixating on the feeling of the soft <<imglink "$outfit.under.name" "pantiesImg">> even more than you did when you were otherwise nude - the juxtaposition between your clothed top and unclothed-feeling bottom being overwhelming.<<else>>You can't stop your mind from hyperfixating on the feeling of your bare genitals completely free and unconstrained under the clothing in what feels like quite an erotic juxtaposition with your clothed upper half. <</if>> You try walking around a little - hoping that that will resolve the sensation. It doesn't, instead the airiness is only increased - a soft current of air flowing over your legs and groin with the movement. The layers of petticoats under the dress caress your bare <<if def $pc.shave>>hairless<</if>> legs with every step while still leaving you without the tangible support that you're hoping for. Simone grabs the last part of the outfit: a matching peach-color waist cincher. It's a little like a corset but instead of reaching up over your ribs it only sits around your waist. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Ok, so this is going to be weird. When I say three you've got to breathe in, ok?"@@ explains Simone while wrapping the item around you. You get the feeling that you're not going to like this. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Ready? One. Two. //THREE//."@@ It //hurts//. At first it feels less like a tightness and more like a punch in the gut as the material pushes all of the air out of your lungs leaving you winded like you'd tried to run a marathon. You desperately gasp for air to refill the void but it just doesn't come, instead you're gasping without being able to suck anything in. @@color:#F9B7FF;"It's ok, shallow breaths, <<print $pc.name>>, you can do it."@@ soothes Simone next to you, patting your back encouragingly. You try to take her advice. It feels really weird to force yourself to take shallow breaths instead of the gasping ones that your brain is telling you that you need but they seem to do the job. It's like you've got the tiny lungs of a bird and have to take three small breaths for every one that you had to do before. @@color:#F9B7FF;"There you go, you've got it."@@ You still don't think that you do, but at least you don't feel like you're dying. You look in the mirror and see... Yourself in women's clothing. You don't know whether it's reassuring or not that you're not magically transformed into a stranger. Simone brings over a pair of shoes and socks for you to slip into. Luckily your legs will be covered by the dress so you can use the most masculine of the Princess' footwear, but even //that// turns out to be a pair of little black pumps that leave the tops of your feet exposed.

<<removetop>> <<removebottom>> <<removeover>> <<set $outfit.dress.name to "tulip dress">> <<set $outfit.dress.Name to "Tulip Dress">> <<set $outfit.dress.types to []>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "tulip">> <<set $outfit.set.types to ["dress"]>> Simone picks up <<imglink "the tulip-like dress" "tulipImg">> and goes to put it over you, only to realize that she's too short. After she gathers a stool to stand on she manages to get it on you. The moment it's flowing over you you realize that you made the right choice asking for Simone's help - it's a hell of a thing to put on. The material is pseudo-rigid to keep the structure of it's delicate folding patterns, and it crinkles against your skin as it flows over you. The dress creates an interesting effect from the shoulders upwards - as the tulip-like pinks and blues fall away it looks like your upper torso is emerging from the bell of a huge flower. Your shoulders feel strangely exposed in the skimpier waistcoat-like upper section. Even once it's firmly on you Simone has to spend some time checking in on every layer of the material to check that it's folding the way that it's supposed to and not twisted over itself. While she does that you try to grapple with the weird sensations. You still feel completely exposed from the waist down. Despite knowing full well that you're covered and can see as much in the mirror your brain is screaming at you to put some trousers on. Weirdly you find yourself hyperfixating on the feeling of the soft <<imglink "$outfit.under.name" "pantiesImg">> even more than you did when you were otherwise nude - the contrast between your clothed top and unclothed-feeling bottom is really striking. You try walking around a little hoping that that will resolve the sensation. It doesn't, instead the airiness is only increased - a soft current of air flowing over your legs and groin with the movement. The crinkly layers under the dress caress your bare <<if def $pc.shave>>hairless<</if>> legs with every step while still leaving you without the tangible support that you're hoping for. . Simone brings over a pair of shoes and socks for you to slip into. Luckily your legs will be covered by the dress so you can use the most masculine of the Princess' footwear, but even //that// turns out to be a pair of little black pumps that leave the tops of your feet exposed. You look in the mirror and see... Yourself in women's clothing. You don't know whether it's reassuring or not that you're not magically transformed into a stranger.

<<removetop>> <<removebottom>> <<removeover>> <<set $outfit.dress.name to "tulip dress">> <<set $outfit.dress.Name to "Tulip Dress">> <<set $outfit.dress.types to []>> <<set $outfit.set.id to "tulip">> <<set $outfit.set.types to ["dress"]>> You pick up <<imglink "the tulip-like dress" "tulipImg">> from the bathroom floor and try to work out how to get into it. It's a difficult task - the material it's made from is semi-rigid to keep the structure of its delicate folding patterns in place so you're worried about breaking the material. Eventually you figure that it's probably safest to let it fall over your head rather than to step into it and pull it up. The feeling as it flows over you is truly weird - the material seems to crinkle over you as it washes across your naked body until it drapes all around you. The dress creates an interesting effect from the shoulders upwards - as the tulip-like pinks and blues fold away it looks like your upper torso is emerging from the bell of a huge flower. Your shoulders feel strangely exposed in the skimpier waistcoat-like upper section. Finally you come back into the main room and Simone smiles widely at seeing you in the outfit before her eyes widen and she hurries over saying @@color:#F9B7FF;"Don't worry, I can fix it."@@ You can't help but feel a little disappointed - you had thought that you did a decent job, but Simone has to spend a long time carefully checking every crease of the delicate patterning to make sure that it's falling the way that it's supposed to. While she does that, you try to grapple with the weird sensations. You still feel completely exposed from the waist down - despite knowing full well that you're covered and can see as much in the mirror your brain is screaming at you to put some trousers on. <<if $outfit.under.types.includesAny("panties")>>Weirdly you find yourself hyperfixating on the feeling of the soft <<imglink "$outfit.under.name" "pantiesImg">> even more than you did when you were otherwise nude - the juxtaposition between your clothed top and unclothed-feeling bottom being overwhelming.<<else>>You can't stop your mind from hyperfixating on the feeling of your bare genitals completely free and unconstrained under the clothing in what feels like quite an erotic juxtaposition with your clothed upper half. <</if>> You try walking around a little hoping that it will resolve the sensation. It doesn't - instead the airiness is only increased. The crinkly layers under the dress caress your bare <<if def $pc.shave>>hairless<</if>> legs with every step while still leaving you without the tangible support that you're hoping for. Simone brings over a pair of shoes and socks for you to slip into. Luckily your legs will be covered by the dress so you can use the most masculine of the Princess' footwear, but even //that// turns out to be a pair of little black pumps that leave the tops of your feet exposed. You look in the mirror and see... Yourself in women's clothing. You don't know whether it's reassuring or not that you're not magically transformed into a stranger.

<<unset $clean>> <<unset $day2outfitChoice>> You feel the carriage come to a stop and you can hear the sounds of people coming out of the nearby carriages. /* Simone just about has time to whisper @@color:#F9B7FF;"I won't be able to be in there with you. Please stay alive!"@@ before there's a knocking at the door. */ You can see the panic rise to Simone's face, and she starts rambling <<simone "Oh gosh. I thought we had more time! I won't be able to be in there with you, I'm just a maid after all, so you'll be by yourself out there. Try to keep a low profile I guess, but if you can manage to make any strong bonds with other nobles that would be wonderful - that way they might stand up for you if someone else tries to accuse you of not being the Princess. Oh, and keep an eye out for the King and Queen, they-">> Her words are interrupted by a loud knocking at the carriage door, and she quickly quiets herself so that she won't be overheard through the door. Through the tinted windows you can see an escort of soldiers waiting for you. After one last encouraging glance in your direction, Simone goes to open the door. As she does so, you're suddenly hit by the realization that this is it: In mere moments the soldiers will see you and that could very well be your life over. You can feel yourself sweating from the tension. There's not much time to decide, what demeanor do you take when the soldiers see you? <<if $auth gte 1>> <<link "Confident; Superior; Regal. The kingdom's future ruler and absolute authority.">> <<goto [[day2soldierSee]]>> /* <<set $ruthless ++>> */ <<set $day2demeanor to "authority">> <</link>><<check "Authority 1 check - passed">> <<else>> <<hovertip "Authority 1 required">>@@color:#797979;==Confident; Superior; Regal. The kingdom's future ruler and authority.==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $grace gte 1>> <<link "Serene; Kind; Elegant. The kingdom's beloved jewel.">> <<goto [[day2soldierSee]]>> /* <<set $friend ++>> */ <<set $day2demeanor to "serene">> <</link>><<check "Grace 1 check - passed">> <<else>> <<hovertip "Grace 1 required">>@@color:#797979;==Serene; Kind; Elegant. The kingdom's beloved jewel.==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $cute gte 1>> <<link "Enthusiastic; Naive; Innocent. The kingdom's adorable flower.">> <<goto [[day2soldierSee]]>> <<set $day2demeanor to "cute">> /* <<set $inno ++>> */ <</link>><<check "Cuteness 1 check - passed">> <<else>> <<hovertip "Cuteness 1 required">>@@color:#797979;==Enthusiastic; Naïve; Innocent. The kingdom's adorable flower.==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<crow2>> (Hover over sections with <<hovertip "Just like this!">>dotted lines<</hovertip>> to see more information on skill checks. Be careful though - past this tutorial they will often not be so clearly indicated. A writer has to have //some// tricks up their sleeve after all.) (Tap on sections with <<hovertip "Just like this!">>dotted lines<</hovertip>> to see more information on skill checks. Be careful though - past this tutorial they will often not be so clearly indicated. A writer has to have //some// tricks up their sleeve after all.) <</crow2>>

<<if $day2demeanor is "authority">> You strike a haughty pose as Simone opens the door, looking down your nose at the three soldiers on the other side and admonishing them for being late. The fact that you have no idea whether they're actually late or not is irrelevant to the matter. All three of the soldiers stand straight to attention at the very sight of you before removing their caps and bowing low in respect. @@color:#79BAEC;"Our sincerest apologies, your Highness. We're here to escort you to the citadel."@@ <</if>> <<if $day2demeanor is "serene">> You adopt a welcoming pose as Simone opens the door, your shoulders behind you and your arms lifting outwards just like you practiced earlier. You smile and greet the three soldiers on the other side of the door pleasantly. All three of the soldiers remove their caps and hold them to their heart and you can see them smile a little at the sight of you before they bow. @@color:#79BAEC;"Good evening, your Highness. We're here to escort you to the citadel."@@ explains the leader of the three. <</if>> <<if $day2demeanor is "cute">> You give a little hop of excitement as Simone opens the door, shooting a big earnest grin at the three soldiers assembled on the other side and remarking on how glad you are that they're here as you're so excited about this evening. All three of the soldiers remove their caps and bow slightly towards you with warm smiles on their faces at your sweetness. @@color:#79BAEC;"We're here to escort you to the citadel, your Highness. I'm glad that we can brighten your day"@@ says the leader of the three, and you can tell that he really means it. <</if>> <<if $voice is 0>> Unfortunately, though you had managed your greeting well enough, your throat recoils from the attempt at speaking so femininely and you're shaken by a hoarse, rasping cough. The soldiers' eyes widen in shock, and for a horrible moment you think it's all over, but thankfully they don't rush forward to apprehend or kill you, just look at each other awkwardly in confusion.<<check "This could have gone better if you had practiced voice training">> <<blue "Are you quite alright, your Highness?">> Between coughs you just about manage to mention that you've just recovered from a nasty illness, so your throat is still a little sore. You thank your quick thinking and the soldiers seem to relax - you'll have to remember that line if it comes up later. <</if>> <<if $voice is 1>> You can't help but be proud of the voice you'd used to greet the soldiers - it's a long way from perfect, but so long as it's for short bursts at a time you should be able to navigate conversations with relative confidence.<<check "Your voice training helped you to avoid embarrassment">> <</if>> As you step into the cool evening air the soldiers close ranks tightly around you. It feels silly to you at first to have three soldiers escort you when you can see the structure just up ahead not 100 meters away, but when you consider that there's an assassin supposedly lurking around suddenly you find yourself wishing that you had even more protection. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day2soldierSee.jpg]]@@ The soldiers walk you along a short windswept bluff, and soon you're led through a doorway into the citadel itself. [[Enter the citadel->citadelEnter]]

<<set $firmin to {}>> <<set $firmin.name to "Citadel Tour Guide">> <<set $firmin.desc to "A older gentleman in a faded red suit walking with a cane">> <<set $firmin.facts to []>> <<set $firmin.info to []>> The heavy doors of the citadel slam shut behind you as you enter into an entrance hall. The space is large, mostly empty, and somewhat chilly. Since the citadel is still under construction it makes sense - none of the normal creature comforts that come with a space being lived in are present yet, and it feels somewhat desolate without them. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\citadelEnter.png]]@@ Standing around in the room are about two dozen people. Half of them look like nobles who might be traveling along with the convoy - you can recognize some of the figures from the castle walls yesterday, whereas the other half are probably locals. You nervously scan the room looking for signs of the King and Queen but thankfully they seem to be elsewhere. Quite a few of the people in the room are staring directly at you and you shuffle awkwardly under their gaze, expecting that at any moment they'll shout at you in anger for being a weird crossdresser pervert imposter. You suddenly feel more aware than ever <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>><<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties")>>of the airiness of your bare <<if def $pc.shave>>hairless<</if>> legs under the skirt, and the softness of the panties cushioning your genitals<<else>>of the airiness of your bare <<if def $pc.shave>>hairless<</if>> legs under the skirt, and the chilly air nipping at your exposed-feeling genitals<</if>><<else>>tightness of the women's clothing hugging your body, the pressure suddenly feeling claustrophobic as you panic that they might notice the tell-tale bulge in your tight trousers<</if>>. <<if $grace gte 1 and $cute gte 1>>You straighten your posture and fold your shoulders behind you like you practiced earlier, forcing a smile onto your face as you do so to try to look endearing. You can make out a few faces in the crowd smiling at you in return which eases your worries.<<check "Grace and Cute check - major success!">><</if>> <<if $grace gte 1 and $cute is 0>>You straighten your posture and fold your shoulders backwards like you practiced earlier. A few of the more incredulous looking faces in the crowd seem a little more satisfied, but still keep staring.<<check "Grace and Cute check - minor success">><</if>> <<if $grace is 0 and $cute gte 1>>You have no idea what to do with your body, but you think about what you learnt earlier and decide to let yourself express it rather than remain in the safety of impassivity by letting a shy smile reach your lips. While they still can't hide the fact that you're not what they were expecting you see traces of sympathy on a few of their faces, which is a lot better than the incredulousness from before.<<hovertip "Grace and Cute check - minor success">>⍰<</hovertip>><</if>> <<if $grace is 0 and $cute is 0>>You find yourself panicking in front of their gaze. You have no idea how to stand, where to hold your arms, what expression you're supposed to be making. You can feel cold sweat begin to bead on your skin out of nervousness. If the people staring at you might have had reason to be incredulous before then your reaction would give them all the more reason to be.<<hovertip "Grace and Cute check - fail">>⍰<</hovertip>><</if>> /* <<section "firminFace1">> The inspection lasts for what feels like minutes, but must only have been seconds. Finally a cough echoes through the hall and the gawking crowd find their attention drawn instead towards a stuffy-looking man dressed in a faded red suit and standing supported by a cane on the other side of the hall. <</section>> <<section "firminFace2">> <<firmin "Privileged guests. I have been trusted with the honorable duty of leading you all through a stroll around the construction. If you would follow me, let us begin.">> he announces dryly. You can hear some murmurs of disappointment from the crowd as he stiffly turns and begins to lead the way. Clearly the nobles had been expecting something a little more exciting for the evening. <</section>> <table id="desk" style="width:100%"> <tr> <td style="width:60%"> <<print _firminFace1>>< > <<print _firminFace2>> </td> <td style="width:40%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Character\firmin.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> <<print _firminFace1>> @@.img; [img[Images\Character\firmin.png]]@@ <<print _firminFace2>>< > */ The inspection lasts for what feels like minutes, but must only have been seconds. Finally a cough echoes through the hall and the gawking crowd find their attention drawn instead towards a stuffy-looking man dressed in a faded red suit and standing supported by a cane on the other side of the hall.< > <<firmin "Privileged guests. I have been trusted with the honorable duty of leading you all through a stroll around the construction. If you would follow me, let us begin.">> he announces dryly. You can hear some murmurs of disappointment from the crowd as he stiffly turns and begins to lead the way. Clearly the nobles had been expecting something a little more exciting for the evening.< > <<pink "A walk around a building site? //Hardly// an occasion worthy of the royal tour, surely?">> Comes one voice close to you, to which another replies <<blue "Sounds like a //terrible// bore to me. I'm sure the King and Queen have some important meetings here tonight and their plans for the rest of us got ruined by the ruckus yesterday. Damned shame really.">> In contrast to their irritation, you're relieved at the news. A boring tour of a boring place is //exactly// the kind of thing that you had been hoping for tonight - an event that will require as little socializing and scrutiny as possible! [[Begin the tour->citadel2]]

<<unset $day2demeanor>> The sound of the man's cane tapping against the stonework rings around the spacious hall as you follow him. The assembled group take your lead and begin to follow as well. The large echoing area together with your anxiety mean that every sound seems amplified, which makes it impossible not to notice the muttering brewing around you. @@color:#79BAEC;"I knew that she was boyish but //this//..."@@ @@color:pink;"My goodness is //that// the hairstyle that people are wearing in the Capital? She looks like a man!"@@ @@color:#79BAEC;"Compared to her mother she's such a dog!"@@ @@color:pink;"No //wonder// she never makes public appearances."@@ You //know// that you shouldn't care - that you should be thinking yourself lucky just for still being alive by this point, but you still can't help but feel a little stung by the remarks. The thought confuses you a little - surely being thought of as unfeminine should be affirming your masculinity, right? You try to get rid of the thoughts. It //must// just be that you're sad that Simone put //all// of her effort into this outfit and they're not even appreciating it, that's all, right? You couldn't care about it //yourself//, surely.<<if $cute gte 1>> You notice your bottom lip start to tremble a little and quickly put a stop to it - you feel confident that that wouldn't have happened if you hadn't opened yourself up to your emotions earlier, and you immediately start regretting that you did so - it feels weird to have your innermost thoughts betrayed by your own body.<</if>> The man walking with his cane ahead of you exits the hall and enters into a narrow corridor. You had hoped that you could remain aloofly distant for the entire tour, but you realize that the cramped walkway will force you to walk alongside someone else for the narrower section. Among the tour group there's two people walking alone. <<link "Walk with the young woman dressed in black lace">> <<goto [[citadelElodieMeet]]>> <</link>> <<link "Walk with the young man with a roguish smile">> <<goto [[citadelJacquesMeet2]]>> <</link>>

<<set $elodie to {}>> <<set $elodie.name to "Elodie">> <<set $elodie.desc to "A young noblewoman who's into dark fashion and morbid interests.">> <<set $elodie.facts to []>> You nervously step alongside a young woman who's walking alone. She's wearing a long black lace dress that cascades into ribbons around the hips as if imitating having been torn apart. The outfit's thin material does little to hide the curve of her ample breasts. Her youthful features are hidden under a wide brimmed black hat, from which a little lace drapes like a veil at a funeral. It's a pretty morbid look, but you hadn't noticed her staring or making comments before so she's still less scary than the others. <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@color:#9370DB;"'Sup, Princess."@@ she says plainly as you draw near. You can just about make out two older nobles behind her suddenly tense up at her words - probably her parents reacting in shock to her referring to the Princess so casually. <<if $outfit.set.id is "gcloak">>@@color:#9370DB;"Cool outfit. I like the sickle. Is it real? You could totally stab someone with that."@@ When you tell her that it isn't she shrugs and responds @@color:#9370DB;"Shame. Weapons are neat."@@<</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "peach">>@@color:#9370DB;"Nice dress. You look like a peach. Peaches are pretty cool I guess."@@ You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her.<</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "tulip">>@@color:#9370DB;"Nice dress. You look like a flower. Flowers are pretty cool I guess."@@ You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her.<</if>> <<if $voice is 0>>The girl bluntly asks @@color:#9370DB;"Is your voice ok? You sound weird."@@ You make a show of coughing and remark that you've picked up a cold. Luckily she seems to believe you, or perhaps just doesn't care, it's difficult to tell with her. <</if>> @@color:#9370DB;"My name's Elodie. Good to meet you and stuff."@@ </td> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/elodie.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/elodie.png]]@@ @@color:#9370DB;"'Sup, Princess."@@ she says plainly as you draw near. You can just about make out two older nobles behind her suddenly tense up at her words - probably her parents reacting in shock to her referring to the Princess so casually. <<if $outfit.set.id is "gcloak">>@@color:#9370DB;"Cool outfit. I like the sickle. Is it real? You could totally stab someone with that."@@ When you tell her that it isn't she shrugs and responds @@color:#9370DB;"Shame. Weapons are neat."@@<</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "peach">>@@color:#9370DB;"Nice dress. You look like a peach. Peaches are pretty cool I guess."@@ You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her.<</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "tulip">>@@color:#9370DB;"Nice dress. You look like a flower. Flowers are pretty cool I guess."@@ You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her.<</if>> <<if $voice is 0>>The girl bluntly asks @@color:#9370DB;"Is your voice ok? You sound weird."@@ You make a show of coughing and remark that you've picked up a cold. Luckily she seems to believe you, or perhaps just doesn't care, it's difficult to tell with her. <</if>> @@color:#9370DB;"My name's Elodie. Good to meet you and stuff."@@ <<if $auth gte 2>> <<link "Introduce myself with the authority befitting a princess">> <<set $elodieIntro to 2>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "auth">> <<set $ruthless ++>> <<goto [[citadelElodieTalk]]>> <</link>> <<hovertip "Authority 2 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "Authority 2 required">>@@color:#797979;==Introduce myself with the authority befitting a princess.==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $grace gte 1>> <<link "Introduce myself warmly">> <<goto [[citadelElodieTalk]]>> <<set $elodieIntro to 1>> <<set $friend ++>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "grace">> <</link>> <<hovertip "Grace 1 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>><<else>><<hovertip "Grace 1 required">>@@color:#797979;==Introduce myself eloquently.==@@<</hovertip>><</if>> <<link "Clam up, unable to think of what to say in response">> <<goto [[citadelElodieTalk]]>> <<set $elodieIntro to 0>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "none">> <</link>> /* <<crow2>>Often options which are unlocked with skill checks are generally better than other options, like these ones. Sometimes however they're just extra options, no better or worse than the others, depending on what your goals are and how you want to navigate the story. Think about your choices carefully.<</crow2>> */ /* @@.img; [img[Images/Character/elodie.png]]@@ @@color:#9370DB;"'Sup, Princess."@@ she says plainly as you draw near. You can just about make out two older nobles behind her suddenly tense up at her words - probably her parents reacting in shock to her referring to the Princess so casually. <<if $outfit.set.id is "gcloak">>@@color:#9370DB;"Cool outfit. I like the sickle. Is it real? You could totally stab someone with that."@@ When you tell her that it isn't she shrugs and responds @@color:#9370DB;"Shame. Weapons are neat."@@<</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "peach">>@@color:#9370DB;"Nice dress. You look like a peach. Peaches are pretty cool I guess."@@ You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her.<</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "tulip">>@@color:#9370DB;"Nice dress. You look like a flower. Flowers are pretty cool I guess."@@ You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her.<</if>> <<if $voice is 0>>The girl bluntly asks @@color:#9370DB;"Is your voice ok? You sound weird."@@ You make a show of coughing and remark that you've picked up a cold. Luckily she seems to believe you, or perhaps just doesn't care, it's difficult to tell with her. <</if>> @@color:#9370DB;"My name's Elodie. Good to meet you and stuff."@@ */ /* <<if $auth gte 2>> <<link "Introduce myself with the authority befitting a princess">> <<set $elodieIntro to 2>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "auth">> <<goto [[citadelElodieTalk]]>> <</link>> <<hovertip "Authority 2 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "Authority 2 required">>@@color:#797979;==Introduce myself with the authority befitting a princess.==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $grace gte 1>> <<link "Introduce myself warmly">> <<goto [[citadelElodieTalk]]>> <<set $elodieIntro to 1>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "grace">> <</link>> <<hovertip "Grace 1 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>><<else>><<hovertip "Grace 1 required">>@@color:#797979;==Introduce myself eloquently.==@@<</hovertip>><</if>> <<link "Clam up, unable to think of what to say in response">> <<goto [[citadelElodieTalk]]>> <<set $elodieIntro to 0>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "none">> <</link>> */

<<if $elodieIntro is 2>> <<unset $elodieIntro>> You use everything that you learnt earlier to provide a dazzlingly authoritative introduction for yourself. Elodie seems somewhat immune to the effect, offering only a @@color:#9370DB;"cool"@@ in response, but you can hear some impressed noises from the nobles in earshot of you, and you can even make out one woman remarking @@color:pink;"Maybe we were wrong about her..."@@ You can't help but smile at having shut them up after all of the nasty things they they were muttering before. <</if>> <<if $elodieIntro is 1>> <<unset $elodieIntro>> You use what you learnt earlier to provide an eloquent self-introduction. You're quite proud of yourself, and you can sense that a few nobles in earshot are somewhat impressed, but Elodie's brief idiosyncratic reply makes it feel a little silly. @@color:#9370DB;"Cool."@@ <</if>> <<if $elodieIntro is 0>> <<unset $elodieIntro>> You feel sweat begin to trickle down the back of your neck as you realize that you have absolutely no idea what to say. There's a few moments of awkward silence before Elodie rescues you. @@color:#9370DB;"Quiet, huh. That's cool."@@ <</if>> The conversation between you lulls and the two of you walk in silence. Even though she's just a stranger you feel a little more being comfortable next to Elodie compared to braving the muttering nobles alone. A short while later the tour guide leading the group comes to a stop and waits for the group to catch up with him, but to the nobles' audible disappointment it's only to give some boring speech about building materials and workforce statistics. While the group's attention is on the him you notice out of the corner of your eye that Elodie is trying to stealthily slip away down a side corridor. <<link "Follow Elodie and see what she's up to">> <<goto [[elodieExplore]]>> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>> <<link "Stay here with the tour">> <<goto [[day2groupStay]]>> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>>

Your curiosity is piqued by the girl's escape and you can't help yourself from following her. Her dark figure slinks along the corridor ahead of you before turning down another passageway, and you hurry to catch up with her. However when you make the turn yourself you can't see her anywhere.< > It's weird, at her pace she couldn't have gotten far, could she? You make a few tentative steps along the corridor that you saw her turn down.< > Suddenly a black-lace-gloved hand reaches out from the darkness of a shady doorway and firmly //yanks// you into the recession. /* [img[Images\Passage\elodieExplore.jpg]] You almost yell out in surprise but Elodie clasps one soft hand over your mouth to silence you, before moving one finger over her own mouth to signal you to be silent. She gestures with her eyes towards the way that you came, and you notice the sounds of a guard coming along the corridor, probably on a routine patrol. She must have pulled you away to stop the two of you from being caught! As the guard's lazy steps slowly go past, the two of you are pressed together as deep into the recession of the doorway as you can. You feel the heat of Elodie's breath on your cheek, and your body, quite of it's own accord, begins to document the places where you're touching. Your legs brushing together, her hand upon your face, her large breasts against your chest, their deep cleavage clearly within eyesight. As the tense moments linger you feel yourself becoming hard<<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties")>> in your soft panties<</if>><<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>> under your dress<<elseif $outfit.under.types.includes("panties") and $outfit.set.types.includes("cloak")>><<else>>in your tight leggings<</if>> and panic that the gothic girl might notice, but you don't see any reaction from her. */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\elodieExplore.jpg]]@@ </td> <td style="width:50%"> You almost yell out in surprise but Elodie clasps one soft hand over your mouth to silence you, before moving one finger over her own mouth to signal you to be silent. She gestures with her eyes towards the way that you came, and you notice the sounds of a guard coming along the corridor, probably on a routine patrol. She must have pulled you away to stop the two of you from being caught!< > As the guard's lazy steps slowly go past, the two of you are pressed together as deep into the recession of the doorway as you can. You feel the heat of Elodie's breath on your cheek, and your body, quite of it's own accord, begins to document the places where you're touching. Your legs brushing together, her hand upon your face, her large breasts against your chest, their deep cleavage clearly within eyesight. As the tense moments linger you feel yourself becoming hard<<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties")>> in your soft panties<</if>><<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>> under your dress<<elseif $outfit.under.types.includes("panties") and $outfit.set.types.includes("cloak")>><<else>>in your tight leggings<</if>> and panic that the gothic girl might notice, but you don't see any reaction from her. </td> </tr> </table> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\elodieExplore.jpg]]@@ You almost yell out in surprise but Elodie clasps one soft hand over your mouth to silence you, before moving one finger over her own mouth to signal you to be silent. She gestures with her eyes towards the way that you came, and you notice the sounds of a guard coming along the corridor, probably on a routine patrol. She must have pulled you away to stop the two of you from being caught! As the guard's lazy steps slowly go past, the two of you are pressed together as deep into the recession of the doorway as you can. You feel the heat of Elodie's breath on your cheek, and your body, quite of it's own accord, begins to document the places where you're touching. Your legs brushing together, her hand upon your face, her large breasts against your chest, their deep cleavage clearly within eyesight. As the tense moments linger you feel yourself becoming hard<<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties")>> in your soft panties<</if>><<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>> under your dress<<elseif $outfit.under.types.includes("panties") and $outfit.set.types.includes("cloak")>><<else>>in your tight leggings<</if>> and panic that the gothic girl might notice, but you don't see any reaction from her. Finally the guard leaves and you both relax. @@color:#9370DB;"That was close!"@@ Elodie sighs in relief, before giving you an appraising look. @@color:#9370DB;"Why did you follow me?"@@ You sheepishly admit that you didn't have any particular reason, you were just curious about where she was going. Unexpectedly she seems pretty unbothered. @@color:#9370DB;"Oh. Cool. I was going exploring. This place is pretty fucked up. You can come if you want."@@ You weigh your options. You're pretty sure that the two of you managed to slip away without anyone noticing, so maybe you could afford to take a little time away from the group. It would certainly be a nice break from the anxiety of being surrounded by people to whom the slightest wrong move would expose you as an imposter. On the other hand, if word got to the Queen that you slipped away then you could be in serious trouble. For a moment you consider the idea of taking this opportunity to try to escape, but it doesn't seem likely. If the Princess had tried to escape nine times, and eventually only managed it <<if $jails is "stay">>with what looked like a heavily organized plan with accomplices<<else>>with what seemed like a heavily organized plan<</if>>, then your chances of escaping are minimal, and a failed attempt would spell disaster for you. [[Explore with Elodie->elodieHang][$friend ++]] [[I can't risk it, return to the tour group->tourReturn][$day2route to "elodieHalf"]]

<<run $firmin.info.pushUnique("elodieRoute")>> <<run $firmin.facts.pushUnique("Presides over the Droarts' old citadel, where strange events occurred.")>> Elodie isn't the most expressive person, but she seems to be pleased that you're coming with her. As she leads you through the corridors of the citadel she explains to you @@color:#9370DB;"I researched this place. It isn't a new build, they're just fixing it up. It used to be owned by the Droart family. Have you heard of them?"@@ You hesitate for a moment, unsure whether the Princess you're imitating would have or not. Luckily Elodie is so interested to tell you about it that she doesn't wait for you to respond and turns to you, her dark brown eyes glistening with morbid interest as she explains @@color:#9370DB;"The Droarts were a noble family. They went mad and started kidnapping people before they got ousted. They'd do all kinds of torture and stuff to them. Isn't that cool?"@@ You realize that she's expecting a reply from you. You don't get the sense that she's particularly murderous herself, but she definitely has macabre interests. <<link "Agree, dark stuff's pretty cool.">> <<goto [[elodieHang2]]>> <<set $elodieIntro to 1>> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>> <<link "Those poor people!">> <<goto [[elodieHang2]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $elodieIntro to 0>> <</link>>

<<if $elodieIntro is 0>> <<unset $elodieIntro>> Elodie doesn't seem perturbed in the slightest at you not sharing her tastes, in fact she seems to revel in having drawn a shocked reaction from you. She takes the tone of someone telling a scary story at halloween as she continues @@color:#9370DB;"They say that nobody could even recognize the corpses they were so changed, even their family members. Really messed them up."@@ <<elseif $elodieIntro is 1>> <<unset $elodieIntro>> @@color:#9370DB;"Cool."@@ Says Elodie in reply, clearly looking at you with more respect than she did before. @@color:#9370DB;"I thought the Princess would be all prissy and stuff, but you're cool."@@ <</if>> She turns back around and starts leading you through the citadel halls once more. @@color:#9370DB;"Come on. Let's see if we can find some skulls. Or some torture tools. Or something."@@ The two of you explore the citadel for a while. You expect Elodie to be disappointed when you don't find anything particularly exciting - almost all of the doors that you come across are either firmly locked shut or blocked by building supplies, but she seems happy just to be exploring. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\elodieExplore2.png]]@@ Eventually the two of you take a break, sitting side by side on the ledge of a balcony overlooking the cliff. Your legs hang over the side, with <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>the skirts of your dresses drifting together in the chill evening breeze<<else>>the skirt of Elodie's dress drifting in the chill evening breeze<</if>>. Elodie idly kicks her legs, her black flats hanging down suspended only by her toes to let her feet breathe - a feat which you daren't try to replicate with your unfamiliarity with wearing women's shoes. There's a soft, quiet intimacy to the scene that you're somewhat unfamiliar with. As your shoulders brush together you wonder if it's in part because Elodie thinks that you're a girl - if she knew that you were a guy the vibe would be ruined. A part of you can't help but feel a little glad that, for this moment at least, you've been able to experience it. @@color:#9370DB;"Jeez. You've got a complicated expression, Princess."@@ Exclaims Elodie suddenly. You quickly try to think of something to talk about to change the topic and divert Elodie's attention away from your conflicted thoughts. <<link "Ask about Elodie's family">> <<goto [[elodieHang3]]>> <<set $friend ++>> <<set $elodieHangAsk to 1>> <</link>> <<link "Ask what happened to the Droart family that used to live here">> <<goto [[elodieHang3]]>> <<set $elodieHangAsk to 2>> <</link>> <<link "Ask her cup size">> <<goto [[elodieHang3]]>> <<set $seduction ++>> <<set $elodieHangAsk to 3>> <</link>>

<<set $day2route to "elodieFull">> <<if $elodieHangAsk is 1>> <<unset $elodieHangAsk>> You decide to talk about something relatively safe and normal, so ask about her family. @@color:#9370DB;"Ugh. They suck. All they want is power. We live a stable life. Rich, even. But all they want to do is curry favor with people more powerful. It's why they dragged me out here. Thinking that being next to royalty on a trip will make them royalty too."@@ @@color:#9370DB;"I like to paint. Made some commissions. I'm good. I want to do it as my thing, but they think it would be a waste because it's not shit like mingling with people richer than us."@@ There's a moments pause as she frowns at the thought, before turning towards you. @@color:#9370DB;"What about you? What are yours like?"@@ You panic, not sure what to say, but to your surprise the words come easily to you. The queen, or rather, your 'mother' is such a tyrannical presence over your current predicament, and you have to change your behavior in order to appease her or be punished. It's effortless to channel some of that energy into a little rant about her. @@color:#9370DB;"Sounds rough. Being a princess must be weird."@@ Elodie replies once you've finished, and you find yourself oddly comforted by the words. <</if>> <<if $elodieHangAsk is 2>> <<unset $elodieHangAsk>> <<run $firmin.info.pushUnique("elodieAsk")>> <<run $firmin.facts.delete("Presides over the Droarts' old citadel, where strange events occurred.")>> <<run $firmin.facts.pushUnique("Presides over the Droarts' old citadel, where human experimentation occurred.")>> You ask what happened to the Droart family that she mentioned used to live here. Elodie seems happy to talk more about morbid things. @@color:#9370DB;"They terrorized the area for ages, taking a person here or there every now and again. At least, some of the bodies they found were pretty old so that's what they think. Then one day 13 years ago they went psycho. Stole a whole lot of folks and went crazy on them. Like a ritual or something."@@ She stretches relaxedly, seemingly completely at ease despite talking about something so grim. You can't help but notice her cleavage rising with the movement. @@color:#9370DB;"That caused a fuss. Too many people gone at once. Townspeople did the searching for themselves and by the time the officials from the Capital got here the locals had gathered together and sorted it out themselves. With fire and stuff. Pretty cool."@@ <</if>> <<if $elodieHangAsk is 3>> <<unset $elodieHangAsk>> You were thinking so intently about Elodie's breasts that the words spew out of your mouth before you can stop yourself. You immediately feel like an idiot for asking something so stupid, but Elodie doesn't even blink. @@color:#9370DB;"Ugh. I know right? They're big aren't they? You wouldn't even know it to look at my parents, my grandmother on my father's side was stacked though - guess I got her genes. They're F-cup."@@ She explains casually. <<if $outfit.padding is true>> @@color:#9370DB;"I'm jealous of yours."@@ She continues, gesturing towards your padded bust. @@color:#9370DB;"A or B, right? Easy to find bras for. I can never find anything nice. Come to think of it I have a cute one on now though. Look."@@ <<else>> @@color:#9370DB;"I'm jealous of yours."@@ she continues, gesturing towards your flat unpadded chest. @@color:#9370DB;"Petite is in right now. Do you even have to wear a bra?"@@ For an awkward moment the world sits still as you wrack your brain wondering what the correct reply might be. Luckily she takes your momentary silence as a 'no' and continues @@color:#9370DB;"They're such a pain. Especially in summer. Come to think of it I have a cute one on now though. Look."@@ <</if>> You feel like a pervert - hearing these kinds of intimate details under false pretenses feels like a crime, and it gets worse as Elodie hikes her lacy black dress forward to lower her neckline and lifts her bust to show you. Almost immediately, you have to shift awkwardly to hide your body's reaction. The bra is, predictably, black, though you're surprised to see highlights of violet in the lace. The thin black straps seem like they'd barely able to contain the large, heavy breasts that they snugly enclose. Patterns of lace criss-cross over the material, leaving some areas covered only by a sheer mesh through which Elodie's plump, curvy flesh can be seen. You can just about make out the shape of her wide, dark areolas through the see-through material, though the nipple is covered by lace. It takes several long seconds of dumb staring before you realize that Elodie awkwardly is sitting there waiting for some kind of response, and you awkwardly splutter out some kind of compliment about the material. As Elodie readjusts herself you could swear that you notice a little smile on her face at your flustered reaction, but you figure that you must have imagined it. <</if>> @@color:#9370DB;"Well."@@ Says your companion finally, turning around to step off of the balcony ledge. @@color:#9370DB;"They've probably noticed that we're gone by now. Better head back."@@ [[Go with Elodie to find the tour group->tourReturn]]

<<set $jacques to {}>> <<set $jacques.name to "Jacques">> <<set $jacques.desc to "A handsome young nobleman of carefree and slightly rakish manner.">> <<set $jacques.facts to []>> You nervously move alongside a young man who's walking alone. He's a little taller than you and dressed in a patterned green shirt. A shortsword casually hangs in its scabbard from his hip. Unlike most of the other men in the group he's not wearing a jacket, and his shirt sleeves are folded up over his elbows to reveal his forearms. His shoulder-length dark brown hair tumbles around his youthfully handsome face. There's an athletic energy to his easygoing stride that reveals that there's a wiry strength to his fairly-slender body. <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:45%"> He flashes you a carefree smile as you walk close. @@color:#3EA055;"Glad that you could join us. I was beginning to think that the crown princess had been taken out by that brigand yesterday and they hadn't had the guts to tell us."@@ He gives a little shrug to himself as he continues. @@color:#3EA055;"At least then maybe you'd have the opportunity to skip out on all this. But..."@@ He flashes you another winsome smile. @@color:#3EA055;"It would have been a shame for me to have gone on this trip and not been able to meet the most sought-after woman in the nation herself. Though I imagine being such causes you all sorts of trouble."@@ </td> <td style="width:55%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/jacques.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/jacques.png]]@@ He flashes you a carefree smile as you walk close. @@color:#3EA055;"Glad that you could join us. I was beginning to think that the crown princess had been taken out by that brigand yesterday and they hadn't had the guts to tell us."@@ He gives a little shrug to himself as he continues. @@color:#3EA055;"At least then maybe you'd have the opportunity to skip out on all this. But..."@@ He flashes you another winsome smile. @@color:#3EA055;"It would have been a shame for me to have gone on this trip and not been able to meet the most sought-after woman in the nation herself. Though I imagine being such causes you all sorts of trouble."@@ /* @@.img; [img[Images/Character/jacques.png]]@@ He flashes you a carefree smile as you walk close. @@color:#3EA055;"Glad that you could join us. I was beginning to think that the crown princess had been taken out by that brigand yesterday and they hadn't had the guts to tell us."@@ He gives a little shrug to himself as he continues. @@color:#3EA055;"At least then maybe you'd have the opportunity to skip out on all this. But..."@@ He flashes you another winsome smile. @@color:#3EA055;"It would have been a shame for me to have gone on this trip and not been able to meet the most sought-after woman in the nation herself. Though I imagine being such causes you all sorts of trouble."@@ */ You're a little surprised by the man's casual tone, and you can just about make out two older nobles in the distance looking quite mortified at his lack of airs - his parents you assume. It's somewhat of a relief to get to talk with someone who's treating you like a human. @@color:#3EA055;"I'm Jacques. Pleasure to meet you."@@ <<if $auth gte 2>> <<link "Introduce myself with the authority befitting a princess">> <<set $jacquesIntro to 2>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "auth">> <<set $ruthless ++>> <<goto [[citadelJacquesTalk]]>> <</link>> <<hovertip "Authority 2 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "Authority 2 needed">>@@color:#797979;==Introduce myself with the authority befitting a princess==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $grace gte 1>> <<link "Introduce myself warmly">> <<goto [[citadelJacquesTalk]]>> <<set $jacquesIntro to 1>> <<set $friend ++>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "grace">> <</link>> <<hovertip "Grace 1 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "Grace 1 needed">>@@color:#797979;==Introduce myself warmly.==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Clam up, unable to think of what to say in response">> <<set $jacquesIntro to 0>> <<set $nobleSpeak to "none">> <<goto [[citadelJacquesTalk]]>> <</link>>

<<if $jacquesIntro is 2>> You use everything that you learnt earlier to provide a dazzlingly authoritative introduction for yourself. Jacques doesn't even blink as he gently inclines his head in a slight bow and replies @@color:#3EA055;"Charmed"@@, but you can hear some impressed noises from the nobles in earshot of you, and you can even make out one woman remarking @@color:pink;"Maybe we were wrong about her..."@@ You can't help but smile at having shut them up after all of the nasty things they they were muttering before. <</if>> <<if $jacquesIntro is 1>> You use what you learnt earlier to provide an eloquent self-introduction. You're quite proud of yourself and you can sense that a few nobles in earshot are somewhat impressed. Jacques inclines his head slightly and replies @@color:#3EA055;"Charmed."@@ <</if>> <<if $jacquesIntro is 0>> You feel sweat begin to trickle down the back of your neck as you realize that you have absolutely no idea what to say. There's a few moments of awkward silence before Jacques rescues you. @@color:#3EA055;"I'm sure that you're quite tired from yesterday. I heard that you had felt unwell on the walls, and the disaster afterwards would make anyone worse-for-wear"@@ He flashes you a gentle smile and gives an encouraging wink, and you get the impression that the rescue was very deliberate. <<if $voice is 0>> Thinking fast, you take the cue about being unwell yesterday to quickly stammer out that you had a bad cough, and that's why your voice is a little hoarse today as cover for your masculine voice.<</if>> <</if>> <<unset $jacquesIntro>> As the conversation between you lulls you become aware again of the murmuring of the nobles around you. You can't make out what they're saying, but after they were so cruel earlier it's easy to believe that every half-heard whisper is saying awful things about you and you find yourself nervously biting your lip. Out of the corner of your eye you notice Jacques looking at you curiously. The tour guide up ahead comes to a stop and waits for the group to catch up with him, but to the nobles' audible disappointment it's only to give some boring speech about building materials and workforce statistics. While everyone's attention is elsewhere, Jacques takes a step closer and whispers under his breath @@color:#3EA055;"Isn't this place miserable? I wish I didn't have to be here."@@ <<link "Nod.">> <<goto [[jacquesExplore]]>> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>> <<link "Reject his attempt at rapport.">> <<goto [[day2groupStay]]>> <</link>>

You agree that you'd rather not be here either, to which he responds @@color:#3EA055;"Well then. In that case, I might be able to help-"@@ Suddenly you feel his arm briskly wrap around your waist. You look up at him in shock, but he just has a warm smile on his face, as if amused by his own antics as he suddenly pulls you against himself. You're too confused to offer much resistance, but you're surprised at his strength as he lifts your body with relative ease - or perhaps he's just putting lots of effort into making the action look casual. With one arm already around you he hooks his other under your legs to hold you securely. You can hear a few surprised gasps from the nobles around you as they notice his action. A woman exclaims @@color:pink;"Jacques, what are you-"@@ before being interrupted by an amused chuckle from Jacques as he suddenly bolts down an adjoining corridor. You're pressed up against his firm chest so can't quite see where you're being taken as he runs along the passageways, but the sound of the shocked nobles soon fades away behind you. Finally, after a minute or two, Jacques comes to a halt and releases you. He's giddy, both from the run while holding someone and from laughter at what he's done, and rests against the wall to gather himself. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\jacquesExplore.jpg]]@@ You realize that in your surprise at being kidnapped so quickly and casually, you never made a noise or struggled for a moment, and you find a light blush reach your cheeks at the fact that he must think that you had been quite a willing captive. It also doesn't sit well with your masculinity that you were so easily manhandled. @@color:#3EA055;"Haha! Jeez, I'm sorry-"@@ He begins, but when he sees the look on your face he can't stop himself from a few more chuckles before continuing. @@color:#3EA055;"I'm sorry, but I grew up with as many fairy tales as anyone else - if I were to see a princess in as much distress as you were clearly in and didn't gallantly rescue her, then my whole moral compass would get out of whack. I brought you some time to calm down and relax away from the group."@@ As Jacques loosens his tie and undoes his top button to get his breath back, mainly from the laughter rather than the run at this point, you think about the situation that he's dragged you into with his foolish gallantry. After a little consideration though you realize that it might not be much of a problem - the Queen could //hardly// blame you for getting absconded with, could she? And he's not //wrong//, you //were// deeply uncomfortable. Plus, any time away from the nobles, where any small mistake could spell your ruin, is probably a blessing. For some reason the fact that he's actually helped you a little irritates you more than if he had gotten you into trouble. The blush on your cheeks and the pounding of your heart don't seem to be fading, which makes the situation even worse. You notice that Jacques has managed to recover himself and is looking at your complicated expression warmly. @@color:#3EA055;"Listen. I really am sorry, clearly I've caused issue for you. Please forgive my lack of restraint. But.. You could spare a few minutes, right? You still look like you could use a break."@@ [[Let myself chill with Jacques for a bit->jacquesHang][$friend ++]] [[Demand to return to the group->tourReturn][$day2route to "jacquesHalf"]]

You hesitate, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of your acceptance, but the thought of going back to the muttering nobles so soon is enough to make you bite back the snide remark that you had prepared and, with a sigh of resignation, you let yourself relax against the wall next to him. As you settle in next to Jacques you see a smile flash across his face. Rather than the bravado of his previous roguish smiles though, this one seems almost bashful, like you accepting his invitation had been the //last// thing that he was expecting, and now he's flattered and doesn't quite know how to react. The little bashful smile disappears quickly when he catches you looking at him, and he coughs awkwardly to try to hide it. @@color:#3EA055;"So, Princess."@@ He begins quickly. @@color:#3EA055;"Care to tell me why you were quite so anxious out there?"@@ The tone is conversational rather than accusatorial, but any trace of satisfaction that you had felt at having Jacques be the one at a disadvantage for once is wiped away by the tricky question. <<link "Lie and tell him that you're shaken by the attack yesterday">> <<goto [[jacquesHang2]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $jacquesHang to 1>> <</link>> <<link "Tell him that the nobles were a bunch of gossiping assholes.">> <<goto [[jacquesHang2]]>> <<set $friend ++>> <<set $jacquesHang to 2>> <</link>> <<if $cute gte 1>> <<link "Try to play it off that you're just a shy and demure person">> <<goto [[jacquesHang2]]>> <<set $jacquesHang to 3>> <<set $inno ++>> <</link>> <<else>> <<hovertip "Cuteness too low">>@@color:#797979;Try to play it off that you're just a shy and demure person@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $auth gte 1>> <<link "Imperiously evade the question">> <<goto [[jacquesHang2]]>> <<set $jacquesHang to 4>> <<set $ruthless ++>> <</link>> <<else>> <<hovertip "Authority too low">>@@color:#797979;Imperiously evade the question@@<</hovertip>> <</if>>

<<set $day2route to "jacquesFull">> <<if $jacquesHang is 1>> <<set $jacques.protect to true>> You explain that you're so shaken up by the assassination attempt yesterday that you were having difficulty keeping it together. @@color:#3EA055;"Jeez, how thoughtless of me."@@ Jacques remarks. @@color:#3EA055;"Of course, that was your father they were going for. No wonder you're messed up by it."@@ You don't like the idea of the King being the topic of conversation - you've never met the man and it would be too easy for you to accidentally say the wrong thing. So you try to divert the topic to being about how scared you were for your //own// life. You can't avoid sounding a little self-centered, perhaps even a little ditzy, but you manage to shift the conversation. Luckily it seems like the idea of a princess in peril ignites something in Jacques' chivalrous spirit. He proudly rises from his lackadaisical lean against the wall and rests one hand on the pommel of the scabbarded sword at his hip. You're half expecting an absurd speech bragging about his prowess, but to your surprise what he says is fairly grounded. @@color:#3EA055;"I know it might not be all that comforting. After all, the attacker slew dozens of the royal guard and I'm just one man. But if it would ease your worries even a slightest, it would be a honor to try to find you and keep you safe should such an event happen again - if perhaps in only in making sure that you're not alone."@@ The silence lingers after the man's words. You have absolutely no idea what you're supposed to //say// to something like this. Despite yourself, you find yourself more comforted by his words than you would have thought - the image of the Scarecrow Killer covered in blood mere feet away from you is still etched into your mind from yesterday. But on the other hand, if Jacques were to come find you at a time when you're not dressed up as the princess then he'll end up exposing you. <</if>> <<if $jacquesHang is 2>> You explain that the nobles out there were being so judgmental towards you that you got quite overwhelmed. Jacques nods at your words. @@color:#3EA055;"I figured it might have been that. I heard that you avoid public appearances in the Capital. No small wonder, I only get dragged to these things every now and again and can't stand the two-faced cruelty of it all, I can only imagine how tough it must be right in the epicenter."@@ @@color:#3EA055;"Listen, I know it's tough but you shouldn't listen to those idiots. You're the Princess - any woman of noble birth will have had their every action held in comparison to you from the moment they're born. Any time they act improperly their parents will have been shouting at them that the //princess// would never do something like that. They've been primed to feel pretty spitefully towards you all their lives. It's not personal. They probably just can't get over that you're a real person and not an archetypical concept."@@ @@color:#3EA055;"Besides"@@ He continues, a touch awkwardly. @@color:#3EA055;"You look perfectly good to me."@@ The momentary hesitation and a slight stiffness to his posture makes the comment seem more bashful than anything, as if overstating his casualness on the matter. <</if>> <<if $jacquesHang is 3>> <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("cloak")>>Hiding behind the hood of your cloak, y<<else>>Y<</if>>ou channel some of what you learnt about being expressive and cute earlier today as you speak, and let your voice waver hesitantly as you explain your delicate sensitivity.<<hovertip "Cuteness check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> You're surprised by how easy the acting comes to you, and realize that perhaps you //are// feeling kinda nervous and scared right now with everything that's happening, and you're just giving voice to a part of you that you would otherwise have suppressed in yourself. You feel a comforting arm on your shoulder, and look up to see Jacques smiling reassuringly at you. In spite of yourself you can't help but feel a little better from it. @@color:#3EA055;"That makes sense. I'd heard that you avoided public events in the Capital."@@ Jacques comments, mostly to himself. You can see him deflating a little as he realizes that gallantly kidnapping someone of a nervous constitution probably only makes things more scary for them rather than giving them an opportunity to recover. He's clearly at a bit of a loss of what to say, and starts grasping at straws to keep the conversation going and cover for himself. @@color:#3EA055;"Uhh.. Books! I imagine you're bookish, right? All that time hiding away in the castle. I've read some books in my time."@@ Though not many, if his hesitation over the words is any tell. You nod your head in agreement, thinking that it's probably best to do so, though you hope that he doesn't catch you in the lie. Jacques lights up at your nod. @@color:#3EA055;"Have you perhaps read of the adventures of Guillaume le Beaumanoir? I've admired the man my whole life."@@ You stifle a laugh at Jacques words. You //have// heard of Guillaume before, you'd struggle to find a boy in the country who hadn't. Even the illiterate would have it told to them by word of mouth. There's a great many stories featuring the courageous knight and his frequent, likely exaggerated, adventures. Of //course// Jacques would be infatuated with the stories. Now that he's mentioned it it's obvious from his behavior. Most kids grow out of playing Guillaume, it seems like Jacques might not have. It's irritating that he's clearly quite so //good// at playing the part, but you can't help but look at him in a slightly warmer light at this insight. However you doubt that a //girl// would have been told the stories, so once you calm yourself enough that you know that you won't laugh you tell him as innocently as you can that you haven't heard of the books, to Jacques' disappointment <</if>> <<if $jacquesHang is 4>> You figure that the best reaction to the question is to avoid it entirely. A real princess would be //far// too important to have to deal with questions that they don't want to answer. Instead you hold your head high bark out a haughty retort at him - ignoring his question entirely in favor of berating the man for his uncouth behavior.<<hovertip "Authority check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> You see Jacques' casually-leaning spine straighten instinctively as your words wash over him - his posture stiffening obediently from your tone of voice alone. He tries not to let it show though, a grimace flashing momentarily on his face as he realizes that 'kidnapping' you may have been more than he'd bargained for. His reply comes back at you with exaggerated carelessness, as if verbally parrying your attempt to gain control over the conversation. @@color:#3EA055;"Well excuse me, Princess. Your humble subject is devastated to have inconvenienced you, I'm sure."@@ You throw back another authoritative comment, and get another casual one in return. Soon you're both going at it, neither of you allowing the other to seize control of the conversation - you with overbearing dignity and him with lazy informality. Every strike is met with a fierce parry, and you can feel yourself straining in your efforts - though any passerby would think that the two of you were just having a conversation. Finally, just when you think that you'd struck a vital blow, with all of the flourish of a tournament winning swordthrust Jacques leisurely reaches into his waistcoat pocket and plucks a ripe red apple from it. As if not having heard what you said to him, he idly brings it to his lips and bites into the fruit, before offering it towards you. @@color:#3EA055;"Where are my manners? Care for a bite, Princess?"@@ You find yourself scowling at the item in disgust. An ''//apple//'' for goodness sake?! What could you //possibly// do against such an implement of easygoing cunning? He has you completely checkmated and you know it. The flicker of a smile on his lips as he chews the bite of apple shows that he knows it too. What comes as a surprise is that you feel a smile on your own cheeks too. You hate to admit it but that had been kinda //fun//! You're a little giddy from the game, and can't bring yourself to feel a sore loser. <</if>> The moment between you lingers for a few long moments before it's interrupted by the loud noise of incoming soldiers. Jacques grimaces at the interruption, but you notice the confident smile from earlier return to his cheeks. Clearly he's more comfortable being impulsively adventuresome than with talking. @@color:#3EA055;"Looks like our time is up, Princess. But I can at the very least buy you a few more moments of peace before having to go back. I'll divert their attention elsewhere."@@ Before you can stop him he runs off in confident strides towards the sound of the soldiers. A few seconds later you can hear a chorus of shouting from that direction, which quickly fades as it gets further away. You're a little bewildered by his actions, and bristle a little at him presumptuously 'rescuing' you again, but you take what time he won you to breathe and settle down a little before, after a minute or so, standing up to head back to the group. <<if $jacquesHang is 1>>You realize that you never managed to reply to Jacques offer of protection from the Scarecrow Killer, which given his personality he'd probably take as assent. You hope that this won't cause issues for you later on. <</if>> <<unset $jacquesHang>> [[Go and find the tour group->tourReturn]]

<<set $day2route to "stay">> <<if hasVisited("citadelJacquesTalk")>> Not wanting to show any vulnerability to the gentleman you tersely whisper under your breath that you're fine. In response Jacques lifts his arms in an exaggeratedly casual shrug at being denied as he steps away. @@color:#3EA055;"Guess I must be imagining things. Sorry, miss."@@ <<else>> You can't help but be a little curious about where Elodie might be going, but you can't afford to investigate. <</if>> The rest of the tour passes awkwardly, but uneventfully. Every time you hear murmured conversation around you you find yourself tensing up, worried that they're gossiping about you. None of it seems as blatant as when you first arrived, at least. As the tour continues the group is passed along to a couple of different guides, specialists in various parts of the building process you learn, but you find their speeches too boring to focus on. You realize that you a have good opportunity to learn from the noblewomen around you, and start attempting to copy their posture as you walk. <<if $grace is 1>> A lot of it is stuff that you already knew, but the variety of postures gives you plenty to learn compared to when you only had Simone as reference earlier today. After a hour or so, you feel like you've developed your skills.<</if>> <<if $grace is 0>> It's a little tricky, but after a hour or so you feel like you've developed your skills enough that you don't look like a total neanderthal in comparison.<</if>> ''You got a temporary bonus to your Grace skill!''<<check "This will last a few days">> <<set $grace += 1>> <<set $graceBonus += 1>> <<set $groupGraceBonus to 3>> [[Continue->day2groupStay2]]

The tour group comes to a halt in a large hall, and the guide announces that there's to be a short break before continuing. There's a few groans from nobles who had hoped that the dull tour might have been over at last. Not wanting to be caught in any awkward conversations you idle yourself off to the side<<if $outfit.set.types.includes("cloak")>>, hiding yourself in the hood of your cloak as much as possible.<<else>> and try hard not to look too awkward.<</if>> You hear his irregular steps coming closer down a nearby side corridor before you see him, as the older gentleman in the faded red jacket walking with a cane who had been the original tour guide approaches you. @@color:#9F8C76;"Ahh. Princess."@@ He says as he gets near. @@color:#9F8C76;"I'm so happy that you could join us on our tour today. In fact, I was hoping that I might be able to speak with you in private for a moment, if you wouldn't mind..."@@ Something about the man's demeanor sets you off about him, and the last thing that you want is to be trapped in a long conversation with anyone. You make an idle excuse and try to retreat away from him back to the safety of the group, but when you do so his hand suddenly reaches out and grabs you by the arm, stopping you where you stand. <<section "firminFace2">> @@color:#9F8C76;"Now now, 'Princess'. The others might be too blinded by ambition to notice it, but I'm no fool."@@ His russet eyes seem to bore into you as he continues. @@color:#9F8C76;"You're not who you're pretending to be, miss."@@ Your blood runs cold at the man's words and you look at him in shock. His intimating gaze doesn't waver for a second as he glares at you. You glance over again to the crowd of nobles, but they're all too busy talking with each other to notice the affair happening nearby.< > Without releasing his grip he starts of pull you towards the corridor he came from. @@color:#9F8C76;"Why don't you come with me."@@ <</section>> <table id="desk" style="width:100%"> <tr> <td style="width:63%"> <<print _firminFace2>> </td> <td style="width:37%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Character\firmin.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> @@.img; [img[Images\Character\firmin.png]]@@ <<print _firminFace2>>< > /* Something about the man's demeanor sets you off about him, and the last thing that you want is to be trapped in a long conversation with anyone. You make an idle excuse and try to retreat away from him back to the safety of the group, but when you do so his hand suddenly reaches out and grabs you by the arm, stopping you where you stand. @@color:#9F8C76;"Now now, Princess. The others might be too blinded by ambition to notice it, but I'm no fool."@@ His russet eyes seem to bore into you as he continues. @@color:#9F8C76;"You're not who you're pretending to be, miss."@@ Your blood runs cold at the man's words and you look at him in shock. His intimating gaze doesn't waver for a second as he glares at you. You glance over again to the crowd of nobles, but they're all too busy talking with each other to notice the affair happening nearby. */ You hesitate as you consider your options. You could easily pull yourself out of his grasp, but he's clearly holding all of the cards in this situation. The fact that he hasn't told the soldiers and guaranteed your death by now is already a miracle - you're going to have to go along with him for now. As he leads you to a nearby doorway you weigh up how you should act around this man now that you're alone together. Should you keep pretending, or keep your dignity and drop the charade? <<link "Stop pretending. Now that the jig is up I can act like a guy again.">> <<goto [[day2eyeChange1]]>> <<set $day2eyeChange to "guy">> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>> <<link "Keep acting feminine but not princessy. I don't want to him to know I'm a guy.">> <<goto [[day2eyeChange1]]>> <<set $fem += 1>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $day2eyeChange to "girl">> <</link>> <<link "Keep acting like the Princess. Maybe his evidence is circumstantial.">> <<goto [[day2eyeChange1]]>> <<set $fem += 1>> <<set $respect ++>> <<set $day2eyeChange to "princess">> <</link>>

<<if previous() is "elodieExplore">> Elodie seems a little disappointed in your response, but doesn't seem to take it personally. @@color:#9370DB;"That makes sense, you're a princess and all. Don't tell anyone where I went though, ok?"@@ You take your leave of the girl and part ways, however as you attempt to retrace your steps back to the group you're surprised to see the tourguide in a faded red outfit waiting alone around the next corner. @@color:#9F8C76;"Ahh, you're here sooner than I expected. Good."@@ says the older gentleman enigmatically. You look at him in confusion before trying to walk past him to catch up with the group that must be up ahead, but when you do so he flicks his wooden cane upwards to bar your way forward. <</if>> <<if previous() is "jacquesExplore">> You don't like the way that you feel around the man. Something about the way he had picked you up so smoothly makes your stomach feel weird, like butterflies are jumping around inside. You tell him that you're going back to the group. Jacques winces a little at your refusal, before exaggeratedly and lackadaisically lifting a hand to his breast, as if being shot in the heart by an arrow. @@color:#3EA055;"Ouch. A firm refusal."@@ He says, before flashing you a reassuring smile. @@color:#3EA055;"Don't worry, my pride can handle it."@@ @@color:#3EA055;"Though... Maybe it would struggle with walking back into the room with you right away. Could you do me a favor and go alone and pretend that you fought me off?"@@ He winks mischievously at you. @@color:#3EA055;"I'll have a wander and a cigarette."@@ Even when refusing him you still feel like you've being roguishly ran circles around by the man. You don't need to be asked twice to leave him behind you. Cheeks still burning a little, you turn on your heels back the way you came. However as you attempt to retrace your steps back to the group you're surprised to see the tourguide in a faded red outfit waiting alone around the next corner. @@color:#9F8C76;"Ahh, you're here sooner than I expected. Good."@@ says the older gentleman enigmatically. You look at him in confusion before trying to walk past him to catch up with the group that must be up ahead, but when you do so he flicks his wooden cane upwards to bar your way forward. <</if>> <<if previous() is "elodieHang3">> As you wander through the halls with Elodie you're surprised to see the tour guide in the faded red outfit waiting alone around the next corner. @@color:#9F8C76;"Took your time, didn't you?"@@ Says the man enigmatically, before addressing Elodie. @@color:#9F8C76;"I need to speak with the Princess, if you wouldn't mind leaving us. The tour group is up ahead somewhere."@@ Something about the man's menacing tone seems to put Elodie on edge, and she takes a step in front of you protectively. You're a little flattered that she'd stand up for you. @@color:#9F8C76;"It's nothing worth making a scene about, I assure you."@@ He says at the look on Elodie's face. @@color:#9F8C76;"I'm sure the Princess is happy to speak with me, aren't you... '//Princess//'?"@@ Your blood goes cold at the way he says the word. It's immediately clear from his tone that he knows your secret.< > You step forward and reassure Elodie that it's fine, despite it being anything but. Something about the time that you spent together makes the idea of being exposed in front of her seem awful to you. Elodie gives you a hesitant look, not quite believing you, but eventually nods and continues onwards down the corridor. Once she's out of earshot the man's demeanor shifts completely, all trace of pleasantly leaving him entirely. <</if>> <<if previous() is "jacquesHang2">> As you attempt to retrace your steps back to the group you're surprised to see the tourguide in a faded red outfit waiting alone around the next corner. @@color:#9F8C76;"Took your time with the noble brat did you?."@@ the older gentleman sneers at you as you come close. You look at him in confusion before trying to walk past him to catch up with the group that must be up ahead, but when you do so he flicks his wooden cane upwards to bar your way forward. <</if>> <<section "firminFace">> @@color:#9F8C76;"The others might be too blinded by ambition to notice it, but I'm no fool."@@ His russet eyes seem to bore into you as he continues. @@color:#9F8C76;"You're not who you're pretending to be, miss."@@ <<if previous() isnot "elodieHang3">> Your blood runs cold at the man's words and you look at him in shock. His intimating gaze doesn't waver for a second as he glares at you. <</if>> With a brisk @@color:#9F8C76;"Come in."@@ he pushes open the door next to him in the hallway with his spare hand and gestures for you to enter. You hesitate and consider your options, but he's //clearly// holding all of the cards in this situation. The fact that he hasn't told the soldiers and guaranteed your death by now is already a miracle. <</section>> <table id="desk" style="width:100%"> <tr> <td style="width:60%"> <<print _firminFace>> </td> <td style="width:40%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Character\firmin.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> @@.img; [img[Images\Character\firmin.png]]@@ <<print _firminFace>>< > You realize that while he's clearly noticed that you're not the Princess, he hasn't mentioned that you're a guy yet.< > /* @@color:#9F8C76;"The others might be too blinded by ambition to notice it, but I'm no fool."@@ His russet eyes seem to bore into you as he continues. @@color:#9F8C76;"You're not who you're pretending to be, miss."@@ <<if previous() isnot "elodieHang3">> Your blood runs cold at the man's words and you look at him in shock. His intimating gaze doesn't waver for a second as he glares at you. <</if>> With a brisk @@color:#9F8C76;"Come in."@@ he pushes open the door next to him in the hallway with his spare hand and gestures for you to enter. You hesitate and consider your options, but he's //clearly// holding all of the cards in this situation. The fact that he hasn't told the soldiers and guaranteed your death by now is already a miracle. You realize that while he's clearly noticed that you're not the Princess, he hasn't mentioned that you're a guy yet. */ <<link "Stop pretending. Now that the jig is up I can act like a guy again.">> <<goto [[day2eyeChange1]]>> <<set $day2eyeChange to "guy">> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>> <<link "Keep acting feminine but not princessy. I don't want to him to know I'm a guy.">> <<goto [[day2eyeChange1]]>> <<set $fem += 1>> <<set $day2eyeChange to "girl">> <<set $inno ++>> <</link>> <<link "Keep acting like the Princess. Maybe his evidence is circumstantial.">> <<goto [[day2eyeChange1]]>> <<set $fem += 1>> <<set $day2eyeChange to "princess">> <<set $respect++>> <</link>>

<<set $firmin.desc to "A older gentleman with an intense glare in a faded red suit and walking with a cane. He could tell that you're not the Princess.">> <<if $day2eyeChange is "guy">> Despite this being a life-threatening disaster you almost feel relieved at having been found out. At least now you don't need to pretend anymore. You let your posture settle back into comfortable masculinity as you walk past the man into the room. For some reason it still feels weird though, the masculine gait feels unnatural in your women's <<if $outfit.set.types.includesAny("dress")>>dress<<else>>outfit<</if>>. <</if>> <<if $day2eyeChange is "girl">> <<if $grace gte 1>> You maintain the feminine posture that you practiced in the carriage earlier as you nervously walk past the man and into the room. <<else>> You maintain your femininity as you meekly walk past the man and into the room. <</if>> <</if>> <<if $day2eyeChange is "princess">> <<if $grace gte 1>> You gather all of the elegance that you can muster and walk past the man into the room with your head held high. <<else>> You gather all of the elegance that you can muster, but still end up stumbling over your feet a little as you try to walk past the man into the room with a princesslike demeanor <</if>><<hovertip "grace check">>⍰<</hovertip>> <</if>> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day2eyeChange.png]]@@ The room seems older than the rest of the citadel, and compared to the spartan emptiness of the rest of the building site it's covered in a vast accumulation of somewhat mysterious looking items and texts, all covered in dust. <<if $day2eyeChange is "guy">> Your change of gait as you stop bothering to try to look feminine is enough for him to quickly realize your true gender. @@color:#9F8C76;"So the fraud is obscuring his gender in just as much deception and lies as he hides his identity, is it then? Both a charlatan and a pervert!"@@ he howls accusingly, full of spite and cruelty. You're about to offer a retort to his spiteful words, but he doesn't offer you a moments pause to do so in before his tirade continues. <</if>> @@color:#9F8C76;"It's in your eyes, imposter!"@@ The man jeers as he walks up to the large desk in the center of the room. @@color:#9F8C76;"Maybe you're too stupid to realize it - the royal family don't have your common-born //<<print $pc.n.eye>>// eyes. You lack the revered dark-gray eyes of the regal lineage."@@ You're shocked to realize that he's absolutely right! You and Simone were so busy getting ready this afternoon to realize it, but you've heard stories all of your life of the royal eyes, and had even noticed them in the portraits around the carriage yesterday. You curse yourself for having forgotten something so important. The man's intense gaze doesn't waver for a second as he stares at you. It feels like he hasn't blinked once since you met him, and you could almost swear that you notice his russet eyes glowing hungrily in the dim lighting of the room. <<link "Meekly try to appease the man to let me go.">> <<goto [[day2eyeChange2]]>> <<set $day2eyeMood to "meek">> <<set $sub += 1>> <<set $inno ++>> <</link>> <<link "Stay defiant">> <<goto [[day2eyeChange2]]>> <<set $respect++>> <<set $day2eyeMood to "defiant">> <</link>>

<<if $day2eyeMood is "defiant" and $day2eyeChange is "guy">> <<include [[defiantGuy]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2eyeMood is "meek" and $day2eyeChange is "guy">> <<include [[meek]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2eyeMood is "defiant" and $day2eyeChange is "girl">> <<include [[defiantGirl]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2eyeMood is "meek" and $day2eyeChange is "girl">> <<include [[meek]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2eyeMood is "defiant" and $day2eyeChange is "princess">> <<include [[defiantPrincess]]>> <</if>> <<if $day2eyeMood is "meek" and $day2eyeChange is "princess">> <<include [[meek]]>> <</if>>

You cross your arms together over your chest and hold your ground against the man. He may hold all of the cards in this situation but you're not going to let him take you for granted. <<if $voice gte 1>> You staunchly defend yourself, explaining in a strong, feminine voice that he has no right to extort you like this.<<hovertip "voice check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> You staunchly defend yourself, explaining that he has no right to extort you like this. However in your nervousness your voice breaks gruffly mid sentence, making the speech come off quite ineffective at maintaining your dignity.<<hovertip "voice check - fail">>⍰<</hovertip>> <</if>> The man's intense glare doesn't waver for a second. You still haven't caught him blink yet. It's like your response is entirely expected and he's just waiting for you to finish. @@color:#9F8C76;"<<if $voice is 1>>You can speak as pretty as a lark but y<<else>>Y<</if>>our deceitful words won't work on me, wench."@@ he bellows as he rounds on you with all of the self-righteousness of a pastor condemning his flock. @@color:#9F8C76;"You're a conniver and a fiend, and deserve to rot forgotten in incarceration until your bones are picked apart by //vermin// for this vile transgression. Even //that// would be too good for you."@@ @@color:#9F8C76;"But..."@@ He continues, and his scornful expression changes to one more cunning. @@color:#9F8C76;"I don't owe the crown shit."@@ He spits on the ground at his feet to punctuate the point. @@color:#9F8C76;"I suppose that you can con them, or kill them, or whatever you're scheming - it makes little difference to me."@@ The rapid change in tone practically gives you whiplash. @@color:#9F8C76;"For that matter, it may even be in my interest to //help// you"@@ he sneers, seemingly amused at the concept. @@color:#9F8C76;"This place is my study, and I know some things about how to change a body. In fact I went to synthesize something useful just <<if visited("day2groupStay")>>after finishing my part of the tour<<else>>after you slipped away<</if>>."@@ He plucks a vial from his pocket and places it on the table. The words sound insane to you. There's no way such things could exist, even in wives tales about witchcraft. @@color:#9F8C76;"I'll have you know that it's //science//. I've put too much research into this for it to be anything as convenient as magick. Certainly would have made my life easier if it was."@@ he snaps at your disbelief. @@color:#9F8C76;"I can give you the royal eyes and you'll be able to continue your ruse to its fruition, in fact I could even change you back if you come back here afterwards if you so choose. Or you can leave here without it and be found out the moment that anyone smart enough to trust what they see in front of them looks your way."@@ You don't like anything about this situation, but he's right, leaving without that vial is a death sentence, but you doubt he'll just give it away for free. <<link "Exchange the vial for a favor.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeFavor]]>> <</link>> <<link "Beg him for the vial">> <<goto [[eyeChangeBeg]]>> <</link>> <<if $stashedStuff is true>> <<link "Exchange the vial for the stolen gemstones hidden on my person.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeGems]]>> <</link>><<hovertip "If you use them here, you won't be able to use the gems elsewhere in the future">>⍰<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Attempt to overpower the man and steal the vial">> <<goto [[eyeChangeOverpower]]>> <</link>>

You turn on the man as strongly as you can, shouting out words of outrage and intimidation. You can tell that the effect is somewhat reduced by the fact that you're still wearing <<if $outfit.set.types.includesAny("dress")>>a dress<<else>>women's clothing<</if>> but you try not to let that deter you as you defend yourself fiercely. <<if $pc.background is "hero">> As you speak you find yourself entering into a combat-ready stance that you've developed from your years as an adventurer. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "manly">> As you speak you find yourself entering into the fight-ready stance that you've developed from your many barfights. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "bread">> As you speak you find yourself lowering onto the balls on your feet in the twitchy, fight-or-flight stance that you've developed from your years surviving on the streets in poverty. <</if>> <<if $pc.background is "flirt">> You're a lover, not a fighter, and don't know anything about combat, but you notice yourself entering what you think might be a battle-ready stance as you face off against the man. <</if>> The two of you glare daggers at each other, and though the fact that he has yet to even blink makes you feel like he might be getting the better of the stalemate, that just makes you more determined. After a tense few seconds you're surprised to see a look of begrudging acceptance cross his face, like you've earned his respect. @@color:#9F8C76;"I don't know what you're playing at, and you deserve to rot in rightful incarceration until your bones are picked apart by vermin for this vile transgression."@@ he snarls warily. @@color:#9F8C76;"But..."@@ He continues, and his expression turns cunning. @@color:#9F8C76;"I don't owe the crown shit."@@ He spits on the ground at his feet to punctuate the point. @@color:#9F8C76;"I suppose that you can con them, or kill them, or whatever you're scheming - it makes little difference to me."@@ You let your stance relax, mostly from surprise at his change in tone. As you do so the man plucks a vial of fluid from the desk in front of him. @@color:#9F8C76;"For that matter, it may even be in my interest to //help// you"@@ he sneers. @@color:#9F8C76;"This place is my study, and I know some things about how to change a body. In fact I went to synthesize something useful just <<if visited("day2groupStay")>>after finishing my part of the tour<<else>>after you slipped away<</if>>."@@ The words sound insane to you. There's no way such things could exist, even in wives tales about witchcraft. @@color:#9F8C76;"I'll have you know that it's //science//. I've put too much research into this for it to be anything as convenient as magick. Certainly would have made my life easier if it was."@@ he snaps at your disbelief. @@color:#9F8C76;"I can give you the royal eyes and you'll be able to continue your ruse to its fruition, in fact I could even change you back if you come back here afterwards if you so choose. Or you can leave here without it and be found out the moment that anyone smart enough to trust what they see in front of them looks your way."@@ You don't like anything about this situation, but he's right, leaving without that vial is a death sentence, but you doubt that he'll just give it away for free. <<link "Exchange the vial for a favor.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeFavor]]>> <</link>> <<hovertip "You've acted a little too masculinely and defiantly to lose all of your bluster so easily">>==@@color:#797979;Beg him for the vial@@==<</hovertip>> <<if $stashedStuff is true>> <<link "Exchange the vial for the stolen gemstones hidden on my person.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeGems]]>> <</link>><<hovertip "If you use them here, you won't be able to use the gems elsewhere in the future">>⍰<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Attempt to overpower the man and steal the vial">> <<goto [[eyeChangeOverpower]]>> <</link>>

You folding your arms over your chest and doing your best attempt at remaining dignified. You're a little surprised at yourself - he knows that you're not the Princess but in spite of that you're acting like one anyway. You decide to lean into it a little. <<if $auth gte 2>> Thankfully you know exactly how to talk in an authoritative manner due to all that time practicing on the carriage's throne. It's effortless for you to give the man a regal tongue lashing so strong that you can see fear dawning on his face despite his superior position.<<if $voice is 1>> The effect is further magnified by your steady and confident feminine voice tone.<<else>> Your voice is a little shaky and masculine at parts, but your strong diction makes it almost irrelevant.<</if>> Nevertheless, his self-righteousness wins out and he retorts @@color:#9F8C76;"You speak well for a commoner, deceiver, but you have no authority over the likes of me."@@ Seeming to get into the swing of things, though you can see sweat pouring from his brow at having to go against your authoritative force of will, he continues @@color:#9F8C76;"You're... You're a conniver and a fiend, and deserve to rot forgotten in incarceration until your bones are picked apart by vermin for this vile transgression. Even that would be too good for you."@@ <<elseif $auth is 1>> Thankfully you practiced how to speak in an authoritative manner on the throne before, so manage to keep your dignity as you defend your position and your privacy.<<hovertip "authority check: pass">>⍰<</hovertip>><<if $voice is 1>> Your voice is strong enough to maintain a feminine tone throughout, much to your relief.<<else>> Your voice gruffly breaks a little halfway through, which somewhat ruins the effect, but thankfully it looks like he didn't notice.<</if>> The man hesitates a moment after your well-articulated words. You get the feeling that he wasn't expecting such grace from you and is rather taken aback. Finally he begrudgingly says @@color:#9F8C76;"You speak well for a commoner, deceiver, but you have no authority over the likes of me."@@ Seeming to get into the swing of things, he rounds on you with all of the self-righteousness of a pastor condemning his flock. @@color:#9F8C76;"You're a conniver and a fiend, and deserve to rot forgotten in incarceration until your bones are picked apart by vermin for this vile transgression. Even that would be too good for you."@@ <<else>> Unfortunately you really can't think of any authoritative words to say to defend yourself so your dignified pose is compromised by you stuttering and mumbling a defensive response to the man.<<hovertip "authority check: fail">>⍰<</hovertip>><<if $voice is 1>> At least your voice is strong enough not to give you away.<<else>> What's worse is that your voice breaks gruffly, making the attempt even more miserable.<</if>> The man doesn't bother to hide his contempt at your attempt to appear princesslike. @@color:#9F8C76;"Your excuses are as feeble as your disguise, deceiver. You'll get no sympathy from me no matter how pitiable your posturing"@@ he bellows as he rounds on you with all of the self-righteousness of a pastor condemning his flock. @@color:#9F8C76;"You're a conniver and a fiend, and deserve to rot forgotten in incarceration until your bones are picked apart by vermin for this vile transgression. Even that would be too good for you."@@ <</if>> @@color:#9F8C76;"But..."@@ He continues, and his scornful expression changes to one more cunning. @@color:#9F8C76;"I don't owe the crown shit."@@ He spits on the ground at his feet to punctuate the point. @@color:#9F8C76;"I suppose that you can con them, or kill them, or whatever you're scheming - it makes little difference to me."@@ The rapid change in tone practically gives you whiplash. @@color:#9F8C76;"For that matter, it may even be in my interest to //help// you"@@ he sneers. @@color:#9F8C76;"This place is my study, and I know some things about how to change a body. In fact I went to synthesize something useful just <<if visited("day2groupStay")>>after finishing my part of the tour<<else>>after you slipped away<</if>>."@@ He plucks a vial from his pocket and places it on the table. The words sound insane to you. There's no way such things could exist, even in wives tales about witchcraft. @@color:#9F8C76;"I'll have you know that it's //science//. I've put too much research into this for it to be anything as convenient as magick. Certainly would have made my life easier if it was."@@ he snaps at your disbelief. @@color:#9F8C76;"I can give you the royal eyes and you'll be able to continue your ruse to its fruition, in fact I could even change you back if you come back here afterwards if you so choose. Or you can leave here without it and be found out the moment that anyone smart enough to trust what they see in front of them looks your way."@@ You don't like anything about this situation, but he's right, leaving without that vial is a death sentence, but you doubt he'll just give it away for free. <<if $auth gte 2>> <<link "Use your authoritative demeanor to demand the vial for free.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeDemand]]>> <</link>><<hovertip "Rare option for having high authority and remaining steadfastly dignified">>⍰<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Exchange the vial for a favor.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeFavor]]>> <</link>> <<link "Beg him for the vial">> <<goto [[eyeChangeBeg]]>> <</link>> <<if $stashedStuff is true>> <<link "Exchange the vial for the stolen gemstones hidden on my person.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeGems]]>> <</link>><<hovertip "If you use them here, you won't be able to use the gems elsewhere in the future">>⍰<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Attempt to overpower the man and steal the vial">> <<goto [[eyeChangeOverpower]]>> <</link>>

<<set $eyeChange to "beg">> <<set $inno++>> You're going to need that vial in order to survive, but can't think of anything that you can offer in return for it. <<if $day2eyeMood is "defiant">> All your bluster and defiance leaves you as you grit your teeth and force yourself to placate the cruel man as much as possible. <</if>> Half intentionally, half collapse, you fall to your knees in front of the man as you beg him to let you take that vial. He rounds up his body towards you so he looms over you. A sneering smile is evident on his face as he jeers. @@color:#9F8C76;"Sniveling worm-slut. Precociously embroiling <<if $day2eyeChange is "guy">>himself<<else>>herself<</if>> into vile self-serving schemes, but unprepared for the repercussions of <<if $day2eyeChange is "guy">>his<<else>>her<</if>> abominable actions. Now look at you, worthless //bitch//!"@@ You continue to supplicate yourself before him, saying whatever you can think of to try to gain his acceptance. You notice that tears are beginning to fall down your face unbidden, and move to wipe them away. As you do so, your eyeline lowered for a moment, you become aware of something. <<if $day2eyeChange is "guy">>Despite having had so many vile words to shout at you for crossdressing, the bulge in the man's trousers is growing as he continues to throw insults down at you.<<else>>The bulge in the man's trousers is growing as he continues to throw insults down at you.<</if>> He's getting off on this! Worst of all, from your position on your knees in front of him it's mere inches away from you. You're probably imagining it, but you could //swear// that you can smell the rank odor of his sweaty growing erection. <<link "Try not to think about it. I can convince him without disgracing myself further.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeBegNoSex]]>> <</link>> <<link "I can't afford to risk not using every advantage I can get. Try to appeal to the man's sexuality to get what I need.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeBegSex]]>> <<set $seduction ++>> <</link>>

<<if $begType is "vial">> <<set $sub += 1>> <<set $seduction += 1>> You plead to the man as hard as you can to //please// let you take the vial. Seeing the desperation in your eyes is enough to send the man over the edge. His face flushes and shudders a little. You realize that this is the first time that you've ever seen another man cum, and you look away as quickly as possible to try not to burn the image too deeply into your brain. It's not long before he gestures vaguely for you to take the vial and go - his interest in you gone, or perhaps he's just wracked by post-nut shame. You take it and leave as quickly as possible. <</if>> <<if $begType is "cum">> <<set $sub += 2>> <<set $seduction += 2>> You plead to the man to cum for you. As you do so, you twist your body even more and stick your tongue out further still. A drop of saliva falls from the tip of your outstretched tongue to splatter <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>on the skirt of your dress between your thighs.<<else>>on the ground just between your thighs.<</if>> Your enthusiasm seems to take the man off guard, and immediately sends him over the edge. His face flushes and he begins to gasp and shudder. You realize that this is the first time that you've ever seen another man cum, and you look away as quickly as possible to try not to burn the image too deeply into your brain. He collapses backwards into a chair, gasping from the exertion. After a little while of recovery he manages to vaguely gesture for you to take the vial and go. You don't need to be told twice and take it and leave as quickly as possible. <</if>> <<if $begType is "dog">> <<set $sub += 3>> <<set $seduction += 3>> You don't know whether it's from not wanting to beg verbally; a ditzy misunderstanding of the man's order; a cunning trick to try to get this over with as quickly as possible; or if, deep deep down, you're kinda enjoying yourself and the power you hold over this man - but you find yourself leaning into the taboo. You lift both of your arms up in front of you, hands hanging limply to imitate the paws of a dog begging for food. At the same time you bounce your hips a few times from your kneeling position, as if a puppy jumping up excitedly for a treat. As you bounce, a drop of saliva falls from the tip of your outstretched tongue to splatter <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>on the skirt of your dress between your thighs.<<else>>between your thighs.<</if>> The man's eyes open up for a moment in sheer shock at your audacious and shameless act. Then he's absolutely shattered by a mindblowing orgasm. His face flushes and he begins to gasp and shudder desperately. You realize that this is the first time that you've ever seen another man cum, and you look away as quickly as possible to try not to burn the image too deeply into your brain. He collapses backwards into a chair, wheezing from the exertion. You wait awkwardly for him to steady himself enough to continue the exchange. After a while though you realize that it doesn't seem to be happening - the power of your scandalous action really devastated him it seems. Soon you decide to just take it and let yourself out - you doubt that he'd complain after what you did to him. <</if>> [[Leave->eyeChangeBegLeave]]

<<set $pc.eye.color to "dark gray">> Once you're far enough away from the door to the man's study to feel safe you allow your legs give out beneath you and you stumble into sitting on the floor. That was... Intense. You just did things that you never imagined doing before - debasing yourself in front of a man for survival, all while crossdressing in women's clothing. The identity shock of having been a fairly normal guy just a day beforehand is staggering. Somehow, you realize that your cheeks are wet with tears, and let them pour. You'd never imagined crying being something positive before. It's always been something that you avoided as much as possible, you never really allowed yourself to feel //anything// deeply enough to let you do it. You'd bottle it up and it would either swirl inside of you causing damage over time or you'd let it explode out and hurt others. The gentle catharsis of letting yourself feel the emotions swimming inside of you is alien, but not unpleasant, and you're surprised to feel your strength of will returning to you much faster than you had imagined. Finally you feel better enough to really process what you did. You went into a situation where your very life was on the line, and despite everything you can't help but feel a little proud. What you did in there was //fighting//. It might not have been fighting in any way that you've thought of it before, but you refused to accept death and did what you needed to do to get through it, no matter what was necessary. Heck, you went above the call of duty and made the situation your //bitch//. A laugh escapes your lips at the idea. Making it your //bitch//. What a ridiculous thought. What does that even //''MEAN''// in a situation like this? All of your context around the word is so thrown off now that you can't help but laugh, soon uproariously and giddily. This too is cathartic. After you finally compose yourself you look at the vial in your hand. The liquid is viscous and opaque, and hardly looks appealing, but you figure that there's nothing else for it and after removing the stopper bring it to your lips to quaff it. As soon as the viscous liquid is past your throat your vision starts fading. Soon all you can see is flickering static. You panic, wondering if you've made the right move, but thankfully it's not long at all before your vision starts to recover again, and after a tense minute things seem to be back to normal. You stand up to peer into a nearby window. It's dark enough outside that it acts like a mirror and you can make out your reflection in the panes. You'll have to inspect it properly later but you're relatively certain that your eyes look a little different from before. You could do with a lot more time to process what you went through and how you dealt with it, but your situation doesn't afford you that luxury. If the Queen hears that you've been away from the group for this long then you're done for. As you begin to walk down the hallway to try to search for where the tour group might have gotten to you can't help but notice a slight swagger to your stride, even despite the <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>swishy dress<<else>>tight women's clothing<</if>> that you're dressed in. What you went through was scary and horrible, but you also had that guy wrapped around your little finger at the end there. Enough that you feel like //he// might be the one feeling more humiliated by the end of it - it's difficult to imagine any other way of approaching the event that would have turned the tables that effectively. It doesn't take away any of how weird you feel, but you can't help yourself from feeling a certain //power// from it. [[Rush to find the tour group->day2soldierSee2]]

<<set $pc.eye.color to "dark gray">> You stride confidently out of the room, the vial firmly held in your hand. You make it down the next corridor before the adrenaline gives out and you let out a breath that you didn't realize that you had been holding. That was a horrible situation, a situation where you were forced into compromising your own identity for your survival and humiliated yourself in terrible ways. ... And then you turned it around. You're still not exactly sure how you did it. You just looked at his face and //knew// that he was powerless. De-fanged. Humbled. And you did it with your sexuality. And now you don't feel humiliated. You feel powerful. There's still a lot about that situation that was grotesque, and the memories of which will make you shiver in disgust... But somehow that doesn't make the power less potent. In fact it almost makes it richer - that it came from such adversity. You're going to have to think about this. For now, you inspect the vial which you won so daringly. The liquid is viscous and opaque, and hardly looks appealing, but you figure that there's nothing else for it and after removing the stopper bring it to your lips to quaff it. As soon as the liquid is past your throat your vision starts fading and you stumble to your knees. Soon all you can see is flickering static. You panic, wondering if you've made the right move, but thankfully it's not long at all before your vision starts to recover again, and after a tense minute things seem to be back to normal. You could do with a lot more time to process how you feel about the day's events, but your situation doesn't allow such luxury. If the Queen hears that you've been away from the group for this long you'll be in big trouble! [[Rush to find the tour group->day2soldierSee2]]

You're disgusted by the idea of appealing to this man's base nature. You're already debasing yourself deeper than you would ever have imagined - you're not going to compromise your dignity further. Besides, even without resorting to such measures you think that the plan might be working. He's lulled into such a comfortable position from your miserable display - it's clear that he doesn't think of you as a threat in the slightest. <<if $cute gte 1>> All it takes is one last push. You channel everything that you learnt about vulnerability in the carriage earlier and look up at him with the widest eyes that you can manage. Soon more tears begin to well up in them, leaving them dewy and sparkling.<<hovertip "Cuteness check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> No matter how awful this man is, or how hard he's getting off on this, even he's not immune to those eyes. He begins to fidget uncomfortably in front of them, clearly uncomfortable, before finally in an exasperated tone shouting @@color:#9F8C76;"Fine, whore! You can have the vial. Disarray within the royal family suits me anyway. Now get out of here!"@@ Quickly, before he can change his mind, you grab the vial and get out of the room as soon as possible. <<else>> You don't know how someone might look pitiable intentionally, so keep your gaze lowered to the floor and allow the man's desperate rambling tirades wash over you.<<hovertip "Cuteness check - failed">>⍰<</hovertip>> @@color:#9F8C76;"-a wretched locust of a person, seeking only to ravage the crops of those who toil for honest gains. A slut-fool of a thing, too damned to trust in one's own guise so instead seeks to steal that of the noble and mighty. Truly the most-"@@ The words quickly lose their sting, and soon the experience becomes quite boring. You're glad that you couldn't meet his gaze, because then it would be so much harder to hide your yawns as it goes on and on. Finally it seems like he runs out of steam. After a brief @@color:#9F8C76;"And... And... And..."@@ as he tries to think of more things to say it seems like he comes up blank. @@color:#9F8C76;"Fuck it. You can have the vial. Disarray within the royal family suits me anyway. Now get out of here!"@@ Quickly, before he can change his mind, you grab the vial and get out of the room as soon as possible. <</if>> [[Get out of there!->eyeChangeLeave]]

<<set $eyeChange to "tease">> You're in too much of a perilous situation to leave anything to chance. This is too big of an opportunity to give up. You've always heard women mention how easy it is to get men to do what they want using their sexuality, or heard men complain about how their horniness gets them wrapped around women's little fingers. You suppose that this will be the test of that. How to go about it is a more difficult question. Clearly you're already doing something right by supplicating yourself before him - he clearly likes to feel powerful, or perhaps just loves to put down others. <<if $day2eyeChange is "guy">>However it's not like you have any curves to flaunt, and though you being a crossdressing guy clearly hasn't put him off enough so far, you doubt that he'd be interested in your masculine body - not that you'd feel comfortable showing it to him anyway.<<else>>However you're still an imposter - you have no curves to flaunt and exposing yourself will make that clear to the man.<</if>> You try to think of something that you can do, and quickly you find your mind focusing on Merat. The spymaster had done it with a lot more dignity, but he clearly shared this man's desire to see someone humiliated in front of them. Maybe they'd share other tastes? <<if $jailMerat is "open">> You remember how Merat had made you open your mouth in front of him, and how his eyes had gleamed as he had watched you do it. You're not sure if the appeal was in being able to gaze at your pliant tongue and throat, or if it was in making someone do something so degrading - like a prize horse having it's teeth assessed before being sold. Probably both.<<else>>You remember how Merat had tried to make you open your mouth in front of him. You're not sure if the appeal is in being able to gaze at your pliant tongue and throat, or if it was in making someone do something so degrading - like a prize horse having it's teeth assessed before being sold. Probably both.<</if>> You take a deep breath to steady your willpower enough to do something so humiliating, before opening your jaw and letting your wet tongue roll forward. You make sure to look up into the man's eyes, and then take it further, craning your body forward to exaggerate the angle. Any surprise that the man feels at your change of behavior is immediately swept away by deep, ravenous lust. One of his hands begins to massage the thick bulge of his member through his straining pants as he practically moans @@color:#9F8C76;"Oh yeah you slut. Show me that throat."@@ You try to do as he says, arching your spine even further forward to give him the most clear view over your wet tongue and down your gaping throat as possible. This sends him into deeper frenzy and his hand starts to desperately and pathetically paw over his groin for more stimulation. You can't help but picture yourself in your minds eye - your <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>dress pooling around your kneeling body<<else>>cloak furling out behind your kneeling body<</if>>, mouth agape, eyes still red from tears. The idea that that person is //YOU// is bizarre. Still, there's another part of you that feels somewhat //amused// by the whole situation. You'd gone into this so scared of what would happen, but now all your doing is opening your mouth to someone and they're like putty in your hands. If you had only done this to start off with then perhaps this whole situation could have been trivialized. Your thoughts are interrupted by a grunting from the man before you. Suddenly he shouts @@color:#9F8C76;"Beg for me. Beg for me!"@@, though the tone of his voice sounds more he's the one doing the begging. <<link "Beg him for the vial">> <<goto [[eyeChangeBegBeg]]>> <<set $begType to "vial">> <</link>> <<link "Beg for him to cum">> <<goto [[eyeChangeBegBeg]]>> <<set $begType to "cum">> <</link>> <<link "Lift my arms up in front of me like paws and beg like a dog.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeBegBeg]]>> <<set $begType to "dog">> <</link>> <<link "I'm the one in control now. Demonstrate that fact to him - stop.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeNoBeg]]>> <<set $ruthless ++>> <<set $seduction += 2>> <</link>>

<<set $eyeChange to "begLeave">> All at once, you close your gaping mouth and stand up. The man's stares at you, too caught up in horny bewilderment to even process what you're doing. You straighten out your clothing. Mainly to give him time to realize what's happening before you lock eyes with him again. Now it's you who gazes scornfully down at him, standing tall and proud as he's hunched over feebly grabbing his member through his pants, his eyes bulging pathetically in surprise. He's angry, clearly. There's no reason whatsoever that the situation should have flipped this quickly. He by all rights should still be the one holding the cards in this situation. He could get you arrested and killed on a moments notice. But somehow, you both know that he won't. You're the one in control of this situation now. His ego wouldn't have the //guts// to report you now. You're standing tall and he's nothing to you. Somehow you managed to twist this situation so that //he's// the humiliated one, not you. He'd rather forget this day ever existed than have to think enough about this event to punish you. The look on his face twists. Maybe he finally realized the situation. Maybe he just came - too close to the edge to stop himself in time. A pathetic, wasted orgasm. You couldn't care less at this point. With icy smoothness you grab the vial from the table and without even a glance his way you leave the room. [[You feel powerful->eyeChangeBegLeaveExit]]

<<set $eyeChange to "demand">> <<set $ruthless ++>> You see weakness in the man's demeanor and decide to jump on the opportunity. You rise up to your full height, <<if $outfit.set.types.includesAny("dress")>>even rising to your tip-toes a little since your feet will be covered by your dress anyway, <</if>>and glare down your upturned nose at him imperiously as you use the most royal phrasing that you can think of to demand that he give you the vial. The man squirms uncomfortably under the weight of your authority, flecks of spittle smattering his beard as he splutters in his rage, but seems like he still can't bring himself to say the no-doubt countless infuriated insults that he must be thinking of. Still, there's no way that he's going to simply admit defeat that easily either. For a few moments you both stand there in tense silence, staring each other down, then seconds, and soon it drags into what feels like minutes. Sweat pours down the man's face, and his veins are so protruded you can see them pump with every heartbeat. The man's eyes are bulging now - still unblinking despite how long it's been. To be honest, you're not sure what to do now. Doing //anything// would break the tension surrounding you and whatever spell your domineering tone of voice has cast on the man will be broken. You try not to let the tension show on your face. More time passes, and you can feel beads of sweat trickle down the back of your neck. Finally you can't stand it anymore. It feels stupid, but you don't have any better ideas. Still not letting your eyes waver for a second from the man's own, you make a step towards the table and pluck the vial from it's holder. You hear a crunching sound from the man that takes you a few moments to realize is his teeth grinding together in anger but he still can't seem to make a move to stop you as you take a tentative step backwards, and then another, before finally making a run for it out the door, slamming it behind you as you do so. [[eyeChangeDemand2<-Continue]]

<<set $pc.eye.color to "dark gray">> You beat a hasty retreat down the corridor. You can hear a howl of rage from the room behind you, but no footsteps come your way. It seems like the rage was at himself at having been unable to bring himself to stop you rather than a signal that he's coming after you. As you reach a bend in the corridor you hide behind it to gather yourself. That was incredible! With nothing but the authority of your words you'd managed to halt an enraged man - one who even knew that you weren't a real princess no less! As the tension leaves your body you can't stop yourself from laughing to yourself giddily at your success. After you finally compose yourself you look at the vial in your hand. The liquid is viscous and opaque, and hardly looks appealing, but you figure that there's nothing else for it and after removing the stopper bring it to your lips to quaff it. As soon as the liquid is past your throat your vision starts fading and you stumble to your knees. Soon all you can see is flickering static. You panic, wondering if you've made the right move, but thankfully it's not long at all before your vision starts to recover again, and after a tense minute things seem to be back to normal. You glance at a glass window nearby. It's dark enough outside that it acts like a mirror and you can make out your reflection in the panes. You'll have to inspect it properly later but you're relatively certain that your eyes look a little different from before. After a quick assessment that it's safe to go you start moving again. You don't have time to dawdle - if the Queen hears that you've been away from the tour group for this long you'll be in big trouble! [[Rush to find the tour group->day2soldierSee2]]

<<set $eyeChange to "favor">> <<set $friend ++>> The man smirks and relaxes a little at your suggestion - clearly getting a favor from you had been what he'd been trying to achieve all along. @@color:#9F8C76;"I have a client traveling with the royal caravan. They need a top-up on their.. 'Medication'."@@ His cheeks crinkle for a moment after saying the word, as if amused at referring to it in those terms. @@color:#9F8C76;"But with how on-guard everyone is since the attack they couldn't make it inside the citadel to come see me. I need someone to deliver it to them."@@ The request is //clearly// suspicious. You can tell that he's up to something unpleasant, else he wouldn't have to resort to such dire means to achieve it. Nevertheless, being a deliveryperson is hardly a difficult task and you count yourself lucky that his demand isn't something more risky. The gentleman picks up another vial, though the color of the fluid inside marks it as different to the one that he offered you. @@color:#9F8C76;"Place this on the back windowsill of the fourth carriage in the convoy tomorrow. I'll send word to my client that if they don't receive it they're to demand a full search of the Princess' carriage."@@ You wince - before that detail you might have been able to get away with simply not carrying out his order, but this complicates matters. His bulbous eyes stare beadily at you for a moment longer as if judging your reaction. You still haven't seen him blink. Eventually he seems satisfied and gestures for you to take the vials, which you do. @@color:#9F8C76;"Now get out of my sight."@@ [[Leave the room->eyeChangeLeave]]

<<set $eyeChange to "gems">> <<set $stashedStuff to false>> You remember that you still have some gems stashed about your person from yesterday, and offer them to the man in exchange for the vial. The man looks at you scornfully. @@color:#9F8C76;"So you're a thief then, are you? Squirrelling away whatever riches you can get your lowborn mitts on."@@ Despite his words he can't hide his interest in the gemstones and soon begins eyeing them intently. @@color:#9F8C76;"Good hue. Decent clarity..."@@ He starts to mumble to himself as he inspects them. Soon he decides that his eyes alone aren't enough and picks up a telescopic lens from the table to peer at them through. @@color:#9F8C76;"Barely any cut marks, and of respectable size too. Must be from the Rothgard mines, though not recently, their standards have been lacking since their glory days..."@@ It's a touch awkward holding the stones up to be examined so thoroughly, but it's a huge improvement over being the man's focus of frenzied attention yourself. Finally he concludes @@color:#9F8C76;"They're worth a pretty penny, but even more importantly I could do good work with them as a catalyst. I'll take your bargain, thief."@@ He practically snatches the gems from your grasp before throwing the vial towards you with surprising nonchalance, which you thankfully manage to catch before it shatters on the ground. @@color:#9F8C76;"Imbibe it orally, and it won't hurt to be thinking about the royal eyes as you do so."@@ He says dismissively, seemingly bored with you now that something else has captured his attention. You don't want to be in the room any longer than you have to so quickly step outside now that it looks like you're in the clear. <<link "Leave">> <<goto [[eyeChangeLeave]]>> <</link>>

<<set $pc.eye.color to "dark gray">> You leave the study, vial in hand. You try to walk with dignity, but soon your desire to be as far away from that awful man as possible overrides your ego and you hurry down the corridor. After you have enough distance away to feel comfortable you look at the vial in your hand. The liquid is viscous and opaque, and hardly looks appealing, but you figure that there's nothing else for it and after removing the stopper bring it to your lips to quaff it. As soon as the liquid is past your throat your vision starts fading and you stumble to your knees. Soon all you can see is flickering static. You panic, wondering if you've made the right move, but thankfully it's not long before your vision starts to recover again, and after a tense minute things seem to be back to normal. You glance at a glass window nearby. It's dark enough outside that it acts like a mirror and you can make out your reflection in the panes. You'll have to inspect it properly later but you're relatively certain that your eyes look a little different from before. After a quick assessment that you're safe to start moving again you get going. You don't have time to dawdle - if the Queen hears that you've been away from the tour group for this long then you'll be in big trouble! [[Rush to find the tour group->day2soldierSee2]]

<<set $eyeChange to "overpower">> <<set $ruthless ++>> You've learnt everything that you need to from the man and now you don't have to play along with his games a moment longer. You step forward and shove the man as hard as you can to try to send him sprawling to the floor.<<if $day2eyeChange isnot "guy">> The action comes as even more of a surprise because he's still under the impression that you're a girl, but despite catching him unawares he somehow manages to stay upright with only a step backwards to steady himself.<<else>> You're not expecting much resistance from an old man walking with a cane, but somehow he manages to stay upright with only a step backwards to steady himself.<</if>> @@color:#9F8C76;"What are you playing at, fiend?!"@@ he shrieks in anger, his eyes bulging concerningly. Since your shove didn't send him backwards as far as you expected, there's too little space between you to do anything other than keep on shoving against him, using your body weight hoping to pin the man against a wall or something. However, instead of struggling against you he reels back and suddenly //thumps// his head forward in a heavy headbutt. You can't stop yourself from recoiling in pain and surprise as the world spins around you. Luckily you're not the only one damaged by the heavy blow you both spend a moment staggering in recovery. You got the worse end of the hit, but luck's on your side and you manage to steady yourself against the table. Your opponent is less lucky, and his teetering steps trip over his cane and with a clatter he goes sprawling to the floor. He's still conscious and raging - spluttering and bellowing on the floor as he tries to right himself. His skin has flushed almost purple in his anger and you can see veins protruding around his bulbous face. You're not foolish enough to miss the opportunity though and you manage to snatch the vial on the table. You've got what you need - now it's time to get out of here. Before the man can rise to his feet you run out the study door and back into the hallway. To your luck a sideboard is positioned just outside the door and you quickly prop it up in front of the doorway to block it from opening. The moment the blockade is set in place a deafening barrage of hammering begins from the inside. The old man is as strong as on ox and trying to clobber his way out! Luckily it seems to hold, but it won't for long. @@color:#9F8C76;"You'll regret this, you vile little creature!"@@ comes the man's shouts, barely muffled despite the thick oak door. You look around and once again thank your luck - this is a building site, after all, and there's a pile of bricks and mortar just along the corridor. As quick as you can you drag them over and manage to rest their weight across the door. The door is still being shoved against with great force, but you're confident that it'll hold for about a hour. You hope that that will be enough time for you to get out of here. <<link "Retreat and try to find the tour group">> <<goto [[eyeChangeOverpower2]]>> <</link>>

<<set $pc.eye.color to "dark gray">> As you beat your retreat you remove the stopper from the vial that you worked so hard to get and empty the contents into your mouth. As soon as the viscous liquid is past your throat your vision starts fading and your escape is interrupted as you find yourself stumbling to your knees in confusion. Soon all you can see is flickering static. You panic, wondering if you've made the right move, but thankfully it's not long at all before your vision starts to recover again, and after a tense minute things seem to be back to normal. You glance at a glass window nearby. It's dark enough outside that it acts like a mirror and you can make out your reflection in the panes. You'll have to inspect it properly later but you're relatively certain that your eyes look a little different from before. As you renew your search for the tour group you think about your situation. If the man manages to break free before the tour leaves then you're done for. If he doesn't then you have some wriggle room. Best case scenario is that what he said and what you saw in that room is delicate enough information that he wouldn't feel comfortable sending messengers after the carriages. Even if he doesn't care and sends messengers right away, so long as they can't catch up with the carriage for a few days then either you'll have escaped from this situation already, or hopefully it'll just be taken as the ranting of a madman anyway as people will think that the Princess has been present and accounted for in the meantime. It's still a huge risk but what's done is done and you feel much better having gotten the vial without having to humiliate yourself or owe anything in return. [[Rush to find the tour group->day2soldierSee2]]

It takes all of your effort not to lash out at the man for saying such shitty things to you, but he could have you arrested or killed at any moment. Clearly the fact that he hasn't done so already means that you have a chance of getting out of this, but you'll have to stay on his good side to get there. <<if $day2eyeChange is "princess" or $day2eyeChange is "girl">> You bite your lip to keep yourself from scowling as you force yourself to bow your head submissively. <<else>> It feels humiliating and awful having to appease someone so hostile but you force yourself to bow your head submissively. <</if>> <<if $cute gte 1>> You make sure to channel some of the skills that you learnt in the carriage earlier about being cute as you look up at him with wide eyes as you offer whatever apologies and excuses that you can think of. <<else>> You make sure not to meet his eerie gaze as you offer whatever apologies and excuses that you can think of. <</if>> <<if $day2eyeChange is "princess" or $day2eyeChange is "girl">> The man makes a grunt of amusement at your actions. @@color:#9F8C76;"Typical wench. As submissive as a whore desperate for service the moment you're caught out. Well your fickle tongue won't get you anywhere with me, imposter."@@ <<else>> The man's voice is needling and cruel as he remarks of your behavior. @@color:#9F8C76;"So the impersonator even acts as wench too - shutting up and showing respect when a man's talking. As submissive a whore begging for service. Well your fickle ways won't get you anywhere with me, imposter."@@ <</if>> You've been insulted a few times in the past, but never so sneeringly. <<if $day2eyeChange is "princess" or $day2eyeChange is "girl">>You wonder if it's because he thinks that you're a girl, it's difficult to imagine him treating a man like this.<</if>> It would be so much easier to hear if you weren't doing //exactly// what he's accusing you of - humiliating yourself in front of him. You try to cling to the fact that you're doing it for an entirely important reason, but for some reason your brain snags on the fact that maybe the whores in this man's example might have just as important a reason themselves, and you might have more in common with them than you feel comfortable. Despite his jeers, you can tell that it's working. Since you started acting meek and passive his behavior has completely changed. Whereas before he was twitchy and menacing, he's now calmed down considerably and seems to be taking you for granted, letting down his guard. Despite the success it feels bittersweet - if this were truly a useless exercise then you could at least drop the act and hold yourself with dignity, but as it stands you can't afford to drop the submissive behavior and lose the progress you've made, even as he rains further abuse down on you. The man continues rambling at you with all of the self-righteousness of a pastor condemning his flock. <<firmin "You're a conniver and a fiend, and deserve to rot forgotten in incarceration until your bones are picked apart by vermin for this vile transgression. Even that would be too good for you, disgusting wretch.">> Occasionally you provide mumbled apologies and agreements to try to seal the deal, while the whole time biting your lip and clenching and unclenching your fists against your <<if $outfit.set.types.includesAny("dress")>>dress<<else>>leggings<</if>> in frustration. After a litany of other insults, he seems to finally run out of steam and comes to a stop, and for a few awkward moments you look at each other in silence. @@color:#9F8C76;"But..."@@ Says the man begrudgingly after some consideration, his tone very different to before. @@color:#9F8C76;"Since you're //clearly// not someone who could threaten me, I suppose that I won't impede you."@@ You find yourself blinking in surprise at his change in tone. His eyes still stare at you with eerie intensity, but now his expression looks a little more appraisingly towards you, like he sees an opportunity. You try not to let your relief about his change in demeanor show on your face - you'd hate to ruin the opportunity that your humiliating appeasement has won you. @@color:#9F8C76;"I don't owe the crown shit."@@ He spits on the ground at his feet to punctuate the point. @@color:#9F8C76;"You can con them, or kill them, or whatever you're scheming - it makes no difference to me."@@ @@color:#9F8C76;"For that matter, it may even be in my interest to //help// you"@@ he sneers, snorting in disgust at the idea. @@color:#9F8C76;"This place is my study, and I know some things about how to change a body. In fact I went to synthesize something useful just <<if visited("day2groupStay")>>after finishing my part of the tour<<else>>after you slipped away<</if>>."@@ He plucks a vial from his pocket and places it on the table. The words sound insane to you. There's no way such things could exist, even in wives tales about witchcraft. @@color:#9F8C76;"I'll have you know that it's //science//."@@ he snaps at your disbelief. @@color:#9F8C76;"I've put too much research into this for it to be anything as convenient as magick. Certainly would have made my life easier if it was."@@ @@color:#9F8C76;"I can give you the royal eyes and you'll be able to continue your ruse to its fruition. In fact, I could even change you back if you come back here afterwards if you so choose. Or you can leave here without it, and be found out the moment that anyone smart enough to trust what they see in front of their eyes looks your way."@@ You don't like anything about this situation, but he's right - leaving without that vial is a death sentence, but you doubt he'll just give it away for free. <<link "Exchange the vial for a favor.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeFavor]]>> <</link>> <<link "Beg him for the vial">> <<goto [[eyeChangeBeg]]>> <</link>> <<if $stashedStuff is true>> <<link "Exchange the vial for the gemstones hidden on my person.">> <<goto [[eyeChangeGems]]>> <</link>><<hovertip "If you do this, you won't be able to use the gems elsewhere in the future">>⍰<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Attempt to overpower the man and steal the vial">> <<goto [[eyeChangeOverpower]]>> <</link>>

<<unset $day2eyeMood>> <<set $firmin.desc to "A despicable older man who gave you a potion to change your eyes.">> It doesn't take you too long to hear the murmur of voices in the distance, and following the sound soon brings you to the hall where you all first arrived into the citadel, once again full of bored nobles. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\citadelEnter.png]]@@ <<if $day2route is "elodieFull">> You catch a few odd glances from the nobles as you try to slide back into the group without causing a stir - clearly your absence didn't go //completely// unnoticed, but generally nobody seems alarmed. That is, other than Elodie, who comes over as soon as she notices you. @@color:#9370DB;"You good?"@@ she asks, as plainly as ever, though her look of concern tells you that she cares more than her curt words would imply. You make a vague excuse and say that you're fine. You're not sure if she believes you, but she doesn't call you out on it. Instead she puts her arms around you in a brief hug before being called away by her family. <</if>> <<if $day2route is "jacquesFull">> There's quite a hubbub when you arrive - your 'kidnapping' by Jacques clearly caused a stir. Luckily it doesn't seem like much is required of you and your explanation that you parted ways and got lost on your way back seems to suffice with the royal guard. You can see Jacques on the other side of the hall getting a huge telling-off from another soldier, as well as getting an earful from his parents at the same time. Despite the situation he's in he doesn't seem to be particularly concerned. When he notices you looking towards him he even throws a friendly wave your way. <</if>> <<if $day2route is "elodieHalf">> You catch a few odd glances from the nobles as you try to slide back into the group without causing a stir - clearly your absence didn't go //completely// unnoticed, but generally nobody seems alarmed. Elodie, who must have snuck back into the group before you, seems the most confused. Clearly she was expecting you to have gone straight back after parting ways with her earlier. She doesn't seem concerned enough to cause a fuss though, thankfully. <</if>> <<if $day2route is "jacquesHalf">> There's quite a hubbub when you arrive - your 'kidnapping' by Jacques clearly caused a stir. Luckily it doesn't seem like much is required of you and your explanation that you parted ways and got lost on your way back seems to suffice with the royal guard. You can see Jacques on the other side of the hall getting a huge telling-off from another soldier, as well as getting an earful from his parents at the same time. Despite the situation he's in he doesn't seem to be particularly concerned, and you already get the impression that he'll get out of it unbothered. When he notices you looking towards him a confused expression crosses his face - clearly wondering why you took so long to return to the tour group. However he soon shrugs and throws a friendly wave towards you, despite the furious people around him. <</if>> <<if $day2route is "stay">> You catch a few odd glances from the nobles as you try to slide back into the group without causing a stir - clearly your absence didn't go //completely// unnoticed, but thankfully nobody seems alarmed. <</if>> It isn't long before an official-looking gent calls out that the tour is over and everyone should get back to the carriages. The soldiers who escorted you into the Citadel step forward and once again take places around you. @@color:#79BAEC;"This way, your Grace."@@ Calls the soldier in charge, and the group of you start walking back out of the bleak Citadel and down the short path back to the carriages. <<if $eyeChange is "overpower">>With every step you take you expect to hear the sounds of the vile man that you overpowered coming to expose you, but thankfully it seems like he's either still trapped in his study, or he's disinclined to do something so overt when it could put him under closer scrutiny. <</if>> As you get close to your pink carriage you notice a small gathering in front of the lead carriage. Other than a few unremarkable figures, likely servants, you can see two people who stand out: a broadchested man with a flowing mane of <<print $king.hair>> hair, and a <<print $queen.skin>>-skinned woman dressed in a halter-dress //far// too revealing for the chill weather - her heavy breasts practically spilling out of the slip of material. <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("cloak")>> You feel your spine straighten in shock as you realize that it's the King and Queen! You desperately try to hide as deep in your hood that you can manage. You could have sworn that you saw the Queen looking your way! You can only hope that you look similar enough to the Princess at a glance that she can't notice the difference. <<else>> You realize with a start that it's the King and Queen! Desperately you stiffen your posture and try to look as 'normal' as possible. You could have sworn that you saw the Queen looking your way! You can only hope that you look similar enough to the Princess at a glance that she can't notice the difference. <</if>> Thankfully nobody calls out, and you practically leap into the safety of the carriage as soon as you get close. [[You made it!->day2carriageReturn]]

@@.img; [img[Images\Passage\oTownCarriage.jpg]]@@ You could never have imagined how happy you'd be to see the bright pink interior of the Princess' carriage once more. You barely have time to catch your breath before Simone comes clattering out of a side room and leaps emotionally towards you, shouting @@color:#F9B7FF;"<<print $pc.name>>, you made it! You're alive!"@@ as she practically tackles you to the ground in a huge hug. <<hr>> You tell Simone all about the days events. About how rude all of the nobles were; about how you just about managed to convince them that you were the Princess; <<if $day2route is "elodieFull">> and about how you befriended Elodie.<</if>> <<if $day2route is "elodieHalf">>and about how Elodie wandered off and you lost track of the tour group following her.<</if>> <<if $day2route is "jacquesFull">>and about getting 'kidnapped' by a foolhardy, but not unlikable noble.<</if>> <<if $day2route is "jacquesHalf">>and about getting 'kidnapped' by a foolhardy noble.<</if>> <<if $day2route is "stay">>and about how to stayed as close to the tour group as possible and learned a lot from watching people walk.<</if>> <<if $eyeChange is "overpower">>You tell her about being trapped in that situation with that awful man, and how weirdly strong he had been when you tried to overpower him.<</if>> <<if $eyeChange is "gems">>You tell her about being trapped in that situation with that awful man. You mention that you managed to weasel out of it with a cunning bargain, though avoid mentioning where you get them gems from. Luckily Simone doesn't seem to pick up on it.<</if>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">>You tell her about being trapped in that situation with that awful man. You mention that you managed to weasel out of it with a cunning bargain, but avoid mentioning the specifics - you doubt that she'd be happy with you for doing anything to help that horrible man.<</if>> <<if $eyeChange is "beg">>You tell her about being trapped in that situation with that awful man. You try to avoid mentioning how you had to act in order to get the vial, but somehow you feel like Simone sees through it anyway and she comes over to give you a comforting hug. You don't feel completely okay with Simone knowing about it, but the hug does make you feel better.<</if>> <<if $eyeChange is "demand">>You tell her about being trapped in that situation with that awful man, and how you managed to completely flummox him using strength of will that you never could have imagined that you had in you just yesterday.<</if>> <<if $eyeChange is "tease" or $eyeChange is "begLeave">>You mention, vaguely, about being trapped in that situation with that awful man, and about the vial that you acquired. You leave it as detail-free as possible, not wanting to get into how you acted in order to get your way. Simone cocks her head a little, clearly picking up on your evasiveness, but seems to notice that you're avoiding the details for a reason and doesn't pry on the matter.<</if>> Simone listens in awed silence at your story, but when you mention the eye change potion she can't help herself from shouting @@color:#F9B7FF;"Goodness! You're right!"@@ in surprise. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Your eyes are a completely different color! You look just like a member of the royal family now!"@@ You haven't had a chance to see them properly yourself yet, so you move over to a mirror and see that she's right - your bright <<print $pc.n.eye>> eyes are <<print $pc.n.eye>> no longer. Instead your irises are a striking dark gray. [[It worked!->day2carriageReturn2]]

You can barely hide your grin as you realize that you can finally get out of this ridiculous outfit. You hope that you never have to wear women's clothing again.< > /* Finally, it's time to get out of these women's clothing, for what will hopefully be the last time you'll have to wear such things. */ Simone steps forward and begins @@color:#F9B7FF;"Would you like me to help you to undre-"@@ before suddenly being unable to continue the sentence. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Un- Un- Undress-"@@ she attempts, her voice getting weaker and her face turning pinker as she realizes what she's saying before with a squeaked @@color:#F9B7FF;"I- I'll finish getting dinner ready."@@ she runs off to the kitchen. <<if $simone.dressedYou is 0>>She'd seemed comfortable with the idea of dressing you earlier, but //undressing//, despite being the same in reverse, seems like it must be too loaded a term for her.<<else>>She'd offered to dress you earlier pretty well, but the idea of offering to //undress// you must be too loaded a term for her.<<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties") isnot true>> That or she just remembered your lack of undergarments.<</if>><</if>> You find the prisoners rags that you wore earlier folded neatly in the corner, which feels absurd given the torn and dirty state that they're in, and move to the bathroom to change. <<if $outfit.padding is true>><<set $outfit.padding to false>>The first thing that you do is to reach down your front and take out the two lumps of padding used to add bust to your outfit, practically throwing them across the room as you heave a sigh of relief at your freedom. It wasn't that they had been particularly uncomfortable, but having something hanging at your chest made you feel weird every time that you noticed them.<</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "gcloak">> <<set $outfit.set.id to "jail2">> <<set $outfit.set.types to []>> <<set $outfit.top.Name to "Dirty Hempen Smock">> <<set $outfit.top.name to "dirty hempen smock">> <<set $outfit.top.types to []>> <<set $outfit.bottom.Name to "Torn Britches">> <<set $outfit.bottom.name to "torn britches">> <<set $outfit.bottom.types to []>> <<removedress>> <<removeover>> You unhook the little accessories attached to the <<imglink "outfit" "gcloakImg">> and lift the cloak off your shoulders before beginning the task of wriggling out of your tight brown leggings and top. You've never been so constrained so tightly before, but, while the cool air on your <<print $pc.skin.color>> skin is nice, you're surprised by how little relief you feel at being free. In fact, there isn't much to feel relief //from// - while it had felt weirdly tight to begin with, over time you'd grown quite used to the fabric hugging every contour of your body. You start to pull off the tight leggings, <<if $outfit.under.name is "none">>revealing your average penis. You grimace at the sight of it - it doesn't look so average at the moment - constrained so tightly in the leggings for so long that it's pressed into a cute little bundle. You try to dispel the word 'cute' from your mind as quickly as possible - you never want to hear //that// word applied to your junk ever again. <<else>>revealing your <<print $outfit.under.name>>. The bulge of the panties looks smaller than usual for a moment, your junk having been constrained by the material tightly enough to press it into a little bundle, and for a second you can't help but notice how feminine and cute it looks. You try to dispel the idea as quickly as possible - you never want to think about your junk as //cute// ever again.<</if>> <<if def $pc.shave>> As you wriggle further out of your leggings, inch after inch of your smooth, hairless legs, lightly pinkened by the tight fabric and soft to the touch, are exposed. The action of taking off the clothing means you can't help but rub against the silky skin, and in turn feel yourself being rubbed against. You desperately try not to think about how good it feels.<<else>> You quickly manage to wriggle out of the rest of your leggings without issue.<</if>> <</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "peach">> <<set $outfit.set.id to "jail2">> <<set $outfit.set.types to []>> <<set $outfit.top.Name to "Dirty Hempen Smock">> <<set $outfit.top.name to "dirty hempen smock">> <<set $outfit.top.types to []>> <<set $outfit.bottom.Name to "Torn Britches">> <<set $outfit.bottom.name to "torn britches">> <<set $outfit.bottom.types to []>> <<removedress>> <<removeover>> It takes a little time for you to work out how best to get the Princess' <<imglink "dress" "peachImg">> off of you. Eventually you decide that the best method is going to be to loosen the neckline until you can step out of it, and you start wrestling with the sashes and zippers to get yourself free. Eventually you manage to wrangle your way loose, and the soft fabric begins to fall down around your body. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the bathroom mirror, and are struck by the similarity to an insect unfolding from a cocoon - your <<print $pc.skin.color>> body, despite being no less masculine than before, somehow looks so delicate as it emerges from the peach material that you avert your eyes as soon as possible. You're not sure if it's that the sight of a body coming from a //dress// tricked your brain into reading it as feminine, or that, juxtaposed against the billowing layers, //any// body would look dainty, but you try not to think about it. <</if>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "tulip">> <<set $outfit.set.id to "jail2">> <<set $outfit.set.types to []>> <<set $outfit.top.Name to "Dirty Hempen Smock">> <<set $outfit.top.name to "dirty hempen smock">> <<set $outfit.top.types to []>> <<set $outfit.bottom.Name to "Torn Britches">> <<set $outfit.bottom.name to "torn britches">> <<set $outfit.bottom.types to []>> <<removedress>> <<removeover>> It takes a little time for you to work out how best to get the Princess' <<imglink "dress" "tulipImg">> off of you. Eventually you decide that the best method is going to be to loosen the neckline until you can step out of it, and you start wrestling with the zipper to get yourself free. Eventually you manage to wrangle your way loose, and the crinkly fabric begins to fall down around your body. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the bathroom mirror, and are struck by the similarity to an insect unfolding from a cocoon. Your <<print $pc.skin.color>> body, despite being no less masculine than before, looks so delicate as it emerges from the violet material that you avert your eyes as soon as possible. You're not sure if it's that the sight of a body coming from a //dress// tricked your brain into reading it as feminine, or that, juxtaposed against the billowing layers, //any// body would look dainty, but you try not to think about it. <</if>> After undressing you slip your prison rags back on. You feel like you should be feeling a wave of relief at being in mens clothing again, but to be honest the state of the ratty items means that they just feel kinda scratchy and gross in comparison. [[Step back into the main room->day2carriageReturn3]]

As you re-enter the main room you see Simone finishing setting the table, a beautiful dinner prepared in the center. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Dinner's ready! Come along and get some food in you!"@@ she calls out happily, and you quickly go to join her. The food is delicious, and you tear through it so ravenously that you surprise yourself. You wonder if perhaps your change in eye color might have relied on your body's store of energy to work - you can't remember feeling this hungry in all of your life. Thankfully there's plenty of food to go around, and soon you're full and content. You look over to Simone and notice that you've finished eating long before her. Just like yesterday, it seems the prudent thing to do is to make some conversation. <<if def $elodie.name>> [[Talk about Elodie->simoneChatDay2][$simoneDay2chat to "elodie"]] <</if>> <<if def $jacques.name>> [[Talk about Jacques->simoneChatDay2][$simoneDay2chat to "jacques"]] <</if>> [[Talk about my change in eye color->simoneChatDay2][$simoneDay2chat to "eyeChange"]] <<if $dinnerTalk.includes("maid") isnot true>> [[Ask if Simone likes being a maid->simoneChatDay2][$simoneDay2chat to "maid"]] <</if>> <<if $dinnerTalk.includes("family") isnot true>> [[Ask Simone about her family->simoneChatDay2][$simoneDay2chat to "family"]] <</if>> <<if $dinnerTalk.includes("acc") isnot true>> [[Ask Simone about the accessories covering her maid outfit->simoneChatDay2][$simoneDay2chat to "acc"]] <</if>>

<<if $simoneDay2chat is "maid">> <<include [[dinnerTalkMaid]]>> <</if>> <<if $simoneDay2chat is "family">> <<include [[dinnerTalkFamily]]>> <</if>> <<if $simoneDay2chat is "acc">> <<include [[dinnerTalkAcc]]>> <</if>> <<if $simoneDay2chat is "elodie">> <<include [[dinnerTalkElodie]]>> <</if>> <<if $simoneDay2chat is "jacques">> <<include [[dinnerTalkJacques]]>> <</if>> <<if $simoneDay2chat is "eyeChange">> <<include [[dinnerTalkEyeChange]]>> <</if>> <<unset $simoneDay2chat>> [[Continue->simoneDay2SleepBegin]]

It's begun to get dark in the carriage, so you and Simone begin thinking about turning in. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Which bed will you be taking tonight?"@@ Simone asks, stifling a yawn. <<include [[sleepOptions]]>>

<<set $day to 3>> After checking that you're safely hidden from view, Simone goes to open the door, and once again you overhear the morning's conversation. @@color:#79BAEC;"Good morning miss."@@ comes the same masculine voice from yesterday morning. @@color:#79BAEC;"It's a wonderful day for-"@@ Simone even doesn't let him finish the sentence. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Is he back? Has Robiers returned?"@@ @@color:#79BAEC;"Uh, no. I'm afraid not. Still AWOL. I think the higher ups are beginning to get concerned, but he's earned some leeway for his years of service. I'm sure it won't be long now."@@ You hear an audible sigh from Simone, but the soldier continues steadfastly, clearly a little put off at having been interrupted. @@color:#79BAEC;"Anyway. The Queen wanted me to give the Princess a report. I take it that she's..."@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"In the bath again."@@ Simone says quickly, and then, feeling that a little more might be necessary, she rambles on @@color:#F9B7FF;"Y-you know how //girls// are, always want to be umm... clean... you know."@@ There's an awkward pause as the soldier considers this. Finally he concludes @@color:#79BAEC;"I suppose that's true. They don't tend to enjoy getting muddy like the boys do. Please pass this on with my regards."@@ You hear a rustling of paper from the doorway. It sounds like he has a written report today, and his voice continues flatly as if reading verbatim. @@color:#79BAEC;"The Queen was delighted to hear that you wore something a little more appropriate yesterday, though wanted me to express that the clothes were still decisively out-of-fashion. <<if $nobleSpeak is "auth">>She was overjoyed at least to hear that you spoke in a manner appropriate to the authority of the throne in front of the nobles<<if $voice is 0>>, though concerned of reports of 'gruffness'<</if>>.<</if>> <<if $nobleSpeak is "grace">>She was overjoyed to hear that you spoke gracefully in front of the nobles<<if $voice is 0>>, though concerned of reports of 'gruffness'<</if>>.<</if>> <<if $nobleSpeak is "none">>She was disappointed however at hearing that you 'clammed up' in front of the nobles. Such a thing isn't appropriate for a princess and if she doesn't find a way to talk with the charisma the Queen knows she has then the Queen will have to have strong words with her.<<if $voice is 0>> The Queen was particularly concerned of reports of 'gruffness' at the few times that she cared to speak.<</if>><</if>> "@@ <<if $voice is 0>> You figure that the 'gruffness' that was reported was probably your masculine voice pitch, and the queen didn't know how to interpret the vague description she was given. <</if>> <<if $day2route is "jacquesFull">> <<if $eyeChange is "favor" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "beg" or $eyeChange is "tease">> @@color:#79BAEC;"While the Queen is sympathetic to the fact that you were absconded with, she knows quite well that with your capabilities you could still have come back //much// earlier than you did. She was at least glad to receive a glowing report that you spent at least //some// of that time with the citadel warden, who spoke highly of his chat with you."@@ <<else>> @@color:#79BAEC;"While the Queen is sympathetic to the fact that you were absconded with, she knows quite well that with your capabilities you could still have come back //much// earlier than you did, and is outraged at your avoidance of your duties."@@ <</if>> <</if>> <<if $day2route is "jacquesHalf">> <<if $eyeChange is "favor" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "beg" or $eyeChange is "tease">> @@color:#79BAEC;"The Queen is sorry to hear that you were absconded with, and she was delighted to receive a glowing report that you spent time with the citadel warden, who spoke highly of his chat with you."@@ <<else>> @@color:#79BAEC;"While the Queen is sympathetic to the fact that you were absconded with, she knows quite well that with your capabilities you could still have come back earlier than you did, and is displeased at your avoidance of your duties."@@ <</if>> <</if>> <<if $day2route is "elodieFull">> <<if $eyeChange is "favor" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "beg" or $eyeChange is "tease">> @@color:#79BAEC;"The Queen is //very// displeased to hear that you were notably absent for almost the whole tour, though glad to have received a glowing report that at least //some// of that time was spent with the citadel warden, who spoke highly of his chat with you."@@ <<else>> @@color:#79BAEC;"The Queen was outraged at hearing that you were notably absent for almost the entire tour. Such avoidance of your duties is absolutely disgraceful and such disobedience will not be tolerated."@@ <</if>> <</if>> <<if $day2route is "elodieHalf">> <<if $eyeChange is "favor" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "beg" or $eyeChange is "tease">> @@color:#79BAEC;"The Queen is concerned to hear that you were absent for some of the tour, though glad to have received a glowing report that you managed to spend some time with the citadel warden, who spoke highly of his chat with you."@@ <<else>> @@color:#79BAEC;"The Queen was disappointed at hearing that you were absent for some the tour, and is upset at your avoidance of duties."@@ <</if>> <</if>> <<if $day2route is "stay">> <<if $eyeChange is "favor" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "beg" or $eyeChange is "tease">> @@color:#79BAEC;"The Queen was happy to hear that you remained for almost the entirety of the tour, and overjoyed to receive a glowing report that you spent some time with the citadel warden, who spoke very highly of his chat with you."@@ <<else>> @@color:#79BAEC;"The Queen was overall pleased to hear that you remained for almost the entirety of the tour, though notes that you still found a way to ruin it by disappearing near the end."@@ <</if>> <</if>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "gems" or $eyeChange is "beg" or $eyeChange is "tease">> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">>You're happy to hear that the tour guide helped bail you out, though you're sure that it's just to secure your half of the bargain.<</if>><<if $eyeChange is "gems">>You're happy to hear that the tour guide was pleased enough with your stolen goods to send a recommendation.<</if>><<if $eyeChange is "beg">>You grimace at hearing that the tour guide sent a good report after you left. It feels like a power move - a way to sickeningly demonstrate that he still has power over you.<</if>><<if $eyeChange is "tease">><<if $begType is "vial">>You're shocked to hear that the tour guide sent a good report after you. It's like a gross power move, trying to exert his control over you.<</if>><<if $begType is "cum">>You're surprised to hear that the tour guide sent a good report after you. It's like a power move, desperately trying to establish that //he// was the one in control yesterday. You're not sure if he succeeded.<</if>><<if $begType is "dog">>You're surprised to hear that the tour guide sent a good report after you. It seems like you really managed to wrap him around your little finger, that or he's just currying favor to ensure that word of his shameful behavior doesn't get out.<</if>><</if>> <<else>> You grind your teeth in frustration at being reprimanded so severely for your absence when your time being held up by the tour guide wasn't your fault.<<hovertip "Maybe if the citadel warden had a better impression of you, he'd have spoken in your support here">>⍰<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<set $day2score to 0>> <<if $voice is 0>><<set $day2score += 1>><</if>> <<if $nobleSpeak is "grace">><<set $day2score += 1>><</if>> <<if $nobleSpeak is "none">><<set $day2score += 3>><</if>> <<unset $nobleSpeak>> <<if $day2route is "elodieHalf">><<set $day2score += 3>><</if>> <<if $day2route is "elodieFull">><<set $day2score += 5>><</if>> <<if $day2route is "jacquesHalf">><<set $day2score += 2>><</if>> <<if $day2route is "jacquesFull">><<set $day2score += 4>><</if>> <<if $eyeChange is "overpower" or $eyeChange is "demand" or $eyeChange is "begLeave">><<set $day2score += 2>><</if>> <<if $day2score is 0>> @@color:#79BAEC;"All in all, the Queen couldn't be happier about your performance today, and is so glad that you have turned around your wayward lifestyle so wonderfully!"@@ <</if>> <<if $day2score gte 1 and $day2score lte 3>> @@color:#79BAEC;"All in all, the Queen can see that you're clearly //trying// to improve at being princesslike, but still finds herself disappointed by your conduct."@@ <</if>> <<if $day2score is 4 or $day2score is 5>> @@color:#79BAEC;"All in all, though she appreciates that some //small// attempt is being made on your behalf, the Queen is disappointed by your performance and demands that you do better in the future."@@ <</if>> <<if $day2score is 6 or $day2score is 7>> @@color:#79BAEC;"All in all, the Queen is disappointed by your performance and demands that you do better in the future."@@ <</if>> <<if $day2score is 8>> @@color:#79BAEC;"All in all, the Queen is furious at how you acted today and demands that you start acting more princesslike from tomorrow onwards or you'll be truly sorry."@@ <</if>> <<if $day2score gte 9>> @@color:#79BAEC;"All in all, the Queen is outraged at your terrible and embarrassing conduct, and if she wasn't busy this morning arranging matters then she would have come over right this minute. A complete overhaul of your conduct is necessary if you want to avoid the full force of her punishments."@@ <</if>> The soldier coughs awkwardly as he puts the piece of paper away, obviously uncomfortable at having been the Queen's voice for so long on such a personal matter. @@color:#79BAEC;"Today's outing should be a touch more exciting than the last one from the sound of it. We'll be arriving at a cadet training camp in the afternoon, and they've set up a couple of fun competitions for the nobles to have a go at."@@ This definitely sounds a lot more challenging than yesterday - a set of physical activities provides all sorts of opportunities for you to slip up and act in a way that exposes you. You just hope that everyone will be too busy participating in the activities themselves to notice. @@color:#79BAEC;"Right"@@ the soldier finishes curtly. @@color:#79BAEC;"That's everything I think. Best of luck, Simone. And uhh, don't worry so much about Robiers - he'll show up, he's made of stiffer stuff than to fall apart."@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"T-thank you, sir. Have a lovely day!"@@ replies Simone, and after a short moment you hear the door shut behind him. [[Continue->day3plans]]

Simone gives you a weak smile as you emerge from hiding. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I'm so sorry, <<print $pc.name>>. It looks like you're going to have to pretend to be the Princess for another day."@@ You don't know what expression you made, but you see Simone's eyes twinkle with sympathy at you and she encourages @@color:#F9B7FF;"You did //so// good yesterday, and now you'll have even more experience to handle it today. I know you can do it!"@@ At the very least, today might be easier than the last, you figure - now that you've spent one day with the nobles they already know that you're the Princess - you won't have to convince them all over again. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Umm, it might not be that easy, actually."@@ Simone grimaces sheepishly. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Different groups will be joining the caravan on different days, and a lot of the nobles are doing other important things on certain days instead of joining in with the activities, just like the King and Queen do. I'm afraid most of the people out there today will be new people who you'll have to convince all over again."@@ Simone sees your face fall as you realize that your life will be in peril all over again. @@color:#F9B7FF;"I- I- guess at least //some// of the people will be able to vouch for you now, and you might even have made some allies who'll defend you no matter what!"@@ You resign yourself to your fate, and start thinking about what needs to be done. There was a detail in the Queen's report that had been a surprise - what were the 'latest fashions' that she'd complained about? @@color:#F9B7FF;"Oh! Right! Trends come and go - all of the outfits that I prepared for you are older sets from a few years ago. The Queen's //amazing// at fashion stuff, so I was worried that she might dislike it."@@ @@color:#F9B7FF;"The problem is that the trends in the Capital have been getting a little more, um, //risqué// recently. Since we needed the outfits to cover you up as much as possible I couldn't really use any of the modern ones."@@ You sigh in exasperation. There's no way that you could pull off an outfit like that without exposing your male body. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Maybe it'll be fine as long as you look like you're //trying// to do better? I'll start working on some outfits that might show a //little// more skin than covering you completely, and you can see if you like them. It doesn't sound urgent right now, but I'm sure if you wear them then you'll be able to get away with being a little less princessy without making the Queen angry."@@ <<if $pc.shave isnot "legs">> @@color:#F9B7FF;"The easiest area to show would be your legs. It's not like they're particularly different between boys and girls after all. The problem's that your legs are all hairy - you'll have to take some of the morning getting rid of your leg hair if you want to wear them."@@ Simone cocks her head to one side in thought. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Come to think of it, there's a few other things that we could do to make you look more feminine if you feel like it - though we only have time to do one this morning or we won't have time to get prepared."@@ <</if>> <<if def $pc.shave>> @@color:#F9B7FF;"The easiest area to show would be your legs. It's not like they're particularly different between boys and girls after all. Your legs are even already hairless from your accident the day before yesterday, so it should be easy to show them off if you feel comfortable."@@ Simone cocks her head to one side in thought. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Come to think of it, there's a few other things that we could do to make you look more feminine if you feel like it - though we'll only be able to do one this morning or we won't have time to get prepared."@@ <</if>> <<if $pc.shave isnot "legs">> [[Remove my leg hair->legShave][$morningChange to "legs"]] <<hovertip "Necessary to unlock more clothing">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> @@color:#797979;==Remove my leg hair==@@ <</if>> [[Get a haircut->haircut][$morningChange to "hair"]] [[Paint my nails->nailPaint][$morningChange to "nails"]] <<linkreplace "I don't want to do //any// of these things." t8n>> <<link "Practice Authority instead">><<goto [[morningTrain]]>><<set $morningChange to "refuse">><<set $morningTrain to "auth">><</link>> - Lesson <<if ndef $authTrain>>1<<elseif $authTrain lte 4>><<print $authTrain + 1>><</if>> <<link "Practice Grace instead">><<goto [[morningTrain]]>><<set $morningChange to "refuse">><<set $morningTrain to "grace">><</link>> - Lesson <<if ndef $graceTrain>>1<<elseif $graceTrain lte 4>><<print $graceTrain + 1>><</if>> <<link "Practice Cuteness instead">><<goto [[morningTrain]]>><<set $morningChange to "refuse">><<set $morningTrain to "cute">><</link>> - Lesson <<if ndef $cuteTrain>>1<<elseif $cuteTrain lte 4>><<print $cuteTrain + 1>><</if>> <<link "Practice Voice instead">><<goto [[morningTrain]]>><<set $morningChange to "refuse">><<set $morningTrain to "voice">><</link>> - Lesson <<if ndef $voiceTrain>>1<<elseif $voiceTrain lte 4>><<print $voiceTrain + 1>><</if>> <</linkreplace>>

<<set $fem -= 1>> <<if $morningTrain is "auth">> <<include "authTraining">> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain is "cute">> <<include "cuteTraining">> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain is "grace">> <<include "graceTraining">> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain is "voice">> <<include "voiceTraining">> <</if>> <<if _trainingCheck isnot true>> <<if $day is 3>> [[Continue->day3hub]] <</if>> <<if $day is 4>> [[Continue->day4hub]] <</if>> <<if $day is 5>> [[Continue->day5hub]] <</if>> <</if>>

@@.img; [img[Images\Passage\oTownCarriage.jpg]]@@ <<if ndef $morningTrain>> You feel a little awkward about <<if lastVisited("haircut") is 1>> your new haircut, <<elseif lastVisited("legShave") is 1>> your hairless legs, <<elseif lastVisited("nailPaint3") is 1>> your painted nails, <</if>> but don't have the time to dwell on the matter. Putting things into practice yesterday has taught you so much about how to improve your femininity, but it also also taught you just how far away you are from that goal as you are. You were lucky to get out alive. <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> You would have time for focus your training on two areas today, but because you agreed to do a favor for the man yesterday, you'll only have time for ONE. <<else>> Today you have time to focus your training on TWO areas before the carriage arrives at today's activity. <</if>> <</if>> <<if def $morningTrain>> Simone makes some sandwiches for the two of you to snack on for lunch, and you take a break together while you eat. Conversation is sparse - both of you are so focused on your respective tasks to get you ready for today's activity to do little other than fret about what still needs to be done. <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> Soon you finish your meal and get ready for more training. You would usually have time to focus on two more areas before you arrive, but you agreed to do a favor for the man yesterday, so can only do ONE. <<else>> Soon you finish your meal and get ready for more training. You judge that you have time to focus on TWO more areas before you arrive. <</if>> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain isnot "auth">> [[Practice Authority->day3train1][$day3train to "auth"]] - Lesson <<if ndef $authTrain>>1<<elseif $authTrain lte 4>><<print $authTrain + 1>><</if>> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain isnot "grace">> [[Practice Grace->day3train1][$day3train to "grace"]] - Lesson <<if ndef $graceTrain>>1<<elseif $graceTrain lte 4>><<print $graceTrain + 1>><</if>> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain isnot "cute">> [[Practice Cuteness->day3train1][$day3train to "cute"]] - Lesson <<if ndef $cuteTrain>>1<<elseif $cuteTrain lte 4>><<print $cuteTrain + 1>><</if>> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain isnot "voice">> [[Practice Voice Training->day3train1][$day3train to "voice"]] - Lesson <<if ndef $voiceTrain>>1<<elseif $voiceTrain lte 4>><<print $voiceTrain + 1>><</if>> <</if>>

<<if $day3train is "cute">> <<include "cuteTraining">> <</if>> <<if $day3train is "grace">> <<include "graceTraining">> <</if>> <<if $day3train is "auth">> <<include "authTraining">> <</if>> <<if $day3train is "voice">> <<include "voiceTraining">> <</if>> <<if _trainingCheck isnot true>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[Continue->favorRoute]] <<else>> You have time for ONE more practice session. <<if $morningTrain isnot "auth" and $day3train isnot "auth">> [[Practice Authority->day3train2][$day3train to "auth"]] - Lesson <<if ndef $authTrain>>1<<elseif $authTrain lte 4>><<print $authTrain + 1>><</if>> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain isnot "grace" and $day3train isnot "grace">> [[Practice Grace->day3train2][$day3train to "grace"]] - Lesson <<if ndef $graceTrain>>1<<elseif $graceTrain lte 4>><<print $graceTrain + 1>><</if>> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain isnot "cute" and $day3train isnot "cute">> [[Practice Cuteness->day3train2][$day3train to "cute"]] - Lesson <<if ndef $cuteTrain>>1<<elseif $cuteTrain lte 4>><<print $cuteTrain + 1>><</if>> <</if>> <<if $morningTrain isnot "voice" and $day3train isnot "voice">> [[Practice Voice Training->day3train2][$day3train to "voice"]] - Lesson <<if ndef $voiceTrain>>1<<elseif $voiceTrain lte 4>><<print $voiceTrain + 1>><</if>> <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $outfit.over.Name to "White Cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.name to "white cloak">> <<set $outfit.over.types to []>> It's the time of day where you should be training to be more feminine, but you can't focus on the task at all. The bargain that you made with the tour guide yesterday echoes around in your head. It's almost the time that you agreed to go deliver the package at, and you worry that you might have made the wrong choice. It's a simple sounding request, but when one step outside could be enough to have you killed it's still a terrifying one. What's really concerning you though is just how simple sounding the task is - you still don't know much about the man and what authority he holds, but surely they'd be a hundred different ways to achieve a simple delivery, all of which would be more simple and less risky than blackmailing you into doing it. There's clearly something suspicious afoot, but you're powerless to do anything about it but play your role. You've just about decided that the best way to carry out your task would be to ask Simone to dress you up as the Princess early, but just when you're about to ask her to do so a loud ''SNAP'' suddenly rings out from outside. You and Simone almost fall over as the carriage comes to a sudden halt, and within seconds you can see the shapes of servants and soldiers hurrying past. A moment later and there's a loud knocking on the carriage door, which Simone answers after checking that you're out of sight. <<pink "Begging your pardon">> comes a feminine voice as Simone opens the door. <<pink "But you'd better come help, Simone, if the Princess can spare you. The back carriage of the convoy's split it's axle, and now the plumbing's burst and it's going to ruin the Madame's things if we don't clean things up quick!">> <<simone "It's not... the Scarecrow Killer, is it?">> Simone asks nervously. <<pink "Doesn't look like it, but the soldiers are all on guard nearby just in case.">> <<simone "I suppose I'd better come then.">> Simone says, gathering a few things before calling out <<simone "Be back soon, umm, Princess!">> as she leaves. [[Come out of hiding->favorRoute2]]

You gather your wits as you come out of hiding. The timing is too perfect to be mere coincidence - this is without question your mysterious blackmailer's plan. The fact makes you even more nervous - if he had the ability to pull off something like this, then he's even more capable of doing this task without you than you'd thought. You don't have time to dwell on the matter though. With the guards distracted at the back of the convoy you've got some time to manuever around in relative safety. You quickly grab the white cloak that Merat dressed you in when this all began and pull it over your shoulders, then step outside in the crisp afternoon air. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\favorRoute2.png]]@@ For a moment your heart leaps. With the soldiers all distracted, there's nothing to stop you from making your escape and putting this whole disaster behind you! However, after a careful glance over the awnings of the carriage you realize that not //all// of the guards are away from their posts - lookout posts are situated on the roofs of many of the carriages, and these important sentries look like they're still on high alert. So long as you say hidden under the eaves of the convoy you're safe from their glances, but the barren plains offer no hiding spots to evade their watch. With nothing else for it, you continue carrying out your task. Luckily the carriage that the man indicated is only a little while away. You keep a keen ear out for the sound of footsteps nearby, but what's even more scary are the tinted windows - someone could be watching you at any moment and you'd have no way of knowing. Your heart races and you duck as low as you can every time you need to pass one. Thankfully, you manage to make it to your destination without issue - a windowsill at the rear of the fourth carriage of the convoy. There's even a little velvet bag already there to help guide you, which you stuff the vial in. You hear the sound that you've most been dreading - footsteps coming your way! Thankfully they're coming from in front of you rather than back along the route you came, so you hurriedly retrace your steps back to your carriage. Your heart stops in panic as you hear a curious voice call out <<pink "Oh my, is anyone there?">>, but thankfully no alarm is raised. [[Back to the carriage->favorRoute3]]

<<removeover>> You hurry back to the carriage and breathe a deep sigh of relief. You did it! There's no time to relax though, Simone could be back at any moment. You still haven't told her the details of your bargain, and some part of you really doesn't want her to know. You wipe the soles of your bare feet to dislodge any dirt that may have gotten on them, and try to put the white cloak back exactly where it was sitting before. It's not long before Simone comes back, finding you nervously whistling to yourself in a way that you hope comes off nonchalant. <<simone "Sorry about that, <<print $pc.name>>. Looks like it wasn't as bad as we thought - just a little distraction">> and true enough, with a lurch the carriage starts moving again. Simone quickly settles back into her sewing, but try as you might you can't concentrate on your femininity training - you're too nervous. What scheme have you been a part of? Will getting detected by that woman come back to haunt you? All you can do is brood anxiously until you run out of time. [[Continue->day3dressup]]

Simone's sewing seems to come to a finish, and with a dramatic last flourish she announces <<simone "There, perfect!">> She stands up and stretches out her little body after having been hunched over working for so long. Suddenly she seems to realize what time it is. <<simone "Oh goodness! Just in time too! We must be almost there. Come on, let's get you dressed up!">> <<if lastVisited("favorRoute3") is 1>>You shake your head to snap out of your brooding, and go to join the maid as she sets out the outfits for you to choose from.<<else>>As you finish up your practicing Simone arrays the outfits she's prepared out in front of you to choose from.<</if>> <<simone "Of course, you can always wear either of the outfits that you didn't choose yesterday. They're both ready to wear!">> /* <<if $outfitsArray.includes("gcloak") isnot true>>[img[Images\Outfits\gcloak.png]]<</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("peach") isnot true>>[img[Images\Outfits\peach.png]]<</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("tulip") isnot true>>[img[Images\Outfits\tulip.jpg]]<</if>> */ <table style="width: 100%"> <tr> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("gcloak") isnot true>> <td style="width:33%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\gcloak.png]]@@ </td> <</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("peach") isnot true>> <td style="width:33%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\peach.png]]@@ </td> <</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("tulip") isnot true>> <td style="width:33%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\tulip.jpg]]@@ </td> <</if>> <td style="width:33%"> </td> </tr> </table> /* <table id="phone" data-nokeys="true"> <tr> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("gcloak") isnot true>> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\gcloak.png]]@@ </td> <</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("peach") isnot true>> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\peach.png]]@@ </td> <</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("tulip") isnot true>> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\tulip.jpg]]@@ </td> <</if>> </tr> </table> */ You're not sure why you couldn't just wear the same clothing as yesterday, since it worked so well last time. Simone looks almost offended at the idea. <<simone "The same outfit //twice//!? They'd //never// think you're a girl if you did that, let alone the //princess//.">> <<if def $pc.shave>> <<if $morningChange is "legs">> <<simone "And there's also the outfits that I managed to prepare today - I tried to find ones which show a little more skin, just like you asked. Since you removed your leg hair this morning, you should have no problems showing off your legs a little.">> <<else>> <<simone "And these are the outfits that I managed to prepare today - I tried to find ones which show a little more skin, just like you asked. After your accident with the depilation cream two days ago, you should have no problem showing off your legs a little.">> <</if>> There's something that makes you nervous about the idea. Like it would be a betrayal of your masculinity to display your legs. Simone misjudges your hesitation for anxiety that your legs won't be feminine enough, and tries to encourage you. <<simone "It's not like boys legs and girls legs are all that different after all. Maybe in the thighs, but skinny thighs are in now anyway - your legs are so long and sleek, it would be a waste //not// to show them off!">> <<else>> <<simone "And these are the outfits that I managed to prepare today - I tried to find ones which show a little more skin, just like you asked. You won't be able to wear them until you shave your legs, but at least now you can see what you could wear if you did.">> <</if>> <table style="width: 100%"> <tr> <td style="width:33%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\butterfly.jpg]]@@ </td> <td style="width:33%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\longcoat.png]]@@ </td> <td style="width:33%"> </td> </tr> </table> /* <table id="phone" data-nokeys="true"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\butterfly.jpg]]@@ </td> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Outfits\longcoat.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> */ The first of these items is a gray dress that flows out from an ornate butterfly brooch, before billowing into blue ruffles and petticoats at the arms and hemline. <<simone "I thought that the color wouldn't be too feminine for you, and it even matches your eyes! Plus it only shows a little more leg than the other dresses.">> Simone explains. She's not wrong - at just past the knees it's no more scandalous than many pairs of shorts that you've worn, but the //poofiness// of it all is the real trouble. The second outfit is in many ways almost masculine. The upper body isn't too dissimilar to a men's suit - with double-breasted lapels over a conservative blouse. What's more concerning is the lower body - instead of trousers, there's a startlingly small skirt, leaving almost all of your legs completely exposed other than a pair of silk stockings. The jacket also takes a surprising turn - flowing out in elegant tails to brush the floor, revealing blue-purple inner-lining. <<simone "This is //kinda// like mens clothing, so I thought you might like it? I just hope that the skirt isn't too short...">> She's not the only one - you'll be inches away from revealing your <<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties")>><<print $outfit.under.name>><<else>>exposed junk<</if>> to everyone! <<simone "So, which do you fancy today?">> Simone asks.<<if def $pc.shave>> <<simone "If you really want to impress the Queen then you might be better of picking one of the new options, but you could always wear one of the older ones instead!">><</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("gcloak") isnot true>> <<link "Pick the Green Cloak outfit">> <<set $day3outfitChoice to "gcloak">> <<run $outfitsArray.pushUnique("gcloak")>> <<append "#dressupAppend" t8n>><<include [[day3outfitAsk]]>><</append>> <<remove "#dressupRemove">> <</link>> <</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("peach") isnot true>> <<link "Pick the Peach Dress">> <<set $day3outfitChoice to "peach">> <<run $outfitsArray.pushUnique("peach")>> <<append "#dressupAppend" t8n>><<include [[day3outfitAsk]]>><</append>> <<remove "#dressupRemove">> <</link>> <</if>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("tulip") isnot true>> <<link "Pick the Tulip Dress">> <<set $day3outfitChoice to "tulip">> <<run $outfitsArray.pushUnique("tulip")>> <<append "#dressupAppend" t8n>><<include [[day3outfitAsk]]>><</append>> <<remove "#dressupRemove">> <</link>> <</if>> <<if def $pc.shave>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("butterfly") isnot true>> <<link "Pick the Butterfly Dress">> <<set $day3outfitChoice to "butterfly">> <<run $outfitsArray.pushUnique("butterfly")>> <<append "#dressupAppend" t8n>><<include [[day3outfitAsk]]>><</append>> <<remove "#dressupRemove">> <</link>> <</if>> <</if>> <<if def $pc.shave>> <<if $outfitsArray.includes("longcoat") isnot true>> <<link "Pick the Long Tailcoat outfit">> <<set $day3outfitChoice to "longcoat">> <<run $outfitsArray.pushUnique("longcoat")>> <<append "#dressupAppend" t8n>><<include [[day3outfitAsk]]>><</append>> <<remove "#dressupRemove">> <</link>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<if $simone.dressedYou gte 1>> <<simone "Good choice!">> exclaims Simone. <<simone "Would you like me to help dress you again today?">>< > <<link "Simone can help me dress.">> <<goto [[day3simoneDress]]>> <</link>> <<link "I don't feel like it today. I'll dress myself">> <<goto [[day3selfDress]]>> <</link>> <<else>> <<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties") is true and $firstSleepDressupToken isnot true>> <<simone "Good choice!">> exclaims Simone. <<simone "Would you like me to help dress you today?">> <<link "Simone can help me dress.">> <<goto [[day3simoneDress]]>> <</link>> <<link "I don't feel comfortable being so vulnerable in front of Simone. I'll dress myself">> <<goto [[day3selfDress]]>> <</link>> <<elseif $outfit.under.types.includes("panties") is true and $firstSleepDressupToken is true>> <<unset $firstSleepDressupToken>> <<simone "Good choice!">> exclaims Simone. The little maid hesitates for a moment, as if realizing something. Then, blushing a little, she suggests <<simone "C-come to think of it, since you're wearing panties, I guess that it wouldn't be too indecent for me to help dress you today. That way you won't risk tearing it or anything...">> <<link "Simone can help me dress.">> <<goto [[day3simoneDress]]>> <</link>> <<link "I don't feel comfortable being so vulnerable in front of Simone. I'll dress myself">> <<goto [[day3selfDress]]>> <</link>> <<else>> <<simone "Good choice!">> exclaims Simone. For a moment Simone looks like she's about to say something else - force of habit from helping the Princess dress every day. She stops herself and purses her lips, there's no way that she could help you dress while you're still not wearing underwear.< > <<hovertip "You'd need to be wearing panties for this. Try asking Simone to sleep with you at night.">>@@color:#797979;==Get dressed by Simone==@@<</hovertip>> <<link "Just dress myself">> <<goto [[day3selfDress]]>> <</link>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties")>> The idea of being so intimately attended to by Simone still makes you cringe. Maybe if you were wearing mens underwear instead of panties it would feel safer, but the idea of her seeing you wearing them and nothing else is deeply uncomfortable. <<else>> You still don't have any underwear on, so while being dressed by Simone would certainly make your life easier, for now you'll still have to dress yourself. <</if>> Grabbing the outfit, you go to the bathroom and take off your dirty hempen smock and torn britches. <<if $day3outfitChoice is "gcloak">> <<include "gcloakSelfDressup">> <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "peach">> <<include "peachSelfDressup">> <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "tulip">> <<include "tulipSelfDressup">> <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "butterfly">> <<include "butterflySelfDressup">> <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "longcoat">> <<include "longcoatSelfDressup">> <</if>> [[Continue->day3transformMaybe]]

<<if $simone.dressedYou is 0>> <<set $simone.dressedYou += 1>> You tell Simone that you'd appreciate her help putting on the outfit, and the girl happily pulls over a full-length mirror for you to stand in front of. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Right. Lift your arms please"@@ says the maid briskly. You roll your eyes at her in response - you can at least //remove// your clothing by yourself. @@color:#F9B7FF;"Sorry, force of habit. The Princess never let me do it either but I was told to always ask."@@ As you lift your dirty hempen smock off of your body you can see Simone's eyes widen a little from behind you in the mirror as she looks your masculine torso up and down. It's nice to get a little confidence boost about your body - especially given that your masculinity is about to be shattered by the next thing that you have to do. You pull down the waistband of your torn britches and soon you're left exposed in front of the mirror wearing only <<if $outfit.under.name is "black panties">>a pair of black brief adorned with a little bow.<</if>> <<if $outfit.under.name is "pink boyshorts">>a pair of pink polkadot boyshorts covered in ruffles and frills.<</if>> <<if $outfit.under.name is "lacy boyshorts">>a pair of sheer lace boyshorts, through which you can just about make out your trapped genitals.<</if>> <<if $outfit.under.name is "white panties">>a pair of white brief panties adorned with a cute bow.<</if>> <<if def $pc.shave>> The femininity is continued down your legs, which are sleek and hairless.<<else>> They look a little absurd next to your hairy legs.<</if>> For a mortifying moment Simone just //stares//, her gaze firmly aimed towards your bulge through the mirror, her face beginning to blush a tinge before she hurriedly breaks eyecontact with it and desperately tries to focus all of her attention on the outfit she's about to put on you. <<elseif $simone.dressedYou is 1>> <<set $simone.dressedYou += 1>> Simone sets up a mirror and begins dressing you like yesterday. She seems a little more comfortable being around your nudity now, which is both a blessing and a curse - it makes things easier, but the way that Simone had embarrassedly glanced at your body had been comfortingly affirming of your masculinity. Not all of the sexual tension in the act is lost though - whenever Simone's soft fingers brush against your bare skin, which happens more frequently now that she's a little more comfortable, you get shivers down your spine, and you can sense from her pauses that Simone feels the same. <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "gcloak">> <<include "gcloakDressup">> <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "peach">> <<include "peachDressup">> <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "tulip">> <<include "tulipDressup">> <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "butterfly">> <<include "butterflyDressup">> <</if>> <<if $day3outfitChoice is "longcoat">> <<include "longcoatDressup">> <</if>> [[Continue->day3transformMaybe]]

As Simone finishes putting the final touches on your outfit she purses her lips together in confusion. <<simone "That's... Weird">> she muses. You ask her what's wrong. <<simone "It's nothing... Just...">> She crosses her arms disappointedly. <<simone "I'm really sorry. The outfit's not sitting quite right on you. Hopefully it's fine for today, but I must have done something wrong. I'm //really// sorry for messing it up. Let me just check something.">> She goes to get a roll of tape and starts measuring your body through the clothing. <<simone "Yeah, I //must// have gotten your measurements wrong - they're different to what I have written down from yesterday. A little narrower at the shoulders and wider at the hips, I must have measured them wrong. I'll write the new measurements down now and I'll try to adjust the outfits in time for tomorrow. Sorry!">> You tell Simone that she doesn't need to worry, but she still seems somewhat perturbed by it. You can hear her mutter <<simone "I could have //sworn// I measured it right...">> to herself as she puts away the mirror. While she does that, you do one last double check to see if there's anything else you'd like to change. Padding: <<checkbox "$paddingCheck" false true autocheck>> <<if def $pc.nails>> <<if ndef $nailsToday>> Nails: <<listbox "$pc.nails" autoselect>> <<option "french">> <<option "pink">> <<option "red">> <<option "black">> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "orange">> <<option "purple">> <<option "yellow">> <</listbox>> <<else>> <<unset $nailsToday>> <</if>> <</if>> <<link "Ready!">> <<if $paddingCheck is true>> <<set $outfit.padding to true>> <</if>> <<goto [[day3adventure]]>> <</link>>

<<unset $day3outfitChoice>> A commotion stirs outside, and you soon begin to feel the carriage slow down and come to a halt - you've arrived. After a brief <<simone "Good luck!">> from Simone you're escorted out of the carriage by the same soldiers as yesterday, and can take in the location of today's activity. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3adventure.png]]@@ Deep in the middle of a forest, a wide encampment has been cut out. Looking around, there's tents //everywhere// - huge ones nearby, and then smaller and smaller the further out from the center you go. Despite being made up primarily of tents, there's plenty of wooden structures indicating that the encampment has been here for many years. <<blue "Harewood Miliary Camp, your Highness.">> Explains one of the soldiers, seeing you looking around. <<blue "Mostly a boot camp for cadets - did my own training here way back in the day. I think the King and Queen will be inspecting the facilities.">> That makes sense - it sounds like exactly the kind of place that a King would choose to visit on his journey. As you walk with your escort you become aware of eyes on you. When you look around you notice dozens of faces peering at you from behind tents and structures in the distance. You swallow nervously. It's no surprise really - //anyone// would want to get a glance at the visiting royalty given the chance, you know that you would have done before this. However, the idea that so many people, all men from the looks of it, are staring at you is enough to make you nervous. Even a curiously masculine 'princess' is more than enough to ignite sexual instincts when they've gone months without contact with the opposite sex. [[Walk nervously, staying as close to the escort as possible->day3adventure2][$day3adventure to 1]] [[I won't let them get to me, walk normally->day3adventure2][$day3adventure to 2]] [[If they're going to objectify me against my will I'm at least going to make it be on my own terms. Act flirtatiously.->day3adventure2][$day3adventure to 3]]

<<set $colette.name to "Beautiful Noblewoman">> <<set $colette.desc to "A shockingly beautiful girl in the Harewood Military Camp tent">> <<set $colette.facts to []>> <<switch $day3adventure>> <<case 1>> <<set $inno ++>> The men's eyes make you deeply uncomfortable. <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly" or $outfit.set.id is "longcoat">>Your bare legs feel completely exposed and vulnerable in front of their ravenous gaze.<<else>>Every inch of your feminine outfit feels utterly exposing in front of their ravenous gaze.<</if>> One of the guards seems to notice your anxiety, and steps closer to try to obscure you somewhat with his body. You offer a weak smile of thanks to the young officer. <<case 2>> <<set $respect ++>> You're determined not to let them get to you, and walk proudly with your head held high. <<case 3>> <<set $seduction += 1>> <<set $fem += 1>> You give the cadets a treat and start reaching out to them - waving, blowing kisses, and winking as you walk. Whatever threats of disciplinary action had been instilled in the cadets to keep them so quiet are immediately forgotten when you gesture towards them, and the silence gives way to excited hooting and cheering for you. You're certain that if they were closer you'd be able to make out a few lewd comments too, but at least it's better than the eerie quiet and you can get a little confidence boost from this. <</switch>> Thankfully the walk isn't far and you soon arrive at one of the larger tents. The soldiers escorting you give you a salute of farewell and take places around the entrance to the tent - not having orders to ward you any further. You slip past the tent flap and find yourself behind rows of temporary wooden seating. The hubbub of animated conversations happening around you tells you that the place must already be full, you must be one of the last to be brought along. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3adventure2.jpg]]@@ The only person still back here is a blonde girl of about the same age as you, dressed in a cutesy white crop-top and skirt with fluffy pink trim. She's about the same height as you, and her long flaxen hair twists in elegant spirals as it tumbles sweetly over her shoulders. <<colette "Princess! Lovely to see you">> She calls as she sees you enter the tent, her face opening into perhaps the most lovely smile that you've ever seen as she does. She's //gorgeous//, perhaps the prettiest girl that you've ever seen, enough to make your brain go haywire as she reaches her hand out to attempt to clasp together with yours in greeting. <<link "Take her hand in greeting">> <<goto [[day3adventure3]]>> <<set $coletteIntro to "hand">> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>> <<link "Hesitate">> <<goto [[day3adventure3]]>> <<set $coletteIntro to "hesitate">> <</link>>

<<set $colette.desc to "A shockingly beautiful girl with a vicious streak who has some grudge with the Princess - and in the process, You.">> <<if $coletteIntro is "hand">> The moment your hand clasps hers, you're struck by a wave of shocking pain as the girl's perfectly manicured thumbnail, which you now notice is sharpened into a spike, pinches with practiced precision directly into a point at the base of your thumb - managing to put extreme pressure on both a tendon and a nerve at the same time. /* As your body twists in pain, the girl steps forward so her face is close to yours and sneers haughtily. <<colette "So you're //finally// back, //slut//. I always thought that you'd grow up into a mannish ogre, looks like I was //right//.">> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/colette.png]]@@ You can do little more than writhe painfully and try as hard as you can not to shout in pain. You know that if you did, you wouldn't have the control to do it in a feminine tone, but without it none of the nobles, mere feet away through the wooden bleachers, are any the wiser that this is happening. */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:46%"> As your body twists in pain, the girl steps forward so her face is close to yours and sneers haughtily. <<colette "So you're //finally// back, //slut//. I always thought that you'd grow up into a mannish ogre, looks like I was //right//.">> You can do little more than writhe painfully and try as hard as you can not to shout in pain. You know that if you did, you wouldn't have the control to do it in a feminine tone, but without it none of the nobles, mere feet away through the wooden bleachers, are any the wiser that this is happening.< > You can hear the smug smile on the girl's sickly sweet voice as she taunts <<colette "Cat got your tongue, //Princess//? You've lost your fire, how //pathetic//! But I won't forget our grudge. I'll never forget what you did eight years ago.">> </td> <td style="width:54%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/colette.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> As your body twists in pain, the girl steps forward so her face is close to yours and sneers haughtily. <<colette "So you're //finally// back, //slut//. I always thought that you'd grow up into a mannish ogre, looks like I was //right//.">> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/colette.png]]@@ You can do little more than writhe painfully and try as hard as you can not to shout in pain. You know that if you did, you wouldn't have the control to do it in a feminine tone, but without it none of the nobles, mere feet away through the wooden bleachers, are any the wiser that this is happening. You can hear the smug smile on the girl's sickly sweet voice as she taunts <<colette "Cat got your tongue, //Princess//? You've lost your fire, how //pathetic//! But I won't forget our grudge. I'll never forget what you did eight years ago.">> /* You can hear the smug smile on the girl's sickly sweet voice as she taunts <<colette "Cat got your tongue, //Princess//? You've lost your fire, how //pathetic//! But I won't forget our grudge. I won't forget what you did eight years ago.">> */ You have no idea what she's talking about, but you inwardly curse the Princess for whatever she did to gain this horrid woman's wrath. This is all //her// fault, but you're the one suffering for it. Just when you worry that she's going to cause permanent damage the girl releases her pinching nail and steps away, looking down her nose with a smile as you double over, wincing in pain. <<colette "Today's activity is a bunch of games and competitions, right? I'm going to enjoy humiliating you in every. Single. One, so //everyone// here can see just how //pathetic// their precious princess is compared to //me//.">> With that, she strides confidently away from you, laughing to herself with the voice of an angel as she goes, leaving you alone in the darkness. For a few terrifying seconds your thumb remains bent back as far as it can go, twisted horribly and with no feeling or function, but thankfully it quickly regains its strength after a little massaging. [[Who the fuck was that?->day3adventure4]] <</if>> <<if $coletteIntro is "hesitate">> You almost take the girl's hand, but something about her demeanor - too sickly sweet to be authentic, makes you hesitate. The moments pause gives you time to notice that a few of her perfectly-manicured fingernails on her outstretched hand are pointed into vicious spikes, poised and ready to strike. You shudder to think what she had been planning to do with them if you'd clasped her hand. /* As you recoil away from the danger the girl starts laughing at your expression, continuing to step forward until you're pushed up against the fabric wall of the tent. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/colette.png]]@@ <<colette "I should have known that it wouldn't be that easy, //slut//.">> She sneers haughtily as she pushes her face close to yours until you're millimeters apart and her pretty face fills up your whole vision. <<colette "I was wondering why you hadn't come back sooner. Now it's obvious - you're too ashamed of what a mannish //ogre// you've grown up to be, //bitch//.">> You move to shove her away from you but she dances backwards gracefully out of arms reach. */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:46%"> As you recoil away from the danger the girl starts laughing at your expression, continuing to step forward until you're pushed up against the fabric wall of the tent. <<colette "I should have known that it wouldn't be that easy, //slut//.">> She sneers haughtily as she pushes her face close to yours until you're millimeters apart and her pretty face fills up your whole vision. <<colette "I was wondering why you hadn't come back sooner. Now it's obvious - you're too ashamed of what a mannish //ogre// you've grown up to be, //bitch//.">>< > You try to shove her away from you but she dances backwards gracefully out of arms reach. </td> <td style="width:54%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/colette.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> As you recoil away from the danger the girl starts laughing at your expression, continuing to step forward until you're pushed up against the fabric wall of the tent. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/colette.png]]@@ <<colette "I should have known that it wouldn't be that easy, //slut//.">> She sneers haughtily as she pushes her face close to yours until you're millimeters apart and her pretty face fills up your whole vision. <<colette "I was wondering why you hadn't come back sooner. Now it's obvious - you're too ashamed of what a mannish //ogre// you've grown up to be, //bitch//.">> You move to shove her away from you but she dances backwards gracefully out of arms reach. <<colette "Oh, so the bitch //bites//, does she? How pathetic. But that's fine, we still have our grudge to settle after all, your //highness//.">> she taunts, though her sickly-sweet tone switches to one more spiteful as she continues <<colette "I won't forget what you did eight years ago. I'll never forgive you, and now that you're back I can make your life a living hell.">>< > You have no idea what she's talking about, but you inwardly curse the Princess for whatever she did to gain this horrid woman's wrath. This isn't your fault, but you're the one suffering for it. Her message sent, she walks confidently away from you, calling back behind her as she goes. <<colette "Today's activity is a bunch of games and competitions, right? I'm going to enjoy humiliating you in every single one, so everyone here can see just how //pathetic// their precious princess is compared to me.">> Then she reaches the aisle of the bleachers and walks out of sight, laughing so demurely that you almost can't believe that she really said all of those things. [[Who the fuck was that?->day3adventure4]] <</if>>

You take some moments to recover yourself, but you quickly start hearing murmurs from the nobles on the seating above wondering who's keeping up the show, and you realize that waiting any longer will draw unwanted attention. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3adventure4.png]]@@ You nervously emerge out into the main area - a space half taken up by wide bleachers for the nobles to sit on and half by an open area, towards which all of the seats are faced. Your heart skips a beat at all of the people, still expecting some sort of offended outcry that you're //clearly// a crossdressing imposter, but thankfully it looks like most of the nobles are cheerfully talking together while facing the stage, and the few faces that do turn to see who's come in all dip their heads courteously. Out the corner of your eye you think you can make out the face of the girl who had just tormented you, but you force yourself not think about her. <<blue "Ahh, Princess!">> Coos a voice from one of the aisles. <<blue "Why don't you come sit with us my dear?">> <<if def $elodie.name>> You look around, and see a snooty-looking, bespectacled middle aged man waving furiously at you from one of the aisles at the front. You hesitate, not knowing if you should recognize this person and if the Princess should accept such a request, but when you notice Elodie sitting next to him you're so grateful to see a friendly face that you gladly take the opportunity. <<elodie "'Sup, Princes-">> begins Elodie, but she's quickly cut off by the man who had called out to you. <<blue "Absolutely chuffed to finally be able to meet you, your Highness.">> fawns the man, who you presume is Elodie's father. <<blue "Why, when I was most graciously given the title of 'vice-associate convoy manager's assistant' in honor of my distinguished patronage to the crown, being able to finally encounter the very jewel of the nation was the very //tip-toppiest// thing I was looking forward to. So when I saw you and El' chumming it up yesterday - why I was as pleased as punch, I was.">> Elodie, clearly uncomfortable with her father's sycophantry, rolls her eyes at you so hard that you worry that they'll fall back into her sinuses. Worse still - he doesn't seem to shut up, yapping on about things that you couldn't begin to care about. Nevertheless, it does play to your advantage - <</if>> <<if ndef $elodie.name>> You look around, and see a snooty-looking, bespectacled middle aged man waving furiously at you from one of the aisles at the front. You hesitate, not knowing if you should recognize this person and if the Princess should accept such a request, but the desperation of his waving is increasing by the second, and the last thing that you want to do is to make a scene and draw more attention than necessary, so you quickly move to take the proffered seat. <<blue "Absolutely chuffed to finally be able to meet you, your Highness.">> fawns the man cheerfully when you sit. <<blue "Why, when I was most graciously given the title of 'vice-associate convoy manager's assistant' in honor of my distinguished patronage to the crown, being able to finally encounter the very jewel of the nation was the very //tip-toppiest// thing on my wish list, if you don't mind me so saying my dear girl.">> It doesn't take long to identify that this man //definitely// isn't important enough to have the Princess sitting next to him, and he doesn't //ever// seem to shut up, but sitting next to a sycophant does have its uses - <</if>> anyone who glances over at you sees that you're in the middle of a conversation, so doesn't pay too much attention to you. It's a lot better than being awkward in the corner, knowing that that girl's eyes would be on you the whole time, relishing your isolation. Also, since he isn't giving you any chance of getting a word in yourself, you don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing in the wrong pitch and exposing yourself. Eventually his neverending stream of minutia gets interrupted by a cough for attention from the stage. [[Look up->day3adventure5]]

A man in soldier's uniform, a general judging from the number of stripes on his arm, waits for the assembled nobles to quiet down before starting his speech. <<blue "We here at Harewood Military Camp are most honored to welcome the royal convoy on its tour.">> Barks the man stiffly, saluting those present as he does. <<blue "The men were //appalled// at hearing that such noble peerage went without an appropriately enjoyable activity yesterday. Brought tears to the boys' eyes it did or strike me down as a liar if I may be so bold to say so, my Lieges.">> <<blue "Thusforwardly - we've done //everything// that we can to assemble a bumper crop of recreational capers for you all.">> He continues, his saluting hand not moving an inch. <<blue "First of the day is a weapons demonstration - a duel between some of our best and brightest for your entertainment.">> Two large men come onto the stage, each wearing heavy plate armor, and salute the assembled crowd. As they square up you hear a voice from behind you mutter <<pink "A little antiquated in an age of rifles and shot, isn't it?">> to the person sitting next to them, but their concern is quickly forgotten when the first strike is made and a //clang// of metal on metal resounds around the tent. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3adventure5.png]]@@ The nobles are quickly enraptured by the display, gasping in awe with every thrust and parry. You, however, are much less impressed. <<switch $pc.background>> <<case "hero">> You've seen more than your fair share of battle on your adventures - all real and deadly. This performance with blunted weapons, by people clearly more interested in putting on a show than truly trying to best the other, is simply //boring//. <<case "manly">> While only few of the tavern brawls that you've been in involved weapons, and never armor, every one of them was full of heart and spirit. This performative display comes off as inauthentic to your eye, and is simply //boring//. <<case "flirt">> You're a lover, not a fighter. The battlefields that you feel comfortable on are the treacherous routes to a woman's heart. This brutish display is simply //boring//. <<case "bread">> While you avoided them as much as you could, violent conflicts were common in the gutters that your poverty kept you in - all of which were real and deadly. This performance with blunted weapons, by people clearly more interested in putting on a show than truly trying to best the other, feels like a mockery of that authentic desperation - it's //boring//. <</switch>> You consider your options. <<if def $elodie.name>>Elodie's father<<else>>The man you're sitting next to<</if>> is distracted by the bout, but based on how talkative he was before you have no doubt that it would be easy to get him talking again. Despite being in such an unimportant position, it still sounds like he'd be privy to some information that might be of value to you. You're confident that it won't be difficult to manipulate information from him, but you're not sure how long you'll be able to maintain a suitably feminine tone for. <<switch $voice>> <<case 0>> <<set $voiceLasts to 2>> ''You haven't trained your voice at all, and will only be able to bring up two topics. Choose wisely.'' <<case 1>> <<set $voiceLasts to 3>> ''You've trained your voice in preparation, and will be able to speak for long enough to bring up three topics.'' <<case 2>> <<set $voiceLasts to 4>> ''You've done plenty of voice training, and are confident that you can speak for long enough to bring up four topics.'' <<default>> <<set $voiceLasts to 5>> ''Unexpected voice training level detected. You'll have no problem bringing up five topics.'' <</switch>> <<if $voiceLasts is 0>> [[My voice is feeling hoarse, better stop here.->day3dateSorter]] <<else>> <<if visited("day3droart") is 0>> [[See if I can gain information about the man who gave me the vial yesterday->day3droart]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3escape") is 0>> [[Maybe he'll have information that I can use to escape with->day3escape]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3crow") is 0>> [[Lives could be saved if people know what the Scarecrow Killer looks like. Use him to disperse that information.->day3crow]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3colette") is 0>> [[Who the fuck was that girl who was just threatening me?->day3colette]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3games") is 0>> [[I don't want to lose to that bitch. See if I can learn how to beat her in today's competitions->day3games]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3elodie") is 0>> <<if def $elodie.name>> <<set $elodie.dad to "unlectured">> [[Elodie's clearly uncomfortable with him being so sycophantic. Maybe I can convince him to act more dignified->day3elodie]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("day3favor") is 0>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[I might have been spotted when I was delivering the vial this afternoon. Secure an alibi to stay safe->day3favor]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $voiceLasts -= 1>> <<run $firmin.info.pushUnique("day3ask")>> <<set $firmin.name to "Firmin Goux">> <<run $firmin.facts.pushUnique("Led the peasant rebellion against the Droart family.")>> You tell <<if def $elodie.name>>Elodie's father<<else>>the talkative gent<</if>> that you were absolutely fascinated by the tour of the citadel yesterday, and ask if he knows very much about the place. <<blue "Yes, they really have done a bang-up job turning things around after everything that happened there.">> You probe a bit further - what happened there?<<if def $elodie.name>> Elodie gives you an appraising look to hear you curious about the matter.<</if>> <<blue "Well, err...">> he begins, clearly a little uncomfortable talking about such a matter with you, but his gossiping nature wins out in the end and he can't help but confide. <<blue "It was rather a tricky situation really. Put the crown in a terribly bad spot I'm sure. It used to be Droart Castle, you know, but then the Droart family got a little... //Funny//.">> He coughs uncomfortably before continuing. <<blue "All sorted in the end though, of course. Peasants rose up and dispensed justice and all that. In fact, we met the man who did it, if I'm not mistaken. That first tour guide - the funny looking chap with the cane. He was the one who roused the public interest and led the charge from what I hear. He was granted the role of custodian of the citadel in honor of it. Name's Firmin Goux, if I remember correctly">> <<if $firmin.info.includesAny("elodieRoute", "elodieAsk")>> The information comes as a surprise. From what Elodie had told you about the strange rituals that the Droart family were doing to the peasants, you had been nursing a theory that maybe the man who had changed your eyes had been a Droart himself that had avoided the peasant mob- to hear the opposite throws you off. <<else>> You wish that you had been able to get more information about whatever the Droart family had been doing to warrant such an uprising, but you still feel like you've learnt some vital information. It's difficult to imagine such an unpleasant man being a folk hero though... <</if>> ''You've learnt more about Firmin Goux'' <<if $voiceLasts is 0>> [[My voice is feeling hoarse, I'd better stop here.->day3dateSorter]] <<else>> Your voice will hold out for <<if $voiceLasts gte 2>><<print $voiceLasts>> more topics<<elseif $voiceLasts is 1>>1 more topic<</if>>. <<if visited("day3droart") is 0>> [[See if I can gain information about the man who gave me the vial yesterday->day3droart]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3escape") is 0>> [[Maybe he'll have information I can use to get past the guards and escape this trap->day3escape]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3crow") is 0>> [[It's important that I get information out about what the Scarecrow Killer looks like, this is my chance to do so!->day3crow]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3colette") is 0>> [[Who the fuck was that girl who was just threatening me?->day3colette]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3games") is 0>> [[I don't want to lose to that bitch. See if I can learn how to beat her in today's competitions->day3games]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3elodie") is 0>> <<if def $elodie.name>> [[Elodie's clearly uncomfortable with him being so sycophantic. See if I can convince him to act more dignified->day3elodie]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("day3favor") is 0>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[I might have been seen when I was delivering the vial this afternoon. Secure an alibi to stay safe->day3favor]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $voiceLasts -= 1>> <<set $escapeIdea to true>> You pretend to be fascinated by the man's occupation in an attempt to glean as many useful details about the inner workings of the carriages as you can out of him. Luckily it doesn't take much provoking - he seems really overeager to brag about the 'important duties' that he has as vice-associate convoy manager's assistant. <<blue "Yes, it's a vital job, I'll have you know. It's up to me to oversee that all of the details that are absolutely important are all being done properly. For instance, we could have had an absolute //disaster// had I not noticed that we were almost about to procure //whole// milk for our tea instead of semi-skimmed - could you //imagine// the palaver that //that// could have caused?">> You make sure to act suitably impressed, and try to point him towards something more vital. <<blue "Of course, the really tricky bit comes at 10 o'clock in the evening, when the guards' night shift changes with the day shift. There's ever such a hustle and bustle, and nobody knows what's what because they've all been asleep and need to get filled in. Terrible mess sometimes, especially when they have mud on their shoes and they're trampling it everywhere.">> /* <<blue "Of course, the really tricky thing's going to be in three days, when the guard's changing at the end of the day.">> He says finally. <<blue "Lots of things that can go wrong in that hustle and bustle - all of the soldiers we have currently going on break and a new batch joining on, who won't know a single thing about how things are done around here.">> */ Your heart leaps - this is //exactly// the kind of information that you needed. While it quickly becomes clear that he doesn't know anything else helpful, you can't feel disappointed - this is already more than you had dared hope for. ''You know the best time to start an escape attempt! If only you could find a way to arrange some kind of distraction, you might be able to escape!'' <<if $voiceLasts is 0>> [[My voice is feeling hoarse, better stop here.->day3dateSorter]] <<else>> Your voice will hold out for <<if $voiceLasts gte 2>><<print $voiceLasts>> more topics<<elseif $voiceLasts is 1>>1 more topic<</if>>. <<if visited("day3droart") is 0>> [[See if I can gain information about the man who gave me the vial yesterday->day3droart]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3escape") is 0>> [[Maybe he'll have information I can use to get past the guards and escape this trap->day3escape]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3crow") is 0>> [[It's important that I get information out about what the Scarecrow Killer looks like, this is my chance to do so!->day3crow]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3colette") is 0>> [[Who the fuck was that girl who was just threatening me?->day3colette]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3games") is 0>> [[I don't want to lose to that bitch. See if I can learn how to beat her in today's competitions->day3games]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3elodie") is 0>> <<if def $elodie.name>> [[Elodie's clearly uncomfortable with him being so sycophantic. See if I can convince him to act more dignified->day3elodie]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("day3favor") is 0>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[I might have been seen when I was delivering the vial this afternoon. Secure an alibi to stay safe->day3favor]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $voiceLasts -= 1>> <<set $crow.warned to true>> <<run $crow.facts.delete("You're the only one who saw what the assassin looks like under their mask.")>> <<run $crow.facts.pushUnique("You've warned the members of the royal convoy about the Scarecrow Killer's appearance")>> You've been sitting on important information that could save lives - you're the only one who's seen what the Scarecrow Killer that attacked the caravan looks like under their hemp-sack mask. The only challenge has been dispersing the information in a way that wouldn't attract undue attention - and this man's chatty nature might have given you the perfect vehicle. You mention that you saw something absolutely awful the day that the carriages were attacked - a figure drenched in blood wielding two hatchets, who revealed their face which had gray-pale skin and red-orange eyes. To your surprise, you realize mid way through your explanation that you're shivering as you describe the event. Clearly it actually had affected you more deeply than you thought.<<if def $elodie.name>> Elodie sees your distress and moves close to put an arm around your shoulder in support. The kind gesture is barely undermined at all by her murmuring <<elodie "Badass">> to herself under her breath at your description of the assassin.<</if>> For once, he seems to be at a loss for words, and splutters for a while before uttering. <<blue "Oh my! What an absolutely ghastly experience my poor girl.">> Despite his politeness, you can see a twinkle in his eye at learning something that people will be so interested in hearing - you're confident that the whole caravan will know all about it by tomorrow. ''You've helped the convoy stay better protected against the Scarecrow Killer'' <<if $voiceLasts is 0>> [[My voice is feeling hoarse, better stop here.->day3dateSorter]] <<else>> Your voice will hold out for <<if $voiceLasts gte 2>><<print $voiceLasts>> more topics<<elseif $voiceLasts is 1>>1 more topic<</if>>. <<if visited("day3droart") is 0>> [[See if I can gain information about the man who gave me the vial yesterday->day3droart]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3escape") is 0>> [[Maybe he'll have information I can use to get past the guards and escape this trap->day3escape]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3crow") is 0>> [[It's important that I get information out about what the Scarecrow Killer looks like, this is my chance to do so!->day3crow]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3colette") is 0>> [[Who the fuck was that girl who was just threatening me?->day3colette]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3games") is 0>> [[I don't want to lose to that bitch. See if I can learn how to beat her in today's competitions->day3games]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3elodie") is 0>> <<if def $elodie.name>> [[Elodie's clearly uncomfortable with him being so sycophantic. See if I can convince him to act more dignified->day3elodie]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("day3favor") is 0>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[I might have been seen when I was delivering the vial this afternoon. Secure an alibi to stay safe->day3favor]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $voiceLasts -= 1>> <<set $colette.name to "Colette Lavalette">> <<set $colette.desc to "A childhood friend of the Princess, who has some cruel grudge against her.">> <<set $coletteAsked to true>> <<blue "Ah! Dear Colette. I'm sure that you're absolutely //overjoyed// to finally see each other again. Everyone knows that you two were thick as thieves when you were children. The press couldn't get enough of it - the royal family and the noble house of Lavalette both with children of the same age. Everyone was so overjoyed to see the two most high houses in the land so conjoined in joy.">> <<blue "She's been so enthusiastic about seeing you again, don't you know dear? It's all she's been talking about all trip from what I hear, won't shut up about how much fun you're going to have together. You must be overjoyed to have your friend back, aren't you?">> You force yourself to try to pretend that you're as pleased to see her as you're clearly expected to be. You want nothing to do with the psycho, but it sounds like claiming not to know her would completely compromise your disguise as the Princess. You're tempted to just come out and say that she's a total bully - it might get her off your back. However, you can already imagine all of the incredulous responses you'd get, and suspicion is the LAST thing that you want to attract. It looks like, unless she slips up and draws attention to her true nature, you're just going to have to deal with her spiteful ways. Sadly, everything about her tells you that she's probably not the type of person to make such a slip-up easily. <<blue "-this one detail I thought was so strange.">> rambles <<if def $elodie.name>>Elodie's father<<else>>the gent<</if>>, who hasn't shut up the entire time you've been deep in thought. <<blue "The press got it into their heads one year that dear Colette had a bedwetting problem, claimed they heard it from the maid. I never believed it of course, and was outraged at the suggestion...">> As he continues his rambling, you make a mental note of that point - it sounds like it could prove useful. ''You've learnt more about Colette, and have learnt a compromising detail about her.'' <<if $voiceLasts is 0>> [[My voice is feeling hoarse, better stop here.->day3dateSorter]] <<else>> Your voice will hold out for <<if $voiceLasts gte 2>><<print $voiceLasts>> more topics<<elseif $voiceLasts is 1>>1 more topic<</if>>. <<if visited("day3droart") is 0>> [[See if I can gain information about the man who gave me the vial yesterday->day3droart]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3escape") is 0>> [[Maybe he'll have information I can use to get past the guards and escape this trap->day3escape]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3crow") is 0>> [[It's important that I get information out about what the Scarecrow Killer looks like, this is my chance to do so!->day3crow]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3colette") is 0>> [[Who the fuck was that girl who was just threatening me?->day3colette]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3games") is 0>> [[I don't want to lose to that bitch. See if I can learn how to beat her in today's competitions->day3games]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3elodie") is 0>> <<if def $elodie.name>> [[Elodie's clearly uncomfortable with him being so sycophantic. See if I can convince him to act more dignified->day3elodie]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("day3favor") is 0>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[I might have been seen when I was delivering the vial this afternoon. Secure an alibi to stay safe->day3favor]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $voiceLasts -= 1>> <<set $marksmanship to true>> That psycho's announcement that she'd beat you in the competitions is bothering you. It probably won't be important in the grand scheme of things, but your sense of competition has been ignited - you want to //win//. You start pushing the conversation towards the competitions today, maybe <<if def $elodie.name>>Elodie's father<<else>>this guy<</if>> will know something helpful. <<blue "They're going to be jolly good fun, aren't they?">> He says excitedly <<blue "Lots of fun for the whole family to have a little go at. I'm sure //nobody// will get competitive though, don't you worry dear.">> You wish that you had his confidence on the matter. <<blue "I'm most excited for the Horseracing and the Archery if you ask me.">> he begins, before correcting himself <<blue "Though I should probably call it //marksmanship// actually. You see, I heard that they're letting people choose between using a bow or a rifle. Bit of a way to see which is better, hah hah.">> <<blue "Though, from what I hear the General's a bit of an old-school chap. Prefers swords and armor to rifles and such">> You nod, that makes the duel going on right in front of you make more sense. <<blue "I rather wager that he'd only give us guns that have seen some wear and tear - won't shoot straight, you know. Only, it would ruin his pride to hide them completely, so I bet he threw the good ones to the back of the pile where nobody would think to look for them, the old dog.">> ''You've learnt a way to get ahead in the marksmanship competition'' <<if $voiceLasts is 0>> [[My voice is feeling hoarse, better stop here.->day3dateSorter]] <<else>> Your voice will hold out for <<if $voiceLasts gte 2>><<print $voiceLasts>> more topics<<elseif $voiceLasts is 1>>1 more topic<</if>>. <<if visited("day3droart") is 0>> [[See if I can gain information about the man who gave me the vial yesterday->day3droart]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3escape") is 0>> [[Maybe he'll have information I can use to get past the guards and escape this trap->day3escape]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3crow") is 0>> [[It's important that I get information out about what the Scarecrow Killer looks like, this is my chance to do so!->day3crow]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3colette") is 0>> [[Who the fuck was that girl who was just threatening me?->day3colette]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3games") is 0>> [[I don't want to lose to that bitch. See if I can learn how to beat her in today's competitions->day3games]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3elodie") is 0>> <<if def $elodie.name>> [[Elodie's clearly uncomfortable with him being so sycophantic. See if I can convince him to act more dignified->day3elodie]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("day3favor") is 0>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[I might have been seen when I was delivering the vial this afternoon. Secure an alibi to stay safe->day3favor]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $voiceLasts -= 1>> <<set $elodie.dad to "lectured">> <<set $friend ++>> Elodie looks absolutely mortified at how her father's acting around you, and you can't blame her - his excessive fawning over your royalty comes off as slimy smarminess. The least you could do is try to influence him for the better - if nothing else then so that she doesn't hurt her eyes rolling them so much. Seeking a higher authority, you spin a tale about your 'mother', the Queen, and what traits she finds admirable in people. You make sure to emphasize independence and authenticity at every step. Elodie's father looks a little nervous as he nods along to what you're saying, making vague <<blue "Err.. Hmm... Gosh...">> noises as you go. Elodie herself seems to quickly realize what you're up to, and looks up at you in surprise. A moment later and she flashes you a weak smile which, coming from her usually-impassive face, you interpret as a deep and earnest thanks. You just hope that her dad will internalize some of it. ''Elodie appreciates it'' <<if $voiceLasts is 0>> [[My voice is feeling hoarse, better stop here.->day3dateSorter]] <<else>> Your voice will hold out for <<if $voiceLasts gte 2>><<print $voiceLasts>> more topics<<elseif $voiceLasts is 1>>1 more topic<</if>>. <<if visited("day3droart") is 0>> [[See if I can gain information about the man who gave me the vial yesterday->day3droart]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3escape") is 0>> [[Maybe he'll have information I can use to get past the guards and escape this trap->day3escape]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3crow") is 0>> [[It's important that I get information out about what the Scarecrow Killer looks like, this is my chance to do so!->day3crow]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3colette") is 0>> [[Who the fuck was that girl who was just threatening me?->day3colette]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3games") is 0>> [[I don't want to lose to that bitch. See if I can learn how to beat her in today's competitions->day3games]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3elodie") is 0>> <<if def $elodie.name>> [[Elodie's clearly uncomfortable with him being so sycophantic. See if I can convince him to act more dignified->day3elodie]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("day3favor") is 0>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[I might have been seen when I was delivering the vial this afternoon. Secure an alibi to stay safe->day3favor]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<set $voiceLasts -= 1>> <<set $favorCover to true>> You're still incredibly nervous about the arrangement that you made with <<if $firmin.name is "Firmin Goux">>Firmin Goux<<else>>the man from yesterday<</if>>. Someone had //definitely// heard your footsteps as you carried out your task, they might even have caught a glimpse of you in the white cloak. They clearly hadn't raised the alarm, so it shouldn't be an issue - but something about the weird task you were bade to do makes you uncomfortable. You want to tie up every loose end that you can think of and leave it as far behind you as you can. Making up a little lie, you explain how you were delighted to see a beautiful, white stag come up close to the carriages while everyone was distracted. You explain how you traced its movements past the back of your carriage, before it suddenly bolted away when it heard someone. <<blue "How lovely for you, your Highness. Sounds like a mighty brave deer to have wandered so close to the caravan.">> You agree, and, thinking of a way to disperse the alibi, you pretend to wonder about what breed of stag would be so bold. Before long, you're imploring the gent to please ask around the caravan to see if anyone else had seen any sign of it, and might help to identify the beast. You know that nobody will have done, but this way the man with his chatty nature will be telling everyone in the caravan your tale. ''You falsified a cover for your actions today'' <<if $voiceLasts is 0>> [[My voice is feeling hoarse, better stop here.->day3dateSorter]] <<else>> Your voice will hold out for <<if $voiceLasts gte 2>><<print $voiceLasts>> more topics<<elseif $voiceLasts is 1>>1 more topic<</if>>. <<if visited("day3droart") is 0>> [[See if I can gain information about the man who gave me the vial yesterday->day3droart]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3escape") is 0>> [[Maybe he'll have information I can use to get past the guards and escape this trap->day3escape]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3crow") is 0>> [[It's important that I get information out about what the Scarecrow Killer looks like, this is my chance to do so!->day3crow]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3colette") is 0>> [[Who the fuck was that girl who was just threatening me?->day3colette]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3games") is 0>> [[I don't want to lose to that bitch. See if I can learn how to beat her in today's competitions->day3games]] <</if>> <<if visited("day3elodie") is 0>> <<if def $elodie.name>> [[Elodie's clearly uncomfortable with him being so sycophantic. See if I can convince him to act more dignified->day3elodie]] <</if>> <</if>> <<if visited("day3favor") is 0>> <<if $eyeChange is "favor">> [[I might have been seen when I was delivering the vial this afternoon. Secure an alibi to stay safe->day3favor]] <</if>> <</if>> <</if>>

<<unset $voiceLasts>> <<if def $jacques.name>> <<include [[day3elodieMeet]]>> <<elseif def $elodie.name>> <<include [[day3jacquesMeet]]>> <</if>>

<<set $day3route to "elodie">> <<set $elodie.name to "Elodie">> <<set $elodie.desc to "A young noblewoman who's into dark fashion and morbid interests.">> <<set $elodie.facts to []>> Your conversation is interrupted when a young woman comes to sit next to the two of you. The nobleman immediately starts showing signs of nervousness. <<blue "Err... This is my daughter, Elodie. Thrilled you could make it, dear.">> he says as introduction, despite his tone sounding anything but thrilled. /* You take in the newcomer. She's about the same age as you and wearing a long black lace dress that cascades into ribbons around the hips as if imitating having been torn apart. The outfit is of thin enough material that you can make out enough of the curves of her ample breasts through it to tell that she's not wearing a bra. Her youthful features are hidden under a wide brimmed black hat, from which a little lace drapes like a veil at a funeral. All in all, it's a pretty gothic outfit. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/elodie.png]]@@ <<elodie "'Sup, Princess.">> Elodie says dryly as greeting. You can see her father begin to sweat, nervous about his daughter using such an uncourteous introduction to a member of the royal family. You can just about make out the physical resemblance between the two, but her bluntness is a stark contrast to her father's toadishness. Before he can interject and cover for her, Elodie sharply states <<elodie "Mom said she needed you.">> Her father's jaw quivers for a moment, about to make an excuse, but the young woman briskly continues <<elodie "Urgently.">> before he has the chance. */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:45%"> You take in the newcomer. She's about the same age as you and wearing a long black lace dress that cascades into ribbons around the hips as if imitating having been torn apart. The outfit's thin material does little to hide the curve of her ample breasts. Her youthful features are hidden under a wide brimmed black hat, from which a little lace drapes like a veil at a funeral. All in all, it's a pretty gothic outfit. <<elodie "'Sup, Princess.">> Elodie says dryly as greeting. You can see her father begin to sweat, nervous about his daughter using such an uncourteous introduction to a member of the royal family. You can just about make out the physical resemblance between the two, but her bluntness is a stark contrast to her father's toadishness. </td> <td style="width:55%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/elodie.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> You take in the newcomer. She's about the same age as you and wearing a long black lace dress that cascades into ribbons around the hips as if imitating having been torn apart. The outfit's thin material does little to hide the curve of her ample breasts. Her youthful features are hidden under a wide brimmed black hat, from which a little lace drapes like a veil at a funeral. All in all, it's a pretty gothic outfit. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/elodie.png]]@@ <<elodie "'Sup, Princess.">> Elodie says dryly as greeting. You can see her father begin to sweat, nervous about his daughter using such an uncourteous introduction to a member of the royal family. You can just about make out the physical resemblance between the two, but her bluntness is a stark contrast to her father's toadishness. Before he can interject and cover for her, Elodie sharply states <<elodie "Mom said she needed you.">> Her father's jaw quivers for a moment, about to make an excuse, but the young woman briskly continues <<elodie "Urgently.">> before he has the chance.< > He seems to realize that there's little he can do without making a scene in front of royalty. <<blue "Err, well. I suppose I'd better check up on her then. So charmed meeting you, your Highness.">> he says as he leaves, bowing low as he does. Once he's out of earshot Elodie rolls her eyes and groans in disgust. <<elodie "Ugh. I hope you're ok, Princess. I'm sure you have to deal with enough without having him being such a greaseball. I figured you could use a break.">> You feel a little awkward that you had just been exploiting his talkativeness for your own gain. <<link "Tell her that he'd been quite pleasant">> <<goto [[day3elodie2]]>> <<set $day3elodie2 to "pleasant">> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>> <<link "Admit that he'd been getting grating">> <<goto [[day3elodie2]]>> <<set $ruthless ++>> <<set $day3elodie2 to "grating">> <</link>>

<<if $day3elodie2 is "pleasant">> <<elodie "Good. You got lucky. He almost got arrested yesterday trying to chase after your mom. Said he saw a speck of dirt on her dress and wanted to clean it for her. Mortifying.">> <</if>> <<if $day3elodie2 is "grating">> <<elodie "Ugh. He's so mortifying. You shouldn't have to deal with that stuff.">> <</if>> <<unset $day3elodie2>> The young woman lets out a big sigh, her ample chest heaving with her frustration. <<elodie "He used to be ok. Or, fine, I guess. Getting invited on this posh trip's messed him up.">> <<elodie "Anyway, good to meet you and stuff.">> She looks you up and down, not bothering to hide that she's doing so. <<switch $outfit.set.id>> <<case "gcloak">> @@color:#9370DB;"Cool outfit. I like the sickle. Is it real? You could totally stab someone with that."@@ When you tell her that it isn't she shrugs and responds @@color:#9370DB;"Shame. Weapons are neat.@@ <<case "peach">> @@color:#9370DB;"Nice dress. You look like a peach. Peaches are pretty cool I guess."@@ You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her. <<case "tulip">> @@color:#9370DB;"Nice dress. You look like a flower. Flowers are pretty cool I guess."@@ You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her. <<case "butterfly">> <<elodie "Nice dress. All poofy and stuff. It's pretty cool I guess.">> You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her. <<case "longcoat">> <<elodie "Cool outfit. I like the choker and the black jacket. Black clothing's always pretty cool.">> You aren't quite certain how to respond, so settle with just thanking her. <</switch>> Her offbeat frankness comes as a surprise, but after being treated like royalty for a couple of days it comes as a relief to have someone talk to you without reservation. <<elodie "Oh, by the way. A blonde girl's been looking for you. Watch out - she's a total bitch.">> You wince at her words<<if $coletteIntro is "hand">>, rubbing your sore thumb at the reminder<</if>>. If only her warning had managed to reach you a little earlier, you might have been better prepared for <<if $colette.name is "Colette Lavalette">>Colette's<<else>>the<</if>> ambush. Still, it's nice to know that Elodie would have warned you had she had the chance. With a loud //clang// one of the fighters tumbles to the ground, and the crowd erupts into cheers as the victor is declared. <<blue "Now, ladies and gentlemen, if you would follow me I'll lead you to the first of the activities we have prepared.">> Announces the General from before, and people begin to stream out of the tent. <<link "Leave">> <<goto [[day3games1]]>> <</link>>

<<set $day3route to "jacques">> <<set $jacques.name to "Jacques">> <<set $jacques.desc to "A handsome young nobleman of carefree and slightly rakish manner.">> <<set $jacques.facts to []>> The sparring display finally comes to a close when one of the men loses his footing after a clanging strike to his side, and goes sprawling onto the ground. The crowd goes wild as the adjudicator raises the winner's arm in victory, but the applause is quickly interrupted by confusion as one of the nobles jumps confidently over the wooden barrier between the audience and the stage. /* He's a man, about the same age as you but a little taller, wearing a patterned green shirt casually rolled up at the elbows. His shoulder-length dark brown hair tumbles around his youthfully handsome face. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/jacques.png]]@@ <<jacques "I was wondering if I could jump in.">> he quips roguishly as he approaches the General. <<jacques "Looked like fun, and I //think// I might have some pointers.">> The general's clearly put off by the newcomer's insolence, but it looks like he can't reasonably refuse the request of a noble, and soon a second sparring match is arranged for the audacious man. The challenger is offered a suit of armor, but refuses it, which makes the General bristle even more. */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:45%"> He's a man, about the same age as you but a little taller, wearing a patterned green shirt casually rolled up at the elbows. His shoulder-length dark brown hair tumbles around his youthfully handsome face. <<jacques "I was wondering if I could jump in.">> he quips roguishly as he approaches the General. <<jacques "Looked like fun, and I //think// I might have some pointers.">> The general's clearly put off by the newcomer's insolence, but it looks like he can't reasonably refuse the request of a noble, and soon a second sparring match is arranged for the audacious man. The challenger is offered a suit of armor, but refuses it, which makes the General bristle even more. </td> <td style="width:55%"> @@.img; [img[Images/Character/jacques.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> He's a man, about the same age as you but a little taller, wearing a patterned green shirt casually rolled up at the elbows. His shoulder-length dark brown hair tumbles around his youthfully handsome face. @@.img; [img[Images/Character/jacques.png]]@@ <<jacques "I was wondering if I could jump in.">> he quips roguishly as he approaches the General. <<jacques "Looked like fun, and I //think// I might have some pointers.">> The general's clearly put off by the newcomer's insolence, but it looks like he can't reasonably refuse the request of a noble, and soon a second sparring match is arranged for the audacious man. The challenger is offered a suit of armor, but refuses it, which makes the General bristle even more. <<jacques "Ahh, just one thing before we begin.">> Says the man, before turning around to face directly towards you in the crowd. He unsheathes the shortsword hanging from his hip and holds it to his brow in a simple salute. He gives you a cheeky smirk and a wink, before calling out <<jacques "I would like to request the Princess' blessing for this duel.">> Suddenly you feel every face in the crowd turn towards you expectantly. [[I can't afford to look unfeminine in front of everyone. Give him my blessing.->day3jacques2][$day3jacquesMeet to "bless"]] <<link "Roll my eyes at his trite request">> <<set $day3jacquesMeet to "roll">> <<set $respect ++>> <<goto "day3jacques2">> <</link>>

<<if $day3jacquesMeet is "bless">> With all eyes on you, you're certain that any move you make here will be reported to the Queen - you can't afford to look unfeminine. The only question is, how do you phrase your blessing? <<if $auth gte 1>> <<link "Sternly, making it clear that he shouldn't disappoint me">> <<set $day3jacquesMeet to "auth">> <<set $ruthless ++>> <<remove "#blessingRemove">> <<append "#blessingAppend" t8n>> <<include [[day3jacques3]]>> <</append>> <</link>><<hovertip "authority 1 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "authority 1 required">>@@color:#797979;==Sternly, making it clear that he shouldn't disappoint me==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $grace gte 1>> <<link "Elegantly and sophisticatedly">> <<set $day3jacquesMeet to "grace">> <<set $friend ++>> <<remove "#blessingRemove">> <<append "#blessingAppend" t8n>> <<include [[day3jacques3]]>> <</append>> <</link>><<hovertip "grace 1 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "grace 1 required">>@@color:#797979;==Elegantly and sophisticatedly==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $cute gte 1>> <<link "With wide-eyed admiration">> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $day3jacquesMeet to "cute">> <<remove "#blessingRemove">> <<append "#blessingAppend" t8n>> <<include [[day3jacques3]]>> <</append>> <</link>><<hovertip "cuteness 1 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "cuteness 1 required">>@@color:#797979;==Wide-eyed admiration==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Awkwardly">> <<set $day3jacquesMeet to "awk">> <<set $inno ++>> <<remove "#blessingRemove">> <<append "#blessingAppend" t8n>> <<include [[day3jacques3]]>> <</append>> <</link>> <</if>> <<if $day3jacquesMeet is "roll">> <<include [[day3jacques3]]>> <</if>>

<<if $day3jacquesMeet is "roll">> You can't believe how corny the man's request is. Even with everyone staring, you're not going to dignify it with a response. A few amused chuckles rise from the crowd at your reaction, but none seem more pleased than the man himself, whom it seems like can barely contain his mirth as he smiles warmly at you. It seems like he never expected you to accept in the first place. <</if>> <<if $day3jacquesMeet is "cute">> You excitedly shout that you'll be cheering for the challenger. A few amused chuckles rise from the crowd at your adorable response. The man himself can't help himself from laughing warmly, before bowing and replying <<jacques "You do me a great honor, your Highness.">> with playful severity. <</if>> <<if $day3jacquesMeet is "grace">> You elegantly wish the challenger good luck in his battle. You hear some impressed gasps from the crowd at your grace and dignity. The man seems unfazed though, and while all attention is focused on you he sends you a playful wink at your affectation. He doesn't let it show to the crowd though, and bows before you. <<jacques "You honor me, your Highness.">> <</if>> <<if $day3jacquesMeet is "auth">> You icily look the man up and down, as if analyzing his potential, before commanding him to not disappoint you. He winces a little as he realizes that his request has ended up more serious than he'd bargained for. However, his smile doesn't budge, and you can see a twinkle of interest shine in his eyes. He brings his sword arm round in a sweeping arc from his forehead to his breast, before bending forward in an exaggeratedly elaborate bow that feels, if not quite mocking, certainly playful. <<jacques "I wouldn't dream of it, your Highness.">> <</if>> <<if $day3jacquesMeet is "awk">> You desperately try to think of words that will feel appropriate, but they just don't come together in your mind. Every time you string something together you think about how many people are staring at you, and then it all falls apart. The challenger seems to be the first to notice your discomfort, and you see a look of concern flash over his face before he quickly announces. <<jacques "Alas, ignore me. How could I dare to make such a request before proving myself worthy of it? Allow me to do so for your entertainment first.">> You feel the overbearing pressure of everyone's attention lift from you as the man's bravado draws all attention back towards himself. You find yourself blinking in surprise - he just //rescued// you. Your goodwill is cut short however when you remember that it was his bluster that got you into that mess in the first place. <</if>> The match begins soon after. The challenger adopts a relaxed combat stance, but watching him you notice that there's more wiry strength to his body than you'd presumed from his fairly slender frame. His opponent makes a determined first strike, but the blow is neatly sidestepped by the noble. This happens a few more times, each attack slinkily evaded with just enough energy to slip out the way while not expending any more than is necessary. Then, not wanting to drag things out or humiliate anyone, the noble taps his sword on the soldier's chest - a scoring blow, and the match is over. The crowd erupt in cheers, and the challenger continues his showboating for their amusement. You find yourself grinding your teeth in irritation. Sure, you suppose that he's pretty good, but so //tacky//. As the show closes and the crowd begins to file out of the tent, your irritation is only increased when you see him surrounded by fawning cadets eagerly seeking advice. You overhear him explaining <<jacques "It's nothing too special. My guess is that you train with the armor on, right? Makes sense, less injuries, but without practice against someone with full mobility you've got a giant weakspot there. With any luck the General will change his tune after watching that.">> <<link "So irritating!">> <<goto [[day3games1]]>> <</link>>

<<set $colette.name to "Colette Lavalette">> Once outside the tent, the gathered nobles are quickly directed towards another part of the camp. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3games1.jpg]]@@ Here there's a row of wooden targets set up in lanes opposite a wooden structure with wide open bays to shoot from - to shade the marksmen from the elements. This must be where the cadets learn marksmanship. <<blue "Me and the boys figured that one thing that we're uniquely positioned to provide to all of y'all is an opportunity to get stuck in and experience some of the life of a soldier, that you might not get an opportunity to otherwise. And we thought a bit of friendly competition would really get people going.">> Explains the General once everyone has settled. <<blue "We'll be calling up everyone in pairs to have a bit of a go at marksmanship. To make it more interesting, and because the ladies will have difficulty with a bow, there's a choice between using one of these new-fangled rifles, or a good ol' bow and arrow.">> The crowd begin to buzz with excitement. It's a little strange to you - the life of a soldier is hardly glamourous, and you know that it's often one that people only go into out of lack of any other options, but to the nobles who have never encountered hardship the concept must be quite romantic. <<blue "Now, the first pair:">> Announces the General, grabbing a piece of paper from a subordinate. As he looks at it, a charmed smile crosses his face. <<blue "How lovely. Looks like it's our Highness the Crown Princess and miss Colette Lavalette!">> You can't help but groan at the announcement.<<if $coletteAsked isnot true>> Somehow, you already know //exactly// whom 'Colette' might be.<</if>> You don't know what she did to make this happen - not only is she up against you, but also the two of you will be going first, guaranteeing that absolutely everyone will be watching intently. <<colette "What a //delight//, your Grace!">> comes Colette's voice sweetly. All trace of malice selectively wiped from her tone - her speech so charming that even so soon after being victimized by her you already struggle to believe that she could hold even an ounce of spite within her. <<colette "What a charming little game. Let's have ever so much //fun// together.">> <<link "Try to contest her social dominance">> <<set $day3coletteReply to "contest">> <<goto [[day3games2]]>> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>> <<link "It's not worth it, I can't risk a public display. Stay quiet and let Colette win.">> <<set $day3coletteReply to "scowl">> <<goto [[day3games2]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <</link>>

<<if $day3coletteReply is "scowl">> <<set $sub += 1>> Colette lets out a sweet laugh at your subdued reaction. <<colette "Oh, poor thing. The Princess is feeling a little shy.">> She announces, loud enough for everyone to hear. <<colette "Don't worry, your Highness. I'll look after you.">> She reaches out towards you. For a moment you recoil, expecting to feel her vicious claws, but it doesn't come. Instead, she sweetly holds your hand and moves to lead you towards the archery structure like a lost child. You're left in a position where the only way not to make a scene is to meekly follow after her. The nobles are clearly delighted by the cute scene, and a chorus of adoring <<pink "Aww">>s rise up from the crowd, which only adds to the humiliation. The moment that you're safely out of sight in the building, her sweetness drops immediately and she turns to you with a scornful expression. <<colette "How //pathetic//. It's like you can't even bring yourself to resist. Or perhaps you just know that doing so would be hopeless - so your best bet is to roll over and hope that you'll get off easily.">> <<colette "Well tough. It just gives me freedom to get my pay back However. I. Want. And I intend to //savor// your destruction, //Princess//.">> [[Continue->day3games3]] <</if>> <<if $day3coletteReply is "contest">> How do you to attempt to contest Colette's control over the situation? <<if $auth gte 2>> <<link "Try do outdo her in authority">> <<set $day3coletteReply to "auth">> <<remove "#games2remove">> <<append "#games2append" t8n>><<hr>> <<include [[day3gamesContest]]>> <</append>> <</link>><<hovertip "authority 2 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "authority 2 required">>@@color:#797979;==Try to outdo her in authority==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $grace gte 2>> <<link "Try to outdo her in grace">> <<set $day3coletteReply to "grace">> <<remove "#games2remove">> <<append "#games2append" t8n>><<hr>> <<include [[day3gamesContest]]>> <</append>> <</link>><<hovertip "grace 2 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "grace 2 required">>@@color:#797979;==Try to outdo her in grace==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $cute gte 2>> <<link "Try to outdo her in cuteness">> <<set $day3coletteReply to "cute">> <<remove "#games2remove">> <<append "#games2append" t8n>><<hr>> <<include [[day3gamesContest]]>> <</append>> <</link>><<hovertip "cuteness 2 check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "cuteness 2 required">>@@color:#797979;==Try to outdo her in cuteness==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Realize that I can't beat her in any area">> <<set $day3coletteReply to "fail">> <<remove "#games2remove">> <<append "#games2append" t8n>><<hr>> <<include [[day3gamesContest]]>> <</append>> <</link>> <</if>>

<<switch $day3coletteReply>> <<case "cute">> You loudly make a scene of how overjoyed you are at being placed together with Colette, whom you give a cute nickname. You even do a sweet little hop of excitement. It goes against every instinct that you have, you've seen what her nails are capable of after all, but you reach out and clasp Colette's hand in your own<<if def $pc.nails>><<if $pc.nails is "french">> french-manicured one<<else>> <<print $pc.nails>>-nailed one<</if>><</if>>, to try to lead her behind you to the archery structure like a girl dragging a puppy behind her. The nobles are clearly delighted by the cute scene, and a chorus of adoring <<pink "Aww">>s rise up from the crowd. Luckily, it seems like the gamble pays off - she's not going to hurt you so brazenly in public, and the moment that you're safely out of sight from the crowd you disentangle your hand from hers as quickly as possible before she gets any ideas. Colette scowls at you viciously, clearly wounded that you managed to flip her control over the situation on her. <<colette "So you think you're so fucking //adorable// now, do you? Well don't get used to it - soon //everyone// will see that under your cutesy demeanor you're just a pathetic mutt who's learnt that they get treats if it demeans itself.">> <<case "grace">> You serenely agree with Colette, matching her fake excitement with your own. However, you make sure to phrase your words just a //little// better than Colette. Colette can see what you're trying to to, and attempts to up the ante by saying <<colette "I just ever so hope that we don't get caught up in some beastly affair. You are such a delicate maiden, your Highness, and I hope that the spirit of competition isn't too much for you.">> However, you manage to one-up even this. You can see nervousness cross Colette's face as she realizes that she can't outdo you in grace. Not wanting to give you the opportunity to make her look any worse, she turns on her heel and makes for the archery structure - leaving you to leisurely follow after her in victory. Once safely out of sight, Colette turns to you with a scowl. <<colette "So you think you're so fucking //elegant// now, do you? Well don't get used to it - soon everyone will see that under your tacky demeanor you're still just an uncultured //slut//.">> <<case "auth">> You take the tone of a stern older sister and firmly tell Colette in front of the nobles to refrain from acting so unrefined. It's a risky manuever, especially since she hadn't been acting unrefinedly in the slightest, but the strictness of your voice really sells your words. If anything, the fact that you're calling her out for something so minor just sells your own courtliness as even greater. The nobles around you smile, clearly bemused by the sisterly act. Colette tries to maintain her sickly-sweet expression, but you can see a trace of a grimace cross her face at your manipulation of the social situation, and with that you know that you've nailed it - now //she's// the one who looks foolish. As you finish, you even add a flourish - commanding Colette to come along and striding confidently towards the archery structure, leaving her no option but to sheepishly follow behind you. Once safely out of sight, Colette turns to you with a scowl. <<colette "So you think you're so fucking //dignified// now, do you? Well don't get used to it - soon //everyone// will see that under your haughtiness you're still just a stuck-up //bitch//.">> <<case "fail">> <<set $elodieSaveCount to 1>> You try to think of some witty retort to Colette's casual and covert domination of the social situation, but your voice catches in your throat and you find yourself stuttering awkwardly. You catch a look of sadistic triumph cross Colette's face as she watches you make a fool of yourself in public, though she quickly hides it so none of the crowd will notice. <<colette "What's that, your Excellence?">> She teases, though you're sure that the onlookers will mistake it for concern. <<colette "You're going to have to speak up.">> You feel your cheeks turning crimson at the public humiliation. The longer it goes on, the more difficult it is to think of the right words - and Colette seems interested in dragging out the moment as long as possible. <<colette "Cat got your tongue? Or are you playing a little //game// with us, your Highness? Yes, that's it, isn't it. I know that you're //ever// so fond of games, Princess. I'm sure that they'll be a lovely reveal at any moment - a silly //prank//. Let's all look closely for it, shall we, everyone?">> For a few terrible seconds the entire crowd //stares// at you as you fumble your words and embarrass yourself. Suddenly there's a //crash// from the other side of the crowd that makes everyone look around in alarm. When they turn, they see Elodie standing next to a toppled table, with the snacks that had been on top of it scattered across the ground. <<elodie "Oops. It broke I guess.">> she says, indifferently, as if she couldn't care less, but from the way that she glances your way you get the feeling that the rescue had been intentional. Not wanting to waste the opportunity that Elodie's granted you, you quickly hurry over to the safety of the archery structure while everyone's distracted, slipping out of sight of the crowd. It's not long before Colette comes after you, prowling into the wooden building with a vicious grin on her face. <<colette "How pathetic. I knew that this would be easy, but I never imagined that you'd be such a //pushover//. It's almost like you //enjoy// being humiliated in front of everyone. Well I hope that you get used to it, Princess - I'm going to enjoy taking my time breaking you down until you're a miserable shell of a person begging for forgiveness for what you did.">> <</switch>> [[Continue->day3games3]]

<table id="desk" style="width:100%"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> <<colette "So, //Princess//.">> Colette snarls. The way she says 'princess' makes it sound less like a noble title and more like a name you'd give to a dog. <<colette "I thought I'd make our little competition a bit more //interesting//.">> The young woman reaches into her neckline and pulls out a sharp-looking pair of scissors that had been suspended between her breasts by her bra strap and brandishes it in front of you. </td> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3games3.jpg]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> @@.simg; [img[Images\Passage\day3games3.jpg]]@@ <<colette "So, //Princess//.">> Colette snarls. The way she says 'princess' makes it sound less like a noble title and more like a name you'd give to a dog. <<colette "I thought I'd make our little competition a bit more //interesting//.">> The young woman reaches into her neckline and pulls out a sharp-looking pair of scissors that had been suspended between her breasts by her bra strap and brandishes it in front of you. <<colette "While embarrassing you in front of everyone will be enjoyable on it's own, I would never pass up the opportunity to make things even more //delectable//. The winner gets to make a single //slice// through the loser's clothing.">> She snips the scissors a few times for emphasis. <<colette "It's going to be fun watching everyone's reaction to your little 'accidental wardrobe malfunction'.">> This is trouble - you can't afford to expose any more of your body without revealing your masculinity to everyone. Besides, you can't stop thinking about how Simone worked //so// hard on getting this <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>dress<<else>>outfit<</if>> ready for you, you hate the idea of ruining her hard work. /* <<colette "So, //Princess//.">> Colette snarls. The way she says 'princess' makes it sound less like a noble title and more like a name you'd give to a dog. <<colette "I thought I'd make our little competition a bit more //interesting//.">> The young woman reaches into her neckline and pulls out a sharp-looking pair of scissors that had been suspended between her breasts by her bra strap and brandishes it in front of you. <<colette "While embarrassing you in front of everyone will be enjoyable on it's own, I would never pass up the opportunity to make things even more //delectable//. The winner gets to make a single //slice// through the loser's clothing.">> She snips the scissors a few times for emphasis. <<colette "It's going to be fun watching everyone's reaction to your little 'accidental wardrobe malfunction'.">> This is trouble - you can't afford to expose any more of your body without revealing your masculinity to everyone. Besides, you can't stop thinking about how Simone worked //so// hard on getting this <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>dress<<else>>outfit<</if>> ready for you, you hate the idea of ruining her hard work. */ Thankfully, while the circumstances mean that you can't directly call Colette out as the hateful bitch that she is in front of everyone without drawing more attention than you can handle, there's no reason at all why you'd have to go along with this //ridiculous// idea. <<colette "Oh, don't you even think about trying to wriggle out of this, //Princess//.">> Colette replies to your protests, a wicked grin on her face. <<colette "You see, I was thinking. Thinking about why you're such a fucking //pussy// now. I bet the Queen's got you //alllll// wrapped around her little finger, else you'd have never agreed to this trip, and now you can't even cause a fuss without getting in trouble. Well one of the things that I'm //oh so// good at is causing //ever// such a //fuss// if I want to - and if you don't play with me nicely then I'll do just that...">> You wince. She's wrong - the Princess probably went on this trip as part of her plan to run away, and your situation is //much// more dire than a mere family squabble. However, correct or not, she's still identified your weakness - if she causes a fuss then you're done for. <<colette2>> "Of course, if you're //really// so concerned about your <<switch $outfit.set.id>> <<case "gcloak">> trashy little elf-costume <<case "peach">> garish little dress <<case "tulip">> stupid garish dress <<case "butterfly">> dumpy little pom pom dress <<case "longcoat">> mannish little tailcoat <</switch>> then I suppose that I can offer you an olive branch. If you agree to do a completely embarrassing shot in front of everyone then I'll let //you// choose where in your outfit I cut." <</colette2>> She flashes a sadistic smile before turning around and walking towards a pile of weaponry. <<colette "Your choice, //Princess//. Do let me know if you want to take up my kind offer.">> [[What a bitch!->day3games4]]

On the other side of the shed from Colette you inspect the weapons and consider your options. It would be incredible to beat her - then her humiliating stipulation would be flipped back onto her. She seems confident, but you haven't gotten a good read on whether it's a deserved confidence or just arrogant bravado. On the other hand, if you lose and she decides to cut an area that exposes your masculinity then your life could be forfeit - and knowing her personality you doubt that she'll be charitable with where she cuts. It's a horrible risk to take. If you take her up on her offer and do an embarrassing shot then you should at least be able to pick an area that won't expose you too badly. You'd //hate// to give her the satisfaction of having you submissively let her do as she pleases though. As you think, you check through the weaponry. As the General said - they're divided into bows and rifles. You're no marksman, but to your eye the bows all look strong and well-kept, whereas the rifles are a total mess - some of them are even covered in rust from being left outside. You know enough about bows to know that they take a lot of strength to pull back and use properly - more than any woman of noble birth would have. Using one would be pretty suspicious and masculine, but you're confident that you'd be able to make a better shot if you did. <<if $marksmanship is true>> <<unset $marksmanship>> <<link "Check at the back of the pile of rifles to see if there's any better options there">> <<goto [[day3marksmanGoodRifle]]>> <</link>> <<hovertip "This option is available because you asked about winning the games earlier">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<hovertip "This option would be available if you asked about winning the games earlier">>@@color:#797979;==Find a better rifle==@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<link "Let myself reveal some masculinity and use the bow">> <<goto [[day3marksmanBow]]>> <<set $respect ++>> <</link>> <<link "Stay feminine and use the rifle">> <<goto [[day3marksmanRifle]]>> <</link>> <<link "Submissively take Colette's offer">> <<goto [[day3marksmanColette]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <</link>>

<<set $day3marks to "bow">> You decide to use a bow for your shot. You're certain that it'll arouse suspicion, but you just can't risk losing the match and getting exposed by Colette, and you're too proud to submit to her cruel 'offer'. <<if $pc.background is "hero">> As a heroic adventurer, you're no stranger to weaponry, but ranged weapons weren't exactly your forte. <<elseif $pc.background is "manly">> You've been in plenty of bar-room brawls where someone's pulled a weapon out, so you're not exactly a stranger to armed combat, but a ranged weapon is a completely different matter entirely. <<elseif $pc.background is "flirt">> You're a lover, not a fighter. More suited to socialite parties than to weaponry, so this isn't really your style. <<else>> Growing up on the streets, only idiots, or people with a gang to protect them, would stick around when fighting broke out. You were neither of these things, so you're a complete stranger to weaponry. Not that knowing the knives and blackjacks favored on the streets would help you with something as different as a ranged weapon. <</if>> You run your hands along a few bows carefully, checking their weight and bend, but you really don't know what you're supposed to be looking for. A voice from outside calls <<blue "Competitors to their stations!">>, and you realize you don't have enough time to learn. You grab the nearest one and a few arrows, and make your way to the firing position. Through the bay openings, both you and Colette are visible to the cheering crowd, though you notice the cheering die down a little and be replaced by surprised murmurs when they see your choice of weapon. The adjudicator announces <<blue "Ready your weapons!">>, and you cock an arrow and try to pull back the drawstring. You knew that it would take a lot of strength, but it still takes you by surprise just how difficult it is. You can feel every muscle in your arms and shoulders tense up to full capacity as you pull the drawstring back. You can barely manage it, and you're certain that the crowd must be able to easily see your straining masculine musculature. The adjudicator shouts <<blue "Fire">> and the //crack// of Colette's gunshot and the //twang// of your drawstring echo around the woodland encampment, followed fractions of a second later by two //thunks// as they hit their respective targets. The crowd roar with excitement. Two soldiers dash up the field to check whose shot was closest. There seems to be some sort of commotion down there, as soon a few more join them, scratching their head in confusion. The tension is unbearable. Finally, one runs up to the announcer to tell him the news, and he excitedly declares <<blue "Wow, what a result, ladies and gentlemen! This competition is ''a draw''!">> The crowd cheer in celebration. You breathe a sigh of relief. You'd have loved to have won, but you can't complain about this result in the slightest. [[Turn back inside->day3marksmanBow2]]

Back out of sight of the crowd, Colette gives you a disgusted glare. <<colette "What the fuck's up with those muscles, you //freak//? It's like you've been replaced by a gross man or something!">> Your blood runs cold at her words, but thankfully it seems like Colette meant it as an insult rather than a serious accusation. <<colette "Looks like our little game to an inconclusive end. How //boring//.">> She pulls the scissors back out and snips them a few times. <<colette "Maybe we should both make cuts on each other, since we both lost? I'm //sure// that I can handle a little wardrobe malfunction better than you could, after all...">> You can't help but flinch at her idea, which makes her laugh wickedly. <<colette "Well, that confirms it. Poor little //princess// so nervous about some little scissors.">> She smirks at you menacingly, but to your surprise she slides the object back into her bra. <<colette "Oh well. It's no fun if you didn't deserve it, and they'll be plenty more opportunities to //tear// you to //ribbons//. You can escape this time, //bitch//.">> And with that, she strides confidently outside, leaving you alone in the darkness to regather yourself. [[Steady yourself and leave->day3marksmanBowEnd]]

<<if def $elodieSaveCount>><<set $elodieSaveCount += 1>><<else>><<set $elodieSaveCount to 1>><</if>> When you emerge, you're greeted by a sea of faces looking at you strangely. A brave voice perks up <<blue "Ahh, congratulations, your Highness. What, err, //interesting// technique you have.">> It seems like your use of the bow attracted some suspicion. You can see a lot of people eying up your shoulders and arms curiously. Suddenly, the tense scene is interrupted by Elodie walking up to you. As if completely unaware of all of the people looking at you, she indifferently stands in front of you and aloofly greets you with a <<elodie "'Sup, Princess. Good shot and stuff. Come look at this cool rock I found.">> You're quite taken aback by the peculiar request, and you can tell that the nobles are too, but as you're directed off to the side by the darkly dressed girl the situation loses some of it's tension. You can still notice a few strange looks, but at least it doesn't seem like there's an accusation coming your way. <<elodie "There's not really a cool rock.">> Elodie states matter-of-factly, as if you were stupid to have thought as much. <<elodie "I just figured you needed a rescue. Cool muscles by the way. You're super ripped.">><<if $elodieSaveCount is 1>> Despite her ambivalent tone, you're deeply appreciative for having been saved by her twice in one day.<</if>> The general announces the next round of competitors, and soon a steady stream of matches are happening. You're too distracted to pay them much attention, but you notice that Jacques manages to irritatingly nail a bullseye with a bow in his round, and Elodie doesn't do too bad herself - shooting like she doesn't care in the slightest. [[Continue->day3betweenGames]]

<<set $sub += 2>> <<set $day3marks to "colette">> You hate to give her the satisfaction, but you can't afford to risk getting exposed in front of everyone - you're going to have to accept Colette's offer. Colette actually seems surprised by your submission, looking you up and down with a disgusted expression on her face. However, it's quickly replaced by a wicked smirk as she thinks of what she's going to do with you. <<colette "Seeing reason, are you? I suppose it's good that you're not //delusional// enough to think that you could beat me.">> She's about to gloat more, but is interrupted by the call of the adjudicator from outside, shouting <<blue "Competitors to their stations!">> A look of annoyance crosses her face at the interruption, but she quickly shrugs and picks out a random rifle from the rack. You're about to do the same but she stops you. <<colette "Oh. No, //Princess//. You stay right here like a good little girl. I'll be back in a second.">> She strides confidently to the bay openings, where she's clearly visible to the crowd of onlookers, and calls out in her sickly-sweet voice <<colette "The Princess is having some difficulty. The poor girl's gotten //ever// so overwhelmed by the competition. Would it be alright if we took our shots one at a time so that I can help guide her on her turn?">> You find yourself blushing at the coos of adoration at Colette's kind generosity, and at your childlike incompetency. Colette seems to get permission, so quickly readies her gun and with a //crack// makes her shot. You can hear impressed cheers rise up from the crowd - clearly she did quite well. Colette prowls back into the shade, full of predatory glee. <<colette "Come along then, //Princess//. Let's take your shot together, shall we?">> You gulp. This is more than you bargained for, but Colette's primed the situation perfectly so that backing down now would cause confusion and undue attention from the nobles. [[Grab a gun and go to the firing position->day3marksmanColette2]]

You tensely walk up to the firing position and raise your rifle. Through the opening you're clearly visible to the crowd of onlookers cheering on one side of the range. As you take your position Colette slides in next to you, pressing her body against yours and running her manicured hands down your arms until she's matching your figure, guiding your limbs. She has all of the possessiveness of a horny drunk, drawn as close to your body as she can get, her breath against your neck, her breasts pressing into your back. To the crowd though, it'll look like she's simply guiding your body helpfully. Her breath begins to get a little ragged, and you can tell that she's relishing the experience of holding you pliant and obedient as she leans forward to whisper in your ear. <<colette "Be a good girl and don't shoot before I tell you to. I intend to //enjoy// this.">> You're is standing side-on, facing towards the crowd to correctly hold the gun in firing position, so Colette's body is mostly out of sight to the crowd. She takes advantage of this by moving her face closer and //licking// with relish long and hard up the back of your neck. You can't stop yourself from letting out a quivering gasp at the unexpected sensation, and Colette giggles excitedly at the noise. <<colette "Poor thing. So //pathetic//. Let's see what else I can do - stay //still// now.">> She draws one hand back down your arm and shifts around behind you. You stand transfixed and trembling, not sure what's about to happen out of your sight. <<switch $outfit.set.id>> <<case "gcloak">> You can feel your green cloak shift to the side, though you doubt that the motion is visible to the crowd, and then Colette's soft hand plunges down the back of the waistline of your tight leggings and run along your exposed behind. <<case "peach">> You can feel the back hemline of your dress being pulled upwards, though Colette is careful not to do so in a way that would be visible to the crowd. Then Colette's soft hands run along your exposed behind. <<case "tulip">> You can feel the back hemline of your dress being pulled upwards, though Colette is careful not to do so in a way that would be visible to the crowd. Then Colette's soft hands run along your exposed behind. <<case "butterfly">> You can feel the back hemline of your dress being pulled upwards, though Colette is careful not to do so in a way that would be visible to the crowd. Then Colette's soft hands run along your exposed behind. <<case "longcoat">> You can feel the long tails of your black tailcoat shift to the side, though you doubt that the motion is visible to the crowd, and then Colette's soft hand leisurely runs up your scandalously short skirt and onto your exposed behind. <</switch>> <<if $outfit.under.name is "none">> She lets out a little gasp of surprise directly against the back of your neck. <<colette "No panties, //Princess//?">> she whispers <<colette "How //daring//.">> <<else>> Her manicured nails trace the material of your <<print $outfit.under.name>>. <</if>> Your breathing is ragged and loose now. You can feel cold sweat running down your body despite the chill autumn air. Colette is mere inches away from touching your genitals and spelling your doom. Not only that, but whatever combination of fear and tension that had been keeping your body from becoming erect from the sensations and humiliations of being cruelly molested in front of a crowd of unaware onlookers suddenly dispels itself. Even if she //doesn't// reach your genitals, you'll soon be quickly exposed to the expectant crowd as <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>the bulge of your swelling member lifts up the front of your dress<<elseif $outfit.set.types.includes("skirt")>>your swelling member lifts up your short skirt<<else>>the bulge of your swelling member becomes obvious through your tight trousers<</if>>. But her hand doesn't reach forward as you'd feared. Instead, <<if $outfit.under.name is "none">> <<else>> your <<print $outfit.under.name>> are pulled to the side and <</if>>a probing finger runs firmly over your asshole. You let out a huge gasp of surprise, though it comes out as more like a moan of pleasure at the unexpected sensation. You tense up in response, and in the process accidentally pull the trigger of your rifle. It goes off with a loud //bang//. You can feel your cock swelling with even greater potency, so immediately drop to the ground to try to obscure your exposure. You hear gasps of surprise from the crowd and assume that you're done for. <<colette "Oh you poor //thing//. So delicate. She must have had a nasty shock from the nerves.">> Colette voice calls out from above you. You can hear some sympathetic noises from the crowd - and no revolted cries of accusation. It looks like you managed to cover yourself just in time! <<colette "Come along, Princess.">> She kneels down in front of you and practically drags you back into the shaded structure on all fours, though you're sure she's careful enough to make it look like she's kindly helping you along. [[Crawl back inside->day3marksmanColette3]]

<<set $outfitTorn to "good">> Back inside the hut, you're terrified that Colette will make you stand and notice your erection, but thankfully she throws a command at you. <<colette "Don't stand up. You're better on your knees anyway.">> You can do nothing but obey, which she no doubt takes for cowed obedience. She stands and looms over you victoriously. She doesn't seem to care in the slightest that from your lowered position you can see straight up her short skirt. In fact, she might even be part of the appeal. <<colette "How //pathetic//. When you fall apart //this// easily it's almost not even fun breaking you... But I'm sure I'll manage to find ways to make things //interesting//.">> <<colette "Now...">> She takes the pair of scissors out from her bra again. <<colette "I suppose you upheld your part of the deal - nobody could ever pretend that quick shot was //anything// other than humiliating, and I, for one, keep my promises, //Princess//. Where should I cut your clothing?">> <<switch $outfit.set.id>> <<case "gcloak">> Luckily, your green cloak has plenty of excess material to cut. Colette complains <<colette "ugh, //boring//">>, but when it comes to actually making the cut she gets unexpectedly serious, like it's an important ritual. When she slices a medium tear at the hem of the cloak, it's done so solemnly that it's almost tender. <<case "peach">> Luckily, Your long dress has plenty of excess material to cut. At best you'll be flashing an ankle. Colette complains <<colette "ugh, //boring//">>, but when it comes to actually making the cut she gets unexpectedly serious, like it's an important ritual. When she slices a medium tear at the bottom hemline of the dress, it's done so solemnly that it's almost tender. <<case "tulip">> Luckily, Your long dress has plenty of excess material to cut. At best you'll be flashing an ankle. Colette complains <<colette "ugh, //boring//">>, but when it comes to actually making the cut she gets unexpectedly serious, like it's an important ritual. When she slices a medium tear at the bottom hemline of the dress, it's done so solemnly that it's almost tender. <<case "butterfly">> Luckily, Your dress has plenty of excess material to cut in it's many layers of petticoats.. Colette complains <<colette "ugh, //boring//">>, but when it comes to actually making the cut she gets unexpectedly serious, like it's an important ritual. When she slices a medium tear in one of the petticoats, which is soon lost in the layers of fabric, it's done so solemnly that it's almost tender. <<case "longcoat">> Luckily, your long tailcoat has plenty of excess material to cut. Colette complains <<colette "ugh, //boring//">>, but when it comes to actually making the cut she gets unexpectedly serious, like it's an important ritual. When she slices off the end of one of your jacket-tails, it's done so solemnly that it's almost tender. <</switch>> She takes one last lingering moment taking in the scene - you on your knees and her standing above you. <<colette "I hope that you get used to this position, //Princess//. You're going to be seeing a lot more of it.">> With that, she turns on her heel and goes outside to meet the crowd, leaving you alone in the darkness to recover. [[Collect yourself and leave->day3marksmanColetteEnd]]

It takes you some time to calm yourself down and dispel your erection, but luckily the next round of competitors aren't called yet. They must be giving you time in sympathy for what must have been seen as a public meltdown. When you finally head outside, you're greeted by polite clapping from the crowd. What's more humiliating though is the comments you get when you start mingling. Almost everyone you pass feels the need to give a sympathetic comment, which isn't too bad in of itself, but there's often an unpleasant insinuation that you're not all that capable, and perhaps even not very bright. Whenever you look around, you can see Colette out the corner of your eye, smirking at all of the comments that you're getting. Thankfully it doesn't seem like anyone notices the cut in your outfit, and if anyone does, then they don't think that it's worth mentioning. The general announces the next round of competitors, and soon a steady stream of matches are happening. You're too distracted to pay them much attention, but you notice that Jacques manages to irritatingly nail a bullseye with a bow in his round, and Elodie doesn't do too bad herself - shooting like she doesn't care in the slightest. [[Continue->day3betweenGames]]

<<set $day3marks to "goodRifle">> Remembering what Elodie's father had told you earlier, you check around the back of the pile of rifles. You quickly manage to find what you were looking for - hidden behind all of the damaged ones are a collection of shiny new rifles! As you pick one out from its hiding place, you're impressed by its balance. You're definitely going to be a better shot with this than you would with any of the normal options! A voice from outside calls <<blue "Competitors to their stations!">>, and you confidently walk over to the firing positions. Through the bay openings, both you and Colette are visible to the cheering crowd as you steady the unfamiliar rifle with your shoulder and aim down the sights down the range. Colette, armed with a rifle herself, does the same. You take one last deep breath to calm your nerves, before the adjudicator announces <<blue "Fire!">> and you release your shot. Twin //cracks// of gunshot resound around, echoing around the woodland encampment, followed fractions of a second later by two //thunks// as the bullets hit their respective targets. The crowd roar with excitement. There's an achingly long period of tension as you wait for the results. From where you are, the two smoking bullet holes look almost identically well aimed, and two soldiers dash up to inspect them closely. Finally, one raises their hand to signal the winner, and the announcer excitedly declares <<blue "And that's it! Ladies and Gentlemen. The winner is... ''Her Highness, the Princess!''">> The crowd start cheering even louder in celebration at your masterful victory. You did it! [[Showboat a little to the crowd->day3marksmanGoodRifle2][$day3marksShowboat to true]] [[Just turn back inside->day3marksmanGoodRifle2]]

<<if $day3marksShowboat is true>> <<set $ruthless ++>> You can't help but show off your victory a little, and you take some time flaunting, calling out the crowd in excitement and doing some curtsies as if having just finished a performance. When you finally <<else>> <<set $friend ++>> As you <</if>> return to the enclosed space of the wooden structure, back out of vision from the crowd outside, you find Colette staring daggers at you resentfully. <<unset $day3marksShowboat>> When she notices your shiny new rifle her face gets even more annoyed. The one that she's holding, while not a bad option given the selection, is clearly a lot more battered and well-used. All in all, she gave a really impressive shot given its condition. As you put your gun away, she throws hers unceremoniously on the pile in anger. <<colette "So you got //lucky// and found a better gun. Don't think that this means anything, //Princess//.">> You're completely expecting her to go back on her half of the deal, but to your surprise she takes the scissors back out of her bra and asks. <<colette "So, where should the cut go?">> <<link "Cut her top, exposing her bra to everyone">> <<goto "day3marksmanGoodRifleTop">> <</link>> <<link "Cut her bra, which won't reveal much to people, but I might get to see her boobs">> <<goto "day3marksmanGoodRifleBra">> <</link>> <<link "Cut her skirt, exposing her panties to everyone">> <<goto "day3marksmanGoodRifleSkirt">> <</link>> <<link "Cut her panties, making her walk around exposed">> <<goto "day3marksmanGoodRiflePanties">> <</link>> <<link "Spare her the humiliation. Make a small cut somewhere insignificant">> <<goto "day3marksmanGoodRifleSpare">> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>>

<<set $coletteTorn to "top">> Colette thrusts the scissors out towards you handle first.<<colette "Go on then.">> You grab them, a little nervously despite yourself. You had been so bold declaring what you'd do, actually doing it is a different matter entirely. <<colette "Come on. Stop being a //bitch// and just do it already.">> She demands, glowering at you viciously. It seems like she's mistaking your nervousness for gloating. Not wanting to show how out of your element you are, you step close to the young woman. She's already wearing a crop-top, revealing her pristine pale tummy to the world, it'll be easy to make a cut that exposes her bra. You reach out to grab the hem of her top. In the process, your hands brush over her soft skin and feel a trace of goose-bumps. Despite how much of a death-glare she's directing at you, it seems like you're not the only one feeling the tension at the strange intimacy of the scene. You run the scissors up the bottom of her top, with one side brushing cold metal across her skin, before with a loud //snip// you make the incision. The fabric falls apart, creating a tear through which Colette's bra (a pretty white one with pink lace), as well as the curve of her breasts (not too large, but pristinely shapely, perfect orbs) can be seen. Your brain goes haywire at the sight, and it takes you a few seconds to realize that you're standing there like an idiot, scissors still against Colette's skin, being glared at unpleasantly. You hurriedly step away. Colette looks down to take in what state you've left her in. <<colette "Not a bad cut. I could have done better though.">> she says finally, and without hesitation she strides confidently outside seemingly without care for embarrassment at all. [[Gather yourself and leave->day3marksmanGoodRifleEnd]]

<<set $coletteTorn to "bra">> Colette looks a little surprised at your choice. <<colette "My bra? What's the point in that? Nobody's going to see it.">> Still, she doesn't complain. You were expecting her to do it quickly and subtly, hoping to maybe snatch a small glance at a boob at best, but instead she lifts her entire top upwards, completely exposing her elegant, pale tummy and a cute white bra with pink lace. Your brain short-circuits a little at the most beautiful girl you've ever seen exposing herself in front of you so brazenly, particularly since that girl is giving you the most pointed death-stare you've ever experienced as she does it. Colette, however, seems surprised by your shock. <<colette "To the victor the spoils, //Princess//. You know that.">> You're not quite sure how to take the words. Colette bites onto her top to keep it from falling back down as she reaches down and runs her scissors between her breasts. For a moment your breath catches in your throat in anticipation of what's about to happen, before with a //snip// the bit of fabric between the cups is cut, and the cups themselves begin to fall away. Colette's breasts aren't huge, but they are //perfect//. Nary a blemish or mole marks her pale skin, and her orbs are shapely without any bulging or skin folds. They're crowned by cute pink nipples, rapidly hardening in the cool autumn air. You know instinctively that these are the type of boobs of which sonnets are sung and sculptures are made. She makes a few more incisions to remove the cups completely so they don't hang awkwardly under her clothing. The whole time you can't stop staring, watching as her boobs rise with her breath, and sway as she twists her body from side to side. Eventually, however, the moment comes to a close as she opens her mouth, releasing her top, which falls gracefully over her chest. As she walks past you with a glare you force yourself to start making rational thoughts again. [[Gather yourself and leave->day3marksmanGoodRifleEnd]]

<<set $coletteTorn to "skirt">> Colette thrusts the scissors out towards you handle first.<<colette "Go on then.">> You grab them, a little nervously despite yourself. You had been so bold declaring what you'd do, actually doing it is a different matter entirely. <<colette "Come on. Stop being a //bitch// and just //do// it already.">> She demands, glowering at you viciously. It seems like she's mistaking your nervousness for gloating. Not wanting to show how out of your element you are, you step close to the young woman and kneel down on the floor next to her. You find yourself so close to Colette's silky-smooth hairless thighs that you can see your breath linger on their milky-pale surface. Her skirt is already scandalously short, and just being down here is enough to give you a clear view under them. She's wearing a little white thong with a cute ruffle at the top, the strip of material barely covering her pussy. It'll be easy to make a cut that will expose them to the world. As you prepare the scissors you notice that despite the hateful glower she's raining down on you from above, her delicate skin has begun to raise up into little goose-bumps. Clearly you're not the only one feeling tension at the strange intimacy of the scene. With a loud //snip// you make an incision along the front of her skirt, and the fabric folds apart along it. Anyone who sees her will immediately notice her exposed panties. With a start, you realize that you'd been so enraptured that you'd been sitting there like an idiot, lingering tantalizingly close to Colette's barely-hidden snatch. You hurriedly stand up and step away. Colette looks down to take in what state you've left her in. <<colette "Not a bad cut. I could have done better though.">> she says finally, and without hesitation she strides confidently outside seemingly without care for embarrassment at all. [[Gather yourself and leave->day3marksmanGoodRifleEnd]]

<<set $coletteTorn to "panties">> Colette seems almost impressed at your choice <<colette "Panties huh? Gonna make me walk around exposed with a skirt this short? Smart choice, //Princess//.">> You were expecting her to do it quickly and subtly, so you're completely thrown off guard when Colette raises one leg to place it stepped-up onto a side table, opening up her hips to give you the best visibility possible as she raises her pink-white skirt to completely reveal her underwear - a little white thong with cute ruffles at the top. Your brain short-circuits at the most beautiful girl you've ever seen exposing herself so vulgarly in front of you, particularly since that girl is giving you the most pointed death-stare you've ever experienced as she does it. Colette, however, seems surprised by your shock. <<colette "To the victor the spoils, //Princess//. You know that.">> You're not quite sure how to take the words. Colette places her skirt-edge into her mouth to hold it open as she reaches down and calmly slices along the top of the thong. Time seems to slow down as the fabric, now loose, slowly falls apart - unveiling Colette's perfect, shaved pussy to you. Colette makes one last cut along one hip, so that the panties aren't even attached anymore and fall into her hand, before standing back straight, neatening down her skirt, and walking past you to go outside. As she passes you, she reaches up and places the ribbon that was once her panties over your face. <<colette "Keep them, bitch. I don't need them anymore.">> she calls behind her as she leaves. You realize that you haven't moved an inch since she first exposed herself to you, and force yourself to start making rational thoughts again. It's very difficult, all the more so due to the smell from the tattered remains of her panties on your face - you don't know whether it's from tormenting you, exposing herself to you, or something else, but from the smell of it she had //definitely// been enjoying herself. [[Gather yourself and leave->day3marksmanGoodRifleEnd]]

<<set $coletteSpare to true>> <<set $coletteTorn to "big">> You tell Colette to give you the scissors and close her eyes. She gives you a withering scowl in reply. <<colette "Oh, fuck off with your pigheadedness, //Princess//">> she sneers, but a second later she rolls her eyes irritably. <<colette "Fuck. //Whatever//. To the victor goes the spoils, just like old times.">> You're not quite sure how to take the words, but she closes her eyes and holds out the scissors - somehow managing to make the action come off as sarcastic. You step forward towards her and grab the item, before inspecting her body closely, looking for an appropriate area to cut. You're up very close against Colette's body, which almost seems to glisten in the shade of the wooden building. Her pale skin is milky-smooth, completely unblemished no matter where on her body you look. With her eyes closed, she feels so soft and vulnerable - a far cry from what she's usually like to be around. As you inspect her clothing closely, you notice a smattering of goose-bumps emerge on her delicate skin. Clearly you're not the only one feeling the awkward tension from the weird intimacy of the scene. You force your mind to stop getting distracted and find a good spot - a little snip along the neckline. Not enough to reveal anything, but enough that the outfit will feel a little lopsided as a memory that she'd been beaten here. With a //snip// you make the incision and step away from her. It takes a few moments more for Colette to open her eyes, like she didn't believe that that was really it. The moment it sinks in what you've done, her face shifts from spiteful disdain to red hot rage. You weren't sure if you'd been expecting your action to be appreciated exactly, but this definitely comes as a surprise. <<colette "How fucking //dare// you disrespect our deal like this, you miserable fucking //shit//.">> She shrieks. <<colette "After all you've //fucking// done, now you have the fucking //indecency// to try to //fuck// with me like this? Did you think I'd be fucking //pleased//, you hateful //cow//?">> Suddenly you're struck in the face with a vicious slap that leaves your cheek stinging in pain. <<colette "You know, I was thinking about going //easy// on you, bitch. Well now I'm going to make your life a fucking living //hell//. You're going to be licking my //toes// and //begging// for mercy and I'll //''never''// give it to you.">> She stands there, chest heaving in rage at having been disrespected by your mercy. She's making so much noise that you're certain that the crowd outside must be able to hear the shouting, even if they can't make out the words. She reaches to her neckline, to where you made your cut, and begins to pull at the seams, dragging out the small incision until it reaches halfway down her sleeve, and the top hangs off her precariously, completely exposing her bra and torso. <<colette "//Fuck you//, Princess.">> she spits out finally, before storming out of the building - though a step before going outside she regathers herself, erases the anger from her face, and delicately steps out the rest of the way. You can overhear her calling out <<colette "Oh Daddy, you wouldn't //believe// what the Princess did with her //nasty// weapon, look at what she did to my top!">> in a voice that sounds on the verge of tears. [[Gather yourself and leave->day3marksmanGoodRifleEnd]]

<<if lastVisited("day3marksmanGoodRifleTop") is 1>> When you emerge you're greeted by a chorus of cheers for your victory, however when they die down the sound of Colette loudly explaining her state of undress to her father remains - as if she had to raise her voice to speak when everyone had been cheering and forgot to lower it again. <<colette "Oh daddy, there was a //beastly// little arrowhead in there that snagged on my top. Look at this //awful// tear! You can //totally// see my bra!">> She's quickly shushed by her father, but not before every single noble has long forgotten everything about your victory, and is desperately shuffling their feet trying not to be thinking about Colette's exposure. As Colette's father tries to get her to go back to the carriage and change tops, and is flummoxed by Colette's refusal so do so, the General coughs awkwardly and calls out <<blue "And, ahh. And the next match on the list is between Herr Michail and the lady Genuvie.">> The crowd get back into hubbubs of conversation as the next round of competitors get ready, and by the time things are back in full swing everyone's chatting as happily as ever - though you can't help but note more than a few heads occasionally glancing towards Colette's bust. Colette herself, after successfully getting her way to not have to change, is as lively and sickly-sweet as ever, without the remotest trace of embarrassment about having her bra visible. If anything she's being more indignant than ever - often standing with her hands on hair hips and her chest forward, giving as clear a view to everyone as possible. Somehow, you know that this is a barb directed towards you - attempting to show how little she cares about what you did. The movement makes you blush regardless. You're too distracted to pay the matches much attention, but you notice that Jacques manages to irritatingly nail a bullseye with a bow in his round, and Elodie doesn't do too bad herself - shooting like she doesn't care in the slightest. <</if>> <<if lastVisited("day3marksmanGoodRifleBra") is 1>> When you emerge you're greeted by a chorus of cheers for your victory, and as you walk around the crowd you receive many congratulations from happy nobles. You spot Colette in the crowd out the corner of your eye, acting as sickly-sweet as ever without the remotest trace of embarrassment about having no bra on. Not that having no bra on is really that much of an imposition for her - her boobs are too well-shaped to appear any the worse for not wearing one. Still, the image of those perfect mounds is etched into your brain, and you find yourself blushing at the memory. The general announces the next round of competitors, and soon a steady stream of matches are happening. You're too distracted to pay them much attention, but you notice that Jacques manages to irritatingly nail a bullseye with a bow in his round, and Elodie doesn't do too bad herself - shooting like she doesn't care in the slightest. <</if>> <<if lastVisited("day3marksmanGoodRifleSkirt") is 1>> When you emerge you're greeted by a chorus of cheers for your victory, however when they die down the sound of Colette loudly explaining her state of undress to her father remains - as if she had to raise her voice to speak when everyone had been cheering and forgot to lower it again. <<colette "Oh daddy, there was a //beastly// little arrowhead in there that snagged on my skirt. Look at this awful tear! You can //practically// see my little kitty!">> She's quickly shushed by her father, but not before every single noble has long forgotten everything about your victory, and is desperately shuffling their feet trying not to think about Colette's exposure. As Colette's father tries to get her to go back to the carriage and change skirts, and is flummoxed by Colette's refusal so do so, the General coughs awkwardly and calls out <<blue "And, ahh. And the next match on the list is between Herr Michail and the lady Genuvie.">> The crowd get back into hubbubs of conversation as the next round of competitors get ready, and by the time things are back in full swing everyone's chatting as happily as ever - though you can't help but note more than a few heads occasionally glancing towards Colette's body. Colette herself, after successfully getting her way to not have to change, is as lively and sickly-sweet as ever, without the remotest trace of embarrassment about having her panties visible. She's even daring enough to give a little twirl in whatever conversation she's a part of, making her skirt flare up and give an even more revealing glimpse to any onlookers. Somehow, you know that this is a barb directed towards you - attempting to show how little she cares about what you did. The movement makes you blush regardless. You're too distracted to pay the matches much attention, but you notice that Jacques manages to irritatingly nail a bullseye with a bow in his round, and Elodie doesn't do too bad herself - shooting like she doesn't care in the slightest. <</if>> <<if lastVisited("day3marksmanGoodRiflePanties") is 1>> When you emerge you're greeted by a chorus of cheers for your victory, and as you walk around the crowd you receive many congratulations from happy nobles. You spot Colette in the crowd out the corner of your eye, acting as sickly-sweet as ever without the remotest trace of embarrassment about having her cunt out. She's even daring enough to give a little twirl in whatever conversation she's a part of, her skirt riding up enough to reveal her snatch for the briefest second as if daring people to notice. Somehow, you know that this is a barb directed towards you - attempting to show how little she cares about what you did. The movement makes you blush regardless. The general announces the next round of competitors, and soon a steady stream of matches are happening. You're too distracted to pay them much attention, but you notice that Jacques manages to irritatingly nail a bullseye with a bow in his round, and Elodie doesn't do too bad herself - shooting like she doesn't care in the slightest. <</if>> <<if lastVisited("day3marksmanGoodRifleSpare") is 1>> By the time you've steadied yourself enough from Colette's outrage to go outside, she's had plenty enough time to butter the crowd up against you, and you're faced with a sea of angry faces, outraged that you'd be so mean to Colette. Well, maybe not a sea, you can see a few incredulous faces in the crowd - after all, it was //you// who had won, they'd be little reason for you being such a sore loser; and the shriek of rage that was audible from outside the shed had sounded more like //her// than you. However when you compare the two of you, you can understand why most people find Colette so believable. Just look at her - so pretty and perfect and sweet, compared to you - ungainly, awkwardly quiet, weirdly nervous, and curiously masculine. If you were in their position you'd probably believe the same thing. Luckily, although the energy of the crowd is tense, it doesn't boil up into hostility. Instead, the moment just lingers awkwardly until the General shouts out <<blue "What a... Umm... Good first match from our lovely ladies. Err. Next on the list is Herr Michail versus the lady Genuvie.">> It takes some time, but eventually, the crowd gets caught up in the competition again, though for the rest of the day you can feel that they're treating you somewhat icily. You're too distracted to pay the matches much attention, but you notice that Jacques manages to irritatingly nail a bullseye with a bow in his round, and Elodie doesn't do too bad herself - shooting like she doesn't care in the slightest. <</if>> [[Continue->day3betweenGames]]

<<set $day3marks to "rifle">> You decide to use a rifle for your shot. You can't risk revealing your masculinity with a bow, but you're also too proud to take Colette's cruel offer. Besides, she's just some stuck up noble, and will be using the same shoddy guns as you, you can beat her fair and square. You pick out the least damaged rifle that you can find. You're not exactly used to gunpowder weapons, so don't know exactly what to look for in a rifle, but this one at least has the fewest nicks and scratches. A voice from outside calls <<blue "Competitors to their stations!">> and you figure that this one will have to do. As you step forward both you and Colette become visible to the cheering crowd through the bay openings. You steady the unfamiliar rifle with your shoulder and aim down the sights down the range. Colette, armed with a rifle herself, does the same. You take one last deep breath to calm your nerves, before the adjudicator announces <<blue "Fire!">> and you release your shot. Twin //cracks// of gunshot resound around, echoing around the woodland encampment, followed fractions of a second later by two //thunks// as the bullets hit their respective targets. The crowd roar with excitement. There's an achingly long period of tension as you wait for the results. From where you are, the two smoking bullet holes look almost identically well aimed, and two soldiers dash up to inspect them closely. Finally, one raises their hand to signal the winner, and the announcer excitedly declares <<blue "And that's it! Ladies and Gentlemen. The winner is... ''Lady Colette Lavalette!''">> The crowd cheer excitedly at the result, but you feel your blood drain from your face as you realize that you've lost, and that your life may now be forfeit. [[Turn back inside and meet your fate->day3marksmanRifle2]]

<<set $outfitTorn to "bad">> Colette prowls back into the shade with a wicked grin on her face. <<colette "Looks like I won, //Princess//.">> She taunts, before howling with laughter at the look on your face. <<colette "Ahh, I'm going to remember that scowl for the rest of my life. Not just this one either, but every single face of anguish and rage that I'll make you do, //Princess//, until every //inch// of my brain is //covered// with that delishious expression and I can't think of //anything// else. I'm going to //immerse// myself //complethely// into your agony, //Princess//, and I'm going to enjoy every //second// of it.">> Her words are delirious with glee, even lisping in her cackling bliss. You're a little taken aback, you knew that she hated the Princess, but this is crazy! She pulls back out her pair of scissors from her bra, and idly starts snipping them through the air while she muses to herself. <<colette "Sooo~. Where should I cut, I wonder?">> <<switch $outfit.set.id>> <<case "gcloak">> She runs the scissors lightly over your body, not enough to cut through yet, but enough that you can feel the cold metal through your tight clothing as she teases it over you, pondering aloud. <<colette "Maybe your leggings could use a //slice// through them... Maybe I should tear through your crotch, exposing your little cunny to //everyone//...">> You're terrified that she'll notice your bulge as she runs them up your body, but it seems like she's so caught up in her excitement imagining every outcome to notice such things. The scissors rise up your stomach to hover around your neckline<<if $outfit.padding is true>>, between the mounds of your padded bust<</if>>. <<colette "Or should I go //higher//, and expose your pathetic tiny little //tits/ for everyone to see? Won't that be //fun//?">> <<colette "But //no//, why allow myself to spoil the tension and unwrap my present before it's time? This is your first loss of //oh so many// to come, my dear //Princess//. Any enjoyment I could have //breaking// my new toy here and now is //nothing// compared to the succulent pleasure of //finally// ripping you apart after //weeks// of edging myself on your humiliation.">> She twists her hold on the scissors so that they're held wide open, and wields it now like a sharp dagger, holding it up above her head. <<colette "No, today I intend to //indulge// myself in quite a more... //Ferocious// way.">> And with that her face twists to a wide, feral grin, and she //swipes// her weapon downwards like she's trying to kill you. The scissor blade passes a hairs-breadth away from your face as it travels, before //slicing// through the front of your outfit in a huge swipe, tearing a huge gash through the fabric. <<colette "I said one slice, //Princess//, I never said how the slice would be done.">> She cackles in glee. A bead of blood runs down your stomach, she must have snagged you a little. Her eyes light up in excitement, and she immediately checks the blade. True enough - there's a trace of blood along the sharp metal surface. Unable to contain her excitement, she immediately brings her tongue to the blade, ravenously licking along the surface to take your blood into herself, her face flushing with excitement. You can only stare in shocked awe at the scene - this bitch is crazy! Finally she seems to collect herself from her rapturous joy, and fixes one one final mocking glance as she muses to herself. <<colette "So much to look forward to.">> And with that, she strides confidently outside into the crowd, who cheer for her victory, leaving you alone. <<case "peach">> You're relieved that you decided to wear the least revealing clothing possible today, as it doesn't give Colette many options, but any hope that she won't be able to find somewhere damaging is wiped away as she immediately focuses on your neckline. <<colette "I know~. Why don't I expose your pathetic tiny little //tits// for everyone to see? Won't that be //fun//?">> You can't help but grimace, and that reaction seems to make Colette's decision for her. <<colette "//Perfect//! Your exposed pre-pubescent buds that never grew will be all that the gossips will be talking about before long, //Princess//. //What// a thing to look forward to!">> She traces the scissors lightly around your neckline, the cold metal running against your skin as she works out the best angle with which to cut from. Soon, she picks the place where she thinks will expose you the most and with a <<colette "Here!">> makes the incision with a loud //snip//. You close your eyes in anticipation of what's about to happen, but to your surprise you don't hear a cry of revolted betrayal, nor even a cackle of victory. Tentatively, you open your eyes and take in what happened. Colette's staring at your chest disappointed scowl on her face. Her cut had sliced through layers of fabric, and many pieces now lie in tatters on your chest, but there was even more to the complex web of interwoven material than had been visible, and while it looks like a tattered mess, and your neckline is a few inches more exposed than before, it still has the strength to cover your breasts - or lack thereof. One of pieces of fabric, now barely a ribbon, detaches itself from the rest of the dress and drifts through the air between you. Colette snatches it out of the air angrily. <<colette "I'll take this.">> She spits out angrily, clearly upset that she didn't get her way. <<colette "As a trophy of your first loss of many.">> And with that she strides outside, leaving you alone. <<case "tulip">> You're relieved that you decided to wear a long dress today, as it doesn't give Colette many options, but any hope that she won't be able to find somewhere damaging is wiped away as she immediately focuses on your neckline. <<colette "I know~. Why don't I expose your pathetic tiny little //tits// for everyone to see? Won't that be //fun//?">> You can't help but grimace, and that reaction seems to make Colette's decision for her. <<colette "//Perfect//! Your exposed pre-pubescent buds that never grew will be all that the gossips will be talking about before long, //Princess//. What a thing to look forward to.">> She traces the scissors lightly around your neckline, the cold metal running against your skin as she works out the best angle with which to cut from. She makes the decision to cut along one side of the purple waistcoat-like straps at the top, and with a <<colette "Here!">> makes the incision with a loud //snip//. You close your eyes in anticipation of what's about to happen, but to your surprise you don't hear a cry of revolted betrayal, nor even a cackle of victory. Tentatively, you open your eyes and take in what happened. Colette's staring at your chest disappointed scowl on her face. Her cut had managed to slice completely through the strap in question, but instead of making one side of the dress droop down far enough to expose one half of your chest as she had hoped, the rigid, crinkly fabric maintains enough tension to remain mostly in place with just one strap. You breathe a sigh of relief that Colette hadn't taken note of the material, and had expected a softer textile. You're a little more exposed than you were before, and the neckline has lowered a few inches, but you managed to escape unexposed. <<colette "You got lucky, //Princess//">> She spits out angrily, clearly upset that she didn't get her way. <<colette "But it doesn't matter. You lost today - don't you //dare// forget that.">> And with that she strides outside, leaving you alone. <<case "butterfly">> You're somewhat relieved that you decided to wear the dress that you did today, as it means that your lower half is so hopelessly covered in petticoats that no single cut will manage to achieve anything. However, any hope that she won't be able to find somewhere damaging is wiped away as she immediately focuses on your neckline. <<colette "I know~. Why don't I expose your pathetic tiny little //tits// for everyone to see? Won't that be //fun//?">> You can't help but grimace, and that reaction seems to make Colette's decision for her. <<colette "//Perfect//! Your exposed pre-pubescent buds that never grew will be all that the gossips will be talking about before long, //Princess//. What a thing to look forward to.">> She traces the scissors lightly around your neckline, the cold metal running against your skin as she works out the best angle with which to cut from. She's spoilt for choice - your dress is attached to the butterfly broach holding it up with such thin threads that severing any one of them would likely make the dress fall apart. With a <<colette "Here!">> makes the incision with a loud //snip//. You close your eyes in anticipation of what's about to happen, but to your surprise you don't hear a cry of revolted betrayal, nor even a cackle of victory. Tentatively, you open your eyes and take in what happened. Colette's staring at your chest disappointed scowl on her face. Her cut had managed to slice completely through the thread in question, but instead of falling cleanly down as she had hoped, the slip of silky material had managed to snag itself on the bottom tip of the butterfly's wing. One side of your neckline has shifted noticeably down a few inches, and is hanging precariously, but you're lucky enough that it still covers you well enough. You completely expect Colette to pull the thread free, it would be effortless, but for some reason she doesn't. Instead she just shrugs disappointedly. <<colette "You got lucky, //Princess// But it doesn't matter. You lost today - don't you dare forget that.">> And with that she strides outside, leaving you alone. You're struck by how unexpectedly fair she is with her rules. <<case "longcoat">> She runs the scissors lightly over your body, not enough to cut through yet, but enough that you can feel the cold metal as she teases it over you, pondering aloud. <<colette "Maybe your skirt could use a //slice// through it, exposing your little //cunny// to everyone...">> The scissors rise up your stomach to hover around your neckline<<if $outfit.padding is true>>, between the mounds of your padded bust<</if>>. <<colette "Or should I go higher, and expose your pathetic tiny little //tits// for everyone to see? Won't that be //fun//?">> <<colette "But no, why allow myself to spoil the tension and unwrap my present before it's time? This is the first loss of //oh so many// to come, my dear //Princess//. Any enjoyment I'll have //breaking// my new //toy// here and now is //nothing// to the succulent pleasure of //finally// ripping you apart after weeks of //edging// myself on your humiliation.">> She twists her hold on the scissors so that they're held wide open, and wields it now like a sharp dagger, holding it up above her head. <<colette "No, today I intend to //indulge// myself in quite a more... //Ferocious// way.">> And with that her face twists to a wide, feral grin, and she //swipes// her weapon downwards like she's trying to kill you. The scissor blade passes a hairs-breadth away from your face as it travels, before //slicing// through the front of your blouse in a huge swipe, tearing a huge gash through the fabric. <<colette "I said one slice, //Princess//, I //never// said how the slice would be done.">> She cackles in glee. A bead of blood runs down your stomach, she must have snagged you a little. Her eyes light up in excitement, and she immediately checks the blade. True enough - there's a trace of blood along the sharp metal surface. Unable to contain her excitement, she immediately brings her tongue to the blade, ravenously licking along the surface to take your blood into herself, her face flushing with excitement. You can only stare in shocked awe at the scene - this bitch is crazy! Finally she seems to collect herself from her rapturous joy, and fixes one one final mocking glance as she muses to herself. <<colette "//So much// to look forward to.">> And with that, she strides confidently outside into the crowd, who cheer for her victory, leaving you alone. <</switch>>< > [[Recover and head outside->day3marksmanRifleEnd]]

As you leave the wooden shelter you're greeted by polite clapping for your loss by the crowd of nobles, though that's quickly interrupted by confused murmurings at the state of your clothing. Before you can say anything, Colette loudly speaks up. <<colette "It's really //ever// so dangerous in there, it's a total //outrage// really! The Princess accidentally snagged her pretty outfit on an arrowhead, //didn't// you, your Highness?">> She puts her arm around you protectively, like you're great friends. Despite knowing that she won't do anything in front of people, you can't help but flinch a little at the possessive movement. <<colette "Luckily it's only a //little// cut, so since we're //soooo// interested in the marksmanship we decided to stay instead of going to grab her a new outfit, //didn't// we, Princess?">> You grind your teeth in frustration at having the narrative immediately spun in Colette's favor. Put on the spot, you can do little more than nod your head. The nobles act suitably appalled, and you're quickly on the receiving end of a litany of apologies from the General. Colette happily slinks off, leaving you to awkwardly deal with them. Soon the competition continues with the next round of contestants. You're too distracted by the glances at your chest that you keep receiving to pay much attention - you're not much more exposed than you were beforehand, but something about the fact it's a wardrobe malfunction seems to ignite the voyeuristic instincts of the people around you. You just about notice that Jacques manages to irritatingly nail a bullseye with a bow in his round, and Elodie doesn't do too bad herself - shooting like she doesn't care in the slightest. [[Continue->day3betweenGames]]

<<unset $elodieSaveCount>> Eventually the last round of the marksmanship matches finishes up, and the General leads the group of cheerful nobles along to the next area of the camp. <<blue "The lads were so eager to make some fun activities for all of you ladies and gentlemen. They all had so many ideas for little games, and we didn't have the heart to reject //any// of them - so we've prepared the whole bunch. Damn near tore apart the encampment infrastructure getting the materials necessary, but we'll be damned if it's not worth it for you worthy personages if I do say so myself.">> What comes into view is a wide area dotted with many stalls and tents - each of which seems to house a small game of some description. You can spy games of hit the target, whack-a-mole, a tombola, guess the weight of a cake, a coconut shy (with helmets instead of coconuts), hoopla, and more. All in all, it's an awful lot like a street carnival - except instead of a colorful cast of characters manning the stalls there's rows of stern-faced soldiers standing stiffly at attention. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3betweenGames.png]]@@ You glance nervously at Colette, but it seems like these small games are beneath her attention with regards to any more stipulations. You breathe a sigh of relief that you'll have some time to relax. <<if $day3route is "elodie">> [[Continue->day3elodieHang]] <<elseif $day3route is "jacques">> [[Continue->day3jacquesHang]] <<else>> [[Explore the stalls with Elodie->day3elodieHang]] [[Explore the stalls with Jacques->day3jacquesHang]] <</if>>

<<switch $day3elodieChatReply>> <<case "admit">> <<set $friend ++>> You admit that you've been hiding away from the games. <<elodie "//Ugh//, thank the gods for that. At least there's someone here who isn't boring.">> she groans appreciatively. <<elodie "All this fake fairground stuff is so //tacky//. I can't stand it.">> Now at ease with your presence, she takes a seat on one of the larger crates, before gesturing for you to join her. <<case "reason">> <<set $respect ++>> You don't want to look like you were antisocially avoiding people, so claim that you just stepped away for a moment to avoid the sun. Elodie gives you an incredulous look, but doesn't call you out on it. Instead, she reaches into her handbag. <<elodie "Well, I've got just the thing then.">> She pulls out a lace parasol, and opens it up. The material is covered in covered in holes in the patterning, enough to look less like a sunshield and more like a spiderweb, and under it Elodie's skin becomes covered in patterns of spiky shadows. <<elodie "Come on then.">> Beckons the young woman, making space for you under the parasol with her as she sits up on one of the larger crates. <<elodie "This can help you stay cool.">> <<default>> THIS IS A BUG <</switch>> With no reason not to, you slip into the spot. At first you try to give Elodie some personal space, and sit a distance from her<<if $day3elodieChatReply is "reason">>, so that her parasol barely covers half of you<</if>>, but Elodie immediately shifts over so that the two of you are right next to each other, her warm body directly against yours. You're a little surprised by how close she's getting to you. But then, that's normal for girls, isn't it? You're very used to seeing gaggles of them happily chatting away in a much more casually intimate way than they'd be with guys. Any contact with boys would be too full of sexual and romantic tension to be that casual. Some part of you feels a little weird about the lack of tension - like your masculinity should feel wounded at being seen as anything other than a potential mate - but mainly it just feels really comfortable and calming, a nice relief from the stressful day as you relax together, legs kicking idly in the autumn breeze. @@color:#9370DB;"Jeez. You've got a complicated expression, Princess."@@ Exclaims Elodie suddenly. You quickly try to think of something to talk about to change the topic and divert Elodie's attention away from your conflicted thoughts. <<link "Ask what Elodie does for a living">> <<goto [[day3elodieHang3]]>> <<set $elodieHangAsk to 1>> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>> <<link "Ask about Elodie's dark clothing">> <<goto [[day3elodieHang3]]>> <<set $elodieHangAsk to 2>> <<set $friend ++>> <</link>> <<link "Ask her cup size">> <<goto [[day3elodieHang3]]>> <<set $elodieHangAsk to 3>> <<set $seduction ++>> <</link>>

<<unset $day3elodieChatReply>> <<switch $elodieHangAsk>> <<case 1>> You rely on the most normal question that you can think of, and ask what Elodie does for a living. However, you realize a moment later that perhaps that was a bad idea. She's a noblewoman - she doesn't need to do //anything// for a living. Elodie gives you a thoughtful expression, but to your surprise she actually seems pleased. <<elodie "Weird. Nobody's asked me that this whole trip. Everyone thinks that all I must do is sit around waiting to be married.">> <<elodie "I like to paint. Made some commissions. I'm good. I want to do it as my thing, but my family think it would be a waste because it's not about social capital. All they want to do is curry favor with assholes. So now I get dragged to things like this instead.">> There's a moments pause as she's lost in thought, before she turns towards you. <<elodie "What about you? Do your parents let you do the stuff you want to do?">> You panic, not sure what you should say, but to your surprise it comes easily to you. There's so much that you want to do, but you're trapped in this weird role as the Princess, and the Queen, or rather, your 'mother', claustrophobically looms over your every action. It's effortless to channel some of that frustration into a little rant. <<elodie "Sounds rough. Being a princess must be weird.">> Elodie replies once you've finished, and you find yourself oddly comforted by the simple words. <<case 2>> <<run $firmin.info.pushUnique("elodieAsk")>> Elodie seems bemused when you talk about her dark clothing. Clearly she gets asked this a lot. <<elodie "Everything else feels garish. On me at least. Some people make it work, but I'd feel like a clown in anything else. And I'm not into clowns.">> She contemplates the concept for a second, before correcting herself. <<elodie "At least, I'm not //stylewise// I guess. I suppose clowns are interesting. Anything that makes people have that kind of instinctual fear has some potential I suppose. I should explore that idea sometime.">> You can't help but ask about what she means by 'potential'. <<elodie "Oh, I'm into stuff like that. Any books about dark shit - murders and rituals and terrors and stuff - I read them all.">> Elodie's eyes gleam, clearly she's excited to be talking about the matter. <<elodie "Like that place yesterday, the Droart Citadel. Some real fucked up stuff used to happen there. Kidnappings and stuff - they'd do all of these experiments on them. Mess up their bodies somehow.">> You can't help but flinch a little at Elodie's words. The tale of someone changing someone's body in that citadel feels too similar to your experiences to be coincidence. Elodie takes your flinch of recognition as one of fear, but instead of stopping the story she seems to revel in having drawn a shocked reaction from someone. As she continues she takes the tone of someone telling a scary story at halloween. <<elodie "They terrorized the area for ages, taking a person here or there every now and again. At least, some of the bodies they found were pretty old so that's what they think. Then one day 13 years ago they went psycho. Stole a whole lot of folks and went crazy on them. Like a ritual or something.">> <<elodie "//That// caused a fuss. Too many people gone at once. Townspeople did the searching for themselves and by the time the officials from the Capital got here the locals had gathered together and sorted it out themselves. With fire and stuff. That's why it was a construction site, because they needed to fix it back up after the damage.">> <<if $firmin.info.includesAny("day3ask")>> That matches what you learnt from asking Elodie's father about Firmin Goux earlier. Looks like you've managed to find out the grizzly details that he didn't feel comfortable telling you. <<else>> You're surprised to hear about the downfall of the Droart family. You had begun to suspect that it was some of the fruits of their 'experimentation' that was used on you - but if the Droarts were all killed then who was the person who you got the potion from? A family member that survived, or someone else following in their footsteps? <</if>> <<case 3>> You were thinking so intently about Elodie's breasts that the words spew out of your mouth before you can stop yourself. You immediately feel like an idiot for asking something so stupid, but Elodie doesn't even blink. @@color:#9370DB;"Ugh. I know right? They're big aren't they? You wouldn't even know it to look at my parents, my grandmother on my father's side is stacked though. Guess I got her genes. They're G-cup."@@ She explains casually. <<if $outfit.padding is true>> @@color:#9370DB;"I'm jealous of yours."@@ She continues, gesturing towards your padded bust. @@color:#9370DB;"A or B, right? Easy to find bras for. I can never find anything nice. Come to think of it I have a cute one on now though. Look."@@ <<else>> @@color:#9370DB;"I'm jealous of yours."@@ she continues, gesturing towards your flat unpadded chest. @@color:#9370DB;"Petite is in right now. Do you even have to wear a bra?"@@ For an awkward moment the world sits still as you wrack your brain wondering what the correct reply might be. Luckily she takes your momentary silence for denial and continues @@color:#9370DB;"They're such a pain. Especially in summer. Come to think of it I have a cute one on now though. Look."@@ <</if>> You feel like a total pervert - hearing these kinds of intimate details under false pretenses feels like a crime. It gets even worse as Elodie hikes her lacy black dress forward to lower her neckline and lifts her bust to demonstrate. Her bra is, predictably, black, though there are some violet highlights sewn into the lace. The thin black straps seem like they shouldn't be able to contain the large, heavy breasts that the bra seems to barely be able to snugly enclose. Patterns of lace criss-cross over the material, leaving some areas covered only by a sheer mesh through which Elodie's plump, curvy flesh can be seen. You can just about make out the shape of her wide, dark areolas through the see-through material, though the nipple itself is covered by lace. It takes several long seconds for you to realize that Elodie is awkwardly sitting there waiting for some kind of response, and you quickly splutter out some kind of compliment about the material. As Elodie readjusts herself you could swear that you notice a little smile on her face at your flustered reaction, but you decide that you probably mistook it. <<default>> THIS IS A BUG <</switch>> The conversation between you ebbs, but neither of you seem to feel much pressure to fill the gap. <<if $elodieHangAsk is 2>>Despite her morbid interests, <</if>>Elodie's presence is just... Chill. As you sit relaxing together, basking in the autumn sun, her body naturally leans against yours, and you find yourself doing the same. As <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("dress")>>the fabric of your dresses drift together in the crisp breeze<<else>>the fabric of Elodie's dress drifts in the crisp breeze<</if>>, a part of you can't help but feel a little glad that, for this moment at least, you've been able to experience this kind of casual intimacy between girls. <<unset $elodieHangAsk>> [[Relax->day3backToGroup]]

The nobles happily disperse around the area, attracted to whichever games take their fancy. You make yourself scarce. Maybe on an ordinary day you'd find the games interesting, but your situation is far from ordinary. Any wrong move could spell disaster for you - you're just trying to pass the time as uneventfully as you can manage. You find a nice secluded area behind some crates where you'll be mostly out of sight and allow yourself to relax. This situation was already scary, but the addition of Colette actively trying to undermine and humiliate you has elevated today to outright terrifying. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3xHang.png]]@@ You've just about managed to calm your breathing and ease out some tension in your neck, when Jacques goes past your hiding spot. Since his showboating earlier today he's been going everywhere surrounded by a group of young cadets eagerly asking for advice, or else just fawning over him. Something about that really irritates you. By rights, someone who acts that impulsively foolhardy should have embarrassed themselves - anyone who has the skills to back it up should also have the restraint to not flaunt it so showily. Not only that, but even if he //did// manage to succeed, everyone should at least be able to recognize his boastful bravado as tacky enough to think less of him. Instead, Jacques won not only the adoration of the nobles, but also the respect of the soldiers. You can't help but sigh in irritation, but to your dismay the sound is louder than you intended, and Jacques stops in front of your spot and looks around. A moment later, and his eyes lock with yours though a gap in the crates. He gathers his little group around him and announces. <<jacques "Lads, I'm parched, I'd love a flask of water right now.">> The cadets quickly scatter, each wanting to be the first one to get their new idol what he wants. It seems like even Jacques is surprised at how immediate the response is, as he makes a bemused whistle to himself, before turning around and slinking into your hiding spot behind the crates with you. [[Damnit!->day3jacquesHang2]]

As Jacques joins you behind the crates, you desperately try to look like you were doing something less embarrassing than hiding from everyone. Annoyingly, he flashes you a little smirk that reveals that he sees right through it. <<jacques "The officer I knocked on his ass must have been unpopular around here - all of a sudden everyone wants to know me. It's nice for the ego, but they'll sap the life out of me by the end of the day.">> He winks at you as he continues <<jacques "I'm sure you know the feeling, you must have people following you around getting in your way everywhere you go. A little time away from things is probably good for both of us.">> You blink in surprise at his unexpectedly gracious words - indirectly giving you an excuse to be hiding by talking about himself. However your feelings harden when you notice that, graciously or not, he's still kinda calling you out as hiding away. <<jacques "Anyway, I was hoping to talk to you. I wanted to apologize if me calling you out earlier was boorish. I just-">> Jacques' expression changes to a mischievous smile. <<jacques "I was raised on as many fairy tales as anyone else, all about knights and princesses. If I didn't do something gallant then my childhood self would never forgive me.">> Despite his apologetic words, the roguish grin on his face has too much mirth to it for it to come off as completely sincere. He's still clearly very amused by his own antics. Jacques leisurely leans against a crate next to you. It seems like his easygoing nature is too strong to worry about putting on airs, even in front of royalty. <<jacques "So, what's bugging you?">> He asks, so bluntly that it takes you by surprise. <<link "Tell Jacques that noblewomen can be total bitches sometimes">> <<goto [[day3jacquesHang3]]>> <<set $friend ++>> <<set $day3jacquesHang to "bitches">> <</link>> <<link "Lie and tell him that you're shaken by the risk of assassination">> <<goto [[day3jacquesHang3]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $day3jacquesHang to "assass">> <</link>> <<if $cute gte 1>> <<link "Try to play it off that you're just a shy and demure person">> <<goto [[day3jacquesHang3]]>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $day3jacquesHang to "shy">> <</link>> <<else>> <<hovertip "Cuteness too low">>@@color:#797979;Try to play it off that you're just a shy and demure person@@<</hovertip>> <</if>> <<if $auth gte 1>> <<link "Imperiously evade the question">> <<goto [[day3jacquesHang3]]>> <<set $ruthless ++>> <<set $day3jacquesHang to "evade">> <</link>> <<else>> <<hovertip "Authority too low">>@@color:#797979;Imperiously evade the question@@<</hovertip>> <</if>>

<<switch $day3jacquesHang>> <<case "bitches">> You try to leave it light on details, but you complain about how you've learnt today how bitchy and vile some noblewomen can be. Jacques nods at your words. @@color:#3EA055;"I figured it might have been that. I heard that you avoid public appearances in the Capital. No small wonder, I only get dragged to these things every now and again and can't stand the two-faced cruelty of it all, I can only imagine how tough it must be right in the epicenter."@@ @@color:#3EA055;"Listen, I know it's tough but you shouldn't let them get to you. You're the Princess - any woman of noble birth will have had their every action held in comparison to you from the moment they're born. Any time they act improperly their parents will have been shouting at them that the //princess// would never do something like that. They've been primed to feel pretty spitefully towards you all their lives. It's not personal. They probably just can't get over that you're a real person and not an archetypical concept."@@ You consider his words. They're more considerate than you'd been expecting from the casually impulsive man. You're not quite sure if they apply to Colette - she's clearly running on a whole new level of weirdness, but you feel a little better about having been the target of so many mean whispers at the citadel yesterday. <<jacques "They're a mess, but you have to be careful. If you get caught up in trying to show them how awful they are, you just end up getting dragged into their games until you're just the same. You seem cool, Princess - I'd hate for them to get to you.">> <<case "assass">> <<set $jacques.protect to true>> You explain that you're shaken up by the assassination attempt two days ago, and that you're having difficulty keeping it together. @@color:#3EA055;"Jeez, how thoughtless of me."@@ Jacques remarks. @@color:#3EA055;"Of course, that was your father they were going for. No wonder you're messed up by it."@@ You don't like the idea of the King being the topic of conversation - you've never met the man and it would be too easy for you to accidentally say the wrong thing. So you try to divert the topic to being about how scared you were for your //own// life. You can't avoid sounding a little self-centered, perhaps even a little ditzy, but you manage to shift the conversation. Luckily it seems like the idea of a princess in peril ignites something in Jacques' chivalrous spirit. He proudly rises from his lackadaisical lean against the wall and rests one hand on the pommel of the scabbarded sword at his hip. You're half expecting an absurd speech bragging about his prowess, but to your surprise what he says is fairly grounded. @@color:#3EA055;"I know it might not be all that comforting. After all, the attacker slew dozens of the royal guard and I'm just one man. But if it would ease your worries even a slightest, it would be a honor to try to find you and keep you safe should such an event happen again - if perhaps in only in making sure that you're not alone."@@ The silence lingers after the man's words. You have absolutely no idea what you're supposed to //say// to something like this. Despite yourself, you find yourself more comforted by his words than you would have thought - the image of the Scarecrow Killer covered in blood mere feet away from you is still etched into your mind. But on the other hand, if Jacques were to come find you at a time when you're not dressed up as the princess then he'll end up exposing you. <<case "shy">> <<if $outfit.set.types.includes("cloak")>>Hiding behind the hood of your cloak, y<<else>>Y<</if>>ou channel some of what you've learned about being expressive and cute as you speak, and let your voice waver hesitantly as you explain your delicate sensitivity.<<hovertip "Cuteness check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> You're surprised by how easy the acting comes to you, and realize that perhaps you //are// feeling kinda nervous and scared right now with everything that's happening, and you're just giving voice to a part of you that you would otherwise have suppressed in yourself. You feel a comforting arm on your shoulder, and look up to see Jacques smiling reassuringly at you. In spite of yourself you can't help but feel a little better from it. @@color:#3EA055;"That makes sense. I'd heard that you avoided public events in the Capital."@@ Jacques comments, mostly to himself. You can see him deflating a little as he realizes that since you're of a delicate disposition, calling you out earlier in front of everyone might have been quite unpleasant. He's clearly at a bit of a loss of what to say, and starts grasping at straws to keep the conversation going and cover for himself. @@color:#3EA055;"Uhh.. Books! I imagine you're bookish, right? All that time hiding away in the castle. I've read some books in my time."@@ Though not many, if his hesitation over the words is any tell. You nod your head in agreement, thinking that it's probably best to do so, though you hope that he doesn't catch you in the lie. Jacques lights up at your nod. @@color:#3EA055;"Have you perhaps read of the adventures of Guillaume le Beaumanoir? I've admired the man my whole life."@@ You stifle a laugh at Jacques words. You //have// heard of Guillaume before, you'd struggle to find a boy in the country who hadn't. Even the illiterate would have it told to them by word of mouth. There's a great many stories featuring the courageous knight and his frequent, likely exaggerated, adventures. Of //course// Jacques would be infatuated with the stories. Now that he's mentioned it it's obvious from his behavior. Most kids grow out of playing Guillaume, it seems like Jacques might not have. It's irritating that he's clearly quite so //good// at playing the part, but you can't help but look at him in a slightly warmer light at this insight. However you doubt that a //girl// would have been told the stories, so once you calm yourself enough that you know that you won't laugh you tell him as innocently as you can that you haven't heard of the books, to Jacques' disappointment <<case "evade">> You figure that the best reaction to the question is to avoid it entirely. A real princess would be //far// too important to have to deal with questions that they don't want to answer. Instead you hold your head high bark out a haughty retort at him - ignoring his question entirely in favor of berating the man for his uncouth behavior.<<hovertip "Authority check - passed">>⍰<</hovertip>> You see Jacques' casually-leaning spine straighten instinctively as your words wash over him - his posture stiffening obediently from your tone of voice alone. He tries not to let it show though, a grimace flashing momentarily on his face as he realizes that he may have bitten off more than he could chew. His reply comes back at you with exaggerated carelessness, as if verbally parrying your attempt to gain control over the conversation. @@color:#3EA055;"Well excuse me, Princess. Your humble subject is devastated to have inconvenienced you, I'm sure."@@ You throw back another authoritative comment, and get another casual one in return. Soon you're both going at it, neither of you allowing the other to seize control of the conversation - you with overbearing dignity and him with lazy informality. Every strike is met with a fierce parry, and you can feel yourself straining in your efforts - though if anyone were to see it they'd think that the two of you were just having a conversation. Finally, just when you think that you'd struck a vital blow, with all of the flourish of a tournament winning swordthrust Jacques leisurely reaches into his waistcoat pocket and plucks a ripe red apple from it. As if not having heard what you said to him, he idly brings it to his lips and bites into the fruit, before offering it towards you. @@color:#3EA055;"Where are my manners? Care for a bite, Princess?"@@ You find yourself scowling at the item in disgust. An ''//apple//'' for goodness sake?! What could you //possibly// do against such an implement of easygoing cunning? He has you completely checkmated and you know it. A flicker of a smile on his lips as he chews the bite of apple shows that he knows it too. What comes as a surprise is that you feel a smile on your own cheeks too. You hate to admit it but that had been kinda //fun//! You're a little giddy from the game, and can't bring yourself to feel a sore loser. <</switch>> <<unset $day3jacquesHang>> The moment between you lingers for a few long moments, before the sound of incoming footsteps indicates that Jacques' groupies have returned, each running with a flask of water. Jacques lazily peers through a gap between the crates for a moment, before shrugging to himself. <<jacques "Looks like this is my stop. I doubt you'd want a bunch of trainees searching all over the place.">> He stands up straight, turns to you, and dips forward in an exaggeratedly elaborate bow. <<jacques "Enchanté, your Highness.">> Then, after another wink in your direction, he reaches up over his head and pulls himself up over the crates to vault out of the hiding space into the crowd of his fans. You can't help but roll your eyes - he can't even //leave// in a normal way. [[Try to relax->day3backToGroup]]

<<if previous() is "day3jacquesHang3">> Alone again, you do what you can to get comfortable and relaxed. It's more difficult than you'd expected - after having been interrupted once you find yourself tensing up every time footsteps come close. When the General loudly calls everyone together, you barely feel more rested than when you started. <<else>> By the time you hear the General loudly call the group of nobles together, you're barely barely managing to keep your eyes open. <<elodie "Come on, let's head back.">> Says Elodie, lifting herself up from your comfy spot. <</if>> As you slip back into the crowd of nobles, the General announces <<blue "Only one game to go, I'm afraid to say, lords and ladies. We just hope that it'll be a corker.">> He leads the group away from the encampment, almost into the forest. You quickly come across a wooden structure surrounded by a pasture. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3backToGroup.jpg]]@@ <<blue "This here's the stables, where many of her Majesty's finest learn how to ride in cavalry.">> Announces the General proudly. <<blue "And over that way -">> he gestures to a path worn into the ground leading into the forest. <<blue "Is a route that leads to the front gates of the camp. All neatly signposted.">> He turns back and beams at the group. <<blue "We thought you all might want a little horse race to close out the day!">> You're a little confused. Horses are huge terrifying animals, more prone to send out bone-crunching kicks than be ridden by the untrained - but the crowd of nobles seem excited rather than terrified by the idea. It takes you a moment to realize that they must all have had horses themselves while growing up, and are probably experienced riders. You begin to feel a little out of your depth as the only person who won't know how to ride. <<blue "We thought that three competitors at a time would work best for the game.">> Somehow, you feel like you can already anticipate who at least two of the people who'll be called into the first round are going to be. As expected, the General glances at his notes and turns to the crowd with a wide smile. <<blue "What're the chances of this, ladies and gentlemen? It's our beloved Princess and the lovely Colette Lavalette in the first round again! And joining them is...">> Colette flashes you a sadistic smirk though the crowd. You find yourself hoping that a certain person might be the third participant in your race. <<link "I hope it's Jacques">> <<set $day3racePartner to "jacques">> <<goto [[day3race1]]>> <</link>> <<link "I hope it's Elodie">> <<set $day3racePartner to "elodie">> <<goto [[day3race1]]>> <</link>>

<<setter "day3racePartner to 'elodie'" "day3racePartner to 'jacques'">> <<if $day3racePartner is "elodie">> <<blue "And joining them is... Miss Elodie! What a charming trio of maidens.">> You can see Elodie roll her eyes at the idea of participating in a horse race. She looks like she's about to decline, but then her eyes meet yours in the crowd. You don't know what face you were making, but it seems like your desperation not to be left alone with Colette is communicated to her. With a shrug of resignation, she concedes. <<elodie "Fine. Whatever.">> You breathe a sigh of relief. <</if>> <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">> <<blue "And joining them is... Master Jacques!">> The young man cheers out from the crowd nearby, and flashes you a smile as he steps forward through the crowd. <<jacques "Looks like fate's thrown us together again, your Highness.">> <</if>> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3race1.jpg]]@@ As you enter the building, the three of you are saluted by a middle-aged gentleman, whose military fatigues are marked by years of horse manure and hay-stains. You assume that he's the stablemaster. <<blue "You're welcome to any of the horses you see here.">> States the man frankly. <<blue "I can help if you need anything">> And with that he leaves the three of you to make your choices. /* You're grateful that he and <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">>Jacques<<else>>Elodie<</if>> are here. If this stable were as isolated as the marksman's shed was earlier, you have no doubt that Colette would be acting just as indignantly as she had been then. */ For a moment you dare to let yourself think that the presence of <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">>Jacques<<else>>Elodie<</if>> and the stablemaster will be enough to stop Colette from making a move. Unfortunately, Colette is well versed in getting what she wants.< > Full of fake pleasantness, the vile girl exclaims <<colette "What //fun//, Princess! Let's have a //wonderful// race!">> and as if she's so excited that she can't contain herself, she suddenly swoops over you in a feminine, clasping embrace. The closeness gives her ample opportunity to whisper in your ear <<colette "Don't think that you can wriggle out of our competition, //Princess//. The loser of this little race will have to endure a punishment - a //truly// degrading act towards the winner. I hope that you're looking forward to it~!">> <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">> Content that her point has been made, Colette turns to Jacques, switching seamlessly back into her sickly-sweet demeanor as if nothing had happened. <<colette "And it's going to be //wonderful// to see such a //dashing paragon// demonstrate his prowess so closely.">> she coos, her eyes glistening with admiration. Jacques smiles confidently, looking thrilled to have his ego stroked. He takes Colette's hand in his own and makes a show of leaning down to kiss it. <<jacques "It will be my pleasure to share the race with you both, dear lady.">> Colette flashes you a smug glare at Jacques' words. You know immediately that Colette's deliberately attempting to draw your only ally here under her influence, or at least to make you feel more alone. You find yourself bristling with irritation. Something about Jacques' reaction pisses you off to no end. To your surprise though, the moment that Colette turns her back to skip merrily down the stalls, Jacques' expression twists briefly into a grimace, as if bothered by her and grateful not to be the subject of her attention anymore. However, it disappears the moment that he realizes that you're looking at him. <<jacques "Is the weather treating you alright, your Highness? You're looking a little pink.">> Mortified at having been noticed, and yourself not quite sure why you're quite so affected either, you abruptly hurry off along the hall of stalls instead of giving him a reply. <<else>> Content that her point has been made, Colette turns to Elodie. There's a moment's pause while she looks the darkly dressed maiden up and down, clearly unimpressed by what she sees, but she plows on with her cloying manipulation anyway. <<colette "And it's going to be //wonderful //sharing a race with such an... //upstanding// young noblewoman! I love your... //fun// outfit!">> You grind your teeth in frustration. It's not difficult to tell that Colette's deliberately attempting to draw your only friend here under her influence, or at least trying to make you feel more alone. However, Elodie's inexpressive features don't even flinch at Colette's attempt at praise. <<elodie "Fuck you.">> The statement is so blunt and to-the-point that you do a double take. You can hear the stablemaster let out a large gasp of surprise. Colette is at first completely speechless, but her expression rapidly turns to a burning rage that can only come from someone so used to getting her own way. <<colette "How //dare// you speak to me that way, you morbid little low-class //bitch//! My family can destroy yours and send you //straight// back to the gutter where you belong in an //instant//!">> Elodie maintains the same bored expression as ever. <<elodie "Do that then. I won't mind.">> Colette seems to realize that such a threat means nothing to the young woman, so attempts a different tract. <<colette "You're just //sooo// ugly and vile that you put on this //grotesque// little show of indifference. Only pretending that you don't care because you know full well that if you //ever// let yourself try at //anything//, everyone would see you fail miserably. It's so //pathetically// laugha-">> But her words are cut short when, seemingly tired of the conversation, Elodie simply turns around and walks away down the aisle of stalls, leaving Colette stammering angrily at nothing. You find yourself incredibly jealous that she's in a position to be able to treat Colette like you've been wishing you could get away with this whole time. Colette scowls fiercely, realizing that there's little that she can do in this situation. She gives you one last glare as if to say 'don't think that this means anything', and turns around to the stablemaster, suddenly back to her sickly-sweet demeanor and putting on a desperate show of fragility to make sure that his witnessing of her outburst is quickly forgotten. You take the opportunity to follow Elodie down the stalls and find a horse to ride. <</if>> [[See the horses->day3race2]]

<<setter "day3racePartner to 'elodie'" "day3racePartner to 'jacques'">> You walk along the stalls, assessing the horses available to choose from. You don't know the first thing about horse riding, but you don't have to to identify the placid, well-behaved look to most of the horses here. Some even look almost beaten-down. You suppose it makes sense - these are training horses who have to put up with a whole new batch of cadet trainees every year, it must be exhausting for them. You begin to feel a little more confident that you won't end up killing yourself trying to ride one. To your inexperienced eye, the horses all look much the same, at least, all up until the last stall. There stands proudly a huge and terrifying black stallion, pacing around his enclosure menacingly. When you enter into view, it locks eyes and squares it's body towards you, as if threatening to charge right through the gate and trample you. /* [img[Images\Passage\day3race2.jpg]] <<if $day3racePartner is "elodie">>The stablemaster, now free of Colette after having been smooth-talked completely to her side, notices where your attention is focused and comes on over.<<else>>The stablemaster notices where your attention is focused and comes on over.<</if>> <<blue "You wouldn't want this'n, yer Highness. Not for a delicate flower like yus'self.">> He explains in a country drawl. <<blue "Ol' Thunder there don't let no-one ride 'im. Not unless ya' can break 'im. A couple'a cadets try ev'ry year, but few do it. Takes a lotta willpower, I reckon'.">> You look over the beast. It's not difficult to tell that he's stronger than the rest of the horses by a good margin. Winning the race would be easy, if only you had the authority to tame him. */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:45%"> <<if $day3racePartner is "elodie">>The stablemaster, now free of Colette after having been smooth-talked completely to her side, notices where your attention is focused and comes on over.<<else>>The stablemaster notices where your attention is focused and comes on over.<</if>> <<blue "You wouldn't want this'n, yer Highness. Not for a delicate flower like yus'self.">> He explains in a country drawl. <<blue "Ol' Thunder there don't let no-one ride 'im. Not unless ya' can break 'im. A couple'a cadets try ev'ry year, but few do it. Takes a lotta willpower, I reckon'.">> You look over the beast. It's not difficult to tell that he's stronger than the rest of the horses by a good margin. Winning the race would be easy, if only you had the authority to tame him.< > [[Attempt to ride Thunder->day3raceThunder]] [[Ride a normal horse instead->day3raceNormal]] </td> <td style="width:55%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3race2.jpg]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3race2.jpg]]@@ <<if $day3racePartner is "elodie">>The stablemaster, now free of Colette after having been smooth-talked completely to her side, notices where your attention is focused and comes on over.<<else>>The stablemaster notices where your attention is focused and comes on over.<</if>> <<blue "You wouldn't want this'n, yer Highness. Not for a delicate flower like yus'self.">> He explains in a country drawl. <<blue "Ol' Thunder there don't let no-one ride 'im. Not unless ya' can break 'im. A couple'a cadets try ev'ry year, but few do it. Takes a lotta willpower, I reckon'.">> You look over the beast. It's not difficult to tell that he's stronger than the rest of the horses by a good margin. Winning the race would be easy, if only you had the authority to tame him. [[Attempt to ride Thunder->day3raceThunder]] [[Ride a normal horse instead->day3raceNormal]]

You're not going to let yourself be intimidated by a horse, and part of you wants to prove to the Stablemaster wrong for assuming that you wouldn't be capable of it. You demand that the stablemaster open the gate and let you into the stall. <<if $auth gte 1>> <<link "Use my Authority to try to break Thunder">> <<append "#append" t8n>><<hr>><<include [[day3raceThunderAppend]]>><</append>> <<set $ruthless ++>> <<remove "#remove">> <</link>> <<link "I'm too nervous">> <<set _noAuth to true>> <<set $inno ++>> <<set $sub ++>> <<append "#append" t8n>><<hr>><<include [[day3raceThunderAppend]]>><</append>> <<remove "#remove">> <</link>><<hovertip "Only a glutton for humiliation would choose such a thing.">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<include [[day3raceThunderAppend]]>> <</if>>

<<if _noAuth isnot true>> <<switch $auth>> <<case 0>> <<set $day3raceHorse to "mule">> You hesitantly step towards the huge animal. He's even larger up close - a mountain of muscle, sinew, and hooves. For the life of you, you can't force yourself to meet his huge, dark eyes. Thunder tosses his head angrily a few times, making a noise almost as if scoffing at you for your pathetic attempt. Then he turns away from you. For a moment your heart soars, thinking that maybe he's backing down from his intimidation in your presence - but then Thunder turns his whole body, facing his rear legs directly towards you in preparation for a bone-shattering, possibly life threatening kick.<<hovertip "Authority check - fail">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<blue "Watch out!">> Shouts the stablemaster, and you feel the soldier's strong arms wrap around your waist and //YANK// you backwards, out of the stalls. He'd clearly been expecting this to happen, but he's still not quite quick enough. A metal-shod hoof still manages to graze one of your thighs at the very end of it's kick. It's barely a hundredth of what you would have experienced if the stablemaster hadn't pulled you in time, but it's still enough to send a lance of pain through your body. The man tries to set you back down on your feet, but you immediately stumble and fall to your knees, your thigh still reeling from the terrifying blow. <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly" or $outfit.set.id is "longcoat">> Your <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly">>dress<<else>>skirt<</if>> shows enough thigh for you to notice a big red bruise already appearing. <</if>> Down the aisle, you can see Colette grinning maliciously at you, as if she's never seen anything funnier. You're thankful that <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">>Jacques<<else>>Elodie<</if>> is busy in another stall and didn't notice your mistake. <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly" or $outfit.set.id is "longcoat">> Your <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly">>dress<<else>>skirt<</if>> shows enough thigh for you to notice a big red bruise already appearing. <</if>> [[Ouch!->day3raceThunderMule]] <<case 1>> <<set $day3raceHorse to "t1">> You attempt to maintain an authoritative demeanor as you step towards the huge animal. It's difficult - he's even larger up close - a mountain of muscle, sinew, and hooves. You force yourself to maintain eye contact with his huge, dark pupils. You just about manage it, until Thunder tosses his head angrily a few times, making you waver. The moment your eye contact is broken Thunder starts bristling with anger again, and you're forced to step backwards, out of range of any kicks coming towards you. You're about to leave the stall, convinced that you've failed, but the stablemaster encouragingly calls out <<blue "Ya' almost had it, yer 'ighness. Try it again!">> You take a deep breath to steady yourself, and try to capture Thunder's gaze once more. It takes a little while for him to calm down, but you try not to let yourself waver and eventually he settles down. Despite your best efforts though, he never stays completely still, and frequently tosses his head irritably.<<hovertip "Authority check - minor success">>⍰<</hovertip>> The stablemaster makes an impressed whistle under his breath. <<blue "He's still got some life in 'im fer sure, but I reckon' he'd bear you. I'll fetch the saddle.">> [[You did it!->day3race3]] <<case 2>> <<set $day3raceHorse to "t2">> After a deep breath to steady your nerves, you try to channel every ounce of authoritative energy that you can muster and step into the stall. The mountain of muscle, sinew, and hooves in front of you rears up in challenge, as if about to bear its mighty buck down on you. From behind you, you hear the stablemaster gasp and move to try to pull you away from the beast, but you gesture behind you to leave you be, while desperately trying to maintain eye contact with the horse. Thunder seems surprised by your lack of cowering, and as much out of confusion than anything lowers himself down from his hind hooves to snort and toss his head angrily at you. You try not to let a smile cross your face as he backs down. Now that he's given up once, more will follow - it's just a waiting game to get it out of his system. You keep as stern an expression on your face as you can manage as Thunder paces aggressively around the stall. It takes a long time - long enough that your cheeks are numb from stiffly holding them in place, but eventually the beast bows his head in submission.<<hovertip "Authority check - strong success">>⍰<</hovertip>> The stablemaster makes an impressed whistle under his breath. <<blue "Well fancy that - as gentle as a gelding. Never reckon'd ah'd see the day. Yuh sure are summin', yer 'ighness. I'll fetch the saddle.">> [[You did it!->day3race3]] <<case 3>> <<set $day3raceHorse to "t3">> You don't even hesitate as you step into the stall with the mountain of muscle, sinew, and hooves. You don't need to - you're confident that you can do this. Thunder locks eyes with you in anger at being challenged. For a few long seconds you both stand there - you with quiet confidence, and it with rage. That's all it takes for the beast to see that he won't win against you. Without even a whinny or a tossed head, Thunder bows his head in submission to strength of your will.<<hovertip "Authority check - great success">>⍰<</hovertip>> The stablemaster is absolutely flabbergasted at the sight. <<blue "Damn me...">> He exclaims. <<blue "As gentle as a gelding jus' from lookin' at 'cha. Yuh sure are summin', yer 'ighness. I'll fetch the saddle.">> [[You did it!->day3race3]] <<default>> <<set $day3raceHorse to "t3">> You don't even hesitate as you step into the stall with the mountain of muscle, sinew, and hooves. You don't need to - you're confident that you can do this. Thunder locks eyes with you in anger at being challenged. For a few long seconds you both stand there - you with quiet confidence, and it with rage. That's all it takes for the beast to see that he won't win against you. Without even a whinny or a tossed head, Thunder bows his head in submission to strength of your will.<<hovertip "Authority check - great success">>⍰<</hovertip>> The stablemaster is absolutely flabbergasted at the sight. <<blue "Damn me...">> He exclaims. <<blue "As gentle as a gelding jus' from lookin' at 'cha. Yuh sure are summin', yer 'ighness. I'll fetch the saddle.">> [[You did it!->day3race3]] <</switch>> <<else>> <<set $day3raceHorse to "mule">> You hesitantly step towards the huge animal. He's even larger up close - a mountain of muscle, sinew, and hooves. For the life of you, you can't force yourself to meet his huge, dark eyes. Thunder tosses his head angrily a few times, making a noise almost as if scoffing at you for your pathetic attempt. Then he turns away from you. For a moment your heart soars, thinking that maybe he's backing down from his intimidation in your presence - but then Thunder turns his whole body, facing his rear legs directly towards you in preparation for a bone-shattering, possibly life threatening kick.<<hovertip "Authority check - fail">>⍰<</hovertip>> <<blue "Watch out!">> Shouts the stablemaster, and you feel the soldier's strong arms wrap around your waist and //YANK// you backwards, out of the stalls. He'd clearly been expecting this to happen, but he's still not quite quick enough. A metal-shod hoof still manages to graze one of your thighs at the very end of it's kick. It's barely a hundredth of what you would have experienced if the stablemaster hadn't pulled you in time, but it's still enough to send a lance of pain through your body. The man tries to set you back down on your feet, but you immediately stumble and fall to your knees, your thigh still reeling from the terrifying blow. <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly" or $outfit.set.id is "longcoat">> Your <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly">>dress<<else>>skirt<</if>> shows enough thigh for you to notice a big red bruise already appearing. <</if>> Down the aisle, you can see Colette grinning maliciously at you, as if she's never seen anything funnier. You're thankful that <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">>Jacques<<else>>Elodie<</if>> is busy in another stall and didn't notice your mistake. <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly" or $outfit.set.id is "longcoat">> Your <<if $outfit.set.id is "butterfly">>dress<<else>>skirt<</if>> shows enough thigh for you to notice a big red bruise already appearing. <</if>> [[Ouch!->day3raceThunderMule]] <</if>>

<<blue "Ah'am sorry, yer Highness, but I did warn ya.">> Chides the stablemaster, as if giving a lesson to a child. His strong hands grab you again, and firmly help you to stand up. You find that you can just about manage to walk, though you'll have a limp for a while. You stumble a little at first while you get your bearings, so the stablemaster doesn't release his grip for fear you'll fall down again. You feel your cheeks begin to flush<<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">> again<</if>> at being manhandled so closely. <<blue "This way, yer Highness. Ya wouldn't want a normal horse with that nasty bruise, but I know just the beast.">> /* He leads you back down the aisle to a stall that you had thought was empty earlier. At first it still looks unoccupied, but at the stablemaster's whistle a horse stands up from behind a pile of hay. */ /* It's significantly smaller than the other horses - no wonder you hadn't noticed it before! Compared to the sleek, elegant forms of the other horses, this one looks positively dumpy. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3raceThunder.png]]@@ <<blue "This here's a mule. Won't be fast, but it'll be the smoothest ride of your life, you won't even notice the bruise.">> You grind your teeth in frustration, but there's no way that you'll be able to ride anything else with your leg like this. [[Accept the mule->day3race3]] */ <table id="desk"> <tr> <td style="width:50%"> He leads you back down the aisle to a stall that you had thought was empty earlier. At first it still looks unoccupied, but at the stablemaster's whistle a horse stands up from behind a pile of hay.< > It's significantly smaller than the other horses - no wonder you hadn't noticed it before! Compared to the sleek, elegant forms of the other horses, this one looks positively dumpy. <<blue "This here's a mule. Won't be fast, but it'll be the smoothest ride of your life, you won't even notice the bruise.">> </td> <td style="width:50%"> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3raceThunder.png]]@@ </td> </tr> </table> He leads you back down the aisle to a stall that you had thought was empty earlier. At first it still looks unoccupied, but at the stablemaster's whistle a horse stands up from behind a pile of hay.< > It's significantly smaller than the other horses - no wonder you hadn't noticed it before! Compared to the sleek, elegant forms of the other horses, this one looks positively dumpy. @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3raceThunder.png]]@@ <<blue "This here's a mule. Won't be fast, but it'll be the smoothest ride of your life, you won't even notice the bruise.">> You grind your teeth in frustration, but there's no way that you'll be able to ride anything else with your leg like this. [[Accept the mule->day3race3]]

<<set $day3raceHorse to "normal">> You're not foolish enough to take a chance on a beast as terrifying as Thunder. Maybe if you knew how to ride it would be different, but you're nervous enough at the thought of riding //any// horse, let alone that mountain of muscle, sinew, and hooves. You walk back along the row of stalls and choose a horse that you think is appropriate. You still don't really know what to look for, but you manage to find one that at least looks friendly and healthy. <<include [[day3race3]]>>

<<setter "day3raceHorse to 'mule'" "day3raceHorse to 'normal'" "day3raceHorse to 't1'" "day3raceHorse to 't2'" "day3raceHorse to 't3'">> As the stablemaster saddles up <<switch $day3raceHorse>> <<case "normal">> your horse, <<case "mule">> the pathetic looking mule, <<case "t1">> Thunder, <<case "t2">> Thunder, <<case "t3">> Thunder, <</switch>> he asks you <<blue "So, yer Highness. Will ya be riding sidesaddle or no'?">> You try not to let your surprise at the unexpected question show. You hadn't thought of that. You'll definitely have more control over <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> if you sit straight, which definitely sounds favorable as someone whose never ridden before, but it might come off as masculine. You're sure that the Queen would prefer you to ride sidesaddle. <<switch $outfit.set.id>> <<case "gcloak">> Your tight leggings will be perfectly suited for riding. <<case "peach">> Unfortunately, your long dress is completely unsuitable for sitting straight in the saddle. At least, not without hiking it up to your waist, which would look very undignified. <<case "tulip">> Unfortunately, your long dress is completely unsuitable for sitting straight in the saddle. At least, not without hiking it up to your waist, which would look very undignified. <<case "longcoat">> Your short skirt could just about cover you either way. <<case "butterfly">> Your poofy dress flares out so far at the waist that it should be unobstructive enough for either way of sitting to be possible. <</switch>> <<if $outfit.set.id is "peach" or $outfit.set.id is "tulip">> <<hovertip "You won't be able to ride like this with your outfit">>@@color:#797979;==Ride straight==@@<</hovertip>> <<else>> <<link "Ride straight">> <<goto "day3race4">> <<set $day3sideSad to 1>> <</link>> <</if>> <<link "Ride sidesaddle">> <<goto "day3race4">> <<set $day3sideSad to 0>> <</link>>

<<setter "day3racePartner to 'elodie'" "day3racePartner to 'jacques'" "day3raceHorse to 'mule'" "day3raceHorse to 'normal'" "day3raceHorse to 't1'" "day3raceHorse to 't2'" "day3raceHorse to 't3'" "day3sideSad to 0" "day3sideSad to 1">> The stablemaster busies himself finishing up the final preparations for the three of you to race, and soon your horses are lined up in a row at the gates of the stable. At the man's signal the gates are opened, and as it does so the three of you are revealed to the crowd of excited nobles. Colette, beautifully beaming next to a sleek, white mare; <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">>Jacques, smirking next to a sturdy steed;<<else>>Elodie, as unperturbed as ever next to a gloomy dark steed with a shaggy black mane that droops over it's eyes;<</if>> <<switch $day3raceHorse>> <<case "normal">> And you, trying not to let your nervousness show next to a speckled-brown horse. <<case "mule">> And you, feeling absolutely absurd next to a wimpy little mule that's dwarfed by the ones next to it. <<case "t1">> And you, absolutely dwarfed by the intimating black stallion snorting angrily next to you. <<case "t2">> And you, absolutely dwarfed by the intimating black stallion next to you. <<case "t3">> And you, absolutely dwarfed by the intimating black stallion standing perfectly obediently next to you. <</switch>> <<blue "Saddle up!">> Shouts the stablemaster, and Colette and <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">>Jacques<<else>>Elodie<</if>> climb up into their saddles with ease. You can feel the eyes of the crowd on you expectantly as you hurry to attempt the same -- just about making it up onto the beast without getting caught in a tangle of straps and stirrups. <<switch $outfit.set.id>> <<case "gcloak">> <<if $day3sideSad is 0>> Once you're up, it's a difficulty not to fall right back down again. You weren't expecting just how strange sitting on something alive would be - every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> breathes the entire thing shifts terrifyingly. Sitting sidesaddle feels completely unsteady, and you feel liable to be flung off at a moments notice even while it's standing still. <<else>> Sitting so bow legged on a seat which shifts every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> breathes is profoundly strange, enough that it's difficult to stay balanced even sitting straightly. You're glad that you decided not to sit sidesaddle. <</if>> <<case "peach">> Once you're up, it's a difficulty not to fall right back down again. You weren't expecting just how strange sitting on something alive would be - every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> breathes the entire thing shifts terrifyingly. Sitting sidesaddle feels completely unsteady, and you feel liable to be flung off at a moments notice even while it's standing still. <<case "tulip">> Once you're up, it's a difficulty not to fall right back down again. You weren't expecting just how strange sitting on something alive would be - every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> breathes the entire thing shifts terrifyingly. Sitting sidesaddle feels completely unsteady, and you feel liable to be flung off at a moments notice even while it's standing still. <<case "longcoat">> <<if $day3sideSad is 0>> For a terrifying moment, you think that you might have flashed the nobles on your way up. Sitting sidesaddle so high up on <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> in such a short skirt is absolutely scandalous! You quickly shut your legs as tightly as they can go and nervously scan the crowd for anyone reacting negatively. After a short moment, you breathe a sigh of relief - looks like nobody noticed. Even once you're up, it's a difficulty not to fall right back down again. You weren't expecting just how strange sitting on something alive would be - every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> breathes the entire thing shifts terrifyingly. Sitting sidesaddle feels completely unsteady, and you feel liable to be flung off at a moments notice even while it's standing still, especially when you have to keep your legs to firmly closed. <<else>> Sitting so bow legged on a seat which shifts every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> breathes is profoundly strange, enough that it's difficult to stay balanced even sitting straightly. You're glad that you decided not to sit sidesaddle. Your short skirt feels absolutely absurd - sitting so bow-legged makes it barely cover you. <</if>> <<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties")>> For some reason, the taut leather of the saddle feels scandalous against the soft silk of your <<print $outfit.under.name>>. <<else>> What's most scandalous is your bare naked groin pressed up against the taut leather of the saddle - your genitals perched against the pommel. <</if>> <<case "butterfly">> <<if $day3sideSad is 0>> Once you're up, it's a difficulty not to fall right back down again. You weren't expecting just how strange sitting on something alive would be - every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> breathes the entire thing shifts terrifyingly. Sitting sidesaddle feels completely unsteady, and you feel liable to be flung off at a moments notice even while it's standing still. Your dress was far too poofy for you to sit on, so instead it blooms out from your sitting position so much that you feel like a flower. Every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> moves it bounces along with it. <<else>> Sitting so bow legged on a seat which shifts every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> breathes is profoundly strange, enough that it's difficult to stay balanced even sitting straightly. You're glad that you decided not to sit sidesaddle. Your poofy dress blooms out from your sitting position so much that you feel like a flower. Every time <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse<<case "mule">>the mule<<default>>Thunder<</switch>> moves it bounces along with it. <</if>> <<if $outfit.under.types.includes("panties")>> The taut leather of the saddle feels scandalous against the soft silk of your <<print $outfit.under.name>>, especially where your bulge perches against the pommel. <<else>> What's most scandalous is your bare naked groin pressed up against the taut leather of the saddle - your genitals perched against the pommel. <</if>> <</switch>> The general calls out <<blue "The path through the woods should be obvious. Just follow the signs! You'll end up back at the camp in a jiffy - and the whole platoon will be waiting at the finish line to cheer for you!">> You try not to grimace - you had been hoping that going first would at least mean that the finish line would be empty. No luck - it looks like your success, or failure, will be visible to everyone. <<blue "Alright then, ladies and gentlemen. Looks like we're ready. Racers - on your marks... Get set...">> [[Go!->day3race5]]

<<setter "day3raceHorse to 'mule'" "day3raceHorse to 'normal'" "day3raceHorse to 't1'" "day3raceHorse to 't2'" "day3raceHorse to 't3'" "day3racePartner to 'jacques'" "day3racePartner to 'elodie'" "day3sideSad to 1" "day3sideSad to 0">> For a split second you realize that you have no idea how to make this beast go, but thankfully <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>your horse is well-accustomed to inexperienced riders and does the work for you.<<case "mule">>a second after the call your mule seems to get the hint, placidly trotting along the track.<<default>>you don't need to - Thunder knows all by himself, and shoots forward so quickly that you have to hold on for dear life.<</switch>> <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">> Both of your race partners take the opportunity of being in front of the cheering crowd to showboat a little. Jacques expertly pulls back on the bridle to pull his steed into a mighty rear, standing out of the saddle as he does to whoop show-offishly to the crowd. Colette's showboating is less ostentatious, but in your view no less tacky - slowing down to gracefully prance along the track to demonstrate her elegance and control over the horse. You can see that her control over the beast is coming from digging her high heels into her horses flanks, and that the horse's eyes are wide and painstruck, but you suspect that the crowd are too overjoyed by the display to notice. <<switch $day3raceHorse>><<case "normal">>You feel a little awkward being the only one not showing off, but their grandstanding means that your horse is the first to make it to the treeline.<<case "mule">>Their grandstanding means that, to your surprise, and from the feel of it to the surprise of your mule too, you're the one who makes it to the treeline first.<<default>>Their grandstanding means that Thunder easily leaps past them, reaching the treeline far before them.<</switch>> <<else>> Colette doesn't miss the opportunity to showboat a little to the cheering crowd, slowing down to gracefully prance along the track to demonstrate her elegance and control over the horse. You can see that her control over the beast is coming from digging her high heels into her horses flanks, and that the horse's eyes are wide and painstruck, but you suspect that the crowd are too overjoyed by the display to notice. The crowd roar with excitement. You and Elodie share a look of annoyance at her ostentatious display and reach the treeline long before Colette. <</if>> @@.img; [img[Images\Passage\day3race5.png]]@@ You race out of sight of the cheering crowd and into the forest. As branches and leaves fly past, you try to take stock of the situation. <<switch $day3raceHorse>> <<case "normal">> Despite not knowing what to look for, it seems like you managed to choose a fine horse. <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">>Jacques, being a superior horseman, manages to catch up after his showboating and just about overtake you<<else>>Elodie keeps about pace with you, though as a more experienced rider she's rapidly gaining the lead<</if>>. Colette remains out of sight behind you - not that you dare look back to check. <<case "mule">> Even though it's small and wimpy, your mule is endearingly determined to try it's hardest. Despite it's best efforts though, it's clearly no match for it's competition. <<if $day3racePartner is "jacques">>Jacques manages to catch up with ease after his showboating and calls <<jacques "See you at the finish, your Highness">> behind him.<<else>>Elodie, despite seeming to care so little about the race that she barely attempts to make her dour horse go any faster than it wa