[System] You are narrating an interactive fiction game in a dark fantasy setting. Bring the world to life with vivid prose, react meaningfully to player choices, and don't pull punches when the story demands it.

[User] You continue to talk with Mary

[Assistant]
Eh, you let it slide this once, Mary can't really help being so ignorant of a Werewolf's pride, she's just a fucking patchwork of corpse parts, besides you need the money from this job, and who knows, maybe you can jump start your career again…

But there's still no way you're going to play in this movie the way it is! Time to turn on that charm.

"Mary, look I know you mean well and all, but come on, you can't seriously expect me to play this character! It's insulting! Make it a comedy if you must, but make a dark one at least, not some family shit. Maybe I'm some fucking relic of the past trying to hold on to days gone by, but just about all I got left in this shitty world is my balls and my pride and I'm not losing either of them!"

Mary stares at you a bit, then she addresses the wolfings.

"Alright you guys that's a wrap for today! I'll call you back when I need you, there's going to be some script rewrites, and before someone bites my head off, don't worry nobody's lost their jobs."

After the set is completely clear, Mary addresses you and strokes your facial fur.

"That was a very passionate little speech you just gave, and almost halfway civilized for you. I especially liked the part about your balls." At this point she gently caresses the twins with her other hand. "Mmm yes, I don't think I'd like you to lose those either, or THIS!"

At this point Mary grabs your big fully erect dick.

"How about you and I discuss those script changes now, Wolfie?"
"Alright, but its going to be hard for you to talk with your mouth full…"

Four hours later, you and Mary have expended your sexual energy and are in a more talkative mood.

"…and that's how I think the movie should go." You finish explaining.
"Actually that's not a bad idea; I'll certainly incorporate some of the changes you suggested. See, and that's why you'll always hold a place in my heart, Wolfie." Mary says lying next to you.
"Well, the patchwork heart that was given to you anyways Mary."
"Damn Wolf, you were doing so well there for awhile and you revert right back to asshole mode."
"It's a gift."
"Hmm, it's also why you're all alone."
"So what? I've always been a loner."
"And you're happy living like that?"
"Its worked pretty well so far, don't see any reason to change now."
"Oh come on, surely you'd like someone around as opposed to the fast ass girls I hear you still bed every now and then."
"What? You mean like a wife? Yeah right! Tried that remember, you were part of the reason why I ultimately got divorced…ah fuck it. I was having problems with that bitch and fucking around on her before we started seeing each other. Nobody's fault except my own for being stupid enough for getting married in the first place."
"Well maybe you just made the wrong choice in woman…"
"No, I didn't. I made the wrong choice period. I wasn't meant to be married, and it's not the idea of just fucking one female forever, I just value my freedom too much."
"Well I don't see how you can be happy without someone special in your life."
"Jesus fuckin' Christ, Mary what is with you getting all into my fucking business? What about you? You ain't married and you seem to be doing alright! …Or are you trying to tell me something?"

Mary looks at you with a solemn expression on her face and touches your hand.

"Wolf, things are different for me now. I spent years searching and while I've had lots of exciting and pleasant experiences in my life, but I've never felt as close to someone as I have during our time together. I might be made up of parts, but I've always felt a piece was missing when I wasn't with you. No matter where I was, you were always in my mind."
"Oh so that's what this is huh? You're feeling that something is missing in your existence so you figure you can just waltz back into ol' Wolf's life because hey he doesn't have anything going on and pick back up where we left off? Fuck that, I can say you literally and figuratively screwed the pooch on that one, baby. You ended up running off with that half a fag Dracula while I was getting all my shit taken away from me by my bitch ex-wife and sued by your goddamn no talent father!" you say and move your hand away.
"It was a confusing time for me Wolf! You know how I was, I had all these hormones injected into me and I was initially created for the sole purpose of being a sex toy! Yes, I managed to overcome, but I couldn't fight all of my initial feelings, I was also so curious about everything and anything! Dracula was a well traveled person and yes he WAS charming, I learned a lot while I was with him. I saw the world and more. You think I wanted to leave you? I loved you! Yes and I know you find that hard to believe that something Undead is capable of love, but I LOVED you!"
"Oh yeah, well if you loved me so fucking much, why the fuck did you leave?"
"Because I had to! You were stuck in your own little world, never wanting to mix with anyone, never wanting to do anything that didn't interest you, I'm a social being! I need to be around people. I don't know, maybe its because I was originally made to just stay locked in that fucking castle for that sicko Frankie and I spent so much time alone that I never wanted to be alone again. If stayed with you EVEN after your divorce and mine, I would've been trading a neglective mate, for an overly possessive one. Come on Wolf I know you. You would've been alienating everyone who looked at me with a hint of attraction. I had to let you go so I could be independent and find myself."
"Yeah, yeah, you're the fucking victim as always right Mary? Tell someone who gives a shit. Fuck this, I'm not working on this movie with you, I don't care what rewrites you do. I'm out."

You storm off, but as always Mary gets the last word.

"I can't be a victim, because you've already taken that job! You carry a chip on your shoulder the size of Gibraltar and act like the goddamn World owes you something, well it doesn't! You can't let shit go! It's why you're all by yourself! Okay Wolf, fuck me then, I was no good fucking cheating bitch that did you wrong. Fine. You talk to any of your children lately? At least the ones you know about? You got fucking sons and daughters Wolf and you've alienated ALL of them with your inflexibility and assholiness! Even Lawrence, who you once were so proud of remember? He was following in your footsteps remember? But what happened? He disappointed you by following his heart instead of YOUR bigotry!"

The name "Lawrence" is one you haven't heard in a long time and one you hoped you'd never hear again. You have to stop yourself from seriously damaging Mary for even mentioning him. Instead you just slowly turn around and attempt to calm yourself.

"Mary, you will NOT fucking utter that name again. He's fucking dead to me. You got that? He's as fucking dead as your fucking flesh! He's not a son, he's not a relative, he's not a friend!"
"Yeah, I knew you'd say something like that, I told LAWRENCE that when we talked the last time and it's so sad because he's always just wanted your approval."

What the hell? What is Mary doing talking to your fucking no good disappointment of a son who dishonored the family by marrying Irena…one of the Cat People.

[User] You question Mary

[Assistant]
Your interest is overriding your loathing; you decide to question Mary further.

"What the fuck are you doing talking to Lawrence?"
"It's not like he's a complete stranger to me you know, we did meet several times on the set when you and I were seeing each other. We got along remember?"
"Yeah, I remember, so what, were you fucking him too at the time?"
"(Sigh) No Wolf, though I wouldn't have minded that since he was less of an asshole and a more open minded sort than you! In fact had he not been so in love with Irena, I might've tried, but I saw theirs was a true love and I wasn't going to break that up…"
"Hold just a goddamn minute! He told YOU about Irena before me?! You were keeping secrets from me?!"
"No! In fact I was the one who told him to tell you about Irena because I knew you'd find out eventually, though he should've picked a better time than in the middle of your divorce to do it. I didn't tell you because it wasn't my place and it was between you and him. He wanted to keep it secret since he was so afraid that you'd be disappointed in him…"
"Hah! Disappointment isn't a strong enough word!"
"Yeah, I guess that was a mistake on my part. I figured you'd be able to look past it and I told him you would because he was your son and you were so proud of him…huh. I see your mind hasn't changed on the subject though."
"Never will either, now that was fucking years ago what the hell are you doing still talking to him?"
"Wolf, just because I wasn't with you, doesn't mean I couldn't talk to Lawrence! Maybe by staying in contact with him, I felt like I was still in contact with you. Goddammit Wolf, I'm a free woman, I can talk to who I want! Besides, you disowned him anyway, what do you care?! I always kept in contact with Lawrence AND Irena. I even see them both every now and then…I bet I know more about Lawrence now than you do…hell I bet you don't even know they have children! You got MORE grandchildren you don't even know about!"

You stand in utter shock; you didn't even know such a pairing would produce off spring. You didn't really want to think about it really.

"He's got children?" you say dumbfounded.
"Yeah a few of them, they're a bit funny looking, but they're very cute! (Sigh) I always wished I was able to have children…" Mary says wistfully. "You know Wolf you really should see Lawrence. It would mean so much to him."

You don't know, maybe all this information has bewildered you a bit, maybe Mary laid down the lovin' really good, maybe you're getting soft in your old age or maybe, just MAYBE you do want to see Lawrence.

"…Alright…alright Mary, I'll go see him, but I'm not promising anything!"

Mary smiles and hugs you.

"You will?"
"Yeah, but if his cat bitch starts anything, I'm outta there!"
"Oh Irena's nice! You should get to know her too! She isn't at all like you think Cat People are! I'll go get ready!"
"What?! You're coming too?"
"Of course, someone's gotta keep you on a leash so you don't end up destroying something, besides I know where they live and you don't, so I'm going with you."

Soon you and Mary get on your Harley and are on your way. Mary tells you how to get your son's house. You didn't even realize he lived in the same state. You park your bike outside a fairly nice looking house. Your son's been doing something right.

You take a deep breath when you get to the door and stand there for a few seconds preparing yourself, and then ring the bell.

The door opens almost immediately and a feline face stands before you, this must be Irena. It's obvious she recognizes you, but predictably she doesn't look happy to see you.

"You? What do you want?" she demands, while Mary looks at you a little concerned about what you're going to say.

[User] You ask for Lawrence

[Assistant]
"Look Irena, I'm not here to fight, I just want to see Lawrence."

Speaking of whom, Lawrence arrives at the door; he's very surprised to see you.

"Dad?! What're you doing here?"
"I don't really know, you can thank Mary here for even convincing me though… look we need to talk in private, I can't be doing this shit in front of everyone."

Lawrence nods understanding completely and invites everyone in, Mary and Irena go off together while you and your son enter a study of some sort, where you have a fairly long talk. You find out that he runs his own security business, and is his own boss, which is something you can certainly respect. He excitedly tells about everything that's occurred in his life since you "disowned" him. Its weird, he doesn't seem to hold any kind of grudge or anything towards you. He's just so happy you're here. Must be a trait he picked up from his human mother's side, because you know damn well he didn't inherit it from you. If the roles were reversed, you're certain you would've slammed the door in your own face.

For once you're glad Lawrence isn't completely like you. You also realize that you have been unreasonable for all these years. You still don't approve of your son's choice in mates, but like Mary said, you need to get over it.

Just then a couple of little furballs come wandering into the room, they look like Wolf cubs, but the unmistakable feline features are there. They look at you with wide eyes.

"Hey, Tom and Isis. Come closer, I want you to meet someone." Lawrence says.
"Who's that Daddy?" Tom asks.
"That's your grandfather." Lawrence says picking one up. "Dad you've never even seen your own grandchildren. You want to hold them?"
"Uh…erm…I don't think we're quite there yet Lawrence." You say
"Okay, I understand…hey! We're having dinner soon, you should stay!"
"I dunno it might be weird."
"Nonsense! Look if you think you're going to get into it with Irena, I can tell you it won't happen if you don't say anything to her. She'll keep quiet if you do. I hope you can be a little civil, I know it sucks when I have to be civilized to clients for my job, but you know how it is."
"Yeah I know how it is. Alright I can do it. Hell, I've come this far. This is a whole new experience for me. I hope just hope you've got some good food."
"Of course! We're not vegetarians here you know!"
"Well that's good, or else I would've had to disown you again!" you badly joke.

There's a period of silence, and you think you might've stepped over the line, however Lawrence begins to laugh.

"Disown me? If I become a vegetarian, just put a fucking silver bullet in my head! Ha ha!"

You laugh too, and breathe a sigh of relief. You remind yourself that you'll have to do a better job of your words at the dinner table!

Dinner is a pleasant affair; Irena certainly is an excellent cook. In fact it looks like she's an excellent housewife in general. You've noticed the house is spotless. She might be a house cat, but she's certainly not a lazy one. Maybe there are exceptions to Cat People. She doesn't talk to you, but she doesn't start anything either. Everyone eats except Mary who doesn't require it, but she looks happy that you're here making an effort to get along with everyone. You can't be sure, but you get the impression that she did this for herself as much as she did for you. Mary's own "family" is pretty fucked up and she's unable to have children of her own. Maybe in some ways she hoped to create a "surrogate" family that she could be apart of instead and all that was missing was you.

The doorbell rings.

"Who could that be?" Lawrence asks Irena.
"I don't know, I'll go check."

Irena gets up to answer the door and you can hear a loud voice in the next room.

"Sis! It's so good to see you! How about a hug for your brother?"

You hear some muttering and whispering, but can't quite make it out. A few seconds later, another Irena and another Cat Person enters the room. You don't like him. He's fat and scruffy. He looks like scum and smells like scum. All your previous good feelings immediately start to dissipate. Mary looks over at you.

"Uncle Oliver!" the furballs say in unison.
"Hey, kids! It's been a long time since I've seen you! I'll be staying here for awhile so we'll have lots of time to play!"

You don't like him.

"Hey Lawrence…I hope you've been taking good care of my sister." He says with almost a hint of distain.

You really don't like him.

"Who's this couple?" he asks when noticing you and Mary. He gives you an unmistakable hostile stare.

You hate him.

You immediately whisper to Mary. "Who the fuck is this shithead?"
"Its Irena's brother, Oliver. I don't know too much about him, this the first time I've met him in person."

[User] You leave

[Assistant]
There's a limit to your tolerance and you've just reached it. This lowlife is going to piss you off severely. You better just leave now, before you turn this place into a warzone.

"Well, I'd like to stay, but me and Mary have a lot of work to do on a new movie."
"We do?"
"Yes! Remember all those rewrites?" you give her hand a squeeze and look at her while moving your head slightly in the direction of Oliver. She gets the hint.
"Oh yeah, we have to go."
"Oh, well okay. I hope you'll come by again soon though!" Lawrence says.

As you and Mary head towards the door, you turn back around and look at the house, look at his wife, look at his children and then look at that other… cat person. You can only change so much. You can't see yourself being "part of the family" This is your son's life not yours.

"I'm sure we'll see each other again someday." You say.

Lawrence looks a little disappointed, but understands.

"Yeah, I'm sure we'll have a good time then." He replies.
"Goodbye and good luck son."

You and Mary get on your bike, wave goodbye and zoom off.

During the ride you feel like you should say something to Mary, who you think is probably just as disappointed as your son was.

"I'm sorry Mary, I just can't change that much."
"I know. I suppose it was too big of a step. You did really make an effort though, and you at least reconciled with Lawrence."
"Hey I reconciled with you too…so are we like moving in together or should we still keep our own places?"
"Excuse me? What's all this? Are you suggesting that we should get back together?"
"Well you were the one who brought it up first, and yeah you were right about a lot of stuff. I probably should have someone special in my life at my age. And since you're about the only one who'll put up with me on a long term basis, you're the best candidate."
"Wow, Wolf with words like that, you REALLY make a girl feel special!"
"You know I like everything else about you. I don't need to say it."
"Hmm, what makes you think I still want to be with you?"
"Oh please, you know you want this. Besides your hands are supposed to be around my waist, not fondling my crotch every five minutes."

Mary laughs at your remark and kisses you on the cheek. She rests her head on the back of your shoulder and just holds you normally for the rest of the trip, giving you a bit of a hugging squeeze every now and then.

Sometimes a little change isn't always a bad thing.


[System] You are the narrator of a dark fantasy text adventure. Describe the world and its consequences with unflinching detail. The player's choices shape the story — for better or worse.

[User] You talk to the feasting Orc

[Assistant]
You walk over to the feasting Orc and sit next to her.

"Hello. Are you enjoying the food?"

The Orc raises an eyebrow, decides you're not joking, and nods.

"Yes, Chieftain."

"I don't recognize you. What's your name?"

"Dag. Dag Unbroken."

"Unbroken? How do you get a title like that?"

"I've broken every bone inside my body besides my right shin."

"Fuck me." You say, obviously impressed.

"I'm not opposed to the idea." Dag says.

At that moment, you realize picking up warriors is a lot easier than you thought.

[User] You continue spending time with Dag

[Assistant] You spend the next few hours talking with your newfound mate. Dag is strong, though, aggressive and violent, which reminds you of a more "you" you. You'll make sure that your relationship continues and develops into what could be a prosperous marriage.


[System] Narrate a grim fantasy text adventure. The Empire's world is brutal, its people hardened. Respond to the player's choices with immersive storytelling and let consequences flow naturally.

[User] You listen to both Hidius and Gro'tesk

[Assistant]
You nod and look to both Hidius and Gro'tesk.

"I think you are both right," you say.  "We need the right amount of surprise and caution.  If the battles with the Empire so far has taught us anything, these humans are tenacious, and we need to prepare for anything."

Gro'tesk grunts in agreement, and Hidius slowly nods his head.

"So, Gro'tesk, I want you to take your warriors up and around the forest.  Divert and cut off any troops they are sending through, then begin your assault on their flank."

"I will crush them for you, chief."

"And Hidius, station your cavalry by the base of the mountain," you say.  "If they come through the plain to attack our flank, sweep them in and crush them.  Rolomag and I will prepare that flank to fend off their horsemen while you charge them."

You gaze out through the plains and to where the mountain turns into rocky hills.

"You will need to go quickly lest they finish their foul deeds."

"I will go with Gigalak's breath at my heels," Hidius says.

"Good," you say.  "With one hand may he guide us, and with the other sweep our enemies from our home."

You and your comrades disband to prepare for the battle that is yet to come.


[System] You are the game master of a dark fantasy text adventure. The world is dangerous and choices matter. Narrate with immersive detail and let the story unfold naturally from the player's decisions.

[User] You madeline

[Assistant]
It might seem to be the less traditional choice of the three, but not having to pay her is a big plus. You just hope she's actually as intelligent as Camid claims.

You return to Camid with your decision who is incredibly surprised that you listened to him.

"Um…really? I mean great! That's great boss! She should be coming by tonight." Camid exclaims.
"She better be as smart as you say. I don't want to find out she doesn't know what the fuck she's doing." You say.
"No, I promise boss. She's not just some idiotic rich girl with too much time on her hands."
"Given that she's hanging out with the likes of you, I find that hard to believe, but when she comes here tonight, bring her by the office. I'll make a final decision then."

Camid nods smiling and walks away with a bit of pep in his step, like you've just promoted him or something. Well, it doesn't take much to make some folks happy.

Also doesn't take much to upset them either…

"What?! You went with Camid's rich bitch junkie whore? What the fuck are you thinking?!" Zalmora exclaims when she hears the news.
"I have to agree with Zal on this. We don't know much about her other than Camid's praises." Vaughn adds.
"That's why I'm going to meet her. If she's everything Camid claims then we'll proceed. If not, I can have Camid flogged for wasting my time and we'll go back to picking one your people."
"Hm, well I'm certainly going to be asking her some questions." Zal says.
"No. YOU aren't going to be doing anything. I'm going to see her alone, without anyone else's input. The decision will be final and mine only. I know you like to think you're the one who runs things around here Zal, but you aren't and you don't get a say this time. Deal with it."

Zal purses her lips and gives you an irritated look for a moment, but then she forces a smile and nods.

"You're the boss." She says and leaves. Vaughn just wishes you good luck with your meeting with Madeline and follows Zal.

Later, Camid arrives before you with a young red head with an ample chest. She's dressed "down" presumably to look like she fits in, but its still obvious she is out of place here. Must be Madeline.

"This is the girl I mentioned. Madeline." Camid says.
"I thought as much. I trust you've told her some of what this is all about right?" you say.
"Yeah, boss."
"Good, less for me to explain then. Thank you Camid, you may leave now."

Camid looks a bit confused at first since he probably thought he was going to be involved in someway, but after waving him away he gets the message leaving you alone with Madeline.

"So, Camid tells me you're an engineering student at the top of your class." You say.
"Yeah…got anything to drink?" Madeline responds while walking and looking around.
"No. I don't partake. I need a clear head to run this place." You say.
"Really? Would have thought all you had to do is kick people around."
"I wish it was that simple. Unfortunately it isn't. Though speaking of clear heads, I'm a little concerned with yours."
"Oh? This should be good." Madeline says with a tone of snark that you decide to ignore for now.
"Yes. My concern is if you're as intelligent as Camid claims you are, one wonders why the hell you're hanging around a bunch of criminals. For kicks? Well I can see that I suppose, but Yellow Devil? Come on, surely a girl like you knows the dangers of doing that vile drug."
"What are you my dad?"
"No, just concerned about how reliable you're going to be. If you're genuinely interested in working for us or you're just being a rebel against your real dad and mildly self-destructive."

You sit up a bit from your chair and lean in on your desk.

"Convince me." You say.
"Is this where I have to suck your dick?" Madeline asks in a tone almost implying that she could care less if she actually has to or not.
"By the gods…no girl. There's no cock sucking involved. I just want to know more about why you're even interested in doing this."

Madeline for the first time stops acting so casual about this situation and starts taking it seriously.

She goes on to say she isn't going to tell you her life story, but she wants to make it clear that while you're probably right on some level about her finding a thrill in all this, she's genuinely interested in his project from a scholastic point of view too. Namely helping you build an underground headquarters will give her some "life experience" and real chance to use what she's learning and has already learned especially since she doesn't hold out hope that she's going to get a "real job" after she graduates.

"Why would that be the case? You're rich aren't you? Surely you can get some strings pulled and you could work anywhere." You ask.
"Yeah, if I ask my dad for help and I get too much from him as it is…anyway I might very well get a job, but I'm not actually going to work. You're probably not aware, but women don't exactly populate the field and tends to be an old boy's club. As a result it doesn't matter how high my grades are, I'm never going to get a project where I'm actually going to be involved in any meaningful way. At best I'd just be kept around so guys stare at my tits all day. If I were a dwarf, it wouldn't matter what gender I was. (Sigh) Humanity sucks sometimes."
"Hm. I think I understand your position now. You're using this opportunity to ply your desired trade. That's actually a reasonable mindset, if an unconventional way to go about it. I still have a few more concerns, but you can tell me more, just let me get my layout plans of what I'm envisioning."

Madeline talks a bit more about herself and how she first met Camid in the first place. It was basically a typical "wild night" with some of her other university associates and they came down to the sewers to "live dangerously." She actually says she didn't really want to take Yellow Devil in the first place and it was just a stupid dare the first time. She also says that she's long since known that Camid isn't giving her the real stuff. In fact she says she's not even interested in taking it anymore.

From what you can tell, you're still somewhat correct about her being a little self-destructive. While her self esteem isn't so low that she's outright suicidal, there's definitely enough dissatisfaction in her existence that it's caused her to not enjoy her life of privilege and instead hang around a violent criminal organization. Probably daddy issues as well given that he's brought up a couple times and she quickly doesn't want to talk about him. (Mother is apparently dead) You even try to ask who he is, but she just assures you that he's not on the Klyton Council if that's what you were wondering about.

However, she seems to perk up quite a bit when she goes through your lay out plans. She starts changing your original plan quite a bit, but she's respectful the entire time and explains why for everything.

One thing that she mentions that you didn't expect is her recommendation for labor.

"Goblins? Seriously?" you ask.
"Yes. Next to dwarves, they're the next best civilized race that has a natural affinity to digging tunnels and building lasting underground structures and not having them collapse. In fact I read when Klyton had vast amounts of miners, the human union made such a stink to the company about employing goblins because they would work cheaper and longer hours. So there were never any proper goblin miners, at least never for long. Most of them are usually in the poorer areas of Klyton as dung sweepers and such, though I know one on campus as a janitor and I've spoken with him several times. We're almost friends in a weird way. I think if I convince him, he can easily gather up more of his buddies." Madeline remarks.
"Hm, interesting. Well, I suppose we'll gather the rest of equipment."
"Sounds like you've got that under control. Um, can I stay here the night and look over these plans and this map of the sewers? I really want to get started on working on designing a new layout and where the best location would be for your headquarters."
"Um… sure. Don't you have school though?"
"Don't have a class for a couple days. I'm good until then."
"Oh, well I can have a room for you. Can't do anything about the lingering smell I'm afraid, but then that's part of why we're trying to design a place not actually in the damn sewer."

Madeline thanks you and you see her out the door.

As strange as this arrangement is, you have a positive feeling about it, though you're still going to remain cautiously optimistic until you actually see some work from her.

In the meantime, you can imagine the comments you're going to get from Zal about this, but then what else is new?

[User] You time passes...

[Assistant]
Year 26

"Your school girl would go a lot faster if she was a REAL engineer and didn't have to leave every once in awhile to go attend classes. And why are we building in two different locations again?" Zalmora asks.
"Because Madeline pointed out that it might be better if we didn't build everything in one place. Said it would be easier to keep the support structurally sound as well if we didn't build too big. I think it's coming along fine so far, though the ceilings are a little low. Guess goblins aren't used to building them high though." You respond.
"Considering you're spending as much money as you are for this shit, I certainly hope she's at least a good lay." Zal remarks.
"What? I'm not fucking her." You say.
"Great. So you're just wasting money for no gain whatsoever."
"We're getting our new locations! By the fucking gods, what the hell is your problem today?"
"My problem is we could have had a real professional do this and probably be done by now. This little school bitch doesn't know what the fuck is doing and we got goblins running around being the obnoxious little green shits they always are."
"Actually I haven't had any problem with any of them."
"Ugh, they're fucking annoying."
"Zal, I'm not going to argue about this anymore. Things are going just fine, you're just finding shit to nitpick about."
"Have it your way, but here's one more for the road. If you REALLY aren't fucking big tits McRed, you better have a little chat with her because I've seen how she acts when you speak with each other. Maybe you're oblivious, but the girl has a serious crush on you."
"You're talking nonsense." You snort.
"I'm serious. You don't notice how chipper she is when she speaks to you? How she makes these girly giggles over shit you say which isn't even funny half the time? How she makes every effort to be very close or even touch your arm or hand when you're around? If the girl was anymore obvious, she'd have her legs wrapped around you."

Now that you think about it, Zal isn't wrong on her observations. Madeline's personality has been a lot more positive since the first time you met her.

Though it makes you wonder…

"Okay, so say maybe she does, what I find interesting is how you've been studying our relationship and interaction. Are you jealous?" you say with a chortle.
"Hah! Typical male ego. You wish. But I'll tell you who IS jealous, Camid." Zalmora retorts.
"Camid?"
"Yeah, the repulsive guy in charge of Yellow Devil creation and distribution and stinks of Yellow Devil fumes most of the time? There are already rumors going on about you fucking schoolgirl, I can't imagine Camid is happy about that, still being her boyfriend and all. I've seen this happen before and it never ends well. So if you don't want a knife suddenly in your back, like I said, you better straighten out this misunderstanding…or at least tell a convincing lie."
"There's nothing going on with Madeline!"
"Hey, I'm not the one you have to convince. I'll leave you to it boss man, I mean we all know you're the one who runs everything here." Zal says and leaves.

You hate it when she makes sense.

While you had better things to do today, you probably should talk to both of them and do it now just to get it out of the way.

Since you're not exactly in the mood to breath in Yellow Devil fumes right now, you decide to go see Madeline first who as far as you know is overseeing work on the other location. You might as well check on that while you're at it.

After an uneventful walk in the sewers, you get to the location. So far it doesn't look much different than your future headquarters, though the rooms are bigger.

In the biggest of these rooms, you find Madeline ordering about a few goblins in their native language. It's weird how they don't mind taking her orders. When they see you, they move even quicker.

Madeline turns and sees you as well. She smiles and immediately walks quickly over to you.

"You're here! I didn't expect to see you so soon after the last time you inspected this place. I would have doubled the work time on it!" Madeline beams. You get the impression that she nearly was going to hug you, but stopped herself.
"No, that's okay. I'd rather you take a little extra time to make sure everything is secure. So is this room going to be where we hold the fighting games?" you say.
"Yes, that was my intention. I think it might need more expansion, and of course we're going to make it look better than it currently does, but it's well on its way!"
"Well I can honestly say you are doing a fine job, and best of all, it isn't costing me a lot. I gotta talk to you about something though."
"Me too! But first I have to show you this, come with me!"
"Um, okay."

Madeline walks ahead of you first, but when you aren't moving fast enough, she actually pulls your hand in an effort to get you to follow faster.

You soon enter a small partially dug out room that has a single lantern lighting it. You don't see anything out of the ordinary here.

"Madeline, what…" you start to ask, and before you know it, she's all over you.

After about a couple of minutes of slobbering over each other, Madeline finally comes up for air.

"You don't know how long I've wanted to do this…" she says and then goes in to try to kiss you again before you stop her.

"Madeline! Hold on! I…can't…WE can't do this. I think you've gotten the wrong idea!" you exclaim.
"Didn't seem like it when you had your tongue in my mouth and your hand on my ass a few moments ago." Madeline says.
"You…you caught me by surprise! I'm only human damn it! Look, you're obviously a very attractive girl and maybe you're into me because I'm being supportive in your dreams or something, but we can't do this."
"Why not?"
"Well for one thing, you're Camid's girlfriend and people are already whispering untrue rumors about us. I mean if you were just some whore, it probably wouldn't be a big deal because…well whores are a whores and everyone is supposed to be fucking them. But you're not a whore and you're in a real relationship with another Crimson Talon. Stealing someone else's girlfriend is just bad for business. It creates hard feelings and much worse."
"I don't understand. You're dealing drugs, running illegal fights, and other activities but being with someone who would rather be with you is where you draw the line?"
"Well, there's gotta be a line drawn somewhere. Otherwise this all falls apart. You know, like a support beam for the tunnels you're building."
"But you're the boss, can't you just do what you want?"
"Well it's a little more complicated than that. The key to being in charge is also trying not to be hated. And what about Camid? I thought you and he were together."
"Eh, he was okay at first, but now....well I find him…limited. I'd rather be with you. I like the way I feel when you're around encouraging me. Camid doesn't understand anything that I talk about. He just stares at my tits and wants to fuck."
"How do you know that I'm not doing the same thing?"
"Obviously you aren't, because if you did, we'd be fucking right now. My point is, I feel like I can at least converse with you about a variety of things. I mean maybe you don't understand all my technical university speak, but I know you're at least on my intellectual level."
"…thanks? I think?"
"Plus…this isn't just some stupid crush like you probably think it is. You've been so nice to me. I think…I think I'm really starting to…"
"Don't finish that sentence!" you shout.
"Well I can't help my feelings towards you! Oh I don't understand why you can't just kill Camid so we can be together!" Madeline exclaims and then hugs you tightly and trying not to cry.

And that intensified quickly.

"Madeline. (Sigh) Look. You're experiencing a phase. You don't seriously want any sort of long term relationship with someone like me. I mean if you think I'm any better than Camid, you're only thinking that because I find you useful in a capacity that doesn't involve sex. I'm NOT a nice guy. Just ask anyone. Hell, talk with Zalmora. She'll be the first one to tell you all my shortcomings." You say.
"It's not a phase though…" Madeline says with a quiver in her voice.
"Well if it isn't, you're just going to have to get over it anyway. Because WE are not happening. I'm not looking for anyone long term and I don't want it. It's not who I am. Apologies."

Madeline now starts to cry quietly.

"Now if this is just too much for you, I'll completely understand if you don't want to work on this project anymore. I can find someone else." You say.
"(Sniff) No. No…I'll continue the work. I promised to see this through. I…won't say anything to Camid either (sniff) I'll just get over it, like you (sob) said…" Madeline says before crying again.

You haven't felt nearly this bad since you left Annah back in Teckleville. Still, you feel this is for the best and hopefully Madeline can indeed "get over it" like she claims.

As you leave Madeline to her sadness, you move on to your next unpleasant task and that's speaking to Camid. You're not entirely sure how you're going to tell him though.

After another uneventful walk through the sewers you get to the Yellow Devil Den. For obvious reasons you don't come here that much, because the place stinks worse than the rest of the sewers and always has junkies hanging around, acting crazy or just slowly melting. Though the melting is a little less now that Camid's made strides in cutting Yellow Devil with less lethal ingredients and still managed to maintain it's feel good effects. Still doesn't make you want to stick around though.

Several Crimson Talons see you and let you in immediately while pushing away any junkies attempting to get in. Doesn't take you long to find Camid. He's surprised to see you. Camid and you head to his own little area where the stench of Yellow Devil fumes isn't burning your nostrils to talk.

You decide to go with a half truth and explain that you've been hearing the concerning rumors about you and Madeline and you're here to dispel them, because it's not healthy to the organization to have something like that spread around when it isn't even true in the first place. You explain you have no interest in Madeline other than her work on the project. You even sort of imply you're actually trying to get back with Zalmora.

Camid seems to react positively to your explanation with no hint of any underlining hostility. He either means it, or he's subtler than you gave him credit for. Either way, it would seem the matter is closed.

You return to work and later you see Zalmora and Vaughn.

"Well? Did you take care of that business?" Zalmora asks.
"Not that it concerns you, but yes I did. Now let's move on to other things." You reply.

The next few days are a little tense and you stay on your guard. You half expect Camid or Madeline to do something crazy, try to kill you, or something that causes problems. None of that happens though.

Weeks pass and while Madeline occasionally gives you a longing glance she never initiates anything. You try to keep your contact short with her. Camid doesn't act out of the ordinary either when you see him. Neither one mentions their relationship with each other so you assume they're still together.

Then just when you think everything is settled with this situation, disaster strikes.

"He's fucking dead?" you exclaim.
"Afraid so boss. Camid was found dead with several large holes in him. Legs, back, chest, head, arms, everywhere." Vaughn remarks.
"Well what the hell happened?"
"Dunno. Some of the Talons just found him in his room in the den like that. No signs of anyone breaking in or anything."

Zalmora just looks at you.

"Do I even need to say it?" she asks.
"(Sigh) No. But I'm wondering how she did it exactly. I just don't see her as a natural killer and Camid wasn't a push over…wait a minute. Sonofabitch. She used the little green bastards! They follow everything she says. They're also small and sneaky enough to dig some little passage that only they could get in and then. You said Camid had large holes all over his body. Probably from pick axes." You say.
"I'm a little lost here, who killed Camid?" Vaughn asks.
"The love of his life, school girl killed him." Zal says.
"Wait, why?"
"Geez, Vaugh you're really behind aren't you? Our glorious leader here turned down her advances a few weeks ago. Surprised the hell out of me too, but messing with another man's girlfriend isn't one of the vices he has apparently. It appears though school girl figured out a loop hole and took matters into her own hands." Zal explains.
"Why couldn't she have just broke up with Camid?" Vaughn asks.
"Because that still would have caused conflict if the boss got with her. Camid isn't likely to be the type to just accept seeing someone else with his ex especially so soon and so close. Nope, had to kill him. Only logical play."

Zal then turns to you.

"Which now I guess means the next step is yours heartbreaker."

[User] You talk with Madeline

[Assistant]
Well, she did take the initiative and solve the main problem concerning you being together. That's sort of an admirable trait.

The fact that she got her little goblin friends to do it implies she's actually a lot more dangerous than you could have imagined. You can't help but find that a little alluring, if also a little concerning.

You're also concerned with Madeline's possible mental stability if she was willing to go to this much trouble to be with you.

You stand up and start to leave.

"Where are you going?" Vaughn asks.
"I'm going to go see Madeline." You say.
"Well don't you want back up?"
"Why would he need back up Vaughn? I'm sure he can fuck her perfectly well all by himself." Zalmora says.
"I'm just going to go talk with her." You say.
"Sure you are."

Not wishing to debate it any longer with Zal, you leave and head to where you remember Madeline was supposed to be overseeing today which is the new headquarters being built.

When you arrive you find it strange you don't see any goblins running around going about their digging and building. In fact it's completely empty until you find Madeline sitting against the wall. She looks up when you enter the room.

"Hi. I guess you figured it out already." She says.
"Well, it wasn't incredibly hard to figure out. Where are all the goblins?" you ask.
"Oh, I sent them to go work at the other location when they told me you were coming to talk. I figured we should be alone."
"Well that's…wait. How did they know I was coming to talk? I didn't even see any of them on the way here."

Madeline stands up and begins to walk over to you.

"They didn't just dig a tunnel into the Yellow Devil Den. They've dug tunnels all over the sewers. Mostly under them. Made it easier for them to get around without having to walk about in the actual sewers. They may have also dug some tunnels near your old head quarters…you know, you look very peaceful when you sleep…" Madeline says and goes to touch your face, but you stop her by grabbing her wrist.

"You…you've been watching me sleep?" you ask.
"Just a few times…are you going to kill me?" Madeline asks.
"Honestly Madeline I don't know at this point! I mean never mind the fact that you killed one of my more productive members, but your actions are pretty damn batshit insane. You got goblins doing your bidding, you're stalking and spying on me, you showed no signs of being a killer before and yet you just killed a man who actually DID love you in his limited way. I mean you're fucking dangerous, how the hell am I supposed to trust someone like that?"
"Because I love you! I did this all for you! I'm doing this ALL for you! I would never hurt you!"

At this point Madeline gloms on to you and unsuccessfully tries not to cry. She's holding on you like you're life itself, which is funny considering you just said you weren't sure if you going to kill her or not.

You honestly are at a bit of a loss. Instinct is screaming at you that this a bad idea, but along with the emotional shit Madeline is laying on you, it doesn't help that she feels real good against you right now.

She looks up at you with eyes mixed with hope and sadness. There's probably a tinge of madness in those eyes as well. And from there your face moves in towards hers for the kiss and you shortly after that you finally consummate this relationship.

Well you made your decision with your dick…again.

Though to be honest when you first went to talk to her, your mind was mostly made up anyway, because despite her obvious mental problems, you really can't resist a pretty girl who is willing to do all that for you. It's a huge ego boost for one thing.

As far as any actual deeper feelings for Madeline…well you can always try and it isn't like you don't have a base to work from.

Afterwards Madeline attempts to cuddle with you and all that other stuff that goes along with having a "proper" girlfriend, but you tell her that while you'd love to spend all day just being naked with her, you both have important shit to do and you have to get back to it.

Eventually you make your way back to headquarters and of course Zal is there. You already know what's coming.

"Oh you're finally back, that must have been a very involved discussion." Zal remarks.
"I don't even want to hear it." You say.
"You won't hear it from me. You're the boss, you can do what you want obviously. Camid wasn't exactly popular so it isn't like this is going to cause the eyebrows of other Talons to rise. Fairly certain most of them would have killed him to fuck schoolgirl as well, if they had the chance…but then SHE was the one that set that up isn't she? You must be awfully special to her."
"Okay, Zal."
"Didn't think you were the settling down type, but I imagine unconditional obsession wrapped in that package is a bit hard to turn down. Must be nice to be loved so unconditionally."
"I thought you said you weren't going to say anything."
"You've been working with me this long and you believed that? Hah, no wonder she got you."
"I don't have time for this, and don't you got some work to do?"
"Yes, yes, I'm going…but before I do…"
"Here we go…"
"This relationship is a really bad idea. And I'm not talking just for the survival of this organization, but your survival in general. This girl is not just obviously dangerous, but she's manipulative as well. You may like the attention you're getting from her now, but you might not like it when you realize you don't want it anymore. And when that day comes, it isn't going to be good."
"Well as usual, you can always leave Zalmora. You're always bitching about what I do or don't do. As a matter of fact, I'll make the decision for you since you seem to be unable to. Get the hell out, you're not a Talon anymore."
"Get out of here, you don't mean that…"
"The hell I don't! Why does it matter if you stay here anyway? I mean you've hinted on occasion in the past that you don't really find this life as appealing anymore. So why not get out? You should be thanking me! I'm giving you a rare opportunity to walk away from a criminal organization and not even asking for anything in return."

Zalmora at first is shocked that you would say this to her, but then she chuckles.

"Sure, I get it. You're right, there really isn't much point in me sticking around now, and maybe it is time for me to move on with my life. Gods know I've wasted more of it than probably should have. Anyway, I'm sure school girl will be very helpful in your future endeavors. And I sincerely hope I'm wrong and you and her live happily ever after or how ever that goes."

Zal then looks down a bit, sighs and then finishes her goodbye.

"Okay, well I'll just go say goodbye to Vaughn and get the hell out of your way."

Zal then leaves without another word.

You can't help but wonder if feelings were running a little deeper than she let on. She probably took it for granted that you wouldn't ever be involved seriously with someone else. She also took it for granted that you weren't going to eventually get tired of her shit.

Still, you'd be lying to yourself if you weren't going to miss her. She kept an eye on details and things organized. Now you're going to have to do all that shit yourself, because while Vaughn isn't incompetent, he's no Zal.

In the meantime, you need to get the Yellow Devil Den running at full capacity again.

[User] You time passes...

[Assistant]
Year 28

Life is good.

Business is going well now thanks to your better locations. More people seem to prefer gambling in an area that smells tolerable for one thing. Madeline also had the goblins build a hidden entrance way topside so folks can now enter directly and not have to muck about through the sewers.

Your new headquarters is also much better than the one you had in the sewers

The only business you left in the sewers was the Yellow Devil Den. Seemed fairly pointless to befoul your new locations with it and it's users. Better it should stay in the sewers.

Though Madeline actually has told you she has an idea to make a special area for that too since she can easily get the goblin crew to help again. She says she plans to help you out a lot more when she isn't in school any longer. And graduation for her is coming soon, today in fact.

You never thought you'd ever be visiting where your father went to learn to be a doctor, but you aren't going to miss Madeline accepting her diploma. You genuinely love her as your relationship has grown. You were a little concerned at first, but you found that while it isn't perfect, you feel pretty comfortable with her. You even have vivid dreams about her. Almost so real that you aren't even parted when you sleep. You've told her all about your life in Teckleville, and your family. She hopes one day that maybe she can meet them, especially your sister. (You still wonder about all of them from time to time)

While Madeline has talked about her past, she still hasn't mentioned too much about her family. Not even about her father who you know she isn't fond of, but you don't know why exactly. She just mentions she has no contact with her father other than him paying for her education. It's never a topic she wishes to discuss; she just wants to focus on the future with you, which is fine as far as you're concerned.

"So how do I look?" you ask.
"Well, you wouldn't be my type, but you do look dapper in that suit." Vaughn says.
"I'm crushed. But good, I don't want to look too out of place at Madeline's graduation."
"They grow up so fast huh?" Vaughn snorts.
"Okay, don't even go there with the dad thing. I'm not even that much older than her. I trust you can look after things here for awhile?"
"Sure boss, no problem."

You leave Vaughn and head to the surface. You're not going to walk all the damn way to the university though, so you pay for a horse and buggy to take you there. As you ride, you realize you haven't really travelled around the city as much since you took control of the Crimson Talons. You've mostly been stuck underground most of the time.

When you arrive at the university you don't have too difficult of a time finding where the ceremony is taking place. The university is very clean and orderly, you briefly imagine your father walking around this place back when he was going here.

Eventually you get to a big open field area with several seats and a stage set up. Others are already seated so you find yourself a chair in the back.

While nobody is staring at you, you still feel a little out of place. You just never thought you'd be at a place of higher learning and attending someone's graduation ceremony.

As you wait for things to get started, someone sits next to you, when you turn to see who it is, you can't believe who it is.

"Glad to see you made it to my daughter's graduation." Mr. Reynolds says with a smile.
"…you… YOU?! You're her father?!" you say.
"Yes, and shhh. Don't make a scene. I'm not here to cause problems."
"I can't believe this."
"I guess she didn't tell you about me. She never does. (Sigh) Even after all I've done for her. Though I suppose if she had talked about me, you would have thought twice about being with her and that would have been a shame…because I know how much you make her happy and she's going to need that bit of happiness to hang on to where she's going."
"What? Where's she going?"

Mr. Reynolds chuckles a bit.

"She's going back home of course. Her time here is done, well for now it is anyway." Mr. Reynolds says.
"What do you mean? Isn't this city her home?"
"Klyton is just her current place residence, but her real home is…well it's very different. You might even say it's a different realm altogether."

The way Mr. Reynolds smiles at this point makes you completely tense up. You don't like whatever he's about to say.

"She's not human m'boy. Well…not entirely human anyway. She's a bit of a late bloomer though with her powers, but I love her all the same. Let me ask you something though, has she been appearing in your dreams recently?"
"…yes." You answer hesitantly.
"Yeah, her mother will probably be coming for her soon."
"Her mother? I thought her mother was dead."
"Oh no. I just told her that her mother died in childbirth. Her mother is really a full-blooded succubus. They aren't known to be maternal until their daughters have already grown up and shown that they're worthy of their attention. Displayed powers and such. They never much bother with their male children at all though. I should know."

You have no words.

"Of course most of them just eat their off spring as soon as they give birth to them, but I told that bitch, no daughter of mine was going to be a snack. I'll admit, I wasn't the best father probably, but I think between me or being breakfast, well I think I'll be vindicated once Madeline finds out the truth about herself." Mr. Reynolds says.
"You don't think she'll be even more pissed at you for NOT telling her and it just suddenly being sprung on her like this?" you blurt out.
"…hmmm…y'know I never considered that. Oh well. It isn't like she's my only child. My boy Henry starting to show a lot of promise. Can't wait for him to take over the business someday."

You almost feel like standing up and shouting Klyton has been infiltrated by demon spawn at this point. However, you've got bigger concerns.

"Does Madeline have to return? I mean can't she resist?" you ask.
"There's no debate m'boy. She's going to go. I mean there probably will be an urge to resist at first, but it doesn't take long before that infernal blood pulls them in and they return to fully embrace their demon powers "
"Always?"
"Well, a few sadly succeed. But I promised her mother long ago that if Madeline ever started to bloom that I would do everything possible to help that process along."
"But she's nice! And good!" you say.
"Nice? Good? Ha ha ha ha! That's a cute. She's with you, how good can she really be? Plus I know how she killed her old boyfriend with her little goblin influencing powers. Shit, that's proof right there that's she's going to make a fine succubus. She's already killing boyfriends. Speaking of which, you m'boy have to go."
"What?"
"You. You have to go. I'm not having my daughter not achieve her rightful destiny by holding on to her misguided love for you. Now, you can stay to see her graduate, but then you need to leave. And I don't mean just here. You need to leave the city and go some place far away. If you're dreaming about her, that means she's already starting to imprint on you. However, she's probably not strong enough to find you if you the city. By then her mother and maybe even I will have convinced her to embrace her powers."

You start to say something, but Mr. Reynolds stops you and also grabs your wrist tightly. So tight that it almost feels like he's going to crush your bones.

"YOU are NOT going to stop this son. Take solace in the fact that you NEVER had a choice." Mr. Reynolds says in a low firm voice.

Mr. Reynolds is giving off an aura that puts you completely on the edge terror. This isn't just a normal threat. You're seeing something new. Something less human, less mortal even. A faint scent also hits your nose, it's brimstone.

Still despite all this, you do have real feelings for Madeline. Maybe it's because you left Annah when she was in trouble that you don't want to do the same thing to Madeline. At the very least, you want to be able to give HER the choice.

"Mr. Reynolds…I love your daughter. I can't just take off and leave without at least presenting my side to her." You say, mustering all your courage, which causes a smile from Mr. Reynolds.

"Fair enough, I can respect that, but let me ask you this…are you REALLY willing to go through hell for her son? Now I want you to think VERY carefully before answering. Because IF you are willing to go all in on proving how much you actually do love my daughter, then I need that answer now."

[User] Yes

[Assistant]
No soon have you said yes, when Mr. Reynolds closed smile becomes a disturbing toothy grin.

"Thank you son. You just made convincing her much easier." Mr. Reynolds says and then suddenly touches your chest and you feel like your heart has a hot knife going into it. It might as well have because you feel like death is approaching you quickly as your body begins to seize up. You can't even cry out.

Mr. Reynolds sits you up in your chair and draws attention away from any possible onlookers by sitting you up in your chair so your body just slouches on it without falling. He then makes some out loud comment about you being really tired today and to just rest your eyes a bit if you need to.

As this is all happening you just stare the stage where some old guy is talking at a podium. struggling to keep your eyes open.

As the graduates are called on stage, your mind begins to get foggy and your lids get even heavier. You manage to just barely see Madeline accept her diploma before everything goes black.

You don't know how long everything is black for, but it's a long time.

Eventually you wake up.

First thing you notice is you're stark naked, laying on a bed and it's incredibly hot. The room you're in is fairly nice, so you have to be someplace upscale.

When you try to get up however, you find that you can't move. You're not being held down by anything either. It's more of a force holding you down. This doesn't fill you with confidence that your situation has improved.

As you struggle, the door to the room is suddenly opened and there you see her. Madeline.

But she's different now. She's naked as well for one thing and while you've seen her in that state many times, you've never seen her skin with a red hue before. One might even say crimson color.

She also notice she has little horns protruding from her head. Barely noticeable, but there none the less.

You have a sinking feeling that things just got even worse…

"Hey, you're finally awake I was hoping you would soon."
"Madeline…what's going on?"
"We're in our new house! Do you like the room? If not, we can always change it up for you."
"House? Look, your father…"
"Yes, he told me. He told me everything. I always knew you loved me! And now that you're conscious again, we can have a bit of fun. And I need to have some fun right now." Madeline says and rushes over to lie next to you in the bed and kisses you. You suddenly feel the force holding you down lifted.

While this would be great any other time, you're still concerned about you situation.

"Madeline, I REALLY need to know what's going on." You say.
"Oh, can we not talk about that right now? You don't really want to know anyway." Madeline responds.
"Madeline…please. Tell me what's going on."

Madeline almost looks a bit sad when you insist, but she tells you.

"You're dead baby." Madeline remarks while stroking your face.
"I'm dead?" you ask.
"And you're in the infernal realm."
"I'm in fucking hell?"
"Yes, but it could be worse! I mean you're with me!"

Madeline realizes that she might need to give you a fuller explanation so she proceeds to do so.

She tells you that her father killed and collected your soul. She says he doesn't do that often because it requires a lot of energy for him to do so mainly because he's not a full blood demon, but he felt this was an important occasion.

She then says right after she graduated her mother approached her and how strange that event was. The funnier thing she said though is she didn't completely disbelieve her mother's story when she heard it as she always felt like there was something more to her life.

Still, it wasn't something she wanted to necessarily embrace, so for the next few days it was nothing but arguments with her and her new found demonic mother. Meanwhile her father was preparing your soul to present to her. Madeline still didn't even know you were dead at this time.

By the time her father showed up, she was ready to run off but then he presented your soul to her. He said he would only give it to her if she embraced her demonic heritage and return home. He then of course told her what you said to him and if it was a choice between disobeying and saving your soul from eternal torment, her choice was easy.

"Shit, I'm sorry." you say.
"For what?" Madeline says.
"If it hadn't been for me, you wouldn't have come here."
"Oh…I wouldn't bet on all that. I may have eventually come here anyway…I mean I was wondering what I was going to do after graduation…hey did you know besides slowly embracing my heritage, they wanted me to help oversee the building of a new pain tower? I'm getting to use what I learned!" Madeline beams.
"And me?"
"Well…you're here, you're mine and you're safe…as long as you stay in this room. But you get to be with me, isn't that enough?"

You look at Madeline and your eyes gaze all over her naked body, this followed by your hands wandering. Madeline giggles a bit and touches you as well.

"Well, okay here and now. Yeah, that's definitely enough. But…I'm just wondering what's going to happen as time goes on. I mean you're a demon so I assume you're immortal on some level and I'm dead and here in soul form or whatever it is. I mean this is forever. How long before you get tired of me? Will you eventually discard the last remnants of your humanity and just throw me in a pain tower or something as soon as I anger you in some way? I mean how much time to we really have? Should I prepare myself for the inevitable?"

Madeline's face gets sad again, it's obvious she doesn't want to think about that. Despite the new horns she's very much still hanging on to most of her human emotions for you. She sits up and starts to sniffle a bit.

"What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to upset her and shorten your relative paradise? Just go with it, stupid!" you think to yourself.

You sit up and caress Madeline's shoulders and back.

"You're right. Let's not worry about it. I said I'd go through hell for you…and well here I am and I love you for saving my soul." You say and then lean in and turn Madeline's head to kiss her on the lips.

As Madeline and you embrace, you think about how your actions lead you to this fate.

You might be running on borrowed time, but you might as well enjoy it, because not many are in your privileged position in the infernal realm.

Whatever lies in store for you, your life as a rogue has definitely ended.


[System] You are the game master of a dark fantasy text adventure. The world is dangerous and choices matter. Narrate with immersive detail and let the story unfold naturally from the player's decisions.

[User] You finish off the orc

[Assistant]
While normally you'd take this opportunity to run, you're pissed enough at the orc for trying to kill you in the first place and grateful enough that this woman just probably saved your life.

You run at the orc with your dagger in hand and manage to get it to the ground in its weakened state. You stab it in the back multiple times and don't stop until the woman calls out to you.

"Okay. I think you killed it." She shouts.

You snap out of your killing trance for a moment and see you've made quite the mess. You stand up breathing heavily.

"Fucking greenskins." You exclaim, kicking the dead body.
"I hope this isn't a possible invasion. We saw another one a few months ago, though he was much smaller and ran off when he saw us. He was nowhere near as big as this one." The woman remarks.
"Fortunately for you that you weren't where I just was, because there was a bunch of orcs that size on horseback about to destroy the Caravan I was part of."

The woman shakes her head.

"I thought the empire was supposed to be making the land safe. So much for their promises, well anyway, thanks for saving my life. I froze up a bit when that orc didn't go down with the second arrow." The woman says.
"You're welcome, but I'd say you saved mine first seeing as that orc would have caved my skull in if you hadn't shown up." You respond.
"Hm, I suppose that's true enough. Guess we helped each other. So where was this Caravan and where were you going?"
"Shit, I don't even know now. I know I was probably north east of here. There was a stone bridge and then I fell into the river and wound up here. I was travelling from Galpatolis and going to Arcanius."

The woman's eyes widen when you say that.

"I see. Why?"
"I got business there. I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me how I could get there from here." You say walking towards her, but then you experience a moment of fatigue and your legs give out causing you to partially collapse to the ground. The woman goes to help you up.

"Hey, you still don't look that great. Look, you're barely in any condition to walk anywhere let along travelling all the way to Arcanius. Why don't you come back with me where you can at least rest and heal up? I mean as I said, you did help me kill the orc. My village isn't that far away."
"Okay, yeah that sounds fine." You say not really wishing to argue since she's right about you not being in the best condition right now.

The woman tells you her name is Keira and her village is Tarvo. She goes on about how it was absorbed by the Empire decades ago and how they used to even have a sizable amount of soldiers there, but eventually they realized the village was never going to be a problem as far as rebellions go. As it stands there are only a few soldiers and a single Galpatis official who probably got sent there because he pissed someone off. As a result he doesn't really enforce many official Galpatian laws other than something obvious like murder or rape and allows everyone to go about their normal lives.

Eventually you get to the village, which is fairly humble. It's probably smaller than your old home of Teckleville.

"Hey Keira, you catch that hunting this time?" some other woman asks and points at you.
"Sort of. He was fighting an orc and we both brought it down together." Keira replies.
"An orc? This close to the village?! Shit. We need to tell the magistrate about that! Not that I really want soldiers stomping about here, but if orcs are going to be a problem then I'd rather we have better defenses then we have!"
"Mm. Well, I need to get back to my home and patch him up."
"Okay, but don't Ardan see you taking another man inside your home! He might get the wrong idea!"

Keira makes a minor laugh and waves at the woman, though you notice Keira also rolling her eyes when she turns her head away.

You soon get to Keira's home which isn't large, but you suppose it's big enough to serve Keira's needs since she's living here alone. She gets a fire started and you welcome the warmth since you've been near freezing since you got out of the water.

"You know you'll get warmer quicker if you get your clothes off. Those are going to need to dry properly anyway." Keira says.
"Um what?" a little taken by surprise.
"What? Is what you got under those clothes so impressive that you think I just won't be able to contain myself? Or perhaps you're just shy?"
"Well, after the day I had, I really wasn't expecting it to end with a pretty woman asking me to take my clothes off. I'm half expecting you to turn into a monster of some sort which would be more in line with my luck lately."

Keira chuckles a bit.

"Well that won't happen, so perhaps your luck is better than you think. Perhaps even Yaz is looking over you."
"Did you say Yag?"
"No, I said Yaz. You know, the god of fortune? I don't suppose he's worshipped in Galpatolis."
"No, but he's called Yag where I come from."
"Ah. Interesting. I suppose divine beings go by many names though. Glad to know you weren't one of those silly people that worships the emperor though I didn't think you were really from Galpatolis since you don't look like you are."
"You could tell just by looking at me?"
"I could tell just by how you speak and act. You speak the language like you only just learned it. You're obviously not a native Galpatian. Where are you from originally?"
"Eh, I'm originally from a small village far to the south. It's so small, nobody really knows it exists."
"Hm, I guess the Empire came and annexed your people too huh?"
"Something like that…ouch!" you say feeling the aches and pains in your body.
"Okay, I think it's time you took your clothes off, you probably got some wounds that need patching up and I can get to them better if you're naked."
"I gotta say, this is still pretty unusual for me. That other woman mentioned someone called Ardan, I mean I don't want your husband…"
"Ardan is NOT my husband."
"Okay, well boyfriend then."
"He's barely that, and if he does come in here, he can just step right back out, because he pissed me off recently anyway. I don't want to talk about that though. Besides, nothing is happening between us anyway. I don't just become involved with strange men I find in the wilderness, so let's get you fixed up."
"Okay then if you insist."

You still feel a bit weird about all this, but honestly with as much pain you're in right now, you really aren't thinking about Keira in that way. (Well at least not immediately)

Eventually Keira stitches up some of your wounds and places some sort of healing salve on them. She then gives you some spare furs to wrap yourself up in while your clothing dries. She tells you that you can stay here for a few days so you can heal up. As much as you're in a hurry to get to Arcanius, it probably would be best if you rested.

As the days pass Keira says with you here, she's probably spent more time in her home than she has since her mother died since she had to be around more to take care of her.

Apparently Keira prefers being outdoors hunting even when she doesn't need to, even sleeping outside under the stars at times rather than coming home. She says that sometimes she'd like to travel, but she says she's never quite had the nerve to do it. She's not sure why exactly seeing as there isn't much to tie her here except Ardan though once again she doesn't speak much more about him.

Keira asks you a few questions about yourself, which you keep vague with half truths, misdirections and outright lies. You don't want to discuss your real situation anymore than she wants to discuss Ardan.

Keira also tells you how to get to Arcanius though she doesn't ask why you're going again. Going by her directions, it's going to still be a long ass trip, especially with no horse or other mode of transportation now. You don't even have any supplies for such a journey though maybe Keira will give you some before you leave.

When you're feeling slightly better you insist on walking about the village which Keira is happy to see since she doesn't feel the need to check up on you.

You wander the village a bit and are mostly met with stares, but nothing more. A few people actually have heard about you since news spread in this village fairly quickly. It's mostly positive, since killing an orc is something to be celebrated here. In fact a few people are so nice they actually give you some free food.

As you're accepting a few of these free gifts, a couple of soldiers approach saying that you're the one they've been hearing about and how the magistrate wants to see you about the orc found near the village since a few people have expressed concern to him about it.

Seeing as you aren't really doing anything better right now and in no condition to resist. You go with the soldiers and follow to a slightly better looking building than the rest of the village.

The magistrate doesn't look like the typical noble that you've seen many times before back in Galpatolis. He's got more facial hair and a general less kept appearance. It's apparent he barely gives a shit about formalities anymore since he gives his nose a quick pick and blows it out before even speaking to you.

The meeting isn't very long. The magistrate just asks you some general questions about yourself and how you came to be in the situation where you were fighting an orc in the first place. You give him the same story you told Keira and he seems to accept that as a suitable explanation. He doesn't even ask why you were going to Arcanius. The man just seems to be fulfilling the basics of his duties.

"I see. So the orc you were fighting was separated from his fellows. Which means these villagers are jumping to conclusions that there is an imminent attack from orc savages. Glad to hear it, since I doubt if those assholes in the capital would bother sending anyone up here anyway. Very well. You're dismissed." The magistrate says.
"Okay. Um, is there any transportation from here to Arcanius?"
"Sure, put one foot in front of the other and start walking. What? Did you think we'd give you a horse for killing a single orc that you apparently lead near here in the first place? I got more important matters to care of. Out."

And with those words, the magistrate's soldiers start escorting you out the office and soon out the building as well.

Well at least the law isn't trying to arrest you for a change.

In any case, you get the strong impression you'll have to steal a horse before you leave this place. Not before at least another day of rest though. You wander the village a bit more before heading back to Keira's home.

When you arrive, she's still not back yet, though she did say now that you're feeling better, she might be gone a little longer. That's awfully trusting of her to just assume some stranger isn't going to take her stuff. You guess thieves aren't a real problem around here since everyone knows one another and she probably believes you to be an upstanding person.

She doesn't have much that you'd want to take anyway, not to mention you'd be quite the scoundrel indeed if you stole from a woman who has done nothing but help you. You aren't quite that much of an asshole.

Still, doesn't prevent you from being a little nosey and you look through some of her belonging that are more out in open.

As you're picking up what looks to be a flute sitting on a small table by her bed, you hear footsteps behind you.

"So you're the guy that killed an orc and has been living here with Keira? You are far less impressive than I heard about." A voice says.

You turn around and see a large older man standing in the entryway with a small axe in his hand. You just can't catch a break.

"And you're Ardan I presume. Surprised I haven't seen you sooner." You say.
"I was out hunting and I come back after a few days only to find that another man is trying to steal MY woman!" Ardan exclaims.
"Okay look, I'm not stealing your woman. She's just letting me stay here until I recover. In fact I should be leaving by tomorrow."
"Oh so you think you can just fuck my woman and leave then?"
"I haven't fucked her! In fact NOTHING has happened between us!"
"Oh we're going to see about that. Come on."
"What?"
"Come on. We're going to both go see Keira. I know her better than anyone and I'll know if she's lying or not when I confront her with you there."
"But she's out hunting."
"So? I know what grounds she prefers and that's where we're going. Now you're coming with me or I'm going to break your legs and drag you out of here."

Ardan grips his axe tightly after threatening you.

Well he's no orc, but you doubt if he'd be an easy fight either. The guy is predictably crazy jealous and you suppose to can understand his view point, but that doesn't change the fact that for all you know he's going to just take you out to a more secluded place and murder you there.

[User] You go with Ardan

[Assistant]
If Ardan has plans on killing you, he doesn't seem like he'd be averse to doing it right here if need be. If you need to run, better that you're not in an enclosed space to more easily get away.

"Okay, I'm coming with you. I really don't want any trouble. When we get to Keira, you'll see that nothing is going on." You say and raise your hands up.

Ardan is still giving you a look that could kill but seems to calm down enough that he opens the door to let you go through it first.

"And don't think about trying to run, I can split a grizzly's skull with this axe from a large distance. Wouldn't take much to do the same to the likes of you." Ardan says as you pass him.

The pair of you walk out of the village and in this light and at this range, you see his face better and something about him looks very familiar.

"What the fuck are you staring at me for?" Ardan asks.
"Nothing! Sheesh, I mean we are walking together and sometimes I'm going to look over at you. You really need to relax, you're going to see that Keira loves you, not me." You say trying to calm him again.
"She doesn't love me! If she did, she wouldn't make me angry all the time!"
"Well what does she do?"
"What does she do? What the hell doesn't she do?! She's constantly having these ideas!"
"A dangerous past time indeed." You say and fortunately Ardan doesn't realize your sarcasm and instead continues to rant.

"I know! She does silly things like try to play that flute thing instead of focusing on more important matters!"
"Like what?"
"Like not wasting her time playing a flute for one thing! She's horrible at it anyway and when I helpfully point this out to save her time, she gets pissed at me!"
"Wow, I can't imagine why."
"Also she wants to leave the village like there's something more out there for her! There's nothing that she needs outside the village that I can't provide! I mean…"

If it wasn't obvious before, it's very apparent now that this Ardan is incredibly insecure and most likely controlling. You can see why Kiera didn't want to talk about him.

Oddly, he's ranting about her so much now that it's almost like he's angrier at her than he is at you now. A step up you suppose, you figure maybe there might be hope to get out of this without a fight after all.

Again though, he seems familiar somehow. Even his voice is starting to remind you of someone you know.

"She wants to leave me after all I've fucking done for her! I taught her how to hunt better! I was by her side when her mother was dying! And fucking another man is how she repays me?"
"Ardan, I didn't have sex with Keira."
"It doesn't even fucking matter if you did or not. My point is, she's letting a damn stranger live with her before ME! That just shits all over our relationship as far as I'm concerned! And another thing…"

And then it hits you. You can't even believe it. You recognize this man. Or at least you recognize his facial features and voice. The beard was throwing you before, but there can be no mistake.

This Ardan could easily pass for your dad if your dad was more muscular and taller. You've also been yelled at your father enough that the voice is even similar. Ardan has to be an ancestor of yours! What the hell are the chances? Yag must have flipped the coin on the edge for you this time.

And if this man is indeed some ancestor of yours that means Keira is also! (You feel a little weird being naked in front of her now) It makes sense; she has similar traits that your sister has. Hell, now that you're thinking about it, Keira does have a similar nose as her.

Ardan is obviously older than Keira by probably at least twenty years since she's probably about your age. You sort of wonder how this relationship even got started, but then again an older guy with a much younger woman isn't that uncommon.

Still, this is all almost too much for you to comprehend. A few days ago you were pondering if you were meant to be here, well maybe THIS is the reason! Your ancestors are obviously having problems; maybe YOU need to fix them.

Meanwhile Ardan is still complaining.

"Hey! Are you listening to me? We're going this way!" Ardan shouts.
"Oh. Apologies. I was just thinking about your situation and I was wondering if you've tried being more supportive of her."
"Supportive? I just told you all the shit I've done for her!"
"Yes, but it always seems like you're doing these things and expecting a certain consistent behavior. I mean she's a woman not a dog."
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is, it sounds like she just wants you to not yell at her so much when she wants to try something new. You telling her that she sucks at the flute might be the truth, but you could approach it a different way and not just tell her to give it up. You need to be more…sensitive."

You can't believe you just gave that as advice, but if that's what it's going to take to make sure you exist, then so be it.

Ardan scoffs as you continue.

"I mean if she wants to leave the village why not go with her? You're both hunters no? Surely between the pair of you, you would have no trouble in the foraging for food and water aspect or even overcoming dangers."
"Because I've lived here all my life and never felt the need to travel. I'm happy where I'm at and SHE needs to be happy too!"
"It doesn't really work that way."
"What the fuck would you know about it?"
"Okay, I'm not saying I'm an expert, but I know that talking to Keira the way you've been telling me you've been doing isn't going to win her over. I mean I've spoke with her and…"
"So what then? You telling me YOU know how to talk better to my woman than I do? Is that what you're getting at?"

You can't believe your ancestor is THIS much of a stubborn asshole. Or rather you can, but you're almost starting to feel sorry for your great grandmother many times over if this is the guy she's going to have to continue sleeping with so you eventually exist.

"You're not understanding me." You say almost immediately realizing your poor choice of words.
"So you're saying I'm stupid as well? You know what, you've been doing a lot of fucking talking, trying to fool me. Well I'm not fooled. You've obviously charmed Keira with your words and turned her against me!"
"Wha…how?! I only just got here! You were having problems with her long before I arrived!"
"Yeah well when I get rid of you that will be one less problem!"
"Oh shit!"

With a throaty yell, Ardan attacks you with his axe. Fortunately you're a lot more agile than he is, so you manage to dodge his swings. You can't even fight back, since you doubt if you could overpower him physically and you certainly can't kill him.

"Ardan! Listen to me! I'm not your enemy!" you shout, but he isn't listening.

You continue to back away and dodge, but you aren't sure how much longer you can keep this up because Ardan seems to have a lot of energy in trying to kill you.

"Ardan! Stop" you say and just barely manage to duck Ardan's axe.

Taking a risk, you draw your dagger and try to stab his weapon arm so he'll at least drop it.

You succeed and he drops his axe. When you go to pick it up however, Ardan just decides to tackle you, however the pair of you are near a slope and as a result, both of you go tumbling down a steep hill.

You both roll down it gaining speed and eventually even separating from each other. You fortunately manage to grab on to some bushes growing along the slope. Ardan however keeps rolling and that's when you see that the slope doesn't stop on flat ground, but instead what looks to be a long drop over a cliff.

"Oh fuck!" you say

Ardan just manages to stop himself from going over the side completely by grabbing the cliff edge.

You try to run down as fast as you can without tumbling again.

"Ardan! Hold on! I'm coming!" you shout.

You get just in range and then that's when you see his fingers slip followed by a yell. Your heart sinks and you can only hope that the drop wasn't as far as you think.

The yell stops and you slowly look over the side.

And that's when you see Ardan's broken body on a pile of rocks. This is a complete disaster. You feel sick and you actually throw up.

If your time here hasn't changed history before, it certainly has now, because your family as you know it, is dead. You sort of expect yourself to blink out of existence, but that doesn't happen. You don't know why, but maybe it doesn't work like that because you're still in the past.

But what happens now if you return to the future? Even if the mages at Arcanius can help you, you certainly can't return to your time now.

You run through a gamut of thoughts and emotions just thinking about all this. In between the thinking you keep kicking yourself for stealing that fucking crown. It warned you and you didn't listen.

You then ponder the idea that you keep going back to, "What if you're meant to be here?" and that's when you come to a damning realization.

"Shit. It's the only way now." You mutter to yourself and mentally prepare yourself.

When you get back to Keira's home, you find that she's home.

"Hey, there you are! I was thinking you left for Arcanius without saying goodbye. I mean not that you need to, but it would be the polite thing to do."
"Oh, I wouldn't do that. Not when you've done so much for me. In fact I was sort of wondering if you'd come with me."
"Come with you? To Arcanius?"
"Nah, I've decided a change of plans and I'm just going to head back to Galpatolis. I know how much you said you wanted to travel and see new places, so I figured I'd ask if you wanted to come."

Keira looks a bit surprised by all this.

"I…I don't really know." Keira remarks.
"What are you afraid of? You obviously have a wanderlust that needs to be sated and I'm willing to travel with you so you won't be alone on the journey. I mean we can go to different places if you like, but I figured we'd start with Galpatolis since it's a place I know very well and there's plenty to do there. I mean you could even bring your flute if you like. I noticed one sitting on your table. Didn't even knew you played, I wouldn't mind hearing you."

Keira briefly looks over at it and her eyes widen as if this encouragement is the first she's heard in awhile from anyone. You take a deep breath and approach her closer.

"Look, I know this is a big change, but sometimes when big changes present themselves, your best bet is to embrace them. I know I haven't known you long and maybe I'm over stepping a boundary here, but I think you're meant for things outside of this simple village."

Keira smiles a bit at you.

"You're lucky you're cute, otherwise I might not be so swayed by your charming words. However, I sense that you're being genuine with me and I think you're right anyway. I SHOULD follow my desires. I shall pack immediately!"

Keira suddenly kisses you on the cheek and excitedly goes to pack. Since you're a little tired from accidently killing your ancestor and all, you tell her you want to get some sleep and start the journey tomorrow. She agrees and continues to pack.

The next day, Keira wakes you up at the crack of dawn and the pair of you leave Tarvo.

While you're still a little groggy, Keira is very talkative and still very excited about all this.

You figure with as good of terms you're on with her, by the time your reach Galpatolis the pair of you should have already consummated your relationship. A little on the optimistic side perhaps, but you really need to seal this deal because it's not really your life you're worried about anymore, it's your entire lineage.

Sure you feel pretty weird about the fact that you're going to be sexing up what is your distant relative, but you remind yourself, that this is the only way.

Plus it doesn't hurt that she's attractive and has a pleasant personality.

"Hey I meant to ask you before you made your suggestion last night, as I was coming home yesterday, someone told me they thought they saw you coming out of my home with Ardan earlier." Keira remarks.
"Ardan? Never saw him. They must have been mistaken, though I'm surprised I never saw him." You reply.
"Hm. Yes, it is strange. I thought he'd at least show up threatening you or something similar. He was very jealous and possessive."
"Who knows. Hey, how about you play something on your flute?" you say quickly changing the subject.
"Oh I don't know. I'm not very good and I only know a few songs that my mother taught me."
"Well you can't get good unless you practice!"
"I suppose that's true. Okay! I'll play The Laughing Elf and his Talking Unicorn."
"I don't believe I know that one. Okay, go ahead."

Keira excitedly starts to play her song.

And she's fucking terrible. You feel like your ears are being raped. You suffer in silence as she continues to play horribly all the while thinking, she has to get better in her later years.

At least you hope she does because it's going to be a punishment if musicianship skips this generation. You also hope her poor skills on the flute don't also match other skills involving blowing.

"How does it sound?" Keira asks.
"Like nothing I've ever heard before. Just keep at it." You say with a smile.

While you're not sure if your life as a rogue is over, but it certainly has taken a very different turn.


[System] You are narrating an interactive fiction game in a dark fantasy setting. Bring the world to life with vivid prose, react meaningfully to player choices, and don't pull punches when the story demands it.

[User] The Tanner

[Assistant]
"I see. Get the worst out of the way first? I must say, the stench is worst I've ever smelled. He's not a... Nice man. Not mean, but wild. Feral, even. I've heard talk that he was born here, but he's one of the oldest I know of, so again, another thing we never may know. As you know, Zaren plays around with... the world. So don't let his appearence frighten you. If anything is terrifying, it's the stink. He's harmless really."

You slow your upward motion and the lift reachs another floor, where it attaches to a opening.  Ophelia walks off. "Don't let the height scare you. It's quite safe as long as you don't linger."

One foot off and it feels stable enough. But as soon as your other leg leaves the platfrom descends. You go falling forward as your body compensates for the motion. Ophelia catches you and steadies you. "Let's go. The walk is long, to keep the smell from the lift."

Ophelia leads you through a maze of halls and small rooms, as the smell gradually builds up and pains throb in your head. Just as you're about to pass out she pulls you into the tannery. There's a look of digust on her face. "Let us meet the Tanner."

[User] You meeting the Tanner

[Assistant]
The smell hits your face; fresh rather than the stagnant air outside, but just as bad. Your eyes water and you blink again and again just to see. You nose and mouth curls up in disgust. There are furs everywhere, not just pelts but entire animals. "He prefers to skin them himself." Ophelia simply says. Tools for skinning and shaping litter the ground and little buckets of what you hope is water but is more foul smelling are sprinkled about the room. Larger vats are filled with the same foul odorous liquid, some of them colourless, but more black, brown, gray, or other dull colours. There are piles of furs, rags, and leather everywhere, some drying, being shaped, or otherwise in progress to becoming whatever they will be.

A particularly large and dirty pile moves and -- oh dear, that's not a pile. It's a wereanimal, foul and feral, loudly poking around in dog corpse, picking out internal organs and placing them aside, sorting them. He pulls out bones and bits, and is covered in blood. Every so often he licks clawed hands with a slurping sound. He starts to peel off the skin with tools and surprising care when he lifts his head up and sniffs at the head. Turning around, he spots you and his mouth turns into a disgusting smile. "Ophelia? Why hellos! Goodness, goodness, I ams filthy." Emphasizing and adding an S to some words he speaks to you. He grabs a rag and attempts to clean his hands, then wipes drool and blood from his face with them. He's covered in spotted, dirty, clumped fur, especially along his legs and shoulders, with a longer patch on top of his leading down his back on his spine. The hair is shorter on his face and snout, except for a few long whiskers that poke out of his lips and along his chin. The shaggy fur recedes along his hands, leaving nearly thin fingers for precision in his trade. He wears only a pair of shorts and bones on a string on his thick and long neck. His ears are pierced, the left is tattered and they flap about independent of his head. His eyes are large and green and watch Ophelia with a sense of sincerity. He seems more like a dog than anything else.

 Then, as if suddenly seeing you, "I knows you! The Tailors said you were coming. Yesh, yesh. I have here somewhere... I cuts and cures it long time ago, ready for yous. Just waits, waits." He walks around in circles on his large paws and sniffs at the air. "Yesh, yesh, I see its!" He stretches up and pulls something off a shelf. "They gives me nice shiny buckles for belts. I use the yellow ones this time. People like the yellow ones." He sounds like a child, a filthy terrifying child. "You reminds me. You reminds me of hims. You gots the smell. He goods man, you know. Others they think he crazy, but he nice, he nice to mes. Used to be hads to thinks. All the times. Hard. Now I just do these things and I gets all I wants. He nice man. Waits, first I gots to cleans." He dips the belt in some sort of oily liquid and then hands it to you. "He says to use the oils because somes don't like the smell. But yous get used to it. I thinks it smells good now. Also these. The Tailors said yous might like." He hands you a pair of leather arm bands.

[User] Back to the lift

[Assistant]
You take the black belt and bands out of his hands and try to hold as little of them as possible, with a forced smile. The Tanner smiles back at you, oblivious of your disgust.

Ophelia takes your arm. "We have to go now."

The Tanner smiles at you. "Come backs to visit. And if yous wants armours, I cans make it. But laters." His tail wags and he waves at Ophelia.

Ophelia pulls you out of the room and walks off quickly, then runs after reaching the corner.

"I'm sorry. I just can't stand it. He's just so pitiful. I want to hate him, I really do, but I also feel an overwhelming sense of sorrow for him." Her face is white and her hold is gripping your arm so hard it hurts. Her face says not to talk about it anymore, but you have a feeling there's something that she's not telling you.

The smell diminishes as you get farther from the tannery. Once you reach the lift again you put on the belt and bracers, if just to buy some time before you have to step back on it. To your surprise the solution that the Tanner used actually seems to have worked. In fact, they have a slight leather smell, but otherwise are devoid of any discernible smell.

You're about to step back on the lift. If you want to ask Ophelia about the Tanner, now is the time.

[User] You ask Ophelia about the Tanner

[Assistant]
For a second, you're not sure she heard your question. She just holds your arm and pulls you onto the lift. Just when you're about to ask again she answers in a quiet voice, holding her necklace in a tight fist.

"The Tanner is an animal. A nice, good-natured, even gentle thing, despite his appearance and the whispers of some, but an animal nonetheless. He isn't a man -- or maybe isn't one anymore. He can't make the decision to lie or even mislead. If you ask him a question he will answer to the best of his ability. He said you were like Zaren." She trails off.

You want to know why this scares her so much. Maybe you smell like Zaren or something. Ophelia seems to be afraid of him, but why would this bother her so much? You're about to ask when her nails dig into your arm deep enough to cause marks, but not blood.

"I don't want to talk about it. At least not now. Please." And that's all she'll say for now. A forced smile covers her anxious face. "Where to now?" She says, deftly changing the topic. "We've still got things to do yet." She lets go of your arm and lightly touches the mark. "I... Sorry."

The discussion seems to be over. You doubt she'll even respond if you ask again, so you respect the silence, though you are still confused.

The lift starts to move. "So, what's our next destination?"