Etiolated Light

You are sitting in the office of an official. You don't know what exact title they hold, only that the weight of it keeps you quiet as you sit beside your parents. They too are nervous, eager, entirely unlike the mirrored pair across the table. The man and woman across the table are austere, straight-backed, dead eyed. One smiles and the others' face slackens, as if the expression is something they're passing back and forth between them. There's a little you there as well, sitting between them, obscured in part by the flowers on the table. You're curious about the other child but before you can get a good look the official taps the paper in front of you. "Sign," they say, irritated even though it's only the first time they've asked. You turn to your mother whose eyes have widened apologetically. She pats your back quickly, as if you're choking. [["Sign," she whispers -> sign]]

(set: $firstname to (prompt: "What is your first name?", "Maybe something pale?") ) [[Next -> establishname]]

The official's finger sharply taps the second line. [["Here," they instruct you. -> nextiname]]

(set: $lastname to (prompt: "What is your last name?", "Something to soothe what ails?") ) [[Next -> allestablished]]

The official peers at your signature. "Your name is $firstname $lastname?" They ask as if they don't believe you. As if you're lying. You squirm in your seat. Outside, you can hear the hooves of horse drawn carriages click harshly against the stone paths. You're tired. It's way past your bedtime. [[Yes -> continuetogame]] [[No -> redo]]

The official swiftly takes the paper and slides it over to the opposing family. Notably, they don't pay attention to how //they// sign it. They don't hover over //their// shoulders like a hawk. You feel faintly put out by this. Your parents seem almost relieved, but not quite. You can hear the sound of a pen scratching against paper. Confident. Swift. The official is looking at you. "Thank you for your cooperation..." //(Please select one, before clicking next)// (link-reveal: "Ms.")[(set: $Ms to "Ms.")(set: $miss to "Ms.")(set: $she to "she")(set: $She to "She")(set: $her to "her")(set: $Her to "Her")(set: $hers to "hers")(set: $woman to "woman")(set: $shes to "she's")(set: $daughter to "daughter")(set: $wife to "wife")(set: $Wife to "Wife")(set: $girl to "girl")(set: $possessiveher to "her")(set: $Possessiveher to "Her")(set: $GIRL to "GIRL")(set: $herself to "herself")] (link-reveal: "Mx.")[(set: $Ms to "Mx.")(set: $miss to "Mx.")(set: $she to "they")(set: $She to "They")(set: $her to "them")(set: $Her to "Them")(set: $hers to "theirs")(set: $possessiveher to "their")(set: $Possessiveher to "Their")(set: $woman to "person")(set: $shes to "they're")(set: $daughter to "child")(set: $wife to "spouse")(set: $Wife to "Spouse")(set: $girl to "kid")(set: $GIRL to "CHILD")(set: $herself to "themself")] (link-reveal: "Mr.")[(set: $Ms to "Mr.")(set: $miss to "Mr.")(set: $she to "he")(set: $She to "He")(set: $her to "him")(set: $Her to "Him")(set: $hers to "his")(set: $woman to "man")(set: $shes to "he's")(set: $daughter to "son")(set: $wife to "husband")(set: $Wife to "Husband")(set: $girl to "boy")(set: $possessiveher to "his")(set: $Possessiveher to "His")(set: $GIRL to "BOY")(set: $herself to "himself")] [[Next -> genderstab]]

Your parents wince. The set across the table don't react. The official glares at you and pointedly produces another paper, slapping it down in front of you. "Once again. Sign." [[Your hand trembles as you raise your pen -> firstyagain]]

(set: $firstname to (prompt: "What is your first name?", "Maybe something pale?") ) [[Next -> establishname]]

"Thank you for your cooperation $Ms $firstname $lastname." The official turns to the other family and smiles at the other child. "And yours..." (link-reveal: "Ms. Cahncor")[(set: $Msces to "Ms.")(set: $missces to "Ms.")(set: $sheces to "she")(set: $Sheces to "She")(set: $herces to "her")(set: $Herces to "Her")(set: $hersces to "hers")(set: $womances to "woman")(set: $shesces to "she's")(set: $daughterces to "daughter")(set: $wifeces to "wife")(set: $Wifeces to "Wife")(set: $girlces to "girl")(set: $herselfces to "herself")(set: $possessiveherces to "her")(set: $Possessiveherces to "Her")] (link-reveal: "Mx. Cahncor")[(set: $Msces to "Mx.")(set: $missces to "Mx.")(set: $sheces to "they")(set: $Sheces to "They")(set: $herces to "them")(set: $possessiveherces to "their")(set: $Possessiveherces to "Their")(set: $Herces to "Them")(set: $hersces to "theirs")(set: $womances to "person")(set: $shesces to "they're")(set: $daughterces to "child")(set: $wifeces to "spouse")(set: $Wifeces to "Spouse")(set: $girlces to "kid")(set: $herselfces to "themself")] (link-reveal: "Mr. Cahncor")[(set: $Msces to "Mr.")(set: $missces to "Mr.")(set: $sheces to "he")(set: $Sheces to "He")(set: $herces to "him")(set: $Herces to "Him")(set: $hersces to "his")(set: $womances to "man")(set: $shesces to "he's")(set: $daughterces to "son")(set: $wifeces to "husband")(set: $Wifeces to "Husband")(set: $girlces to "boy")(set: $herselfces to "himself")(set: $possessiveherces to "his")(set: $Possessiveherces to "His")] [[Next -> firstseespousekid]]

"You did very well Cessair." The mother across the table says, running her bejewled hand over the reticient child's head. Cessair blinks but doesn't respond, staring at $possessiveherces own hands. Cessair is small. Smaller than you despite your parents assuring you before you came that you're the same age. You're pleased by this because you're a child. It feels wonderful to be bigger and stronger than others. Cessair looks tired and pale as paper unlike $possessiveherces parents who are rose-cheeked and beautiful. Seeing them all together, it looks as if a matching set of dolls was burdened with an outlier. [[Wave to Cessair -> wavece]] [[Ignore Cessair -> ignoce]]

(set: $wavedtoces to "yes") You wave to the $girlces who holds your gaze for a moment before looking away once again, head lolling to the side. $Sheces must be tired. You move your head in an attempt to keep yourself in $possessiveherces line of sight, practically falling out of your chair. Your father grabs your arm and hisses for you to be still. "Sorry..." you mutter, rubbing your arm. You hear gentle laughter and when you turn to look Cessair's covering $possessiveherces mouth with $possessiveherces hand. The eyes that were dull before are briefly bright. You smile. Cessair startles then slowly lowers $possessiveherces hand and smiles back. [["If that's all...?" Cessair's father says to the official -> timetogofirst]]

(set: $wavedtoces to "no") Small, sullen children don't interest you. Neither do strict and prim adults talking about strict and prim things. Horses interest you, and snacks and the days at school where you go to the courtyard and sing. You press your face into your mother's arm. She's soft and her arm is large compared to your head. You like the way she smells. You're tired. "We'll be home soon," she assures you. You whine wordlessly and the meeting drags on for a few more minutes. You don't pay attention to any of it, squirming about in your chair. [["If that's all...?" Cessair's father finally says to the official -> timetogofirst]]

"Yes, that'll be all." The official says, arranging multiple sheets of paper neatly into a pile before placing the entire thing in a thick looking binder and snapping it shut. You shudder at the thought of doing so much work. Is that what you'll be like as an adult? Cessair's father lifts $herces into his arms and shakes hands with your dad who still seems nervous. "Thank you for accepting our offer," he says. "The pleasure's all ours," your dad responds before wincing. The other man doesn't seem to notice a mistake if there was one, nodding and looking down at you. You meet his gaze, unselfconscious. He has the same eyes as his $daughterces despite the differences in their pallor. You are too young to verbalize what's held within those eyes. You grab onto your mother's skirts and bury your face in that comfort yet again. "$firstname! I'm sorry, my-" "Children are children." The man says. You're unsure if he means it as a good or bad thing. [[You all walk out into the night -> outersidemeet]]

The Cahncors are immediately met by two servants, one of whom takes Cessair from $possessiveherces father's arms and vanishes into the carriage proper. The other helps Mr. and Mrs. Cahncor up into the open air seating before driving them all away. Their fancy carriage looks out of place in your neighborhood. You tug on your dad's arm and expect to have to whine to get him to carry you but to your delight he scoops you up immediately, spinning you around. "Don't drop $her..." Your mother warns, patting your shoulder as you come to a stop. "I'd never drop $her!" He says to her. To you he smiles and exclaims "You've saved us all, firefly!" You wrap your arms around him as the three of you make your way home. Your little neighborhood is lovely. There's always sound. There's always someone around to wave or call out to. Despite the city being a big place this neighborhood is almost like a small town. You did not know that your parents required saving. Despite that your chest swells with pride at the thought that you managed to do so. "How did I save us?" You ask. Your dad looks serious when he replies, eyes held steadily forward. [["You agreed to marry Cessair." -> startweddingscene]]

You are standing on the ground floor of a large mansion located within an even larger 'estate'. The Cahncor 'home' is sprawling and carnivorous. Everything is white, silver, gold, hard metal and shining stone. You were instructed to wear only white, not a stitch of color and you obeyed. It makes you feel like you're blending in to the scenery. You didn't know they made houses so large. You're certain everyone you know could live comfortably within these walls. You could live the rest of your life here, never hearing or seeing anyone else. The thought frightens you. You're grateful that you've already been told that a separate home has been prepared for you and (link: "Cessair") [Cessair. This one feels like...standing in the middle of a hollowed out corpse. No meat left, just bone.] //"It's a tradition in our family," //Mrs. Cahncor had said. Her voice was low and dragged unlike the cutting clarity of her husband's. It seemed almost as if she were always on the cusp of falling asleep. //"Every member of the Cahncor line has spent their honeymoon in that home."// You got the distinct impression that to refuse would spell disaster for your marriage. [[And you couldn't let that happen -> familymisfortunewhat]]

You're not a child anymore. You're very much aware of your family's dire need and the troubles that plague you all. [[Their gambling has only gotten worse with the assurance of your marriage -> Abad]] [[Their debts have only grown over the years, unable to ever pay enough to satisfy the hands that fed -> Bbad]] [[Their shopping habits have spiraled out of control -> Cbad]] [[You don't know much about what precisely they call the trouble they're in, you just know they're in deep -> Dbad]] Your home has become much more jovial in recent months. Though there's also a tension in the air that brings you back to those hazy memories of an official hand urging you to sign. Things //must// go well. Everything hinges on you.

"$Ms $lastname?" You turn to see a maid waiting for you. She's dressed in shades of beige and silver as all the servants are. She's looking at the ground by your feet. "They're ready for you." "Oh," you nod. "Thank you." She doesn't say anything, just turns on her heel and expects you to follow. [[Follow -> gonowwedding]] [[Stay -> pausemomentwedding]]

(set: $parenttrouble to "gambling") ''You Remember:'' Waking up to them stumbling home, invigorated or inconsolable. Money was sporadic, you either had it in spades or not at all and looking back even 'spades' was paltry in comparison to those who made money in a steady stream instead of in bursts of luck and misfortune. When you'd confronted your father about the habit he'd looked at you sadly, rubbing his aching knee. //"What am I supposed to do, $firstname? It's the only chance we have."// [[Next -> ledtoweddingroom]]

(set: $parenttrouble to "debts") ''You Remember:'' People knocking on your door. Men coming up to you in the street, asking who your parents were, if they were home. Could they come in a moment? Where did they run off to? They owe a lot of people a lot of money kid, and we're not sure there's enough left of them for everyone to get their cut. Got it? When you'd confronted your mother she'd shaken her head as if shell-shocked, looking out the window at the neighbor children playing. //"We just wanted a better life for you."// [[Next -> ledtoweddingroom]]

(set: $parenttrouble to "shopping") ''You Remember:'' New things, new things, new things. You lived in a small neighborhood of identical harsh homes - built for workers and not human beings. You knew from an early age that your family were the least fortunate amongst the less fortunate. Yet, at strange times and increasingly often - your parents would spend. New things, new things, new things! And the world would sparkle for a while until you realized that new things didn't make you less hungry. When you'd confronted your parents about it your father had silently stared out into the distance as your mother squeezed his hand. //"We know how cruel children can be...we didn't want you being bullied for all you didn't have."// Your father had spoken then, still not looking at either of you.// "Adults can be cruel too."// [[Next -> ledtoweddingroom]]

(set: $parenttrouble to "unknown") ''You Remember:'' A man showing up at your doorstep, standing there but never ringing, never knocking. A certain car sitting outside your window when you woke up, at school, at home. Your parents closing the blinds and buying new curtains for every room. The palpable fear, thick over everything. You never asked your parents about it. You had the feeling that to know would change everything. Ignorance, as they said, was bliss. [[Next -> ledtoweddingroom]]

The wedding takes place in a small room, which you hadn't expected given the number of guests. Only you, Cessair and both sets of parents are in attendance. Between you is a small radio box over which a priest gives instructions. Whenever he speaks you hear static and movement from wherever he is. You don't hold Cessair's hand and $possessiveherces own are held behind $possessiveherces back. "...Forever bound together in matrimonial bliss...if there is dissent let it be heard now...if there be dissent...if there be..." Cessair's father slaps the top of the box. There is a moment of quiet. "...If there be dissent let it be heard now...hearing none, let us commence. Do you take the $woman before you as your lawfully wedded...?" "I do." Cessair replies. It is the first time you've heard $herces speak since you were small. $Possessiveherces voice is low and tired. "Do you take this $womances before you as your lawfully wedded...?" There is a butterfly that you watch, moving languidly through the air. It's breathtakingly beautiful in the midst of all this still refinement. You keep your eyes on it instead of Cessair as you speak. [["I do." -> talkwtihcessair]]

You stand in place, watching as she grows smaller and smaller but never vanishes. The hallways are too long. Even her pale colors stand out starkly against the harsh white. You're overcome for a moment by a strange and terrible fear. (text-style:"fidget")[//You should run.//] You watch the girl turn towards you. (text-style:"shudder")[//Before you are devoured.//] "Come along please, $Ms $lastname." The maid says. Her voice reaches you easily. When did it get so quiet? It's near silent now except for your heart beating in your ears. [["Ah, I apologize...I meant $Ms Cahncor, of course." -> gonowwedding]]

You and Cessair stand in the hallway after the ceremony. You can hear the celebratory bustle of those inside. A warm light comes from the doorway but doesn't touch you and your new spouse. You are both in the dark, one across from the other. Cessair is as frail looking as you remember $herces. $Possessiveherces hair has grown to ghost $possessiveherces shoulders and $possessiveherces wedding outfit is finery itself, complete with a veil that's been pinned back to reveal $possessiveherces gaunt face. "Would you like to go upstairs?" Cessair asks softly. [[Ask if Cessair really lives here -> homehere]] [[Ask what's upstairs -> whatsup]] [[Ask if Cessair really wanted to marry you -> marryblues]] [[Go upstairs -> stairwell]]

The stairwell up to Cessair's sister's room is dark and winding. Unlike the rest of the home it is made of materials that smell earthly and old. There is no finery, no bright marble. "Her name is Lola." Cessair says. "She's excited to meet you." Cessair pauses at the top of the stairs where there's a small landing and a door. A butterfly passes by. You pause somewhat before that, looking out the only window you've seen on your journey up to the room. It overlooks the back of the large estate. Someone has drawn on the wood frame. Several triangular birds seem to hesitate around the scene. Cessair waits for you. [[Open door -> sisterroom]]

Lola's room is spacious and reminds you of picture books you read as a child of Princesses in towers. Everything is soft and pale, light pinks and bone whites. The girl's bed is far too large for her small frame and curtains her in fine materials: silks and tulle. It doesn't seem like anything in the room that isn't on or near it is often used. Lola opens her eyes. They are tired like Cessair's but even more dull. You don't like them. You think that might make you a bad person, being so...unsettled by the eyes of someone so obviously sick but there's something in them that feels repulsive. Ghoulish. You can't verbalize what you find there. You can barely even look at it. "You must be $firstname..." She smiles. [[Talk pleasantly with her -> pleasanttalk]] [[Ask about her parents -> parentask]] [[Ask about her illness -> sickask]] [[Ask about the birds -> birdywindow]] [[Don't speak with her -> rudetalk]]

In the corner is that same butterfly from earlier, helplessly flapping it wings. The wings, in fact, are flapping faster than you've ever seen a butterfly move. When you look at the motion you can almost hear the wings of a bird. You can //feel// the panic the creature must be experiencing. That maddening fear. And you can see, moving closer, the death-white spider. Your hands begin to shake and you turn away before you can see the butterfly devoured. [[Next -> honeymoonstart]]

''Dear Mother & Father,'' I am doing as well as can be expected given the circumstances. Cessair is understandably still upset about Lola's death and the doctor $possessiveherces parents hired says it might be manifesting bodily as $sheces became ill shortly afterward. It's a bit lonely here in the Cahncor's island estate. There's nothing to do but look out at the sea. (text-style:"blur") [I miss people. I miss my friends. I miss a sense of...living.] (text-style:"strike")[I think there's something else here with us. I keep having strange dreams and hearing noises from the walls. Something larger than mice. I can't sleep because of it.] Cessair's condition seems stable but $possessiveherces parents insisted $sheces stay upstairs at the house's highest point to take in the sea's air. It's apparently known to have healing properties. I hope that you've been as well taken care of as I have. The Cahncors are (text-style:"double-strike")[pushy but I don't think they're swindlers.] very kind. [[All my love, $firstname -> endletter]]

You leave your room and make your journey to the downstairs foyer where you put your finished letter in the basket labeled 'outgoing mail' You've asked Cessair about who takes and receives the mail but $possessiveherces answer was vague. "I believe the gardener takes care of that as well as our meals." You wonder if you can even call such a person just 'a gardener' at that point. You wonder if your parents are even receiving your letters. You've only wrote one other than this but there hasn't been any reply for you in the 'incoming mail' basket. [[You hope your parents are getting your letters -> hopeful]] [[You wonder why you even bother to write them -> doubtful]]

(if: $parenttrouble is "shopping") [With their newfound wealth maybe they'll finally be happy. They won't have to worry about what others think of them, they won't have to want for anything...no bit of happiness would be out of their reach. Yours either, you remind yourself. This place isn't a prison after all.] (if: $parenttrouble is "debts") [You picture them happily free of the shackles that bound them. It must be such a relief, being able to pay back what before seemed like a death sentence. It must be like a miracle. And you were the one who granted it to them. You saved them. It's not wrong to take some pride in that, you think.] (if: $parenttrouble is "gambling") [You wonder if they're still gambling. Well, even if they are, at least luck seems to be on their side this time. You're glad to be able to have your parents taken care of, even if they're reckless about themselves. It means you won't have to worry and neither will they.] (if: $parenttrouble is "unknown") [You wonder if that man has gone away for good. Can they finally stop looking over their shoulders, shutting the windows, hurrying straight home from work? It must be nice. You're glad you could give them that peace of mind.] You wonder what you should do today. There's not much to occupy your time. [[Visit Cessair -> visitspouse]] [[Eat Breakfast -> fetchfood]] [[Write more letters -> beginmoreletters]] [[Explore the island -> exploretheisland]]

(if: $parenttrouble is "shopping") [You picture them happily buying buying buying with their newfound wealth while you languish away in this...place. Perhaps it's better not to hear from them after all.] (if: $parenttrouble is "debts") [You picture them happily free of the shackles that bound them. All it took was sacrificing you. Perhaps it's better not to hear from them after all.] (if: $parenttrouble is "gambling") [You wonder if, even if they got their little chunk of change, it would even matter. Gamblers aren't known to quit when the getting gets good after all.] (if: $parenttrouble is "unknown") [You wonder if that man has gone away for good. Can they finally stop looking over their shoulders, shutting the windows, hurrying straight home from work? It must be nice. Meanwhile you... You sigh, turning away from the mail before you do something reckless. Perhaps it's better not to hear from them.] You wonder what you should do today. There's not much to occupy your time. [[Visit Cessair -> visitspouse]] [[Eat Breakfast -> fetchfood]] [[Write more letters -> beginmoreletters]] [[Explore the island -> exploretheisland]]

You climb up four flights of stairs to reach Cessair who's been brought to a room on the top floor. You consider knocking but think better of it, peering inside instead. The door doesn't creak. Despite the house looking much older than the main Cahncor estate it appears to be well maintained. No squeaky floorboards or creaky doors. Cessair appears to be sleeping soundly. It //is// fairly early in the day. Even before $sheces fell ill Cessair typically awoke sometime in the mid or late afternoon. [[It was comforting to hear their footsteps in the night -> comfortfeet]] [[It was creepy to hear their footsteps in the night -> creepyfeet]]

You go to the kitchen and find a series of covered platters set out as usual and take what you like to the dining room where you eat alone, the large table seeming almost comical in its emptiness. You were told the gardener fetches these meals for you (there are three a day, all extravagant) but you've never seen them. The one time you staked the kitchen out they never came and you were concerned you'd go hungry, only to go upstairs and find food waiting for you on your bedside table. It's strange, only having one servant for such a large home. You're at least grateful that the food is good. [[You finish eating -> donewiththat]]

(set: $letterwriter to "popular") You go back up to your room. You shared it with Cessair only briefly before $sheces fell ill. It's too large for one person. It was too large for even two. Again you get the feeling that your entire family could live comfortably in this one room. There's something...unnatural about it. A creeping, passive greed. You shake your head. It's not as if you had anything to do with the house. When the year's up you and Cessair can live wherever you like. Hopefully. [[You sit down at your desk and write -> writingdesk]]

You wander about the island. The section you live on is decently sized. In front of the house is a wooden pier though you've never seen any boats on the water which stretches out endlessly before you. To one side of the house is a gentle slope downward to the beach and the other side is a grove of trees. You wonder if they'll bear any fruit. You wonder how deep the trees go. How large is this island really? [[Movement catches your eye -> seegardener]]

Cessair looks at you. You can feel $possessiveherces gaze. "Of course...?" You can't imagine living in so austere a place. You'd never dream. All thoughts would be blotted out in white. You don't say this to Cessair. You think it might not be...appreciated. [[Ask what's upstairs -> whatsup]] [[Ask if Cessair really wanted to marry you -> marryblues]] [[Go upstairs -> stairwell]]

"My sister." You didn't know Cessair had a sister. [[Is this a joke? -> jokesis]] [[Why wasn't she at the wedding? -> weddingwhy]] [[Say nothing -> nocomment]]

You can't see Cessair's expression in the dark. Perhaps that's a mercy. "Did you?" [[Ask if Cessair really lives here -> homehere]] [[Ask what's upstairs -> whatsup]] [[Go upstairs -> stairwell]]

"I don't joke much." Cessair says. Another person might have offered up those words words with a playful wink but Cessair (perhaps predictably) says them without any trace of joy or humor "Why isn't she here then? Why hasn't anyone even mentioned her?" "She's not feeling well." "But I've never even //heard// of her until now." You protest. "My parents don't like to talk about unpleasant things." Cessair says. You want to ask what that means but both of you are suddenly startled by a loud scream from the party. It quickly becomes clear that it was a joyful shriek but for some reason your heart continues to pound. You press your hand against your chest. Cessair is looking out, maybe towards the stairway. "I'd really like for you to meet her." [[Go upstairs -> stairwell]]

"She's not feeling well." You want to ask what that means but both of you are suddenly startled by a loud scream from the party. It quickly becomes clear that it was a joyful shriek but for some reason your heart continues to pound. You press your hand against your chest. Cessair is looking out, maybe towards the stairway. "I'd really like for you to meet her." [[Go upstairs -> stairwell]]

You let the sound of celebration wash over the both of you, filling in the silence. It grows louder and louder to your ear until it's almost unbearable. For some reason you feel on the verge of panic. (text-style:"fidget")[What are you doing?] (text-style:"condense")[Run!] (text-style:"blur","expand")[Run!] (text-style:"expand","shudder")[Before you're devoured whole!//] A cold hand touches your wrist. Cessair is there, right in front of you. You don't look at $possessiveherces face. Just that frail hand. "Would you like to go upstairs?" [[Go upstairs -> stairwell]]

(set: $lolatalk to "yes") You smile and sit on the side of Lola's bed, fighting against the strange feeling that threatens you as you look and interact with the girl. You manage it. The conversation is light and airy, perhaps just what the girl needs after being seemingly locked away in some tower for who knows how long. You wonder if her parents even visit her. You're ashamed of your fear and glad that it didn't stop you from speaking with Lola. She seems to be a fairly cheerful girl despite appearances, far more so than Cessair. After you finish talking Cessair takes over while you wander around the room, pausing as something in the corner catches your eye. [[You look closer -> seeweb]]

You don't really know how to bring up the topic of her parents without it seeming like some kind of accusation. "Your parents...do they..." You pause, looking towards Cessair. Cessair is dampening a cloth in the basin by Lola's bed. "Take care of you?" You ask. Lola smiles. "Yes. They're very kind." For some reason her short answer unnerves you. Cessair pats the cloth against her head and Lola fusses at $possessiveherces fussing. [[Talk pleasantly with her -> pleasanttalk]] [[Ask about her illness -> sickask]] [[Ask about the birds -> birdywindow]] [[Ask if she'd like to live with you -> offerstay]] [[You see something in the corner -> seeweb]]

You realize that it might be an incredibly rude thing to ask seconds after the question is already out of your mouth. "You don't have to-" You begin but Lola waves your concern away. Cessair stares at you. "It's a family thing I think. Not contagious, so don't worry." She laughs. "We have our own doctor and everything...it's not painful. It's a wasting disease. You just get smaller and smaller and then you're gone." She says, demonstrating by bringing her hands closer together. "Is there any cure?" You ask. Lola hums. "I don't think so. If there were I'm sure mummy and daddy would have bought it by now. They've tried most everything you know." You nod. "I'm sure they have." You're not certain you really trust the judgement of people who would lock their sick daughter away and never speak of her but you manage to keep //that// at least to yourself. [[Talk pleasantly with her -> pleasanttalk]] [[Ask about her parents -> parentask]] [[Ask about the birds -> birdywindow]] [[You see something in the corner -> seeweb]]

Lola brightens. "Cessair and I made them when I was well enough to move a bit. $Sheces said that birds reminded $herces of me." You both look to Cessair who stiffens at the scrutiny. "I...wishful thinking I suppose." You frown at this dour thought but Lola only laughs. "That's the best kind." She insists. [[Talk pleasantly with Lola -> pleasanttalk]] [[Ask about her parents -> parentask]] [[Ask about her illness -> sickask]] [[You see something in the corner -> seeweb]]

(set: $lolatalk to "no") You look at Lola and open your mouth before closing it again and looking away. You mutter something vaguely pleasant before moving over to the window. You doubt Cessair will be pleased. You yourself aren't exactly pleased but for some reason looking at Lola...talking to her...it fills you with... Dread? You press your hand against your chest. Your heart hammers. No. Something...worse. Worse than dread. [[Something in the corner catches your eye -> seeweb]]

Cessair freezes. Lola blinks. For a moment all is silent. Lola's smile is slow and sadder than anyone her age should be. "You're very kind, $firstname." she whispers. "Very kind..." Cessair doesn't look at you. You have a feeling you've said something that will stick with both of them. Whether pleasant or unpleasant you can't say. [[You see something in the corner -> seeweb]]

Standing in the foyer, you wonder what you should do with the rest of your day. The days stretch on here and rather than that being relaxing it's become...dull. As if the world's standing still. At least when Cessair was well there was //some// other sign of life roaming around. Now that's relegated to the top floor, as far away from you as possible. You look out the window and, with a sigh, decide to just go outside. You don't bother changing from indoor wear as you make your way down the steps and out into the soft, well-cut grass. It's a nice day, warm with a breeze that comes off the sea. You stare out at the water before quickly looking away. The endless appearance of it dizzies you. [[Movement catches your eye -> seegardener]]

You have several people to write to, all from home. Your neighborhood was a lively place and you've known so many people from as far back as you can remember. Your parents aren't your only option for contact with the outside world! You spend a good while writing away at your desk, letting yourself melt into the pleasant task. When you're finished you stretch happily and go downstairs to put them in the basket. [[You hope they respond soon -> donewiththat]]

The floorboards don't creak but you could hear Cessair's footfalls anyway, with how quiet the house is. There's never any noise besides the sea and with the windows closed even that's gone. You would lie awake at night, alone, listening to $herces moving about in the darkness. And you would feel like despite everything, you weren't alone. That noise was the only thing keeping you from... (text-style:"blur","shudder")[From what?] You shake yourself from memory and close the door to $possessiveherces bedroom more firmly. You'll come see $herces again later. [[You head back downstairs -> donewiththat]]

The floorboards don't creak but you could hear Cessair's footfalls anyway, with how quiet the house is. There's never any noise besides the sea and with the windows closed even that's gone. You would lie awake at night, alone, listening to $herces moving about in the darkness. Frightening. Inscrutable. (text-style:"blur","shudder")[And you would have terrible dreams.] You shake yourself from memory and close the door to $possessiveherces bedroom more firmly. You'll come see $herces again later. [[You head back downstairs -> donewiththat]]

There's a person standing there, beneath one of the trees that cut the house's property off from the rest of the island. They're standing tall and eyeing you with a slightly startled expression though it vanishes quickly. They are dressed formally, absurdly formally for outdoors - down to the fine black gloves which cover their hands. In fact, everything on them is black. The tree they're standing under patterns their dark skin in light and shadow. "Did I scare you?" Asks the... (link-reveal: "Woman")[(set: $Msgar to "Ms.")(set: $missgar to "Ms.")(set: $shegar to "she")(set: $Shegar to "She")(set: $hergar to "her")(set: $Hergar to "Her")(set: $possessivehergar to "her")(set: $Possessivehergar to "Her")(set: $hersgar to "hers")(set: $womangar to "woman")(set: $shesgar to "she's")(set: $daughtergar to "daughter")(set: $wifegar to "wife")(set: $Wifegar to "Wife")(set: $girlgar to "girl")(set: $herselfgar to "herself")] (link-reveal: "Person")[(set: $Msgar to "Mx.")(set: $missgar to "Mx.")(set: $shegar to "they")(set: $Shegar to "They")(set: $hergar to "them")(set: $Hergar to "Them")(set: $possessivehergar to "their")(set: $Possessivehergar to "Their")(set: $hersgar to "theirs")(set: $womangar to "person")(set: $shesgar to "they're")(set: $daughtergar to "child")(set: $wifegar to "spouse")(set: $Wifegar to "Spouse")(set: $girlgar to "kid")(set: $herselfgar to "themself")] (link-reveal: "Man")[(set: $Msgar to "Mr.")(set: $missgar to "Mr.")(set: $shegar to "he")(set: $Shegar to "He")(set: $hergar to "him")(set: $Hergar to "Him")(set: $possessivehergar to "his")(set: $Possessivehergar to "His")(set: $hersgar to "his")(set: $womangar to "man")(set: $shesgar to "he's")(set: $daughtergar to "son")(set: $wifegar to "husband")(set: $Wifegar to "Husband")(set: $girlgar to "boy")(set: $herselfgar to "himself")] [[Next -> gardenergenderestablished]]

The $womangar steps forward, a rake in $possessivehergar hand. It appears to be covered in muck and sand. "Are you the new $Ms Cahncor? Cessair's $wife?" [[Be cordial -> cordiq]] [[Be evasive -> evaq]] [[Be confrontational -> confronq]]

"Who are you?" You ask, stepping eagerly closer. "I thought I was all alone here. Well, besides Cessair I mean." "Forgive me. I'm Garrine." The name is said with an accent you couldn't hope to replicate. When you repeat it it's been rendered flat. "Garrine? Are you the one who's been helping us out?" Garrine nods. "I was instructed by Mr and Mrs Cahncor not to disturb the two of you so I've tried my best to avoid being seen...I again apologize if that led to any..." A notable pause. "...discomfort." You give the $womangar a wide smile. "I'm just relieved to finally see you in person! But the Cahncors are rather odd aren't they? With all their habits." You look to Garrine for confirmation as to the family's strangeness but there's no indication on $possessivehergar face as to $possessivehergar feelings. "Either way, I'm sorry for getting so-" "Flustered?" "Sure, if that's what you want to call it." You nod. Garrine gives you a sharp nod in return then looks at you attentively. You suppose you've been forgiven. [[Ask Garrine about the Cahncors -> askaboutcahn]] [[Ask Garrine about the noises at night -> nightnoise]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]]

"Who are you?" You ask, looking around nervously. "I just..I haven't seen anyone around here before so-" "Forgive me. I'm Garrine." The name is said with an accent you couldn't hope to replicate. When you repeat it it's been rendered flat. "Garrine? Are you the one who gets us food and brings the mail?" Garrine nods. "Yes. I was instructed by Mr and Mrs Cahncor not to disturb the two of you so I've tried my best to avoid being seen...I again apologize if that led to any..." A notable pause. "...discomfort." You let out a breath and give the $womangar a small smile. "Well, the Cahncors are rather odd aren't they? With all their habits..." You look to Garrine for confirmation as to the family's strangeness but there's no indication on $possessivehergar face as to $possessivehergar feelings. "...So...I'm sorry for getting so-" "Flustered?" "Yes. Flustered." You nod. Garrine gives you a sharp nod in return then looks at you attentively. You suppose you've been forgiven. [[Ask Garrine about the Cahncors -> askaboutcahn]] [[Ask Garrine about the noises at night -> nightnoise]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]]

"Who are you!" You ask, looking around frantically as if more people might be hiding just out of sight. "You show up out of nowhere and start asking me questions-!" "Forgive me. I'm Garrine." The name is said with an accent you couldn't hope to replicate. When you repeat it it's been rendered flat. "Garrine? Are you the one who's been sneaking around here?" Garrine tilts $possessivehergar head. "I was instructed by Mr and Mrs Cahncor not to disturb the two of you so I've tried my best to avoid being seen...I again apologize if that led to any-" "Creepiness?" You ask. A notable pause. "...discomfort." You let out a breath and rub your eyes. "Well, I get that Cessair's parents have that weird rule..." You look to Garrine for confirmation as to the rule's strangeness but there's no indication on $possessivehergar face as to $possessivehergar feelings. "...So whatever. Sorry for getting so-" "Flustered?" "-pissed." Garrine gives you a sharp nod then looks at you attentively. You suppose you've been forgiven. [[Ask Garrine about the Cahncors -> askaboutcahn]] [[Ask Garrine about the noises at night -> nightnoise]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]]

"They employ me and own the island." Garrine says. "Yes, but do you know anything else about them?" Garrine looks off into the distance, the ocean breeze blowing back $possessivehergar curls. You think to yourself that, in the moment, Garrine looks more regal than Cessair or $possessiveherces parents ever did. "Some say that it's haunted. That home and the land it sits on. They say that the Cahncors have ties to it, inexorable ties and bloody hands." "Are you talking about murder?" You ask, horrified despite the bright afternoon. "I don't talk of murder, $Ms Cahncor." Garrine corrects you. "Others do and I listen without judgement. The Cahncors are a mysterious lot and mystery is unfortunately tied with suspicion in this day and age." [[Let the matter drop -> noprodding]] [[Prod more -> proddingmore]]

"Do you ever hear things at night?" You ask. Garrine tilts $possessivehergar head. "I'm sorry, could you specify?" You suddenly feel silly but push on. "Like...scuttling? Or...like something large moving through the walls. Like they're trying not to let me notice. I-" You pause because Garrine is giving you a strange look. "If it troubles you $Ms Cahncor, I could get some sleeping pills for you next time I go into town." [[Accept pills -> yeapillz]] [[Deny pills -> nopillz]] [[Ask Garrine how to get into town -> howtownget]]

"I keep having strange dreams." You admit. "Strange how?" Garrine asks. "They feel so //real// and when I wake up I'm absolutely terrified. More afraid than I've ever been before, even if I don't remember the dream itself." Garrine hums. "Have you talked to your $wifeces about it? Cessair's been known to have a night terror or two. I myself sleep fairly well." You smile ruefully. "Maybe it's a family trait. I used to sleep like the dead." Garrine tilts $possessivehergar head in a motion that's not quite a nod. "Indeed. Perhaps." [[Ask Garrine about the Cahncors -> askaboutcahn]] [[Ask Garrine about the noises at night -> nightnoise]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]] [[That's enough -> endgardenconvo]]

"Cessair calls you a gardener but you seem to do a lot more than that." "I work as caretaker of this island and whatever's built on it." Garrine explains. "Perhaps Cessair misunderstood or $possessiveherces parents simplified it when asked." You frown. "Have you been working here that long?" "For many years, yes." "But you can't be much older than me." "No, I don't think I am." Garrine says. No further elaboration seems forthcoming. [[Ask Garrine about the Cahncors -> askaboutcahn]] [[Ask Garrine about the noises at night -> nightnoise]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[That's enough -> endgardenconvo]]

You and Garrine lapse into silence. In the distance you hear a bell. "Ah, that's Cessair." You say, looking towards the house. It looks almost grotesque here, so far from any other signs of life, humanity or civilization. A blight on the island's natural landscape. "I have to get-" But when you turn there's no one there. You stare at the space where Garrine stood moments ago. [[You shiver, despite the summer's heat. -> nightynight]]

You make the journey up to your $wifeces's room in silence, a tray held carefully in your hands. Soup, fruit and water. It's all $sheces can keep down these days. The stairs seem to stretch on endlessly in the dark but there's something comforting about it, being hidden. When you step onto the fourth floor everything is bright. It hurts your eyes but you continue, opening the door to Cessair's room without knocking. [[You take in the sight that greets you -> seeit]]

You sigh deeply, rubbing your eyes. "Yes, a mysterious bunch..." Garrine nods. "Indeed." [[Ask Garrine about the noises at night -> nightnoise]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]] [[That's enough -> endgardenconvo]]

"And that's all? Surely not. You've //been// here...you must know something." Garrine looks at you, expression unreadable in its polite attentiveness. You take a deep breath. "Please..." After a moment Garrine looks away and speaks again. "My parents said that they were hungry people, the Cahncors." You perk up, grateful for any bit of information. "Hungry?" "This land, that house, their home estate, you and I...they're all things that the Cahncors have consumed." Garrine looks at you again, this time there's something more in $possessivehergar eye. Something desperate. "You've felt it too. Awe in every sense as you look at it all. They have so much, an unfathomable amount, and yet they aren't satisfied." You remember the strange fear that sometimes washes over you when you stand and look about the grounds. The notion that all you know could live comfortably in a place that excludes all but two. You nod. Garrine relaxes slightly. "...There's something frightening, about a hunger like that. Not for anything //better//...just //more.//" You and the gardener lapse into silence, digesting the words. [[Ask Garrine about the noises at night -> nightnoise]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]] [[That's enough -> endgardenconvo]]

(set: $pilltake to "yes") You smile tightly. "Yes that...might be best. Thank you, Garrine." The gardener nods. "It's no trouble." [[Ask Garrine about the Cahncors -> askaboutcahn]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]] [[That's enough -> endgardenconvo]]

(set: $pilltake to "no") You smile tightly. "I'm not crazy, Garrine." "I didn't suggest you were. Sometimes lack of sleep can affect the body in strange ways and being so far from home must be difficult." You know Garrine is being kind but you can't look at $hergar as you shake your head. "No pills." The gardener nods. "Very good, $Ms Cahncor." [[Ask Garrine about the Cahncors -> askaboutcahn]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]] [[That's enough -> endgardenconvo]]

You blink. "Is there a way to get to town?" "Of course." Your mind races. "Maybe I could go with you next time? What is it, a boat?" Garrine shakes $possessivehergar head. "I'm sorry $Ms Cahncor but the Cahncors instructed me very carefully. I'm to let no one on or off the island until they say so." You look out at the sea. It shimmers in the early afternoon light. "You mean until a year's passed?" "Until they say so." Garrine repeats. "Which I expect will be in a year or so if that's what they told you." "Yes." You say, voice trembling. "Are the Cahncors known for keeping their word?" Garrine says nothing for a time. "Apologies for upsetting you." "No, I just..." You rub your face. "It's alright." [[Ask Garrine about the Cahncors -> askaboutcahn]] [[Tell Garrine about your strange dreams -> weirddream]] [[Ask Garrine about $possessivehergar job -> garrsjob]] [[That's enough -> endgardenconvo]]

The bed is in the middle of the room. Cessair is motionless, looking vacantly upwards. You can see $possessiveherces lips moving but whatever is being repeated is too quiet for you to hear. Or perhaps horror has struck you dumb. Because above that bed is a grotesquely large white spider. Larger than you. It takes up the entirety of the ceiling and it is as still as stone. Then, after what seems like an eternity, it moves down the web which Cessair has been wrapped in. Cessair and $possessiveherces butterfly wings - tattered, weak. $Sheces will not be enough. Not enough. The monster turns its head and it does have a head, two in fact. A man and a woman crafted from smooth stone. They gleam. And you can hear the words now. You listen as Cessair is devoured piece by piece. There is no scream. No blood. No crunching of bones. There will be no satisfaction in having eaten. Because the thing will hunger still. Endlessly. (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Finally, you scream -> wakeup]]

You wake up the find that every light in your bedroom has been turned on. There are even lights that've been moved in from other rooms. It's blinding. You scream again, stumbling out of bed. You can hear footsteps in the hall. Erratic footsteps, like someone running out of pure terror. [[Listen at the door -> listensesame]] [[Hide in bed -> hidesesame]] [[Open the door -> opensesame]]

You tell Garrine your dream the next time you see $hergar. It seems the gardener is no longer taking the same care in staying out of sight, given you've already seen $hergar. You're both standing near a ledge behind the house, cast in its shadow. Below you lies the beach, free of natural debris. All that's there is pure white sand and seashells. "The Hunger." Garrine says. You blink. "Is that...you mean that thing from my dream?" Garrine nods. "The Hunger...I've never seen it but my parents told me tales about how we, our family, used to be royalty - we used to own this very land. But then the Hunger came." Garrine extends $possessivehergar hand up as if reaching for the sun. Then, with a flick of $possessivehergar wrist $possessivehergar hand is closed around something. $Possessivehergar expression is dull and $possessivehergar words are monotonous despite the topic and the tremble of $possessivehergar hand. "It plucked the jewels out of my ancestor's eyes and devoured them." Garrine looks at you. "Now they don't shine." Garrine opens $possessivehergar hand and a fly buzzes frantically up into the air. [[Is there any way to get rid of it? -> askexterm]] [[Does that thing have to do with the lights? -> lightques]] [[Why does Garrine work here? -> yworke]] (text-style:"blur","shudder")[You're at the end of your rope.] [[Cry -> tearfulii]] [[I want to go home -> homesickey]]

Do you turn off the lights? [[Yes -> nolightlisten]] [[No -> thereslightlisten]]

Do you turn off the lights? [[Yes -> nolighthide]] [[No -> thereslighthide]]

You throw open the door, heart racing only to discover... Nothing. There's nothing there. And yet the footsteps persist. You cry out in fear yet again, slamming the door and stumbling backwards, falling to the ground. The lights shine down on you, harsh, hot, searching. The world spins wildly. Then finally, you're embraced by a cool darkness. [[Unconsciousness -> seegarrineagain]]

You frantically turn off all the lights before dashing into bed and pulling the blankets up over your entire body. The footsteps are gone and the house is eerily quiet yet again but there's nothing peaceful about it. Your mind races, thinking you can feel someone's eyes on you. Slowly, slowly, your body relaxes...made calm by the darkness surrounding you. [[And soon, despite yourself, you are asleep. -> seegarrineagain]]

You dash over to the bed and pull the blankets up over your body, trying to keep out the wretched light within your little bubble of darkness. You can hear the footsteps outside. As you lie there, listening against your will, you can't help but think they're running towards you. Straight towards you. The fear overwhelms you as it finally all comes crashing down - the dream, the lights, the footsteps, this horrible island. It all hits you at once and the force of your fear makes the world spin. And then you find comfort in true darkness. [[The unconscious -> seegarrineagain]]

You frantically turn off all the lights before going to the door and pressing your ear against it. But it's silent. The footsteps have vanished. You stay at the door despite that, your heart hammering hard enough that you're almost sick with fear as you sink down to the floor. Slowly, slowly, your body relaxes...made calm by the darkness surrounding you. [[And soon, despite yourself, you are asleep. -> seegarrineagain]]

You race over to the door and press your ear against it, listening. The footsteps continue without pattern nor pause. The longer you listen the less sense they make. They're right outside the door, a floor above you, on the stairs, in the room. They're everywhere. There's no escape. You stumble backwards, falling to the ground. The lights shine down on you, harsh, hot, searching. The footsteps are coming. They're coming. (text-style:"italic","expand","shudder")[They're coming for you.] The world spins wildly. Then finally, you're embraced by a cool darkness. [[Unconsciousness -> seegarrineagain]]

Garrine looks away from you. "If I knew, I would be rid of it myself." Waves crash against the rock then retreat. But even the sound of the sea doesn't calm you. [[Does that thing have to do with the lights? -> lightques]] [[Why does Garrine work here? -> yworke]] (text-style:"blur","shudder")[You're at the end of your rope.] [[Cry -> tearfulii]] [[I want to go home -> homesickey]]

"Lights? Ah, yes. Your bedroom..." Garrine looks thoughtful for a moment before shaking $possessivehergar head. "I'm afraid I don't know." "It's absurd." You say, laughing ruefully. "All my life I was scared of the dark." Garrine hums softly. "Most associate white with purity, goodness, hope. Personally, I associate it with lack. A complete absence." (text-style:"blur","expand","sway")[Bones, picked clean. ] Garrine's expression is full of something for a moment, looking down at the beach below. But then it's gone. A trick of the light, perhaps. "It truly is a wretched color. If you don't mind my saying so." [[Is there any way to get rid of the beast? -> askexterm]] [[Why does Garrine work here? -> yworke]] (text-style:"blur","shudder")[You're at the end of your rope.] [[Cry -> tearfulii]] [[I want to go home -> homesickey]]

Garrine looks out at the sea. "You have an objection, $Ms Cahncor?" "This place took so much from you." You point out. Garrine nods. "And it still has it. There's no place else for me to go." "You could start over somewhere new." You say, thinking of yourself as you say it. "There has to be another home somewhere else." Garrine's hair blows back as a large wave crashes against the rocks below. "...Why should I be the one to leave?" You don't have an answer for $hergar. "There's nothing beyond the island now. I've been here too long...even the trips to town feel strange, like a dream." You look down at the beach, hoping something might wash up onto the shore that isn't pale and shining. Nothing does. "Maybe it's all been eaten away...the world out there." Garrine turns to you, expression contrite. "Oh, but I've scared you enough as it is. I'm sorry." [[Is there any way to get rid of it? -> askexterm]] [[Does that thing have to do with the lights? -> lightques]] (text-style:"blur","shudder")[You're at the end of your rope.] [[Cry -> tearfulii]] [[I want to go home -> homesickey]]

(if: $letterwriter is "popular") [You think of all the letters you've written and sent out. The people reading them, smiling, happy for you. You think of days spent laughing and playing with them all, days spent fighting, days spent alone but only by choice. Always by choice. Unlike now.] You open your mouth to say something but find that the world has blurred. For a moment you're afraid - are you going to faint again? But no. You realize you're crying. And the moment you realize that, it's impossible to stop. You sob, great heaving sobs, turning your face to the sky and wailing like a child. As if at any moment you'll be scooped up into two loving arms and your worries will be soothed away. Garrine's expression is mournful as you cry. "It's a terrible thing, $firstname..." The sea crashes into the rock, misting the both of you. You're unsure what exactly Garrine's referring to. The house? The beast within it? The land - the theft of it all? The web you've both found yourself caught in? (text-style:"blurrier","condense")[No, not a web - a stomach.] "A terrible thing..." [[Next -> talktocessair]]

You only go back inside the house when the bell beckons you. Cessair is awake and lucid, giving you a very small smile when you enter. "You don't look well." You think about how haggard you must look to prompt //Cessair// to tell you that. [[Tell Cessair about what's been happening -> tellces]] [[Don't tell Cessair about what's been happening -> notellcess]]

(set: $cessairknows to "yes") You tell Cessair about everything. The lights, the nightmares, the footsteps, everything. The only thing you falter on is talking about Garrine's story. You're not sure $sheces would appreciate the insinuation. After listening to you silently Cessair sits up and places a hand on your cheek. The skin is cool to the touch but not quite cold. "You've been having a difficult time here...I'm sorry." [[Lean into the touch -> yesyescheek]] [[Move away from the touch -> nonocheek]]

(set: $cessairknows to "no") "Um..." You look at Cessair. Your $wifeces is sick, frail. The trays of food you bring $herces keep coming back increasingly more picked through. Less and less is being eaten. Why upset $herces with all this? These ghost stories and strange occurences. If it were you, would you care about it? Your $wife babbling on about otherwordly phenomena while you laid in bed day after day, too ill to do anything but sleep? You cast your eyes downward. "Well, do you know anything about...spiders?" Cessair blinks. "Spiders?" "I know it sounds weird but I've been...well I've been thinking about them recently so I was wondering if you knew anything." The excuse sounds weak to your ears but Cessair looks blearily out the window. "If you like spiders then you should look outside...though if you don't, you shouldn't." You blink and move to look out the window but Cessair shakes $possessiveherces head before coughing and lying back down. "No, from the outside..." [[Next -> outsidewin]]

You burst from Cessair's bedroom and run down the four winding flights of stairs so fast you feel as if you're flying. Your heart is racing with you, carrying out down to the foyer and out the door. You run around to the back of the house, where Cessair's bedroom window is - overlooking the trees and sea, a view unimpeded by the dock. It had been a selling point. Mrs Cahncor had kept repeating it was the best view in the house and you hadn't understood, not really. You look up, panting. You see it. [[It takes your breath away -> seeitwindow]]

You lean into Cessair's touch and $herces skin warms against yours. The two of you haven't really done anything like this before. Even when Cessair was well the two of you were almost skittish around one another and though you'd slept in the same bed you'd done so back to back, never quite allowing yourselves to touch. You were strangers after all. Still are. Cessair doesn't speak and you let the silence drag on a bit before breaking it. Opening your eyes to find your $wifeces's closed. "Does this mean you believe me?" You whisper. Cessair doesn't respond for a few moments. Then, "If it's spiders that ail you, you might find that window to be of interest..." A pause. You stand, unable to take your curiosity, and move towards the only window in the room. "No, not-" Cessair erupts into a fit of coughing and you ease $herces back onto the bed. "Not from here...from outside." [[Next -> outsidewin]]

You move away from Cessair's touch, leaving $possessiveherces hand to hover in the air before falling onto the expensive quilt. You don't apologize and you don't look at $herces. The two of you...you're strangers after all. Cessair doesn't speak and you let the silence drag on a bit before breaking it. "Does that mean you believe me?" Cessair doesn't respond for a few moments. Then, "If it's spiders that ail you, you might find that window to be of interest..." A pause. You stand impatiently, moving towards the only window in the room. "No, not-" Cessair erupts into a fit of coughing and eases $herselfces back onto the bed. "Not from here...from outside." [[Next -> outsidewin]]

Cessair's window, which from the inside looking out seemed to be made of normal glass is here, from this new vantage point, revealed to have a pattern hidden within it. It's thin. Thin, precise lines, white on see-through glass, barely perceptible unless you were looking for it but in the afternoon sun you can see it there, proud and luridly obvious. A spider. And it isn't just Cessair's room, not just the window. That's where the spider lays but its web - it's web extends over the entire back of the house. The entire house. It was there, always, from the beginning. [[You scream -> horrifiedshout]] [[You fall to the ground -> collapse]] [[You run -> wantout]]

You scream, the sound carrying up high over the trees, over the house, over the ocean. You hope it reaches the heavens. You hope an angel swoops down and saves you from this, this incomprehensible terror. "I can't take this!" You scream once that first horrified shout is over, stumbling backwards. You cover your ears and shut your eyes, unable to do anything else. (text-style:"blur","rumble")["Take me away from this wretched place!"] You scream, hoping someone - anyone, will listen. But no one answers. "It's an awful sight, isn't it $Ms Cahncor?" Garrine asks softly. You're standing stock still, trying not to collapse. You don't know how long it's been but your body is covered in a sheen of cold sweat. You take a shaky breath, throat hoarse. You don't respond but Garrine makes a noise of assent anyway. "We flies tend to struggle 'till the end." [[Next -> timetostudyup]]

Your legs give out and you fall to the ground, landing hard. You don't feel the pain. You don't feel anything except your heart hammering against your chest. You've never known fear like this. It's incomprehensible. What is this? What is this? What is this? What does it mean? Why are you here? You don't understand. (text-style:"blur","fidget")[Let me out,] you want to scream. (text-style:"blur","rumble")[Take me away from this wretched place.] "It's an awful sight, isn't it $Ms Cahncor?" Garrine asks, standing behind you. You don't respond but Garrine makes a noise of assent anyway. "We flies tend to struggle 'till the end." [[Next -> timetostudyup]]

You take off running before you even know where you're going, heading to the dock through instinct. You don't hesitate when you get there. You don't look for a boat, you know there isn't one. You leap from the wooden dock into the water and begin to swim, your clothes dragging against you. Not even the cold shock seems to awaken you. Nothing will - you're not dreaming are you? This isn't a dream is it? You keep swimming. The weather is entirely inappropriate - clear skies and calm water. There's nothing to mirror the fear that spurs you onward. You keep swimming when your legs give out, when your mouth is full of water, until finally you're too tired to even move your arms. And you sink. You open your eyes to find yourself being dragged ashore. Garrine is above you, that horrid house you tried to escape from looming behind $hergar. "The...spider..." You try to say, unable to muster up the strength to point. Something must cue $hergar in though because Garrine turns to look at the house before looking at you again and nodding. "It's an awful sight, isn't it $Ms Cahncor?" Garrine asks softly. You don't respond but Garrine makes a noise of assent anyway, cradling your head in $possessivehergar lap. "We flies tend to struggle 'till the end." [[Next -> timetostudyup]]

You are in your room, as you have been for several weeks now. The days pass by in a hazey blur. You think you hear things: footsteps, something moving behind the walls, tapping on your window. You do your best to stay awake but the heat and the gentle light is so inviting, lulling, it begs you to rest. The nights are cool and silent but you cannot sleep during the night. Some evil keeps you awake despite your exhaustion, making you even more susceptible to the morning's light. [[You close your eyes -> anotherday]]

Garrine appears at the side of your bed, switching one tray of food out for another. "You should eat, $Ms Cahncor." [[Call me $firstname -> changeitup]] [[Thank you -> kindword]] [[Say nothing -> noword]]

You wake up to an empty room. There are birds outside but they don't sing. You feel as if the world is staring at you, holding its breath, watching for something. What's going to happen? (if: $pilltake is "yes") [There are sleeping pills on your dresser. You blearily swallow them down and the room seems dimmer. The door opens.] (if: $pilltake is "no") [You look to your empty side table. Has breakfast been served yet? Was it taken away? Have you eaten? You think about the sleeping pills you rejected. Maybe you're losing your mind. Maybe this is what is feels like.] [[You close your eyes -> anotherday3]]

Garrine has brought a phone into your room and it now sitting on your lap as you hold the receiver to your ear. Cessair is on the end of the line. $Possessiveherces voice floats; insistent and far away. (text-style:"blur","sway")["I'm sorry, $firstname. I'm sorry. I didn't know. I didn't think...I didn't think it would be like this. They never told me."] "What?" You ask. "What?" Your voice asks, echoing back at you from the other end of the line. (text-style:"emboss","rumble")["What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What? What?"] You open your eyes. You hear Cessair on the other end of the call, asleep. You listen to $herces breathe. [[You close your eyes -> anotherday4]]

The room is empty and full of light. [[You close your eyes -> lasttheday]]

White walls white floor white room white rose white teeth white spit white froth white blood white blade white food white eye white paper white ink white string white thread white thing in the corner white trees white grass white sea white jewel white face white soul white hand white words white shine to it all. Not a shadow in sight! (text-style:"emboss","expand","fidget")[F u ll of L i gh t.] [[Open your eyes -> thereitis]]

It's above you. The thing Garrine called Hunger. The room has been flooded with light, so much so that it hurts to keep your eyes open. All of the features, the furniture, have become impressionistic objects. The only clear thing is //it// above you - the spider body with the statuesque heads. You know it is looking at you through those unblinking marble eyes. (text-style:"blurrier","condense")["Make a deal."] [["What?" -> askmore]] [[Say nothing -> nosay]] [[Refuse -> booboosay]]

(set: $callmebymyname to "yes") Garrine looks surprised. "I cannot." "Why not? Mr and Mrs Cahncor aren't here. Cessair isn't here." Garrine doesn't say anything. You look at $possessivehergar shadow on the wall. "I'm all alone here, aren't I?" You ask it, a wave of listlessness crashing into you. You begin to cry in the passive way that's become routine in the weeks since you saw the spider: Tears falling down your cheeks without you having to sob or gasp or make a single sound. Silent. Still. Calm. Garrine wipes your eyes with a soft handkerchief and tucks you into bed again. You begin to drift off. You think you can hear $possessivehergar soft voice. "Sleep well, $firstname." [[You close your eyes -> anotherday2]]

"Thank you, Garrine." You say though the food does nothing to spark your appetite. It's well prepared as always and light to cater to your sudden bout of illness: Freshly baked bread, hand made jam, soup, all scents that wafted up to you from the downstairs kitchen. But you don't want any of it. You can barely muster up the energy to drink water. Garrine looks at you for a long moment. (text-style:"blurrier","condense","sway")["I thought you would be spared."] You jolt and Garrine helps you back into bed. "Are you alright?" "You- did you just say something?" You ask. Garrine tilts $possessivehergar head. "No, $Ms Cahncor." [[Believe $hergar -> benefitgarr]] [[Accuse $hergar -> doubtgarr]]

The gardener waits for you response. Receiving none, Garrine bows $possessivehergar head and leaves the room. (text-style:"blur","upside-down","fade-in-out")[N ot Hun gry?] [[You close your eyes -> anotherday2]]

You stare at Garrine who stares back, expression mildly worried. You shake your head. "I'm sorry. I'm really not feeling well..." "I understand. Will you try eating? You'll only grow weaker if you let yourself waste away." You look at the food. Again, it sparks nothing. Your stomach doesn't even growl. "I'll...try." Garrine nods as you begin to drift off to sleep once more. "That is all we can do, $Ms Cahncor." [[You close your eyes -> anotherday2]]

"Liar!" You shout, struggling to sit up again. Your body is heavy with fatigue. Your heart is pounding. You are afraid and your fear has made you skittish, like a limping stray. "You're a goddamn liar, I heard you! I heard you!" "Perhaps you were-" "Mistaken? Dreaming? I know what I heard!" You knock your tray off of the side table and it goes flying, landing with a sharp and reverberating crash. There are fine plates and cups shattered to pieces amongst the mess of what used to be your breakfast. Garrine wordlessly begins to clean. You can't see $possessivehergar face. You think about apologizing, then fall back into bed and pull the blankets up over the whole of you, trying not to sob or scream. You want out. "$Ms Cahncor?" "Leave me alone, Garrine." You say from under the blankets. The darkness is calming but you know there's light right outside, beaming in, bearing down on you. Despite that, you begin to drift off to sleep. "I want to be alone." "Don't say that, (text-style:"blur","upside-down","sway")[$firstname]. There's nothing quite so painful as being alone." [[You close your eyes -> anotherday2]]

It's closer. (text-style:"blur","upside-down")["Perhaps you'd like to make a deal?" ] (text-style:"blur","expand")["Would you like to make a deal?"] Two distinct voices; soft and high class, sophisticates the both of them. You can't move. [[Ask what the deal is -> interestedinit]] [[Reject them -> booboosay]]

You stare, blinking, trying to move. You don't talk to it. It's closer. Everytime you close your eyes it's closer. (text-style:"blur","condense")["Don't ignore me."] It feels as if your heart's pumping fear through your bloodstream. You need to wake up. You need to wake up right now. (text-style:"emboss")["This isn't a nightmare, $girl. No dark corners. No night. Nowhere to hide unseen. This is joy incarnate! Good incarnate! Holiness incarnate! Step into the light. Sign the contract. And every beautiful thing you desire will never be out of sight. Or out of reach."] [[Sign the contract -> madeadeal]] [[No -> booboosay]] [["What do you mean? -> askmore]]

It's closer. (text-style:"emboss")["Poor thing. (text-style:"fidget")[Sign the contract.] Forget all the pain. The sorrow. The darkness of the world - of your heart. (text-style:"fidget")[Step into the light.] Let it free you. (text-style:"fidget")[Sign the contract.] Let it cleanse you. All beautiful words ring clear and white. Everything beautiful can be seen in the light"] [[Sign the contract -> madeadeal]] [["What contract?" -> questioncontra]] [[Refuse -> boobooboosay]]

It's closer. "No. No, I don't want to make a deal with you." You try not to close your eyes but the light hurts, it's filling you - causing an internal ache. It's closer. (text-style:"emboss")["We're reasonable people. We're good people. People like you! We just want what everyone wants. We understand. You're afraid. We understand. Sign the contract. We want to hep you, that's all. We're reasonable people. We're trusted, well trusted. You'll be in good company. Sign the contract. Do you have another choice? Is this your last resort? Poor dear. Sign the contract. Poor dear. My sympathies. The (text-style:"fidget")[impoverished insects] have no mind for it - how to help themselves. (text-style:"fidget")[Helpless. Filthy. Worthless.] But we love them. The only ethical meat to consume."] [[Sign the contract -> madeadeal]] [["What contract?" -> questioncontra]] [[Refuse -> boobooboosay]]

Its joy washes over you. There's nothing better in the world. Nothing more beautiful. You relax and let yourself melt [[Into this glimmering sea of white. -> caughtreprieve]]

It is right in front of you. When it yells, you don't hear it. It speaks in pain - a blinding headache with no reprieve. (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[UNGRATEFUL SON OF A BITCH.] YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND EVEN IF I TOLD YOU. (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] YOU'RE THE LUCKY WINNER. DON'T LOOK BACK. THE ONLY WAY TO BETTER YOURSELF IS TO WORSEN OTHERS. BUT YOU'RE A KIND $GIRL AREN'T YOU? SO YOU CAN LET THEM LANGUISH INSTEAD. LET THEM SACRIFICE THEIR CHILDREN TO YOU LIKE THE GOD YOU ARE. BENEVOLENCE ITSELF, A SHINING EXAMPLE. LET THEM BEG. //I// WILL NOT. (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[ANSWER NOW. ] [[I WILL STEP INTO THE LIGHT -> agreecontra]] OR [[LET MYSELF DIE IN DARKNESS -> disagcontra]]

It is right in front of you. You can feel its rage. Anger like a soaked blanket - pushing you down, suffocating you in that terrible light it emits. It understands. [[You would rather die in the gutter than live like a king?-> disagcontra]]

Its joy washes over you. You instantly feel relief. The fear melts away. The pain melts away. Everything melts away but the (text-style:"expand","upside-down")[angel's] love. There's nothing better in the world. Nothing more beautiful. You relax and let yourself melt [[Into this glimmering sea of white. -> caughtreprieve]]

(text-style:"blur")[Then Die.] [[Look back -> parentmemory]]

Your mother held you in her arms and sang to you whenever you cried and reached for her. Your father carried you on his back when you fell, telling you (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")["It's okay, $firstname, it's alright sweetie. You'll get 'em next time - won't you?"] All the meals you ate were full of love, even when they were meager. Even when it was the same thing three nights in a row. Even when your mother apologized: (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")["It's all we have right now."] 'All you had' was love. For a moment you see it: Yourself as a child, barefoot and grinning from ear to ear. You're running towards your parents, tripping over yourself and already out of breath as you shout. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")["Mommy, daddy, guess what-!"] There was a stone in your hand, pitch black and rough and misshappen. It had been the most beautiful thing in the world to you. And your parents had said so too. So it had to be true. [[Wake up -> wakeupnodeal]]

[[Something eats voraciously. -> wakingupdealmade]]

You wake up. You aren't ill. You look out the window and admire the brilliant early afternoon light. It makes the already exquisite room shine and you shine along with it. You hop out of bed, humming. You feel almost as if you float upstairs and you realize that you're //happy// for the first time in...you don't know how long. You don't have to deal with your gutter rat parents anymore. You don't have to look at Garrine's miserable little face. You won't even have to deal with Cessair anymore, once the (text-style:"upside-down","fidget")[angel's] job is done. It'll just be you and this wonderful old house full of beautiful things - you chief among them. [[You couldn't imagine anything more perfect -> cesroom]] [[You couldn't imagine anyone more deserving -> cesroom]]

You open your eyes and startle, looking around the room. Your heart is pounding but your head is clearer than it's been in weeks. The room isn't hazey anymore and the lights don't penetrate you. You still feel uneasy but that //thing// isn't pressing down on you anymore. Not right now at least. You get out of bed before that changes, stumbling downstairs. Your body's weak from going so long without eating and when you make it to the bottom of the stairs you nearly collapse but push yourself forward instead. You make it to the kitchen, calling out to Garrine who's in the middle of setting up a tray. $Possessivehergar eyes widen and you collapse into $possessivehergar arms. "$Ms Cahncor! Why are you out of bed?" Garrine asks, the most alarmed you've ever seen $hergar. You blink then smile slowly, letting yourself relax. [["I'm hungry." -> researchy]]

After a few days of rest you feel much better than you did before but something stops you from relaxing completely. There's always an uneasiness about the house and a heavy feeling from all the sunlight that hits the island. You have to get rid of it. That thing. But before that you'll need to prepare. [[Research weaknesses on your own -> alonestudy]] [[Research weaknesses with Cessair -> cesstudy]] [[Research weaknesses with Garrine -> garstudy]] [[Research weaknesses with Garrine and Cessair -> bothstudy]]

You open the door to Cessair's room with a flourish. You're serene - and so //healthy// while your $wife rots away in bed. Cessair looks at you when you enter but doesn't speak. Maybe too tired. Who cares! Who cares! You float over to the window and admire yourself in the reflection. You can see it clearly even from here, that beautiful silver web. From behind you hear a noise. [[That fucking bell -> bellfast]]

You turn slightly to see that Cessair is of course ringing that bell. "Do you think someone's coming?" You ask. The bell rings. You step closer. "I'm the only one that calls, you know." The bell rings. You walk over. "Stop it. What are you even scared of? What do you want?" The bell rings. You tear the cord from $possessiveherces hands. You stare down at that pitiful little face. That gaunt body. Those frightened deaths-door eyes. And you feel nothing. Nothing but light. [[You smile -> byecessair]]

[[Something eats voraciously. -> badend]]

You wake up in the morning and take the time to admire your bedroom as usual. It's beautiful, as are you. You go downstairs. There are letters from your parents which Garrine keeps bringing in despite your clear disinterest in them. At least you don't see $hergar wandering around the grounds anymore. Servants aren't to be seen after all. It'd spoil the view. You eat the food Garrine has gotten you then hear a cry from upstairs. The one downside to your policy is that you have no help within the home. It's exhausting at times but you're strong. You overcome such challenges with ease and grace. You weren't born into this life, you earned it. You deserve it. You go upstairs to the fourth floor bedroom and open the door. There, in her crib, is... [[Continue the line -> oldy]] [[Make a new branch -> goldy]]

Claudia Cahncor. The baby is whining and kicking but once you appear within her line of sight she smiles and reaches for you, happy as a clam. You lift her up and look out the window. That boat will coming back for you soon. You received a call just yesterday from the Cessair's parents. (text-style:"sway")[//"We're delighted to hear the news! A little girl...oh, don't worry about anything - we'll take care of the both of you. We already have a list in mind for possible marriage candidates."//] Claudia begins to cry and you glare at her, hand trembling, before smoothing out your features. "Are you hungry?" You coo softly, walking out of the room. The light follows you, as does the noise coming from the walls. Claudia makes a noise as if in agreement and you laugh, bright and cheerful. "Aren't we all?" ''ENDING 1:'' //Step into the light. The old tradition lives on.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

Helene $lastname The baby is whining and kicking but once you appear within her line of sight she smiles and reaches for you, happy as a clam. You lift her up and look out the window. The boat and the Cahncors likely won't be coming back for you. In the last letter they sent they spoke of another child they have coming. But they're old. They're likely to get sick...if something were to happen to that child. God forbid. Helene begins to cry and you glare at her, hand trembling, before smoothing out your features. "Are you hungry?" You coo softly, walking out of the room. The light follows you, as does the noise coming from the walls. Helene makes a noise as if in agreement and you laugh, bright and cheerful. "Aren't we all?" ''ENDING 2:'' //Step into the light. The old tradition lives on under a new name. There will be a letting soon - getting rid of old blood.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

Thank you for playing. May you find a dark corner in which to hide. May you store these things there: Your kindness, your love, and your body which they call "dirty". Hide them, and let them grow gently.

The study is a large and silent room. The shades of brown and the heavy curtains help it feel warm and safe. You light a few of the candles that are placed around the room instead of opening the curtains and get to work. You didn't have much to do with your days anyway so scouring the large library for anything that might be of use is a daunting but somewhat satisfying task. There are times you think you might be more effective with some help but you push the thought away. You want to do this alone. So alone you remain. [[Next -> foundsomething]]

You go upstairs to speak with Cessair. Your $wifeces is sitting up in bed but appears to be dozing instead of reading the book that's lying on $possessiveherces lap, unopened. "Cessair?" Cessair opens $possessiveherces eyes and seems mildly surprised to see you. "$Firstname...I didn't call for you, did I?" "No. I just...wanted to see you." Cessair blinks then smiles very slightly, covering $possessiveherces mouth with a cough of questionable authenticity. "I see." [[Jump right into asking about the research -> gorignow]] [[Spend a bit of time with Cessair first -> readybook]]

You find Garrine raking the beach's sand and ask for $possessivehergar assistance. You receive a simple nod in return. "Of course, $Ms Cahncor." You wonder if the gardener actually believes you'll find anything. The study is a large and silent room. The shades of brown and the heavy curtains help it feel warm and safe. Garrine almost opens the curtains but you stop $hergar, pointing out the candles placed around the room instead. The two of you light them and get to work, the warm light of the flame much more comforting than the sun which becomes paler by the day. [[Next -> foundsomethinggar]]

You find Garrine raking the beach's sand and ask for $possessivehergar assistance. You receive a simple nod in return. "Of course, $Ms Cahncor." You wonder if the gardener actually believes you'll find anything. Afterwards, you climb upstairs to Cessair's room. Your $wifeces is sitting up in bed but appears to be dozing instead of reading the book that's lying on $possessiveherces lap, unopened. "Cessair?" Cessair opens $possessiveherces eyes and seems mildly surprised to see you. "$firstname...I didn't call for you, did I-" There's a distinct pause as Garrine steps into the room behind you. It takes a moment for you to remember that Cessair might never have seen $hergar. "This is Garrine." You say, making introductions. "And this is Cessair." "So you are real." Cessair says softly. "And you've been here...this whole time?" "Yes, $Msces Cahncor." Garrine nods. "I apologize for being so elusive. It was demanded of me." Cessair looks at Garrine then out the window. "I understand." The sun's evening rays look almost obscene against $possessiveherces pale skin. Too bright. Too colorful. You take $possessiveherces hand. "Cessair," you say. "We need to talk to you about something." Cessair's eyes are still affixed to the window and you shudder, knowing what lurks beyond it. "I understand." [[Next -> foundsomethingboth]]

It takes several weeks of looking, all while Cessair's condition deteriorates. "$Msces Cahncor has stopped eating." Garrine tells you though a note left on the study's door. It's only five words but they haunt you as you race through the aisles, searching desperately for //anything// that might save you all from the terrible fate that awaits you - that perfect decay. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[No blood, no bones, no hunger, no pain...] It haunts you, the thought of that death. [[Then, finally, you find something. -> thebooksclue]]

''At the back of what looks to be an innocuous book there is something written in black ink that once bled:'' "I don't think there's anything left of me. That woman, she ate it all slowly and called it love. But the house is beautiful. More beautiful than it's ever been. I thought she cared for me. Lord, forgive- ~~I should have stayed true but~~ I knew it was holy. An angel. Golden hair and smooth, alabaster skin. There was no darkness to her. She didn't even cast a shadow near the end. I don't care. She just has to marry. If she marries soon... But I don't care. I don't care if I have to feed my daughter to her. She won't suffer. She won't bleed. She'll either take the sickness or give it to whatever rat she marries. (text-style:"fidget")[Let the damn thing die.] Then set everything it touched aflame." [[Look for more clues -> nomoreresearch]]

[[Cessair is standing outside the door. -> descofce]]

It takes several weeks of looking, all while Cessair's condition deteriorates. "$Msces Cahncor has stopped eating." Garrine tells you one day, shutting the door behind $hergar. You freeze, flipping through yet another useless book. "...Too weak?" "I don't believe it's a matter of sickness or health..." Garrine says, attempting to phrase the words delicately for your sake. "Cessair simply refuses to eat." (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[No blood, no bones, no hunger, no pain...] It haunts you, the thought of that death. [["Do you think that'll happen to me too?" -> fearfuture]] [["Do Cessair's parents know? We need to get $herces to a hospital!" -> hospino]] [["Have you tried serving something else?" -> newmenu]] [[Thank Garrine and continue working -> workywork]]

Garrine looks at you as you pace about the room, growing more frantic by the second. "I cannot see the future, $Ms Cahncor." "But you can see the writing on the wall, can't you? It's there in blood - I'm finished. Done for. All of us are!" You grab the gardener by $possessivehergar lapels, eyes wide and wild. Your voice seems impossible loud in the midst of the near silent library. "Don't you understand, Garrine? We've been sent here to //die!//" Garrine's hands envelop your own. "$Firstname, please calm down." You're shocked by the warmth of that hand. How long has it been since another person touched you like Garrine is now? With a tender intent to soothe? How long have you been living lonely and afraid? You sag against Garrine's body, craving more of that warmth. You feel $possessivehergar hand hesitate around your head before settling for rubbing circles against your back. "I'm afraid, Garrine." You say. You know the words are useless but you have to say them anyway because you want to hear $hergar say- "I understand." The soft voice replies, the warm hand it belongs to pausing right in the middle of your back. "Truly, I do." In the end you pull yourself together enough to continue the search. You both work tirelessly at nearly all hours of the day, looking for //anything// that might lead you to salvation. [[Then, finally, you find something. -> thebooksclue2]]

"They are aware of the situation and think it would be best for Cessair to remain on the island." "Murderers." You spit, pacing around the room. You toss the book you were holding through the air and don't look to see where it hits. Something smashes and Garrine moves into the shadows to investigate. "Fucking murderers!" You shout, banging your fist against the wall. "You too! Why don't you take $herces yourself? Why don't you let me leave this place? Why?" You receive no reply. Your heart pounds. "Answer me!" You shout. Garrine steps out of the shadows holding the remains of a vase in $possessivehergar hands, walking over to the nearest bin and depositing the shards within it. $Possessivehergar hands are bleeding. "I take no pleasure in keeping you here, $firstname." Garrine says softly, $possessivehergar eye holding steady to the bloody vase. "Then why...?" You ask, sagging against the wall. Garrine continues to stare into the bin. "I'm afraid it would be a doomed venture. The Cahncors do not desire it so it will not come to fruition." "And you know that for a fact?" You ask. Garrine meets your eye. One of $possessivehergar own might be shining, you think. Or is that a trick of the light? "Yes, I do." And with that you return to your search alongside Garrine, the two of you working tirelessly for days to find anything that might help your miserable situation. You try not to think about the gardener's grim certainty. The Cahncors surely do not desire this. [[Then, finally, you find something. -> thebooksclue2]]

"Have you tried feeding $herces something else? Maybe something lighter or...or...does Cessair have a favorite meal?" "I have asked $Msces Cahncor $possessiveherces preferences and was told that nothing was $possessiveherces preference." "And you just accepted that?" You snap. Garrine appears unperturbed. "I have continued to offer food and drink, however-" "We can't just let $herces die!" You exclaim, pacing the room. "Inject $herces with something - get a tube down $possessiveherces throat, hold $possessiveherces goddamn nose, just-!" Your head falls into your hands. The world becomes fuzzy and faraway for a moment as hopelessness sets in. "...I'm sorry." You say. Garrine says nothing but as soon as you feel a hand on your shoulder you place yours on top of it. $Possessivehergar skin is warm, unlike Cessair's. It's been so long since you touched another warm body that you almost gasp at the heat, at how //alive//... You look into Garrine's eyes and the gardener holds your gaze for several seconds before lowering $possessivehergar own. "Your $wifeces." You blink, uncomprehending. "You wanted a cure. For Cessair and for this island." You shake your head, then nod. "Yes, yes of course." Now is not the time for this. You throw yourself back into the search alongside Garrine, the two of you working as fast and as hard as you can to find anything that might help you escape what seems now to be a certain doom. [[Then, finally, you find something. -> thebooksclue2]]

You clench your jaw then relax it, finishing the book you were flipping through. "Thank you, Garrine." The gardener looks at you, silent. "Yes?" "Nothing, $Ms." "Did you expect me to fall to pieces again?" You ask, laughing ruefully. "I can't afford to do that. Not now." Garrine falls silent again before speaking softly. "I admire your resolve." You look up and smile slightly. "It's more desperation than anything. Or foolishness. To live in hope is to live foolishly, that's what my grandmother used to say." Garrine meets your gaze and holds it. "Mine used to say that any man who dined on hope ate like a king." Your smile grows slightly. "Optimistic. Do you agree?" A beat of silence. "Agree?" Garrine asks. You step closer, the two of you practically nose to nose now. "Yes. What's your stance on hope?" You ask, voice soft as Garrine's own now. You hold each other's eye and the gaze between you heats as the seconds pass. Warming as your bodies grow closer by the inch...by the second... Then Garrine looks away. "Your $wifeces." You blink, uncomprehending. "You wanted a cure. For Cessair and for this island." You shake your head, then nod. "Yes, yes of course." Now is not the time for this. No matter how badly you wish it was. You throw yourself back into the search alongside Garrine, the two of you working as fast and as hard as you can to find anything that might help you escape this wretched place. Hope...you need it. Just a shred. Enough to hold onto. [[Then, finally, you find something. -> thebooksclue2]]

It takes several weeks of looking, all while Cessair's condition deteriorates. "$Msces Cahncor has stopped eating." Garrine tells you though a note left on your bedroom door. It's only five words but they loop through your mind like a funeral dirge as you open the door to Cessair's room and find $herces wide-eyed, staring right at you. "I can't read today." Cessair tells you, voice clearer than you've heard it in a long while. You would say it sounds healthy but it doesn't. There's some artificiality about it that makes you want to run. It reminds you of Lola. That same feeling that something was terribly wrong. "All the little black words look like insects to me." Cessair says, unblinking. You shut the door and run down the stairs so fast you trip down a landing, pushing yourself up and continuing your mad dash to the study proper. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[No blood, no bones, no hunger, no pain...] You race through the darkened aisles, searching desperately for //anything// that might save you all from the terrible fate that awaits you - that perfect decay. A hollow white shell being swallowed by the light. It haunts you, the thought of that death. [[Then, finally, you find something. -> thebooksclueces]]

(if: $cessairknows is "yes") [You sit down in the chair beside Cessair's bed. "Do you remember what I told you? About that monster?" Cessair nods vaguely. "They said you might have a difficult time." "Your parents?" You ask. Cessair rubs $possessiveherces eyes. "Mm..." "Cessair? Don't fall asleep right now. Please, just hang on a little longer?" Cessair blinks slowly but stays awake. You don't have much time so you cut to the chase - adding on to what you last told your $wifeces. After listening to it all, Cessair stares out the window. Finally, after a moment of digestion, Cessair turns to you. "If you think I'd be of assistance, I'll help you." Despite the mild words, $possessiveherces eyes are hard with determination. You nod, taking $possessiveherces hand and squeezing it lightly. "Thank you." Cessair squeezes back, even lighter. "It killed my sister. I...I don't want it to kill you too." Despite the fact that your $wifeces's skin is cold you feel a warmth bloom between you.] (if: $cessairknows is "no") [You sit down in the chair beside Cessair's bed. "Do you remember the other day when I asked you about spiders?" Cessair obviously struggles to remember but eventually nods, gesturing towards the window. "Yes. Did you manage to see it? It's difficult sometimes." You remember the sheer terror of that first realization and nod, swallowing around it. "Yes. I saw." You give a delicately worded recap of the events of the past few weeks, not wanting to come off as accusatory or a loon. Finally, after a moment of digestion, Cessair turns to you. "If you think I'd be of assistance, I'll help you." Despite the mild words, $possessiveherces eyes are hard with determination. You nod, taking $possessiveherces hand and squeezing it lightly. "Thank you."] The two of you quickly get to work. It isn't viable for Cessair to travel to the study so you make a study in $possessiveherces room and begin what will eventually be days on days of nonstop scouring. [[Next -> foundsomethingces]]

You sit down beside Cessair and pick up the unopened book. "Would you like me to read to you?" Your $wifeces startles slightly before nodding eagerly. "Yes, thank you." The undisguised eagerness verges on desperation and you suddenly feel guilty. If you were feeling lonely this whole time...how has Cessair felt? All alone in this room... You take your time reading, continuing on even as Cessair dips in and out of sleep. By the time you feel you've read enough a good few hours have passed. The time doesn't drag nearly as much when you spend it with someone. "Cessair?" You whisper, nudging $herces slightly. Cessair blinks $herselfces awake. "Hm?" (if: $cessairknows is "yes") ["Do you remember what I told you? About that monster?" Cessair nods vaguely. "They said you might have a difficult time." "Your parents?" You ask. Cessair rubs $possessiveherces eyes. "Mm..." "Cessair? Don't fall asleep right now. Please, just hang on a little longer?" Cessair blinks slowly but stays awake. You don't have much time so you cut to the chase - adding on to what you last told your $wifeces. After listening to it all, Cessair stares out the window. Finally, after a moment of digestion, Cessair turns to you. "If you think I'd be of assistance, I'll help you." Despite the mild words, $possessiveherces eyes are hard with determination. You nod, taking $possessiveherces hand and squeezing it lightly. "Thank you." Cessair squeezes back, even lighter. "It killed my sister. I...I don't want it to kill you too." Despite the fact that your $wifeces's skin is cold you feel a warmth bloom between you.] (if: $cessairknows is "no") ["Do you remember the other day when I asked you about spiders?" Cessair obviously struggles to remember but eventually nods, gesturing towards the window. "Yes. Did you manage to see it? It's difficult sometimes." You remember the sheer terror of that first realization and nod, swallowing around it. "Yes. I saw." You give a delicately worded recap of the events of the past few weeks, not wanting to come off as accusatory or a loon. Finally, after a moment of digestion, Cessair turns to you. "If you think I'd be of assistance, I'll help you." Despite the mild words, $possessiveherces eyes are hard with determination. You nod, taking $possessiveherces hand and squeezing it lightly. "Thank you."] The two of you quickly get to work. It isn't viable for Cessair to travel to the study so you make a study in $possessiveherces room and begin what will eventually be days on days of nonstop scouring. [[Next -> foundsomethingces]]

It takes several weeks of looking, all while Cessair's condition deteriorates. "$Msces Cahncor has stopped eating." Garrine tells you one day, standing in the hall outside the study. You freeze, several books in your arms. You'd planned to bring them up to Cessair. "...Too weak?" "I don't believe it's a matter of sickness or health..." Garrine says, attempting to phrase the words delicately for your sake. "Cessair simply refuses to eat." You feel as if you're shrinking. "I want to see $herces." Garrine escorts you upstairs and opens the door to your $wifeces's room for you and you hesitate before taking a deep breath and walking in. Cessair is lying on the bed, wide-eyed, staring right at you. "I can't read today." Cessair tells you, voice clearer than you've heard it in a long while. You would say it sounds healthy but it doesn't. There's some artificiality about it that makes you want to run. It reminds you of Lola. That same feeling that something was terribly wrong. "All the little black words look like insects to me." Cessair says, unblinking. You shut the door and run down the stairs so fast you trip down a landing, pushing yourself up and continuing your mad dash to the study proper. Garrine calls out for you but you ignore $hergar. There's no time. There's no time. (text-style:"italic","blur","sway")[No blood, no bones, no hunger, no pain...] You race through the darkened aisles, searching desperately for //anything// that might save you all from the terrible fate that awaits you - that perfect decay. A hollow white shell being swallowed by the light. It haunts you, the thought of that death. [[Then, finally, you find something. -> thebooksclueboth]]

At the back of what looks to be an innocuous book there is something written in black ink that once bled: "I don't think there's anything left of me. That woman, she ate it all slowly and called it love. But the house is beautiful. More beautiful than it's ever been. I thought she cared for me. Lord, forgive- ~~I should have stayed true but~~ I knew it was holy. An angel. Golden hair and smooth, alabaster skin. There was no darkness to her. She didn't even cast a shadow near the end. I don't care. She just has to marry. If she marries soon... But I don't care. I don't care if I have to feed my daughter to her. She won't suffer. She won't bleed. She'll either take the sickness or give it to whatever rat she marries. (text-style:"fidget")[Let the damn thing die.] Then set everything it touched aflame." [[Look for more clues -> nomoreresearchboth]]

You scour through countless more books to find any more scraps. You succeed but what you find isn't encouraging. The name of the line and what precise form that creature takes changes but the story doesn't, nor does the outcome: One is eaten, a deal is made and a new marriage arranged. No matter what gets them there, that's always the final result. ''You remember something Cessair said a few days prior:'' "My mother was married to another man just as I was married to you. Early in life...but he died here and when she left she got remarried to my father." Your $wifeces had turned to you then. "I have dreams, you know. Horrible dreams. I've had them all my life. They shake my very soul but when they're happening...I feel nothing but the most exquisite joy and it tells me that there's more, if only I give in." [["Give in to what?" -> giveinwha]] [["What happens in your dreams?" -> dreamdetail]] [["How did he die?" -> howdieboy]]

You scour through countless more books to find any more scraps. You succeed but what you find isn't encouraging. The name of the line and what precise form that creature takes changes but the story doesn't, nor does the outcome: One is eaten, a deal is made and a new marriage arranged. No matter what gets them there, that's always the final result. Garrine stands beside you and you pass the book to $hergar, watching $possessiveherces expression. It doesn't change. ''You remember something Cessair said a few days prior:'' "My mother was married to another man just as I was married to you. Early in life...but he died here and when she left she got remarried to my father." Your $wifeces had turned to you then. "I have dreams, you know. Horrible dreams. I've had them all my life. They shake my very soul but when they're happening...I feel nothing but the most exquisite joy and it tells me that there's more, if only I give in." You wish you had asked $herces more but there hadn't been time. There's never enough time anymore. Didn't your days used to long and dull? And before that...before that... Garrine closes the book. [[Ask Garrine if $shegar knew about this -> didjakno2]] [[Accuse Garrine of knowing about this -> didjaknowaggre2]] [[Say nothing -> sinkdown2]] [[Ask Garrine about Cessair's dreams -> dreamgarr]]

Cessair had looked at you briefly before turning away slightly. "She said...the woman in my dreams told me that I, me and my family, are beautiful. We're kind, intelligent, shining examples of humanity. She speaks so highly of us...but...when she speaks of you she only speaks of suffering. (text-style:"blur","sway")[To kill such miserable creatures would be the greatest kindness you could bestow. But I know your pure white hands should never be marred by blood. So let my teeth sink in, sure as stone.] (text-style:"italic","shudder")[And eliminate what exists only to be erased.]" You sink to the ground, your head in your hands. Is this what it comes down to, always? Eat or be eaten? [[Leave the study -> anencounterces]]

[[Cessair is standing outside the door. -> descofceces]]

"When I was young a woman would come to me. She looked like my mother but paler and less animated. As if she were sculpted from some fine stone. The woman was kind and she told me I was beautiful and intelligent and kind and if that I listened to her I would grow evermoreso. I never understood why I woke up frightened from those dreams, but then..." Cessair paused and avoided your eye. "The night after I met you for the first time the woman told me that I had been kind to suffer through your company and when I told her I didn't mind it she wouldn't listen. She just kept telling me that you would be gone soon and I wouldn't have to suffer anymore. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You'll find a person as kind, intelligent and beautiful as you. Someone who was raised on ichor and white wine.] (text-style:"italic","shudder")[Allow me eat every rat that clings.] She said those words and when I turned to look at her face she'd transformed into my sister." Cessair's hands had balled into fists, gripping $possessiveherces blankets. "My sister...Lola would //never// say something so ugly. Since then she won't stop tormenting me, wearing my sister's face." You'd stopped talking then. Cessair had had to rest. You sink to the ground, your head in your hands. Is this what it comes down to, always? Eat or be eaten? [[Leave the study -> anencounterces]]

"My mother said he was weak and she would only talk about him when she saw pests: rats, insects, weeds...I don't think she ever cared for him." "Was he a bad person?" You'd asked. Cessair had hesitated, neglecting your eye. "He was...a very poor person. His family became well off due to the connection but before their marriage they were all nearly destitute. I never liked the way she spoke about them." A smile flickered on $possessiveherces face. A sad one. "Not because I'm a marvelous person or especially kind. It just frightened me, the way she spoke about them...as if they weren't even human." (text-style:"italic","fidget")["As if they were nothing but food."] You sink to the ground, your head in your hands. Is this what it comes down to, always? Eat or be eaten? [[Leave the study -> anencounterces]]

"Did you know? Did you know from the moment we stepped foot on this island that one of us - Cessair or I, would die?" Garrine looks at the wall. "It's difficult to say. When you've lived on this island as long as I have, $Ms Cahncor, life folds itself out quite like a dream." You rub your eyes. "...To the //best// of your ability, Garrine." The gardener continues to stare at the wall but you wait. You can be patient. You're rewarded but a slight shuddering of breath, almost a gasp. "There was a boy in town who I loved as a child. He was a year or so older than me with warm brown skin that seemed to catch and reflect the sun. Whenever I saw him I tasted honey in my mouth." It's the most you've ever heard Garrine speak. You'd be less unnerved if it wasn't in such a soft tone with $possessivehergar eyes fixed singularly on the unadorned wall. "He was from a poor family. He had to work even though he was a child my age and whenever I went into town I packed something extra for him. I worried he resented the gesture but I couldn't stop. I loved him. Desperately, I loved him. But one day he was married." Dread creeps into you, though Garrine's tone doesn't change. "I was confused when he showed up on the island dressed in finery accompanied by a Cahncor girl but he told me it was to help his family. That the Cahncors had been so kind to open their hearts and homes to them. It took several weeks but slowly he began to change. He grew ill while his wife grew stronger. She came to the island a frail thing with limp blonde hair but by the end she stood tall and her hair posssessed the golden shine his skin once had. On the day before he died I entered the house. I heard the bell so I came but when I peered into the room I saw that beast. It looked like me, drained of life and color but perfect in all other aspects. It was whispering to the man I loved, telling him to give in, that it - that //I// would meet him on the other side and that his death would be the most..." Garrine's voice catches. $Possessivehergar eyes shine but no tears fall down $possessivehergar cheeks. "That his death would be the only good that ever came of his life. It said such a horrific thing in such a sweet tone, with //my// voice, and though I burst into the room it was too late. My love had died. And I was forced to watch, held still by some invisible force, as he was eaten. ...When it was done it turned to me, using the face of my love. (text-style:"sway")[I know you're angry. I can feel it. Anger pollutes the soul, Garrine! Hatred pollutes the soul! Hatred for people that is. Unrighteous hatred that is. I know right now that hand of yours wants to rage and dirty itself further with blood and fire. I know right now those feet of yours want to run off and do something unwise. But I have a mind like stone, my dear. And I will let you have a taste of perfection. Because I am kind. I promise, I will only hate the part of you I eat. Because that flesh is weak.]" Garrine closes $possessivehergar eyes. "...When I awoke from that slumber I thought it might have all been a dream. The bed was empty and the young Ms. Cahncor informed me that I had collapsed upon hearing the news of her husband's death. After that the boat came and took her back home and I received a call informing me that I should no longer be seen by those who come to the island. It was a while after that that I realized something was wrong with me. I had not shed a single tear over the death of the man I loved. He was dead. He had died chasing my image, cajoled by my voice but I felt nothing. No guilt, no sorrow, no anger, no hatred, no warmth...nothing. I can still feel it for others. For the world at large but when it comes to the island and those who reside here...there's nothing." Garrine finally turns $possessivehergar head and looks at you. "I apologize, $Ms Cahncor. I dearly wish I was able to pity you. But anyone who bears the name 'Cahncor' is already lost to me. That beast has ensured it." [[Next -> bwaaaathehorror]]

"You knew, didn't you?" Your voice is quiet venom. It poisons the air. Garrine seems unperturbed by it. You hate that. In the moment you hate $hergar more than anything. "You knew from the moment we stepped foot on this accursed island that one of us - Cessair or I, would die." Garrine looks at the wall. "It's difficult to say. When you've lived on this island as long as I have, $Ms Cahncor, life folds itself out quite like a dream." You advance on $hergar, practically snarling. "Don't give me that. Answer me honestly. Tell me in //concrete terms// what you know and what you don't." Garrine doesn't move. You grab $hergar by $possessivehergar lapels, your rage bouncing, filling the room. "Why did you pretend to be my friend? Why are you even here, helping me? What's going through your head?" Nothing. You shake $hergar. "Do you know how scared I am? Do you get that someone's going to die, that you're going to let them? What's going on! Just //tell// me what's going on!" Garrine finally turns $possessivehergar head and looks at you. "I apologize, $Ms Cahncor. I dearly wish I was able to pity you. But anyone who bears the name 'Cahncor' is already lost to me. That beast has ensured it." [[Next -> bwaaaathehorror]]

You sink to the ground, your head in your hands. Where did your strength go? Your conviction? Your joy? Even your sorrow's gone, isn't it? It feels inescapable. Your struggle has been reverberating through the spider's web from time immemorial. Is this what it comes down to, always? (text-style:"fidget")[Eat or be eaten?] Garrine helps you to your feet. "Some fresh air, $Ms Cahncor?" [[Leave the study -> anencountergar]]

[[Cessair is standing outside the door. -> descofceboth]]

[[Cessair is standing outside the door. -> descofcegar]]

You recount Cessair's dream to Garrine, adding in your own encounter with the pale creature. Garrine listens intently then shakes $possessivehergar head. "I'm afraid I don't much about dreams, $Ms Cahncor. However, I have heard of that man...Mrs. Cahncor's first husband." "From who? Your parents?" Garrine nods. "My father was working on the island at the time. He says that man was a rather timid soul. He fell very ill after a few days on the island and died swiftly thereafter." "How?" You ask, wringing your hands. "In his sleep, I believe. Such is the course of these things." It feels inescapable. Your struggle has been reverberating through the spider's web from time immemorial. Is this what it comes down to, always? (text-style:"fidget")[Eat or be eaten?] Garrine helps you to your feet. "Some fresh air, $Ms Cahncor?" [[Leave the study -> anencounterboth]]

It feels inescapable. Your struggle has been reverberating through the spider's web from time immemorial. Is this what it comes down to, always? (text-style:"fidget")[Eat or be eaten?] Garrine helps you to your feet. "Some fresh air, $Ms Cahncor?" [[Leave the study -> anencountergar]]

You take one step back, then another but before you can run Not-Cessair grabs your wrist. $possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe]]

You scream in wordless terror, frantically calling for someone to help you. Not-Cessair grabs your wrist. $possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe]]

You make a break for the stairs and run down three flights, launching yourself forward onto what should be the ground floor. But instead you're back in that same hall. And Cessair's there - no. Not Cessair. Just a white thing with eyes. You race down the stairs again and end up in the hall again and again and again. Each time it devolves and each time it seems, impossibly, to become angrier. You can taste it in your throat, that anger. Until finally you stumble out into the foyer [[and throw open the door -> stillhall]]

Only to find the hall waiting for you. And that white thing, eyeless now. It 'walks' up to you, a too-fluid gait that looks impossible to your eye. A sort of grotesque, jerking glide. As if there are limbs you cannot see attempting to balance it. It places its hands on either side of your face and you are looking at yourself, drained of all life and made into something beyond but not better. No, not better. Despite the clear satisfaction of the 'house' and 'you' that //thing// is not better. You see your parents. They're on the ground, bodies mangled and being feasted on by creatures of pure light that eat soundlessly. No blood, no bone, no sound no pain. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It is a perfect death.] No. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It is a kindness.] (text-style:"shudder")[No!] The white thing wearing you smiles. You cannot tell if its mouth is open or not. You look again at your parents but they're gone, replaced with someone else. A million someone else's. The floor is littered with drained husks being eaten by a million things that sometimes look like light and sometimes look like you. Like you...the bodies? Or the eating...things? The creature is looking at you. The sound of clapping is echoing through the hall as if there's a celebration going on on another floor. "I will give you one last choice." It says. "Because I am kind and wise and Cessair fights me." "Cessair-?" "I will give you one last choice. Because I am kind and wise and Cessair fights me. Cessair-? I will give you one last choice. Listen to it. Cessair-? I will give you one last choice." [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou]] [[Sacrifice Cessair -> dieces]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil]]

You're in a dark space. It's comfortable and warm but someone's shaking you. (text-style:"blur","sway")[Wake up. Wake up.] You open your eyes and see your mother's(?) face. Your father(?) is right beside her, smiling at you, lifting you into his arms. (text-style:"sway")[Wake up. Wake up.] You're tired. You feel safe in your father's arms even as he and your mother start walking towards the light. Even as fear grips you. Even as your body begins to tremble. Why? Nothing's wrong. (text-style:"rumble")[Wake up. Wake up.] Your mother laughs and kisses your cheek. She says everything will be alright. Just go to sleep. Your father holds you tighter. Go to sleep, firefly. Go to sleep. [[Step into the light -> cessurvives]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. You feel well for the first time in years. It's almost miraculous: sitting up, opening your eyes fully, no fatigue pulling you back into unconsciousness. But angels aren't the only creatures that can grant miracles. You think of Lola as you get out of bed. You think of her every morning. You think of her body lying in that gilded coffin - so white she seemed to blend into the linen. You'd wanted to crawl in after her. You think of $firstname. You walk downstairs to $possessiveher room, pausing when you see someone in front of it. "Ah, $Msces Cahncor." The person says, standing straighter in your presence. "I regret to inform you but last night your $wife..." You hold up your hand and rush past the austere figure, beholding the room. Yes...no...yes, that's $her body there...drained of life as Lola's was. You loathe that peaceful expression. Almost as much as you loathe the words that float to you from the doorway, the same assurances you were afforded in those damned nightmares. "There was no suffering." You stumble out into the hall and cover your mouth, staring at the floor. The house is too still. Too...satisfied. The servant $womangar stands dutifully beside you until you gesture for $hergar to leave. You feel $hergar do so. You hear footsteps on the stairs that pause halfway down. "Your parents have informed me that the boat is coming for you, $Msces Cahncor. They asked me to assure you of this: You will find someone else. Someone better." You don't answer and the steps retreat without further pause. You know your parents mean the words as a comfort but they only fill you with dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You will find someone else.] You're certain you will. You think of Lola. You think of $firstname. You think of statuesque women who gleam white light, never warmth. And then, sinking to the ground, you cry. ''ENDING 3:'' //And your hand struck me while the mouth smiled and the voice rang out: "It is kindness." on one hand and "You deserve this" on another.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. Something too peaceful, too calm. Something has been...satisfied. You remember the hallway. You think of Cessair. You fly out of bed and race upstairs to $possessiveherces room, skidding to a halt when you see someone in front of it. "Ah, $Ms Cahncor." Garrine says, standing straighter in your presence. "I regret to inform you but last night your $wifeces..." "Cessair!" You cry, rushing into the room. Yes...no...yes, that's $herces body there...drained of life. Still as stone. That peaceful expression...was it really peaceful? Was it a warm walking into the light? Or did $sheces go terrified? "There was no suffering." Garrine assures you as you stumble out into the hall. You cover your mouth, staring at the floor. The house is too still. There's nothing moving behind the walls even though you can //feel// it there. Still there. Always there. Garrine waits for you to say something but after a while you hear $hergar leave. Footsteps on the stairs pause halfway down. "The Cahncors have informed me that the boat is coming for you shortly. They asked me to assure you of this: You are family. They will not abandon you. In time you will find someone else." You don't answer and the steps retreat without further pause. The words fill you with dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You will find someone else.] You're certain you will. You think of your parents. Of all the people who had nothing and died here thinking of //their// parents. You think about sacrifice. You think about a fly, trying desperately to escape a web which they cannot fully comprehend. And then, sinking to the ground, you cry. ''ENDING 4:'' //A rich man looks out at the sea. "It was him or me." He says, shaking. "It was him or me."// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. Something too peaceful, too calm. Something has been...satisfied. You remember the hallway. You think of Cessair. You fly out of bed and race upstairs to $possessiveherces room, skidding to a halt when you see someone in front of it. "Ah, $Ms Cahncor." Garrine says, standing straighter in your presence. "Last night your $wifeces-" "Cessair!" You cry, rushing into the room. To your relief, Cessair is sitting up in bed with a somewhat dazed expression. "Are you alright?" You ask, racing to $possessiveherces side. "Yes...I feel better than I have in a long while..." You look at the blankets. There's an ornate pattern. White flowers, repeating. "That's good, isn't it?" Your $wifeces looks off into the distance. "Yes..." Cessair's eyes look at you, filled with awe. Awe, you're reminded, is not only reverance but fright. "What did you do?" Before you can say anything, Garrine speaks from the doorway. "If I may interrupt? The Cahncors have informed me that the boat is coming for you both shortly." The words fill you with equal parts relief and dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[Make another beautiful lure.] You think of your parents. Of all the people who had nothing and died here thinking of //their// parents. You think about sacrifice. You think about a fly, trying desperately to escape a web which they cannot fully comprehend. You think of Lola and Cessair, both bait and prey. You think of children. And then, sinking to the ground, you cry. ''ENDING 5:'' //Somewhere, somehow, it is already growing.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

Cessair is standing outside the door. You almost bump into $herces as you exit, instinctually apologizing. "Oh, I'm sor-" But then you pause. Because Cessair should be too ill to get out of bed, let alone make it downstairs. And this Cessair; with the small, pleasant smile...is as pale and still as a statue. "$Ms Cahncor-!" Garrine exclaims. You turn towards $hergar, or the spot $shegar was, only in time to see $possessivehergar oustretched hand vanish into the study, the door shutting quickly behind $hergar. [[Take a step back -> ohnowalk3]] [[Scream -> ohnoscre3]] [[Try to open the door -> openup]]

Cessair is standing outside the door. You almost bump into $herces as you exit, instinctually apologizing. "Oh, I'm sor-" But then you pause. Because Cessair should be too ill to get out of bed, let alone make it downstairs. And this Cessair; with the small, pleasant smile...is as pale and still as a statue. While holding another Cessair in $possessiveherces arms. //Your// Cessair. The one that breathes - //is// breathing, slow and labored. "$firstname..." Cessair whispers. "$Ms Cahncor-!" Garrine exclaims. You turn towards $hergar, or the spot $shegar was, only in time to see $possessivehergar oustretched hand vanish into the study, the door shutting quickly behind $hergar. [[Take a step back -> ohnowalk4]] [[Scream -> ohnoscre4]] [[Lunge forward -> helpc4]] [[Try to open the door -> openup4]]

You take one step back then another but before you can run Not-Cessair grabs your wrist, the real Cessair falling to the floor in a heap. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear Cessair's breathing reverberating in your ears. Slow. Slow. Too slow... (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe2]]

You scream in wordless terror, frantically calling for someone to help you. Not-Cessair grabs your wrist, the real Cessair falling to the floor in a heap. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear Cessair's breathing reverberating in your ears. Slow. Slow. Too slow... (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe2]]

You lunge forward in an attempt to grab the real Cessair but the thing uses the opportunity to grab your wrist, dropping your $wifeces to the ground in an unceremonious heap. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear Cessair's breathing reverberating in your ears. Slow. Slow. Too slow... (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe2]]

You make a break for the stairs and run down three flights, launching yourself forward onto what should be the ground floor. But instead you're back in that same hall. And Cessair's there - no. Not Cessair. Just a white thing with eyes. Where's Cessair? Where's your $wifeces? The floor is empty but you can still hear $possessiveherces breath. You race down the stairs again and end up in the hall again and again and again. Each time it devolves and each time it seems, impossibly, to become angrier. You can taste it in your throat, that anger. Until finally you stumble out into the foyer [[and throw open the door -> stillhall2]]

Only to find the hall waiting for you. And that white thing, eyeless now. It 'walks' up to you, a too-fluid gait that looks impossible to your eye. A sort of grotesque, jerking glide. As if there are limbs you cannot see attempting to balance it. It places its hands on either side of your face and you are looking at yourself, drained of all life and made into something beyond but not better. No, not better. You think of Not-Cessair's pale husk, directly contrasted with $possessiveherces real body, limp but living in this thing's arms. Despite the clear satisfaction of the 'house' and 'you' that //thing// is not better. You see your parents. They're on the ground, bodies mangled and being feasted on by creatures of pure light that eat soundlessly. No blood, no bone, no sound no pain. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It is a perfect death.] No. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It is a kindness.] (text-style:"shudder")[No!] The white thing wearing you smiles. You cannot tell if its mouth is open or not. You can hear Cessair groan. You look again at your parents but they're gone, replaced with Cessair. Cessair lying on the ground. You can hear $possessiveherces heart beating. $Possessiveherces breath. It's driving you mad. The creature is looking at you. The sound of clapping is echoing through the hall as if there's a celebration going on on another floor. "I will give you one last choice." It says. "Because I am kind and wise and Cessair fights me." "Cessair-?" "I will give you one last choice. Because I am kind and wise and Cessair fights me. Cessair-? I will give you one last choice. Listen to it. Cessair-? I will give you one last choice." [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou2]] [[Sacrifice Cessair -> dieces2]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil2]]

You smile. That other thing, you mean. That thing does. "Fine. I've seen worse things pull themselves up Out of muck and masquerade. And more beautiful things crumble under the weight of their own weakness. Make yourself worthy of the name (text-style:"fidget")[Cahncor.] Make yourself worthy of this spared death. And you will feast." As it speaks it begins to glow. The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. Suddenly, through a haze, you see Cessair sit up and open $possessiveherces eyes wide, staring straight at you. That expression... You'll never forget it. Not as long as you live. The thing wearing you bends down and wraps its arms around Cessair, pressing a finger to $possessiveherces lips. (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................."] [[And then there is nothing left -> ceseaten2]]

You smile. That other thing, you mean. That thing does. "Willing to make a deal after all? Fine. I don't punish people for seeing sense. And I've seen worse things pull themselves up Out of muck and masquerade. Make yourself worthy of the name (text-style:"fidget")[Cahncor.] Make yourself worthy of this spared death. Make another beautiful lure..." As it speaks it begins to glow. (text-style:"italic","expand","shudder")["And lead whatever rat might surface to the slaughter."] The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. Suddenly Cessair sits up and opens $possessiveherces eyes wide, staring straight at you. "No, $firstname-!" The thing wearing you bends down and wraps its arms around Cessair, pressing a finger to $possessiveherces lips. (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................."] [[And then there is nothing left -> ceschild2]]

You smile. That other thing, you mean. That thing does. "You're both so noble. You want to die noble deaths But Cessair-? Can live a noble life! (text-style:"fidget")[Unlike you.] So please. (text-style:"fidget")[Die quickly.] But without pain. Accept this as the mercy it is." Suddenly Cessair sits up and opens $possessiveherces eyes wide, staring straight at you. "No, $firstname-!" The thing wearing you bends down and wraps its arms around Cessair, pressing a finger to $possessiveherces lips. (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................."] [[The house closes in around you -> ureaten]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. Something too peaceful, too calm. Something has been...satisfied. You remember the hallway. You think of Cessair. That expression... You fly out of bed and race upstairs to $possessiveherces room, skidding to a halt when you see someone in front of it. "Ah, $Ms Cahncor." Garrine says, standing straighter in your presence. "I regret to inform you but last night your $wifeces..." "Cessair!" You cry, rushing into the room. Yes...no...yes, that's $herces body there...drained of life. Still as stone. "There was no suffering." Garrine assures you as you stumble out into the hall. No suffering? You can't believe that. You saw...you saw that expression. You can still hear $herces breathing. Labored. Slow. You cover your mouth, staring at the floor. The house is too still. There's nothing moving behind the walls even though you can //feel// it there. Still there. Always there. Garrine waits for you to say something but after a while you hear $hergar leave. Footsteps on the stairs pause halfway down. "The Cahncors have informed me that the boat is coming for you shortly. They asked me to assure you of this: You are family. They will not abandon you. In time you will find someone else." You don't answer and the steps retreat without further pause. The words fill you with dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You will find someone else.] You're certain you will. You think of your parents. Of all the people who had nothing and died here thinking of //their// parents. You think about sacrifice. You think about a fly, trying desperately to escape a web which they cannot fully comprehend. You think of Cessair's dreams...the fact that $sheces 'fought.' And then, sinking to the ground, you cry. ''ENDING 4:'' //A rich man looks out at the sea. "It was him or me." He says, shaking. "It was him or me."// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. Something too peaceful, too calm. Something has been...satisfied. You remember the hallway. You think of Cessair. You fly out of bed and race upstairs to $possessiveherces room, skidding to a halt when you see someone in front of it. "Ah, $Ms Cahncor." Garrine says, standing straighter in your presence. "Last night your $wifeces-" "Cessair!" You cry, rushing into the room. To your relief, Cessair is sitting up in bed with a somewhat dazed expression. "Are you alright?" You ask, racing to $possessiveherces side. "Yes...I feel better than I have in a long while..." You look at the blankets. There's an ornate pattern. White flowers, repeating. "That's good, isn't it?" Your $wifeces looks off into the distance. "Yes...I saw you. In my dream." Cessair's eyes look at you, filled with awe. Awe, you're reminded, is not only reverance but fright. "It's going to happen again, isn't it?" Before you can say anything, Garrine speaks from the doorway. "If I may interrupt? The Cahncors have informed me that the boat is coming for you both shortly." The words fill you with equal parts relief and dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[Make another beautiful lure.] You think of your parents. Of all the people who had nothing and died here thinking of //their// parents. You think about sacrifice. You think about a fly, trying desperately to escape a web which they cannot fully comprehend. You think of Lola and Cessair, both bait and prey. You think of children. And then, sinking to the ground, you cry. ''ENDING 5:'' //Somewhere, somehow, it is already growing.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You try desperately to open the door, calling Garrine's name as you bang against the wood and uselessly turn the knob. Not-Cessair grabs your wrist. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear a pounding on the study door. Insistent and frantic. (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe3]]

You take one step back then another but before you can run Not-Cessair grabs your wrist. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear a pounding on the study door. Insistent and frantic. (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe3]]

You scream in wordless terror, frantically calling for someone to help you. Not-Cessair grabs your wrist. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear a pounding on the study door. Insistent and frantic. (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe3]]

You make a break for the stairs and run down three flights, thinking of Garrine. You have to get help. You have to get out of this damned house. You trip, launching yourself forward onto what should be the ground floor. But instead you're back in that same hall. And that thing is still there. Looking at you. You race down the stairs again and end up in the hall again and again and again. Each time it devolves and each time it seems, impossibly, to become angrier. You can taste it in your throat, that anger. Until finally you stumble out into the foyer [[and throw open the door -> stillhall3]]

Only to find the hall waiting for you. And that white thing, eyeless now. It 'walks' up to you, a too-fluid gait that looks impossible to your eye. A sort of grotesque, jerking glide. As if there are limbs you cannot see attempting to balance it. It places its hands on either side of your face and you are looking at yourself, drained of all life and made into something beyond but not better. No, not better. You think of Garrine's listless manner. $Possessivehergar inability to feel pity for you, to feel sadness. It was eaten out of $hergar. Despite the clear satisfaction of the 'house' and 'you' that //thing// is not better. You see your parents. They're on the ground, bodies mangled and being feasted on by creatures of pure light that eat soundlessly. No blood, no bone, no sound no pain. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It is a perfect death.] No. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It is a kindness.] (text-style:"shudder")[No!] The white thing wearing you smiles. You cannot tell if its mouth is open or not. You can hear Garrine sob. You look again at your parents but they're gone, replaced with Garrine. Garrine lying on the ground, curled into a ball. Crying. In pain. It's driving you mad. The creature is looking at you. The sound of clapping is echoing through the hall as if there's a celebration going on on another floor. "I will give you one last choice." It says. "Because I am kind and wise and Cessair fights me." "Cessair-?" "I will give you one last choice. Because I am kind and wise and Cessair fights me. Cessair-? I will give you one last choice. Listen to it. Cessair-? I will give you one last choice." [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou3]] [[Sacrifice Cessair -> dieces3]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil3]] [[What about Garrine? -> askabougar]]

That thing smiles. "You're both so noble. You and Cessair-? You want to die noble deaths But Cessair-? Can live a noble life! (text-style:"fidget")[Unlike you and this one.] So please. (text-style:"fidget")[Die quickly.] But without pain. Accept this as the mercy it is." You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................."] [[The house closes in around you -> ureatengar]]

That thing smiles. "Fine. I've seen worse things pull themselves up Out of muck and masquerade. And more beautiful things crumble under the weight of their own weakness. Make yourself worthy of the name (text-style:"fidget")[Cahncor.] Make yourself worthy of this spared death. And you will feast." As it speaks it begins to glow. The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................your death will be as beautiful as $her life."] [[And then there is nothing left -> ceseaten3]]

That thing smiles. "Willing to make a deal after all? Fine. I don't punish people for seeing sense. And I've seen worse things pull themselves up Out of muck and masquerade. Make yourself worthy of the name (text-style:"fidget")[Cahncor.] Make yourself worthy of these spared deaths. Make another beautiful lure..." As it speaks it begins to glow. (text-style:"italic","expand","shudder")["And lead whatever rat might surface to the slaughter."] The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................."] [[And then there is nothing left -> ceschild3]]

The thing pretending to be you pauses. "Garrine... I told $hergar not to grow attached. Leeches attatch themselves to others. Such pests get exterminated." [[Argue for Garrine -> hepgar]] [[Say nothing -> returntochoice]]

"Don't kill $hergar!" You shout, mustering up all the courage you have. "Garrine hasn't done //anything// to you!" The creature seems unmoved. It transforms once more, taking on a form you've never seen. A black man made pale by the nature of the creature. It smiles and you think that whomever it's mimicking must have had a brilliant smile. It almost comforts you, even worn grotesquely by another. It walks over to Garrine and wretches $possessivehergar head up to meet its gaze. Garrine takes one look and screams. It's a terrible scream: Terror and sorrow congealing into pure agony. Neither looks away but you can hear the hallway whisper to you. (text-style:"rumble")[If not Garrine, then who?] [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou3garlives]] [[Sacrifice Cessair -> dieces3garlives]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil3garlives]]

It waits for you to argue, then laughs. You think of the words: 'Perfect Silence' (text-style:"expand","fidget")["One last choice."] [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou3]] [[Sacrifice Cessair -> dieces3]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil3]]

That thing smiles. "You're both so noble. You and Cessair-? You want to die noble deaths But Cessair-? Can live a noble life! (text-style:"fidget")[Unlike you and this one.] So please. (text-style:"fidget")[Die quickly.] But without pain. Accept this as the mercy it is." You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................Aren't you relieved, Garrine?"] (text-style:"blur","fidget")[You've been saved yet again.] [[The house closes in around you -> ureatengar3]]

That thing smiles. "Fine. I've seen worse things pull themselves up Out of muck and masquerade. And more beautiful things crumble under the weight of their own weakness. Make yourself worthy of the name (text-style:"fidget")[Cahncor.] Make yourself worthy of this spared death. And you will feast." As it speaks it begins to glow. The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................Aren't you relieved, Garrine?"] (text-style:"blur","fidget")[You've been saved yet again.] [[And then there is nothing left -> ceseaten3garlives]]

That thing smiles. "Willing to make a deal after all? Fine. I don't punish people for seeing sense. And I've seen worse things pull themselves up Out of muck and masquerade. Make yourself worthy of the name (text-style:"fidget")[Cahncor.] Make yourself worthy of these spared deaths. Make another beautiful lure..." As it speaks it begins to glow. (text-style:"italic","expand","shudder")["And lead whatever rat might surface to the slaughter."] The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................Aren't you relieved, Garrine?"] (text-style:"blur","fidget")[You've been saved yet again.] [[And then there is nothing left -> ceschild3garlives]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. You feel well for the first time in years. It's almost miraculous: sitting up, opening your eyes fully, no fatigue pulling you back into unconsciousness. But angels aren't the only creatures that can grant miracles. You think of Lola as you get out of bed. You think of her every morning. You think of her body lying in that gilded coffin - so white she seemed to blend into the linen. You'd wanted to crawl in after her. You think of $firstname. You walk downstairs to $possessiveher room, pausing when you see someone in front of it. It's a body. The body of a person you've never seen before. A $womangar dressed in black from head to toe. "$firstname!" You shout, your body draining of blood. Oh God. Oh God there's a corpse. There's corpse and you can see $firstname's body in bed but there's nothing...there's no movement even though you're //screaming// and oh God what's-? You race downstairs, moving faster than you have in years and screaming all the way down. You fall at the base of them all, pain knocking the wind out of you. You lie there, shaking. Then the phone rings. And rings. And rings. (text-style:"fidget")[And rings.] You answer it. "Honey? I hear there's been a bit of an accident." You blink, mute with horror. Your mother clicks her tongue sympathetically though you've never known her to be. "Poor dear. I wish you didn't have to see something so dreadful. Don't worry Cessair, we're coming. We're sending a boat over and they'll be there as //fast// as they can, I swear it." You finally find your voice. It comes out as a slow croak. "$firstname...$she...I think $she might be..." "Don't worry about $her or the gardener, sweetheart. We're going to take care of all of that. You'll find someone else when you get back. Someone better and by the time we need to use it again the house will have a new gardener too." You know she means the words as a comfort but they only fill you with dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You'll find someone else.] You think of Lola. You think of $firstname. The body in the hall. You think of statuesque women who gleam white light, never warmth. And then, sinking to the ground, you cry. "Honey? What's wrong?" Your father asks. You don't know when your mother passed the line to him but you clutch the receiver desperately. "Please don't hang up. Don't- I can't- please daddy. Don't leave me alone." A pause. "Of course not." He says softly. "No, no honey. It's over. You won't ever be alone again." ''ENDING 6:'' //And then there was one.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. You feel well for the first time in years. It's almost miraculous: sitting up, opening your eyes fully, no fatigue pulling you back into unconsciousness. But angels aren't the only creatures that can grant miracles. You think of Lola as you get out of bed. You think of her every morning. You think of her body lying in that gilded coffin - so white she seemed to blend into the linen. You'd wanted to crawl in after her. You think of $firstname. You walk downstairs to $possessiveher room, pausing when you see someone in front of it. Someone who's crying. A $womangar dressed entirely in black. "Ah, $Msces Cahncor." The $womangar says, standing straighter in your presence. "I'm sorry but $firstname..." You hold up your hand and rush past the austere figure, beholding the room. Yes...no...yes, that's $her body there...drained of life as Lola's was. You loathe that peaceful expression. From the doorway, the $womangar continues to cry. Who is this? Why the tears? "$She saved me." The $womangar says, as if reading your mind. "$She died saving my life, my very soul..." You stumble out into the hall and cover your mouth, staring at the floor. The house is too still. Too...satisfied. You hear footsteps on the stairs that pause halfway down. "The boat is coming for you, $Msces Cahncor. They- your parents, asked me to assure you of this: You will find someone else. Someone better. But please don't believe them, Cessair. I've known this island all my life and I've never seen someone better." You don't answer and the steps retreat without further pause. You know your parents mean the words as a comfort but they only fill you with dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You will find someone else.] Your hands tremble. You think of Lola. You think of $firstname. You think of statuesque women who gleam white light, never warmth. And then, sinking to the ground, you begin to cry. ''ENDING 7:'' //One walks free while the other remains.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. Something too peaceful, too calm. Something has been...satisfied. You remember the hallway. You think of Cessair. You fly out of bed and race upstairs to $possessiveherces room, skidding to a halt when you see someone in front of it. Someone crying. "Ah, $Ms Cahncor." Garrine says, standing straighter in your presence. "Cessair is...$sheces..." No. "Cessair!" You cry, rushing into the room. Yes...no...yes, that's $herces body there...drained of life. Still as stone. That peaceful expression...was it really peaceful? Was it a warm walking into the light? Or did $sheces go terrified? You remember Garrine's sobbing. $Possessivehergar scream. "There was no suffering." Garrine assures you as you stumble out into the hall, still crying. "Not for Cessair, I know that at least." You cover your mouth, staring at the floor. The house is too still. There's nothing moving behind the walls even though you can //feel// it there. Still there. Always there. Garrine waits for you to say something but after a while seems about to move away. You grab $possessivehergar arm. There's a pause, then a warm hand taking yours. "The Cahncors have informed me that the boat is coming for you shortly. They told me...they asked me to assure you of this: You are family. They will not abandon you. In time you will find someone else." The words fill you with dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You will find someone else.] How could they say that about their own child? You think of your parents. Of all the people who had nothing and died here thinking of //their// parents. You think about sacrifice. You think about a fly, trying desperately to escape a web which they cannot fully comprehend. And then, sinking to the ground, wrapped in Garrine's arms, you cry. ''ENDING 4:'' //A rich man looks out at the sea. "It was him or me." He says, shaking. "It was him or me."// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. Something too peaceful, too calm. Something has been...satisfied. You remember the hallway. You think of Cessair. You fly out of bed and race upstairs to $possessiveherces room, skidding to a halt when you see someone in front of it. Someone crying. "Ah, $Ms Cahncor." Garrine says, standing straighter in your presence. "Cessair is...$sheces..." No. "Cessair!" You cry, rushing into the room. Yes...no...yes, that's $herces body there...drained of life. Still as stone. That peaceful expression...was it really peaceful? Was it a warm walking into the light? Or did $sheces go terrified? You remember Garrine's sobbing. $Possessivehergar scream. "There was no suffering." Garrine assures you as you stumble out into the hall, still crying. "Not for Cessair, I know that at least." You cover your mouth, staring at the floor. The house is too still. There's nothing moving behind the walls even though you can //feel// it there. Still there. Always there. Garrine waits for you to say something but after a while seems about to move away. You grab $possessivehergar arm. There's a pause, then a warm hand taking yours. "The Cahncors have informed me that the boat is coming for you shortly. They told me...they asked me to assure you of this: You are family. They will not abandon you. In time you will find someone else." The words fill you with dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You will find someone else.] How could they say that about their own child? (text-style:"blur","sway")[Make another beautiful lure.] You think of your parents. Of all the people who had nothing and died here thinking of //their// parents. You think about sacrifice. You think about a fly, trying desperately to escape a web which they cannot fully comprehend. You think of Lola and Cessair, both bait and prey. You think of children. And then, sinking to the ground, you cry. ''ENDING 5:'' //Somewhere, somehow, it is already growing.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You fly out of bed and race upstairs to $possessiveherces room, skidding to a halt when you see someone in front of it. It's Garrine. $Possessiveher corpse is lying in the hall but you cannot bear to look at $hergar face, shaking with terror. "Cessair!" You cry, rushing into the room. Yes...no...yes, that's $herces body there...drained of life. Still as stone. That peaceful expression...was it really peaceful? Was it a warm walking into the light? Or did $sheces go terrified? You remember Garrine's sobbing. As you're about to stumble out into the hall you see it. Something moving beneath sheets that're wrapped around Cessair. You stare at the squirming thing. Then, slowly, you pull the sheets back. . . . The phone's ringing downstairs. You sit on the stairs and listen to it. There's a baby in your arms. You found her on top of Cessair, clean and silent. You know she's yours. She keeps staring up at you. You think about the bodies upstairs. You listen to the phone ring. And ring. And ring. (text-style:"fidget")[And ring.] ''ENDING 8:'' //Angler fish// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You take one step back then another but before you can run Not-Cessair grabs your wrist, dropping Cessair into an unceremonious heap. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear a pounding on the study door. Insistent and frantic. You can hear Cessair's breathing reverberating in your ears. Slow. Slow. Too slow... (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe4]]

You scream in wordless terror, frantically calling for someone to help you. Not-Cessair grabs your wrist, dropping the real Cessair in an unceremonious heap. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear a pounding on the study door. Insistent and frantic. You can hear Cessair's breathing reverberating in your ears. Slow. Slow. Too slow... (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe4]]

You lunge forward in an attempt to grab the real Cessair but the thing uses the opportunity to grab your wrist, dropping your $wifeces to the ground in an unceremonious heap. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear a pounding on the study door. Insistent and frantic. You can hear Cessair's breathing reverberating in your ears. Slow. Slow. Too slow... (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe4]]

You try desperately to open the door, calling Garrine's name as you bang against the wood and uselessly turn the knob. Not-Cessair grabs your wrist. $Possessiveherces eyes are dancing but focused, hungry. Staring right at you. You can hear a pounding on the study door. Insistent and frantic. You can hear Cessair's breathing reverberating in your ears. Slow. Slow. Too slow... (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] Your father's voice exclaims, echoing impossibly in the hall, emanating from Not-Cessair's husk. Then $possessiveherces mouth //does// open, a chorus of voices pouring forth: Children urging you to hurry, women laughing and asking you to join them, men with broad smiles telling you it's wonderful, the most wonderful thing they've ever seen. Mothers and fathers ushering you forward, kings and queens standing side by side with you, that girl you liked who never looked your way is staring at you now and pets pets pets galore - tripping over silver coins and pawing at your hands. They want to go too! They want you to come join them! (text-style:"blur","sway")["You've saved us all, firefly!"] (text-style:"bold","italic","expand","shudder")[STEP INTO THE LIGHT.] [[Run -> runawe4]]

You make a break for the stairs and run down three flights, thinking of Cessair and Garrine. You have to get help. You have to get out of this damned house. You trip, launching yourself forward onto what should be the ground floor. But instead you're back in that same hall. And that thing is still there. Looking at you. You race down the stairs again and end up in the hall again and again and again. Each time it devolves and each time it seems, impossibly, to become angrier. You can taste it in your throat, that anger. Until finally you stumble out into the foyer [[and throw open the door -> stillhall4]]

Only to find the hall waiting for you. And that white thing, eyeless now. It 'walks' up to you, a too-fluid gait that looks impossible to your eye. A sort of grotesque, jerking glide. As if there are limbs you cannot see attempting to balance it. It places its hands on either side of your face and you are looking at yourself, drained of all life and made into something beyond but not better. No, not better. You think of Not-Cessair's pale husk, directly contrasted with $possessiveherces real body, limp but living in this thing's arms and Garrine's listless manner. $Possessivehergar inability to feel pity for you, to feel sadness. It was eaten out of $hergar. Despite the clear satisfaction of the 'house' and 'you' that //thing// is not better. You see your parents. They're on the ground, bodies mangled and being feasted on by creatures of pure light that eat soundlessly. No blood, no bone, no sound no pain. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It is a perfect death.] No. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It is a kindness.] (text-style:"shudder")[No!] The white thing wearing you smiles. You cannot tell if its mouth is open or not. You can hear Cessair groan and Garrine sob. You look again at your parents but they're gone, replaced with two familiar figures, one squirming and one lying terrifyingly still. Cessair. You can hear $possessiveherces heart beating. $Possessiveherces breath. Garrine is lying next to $herces, curled into a ball. Crying. In pain. It's driving you mad. All of this is driving you mad. The creature is looking at you. The sound of clapping is echoing through the hall as if there's a celebration going on on another floor. "I will give you one last choice." It says. "Because I am kind and wise and Cessair fights me." "Cessair-?" "I will give you one last choice. Because I am kind and wise and Cessair fights me. Cessair-? I will give you one last choice. Listen to it. Cessair-? I will give you one last choice." [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou4]] [[Sacrifice Cessair -> dieces4]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil4]] [[What about Garrine? -> askabougar4]] [[Will Cessair be alright? -> saveces]]

That thing smiles. (text-style:"italic","shudder")["Fine."] It says more but as it speaks it begins to glow. Suddenly Cessair sits up and opens $possessiveherces eyes wide, staring straight at you. "No, $firstname-!" You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... The thing wearing you bends down and wraps its arms around the both of them, pressing a finger to $possessiveherces lips. (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................."] [[The house closes in around you -> ureatengar4allgone]]

That thing smiles. (text-style:"italic","shudder")["Fine."] It says more but as it speaks it begins to glow. The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. Suddenly Cessair sits up and opens $possessiveherces eyes wide, staring straight at you. "No, $firstname-!" You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... The thing wearing you bends down and wraps its arms around the both of them, pressing a finger to $possessiveherces lips. (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................."] Cessair screams. [[Step into the light -> onlychildsurvives]]

The thing pauses. "Garrine..." It must do something because Garrine screams again. "I told $hergar not to grow attached. Leeches attatch themselves to others. Such pests get exterminated." [[Argue for Garrine -> hepgar4]] [[Say nothing -> returntochoice4]]

"Don't kill $hergar!" You shout, mustering up all the courage you have. "Garrine hasn't done //anything// to you!" The creature seems unmoved. It transforms once more, taking on a form you've never seen. A black man made pale by the nature of the creature. It smiles and you think that whomever it's mimicking must have had a brilliant smile. It almost comforts you, even worn grotesquely by another. It walks over to Garrine and wretches $possessivehergar head up to meet its gaze. Garrine takes one look and screams. It's a terrible scream: Terror and sorrow congealing into pure agony. Neither looks away but you can hear the hallway whisper to you. (text-style:"rumble")[If not Garrine, then who?] [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou4garlives]] [[Sacrifice Cessair -> dieces4garlives]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil4garlives]]

It waits for you to argue, then laughs. You think of the words: 'Perfect Silence' (text-style:"expand","fidget")["One last choice."] [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou4]] [[Sacrifice Cessair -> dieces4]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil4]]

That thing smiles. (text-style:"italic","shudder")["Fine."] It says more but as it speaks it begins to glow. The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you all, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................Aren't you relieved, Garrine?"] (text-style:"blur","fidget")[You've been saved yet again.] Cessair screams. [[And then there is nothing left -> ceseaten4garlives]]

That thing smiles. (text-style:"italic","shudder")["Fine."] It says more but as it speaks it begins to glow. The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you all, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................Aren't you relieved, Garrine?"] (text-style:"blur","fidget")[You've been saved yet again.] Cessair screams. [[And then there is nothing left -> ceseatenbutgarlives]]

That thing smiles. (text-style:"italic","shudder")["Fine. Make another beautiful lure..."] It says more but as it speaks it begins to glow. As it speaks it begins to glow. (text-style:"italic","expand","shudder")["And lead whatever rat might surface to the slaughter."] You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... Suddenly Cessair sits up and opens $possessiveherces eyes wide, staring straight at you. "No, $firstname-!" You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you both, that light... The thing wearing you bends down and wraps its arms around the both of them, pressing a finger to $possessiveherces lips. (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................Aren't you relieved, Garrine?"] (text-style:"blur","fidget")[You've been saved yet again.] Cessair screams. [[And then there is nothing left -> ceschild4garlives]]

A phone is ringing. The house is otherwise silent. More than satisfied. More than satisfied. Three bodies. One at the top floor. One in the hall. One in a bedroom. Flooded with light. A phone is ringing and someone is listening to it. An infant nestled in white sheets, beside a body. Bloodless and clean. The infant listens and it doesn't cry. The boat is coming to take them away. But they'll be back again. ''ENDING 6:'' //And then there was one.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

You wake up in the hallway. For a moment you don't remember what happened. You don't believe you fell asleep here. Where is your home? Your little house on the island's edge? You've never slept in this old, white, house before. You stand and walk through the silence. You open the door to Cessair's room and find $herces lying on the bed, still and silent. You know that look. That death. You quickly go downstairs, tears pricking your eyes. Why? What is this? It's been years since that look disturbed you. You open the door to $firstname's room and find $her lying on the bed, still and silent. $Possessiveher look is the twin of Cessair's. You're about to leave when you hear something. A rustling. You step forward, cautious and frightened in a way you (again) haven't felt in years. There's a squirming thing amongst the white sheets and when you pull them back you see two large eyes peering up at you. An infant. A Cahncor baby. You know this instinctively - the way you can tell that vastly different breeds are still dogs. Love, hatred, pity and pain churn in your chest. You lift the baby into your arms. It is bloodless, despite being surrounded by death. You are too, you suppose. In fact, how long has it been since you've been this imperfectly alive? You hold the child tighter as the phone rings, the sound clear as a bell. You listen as it rings. And rings. And rings. ''ENDING 9:'' //It will begin again.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

BLABLABLA The thing pauses. "Cessair..." It must do something because Garrine screams again. "I told $herces not to grow attached. Leeches attatch themselves to others. Such pests get exterminated." [[Argue for Cessair -> hepces4]] [[Say nothing -> returntochoice42]]

"Don't kill $herces!" You shout, mustering up all the courage you have. "Cessair hasn't done //anything// to you!" The creature seems unmoved. It transforms once more. Lola. A different Lola, more...complete. But not in a good way. It's that same pale perfection. You realize what it was that disconcerted you when you first met Lola. She was already over halfway dead. This //thing's// jaws were already too firmly wrapped around her for the girl to ever escape. Doom, you think. You were looking into the eyes of doom. It walks over to Cessair and wretches $possessiveherces head up to meet its gaze. Cessair takes one look and screams. It's a terrible scream: Terror and sorrow congealing into pure agony. Your name screeches forth from Cessair's mouth. (text-style:"italic","expand")["$firstname!"] You can hear the hallway whisper to you. (text-style:"italic","expand","shudder")["$Firstname!"] (text-style:"rumble")[If not Cessair, then who?] [[Sacrifice Yourself -> dieyou4ceslives]] [[Sacrifice The Child -> diechil4ceslives]]

That thing smiles. (text-style:"italic","shudder")["Fine."] It says more but as it speaks it begins to glow. The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you all, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................Aren't you relieved, Cessair?"] (text-style:"blur","fidget")[You've been saved by that rodent you love.] Cessair screams. [[Next -> youdiegardiesceslives]]

That thing smiles. (text-style:"italic","shudder")["Fine."] It says more but as it speaks it begins to glow. The light emanating from its body swallows everything: The floor, the ceiling, the dead things and the eating things, you, the house, the island, even its very words. You can still hear Garrine sobbing but soon enough it's blotted out by the hush of that thing wrapped around you all, that light... (text-style:"italic","blur","buoy")["Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.................Aren't you relieved, Cessair?"] (text-style:"blur","fidget")[You've been saved by that rodent you love.] Cessair screams. [[Next -> youdiegardiechildceslives]]

You wake up to a quiet house. Your bedroom window is open, letting in the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. There is something wrong. You feel well for the first time in years. It's almost miraculous: sitting up, opening your eyes fully, no fatigue pulling you back into unconsciousness. But angels aren't the only creatures that can grant miracles. You think of Lola as you get out of bed. You think of her every morning. You think of her body lying in that gilded coffin - so white she seemed to blend into the linen. You'd wanted to crawl in after her. You think of $firstname. You walk downstairs to $possessiveher room, pausing when you see someone in front of it. It's a body. The body of a person you've never seen before. No... It's the $womangar from your dreams. The one dressed in black from head to toe. "$firstname!" You shout, your body draining of blood. Oh God. Oh God there's a corpse. There's corpse and you can see $firstname's body in bed but there's nothing...there's no movement even though you're //screaming// and oh God what's-? You race downstairs, moving faster than you have in years and screaming all the way down. You fall at the base of them all, pain knocking the wind out of you. You lie there, shaking. Then the phone rings. And rings. And rings. (text-style:"fidget")[And rings.] You answer it. "Honey? I hear there's been a bit of an accident." You blink, mute with horror. Your mother clicks her tongue sympathetically though you've never known her to be. "Poor dear. I wish you didn't have to see something so dreadful. Don't worry Cessair, we're coming. We're sending a boat over and they'll be there as //fast// as they can, I swear it." You finally find your voice. It comes out as a slow croak. "$firstname...$she...I think $she might be..." "Don't worry about $her or the gardener, sweetheart. We're going to take care of all of that. You'll find someone else when you get back. Someone better and by the time we need to use it again the house will have a new gardener too." You know she means the words as a comfort but they only fill you with dread. (text-style:"blur","sway")[You'll find someone else.] You think of Lola. You think of $firstname. The body in the hall. You think of statuesque women who gleam white light, never warmth. And then, sinking to the ground, you cry. "Honey? What's wrong?" Your father asks. You don't know when your mother passed the line to him but you clutch the receiver desperately. "Please don't hang up. Don't- I can't- please daddy. Don't leave me alone." A pause. "Of course not." He says softly. "No, no honey. It's over. You won't ever be alone again." "Garrine." You say. "What?" "$Possessivehergar name..." You pull your body closer to itself, shrinking away from the sunlight slowly filling the hall. "The gardener's name was Garrine." ''ENDING 6:'' //And then there was one.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]

The light swallows you. It is warm. It is a mouth. You are not afraid. Go to sleep. Then it will be so. [[Next -> garncesaresaved]]

(text-style:"blur","sway")[It will be so.] Two pairs of eyes open. A phone is ringing. One person thinks: When did I fall asleep? Another person thinks: I have to answer that. Then they both think of you. Though 'you' are gone into white light. You(the body) are lying in a bedroom to be discovered at a later date - coming soon. It's all coming soon: The boat, the hunger, the money, the chance of a lifetime, the abrupt end of that ringing. You saved them. They know that. They love you for it. Over the phone someone's mother says: "Don't worry honey, you'll find someone new. Someone better." You were nothing to her because she mistakes her greed for hunger and the hunger of those beneath her for laziness or leeching. You were nothing to her because the only way she can view herself as human is if she views you as less than or herself as more than. You cannot be her equal. Two people, saved by you, wail. One into a receiver and another into $possessivehergar hands. Somewhere, the white thing that consumed 'you' stretches, satisfied. ''It thinks:'' (text-style:"blur","sway")[How lucky I am that these greedy things decided white was the color of all things beautiful. How lucky I am that they run right to me, escaping that accursed dark.] The house agrees. It waits. The woman on the phone says: "The boat is coming, darling. Once it comes you won't ever have to stay there again. Just let it fade, honey, let it fade..." Outside, in the grass, a $womangar screams. Years without a heart have been returned to $possessivehergar. You have saved them. The one in the house and the one outside. (text-style:"blur","sway")[It will be so.] But now you are dead. And the boat is coming. ''ENDING 10:'' //It will begin again.// [[Play Again -> backtostart]] [[End -> thankyou]]