rescue at quickenheath

(text-style: "expand")[**RESCUE AT QUICKENHEATH**] Being the Most Recent Exploit of the Notorious Highway Robbers **Aubrey & Valentine** featuring //Grim Imprisonment//, //Fairy Intrigue//, //Romance//, //Adventure//, //Feathered Hats//, &c. (align:"<==")[❧ [[START|intro]] ❧ [[Options|options]] ❧ [[Credits|credits1]]]

{ (set: $sixpence to 'no')(set: $paper to 'no')(set:$aubreystuff to 'no') (set: $embassy to 'no') (set:$qheath to 'no') (set:$oaktree to 'no') (set:$rowanknowledge to "no") (set: $gossipad to "no") (set:$aubreypronset to "no") (set:$ambaccess to 'no') (set:$berries to 'no') (set:$pearls to 'no') (set:$brooch to 'no') (set:$nuts to "no") (set:$rowanrhyme to "no") (set:$ring to "no") (set:$pwordtries to 0) (set:$plesstries to 0) (set:$totaltries to 0) (set:$mazetries to 0) (set:$fruityears to 0) (set:$reciprocal to 0) (set:$bonusqs to 0) (set:$slowpoints to 0) (set:$namecorrect to 'no') (set:$dontknow to 'no') (set: $mishap to "none") (set:$nomirror to false) (set: $they to "they", $them to "them", $their to "their", $theirs to "theirs", $themself to "themself", $theyare to "they are", $theyre to "they're", $They to "They", $Theyre to "They're", $Theyare to "They are", $Them to "Them", $Their to "Their", $Theirs to "Theirs", $Themself to "Themself", $Theyhave to "They have", $Theyneed to "They need", $theygive to "they give", $theysay to "they say", $theywant to "they want", $theymake to "they make", $theywere to "they were", $theybreak to "they break", $Theygive to "They give", $theyspin to "they spin", $theylook to "they look", $theyll to "they'll", $theyhave to "they have", $Theydont to "They don't", $theyblink to "they blink", $Theyseem to "They seem", $theytake to "they take", $theyfind to "they find") (set: $brother to "sibling", $Brother to "Sibling", $thePrince to "their Highness", $aprince to "royalty", $aubreygentleman to "noble", $aubreyhighwayman to "highway robber", $aubreyman to "person", $aubreysir to "your excellence", $aubreymr to "Mx") (set: $playergentleman to "noble", $playerhighwayman to "highwayperson", $playerman to "person", $playersir to "esteemed visitor", $playermr to "Mx", $playermister to "your worship", $playerSir to "Esteemed visitor") (set: $playerthey to "they", $playerthem to "them", $playertheir to "their", $playertheirs to "theirs", $playerthemself to "themself", $playertheyare to "they are", $playertheyre to "they're", $playertheymean to "they mean") }

You and [[Aubrey|aubreypronoun]] have been tempting fate for years. It's about time that your deeds caught up to you. (if:$aubreypronset is 'yes')[ (click: "your deeds")[Your deeds include (link-replace:"being gallant!")[(link-replace:"being daring!")[(link-replace:"being dashing!")[(link-replace:"being heroic!")[(link-replace:"being immortalised in poem and song!")[(link-replace:"wearing flashy hats!")[living a life (link-reveal:"unconstrained by conventional morality...")[ Well, alright, perhaps there's an element of law-breaking involved.(click: "law-breaking")[ You prefer to call yourselves 'knights of the road'. The law prefers to call you [[highway robbers.|playergender]]] ]]]]]]]] ]

Aubrey is your compatriot, your best friend, the other side of your coin. You usually try to avoid thinking too hard about the extent of your feelings for Aubrey. It's (link-replace:"possible")[(link-replace:"probable")[undeniable]] that they run to depths not quite usual within the standard bounds of friendship and camaraderie.(click: "undeniable")[ (link-reveal:"Must you say it?")[ //Fine.// You're in love with ❧ [[him.|aubreyhim]] ❧ [[her.|aubreyher]] ❧ [[them.|aubreythem]]]]

Your name is Kit Valentine, and you are a ❧ [[highwayman.|playerhighwayman]] ❧ [[highwaywoman.|playerhighwaywoman]] ❧ [[highway robber.|playerhighwayperson]]

You're in love with him.(click: "in love")[ Well, that was embarrassing. ❧ [[Anyway.|intro]]]{ (set: $they to "he", $them to "him", $their to "his", $theirs to "his", $themself to "himself", $theyare to "he is", $theyre to "he's", $They to "He", $Theyre to "He's", $Theyare to "He is", $Them to "Him", $Their to "His", $Theirs to "His", $Themself to "Himself", $Theyhave to "He has", $theygive to "he gives", $theysay to "he says", $theywant to "he wants", $theyhave to "he has", $Theydont to "He doesn't", $theymake to "he makes", $theyblink to "he blinks", $theyspin to "he spins", $theybreak to "he breaks", $Theyneed to "He needs", $Theygive to "He gives", $theylook to "he looks", $theywere to "he was", $theyll to "he'll", $Theyseem to "He seems", $theytake to "he takes", $theyfind to "he finds") (set:$brother to "brother", $Brother to "Brother", $thePrince to "the Prince", $aprince to "a prince", $aubreygentleman to "gentleman", $aubreyhighwayman to "highwayman", $aubreyman to "man", $aubreysir to "sir", $aubreymr to "Mr") (set:$aubreypronset to 'yes') }

You're in love with her.(click: "in love")[ Well, that was embarrassing. ❧ [[Anyway.|intro]]]{ (set: $they to "she", $them to "her", $their to "her", $theirs to "hers", $themself to "herself", $theyare to "she is", $theyre to "she's", $They to "She", $Theyre to "She's", $Theyare to "She is", $Them to "Her", $Their to "Her", $Theirs to "Hers", $Themself to "Herself", $Theyhave to "She has", $Theygive to "She gives", $theysay to "she says", $theywant to "she wants", $theyblink to "she blinks", $Theyneed to "She needs", $theymake to "she makes", $theyspin to "she spins", $theywere to "she was", $theybreak to "she breaks", $theygive to "she gives", $theyhave to "she has", $Theydont to "She doesn't", $theyll to "she'll", $theylook to "she looks", $Theyseem to "She seems", $theytake to "she takes", $theyfind to "she finds") (set: $brother to "sister", $Brother to "Sister", $thePrince to "the Princess", $aprince to "a princess", $aubreygentleman to "lady", $aubreyhighwayman to "highwaywoman", $aubreyman to "woman", $aubreysir to "ma'am", $aubreymr to "Ms") (set:$aubreypronset to 'yes') }

You're in love with them. (click: "in love")[ Well, that was embarrassing. ❧ [[Anyway.|intro]]]{ (set: $they to "they", $them to "them", $their to "their", $theirs to "theirs", $themself to "themself", $theyare to "they are", $theyre to "they're", $They to "They", $Theyre to "They're", $Theyare to "They are", $Them to "Them", $Their to "Their", $Theirs to "Theirs", $Themself to "Themself", $Theyhave to "They have", $Theyneed to "They need", $theygive to "they give", $theysay to "they say", $theywant to "they want", $theymake to "they make", $theywere to "they were", $theybreak to "they break", $Theygive to "They give", $theyspin to "they spin", $theylook to "they look", $theyll to "they'll", $theyhave to "they have", $Theydont to "They don't", $theyblink to "they blink", $Theyseem to "They seem", $theytake to "they take", $theyfind to "they find") (set: $brother to "sibling", $Brother to "Sibling", $thePrince to "their Highness", $aprince to "royalty", $aubreygentleman to "noble", $aubreyhighwayman to "highway robber", $aubreyman to "person", $aubreysir to "your excellence", $aubreymr to "Mx" ) (set:$aubreypronset to 'yes') }

A hero and a gentleman, in every respect except for the wearisome technicalities of finance and noble birth. ❧ [[Onwards!|playerpronoun]]{ (set: $playergentleman to "gentleman", $playerhighwayman to "highwayman", $playerman to "man", $playersir to "sir", $playermr to "Mr", $playermister to "mister", $playerSir to "Sir") }

A hero and a gentlewoman, in every respect except for the wearisome technicalities of finance and noble birth. ❧ [[Onwards!|playerpronoun]]{ (set: $playergentleman to "gentlewoman", $playerhighwayman to "highwaywoman", $playerman to "woman", $playersir to "ma'am", $playermr to "Ms", $playermister to "missus", $playerSir to "Madame") }

A hero and a gentleperson, in every respect except for the wearisome technicalities of finance and noble birth. ❧ [[Onwards!|playerpronoun]]{ (set: $playergentleman to "noble", $playerhighwayman to "highwayperson", $playerman to "person", $playersir to "esteemed visitor", $playermr to "Mx", $playermister to "your worship", $playerSir to "Esteemed visitor") }

When your exploits are recounted (in tones of hushed admiration), you are referred to as ❧ [[he.|playerhe]] ❧ [[she.|playershe]] ❧ [[they.|playerthey]]

'If you see this $playerman, or his accomplice,' warns one of your favourite newspaper articles, 'he is to be avoided at ALL COSTS.' ❧ [[Onwards!|aubreyheadlines]]{ (set: $playerthey to "he", $playerthem to "him", $playertheir to "his", $playertheirs to "his", $playerthemself to "himself", $playertheyare to "he is", $playertheyre to "he's", $playertheymean to "he means") }

'If you see this $playerman, or her accomplice,' warns one of your favourite newspaper articles, 'she is to be avoided at ALL COSTS.' ❧ [[Onwards!|aubreyheadlines]]{ (set: $playerthey to "she", $playerthem to "her", $playertheir to "her", $playertheirs to "hers", $playerthemself to "herself", $playertheyare to "she is", $playertheyre to "she's", $playertheymean to "she means") }

'If you see this $playerman, or their accomplice,' warns one of your favourite newspaper articles, 'they are to be avoided at ALL COSTS.' ❧ [[Onwards!|aubreyheadlines]]{ (set: $playerthey to "they", $playerthem to "them", $playertheir to "their", $playertheirs to "theirs", $playerthemself to "themself", $playertheyare to "they are", $playertheyre to "they're", $playertheymean to "they mean") }

Of course, this morning's headlines are crying something (link-reveal:"quite different.")[ <center>(text-style: "expand")[(link-reveal:"INFAMOUS HIGHWAY ROBBER AUBREY BROUGHT TO JUSTICE")[ (link-reveal:"HELD IN NEWGATE;")[ AWAITING EXECUTION]]]]</center>(click:"AWAITING EXECUTION")[Aubrey's not due to be executed until sundown this evening. That gives you plenty of time to work out how to save $them. ❧ [[Let's go!|street]]]

You're standing on the street corner, like a [[fashionably-dressed rock|fashion]] in the midst of a rushing current of people and noise. The morning light glows on hundreds of bustling faces and unattended pockets. Nearby, a newspaper crier is hawking headlines. Further down the road squat the walls of Newgate Prison, grey and threatening. (if:$paper is 'no')[❧ [[Obtain a newspaper.|paper]]](if:$paper is 'yes')[❧ [[Read the newspaper.|readpaper]]] ❧ [[Visit Newgate.|newgate]] ❧ [[Pick someone's pocket.|pickpocket]](if:$qheath is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Visit Quickenheath.|out2q]]](if:$embassy is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Visit the Fairy Embassy.|embassy]]](if:$oaktree is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Visit your oak tree.|out2oak]]]

Feathered hat, shiny boots, a sumptuously lacy coat concealing your trusty sword and pistols. Also, a scarf covering your face by way of a disguise, because you're currently even more wanted than usual, and you don't want to be recognised as a $playerhighwayman. ❧ [[Back.|street]]

The newspaper crier is a grubby-looking youngster with a voice like a thunderclap. 'Highway Robber Brought To Justice!' they're hollering, with a frankly upsetting level of bloodthirstiness. 'Gruesome Scenes Expected Later Today! (if: $sixpence is "no")[(link-goto:"Penny a paper!", "broke")](else:)[Penny a paper!]' ❧ [[Steal a newspaper.|oimista]] ❧ [[Intimidate the child into giving you a newspaper.|bullying]](if:$sixpence is "sixpence" or "guinea")[ ❧ [[Buy a newspaper.|papes]]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

You lean back inconspicuously against a cobbled wall, and scan the dense print. ❧ [[Read the front page.|frontpage]] ❧ [[Read the political column.|politic]] ❧ [[Read the personal advertisements.|gossip]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

(if: $oaktree is 'yes')[The warden turns you away at the door, remorselessly. You can't get back into Newgate now. ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]](else:)[The prison walls are high and intimidating. You suppress a shudder, ducking into a small, wet-smelling tunnel that leads away from the crowded street and into the prison. You're steeling yourself to take the next step, when a warden, almost as massive and stone-faced as the prison itself, materialises to block your path. 'Who are you, and what do you want?' the warden demands. ❧ [[Make up an implausible story.|lie]] ❧ [[Tell (some of) the truth.|truth]] ❧ [[Give the warden a password.|password]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

(if: $sixpence is "sixpence" or "guinea")[Down the street, you spot the target of your earlier endeavours having an animated conversation with a tedious-looking police officer. Better not push your luck any further. ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]] (else:)[Picking pockets isn't as dignified as holding up coaches on the highway. It lacks glamour. But //when in Rome// (or London), as the saying goes... (if: (history:) contains "paper")[ Besides, you only need a penny—and the street is bustling with plenty of targets.] ❧ [[Steal from a hot chestnut vendor.|pocketnuts]] ❧ [[Steal from a high-society gentleman.|pocketswag]] ❧ [[Steal from a wide-eyed ballad seller.|pocketfey]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

You leave the bustling streets behind you, and head towards the outskirts of town. Soon enough the buildings have been replaced by straggling hedges, and the cobbles by (you cough, dashingly) a //lot// of dust. ❧ [[Onwards!|quickenheath1]]

(if:$ambaccess is 'yes')[Nodding towards the security desk as you pass, you look around the resplendent foyer of the Embassy. ❧ [[Visit the ambassador's office.|amb2]](if:$amb is 'polite')[ ❧ [[Find your chaperone.|chaperone]]](if:$amb is 'bellig')[ ❧ [[Examine the Door to Fairy.|door]]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]](else-if: (history:) contains "embassy")[The Embassy foyer is vast and resplendent. Burnished stairs lead up to the ambassador's office. Away in the distance of the cavernous room, the Door to Fairy glimmers. You're so taken aback by your surroundings that it takes you a minute to notice the [[figure behind the desk|appointment]] waving you forward.](else:)[The Fairy Embassy is an imposing pillared edifice, with an oak leaf carved in marble above the double doors. You check your reflection to make sure that the feather on your hat is at the perfect angle, and swing open the doors. (click:"swing open the doors.")[The inside of the Embassy is vast, and just as resplendent as the outside. Chandeliers shaped like glowing stone stalactites hang down from the ceiling, and the walls are panelled with clusters of carved leaves and flowers. Away in the distance of the cavernous room you spot an imposing stone door: the Door to Fairy. You're so taken aback by your surroundings that it takes you a minute to notice the [[figure behind the desk|appointment]] waving you forward.]]

You leave the bustling streets behind you, and head towards the outskirts of town. Soon enough the buildings are replaced by copses of twisting trees, and the cobbles by (you cough, dashingly) a //lot// of dust. ❧ [[Onwards!|oaktree]]

{(set:$sixpence to "sixpence") (set:$nuts to "yes") }The chestnut vendor is rattling their cart up and down the pavement, in a bustle of appetising steam. This is a far cry from your usual style of target. No dash, no glamour. You imagine telling Aubrey that you've been reduced to petty nut-rifling, and wince. Nevertheless, it's easy enough to pick your moment. You're in and out with a flash. Ducking back out of the way, you (link-reveal:"review your spoils.")[ Inside the vendor's tattered purse, you find... a tarnished sixpence. What a marvellous haul. At least you also picked up a bag of piping hot chestnuts. ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

{(set:$sixpence to "guinea") (set:$ring to "yes") }The young man is easy to pick out as a target. He's (link-reveal:"decidedly foppish")[ (unlike yourself, of course)], and dripping with the promise of jewels. You've robbed dozens of people like him. It's easy enough to sidle alongside him in the crush, and dip your hand into his pocket. Ducking back out of the way, you (link-reveal:"review your spoils.")[ Inside the man's satin purse, you find a golden guinea, and a silver ring with a delicate heart-shaped setting. Not bad for a moment's work. ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

{(set:$sixpence to "sixpence") (set:$rowanrhyme to "yes") (set:$rowanknowledge to "yes") }The ballad seller is mid-tale, her eyes wide and theatrical as she declaims. You pause for a second to (link-reveal:"listen.")[ |poem>[//...But be ye lord or lady fine Or sporting gold to spare, Look to your wealth whene'er you hear His whistle on the air...//] (click-replace:?poem)[//Unmatched in skill and daring deeds, In dappled blue and black, The boldest robber of them all: The fearless Feathered Jack.//(click-replace:?poem)[She cannot be in earnest. This is an outrage. Feathered Jack was an amateur—a clown—ridiculous. And, what's more, he retired from highway robbery a decade ago. Anyone who is still singing his ballads when there's a whole host of Aubrey and Valentine tales for the telling //deserves// to be stolen from. You wait until the narrative draws to a climax, and then bump into the singer, at once interrupting the ballad and (link-reveal:"snatching her purse.")[ Inside, you find a shining sixpence, and a folded ballad-sheet printed with the words of (link-goto: "an old lore-rhyme.", "rowanpoem") ]]]]

//If there's threat to house or home, Plant it in your garden growing And 'twill keep you safe from harm: Fairy folk do not like rowan.// You'd be inclined to throw away this poetical masterpiece at the first opportunity, except that it's accompanied by a lurid woodcut of what you assume to be a fairy $aubreygentleman, crowned in oak leaves. $Theyre recoiling violently from a scatter of rowan berries. The sheer affront in the crudely cut lines of $their illustrated face reminds you of Aubrey, and you pocket it with a laugh. ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

You contemplate the stack of papers for a second. Then you reproach yourself. What sort of criminal do you think you are? Have you truly sunk so low? The dignity of a $playerhighwayman does not encompass stealing from (link-reveal:"children.")[ (Unless they're exceptionally wealthy children. Or at least moderately wealthy. You might perhaps make an exception for a middlingly well-off brat. Nevertheless, thieving from this grubby guttersnipe is a step too far, even for you.) ❧ [[Try another approach.|paper]] ]

The child swivels to face you. 'Papers cost a penny,' they say, holding out a grubby hand. 'Maybe for most people,' you begin. 'Don't you know who I am?' 'Nah,' says the child, (link-reveal:"unrepentantly.")[ 'You mean you don't recognise me?!' Theoretically, you understand that your fame cannot precede you //everywhere//. Nevertheless, you're wounded. 'You're wearing a disguise,' the child points out. Of course you are. And just as well, now that you come to think of it. Proclaiming your identity in the middle of the street would result in nothing more than your own arrest. You subside. ❧ [[Try another approach.|paper]] ]

The child holds out their grubby, determined palm. You drop the $sixpence into it, and are rewarded with a newspaper from the stack and a cheerful 'Thanks, $playermister.' You frown. 'I thought papers were a penny. Hand over my change, villain.' 'Penny to normal customers, $sixpence if you're wearing a silly hat,' the child says, with an air of righteous innocence. You recognise that you have met your match in strength of will. At least you managed to get the newspaper. ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]] (set:$paper to 'yes')

You don't have a penny. You left all your money and treasures hidden outside of town, concealed among the roots of your favourite oak tree. They may take your life, but they'll never take back your glory!(click:"never")[ (Noble sentiments, but, as it turns out, they do make it inconvenient trying to [[buy the newspaper.|paper]])]

(text-style:'expand')[INFAMOUS HIGHWAY ROBBER AUBREY BROUGHT TO JUSTICE] For Five Years the Country has been Ablaze with tales of the Exploits of Highway Robbers Aubrey and Valentine. This Pair of Villains have been the Terror of Roads everywhere. No Coach, no matter how Armed or Defended, was guaranteed Safety from their Attacks. (link-reveal:"BUT NO LONGER!")[ A Brave Volunteer Couple, whom all must esteem the Paragon of British Courage, shewed themselves in public with a Wealth of Jewels exceeding that of any haul Aubrey and Valentine had captured to date. Feigning a Confident Disregard for the Robbers, they set out to Travel by Night. Their Coach was followed secretly after by a Dozen Guards, ready to intervene at the Slightest Provocation. [[AUBREY AND VALENTINE TOOK THE BAIT!|frontpage2]]]

(text-style:'expand')[EMBASSY TENSIONS] The Trial of the notorious Highway Robber Aubrey on Wednesday last was not open to members of the Public. There has been much Speculation regarding the Delegation from the Fairy Embassy seen entering the courtroom. [[What interest has the Embassy in the Fortunes of this Thief?|goodq]] Aubrey has been sentenced to Execution, to be carried out this evening at Sundown. We are now privileged to Print the following Notice from the Embassy, regarding the Verdict: //“For the sake of Diplomatic Relations between the British and Fairy Governments, and as per the [[Fey Accords,|accords]] the Embassy maintains that the fate of the so-called Aubrey should lie not with the Former but the Latter of these States, and requests the Immediate Transfer of the so-called Aubrey to Embassy Custody." // This missive is Signed by the Ambassador. But the British Courts claim that this alone is not evidence of High enough Authority. From the Fairy Queen, or from the Government of Fairy itself, there has been no Word or Demand regarding Aubrey's Fate. ❧ [[Back.|readpaper]]

(text-style:'expand')[A POEM FOR [[MY VALENTINE|val?]]] Should'st thou wish to see anew A friend concealed behind a gate All thy hopes shall come to pass If thou know'st the needed word. If thou know'st not what it is Read again these verse lines, for In endings lies what thou shalt get: A flower, bringing thou to me. I hope that thou wilt fail me not. — A ❧ [[Back.|readpaper]]

(text-style:'expand')[INFAMOUS HIGHWAY ROBBER AUBREY BROUGHT TO JUSTICE] The Robbers stopped the Coach, riding out of the Night in Full Array, and could be heard Laughing together. [[Little did the Pair know of their Peril.|peril]] The Guards were soon upon them! Shots were Exchanged, and one Guard was killed and another wounded by the Villains, who for a Time fought wildly. But it was all over when Aubrey took a Sabre Wound to the Shoulder, and Valentine, seeing $playertheir companion Wounded, [[basely Fled into the Woods,|base]] evading capture. Aubrey was Subdued and brought back to London, where $theyare imprisoned in Newgate. The Trial was Swift and Decisive, and the Sentencing no more than such an Unrepentant Scoundrel merits. The Execution is to be carried out at [[Quickenheath|qheath]] at Sundown To-day. ❧ [[Back.|readpaper]]

Untrue. Of course you two had known that it would be a trap. You just hadn't known that it would be //quite// such a deep one. ❧ [[Back.|frontpage2]]

This is pure slander, and you would march over to the newspaper offices directly and call the writer out to a duel, if doing so wouldn't get you clapped in irons. You and Aubrey had planned it beforehand: if the situation got out of control, you would split up, riding in opposite directions and losing half of your attackers in the woods. What you hadn't planned for was the fact that when you have taken a sabre wound to the shoulder, there is not much functional difference between twelve-against-one and six-against-one. By the time you'd shaken your half of the guards in the moonlit bracken and circled back to the road, Aubrey was already captured, and (link-reveal:"rattling away towards London.")[ (Your own ride towards London had been slower, and the whole way you had been unable to shake the image of your last glimpse of Aubrey, standing bloody and wide-eyed, watching you turn away and leave.)] ❧ [[Back.|frontpage2]]

(if:$oaktree is 'yes')[You're not a scholar, or a historian, or anything that requires so much effort. Aubrey would probably know the exact date of the last execution at Quickenheath, down to the hour and minute. All you can say is that it was definitely a long time ago, a hundred years at least, before the Fey Accords were drawn up. These days, the popular location for executions is Tyburn, while Quickenheath is just a dusty crossroads on the city's edge. You're starting to understand why they're executing Aubrey there.(set:$qheath to 'yes') ❧ [[Back.|frontpage2]]](else:)[Well, //that's// unexpected. You're not a scholar, or a historian, or anything that requires so much effort. Aubrey would probably know the exact date of the last execution at Quickenheath, down to the hour and minute. All you can say is that it was definitely a long time ago, a hundred years at least, before the Fey Accords were drawn up. These days, the popular location for executions is Tyburn, while Quickenheath is just a dusty crossroads on the city's edge. So why are they holding Aubrey's execution there?(set:$qheath to 'yes') ❧ [[Back.|frontpage2]]]

(if:$oaktree is 'yes')[Oh, hey! You can answer that one now! The answer, as it turns out, is 'Your best friend is a renegade ex-fairy and the Embassy wants to kidnap $them in order to avoid a massive political scandal'. Who knew.(set:$embassy to 'yes') ❧ [[Back.|politic]]](else:)[A very good question. You may be notorious, but the Fairy Embassy rarely takes an interest in the affairs of humans such as yourself and Aubrey if they can possibly help it. Perhaps, if they're so interested in Aubrey's case, you should pay them a visit...(set:$embassy to 'yes') ❧ [[Back.|politic]]]

(if:$oaktree is 'yes')[As far as you remember, the Fey Accords were drawn up at the end of the last Fairy War. There were about a million clauses involved, but your memory can only dredge up one: //No Fairy shalle be Tried or Sentenced in an Human Courte. Justice for ye Fey shalle be Carried Oute by ye Fey.// So, Aubrey's fate seems to be determined by whether or not $theyre legally a fairy. You fight down the sense that this entire situation is rapidly spiralling out of your control. ❧ [[Back.|politic]]](else:)[Rescuing Aubrey is a lot more difficult without Aubrey around to help. $Theyhave a seemingly inexhaustible wealth of knowledge, particularly about the history of fairy politics. You, on the other hand, recall spending most of your long-distant history lessons (link-reveal:"doodling.")[ (Pictures of wanted posters with your face on them, mainly.)] As far as you remember, the Fey Accords were drawn up at the end of the last Fairy War. There were about a million clauses involved, but your memory can only dredge up one: //No Fairy shalle be Tried or Sentenced in an Human Courte. Justice for ye Fey shalle be Carried Oute by ye Fey.// But what could that have to do with Aubrey? ❧ [[Back.|politic]]]

(if:$oaktree is 'yes')[Too clever for $their own good, that's Aubrey's problem. Even now, you can't believe you figured this out. Even so, you find yourself rereading the dedication, smoothing out the crumpled newspaper. //Aubrey needed to get your attention,// you chide yourself. //That's the only purpose to these words. Utterly unromantic.// ❧ [[Back.|gossip]] ](else:)[Could this mean you? Plenty of people in London might choose to leave a message for 'their Valentine' in the newspaper. It's probably nothing. (It's certainly not good poetry.) Still, you'd better read it, just in case. ❧ [[Back.|gossip]]]

(if:$oaktree is 'yes')[Too clever for $their own good, that's Aubrey's problem. Even now, you can't believe you figured this out. ❧ [[Back.|gossip]]](else:)[A... A for Aubrey? You have no idea how in the world $they could have placed a personal ad from a prison cell, but you can't stop reading it. Is it merely wishful thinking on your part, or could this abysmal poetry really contain some sort of coded message from Aubrey; something to help you? ❧ [[Back.|gossip]]]

'I'm a prison inspector,' you say, winningly. 'I'm here for an urgent inspection of this prison.' (click:"urgent inspection")[ 'I wasn't informed about any inspection,' the warden says. Their stony expression conveys a deep, deep doubt. 'It's quite all right. I got the go-ahead from your superiors.' 'Then you won't mind waiting while I go ask them for confirmation.' D—n it. 'Never mind,' you say hastily. 'I must have, ah, got the wrong prison. My mistake.' Your retreat is not dignified. ❧ [[Try another approach.|newgate]]]

'I'm a dear friend of Aubrey's. You know, the $aubreyhighwayman that's being held here. I was hoping to see $them... one last time.' A very convincing tear springs to your eye. The warden is impassive, and unmoved. 'No visitors for Aubrey to be admitted. $Theyre an important prisoner. I've got my orders. Unless you've got something specific to say to me, you can get out.' Cursing the warden's stone heart and unpoetical soul, you retreat. ❧ [[Try another approach.|newgate]]

'I'm here on urgent business. I have a password.' The warden looks down at you with interest. 'Is that so? What password would that be?' You clear your throat, dramatically. [[‘The password is...’|password2]]

(set: $password to (prompt: "The password is...", ""))(if: $password is "forgetmenot" or "forget-me-not" or "forget me not" or "FORGETMENOT" or "FORGET-ME-NOT" or "FORGET ME NOT" or "Forget-Me-Not" or "Forget Me Not" or "ForgetMeNot" or "Forget-me-not" or "Forget me not" or "Forgetmenot" or "Forget-me-Not" or "Forget me Not" or "ForgetmeNot")['//Forget-me-not//,' you say, (if:$totaltries >=4)[with manic exhaustion.](else-if:$totaltries >=3)[desperately.](else-if:$totaltries >=2)[tentatively.](else-if:$totaltries >=1)[hopefully.](else:)[confidently.] The warden's eyebrows raise. There's a (link-reveal:"delightfully tense pause.")[ 'All right. Come with me.' The warden turns and ushers you through the archway, into the dim stone corridor. 'This way.' Marvelling at your own genius, you step into the shadows of Newgate Prison. ❧ [[Follow the warden!|cell]]]](else-if:$password is "")['The password is...' you begin confidently. Then you trail off into silence. 'On second thoughts, never mind.' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Try another approach.|newgate]]](else-if: $password is "MEOW")[(if:$kitten is 'yes')['The password is—' '//Meow!//' You pet the kitten snuggled into the collar of your coat, irritably. 'Would you stop interrupting, please?' The kitten purrs. ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Try another approach.|newgate]] ](else:)['The password is //meow!//' The warden looks at you with confusion. You look back, bewildered. 'What was that?' the warden asks. You clear your throat, and try again. 'The password is—' '//Meow!//' This time, you both register where the sound is coming from. You look down. A [[tiny orange kitten|kitten]] is winding its way across the cobbles between you.]](else:)['The password is //$password//,' you say, (if:$totaltries >=4)[with manic exhaustion.](else-if:$totaltries >=3)[desperately.](else-if:$totaltries >=2)[tentatively.](else-if:$totaltries >=1)[hopefully.](else:)[confidently.] The warden's eyebrows raise. There's a (link-reveal:"delightfully tense pause.")[ 'No,' the warden says, with a grim shake of the head. 'That's not it.' D—n and blast it all. You give the warden a smile, which is not returned. 'My mistake.'(if:$paper is 'yes')[(set:$pwordtries to it + 1)(set:$totaltries to it + 1) ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Try another approach.|newgate]](if:$pwordtries >=1)[ ❧ [[Ask the warden for help.|pwordhint]]](if:$pwordtries >=2)[ ❧ [[Ask the warden for more help.|pwordhint2]]](if:$pwordtries >=3)[ ❧ [[Ask the warden for even more help.|pwordhint3]]](if:$pwordtries >=4 and $paper is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Ask the warden to to tell you the password.|pwordsurrender]] ]](else:)[(set:$plesstries to it + 1)(set:$totaltries to it + 1) ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Try another approach.|newgate]](if:$plesstries >=1)[ ❧ [[Ask the warden for help.|plesshint]]](if:$plesstries >=2)[ ❧ [[Ask the warden for more help.|plesshint2]]](if:$plesstries >=3)[ ❧ [[Ask the warden for even more help.|plesshint3]] ]]]]

The warden leads you down [[winding, unattractive corridors.|celljudge]] After a few minutes of awkward, silent walking, you finally stop outside one of the cells. The warden unlocks the door, and then knocks on it. 'I've got your visitor. Sending $playerthem in now. No funny business.' 'None, on my honour.' That's Aubrey's voice! Your heart lifts at the sound, like a string of pearls from around a rich person's neck. 'You've got ten minutes.' The warden pushes open the door, and shoves you in. ❧ [[The door shuts behind you.|aubreycell]]

You turn your very best pleading expression towards the warden. 'I don't suppose you could give me a hint, could you?' (click:"give me a hint,")[The warden looks at you, inscrutable. 'Haven't you read today's newspaper yet? Have a look at the personal advertisements.' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

You turn your very best pleading expression towards the warden. 'I don't suppose you could give me a hint, could you?' (click:"give me a hint,")[The warden looks vaguely impressed by your determination. 'The password's a flower name. You'll find it hidden in the words of the poem.' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

You turn your very best pleading expression towards the warden. 'I don't suppose you could give me a hint, could you?' (click:"give me a hint,")[The warden looks vaguely incredulous at your persistence. 'All right. The last word of each line in that sappy poem should give you the password.' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

You turn your very best pleading expression towards the warden. 'I'm sure you must be as tired of seeing me as I am of seeing you. Can't we settle this, once and for all?' The warden gives a stony rumble of a sigh. 'Just this once,' they say. 'The password is //Forget-me-not//. But you didn't hear it from me.' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

You turn your very best pleading expression towards the warden. 'I don't suppose you could give me a hint, could you?' (click:"give me a hint,")[The warden looks at you, inscrutable. 'Have you bought today's newspaper yet? That might be a good place to start.' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

You turn your very best pleading expression towards the warden. 'I don't suppose you could give me a hint, could you?' (click:"give me a hint,")[The warden looks vaguely impressed by your determination. 'You'll need to buy a paper. And that means finding the money, somewhere or other.' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

You turn your very best pleading expression towards the warden. 'I don't suppose you could give me a hint, could you?' (click:"give me a hint,")[The warden looks vaguely incredulous at your persistence. 'Obviously, as an officer of the law, I can't encourage law-breaking. That said, if you //were// to happen across a sixpence in somebody's pocket, you'd be able to buy a paper.' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

In all your years of highway robbery, you've never been captured or arrested, so this delightful little escapade marks your first view of the inside of a prison. You can't say you think much of it. It's a little bit damp, and not even with the poetic, angst-ridden kind of damp, merely the boring kind. You comment your observations to the warden, by way of constructive criticism. The warden is [[unimpressed.|cell]]

It's dimly lit inside the cell, but you can still make out Aubrey, standing against the opposite wall. For a moment you catch an overwhelming expression on $their face (relief? gratitude?). Then the look vanishes, and $theygive you a smile, for all the world as if this were a regular day. 'Hello, Kit. It's about time you got here.' You're about to make some comment about how you'd have been here sooner if $their information had been less cryptic. When you open your mouth, however, all that comes out is, ❧ [[‘It's good to see you.'|gay1]] ❧ [[‘You look terrible.'|gay2]] ❧ [[‘I'm sorry.'|gay3]]

{(set:$reciprocal to it+3) }'It's good to see you,' you say. Aubrey drops $their gaze, toying with $their cuff, but $theyre not fast enough to conceal $their short laugh. 'Sincerity from Kit! Isn't that my line?' 'I mean it.' 'So do I. I don't think I've ever been this relieved to see anyone.' For a moment, Aubrey's smiling demeanor slips, revealing another glimpse of that odd, fervent expression. 'It would have been inconvenient, trying to rescue myself. Speaking of which, not to rush you, but I'm on a deadline. I'm sure you have questions?' 'Lots.' Aubrey's right—you can enjoy $their company later. Right now, [[you need answers.|aubreyqs]]

{(set:$reciprocal to it+1) }'You look terrible.' You take a step towards Aubrey, looking at $them with concern. The lace at $their throat and cuffs is wilted. Blood is beginning to soak through the bandage around $their shoulder. You could conceal an entire army with the quantity of shadows under $their eyes. Aubrey bows, with a sarcastic little flourish. 'Thank you, Kit; I missed you too.' 'You missed me?' 'I'll tell you all about how much I missed you tomorrow, provided I'm still alive,' Aubrey says. 'For now, I'm sure you have questions.' 'Lots.' Aubrey's right—you can enjoy $their company later. Right now, [[you need answers.|aubreyqs]]

{(set:$reciprocal to it+2) }'I'm sorry.' Aubrey's eyes jump to meet yours for a second. $Theyre frowning. 'What for?' Aubrey is probably the smartest person you know. That doesn't prevent $them from being //painfully// clueless at times. 'For letting you get captured. For leaving.' 'That was the plan we agreed on,' Aubrey says. 'If you'd stayed, you would have been captured too, or hurt, or killed. I can bear a great deal, but I doubt very much that I could have borne that.' 'But—' 'If we had both been captured, there would be nobody to come up with a daring rescue plan,' Aubrey says. 'Speaking of which, I'm sure you have questions.' 'Lots.' Aubrey's right—you can argue guilt all you want later. Right now, [[you need answers.|aubreyqs]]

(if:$bonusqs is 2)[(set:$oaktree to 'yes')Aubrey taps $their fingers. 'The warden will be back soon,' $theysay. 'Before you go, there's something else I need to say. I've been meaning to tell you, and I might not get the chance again.' Aubrey takes a breath. (link-replace:"‘I—'")[ Before $they can speak, a harsh knocking breaks through the hush, and the door scrapes open behind you. [[‘Time's up.'|farewell]]]](else-if:$shoulderq is "yes" and $wardenq is "yes" and $trialq is 'yes' and $embassyq is 'yes' and $exileq is 'yes' and $anymoreq is 'yes' and $helpq is 'yes')[There's a second's hush as you try to digest all that. The process requires more brainpower than you ordinarily enjoy using. In the meantime, you've still got one or two precious moments of Aubrey's company. (if:$kitten is 'yes')[❧ [[Give the kitten to Aubrey.|aubreykitten]] ]❧ [[Say something brave.|gaybravado]] ❧ [[Say something concerned.|gayconcern]] ❧ [[Check your pockets for something to give Aubrey.|aubreypockets]] ❧ [[Just look at $them.|gaystare]]](else:)[Aubrey's always been enigmatic about $their past, but if you're going to be able to pull this off, you're going to need all the information you can get. Ask about... ❧ [[Aubrey's shoulder.|shoulder]] ❧ [[the warden.|wardenask]] ❧ [[the trial.|trial]](if: (history:) contains 'politic')[ ❧ [[the Fairy Embassy.|embassyask]] ](else:)[ ❧ [[potential allies.|embassyask]] ](if:$anymore is 'yes')[ ❧ [[‘Not anymore'?!|anymoreask]]](if:$exile is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Exile.|exileask]] ❧ [[Fairy help.|helpask]]]]

Already?! You turn to the warden, desperately. 'A few more minutes. Have you no pity?' 'Kit, listen.' Aubrey grabs your arm, pulling you close, and speaks in a hurried undertone. 'My things—my personal effects. They're buried under our oak tree, under the twisted root. Even if you can't save me—I want you to have them. Promise you'll find them.' The warden steps into the room, grabbing your other arm like a vise. You try, and fail, to shake the grip. 'Aubrey—' 'Valentine. //Promise me.//' 'I promise,' you say. It's all you have time for, as you're dragged out of the cell, and the door closes behind you. ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

(set:$trialq to 'yes')'What happened at the trial?' Nothing good, you assume. Aubrey gives a half-shrug, wincing as it jostles $their shoulder. 'I stood up and proclaimed that yes, I was the $aubreyhighwayman Aubrey. Then I told them that I had no regrets, announced that they could kill me but our deeds would live forever, and dared them to do their worst.' $Their mouth quirks slightly. 'It was over quickly after that.' You stare at $them for a second in stunned disbelief. 'Please tell me you're joking.' Aubrey rewards your aghast expression with an innocent smile, one which makes it abundantly clear that $theyare not, in fact, joking. You mentally take back everything you've ever said about $their intelligence. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

(set:$embassyq to 'yes')(set:$anymore to 'yes')(if: (history:) contains 'politic')['The paper said there was a group from the Embassy at your trial. What do the Embassy want with you?'](else:)['Wasn't there anyone sympathetic at the trial?' 'Not exactly,' Aubrey says grimly. 'A delegation from the Fairy Embassy came along to stick their noses in, of course.' 'What do the Fairy Embassy want with you?'(set:$embassy to 'yes')] Aubrey's expression darkens. 'They want to gain control of the case. They're trying to take me back, to put me on trial in a Fey court instead.' There's a pause. 'I thought,' you say hesitantly, 'that only Fey could be tried in Fey courts.' 'That's true.' 'But you're not a fairy.' 'No,' Aubrey agrees. $Their eyes are dark. 'No, I'm not. Not anymore.' ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

(set:$anymoreq to 'yes')(set:$exile to 'yes')You stare at Aubrey for a second, dumbfounded. $Theyre not meeting your eyes. 'You're a //fairy//?' 'No, I'm not,' Aubrey says. 'Not currently. I //used// to be a fairy.' Ideally, you'd indulge in an extended bout of spluttering at this point. But you've got less than ten minutes of Aubrey's company left, so you shake yourself. 'How?' you manage to ask. When Aubrey speaks, $their voice sounds far away and distant. 'I was born under the hill, and I grew up there, but it was never enough for me. I was always curious about humans. I wanted to leave Fairy, to explore. Then there was a... falling-out, and I took the opportunity. I renounced my True Name, and exiled myself. I've been Aubrey ever since.' ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

(set:$exileq to 'yes')'Do you miss it? Being a fairy.' Aubrey hesitates. 'I miss my powers, sometimes. We could have pulled off the most //incredible// robberies with even a fraction of the glamours I used to know. I wish I'd been able to show you some of them. But Fey powers depend on knowing your True Name, alas.' The wistfulness in Aubrey's voice stabs at your heart. 'Would you go back to Fairy, if you could?' 'No.' Aubrey's answer is quick and determined, and you fight down a rush of relief. 'I don't belong there. It's in the human world my heart lies, not in Fairy.' Right. Well. Excellent. Grand. That's good to know. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

(set:$helpq to 'yes')'So, the Embassy are trying to help you?' 'Not quite. They believe it'll be a diplomatic disaster if a fairy is tried in a human court. But since I'm exiled, without my True Name and powers, I'm not legally a fairy.' 'Still, maybe they've got some more ideas.' 'I don't want their help.' Aubrey's voice is bitter. 'They won't let me be free. All these years I've spent in the human world have been an embarrassment to Fairy. If the Embassy take over my case, I'll be dragged back under the hill, to spend the rest of my existence in a different prison.' 'What about your powers?' you say. 'If you were still a fairy, could you... I don't know, magic yourself out of this?' 'My powers are gone along with my True Name,' Aubrey says. $Their voice is harsh. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

(set:$shoulderq to 'yes')'How are you?' You nod towards Aubrey's bandaged shoulder. 'Hmm? Oh, the sabre wound.' Aubrey looks like $theyre considering whether to lie about it, but gives up quickly. 'Excruciating. And the scar won't even be dashing.' 'Will it heal? Did anyone look at it?' You have an emergency collection of bandages stashed somewhere, and Aubrey has a bizarrely extensive knowledge of implausible-sounding herblore. You've both winced and poulticed your ways through plenty of wounds in the past. 'It's hardly my first priority at the moment, Kit,' Aubrey says with a queer smile. 'Once my neck is saved, then maybe I'll start worrying about my shoulder.' ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

(set:$wardenq to 'yes')'How did you arrange all this? With the warden?' Aubrey hesitates. 'Several... old acquaintances of mine were at my trial. I convinced one of them to place the newspaper advertisement for me. After that, it was a simple matter of bribery. Our friend the warden has steep rates. Ten minutes of time with any visitor who knew the password was all I could afford.' (click:"password")[‘Why use a password at all?' You're almost certain you manage to keep most of the irritation out of your voice. It's Aubrey's last day in this world, after all. If $theywant to waste it waiting around for you to solve a cryptic riddle, that's up to $them. 'There are some people that I would much rather //not// be visited by. You're the only person that I did want to see, in fact, and since I could hardly tell the prison staff your name... I had to come up with something in a hurry.' 'Well, that much was obvious from the quality of the poetry,' you say. Aubrey feigns a wince. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]]

(if:$nuts is "yes" or $ring is "yes" or $rowanrhyme is "yes")['I picked something up for you earlier.' '//Picked// being the accurate verb, I imagine.' A glimmer of interest shows in Aubrey's dark-circled eyes. 'Whose pocket did you get this from?' You reach into your own wide, stylish pocket, and pull out (if:$nuts is "yes")[(link-goto:"the bag of chestnuts.", "aubnuts")](if:$ring is "yes")[(link-goto:"the silver ring.", "aubring")](if:$rowanrhyme is "yes")[(link-goto:"the illustrated rhyme.", "aubrhyme")]](else:)[You don't have anything to give Aubrey right now. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]]

{(set:$bonusqs to it+1) (set:$reciprocal to it+3) }For all you know, these might be the last moments you have with Aubrey. You should be making the most of it. But as you look at $them, you can't come up with a single thing to say. So you stand there, filling your mind with the image of Aubrey: tired, hurt and stained by the cell, but still breathing. If you were melodramatically-inclined (and if Aubrey's shoulder wasn't injured), you would likely be flinging your arms around $them and weeping. You stare instead. Aubrey stares back. Eventually, Aubrey speaks. It's a single syllable, barely audible over your heartbeat and the unpleasant ubiquitous dripping of the cell. 'Kit?' You jump, and the moment falls apart around you. 'Sorry. Just distracted.' ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

{(set:$bonusqs to it+1) (set:$reciprocal to it+1) }'You know, I think this might be our grimmest exploit yet,' you say, trying to sound bracing and unbothered. 'Oh, absolutely not,' Aubrey says. 'I'm sure we've been in worse spots.' 'You're condemned to death!' The bracing unbotheredness slips from your voice as you give Aubrey an incredulous stare. 'True,' Aubrey agrees. 'But that time with the Marquess of Angriston was worse.' 'It was not.' 'Yes, it was.' 'God, you're infuriating,' you say. 'It'll serve you right if they do execute you.' Aubrey meets your gaze, and you share a second of rueful, frightened understanding. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

{(set:$bonusqs to it+1) (set:$reciprocal to it+2) }'Are you alright?' Aubrey gives you a narrow look that somehow manages to encompass $their injured shoulder, the cell, and the grim prospect of imminent execution. 'Never better, thank you, Kit.' You roll your eyes back at $them. 'I //meant//... I don't know. Is there anything I can do?' 'You're doing it,' Aubrey says, surprising you with sincerity. 'Not just by planning to help me escape, though I'm certainly glad you're doing that too. But just by being here. We've faced death before, and I can say with absolute conviction that it's always more pleasant when you're around.' A ludicrous compliment, by all reasonable standards. You have a suspicion that you're blushing anyway. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

{(set:$nuts to "no") (set:$bonusqs to it+1) (set:$reciprocal to it+2) }They're barely warm anymore, and the edges of the paper bag are shamefully tattered. You would much prefer to be giving Aubrey diamonds, or pearls, or extravagant promises that you felt able to keep. But Aubrey receives the bag with a laugh, and sets to devouring the chestnuts with wolfish eagerness. 'I wish I'd seen you robbing the nut vendor,' $theysay between bites. 'Is this the sort of daring deed you descend to when I'm not around to keep you honest? Well, dishonest.' 'I wasn't //trying// to become a... a petty nut-rustler. I was aiming for pocket change. The nuts were coincidental.' Aubrey splutters with laughter again. 'You never cease to surprise me, my Kit.' You maintain a straight face, with a painfully heroic effort. 'Well, I'm a tough nut to crack.' ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

{(set:$ring to "no") (set:$bonusqs to it+1) (set:$reciprocal to it+3) }Your fingers hesitate for a second over the silver ring. But Aubrey's eyes are alight with curiosity, and anyway there doesn't need to be anything emotional about this. A mere trinket, that's all. A memento of friendly esteem. You hold the ring out towards Aubrey with a shrug that, for all your efforts, comes out lightly embarrassed. Aubrey's eyes widen as $theylook at it, tracing the heart-shaped setting. 'It's lovely,' $theysay. 'I won't get much use out of it in here, though. Shouldn't you take it to sell?' 'I'll be too busy trying to save your neck to make a trip to the pawn shop.' Aubrey smiles at the irritation in your voice, and that warm wry expression gives you the courage to reach out and slip the ring onto $their finger. 'Just... keep it safe, all right?' ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

{(set:$rowanrhyme to "no") (set:$bonusqs to it+1) (set:$reciprocal to it+1) }You dig the crumpled ballad-sheet from your pocket, smoothing it out to show the woodcut. Then you stop short. Now that you see it next to $them, the $aubreyman in the picture looks //quite// a lot like Aubrey. You look from the Aubrey to the picture, and back again. Aubrey has $their hands over $their face, a grimace showing through $their fingers. 'I take it you're not keen on rowan berries,' you manage to say. 'Oh, that's dreadful,' Aubrey says. 'I've never looked so undignified in my life. Take it away, for the love of all that's precious. Haven't I suffered enough?' You can't help laughing at $their appalled expression. Aubrey glares at you for a second, and then $their composure cracks, dissolving into a reluctant, snorting laugh as $theytake the page. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

(if: $spanded is 'yes')[Quickenheath crossroads is dusty, and not quite deserted. A tree with fernlike leaves and (link-goto:"clusters of bright berries", "rowanknowledge") is growing at the crossroads. In its shade, a group of labourers are busy building the platform for Aubrey's execution. ❧ [[Get a closer look.|rowan]] ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]] ](else:)[Quickenheath crossroads is dusty, and not quite deserted. The broad road out of London, riddled with cart tracks, is intersected by something that might once upon a time have been considered a path, now overtaken by a choked mess of briars and green reeds. A tree with fernlike leaves and (link-goto:"clusters of bright berries", "rowanknowledge") is growing at the crossroads. In its shade, a group of labourers are busy (link-reveal:"building something.")[ The hot-afternoon drone of insects is punctuated by the businesslike shouts of the workers and the hoots of a few early spectators. With a rush of dread, you realise what they're building: the platform for Aubrey's execution. ❧ [[Get a closer look.|rowan]] ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]] (set:$spanded to 'yes')]]

(if:(history:) contains 'rowan')[Adjusting the scarf over your face, you sneak in a wide circle around the crossroads, until you're standing with your back to the tree. You don't risk revealing yourself by looking around, but you can hear the carpentry of the labourers on the other side. They don't appear to have anything else to say. ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]](if:$berries is 'no')[ ❧ [[Pick some berries.|berriesacq]]]](else:)[Adjusting the scarf over your face, you sneak in a wide circle around the crossroads, until you're standing with your back to the tree. You don't risk revealing yourself by looking around, but you can hear the labourers on the other side (link-reveal:"talking to each other.")[ (link-replace:"‘Odd job, eh, this? Asking us to do this when they've got a perfectly good place for executions at Tyburn.'")[(link-replace:"‘I heard this Aubrey's a fairy. That's how come those two could get away with so many robberies, and vanish into thin air after, seemingly. Fairy tricks.'")[(link-replace:"‘You can execute a fairy at Tyburn, same as anyone else.'")[(link-replace:"‘Dullard. They always used to execute the Fey here at Quickenheath. This rowan's stood here since before the Accords.'")[(link-replace:"‘What's the tree got to do with it?'")[(link-replace:"‘It's a rowan, in't it? Symbolic. Fey don't like them.'")[(link-replace:"‘Load of nonsense. You sound like my grandmother. Still, at least we get to work in the shade.'")[The voices drop off again, and the sound of hammering resumes. You hum thoughtfully. (if:$oaktree is 'yes')[You've heard rumours that the two of you are fairies before, of course. You're extremely good at what you do (not to mention extremely modest)—it's only natural that people should whisper about non-human powers. You've never paid any attention to the rumours before. You suppose you might have to start. ❧ [[Pick some berries.|berriesacq]] ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]](set:$rowanknowledge to 'yes')](else:)[You've heard rumours that the two of you are fairies before, of course. You're extremely good at what you do (not to mention extremely modest)—it's only natural that people should whisper about non-human powers. You've never paid any attention to the rumours before. You shake your head. The idea is ridiculous. ❧ [[Pick some berries.|berriesacq]] ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]](set:$rowanknowledge to 'yes')]]]]]]]]]]

(if:$rowanknowledge is 'yes')[The red-orange glare of the berries is unsettlingly vivid against the dusty landscape. A rowan: apparently disliked by fairies, for whatever reason. You've given up trying to understand the intricacies of fairy-lore.](else:)[The red-orange glare of the berries is unsettlingly vivid against the dusty landscape. Aubrey would know what sort of tree this is. Your own assessment begins and ends with //Probably shouldn't eat that//.] ❧ [[Back.|quickenheath1]]

(set:$berries to 'yes')Quietly, you reach up a hand, and pull a cluster of the red berries off of the tree, sliding them into your pocket. ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]]

What you've come to think of as //your// oak tree, yours and Aubrey's, is a huge gnarled thing, in the heart of a small woodland. There's a stream nearby, and the two of you have set up camp there sometimes, when your profession requires you to be close to the road into London. Your horses are tied up here, cropping at the meagre grass that can grow in the shady woods. Your baggage is also here, and undisturbed, thank goodness—you hadn't had time to conceal it properly before rushing into the city after Aubrey. (if:$aubreystuff is 'yes')[❧ [[Look at Aubrey's things.|aubstuff]] ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]]](else:)[❧ [[Dig under the roots.|aubstuff]] ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]] ]

(if:$aubreystuff is 'yes')[You brush some leaves off the leather bag containing Aubrey's things, and look over the contents. Look at: ❧ [[the unsealed letter.|letter]] ❧ [[the leatherbound journal.|journal]](if:$pearls is 'no')[ ❧ [[the string of pearls.|pearls]]](if:$brooch is 'no')[ ❧ [[the carved brooch.|brooch]]] ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]]](else:)[You fish the shovel out from your pack and set to work. The horses watch you contemplatively, as though they're judging your digging skills, but eventually you unearth a leather bag from beneath the twistiest root of the great oak. This must be what Aubrey wanted you to find! You shake it clear of dust, and open the flap to investigate the contents. (click:"investigate the contents.")[Look at: ❧ [[an unsealed envelope.|letter]] ❧ [[a leatherbound journal.|journal]] ❧ [[a string of pearls.|pearls]] ❧ [[a carved brooch.|brooch]] ❧ [[Back to the city.|street]]]]

(set:$aubreystuff to 'yes')You hesitate for a second, for propriety's sake, but the envelope is open, and Aubrey did say $they wanted you to have $their things. Inside the envelope is a piece of [[heavy parchment|letterformat]] covered in an ornate hand.

(set:$aubreystuff to 'yes')You flip open the small notebook. Aubrey's handwriting is atrocious, and $their journal is only sporadically updated, most pages filled with incomprehensible notes and scrawled maps. The [[most recent entry|journalformat]] is dated three months ago.

(set:$aubreystuff to 'yes')An especially beautiful necklace of pearls, luminous and supple, that had once belonged to the Marquess of Angriston. You snort, slightly. You [[remember these pearls|pearlsmemory]] in particular, because Aubrey had tried very insistently to give them to you, and had pouted when you declined. Perhaps leaving the pearls for you here is one final attempt at winning that argument.(if:$pearlsmem is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Take the pearls.|pearlsacq]] ❧ [[Leave the pearls.|aubstuff]]]

(set:$aubreystuff to 'yes')The brooch is carved out of smooth wood, and polished or coated with some kind of lacquer that makes it shine almost like gold. It's shaped like an oak leaf, and there's an acorn set into it made from a green beryl. ❧ [[Take the brooch.|broochacq]] ❧ [[Leave the brooch.|aubstuff]]

Dear $Brother, I hope this letter reaches you. Someone at the Embassy—I won't say who, in case this goes astray—promised they could get a message through to you. They'll be able to get a letter back to me, if you decide you have anything to say. You could still come back, you know. It's not too late. You'd have to swallow your infuriating pride and apologise to Mother, but once that's over with, it would be simple work to figure out a new True Name. There's a lot to love under the hill, and I miss having you around. Even if you don't write, I'm keeping up to date on your antics. A wandering human poet strayed under last winter, with a vast collection of songs and tales about //the infamous Aubrey and Valentine//. Mother wouldn't hear them, but I made the poet write them all down for me. So I do understand what you're doing up there, I suppose, and if galavanting around the country running ridiculous human risks is what you want for yourself, then I hope it makes you happy. I've enclosed this token. You're a banned topic under the hill, I'm sure you'll be delighted to know, but some of us are still sympathetic to your memory. If you ever need anything from us, you have only to show the token. Those who want to help you will recognise it. Take care. (text-size:1)[❧ [[Back.|aubstuff]] ]

A closer call than I've had yet. Our narrow escapes are so frequent, and so exhilarating, that it almost makes me forget the reality of peril. I never felt (text-style:"underline")[life] like this under the hill—but in order to feel it, I must also feel (text-style:"underline")[death], plain mortal death, and last night's job was a nearer brush with that grim figure than I've ever felt. Kit's hand pulling me down, and Kit's shout, dawned through the confusion before I had even properly registered the sound of the shot. Then my ears were ringing, and hot (human) blood was streaming down my cheek. The bullet had grazed me on its way past. If Kit hadn't moved to save me, that would have been it. One second of inattention, and farewell, Aubrey. I tried to repay Kit for saving me, but $playerthey wouldn't accept my attempt at a gift. One more way in which I'm indebted to $playerthem, I suppose. Human obligations. Human sentiments. Sometimes I wish that I still had my powers—usually when Kit has done something (text-style:"underline")[exceedingly stupid], and I'm left trying to patch $playerthem up with leaves and cloth, when once I could have healed $playerthem in a second. But I wouldn't trade what we have now for anything. Still, it made me think. If the bullet flies true next time, or if Death picks some other way to come for me, I would have no regrets—save one. If I don't tell Kit how much $playertheymean to me, I will regret it bitterly. At the least, if I never get the chance to say it properly, I can leave behind this record. It's better than nothing. I'm sorry, Valentine. (text-size:1)[❧ [[Back.|aubstuff]] ]

(set:$pearlsmem to 'yes')‘Kit.' (click:"‘Kit.'")[Aubrey is sitting next to you, legs stretched out towards the fire, ankles crossed. You can’t see $their face without turning your head, but you don’t need to see it to picture it, firelight casting it in gold. You can feel $them looking at you, but you don’t look up.] (click: "look up.")[Ignoring Aubrey is not a skill you possess. Every atom in your body is aware of $them, constantly, hyperaware. There’s no harm in feigning this isn’t the case, sometimes. It’s nice to pretend you still have some dignity. Besides, if Aubrey thinks you’re not paying attention, sometimes, $theyll call you by your last name. $Theyseem to regard proper names as a special-occasions-only affair, never even using the full version of your first name, sticking to your nickname.] (click: "your nickname.")[‘Kit?'] (click-replace: "‘Kit?'")[‘Kit…'] (click-replace: "‘Kit…'")[‘Kit, are you listening?'] (click: "Kit,")[You’re [[pushing your luck,|pearlsmemory2]] but—]

(set:$pearls to 'yes')You slip the string of pearls into your pocket. After all, you never know when you might need to bribe someone. 'Fine,' you say to an absent Aubrey. 'You win this time.' ❧ [[Back.|aubstuff]]

Aubrey’s boot nudges you. '//Valentine.//' Hopefully, the dusk will hide the smile that shoots to your lips. You shake your head slightly, and turn to face Aubrey. $Theyre holding a string of pearls, slippery with firelight. You recognise them—Aubrey, ah, liberated them during last night's hold-up. 'Take these.' You frown. 'We already divided the things, remember? What’s wrong—not your style?' That was a joke. Aubrey, with $their frankly //unfairly// good looks, can pull off anything. But Aubrey doesn’t laugh, just holds out $their hand. The pearls rustle like the wings of doves. 'I mean it, Kit. You should take them.' 'Why?' you ask. Aubrey’s been restless lately, and harder to read than usual. 'Because you [[saved my life.|pearlsmemory3]]'

Aubrey's being melodramatic. And while you're not usually one to discourage melodrama, this really hadn't been a big deal—just two dangerous seconds in a whole career made up of dangerous seconds. The coachman had pulled out a pistol and fired unexpectedly, and Aubrey had been looking the other way, and you’d grabbed $them without thinking, pulling $them out of the bullet's path. (click:"out of the bullet's path.")[(Well, mostly. The graze on $their cheek will probably scar, but at least $theyre alive to complain about it.)] You frown. 'I don't need //payment// for that.' 'I'm in your debt,' Aubrey says, like it's an argument. 'We're constantly in each others' debts. It's a hazard of the job.' 'Fair point,' Aubrey concedes. 'You should still take the pearls.' You roll your eyes. 'I'm not taking your pearls. You're still alive. That's all the reward I need.' Then you promptly [[bite your tongue.|pearlsmemory4]]

Aubrey looks at you for a long moment, $their eyes flickering in the firelight. Then $theygive in, for the moment. But you keep finding the pearls in your pockets or saddlebags for weeks afterwards, until you threaten that if you find them there one more time, you're throwing them in the river. ❧ [[Back.|pearls]]

(set:$brooch to 'yes')You slide the brooch into your pocket. ❧ [[Back.|aubstuff]]

Hello! If you're in here looking around the code, do me a favour and Avert Thine Eyes. It's a mess in here. This was my first proper Twine project, and there was a lot of figuring-it-out-as-we-go involved. It all works, provided you don't look at it too closely. Anyway. As a reward for your snooping, here's a secret extra password option: give the warden the password //MEOW// for a bonus friend. Thanks for stopping by!

(if: (history:) contains 'amb2')[The ambassador looks up from behind her desk as you enter her office. You can pinpoint the exact second that she recognises you by the surprised angling of her eyebrows.(if: (history:) contains 'visiting2')[ 'You again,' she says, irritably. 'Aren't you on a deadline? I've told you all I can. Please, get out of my office.' ❧ [[Get out of her office.|embassy]]](else:)[ 'You again,' she says tiredly. 'What do you want now?' ❧ [[Ask about Aubrey (politely).|embassyaub]] ❧ [[Ask about Aubrey (belligerently).|embassybellig]] ❧ [[Back to the foyer.|embassy]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]](else:)[Even slumped over a desk with her head in her hands, your first impression of the ambassador is of someone whose time it would be safest not to waste. She looks up at you as you enter, and her amber eyes are piercing and dangerous. 'What do you want? I'm having a dreadful day, so please make it quick.' ❧ [[Ask about Aubrey (politely).|embassyaub]] ❧ [[Ask about Aubrey (belligerently).|embassybellig]] ❧ [[Back to the foyer.|embassy]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

You find your Embassy-assigned chaperone waiting by the security desk: a fussy, businesslike fairy wearing an ugly doublet in a highly visible colour of [[yellow.|judgy]] 'Very well, very well,' your chaperone says. 'Are we all ready to go?' //Once you enter Fairy, you will be unable to return to any previous locations. Make sure you've done everything else you want to before going ahead.// ❧ [[Accompany your chaperone into Fairy.|chaperone2]] ❧ [[Back to the foyer.|embassy]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

You sidle across the foyer, as casually as you can manage. The Door to Fairy is a tall, trapezoidal doorway of carved stone, flecked with mineral glimmers of silver and rose-pink. The door itself is shut, but there's no lock on it, and no guard. The security officer's desk is far-distant, a tiny illumination glowing at the other end of the cavernous foyer. You run your hand over the stone, thoughtfully. So what if the ambassador didn't give you permission to enter Fairy, or a chaperone to keep you safe? Aubrey needs you. And anyway, what's the worst that could happen? ❧ [[Try to sneak into Fairy.|breakin]] ❧ [[Back to the foyer.|embassy]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

(if: (history:) contains "appointment")['Welcome to the Fairy Embassy,' the security officer says. 'How can I help?' 'I'm here on an urgent diplomatic matter,' you say, with every shred of confidence you possess. 'I need to speak with the ambassador.' The security officer flicks through a stack of papers. 'The ambassador is very busy today. I can make an appointment for tomorrow afternoon?' ❧ [[Agree to come back tomorrow.|desktomorrow]] ❧ [[Make a scene.|deskscene]] ❧ [[Check your pockets.|deskpockets]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]](else:)[As you approach the security desk, the figure seated there smiles at you. You could almost have taken them for human, if it weren't for the gossamer-thin wings cascading from their shoulders, and their eyes (solid amber, with no trace of white). 'Welcome to the Fairy Embassy,' the security officer says. 'How can I help?' 'I'm here on an urgent diplomatic matter,' you say, with every shred of confidence you possess. 'I need to speak with the ambassador.' The security officer flicks through a stack of papers. 'The ambassador is very busy today. I can make an appointment for tomorrow afternoon?' ❧ [[Agree to come back tomorrow.|desktomorrow]] ❧ [[Make a scene.|deskscene]] ❧ [[Check your pockets.|deskpockets]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

'Tomorrow will be fine,' you say automatically, taken aback by the atmosphere of smooth bureaucracy. Then you blink. Aubrey's execution is this evening. An appointment tomorrow will not, in fact, be fine. What are you talking about?! 'On second thoughts,' you say, 'tomorrow won't do. It's very urgent.' The security officer gives you a faintly sympathetic look. ❧ [[Try another approach.|appointment]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

'Tomorrow will not do!' you exclaim. 'This is urgent. It's a matter of life and death. I need to talk about'—your voice drops to a dramatic hush—'Aubrey.' The person behind the security desk does not look particularly impressed at your outburst. On hearing Aubrey's name, however, they lean forwards. 'I'd be careful using that name,' they say. 'Aubrey is in disgrace with the government of Fairy. Before I let you up to see the ambassador, I'll need some proof that I can trust you.' ❧ [[Try another approach.|appointment]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

You reach into the (wide, stylish) pockets of your (wide, stylish) coat, looking for something that might help you. (if:$berries is 'no' and $pearls is 'no' and $brooch is 'no' and $nuts is 'no' and $ring is 'no' and $rowanrhyme is 'no')[Unfortunately, your pockets remain stubbornly empty. ❧ [[Try another approach.|appointment]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]](else:)[Use:(if:$berries is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a handful of rowan berries.|deskrowan]]](if:$pearls is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a string of pearls.|deskpearls]]](if:$brooch is 'yes')[ ❧ [[an oak-leaf brooch.|deskbrooch]]](if:$nuts is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a bag of chestnuts.|desknuts]]](if:$ring is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a silver ring.|deskring]]](if:$rowanrhyme is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a woodcut illustration.|deskwoodcut]]] ❧ [[Try another approach.|appointment]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]]

You pull a handful of berries out of your pocket, and hold them out towards the desk. The security officer looks confused, and then deeply horrified. They push themself away from the desk, aghast, and sneeze explosively. 'Put them away,' they manage to say furiously, between sneezes. '//Rowan// in the //Embassy//, who do you think you are? You have ten seconds to put them away, before I have you thrown out.' Oops. Well, that confirms that fairies do not, in fact, like rowan. You stow the berries back in your pocket, guiltily. 'My apologies.' ❧ [[Try another approach.|deskpockets]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

You reach into your pocket and pull out the glimmering strand of pearls. The person behind the desk looks at them curiously. 'Are those the Marquess of Angriston's pearls?' ‘No, of course not!'(click:"‘No, of course not!'")[ They //used// to be the Marquess's pearls. Now they're Aubrey's pearls. Saying that will probably not be helpful.] The security officer leans forwards for a better look. 'Are you sure? They look very like the newspaper illustrations—' 'Absolutely sure.' You slip the pearls back into your pocket, away from further scrutiny. ❧ [[Try another approach.|deskpockets]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

(set:$ambaccess to 'yes')You reach into your pocket and pull out the oak-leaf brooch, holding it towards the desk hopefully. The security officer's eyes widen at the sight of the shining wood and stone nestled in your palm. 'I see,' they say. 'Well, that clears things up. The ambassador's office is at the top of the stairs—feel free to head up at any time. Good luck.' ❧ [[Head up to meet the ambassador.|amb]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

(set:$nuts to 'no')You offer the chestnuts to the security officer. The paper bag is sadly tattered, and the nuts inside are cold, but it's worth a try. The officer leans over and digs one out with a gentle sniff. Then there's a cracking noise, and a flash of forked tongue and alarmingly sharp teeth, as they snap the chestnut in half and swallow it. 'You really must try Fairy food sometime,' they say, taking the rest of the bag. 'Human chestnuts don't come close. Still, I appreciate your generosity.' 'You're welcome. So, can I see the ambassador?' The officer looks up from the carnage they're wreaking upon the chestnuts. 'Hmm? Oh, no. Not until I see some proof that I can trust you. I'm afraid that nuts, while pleasant, are hardly a politically significant token.' ❧ [[Try another approach.|deskpockets]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

You scoot the silver ring across the desk towards the security officer, with a pointed nudge. 'Now will you let me see the ambassador?' 'Why? Are you planning to propose to her? Because, speaking candidly, she's having a bad day already, and if I let you up there with a ring there's a considerable chance that she might, ah, kill you.' 'I'm not planning to propose to her,' you say, baffled. 'I'm trying to bribe you.' 'Oh, I see.' The security officer looks mildly disappointed in you. 'No, thank you.' ❧ [[Try another approach.|deskpockets]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

(set:$rowanrhyme to 'no')You unfold the page and hold it out, showing the woodcut of the fairy (who, now you look at $them again, really is almost identical to Aubrey) recoiling from a scatter of rowan. The security officer's eyes widen in shock and displeasure. 'Is that a threat?' 'What? No, certainly not!' 'I warn you,' the security officer says, in a low voice. 'Aubrey may be in disgrace, but $theyhave allies, and ones who are much more powerful than //you.// Threats aren't welcome.' The paper in your hand bursts into sudden, searing flames. You drop it with an inelegant curse, and stamp on the curling ashes. 'I'm not threatening anyone!' you protest. 'I'm trying to //help// Aubrey!' 'I'm glad to hear it.' The security officer's voice slides effortlessly back to gentle professionalism. ❧ [[Try another approach.|deskpockets]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

You're away up the marble staircase as quickly as you can, before the security officer changes their mind. At the top you find a carved wooden door with a knocker in the shape of an oak leaf. You knock, and a tired-sounding voice bids you [[enter.|amb2]]

(set:$amb to 'polite')'Sorry to disturb you,' you say. 'I'm here about Aubrey.' The ambassador stiffens. 'The Embassy is not responsible for the fate of the $aubreyhighwayman Aubrey.' 'But you were at the trial. You don't want Aubrey to be executed any more than I do.' You meet the ambassador's steely gaze. 'Please. I have to save $them.' (click:"you were at the trial.")[There's a pause, and then a long sigh. 'Aubrey's antics as a $aubreyhighwayman have been disgraceful enough. $Their execution will be yet another political embarrassment. The Embassy would have preferred to prevent the execution, and to regain custody of Aubrey ourselves. But the Embassy alone doesn't have enough authority to take over the case, and the Fairy Queen can be... stubborn, when it comes to your friend. The official Fey line is clear: Aubrey is no longer our business.' (click:"no longer our business.")['There must be //something// you can do. Please.' The ambassador sighs through her nose. 'I wish I could. Regrettable as it is, Aubrey is a lost cause. I can't help you.' You grind your teeth. [[‘Then I'll find someone who can.'|visiting]]]]

(set:$amb to 'bellig')You put your hand to your hip, where the ornate hilt of your sword is smooth against your palm, and stare down the ambassador. 'I'm trying to rescue Aubrey,' you declare, without preamble. 'I strongly suggest that you do everything in your power to help me—or face the consequences.' (click:"strongly suggest")[The ambassador gives you a skeptical sort of glance, and pushes back her chair irritably. 'Aubrey's antics as a $aubreyhighwayman have been disgraceful enough,' she says coldly. '$Their execution will be yet another political embarrassment. Yes, we would have preferred to prevent the execution and to regain custody of Aubrey ourselves. But the Embassy alone doesn't have enough authority to take over the case, and the Fairy Queen can be... stubborn, when it comes to your friend. The official Fey line is clear: Aubrey is no longer our business.' (click:"no longer our business.")['There must be //something// you can do, d—n it! What sort of useless ambassador are you, anyway?' The ambassador sighs through her nose. 'Listen to me. Irritating, loose-cannon behaviour like this is precisely what led your friend into this unfortunate situation. Kindly get it through your skull: I cannot help you.' You grind your teeth. [[‘Then I'll find someone who can.'|visiting]]]]

//Find someone who can.// You said the words without thinking, but now it comes to it... Your hand brushes the oak-leaf brooch in your pocket. //Someone// in Fairy sent the token to Aubrey. Someone influential, someone who clearly cares about Aubrey. Maybe that someone, whoever they are, has the power to help you. If the ambassador can't save Aubrey, you'll just have to keep trying elsewhere. And maybe your trip to the Embassy needn't be [[entirely wasted.|visiting2]]

You turn to face the ambassador again. (link-reveal:"‘I want to visit Fairy.'")[ The ambassador looks momentarily stymied by your change of subject, but rallies quickly. (if:$amb is 'bellig')['Out of the question.' 'But—' 'Aubrey is a banned topic in Fairy. It would make my life much more difficult if the Queen had you killed. If you think I'm granting you official paperwork and organising a chaperone for you, just so you can go gallivanting around causing havoc, you've got another think coming.' You grip for your sword again, somewhat at a loss as to what to do. The ambassador looks supremely unimpressed. 'Your request to enter Fairy is, officially, denied,' she says, with icy formality. Then she relents, just a fraction. 'I'm sorry about Aubrey. We would have preferred things to go differently. But as it is, if you want to help your friend, you'll have to find another way. That will be all.' ❧ [[Back to the foyer.|embassy]]](else:)['Ordinarily, the paperwork would take several human weeks,' she says slowly, as though she's thinking something through. 'On the other hand, I'm very busy and tired of having you in my office. Under the circumstances...' She pulls a sheaf of papers out of her desk and signs them, businesslike. 'You'll need these documents, and of course an Embassy chaperone.' You slip the papers into your pocket. [[‘A chaperone?'|visiting3]]]]

The ambassador nods. 'Your chaperone will keep an eye on you, and make sure that all of your actions while in Fairy are in accord with the interests of the Embassy. They will also prevent anything... //unfortunate// from befalling you.' 'I understand.' The ambassador shoots you a look. 'Do you? Let me be very clear: Aubrey is a banned topic in Fairy. It would make my life much harder if the Queen had you killed. Your visit is to be strictly recreational. No politics, no shenanigans, and no dramatics. Understood?' You sweep off your hat, setting the feather dancing, and lay it over your heart in a theatrical gesture. 'Of course,' you lie. 'No dramatics, on my honour as a $playergentleman.' 'Your chaperone will be waiting in the foyer when you're ready to depart,' the ambassador says. 'And don't even think about trying to leave without them. That will be all.' ❧ [[Back to the foyer.|embassy]]

You glance back towards the desk, checking that the Embassy staff are out of sight, and put your hand on the stone door. //Once you enter Fairy, you will be unable to return to any previous locations. Make sure you've done everything else you want to before going ahead.// ❧ [[Push open the Door to Fairy.|hunt1]] ❧ [[Back to the foyer.|embassy]] ❧ [[Back to the street.|street]]

The glittering door rumbles gently as you push it open. You slip through, and find yourself in a long descending passage. The walls are studded with flowering chunks of amythest and quartz, and every movement makes them dance in the glow of the stalactite lanterns. Faint strains of wild music (link-reveal:"float up to greet you.")[ Then you hear another sound. Much closer, and much less melodic, a horn blast sings out, followed by an echoing cacophony of belling hounds and inhuman laughter. Before you can hide, a riot of jostling figures careens around the corner: long, lean dogs with lolling red tongues, and fairies dressed merrily in [[hunting coats|hunt2]] of a bright, poisonous green.]

The leader of the hunt is a tall fairy, with a garland of twisted ivy on his windswept hair. His mouth is wide open, teeth bared in a charming, violent grin. His dogs are clustering around you, growling you back against the wall of the tunnel. 'A mortal!' he cries, mock-scandalised. 'And without an Embassy chaperone!' 'Pretty prey for hunting,' snarls the owl-eyed fairy lady at his side. The ivy-garlanded fairy gives you a considering glance. 'Not pretty enough, I think.' He reaches out with a laugh, and waves his hand in a deliberate gesture in front of your face. ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Try to protest.", "hunt3")[(set:$huntresponse to 'protest')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Try to run.", "hunt3")[(set:$huntresponse to 'run')]

(if:$huntresponse is 'protest')[You draw yourself up to your most affronted height. 'I'm certainly pretty enough! That is—I am not //prey for hunting//, but if I //were// to be hunted, which I'm not—' Something strange is happening to your voice. It's shrinking in your throat, replaced by a strangled whiffling sound.](if:$huntresponse is 'run')[You lurch to one side, trying to find a gap in the ring of hunting dogs. The fairies laugh merrily as you stumble. 'Ooh, how //clumsy//,' the garlanded fairy says. 'You'll be quicker on your feet soon. No need to thank me!' ] There's a sudden overwhelming feeling of vertigo, and you shut your eyes, putting your front feet to your ears to try to block out the confusion overwhelming your senses. (click:"front feet")[...you shouldn't have front feet. Something is horribly wrong. You open your eyes to see the floor of the tunnel much closer than it was before. To either side, in your peripheral vision, you catch a tickling glimpse of long, silky ears. Your coat and possessions have shrunk with you, and the feet poking out from the lacy sleeves are, undeniably, those of a rabbit. ❧ [[Run.|hunt4]] ]

(set:$hunt to 4)A terrified, animal instinct takes over. You dodge through the legs of the looming hounds in sheer desperation, and begin to flee down the corridor. Behind you, the hunting fairies cheer, and there's another shrill blast of the horn. ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run faster.", "hunt5")[(set:$huntresponse to 'fast')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Try to hide.", "hunt5")[(set:$huntresponse to 'hide')] ❧ [[Che k yo r pock ts.|huntpockets]]

You force your frantic mind to focus, and reach into the (smaller, but still stylish) pockets of your (smaller, but still stylish) coat, looking for something that might help you. (if:$berries is 'no' and $pearls is 'no' and $brooch is 'no' and $nuts is 'no' and $ring is 'no' and $rowanrhyme is 'no')[Unfortunately, your pockets remain stubbornly empty. ❧ (link-goto: "Try another approach.", (history:)'s last)](else:)[Use:(if:$berries is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a handful of rowan berries.|huntrowan]]](if:$pearls is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a string of pearls.|huntpearls]]](if:$brooch is 'yes')[ ❧ [[an oak-leaf brooch.|huntbrooch]]](if:$nuts is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a bag of chestnuts.|huntnuts]]](if:$ring is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a silver ring.|huntring]]](if:$rowanrhyme is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a woodcut illustration.|huntwoodcut]]] ❧ (if:$hunt is 4)[(link-goto:"Try another approach.", "hunt4")](if:$hunt is 5)[(link-goto:"Try another approach.", "hunt5")](if:$hunt is 6)[(link-goto:"Try another approach.", "hunt6")]]

(set:$hunt to 5)(if: $huntresponse is 'fast')[You careen around a corner. There's a snapping noise from just behind you—a hound's jaws nearly catching your tail. The owl-eyed fairy lets out a disappointed hoot. 'We'll have $playerthem soon,' the ivy-garlanded fairy consoles her. 'You'll make pellets of $playerthem yet.'](if:$huntresponse is 'hide')[You duck around a corner, and fling your small body into the gap between two jutting crystal outcrops. The hunt comes whirling round the corner a second later, ecstatic in pursuit. For a second, you dare to hope they'll miss you. Then the ivy-garlanded fairy cackles. 'Ooh, $playertheyre a clever one.' He lets out a stream of commands, and the dogs wheel round, nosing at the gap. You duck away just in time.] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run forwards.", "hunt6")[(set:$huntresponse to 'fast')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run back the way you came.", "hunt6")[(set:$huntresponse to 'retreat')] ❧ [[C   k yo   p    t .|huntpockets]]

(unless: (history:) contains "hunt6")[(set:$hunt to 6)(if:$huntresponse is 'fast')[You plunge down the twisting passages. Your grip on your thinking mind has almost entirely vanished, drowned out in terrified, rabbitish hope: maybe the next turning will lead to an escape? Instead, you're brought up short by a wall of impassible, sparkling stone. A dead end.](if:$huntresponse is 'retreat')[You duck around the feet of your pursuers, narrowly squeezing through, and flee back up the passage. Your grip on your thinking mind has almost entirely vanished, drowned out in terrified, rabbitish hope: maybe a retreat will lead back to safety? Instead, you're brought up short by a wall of impassible, sparkling stone. A dead end.] ]The hunt draws in closer. The ivy-garlanded fairy is flushed with triumph. The look in his companion's owlish eyes is, frankly, carnivorous. The dogs strain towards you. ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Attack the ivy-garlanded fairy.", "hunt7")[(set:$huntresponse to 'ivy')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Attack the owl-eyed fairy.", "hunt7")[(set:$huntresponse to 'owl')] ❧ [[           p      .|huntpockets]]

(set:$slowpoints to it+1)(if:$huntresponse is 'ivy')['Would you like to finish it?' the ivy-garlanded fairy is saying to his owl-eyed companion, courteously. 'Or shall I?' 'Get on with it.' She makes a snapping sound. The ivy-garlanded fairy takes a gleeful step towards you, reaching out a hand. Panic seethes through you. You're a cornered animal now—but one who still remembers how to (link-reveal:"bite.")[ You sink your teeth as hard as you can into the hand, and kick viciously with your back legs. The fairy lurches back, his eyes bright and vivid with shock and delight. He shakes out his hand, cursing fluidly in Fey—and as his hand passes in front of your face, you feel something change, as though your mind is (link-reveal:"slotting back into place.")[ Another wave of dizziness courses through you. You squeeze your eyes shut, and when you open them again, you're back at your usual level. You grab for the hilt of your sword with blessedly human hands, and [[point it at the hunt|hunt75]] with a snarl. (Not up to your usual sparkling repartee, perhaps, but you //were// just a rabbit.)]]](if:$huntresponse is 'owl')['My turn to finish the hunt,' the owl-eyed fairy says, with a horrible snapping sound. '$Theyre all yours.' The ivy-garlanded fairy gives a courteous bow and steps back. The owl-eyed fairy looms in towards you eagerly, reaching out a hand. Panic seethes through you. You're a cornered animal now—but one who still remembers how to (link-reveal:"bite.")[ You sink your teeth as hard as you can into the hand, and kick viciously with your back legs. The fairy lurches back, her eyes gleaming with fury. She shakes out her hand, cursing harshly in Fey—and as her hand passes in front of your face, you feel something change, as though your mind is (link-reveal:"slotting back into place.")[ Another wave of dizziness courses through you. You squeeze your eyes shut, and when you open them again, you're back at your usual level. You grab for the hilt of your sword with blessedly human hands, and [[point it at the hunt|hunt75]] with a snarl. (Not up to your usual sparkling repartee, perhaps, but you //were// just a rabbit.)]]]

You turn to face your pursuers, and fumble a scatter of bright rowan berries out of your pocket, flinging as many as you can in the hunt's direction. It's a clumsy throw, but panic lends you strength, and you hear cries of surprise as the red drops bounce starkly off of (link-reveal:"green livery.")[ The effect is immediate, and loud. The dogs begin to sneeze first, barking at the scatter of berries and rolling over. The ivy-garlanded fairy trips over the pile of hounds, and the rest of the hunt comes crashing to a halt around him. The owl-eyed fairy makes a noise of disgust, followed by a bout of sneezing that looks deeply uncomfortable. 'Turn me back,' you say fiercely, or try to. It comes out somewhat rabbit-y, but the ivy-garlanded fairy appears to get the gist. 'Spoilsport,' he says, with an agonised sneeze, and (link-reveal:"waves his hand.")[ Dizziness courses through you again. You squeeze your eyes shut, and when you open them, you're back at your usual level. You leave the hunt in chaos behind you, and [[flee down the passage|greatcavern]] on thankfully human feet.]](set:$berries to 'no')

You turn to face your pursuers, fumbling the string of pearls out of your pocket. The red and white of the dogs' jaws reflects in their dancing surface. 'Hey,' you say meaningfully, or try to. It comes out somewhat rabbit-y, but the ivy-garlanded fairy appears to get the gist. He whistles the hunt to a stop, his laughing eyes tracking the movement of the pearls. 'Aren't those the Marquess of Angriston's pearls?'(click:"Marquess of Angriston")[ This level of media notoriety is starting to be an inconvenience. Maybe the real reason Aubrey wanted you to have these pearls is because they're unfenceable. 'No,' you say, twitching your whiskers in an attempt at a smile. 'If you turn me back and let me go, then they're //your// pearls.' 'Ooh,' says the ivy-garlanded fairy. 'Well, in that case...' He [[waves his hand.|huntpearls2]]]

You turn to face your pursuers, and fumble the the glossy oak-leaf brooch out of your pocket. The ivy-garlanded fairy's amber eyes widen at the sight. 'Ooh,' he says, mockingly. 'That explains your rash decision-making. Well, the so-called Aubrey might have some fans at the Embassy who were willing to help you out, but you'll find it a lot harder to seek out sympathy underground. $Their name wouldn't help you get out of this situation.' 'Even if $they still knew it,' the owl-eyed fairy adds with a hoot of vicious laughter. 'If you're relying on affection for the so-called Aubrey, you're out of luck.' The ivy-garlanded fairy raises his horn, and the hunt surges towards you once more. (if:$hunt is 4)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run.", "hunt5")[(set:$huntresponse to "fast")] ](if:$hunt is 5)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run.", "hunt6")[(set:$huntresponse to "fast")] ](if:$hunt is 6)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Bite.", "hunt7")[(set:$huntresponse to "ivy")] ]

You turn to face your pursuers, and fumble the the bag of chestnuts out of your pocket. The owl-eyed fairy snaps at the paper bag, tearing a corner, and pulls back with an expression of disgust. 'No meat at all,' she says. 'Not even a scrap of flesh. I might eat them later. After I've finished with you.' The ivy-garlanded fairy laughs, and urges the hunt forwards again. (if:$hunt is 4)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run.", "hunt5")[(set:$huntresponse to "fast")] ](if:$hunt is 5)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run.", "hunt6")[(set:$huntresponse to "fast")] ](if:$hunt is 6)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Bite.", "hunt7")[(set:$huntresponse to "ivy")] ]

You turn to face your pursuers, fumbling the silver ring out of your pocket. The red and white of the dogs' jaws reflects in its gleaming surface. 'Hey,' you say meaningfully, or try to. It comes out somewhat rabbit-y, but the ivy-garlanded fairy appears to get the gist. He whistles the hunt to a stop, his laughing eyes tracking the (link-reveal:"movement of the ring.")[ 'Now //that's// pretty.' His voice is gleeful. 'Much prettier than you are.' You choose to let that remark pass, under the circumstances. 'Turn me back and let me go, and it's yours.' You twitch your whiskers in an attempt at a smile. 'Ooh,' says the ivy-garlanded fairy. 'Well, in that case...' He [[waves his hand.|huntring2]]]

You turn to face your pursuers, and fumble the paper with the woodcut illustration out of your pocket. The ivy-garlanded fairy glances at it, and lets out a delighted cackle. 'That looks unpleasant,' he says happily. 'But not as unpleasant as you'll feel if we catch you.' '//When// we catch you,' his owl-eyed companion says ominously. 'Quite right,' he agrees merrily. '//When// we catch you.' The hunt surges forwards again. (if:$hunt is 4)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run.", "hunt5")[(set:$huntresponse to "fast")] ](if:$hunt is 5)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Run.", "hunt6")[(set:$huntresponse to "fast")] ](if:$hunt is 6)[❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Bite.", "hunt7")[(set:$huntresponse to "ivy")] ]

'So you don't lose sight of me,' they explain, which is unfortunate, because losing sight of that outfit has shot rapidly up your list of priorities. It's bad enough you'll have an Embassy spy tagging along with you, without having your eyes constantly drawn to their outfit like suffering moths to a particularly tasteless flame. ❧ [[Back.|chaperone]]

The Door to Fairy is a tall, trapezoidal doorway of carved stone, flecked with mineral glimmers of silver and rose-pink. Your chaperone leads you across the cavernous foyer towards it, and then stops, clearing their throat importantly. ‘The first Door was constructed on this site over a thousand years ago, but very little remains of the original construction.' (click-replace:"‘The first Door was constructed on this site over a thousand years ago, but very little remains of the original construction.'")[‘The current Door was substantially enlarged and the frame re-carved following the signing of the Accords.'](click-replace:"‘The current Door was substantially enlarged and the frame re-carved following the signing of the Accords.'")[‘You'll note, of course, the diamond pattern in the upper left. Very distinctive of the period.' This is interminable. Even if Aubrey's life wasn't on a deadline, you still wouldn't have time for this.](click-replace:"‘You'll note, of course, the diamond pattern in the upper left. Very distinctive of the period.'")[‘A lot of our visitors may wonder, is it a push door or a pull door? Well, that's a very interesting question...'] (click:"‘A lot of our visitors may wonder, is it a push door or a pull door? Well, that's a very interesting question...'")[Still nodding along, you reach out and open the door yourself.](click:"open the door yourself.")[ (As it turns out, it's a push door.) Interrupted by the rumbling of stone, your chaperone blinks. 'Oh, very well, then. Follow me.' Finally, you [[head into the passage.|chaperone3]]]

You find yourself in a long descending tunnel. The walls are studded with flowering chunks of amythest and quartz, and every movement makes them dance in the glow of the stalactite lanterns. Faint strains of wild music float up to greet you. A horn-blast rings through the passage, loud and close, followed by a sudden baying of hounds. Around the corner pours a cacophony of fairies dressed in hunting livery. Their leader catches sight of you, and his mouth stretches into a violent grin. Then he spots your chaperone, and rolls his eyes, and the hunt sweeps by [[without incident.|chap4]]

'Charming place,' you say to your chaperone, as the two of you descend deeper into the glittering corridor. The chaperone's eyes light up. 'Note the arch-like slope of the roof, and the prominent geometry of the mineral outcrops,' they say, with a deep ecstasy of satisfaction. 'Both are very distinctive characteristics of this period of Fey architecture. I'll ensure our visit includes a //comprehensive// tour of the main features.' A cloud of inescapable tedium begins to hover around you. 'Maybe we could skip the tour? Aubrey's on a deadline.' (click:"Aubrey")[Your chaperone stops you for a second, frowning. '$playerSir, I must remind you that it is forbidden to discuss the so-called Aubrey in Fairy. If you persist, I will have to escort you back to the Embassy. Now, I think our first point of interest will fascinate you. [[Left here, if you please.|chap5]]']

You begin to splutter ineffectual protests, but your chaperone steers you around the corner with a relentless grip, into a tall chamber. The rock walls here are dull, with no shimmering mica or flowering gems. The air is clammy, and when you look up towards the distant ceiling, you're smacked in the eye with a drip of echoing water. (click:"drip")[You go to move out from under the drip, and bump into something slippery in the darkness. As your eyes adjust, you realise what you collided with. Clustered around you, each one standing as tall as a person, are a dozen [[bulging stalagmites.|chap6]] ]

(if: (history:) contains "chap6")[Your eyelids are beginning to feel unpleasantly weighed down by the slow drone of your chaperone. The relentless dripping is wearing away at your ability to think, numbing, eroding. ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Nod politely.", "chap7")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Try to interrupt.", "chap7")[(set:$chapresponse to 'interrupt')] ❧ [[Ch ck yo r p ckets.|chappockets]] ](else:)[(set:$chap to 6)'Welcome to the Stalagmite Chamber,' your chaperone says conscientiously. 'First established five hundred and eleven human years ago, which was, of course, the very year that our current Queen ascended the Fey throne. The mineral composition of the water is quite efficacious, as you can see from the notable development of the protrusions...' Another drop falls on your head, thudding against your hat. (click:"drop")[Your eyelids are beginning to feel unpleasantly weighed down by the slow drone of your chaperone. The relentless dripping is wearing at your ability to think, numbing, eroding. (click:"dripping")[ ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Nod politely.", "chap7")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Try to interrupt.", "chap7")[(set:$chapresponse to 'interrupt')] ❧ [[Ch ck yo r p ckets.|chappockets]]]] ]

You force your sluggish mind to focus, and reach into the (damp, stylish) pockets of your (damp, stylish) coat, looking for something that might help you. (if:$berries is 'no' and $pearls is 'no' and $brooch is 'no' and $nuts is 'no' and $ring is 'no' and $rowanrhyme is 'no')[Unfortunately, your pockets remain stubbornly empty. ❧ (link-goto: "Try another approach.", (history:)'s last)](else:)[Use:(if:$berries is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a handful of rowan berries.|chaprowan]]](if:$pearls is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a string of pearls.|chappearls]]](if:$brooch is 'yes')[ ❧ [[an oak-leaf brooch.|chapbrooch]]](if:$nuts is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a bag of chestnuts.|chapnuts]]](if:$ring is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a silver ring.|chapring]]](if:$rowanrhyme is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a woodcut illustration.|chapwoodcut]]] ❧ (if:$chap is 6)[(link-goto:"Try another approach.", "chap6")](if:$chap is 7)[(link-goto:"Try another approach.", "chap7")](if:$chap is 8)[(link-goto:"Try another approach.", "chap85")]]

(if: (history:) contains "chap7")[Your eyes drift closed for a second. You open them with a jolt as another drip lands on your shoulder. The chill water is slowing your mind, calcifying your muscles. ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Pretend to be fascinated.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Try to make a run for it.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'run')] ❧ [[Ch y r p k .|chappockets]] ](else:)[(set:$chap to 7)(if:$chapresponse is "listen")[You nod, shaking a drop of water from your hat. Your chaperone looks encouraged.(click:"drop")[ 'I'm glad to see you're interested. Most tourists are keen to get on to the more well-known sights, but I'm perfectly happy to go into detail here, since you're such an attentive audience. Now, the source of the water is actually situated several chambers to the northwest of here, and it flows all the way down to the Great Lake, so we'll be seeing a good deal more of it later on...' Your eyes drift closed for a second. You open them with a jolt as another drip lands on your shoulder. The chill water is slowing your mind, calcifying your muscles.(click:"drip")[ ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Pretend to be fascinated.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Try to make a run for it.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'run')] ❧ [[Ch    y  r p  k   .|chappockets]]]]](if:$chapresponse is "interrupt")['Listen,' you say, fluffing up the feather on your hat to its most earnest angle. 'Sorry to interrupt, but I'm sort of in the middle of a daring escapade, here. Can't you let me get on with it?' Your chaperone gives you a disapproving look. 'It's my responsibility to keep an eye on you. Letting you roam unattended would be more than my job is worth. And not very safe for you, either.' (click:"not very safe")['But—' 'Besides, our tour has barely begun! Now, the source of the water is actually situated several chambers to the northwest of here, and it flows all the way down to the Great Lake, so we'll be seeing a good deal more of it later on...' Your eyes drift closed for a second. You open them with a jolt as another drip lands on your shoulder. The chill water is slowing your mind, calcifying your muscles. (click:"drip")[ ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Pretend to be fascinated.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Try to make a run for it.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'run')] ❧ [[Ch y r p k .|chappockets]]]]] ]

(if: $chapresponse is 'listen')[Forcing yourself to pay attention to your chaperone now is one of the harder feats of your life. You've devoted yourself professionally to avoiding boredom at all costs, and enduring this goes against every instinct you possess. Beyond that, exhaustion has got its claws firmly into you. You gape feebly at your chaperone, and hope it comes across as a gape of fascination. Your chaperone (link-reveal:"rewards you with a smile.")[ 'One of the //particular// properties of the Stalagmite Chamber is that it benefits from the Fey approach to time. Which is, as you probably know, much more flexible than what you humans experience. The work of centuries can take place in seconds here.' They raise their eyebrows, nodding at your boots. 'As you appear to be [[discovering first-hand.|chap85]]']](if: $chapresponse is 'run')[This is intolerable. Some things cannot be borne. Even if Aubrey's life wasn't at stake, you've devoted yourself professionally to avoiding boredom at all costs. Time to get out of here. After all, if your chaperone runs as slowly as they talk, you're guaranteed to get away. What's the (link-reveal:"worst that could happen?")[ (Aubrey's often told you to stop saying that. But //really//.)] Fighting against the heaviness that tugs at your eyes, you spin on your heels and [[launch yourself|chap85]] towards the open passage and freedom.]

(if:$encased is 'yes')[The sharp verdant smell of the rowan berries cuts through the drowsiness. You pull out a fistful and wave them towards your chaperone, threateningly. 'Hey.' '..which, given the political climate at the time of their formation...' You toss a berry at your chaperone. It bounces off their glaringly-doubleted chest and rolls away into the water. Their monologue is cut off by a (link-reveal:"violent sneeze.")[ 'There's more where that came from,' you say. 'Kindly get me //out// of this wretched stone, or you'll regret it.' Your chaperone sniffs, begins to object, and sneezes again instead, bending to help prise your legs free. You brush the lingering mineral dust from your boots with a look of disdain, and turn to leave. Your chaperone moves to grab your arm, beginning to talk again. Self-preservation instinct takes over. You toss the entire fistful of berries in a red-orange shower. Your chaperone doubles over with a sombre yelp, sneezing intensely, and you turn and [[escape down the passage.|greatcavern]]]](else:)[This should do it. A little drastic, perhaps, but you really do have more important things to be doing. You pull a handful of bright rowan berries out of your pocket, concealing them in your fist as best you can. Then you wait until your chaperone is busy in the middle of a particularly long sentence, and toss the berries in a red-orange shower. (click:"toss the berries")[The effect is immediate, and loud. Your chaperone lets out a sombre yelp, and doubles over, sneezing incessantly. The blasting sounds echo through the dismal cavern. Excellent. You step around your incapacitated chaperone, who glares at you through the ricocheting sneezes. 'Thanks for the tour,' you say, with a twinge of apology. Then you turn, and [[escape down the passage.|greatcavern]]]](set:$berries to 'no')

You pull the string of pearls out of your pocket. Their lustre seems to burn away the exhaustion of the dim cavern. With a slight cough, you manage to interrupt your chaperone's droning. 'Are you //sure// you can't just let me wander off?' 'Regrettably, $playersir, it would be more than my job's worth.' You hold up the pearls, letting them twist slowly in the echoing gloom. 'You know [[what else|chappearls2]] is worth more than your job?'

You pull the oak-leaf brooch out of your pocket, desperately. 'Doesn't this mean anything to you?' Your chaperone breaks off their recitation to glance at the brooch, and raises an eyebrow. 'So that's how you managed to get an appointment with the ambassador. Well, some of the others at the Embassy might be sympathetic to the so-called Aubrey, but rules are rules. We're not in the Embassy now, and that $aubreyhighwayman is no longer any of our business. Not mine, and not yours either.' (if:$chap is 6)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Nod weakly.", "chap7")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')]](if:$chap is 7)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Sigh in exhaustion.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')]](if:$chap is 8)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Keel over sideways.", "chap9")[(set:$chapresponse to 'lean')]]

You pull the bag of chestnuts out of your pocket, and hold them out desperately. 'If you let me go, I'll give you a nut?' Your chaperone breaks off their recitation to peer at the stone-cold bag with its damp, tattered edges. They give you a look of sorrowful revulsion. 'Unfortunately, I am on a very particular diet, into which the delicacies of your pockets do not enter. I fear I must decline.' (if:$chap is 6)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Nod weakly.", "chap7")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')]](if:$chap is 7)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Sigh in exhaustion.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')]](if:$chap is 8)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Keel over sideways.", "chap9")[(set:$chapresponse to 'lean')]]

You pull the silver ring out of your pocket. Its glimmer seems to burn away the exhaustion of the dim cavern. With a slight cough, you manage to interrupt your chaperone's droning. 'Are you //sure// you can't just let me wander off?' 'Regrettably, $playersir, it would be more than my job's worth.' You hold up the ring. A drip from the ceiling lands on the metal with a resonant //plink//. 'You know [[what else|chapring2]] is worth more than your job?'

(set:$slowpoints to it+1) (if:$chapresponse is 'nap')[You let your eyes drift closed. A drip lands on the brim of your hat, and another one strikes your cheek. (click:"drip")[You're certain you'll be deeply irritated about that, once you've rested. For now, the heavy, gritty feeling that suffuses you is almost soothing. You sway slightly. Luckily, the stone growing around your legs holds you upright, a comforting cradle. '$playerSir?' Your chaperone's voice echoes incomprehensibly inside the darkness of your skull. 'Really, this won't do at all. Wake up, if you please.' Irritated, you crack open an eye. //Crack// is the right word: a fine layer of mineral scale splits apart as you [[prise your eyelid open.|chap95]]]](if:$chapresponse is 'lean')[Exhausted, you slump to one side. The stone growing around your legs holds you upright, a comforting cradle. The nearest stalagmite is cool and soothing as you lean against it, supporting you almost like a shoulder. Your chaperone's droning continues. You let it fade into the background, joining the echoing lull of water drops, as you fight to keep your eyes open.(click:"drops")[ You blink. The stalagmite you're leaning on (link-reveal:"blinks back.")[ A crease opens in the stone. Two staring amber eyes roll in the cracks, and look down to meet yours. You recoil as much as you can, and let out a strangled yell. Your chaperone—blessedly—stops talking. Then they're hurrying over to you, [[uttering reassurances,|chap95]] as the stalagmite's eyes slide closed again.]]]

You unfold the woodcut page, flapping it desperately towards your chaperone. 'Hmm?' They break off their recitation to peer over at it. 'Let me see, let me see. Ignoring the unfortunate resemblance to the so-called Aubrey in this crude illustration, there are a few points of interest in this particular scrap of lore. The origins of the Fey antipathy to rowan are shrouded in the mists of time, but there are six or seven acknowledged theories, which I'd be happy to discuss. The most prevalent hypothesis...' Cursing yourself, you re-fold the page and shove it back into your pocket. 'There's no need. Please.' Your chaperone blinks, slightly put out. 'Another time, then. Now, shall we get back to it?' (if:$chap is 6)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Nod weakly.", "chap7")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')]](if:$chap is 7)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Sigh in exhaustion.", "chap8")[(set:$chapresponse to 'listen')]](if:$chap is 8)[❧ (link-reveal-goto: "Keel over sideways.", "chap9")[(set:$chapresponse to 'lean')]]

The passages twist and diverge as you wend your way deeper into Fairy. You stay out of sight, following the haunting strain of strings and pipes, until at last you emerge into a vast cavern. You stop in the tunnel's mouth, and (link-reveal:"catch your breath.")[ An underground lake gleams in the centre of the cavern, black water reflecting the glow of the gemstones that stud the ceiling like huge, unfamiliar stars. Around the shores of the lake, bonfires and torches are burning. The walls of the cavern are covered in a glittering mosaic, and mirror-shards are set among the precious stones, catching and magnifying the radiance. Rafts throng the lake, decked out in (link-reveal:"twining greenery.")[ The music is wild, and you can feel it tapping at your heart and your toes. All along the shore and on the rafts there are fairies revelling—many like humans with amber eyes and gossamer wings, and many others more strange and distracting, all whirling together. Well, only one thing for it. You take a deep breath, and [[plunge into the crowd.|cavern2]] ]]

'Aren't those the Marquess of Angriston's pearls?'(click:"Marquess of Angriston")[ This level of media notoriety is starting to be an inconvenience. Maybe the real reason Aubrey wanted you to have these pearls is because they're unfenceable.] 'No,' you say patiently, with an attempt at a smile. (if:$encased is 'yes')['If you get me out of this wretched stone and let me go, then they're //your// pearls.'](else:)['If you let me go, then they're //your// pearls.'] Your chaperone's eyes track the glistening movement of the pearls. There's a moment of awkward silence. (click:"moment")['Oh, very well,' the chaperone says, (if:$encased is 'yes')[and stoops to help free you from the encroaching stone, with a horrible crunching sound.](else:)[and reaches out a hand.] 'But if anyone asks, this never happened. Do remember to tell the ambassador how pleased you are with my chaperoning, if you ever make it back alive. Off you go, then.' (click:"Off you go, then.")[Surprised, you hand over the pearls, and hurry away [[down the corridor.|greatcavern]]]](set:$pearls to 'no')

(if: (history:) contains 'cavern2')[The most magnificent of the rafts is drawn up at the lake's edge, close enough that you can see the revellers on board, preparing to push off with long poles. In the centre of the raft is a magnificent throne. On it sits an imposing figure decked out in rich brown and purple, with a crown of branching horns sprouting from her head. Along the shore, a pair of froglike fairies are hauling a vast silver tray, teetering with unfamiliar fruits and brimming goblets of honey-scented liquid. Your throat aches at the thought of refreshment. ❧ [[Approach the royal raft.|raft]] ❧ [[Approach the froglike fairies.|fruits2]]](else:)[Between the music and the clamour of the crowd, it's hard to even hear your own thoughts, as you're twirled hand in hand through the dance. Most of the Fey pay you no special attention, but a few seem to notice that you're human, adding to the din with unintelligible questions and cackling laughter. At last you come to a breathless halt at the edge of the throng. Before you, the glassy lake washes greedily (link-reveal:"against the shore.")[ The most magnificent of the rafts is drawn up here, close enough that you can see the revellers on board, preparing to push off with long poles. In the centre of the raft is a magnificent throne. On it sits an imposing figure decked out in rich brown and purple, with a crown of branching horns sprouting from her head. Along the shore, a pair of froglike fairies are hauling a vast silver tray, teetering with unfamiliar fruits and brimming goblets of honey-scented liquid. Your throat aches at the thought of refreshment. ❧ [[Approach the royal raft.|raft]] ❧ [[Approach the froglike fairies.|fruits]]] ]

(set:$mishap to "raft")You scramble down to the lake's edge, and take a long step onto the departing raft with all the grace and panache you possess. (click:"grace and panache")[Once you've managed to regain your balance and stop swearing, you look around you, and all your confidence drains away in an instant. Every member of the raft's sumptuously-dressed retinue is staring directly at you, in silence. A sea of amber eyes thrills with suppressed, dangerous excitement. (link-reveal:"‘What are you?'")[ The pleasant voice is lofty, with just a hint of a snarl behind the rich vowels. You turn towards it, and get your first proper look at [[the Fairy Queen.|raft2]]]]

You stare into the revelling crowd, not sure what you're looking for, wishing your eyes would stop spinning. You've only been standing there for (cycling-link: "a few seconds", "a few minutes?", "a few hours?") when you feel a [[tug at your elbow.|cavernchat2]]

You look down to see a short, whiskery fairy. The long silken tassels of hair and the alarmed glint of their tiny amber eyes conjure up the impression of a mouse peeping out of a cornstalk. They're wearing a motley robe, only visible in snatches beneath the cascading hair. 'You're human!' The voice is alarmed. You don't see much point in trying to deny it. ‘Yes, I am.' (click:"‘Yes, I am.'")[The expression in the glinting eyes floods with dismay. 'Are you lost? Do you have an Embassy chaperone? What did you do with them?!' (if:$amb is 'polite')['I left them behind. I'm here on my own account.'](else:)['I don't have a chaperone. I'm here on my own account.']] (click:"on my own account.")['Oh, don't say that.' The whiskered fairy peeps at you pityingly. 'Don't say that. You're here with me now. I'll get you out if I can. [[This way, quickly.|cavernchat3]]']

The grip on your elbow tightens, and you realise the small figure is dragging you with surprising strength towards the wall of the cavern, away from the crowd. You dig in your heels. (click:"dig in your heels.")['Wait, stop. I don't want to leave.' 'You humans never do,' says the whiskered fairy, sadly. 'Trust me, you will eventually, and better now than never.' 'I can't!' You fight off the tug, with some effort. 'I'm here looking for someone. I need help. Please.'] (click:"looking for someone.")[The whiskered fairy blinks, anxious and impatient. 'Oh, don't say that. Don't. Who are you looking for?' You open your mouth, and then close it again, momentarily stumped. 'I don't know. But whoever they are, they sent my friend this token.' You pull the [[oak-leaf brooch|cavernchat4]] out of your pocket. The green beryl gleams in the cavernlight.]

(if: (history:) contains 'cavernchat4')[The whiskered fairy's eyes glint at you. 'I'll help in any way I can. I'll answer any questions. But quickly. Quickly.' Ask about... ❧ [[the whiskered fairy.|whiskersask]] ❧ [[‘$thePrince'?!|princeask]](if:$princeask is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Aubrey's exile.|dramaask]]] ❧ [[the oak-leaf brooch.|broochask]](if:$broochask is 'yes' and $dramaask is 'yes')[ ❧ [[saving Aubrey.|ideasask]]](if:$ideasask is 'yes')[ ❧ [[where to find the Bright Lady.|directionsask]]](if:$directionsask is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Enter the Great Maze.|entermaze]]]](else:)[The whiskered fairy's eyes glint very brightly for a second at the sight of the brooch. They shuffle their hair aside, and there on their shoulder gleams an oak leaf, of the same design as Aubrey's but less ornate. 'Why didn't you say so at once?!' they hiss. 'You're here bearing the token of $thePrince! I'll help you in any way I can. I'll answer any questions. But quickly. Quickly.' Ask about... ❧ [[the whiskered fairy.|whiskersask]] ❧ [[‘$thePrince'?!|princeask]](if:$princeask is 'yes')[ ❧ [[Aubrey's exile.|dramaask]]] ❧ [[the oak-leaf brooch.|broochask]](if:$broochask is 'yes' and $dramaask is 'yes')[ ❧ [[saving Aubrey.|ideasask]]](if:$ideasask is 'yes')[ ❧ [[where to find the Bright Lady.|directionsask]]]]

You look at the fairy with curiosity. 'Who are you?' 'A friend.' The silken whiskers fidget slightly. 'What's your name?' The fairy gives a despairing gasp. 'Oh, you can't ask me that. Absolutely can't. True Names are personal. They're the source of our power. It's extremely rude of you to ask. While we're at it, don't tell anyone yours.' 'I don't know if I have one.' 'Oh, everyone and everything has a True Name. Humans just don't know theirs. Probably for the best, if you're so reckless with names. Now, please, change the subject.' ❧ [[Back.|cavernchat4]]

(set:$princeask to 'yes')'What do you mean, //$thePrince's token//? Who are you talking about?' The whiskered fairy peeps at you, startled. 'You must know $thePrince! You're carrying the token that was sent to $them! Unless you've stolen it from $them, in which case—' The whiskers puff up, and the tiny eyes become dangerous. 'Do I look like a robber to you?' you ask indignantly, adjusting your mask under your feathered hat. 'The token was sent to my friend Aubrey. $Theyre in trouble.' 'Exactly, exactly!' says the whiskered fairy, subsiding. 'The so-called Aubrey. That's $them.' 'Wait,' you say. 'Aubrey's $aprince?' 'Eldest child of the Fairy Queen. Goodness me. You really are quite ignorant, aren't you?' ❧ [[Back.|cavernchat4]]

(set:$dramaask to 'yes')'I can't believe $theyre $aprince,' you say, reeling. 'Why would $they give that up? What happened?' The eyes peeping from behind the whiskers take on a melancholy gleam. 'Dreadful. Dreadful. The Queen has forbidden anyone even to speak of it. Your friend wanted to visit the human world, but the Queen wouldn't allow it. So instead $they helped a whole host of trapped humans escape from Fairy. Some of them had been trapped here for a very long time, you know. The Queen's favourite human poet had been here for over two hundred of your human years. All gone. Oh, the Queen was furious.' You whistle. 'I'll bet.' 'And //then//,' laments the whiskered fairy, 'to cap it all off, your friend left as well. No fairy has renounced their True Name for a //very// long time. The heir to the Fey Throne, running around as a human breaking all sorts of human laws... It's been quite the scandal.' ❧ [[Back.|cavernchat4]]

(set:$broochask to 'yes')'Who sent Aubrey the brooch? What does it mean?' The whiskered fairy glances around shiftily before responding. 'The Queen has completely given up on your friend. But //some of us// here in Fairy still miss $them, still support $them. The oak leaf was always $thePrince's symbol. Now it's become a symbol for those of us who are still sympathetic.' 'Then you sent this token to Aubrey?' 'Me? Oh, no. No. I don't have the influence to manage something like that. It was a gift from higher up.' The whiskers rustle, with a conspiratorial hush. '$Their sister, the Bright Lady, still misses $them.' ❧ [[Back.|cavernchat4]]

(set:$ideasask to 'yes')'Aubrey—$thePrince—is in trouble. Bad trouble.' The whiskers twitch sadly. 'Yes. Oh, dear. We've heard about that.' 'It's why I'm here. I'm looking for some way to rescue $them. Do you have any ideas?' (if:$mishap is "raft")[The whiskered fairy blinks. 'The Embassy can't help without the Queen's support, and the Queen has disowned $thePrince forever, so no hope that way. If anyone so much as mentions $thePrince—' There's a wince behind the tassels. 'It gets messy. As you found out.'](else:)[The whiskered fairy blinks. 'The Embassy can't help without the Queen's support, and the Queen has disowned $thePrince forever, so no hope that way.' 'Could I talk to the Queen?' 'No point. Absolutely no point. Anyone who so much as mentions $thePrince—' There's a wince behind the tassels. 'It gets messy.'] 'Then [[what can I do?|ideasask2]]'

(set:$directionsask to 'yes')'How do I find the Bright Lady?' 'Her chambers are through the Great Maze,' the whiskered fairy says, destroying your last shred of hope that any part of this process would be painless. 'Don't worry, I'll give you directions. The entry is quite close by. Just let me know when you're ready.' ❧ [[Enter the Great Maze.|entermaze]] ❧ [[Back.|cavernchat4]]

(if: (history:) contains 'entermaze')[(if:$mazetries >=2)[The whiskered fairy twitches, startled, as you emerge from the maze of tunnels. 'Oh dear,' they say. 'Don't tell me. You got lost. Here, I'll tell you the directions again. //When you're left all alone in a maze, I can help you to find the right ways. The right thing to do Is left up to you, And a straight path avoids more delays.//' ❧ [[Plunge back into the maze.|mentry]] ❧ [[Ask the whiskered fairy for help.|mazehint]](if:$mazetries >=3)[ ❧ [[Ask the whiskered fairy for more help.|mazehint2]]](if:$mazetries >=4)[ ❧ [[Ask the whiskered fairy for even more help.|mazehint3]]](if:$mazetries >=5)[ ❧ [[Ask the whiskered fairy to tell you the directions.|mazesurrender]]]](else:)[The whiskered fairy twitches, startled, as you emerge from the maze of tunnels. 'Oh dear,' they say. 'Don't tell me. You got lost. Here, I'll tell you the directions again. //When you're left all alone in a maze, I can help you to find the right ways. The right thing to do Is left up to you, And a straight path avoids more delays.//' 'Thank you,' you say, through gritted teeth, and [[plunge back into the maze.|mentry]]]](else:)[The whiskered fairy leads you to a small tunnel that opens out of the cavern. Its walls are patterned with more mirrored mosaics, and every way you turn, you catch fragmented flashes of your own reflection. The effect is disorienting. 'I'll give you the directions now, and wait here for a while. Just in case, you know.' The whiskered fairy clears their throat importantly, and begins to recite a poem. '//When you're left all alone in a maze, I can help you to find the right ways. The right thing to do Is left up to you, And a straight path avoids more delays.//' What is it with fairies and giving cryptic poetical hints? Taking a deep breath, and trying your best to remember the directions, you [[plunge into the maze.|mentry]]]

'If you want my opinion, $thePrince needs $their Fey powers back. Only way $theyll be able to escape all the trouble coming $their way. From both governments.' The whiskered fairy nods, sage and sad. 'How do I restore $their powers?' 'You'll have to find $their True Name. And that won't be easy.' Of course not. Why would any of this be easy? 'I don't suppose you know what it is?' The whiskered head shakes back and forth. 'Afraid not. $They renounced $their old True Name, and the new one could be anything at all. Listen, you should talk to the Bright Lady. She knows $thePrince better than anyone under the hill. If anybody can help you find your friend's True Name, it's her.' ❧ [[Back.|cavernchat4]]

(text-style: "smear")[Soon enough, the path divides. Three identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go left.|l1]] ❧ [[Go right.|wrong]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|wrong]]]

'Would you mind clarifying?' you ask, making a heroic effort to be polite. The silken whiskers twitch. 'All five directions you need are listed right there in the poem. Here, I'll repeat it for you. Do pay attention this time, please. //When you're left all alone in a maze, I can help you to find the right ways. The right thing to do Is left up to you, And a straight path avoids more delays.//' ❧ [[Plunge back into the maze.|mentry]]

'Would you mind clarifying?' you ask, distinctly frazzled. The silken whiskers twitch. 'Perhaps I should speak more clearly. You'll find one direction in each line of the poem. Do listen closely this time, please. //When you're left all alone in a maze, I can help you to find the right ways. The right thing to do Is left up to you, And a straight path avoids more delays.//' ❧ [[Plunge back into the maze.|mentry]]

'Would you mind clarifying?' you ask weakly. It's more of a frustrated gurgle by now, but you get the point across. The silken whiskers twitch. 'Oh, dear. I'll try to enunciate more clearly. Do listen carefully, now. //When you're Left all alone in a maze, I can help you to find the Right ways. The Right thing to do Is Left up to you, And a Straight path avoids more delays.//' ❧ [[Plunge back into the maze.|mentry]]

'Listen,' you say desperately. 'I'm on a deadline. Can't you just tell me?' The whiskered fairy twitches nervously. 'Speaking plainly is a dangerous habit in Fairy,' they say. 'Very dangerous. But I suppose I can make an exception, for the sake of $thePrince. You'll need to go //left//, //right//, //right// again, //left// again, and then //straight ahead//. Good luck.' ❧ [[Plunge back into the maze.|mentry]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style: "smear")[The path branches again. Two identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go left.|wrong1]] ❧ [[Go right.|r2]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "mirror")[T]he p(text-style: "mirror")[a](text-style: "mirror")[t]h bra(text-style: "mirror")[n]ches aga(text-style: "mirror")[i]n. (text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[w]o ide(text-style: "mirror")[n]tical, spark(text-style: "mirror")[l]ing tun(text-style: "mirror")[n]els (text-style: "mirror")[l]ie b(text-style: "mirror")[e]fore yo(text-style: "mirror")[u].] ❧ [[Go left.|wrong1]] ❧ [[Go right.|r2]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Two identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go left.|hell2]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|hell2]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[T(text-style: "mirror")[h]e pat(text-style: "mirror")[h] b(text-style: "mirror")[r](text-style: "mirror")[a]nch(text-style: "mirror")[e]s ag(text-style: "mirror")[a](text-style: "mirror")[i]n. T(text-style: "mirror")[w]o ide(text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[i]ca(text-style: "mirror")[l], spa(text-style: "mirror")[r]kli(text-style: "mirror")[n]g (text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[u]nne(text-style: "mirror")[l](text-style: "mirror")[s] l(text-style: "mirror")[i](text-style: "mirror")[e] b(text-style: "mirror")[e]fo(text-style: "mirror")[r]e (text-style: "mirror")[y]o(text-style: "mirror")[u]. ] ❧ [[Go left.|hell2]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|hell2]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Three identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go left.|hell1]] ❧ [[Go right.|hell1]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|hell1]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[T(text-style: "mirror")[h](text-style: "mirror")[e] p(text-style: "mirror")[a]th b(text-style: "mirror")[r](text-style: "mirror")[a]nc(text-style: "mirror")[h]e(text-style: "mirror")[s] a(text-style: "mirror")[g]a(text-style: "mirror")[i](text-style: "mirror")[n]. (text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[h]r(text-style: "mirror")[e]e iden(text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[i]c(text-style: "mirror")[a]l, spar(text-style: "mirror")[k]l(text-style: "mirror")[i]n(text-style: "mirror")[g] tun(text-style: "mirror")[n]e(text-style: "mirror")[l](text-style: "mirror")[s] (text-style: "mirror")[l]ie b(text-style: "mirror")[e]for(text-style: "mirror")[e] (text-style: "mirror")[y]o(text-style: "mirror")[u]. ] ❧ [[Go left.|hell1]] ❧ [[Go right.|hell1]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|hell1]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style: "smear")[The path branches again. Two identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go right.|r3]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|wrong2]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[T(text-style: "mirror")[h]e pa(text-style: "mirror")[t]h bra(text-style: "mirror")[n]che(text-style: "mirror")[s] aga(text-style: "mirror")[i]n. T(text-style: "mirror")[w]o (text-style: "mirror")[i]den(text-style: "mirror")[t]ic(text-style: "mirror")[a](text-style: "mirror")[l], spark(text-style: "mirror")[l]i(text-style: "mirror")[n]g tu(text-style: "mirror")[nn](text-style: "mirror")[e]ls li(text-style: "mirror")[e] befo(text-style: "mirror")[r]e (text-style: "mirror")[y]ou.] ❧ [[Go right.|r3]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|wrong2]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style: "smear")[The path branches again. Three identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go left.|l4]] ❧ [[Go right.|wrong3]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|wrong3]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[h]e path b(text-style: "mirror")[r]anch(text-style: "mirror")[e]s ag(text-style: "mirror")[a](text-style: "mirror")[i]n. (text-style: "mirror")[T]hree (text-style: "mirror")[i]den(text-style: "mirror")[t]ica(text-style: "mirror")[l], (text-style: "mirror")[s]park(text-style: "mirror")[l]ing t(text-style: "mirror")[u]n(text-style: "mirror")[n]els l(text-style: "mirror")[i]e be(text-style: "mirror")[f]ore y(text-style: "mirror")[o](text-style: "mirror")[u].] ❧ [[Go left.|l4]] ❧ [[Go right.|wrong3]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|wrong3]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Two identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go left.|hell2]] ❧ [[Go right.|hell2]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[h]e pa(text-style: "mirror")[t]h br(text-style: "mirror")[a](text-style: "mirror")[n]ch(text-style: "mirror")[e]s (text-style: "mirror")[a]ga(text-style: "mirror")[i](text-style: "mirror")[n]. (text-style: "mirror")[T]wo id(text-style: "mirror")[e]n(text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[i]c(text-style: "mirror")[a](text-style: "mirror")[l], (text-style: "mirror")[s]pa(text-style: "mirror")[r]kl(text-style: "mirror")[i]n(text-style: "mirror")[g] t(text-style: "mirror")[u]n(text-style: "mirror")[n]e(text-style: "mirror")[l]s (text-style: "mirror")[l](text-style: "mirror")[i]e b(text-style: "mirror")[e]fo(text-style: "mirror")[r]e (text-style: "mirror")[y]ou.] ❧ [[Go left.|hell2]] ❧ [[Go right.|hell2]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Two identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go left.|wrong4]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|exitmaze]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "mirror")[T]h(text-style: "mirror")[e] pa(text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[h] br(text-style: "mirror")[a]nc(text-style: "mirror")[h]es a(text-style: "mirror")[g]a(text-style: "mirror")[i]n. (text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[w]o (text-style: "mirror")[i]de(text-style: "mirror")[n]ti(text-style: "mirror")[c]a(text-style: "mirror")[l], sp(text-style: "mirror")[a]rk(text-style: "mirror")[l]in(text-style: "mirror")[g] (text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[u]nne(text-style: "mirror")[l]s (text-style: "mirror")[l]ie b(text-style: "mirror")[e]fo(text-style: "mirror")[r]e (text-style: "mirror")[y]ou.] ❧ [[Go left.|wrong4]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|exitmaze]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Two identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go right.|hell1]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|hell1]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[Th(text-style: "mirror")[e] pa(text-style: "mirror")[t]h b(text-style: "mirror")[r](text-style: "mirror")[a]nche(text-style: "mirror")[s] aga(text-style: "mirror")[i](text-style: "mirror")[n]. (text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[w]o (text-style: "mirror")[i]de(text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[t]ic(text-style: "mirror")[a]l, spa(text-style: "mirror")[r]kl(text-style: "mirror")[i](text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[g] t(text-style: "mirror")[u](text-style: "mirror")[nn](text-style: "mirror")[e]ls l(text-style: "mirror")[i]e be(text-style: "mirror")[f]ore y(text-style: "mirror")[o]u.] ❧ [[Go right.|hell1]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|hell1]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Three identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. ❧ [[Go left.|hell2]] ❧ [[Go right.|hell2]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|hell2]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "mirror")[T]he pa(text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[h] br(text-style: "mirror")[a]nc(text-style: "mirror")[h]e(text-style: "mirror")[s] a(text-style: "mirror")[g]ai(text-style: "mirror")[n]. T(text-style: "mirror")[h](text-style: "mirror")[r]e(text-style: "mirror")[e] id(text-style: "mirror")[e]nti(text-style: "mirror")[c]a(text-style: "mirror")[l], spa(text-style: "mirror")[r](text-style: "mirror")[k]lin(text-style: "mirror")[g] (text-style: "mirror")[t]un(text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[e]ls (text-style: "mirror")[l](text-style: "mirror")[i]e be(text-style: "mirror")[f]o(text-style: "mirror")[r]e (text-style: "mirror")[y]ou.] ❧ [[Go left.|hell2]] ❧ [[Go right.|hell2]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|hell2]]]

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the tunnel begins to slope downwards. Ahead of you, light begins to pour through an open door. You stumble towards the exit as quickly as you can, desperate to be free of these wretched scintillating passages. ❧ [[Leave the maze!|princess]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Two identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. You're getting a terrible sense of déjà vu. ❧ [[Go right.|turbohell]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|turbohell]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[h](text-style: "mirror")[e] p(text-style: "mirror")[a]t(text-style: "mirror")[h] b(text-style: "mirror")[r]a(text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[c]he(text-style: "mirror")[s] (text-style: "mirror")[a](text-style: "mirror")[g]ai(text-style: "mirror")[n]. (text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[w](text-style: "mirror")[o] id(text-style: "mirror")[e](text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[i]ca(text-style: "mirror")[l], (text-style: "mirror")[s]pa(text-style: "mirror")[r]k(text-style: "mirror")[l](text-style: "mirror")[i](text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[g] (text-style: "mirror")[tunnels] (text-style: "mirror")[l]ie b(text-style: "mirror")[e]fo(text-style: "mirror")[r](text-style: "mirror")[e] y(text-style: "mirror")[o](text-style: "mirror")[u]. (text-style: "mirror")[Y]ou're (text-style: "mirror")[g]et(text-style: "mirror")[t]i(text-style: "mirror")[n]g a terr(text-style: "mirror")[i]b(text-style: "mirror")[l]e (text-style: "mirror")[s]ense o(text-style: "mirror")[f] déjà (text-style: "mirror")[v]u.] ❧ [[Go right.|turbohell]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|turbohell]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Two identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. You're getting a terrible sense of déjà vu. ❧ [[Go left.|turbohell]] ❧ [[Go right.|turbohell]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "mirror")[T](text-style: "mirror")[h](text-style: "mirror")[e] p(text-style: "mirror")[a](text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[h] b(text-style: "mirror")[r](text-style: "mirror")[a]nc(text-style: "mirror")[h](text-style: "mirror")[e](text-style: "mirror")[s] a(text-style: "mirror")[g](text-style: "mirror")[a]i(text-style: "mirror")[n]. (text-style: "mirror")[Two] id(text-style: "mirror")[e](text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[t](text-style: "mirror")[i]ca(text-style: "mirror")[l], sp(text-style: "mirror")[a]rk(text-style: "mirror")[l](text-style: "mirror")[i](text-style: "mirror")[n](text-style: "mirror")[g] (text-style: "mirror")[t]u(text-style: "mirror")[nn](text-style: "mirror")[e]l(text-style: "mirror")[s] (text-style: "mirror")[lie] b(text-style: "mirror")[e]f(text-style: "mirror")[o](text-style: "mirror")[r]e (text-style: "mirror")[y]o(text-style: "mirror")[u]. Y(text-style: "mirror")[o](text-style: "mirror")[u]'r(text-style: "mirror")[e] ge(text-style: "mirror")[t]ti(text-style: "mirror")[n]g a (text-style: "mirror")[t]err(text-style: "mirror")[i]b(text-style: "mirror")[l]e sen(text-style: "mirror")[s]e of dé(text-style: "mirror")[j]à v(text-style: "mirror")[u].] ❧ [[Go left.|turbohell]] ❧ [[Go right.|turbohell]]]

(if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[The path branches again. Three identical, sparkling tunnels lie before you. How long have you been in this maze? Surely you should have found your way out by now. ❧ [[Go left.|backtostart]] ❧ [[Go right.|backtostart]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|backtostart]]]](else:)[(text-style: "smear")[(text-style: "mirror")[T(text-style: "mirror")[h]e (text-style: "mirror")[p]ath (text-style: "mirror")[b]ranc(text-style: "mirror")[h]es a(text-style: "mirror")[g]ain. T(text-style: "mirror")[h]r(text-style: "mirror")[e]e i(text-style: "mirror")[d]e(text-style: "mirror")[n]t(text-style: "mirror")[i]cal, s(text-style: "mirror")[p]ar(text-style: "mirror")[k]l(text-style: "mirror")[i]ng t(text-style: "mirror")[u]nnel(text-style: "mirror")[s] (text-style: "mirror")[l]ie (text-style: "mirror")[b]efor(text-style: "mirror")[e] (text-style: "mirror")[y]ou.] (text-style: "mirror")[H]ow lo(text-style: "mirror")[n]g ha(text-style: "mirror")[v]e you bee(text-style: "mirror")[n] i(text-style: "mirror")[n] th(text-style: "mirror")[i]s (text-style: "mirror")[m]aze? S(text-style: "mirror")[u]rel(text-style: "mirror")[y] yo(text-style: "mirror")[u] sho(text-style: "mirror")[u]ld have (text-style: "mirror")[f]ound yo(text-style: "mirror")[u]r (text-style: "mirror")[w]ay o(text-style: "mirror")[u]t by (text-style: "mirror")[n]ow.] ❧ [[Go left.|backtostart]] ❧ [[Go right.|backtostart]] ❧ [[Go straight ahead.|backtostart]]]

Finally, the light ahead of you seems to change, as the tunnel grows brighter and more spacious. You hurry towards the opening excitedly— Only to find yourself right back where you started, at the [[beginning of the maze.|entermaze]] Curse it all.(set:$mazetries to it + 1)

You emerge into a wide, glowing chamber. The light feels peculiar, with a sharp quality that makes your eyes prickle, unlike the laughing torchlight and gem-glow of the other chambers. Then you realise—it's sunlight. A shaft of late-afternoon sun is lancing in through a small hole high up in the wall. (click:"it's sunlight.")[As your eyes adjust, you can make out a fairy standing in the centre of the chamber, staring at the sunlight. You can't help a startled breath. Her eyes are amber, and her skin is speckled with shimmering grey-green like moss or lichen, but even so, there's no denying: [[she looks like Aubrey.|princesschat]]]

(if: (history:) contains "chap85")[Out of the water, a mineral crust blooms upwards, encasing your lower legs with the beginnings of what promises to be a magnificently hefty stalagmite.](else:)[(set:$chap to 8)(if:$chapresponse is "listen")[Wearily, you glance down—and blanch. Your boots have been standing in a shallow layer of water, fed by dark crawling rivulets. From the cave floor, a mineral crust is blooming upwards, encasing your lower legs with the beginnings of what promises to be a magnificently hefty stalagmite.](if:$chapresponse is "run")[Your boots splash through a shallow puddle as you run—and stop there, frozen. Out of the water, a mineral crust blooms upwards, encasing your lower legs with the beginnings of what promises to be a magnificently hefty stalagmite. From behind you, your chaperone makes a disapproving tutting sound. 'I'm afraid that wasn't wise. As I was //about// to mention, the Stalagmite Chamber has some rather... particular attitudes. Quite fascinating, actually, if you'll allow me to elaborate...' ]] You're dimly aware that you ought to be panicking. But clammy exhaustion is tugging at you more strongly than ever, overwhelming every other feeling.(set:$encased to 'yes') ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Close your eyes.", "chap9")[(set:$chapresponse to 'nap')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto:"Lean against the nearest stalagmite.", "chap9")[(set:$chapresponse to 'lean')] ❧ [[         r        .|chappockets]]

'That's better.' Your chaperone has a small hammer in their hand, and is chipping away at the stone encasing your legs. 'That will teach me to get caught up in my talking. The Stalagmite Cavern is reserved for the Queen's most special enemies. It's a //privilege// to be entombed here. Needless to say, you have no right to it. If anyone hears about this, I'll be fired, I shouldn't wonder.' Your exhaustion is shattering along with the stone crust, making room for panic and displeasure. You crunch yourself free, and give your chaperone a [[horrified glare.|chap10]]

'Oh, what very fine workmanship,' your chaperone says, with poorly-concealed avidity. 'It reminds me of some of the better fairy smiths of the previous century. Is is pure silver, do you know?' 'Undoubtedly,' you say, with a confidence you don't feel. (if:$encased is 'yes')['If you get me out of this wretched stone and let me go, then it's all yours.'](else:)['If you let me go, then it's all yours.'] Your chaperone's eyes track the gleaming arc of the ring. There's a moment of awkward silence. (click:"moment")['Oh, very well,' the chaperone says, (if:$encased is 'yes')[and stoops to help free you from the encroaching stone, with a horrible crunching sound.](else:)[and reaches out a hand.] 'But if anyone asks, this never happened. Do remember to tell the ambassador how pleased you are with my chaperoning, if you ever make it back alive. Off you go, then.' (click:"Off you go, then.")[Surprised, you hand over the ring, and hurry away [[down the corridor.|greatcavern]]]](set:$ring to 'no')

'Are we //quite// finished?' you say. Your voice is somewhat shaky, but the swish of your sword blade as you turn from hunter to hunter is an encouraging sound. 'Ooh,' says the ivy-garlanded fairy, with obvious, delighted sarcasm. 'Nice sword.' 'You'll get to know it even better if you don't let me go.' 'Threats!' he says. 'How unpleasant. Well, you are a terrible spoilsport, but I suppose we've had enough fun for the time being.' (click:"enough fun")[ The owl-eyed fairy doesn't share his amusement, but now that you're no longer rabbit-shaped, she seems—thankfully—to have lost interest. 'Stop dawdling,' she says irritably. 'I'm starving.' The ivy-garlanded fairy whistles to the dogs, who boil up into an excited frenzy. Then, with one final horn-blast, the hunt streams away, leaving you alone in the passage. Cursing the time lost, you turn and [[hurry down the corridor.|greatcavern]]]

The Queen is dressed in layer upon layer of robes, brown and bruise-purple. On her head sits a heavy-looking crown of four twisted antlers, one pair bone-dull, the other velvet-red and dripping. 'Well?' she says again. A quiver runs through her retinue at the sound. 'What are you? And, while you're at it, what do you want?' ❧ [[‘I'm... a tourist. I'm here to behold the splendour of Fairy.'|rafttour]] ❧ [[‘I'm a $playerhighwayman. I'm here about Aubrey.'|raftaub]]

There's a split second of very ugly silence. Several of the fairies in the Queen's retinue step back, as far away from you as the raft allows, and put their hands over their ears. '//Aubrey.//' There's nothing pleasant in the Queen's snarl now, only choking, vicious rage. 'I should have known from your ridiculous outfit. You and that worthless //traitor// are two of a kind.' (click:"two of a kind.")[She shoves herself up from the throne and reaches towards you. The red velvet shedding from her antler crown sways with the movement. 'Would you rather be turned into a fish or a bird?' she says, almost spitting. 'Or shall I simply //explode// you where you stand? It's been a long time since we had a good shower of viscera.' You're beginning to suspect that you might have misstepped, somewhere. ❧ [[‘Why are you so angry at Aubrey?'|raftwhya]] ❧ [[‘Why are you so angry at me?'|raftwhyme]]]

The Queen lets out a low, rolling laugh. 'A humble tourist? Well, it's true that my realm is full of wonders. Sometimes too wonderful for mortals to survive. The last human that dared to climb onto my raft was much less polite than you are. I turned her into a fish. //What are you really doing here?//' The question comes out in a snarl. ❧ [[‘I'm here to talk about Aubrey.'|raftaub]] ❧ [[‘Nothing! Actually, I was just leaving.'|raftbye]]

'You don't know $their history?' The Queen's snarl is mocking. 'I wonder if you two are truly as close as all the ballads say. Of course, Aubrey was always deceitful.' '$They said there was a falling-out,' you say, cautiously. 'I don't suppose you could see your way to forgiving $them?' 'Execution is no more than your friend deserves. If $theyre witless enough to give up $their True Name and abandon $their powers, then $they can't complain when being powerless gets $them killed.' She snorts. 'Being subdued by human weapons. It's //humiliating//. Death is the best option.' (click: "Death")[ She glares at you. 'And speaking of death, we're getting off track. I was about to [[rend you to a bloody mist|raft3]] for daring to mention Aubrey's name in my presence.']

'I'm not angry with you,' the Queen snarls. You blink. 'Oh. Good. Then—' 'You are nothing to me. Less than nothing. A speck of human flesh, here one second, dissolved into blood and bits of bone the next. You sealed your fate when you threw your lot in with your friend. Since $theyre going to die today, it only seems fair that you should die too. Poetic.'(click:"die today,")[ 'Aubrey doesn't //have// to die. You could help save them.' 'If $theyre witless enough to give up $their True Name and abandon $their powers, then $they can't complain when being powerless gets $them killed,' the Queen growls. 'And if you're witless enough to mention $them in my presence, you can't complain when I [[rend you to a bloody mist.|raft3]]']

Behind the Queen, a fairy dressed in a magnificent cape of blue butterflies gives a polite, gentle cough. The Queen swings towards the interruption, and the butterfly-cloaked fairy holds up an apologetic hand. 'Sorry, your majesty,' she says. 'With respect, I'm afraid we can't explode any humans without giving them a fair chance. Remember how much fuss the Embassy made about it last time. And the time before that. And the time before—' '//I remember.//' The Queen shakes her head in irritation. The antlers creak and clack together. 'Have it your way. We'll give this fine $playergentleman a chance. A riddle—what's more fair than that!' ❧ [[‘A riddle?'|raftriddle]]

You look around. The raft has floated out into the middle of the dark, glassy lake. '...that is, if you'll kindly pole me back to shore?' 'I think not.' All traces of pleasantry have left the Queen's voice now. 'Do not presume to lie to the Fairy Queen undetected. You have secrets. Your outfit and your mannerisms remind me of someone—someone I don't like being reminded of.'(click:"don't like")[ Does she mean Aubrey? You're too afraid to ask. 'You claim to have come here to see wonders,' she says, and stands up from her throne in a swirl of robes. 'I think it's time I showed you some. Would you rather be turned into a fish or a bird? Or shall I simply //explode// you where you stand? It's been a long time since we had a good shower of viscera.' You have the distinct feeling that the situation is [[slipping out of your control.|raft3]]]

'I'll ask you a question,' the Queen says, warming to her theme. 'If you answer wittily, you'll be free to go. If you answer wrong, you'll be turned into a fish. Or exploded.' Behind her shoulder, the butterfly-cloaked fairy gives an 'oh well' sort of grimace. Aubrey's excellent at this sort of thing. Unfortunately, Aubrey isn't here, so you'll just have to hope for the best. 'Very well,' you say, throwing back your shoulders in a noble and defiant gesture. [[‘I accept. Ask away.'|raftriddle2]]

(if: (history:) contains "raftriddle2")['Answer me this: //Why are there no rowboats in Fairy?//'](else:)['Since you're a simple creature, I'll make it a simple question,' the Queen says, nastily. 'No doubt you've noticed that there are no boats on our Great Lake, only rafts. Answer me this: //Why are there no rowboats in Fairy?//' 'Do I get three guesses?' 'You get one guess. And if you get it wrong...' She writhes her fingers, in a gesture that you assume is meant to mimic you exploding.] ❧ [[Check your pockets for inspiration.|riddlepockets]] ❧ [[Guess the answer.|riddleprompt]]

{(set: $riddle to (prompt: "There are no rowboats because...", "")) (set:$riddle to (lowercase:$riddle)) }(if:$riddle contains "arowing" or "browing" or "crowing" or "drowing" or "erowing" or "frowing" or "growing" or "hrowing" or "irowing" or "jrowing" or "krowing" or "lrowing" or "mrowing" or "nrowing" or "orowing" or "prowing" or "qrowing" or "rrowing" or "srowing" or "trowing" or "urowing" or "vrowing" or "wrowing" or "xrowing" or "yrowing" or "zrowing")[You cross your fingers, and say: '//$riddle//'. Even as the words leave your mouth, you know it's hopeless. 'Don't explode $playerthem,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy is saying urgently, as the Queen steps towards you with a look of triumph. 'Don't explode $playerthem, do //not// explode $playerthem. It's me the ambassador will complain to—' Those are the last words you hear. Then the Queen snaps her fingers, and your whole world collapses to [[meaningless, stifling sensation.|fishtime]]](else-if:$riddle contains "rowan" or "rowing" or "rowin")[You cross your fingers, and say: '//$riddle//'. As the words leave your mouth, realisation sinks in. You're onto something with this. 'Fairies... don't like rowan,' you go on, with a dawning sense of triumph. 'You don't like //rowin'//. That's why there are no rowboats, only rafts! No rowing!' The Queen looks thunderstruck. 'A bargain is a bargain,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy says from behind her, gently. 'The Fairy Queen never goes back on her word,' the Queen snaps. 'Very well. Human, you have won our contest. If you cross my path again, I will not be so sporting. Now [[get out of my sight.|poleback]]' ](else-if:$riddle is "")[You open your mouth, and close it again, without saying anything. The Queen groans audibly. 'Get on with it!' ❧ [[Get on with it.|raftriddle2]]](else:)[You cross your fingers, and say: '//$riddle//'. Even as the words leave your mouth, you know it's hopeless. 'Don't explode $playerthem,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy is saying urgently, as the Queen steps towards you with a look of triumph. 'Don't explode $playerthem, do //not// explode $playerthem. It's me the ambassador will complain to—' Those are the last words you hear. Then the Queen snaps her fingers, and your whole world collapses to [[meaningless, stifling sensation.|fishtime]]]

(if:$berries is 'no' and $pearls is 'no' and $brooch is 'no' and $nuts is 'no' and $ring is 'no' and $rowanrhyme is 'no')[You reach into the (wide, stylish) pockets of your (wide, stylish) coat, looking for something that might help you. Unfortunately, your pockets remain stubbornly empty. ❧ [[Try another approach.|raftriddle2]]](else:)[You reach into the (wide, stylish) pockets of your (wide, stylish) coat, looking for something that might help you. //Better choose carefully—you've only got one try at this.// Guess an answer inspired by:(if:$berries is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a handful of rowan berries.|riddlerowan]]](if:$pearls is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a string of pearls.|riddlepearls]]](if:$brooch is 'yes')[ ❧ [[an oak-leaf brooch.|riddlebrooch]]](if:$nuts is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a bag of chestnuts.|riddlenuts]]](if:$ring is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a silver ring.|riddlering]]](if:$rowanrhyme is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a woodcut illustration.|riddlewoodcut]]] ❧ [[Try another approach.|raftriddle2]]]

(if:$mishap is 'raft')[The water of the Great Lake is unpleasantly cold, and you can hear the fairies on the raft behind you laughing as you try to keep your hat from bobbing away. Luckily, it's not far to shore. You drag yourself back up onto the dry floor of the cavern and begin wringing the water out of your cuffs.](if:$mishap is 'fruit')[The Queen's raft has been poled away from the shore, now nothing more than a distant speck in the centre of the lake. You stride down the shore aimlessly, with no real goal beyond putting some distance between you and the froglike fairies.] The revels are still going on. You're beginning to wonder if they ever stop. You feel dizzy. It's difficult to keep track of time down here, and you're not sure [[what to do next.|cavernchat]]

(set:$slowpoints to it+1)(link-replace:"...eat weeds")[(link-replace:"...blow bubbles")[(link-replace:"ESCAPE A BIGGER FISH")[(link-replace:"...eat bugs")[(link-replace:"...investigate something shiny")[(link-replace:"AVOID A FISHHOOK")[(link-replace:"...swim in circles")[Something's wrong. You're suddenly aware of the dark water surrounding you, chilling you to the bone, airless and overwhelming. You splash desperately towards the crawling wrinkle of light above you, and break the surface with a frantic gasp. (click:"break the surface")[It takes you a second to recognise the human hands and feet that are dragging you onto the shore as your own. Then you cough up a large quantity of lake water. By the time you've finished doing that, your fishy memories (such as they were) are slipping out of your grasp. How long did you spend down there? You have no idea how much [[time has passed.|fishtime2]]]]]]]]]]

You feel the rowan berries in your pocket, fresh and vibrant. They remind you of something. An idea begins to stir in the (link-reveal:"back of your mind.")[ 'Fairies... don't like rowan,' you say slowly, with a dawning sense of triumph. 'You don't like //rowin'//. That's why there are no rowboats, only rafts! No rowing!' The Queen looks thunderstruck. 'A bargain is a bargain,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy says from behind her, gently. 'The Fairy Queen never goes back on her word,' the Queen snaps. 'Very well. Human, you have won our contest. If you cross my path again, I will not be so sporting. Now [[get out of my sight.|poleback]]' ]

The necklace of pearls in your pocket is smooth and uninspiring. 'There are no rowboats on the Great Lake because... uh. Because. It's just //pearl//-sonal preference?' Even as the words leave your mouth, you know it's hopeless. 'Don't explode $playerthem,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy is saying urgently, as the Queen steps towards you with a look of triumph. 'Don't explode $playerthem, do //not// explode $playerthem. It's me the ambassador will complain to—' Those are the last words you hear. Then the Queen snaps her fingers, and your whole world collapses to [[meaningless, stifling sensation.|fishtime]]

The oak-leaf brooch in your pocket is smooth and uninspiring. 'There are no rowboats on the Great Lake because... uh. Because boats can't //leaf// the shore?' Even as the words leave your mouth, you know it's hopeless. 'Don't explode $playerthem,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy is saying urgently, as the Queen steps towards you with a look of triumph. 'Don't explode $playerthem, do //not// explode $playerthem. It's me the ambassador will complain to—' Those are the last words you hear. Then the Queen snaps her fingers, and your whole world collapses to [[meaningless, stifling sensation.|fishtime]]

The bag of chestnuts in your pocket is unappetising, and uninspiring. 'There are no rowboats on the Great Lake because... uh. It would be a //nut//-ical disaster?' Even as the words leave your mouth, you know it's hopeless. 'Don't explode $playerthem,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy is saying urgently, as the Queen steps towards you with a look of triumph. 'Don't explode $playerthem, do //not// explode $playerthem. It's me the ambassador will complain to—' Those are the last words you hear. Then the Queen snaps her fingers, and your whole world collapses to [[meaningless, stifling sensation.|fishtime]]

The silver ring in your pocket is perfectly smooth, perfectly round, and perfectly uninspiring. 'There are no rowboats on the Great Lake because... uh. Because boats would run ag-//round//?' Even as the words leave your mouth, you know it's hopeless. 'Don't explode $playerthem,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy is saying urgently, as the Queen steps towards you with a look of triumph. 'Don't explode $playerthem, do //not// explode $playerthem. It's me the ambassador will complain to—' Those are the last words you hear. Then the Queen snaps her fingers, and your whole world collapses to [[meaningless, stifling sensation.|fishtime]]

You feel the corners of the illustrated woodcut in your pocket, and run through the lore rhyme in your mind. You're onto something. An idea is (link-reveal:"beginning to stir.")[ 'Fairies... don't like rowan,' you say slowly, with a dawning sense of triumph. 'You don't like //rowin'//. That's why there are no rowboats, only rafts! No rowing!' The Queen looks thunderstruck. 'A bargain is a bargain,' the butterfly-cloaked fairy says from behind her, gently. 'The Fairy Queen never goes back on her word,' the Queen snaps. 'Very well. Human, you have won our contest. If you cross my path again, I will not be so sporting. Now [[get out of my sight.|poleback]]' ]

Dizziness courses through you again. You squeeze your eyes shut, and when you open them, you're back at your usual level. 'Are you serious?' The owl-eyed fairy looks revolted by her companion's behaviour. 'I was hungry.' 'We'll find you something else to hunt,' the ivy-garlanded fairy reassures her, and reaches out for the pearls. You pass them over with a thankfully human hand, and he snatches them from your grip, quicker than you could say 'Stand and deliver'. 'Run along now,' the ivy-garlanded fairy says gleefully, over the grumbling of the hunt. Surprised and a touch unnerved, you back away, then turn and [[head down the passage|greatcavern]] as quickly as you can.(set:$pearls to 'no')

Dizziness courses through you again. You squeeze your eyes shut, and when you open them, you're back at your usual level. 'Are you serious?' The owl-eyed fairy looks revolted by her companion's behaviour. 'I was hungry.' 'We'll find you something else to hunt,' the ivy-garlanded fairy reassures her, and reaches out for the ring. You pass it over with a thankfully human hand, and he snatches it from your grip, quicker than you could say 'Stand and deliver'. 'Run along now,' the ivy-garlanded fairy says gleefully, over the grumbling of the hunt. Surprised and a touch unnerved, you back away, then turn and [[head down the passage|greatcavern]] as quickly as you can.(set:$ring to 'no')

'Oh, dear,' says a worried voice at your side. 'That's right. Cough it all up. I dare say it'll help. The Queen is very good at fish enchantments, and I'm not very skilled at breaking them, I'm afraid. Here, I've rescued your things.' Sure enough, your coat and hat, sword and pistols are sitting in a tidy pile beside you. You wring some water out of your lacy cuffs, restore yourself to the pinnacle of fashion, and look around for [[whoever was speaking.|cavernchat2]]

Your entrance draws the fairy's attention, and she spins quickly to face you. 'Yes! Come in!' You clear your throat, a little awkwardly. You've stolen from a lot of nobles, but this is the first royal you've ever conversed with.(click:"first royal")[ (Well, apart from Aubrey, you suppose.)] 'You must be the Bright Lady! I was told you could help me.' You hold out the oak-leaf token. (link-reveal:"‘I'm—'")[ 'You're Valentine!' the Bright Lady interrupts you. 'Of course I know who you are. I've heard all the stories about you and my $brother.' She shoots a pained glance at the [[ray of sunlight.|princesschat2]] 'I assume you're here about $their execution.']

The red tinge stabs through all your bravado with sudden panic. It's hard to keep track of time in Fairy. For all you know, you've been wandering through the corridors for (cycling-link: "hours,", "days,", "months,", "years,") and Aubrey's already long dead. 'When— I mean, what time—' 'It's nearing sundown,' the Bright Lady says, 'but we still have a little time. Did the Embassy send you?' (click:"the Embassy")['Not exactly. I'm here on my own.' The Bright Lady frowns quickly, and the lively lines of her expression remind you strongly and painfully of Aubrey. 'I thought the Embassy were working to stop the execution.' 'They don't have the authority,' you say. [[‘The Queen—'|princesschat3]]]

The Bright Lady lets out an infuriated sound. 'My whole family is so //stubborn//. The Queen would pardon my $brother if $they would just //ask//, I'm certain of it. All $theyhave to do is apologise.' 'Aubrey won't apologise. And why should $they?' (click:"why")[You'd much rather Aubrey lived, of course, but you suspect that in $their place you'd feel much the same, and defending $them is instinctive.] '$Theyneed help.' '$Theydont want the Embassy's help, or your family's. $Theydont want to end up trapped under the hill again.' 'This used to be $their home.' The Bright Lady's eyes are shining with frustration. [[‘There's no other option.'|princesschat4]]

'Yes, there is.' Your voice is urgent. 'If Aubrey got $their powers back—' (click:"powers")['No human execution would be //able// to subdue $them,' the Bright Lady completes. 'You'd be in serious trouble, though, both of you. The only reason Fairy's ignored your antics for so long is because Aubrey is, technically, human. A fairy highway robber—fairy royalty, no less—menacing human roads? Forget scandal; you'll start a //war//. If the human government doesn't destroy you, the Fairy government will.' You shrug. [[‘They'd have to catch us first.'|princesschat5]]]

The Bright Lady lets out a startled laugh. 'I mean it,' you say. 'I won't let Aubrey die a prisoner, whether it's a quick death today or a slow death in a Fairy cell. If getting $their powers back is the only other way, then that's what I'm going to do.' (click:"only other way,")[The Bright Lady's eyes are boring holes through you. 'Tell me something,' she says. 'Your life. All that danger and adventure; risks and inconvenience and pain; being constantly on the run. Does it truly make my $brother happy?' ❧ [[‘Yes.'|happyyes]] ❧ [[‘No.'|happyno]] ❧ [[‘I don't know.'|happyidk]]]

You think back to (cycling-link: "the light in Aubrey's eyes when the two of you are plotting your next scheme.", "laughing together after a narrow escape, unstoppable and exhilarated and ridiculous.", "the way Aubrey looks riding through the moonlight, terrifying and brilliant and completely right.", "the small, private smile you'd sometimes surprise on $their face, the one $they claimed was for ‘no reason'.") 'Yes,' you say. 'Not every moment is happy, but the ones that are... they're enough. They're everything. Yes, our life makes $them happy.' (click:"happy.")[The Bright Lady looks, for a moment, pained. Then she smiles. 'Thank you. I'll help you with [[your plan,|princessname]] in any way I'm able.'](set:$reciprocal to it+3)

You think back to (cycling-link: "Aubrey tending one of your wounds, face taut with worry.", "the first time $they had shot someone, and $their look of guilt and shock.", "Aubrey badgering you to take the pearls, racked with an incomprehensible restlessness.", "all the times $they shouted in $their sleep, flying awake with $their hand on $their sword.") 'No,' you admit. 'Our life is difficult, and it doesn't always make $them happy. But it's the life $they chose, and it makes $them alive.' (click:"alive.")[The Bright Lady looks, for a moment, pained. Then she smiles. 'Thank you. I'll help you with [[your plan,|princessname]] in any way I'm able.'](set:$reciprocal to it+1)

You think back to (cycling-link: "the two of you laughing after a narrow escape, unstoppable and exhilarated and ridiculous.", "Aubrey tending one of your wounds, face taut with worry.", "the first time $they had shot someone, and $their look of guilt and shock.", "the small, private smile you'd sometimes surprise on $their face, the one $they claimed was for ‘no reason'.") 'I don't know,' you say. 'Our life is difficult. Sometimes it makes $them happy, other times... I don't know. But I do know that, happy or sad, it's the life $they chose. I know it makes $them free.' (click:"free.")[The Bright Lady looks, for a moment, pained. Then she smiles. 'Thank you. I'll help you with [[your plan,|princessname]] in any way I'm able.'](set:$reciprocal to it+2)

(if:$slowpoints is 3)[(go-to:"timeup")](else:)['In order for Aubrey to get $their powers back, I need to find $their True Name,' you say. 'I was told you could help me.' 'There's the problem,' the Bright Lady says, agitated. 'It could be anything. And our time is almost up.' (if: (history:) contains "princessname")[//You have time to ask the Bright Lady (if:$slowpoints is 2)[one more question.](else-if:$slowpoints is 1)[two more questions.](else:)[three questions.]//](else:)[//You have time to ask the Bright Lady (if:$slowpoints is 2)[one question.](else-if:$slowpoints is 1)[two questions.](else:)[three questions.]//] ❧ [[‘How do True Names work?'|princessq1]] ❧ [[‘What was Aubrey's old True Name?'|princessq2]] ❧ [[‘You mean you don't know $their new True Name?'|princessq3]]]

(unless: (history:) contains "princessq1")[ (set:$slowpoints to it+1)]'Fairy True Names can change. We're named for what we love most—our True Name is the name of the thing closest to our hearts.' (click:"closest to our hearts.")[The Bright Lady smiles slightly at whatever she sees in your expression. 'Fairy loves change very slowly, and it's rare that anything moves us strongly enough to change our True Name. But Aubrey renounced $their old True Name when $they left to become human. $They won't be able to regain $their powers until $theyfind $their new one.' ❧ [[Back.|princessname]]]

(unless: (history:) contains "princessq2")[ (set:$slowpoints to it+1)]'Aubrey's old True Name was //Veins glowing in candlelit oak-leaves//. Oaks were always $their symbol, and $they loved the colours in the light. But $they left that love behind when $they exiled $themself.' 'Then what's $their new True Name? Shouldn't $they know it?' (click:"new True Name?")['Maybe,' the Bright Lady says. 'But things change so quickly in the human world. It takes time to find the one thing you love above all else, and still more time to admit that love to yourself. And until that happens, Aubrey's True Name could be changing every minute.' ❧ [[Back.|princessname]]]

(unless: (history:) contains "princessq3")[ (set:$slowpoints to it+1)]'You must have some idea what it is,' you say frantically. 'Surely you know Aubrey well enough—' (click:"know Aubrey")['I don't.' The pained look is back in the Bright Lady's eyes. 'I knew my $brother, once, better than anyone. But I am beginning to realise that I don't know //Aubrey// at all. Maybe, if $theymake it out of this alive, I'll get the chance to know $them better. I hope so. But for now, you're the person Aubrey's closest to in this world or any other, and that makes you the only option.' (click:"only option.")['How am I supposed to know what it is?' 'Can't you think of anything that my $brother loves?' The Bright Lady smiles quickly, but her voice is serious. 'Trust your instincts.' ❧ [[Back.|princessname]]]]

The Bright Lady glances at the shaft of sunlight. It's nearly horizontal. A deep red glow is beginning to fill the chamber. 'We're out of time.' 'That's it?' Your voice is panicked. 'Figure out what Aubrey loves most, and you'll figure out $their True Name.' The Bright Lady gestures for you to step forwards, and grabs your elbow. A prickling sensation, like pins and needles, begins to flood your arm. 'I can send you to Quickenheath from here. You'll be on time. Are you ready?' Judging by the sunlight, Aubrey's time is nearly up. Ready or not, you've got to go. ❧ [[‘Ready.'|transport]]

The pins-and-needles sensation floods your entire body. Then there's a golden flash, and a noise in your ears like shattering glass. You screw up your eyes, and [[stumble.|quickenheath15]]

You force your way through the teeming mass of bodies. The sentence is being read, but you can't hear it through the rushing in your ears. Your surroundings come to you in (link-reveal:"flashes:")[ (link-replace:"a woman praying")[(link-replace:"children chasing through the tumult")[(link-replace:"a glimpse of rowan, bright in the sunset")[(link-replace:"snatches of ballads and anecdotes of your exploits")[(link-replace:"finally, the crowd shifts—")[(link-replace:"There.")[Aubrey stands on the executioner's platform, surrounded by officials. The man on $their left is reading something to $them, but $their eyes are unfocused, staring up at the sky. Your heart twists. You should be with $them. It looks wrong, Aubrey alone. The two of you are always (link-reveal:"better together.")[ Well, you're here now. And maybe you're getting ready to do something exceedingly foolish, but at least, whatever happens, it'll happen to both of you. ❧ [[Take a deep breath.|quickenheath3]] ]]]]]]]]

(link-reveal:"‘Aubrey!'")[ People turn to look at you as you yell, curious or irritated at this new distraction. You can barely hear yourself over the noise of the crowd; surely it's ridiculous to hope that Aubrey will hear you. You tear the cloth away from your face, and (link-reveal:"shout again.")[ Somehow, inexplicably, $their dark eyes flick towards yours, and you've drawn the attention of the entire crowd now but $theirs are the only eyes in the world. (link-reveal:"Aubrey smiles—")[ $theyre seconds from execution, and $theyre still smiling to see you, and if you weren't sure already, you're nearly certain now that— (click: "nearly certain")[ (link-reveal:"‘I found your True Name!'")[ The smile vanishes from Aubrey's face. The crowd around you is clamouring; guards and soldiers are forcing their way towards you; the executioner stands ready. There's no more time. ❧ [[Say Aubrey's True Name.|truename]] ]]]]]

(set: $truename to (prompt: "Aubrey's True Name is...", ""))(if: $truename is "valentine" or "VALENTINE" or "Valentine" or "kit" or "KIT" or "Kit" or "kit valentine" or "KIT VALENTINE" or "Kit Valentine" or "kitvalentine" or "KITVALENTINE" or "KitValentine" or "my name" or "MY NAME" or "My Name" or "MYNAME" or "MyName" or "myname" or "me" or "Me" or "ME")[(set:$namecorrect to 'yes')'Your True Name is //Valentine//!' (live:3s)[There's a pause, just long enough for you to start panicking. At least if you're wrong you won't have the chance to be embarrassed about it, since both you and Aubrey will almost certainly die.(stop:)] (click:"certainly die.")[Aubrey's still staring at you, holding your gaze from across the crowd. Then, slowly, $theyblink. When $their eyes open again, they're [[solid amber.|showdown!]]]](else-if: $truename is "")[Your voice falters, and dies in your throat. But you've got to try—it's now or never. ❧ [[Say Aubrey's True Name.|truename]]](else:)[(set:$namecorrect to 'no')'Your True Name is //$truename//!' (live:3s)[There's an agonising pause, just long enough for you to start panicking. At least if you're wrong you won't have the chance to be embarrassed about it, since both you and Aubrey will almost certainly die.(stop:)] (click:"certainly die.")[Aubrey's still staring at you, holding your gaze from across the crowd. Then, slowly, $theyblink. When $their eyes open again, they're [[solid amber.|showdown!]]]]

The executioner is the first to notice the change, stumbling backwards with a cry, and falling off the platform into the crowd. That draws everyone's attention back to Aubrey. The guards that were heading towards you turn around, and begin to fight back towards the platform. Aubrey's eyes widen. Almost tentatively, $their bound arms move. Then, in a sudden burst, the rope binding $them begins to change. Trailing honeysuckle climbs and writhes from $their wrists, spreading out into the crowd, (link-replace:"tripping")[(link-replace:"grabbing")[(link-replace:"ensnaring")[tangling soldiers in living tendrils. The crowd is panicking now, crushing backwards. You fight not to be swept aside with it. Aubrey's eyes rake over the chaos, looking for (link-reveal:"something")[ (you?)], but unable to (link-reveal:"find it.")[ Suddenly, your stomach lurches. Behind Aubrey, the uniformed figure of a soldier is (link-replace:"clambering onto the platform,")[(link-replace:"fighting clear of the rioting honeysuckle,")[(link-reveal:"raising a bayonet.")[ ❧ [[Get in the way of the blow.|showdownidiot]] ❧ [[Attack with your sword.|showdownsword]] ❧ [[Take a shot with your pistols.|showdownshoot]] ]]]] ]]]

You force your way through the crowd. You don't have a plan—you're not thinking of anything, apart from getting in between Aubrey and that (link-reveal:"shining blade.")[ You scramble onto the platform just as the soldier's bayonet begins its downward arc. Grabbing Aubrey with one hand, you drag $them aside, and feel the full force of the bayonet (link-reveal:"plunge into you.")[ It ought to hurt. Looking down, you see blood blossoming outwards, staining your coat, and revise your thoughts: it ought to hurt like hell. Instead, you feel nothing but relief: Aubrey's unharmed. Aubrey's eyes widen at the sight of you. Then, regaining $their balance, $theyspin to face your attacker, coat swirling dramatically around $them. (click:"swirling dramatically")[(You fall a little more in love at the sight, if that's even possible.)] Aubrey says something in Fey, and the soldier's bayonet crackles and rusts, collapsing into a fine powder. Then the vines are back with a vengeance, twining around the unarmed soldier, dragging them back into the [[chaos.|out2ep]]]](set:$reciprocal to it+3)

You force your way through the crowd, drawing your sword as you run. (click:"drawing your sword")[You scramble onto the platform just as the soldier's bayonet begins its downward arc. Grabbing Aubrey with one hand, you drag $them aside. Your other hand swings your sword up. It meets the bayonet with a great ringing of steel, turning the stroke. (click:"turning the stroke.")[Aubrey's eyes widen at the sight of you. Then, regaining $their balance, $theyspin to face $their attacker, coat swirling dramatically around $them. (click:"swirling dramatically")[(You fall a little more in love at the sight, if that's even possible.)] Aubrey says something in Fey, and the soldier's bayonet crackles and rusts, collapsing into a fine powder. Then the vines are back with a vengeance, twining around the unarmed soldier, dragging them back into the [[chaos.|out2ep]]]](set:$reciprocal to it+2)

Time seems to slow down as you draw your pistol. Fighting to keep steady against the jolting of the crowd, you take aim, and fire. (click:"fire.")[Just as you pull the trigger, someone jostles your elbow. Your shot goes wide, missing the soldier—and whistling alarmingly close to Aubrey's cheek. Aubrey raises a hand to $their face in shock. But the //crack// of the firing pistol is enough to distract soldier. The bayonet swishes clumsily past Aubrey. $Their eyes widen, and $theyspin to face $their attacker, coat swirling dramatically around $them. (click:"swirling dramatically")[(You fall a little more in love at the sight, if that's even possible.)] Aubrey says something you can't hear over the crowd, and the soldier's bayonet crackles and rusts, collapsing into a fine powder. Then the vines are back with a vengeance, twining around the unarmed soldier, dragging them back into the chaos. (click:"chaos.")[Aubrey spins around again, and this time $their eyes lock onto yours. You feel a now-familiar tingling begin to crawl over you, pricking and stinging, and then the entire scene is overwhelmed in a burst of green light. ❧ [[Shut your eyes.|epilogue]]]](set:$reciprocal to it+1)

(live:3s)[Your first thought, as you regain consciousness, is //ouch//. You feel drained, your nerve endings prickling. Dimly, you register that you're lying down, and that whatever you're lying on, it isn't particularly comfortable.(stop:)](click:"lying down,")[(if:(history:) contains "showdownidiot")[ Your second thought is that you're still alive. And, despite the prickling discomfort, you don't //feel// like somebody who was stabbed with a bayonet.] You open your eyes. Above you, rich green oak leaves pattern the sky, glowing freshly in the morning sunlight. There's no sound, save for the trilling of some distant bird, and the gentle stirring of the wind in the trees. [[‘Good morning.'|epilogue1]]]

Aubrey turns back to you, grabbing your hand. $Their eyes lock onto yours. You feel a now-familiar tingling begin to crawl over you, pricking and stinging, and then the entire scene is overwhelmed in a burst of green light. ❧ [[Shut your eyes.|epilogue]]

(if: (history:) contains 'epilogue1')[Aubrey is sitting next to you, leaning against the tree trunk, $their sword in $their lap. $Theyre smiling. (if:$howareu is 'yes' and $howami is 'yes' and $escape is 'yes' and $truenameask is 'yes')[Ask about... ❧ [[What's next?|epilogue2]]](else:)[Ask about... ❧ [[Aubrey.|howareuask]] ❧ [[yourself.|howamiask]] ❧ [[what happened.|escapeask]] ❧ [[True Name.|truenameask]]]](else:)[Aubrey's voice jolts through you, as memories of yesterday come flooding back. What a day. No wonder you hurt. You shove yourself up onto your elbows, looking wildly around for Aubrey. $Theyre sitting next to you, leaning against the tree trunk, $their sword in $their lap. Blinking, you realise that you're back at the oak tree campsite. 'I'm all right,' Aubrey says, in answer to your unspoken question. 'I'm fine—thanks to you.' There's a smile in $their voice. You take a second to swallow away the tears of relief that threaten to spring to your eyes at the sound. Ask about... ❧ [[Aubrey.|howareuask]] ❧ [[yourself.|howamiask]] ❧ [[what happened.|escapeask]] ❧ [[True Name.|truenameask]]]

(link-reveal:"‘So, what now?'")[ 'Well, first things first, perhaps we should put some distance between us and the scene of my missed execution. These woods are full of soldiers, and I've had quite enough of imprisonment for one week.' This is why you keep Aubrey around: brilliant ideas like that. 'I meant, what about the future? Are you sure you want to keep doing this? You nearly died. And it's only going to get worse. Both the human and fairy governments will be after you now.'](click:"after you")[ 'After //us//,' Aubrey corrects. 'I already owe you my life multiple times over, and I imagine that from now on that count will only increase. But peril or no peril, I wouldn't give up [[our adventures together.|epilogue3]] Not for anything in the world.']

(set:$howareu to 'yes')(if: (history:) contains "showdownshoot")['I shot you!' You sit bolt upright, wincing at the motion. Aubrey laughs, and you glare at $them, leaning forwards to scrutinise $their appearance. 'It's not a laughing matter! Are you alright?' 'I'm fine,' Aubrey says, and stands up, twirling around and giving you a bow. 'You barely grazed me, and now that I've got my powers back, it was easy enough to fix.' (click:"giving you a bow.")[To your surprise, $theylook well—as well as you've ever seen $them. $Their eyes are still amber, and they seem to glow as $theylook at you. $Their face is washed of the grime of Newgate, and there's no trace of the sabre wound to $their shoulder. There is a faint whisper of a scar on $their cheek, where your stray bullet grazed $them, but it looks as though it's been healed for years. 'Will I do? Am I well enough to satisfy you?' Aubrey's tone is light-hearted, but there's a faint uncertainty behind the words. 'You'll do very well,' you say, studying the amber hues of $their eyes, willing $them to pick up on your unspoken answer. //I don't mind that you're a fairy.// ❧ [[Back.|epilogue1]]]](else:)['How are you?' you ask, wincing as you sit up further. 'I'm fine,' Aubrey says. You narrow your eyes, unconvinced, and lean forward to scrutinise $their appearance. Aubrey laughs, and stands up, twirling around and (link-reveal:"giving you a bow.")[ To your surprise, $theylook well—as well as you've ever seen $them. $Their eyes are still amber, and they seem to glow as $theylook at you. $Their face is washed of the grime of Newgate, and there's no trace of the sabre wound to $their shoulder. 'Will I do? Am I well enough to satisfy you?' Aubrey's tone is light-hearted, but there's a faint uncertainty behind the words. 'You'll do very well,' you say, studying the amber hues of $their eyes, willing $them to pick up on your unspoken answer. //I don't mind that you're a fairy.// 'Although I maintain the sabre scar would have been dashing.' 'It would not.' ❧ [[Back.|epilogue1]] ]]

(set:$howami to 'yes')(if: (history:) contains "showdownidiot")[You shuffle over to lean against the tree beside Aubrey, wincing with every movement. 'Shouldn't I be dead?' Aubrey gives you a hard look. 'You should, yes. If I didn't have my powers back, you would be. That's normally what happens to fools who fling themselves directly under a bayonet. Do //not// do that to me again.' (link-reveal:"‘Sorry.'")[ You'd do it again in a heartbeat, but you can't deny that Aubrey's right to call you a fool. 'Not to sound ungrateful, but since you've apparently got fairy healing powers now, why do I feel as though I've been sleeping on a bed of hedgehogs?' Aubrey grimaces, half-sympathetic and half-accusatory. 'It took almost all my powers to get us here and stop //someone// from bleeding to death. I didn't have energy to spare on making it a comfortable trip. The effect should wear off soon. I hope.' You shake your tingling arms. 'Well, I suppose it's [[better than execution.|howamiask2]]']](else:)[You shuffle over to lean against the tree beside Aubrey, wincing with every movement. 'Since you've apparently got fairy healing powers now, why do I feel as though I've been sleeping on a bed of hedgehogs?' Aubrey grimaces in sympathy. 'My fault, I'm afraid. I haven't used my powers in a long time. I was able to get us both here, luckily, but making it a comfortable trip escaped my abilities. I didn't want to risk healing you, in case I accidentally made it worse. The effect should wear off soon. I hope.' You shake your tingling arms. 'Well, I suppose it's [[better than execution.|howamiask2]]']

(set:$escape to 'yes')'What happened at Quickenheath? How did we get here?' 'This was the first place I could think of to transport us. I was never very good at that sort of magic—my sister's better.' 'No kidding,' you mutter under your breath. 'This was the farthest I could get us. You passed out, and slept all through the night. It's morning now. As for what's going on at Quickenheath, I have no idea. The honeysuckle vines I made should hold for a day or two before vanishing, but I imagine news of what happened will get out a lot faster than that.' You hum thoughtfully. 'Well, at least it'll make for a good ballad.' ❧ [[Back.|epilogue1]]

(set:$truenameask to 'yes')You pause for a moment, listening to the hush of the woodland and the irritating knocking of your heartbeat against your ribs. 'So,' you say, eventually. 'Your True Name. Did I get it right?' (click:"Did I get it right?")[ (if:$namecorrect is 'yes')[The smile vanishes from Aubrey's face, and $theylook at you seriously for a long moment. 'Yes. You were right. My True Name is, apparently, Valentine.' 'Right,' you say. 'Splendid. Wonderful. Do you—' This is agony, far worse than the residual tingling of the magic. 'Do you know why?' 'Your True Name,' Aubrey says, still looking at you seriously, 'is the name of the thing you love above all else.' [[‘So—'|yes2]]](else:)[Aubrey hesitates for a second, with a queer little smile. 'No,' $theysay. 'Not exactly.' 'What?' You gesture, bewildered, at $their fairy-like aspect. 'But it worked, didn't it?' 'You guessed that my True Name was $truename,' Aubrey says. 'Good guess, by the way. But the truth is, deep down, I'd already begun to suspect what my True Name was. Suspect, but not //know//—right up until you showed up to rescue me. Then I saw you in the crowd, and I heard your voice, and I realised: [[I knew.|nope2]]']]

'I wouldn't know,' Aubrey says. 'I didn't get the chance to try being executed. An extremely dashing $playerhighwayman showed up at the last minute and heroically rescued me.' You can //feel// yourself blushing, even as you laugh. 'Inconsiderate of $playerthem.' 'Sincerely, Kit—thank you.' 'It'll take at least two pearl necklaces to pay this one off,' you warn. Aubrey raises an eyebrow. 'It would take all the wealth of the human world and Fairy combined, and even then that might not encompass my gratitude. I don't intend to try. I've resigned myself to being in your debt forever.' ❧ [[Back.|epilogue1]]

(if:$reciprocal < 10)['Yes, Kit.' Aubrey's face is still serious. 'I love you. And you apparently knew that full well, since you shouted it out to an entire crowd. I realise you might not feel the same, and if you'd prefer me not to mention my feelings any further—' You'd assumed that your feelings would be obvious to someone as smart as Aubrey. You stare at $them, lost for words, delighted and dumbfounded (link-reveal:"in equal measure.")[ '—but I hope you know how much you mean to me.' Aubrey stops talking, and takes in your pointed stare. $They must find something in your expression, because the seriousness begins to melt away, and $theybreak into a sudden wide smile, radiant as the dawn. 'Wait. Do you—' 'Yes,' you say, suppressing //you idiot// with an effort. 'Yes, I feel the same.' Then you stand up and sweep your hat off with an ardent flourish, since if you're going to do it, you may as well do it (link-replace:"right.")[dramatically.] ❧ [[Back.|epilogue1]]]](else:)['Yes, Kit.' Aubrey must have found whatever $theywere looking for in the expressions currently cartwheeling across your face, because the seriousness melts away, and $theybreak into a sudden wide smile, radiant as the dawn. 'I love you. And you apparently knew that full well, since you shouted it out to an entire crowd.' Guessing and knowing are two very different emotions. Unfortunately, you're too busy smiling to point that out. 'While we're proclaiming things,' you say, 'you should know that I feel the same.' You stand up, and sweep your hat off with an ardent flourish, since if you're going to do it, you may as well do it (link-replace:"right.")[dramatically.] ❧ [[Back.|epilogue1]]]

(if:$reciprocal <10)[(set:$dontknow to 'yes')'So what is it, then? If I didn't guess it correctly?' Aubrey is watching you with an odd, serious smile. 'I'll tell you later.' 'What?!' You almost laugh, incredulous and irritated in equal measure. 'Why not now? Don't you trust me?' 'Of course I trust you. It's just—well, you'll understand when I tell you.' Aubrey reaches out to grip your hand. 'Which I will, I promise. Someday.' (click:"Someday.")['I should have left you to be executed,' you grumble. But Aubrey laughs at the annoyance in your voice, the sound open and happy and alive, and you find yourself unable to be annoyed any longer. You're together. And as long as you're together, nothing else in the world matters. ❧ [[Back.|epilogue1]] ]](else:)[The smile is gone from Aubrey's face, now, and $theyre looking at you with a serious, open expression. 'Your True Name is the name of the thing you love. Truly love, above all else.' 'I know that,' you point out. 'As it turns out,' Aubrey says, lowly, 'my True Name is Valentine.' You blink for a moment. It is, for some reason, difficult to breathe. [[‘So—'|nope25]]]

'Yes, Kit.' Aubrey must have found whatever $theywere looking for in the expressions currently cartwheeling across your face, because the seriousness melts away, and $theybreak into a sudden wide smile. 'I love you.' Aubrey's smile is all-encompassing. You drink it in for a while, catching your breath. When you remember how to speak, the first thing you manage is, 'I can't believe I went all the way to Fairy to look for your True Name, and it turns out I had it the whole time.' Aubrey laughs, and you remember what you meant to say. 'While we're proclaiming things,' you announce, 'you should know that I feel the same.' Then you stand up, and sweep your hat off with an ardent flourish, since if you're going to do it, you may as well do it (link-replace:"right.")[dramatically.] ❧ [[Back.|epilogue1]]

'England's first fairy-human highway robbery duo.' You put your hat back on, adjusting the feather so that it dances with merriment and relief. (if:$dontknow is 'yes')['So, does this mean we have to change our name in the tales now? Are we //Valentine and//... whatever your True Name is?' (click:"our name")[Aubrey laughs again. 'You won't trick me into telling you that easily. Besides, True Names are powerful. The less people know mine, the better. Aubrey's the everyday name I chose, and I don't see any reason to change it now. //Aubrey and Valentine// work perfectly well together.']](else:)['So, does this mean we have to change our name in the tales now? Are we //Valentine and Valentine//?' (click:"our name")['Fairy True Names are powerful,' Aubrey reminds you. 'The less people know mine, the better. Aubrey's the everyday name I chose, and I don't see any reason to change it now. //Aubrey and Valentine// work perfectly well together.']](click:"perfectly well")[ You take Aubrey's hand, and pull $them to $their feet. 'Yes,' you say, with a grin. [[‘I think they do.'|the end]]]

(text-style: "expand")[**THE END**] Thus Concludes the Latest Escapade of the Infamous **Aubrey & Valentine** (align:"<==")[❧ [[End credits|credits]] ❧ Back to the beginning!(click:"Back to the beginning!")[(reload:)]]

thanks for playing! this is a summary page, so i can get an idea of how your playthrough went. **please screenshot or copy-paste the following information and send it to mo, along with any typos, bugs, formatting errors, or other feedback!** **ending:** recip: $reciprocal namecorrect: $namecorrect dontknow: $dontknow truename: $truename **settings:** playerpronoun: $playerthey playergender: $playerhighwayman aubpronoun: $they nomirror: (if:$nomirror)[true](else:)[false] **puzzle tries:** pwordtries: $pwordtries plesstries: $plesstries totaltries: $totaltries warden hints: {(if: (history:) contains "pwordsurrender")[surrender] (else-if: (history:) contains "pwordhint3")[3] (else-if: (history:) contains "pwordhint2")[2] (else-if: (history:) contains "pwordhint")[1] (else:)[none]} plesshint: {(if: (history:) contains "plesshint")[y] (else:)[n]} mazetries: $mazetries maze hints: {(if: (history:) contains "mazesurrender")[surrender] (else-if: (history:) contains "mazehint3")[3] (else-if: (history:) contains "mazehint2")[2] (else-if: (history:) contains "mazehint")[1] (else:)[none]} **inv choices:** pickpocket: {(if: (history:) contains "pocketnuts")[nuts] (if: (history:) contains "pocketswag")[ring] (if: (history:) contains "pocketfey")[rhyme] } rowan: (if: (history:) contains "berriesacq")[y](else:)[n] pearls: (if: (history:) contains "pearlsacq")[y](else:)[n] **choices:** amb: $amb chap: $chap {(if: (history:) contains "chap95")[slow] (if: (history:) contains "chappearls")[pearls] (if: (history:) contains "chaprowan")[rowan] (if: (history:) contains "chapring")[ring]} hunt: $hunt {(if: (history:) contains "hunt75")[slow] (else-if: (history:) contains "chap8")[8] (if: (history:) contains "huntpearls")[pearls] (if: (history:) contains "huntrowan")[rowan] (if: (history:) contains "huntring")[ring]} mishap: $mishap raft: (if: (history:) contains "riddlerowan")[rowan](else-if: (history:) contains "riddlewoodcut")[woodcut](else-if: (history:) contains "riddlepearls")[pearls](else-if: (history:) contains "riddlenuts")[nuts](else-if: (history:) contains "riddlering")[ring](else-if: (history:) contains "riddlebrooch")[brooch](else:)[riddle: $riddle] (if: (history:) contains "fishtime")[slow] fruit: look but dont taste:(if: (history:) contains "fruits2" and $mishap is "raft")[y] fruityears: $fruityears eating: $eating (if: (history:) contains "fruitrescue")[slow](else-if: (history:) contains "fruitpearls")[pearls](else-if: (history:) contains "fruitnuts")[nuts] brightlady: (if: (history:) contains "princessq1")[1](if: (history:) contains "princessq2")[2](if: (history:) contains "princessq3")[3] **recip choices:** cell greeting: {(if: (history:) contains "gay1")[good] (if: (history:) contains "gay2")[terrible] (if: (history:) contains "gay3")[sorry] } bonusqs: {(if: (history:) contains "aubreypockets")[pockets] (if: (history:) contains "gaybravado")[bravado] (if: (history:) contains "gayconcern")[concern] (if: (history:) contains "gaystare")[stare] } happy:{(if: (history:) contains "happyyes")[y] (if: (history:) contains "happyno")[n] (if: (history:) contains "happyidk")[idk]} showdown: {(if: (history:) contains "showdownidiot")[idiot] (if: (history:) contains "showdownsword")[sword] (if: (history:) contains "showdownshoot")[shoot]}

(if: (history:) contains 'fruits2')[The froglike fairies wink with pleasure as you head back over to them. 'Figs and damsons, grapes and melons,' says the first. 'Bright sour cherries, apples, quinces, fit to feed the friends of princes.' 'Summer mead and sparkling wine and water that's as clear and fine as diamonds laughing in the mine,' the second says in a lilting rasp, and lifts the silver tray high towards you. 'What will you have?' ❧ (link-reveal-goto: "‘Fruit.'", "fruits3")[(set:$eating to 'fruit')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto: "‘Drink.'", "fruits3")[(set:$eating to 'drink')] ❧ [[‘Nothing, thank you.'|fruitsback2]] ](else:)[(if:$amb is 'bellig')['Well, I was just turned into a rabbit and hunted,' you admit, relaxing somewhat.](else:)['Well, I was nearly turned into a stalagmite,' you admit, relaxing somewhat. 'Which would at least have spared me being bored to death.'] The froglike fairies swell in lively distress. 'A most uncivil thing to do,' the first says. 'And no doubt they didn't offer you so much as a sip of a drink.' You can't remember the last time you had anything to eat or drink, now that you think of it. Your head aches. The condensation glistens on the rich skins of the fruits. (click:"glistens")['Summer mead and sparkling wine and water that's as clear and fine as diamonds laughing in the mine,' the second says in a lilting rasp, and lifts the silver tray high towards you. 'What will you have?' ❧ (link-reveal-goto: "‘Fruit.'", "fruits3")[(set:$eating to 'fruit')] ❧ (link-reveal-goto: "‘Drink.'", "fruits3")[(set:$eating to 'drink')] ❧ [[‘Nothing, thank you.'|fruitsback]] ]]

(set: $mishap to "fruit")(set:$fruityears to it+1)(if:$eating is "fruit")[You sink your teeth into a plum. It's shockingly cool and sweet, larger and richer than any fruit you've had in your life. The skin is tart, and the flesh is red and running with a light golden nectar. You've devoured it to the pit before you even get the chance to savour it. Your mouth feels uncomfortably empty, your throat dry and hollow. The froglike fairies [[hold out the tray.|fruits4]] ](else:)[You pick up a silver goblet. The liquid inside is clearer than water, dancing with the scent of rich honey and tart, blossoming oranges. It's shockingly cool, and for a brief blissful second all your thirst is quenched. You've drained the goblet before you even get the chance to savour it. Your mouth feels uncomfortably empty, your throat dry and hollow. The froglike fairies [[hold out the tray.|fruits4]] ]

'Nothing,' you say with an effort. 'Good folk, I have no coin; to take were to purloin: I have no copper in my purse, I have no silver either.' The honey scent of the ice-cold liquid is clearly affecting your speech. 'Ahem. I mean, I don't have money for your wares—or time, either.' (click:"or time, either.")['One fruit for free, then!' the second froglike fairy says. 'A gift to set you on your way.' 'To red your lips and make your stay a pleasant one. No need to pay.' ❧ (link-reveal-goto: "‘Alright. Just one.'", "fruits3")[(set:$eating to 'fruit')] ❧ [[‘No thank you.'|fruitsback2]]]

You turn away, not without a sigh of regret for the piles of glorious fruit. 'You know where we are,' the froglike fairies say, winking goodbye. 'Fruit and drink is quick to find. Come back if you change your mind.' ❧ [[Back.|cavern2]]

The froglike fairies wink at you with bulging amber eyes as you approach. 'Figs and damsons,' says the first. 'Rich and crimson!' 'Grapes and melons,' adds the second, with another wink of its gleaming eye. 'Bright sour cherries, apples, quinces, fit to feed the friends of princes.(if:$aprince is "a princess")[ Or princesses, come to that.](if:$aprince is "royalty")[ Or any royal, come to that.]' (link-reveal:"‘You're human, aren't you?'")[ Both of the froglike fairies notice your instinctive wariness at the question, and exchange a knowing shake of the head. The first puffs his throat at you (link-reveal:"sympathetically.")[ 'Never fret. I take it we can safely bet that on your travels here you met—' '—some absolute bastards,' the second concludes with a throaty croak, startling a [[laugh|fruits2]] out of you.]]

(if: (history:) contains "fruitpockets")[//(link-repeat:"Figs")[(set: $fruityears to it+1) (rerun:?fruitpay)] and (link-repeat:"damsons,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"melons,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"berries,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] Bursting (link-repeat:"grapes")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] and bright sour (link-repeat:"cherries,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"Oranges,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"pineapples,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"quinces,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"Pears")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] and (link-repeat:"passions")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] fit for princes, (link-repeat:"Silver cordial,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"golden mead,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"Honeycombs")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] that drip and bleed, (link-repeat:"Laughing water,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"sparkling wine,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] As clear as diamonds of the mine...// |fruitpay>[The froglike fairies laugh fondly as you reach for another fruit. 'Take as much as you like,' they say. 'As long as you pay what you owe in the end. No matter that you don't have coin. $fruityears years of your life will suit us just as well.' ❧ [[Check your pockets.|fruitpockets]] ❧ [[Agree to pay with $fruityears years.|fruitrescue]] ]](else:)[//(link-repeat:"Figs")[(set: $fruityears to it+1) (rerun:?fruitpay)] and (link-repeat:"damsons,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"melons,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"berries,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] Bursting (link-repeat:"grapes")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] and bright sour (link-repeat:"cherries,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"Oranges,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"pineapples,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"quinces,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"Pears")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] and (link-repeat:"passions")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] fit for princes, (link-repeat:"Silver cordial,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"golden mead,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"Honeycombs")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] that drip and bleed, (link-repeat:"Laughing water,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] (link-repeat:"sparkling wine,")[(set: $fruityears to it+1)(rerun:?fruitpay)] As clear as diamonds of the mine...// |fruitpay>[(if:$fruityears is 5 or 6)[How much have you consumed?] (else-if:$fruityears is 7 or 8)[Juice stains your teeth, your chin. Each mouthful is more dazzling than the last.] (else-if:$fruityears is 9)[Wasn't there something you were supposed to be doing?](else-if:$fruityears >= 10)[The froglike fairies laugh fondly as you reach for another fruit. 'Take as much as you like,' they say. 'As long as you pay what you owe in the end. No matter that you don't have coin. $fruityears years of your life will suit us just as well.' ❧ [[Check your pockets.|fruitpockets]] ❧ [[Agree to pay with $fruityears years.|fruitrescue]]]] ]

(if:$berries is 'no' and $pearls is 'no' and $brooch is 'no' and $nuts is 'no' and $ring is 'no' and $rowanrhyme is 'no')[You reach into the (wide, ridiculous) pockets of the (wide, ridiculous) coat. You can't remember whose coat it is, but maybe there's something in the pockets you can use to pay the froglike fairies. Unfortunately, the pockets remain stubbornly empty. ❧ [[Try another approach.|fruits4]]](else:)[You reach into the (wide, ridiculous) pockets of the (wide, ridiculous) coat. You can't remember whose coat it is, but maybe there's something in the pockets you can use to pay the froglike fairies. Try to pay for fruit and drink using:(if:$berries is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a handful of rowan berries.|fruitrowan]]](if:$pearls is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a string of pearls.|fruitpearls]]](if:$brooch is 'yes')[ ❧ [[an oak-leaf brooch.|fruitbrooch]]](if:$nuts is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a bag of chestnuts.|fruitnuts]]](if:$ring is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a silver ring.|fruitring]]](if:$rowanrhyme is 'yes')[ ❧ [[a woodcut illustration.|fruitwoodcut]]] ❧ [[Back.|fruits4]]]

Something sharp-scented and uninviting rolls around in your fingers. Rowan berries? What sort of reckless fool would carry rowan berries around in Fairy? Does the owner of this coat have any sense at all? You can't use these to pay the froglike fairies. More importantly, you can't eat them. Unlike the abundance of fruits on the silver tray. ❧ [[Back.|fruitpockets]]

Deep in the pocket, your fingers touch something smooth and supple. You pull out a strand of pearls, luminous in the cavernlight. You can't remember who they belonged to, but you have a vague sense it was probably some Marquess or other. The froglike fairies will love these. You go to hold them out. Instead, as your hand closes around them, you stop dead. (link-reveal:"You remember—")[ —you remember these pearls in particular, because (link-replace:"someone")[(link-replace:"who?")[Aubrey]] had tried very insistently to give them to you, and had pouted when you declined. (click:"Aubrey")[You remember Aubrey's expression in the light of your campfire, the sound of $their voice, the crease in $their brow, as $they tried to pay you back for [[saving $them.|fruitpearls2]] ]]

Something carved and oddly-shaped nestles into your fingers. You pull it out and offer it to the froglike fairies. It doesn't seem valuable, but they might like it. They pull away, flickering their throats in a croak of displeasure. 'That explains your sojourn here,' the first says, accusatory. You frown at the carved oak leaf. Does it? 'Oak is hard and oak is dry,' the second says, hurriedly consoling. 'Bitter leaves to make you cry, no matter how you try to swallow.' 'Have a pineapple instead,' advises the first. ❧ [[Back.|fruitpockets]]

Your fingers touch something deeply unpleasant—cold, stale, in a sadly torn paper bag. You peel apart the bag to reveal some elderly chestnuts. You start to put them back into the pocket, in the hopes that if you can't see them they can't hurt you. But something stops you. For a second, you catch the smell of them, and then you're (link-reveal:"remembering—")[ —the bustle of the street, the clatter of the piping hot cart, the fresh appetising steam. The thought of what (link-replace:"someone")[(link-replace:"who?")[(link-goto:"Aubrey", "fruitnuts2")]] would say, if $they saw you stealing chestnuts like a common criminal.]

You pull out a silver ring with a heart-shaped setting. This looks valuable. The froglike fairies' eyes widen hungrily. 'Silver won't pay your debt in full,' says the first. 'But we can reduce it by... shall we say five years?' 'Five seems fair,' the second agrees. 'Five for silver, six for gold...' It reaches out a long, sticky tongue, and plucks the ring from your grasp.(set:$ring to 'no') (set:$fruityears to it-5) ❧ [[Back.|fruits4]]

On the scrap of paper, an unfamiliar fairy is recoiling in alarm from a scatter of rowan berries. What sort of fool would carry something like this around Fairy with $playerthem? It's as though the owner of this coat doesn't have any brain at all. You can't use this to pay the froglike fairies. They'd almost certainly view it as a threat. They might leave, and take the silver tray with them, and then what would you do? ❧ [[Back.|fruitpockets]]

(set:$slowpoints to it+1)'Alright,' you say. 'I'll pay in years. That seems reasonable.' The froglike fairies wink at you in delight. 'I'm thrilled to hear that's how you feel! Another drink to seal the deal?' They hand you a brimming goblet. You raise it to the froglike fairies in a toast, and (link-replace:"bring it to your mouth.")[bring it to your mouth—when suddenly there's a croak of alarm. The silver platter flies out of the froglike fairies' hands, and reverberates across the cavern floor with a noise like a gong. Fruit scatters across the stone. You drop your own goblet in shock, and honeyed liquid merges with the glassy waters of the lake in an [[unappetising trickle.|fruitrescue2]]]

Saving Aubrey. That's what you're doing here. You take a deep breath, and eat a chestnut from the bag, almost absent-mindedly. It's cold, and disappointing, and the (link-reveal:"truest thing you've ever tasted.")[ In front of you, the froglike fairies look displeased. The silver platter is still laden with fruit and drink, but it looks lacklustre, and you find to your surprise that you're not hungry. 'Here,' you say, and thrust the remaining nuts at them. 'Take this. It's all the payment you're going to get.' Then you turn on your heel, and [[walk away.|cavern3]] ](set:$nuts to 'no')

Saving Aubrey. That's what you're doing here. You take a deep breath, and stow the pearls carefully back into the deepest recesses of your pocket. Aubrey had wanted you to have them. There's no way you're giving them up for anything as cheap as a snack. In front of you, the froglike fairies look displeased. The silver platter is still laden with fruit and drink, but it looks lacklustre, and you find to your surprise that you're not hungry. 'Figs and melons?' the first says, tentatively. 'I've lost my appetite,' you say, as scathingly as you can. Then you turn on your heel, and [[walk away.|cavern3]]

You watch as the froglike fairies curse and begin to scrabble around, heaping gritty pears and trampled oranges back onto the tray. To your surprise, you realise that you're not hungry. More than that, you're furious. You're here to save Aubrey. How much time have you wasted? 'There,' says a small voice at your side, decisively. 'And good riddance.' Then there's a tug at your elbow, and you feel yourself being dragged away from the froglike fairies, [[through the crowded cavern.|cavernchat2]]

Your senses come back in a rush of dizziness. The air is cool, and an evening breeze nudges at your hat. Around you, the clamour of an excited crowd is swelling like the tide. You don't need to open your eyes to know where you are: (link-reveal:"Quickenheath.")[ The sun is just beginning to slip over the horizon. You're standing at the back of the crowd—you've got to get closer, to reach Aubrey [[before it's too late.|quickenheath2]] ]

One section of the game uses mirrored text effects |eg>[(css: "background-color:black; color:white;")[ (if:$nomirror)[(text-style:"smear")[ like this ]](else:)[(text-style:"smear")[(text-style:"mirror")[l](text-style:"mirror")[i]k(text-style:"mirror")[e] (text-style:"mirror")[t]hi(text-style:"mirror")[s]] ]]]. If you'd prefer to turn these off for readability, you can do that here: |effectstoggle>[(if:$nomirror)[(link-repeat:"Turn text effects back on")[(set:$nomirror to false)(rerun:?effectstoggle) (rerun:?eg)]](if:$nomirror is false)[(link-repeat:"Turn text effects off")[(set:$nomirror to true) (rerun:?effectstoggle) (rerun:?eg)]] ] Any prompts that ask you to enter a password should accept correct answers regardless of capitalisation or spacing. (link-replace:"Show content warnings")[Contains some mild description of injury, imprisonment, estrangement from birth family, and loss of identity/memory.] ❧ [[Back|title]]

The raft is still in the middle of the lake, and nobody on board seems inclined to pole it back to shore for you. You sweep your hat off and bow deeply to the Queen. 'You know, technically, I'm not sure that was a riddle,' you say. 'More of a pun.' Then you jump into the lake, and start swimming as fast as you can [[back to shore.|cavern3]]

'Right,' you say, as sternly as you can manage in the circumstances. 'I think you had better let me go about my business now.' 'But—my duties—' 'It would be a shame if you were removed from your duties,' you agree. 'Either I leave now, or I tell the ambassador that you nearly allowed me to get... //stalagmited//, and you face the consequences.' Your chaperone visibly wilts. 'Oh, very well. On your own head be it.' Cursing the time lost, you turn on your heel and [[hurry away down the corridor.|greatcavern]]

Released as part of the 2024 Spring Thing/Autumnal Jumble Festival. Written and coded by Mo Farr. Playtested by Beckett, Vin, Haz, Nicholas, Riley, Scooter and Cooper. Made in Twine. A note on accuracy: This is a very loosely historical-flavoured fantasy, and none of the historical elements make any pretense at accuracy whatsoever. (All of the fairy elements are 100% accurate, though.) Please get in touch with any bugs, errors or feedback. Thanks for playing! ❧ [[Back|the end]]

(set: $kitten to "yes")The kitten reaches your ankles, and begins to twine around them determinedly. 'Oh. Hello there.' You aren't really sure how to proceed. You look at the warden for guidance. 'Is it... yours?' 'Never seen it before in my life,' the warden says. 'Must be a stray.' The kitten meows again. Then you feel a flurry of tiny pinpricks, and a warm tickle of fur, as it scrambles its way up to your shoulder, lodging itself in the tall collar of your coat without so much as (link-reveal:"a by-your-leave.")[ You prod at it, gently. It sniffs your fingers with a tiny nose, and curls up even closer, purring. 'Looks like you've got a new friend,' the warden says, implacably. 'Now, where were we?' ❧ [[Try another password.|password]] ❧ [[Try another approach.|newgate]] ]

{(set:$bonusqs to it+1) (set:$reciprocal to it+3) (set:$kitten to 'no')}You unwind the orange kitten from around your neck, and extricate it with some delicacy, wincing as its claws snag in the lace at your collar. 'Will you look after this for me?' Aubrey looks absolutely delighted as you hand the kitten over. The kitten looks disgruntled for a second, but then Aubrey scratches its chin, and the resulting purr is loud enough that it echoes off of the stone cell walls. 'Where did you find it? Have you named it yet?' 'As far as I can tell, we've got two name options,' you say. '//Your Money// or //Your Life//.' Aubrey lets out a whoop of laughter. 'Why not both? 'Money' for short.' Money curls up against Aubrey's knee, apparently utterly content. ❧ [[Back.|aubreyqs]]

Released as part of the 2024 Spring Thing/Autumnal Jumble Festival. Written and coded by Mo Farr. Playtested by Beckett, Vin, Haz, Nicholas, Riley, Scooter and Cooper. Thank you all! Made in Twine. ❧ [[Back|title]]