paladin02

Kess glances up just long enough to register your presence,\nand then his warm brown eyes look down at a ledger instead.\n\nStill, there's a subtle smile about his lips,\nas he pretends not to see you [[enter the Archives.|archives]]

It's something to consider, at least.\n\n\n[[Consider the other possibilities.|The Future]]

You collect your book from the teacher and \nhead to the small room where you study. \n\nYou're basically allowed to read anything \nwith at least some educational value, \nso you've chosen:\n\n\n[[A book of poetry.|poetry]]\n[[A text on historical battles.|battles]]\n[[A treatise on the role of Justice in society.|treatise]]\n[[An explorer's account of his travels.|explorer]]\n<<set $reader = true>>

She's a dark-haired woman of perhaps thirty,\nwearing the familiar two-color robes \nof a dedicant of Justice: \nthe left half black, \nthe right half white.\n\n[[Return your attention to the matter at hand.|$back]]

Of course, in your case, 'serving Justice'\nis apparently going to mean sewing clothes...\n\n"Did you have any further questions?"\n\nYou remember, abruptly, that you are fifteen now--\nand you have the right to know your mother's crime,\n<<if $visitMother eq "no">>if you choose.<<else>>and to visit her, if you choose.<<endif>>\n\n\n[["About my mother, ma'am..."|warden mother]]\n[["No questions, ma'am.|warden done][$motherVisit="no"]]

The Warden continues, "At fifteen years old,\nyou are, of course, no longer a ward of Justice."\n\nYou nod.\n\n"We do try to find positions within the temple \nfor those who come of age under our care. \n\nAs it happens, the temple seamstress has requested\nthat a novice be assigned to her, as her apprentice.\nAnd I've recommended you for the position."\n\n//Sewing.//\n\nIs that your fate, to spend the rest of your life sewing?\n\n\n[["...thank you, ma'am."|warden3a]]<<if $hand or $clerk or $caretaker>>\n[["I'd hoped to do something else..."|warden3b]]<<else>>\n[["I'd hoped to do something else..."|warden3c]]<<endif>>

You're a ward of Justice, a child of a prisoner, \nwith no one else to take care of you.\n\nWhich is why you're living in the Temple of Justice,\nand why you're currently contemplating a bowl of [[porridge.|follow the others]]\n\n

Of course, the clothes the temple provides are\nill-fitting garments of undyed, grayish-white cloth.\n\n[[You hate them.|You hate them]]\n[[You find some that fit.|You find one that fits]]\n\n<<if $gender eq "boys">>\n<<set $They = "He">>\n<<set $they = "he">>\n<<set $Them = "Him">>\n<<set $them = "him">>\n<<set $Their = "His">>\n<<set $their = "his">>\n<<set $name = "Aldin">>\n<<else>>\n<<set $They = "She">>\n<<set $they = "she">>\n<<set $Them = "Her">>\n<<set $them = "her">>\n<<set $Their = "Her">>\n<<set $their = "her">>\n<<set $name = "Alyssa">>\n<<endif>>

It does not appear to be a formal document,\nbut rather notes taken from something more official:\n\n__Kari Northwall__\nSentenced on the tenth day of Winter,\nin the 12th Year of Her Majesty\nQueen Isabelle Tremontine,\nlong may she reign. \n\nSentenced to life imprisonment \nfor the murder of Arren de Mekalvis.\n\n\n[[Return your attention to the matter at hand.|$back]]

Regardless of your personal feelings, as the eldest, \nit's your duty to give thanks for the morning meal. \n\nThe exact form of this expression of gratitude is up to you. \n\nYou could recite [[one of the standard prayers|standard grace]] of thanks.\nOr you could [[express your "gratitude"|snarky grace][$snarky=1]] in your own words.

Then you hear //her// voice again,\nstrikingly beautiful in its clarity,\nbut with an undercurrent of power that\nsets your heart pounding all the harder:\n\n//She is calling your [[name.|name]]//

Being in your fourteenth year, you've already \nlearned as much as your teacher has to teach, \nso your 'lessons' consist of reading to yourself. \n\nYou've arranged to do this in one of the novices' rooms, \nso the noise of the younger students won't bother you.\n \nOf course, it also makes it easier to slip out unnoticed \nduring lesson-time, if you're so inclined...\n\n<<set $hour = 1>>\n[[...but you wouldn't do that.|but you wouldn't do that]]\n[[...which is what you usually do.|freedom][$skipDaily=true]]\n[[...well, maybe just this once.|freedom]]\n

"Holy All-Mother, we thank you for this food before us.\nFor the earth and water that grew it, we thank you.\nFor the hands that harvested and prepared it, we thank you.\nBy your grace do we live, may we strive to be worthy."\n\nThe other wards echo the final phrase:\n"By your grace do we live, may we strive to be worthy."\n\nYou raise your bowed head and take a bite of the porridge, \nand they follow suit... some more eagerly than others.\n\nWhen everyone is finished eating, it's time for [[chores.|chores]]

Reluctantly, you get up. \n\nThe room is lit by the novice's lantern, \nand the narrow windows are faintly gray \nwith the wintery light of the hour before dawn.\n\nThe boys and girls are separating, \nheading to the left and right.\n\nYou follow the <<cyclinglink $gender "girls" "boys">> to the washroom, \nwhere you wash and [[dress.|pick out your clothes]]

Your father.\n\nOf course, you have no idea who he was. \nBut you must have had one.\n\nMany in your position [[daydream|daydream father]] about \nthe sudden reappearance of their father, \nwho turns out to want them after all...\n\n...but perhaps you're more [[pragmatic.|pragmatic father]]

It's an unusual request, \nbut it could be taken as an atonement \nfor your impious prayer at breakfast.\n\nBelle nods, and speaks one of the common prayers, \nher voice only slightly unsteady at the beginning. \n\nShe's only twelve, but you think she'll do well, \nwhen it's her turn to sit at the head of the table.\n\n\n[[After lunch...|afternoon]]

Fourteen.\n\nAlmost fifteen.\n\nOne more day. Tomorrow.\n\nYou can't help but think about your [[future|The Future]].

Still, you can't help but wonder \njust what it was that she did...\n\n\nYou [[think about something else.|$think]]\n<<set $motherVisit="yes">>

Paladin

You continue to watch the Bryn and the others practicing,\nand the instructor correcting their technique.\n\n\nYou make it back just in time for [[lunch.|lunch]]

You eye catches on one word: \n//murder.//\n\nYour mother is a murderer.\n\n\nPerhaps you sit there for a moment in [[stunned silence.|warden sit]]\nOr perhaps you simply [[bid the Warden good day.|warden done2]]\n

The stacks are sorted by size,\nso it's easy enough.\n\nYou [[follow the others]] to breakfast.

"So. Fifteen today. Goddess grant you many years." \n\nIt's not the first time today that you've heard those words--\nit's the traditional birthday wish, though in this case,\nspoken in an entirely perfunctory fashion.\n\n\n[["Thank you, ma'am."|warden2]]\n[[Remain silent.|warden2]]

Bryn's tall, lean frame and short-cropped hair\nleaves little to distinguish her from the others.\n\nShe grins as she succeeds at a disarm.\n\n\n[[Keep watching.|disarms]]

It is not one of the short swords of the Hands,\nbut rather a longsword, its hilt meant for two hands.\n\nThe scabbard is leather, reinforced at the tip with steel.\nThe belt that hangs down has more than one hole,\nand each is scored with use.\n\n\n//[[It is yours, now.|yours]]//\n\n\n\n\n

You return to the small room where you\nwere supposed to be reading all along. \n\nYou're basically allowed to read anything \nwith at least some educational value, \nso you've chosen:\n\n\n[[A book of poetry.|poetry]]\n[[A text on historical battles.|battles]]\n[[A treatise on the role of Justice in society.|treatise]]\n[[An explorer's account of his travels.|explorer]]\n<<set $reader = true>>

<<if $paper>>You bid the Warden good day, the well-worn words\nalmost catching in your throat.\n\nShe returns the formalities in her usual curt manner.<<else>>As you stand, the Warden hands you the [[paper.|paper][$back="warden done2"]]\n\n"If you wish to research your mother's case,"\nshe explains.\n\nYou thank the Warden, and bid her good day, \nthe well-worn words almost catching in your throat.\n\nShe returns the formalities in her usual curt manner.<<set $paper=true>><<endif>>\n\n<<display "novice says">>

The Warden shakes her head slowly. \n\n"No. Your academics are... acceptable, but there are simply\nno positions available. We have more clerks than we need."\n\n"If you want to remain here, with a roof over your head,\nyou'll accept the position that I've recommended you for."\n\n\n[["...yes, ma'am."|warden3a]]

You head to the dining-room, and sit at the head of your table. \nThe other wards soon join you, some in chattering, giggling groups.\n\nLunch is stale bread and a watery broth to soften it in, \nand it again falls on you to give thanks.\n\n\n[["Holy All-Mother, we thank you..."|standard grace 2]]\n<<if $devout>>[[Once again offer a prayer in your own words.|devout grace 2]]<<else>>[[Give "thanks" appropriate to what you've been given.|snarky grace 2][$snarky=$snarky+1]]<<endif>>\n<<if $atheist>>[[Enough pretending. You refuse to recite what you don't believe.|atheist grace]]<<endif>>\n

The aspiring Hands practice in the Temple's central courtyard.\nTheir instructor is an older man with a pronounced limp, \nwhose skill at arms clearly trumps his disability. \n\nThe first time you came here, you told him you'd learn more\njust watching him teach than you would from any textbook.\n\nThe lame armsmaster quirked an eyebrow, and said, \n"Well, stay out of my way, and I won't trouble myself \nas to where you're 'supposed' to be."\n\n\n[[So you've been watching him teach from time to time.|disarms]]\n<<if $skipDaily>>[[So you've been watching him teach every day.|disarms]]<<endif>>\n<<set $watchedHands = true>>

The Warden passes the [[paper][$back="warden mother who2"]] to you.\n\n"I do not have the details, but this\nwill enable you to look up her case.\n\nNow, you've a decision to make:\nDo you wish to see her?"\n\n<<set $paper=true>>\n<<if $motherVisit eq "no">>[[You hesitate, and then nod.|warden mother visit2]]<<else>>[[You nod.|warden mother visit2]]<<endif>>\n[[You shake your head.|warden mother no visit]]

The office she leads you to is spare and elegant, \nwith two tall windows flanking a polished wood desk. \n\nThere is a chair in front of the desk, facing it,\nand the [[woman behind the desk]] gestures to it.\n\n<<if $gender eq "girls">>"Have a seat, girl."<<else>>"Have a seat, boy."<<endif>>\n\nYou sit, and wait, as she looks from you \nto a [[paper on her desk]], and back to you.\n\n<<display "warden says1">>

You can't continue this charade... but it would be rather impolitic \nto declare your lack of faith to a table of young wards, \nwhile still a ward of Justice yourself. \n\nInstead, you turn to [[Belle][$back="atheist grace"]], the next oldest. \n[["Would you please say grace, Belle?"|belle grace]]\n

You burrow under the wool blanket. \n\nOf course, this doesn't last long, \nas the novice soon notices your tardiness. \n\nYou can hear the bell approaching \nbefore the blanket is snatched off of you. \n\n"Get up, I said!"\n\nYou [[get up.|get up]]

''"<<print $name>>."''\n\nThat voice. That //voice...//\n\nYou shiver, not merely from the cold.\n\n\n[[Cover your ears.|cover ears]]\n[[Listen to her.|listen]]\n[[Answer her.|answer]]\n\n

This isn't what you wanted.\n<<if $atheist>>You don't even //believe// in Justice.\n<<endif>>\nBut what choice do you have?\n\nYou feel the weight of your friends' gazes,\nno doubt wondering why you're hesitating.\n\nAt least you'll have their company.\n \n\nYou take another deep breath, \n[[and say the words.|say the words?]]

As a ward of Justice, \nyou have received a basic education.\n\nYou can read, write, and do sums.\nYou have basic knowledge in the areas of\nhistory, geography, philosophy and theology.\n\nAt present, you have no other skills.\n\n[[Think about something else.|$present]]

It only gets denser, but you slog through,\none page at a time.\n\nStill, you're relieved when [[the bell rings for lunch.|lunch]]

So how will you spend your hour of freedom, this morning?\n\nIt's impossible to leave the building unnoticed, \nbut there are far more interesting places within the temple\nthan the cell of a room where you're supposed to be reading.\n\n<<set $hour = 2>>\n[[Watch the aspiring Hands of Justice at weapons practice.|hands]]\n[[Listen to the cases brought before the Voice of Justice.|voice]]\n[[Sneak into the Archives and see what you can find there.|archives]]\n<<set $skip = true>>

So how will you spend your remaining hour of freedom?\n\n<<set $hour=2>>\n[[Watch the aspiring Hands of Justice at weapons practice.|hands]]\n[[Sneak into the Archives and see what you can find there.|archives]]\n[[Go back and do some reading after all.|read]]

It's supposed to be a basket of mending, \nbut there's enough of it to form a \nprecarious towering stack.\n\nIt's mostly clothes and bedsheets,\nall of the same undyed cloth.\n\nA tower of mending. A tower of monotony.\n<<if $gender eq "boys">>\nWorse, mending is really a girl's job...\nbut for the past year there's been no girls \nold enough to do it well, so it's all on you.\n<<endif>>\n\nYou could [[give it your undivided attention,|give it your undivided attention]]\nor work on it while you [[think about other things.|think]]\n

So how will you spend your remaining hour of freedom?\n\n<<set $hour=2>>\n[[Watch the aspiring Hands of Justice at weapons practice.|hands]]\n[[Listen to the cases brought before the Voice of Justice.|voice]]\n[[Go back and do some reading after all.|read]]

So how will you spend your remaining hour of freedom?\n\n<<set $hour=2>>\n[[Sneak into the Archives and see what you can find there.|archives]]\n[[Listen to the cases brought before the Voice of Justice.|voice]]\n[[Go back and do some reading after all.|read]]

It is the 23rd Year of Her Majesty Queen Isabelle Tremontine,\nlong may she reign. \n\nIt is your birthday, and you are fifteen.\n\nYou might contemplate your [[relationships,|relationships][$present="The Present 2"]]\nor you could consider your [[skills.|skills][$present="The Present 2"]]\n\nOr [[think about something else.|$think]]

The Warden quirks an eyebrow.\n\n"Well. If you change your mind..."\nShe hands you the [[paper.|paper][$back="warden says3"]]\n<<set $paper=true>>\n<<display "warden says3">>

You lower your head, abashed by your own words. \nAfter a moment you realize the other wards\nare waiting for you to begin eating, \nso you take a small bite. \n\nAround you the others dig in. \nIt's a quiet breakfast, all told.\n\nWhen everyone is finished eating, it's time for [[chores.|chores]]

Well, it would explain why he would have been\nreluctant to acknowledge you, the <<if $gender eq "girls">>daughter<<else>>son<<endif>> of a criminal. \n\nBut maybe you'd do him proud, in the end...\n\n\nYou [[think about something else.|$think]]

Bryn.\n\nFreckled, flame-haired Bryn, tall and strong.\n\nEver since she was young, she's been\ndetermined to become a Hand of Justice,\ndespite her gender.\n\nAt sixteen, she's now in her second year of training.\nIt gives her even less free time than you.\n\nYou speak with her so rarely these days, \nsometimes you wonder if you're even still friends.\n\n\n[[Think about someone else.|relationships]]

Belle is twelve, pale and dark-haired, \nher face a touch too narrow,\nher eyes brightly alert.\n\nReturn your attention to [[the matter at hand|$back]]

A shining figure stands behind the iron,\na figure you can hardly bear to look at,\nbright inhuman perfection in human form.\n\n\n[[Meet her eyes.|look]]\n[[Lower your gaze.|don't look]]

"Hello?" you say, hesitantly.\n\nThere is no answer.\n\n\n[[Get out of bed.|up]]\n[[Go back to sleep.|hours]]

You lower your head, abashed by your own words. \nAfter a moment you realize the other wards are waiting,\nso you dip your bread in the broth and take a small bite. \n\nAround you the others follow suit. \nIt's a quiet lunch, all told.\n\n\n[[After lunch...|afternoon]]

PLACEHOLDER\n\n[[DEDICATION|dedication]]

You find a rather entertaining case \nof a man who wanted to marry his donkey. \n\nReading between the lines, it appears to have had more to do\nwith his desire to disinherit his several grown children \nthan any actual relationship with the donkey itself, \nbut who can say? \n\nCertainly his speech on the relative merits \nof donkeys and people seems heartfelt.\n\n<<if $hour eq 1>>The Sun's Bell rings the hour.\n\nYou could [[keep browsing,|archives2]] \nor you could [[do something else.|freedom4]]<<else>>It's all quite amusing,\nbut not so much that you lose track of [[time.|lunch]]<<endif>>

The Warden meets your eyes, and nods. \n"That is your right."\n\nShe glances down at the paper on her desk,\nthen looks back up at you. She says, in the \nsteady tone of one accustomed to speaking \nunpleasant truths: \n\n"She is currently serving a life sentence, \nfor murder."\n\n\n[["..."|warden mother silence]]\n[["...who did she kill?"|warden mother who]]

You focus your attention on your mending, \nmaking neat, tiny stitches to close each tear, \nor to add patches over areas that have worn thin. \n\nAbsorbed in your work, time speeds by, \nand soon you hear the distant sound of the Sun's Bell.\n\nIt's the second hour of the morning, and time for [[lessons.|lessons]]\n\n

The explorer's accounts are increasingly verbose,\nbut you slog through, one page at a time.\n\nStill, you're relieved when [[the bell rings for lunch.|lunch]]

//''"<<print $name>>,"''// says the voice for the third time.\n\nHer tone is not exactly disappointed, nor angry...\n...and yet you shiver again.\n\n\n[[Ignore her.|ignore2]]\n[[Listen to her.|listen]]\n[[Answer her.|answer]]

It's likely to be a difficult decision to make regardless, \nbut you certainly can't decide without knowing all the facts.\n\nYou [[think about something else.|$think]]\n\n<<set $motherVisit="maybe">>

You have two hours to spend as you please.\n\nYou could research your mother's case in the [[Archives--|Archives]]\nand perhaps talk to [[Kess|Kess news]] as well.\n\nOr you could go to the [[central courtyard,|courtyard]] where [[Bryn|Bryn news]]\nand the other aspiring Hands practice their weapon skills.\n\nOr perhaps you'd prefer to be alone. At fifteen,\nyou're now old enough to have access to the [[Library.|Library]]

It is dark and cold when you wake,\nas always, and the clanging hand-bell \ngrates on your nerves. \n\nThen you remember: \nIt's your [[birthday.|birthday]]\n

If Bryn can do it, why not you?\n\nOf course, Bryn is six feet tall,\nand stronger than most-- \nstronger than you, certainly.\n\n[[But that's not going to stop you.|wannabe hand 2]]\n[[Consider the other possibilities.|The Future]]

You don't like to dwell overmuch on the past, \nbut sometime you can't help but think about...\n\n...your [[mother.|mother]]\n...your [[father.|father]]\n\nBut perhaps it's time to think about [[something else.|$think]]

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Your friends were both a bit older than you,\nand so they've left their wardships behind.\n\nQuiet, intelligent [[Kess]] has become a junior clerk.\n\nFormiddable [[Bryn]] is training to become a Hand.\n\n\nYou haven't seen your <<if $motherVisit>>mother<<else>>[[mother]]<<endif>> in years.\nYour feelings towards her are ambivalent.\n\n\nYou [[think about something else.|$present]]

A clerk might record the rulings of the Voice of Justice,\nor organize those records in the Archives.\n\nIt would involve a great deal of reading and writing.\n\n\n[[You could see yourself doing that.|consider][$clerk=true]]\n[[No, that's not the future you want.|The Future]]\n

Sadly, the the other cases you find aren't nearly\nas entertaining as the one with the donkey.\n\nYou're not terribly sorry when you have to leave for [[lunch.|lunch]]

"About my mother, ma'am..."\n\nThe Warden gestures for you to go on.\n\n<<if $motherVisit eq "no">><<else>>\n[["I'd like to visit her."|warden mother visit]]<<endif>>\n[["I want to know her crime."|warden mother crime]]

Fourteen.\n\nAlmost fifteen.\n\nOne more day. Tomorrow.\n\nYou're distracted from your thoughts \nby someone handing you a [[bowl of porridge.|follow the others]]

What you lack in size and strength\nyou'll just have to make up for\nin determination.\n\n\n[[Think about something else.|$think]]

To your relief, the voice does not speak again.\n\n\nBut you find that even after your racing heart has settled,\n[[you cannot sleep.|hours]]

The Hall of Justice.\n\nLarge enough to hold perhaps a hundred spectators,\nbut at the moment there are no more than a dozen,\non the long curving benches that face the [[Voice.|Voice][$back="dedication"]]\n\nShe, of course, is seated behind a massive desk,\nwith two clerks seated at lower tiers on each side.\n\nThe high wall behind her is emblazoned with the \n[[symbol of Justice.|symbol]]\n<<if $withBryn>>\nYou catch sight of Kess, sitting quietly \non one of the middle benches, near the aisle.\n\n[[Go and join Kess.|sit with kess]]\n[[Find a seat for you and Bryn.|sit with bryn alone]]<<else if $withKess>>\nYou catch sight of Bryn's unmistakable hair,\nflame-orange and cut as short as a boy's. \nShe's sitting towards the front.\n\n[[Go and join Bryn.|sit with bryn]]\n[[Find a seat for you and Kess.|sit with kess alone]]<<else>>\nYou catch sight of Kess, sitting quietly \non one of the middle benches, near the aisle.\n\nYou also spot Bryn's unmistakable red hair,\nflame-orange and cut as short as a boy's. \nShe's sitting towards the front.\n\n[[Sit with Kess.|sit with kess]]\n[[Sit with Bryn.|sit with bryn]]\n[[Sit alone.|sit alone]]\n<<endif>>

You find that your mind is restless, \nunwilling to settle down and sleep. \n\nYou find yourself thinking about...\n<<set $think="think2">>\n[[The Past][$thought = $thought+1]]\n[[The Present][$thought = $thought+1]]\n[[The Future][$thought = $thought+1]]\n\n<<if $thought > 2>>Finally your mind quiets, and [[you drift off...|day2]]<<endif>>

Sitting alone in your new room,\nyou find yourself thinking about...\n<<set $think="think3">><<set $thought=0>>\n[[The Past|The Past 2][$thought = $thought+1]]\n[[The Present|The Present 2][$thought = $thought+1]]\n[[The Future|The Future 2][$thought = $thought+1]]\n\nOr perhaps you're [[tired of thinking.|leave]]

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It feels like hours pass, as you lie there.\n\nYour eyes adjust to the dim moon-cast light of the room.\n\n\n[[You feel increasingly restless.|restless]]

PLACEHOLDER\n\n[[DEDICATION|dedication]]

You cannot read it from where you sit.\n\n[[You wait to hear what she says.|warden says1]]

So how will you spend your two hours of freedom, this morning?\n\nIt's impossible to leave the building unnoticed, \nbut there are far more interesting places within the temple\nthan the cell of a room where you're supposed to be reading.\n\n\n[[Watch the aspiring Hands of Justice at weapons practice.|hands]]\n[[Listen to the cases brought before the Voice of Justice.|voice]]\n[[Sneak into the Archives and see what you can find there.|archives]]\n<<set $skip=true>>

Today he's teaching disarms, \nand you watch raptly as weapons go flying. \n\n[[Bryn|Bryn training]] is among his students, the only girl.\nShe certainly seems to be holding her own.\n\n<<if $hour eq 1>>The Sun's Bell rings the hour.\nYou could [[keep watching,|disarms2]]\nor go [[do something else.|freedom5]]<<else>>You almost forget to leave in time for [[lunch.|lunch]]<<endif>>

It is the 23rd Year of Her Majesty Queen Isabelle Tremontine,\nlong may she reign. \n\nYou are [[fourteen,|fourteen2]] and your fifteenth birthday is tomorrow.\n\nYou might contemplate your [[relationships,|relationships][$present="The Present"]]\nor you could consider your [[skills.|skills][$present="The Present"]]\n\nOr [[think about something else.|$think]]

You'll be expected to formally dedicate yourself to Justice,\nin that case. \n\nThere are many roles that a dedicant of Justice can fill, \n<<if $gender eq "girls">>but the most likely for a female ward would be that of a\n[[caretaker]] or a [[clerk.|clerk]]\n\nMuch less likely, though not impossible,\nwould be for you to become a [[Hand of Justice.|Hand]]<<else>>but the most likely for a male ward would be that of a\n[[clerk]] or a [[Hand of Justice.|Hand]]<<endif>>\n\n

You take a seat next to Bryn<<if $withKess>>, \nand Kess sits down next to you.<<else>>.<<endif>>\n\nBryn glances sideways at you, and grins, \nbut of course says nothing, in front of the Voice.\n\nThe Voice is looking over a sheet of paper,\nbut after a moment she looks up, \nlooking out into the room,\nand [[calls your name.|name choice]]

"Holy All-Mother," you begin, as usual,\n"thank you for this substance before us, \n which we have been assured is, in fact, edible. \n As long as we can force ourselves to eat it, \n at least we will not starve to death."\n\nYou conclude with the usual ritual phrase:\n"By your grace do we live, may we strive to be worthy."\n\nStaring at you wide-eyed, the other wards echo you\nin a somewhat ragged chorus, some shocked, some giggling.\n\nMaybe [[you went too far.|you went too far]] Was that 'striving to be worthy'?\nNo, [[you meant it.|eat your porridge]] You're not going to pretend to like the food.\nOr maybe [[you don't believe in the Goddess][$atheist = true]] anyway.

Steel-gray hair pulled back into a tight braid.\nAge-weathered skin, frown-lines scored into her face.\nAppraising eyes of chilly winter-sky blue.\n\nThe Priestess of the Wards. The [[Warden.|Warden][$back="woman behind the desk"]]\n\n[[What has she decided?|warden1]]

"I'd hoped to do something else..."\n\nShe frowns. "And what would that be?"\n\nYou take a deep breath.\n\n\n<<if $hand>>[["I was hoping to become a Hand."|warden hand]]<<else if $clerk>>[["I was hoping to become a clerk."|warden clerk]]<<else if $caretaker>>[["I was hoping to become a caretaker."|warden caretaker]]<<endif>>

After lunch the younger wards work on the problems \nthe teacher has given them, with your frequent assistance, \nas your job in the afternoon is to supervise their work.\n\nThe rest of the day passes much like any other day.\n\n\n<<if $thought > 2>>[[Your sleep that night is deep and dreamless.|day2]]<<else>>[[That evening, as you lie on your thin mattress...|think2]]<<endif>>

The Warden nods. "That's settled, then.\nYour dedication will be this afternoon--\ngo to the Hall of Justice after lunch,\nand wait to be called before the Voice."\n\nShe pauses, then adds, \n"...you //do// know what to say, yes?"\n\nYou nod. You attended Kess's dedication,\nand you remember what he said that day:\n\n[["I dedicate myself to the service of Justice."|warden4]]\n\n

Morgan R.

You smile and take a bite of the bread,\nand then grimace slightly.\n\nIt really is as hard as a rock.\nStill, it's all there is, so you eat it.\n\n\n[[After lunch...|afternoon]]

You take a seat where there's room \nfor Kess to sit beside you.\n\nThe Voice is looking over a sheet of paper,\nbut after a moment she looks up, \nlooking out into the room,\nand [[calls your name.|name choice]]

You could mend clothes in your sleep at this point, \nso you let your mind wander as you sew. \n\nYour stitches might not be quite as perfect, \nbut you're just mending ugly clothes anyway.\n\nYou find yourself thinking about...\n<<set $think="think">>\n[[The Past][$thought = $thought+1]]\n[[The Present][$thought = $thought+1]]\n[[The Future][$thought = $thought+1]]\n\nOr you could return your attention to your [[mending.|give it your undivided attention]]

Unwilling to set the book aside, \nyou eagerly continue reading\nuntil [[the bell rings for lunch.|lunch]]

Kess.\n\nWarm brown skin and jet black hair, braided back.\n\nIt's only been a month since he left his wardship\nfor a position as a clerk in the Archives, but\nyou miss him.\n\n\n[[Decide what to do.|leave2]]

You don't even know the woman, \nthanks to her own actions. \n\nBest to leave it that way.\n\n\nYou [[think about something else.|$think]]\n<<set $motherVisit="no">>

You choose a seat on an unoccupied bench.\n\nThe Voice is looking over a sheet of paper,\nbut after a moment she looks up, \nlooking out into the room,\nand [[calls your name.|name choice]]

Sometimes the Priestess of Wards finds an apprenticeship\nfor those who are leaving her care. Sometimes, but not often.\n\nMost people choose apprentices from the children of family or friends. \nAs a ward of Justice, you have no such connections. \n\nWorse, there's something of a bias against wards, \nand especially wards of Justice, the children of criminals. \n\nIt's disheartening, but true.\n\n\nYou [[think about the other possibilities.|The Future]]

A caretaker might tend to the very youngest wards,\nor supervise the older ones at their chores and lessons.\n\nYou'd likely spend quite a lot of time \ncooking or cleaning or sewing.\n\n\n[[You could see yourself doing that.|consider][$caretaker=true]]\n[[No, that's not the future you want.|The Future]]\n

It's dark when you wake, dark and cold. \n\nThe thin mattress that you're lying on does little \nto protect you from the hard stone floor beneath. \n\nThe scratchy wool blanket that covers you \nonly keeps out the worst of the bitter cold.\n\nA hand-bell is clanging, \nthe work of the novice chosen for this early-morning duty. \n\n"Get up, children!"\n\nYou just want to [[huddle]] under your blanket, \nbut maybe you should brace yourself and [[get up.|get up]]

You take a seat where there's room \nfor Bryn to sit beside you.\n\nThe Voice is looking over a sheet of paper,\nbut after a moment she looks up, \nlooking out into the room,\nand [[calls your name.|name choice]]

You study the table's well-worn surface.\n\nTen years you've eaten at this table, \nbut only in the past month have you sat here, at the head. \n\nToday is the last day that you will do so.\n\nTomorrow you will have a new place...\nwhether within the Temple, or beyond.\n\nBut right now, [[breakfast isn't getting any warmer.|follow the others]]

"I will arrange for it," says the Warden.\n<<set $motherVisit="yes">>\nShe hesitates for a moment, \nthen hands you a piece of [[paper.|paper][$back="warden says3"]]\n<<set $paper=true>>\n<<display "warden says3">>

The [[novice][$back="novice says"]] who led you here is waiting at the door.\n\n"Come on," she says, "I'll show you to your room."\n\nClutching the paper, you [[follow her.|room]]

You do not feel even slightly sleepy.\n\nIn truth, you have seldom felt so awake, so alert,\nas you do now, lying on your mattress in the dark.\n\n\n[[Get out of bed.|up]]\n[[Continue to try to sleep.|hours2]]

You lower your head, \nas if abashed by your words. \n\nAfter a brief moment you look up. \nThe other wards are waiting for you, \nso you take a small bite of the bread. \n\nAround you the others follow suit. \nIt's a quiet lunch, all told.\n\n\n[[After lunch...|afternoon]]

You hate them.\n\nFor one thing, they're hideous.\nFor another, they mark you as a [[ward]].\n\nYou get dressed anyway, of course,\nand [[follow the others]] to breakfast.

That's all you'd want. \nSomeone to care about you...\n\n\nYou [[think about something else.|$think]]

The Hands of Justice enforce the law,\narresting and guarding criminals.\n\nIt's a potentially dangerous profession,\nand requires quite a few years of training.\n<<if $gender eq "girls">>\nAlso, almost all the Hands are male--\nyour friend Bryn was accepted for training,\nbut she's one of the very few exceptions.\n\n[[Nonetheless, you're determined to try.|wannabe hand][$hand=true]]<<else>>[[You could see yourself doing that.|consider][$hand=true]]<<endif>>\n[[No, that's not the future you want.|The Future]]

'Sneaking' is relative, of course,\nbecause it's [[Kess|Kess archives]] at the front desk.\nHe pretends not to see you, as you slip past.\n\nSo what are you looking for?\n\n[[Your mother's crime.|mother's crime]]\n[[Whatever you happen to find.|whatever you find]]\n

PLACEHOLDER.\n\n[[TRAVERSE TEMPLE.|dream shrine]]

You step forward, \nlooking at the ironwork,\nlooking for a way through.\n\nBut the jangling grows louder,\nand the room grows darker...\n\n\n[[You wake up.|day3]]

No one calls her that to her face, of course.\n\nShe is the Priestess of the Wards, \nwho supervises those who supervise you.\n\n\n[[Return your attention to the matter at hand.|$back]]

You can't help but think about the murder\nthat your mother was convicted of, \nover ten years ago.\n\nDid she really do it?\nWho is-- //was//-- Arren de Mekalvis?\nWhy did she kill him, if she did?\n\nYou have no answers.\n\nPerhaps it's time to think about [[something else.|$think]]

You sit for a moment in stunned silence.\n\nThe Warden just shakes her head.\n\n"Did you expect something else, <<if $gender eq "girls">>girl<<else>>boy<<endif>>?\nYou knew she'd served a decade and more.\n\nNow, you've a decision to make:\nDo you wish to see her?"\n\n\n<<if $motherVisit eq "no">>[[You hesitate, and then nod.|warden mother visit2]]<<else>>[[You nod.|warden mother visit2]]<<endif>>\n[[You shake your head.|warden mother no visit]]\n\n

Now more than ever, you find yourself \nthinking about the future... \nspecifically, your future. \n\nWhen you turn fifteen, and are no longer a ward,\nyou will be offered [[some position in the temple,|dedicate]]\nor perhaps an [[apprenticeship outside of it.|apprentice2]]\n\n\nBut maybe it's time to [[think about something else|$think]]

<<set $name = prompt("The Voice says:",$name)>>"<<print $name>>."\n\nYou rise, and make your way forward.\n\n"Justice hears your words," says the Voice,\nher tone formal and measured, her gaze steady. \n"Do you swear to speak the truth?"\n\nYou have seen this ritual enacted before,\nof course, growing up in the Temple of Justice.\nBut it is the first time you've spoken the words:\n\n[["I do so swear."|swear]]

The Warden glances down at the paper.\n\n"Arren de Mekalvis." The name is [[familiar]].\n\n"//...why?//" you hear yourself say.\n\n<<display "warden mother who2">>

You're a ward of Justice, a child of a prisoner, \nwith no one else to take care of you.\n\nWhich is why you're living in the Temple of Justice,\nand why you're currently picking out some [[ugly clothes.|You hate them]]\n\n

The Voice of Justice is a white-haired woman,\nwho wears her age well, with grace and dignity.\n\nShe has been the Voice for as long as you can remember,\nand seems no different to you now than a decade ago.\n\n\n[[Return your attention to the matter at hand.|$back]]

It's dry reading, a combination of theology and philosophy.\nYou find yourself rereading sentences multiple times\nbefore they finally make sense to you.\n\n<<if $hour eq 1>>The Sun's Bell rings the hour, breaking your concentration.\nYou could [[keep reading|treatise2]], or you could easily [[slip out unnoticed.|freedom2]]<<else>>[[Finally, the bell rings for lunch.|lunch]]<<endif>>\n<<set $booktext="on religion and ethics">>

As you step back out into the hallway,\nyou hear the Sun's Bell ring the hour.\n\n<<display leave2>>

"As you wish," says the Warden.\n<<set $motherVisit="no">>\n"Was there anything else you wished to ask?"\n\nFeeling numb, you shake your head again.\n\n\n[[Get up and leave.|warden done2]]\n[[Sit for a moment.|warden sit]]

You push aside your heavy wool blanket, and stand up.\n\nMoving quietly, you pick your way around the other mattresses.\nYou then open the door to the hall, and slip through.\n\nA strange calm certainty has fallen over you,\nand you do not hesitate.\n\n\n[[You go right.|dream right]]

PLACEHOLDER\n\n[[DEDICATION|dedication]]

You cover your ears... \n...which muffles the voice not at all.\n\n''"<<print $name>>."''\n\n\n[[Ignore her.|ignore]]\n[[Listen to her.|listen]]\n[[Answer her.|answer]]

It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. \n\nWithout knowing the exact date of her trial, \nthere are simply too many records to sort through. \n\nYou look haphazardly through some of them, \nbut find nothing pertaining to your mother.\n\n<<if $hour eq 1>>The Sun's Bell rings the hour.\n\nYou could [[keep browsing the Archives,|whatever you find][$hour = 2]]\nor you could [[do something else.|freedom4]]<<else>>You get back just in time for [[lunch.|lunch]]<<endif>>

The Hall of Justice is open to the public... \nand even if she noticed you among the others, \nyou doubt that the [[Voice][$back="voice"]] would concern herself \nwith whether you were supposed to be elsewhere. \n\nUnfortunately, the current case is a dull one, \ninvolving three farmers, two of whom are brothers, \nand the transference of ancestral grazing rights. \n\n<<if $hour eq 1>>The Sun's Bell rings the hour, \nwith no sign of an impending ruling. \nYou decide to [[do something else.|freedom3]]<<else>>By the time the Voice of Justice makes her ruling, \nand the next case is about to be brought forward, \nyou have to slip away to make it to [[lunch.|lunch]]<<endif>>\n

"I will arrange for it," says the Warden.\n<<set $motherVisit="yes">>\n"Was there anything else you wished to ask?"\n\nFeeling numb, you shake your head.\n\n\n[[Get up and leave.|warden done2]]\n[[Sit for a moment.|warden sit]]

You take a seat next to Kess<<if $withBryn>>, \nand Bryn sits down next to you.<<else>>.<<endif>>\n\nKess glances sideways at you, and smiles.\n\nThe Voice is looking over a sheet of paper,\nbut after a moment she looks up, \nlooking out into the room,\nand [[calls your name.|name choice]]

You listen... to silence.\n\n\n[["Hello?"|answer2]]\n[[Get out of bed.|up]]\n[[Go back to sleep.|hours]]

You look into her eyes, \nas pure white as the rest of her form.\n\nYou hold her gaze for an instant that feels like an eternity,\nand then swiftly [[look down.|don't look]]\n

Kess.\n\nWarm brown skin and jet black hair.\n\nHe was always the first to grasp a lesson,\nand what free time he had, he spent reading.\n\nBut he could be counted on to listen,\nwhenever you needed someone to listen.\n\nHe was just a bit older than you,\nand only left his wardship a month ago.\n\nYou miss his quiet company.\n\n\n[[Think about someone else.|relationships]]

You close your eyes. It doesn't help.\n\nStubbornly, you lie there anyway.\n\n<<timedinsert 2s>>You lie there,\n\n<<gains>>and lie there,\n\n<<gains>>and lie there.\n<<gains>>\n\n<<gains>>Finally, <<gains>>you [[get up.|up]]<<endtimedinsert>>

<<if $gender eq "boys">>The Warden sighs and shakes her head. \n\n"You and half the boys who've come of age here. \nNo, we have too many in training already."\n\n"If you want to remain here, with a roof over your head,\nyou'll accept the position that I've recommended you for."\n\n\n[["...yes, ma'am."|warden3a]]\n<<else>>The Warden blinks, then looks bemused. \n\n"I suppose that's the peril of letting Bryn train--\nI'll be dealing with //girls// who want to be Hands now,\ndespite being //completely// unsuitable for the role."\n\nYou scowl, but she raises a hand to stop you from speaking.\n\n"No. If you want to remain here, with a roof over your head,\nyou'll accept the position that I've recommended you for."\n\n\n[["...yes, ma'am."|warden3a]]<<endif>>

Bryn.\n\nFreckled, flame-haired Bryn, tall and strong,\npresently training to become a Hand of Justice.\n\nShe'll be busy for the next two hours, at weapons practice,\nbut if you waited for her, perhaps you could share lunch.\n\nIt's been months since the two of you talked.\n\n\n[[Decide what to do.|leave2]]\n

Your future has been determined:\nYou are to apprentice to the temple seamstress.\n\nSewing clothes and bedsheets will no doubt be\nabout as interesting as mending them has been.\n<<if $hand or $caretaker or $clerk>>\nBut it is, as the Warden said, a roof over your head.\nAnd it's not as if you have any other prospects.<<else>>But it's not as if you have any other prospects.<<endif>>\n\n\nMaybe it's time to [[think about something else.|$think]]

Regardless of your personal feelings, as the eldest, \nit's your duty to give thanks for the morning meal. \n\nThe exact form of this expression of gratitude is up to you. \n\nYou could recite [[one of the standard prayers|standard grace]] of thanks.\nOr you could [[express your gratitude|devout grace][$devout = true]] in your own words.

You don't believe in the Goddess, or her daughters. \nJustice included.\n\nBut perhaps it would be wiser not to be so openly impious,\nwhile you remain a ward in the Temple of Justice.\n\nYou could [[bow your head,|bow your head 2]] as if ashamed of your outburst.\nOr you could just smile and [[eat your bread.|eat your bread]]\n

Even the youngest have their tasks, \nreturning to room where you sleep\nto fold blankets and move mattresses, \nsupervised by some of the older wards. \n\nMeanwhile the others are in the kitchen, \nhelping to wash and dry the bowls.\n\nAnd for you, there's a seemingly endless \n[[stack of mending]] to work on...\n\nYou could [[give it your undivided attention,|give it your undivided attention]]\nor work on it while you [[think about other things.|think]]\n

PLACEHOLDER\n\n[[YOUR ROOM|room]]

You don't believe in the Goddess, or her daughters. \nJustice included.\n\nBut perhaps it would be wiser not to be so openly impious,\nwhile you remain a ward in the Temple of Justice.\n\nYou could [[bow your head]], as if ashamed of your outburst.\nOr you could just smile and [[eat your porridge.|eat your porridge]]\n

''Light shatters\non diamond planes of ice:\na blinding, vivid glitter,\na sharp shock\nin the world held silent''\n\n\nYou shiver, and turn the page. \nFortunately the next poem is about spring, \nand so on through the seasons.\n\n<<if $hour eq 1>>The Sun's Bell rings the hour, breaking your concentration.\nYou could [[keep reading|poetry2]], or you could easily [[slip out unnoticed.|freedom2]]<<else>>Absorbed in your book, \syou're surprised when [[the bell rings for lunch.|lunch]]<<endif>>\n<<set $booktext="of poetry">>

It's fascinating reading, as the author makes each battle come alive, \ndescribing it as it would have been experienced by people on both sides.\n\n<<if $hour eq 1>>The Sun's Bell rings the hour, breaking your concentration.\nYou could [[keep reading|battles2]], or you could easily [[slip out unnoticed.|freedom2]]<<else>>Absorbed in the book, you're surprised when [[the bell rings for lunch.|lunch]]<<endif>>\n<<set $booktext="on the Battle of Shepherd's Pass">>

"Thank you, Holy All-Mother, for this food," you begin, \nmore confidently than this morning. You continue:\n"Though it is no feast, it is enough to sustain us. Thank you. \nBy your grace do we live, may we strive to be worthy."\n\nThe others echo the phrase. \n\nYou dip your bread in the broth and take a small bite, \nand they follow suit.\n\n[[After lunch...|afternoon]]

"I dedicate myself to the service of Justice."\n\nThere is a sudden moment of utter stillness,\nno sound and no motion, as if the world has frozen.\n\nIn that stillness, a voice,\nso distant that you don't know how you can hear it,\nand yet so close that you're sure that only you can:\n\n''"I accept your service."''

"Holy All-Mother, thank you for this week-old bread, \ndonated by a baker who failed to sell it. \nThank you for this luke-warm water-- I mean, broth-- \nthat we will use to turn it into something \nwe can actually chew and swallow. \n\nAs long as we can force ourselves to eat it, \nat least we will not starve to death. \nBy your grace do we live; may we strive to be worthy."\n\n<<if $snarky>1>>With a few sidelong glances at each other, \nthe other wards echo your final words.\n\nYou [[take a bite of bread.|eat your bread]]\n<<else>>Staring at you wide-eyed, the other wards echo you\nin a somewhat ragged chorus, some shocked, some giggling.\n\nMaybe [[you went too far.|you went too far 2]] Was that 'striving to be worthy'?\nNo, [[you meant it.|eat your bread]] You're not going to pretend to like the food.\nOr maybe [[you don't believe in the Goddess|you don't believe in the Goddess 2][$atheist = true]] anyway.<<endif>>

The Voice of Justice inclines her head.\n\n"And what words would you speak to Justice?"\n\nYou take a deep breath. Beyond this point,\nyou are committed to your course.\n\nAre you having [[second thoughts?]]\n\nOr do you [[say the words?]]

The wards' dining room has a single [[table]],\nlong and narrow, and sturdy wooden chairs.\n\nAt [[fourteen]], you are the oldest,\nand you sit at the head of the table.\n\nBreakfast is oat porridge, with just a pinch of salt. \nNo milk or honey, those are treats reserved for festival days. \n\nPorridge. You're [[so very tired]] of plain oat porridge.\n\n[[At least it's food.|At least it's food]] As a [[ward|ward2]] of Justice, you've never gone hungry.\n

Mekalvis. A familiar name.\n\nOne of the city's wealthiest\nnoble families, if you're not mistaken.\n\n\n[[Return your attention to the matter at hand.|warden mother who]]

"Yes," you say, softly, \nnot wanting to wake the others.\n\nSilence is your only response.\n\n\n[["Hello?"|answer2]]\n[[Get out of bed.|up]]\n[[Go back to sleep.|hours]]

You lower your head, \nas if abashed by your words. \n\nAfter a brief moment you look up. \nThe other wards are waiting for you, \nso you take a small bite of the porridge. \n\nAround you the others dig in. \nIt's a quiet breakfast, all told.\n\nWhen everyone is finished eating, it's time for [[chores.|chores]]

The Warden folds her hands on her desk.\n\nAfter a moment of silence, she speaks:\n"It does not reflect on you, you know,\nwhat she did. You are your own person."\n\nYou nod mutely. Though her tone is as flat as ever,\nthe words are a surprising kindness, from the Warden.\n\nYou collect yourself, and [[get up to leave.|warden done2]]\n

You follow the narrow stairs downwards, towards the glow,\ndrawn like a moth to a candle, compelled by the light.\n\nThe stairs end, opening into a small room. \nA lattice of ironwork divides the room in half,\nand beyond it stands the [[source of the light.|dream statue]]\n

"I'd hoped to do something else..."\n\nShe frowns. "And what would that be?"\n\n//Anything else// is not an acceptable answer, presumably.\n\nYou quickly reflect on your options, as few as they are...\n\n\n<<if $gender eq "boys">>[["I was hoping to become a Hand."|warden hand]]\n[["I was hoping to become a clerk."|warden clerk]]<<else>>[["I was hoping to become a clerk."|warden clerk]]\n[["I was hoping to become a caretaker."|warden caretaker]]<<endif>>

Despite the promising subject matter, the author tends to ramble, \nand seems intent on finding things to complain about in each new locale. \n\nAnd his descriptions of sweltering heat make you jealous, \nand aware of just how cold the Temple is, mid-winter.\n\n\n<<if $hour eq 1>>The Sun's Bell rings the hour, breaking your concentration.\nYou could [[keep reading|explorer2]], or you could easily [[slip out unnoticed.|freedom2]]<<else>>[[Finally, the bell rings for lunch.|lunch]]<<endif>>\n<<set $booktext="on the Floating Isles">>

You can't help but miss her, even though \nyou hardly remember what she was like. \n\nYou don't know what she did, either, \nto make you a ward of Justice.\n\nWhen you're fifteen, \nyou'll be permitted to know her crime...\nand to visit her, if you choose.\n\nWill you?\n\n[[Of course.|mother yes]] She's your mother.\n[[Maybe.|mother maybe]] It depends on what she did.

The symbol of Justice is a sword dividing a shield,\ndividing it vertically into black and white halves.\n\n\n[[Return your attention to the matter at hand.|dedication]]

You wash and dress and eat hurriedly, \nanxious to know what your future holds.\n\nBut of course you must await the [[Warden's|Warden][$back="birthday"]] summons.\n\nYou've finished several pieces of mending--\nand jabbed your fingers several times, in your distraction--\nby the time it comes.\n\nA [[novice][$back="warden1"]] comes to fetch you.\n\nYou set aside your mending, and [[follow.|warden1]]

You don't know exactly what she did, but apparently she didn't\nconsider the fact that she had a child before she did it. \n\nA child who became a ward of Justice when she was imprisoned.\n\nWhen you're fifteen, you'll be permitted to know her crime...\nand to visit her, if you choose.\n\nWill you?\n\n[[Yes.|mother yes]] Despite everything, she's your mother.\n[[Maybe.|mother maybe]] It will depend on exactly what she did.\n[[No.|mother no]] She's no longer any concern of yours.

"Thank you," you begin, and suddenly feel self-conscious,\nspeaking your own prayer aloud, and unrehearsed. \n"Um. Thank you for this food, Holy All-Mother. \nThank you for this food which nourishes and sustains us... \nas does your grace. May we strive to be worthy."\n\nAll down the table, the other wards repeat the ritual phrase:\n"By your grace do we live, may we strive to be worthy."\n\nYou raise your bowed head, and take a bite of your porridge.\nThe others follow suit... some with more enthusiasm than others.\n\nWhen everyone is finished eating, it's time for [[chores.|chores]]

You smile at the giggling wards,\nand take a bite of the porridge.\n\nYour smile becomes a grimace.\nYou really are sick of the stuff.\nStill, it's all there is, so you eat it.\n\nWhen everyone is finished eating, it's time for [[chores.|chores]]

You know it's unlikely, but you can't help\nbut imagine what it would be like, to have a father...\n\n[[...a good and kind man.|a good and kind man]]\n[[...a man of wealth and power.|a man of wealth and power]]

The Warden sighs and shakes her head. \n\n"You and half the girls who come of age here. \nNo, we have more caretakers than we need already."\n\n"If you want to remain here, with a roof over your head,\nyou'll accept the position that I've recommended you for."\n\n\n[["...yes, ma'am."|warden3a]]

The layout of your new room is familiar --\nit's like the room you borrowed to <<if $skipDaily>>"study"<<else>>study<<endif>> in,\nwith two beds on either side as you enter, \nand two desks against the far wall.\n\nThe beds are both neatly made,\nbut one of the desks is cluttered,\nand the other is empty.\n\nYou place the [[paper][$back="room"]] on the empty desk, \nand consider what to do next.\n\n[[Think things over.|think3]]\n[[Leave your room.|leave]]

prerender.initialize = function ()\n{\n\tif (!state.history[0].variables["name"])\n\t{\n\t\tstate.history[0].variables["name"] = "Alex";\n\t}\n};

You cannot meet her eyes. \n\nEven now, looking down at what she holds,\nyou can feel the weight of her gaze on you.\n\nIn her outstretched hands, \nher palms open, as if offering it to you:\nthere is a [[sword.|sword]]

The poems are lovely.\n\nYou finish the slim volume just moments before\n[[the bell rings for lunch.|lunch]]

It's never going to happen,\nso why waste time thinking about it?\n\n\nYou [[think about something else.|$think]]

Your mother.\n\nYou have only the dimmest memories of her, \njust the vague sense of a huge soft warm figure \nwhose presence made everything right in the world...\n\n[[You miss her,|You miss her]] even now. \nBut [[she abandoned you.|she abandoned you]]

<<timedreplace 3s>>...<<becomes>>You jolt awake.<<endtimedreplace>>\n\n<<timedcontinue 10ms>><<timedcontinue 4s>>It is dark, and cold... and quiet.\n\nNot morning, then. So why are you awake?\n\n\n[[Why is your heart hammering in your chest?|dream2]]

The sword is yours. \nYou have never been so certain of anything.\n\nBut you hear a familiar jangling bell...\n\n[[Take the sword.|dream take]]\n[[Wake up.|day3]]