At Starfall

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<<fadein 1s>><span class="logo"> <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Twine_vector_logo.svg/896px-Twine_vector_logo.svg.png"> </span><</fadein>> <<timed 3s t8n>><span class="game-start-timed"> Click anywhere to continue... </span><</timed>> <<cont>><<goto 'start-menu'>><</cont>>

<<fadein 1s>> <div id="start-title">At Starfall</div> <div id="start-subtitle">by @Arlathavellan</div> <<nobr>><div id="start-menu"> <<nobr>><<if Save.autosave.ok() and Save.autosave.has()>><<button "Resume Game">><<run Save.autosave.load()>><</button>><</if>><</nobr>> <<button "New Game" "home">><<set $chapter to "Introduction">><</button>> <<button "Load Game">><<run UI.saves();>><</button>> <<button "Settings">><<run UI.settings();>><</button>> <<button "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("credits","credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</button>> </div><</nobr>> <</fadein>>

<h2>Twine + Sugarcube</h2> <li>Twine by Chris Klimas - <a href="https://twinery.org/cookbook/" target="_blank">Twine Cookbook</a></li> <li>Sugarcube by Thomas Michael Edwards - <a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/" target="_blank">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a></li> <li>Custom Macros - <a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2" target="_blank">ChapelR Custom Macros Collection</a></li> <h2>Resources</h2> <li>Icons - <a href="https://fontawesome.com/" target="_blank"> Font Awesome Icons</a></li> <li>Fonts - <a href="https://fonts.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Fonts</a>, <a href="https://opendyslexic.org/" target="_blank">Open Dyslexic</a></li> <li>CSS + HTML Tutorials - <a href="https://www.w3schools.com/">W3Schools</a></li> <li>Theme Template by - <a href="https://losingface.itch.io/a-sugarcube-template">losingface/becky</a></li> <h2>Disclaimer</h2> AT STARFALL is a work of fiction, inspired by the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series by author Sarah J Maas. Names, characters, places and incidents that do not originate from the afformentioned story either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Arlathavellan makes no profit off of the publication of this fanwork.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum eleifend commodo urna, nec tincidunt urna malesuada eget. In venenatis blandit diam eu tincidunt. Aliquam odio nisl, accumsan ut blandit quis, dapibus quis magna. Suspendisse sed nulla in lorem laoreet rutrum. Donec et nisl sit amet libero bibendum viverra. Fusce venenatis libero eget ex malesuada scelerisque. Proin elementum placerat quam, nec molestie urna aliquam a. Sed pulvinar congue fermentum. Aliquam erat volutpat. Duis ullamcorper at elit vitae semper. Duis faucibus, nunc vitae tincidunt feugiat, dui libero ullamcorper leo, ut varius mauris arcu ac erat. Nullam sollicitudin tempor quam sit amet ultrices. Nullam et augue non ligula vestibulum bibendum. Integer sit amet ligula consectetur, scelerisque metus eu, dignissim dolor. Quisque commodo tempus interdum. Quisque porttitor lacus est, sit amet tincidunt nulla eleifend nec. Nam porttitor velit non auctor ultrices. Fusce luctus ipsum eget tristique pretium. Donec aliquam lacinia arcu, sit amet aliquet ex accumsan non. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Cras efficitur leo quis ipsum vestibulum, quis consectetur metus facilisis. Nulla faucibus est id pharetra facilisis. Cras euismod quam augue, sed sodales elit posuere ac. Cras tempor nisl in metus egestas lacinia. Ut semper ipsum quam, et lacinia erat blandit a. Nunc a ipsum et nisi aliquam euismod. Aenean condimentum nunc nec ex condimentum tempus. Pellentesque sagittis mi quis orci auctor, eget molestie orci placerat. Ut ultrices mauris elit, sed mollis justo posuere ut. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Nullam a eros elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum vel augue lorem. Aliquam non purus vel metus congue rhoncus. Praesent et porttitor orci, quis venenatis urna. Mauris quis dui cursus, fringilla lorem vel, feugiat nunc. Nullam urna est, fermentum quis justo quis, vestibulum tincidunt lacus. Aenean sit amet consectetur felis, quis hendrerit enim. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue|home]]</div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[Continue|p_01]]</div> <div class="special-choice-item">[[Continue|p_01]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<h1>Heading 1</h1> <h2>Heading 2</h2> <h3>Heading 3</h3> <<button "Button">><</button>> <<textbox "$textbox" $textbox>> <<listbox "$listbox">> <<option "Listbox 1">> <<option "Listbox 2">> <<option "Listbox 3">> <</listbox>> <<cycle "$cycle">> <<option "Cycling 1">> <<option "Cycling 2">> <<option "Cycling 3">> <</cycle>> <li>List Item</li> <li>List Item</li> <li>List Item</li> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Continue|p_00]]</div> <div class="flirt-choice-item">[[Continue|p_00]]</div> <div class="special-choice-item">[[Continue|p_00]]</div> </div><</nobr>>

<<if settings.notifs>><<if tags().includes('autosave')>><<notify 3.5s>>Saving...<</notify>><</if>><</if>> /* autosaving -- the autosave notif needs to be 'present' at all times so is stored in the passageheader, only popping up when you add the [autosave] tag onto one of your passages. this is mainly for aesthetics as the autosave function is currently set up to save on EVERY passage. this can be changed in the javascript settings, e.g. you could configure it to only autosave on passages with the [autosave] tag notify is also a ChapelR macro, not a default sugarcube macro, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the documentation!*/ <script> var myDiv = document.getElementById('passages'); myDiv.scrollTop = 0; </script> /* scroll top -- this script makes the page scroll back to the top every time you move on to the next passage -- do not delete it! */

<h1>Profile</h1> Character Name: $name Mate: $mate /* <div id="stat-title"> <span>Friendly ($friendly%)</span> <span>Stoic (<<print 100 - $friendly>>%)</span> </div> <<showmeter 'Friendly' `$friendly/ $max_friendly`>> <div id="stat-title"> <span>Strength ($strength%)</span> <span>Weakness (<<print 100 - $strength>>%)</span> </div> <<showmeter 'Strength' `$strength/ $max_strength`>>*/

/* comment -- this is where to set up your variables -- you can delete the examples below. note that $chapter is used to change the chapter title in the title bar. you can either delete this, change the variable name, or change the variable(s) used entirely note that $chapter and $name are also used for the autoname save function. you can either delete this, change the variable name, or change the variable(s) used entirely (in the Javascript file) */ <<set $chapter = "">> <<set $name = "">> <<set $textbox = "textbox">> <<set $listbox = "listbox">> <<set $cycle = "cycle">> <<set $mate = "">> <<set $mateNN = "">> <<set $gemstone = "">> <<set $gemstones = "">> <<set $dressColor = "black">> <<set $name = "Y/N">> <<set $routeHL = false>> <<set $routeGN = false>> <<set $routeSM = false>> <<set $ch1 = 0>> <<set $ch2 = 0>> /* ChapelR Meter Macro set up */ /* these stat meter set ups are purely examples and do not need to be used */ <<set $friendly = 50>> <<set $max_friendly = 100>> <<newmeter 'Friendly' $friendly>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>> <<set $strength = 50>> <<set $max_strength = 100>> <<newmeter 'Strength' $strength>> <<colors '#777' '#777' '#333'>> <<sizing '100%' '1.2em'>> <</newmeter>>

<div id="title-container"> <span class="title-item">$chapter At Starfall</span> /* <span class="chapter-item">$chapter</span> */ </div>

<<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-bookmark" alt="saves"></i>'>><<run UI.saves();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-gear" alt="settings"></i>'>><<run UI.settings();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-user" alt="profile"></i>'>> <<script>> Dialog.setup("profile","profile"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("profile").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-arrow-rotate-left" alt="return"></i>'>><<run Engine.backward();>><</link>> <<link '<i class="fa-solid fa-door-open" alt="restart"></i>'>><<run UI.restart();>><</link>>

Set up your widgets here!

Welcome to At Starfall! This is intended to be a rather linear example of how I make interactive fanfiction, for those unfamiliar with the medium. Let's get started! <i class="fa-solid fa-bookmark"></i> Saves -- You can save your progress, or load from a different point. This is a short, linear story, but for a more complex narrative this can be an easy way to explore different branches and their consequences. <i class="fa-solid fa-gear"></i> Settings -- Change font, theme, and toggle fullscreen. Certain options, like notifications and choice indicators aren't used in this story, but can be used to denote the tone or consequence of a dialogue choice or action, like flirting with or insulting someone. <i class="fa-solid fa-user"></i> Profile -- Displays character information. Mostly used in stories with stats, which aren't explored in this story. <i class="fa-solid fa-arrow-rotate-left"></i> Rewind -- You can use this to go back and reread the previous passage, or try another choice. <i class="fa-solid fa-door-open"></i> Restart -- Go back to the beginning of the story. Any unsaved progess will be lost. This is a character preference, which will have a minor effect on the story itself. <<nobr>>Do you drink alcohol?: <<radiobutton "$alcohol" true>>Yes <<radiobutton "$alcohol" false>>No <</nobr>> What is your name? <<textbox "$name" Y/N>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Start the story!|p1]]</div> <</nobr>>

Starfall is fast approaching, and with it the deadline you had given yourself. Five years ago, you felt that treasured mating bond snap in your chest, pulling you towards the one person you'd loved for decades. Always too afraid to lose him, you decided it would be better to let it snap naturally for him, as it had for you. It was tearing you up inside. You didn't want him to love you because the cauldron told him to, yet hiding it from him was a guilt that weighed heavy like tar on your tongue. So, you told yourself that on the fifth Starfall, you would tell him yourself. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You were nervous.|p2a]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You were confident.|p2b]]</div> <</nobr>>

<<set $feelings to "nervous">> What if it all came crashing down around you? You'd kept your heart locked tight in your chest for years, and tonight you were going to take it out to be at his mercy. It might break you. And yet, there was no doubt in your mind that tonight had to be the night you finally told him that he as your mate. Your mate... <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Rhysand, the High Lord|1][$mate = "Rhysand"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Cassian, the General|1][$mate = "Cassian"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Azriel, the Spymaster|1][$mate = "Azriel"]]</div> <</nobr>>

<<set $feelings to "confident">> While you expected a creeping dread, you were instead buzzing with anticipation. You'd kept silent for years, but tonight was the night you were going to lay your heart bare and put an end to your pining, one way or another. Tonight would change everything. There was no doubt in your mind that tonight had to be the night you finally told him that he was your mate. Your mate... <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[Rhysand, the High Lord|1][$mate = "Rhysand"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Cassian, the General|1][$mate = "Cassian"]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Azriel, the Spymaster|1][$mate = "Azriel"]]</div> <</nobr>>

<<if $mate == "Rhysand">><<set $chapter = "The High Lord">><<set $gemstone to "amethyst">><<set $gemstones to "amethysts">><<set $mateNN to "Rhys">> The High Lord himself. You never even dared to hope he would be yours, and then that delicate thread wrapped itself around your heart and nearly pulled you off your feet. He had never known a moment's peace, from being separated from his brothers during the war, to becoming High Lord after the brutal murder of his mother and sister resulted in the death of his father. But, you resolved yourself, whatever the outcome of tonight, he deserved to know.<<elseif $mate == "Cassian">><<set $chapter = "The General">><<set $gemstone to "ruby">><<set $gemstones to "rubies">><<set $mateNN to "Cas">> The Lord of Bloodshed himself. How could he have not caught your eye? Like a moth to the flame, you were drawn to him from the moment you first saw him. Could one blame you? He caught the eye of everyone, as painful as that could be sometimes. Even so, you couldn't fault anyone for appreciating him. And you certainly couldn't fault him for indulging in said appreciation when he didn't know you held any 'claim' to him whatsoever.<<else>><<set $chapter = "The Spymaster">><<set $gemstone to "sapphire">><<set $gemstones to "sapphires">><<set $mateNN to "Az">> The Shadowsinger himself. As much as he tried to disappear into the darkness, it was as if a part of you always knew where he was. And when that golden thread finally snapped into place, you understood why. No matter how deep into the shadows he was, you would always see him. Even if he didn't always see you. You weren't blind, you could see the way his heart had followed Mor all these years. While it was certainly a factor as to why you never told him, he had the right to know he had a choice to make.<</if>> Whether it brings him comfort or simply gives you closure, you would confess to him after the Starfall party and leave the choice to him. <<if $feelings == "nervous">> Your hands tremble as you smooth down the $dressColor fabric of your dress, no matter how you tried to steady them. Deep breaths just make the tremor of your heart all the more noticeable, and you wonder if you'll even make it to the end of the night. Regardless of if you're ready or not, the knock at your door tells you it's time to go. "Come in," you call, trying to keep your voice steady. The door opens carefully, Mor peaking her head in with a tentative smile. "You almost ready?" She slips into the room as you turn around, shutting the door gently behind her. Her eyes scanned you from head to toe, gaze softening as you fidgeted under her examination. "You look beautiful, $name." You turn back to look in the mirror once more as Mor comes up behind you. "You're sure? It's not too much— or too little?" A gentle laugh is what you receive in reply, a steadying hand on your shoulder. "$mateNN won't know what hit him." Heat floods your face at the sound of his name, the reminder of your goal for the night. You catch Mor's eye in the mirror, her expression fond as she tilts her head, free hand hidden behind her back. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You fuss with your gown once more. "I must admit, you certainly know what you're doing."|2a][$ch1 = 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You simply smile shyly, ducking your head in thanks as you toy with the fabric of your dress.|2b][$ch1 = 2]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Your attention is drawn to what she is hiding, curiosity and suspicion piqued.|2c][$ch1 = 3]]</div> <</nobr>> <<else>> A few steadying breaths in the mirror, and last minute adjustments to your $dressColor gown are all it takes to prepare yourself to head downstairs. Just as you turn on your heel, a knock sounds at your door. "It's open," you call out, smile pulling at your lips. The door opens, and Mor smiles as soon as she lays eyes on you. Scanning you from head to toe, she enters the room swiftly and closes the door behind her. "Well, aren't you just a vision in $dressColor," she teases, hands behind her back. <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[You roll your eyes lightheartedly. "Yes, yes, the great Morrigan knows her way around a dress shop. Who could have ever known?"|2a][$ch1 = 1]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[You simply smile widly, giving a slight curtsey in thanks.|2b][$ch1 = 2]]</div> <div class="choice-item">[[Your attention is drawn to what she is hiding, curiosity and suspicion piqued.|2c][$ch1 = 3]]</div> <</nobr>><<endif>>

<<if $feelings == "nervous">> You fuss with your gown once more. "I must admit, you certainly know what you're doing." She laughs, full and happy. "Yes, you must! Only the best for the people I love." Her eyes crinkle as she smiles widely, her hand leaving your shoulder to join her other behind her back. <<else>> You roll your eyes lightheartedly. "Yes, yes, the great Morrigan knows her way around a dress shop. Who could have ever known?" You both laugh, before she eagerly closes the distance. "One more gift," she says. "Then we can go." You shoot her a look that she brushes off, and motions for you to turn around. "I'll be quick, I promise!" Doing as she asks, you take a deep breath as you go over your outfit once more in the mirror. <<endif>> "I was hoping you hadn't planned on your jewelry yet," she says, revealing the long, thin box hidden behind her back. "Because I've got just the thing." The plain box opens easily, showing a delicate silver chain, descending lengths of it holding onto beautiful pieces of $gemstone. "Mor," you breathe, overcome with emotion. She says nothing, simply setting the box down on the dresser next to you and lifting the string of silver up as if it were spidersilk. Stepping back into place behind you, she lowers her arms on either side of your head, the necklace resting gently against your chest as she holds it in place. The light catches on the $gemstones, almost looking like they're glowing with an inner light. Mor tilts her head so you can see her in the mirror behind you, and you can barely see her through the tears burning your eyes. "Do you like it?" A kind of peace settles on you as you bring a hand to your chest, gently touching the small, gleaming stones. "I love it, Mor." She smiles widely and disappears behind you once more, fitting the clasp securely. The length of the chains descending towards the center fits perfectly with the neckline of your dress, and you wonder how long she'd been holding onto it. <<if $feelings == "nervous">> Her hands rest on your upper arms, chin on your shoulder. "You don't need to worry so much, $name. I promise you, tonight will be wonderful." <<else>> Her hands rest on your upper arms, chin on your shoulder. "I'm so proud of you, $name. I promise, tonight will be wonderful." <<endif>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[It was time to go|3]]</div><</nobr>>

<<if $feelings == "nervous">> You simply smile shyly, ducking your head in thanks as you toy with the fabric of your dress. She laughs lightly at your silence, rubbing your shoulder slightly before letting you go, putting her hand behind her back with her other. <<else>> You simply smile widly, giving a slight curtsey in thanks. She laughs and rolls her eyes at the display, before closing the distance between you. "One more gift," she says. "Then we can go." You shoot her a look that she brushes off, and motions for you to turn around. "I'll be quick, I promise!" Doing as she asks, you take a deep breath as you go over your outfit once more in the mirror. <<endif>> "I was hoping you hadn't planned on your jewelry yet," she said, revealing the long, thin box hidden behind her back. "Because I've got just the thing." The plain box opens easily, showing a delicate silver chain, descending lengths of it holding onto beautiful pieces of $gemstone. "Mor," you breathe, overcome with emotion. She says nothing, simply setting the box down on the dresser next to you and lifting the string of silver up as if it were spidersilk. Stepping back into place behind you, she lowers her arms on either side of your head, the necklace resting gently against your chest as she holds it in place. The light catches on the $gemstones, almost looking like they're glowing with an inner light. Mor tilts her head so you can see her in the mirror behind you, and you can barely see her through the tears burning your eyes. "Do you like it?" A kind of peace settles on you as you bring a hand to your chest, gently touching the small, gleaming stones. "I love it, Mor." She smiles widely and disappears behind you once more, fitting the clasp securely. The length of the chains descending towards the center fits perfectly with the neckline of your dress, and you wonder how long she'd been holding onto it. <<if $feelings == "nervous">> Her hands rest on your upper arms, chin on your shoulder. "You don't need to worry so much, $name. I promise you, tonight will be wonderful." <<else>> Her hands rest on your upper arms, chin on your shoulder. "I'm so proud of you, $name. I promise, tonight will be wonderful." <<endif>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[It was time to go|3]]</div><</nobr>>

<<if $feelings == "nervous">> Your attention is drawn to what she is hiding, curiosity and suspicion piqued. Her smile turns into a grin, hand squeezing your shoulder before pulling away. <<else>> Your attention is drawn to what she is hiding, curiosity and suspicion piqued. "One more gift," she says. "Then we can go." You shoot her a look that she brushes off, and motions for you to turn around. "I'll be quick, I promise!" Doing as she asks, you take a deep breath as you go over your outfit once more in the mirror. <<endif>> "I was hoping you hadn't planned on your jewelry yet," she says, revealing the long, thin box hidden behind her back. "Because I've got just the thing." The plain box opens easily, showing a delicate silver chain, descending lengths of it holding onto beautiful pieces of $gemstone. "Mor," you breathe, overcome with emotion. She says nothing, simply setting the box down on the dresser next to you and lifting the string of silver up as if it were spidersilk. Stepping back into place behind you, she lowers her arms on either side of your head, the necklace resting gently against your chest as she holds it in place. The light catches on the $gemstones, almost looking like they're glowing with an inner light. Mor tilts her head so you can see her in the mirror behind you, and you can barely see her through the tears burning your eyes. "Do you like it?" A kind of peace settles on you as you bring a hand to your chest, gently touching the small, gleaming stones. "I love it, Mor." She smiles widely and disappears behind you once more, fitting the clasp securely. The length of the chains descending towards the center fits perfectly with the neckline of your dress, and you wonder how long she'd been holding onto it. <<if $feelings == "nervous">> Her hands rest on your upper arms, chin on your shoulder. "You don't need to worry so much, $name. I promise you, tonight will be wonderful." <<else>> Her hands rest on your upper arms, chin on your shoulder. "I'm so proud of you, $name. I promise, tonight will be wonderful." <<endif>> <<nobr>><div class="choices"> <div class="choice-item">[[It was time to go|3]]</div><</nobr>>

The nerves almost get to you as you step into the House of Wind. People from around Velaris are gathered in the Court's headquarters, and the sight of so many people almost makes your head spin. Taking a deep breath, you place your palm over the $gemstones at your neck to steel your resolve. You were doing this. A quick scan of the crowd revealed nothing but unfamiliar faces, so you moved instead to get a drink to occupy yourself. <<if $alcohol == true>>A cool glass of wine was exactly what you needed. The light and fruity taste bubbled across your tongue, and filled you with a warmth that helped chase your fears away.<<set $drink = "wine">> <<else>>A hot mug of dry cider was exactly what you needed. The heat seeped into your palms, the deep flavor helping to warm you from the inside out as well and quell your worries.<<set $drink = "cider">> <<endif>>With still no $mate in sight, your attention was drawn instead to a free balcony; a rare sight on Starfall. The door closing behind you shut out the noise of conversation inside, leaving you alone in the night. You let out a deep sigh, feeling tension you didn't even know you had drain as you take another sip of $drink. You certainly much prefered the smaller celebrations with just your family, but Rhysand was the High Lord, and as such he had duties to his people.<<if $mate == "Rhysand">> His devotion is part of why you loved him so much.<<else>> His devotion is just another reason you respect the faerie that has been like a brother to you all these years.<<endif>> Settling down on a bench near the railing, you look out over Velaris. You feel his presence before he even opens the door. <<if $mate == "Rhysand">> "There you are," he says. "I've been looking everywhere for you." [[This was it.|R1]] <<elseif $mate == "Cassian">> "I was wondering where you'd run off to," he jokes. [[This was it.|C1]] <<else>> "Are you alright?" He asks, voice quiet. [[This was it.|A1]] <<endif>>

You peer back at him with a smile, lowering your $drink from your lips. "Ah, the High Lord himself graces me with his presence." A smirk pulls at Rhys' lips as he bows with a flourish. "There's no one else's company I would rather be graced with tonight, my dear." The words pound heavy in your chest. He rises and takes his place at the railing in front of you, your eyes trailing his form; his long legs and the tense set of his shoulders. Every year, the stress of Court politics threatened his enjoyment of this sacred day. You wished you could peer into his mind as easily as he does to others, see how he feels and what he needs in the ways he can't convey in words. However, with the discovery of your mating bond five years ago, the walls of your mind had been sealed tight. "No plans for tonight?" Rhys asks, voice silky smooth as he gazes up at the sky. A shrug comes to your shoulders before you remember he can't see you sitting behind him. "None past the usual. Just grab some $drink and find a good view." Taking another sip of the drink in question, you notice him examining you over his shoulder. "Looking for any answer in particular?" You shoot back, brow raised. The indiscernible depth of emotion in his eyes has the hair on the back of your neck raising. While you trusted Rhys wouldn't delve into your mind without your knowing, something in the back of your mind was convinced he knew something you didn't. He lets out a hum, head tilting before he finally turns that burning gaze away from you. "Just thought I'd ask." The sounds of the party behind you permeate the tense silence that falls between you. As you find yourself drowning in doubt about your resolution for the night, he speaks first. "Would you care to go somewhere with me?" Your head tilts in question as he looks back once more, expression softer than before as he reaches out a hand. "I have an even better view than this in mind." Before trepidation can steal your nerve, you set your drink on the bench and take his hand, standing to your feet. "The highest building in the city seems to be a tough place to beat, Rhys." His eyes darken as he pulls you close, looking down at you with an expression that spells nothing but trouble. "Not when you've other means of transportation, no." Realization hits you just a breath too soon as he wraps his arms around you. With a gasp, the ground disappears from beneath your feet, and the wind batters against your face and hair. "Rhys!" You cry out, feeling the rumbling laugh in his chest as you wrap your arms around his broad shoulders. With just a few beats of his wings, the two of you are launched far into the sky, your stomach lurching at the sudden propulsion and descent as he lowers the two of you down to the training grounds atop the house. "You are a //horrible// faerie," you bemoan, feet landing unsteadily on the ground. His laugh shakes you down to your bones, your cheek pressed against his chest as you steady yourself on his arms. "Committing treason? On Starfall?" Pulling back from him, you watch as he stretches his wings out behind him. "You'll have to forgive me, High Lord," you joke. "I'm afraid my swift abduction may have scrambled my brains." Rhys grins, pulling you in to guide you over to the edge of the training ring. "I suppose you've caught me in a generous mood tonight, my dear. Your punishment will simply be granting me the rest of your time tonight." As you approach the edge, you notice a blanket splayed out on the ground. Your eyes flicker to him, and the mischief returns to his face. "All part of the plan, I presume?" The blue of his eyes shine under the night sky, the warm hue reflecting the $gemstones against your neck as he turns to look at you. His gaze nearly takes your breath away, shining warmth drawing you near. "I went through five hours of meetings before I could step outside," he says. "I'd like to leave all the //High Lording// behind, for just one night." The bond pulls tight in your chest as you take his hand, gaze drawn to the sky as the burst of color begins. Grinning, you tug him along closer to the edge, watching the souls migrating across the city. The view is so breathtaking that it takes you a moment to realize some of the weight on your sternum is coming from somewhere else. Turning, your expression freezes as you meet Rhys' gaze once again. This time, his eyes are wide, lips parted in a shaking breath as he looks at you. It hits you all at once, like water held back by a dam once again rushing down a long-dried river. "You're..." his voice is light, breathless, and it has your eyes stinging. "I was going to tell you tonight," you say. It comes out a bit more panicked than you had intended, falling from your mouth before he can turn away in anger. "I just... I didn't..." For the second time that night, you're pulled tight against his chest. A wave of overwhelming emotions washes over you both, a feedback loop running through both of your hearts. "You're my mate," he breathes, hot against the top of your head. "Thank you... thank you, thank you." The spirits burn across the sky above you, but all you can see is the body you're cradled against. <<set $routeHL = true>> [[END.]]

"I was wondering where you'd run off to," he jokes. You turn to see Cassian as he closes the door securely behind him, grin nearly splitting his face. "I didn't see anyone I recognized, thought I'd get some fresh air," you say with a smile, scooting over as he makes himself comfortable next to you. Throwing an arm over your shoulder as he settles in, you can feel the burning heat of his body seeping into your skin through your dress. He shrugs in response, leaning back against the bench as he stretches his legs out. "Rhys had some work to do before we could join in on all the fun. Swore we wouldn't miss it, though, you know how he gets." Curling into his side against the chill of the night, you sigh as his proximity drums at that bond in your chest. Cassian has always been incredibly physically affectionate, especially with you and Mor, but ever since that night five years ago, it had meant something special to you. Something he deserved to be aware of. Letting yourself be selfish a little while longer, you put your hand over his and practically melt into his side. You can hear—and feel—him telling you about the meeting Rhysand had dragged them all into, but his complaints about beaurocratic nonsense may as well be the music playing inside, muffled by the door between you and the rest of the world. His thumb is rubbing circles into the bare skin at your shoulder, and you can't help but wonder if the Mother is punishing you for your silence. His rubbing turns into a couple of taps to get your attention, and you regain your bearings as he changes the topic. "Anyways, how has your day been?" "Fine, really," you say. "A lot of waiting to get ready, then getting ready, and now here we are." Cassian laughs, shaking his body and yours. "Yeah, Starfall with Mor can get like that. Remember that year Rhys was nearly late because he couldn't find that shirt she'd laid out?" The giggle that bubbles up is nearly involuntary. "Oh, yes," you respond. "Who could forget the High Lord's great Starfall Fashion Emergency?" "No one, if I can help it." A cold spring wind blows through, and Cassian brings his wing up to shield you on instinct as you shiver against him. He pulls you closer, and you fight the urge to throw your legs over his lap like you used to. It was almost embarrassing to think about now; how clingy you've always been with him. It was like the Mother and the Cauldron were both beating you over the head with a sign that said "He's Yours!" A comfortable silence falls between you as your laughter fades. You feel the hand on your shoulder creep a little higher, and suddenly one of the chains of your necklace is lifted, a $gemstone rolling between two of his fingers. "It looks good on you." You tilt your head up to look at him, an indiscernable expression on his face. "I asked for Mor's help," he confesses. "She knew what you were wearing, and I didn't want to get something that wouldn't work with your dress or something embarrassing like that." His head is turned back towards the skyline before your hand reaches the necklace. "You picked this out?" Your voice is soft, almost lost to the night. "Cas, it's beautiful." A wry smile pulls at his lips as his free hand scratches through his hair. "I don't really have much experience with this kind of thing, but I... I want to do it right." Momentary shock has your eyebrows lifting as he seems to look everywhere but at you. "This thing?" you ask, voice light from nerves. Cassian sighs, clears his throat, cracks his knuckles, as if going down a list of things he can do to stall for time. "Cas," you say, resting a hand softly on his chest. His eyes finally meet yours, emotions fighting a war within his gaze, and he takes your hand in his. "$name, I know we've known each other for... a long time now. You've seen me as both a bastard and a General, and never once faltered in treating me as a friend. I treasure your friendship more than anything, so if you don't feel the same I swear to you nothing will change, because you will always have me beside you." The bond in your chest burns so brightly that it stings, like pulling bandages from a fresh wound. "But if there's a chance you would allow me to be something more, I need to know." His name falls from your lips again, no louder than a whisper as it breaks in your throat. A confession, one you've dreamed of for years, curling tightly around your heart as if it means to pull it from your chest. Everywhere the two of you touch burns hotter than it ever has, and the beating of his heart is like a drum against your palm. "Even if you're just willing to //try//," the vulnerability in his expression is raw, face slowly pinching as he spirals in his words. "If you decide it isn't what you want, we can stop with no—" "//Cassian,//" you press, curling your fingers into his shirt to stop him. "I want to." Everything grows quiet and still, like the house behind you had been cleared out. "There's nothing I want more." The faerie in front of you lets out a shaking breath, eyes flickering over your face. A confession lies heavy on your tongue, but as his large, trembling hands cradle your face, lips pressing firm against your forehead, you resolve yourself to give him more time. You would wait for him, bond open and raw, as long as he needed to reach out for himself and fall as far as you had. <<set $routeGN = true>> [[END.]]

"Are you alright?" He asks, voice quiet. His shadows skitter around your feet, tickling your ankles and calves as you turn to look at him. "Just nerves," you say, knowing better than to try and outright lie. He'd always been able to see right through you. His head tilts slightly, and you see a slight wisp of a shadow dancing near his nape, ready to whisper whatever they'd learned in his ear. "Would you mind some company?" Smiling, you scoot over on the bench and pat the spot beside you in invitation. He returns your smile with a brief nod in thanks, and you're bathed in near darkness as his wings block out the light from inside. A comfortable silence lays over you both like a blanket, allowing you to hear the beating of your heart. This was far from the first time the two of you had simply sat together, but you found yourself toying with the necklace once more to occupy your hands. "It's beautiful." Looking up at his words, his gaze is trained on the sparkling $gemstones. You can't quite decipher his expression, your eyes distracted by his slightly parted lips. Slowly, he brings a gloved hand up to trace where it lay against your neck, your breath hitching. Something shifts in the air between you, something warm and heavy as his wings enclose the two of you into a private bubble the visitors of the house had no right to gaze upon. Any remaining tension melts from your body as his touch trails further upward, tracing your jaw. Eyes fluttering closed, you soaked in his attention, naturally leaning into his frame. He had no idea what he was doing to you, what fire he was stoking. He whispers your name, a faint //$name// set upon the night breeze. "You're my mate." Your eyes snap open, breath hitching as you stare up at him in shock. His face looks pained, lips slightly parted as if he hadn't entirely meant to speak. //He// spoke. "What?" He withdraws his hand, and it occurs to you just how close he was leaning when he sits up straight, how much distance it puts between you. "I'm... sorry. I should have told you sooner, but I... I was worried it might not snap for you." "Az," you whisper, feeling your heart clench. "How long have you known?" You ache to reach out and smooth the pinched skin between his brows, the twisted corners of his mouth. Hands in his lap, his tugs at his fingers and gloves as he thinks of what to say. Shadows brush against your legs in apprehension, and you offer a hand for them to climb your arm. He lets out a shaking sigh as they report their findings down the grapevine, telling him you aren't upset, that he hadn't made a mistake. You want to give him the time to collect himself, but tonight was going to be the end of both of your waiting. "It snapped for me," you tell him, watching the way he flinches ever so subtly at your words. "Five years ago. But I never felt anything from you, so I thought..." Shoulders shaking with a quiet chuckle, he leans forward to press the heel of his palm against his mouth. "Ten. I knew ten years ago." Tired of the distance, you set your $drink down in front of the bench and sit closer to him, pressing your sides together. He lifts his arm automatically, bringing it around you as his wings adjusted to close in the extra space. "A match made by the cauldron," you murmur against his chest, arm slipping around his back and fingers curling against his side. Releasing the hold you kept on the bond, the hold you'd employed to your own detriment, you let your feelings flood through and feel him sigh against you. A moment passes before you're met in the middle, your hearts melding together in all their emotions. He looks down at you finally, and you bring your free hand to trace his warm cheek with your thumb. "I can't even be mad at you. We were both fools." He huffs a laugh, fingers tracing the curve of your face from temple to chin. "Rhys gave me a kick in the ass." A laugh of your own bubbles up in your chest, bringing your hand back to toy with the $gemstones against your sternum. "We'll have to thank him and Mor, then. Mother knows their egos need it." Gaze softening even further, he tilts your chin up and presses a soft, fragile kiss against your lips. Humming, you curled your fingers around the back of his neck to pull him closer. A cold presence wrapped around your waist, urging you into his chest with an enthusiasm they weren't afraid to express. As you pull apart with a giggle, he lets out an exasperated sigh and replaces them with his arm, holding you close himself. "They've been incessant." "Perhaps they deserve our thanks as well." Dark forms swirl around you both, and you feel them curl at your own ear to whisper things you can't understand. You're pulled into another kiss, and everything else leaves your mind. Even as the sky erupts into the spirits' migration, your attention is firmly locked on each other. <<set $routeSM = true>> [[END.]]

ENDING:<<if $routeHL == true>> The Highlord at Starfall.<<elseif $routeGN == true>> The General at Starfall.<<else>> The Spymaster at Starfall.<<endif>> Thank you so much for playing! If you enjoyed this story, feel free to let me know in the comments, or on my tumblr, @arlathavellan, where you can find more of my work. I also take requests <3 [[Return to beginning.|home]]