So here it is. This is it. [[You->YouStart]]'ve travelled a long way to reach it and now, standing before the [[moss covered stonework]]... it all seems so underwhelming. For all the discomfort of the journey through the [[forest]], it almost feels like a wasit of time. Some decrepit guard post hunched amid the foothills of an uninteresting mountainrange. (if: $keepSquiresAtStart is "true")[ The [[squires]] with you murmur to themselves. Clearly thinking the same. ](else:)[ The squires stand silently, awaiting your order. ] You pause for a moment. [[Forward.->EnterKeep]] You're sure an architect may have more to say, but that was never an area of [[your studies]]. It feels rude to call such a structure a keep, but the locals do. The outer wall would be respectable if it had not lost the war with nature years ago. The gate practically fell apart at your touch. And now all that remains is this modest stone building crouched against a cliff face. With a lone [[watchtower]], well, towering over you. [[Back.->KeepStart]]It's ancient. Trees older than your empire, you've heard. Nothing much to see. They grow fat rather than tall here. Surely a painter would love the oddity of the caves of leaves. As one tree bullies it's younger peers for light. You never really found the interest to try. You'd heard tale of bandits. Beasts. Savages and witchcraft. None. Peasant stories to scare their children becoming truths over the generations? Surely so. The only excitement was a toad found having made camp in a squires's boot while you were resting. Last seen making what you would assume were curses as it hopped into the underbrush. [[Back.->KeepStart]] The pair of them try very hard to look busy and prepared when you turn to face them. Barely past thier teenage years, but well trained. You weren't much younger than them when you'd been sent on your first quest by the Order. You almost envy them this pointless trip than then misfortune of your first. On the left, (text-colour:#DE7F84)[the human girl] bearing the trappings of a mage. You're already sure she'll be in a seat of power some day. Competent and perhaps too cleaver for her own good. On the right, (text-colour:#CAA961)[an elven boy]. His physique betraying a youth spent climbing through windows that didn't belong to him. Reformed now, but he teaches dirty fighting to sparring mates. Both seem like they're ready for anything, even if the boredom of travel has dulled their nerves. Maybe you should [[fix->sendsquires]] that. [[Back.->KeepStart]]Spear, shield, sword; your truest companions. Ring and plate, your castle. You've spent years learning to be the fighter you are now, earning scars and glory along the way. Magic though, never quite got the hang of that. While you've aquired a long but erratic list of skills and knowledge outside of combat, music and dance have been your calling. A bard's life would have been yours if not for the Order. Oh well. Sooner this task is done, the better. [[Back.->KeepStart]] There may be grander, there may be taller. But this tower does stand above the trees around it. Perhaps this used to be just a guards' post from a long forgotten nation. The winding path you travelled to get here once a bustling road? It is not your job to know. Perhaps once your work is done the scholars will be here to find out. For now, the squires are waiting. [[Back.->KeepStart]]It's the same (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[you] you've always known. Long dark hair, hazel green eyes, skin tanned a rich olive, long pointed ears betraying your elven heritage. The white tabard of the hangs off your body, under which is a set of plate armor and chainmail. While lighter than what you'd wear for war, it is still more than enough for any highwayman's knife or bow. The rest of your kit is the same; light for easy of travel, but of good quality. It has been a long road not just to this cursed pile of stone, but to here in life. a knight of the Order, a Paladin by rank. You may not be the most famous, most skilled, more powerful; but you stand shoulder to shoulder with those who are. [[Back.->KeepStart]] You twitch your ear. (text-colour:#6C9CB7)["Did you hear that?"] Both are on alert, looking around for danger. Good. Slow, but good. (text-colour:#CAA961)["No ma'am."] (text-colour:#DE7F84)["Nothin."] They both report, after a tense pause. Neither lowering their guard. Better. (text-colour:#6C9CB7)["Good. Now search the peremeter anyway. Put your training to use."] They both press into the underbrush carefully and are soon out of sight. Even in thier Order whites they blend in. Excellent training indeed. [[You wait.->sendsquires2]] (set: $keepSquiresAtStart = "false")A minute passes. [[Wait.->sendsquires3]]You look down at your tabard. Ah. That's why they blend in so well. All three of you had gotten so gradually covered in grime from the path you'd not even noticed. You brush back a lock of hair that's fallen over your face. Surely you look haggard. [[Sit and wait.->sendsquires4]] [[Call for your squires.->callsquires]]You settle yourself on the steps leading up the wall, or what's left of them. Pack shrugged off at your feet. In good news though, the squires are being very thorough, even when you'd implied there wasn't cause for alarm. Well trained indeed. Or... maybe not? Could there have been some unheard threat? [[Deal with that hair.->sendsquires5]] [[Call for your squires.->callsquires]]The pair come crashing out of the woods, swords quickly returning to scabbards as they approach. (text-colour:#DE7F84)["ma'am!"] (text-colour:#CAA961)["ma'am!"] They both salute, before relaxing, gazing about the decrepit structure once more. Well trained for sure.(text-colour:#6C9CB7)["Good work, you two."] You even award them a smile. Is that a flush of pride you see? You make sure your gear is in order, and step towards the doors of what we will generously call a keep. [["Ready."->KeepStart]]You rummage in your pack, pulling free a hairbrush, a gift from not a week before you left the fort on this journey. Pah. Journey. Sightseeing tour. It takes a while, but your hair is at least presentable now. Nothing good enough for the parade grounds, but at least you don't look like a hag. [[You're not done yet.->sendsquires7]] [[Where are those squires?->callsquires]]The Tight braid you keep your hair in has fallen apart somewhere along the way. The short ribbon that kept it together is nowhere to be found. You shake out the mess before it becomes more knotted. By the gods what a mess. You look up at the sound of a broken twig. But there's nothing. No assailant, still no squires. Your hand leaves your spear, not even registering having grabbed it. Where even are those novices? Hair pushed back in a loose mass, you take a breath. [[A knight should look the part.->sendsquires6]] [[Call for your squires.->callsquires]]You expertly re-braid your hair, it only takes a moment of digging to pull out a fresh ribbon to tie it off too. There. Proper. You look up again and blink, noticing your squires have returned with more stealth than you'd expected.(text-colour:#CAA961)["If You had wanted privacy for hygene, you can ask. I'm not a child."] He clearly still is, barely old enough to be a man at least. (text-colour:#DE7F84)["Peremeter clear, ma'am."] Oh she's not happy. Her hair is more of a mess than when you started with yours. It's a good thing she wears it so short. The boy helpfully removes a twig caught in it, rewarding him with an armored elbo into the relatively soft ringmail on his side. (text-colour:#6C9CB7)["Good work, you two."] It's best to just ignore what could be very awkard conversation as you shoulder your pack and turn towards the 'keep' once more. [[Ready."->KeepStart]]The doors creak open under your touch, until the one on the left falls off its hinges. You catch yourself quicky, peering into the dark interior. Both squires bustle past you, swords and shields at the ready. Nothing jumps out from the darkness. And that darkness isn't even that dark. The gauntlet on the sword arm of each or your squires is glowing with a soft light, [[your own as well->glowinggauntlet]]. Shields lower as the three of you examine your surroundings. [[Look around.->keepMainHall]] (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“It will last for 24 hours.”] Cleaver girl, this spell-savvy squire. You hope that the faint surprise and confusion you felt never made it to your face. [[Huh.->EnterKeep]] (if: $keepOffice is "first")[ (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Captain's quarters.”] He says, after pushing open the door. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Mostly cleaned out.”] (set: $keepOffice = "second") The three of you step into the room, dominated by a [[large table->keepOfficeTable]]. A bed and small desk under a [[wide window->keepOfficeWindow]] is tucked into a back corner. Shelves line the walls, mostly full of crumbling papers. ](elseif: $keepOffice is "second")[ You step back into the officer's quarters, gazing around again at the shelves of scattered papers and the [[large table->keepOfficeTable]]. You can't help but feel the previous resident would be heartbroken to see their work decay to this. ](elseif: $keepOffice is "third")[ You return to the [[large map->keepOfficeTable]] in the center of the office space. Scholars will have to be summoned to look over it once you return to the Order. ] [[Back->keepFloor2]] (if: $keepTowerDoor is "unlocked")[ The door now stands open, revealing a staircase spiraling tightly up the tower. [[Head up the tower.->ClimbTower]] ](else:)[ (if: $keepTowerDoor is "first")[ You try the door, but it's locked. It also resists the shove you give it. (set: $keepTowerDoor = "second") (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“Probably heads to the watchtower, if I were to guess."] You see no reason to argue with her assessment. (text-colour:#CAA961)["Do you [[hear->earToTowerDoor]] that?"] His squints, ears twitching towards the door. ](elseif: $keepTowerDoor is "second")[ You stand in front of the locked door. Something about this feels (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[odd]. (text-colour:#CAA961)["I swear I [[heard->earToTowerDoor]] something."] ](elseif: $keepTowerDoor is "third")[ You stand in front of the odd locked door. Surely there must be a way through. ](if: $towerKey is "have")[ [[Unlock the door.->KeepTowerDoorUnlock]] ] ] [[Back.->keepFloor2]]You press your ear to the door. (text-colour:#DE7F84)["N-no! It could be trappe-"] (text-colour:#6C9CB7)["Shhh."] You wave her down to silence. And... yes. It's soft plucking of (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[strings]? (set: $keepTowerDoor = "third") [[Back.->KeepTowerDoor]]The light your glowing gauntlet brings to the room makes it hard to pick out details, at first, but yes! Just here, some disturbed dust. And a glint of metal. You bend down, picking up (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[a small, and untarnished key]. Turing it over in your hands, you wonder how it did not catch your eye sooner. (text-colour:#DE7F84)["Sorry Ma'am. I can't detect if it's magical or just new."] She pipes up, without being asked. Had you even thought to? You carefully slip the key into an pouch on your hip. Surely this will come to use later. (set: $towerKey = "have") [[Back.->keepStorehouse]] (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[The key] turns, the door opening smoothly at your touch. You're greeted by a stone stairway, spiraling upward. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“That is definitely a harp.”] He is right. It's clear to you too. (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“I hear it now too.”] Human ears. But the confirmation is comforting in a way. The three of you look up the stairs. (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[“We will need to check on that.”] They both nod and check their gear. (set: $keepTowerDoor = "unlocked") (set: $towerKey = "used") [[Now? Or maybe later.->KeepTowerDoor]](if: $keepTowerScene is "no")[ You take the first step through the door. And then another. The acoustics of the tower seems to make the harp clearer, but somehow quieter? You shrug off your pack and lean your spear against the wall. There's no room for either in combat, especially in such a space. The squires follow suit, The three of you (if: $CONTENTWARNING is "true")[(text-colour:#252525)[Hypnosis, F/F, Exhibitionism, Submission, False Choices]] [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower2]] [[Go back.->keepFloor2]] ](else:)[ You travel up the stairs, the climb seems so much shorter now. The three of you are silent as you reach the top once more. Looking around you find not but (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[a scattering of feathers], and much distrurbed dust. The squires shuffle and avoid eachother's eyes. And yours. Clearly all three of you will not be mentioning the events of this tower to your superiors. Probably for the best. The wind carries what sounds like harp music or maybe (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[laughter]? It's hard to tell and you don't dare ask the squires. [[Go back.->keepFloor2]] ]You take the first steps up the stairs, passing a [[small window->TowerWindow]]. Light pours in, although the squire's magic is lighting the way perfectly fine without it. The harp music seems unchanged. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower3]] [[Go back down.->ClimbTowerDown]]You pass more windows, the only real way to feel any progress at all in this spiralling stair. (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“Shhhh!”] She taps his arm with a gauntlet. He'd started humming along to the tune. You pause for a moment, realizing you can feel your fingers twitching faintly alone as though you were playing the harp yourself. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower4]] [[Go back down.->ClimbTower3b]]You lose your nerve and order the squires back down the stairs. They look confused, having come so far, but follow. Or rather, lead. There is so little room on this staircase for them to let you pass. [[You gather up your gear and head back.->keepFloor2]]Further up, still. How tall is this tower? This seems ludicrous. But you continue. Your legs aren't tiring. Behind you both squires are humming along now. You feel your own voice singing wordlessly too. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower5]] [[Go back down.->ClimbTower4b]]This seems too wide for an archery slit. But the stairs are too narrow to use a bow on anyway. What ever did the builders of this place need this window for? You look out over the forest. Midday sun still beaming onto the leaves. A shame painting was not encouraged by the Order, How many knights would have taken such sights to canvas? A squire coughs, politely, to bring you back to the task at hand. [[Back.->ClimbTower2]](text-colour:#DE7F84)[“Shhhh!”] She taps his arm with a gauntlet. He'd started humming along to the tune. You pause for a moment, realizing you can feel your fingers twitching faintly alone as though you were playing the harp yourself. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower4]] (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[**Go back down?**] [[Go back down!->ClimbTowerDown]]The stairs continue. The music gets clearer. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower6]] (text-colour:#3769E1)[**Go back down.**] (set: $keepTowerScene = "yes")Further up, still. How tall is this tower? This seems ludicrous. But you continue. Your legs aren't tiring. Behind you both squires are humming along now. You feel your own voice singing wordlessly too. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower5]] (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[**But you're so close. Why leave now?**]The stairs continue. The music gets clearer. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower7]] (text-colour:#294FA9)[**Go back down.**]The stairs continue. The music gets clearer. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower8]] (text-colour:#1B3470)[(text-style: "blur")[**Go back down.**]] The stairs continue. The music gets clearer. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower9]] (text-colour:#0E1A38)[(text-style: "blurrier")[**Go back down.**]]The stairs continue. The music gets clearer. [[Head upwards.->ClimbTower10]]You reach the top of the tower, or at least what should be. The night sky spreads above you, the air filled with that wonderful tune. In the center of the space sits a figure, plucking away at an [[instrument->HarpyHarp]] in their hands. There is no pause in their playing as you [[approach.->HarpyStart]]The thing is beautiful, you've never seen a harp like it. You've learned to play the instrument's much larger sibling, but this? The range, pure resonance. Made by a master, and clearly played by one too. [[Back.->ClimbTower10]]You step forward slowly, but stop a few feet from the figure. Your squires at either side. They, no, she lifts her head, what you took for hair to be a plume of well cared for feathers. The woman's arms similarly covered wings. Small delicately clawed hands still coddling the harp as the song finishes. Large, dark eyes gleaming in the moonlight. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[“Welcome! I was hoping for guests. An audience? Yes, good.”] A (text-colour:#DE7F84)[soft gasp] beside you telling you you're not alone in appreciating the voice of this strange musician. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[“Well, come sit. Listen. Or do you wish to perform? Yes?”] Fingers idly plucking out a quiet, calm tune. Those eyes never leaving your own. [[Sit and listen.->harpyStartB]] [[Perform for her.->harpyDance]] (text-colour:#5FD5A4)["Come."] She murmurs. Fingers again returning to the harp to pluck out tuneless notes. You close the small gap on hands and knees. Settling down to kneel in front of her. The Order taught you manners, and (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[you are *well* trained]. You look up to find a large bird's foot raised. A delicately clawed toe drags along your cheek. [[Neither of you speak.->harpySit2]] (set: $harpyTrueEnding = "true")There is a happy (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[caw] and a clap of those clawed hands as you step into an open space with a bow. The harpist taking up her instrument and eying you carefully. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)["You know how to dance?"] Before you can respond, (text-colour:#5FD5A4)["Good! Too long since I've had a good dancer!"] She smiles, and you feel relaxed. [[She starts to play.->harpyDance2]](text-colour:#5FD5A4)[“You wish to perform. Yes?”] Fingers idly plucking out a quiet, calm tune. Those eyes never leaving your own. Why only listen when you could take part? The Order has taught you manners, after all. [[Perform for her.->harpyDance]]You know the tune, but how does she? You're already crouched before your brain realises what it is. Your cheeks flush! This is a song more fit for a sailor's tavern than a knightly banquette. The Order would frown upon you even knowing the words, let alone having watched the performance. The harp and her voice add a regalness to such a crass song. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[Her face is full of approval and mirth. She seems even more at ease than before.] You too feel calm, even as your fingers trail over [[your thighs.->hapryDance3]](text-colour:#5FD5A4)[1-2-3 1-]Stand(text-colour:#5FD5A4)[-3-4 1-2 1-]Twist(text-colour:#5FD5A4)[-3] The dance is more complicated than the waltzes you're used to. But it comes as easily to you as they do. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[1-2 1-2 1-2-3-4 1-2-3] Your arms spread wide, chest pushed out towards the woman. And you feel your wrists grabbed! [[The Squires!->harpyDance4]]Your gauntlets pull free. Months of training making such motions quick and clean. The dance caries you around, facing towards [[the pair->harpyDanceSquires]]. Both hold your armor to their chest like a long lost lover. Before reverentially placing it on the floor at their feet. Lyrics long since forgotten to the rhythm of the song. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[Happy laughter] reminds you of why you're here. [[Continue the performance->harpyDance5]]Both faces are fixed on your movements, the eyes glazed but aware. You catch your reflection, Lit by moonlight. Gorgeous. Surely (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[she] will be pleased with this display! [[Your eyes look the same.->harpyDance4]]The song continues. These lyrics are new, to you at least. The singer seems to know them well. Her eyes forever locked on you. These lyrics are about (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[you?] [[Yes.->harpyDance6]]The melody continues. These lyrics are about (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[you.] [[Keep Dancing!->harpyDance7]]You're on your back, leg kicked up. Straight into your squires's hands. You've never seen armor removed so elegantly or quickly. Well trained. The other leg, and again. You stand, Tasset and sword belt slipping free under such skilled hands. [[1-2, 1-2, 1-2-3-4->harpyDance8]]How long has it been? Minutes? Already you feel bare. Your gear lovingly placed along the remains of a wall. Such good squires. Both kneeling on either end of the arrangement, watching (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[your dance.] Harp still plucked away so masterfully, voice still raised in song. How have you never let yourself experience this before? You're not even sure when your ringmail was removed. Or how. You lean in, nose inches from the woman's. [[Continue.->harpyDance9]](text-colour:#6C9CB7)[Click] goes the simple latch that holds your breastplate's straps. The metal falling loosely within your tabard. Spin. Flourish. Lean. And your breastplate is in it's rightful place, center of the collection of your equipment. There is a pause. Even your undergarments have ended up in the pile. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[As they] (text-colour:#66B8AE)[shou](text-colour:#6C9CB7)[ld be.] [[The song continues.->harpyDance10]]Your movements become wide, sweeping. The tabard is large, loose, meant to be worn over armor. Your cheeks flush. Knowing just how much modesty is left to you. It's not a blush of shame. As the song wanders to it's finale you find yourself fallen to your knees, echos of the last string traveling over the night air as the exhaustion sets in. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[“Good!”] She coos down to you. Eyes rising to meet hers, bare chest heaving for breath. (if: $CONTENTWARNING is "true")[(text-colour:#252525)[F/F, submission, footfetish, worship, oral.]] [[She is smiling at you.->harpySit1]] [[You fall slowly. Forward.->harpyDanceEnd]]You are gazing up at your beautiful (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[mistress]. Her leg hooked over your shoulder, pulling your head in against her thigh. The harp so close, you can hear the faint click, her blunt talons catching on stings. There is no accident here. This is how she plays. You cannot help but to take a breath of her. Soft downy feathers against your face and nose filled with an earthy but pleasant smell. She moves, you follow. Both thighs resting on your shoulders as she lays on her back. Still strumming out her song. [[Listen.->harpySit5]]Your eyes meet hers. Moonlight shining off her breasts. A lust filled glitter in her eyes. And your own. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)["Do you need my permission?"] She smiles, (text-colour:#5FD5A4)["Go ahead."] [[Lean in.->harpyOral1]]Welcome To **Snake and Paladin** (a working title) This game is of an errotic nature, and is intended for adult readers. Content Warnings will be provided before entering a scene. Displayed like so: (text-colour:#252525)[Examples, Fetishes, The Lewd Stuff, Girls!] Would you like to turn them [[OFF?->STARTnoCW]] At points you will be unable to turn back, anything left unexplored will no longer be accessable. These will always be marked as such: [[Forward.->KeepStart]] (set: $CONTENTWARNING = "true") (set: $keepSquiresAtStart = "true") (set: $keepMainHall = "first") (set: $keepKitchenVisit = "first") (set: $keepStoreVisit = "first") (set: $keepTempleDoorVisit = "first") (set: $keepEntryFirst = "true") (set: $keepCellarVisit = "first") (set: $towerKey = "no") (set: $keepBalcony = "first") (set: $keepTowerDoor = "first") (set: $keepOffice = "first") (set: $keepTowerScene = "no") (set: $caveCrystalShortcut = "false") (set: $boySquireTF = "false") (set: $mineGirlScene= "false") (set: $mineSiteFirst = "true") (set: $mineTunnelFirst = "true") (set: $mineTempleKey = "false") (set: $girlSquireTF = "false")Welcome To Snake and Paladin, a working title. This game is of an errotic nature, and is intended for adult readers. Content Warnings will NOT provided before entering a scene. Would you like to turn them [[ON?->START]] At points you will be unable to turn back, anything left unexplored will no longer be accessable. These will always be marked as such: [[Forward.->KeepStart]] (set: $CONTENTWARNING = "false") (if: $keepOffice is "third")[ You take in the map once more. It is impressive for its time, at least as you understand. Perhaps the Old Kingdom were more learned than you'd been taught. Both squires seem interested in the map too, chatting quietly between themselves of familiar landmarks that have stood the test of time. While curious, this does nothing to help your explorations of this place. ](else:)[ At first glance the table appears to be one large slab of wood. Odd as there are no trees anywhere nearby to be cut for such a surface. (set: $keepOffice = "third") (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Wait a moment."] He steps up, taking a corner of his tabbard and wiping the surface. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Dust on glass."] (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“It's a map!”] She calls out, rushing to help clear the surface. Even more impressive than before, but this is indeed a sheet of glass of a sort. Parchment kept safe from the ages between it and the wood planks of the table below. The Map shows the outpost and the surrounding area. You're almost surprised with how familiar it looks. The names of the towns even look close to the same, though the language is certainly not your own. You're not really that comfortable with the implications of this. ] [[Back.->keepOffice]] You pause, appreciating the view. Or at least what you feel the view would be in the post's active days. A good eye on those on watch on the walls, and much of the courtyard space. Now trees and bushes fill those spaces. Beatiful in it's way. (set: $keepOffice = "first") [[Back->keepOffice]] You body meets cold stone. The woman's hand laying flat over her harp. The music ends. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)["Oh you poor dear."] She murmurs down to you as your eyes close. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)["Rest. You were wonderful."] [[Sleep.->HarpyDanceEnd2]] You wake abruptly, bolt upright and hand reaching for your sword. It's not next to you. Your armor and weapons laid out against the broken wall a few feet away, a sleeping squire on each flank. It would almost seem ceremonial, if not for the events that lead to this. Look down, you blush brightly. You are dressed in not but your tabard. Your undergarments and [[wrapped carefully->HarpyEndPillow]] as a pillow under your head. (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[“Witchcraft.”] You hiss, under your beath. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“M-...ma'am?] He awakens, blinking blearily at you. His yelp and jump to avert his gaze waking the other squire. The two help you dress in silence. The sun seems exactly where it was when you arrived at the keep. [[The walk back down the stairs is both awkward and quiet.->keepFloor2]]Unwrapping the careful package, you find (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[a feather]. Freshly plucked, as best as you can tell, from your acquaintance last night. If you stare long enough, you can see the imprint of a kiss upon it. Black lipstick? Or some kind of hex. In an embarrassed rush, before the squires notice, the feather finds it's way to [[the bottom of your pack.->HarpyDanceEnd2]]You don't move. Her foot coming back to rest against your face. Dull claws curling around your skull. You lean in. There is a long pause again, the harp's melody low and curious. You make eye contact with her, it's even more captivating than her music. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[“Oh. Oh ho, this is a first.”] She crows, leaning back into her chosen throne. You know what to do. [[Lick.->HarpySit3]]The texture is rough, but not unpleasant. Even if it were, would you care? (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[No.] Fingers dance over harp strings, encouraging you to onward with each passing moment. As if you need it. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[You are so well trained, after all.] Before long, your tongue has been over every inch of that, up to the feathers and down to carefully kiss each claw. Your hands having joined in to massage the delicate limb. You lose track of time, gazing up at this beautiful (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[minstrel]. Until (if: $CONTENTWARNING is "true")[(text-colour:#252525)[voyeruism, F/M.]] [[a soft clank of armor behind you.->SquireSex1]] [[you lean in. Forward.->harpySit4]]Your attention turns, watching as (text-colour:#DE7F84)[her breastplate] falls free. You don't know when they had time to remove their chainmail, but the pair have moved from where they last were. They press together in a kiss, her bare breasts against his chest, hands lost in each other's hair. You feel the minstrel move about, but don't look up. The weight of the harp resting against your shoulder and fingers as delicate as her toes begin to brush along your head. The music resuming as the squires press down to the stone. Moonlight shining beautifully on young skin. [[Quiet moans join the melody.->SquireSex2]]You watch the slow rise and fall of hips against thighs. The squires' hands exploring eachother's bodies. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[“I was expecting virgins you know.”] She comments conspiratorially to you, clearly pleased. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[“They really don't make knights the same way these days.”] You nod and stay seated with her. This is your turn to watch. The squire below hooks armored legs over the one above. Head tilted back and moaning out their name. It only encourages the speed of the hand between those raised thighs, a heightening of jaws against the nape of a neck. [[You can't help but squirm->SquireSex3]] Hips slide forward over a chest still heaving from the recent release. A hand grabbing into hair and pulling their face up firmly between thighs. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[“Where do you find these inspirational youngsters?”] Comes the giggle in your ear, pulling your attention back to the musician herself. A glint of deep need in her eyes now. You can't help but feel lost, gazing up at this beautiful (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[minstrel]. [[You lean in.->harpySit4]]You shiver, but not from the cold night air. Soft feathers brush your cheeks and ears. Her legs squeezing together enough to hold your head back inches from your prize. There is a quiet (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[cooing laugh] and a pause. (text-colour:#6C9CB7)["Please."] A few chords of song slip by before you find your nose pressing into feathers. Your eyes close. [[Kiss her.->harpyOral2]]The pinned squire is first reduced to a whimpering mess, then shuddering heavily. The harmony reaching a climax in kind. A victorious grin covers the other's face as they pull back, giving room to breathe. Your eyes catching every highlight the moon's glow offers. A hand trailing to their lips, meeting tongue. A comment too soft to catch. [[But the reaction screams volumes.->SquireSex4]]You blink. Unsure of all around you for a moment. Her fingers quickly return to the harp, the missed note fading into the past as you find clarity again. You are no stranger to your task, (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[a well trained knight is one of many skills and interests] after all. Slow. Careful. Tender. [[You have had much practice in the Order's dormitory.-> harpyOral3]] You slip from memory of your youth at the scrape of dull talons down your back. The woman's thighs squeezing on your ears once more. Your chin already damp, you find yourself humming to her melody. Coming up for air and breathing heavily against her lap before pressing back in. Lick. Kiss. Nibble. Her back arches, you've found her weakens. [[Press on.->harpyOral4]] There is a rolling in your hips, you hadn't even noticed until now. One hand against the stonework to hold up your quivering body, the other between your own thighs. Your eyes open, not sure of when they closed. The sight that greets you is one you are sure will fuel many unquiet nights to come. (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[She is a goddess made flesh.] And cooing your praise. [[Warmth floods through you, body and soul.->harpyOral5]]Hands tangle in your hair, those delicate fingers holding your head. [[A lover's touch.->harpyOral6]][[The harp->oralHarp]] lays silent behind her. feather and skin curls up and quivering. Delicate and graceful, even in such a display of lust. Your jaw begins to ache, throat slick. [[This is where you belong.->harpyOral7]]It is a beautiful thing, but so is (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[she]. (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[So are you.] There is time for music later. [[Return your attention->harpyOral6]]A beautiful cry fills your ears, held tight in this lewd embrace. Your heart swells with pride. Even as your lungs scream for air. She releases you, both of you trying to find breath again. The stone is cold against your bare butt, as you collapse down. An experience more draining than any battle you've fought, but far more rewarding. You are given little time to rest, finding first a claw lightly pressed under your chin. Then her face to yours. [[Kiss her once more.->harpyOral8]]You embrace, the kiss lingering, but not one of fierce passion. You slip down onto your side. She follows, pressed in close. You find warmth in her feathers and soft murmuring voice. (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[Your strong embra](text-colour:#66B8AE)[ce fills her with](text-colour:#5FD5A4)[ security.] [[You fall asleep.->harpyTrueSceneEnd]]You're on your feet before you're even away. Reaching for your sword to defend yourself and (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[your]- No. Your sword is where it had been left the [[night->harpyNight]] before. By the squires. (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“Unhand me!”] she shouts again, the first being what roused you. Both squires retreating from each other, blushing and trying to claim what little modesty was available. (text-colour:#CAA961)[He] is too embarrassed to even speak. From the he small glimpse you'd had of them before they parted, you know one thing. The Order wound not approve. Both turn to look at you, eyes meeting yours only once. Unspoken agreement. [[The Order truly would not approve.->harpyTrueSceneEnd2]] Was it night? How did you spend all evening climbing a tower but only a few storeys tall? You will be sure to ask, no demand, an answer when next you see the woman again. [[It is not an if.->harpyTrueSceneEnd]]You all redress in silence, but you cannot help but touch your cheek. There's a texture there, (text-colour:#5FD5A4)[a kiss]. You have a fleeting memory of being half-woken as she left. A parting gift before she took to the sky. Your reflection on your shield is blushing, but no visible print is left behind. You finish collecting your gear, take one last look around and clap a squire on the shoulder. Taking the lead as you head down the stairs. [[The song still echoes in your ears.->keepFloor2]](if: $keepMainHall is "first")[ Light leaks in from the broken doors behind you, as well as through several high windows along the outer walls. (set: $keepMainHall = "second") You're standing in a common area of sorts. The remains of tables, chairs, and paraphernalia litter the corners of the room. There are [[serveral doors->keepMainHallDoors]] along the walls, as well as a staircase that climbs up to a balcony that looks out over the room. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Seems quiet enough.”] He catches the look (text-colour:#DE7F84)[she] gives him. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“For now.”] ](elseif: $keepMainHall is "second")[ You return to the main hall, taking further stock of your surroundings. [[keepMainHallBanners<-Old banners]] hang off the walls at regular intervals. You can't help but notice the three sets of bootprints in the dust. (set: $keepMainHall = "third") (text-colour:#6C9CB7)[“They left in a hurry, but it wasn't a fight.”] Your squires murmur agreement, trusting your judgment. You're not wrong. ](elseif: $keepMainHall is "third")[ You're standing in the main hall. Sunlight filtering in, the beams clearly visible in all the dust you've disturbed walking through. You eye the exit. The air out there is not so stale, but you are here with a purpose. You can't leave now. (if: $keepTempleDoorVisit is "first")[ [[Door below the stairs.->keepShrineDoor]]](else:)[ [[To the shrine->keepShrineDoor]]] ](if: $keepKitchenVisit is "first")[ [[Loose hanging door.->keepKitchen]] ](else:)[ [[To the kitchen.->keepKitchen]] ](if: $keepStoreVisit is "first")[ [[Sturdy looking door.->keepStorehouse]] ](else:)[ [[To the storehouse.->keepStorehouse]] ] [[Head up the stairs.->keepFloor2]]Most of the doors leading off of the hall are open are uninsteresting. Small chambers with the remains of bedframes. Debris of lives long past. No corpses or sign of a fight. But this post was left in a hurry. How odd. (set: $keepMainHall = "first") [[Back->keepMainHall]]You step forward and push open the surprisingly ornate door. It feels heavy and the resistence is made clear as thick dust swirls out around your feet. The air feels heavy as you carefully look into what appears to be a large chamber. (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“There's magic here.”] She warns, casting light deeper into the space. It seems to be a shrine of some sort. A god no longer known to the world. [[Forward.->keepShrine]] [[Back.->keepMainHall]](if: $keepKitchenVisit is "first")[ You push open the door. There's a moment of where your hand tightens around your sword, but no. That glint of metal was not armor, but an abandoned cooking pot. A kitchen. No surprise really. Nor is its sparse nature for such an outpost like this. Surely those stationed here wished for better food when they returned to their homes. (set: $keepKitchenVisit = "second") ](elseif: $keepKitchenVisit is "second")[ Returning to the kitchen, it seems as unimpressive as before. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Being here is making me hungry.”] (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“You're welcome to eat the dust, I'm sure.”] He's not laughing. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Wouldn't be the first time.”] She stops too. (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“...Sorry.”] (set: $keepKitchenVisit = "third") ](elseif: $keepKitchenVisit is "third")[ Returning to the kitchen, it seems as unimpressive as before. The squires remain silent. ](if: $keepCellarVisit is "first")[ A [[small door.->keepCellar]] is wedged into the far back of the kitchen. ](else:)[ [[To the cellar.->keepCellar]] ] [[Return to the main hall.->keepMainHall]](if: $towerKey is "no")[ (if: $keepStoreVisit is "first")[ The door swings open to reveal a storehouse. Or rather not much more than a glorified supply closet. You'd expect provisions for about a week if properly stocked. All that's left now is a few rotten crates[[ .->FindTowerKey]] Either empty or their contents in a similar state. (set: $keepStoreVisit = "second") ](elseif: $keepStoreVisit is "second")[ You step back into the storage room. All that's left now is a few rotten crates[[ .->FindTowerKey]] (text-colour:#DE7F84)["Is there something in here?"] She raises her gauntlet, trying to help light the dingy place. (set: $keepStoreVisit = "third") ](elseif: $keepStoreVisit is "third")[ (text-colour:#CAA961)[“What's this!”] He bustles past you as you return to the storehouse. Leaning over a nondescript box! [[Take a look.->FindTowerKey]] ]](else:)[ You look around, but get the feeling there is truely nothing left to find among the remains now. ] [[Return to the main hall.->keepMainHall]](if: $keepBalcony is "first")[ You climb the stairs, squires close in tow. The upper level doesn't offer much of an improved view of the hall below. (set: $keepBalcony = "second") Only a pair of doors are present on this small balcony. The one closest to the stairs is more heavy set than the other, wedged into the corner like an afterthought. ](elseif: $keepBalcony is "second")[ (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“What a sad sight”] She says, stepping up to decrepit railing. Her hand tracing a grove before leaning into it. (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“Someone liked to stand here, looking out over their command.”] Her eyes are glowing faintly. More magic. Her stance shifts, it doesn't take much imagining to see her in a similar position later in life. She steps back, both the light in her eyes and the air of command fade. (set: $keepBalcony = "third") ](else:)[ You return to the balcony in the great hall. ](if: $keepOffice is "first")[ [[Door by the stairs.->keepOffice]] ](else:)[ [[To Captain's quaters.->keepOffice]] ](if: $keepTowerDoor is "first")[ [[The far door.->KeepTowerDoor]] ](else:)[ [[To the Tower Door.->KeepTowerDoor]] ] [[Go back downstairs.->keepMainHall]] Each banner separately is too ruined to identify, but together you recognize the imagery. (text-colour:#CAA961)["The old kingdom"] He confirms, seeing where you're looking. (text-colour:#CAA961)["I had some experience with their relics. Before I joined the Order."] (text-colour:#DE7F84)["They sold well, did they?"] He doesn't reply. (set: $keepMainHall = "second") [[Back->keepMainHall]](if: $keepCellarVisit is "first")[ You feel the chill even through your armor. (set: $keepCellarVisit = "second") No, it's not dark magic. Just a cellar. You take a few steps down the stairs and look around. The roots stored down here seem to have taken off, or are those just the trees outside breaking in here too? (text-colour:#DE7F84)[“Bet those are long past bad.”] She points towards plugged barrels. Alcohol for those posted here. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Bootlegged.”] His turn to point, this time to a contraption of metal half now by the plants reclaiming this room. (text-colour:#CAA961)[“Probably was bad from the start.”] ](elseif: $keepCellarVisit is "second")[ Once again, you enter the cellar. It's hard to tell where forgotten food ends and local flora begins. ] [[Back to the kitchen->keepKitchen]] As of now this is the end of this game. I hope you have enjoyed it so far! There is much more to come. Thank you for playing! (text-colour:#252525)[If missed: The tower key is in the storehouse.] [[Back.->keepMainHall]]