Reunion Day

Your name is Emilia Nightingale, a girl living in the country of [[Altrea]]. You were five once, but a few weeks ago you turned six, and for the first time in your life, you were able to celebrate it the same way you see mommy does for [[Aemilius]] every year. Only this particular celebration was for you and only you, with no brothers allowed. And what made it even more special was that your best friend [[Merc]] was the one to celebrate it with you, even when they needed to leave Altrea soon. They were the one who placed a handmade flower crown over your head, and gave you a huge cake—- one you think is much prettier and tastier than any cake mommy would ever get Aemilius. The only thing you didn’t get was a lot of gifts, but that was because you weren’t sure what to get. Aemilius was the one that usually received presents, so you stopped thinking about the things you’ve wanted. But for now, Merc has given you a big sunhat, because you said you’d wanted one to protect you from the sun when you went out to play. The hat is colored a forest green (your favorite color), and wreathed with a bunch of different colored flowers. You always make sure to hide it under your bed so mommy doesn’t find it and steal it away. In fact, it is what you are currently wearing this late afternoon as you search for crystals near a small pond just outside your village. You hum a tune that Merc once played on their guitar as you scan the dirt and sand for anything that’s shiny and blue. You’re pretty sure the crystals you’re trying to find have a long and fancy name, but you can’t remember what it is. You’re not sure why they have such a long name either. You think Merc may have explained it to you at one point, but you’ve forgotten that too. Even so, you still don’t think it’s worth giving such a fancy name. Sure, the crystals are pretty with their blue colors (it reminds you a bit of the color of Merc’s coat), but Altrea has a ton of them--- enough that you know most shops here don’t think it’s worth selling. It’s why, ever since you learned how money works, you wonder why Merc gives you so much for each crystal. But you don’t think you mind too much, because you find so long as you have your own money, you don’t have to wait for mommy to finally buy you things again. You pause to inspect a particularly big crystal. A sense of satisfaction and joy surges through you as you hold it up to the sunlight, watching it shimmer like the surface of a lake. You place it into the little carrying pouch you’ve slung over your shoulder with a wide grin on your face. You’ve already managed to find a lot of big ones today, and you’re really happy with that. You wonder if Merc will be really happy too. [[You really miss Merc…]]

Altrea is your homeland: a series of floating islands that fly high above clouds stretching further than the eye can see. It’s the one place you grew up, and the only place you’ve ever truly known--- though you hope one day that will change. There’s magic existing in Altrea too. You know this because magic is what keeps the islands floating above the clouds; and they’re in the glyphs that creates the rain that waters the plants, and the clouds that provide shade (and also the one that creates fire for the library's fireplace, because real fire is dangerous to books). There’s magic within the citizens of Altrea (including you) too, as that’s what allows allows all of you to create wings and fly from island to island. Sometimes, if someone is *really* lucky, they may even get a blessing from the Wind God himself, and be able to control the air around them without the use of glyphs or other devices! Not much is known about the surface world underneath the clouds, but not many seem to care. In fact, you don’t think any of the adults in your village like the surface world much. Some think it’s bad and dangerous, while others think it’s not worth their time. There are harsh whispers whenever one of the outsiders comes to visit on a flying ship, and you overhear words such as “barbaric” (it means savagely cruel and uncivilized; you know that now because you read it in a dictionary) or “backwards” (you’re not sure what *that* means, but you don’t think it’s anything nice either) being passed around. You don’t understand why, because Merc is an outsider too, and you don’t think there’s anything “barbaric” about them.

Aemilius is your twin brother. He's a few minutes older than you, but you don’t think that really matters much. You don’t really know much about Aemilius at all, because mommy gets mad at you whenever you try to talk to him, or whenever *he* tries to talk to *you*. She thinks you’re just distracting him, or being a bad influence. But you know that unlike you, he’s very smart and well behaved, and knows when to mind his own business. You know that unlike you, he gets to go to school because he can learn things quicker than you, and gets all the new stuff because he's much better at making mommy proud and happy, while all you do is mess up and make her mad. You know he looks more like mommy than you do too because adults always say he’s a spitting image of her, while they say you probably take after your daddy more. But you’re not sure what daddy looks like, because daddy died when you were still a little baby, and mommy doesn’t keep any pictures of him around. You wonder if mommy does that because she doesn’t like daddy at all. You wonder if that’s why mommy likes Aemilius more.

Merc is a merchant who travels far and wide to sell various things. But sometimes, it feels like they came from the forest, just like all strange things usually do (at least that’s how it is in stories). That's because you first found them sitting at the very edge, where the trees break off and the island drops off into nothingness. They had been playing a tune on their guitar (which was how you found them in the first place), and set up next to them was a fishing pole with the line cast out into the clouds. They were the first person you’ve seen since you decided to go on your little adventure (you barely remember why you decided to; you were four at the time), and that was a long time ago. You knew that they weren’t from your village, because if they were, then you know you would’ve recognized someone as weird as them. You also knew they were an outsider; you weren’t sure *how* you knew, but there was a feeling of certainty in your gut. They had a strange air to them--- one similar to others from the surface world. And what a strange person they seemed to be, choosing to not only be so close to the edge of the island with no wings to save themselves with if they fell, but also to be casting a fishing line when there was no water around, much less fish. So you were curious; so curious, it felt like it was pulling you towards the strange person until you were standing close to their side. *“What are you doing?”* you had asked them, when you finally gained the courage to speak. *“Fishing,”* they said, and left it at that. But what a very weird thing to do, you thought. There are no fish in the clouds; you would know because you’ve secretly flown through them before and not once has a fish smacked you in the face. You went and told them such, but they only laughed. *“I wouldn’t go as far as to say they aren’t there,”* they replied. *“Just because you’ve never seen one doesn’t mean they don’t exist. They could simply be hiding from you.”* And just as they say that, they go and prove you wrong by catching one. You know now that Merc was probably only messing with you, because you now know that they are a magic person. They can disappear and reappear in different places (and you think that’s how they get here without a flying ship), make things appear from thin air, store impossibly large things in their pockets and pack, and so much more. You got to know more things about Merc as time goes on because you got to see them over and over again in these very woods. You know Merc can play many instruments, but prefers their old guitar. You know Merc is a good person, because they let you stay and come back as much as you want, and they don’t get angry or annoyed at you like mommy does. And when you wanted them to come to your house, they lightly scolded you, saying you “shouldn’t ever invite strangers you find in the woods into your home” (even though you’re sure Merc isn’t a stranger). You don’t think a bad person would ever do any of that. You’d like to think that Merc cares a lot about you too, because they started giving you food whenever mommy forgot to feed you, and they gave you clothes when your old ones started becoming too torn or small--- though the clothes still appear a bit old so mommy wouldn’t suspect anything. They began teaching you words and math, and a few other things so you know how to better take care of yourself when they need to leave for their merchant job. You’re not too fond of math yet, but you’ve become pretty good at words. In fact, reading at the library has become one of your favorite things to do. They also gave you a small job and taught you how to handle money, so you would know how to buy things for yourself. Other times, they tell you a lot of stories too, such as ones of the surface world and [[humans]], and they’re filled with more wonders than anything the others say back in the village. You also know that Merc is still a weird person, and does things that still confuses you. They don’t really have a birthday to celebrate like you do. They also never show their face, as it’s always hidden by the shadows of their coat’s hood (and you think a bit of magic too). They say they’re neither a boy or girl, so they go by “they” instead of he or she. They never gave their real name either, so you called them “Merchant” at first because that’s how they introduced themselves as, but you’ve later shortened it to Merc (they laughed at that for another reason you don't know, but they didn’t seem to mind you doing that). You think there are still a lot of things you don’t know about Merc. But that’s alright, because it’s Merc. And you know you love them lots.

You let out a sad sigh at the thought. You know it’s only been a few weeks since they’ve gone away, but it feels like hundreds of years passed by. You want to see them again soon. You’ve got lots of things you still want to talk about with them, such as things about [[humans]]. You forgot to ask Merc about them when you turned six, and now you won't be able to for another month or two. Sometimes you think about following them, but you don’t know where they go once they leave Altrea, and you’re sure your wings are too small to take you back up to the clouds if you decide to go all the way down to the surface world. So then you’d be stuck and lost and then what would you do? Merc wouldn’t be able to find you then. You really don’t like that idea. But suddenly, a familiar sound interrupts your thoughts. It’s a melody—- not one you recognize, but that doesn’t matter at all, because you know the sound of notes played by a guitar. Could it be? Could it really be? [[Go towards the sound]]

You know a bit about humans, such as how they’re the main inhabitants of the surface world. They’re also not born with the power to create wings like you are, because they are children of the Goddess of Earth, just like how you and all the other Altreans are children of the God of Wind. But instead of wings, Merc told you that humans are built to be more durable and stronger, and you know they are able to build things that can help them fly in place of wings. Merc also told you that because they’re born from the Goddess of Earth, they will return to the earth when they die, just like how Altreans will disappear into the air when meeting *their* ends (though you’ve also heard that the process of returning to the earth isn’t as immediate as returning to the air, and you find that strange). At some point, you’ve also learned that a human’s mind matures slower than an Altrean’s. *“Right now, an Altrean your age would be as mature as a human child that is seven and a half years old,”* Merc said when you were five, and you still have a difficult time wrapping your head around it. *“So how would a human think if *they* were five?”* you had asked them. And Merc easily answered, *“They’d think similarly to when you were around three.”* Sometimes, you wonder if Merc is a human too. But even though they’re an outsider, and they wander the surface world too, that thought never sat right in your head.

It is. It has to be! You don’t know anyone else that can play a guitar, much less have the ability to have it be heard from so far away! You feel your heart sing with joy at the revelation. It’s as if your secret wish has been granted; you get to see them again, and you get to see them early! A newfound energy surges through your body and you break into a sprint. As you run faster and faster, you take a leap. You reach into your familiar pool of magic and let it spring out from your back in the form of inky black wings. And then you are soaring. You fly faster than you ever thought you could, ignoring the way the winds sting your cheeks and eyes, and the way your hat flaps uncomfortably from the strap hanging around your neck as you head towards the forest. And just like you predicted, you see Merc in the distance--- a speck of deep blue against a mishmosh of browns and greens. They’re settled at the entrance of the forest, their traveling pack sitting next to them as they strum a melody they surely created during their travels. The excitement bubbles out of you in the form of delightful laughter as you call out their name at the top of your lungs. You flap your wings to make yourself go impossibly faster. Of course, Merc has already looked up at you before you even called their name. And while you can’t see their face you know they are smiling too. They set down their guitar a bit away from them so that it won’t get in the way, before standing up to greet you. [[Hug them!]] ~~Calmly land in front of them~~

You let go of your magic and dispel your wings, letting the momentum carry you the rest of the way into Merc’s arms. They hold you tight, laughing as they twirl you both around and around. And what a wonderful feeling it is, to finally be held in the arms of someone you’ve missed so much. Merc’s hugs are different from the rare ones that mommy gives (but to be fair, you barely remember when’s the last time that happened). They’re warm, and comforting, and secure. They feel like a place of belonging—- like what you think a home *should* feel like, instead of where you truly live. The reminder of it causes your heart to ache, but you quickly banish it away as you squeeze Merc tighter, not wanting to let go. But you think you probably should. You’re not really a little girl anymore. After all, you’re six now. [[Keep hugging them]] [[Let go]]

You decide to indulge yourself and not let go of them yet, clinging tight to them even as Merc loosens their hold. It’s their fault anyways for leaving for weeks at a time, while you’re stuck here. They wouldn’t mind if you continue to act like this for a few more minutes, would they? “Emilia,” Merc says. Their voice sounds exasperated, but you know it holds no ire. “Just a few more minutes,” you beg, though your voice is muffled by the way you’ve buried your face into their coat. It smells of soil and spices and campfire smoke. [[Let go]] [[Don’t let go]]

You reluctantly let yourself be set back down to the ground. It’s probably better; you wouldn’t be able to do a lot of things with them [[otherwise]].

“Alright I think that’s enough,” Merc chuckles as they set you down. You reluctantly let them do so. “I don’t think it’d do us any good if we stayed like that forever.” You suppose you agree with that. You wouldn’t be able to do a lot of other things [[otherwise]].

“Goodness, it already feels like you’ve grown bigger since the last time I saw you,” Merc says as they lay their eyes on you. “I could’ve sworn you were around this tall.” They put the side of their hand against their chest, a bit lower than your actual height. “That’s not true,” you laugh. “No one grows that fast!” “Then I suppose you’re an exception,” Merc says with the utmost confidence. “You *are* a growing girl, after all.” “Then will I be taller than you one day?” “That is a very easy thing to do,” they chuckle. “I’m not exactly the tallest person in the world.” You don’t think so either, because you think even some of the older kids may be taller than Merc (even though you’re pretty sure Merc is an adult), so maybe you really *will* be taller than them one day. And speaking of growing, there's been a few things you've beeen wondering since you turned six. [[Ask Merc how old they are]] [[Ask Merc how old you are in human years]]

“How old are *you* now?” you ask with genuine curiosity. Though you’ve always had an idea, you never thought to ask Merc until now. As a response, they only give a thoughtful hum, a hand going to stroke their chin. “Good question.” “You don’t know?” you say with a raised brow. How could someone not know how old they were? “I’ve been alive for a very long time, and the places I’ve visited have sometimes messed up my perception of time. So counting the years has long since stopped being a priority.” You give a long, thoughtful hum of your own. Without even meaning to, you copy Merc’s action of stroking your chin. You’re not exactly sure what Merc is trying to say, but you think you understand enough. Perhaps not knowing your age is another thing that comes with not celebrating birthdays? “Well, you have to be an adult, because only adults are allowed to do things like be merchants and travel on their own.” Merc snorts. “I think I’ve long passed adulthood by now,” they say as they lean towards you. “How about a little guess? How old do *you* think I am?” [[Wager a guess]]

“So how old would I be in human years?” you ask. “How old--- oh, you mean the maturity rate between you and them,” Merc says. “Well, physically, you would be the same age as a human six year old child. Mentally however…” they trail off, looking at you with consideration. “I’ll tell you what. We shall have a pop quiz.” “What’s a pop quiz?” you ask, raising a brow in confusion. “An unexpected test, meant to keep unfortunate pupils on their toes!” Merc exclaims. You wrinkle your nose. You thought it may be a fun thing or something nice to eat, but something like a test doesn’t seem pleasant at all. “Don’t worry dear, it’s only a simple math problem,” Merc reassures upon seeing your face. “Besides, if you answer correctly, I will give you this as your prize!” They reach over to your ear, and when they draw back, there is now something in their hand that you recognize immediately. You cannot help but gasp with delight. It’s a lollipop--- green with the flavor of apples and shaped like a tiny box. Your mouth waters at the thought of its sweet taste. The temptation proves to be too much. ~~ Refuse ~~ [[Accept!]]

(set: $mAge to (prompt: "Enter your guess (there is no right or wrong answer here)", "0")) (if: $Ask is true)[“Are you--- Are you $mAge?” you try. Merc tilts their head as if considering your answer. “$mAge sounds like a good number. I suppose I shall be $mAge today.” “But you’re not,” you say. You can tell from the way they speak. And to confirm your suspicions, they burst out laughing and say, “Not even close.” “Didn’t you say you didn’t know?” “Not a specific number, but I have a general estimation,” Merc replies. “For example, I’m certain I’m much older than the trees in this world.” You blink once, then twice. “But aren’t trees hundreds of years old?” you point out. “They certainly are,” Merc agrees. “That’s really old,” you say. “I suppose it is,” they agree once more. But you still find it hard to understand. Merc doesn’t even sound old. Their voice isn’t low and scratchy, or soft and wavering like the elders’ in your village. Perhaps Merc also ages strangely? You conclude it’s too confusing for you to wrap your head around. Maybe that’s why Merc never bothered to keep track of their own age. And thus, the matter is dropped. [[Ask Merc how old you are in human years]] ]

You nod your head with vigor, too focused on the thought of obtaining the sweets to do otherwise. You’re sure you can do it! You’ve gotten better at math. “Alright, here’s a little clue for you,” Merc begins. “An Altrean mentally matures 1.5 times faster than a normal human. When you were five years old, you had the maturity of a seven and a half year old human. As of now, you are six years old. How old does a human have to be to match your level of thinking?” “Um,” you say at first, brows furrowing as you think long and hard about the answer. [[Tell Merc your answer]]

(set: $trueAge to "9") (set: $Age to (prompt: "Enter a number:", "0")) (if: $Age is $trueAge)[“Clever girl! I knew you could do it!” Merc exclaims as they smile proudly at you, and you can’t help but smile back as you feel your chest swell with pride. “Splendid job! Here’s your prize.” They hold out the lollipop. [[Take your prize]] ] (else:)[“Not quite,” Merc says a bit regretfully. “I’m afraid the correct answer is nine.” “Oh,” is all you say as you look towards the ground. Your voice sounds weak to your ears, and you feel your face growing hot and your insides curling up from embarrassment and shame. Merc said it was a simple math problem, and yet you couldn’t even answer that correctly. You thought you could, and you wanted to; you really, really wanted to. “Hey, Emilia,” you hear Merc say softly. They’ve knelt down at some point so that they can be seen by you. “It’s alright, it was just a silly little question.” “But I still got it wrong,” you mumble. “Yes, but it’s alright to get some things wrong here and there so long as you understand and learn from it. And someone as young and brilliant as you still has a lot of room to do such things, so long as you’re willing to,” they reassure. “And you *are* willing to, aren't you?” You take a moment to think about Merc’s words, before giving a wordless nod. “That’s what I like to see!” Merc exclaims. “So don’t look so sad, alright? And hey, as a small consolation prize, you can have this.” They hand out the lollipop. You don’t really know what ‘consolation’ means, but you feel a bit happier hearing Merc’s words and having the treat being presented to you. Except, part of you doesn’t feel as satisfied taking the lollipop when you didn’t answer correctly. You’re not sure what to do. [[Take your prize]] [[Refuse the prize]] ]

You take your prize, barely remembering to say, “thank you" as you do. But it's only because Merc once said manners (be it polite or scathing) will get you far in life. You immediately go to unwrap and pop the treat in your mouth. After a few seconds of letting it melt in your mouth, you bite down on it, hearing the satisfying crunch of the candy giving way under your teeth. You hum contently as the tart yet sweet flavor of apple coats your tongue. You take the stick out and chew the lollipop into smaller and smaller bits. “My stars, there’s no rush. That lollipop wasn’t going anywhere,” Merc remarks. “I just like it better this way,” you tell them. “I don’t think your teeth will be agreeing with you,” Merc says before sighing. “Though I suppose I’m not in any position to speak, considering I gave it to you in the first place.” You smile cheekily at them as you swallow the remains of the lollipop. You frown as you look at the stick, wondering what you are going to do with it. “Ah, I can take care of that,” Merc speaks up, holding out their hand expectantly. You give them the stick, and watch as they squeeze their fist tight around it. They then make an ‘O’ shape with their hand--- the stick all but gone as they blow air through the makeshift ring. Suddenly, to your everlasting surprise and delight, a burst of transparent, green tinted bubbles shoot out from the other end. You cannot help but gasp as you watch them float gently in the air, glistening a rainbow of colors in the sun’s rays. You lift your finger to poke a few bubbles, giggling as they pop and leave the scent of fresh apples. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” Merc speaks up as soon as you finish popping all the bubbles. “Mmhm,” you reply happily. You missed this; even when you know it’s only been a few weeks since they first left, you know in your heart that you really missed being with them. “Well, we still have a while before the sun goes down,” they say. “Is there something you want to do?” [[Give Merc the crystals you collected]] [[Tell Merc you missed them]] [[Ask them why humans mature differently]] [[Ask Merc to style your hair again]] [[Ask Merc about the song they were playing]]

Your hand reaches out to take the lollipop, but you then draw it back while shaking your head. “It doesn’t feel right,” you mumble when you feel Merc’s curious gaze on you. “You said I could have it if I answered your quiz correctly, but I didn’t. So I shouldn’t have it.” “Are you sure?” Merc asks. “I wouldn’t have minded it either way.” You nod your head. You’re sure. “I’ll do better next time,” you promise. “And when I do, you can give it to me then!” “Then when the time comes, I shall give you two as a reward,” Merc replies. “That was a very humble thing you did. I’m very proud of you.” You feel your cheeks heat up upon hearing them say that as a strange feeling of embarrassment bubbles up inside you. But you find it isn’t like the embarrassment you usually feel from mommy’s words. It feels...sweet and happy, yet odd and unfamiliar. It almost reminds you of the first time you tried fizzy pop. “Well, we still have a while before the sun goes down,” Merc speaks up. “Is there something you want to do?” [[Give Merc the crystals you collected]] [[Tell Merc you missed them]] [[Ask them why humans mature differently]] [[Ask Merc to style your hair again]] [[Ask Merc about the song they were playing]]

“I got something for you! Look!” you say excitedly as you unsling your carrying pouch from around your shoulders and hand it to them. “I managed to find a lot of big ones!” “You certainly did,” Merc agrees as look into your pouch, sounding quite impressed with your achievements. “I found out where you can find them the most!” you say as you puff your chest out with pride. “There’s lots at the edges of ponds, especially after it rains! They sometimes show up where puddles have dried up too, but there isn’t as much there.” “I suppose that makes sense,” Merc remarks with an affirming nod. “Why’s that?” you ask curiously. “Well, are you aware of how salt is formed?” “Mmhm!” you say, nodding your head. “It’s created when salty water evaporates, right?” “Correct,” Merc says as they dig through the pouch and hold a crystal up in the air. You recognize it to be the biggest one you found today. “And these crystals you’ve found are created in a similar way.” They close the bag and hand it back to you. But when you open it, you don’t see the shimmering blue of the crystals, but the gold and silver of coins. You sling the bag over your shoulder again. “So they’re basically salt too?” you ask, even though you’re a bit confused. You know neither the rain that falls on Altrea nor the ponds are salty. [[Take the crystal and lick it]] [[Leave it be]]

(set: $Miss to false) “I missed you too Emilia,” Merc replies sincerely “Probably not as much as me,” you argue. “You’re always off on your adventures while I’m just stuck here.” Merc lets out a small, thoughtful hum. “Perhaps, but I’m not sure if this particular trip could be considered an adventure. More of a trial than anything if you ask me,” they say. “That’s why I’m especially glad I get to return here.” [["What did you do during your trip?"]] [["I'm glad too!" ]]

(set: $Mature to false) Merc gives a thoughtful hum. “Well, I believe the answer is a bit convoluted.” “‘Convoluted’?” you echo. “Complicated. Unclear,” they explain. “There are many reasons why such a thing is the way it is, but I believe the main one is because they are created by Irelia, the Goddess of Earth.” “What does that have to do with it?” “Well, Irelia is a being that favors the process of growth above all else. Thus, growth—- *inner* growth to be exact, is what she blesses her children with. Ideally, humans are given much more time to learn from mistakes and failures, and grow into better and wiser people. It’s nearly an opposite to Aeyr, the God of Winds. He is quite an impatient one. And between you and me, he’s got a temper that can rival that of a god of fire.” The second Merc says that, a strong gust of wind blows by, and you’re sure it would’ve knocked you off your feet if they hadn’t helped keep you steady and grounded. “See what I mean?” Merc laughs as you go to tidy your windswept hair. “Quite a nasty temper!” You can’t help but agree. “So why did Aeyr make us grow up faster?” you ask. “He wanted Altreans to reach adulthood faster so they’d be more prepared to face the world at an earlier age.” “Is that bad?” Merc pauses. “There are some goods and bads,” they reply after a moment. “Ideally, you will become independent and be able to learn and handle more complicated matters at an earlier age. It will certainly help you when you find yourself in difficult times...” They pause again. “But from the way I see it, your life moves on a bit too fast. An event that could be a brief moment in a human’s life may be what makes up a huge part of your growing period. Not to mention you don’t have a lot of time to truly *learn* about how the real world works before you’re thrown into it. Experience and maturity can go hand in hand, but they’re still very different things.” You let out a hum--- kind of like how Merc does when you want them to know you‘re understanding what’s being said, but don’t have anything to add. Though it’s not as if you truly understand everything Merc is talking about. There are a lot of things they said that confuses you, but you feel a bit too embarrassed to tell them that. “I think I’m getting a bit carried away. I suppose it might be a bit complicated,” Merc muses as they look at you. “I can see your eyes glazing over.” “I’m listening, I swear,” you insist. “It’s alright,” Merc reassures. “How about we move onto something else?” [[Give Merc the crystals you collected]] (if: $Miss is true)[ [[Tell Merc you missed them]] ] (if: $Hair is true)[ [[Ask Merc to style your hair again]] ] [[Ask Merc about the song they were playing]]

(set: $Hair to false) “Are you sure?” Merc asks dubiously. “It’s quite late in the afternoon, you know? You will only have it for a short while.” “I’m sure!” you exclaim. “And I don’t care if it’s late afternoon. I can just sleep in it tonight!” Merc laughs at your enthusiasm. “Alright then, sit down,” they say, patting the empty spot in front of them. You happily obey as you settle down. You sit cross legged, with your hat resting on your lap as you feel small tugs from Merc gently combing their fingers through your hair to untangle it. “You know, there’s no harm in trying to style your own hair. I could teach you if you want,” Merc offers as they begin to work. “No, I wouldn’t be good at it,” you protest, and you barely remember to not shake your head. “You’re the only one that can make it look pretty.” “Well, I think your hair is always pretty.” You immediately feel a strange feeling of doubt wriggling in your heart like some strange worm. “You really think so?” you ask meekly. “Do you not?” Merc replies. You shrink in on yourself as far as you can. “It’s too pale to be pretty,” you mumble. You feel Merc’s movements falter for a moment, and they don’t speak for a long time. “Now whatever gave you that idea?” they eventually ask as they resume braiding different parts of your hair. You only give a weak shrug. “Adults,” is all you say. Their voices begin echoing in your head. *“What a shame,”* some of them had said as they held up a lock of your hair, clicking their tongues in dismay. *“I’m sure you would’ve looked prettier had you been born with your mother’s hair instead.”* “Then those adults are wrong,” Merc says simply. “But it’s almost white. Isn’t that weird?” Surely it must be, because both mommy and Aemilius have darker hair. Maybe that’s why all the adults mommy are friends with say such things about it. Maybe mommy would like you more if that were the case. Perhaps you can ask Merc to use magic to change your hair? “And so what if it’s almost white? The only thing I find strange is how adults think it’s alright to put a child down for such a thing,” Merc huffs before you could even make such a request. “You shouldn’t pay them any mind. I for one think it’s still a wonderful color to have. After all, it’s the color of the brightest stars that light up the night sky.” You don’t say anything to that, but hearing Merc’s words does silence the darker memories swimming around in your head, and you feel as if a weight is being lifted from your chest. “Not only that, but it gives your hair the freedom to be any color at any moment,” Merc continues. “Take clouds for example. You think they’re white, don’t you? Yet they’re also pink and orange during sunsets, red and purple during dusk, and so on.” You give another hum at that. It’s more positive than before, but still a bit uncertain. “So I don’t think you need to worry about such a thing, Emilia. Your hair is fine just the way it is.” They pause. “And as for me, I think I’ve gotten a bit carried away with this hairstyle. I don’t think you’re going to be comfortable sleeping in it.” “Are you finished?” you ask, raising a hand up to your hair. “See for yourself,” Merc replies. They reach around you, forming a square with their thumbs and index fingers. Within the square is a tiny, floating mirror that expands larger and larger as Merc’s hands move further and further apart. You stare wide eyed at your reflection. There are four braids that run along your head, ending in two low buns that are made to look almost similar to flower buds. You’re pretty, is the first thing you think as you turn your head left and right to get a better look. You feel the corners of your mouth pull up into a wide grin, and you see your reflection do the same. You’re really, really pretty. “Look at you, shining brighter than the sun itself,” Merc laughs. “You may as well be a little star yourself.” You stare at your reflection a bit longer, namely your pale hair. You take a few stray strands and twirl them between your fingers. It’s the color of the brightest stars, Merc had said. And that’s always nice, isn’t it? After all, you always found the stars to be really pretty. If it’s like that, and Merc says it’s a wonderful color, then you don’t think you’d mind having pale hair for a bit longer. You turn to Merc, a wide grin still on your face. [[Hug them again]] [[Thank them]]

“A little work in progress,” Merc replies as they pick up their guitar, idly strumming a few notes. “Just something I worked on on the side.” “Can I hear it?” You’ve always liked hearing Merc play, so the thought of hearing something new makes your heart swell with excitement. “Of course you can, but it’s still pretty short,” Merc says. You sit down near them, watching and listening to them play. The melody sounds simpler than the others you’ve heard before, but just as pretty. It feels relaxing and cozy, like that time you curled up in one of the library’s armchairs, reading a book near the fireplace. And then Merc stops playing, and it feels like a spell has been broken as you’re brought back to the real world. “That’s about all I have I’m afraid,” Merc says. “It’s really pretty.” They chuckle. “I’m glad you think so.” A small silence falls between the two of you. It feels comfortable, yet weird. But you soon get the urge to fill it with something else now. [[Ask if they will be able to teach you]] (if: $Miss is true)[ [[Tell Merc you missed them]] ] (if: $Hair is true)[ [[Ask Merc to style your hair again]] ] (if: $Mature is true)[ [[Ask them why humans mature differently]] ]

You take the crystal from Merc’s hand and lick it. It isn’t salty like you thought it would be. In fact, it holds no flavor at all. Instead, it makes your tongue tingle in a way that you find incredibly off putting. You pull a face as you scrape your tongue against the roof of your mouth in an attempt to get rid of the strange feeling. Upon seeing your reaction, Merc bursts out into laughter. “Well if you waited for me to answer you, you would’ve found out that these crystals aren’t salt. Like I said, it’s only the way they’re created that’s similar.” “So it’s not salt,” you echo as you hand the stone back to them. Suddenly, a frightening thought crosses your mind. “Was it poisonous?” Could that be why it felt so tingly? Were you going to die now? “Poison--- oh stars no!” Merc says, completely appalled. “If they were, I would’ve never asked you to go out and find these. In fact, I’d be very concerned of Altrea’s water supply as a whole.” [[“So what are they?”]]

You simply stand there, gazing curiously at the crystal. In the back of your mind, you wonder if it would taste salty if you licked it. “Yes and no,” Merc replies. “They certainly wouldn’t be a good seasoning for your meals. It’s just the way they’re created that’s similar.” [[“So what are they?”]]

“They’re basically the crystallized remains of raw magic,” Merc replies. “Magic?” you echo, eyes widening with wonder. Merc nods. “When something like rain is created through magical means, there is a bit of residual magic that stays mixed in the water. It’s only when it dries up, that there is a chance of these crystals being left behind,” they explain. “It doesn’t happen as often as something like salt; such things require more special circumstances. So there certainly aren’t a lot on the surface world. And when there are, they are much, much smaller than the ones you can find here.” “How much smaller?” you ask. “About as small as an actual grain of salt,” Merc chuckles. “See, the difference is that the surface world doesn’t require magic to create things like rain. It’s something that happens naturally. Altrea on the other hand, has a greater need for such spells, considering your country is so high above the clouds. In turn, your lakes and ponds have a much higher concentration of that residual magic.” And then it clicks in you head. “And because they have more of it, the crystals grow bigger and more often!” you conclude. “Correct.” “So they’re more valuable on the surface world?” “Less correct.” That response causes you to falter. “Oh,” you say, trying to push down the embarrassment that was slowly creeping up. “It’s not a bad assumption to make though. Anyone would think they’d be more valuable considering they’re rarer on the surface world,” Merc reassures as they roll the crystal between their fingers. “The problem is that the residual magic in these stones is very weak in both power and structure.” [[“Why’s that?”]] [[“So what can they be used for?”]]

“The cause is the magic to begin with,” Merc explains. “Glyphs for making rain is a surprisingly basic spell to do, and doesn’t involve a lot of advanced magic. Not to mention nothing is really different about the water that is conjured.” “What’s conjured?” “Created, basically,” Merc replies without wasting another second. “Anyways, the water that’s created doesn’t really have any special properties. It feels like ordinary water, and tastes like it too. It simply has some additional stuff in it.” They pause. “Though I suppose one of the main differences is that the water will stay clean and pure, so it’s usually safe to drink.” [[“So what can they be used for?”]]

“At first, not much. Be it tools or jewelry, there will always be much better options than these—- even the larger ones.” Merc gestures to the crystal. “For a while, their only use was being an ordinary collector’s item.” “So that’s all you’re getting them for?” you ask, feeling quite disappointed. You’ve always thought there would be a more exciting reason as to why Merc wanted these crystals, and that they’d be much more important than that. “Now don’t look so downcast. Selling a collector’s item still brings in good money,” Merc says. “Besides. I did say this was how it originally was. It’s quite different now.” You look back up at them, curiosity returning full force. “I’ve come across a place farther than you can ever hope to imagine,” Merc begins to say as they go searching for something in their pack. “And unlike here, the people over there have found a much more interesting use for these little stones.” Merc smiles victoriously as they fish out what you assume is what they were looking for. It’s a strange item that looks a bit like earmuffs. However, the cups that go over the ears are smaller; and there’s a little box attached to one side with a tinier switches on its side, strange dials in the center, and an antenna sticking out of the top. “It was a very entertaining discovery they made. First and foremost, the tiny bit of magic power emitted by these crystals was just enough to not overload the delicate circuitry of their technology.” “Overload...circuitry?” you find yourself repeating hesitantly. Merc stops in the midst of their explanation. “Ah, I forgot most wouldn’t be able to understand such things here,” they say, sounding quite embarrassed with themselves. “I suppose the simplest way I can explain it is if the device in my hand gets any other crystal, then that crystal's power will cause the device to break down. Does that make sense?” [[Say yes]] [[Say no]]

“When the thing gets other crystals, it stops working because the magic power is too much for it?” you summarize, though the way you say it makes it sound more like a question than an answer. Nevertheless, Merc still nods. “Quite right, you clever girl,” they say, and you feel yourself smiling at their praise again. [[Continue to listen]]

You don’t. Why do other crystals cause the machine to stop working? You can’t really understand. Merc gives another hum when you shake your head. “Alright, let’s see. Think of this device“ ---they gesture to the strange earmuffs in their hands--- “as a balloon, and the crystal’s power as the air being blown into it. The crystals you’ve collected is just the right amount of air that can be blown into the balloon, while other more powerful crystals will fill the balloon with too much air, causing it to burst and become completely useless. Does that make sense?” You think you get the idea now. “When the thing gets the wrong crystal. It goes kabloom,” you say. “Well, I suppose that’s the worst case scenario, but yes, that’s correct,” Merc says. [[Continue to listen]]

“Anyways, after making that discovery,” Merc continues, “They then realized that if you take the crystal...” Merc once again holds up the crystal before curling their fingers around it. They snap their fingers with their free hand. “...cut it in a certain way...” When they show the crystal again, it no longer looks like a rough stone, but a polished, round gem similar to the ones you see in jewelry stores. “And then put it into a device like this…” Merc then proceeds to open up a panel on the device’s little box, place the crystal into the little slot, and close it back up. “Its magic will interact with this technology in an extraordinary way.” They hand you the strange earmuffs. While you still don’t know what it is, you take them and slip them over your ears. Merc reaches over and turns the dial, and you can’t help but jump as a strange mix of a high pitched whir and what you can only describe as something similar (but not quite) to the roar of heavy rain fills your ears. On instinct, you look around, trying to find the source of the noise. But then something lifts the earmuffs from your ears, and the noise lessens. You look at Merc, who has each hand lifting an ear muff away from your head. You can tell they’re amused as they look at you. You think normally you would feel embarrassed, but right now you find yourself too focused on this weird device. You reach up and place the ear muffs back over your ears, once again hearing nothing but whirring and heavy rain. But then as Merc continues to turn the dial, you can hear voices coming through every now and then, until eventually, you hear something. You hear different instruments, and a lady as she sings. Her voice is strong and loud and clear, and so, so beautiful. Listening to it causes your heart to flutter and the air to leave your lungs. It feels as if the entire world is singing to you. You stay like that, completely focused on the singing in your ears until the song ends. You open your eyes, not realizing you’ve closed them at some point, and you see Merc still in front of you, waiting patiently. [[Take the strange earmuffs off]]

“What was that?” you ask in awe as you take the earmuffs off. “That, my dear, is a voice recording,” Merc answers. “But instead of them being etched onto vinyl records, those sound recordings and whatnot are turned into invisible waves that travel through the air, able to reach people anywhere and anytime. There are devices known as radios made to turn those waves back into sound, but those that use the crystals you’ve found are shown to have a much better effect.” “Is the invisible waves thing a kind of magic too?” “Well, in a way. I suppose that’s the easiest way to explain things,” Merc replies vaguely. “So then, even if I’m up here, I get to listen to things from all over? Even stuff from the surface world?” you continue as you find yourself slowly filled with more and more wonder. “That’s the idea.” You give yourself a moment to process Merc’s words. You’ve seen a few outsiders from afar, and you’ve heard stories of them through Merc, but now you get to hear their music and other things too! “Can I listen to this whenever I come and see you?” you ask hopefully. Merc chuckles. “You can listen to this even if you aren’t anywhere near me,” they say. “It’s yours now.” “Really?!” you ask, your voice accidentally turning into a high pitched shriek from your excitement as you hold the device closer to your chest. Your face is starting to hurt from grinning so widely. “Really? Truly? Really? Are you really giving this to me? There’s no take-backs if you say yes!” “Of course I’m giving it to you,” Merc assures. “I have to do *something* to make up for the birthdays I’ve missed, so consider it as another gift.” Another birthday present? Stars, you never would’ve expected such a thing! Getting one present for your birthday was enough to fill you with so much joy. And now you got to have another! “Thank you! I'll treasure it forever!” you exclaim, hugging the earmuffs tightly. Your heart feels like it’s grown wings of its own, and is soaring higher than you ever could. “You’re very welcome,” they say. “Now, how about I [[teach you how to use that radio?]]”

You still find yourself enchanted with the radio even after the sun has long set and you’ve returned home. After creeping through your house and making sure you weren’t seen or heard, you take shelter in your room and stow your hat and money underneath your bed. After changing into your nightgown, you lie in your bed. Your headphones rest over your ear as you switch through channels without looking for anything in particular. But eventually, you settle on the one where Vivica’s songs are played the most, and close your eyes as you let yourself listen to the music. You think you may have drifted off at some point, but you’re not sure. But either way you find yourself abruptly pulled back into the real world when your headphones are slipped off your [[head]].

“Give it back,” you say, your voice becoming something similar to a low growl. “Give me a few seconds,” Aemilius says, oblivious to the way your anger burns hot and wild within your chest. Or perhaps he’s just ignoring it. “Please? I just want to see what it is. I’ve never seen anything like this before.” “One, two. There, a few seconds have passed. Now give it back.” “You know what I mean,” Aemilius sighs. “I don’t *care* what you mean! It’s mine, and I say you’re not allowed to see it!” you snarl, giving him the scariest glare you can. Aemilius only gives you a disbelieving look. “Is it really yours? I don’t think mom would’ve gotten something like this for you.” “Well mommy didn’t get it for me. A friend did, so give it here!” The mention of a friend causes something in Aemilius’s expression to shift in a way you can’t really figure out, but you don’t care enough to do so. Instead, you take advantage of the distraction to try and snatch the headphones away. But you’re a bit too slow. Aemilius pulls them away from you and steps away, and your failure causes frustration to grow inside of you like some poisonous, rotting pit. Why is he doing this? Why is he even *here*? Doesn’t he have better things to do? Meanwhile, Aemilius tilts his head towards the device. “There’s music coming from this,” he says with awe, talking more to himself than you. Him saying that, and the look of curiosity in his eyes makes you falter, your heart stuttering with fear. You know that look, and you know this pattern. You know you’re going to lose the one thing you vowed to treasure on the very day it was given to you. “It’s nothing,” you say in a fit of desperation, climbing off your bed and approaching him. “It’s just boring stuff. Really, really boring stuff. You wouldn’t like it at all!” The more you try and approach, the more he backs away. He’s getting closer to the door. “I don’t think that’s true at all,” Aemilius says. Before you can say another word, he goes and puts the headphones over his ears, eyes widening with wonder just like yours probably did when you first heard songs from the radio. Except seeing him do the same feels all wrong to you. ~~Continue asking for them back~~ [[Tackle him]]

Your fear and anger takes over your mind. Without thinking, you tackle Aemilius with enough force to send you both to the ground. You’re now on top of him, trying to rip the headphones off his head while he's screaming and shouting things you don’t bother to listen to. You just manage to get them back when the door slams open. You see [[mommy]], and her presence makes you freeze in place.

“S-Stay out of sight and out of mind, a-and to never bother you or Aemilius.” You try to swallow the spiky lump lodged in your throat. “No matter what.” "And why's that?" mommy prompts you. "Because all I do is cause trouble for you both." “And how many rules did you list just now?" You shrink down on yourself. "Two," you answer in a small voice. "Two rules," mommy repeats as she lets go of your arm. "Two simple rules to follow, and you couldn't even do something as easy as that." [[Tell her it was Aemilius's fault]] [[Don't say anything]]

“No,” you say. “Excuse me?” “I didn’t steal it. It’s not Aemilius’s! It’s mine!” you insist. “I don’t appreciate you lying to me. Give me the toy,” mommy warns. “No!” “You little--- give it here!” she shouts as she grabs your arm again, grabbing onto one of the headphones with her other hand. “It’s mine!” you shout back, holding fast to the other headphone. “You can’t take it! It’s mine! A friend gave it to *me*!” “A friend?” mommy sneers as she pulls harder. “Do you honestly think I’d believe someone like you has friends?” You can’t say anything to that; your words are caught by another spiky lump that’s formed in your throat. Your mommy’s words feel like something hot and sharp stabbing into your chest. “That’s what I thought,” mommy says when you don’t answer. She almost sounds proud, but you can’t understand why. “Now stop being selfish and give it here!” She grabs your hands in an attempt to pry them off. You’re wincing at the pain of her nails digging into your skin again, but you will yourself to old on. She’s pulling on one side just as much as you’re pulling in the other. You’re not sure if the head band is supposed to bend that much. [[Let go of the headphones]] [[Hold on]]

You hold on, but eventually, you can hear the plastic creaking from the strain. [[Keep holding on]] [[Let go of the headphones]]

Too afraid of the headphones breaking, you let go. The feeling of it slipping from your fingers feel like heartbreak. You immediately regret doing so. Mommy only huffs as she looks at your radio device with a displeased expression. “I really should lock you in a cabinet for your behavior,” she mutters. You go stiff like a statue, your blood turning to ice. “But I won’t this time,” mommy continues to say, and you immediately sag with relief. “Only because you finally listened to me. But that’s not going to happen in the future, understand? If you display such behavior again, then I won’t be as lenient.” You force yourself to look up, just so mommy doesn’t get even more mad at you. “Yes mommy.” Mommy leaves without another word, leaving you alone in your dark room. Your presence is once again forgotten. The absent weight of your lost radio feels like something dug out a hollow in the center of your very being. You lost your birthday gift. You said to Merc that you’d treasure it forever, but you let it get taken away. And now you probably won’t ever get to see it again. How are you going to tell Merc? How are you even going to face them again? You crawl into your bed, curling up into a small. You bury your face in a pillow just in time to muffle a whine that escapes your throat that quickly turns into sobs. You end up crying yourself to sleep.

But you have to. If you don’t, mommy will get even more mad. If she gets even more mad, she will probably lock you in a cabinet for a whole night again. You don’t think you want to be locked in there. It’ll be dark and cold and cramped. The thought of being trapped in such a place scares you. You squeeze your eyes tight, sucking in a deep breath. With shaky hands, you bring the device out from behind your back, and hold it out. Mommy snatches it before you even can even change your mind. She doesn’t say anything--- not even a single word of praise for your obedience as she exits your room and shuts the door. You’re left alone in the dark, your presence once again forgotten. You lower your hands from where they were still held out. The absent weight of your lost radio feels like something dug out a hollow in the center of your very being. You lost your birthday gift. You said to Merc that you’d treasure it forever, but you let it get taken away. And now you probably won’t ever get to see it again. How are you going to tell Merc? How are you even going to face them again? You crawl into your bed, curling up into a small. You bury your face in a pillow just in time to muffle a whine that escapes your throat that quickly turns into sobs. You end up crying yourself to sleep.

A loud resounding snap fills the air. The next thing you know, you’re stumbling back and just barely manage to avoid falling to the ground. In your hands is the broken half of the headphones, and the moment you realize this, something cold and hollow strikes your core. “Now look what you’ve done!” mommy shouts as she throws the other half into the ground. You flinch as it lands with a loud clatter, and see other things break off. You think she’s saying other things too, but you can’t hear it anymmore. It sounds muffled and far away, as if you’re somewhere deep underwater. A moment later, you think you might as well be, because you feel like you can’t breathe. Your head aches, and there’s suddenly something hot and heavy and alive in your chest, wriggling and thrashing for a way out. As you stare at the broken device, you feel as if you’ve been broken too. Your eyes begin to blur, and something wet begins running down your face. A noise fills the air, reminding you of something similar to a whistling kettle, but not quite. You then realize the noise is coming from you, as you feel that same thing dwelling in your chest worm its way up, and your throat aches from [[holding it back]].

You crawl into your bed, once again curling into a small ball under the sheets. You bury your face in a pillow as you continue to cry yourself to sleep.

You don’t want to be here anymore. It hurts like you’ve been viciously torn apart. You're scared of mommy coming back. You don’t want to be here anymore. You stand up and open your window, reaching into your magic to form your wings. You jump off your windowsill and take flight, feeling the cool night air hit your face. You don’t care where you end up, so you let your body take control. Your wings take you to the forest, and your legs make you run deeper and deeper into it, following the faint sound of a guitar until you see the dim glow of a distant [[campfire.]]

After an unknown amount of time, you find yourself sitting on a soft sleeping mat, staring at the campfire as the flames twist and flicker as if doing a strange dance. Your nightgown has been mended and cleaned with magic, and the scrapes and scratches you received in your run through the woods have been cleaned and bandaged. Your face has been cleaned of tears and snot too, though your head aches, and your eyes are still swollen from having cried so much. But you think you are a bit better now. Merc sits down next to you, and holds a green mug in front of your face as a sweet scent fills your nose. “Cocoa,” Merc says, as if answering an unspoken question. “You should have some. A bit of sugar may make you feel a bit better.” [[Accept the cocoa]] [[Refuse the cocoa]]

You wordlessly take the mug and watch the marshmallows slowly swirl around before taking a sip. You let the sweet, chocolatey taste sit on your tongue. It’s silent between Merc and you for a long while, as you both stare at the campfire with you taking small sips of cocoa. But eventually, Merc speaks up once more. “Are you willing to tell me what happened?” [[Tell them]] [[Say nothing]]

You wordlessly shake your head. You don’t think you want anything right now. “Well, that’s alright. It will always be here if you ever change your mind,” Merc says gently as they set the mug down next to you. It’s silent between you for a long while, until eventually, Merc speaks up once more. “Are you willing to tell me what happened?” [[Tell them]] [[Say nothing]]

In the beginning, you stumble a bit--- too afraid of how Merc would react, and the ache of it all still too fresh for you to think clearly. But Merc only stays quiet, waiting patiently as you slowly find your words and tell them everything, from when Aemilius took your radio, to it being broken. “Are you mad?” you ask, your eyes glued to the ground. You’re too afraid to look at them. “Only at your mother,” Merc replies. “What she did, the things she said to you, it was completely uncalled for.” You don’t answer that. You don’t know *how* to answer that. “But not at me?” you ask instead, finally turning to look at them. "Even after I did all that?" “Perhaps knocking your brother down wasn't the best course of action, but I do understand why you reacted that way,” Merc says quietly as they stare into the campfire. “I don't think you were completely at fault. They--- both your brother and your mother--- were trying to take away something that was yours without asking for your permission, they didn’t listen to a single thing you said, and they continued to try even when you kept telling them no. Not to mention your mother was saying some really unnecessary things.” They turn to you. “What you were feeling was completely valid.” You only give a small hum, but it’s watery. You feel as if a weight has been lifted. You don’t know why or how, but what they said feels like the one thing you needed to hear this entire time. There is silence again, but it is a lot longer--- perhaps two or three times longer than the last. Feeling a bit better, you decide to drink the cocoa given to you. It’s still warm, even after you’ve been talking for a while. Though the marshmallows have now almost completely melted. “It’s getting quite late,” Merc says a moment later. “What will you do?” You don’t know. You don’t want to go home yet, and you don’t think Merc does either. [[“Can I sleep here tonight?”]]

You take another moment or two to think about it, before shaking your head. You don’t want to talk about it right now. You don’t really want to *think* about it either. Merc gives a small sigh. “Alright. If you really don’t want to, then I won’t push,” they say. “But just know if you ever need to talk, I will always be willing to listen.” You give a small hum and leave it at that. There is another long silence that follows as you both stare at the campfire, watching little embers float up into the air and disappear into the night sky. “It’s getting quite late,” Merc speaks up a moment later. They sound thoughtful. “What will you do?” You don’t know. You don’t want to go home yet, and you don’t think Merc does either. [[“Can I sleep here tonight?”]]

Merc looks towards you for another moment before getting up. They take your mug of cocoa, placing it somewhere else, and walk towards their pack to dig out a blanket and small pillow. Both are placed next to you. “If you really wish to stay for tonight, then you can sleep here,” they say, gesturing to the mat underneath you. "Just here?" you ask, slightly confused. And then in a more timid voice, you add, "Don't you usually have a tent?" "It's a warm night, and it isn't going to rain," Merc replies with certainty and a small hint of excitement. "And because it isn't going to rain, that means we can sleep under the stars, which I find much better than sleeping in a stuffy old tent." They pause. "But if you truly want to sleep in a tent then I can set it up for you. You shake your head. "But where will *you* sleep?" you then ask upon looking around, and not seeing another sleeping mat. “You don’t need to worry about me. The ground’s comfortable enough as is, and my coat will be enough to keep me warm. After all, it’s late spring," Merc replies as they unfold the blanket. Without another word, you go and place the pillow on one end of the mat before laying down and letting Merc cover you with the blanket. You can’t help but feel a small glimmer of excitement. It feels like both a camping trip and a sleepover, and you’ve never really done either yet. Merc sits down near you, their old guitar now resting on their lap again as they strum a few notes. A feeling of content settles within you as you lie there, followed by another feeling of warmth. Once again, you feel safe, and a sense of belonging. Once again, you think this is what home is supposed to feel like--- which is strange, considering there isn't even a roof over your head. Your mind then travels to those scenes in books where the mommy or daddy tucks the child into bed. You’ve never had something like that happen to you before. And thinking about such topics makes you yearn for one more thing. “Hey Merc,” you speak up, and get a curious hum in response. [[Tell them you love them]] [[Ask them to kiss you goodnight]] [[Ask them to lay down next to you]]

“I love you,” you tell Merc, because you think that's what you are supposed to say when being tucked into bed. At least, that's how it is in some stories. But it’s strange, because you never felt the need to do it at home; and yet here with Merc, it just feels right. Merc doesn’t say anything for a while. It ends up being so long, that you become afraid that you may have said the wrong thing. But then, through the shadow of their hood, you think you see Merc smile as their eyes grow softer. They go to ruffle your hair. “I love you too,” they say in an equally soft tone. Your heart feels warm, and you can’t help but smile. As you curl up underneath the blanket and close your eyes, you hear Merc play a small melody. It’s soft and sweet, and soothes the ache and sadness from before. It feels like the swaying of trees in a gentle breeze, or the rocking of a baby crib. You continue to listen as you float further and further away from the waking world. You continue to hear that melody in your dreams, and what wonderful dreams they are.

“Could you kiss me goodnight?” you ask, as you sit back up again. Merc doesn’t answer for the longest time, and it gets to the point where you’re afraid that you’ve made a mistake requesting such a thing. But instead, they gently set down their guitar and give you a small peck on the forehead. Your heart feels like it’s soaring, and you can’t help but give a wide grin. “Goodnight,” you say, just like how the children in storybooks do. You lay back down on the mat. “Sweet dreams,” Merc replies softly, picking their guitar back up. As you curl up underneath the blanket and close your eyes, you hear Merc play a small melody. It’s soft and sweet, and soothes the ache and sadness from before. It feels like the swaying of trees in a gentle breeze, or the rocking of a baby crib. You continue to listen as you float further and further away from the waking world. You continue to hear that melody in your dreams, and what wonderful dreams they are.

Merc looks down at you, seemingly surprised at your request. "Only until I fall asleep," you say. "Please?" “Alright, if that’s what you want,” they say as they set their guitar down and stand up. “Just give me a moment. I have to put out the fire.” They quickly go and do so, and you watch the flames quickly go out with a hiss, leaving both of you with nothing but the moon and stars as light. You can barely see Merc’s outline in the dark as they go and lay down next to you, their hands resting on their stomach. They’ve left a bit of space between you, with their arm being the only part of them that's touching the mat. Seeing this makes you feel strangely lonely. [[Get closer to them]] [[Stay where you are]]

You curl up underneath the blanket and close your eyes, trying to will yourself to fall asleep. But you don’t--- not as easily as you hoped. You think of stars and galaxies, and then you think of the surface world. “Hey Merc?” you speak up. “Do you really think I’ll be able see the surface world one day?” “Perhaps,” Merc answers. “Why? Is there something you want to do down there?” You give a thoughtful hum. “When I grow up, I think I want to live there instead. And then, I could be a merchant, or a singer,” you say. “If I was a merchant, then I could travel the world and sell different things like you, and maybe we could even do it together. But if I was a singer, then my songs would be played on radios, and maybe Vivica will like me as much as I like her, and then we can be best friends!” You pause for a moment. "Or maybe I could be both?" “Well, whatever you decide to do, you will be outstanding at it.” “Really?” you ask, turning to Merc. “You really think so?” "I don't think, my dear. I know. And I know that one day, you will even go on to rattle the stars,” Merc answers. “But such thoughts can wait until tomorrow. It’s bedtime, remember?” “I know,” you say, though you feel slightly disappointed at the idea of doing so. You don’t even feel tired. “Goodnight.” “Sweet dreams, Emilia.”

“This and that, but nothing too fun or exciting to really speak about unfortunately,” Merc says, and part of you thinks that for a moment, they sound really tired. “What do you mean?” you ask curiously. “Well…” they pause for a long while before continuing again. “Let’s just say I've had to be around people I'm not as fond of. I'm sure you can tell it isn't a very pleasant experience.” You wrinkle your nose at the thought. “But why do you have to be around them if you don’t want to?” Merc only shrugs their shoulders. “Sometimes I don’t really have a say in the matter, even when I want to believe otherwise.” “But that’s not fair,” you tell them with a frown. “No, it really isn’t,” they chuckle, but it sounds less happy than usual. “But it’s alright. Things between me and them--- it’s better than it was before. Even still, I much prefer the company of other people.” They turn to you. “Like yours, for example.” You suddenly feel warm on the inside, almost like when you drank hot stew after a freezing winter day. It’s comforting, and you think you’re really happy hearing Merc say that. But there’s a hint of sourness caused by everything else they’ve said. They didn’t seem happy when they briefly talked about the people they had to meet. You never thought Merc could ever *be* unhappy, and you find the idea of it doesn’t sit right in your heart. It feels weird and unlikely, almost as if someone told you the sky was actually red instead of blue. “I like your company too!” is all you can think to say, because if Merc saying it to you makes you feel warm, then maybe you saying it to them will do the same. And you think it works, because Merc seems to smile at you and that strange feeling in your heart disappears. “Stars, listen to me. This isn’t something I should be worrying you about,” they sigh. “Tell you what. I may not have any new, interesting stories to tell this time, but how about I tell you a few old ones?” [["Yes please!"]] [["Not now."]]

And you mean it, because seeing Merc means you get to do lots of things with them again! [[Give Merc the crystals you collected]] [[Ask Merc about the song they were playing]] (if: $Hair is true)[ [[Ask Merc to style your hair again]] ] (if: $Mature is true)[ [[Ask them why humans mature differently]] ]

“Alright then, is there something else you wanted to do?” [[Give Merc the crystals you collected]] (if: $Hair is true)[ [[Ask Merc to style your hair again]] ] (if: $Mature is true)[ [[Ask them why humans mature differently]] ] [[Ask Merc about the song they were playing]]

Merc lets out a noise of surprise as you wrap your arms around them faster than they can react, and squeeze tight. They quickly recover, relaxing in your hold and letting out a small chuckle as they simply go to pat your back. “You’re very welcome,” they say. You stay like that for a few seconds longer before you decide to let them go, suddenly compelled to say one more thing. “Hey Merc…” you begin. (link: "Ask them to tell a story") [(goto: '"Yes please!"')] [[Ask Merc about the song they were playing]] (if: $Mature is true)[ [[Ask them why humans mature differently]] ] (if: $Miss is true)[ [[Tell Merc you missed them]] ] [[Give Merc the crystals you collected]]

“It was no trouble,” Merc says. “I’m always happy to do it.” Your hands go to run along the bumps of the separate braids, before you’re compelled to tell them something else that comes to mind. “Hey Merc…” you begin. (link: "Ask them to tell a story") [(goto: '"Yes please!"')] [[Ask Merc about the song they were playing]] [[Give Merc the crystals you collected]] (if: $Mature is true)[ [[Ask them why humans mature differently]] ] (if: $Miss is true)[ [[Tell Merc you missed them]] ]

And Merc does, starting with your favorite one. They use their magic to make moving figures in front of you as they tell the tale of the princess--- a girl who starts out a bit older than you and was spoiled and rotten and mean, until she lost her entire kingdom when a group of bad people came and attacked it, leaving her all alone. They tell of her journey through the years and the people she meets as she avoids the bad men who were still looking for her. All the while, she becomes kinder, more compassionate, and braver, and becomes the leader she is meant to be. You hear of how she brought people together under one cause, and fought for her kingdom and won. You really like that story because the main character is both the princess and the hero, and you think that’s really cool. In fact, you like the story so much that you sometimes jump in as Merc’s telling it, when you really know what’s going to happen next. And after that, they tell other stories too, such as one of a traveling witch; one of a lonely boy in the remains of an abandoned, flooded city; and so on and so forth. Sometimes, you talk as well. You tell about the stories you’ve read in books, the little adventures you had, and those times you’ve tried (and failed) to make campfires based on what you read in an adventuring book. You both talk and talk until the sun turns into a bright orange ball that slowly sinks into the clouds, painting them with pinks and blues and yellows. “It’s getting quite late,” Merc comments. “I will only be preparing some stew for tonight, but would you like to stay and have some?” “Can I really?” you ask. “Of course. But this time I want to show you how to prepare a few things.” You agree without a second thought, because it means spending more time with Merc; and having food means another night where you don’t have to worry about stealing from the pantries. True to his word, Merc has you do various things too, like finding kindling and foraging for mushrooms. When you get back, you see they’ve already gotten things like a pot filled with water, some other vegetables, and a cutting board set up. They sort the mushrooms you’ve collected, and you find pride in the fact that there are less poisonous ones mixed in this time around. They even show you how to make a campfire, because if “you are going to set fires, then you might as well learn the proper way”. Lastly, they teach you how to cut the vegetables, making extra sure that your fingers are curled inward so you don’t accidentally cut them. “Couldn’t you make the entire stew with your magic?” you ask at one point with genuine curiosity. “Well, while magic will certainly make things interesting, I’ve always believed if it can be done without magic, then it’s better to do so. Besides, magic will lose its wonder if you use it too often,” Merc responds as they gather the vegetables you’ve already cut. “It isn’t like a bit of hard work and effort will kill anyone either. Plus, you will always get tastier stew as a result.” And you think they’re right in terms of the stew, because when you try it later that night, it is warmer and more flavorful than anything they have made before. You manage to eat two large bowls worth of it. Eventually, you have to bid Merc farewell as you return home. It’s quite dark when you get back, and the house is still and quiet. No one is waiting for your return. Nevertheless, you put your efforts into sneaking to your room as quietly as you can, because even when no one here missed you, mommy will surely get angry if you make your presence known. It isn’t until you close the door, that you remember the weight slung around your shoulders. During your excitement, it seems you’ve forgotten to give Merc the crystals. But you suppose it doesn’t matter in the end, because you will see them tomorrow. And once you do, you can give it to them then. You change into your nightgown and curl up in bed, feeling warm and happy and fulfilled. Tomorrow will be another day—- one that will be even better now that Merc is back. So you go to sleep, anticipating the next morning.

You ask more on a whim than anything, because for a second, you think if you could play the instrument and the songs that Merc plays, then maybe you won’t miss them as much when they’re gone. “Perhaps,” Merc says thoughtfully. “But only if you really want to.” Part of you wants to say yes, but then a memory from earlier this year resurfaces. It’s you, sitting in front of a piano for the second time in your life, after you finally convinced mommy to teach you along with Aemilius. But your eyes are stinging with tears you don’t dare to shed, because you’d only make mommy angrier. There is a constant lump in your throat as an angry voice shouts in a way that makes you feel so stupid and little, and like you want to curl up more and more until you disappear. *“It’s just a simple song, Emilia, how is it taking you this long to figure it out?! Honestly, I really shouldn’t have expected anything else from you.”* You stopped trying to learn after that. Mommy didn’t care at all, because it was probably much easier to teach Aemilius, because Aemilius managed to play the song you kept failing at on the second try. The memory of it all makes you feel like there’s something cold and icy squeezing your throat, blocking any words from coming through. But…Merc wouldn’t be like that, you try to reason. Merc wasn’t like that when you had no choice but to admit you couldn’t understand how to multiply big numbers. *“Alright,”* they had said with no hint of malice or frustration—- no yelling and screaming in a way that makes you cry, and no making excuses saying it’s to make your brain work harder. *“Tell me what’s confusing you the most.”* Even still you cannot help but feel a lingering fear that settles in your heart like a weighted, icy stone. You’re not sure how to respond. [[Tell them you don’t want to]] [[Tell them you’d like to learn]]

You hesitate for a moment longer. You do want to, you think. But you don’t think you’re ready yet. You’re afraid that you will only disappoint Merc--- afraid they’d see you as hopeless and stupid like mommy does, and begin to ignore you too. You don’t know what would happen if Merc did that. You think something inside you would shatter like a porcelain plate. You keep your eyes to the ground as you shake your head, unable to quell the embarrassment and instinctual fear that rises up anyways. You feel like you’ve made a fool of yourself asking Merc to teach you, only to change your mind a second later. What if they get annoyed because you wasted their time? “It’s alright. Let me know if you change your mind, alright? I will always be happy to teach you,” Merc says gently. “Mmkay,” you mumble, still keeping your eyes to the ground. “Well in the meantime, how about I play some songs for you?” they offer. You look back up, your eyes wide and gleaming with anticipation. “Ah, there you are,” Merc remarks lightheartedly when you meet their gaze once more. “So, do you have any special [[requests?]]”

“Well alright then,” Merc says as they sit up straighter. “I suppose lesson one can start now.” “Really? Right now?” you ask, your eyes lighting up as your heart thrums with nervousness and excitement. “Well, I don’t see why not,” Merc replies as they snap their fingers. Suddenly, another, smaller guitar appears on your lap. You cannot help but smile as you pick it up, and try to hold it the same way you see Merc do, preparing yourself for their instructions. “First things first: do you know the musical notes?” they ask you. You nod enthusiastically, for once happy to have learned something good from mommy’s piano lessons. “It’s um, it’s A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, right?” “Correct! Very good!” Merc commends. “But for a guitar, you have each string tuned to a certain note, and that’s usually E, A, D, G, B, and back to E.” They pluck each respective string as they recite them, and you clumsily do the same. “Now that you know that, the next thing I want you to do is get more comfortable with strumming. Kind of like this.” They sweep their thumb across all the strings, playing all of them at once. You give a nod before copying their movements. It’s clumsy at first, but with each try, you think [[you’re getting better and better.]]

And they do. You learn that the strange earmuffs are called “headphones”, with the box being the actual radio. You learn that the dial allows you to change the radio’s channel, so you can listen to something else when you’re bored. You learn of the device’s other switches and dials, such as the one that controls the sound’s volume, and another that allows other people to listen to the radio instead of only you. You also later learn that songs and voice recordings aren’t the only thing that the radio has, but also “live sound” as well. It’s a very strange concept as well, to know you can listen to someone all the way down on the surface world as they talk. And they do talk about different things: sometimes there are two voices that make jokes, but you’re not sure if you can understand them. Other times, they talk about things that happen on the surface world, and there are times that they will talk in a language you don’t know. But even after that, you think you like the music more. You didn’t listen to it before, because mommy doesn’t really keep records around, and she’d get really angry if you make a bunch of noise in the house. But now you can without disturbing her! So you listen to various songs even when the day slowly ends and Merc asks if you want to stay for supper. You continue to listen to music as you help them make some stew. You find there’s a lot of music you like (though anything that has a piano makes your stomach twist into knots), but nothing strikes your heart more than the lady you heard first—- the one with the strong, pretty voice. “Her name is Vivica,” Merc answers, when another one of her songs come on. “Vivica,” you breathe. It’s a really pretty name. You like how it sounds, and the way one says it. It feels like it holds a rhythm of its own. “Is she nice?” you then ask, because you don’t think anyone with such a nice voice can be bad. “I don’t know, but I’m sure she is.” You both spend the rest of supper quietly listening to the radio. [[Go home]]

Your eyes snap open and you sit up in alarm. There in front of you is Aemilius, who is inspecting the device with much curiosity. At first, you feel nothing as you stare at your brother in stunned silence. But as the numbness fades away, the first things you feel is anger and fear. Aemilius has your radio. He’s taken your radio--- one of the few things that was blatantly yours and only yours and he’s taken it; and now that he has, he will want it to be his, and it will no longer be yours. Nothing ever stayed yours once it is discovered. That’s how it is. That’s how it *always* is. But you can’t bear to let that happen this time. [[Get him to give it back]]

It doesn’t take long for it to be too much. It escapes in the form of a broken sob. You cry and wail as your heart breaks, because it’s gone. The radio Merc gave you as a gift—- the one you loved and treasured with all your heart and vowed to continue to treasure forevermore is broken and gone! “Stop crying. You’re being absolutely ridiculous,” you hear mommy say. “You have no one to blame for this but yourself. Do you understand me? None of this would’ve happened if you just did what you’re told!” But why should you? You don’t understand. You can’t understand. Mommy was trying to take your treasure away, even though it was yours! She was trying to make it *not* yours anymore and make it Aemilius’s instead, even though you loved it so so much! It isn’t *fair*! You feel mommy go to grab your arm again, but you smack her hand away in a fit of anger. You sit down on the ground, curling into a tight ball as you continue to cry. “You want to act like a child? Fine. Cry all you want! I couldn’t care less!” you hear mommy say, before the door slams hard enough that the room shakes. You’re left in the dark, alone and forgotten. [[Go to bed]] [[Get out of the house]]

You do, of course, and you meekly name the ones you want. That’s how you spend the rest of the day: listening to Merc play on their guitar, singing along to the songs with lyrics that you know, and eventually dancing to Merc’s happier and more energetic tunes. With each song and dance, you feel your previous fears and anxieties dissolving away. Eventually, you find yourself laying on the ground exhausted, looking up at a sky that is now painted with pinks and oranges and blues. “It’s getting quite late,” Merc comments. “I will only be preparing some stew for tonight, but would you like to stay and have some?” “Can I really?” you ask, sitting up. “Of course. But this time I want to show you how to prepare a few things.” You agree without a second thought, because it means spending more time with Merc; and having food means another night where you don’t have to worry about stealing from the pantries. True to his word, Merc has you do various things too, like finding kindling and foraging for mushrooms. When you get back, you see they’ve already gotten things like a pot filled with water, some other vegetables, and a cutting board set up. They sort the mushrooms you’ve collected, and you find pride in the fact that there are less poisonous ones mixed in this time around. They even show you how to make a campfire, because if “you are going to set fires, then you might as well learn the proper way”. Lastly, they teach you how to cut the vegetables, making extra sure that your fingers are curled inward so you don’t accidentally cut them. “Couldn’t you make the entire stew with your magic?” you ask at one point with genuine curiosity. “Well, while magic will certainly make things interesting, I’ve always believed if it can be done without magic, then it’s better to do so. Besides, magic will lose its wonder if you use it too often,” Merc responds as they gather the vegetables you’ve already cut. “It isn’t like a bit of hard work and effort will kill anyone either. Plus, you will always get tastier stew as a result.” And you think they’re right in terms of the stew, because when you try it later that night, it is warmer and more flavorful than anything they have made before. You manage to eat two large bowls worth of it. Eventually, you have to bid Merc farewell as you return home. It’s quite dark when you get back, and the house is still and quiet. No one is waiting for your return. Nevertheless, you put your efforts into sneaking to your room as quietly as you can, because even when no one here missed you, mommy will surely get angry if you make your presence known. It isn’t until you close the door, that you remember the weight slung around your shoulders. During your excitement, it seems you’ve forgotten to give Merc the crystals. But you suppose it doesn’t matter in the end, because you will see them tomorrow. And once you do, you can give it to them then. You change into your nightgown and curl up in bed, feeling warm and happy and fulfilled. You got to spend the day singing and dancing with Merc, and what a fun day that was! You think maybe one day, you will ask Merc to teach you to play the guitar too. You’re not sure when yet, but you want to think it will be someday soon. And when you do, you think you will try even harder at it than you did with the piano, because if there is anyone you know you want to make proud, it’s them. Tomorrow will be another day--- one that will be even better now that Merc is back. So you go to sleep, anticipating the next morning.

Learning the guitar is what you continue to do with Merc for the rest of the day. With every simple method you master, Merc moves onto another method that is slightly more complicated than the first. They demonstrate each one, and wait patiently for you to understand it yourself, giving help and further explanations when you need it. It takes you a bit longer to realize that you are actually having fun. It isn’t anything like learning the piano with mommy. There’s no yelling, and nothing making you feel horrible or stupid, or wanting to just run away. You actually want to get better, even when your fingers start becoming sore; and you feel genuine disappointment when Merc has you stop, because the sun has started to sink into the clouds, and the sky has turned pink and orange. “It’s getting quite late,” Merc comments as you hand the guitar back to them. “I will only be preparing some stew for tonight, but would you like to stay and have some?” “Can I really?” you ask. “Of course. But this time I want to show you how to prepare a few things.” You agree without a second thought, because it means spending more time with Merc; and having food means another night where you don’t have to worry about stealing from the pantries. True to his word, Merc has you do various things too, like finding kindling and foraging for mushrooms. When you get back, you see they’ve already gotten things like a pot filled with water, some other vegetables, and a cutting board set up. They sort the mushrooms you’ve collected, and you find pride in the fact that there are less poisonous ones mixed in this time around. They even show you how to make a campfire, because if “you are going to set fires, then you might as well learn the proper way”. Lastly, they teach you how to cut the vegetables, making extra sure that your fingers are curled inward so you don’t accidentally cut them. “Couldn’t you make the entire stew with your magic?” you ask at one point with genuine curiosity. “Well, while magic will certainly make things interesting, I’ve always believed if it can be done without magic, then it’s better to do so. Besides, magic will lose its wonder if you use it too often,” Merc responds as they gather the vegetables you’ve already cut. “It isn’t like a bit of hard work and effort will kill anyone either. Plus, you will always get tastier stew as a result.” And you think they’re right in terms of the stew, because when you try it later that night, it is warmer and more flavorful than anything they have made before. You manage to eat two large bowls worth of it. Eventually, you have to bid Merc farewell as you return home. It’s quite dark when you get back, and the house is still and quiet. No one was waiting for your return. Nevertheless, you put your efforts into sneaking to your room as quietly as you can, because even when no one here missed you, mommy will surely get angry if you make your presence known. It isn’t until you close the door, that you remember the weight slung around your shoulders. During your excitement, it seems you’ve forgotten to give Merc the crystals. But you suppose it doesn’t matter in the end, because you will see them tomorrow. And once you do, you can give it to them then. You change into your nightgown and curl up in bed, feeling warm and happy and fulfilled. You learned how to play an instrument; and even if it isn’t the piano like what mommy and Aemilius play, you think it’s just as good. Tomorrow will be another day--- one that will be even better now that Merc is back. So you go to sleep, anticipating the next morning.

And there, having stood up upon seeing you, is Merc. “Emilia?” they say, voice thick with worry as they slowly approach you. That hot and heavy feeling returns in your chest. Once again, you feel it worming its way up your throat as you run into Merc and wrap your arms around them, burying your face into their coat to muffle another sob. You feel Merc stiffen from your sudden contact, but they quickly relax and fold their arms around you. You stay like that for a while, and Merc lets you do so as you try and find comfort in the safety of their [[embrace.]]

“Polaris?” you repeat, both confused at the name and the sudden change in subject. “Yes. It’s a very bright star that will always point north, hence why it is also called the Northern Star.” “Where is it?” you ask, looking around. “Do you remember where the Little Bear is? It’s the brightest star in its tail.” You take a moment to find the Little Bear, eyes trailing until you find its tail. “Oh! Is it that one?” you say, pointing up to the star in question. “Yes, that’s it! Very good,” Merc commends. “It is a very special star, you see. If you ever find yourself lost, say, somewhere in the surface world, you can always use that star to find your way home.” “How do I do that?” you ask. “That will be something I can teach you later,” Merc replies. “But for now, you must sleep. If you stay up any later, you will be very grouchy in the morning.” “But that’s not fair! You’re the one who talked about it first,” you say. “Yes, yes, I know, I’m sorry,” Merc laughs. “But think of it as something to look forward to tomorrow. And you know tomorrow won’t ever come if you don’t go to sleep.” “Then you promise to teach me tomorrow?” you say. “With my heart and soul,” Merc replies. [[Go to sleep]]

(set: $Hair to true) (set: $Mature to true) (set: $Miss to true) (set: $Ask to true)

At first, she looks shocked upon seeing you and your brother like this, and then her face twists into fury as she stomps over to you. You shrink in on yourself as much as you could, trying to make yourself as small as possible. “What on earth do you think you’re doing?” Mommy grabs your arm in a painful, tight grip, causing you to yelp as she roughly pulls you off of Aemilius. He gets up and rushes out of the room, leaving you alone with her. How strange, you think. For a moment, when he looked at you, you think he actually looked guilty. But perhaps that was just your imagination. “What is wrong with you? You do not get to attack your brother, do you understand?!” mommy says as she shakes you, snapping you out of your thoughts. You mumble out a small “yes”, your eyes glued to the floor as you hold your radio behind your back. A hand grabs your chin, forcing you to look up into your mom’s ice cold glare. “Look me in the eye, and answer properly when I’m speaking to you!” “Yes mommy.” She lets go of your chin with a harsh sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Aeyr help me, why couldn't you have been more like your brother?" she mutters, but it’s still loud enough for you to hear, and it makes your face heat up. Your insides feel like they’re curling inwards. She takes a deep breath, narrowing her eyes at you. “Now, why don’t you be a good little girl for once in your life, and tell me the rules I’ve always given you?” Your heart sinks at the mention of the rules. You know exactly what they are, and what you were supposed to follow. You know full well you've broken them tonight. “U-Um…” you squeak, your mind freezing under her glare. “Well go on! I’m sure even a feeble minded brat like you would be able to remember after all this time!” mommy yells. You flinch at her tone, and let out a whimper when the grip around your arm tightens even more. “Mommy, you’re hurting me,” you blurt out, your voice cracking. Your chest feels heavy and tight, and your eyes are stinging with tears that you desperately try to keep in. You can’t cry, you have to remind yourself. You can’t cry. “No, don't you dare turn this back on me!” mommy snaps. She isn’t letting go. “I’m only doing this because you won’t listen or do exactly as I say! So if you want me to let go, then stop stalling and tell me what I want to hear!” [[Tell her the rules]]

"I-It wasn't my fault," you try to justify. "Aemilius was the one who came into my room---" "Stop talking," mommy snarls. "Don't you dare try and blame this on your brother. *He* isn't the one that needs to be constantly reminded of the rules; and he certainly didn't go asking *you* to attack him like some wild, rabid beast now did he?" You clamp your mouth shut, eyes once again glued to the floor. The lump in your throat grows worse. "Perhaps that's all you are in the end: a rabid little monster that *I'm* stuck taking care of," mommy spits. "It certainly explains a lot." You're biting your lip. Your face feels hot. "I'm sorry," you say in a smaller voice, because you don't know what else to (link: "say") [(goto: "Don't say anything")].

Mommy huffs. "You will stay in this room until further notice," she says firmly. "I better not see hide or hair of you until I say you can. If you chose to disobey me again, I will not hesitate to lock you in a cabinet, do you understand me?" “Yes mommy,” you mumble. “Good. Now, be a good girl and give me that toy,” mommy says, sticking her hand out expectantly. Your heart skips a beat. You look at her with a mix of confusion and alarm. Your hands grip your headphones tighter. “I don’t understand,” you say, your voice wavering. Mommy scoffs. “Of course you don’t,” she sneers. “I'm talking about the toy behind your back dear, the one you stole from your brother. And don’t pretend you don’t have it either; mommy isn’t as slow as you.” You keep the headphones behind your back as protectiveness surges through your body. You can’t. You shouldn’t. It isn’t Aemilius’s in the first place. You don’t want to give it to her. You don’t want to. *You don’t want to.* [[Refuse]] [[Hand them to her]]

You move closer to them, to the point where you're now laying at the very edge of the mat. You're close enough to reach out and hug Merc if you want to, but you don't think you should. Merc doesn't seem to mind that you've come closer, but you don't want to be more bothersome. So this is enough for now. As you turn to look at the [[stars]], you feel a little less lonely now that you've closed the space between you two.

You resist the temptation to move closer to Merc. You really want to, but you're not sure if Merc will like it much. They probably kept their distance for a reason, so you don't want to be a bother to them. So you stay where you are, and turn onto your back so that you could look at the [[stars]].

“It’s a really beautiful sky,” Merc says. “I don’t think there’s any place in the world that has a better view of it than Altrea.” “Really?” you ask. “Of course. Some places will have clouds blocking the stars, while other places will have lights and smog hiding them from view. But here, you see it all: stars bright and dim, and even a bit of our own galaxy.” “Is that what the pretty cloud like thing is? A galaxy?” you ask, pointing at the long strip of cloud like stuff that stretches above you. “Yep.” “But what’s a galaxy?” “What indeed,” Merc chuckles. “I suppose the easiest way to explain it is a large group of stars and dust and clouds clustered together, spinning around almost in a spiral.” You squint up at the sky. “I don’t see a spiral,” you tell them. Merc laughs at that. “Well that certainly makes sense, because we’re in the spiral now, and we always will be.” You give a small hum at that, pretending to understand completely, when you really only understand a bit of what Merc is saying. You wonder how Merc knew about things like galaxies and being in a spiral if one can never see the spiral. Perhaps they traveled far enough to see it for themselves, and that’s how they found out. “Do you know about [[Polaris]], Emilia?” Merc suddenly says.