Let Them Eat Cake

A quaint house sits hidden behind a garden of wildflowers and plants, almost obscuring it entirely from view. It was the closest place, and yet you're surprised you missed it - though looking once more at the garden it was impossible to assume there was actually property, even liveable property, on these grounds. A small, one level house that has a gate leading towards the back garden, which looks equally overflowing with life. [[Knock on the front door.]] [[Go around the back.]]

The door is red, and looks like it's made of a heavy wood. You lift a hand and knock on the door with thick thuds. You wait for a moment. But no one comes to the door. [[Knock louder.]] [[Go around the back.]]

An cacophony of colour explodes from every which direction as the back garden is even further overgrown and full of life. Blues, reds, purples and pinks painting across the garden in a flurry. As you approach the house, there's a slight rustle of the bushes, some of the plants shiver. [[Check out the noise.]] [[Approach the house.]]

You knock again, this time ever so slightly harder. Once again, there is no answer. [[Knock even louder.]] [[Go around the back.]]

With the last knock, you press your ear to the door, hoping that somehow through the heavy wood you'll somehow hear inside. There is quiet. A stillness in the wind that causes you to lose hope. Would you really be going back empty handed? Before you take a step back, slight shuffling comes from inside the home. It leave you just enough time to take a step away as the door swings open. There, bundled up and hunched over stands an old lady with a kindly smile on her face. ''Old Lady'': "Hello... I'm sorry, but I'm not interested in buying anything." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Introduce yourself.]] [[Ask for sugar.]]

(set: $JeanneIntro to "true")''$playername'': "Bonjour madame, my name is $playername, and I'm the new baker's assistant..." The old woman lights up at the word baker, and a bright, broad smile spreads across her heavy wrinkles. Getting a closer look now, she was once beautiful but time has worn through her quickly. Her hair is tied back and she squints as though she has trouble seeing. ''Old Lady'': "Benoit's new baker! Of course. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Jeanne. How exciting! A new baker. Now, how can I help you? Would you like to come inside?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask for sugar.]] [[Go inside.]]

(if: $JeanneIntro is "true")[''$playername'': "If it's not too much trouble, could I ask you for some sugar? It seems Benoit has run out and I need it for tomorrow's--" She lights up and claps her hands together. ''Jeanne'': "So //you'll// be making the cake for the festival. How exciting! I'm so happy you can join us. Please, come in, I'll get that for you right away." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Go inside.]]] (else:)[''$playername'': "If it's not too much trouble, could I ask you for some sugar? It seems Benoit has run out and I need it for tomorrow's--" She lights up and claps her hands together. ''Old Lady'': "So //you'll// be making the cake for the festival. How exciting! I'm so happy you can join us. Please, come in, I'll get that for you right away." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Go inside.]]]

(if: $JeanneIntro is "true")[The inside of the house is a shrine to a younger woman. A tall, languid woman with strong features is posed differently in every photograph and picture. The pictures vary in age from a baby to a young woman. The woman who had opened the door was most certainly past her twenties, and well past her thirties. While she does bear a slight resemblance to the woman in the pictures; any resemblance was long gone now. ''Jeanne'': "If you'd like, you can wait for me here. Can I get you anything aside from sugar?" ''$playername'': "No thank you." Jeanne nods and shuffles into the kitchen. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Follow her.]] [[Wait where you are.]]] (else:)[The inside of the house is a shrine to a younger woman. A tall, languid woman with strong features is posed differently in every photograph and picture. The pictures vary in age from a baby to a young woman. The woman who had opened the door was most certainly past her twenties, and well past her thirties. While she does bear a slight resemblance to the woman in the pictures; any resemblance was long gone now. ''Old Lady'': "If you'd like, you can wait for me here. Can I get you anything aside from sugar?" ''$playername'': "No thank you." She nods and shuffles into the kitchen. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Follow her.]] [[Wait where you are.]]]

(if: $sugar is "true")[Layed sprawled out, with a sense of serenity that comes with death, is a woman. Her red hair a halo of fire around her. Around her are the remnants of art supplies, paint tubes and brushes, but no canvas in sight. The breeze knocks petals loose that fall into her hair but the girl does not stir. In fact, you can't even tell if she's breathing. [[Reach out to her.]] [[Leave her be, you have things to get.|Ingredient List]]] (else:)[Layed sprawled out, with a sense of serenity that comes with death, is a woman. Her red hair a halo of fire around her. Around her are the remnants of art supplies, paint tubes and brushes, but no canvas in sight. The breeze knocks petals loose that fall into her hair but the girl does not stir. In fact, you can't even tell if she's breathing. [[Reach out to her.]] [[Approach the house.]] ]

(if:$ELMad is "true")[As if the weight of the door is meaningless, the young woman swings it open and lets herself in effortlessly. The door slams on the way open. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "Mama! There is someone here to see you!" [[Wait at the door.]] [[Let yourself in.]]](else-if: $ELTheory is "true")[Élisabeth Louise opens the door and motions for you to join her as she enters the tiny home. [[Let yourself in.]]](else:)[This door is much like the front door, heavy in weight and build. You knock on the door, and this time, without much wait there is shuffling behind the door before it opens to an old lady with a kindly smile on her face. She's bundled up and hunched over. ''Old Lady'': "Odd, I'm sure this isn't the front door. Can I help you with anything?" [[Explain your situation.]]]

As you grow close, your figure looming enough to cast a shadow over her eyes, the figure starts to twitch and squirm, coming to life once more. She looks up at you with confusion, then surprise. Her eyes are a deep brown, richer than any chocolate croissant. Her wake was slow but the following movements are quick as the woman shuffles away from you, the unexpected company startling her. ''Young Woman'': Who are you? <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Introduce yourself to her.]] [[Check on her.]]

(set: $ELIntro to "true")(if: $sugar is "true")[''$playername'': "My name is $playername, and I'm the baker's assistant. Your mother lent me some sugar for the festival cake." Her features fall. She's suddenly lost interest. She returns to listless lounging as she lays back, her eyes finding the sky as opposed to your figure. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "Right then, you probably know who I am then, and you've got what you came here for..." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Check on her.]] [[Say goodbye and get the next ingredient.|Ingredient List]]] (else:)[''$playername'': "My name is $playername, and I'm the baker's assistant. I was told to come here to get sugar?" Her features fall. She's suddenly lost interest. She returns to listless lounging as she lays back, her eyes finding the sky as opposed to your figure. ''Young Woman'': "Right then, you'll be looking for my mother. She's inside. You may need to knock hard, she's not as sharp a listener as she used to be." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Check on her.]] [[Approach the house.]]]

(if: $sugar is "true")[''You:'' "Are you okay? I'm sorry if I spooked you." Her features fall. She's suddenly lost interest. She returns to listless lounging as she lays back, her eyes finding the sky as opposed to your figure. It looks as though she is waiting for the earth beneath her to open up and swallow her whole. ''Élisabeth Louise:''" Do you ever feel like no matter what you do it will be futile?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[... What?]] [[Be sympathetic.]] [[Make a quip.]]] (else:)[''You:'' "Are you okay? I'm sorry if I spooked you." Her features fall. She's suddenly lost interest. She returns to listless lounging as she lays back, her eyes finding the sky as opposed to your figure. It looks as though she is waiting for the earth beneath her to open up and swallow her whole. ''Young Woman:''" Do you ever feel like no matter what you do it will be futile?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[... What?]] [[Be sympathetic.]] [[Make a quip.]]]

(if: $sugar is "true")[''$playername'': "Pardon? What exactly do you mean?" One of her eyes opens, peering over at you with an expression you can't quite read. It flutters shut once more, her lips pursing into a frown. It doesn't feel angry. Not everything has to be something, sometimes things can exist - as this did. It's a moment of quiet contemplation before she props herself onto her elbow to address you properly. ''Élisabeth Louise'': You've chosen to come to this town. Why? Couldn't find anything in your own village? <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Tell the truth.]] [[Be judgemental.]] [[Explain your dream.]]] (else:)[''$playername'': "Pardon? What exactly do you mean?" One of her eyes opens, peering over at you with an expression you can't quite read. It flutters shut once more, her lips pursing into a frown. It doesn't feel angry. Not everything has to be something, sometimes things can exist - as this did. It's a moment of quiet contemplation before she props herself onto her elbow to address you properly. ''Young Woman'': You've chosen to come to this town. Why? Couldn't find anything in your own village? <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Tell the truth.]] [[Be judgemental.]] [[Explain your dream.]]]

(set: $ELTheory to "true")(if: $sugar is "true")[''$playername'': "All the time. Why else would I be a baker's apprentice in an unfamiliar town? I couldn't let this be futile as well." She smiles. The first since you'd met her here, and although that wasn't long, it felt as though a breath of fresh air had finally passed over you both. Her smile was radiant. So full of joy yet so serene, like something had finally found peace inside her. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "You get it. This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask about "The Reign".]] [[Give your condolences.]]] (else:)[''$playername'': "All the time. Why else would I be a baker's apprentice in an unfamiliar town? I couldn't let this be futile as well." She smiles. The first since you'd met her here, and although that wasn't long, it felt as though a breath of fresh air had finally passed over you both. Her smile was radiant. So full of joy yet so serene, like something had finally found peace inside her. ''Young Woman'': "You get it. This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask about "The Reign".]] [[Give your condolences.]]]

(set: $ELMad to "true")''$playername:'' That would require me to feel... I've never been good at that. The corners of her lips pull down slightly, her brow furrows as her listlessness and apathy transform into disappointment and ire. She pushes her body up and stands up. Her frame is much larger than you'd expected. As she pulls herself to her full height, you find yourself almost looking up at her. Quickly, she brushes herself off and brushes past you as she goes inside the house. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Follow her.|Approach the house.]]

(if: $sugar is "true")[''$playername'': "Yeah, actually. I did." You had plans. You knew what you were going to call it, and exactly where in town you'd open it. You had ideas of which friends and family would swing by to buy your freshly baked breads. You had dreams for yourself. You had a home; but homes could be built and you were ready to start fresh. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "Oh... well... This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask about "The Reign".]] [[Give your condolences.]]] (else:)[''$playername'': "Yeah, actually. I did." You had plans. You knew what you were going to call it, and exactly where in town you'd open it. You had ideas of which friends and family would swing by to buy your freshly baked breads. You had dreams for yourself. You had a home; but homes could be built and you were ready to start fresh. ''Young Woman'': "Oh... well... This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask about "The Reign".]] [[Give your condolences.]]]

(if: $sugar is "true")[''$playername'': "You have to spread your own wings. No matter what those around you say." Her expression changes quickly to anger. She sits up and leans towards you, her face and body full of ire. Tension drips from her shoulders and through the rest of her body as she grows stiff. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "Do you think I have not tried? This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Oh, I'm sorry.|Give your condolences.]] [[Ask about "The Reign".]]] (else:)[''$playername'': "You have to spread your own wings. No matter what those around you say." Her expression changes quickly to anger. She sits up and leans towards you, her face and body full of ire. Tension drips from her shoulders and through the rest of her body as she grows stiff. ''Young Woman'': "Do you think I have not tried? This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Oh, I'm sorry.|Give your condolences.]] [[Ask about "The Reign".]]]

(if: $sugar is "true")[''$playername'': "It's only temporary. I learn here, and then I go back home to start my own shop." You have plans. You know what you're going to call it, and exactly which location from your town you're going to put it in. You can already imagine the smell, the decor, the locals who stop in to say hello. You are just about to let yourself get swept away when-- ''Élisabeth Louise'': "Good luck with that." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Be sincere.]] [[Question her tone.]]] (else:)[''$playername'': "It's only temporary. I learn here, and then I go back home to start my own shop." You have plans. You know what you're going to call it, and exactly which location from your town you're going to put it in. You can already imagine the smell, the decor, the locals who stop in to say hello. You are just about to let yourself get swept away when-- ''Young Woman'': "Good luck with that." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Be sincere.]] [[Question her tone.]]]

(if: $ELIntro is "true" and $sugar is "true")[''$playername'': "Thank you!" She sits up, her face expressoin slightly incredulous as she regards you. She leans into a pulled up leg as she gesticulates with her hands. Such a far cry from the sanguine corpse you'd thought she was when you'd first arrived. ''Élisabeth Louise'': What's your name, again? ''$playername'': $playername. ''Élisabeth Louise'': Then let me tell you, $playername. This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead.](else-if: $ELIntro is "true")[''$playername'': "Thank you!" She sits up, her face expressoin slightly incredulous as she regards you. She leans into a pulled up leg as she gesticulates with her hands. Such a far cry from the sanguine corpse you'd thought she was when you'd first arrived. ''Young Woman'': What's your name, again? ''$playername'': $playername. ''Young Woman'': Then let me tell you, $playername. This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead.](else-if: $sugar is "true")["Thank you!" She sits up, her face expressoin slightly incredulous as she regards you. She leans into a pulled up leg as she gesticulates with her hands. Such a far cry from the sanguine corpse you'd thought she was when you'd first arrived. ''Élisabeth Louise'': What's your name? ''$playername'': $playername. ''Élisabeth Louise'': Then let me tell you, $playername. This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead.](else:)[''$playername'': "Thank you!" She sits up, her face expressoin slightly incredulous as she regards you. She leans into a pulled up leg as she gesticulates with her hands. Such a far cry from the sanguine corpse you'd thought she was when you'd first arrived. ''Young Woman'': What's your name? ''$playername'': $playername. ''Young Woman'': Then let me tell you, $playername. This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead.] <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Give your condolences.]] [[Ask about "The Reign".]]

(if: $ELIntro is "true")[''$playername'': "Was that sarcasm? What makes you say that?" She sits up, leaning into a pulled up leg as she gesticulates with her hands. Such a far cry from the sanguine corpse you'd thought she was when you'd first arrived. ''Young Woman'': "Then let me tell you, $playername. This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Give your condolences.]] [[Ask about "The Reign".]]](else:)[''$playername'': "Was that sarcasm? What makes you say that?" She sits up, leaning into a pulled up leg as she gesticulates with her hands. Such a far cry from the sanguine corpse you'd thought she was when you'd first arrived. ''Young Woman'': What's your name? ''$playername'': $playername. ''Young Woman'': "Then let me tell you, $playername. This place is a trap. It sucks you in and when you're one of us, you can't leave. I've dreamed of it for years, but every time my mother would find some reason to make me stay back. //Élisabeth Louise//, I've fallen and need to see a doctor. //Élisabeth Louise//, what will I do without you? I've grown so old. //Élisabeth Louise//, you can't leave before the festival. What if you're the Reign? Even when my fiancé and I were ready to leave town... he had to go and drop dead." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Give your condolences.]] [[Ask about "The Reign".]]]

(set: $ELWish to "true")''$playername'': "What is the Reign?" Surprise flashes over her face. It becomes obvious to her you don't know, and her expression is surprisingly easy to read for once. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "Right, of course you wouldn't know... The Reign is a role given to one of the townspeople at the Saving Day Festival, a real honour. I shouldn't spoil it for you though. It's one of those things you have to experience it for yourself... I was so excited to show my fiancé the festival this year. I cannot wait to be the Reign myself." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Give your condolences.]]

(set: $ELTheory to "true")''$playername'': "I'm so sorry for your loss. How long has it been, if you don't mind my asking?" Élisabeth Louise's face falls once more as this topic is brought up properly. As if a heavy weight was freshly placed on her shoulders, they curled forward. Tears threaten to fall as her body starts to slowly tremble. Her voice breaks as she speaks. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "It's been six weeks now... I've always suspected foul play, but I can't prove it. Fate has chosen my place, and it is here with my mother." She stands up, her frame is a lot taller than you expected it to be. (if: $sugar is "true")[''Élisabeth Louise'': "You have what you've come for, right? You should be on your way. Mother tends to get... weird... when people linger." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Go back to the bakery.|Ingredient List]]](else:)[''Élisabeth Louise'': "Speaking of, let me fetch her for you." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Follow her.|Approach the house.]] ]

(set: $sugar to "true")(if: $ELMad is "true")[The young woman storms inside and calls for her mother, you hear it from where you stand but don't dare to venture in. Instead, you hear her demand for a bowl of sugar and an old lady returns to the door with a bowl of sugar between her hands. ''Old Lady'': "Is this for you deary?" You nod sheepishly and take the bowl. ''Old Lady'': "Don't mind her, she's always been fussy. If you ever come by again, feel free to ask for me. My name is Jeanne. Good luck with your little task." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Thank her and leave.|Ingredient List]]](else:)[''$playername'': "I think I'll just wait here." The old lady steps inside and disappears for a moment, just out of direct eyeline before reappearing with a bowl of sugar. She hands it to you. ''Old Lady'': "If you ever come by again, feel free to ask for me. My name is Jeanne. Good luck with your little task." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Thank her and leave.|Ingredient List]]]

(if: $ELMad is "true")[The kitchen is cozy, soft but warm sunlight coming through a window with a stained glass floral scene that casts colours into other areas of the room. Wood of green hue make up the majority of the furniture, but its all well worn. The young woman storms inside and calls for her mother. You follow her into the kitchen and watch as an old, kindly looking woman hobbles out. ''Old Lady'': "What's wrong my dear?" ''Young Woman'': "They want a bowl of sugar." The elderly woman begins to rummage through the cabinet, squinting as peers through. Many of her containers look similar, but the labelling is large and relatively clear. Instead of sugar, she pulls out a large container labeled: POISON. Before she opens it, she finally seems to notice, quickly replaces the container with sugar and pours you a small bowl. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask about the poison.]] [[Take the bowl of sugar.]]] (else-if: $ELTheory is "true")[The kitchen is cozy, soft but warm sunlight coming through a window with a stained glass floral scene that casts colours into other areas of the room. Wood of green hue make up the majority of the furniture, but its all well worn. Élisabeth Louise calls for her mother. You follow her into the kitchen and watch as an old, kindly looking woman hobbles out. ''Old Lady'': "What's wrong my dear?" ''Élisabeth Louise'': "They want a bowl of sugar." The elderly woman begins to rummage through the cabinet, squinting as peers through. Many of her containers look similar, but the labelling is large and relatively clear. Instead of sugar, she pulls out a large container labeled: POISON. Before she opens it, she finally seems to notice, quickly replaces the container with sugar and pours you a small bowl. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask about the poison.]] [[Take the bowl of sugar.]]]

(if: $JeanneIntro is "true")[As Jeanne is about to leave you in the small settee, you get up and follow her into the kitchen. The kitchen is cozy, soft but warm sunlight coming through a window with a stained glass floral scene that casts colours into other areas of the room. Wood of green hue make up the majority of the furniture, but its all well worn. The elderly woman begins to rummage through the cabinet, squinting as peers through. Many of her containers look similar, but the labelling is large and relatively clear. Instead of sugar, she pulls out a large container labeled: POISON. Before she opens it, she finally seems to notice, quickly replaces the container with sugar and pours you a small bowl. ''Jeanne'': "My apologies for the delay... here you go." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask about the poison.]] [[Take the bowl of sugar.]]] (else:)[As she is about to leave you in the small settee, you get up and follow her into the kitchen. The kitchen is cozy, soft but warm sunlight coming through a window with a stained glass floral scene that casts colours into other areas of the room. Wood of green hue make up the majority of the furniture, but its all well worn. The elderly woman begins to rummage through the cabinet, squinting as peers through. Many of her containers look similar, but the labelling is large and relatively clear. Instead of sugar, she pulls out a large container labeled: POISON. Before she opens it, she finally seems to notice, quickly replaces the container with sugar and pours you a small bowl. ''Old Lady'': "My apologies for the delay... here you go." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask about the poison.]] [[Take the bowl of sugar.]]]

The woman leaves, and you are left alone for a moment. In the room there is a small settee, a cabinet full of pictures, a small bookshelf, and a fire that is unlit. [[Sit down.]] [[Look around.]] [[Follow her.]]

(set: $sugar to "true")(if: $JeanneIntro is true)[You reach forward and take the bowl of sugar from her, a weak smile on your face. $playername: "Thank you, I appreciate this." You raise the bowl to indicate what you mean. She nods quickly, enthusiastic. ''Jeanne'': "I'm sure your cake will come out deliciously. I can't wait to see it at the Festival. Good luck, $playername." You thank her, and take your leave. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Exit out the front door.]] [[Exit out the back door.]]](else:)[You reach forward and take the bowl of sugar from her, a weak smile on your face. $playername: "Thank you, I appreciate this." You raise the bowl to indicate what you mean. She nods quickly, enthusiastic. ''Old Lady'': "I'm sure your cake will come out deliciously. I can't wait to see it at the Festival. Good luck, $playername." You pause, before you leave. ''$playername'': "I'm so sorry, I never caught your name." ''Jeanne'': "My name is Jeanne, it's good to get to know your neighbours. I hope to see you around again soon." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Exit out the front door.]] [[Exit out the back door.]]]

(set: $sugar to "true")(set: $poison to "true")(if: $JeanneIntro is "true")["Poison" you saw it clearly. In big bold letters meant for poor eyes. Precariously placed next to the sugar, and a plethora of other ingredients. Is it right to mention it? You can't not... she nearly gave it to you. ''$playername'': "Do you have a rat problem? It could be dangerous to keep that in the cupboard." The old lady turns to look at you, a small smile pulls tersely at her lips. ''Jeanne'': "I had a very large one recently, but he's been taken care of now. I keep this tucked away so my Élisabeth Louise doesn't get into it, though she never comes into the kitchen." (if: $ELTheory is "true") [You think of the sad woman in the garden, and how little she trusts her mother. You know her sadness and how much she loved the man. Hesitantly, you take the sugar.](else:)[You think back to the pictures in the other room, that must be who Élisabeth Louise is. You hesitantly nodd and take the sugar.] ''$playername'': "Right, thank you." She nods and begins to lead you to the door. ''Jeanne'': "If you happen to see my daughter, do let her know I'm looking for her." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Exit out the front door.]] [[Exit out the back door.]]](else:)[ You clearly saw the package of clearly labeled poison places precariously next to the sugar, and a plethora of other ingredients. Is it right to mention it? You can't not... she nearly gave it to you. ''$playername'': "Do you have a rat problem? It could be dangerous to keep that in the cupboard." The old lady turns to look at you, a small smile pulls tersely at her lips. ''Old Lady'': "I had a very large one recently, but he's been taken care of now. I keep this tucked away so my Élisabeth Louise doesn't get into it, though she never comes into the kitchen." (if: $ELTheory is "true") [You think of the sad woman in the garden, and how little she trusts her mother. You know her sadness and how much she loved the man. Hesitantly, you take the sugar.](else:)[You think back to the pictures in the other room, that must be who Élisabeth Louise is. You hesitantly nodd and take the sugar.] ''$playername'': "Right, thank you." She nods and begins to lead you to the door. ''Jeanne'': "If you happen to see my daughter, do let her know I'm looking for her. My name is Jeanne by the way, it'd be wise for you to get to know your neighbours." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Exit out the front door.]] [[Exit out the back door.]]]

You find a beautiful back yard, with an abundance of flours and colours. Jeanne wouldn't mind if you looked around, but you also have a job to do. (if: $ELIntro is "true")[[[Go find the next ingredient.|Ingredient List]] ](else:) [[[Check out the garden.|Check out the noise.]]]

(if: $ELTheory and $poison is "true")[You leave the house feeling slickly, as though you heard something you weren't spposed to. Unable to shake the feeling you are being watched, you quickly make your way back to the bakery to drop off the sugar.](else:)[You leave the house feeling as though you missed something. How odd. You'd have to go back some other time...] [[Back to the list.|Ingredient List]]

(set: $playthrough to 0)(set: $cake to 0)(set: $death to 0)Hello! Thank you for playing this silly little game about making a cake, and all the horrors that come with it. ''For the record, there is a few trigger warnings for violence, implied murder, and implied animal cruelty. Please be advised.'' (set: $playername to (prompt: "What is your name?", "Gene") ) [[Begin the game.|Dear Player]]

Bonjour $playername, If you're reading this letter, you've gotten to the bakery safe. Not that you wouldn't be, I had full faith in you. There was nothing that would make it unsafe, nor am I suggesting anything as such. Anyway, welcome to Sangnoire. I'm sorry I won't be able to greet you on arrival, but I'm sure I'll catch you sometime before the day is out. You've come at a hectic time, so we'll have to get started right away. The Saving Day Festival is tomorrow. It is the biggest event in town and I am running around getting the rest of the food ready, so I'd like you to be in charge of the cake. It doesn't have to be a fancy affair, just enough to feed the townspeople. I've left you a recipe with this letter, as well as a map for you to get around easily. Why a map? Funny story that... I've run out of ingredients making everything else. I'm leaving you a list of who you can pick up more from. Think of it as a way of getting to know your fellow townsfolk quickly, yeah? But don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong. You've got this $playername, I have full faith in you. I'll catch you later, and again, welcome. A bientot, Benoit [[Ingredient List]] (set: $flour to "false")(set: $sugar to "false")(set: $eggs to "false")(set: $milk to "false")(set: $butter to "false")(set: $ELTheory to "false")(set: $ELWish to "false")(set: $JeanneIntro to "false")(set: $poison to "false")(set: $ELIntro to "false")(set: $cows to "false")(set: $chicken to "false")(set: $horses to "false")(set: $pigs to "false")(set: $hand to "false")(set: $trophy to "false")(set: $kitchen to "false")(set: $eggroom to "false")(set: $mainroom to "false")(set: $presbytry to "false")(set: $bed to "false")(set: $wardrobe to "false")(set: $library to "false")(set: $bathroom to "false")(set: $bribes to "false")(set: $compartment to "false")(set: $bag to "false")(set: $papers to "false")(set: $debts to "false")(set: $mob to "false")(set: $offering to "false")(set: $FHIntro to "false")(set: $tour to "false")(set: $follower to "false")(set: $pantry to "false")(set: $grinder to "false")(set: $cabinet to "false")(set: $recipebox to "false")(set: $oven to "false")(set: $catmeat to "false")(set: $fur to "false")(set: $fire to "false")(set: $sacks to "false")(set: $delivery to "false")(set: $eggroom to "false")

(if: $sugar is "true")[~~Sugar~~](else:)[ [[Sugar|Visit the Neighbour's House]], from your neighbour.] (if: $milk is "true")[~~Milk~~](else:)[ [[Milk and Eggs|Go to the Farm]], from the farm.] (if: $flour is "true")[~~Flour~~](else:)[ [[Flour|Go to the Mill]], from the mill up the river.] (if: $eggs is "true")[~~Eggs~~](else-if: $egglocation is "true")[ [[Eggs|Go to the Church]], from the ~~farm~~ church.](else-if: $egglocation is "false" and $milk is "true")[ [[Ask Benoit where to get eggs.]] ](if: $milk is "true")[ [[Butter|Go back to the Bakery]], let's ask Benoit.](else-if: $butter is "true")[~~Butter~~](else:)[When you have milk, come to the bakery. We make our own butter.] (if: $milk is "true" and $butter is "true" and $eggs is "true" and $sugar is "true" and $flour is "true")[ [[Make the cake.]] ](else:)[]

(set: $sugar to "true")(if: $JeanneIntro is "true")[You take a seat on the settee and feel yourself sink into the chair. The mould of someone else's frame carved into the fabric that displaces your unfamiliar frame just so. A spot larger than the old lady's frame, as though someone else sat there far too often. Jeanne prompty returns and hands you a bowl of sugar. ''Jeanne'': "This ought to do it, but if you need more, do not hesistate to come by and ask, yes?"](else:)[You take a seat on the settee and feel yourself sink into the chair, as if it had been well sat on by someone other than you, and someone bigger than the old lady that had just disappeared into the kitchen. She promptly returns and hands you a bowl of sugar. ''Old Lady'': "This should be good, but if you need more, do not hesitate to come by and ask, yes? My name is Jeanne, it's good to know if we're going to be neighbours."] <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Thank her and be on your way.|Ingredient List]]

(set: $sugar to "true")(if: $JeanneIntro is "true")[The large cabinet dominates the room, and is adorned with pictures, mostly of a woman with a gentleman whose face is always obscured. Sometimes the corner where his face ought to be is ripped out, and sometimes it is masterfully hidden behind any sort of object. It's clear that the photographer chooses only to focus on the younger woman. ''Jeanne'': "My daughter, isn't she beautiful?" Before you can answer, she slides a bowl of sugar into your hands and continues talking. ''Jeanne'': "Such a flair for the dramatic, though. But she's the world to me. I'd do anyhing for her. You should meet her next time you come, it's good to get to know your neighbours properly. Especially since we're so close." Her smile is tight, tense, and leaves you no room to argue with her. There is an unkindness in her eyes that causes the hairs on the back of your neck to stand at attention. You take the bowl. ](else:)[You walk up to the cabinet, full of pictures of her daughter and a gentleman whose face is always just slightly obscured. Sometimes the face is ripped out, sometimes it's cleverly hidden behind foliage or an item. In one picture, it seems as though someone has painted his face out of existence, leaving nothing but the background in a haunting effect. ''Old Lady'': "My daughter, beautiful isn't she?" You jump and turn around as she places the bowl of sugar in your hands. ''Old Lady'': "Has always had a penchant for the macabre that one. Now, you've got so much to do, and so little time, it's best you go on your way. Also, a word of kind advice, get to know your neighbours properly. My name is Jeanne." Her smile is tight, tense, and leaves you no room to argue with her. There is an unkindness in her eyes that causes the hairs on the back of your neck stand at attention and a shiver down your spine. You take the bowl.] <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Thank her and be on your way.|Ingredient List]]

You explain the situation and how you ended up at the back door, and she smiles understandingly, looking slightly bashful. In this moment, you take the chance to introduce yourself as well. ''Old Lady'': "The garden is in such a state of disrepair, but it's so beautiful I could not help myself. I'm so sorry, $playername. Of course I can get you sugar. Would you like to come in?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6mMH7A.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Wait at the door.]] [[Go inside.|Take the back entrance.]]

The farm is run down, as you might begin to wonder that every part of this small, hidden town is. It's hidden, tucked away so small that it doesn't register on any of the local maps you've seen, but the merchants seem to know where it is. People come and go. Business gets done. Especially here. Making your way up to the large acreage, there are two disctinct buildings. The barnhouse - a more quaint affair; it looks more like a shack, and the barn itself - as you've always known barns to be: big and red. You have no clue where the farmer could be. [[Call out.]] [[Explore the farm.]]

Aside from the barn, the only other building on the property is the shack of a farmhouse. A one story building that seems incredibly unassuming as the boards of the walls barely hold together and the thatch house needs some patching up. The doors and windows are open except for a small door that leads underground. This gives you a clear view inside to the small kitchen and bedroom that make up the living quarters. There is a single table full of awards and trophies with bronze and gold pigs on top, but aside from that - whoever lives here survives on the bare minimum. ''$playername'': "Hello? Is anyone home?" The hatch creaks open, and a man of scraggly and almost dirty appearance appears, wiping blood from his hands with a big smile. Despite his unkempt appearance, his smile seems kind. For a man with the farm he himself is quite gaunt and poorly fed. ''Farmer'': "Good day! Hello, a pleasure to meet you. Pardon my appearance, my butchering quarters are downstairs. How can I help you?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Explain your circumstances.]] [[Ask for milk and eggs.]]

You approach the barn first, a farmer is most likely in their barn, no? The building grows bigger as you approach, even though it was quite large to begin with. It's not loud, but you can tell by the sound of shuffling hoofs on ground and the grunts and grumbles of livestock that this is not an empty barn. The door sits slightly ajar. [[Check out the barn.]] [[Go to the farmhouse.|Call out.]]

''$playername'': "Benoit sent me to see if you had any more milk and eggs. I'm making the cake--" Before you finish Pascal is already nodding and cutting you off. He places his hands on his hips and smiles. ''Pascal'': "Of course! Would you like to come with me or you are more than welcome to wait here if you'd prefer... I know the barn can be quite noxious." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Wait there.]] [[Get a tour.]]

(set: $tour to "true")Pascal is very excited to tell you all about his farm but before you go, he dips inside and reappears with a straw hat on his head, and a second one for you. ''Pascal'': "The sun is very strong today, and also the horses love to chew on hair." You put on the hat and follow him to the barn. He opens the door and ushers you inside with great excitement, like a kid showing off his toys. On his entrance, the animals begin to kick up great noise, as if they too are equally excited to see him. The scraggly farmer beams with pride as he opens his arms out, as if this barn was the world and he was its king. ''Pascal'': "Which animal would you like to see first?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Cows]] [[Chickens]] [[Horses]] [[Pigs]]

''$playername'': "I'm sure I'll only slow you down, but I'll be sure to take you up another time." A polite rejection, but a rejection nonetheless. Pascal looks little disappointed but nods, sliding a straw hat onto his bald, reflective head as he passes you by. ''Pascal'': "I'll be sure to make it quick then." He heads off in the direction of the barn. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Wait at the doorstep.]] [[Enter the farmhouse.]]

(set: $cows to "true")(if: $tour is "true")[ The cow pasture is through a rickety stable door which creaks as Pascal holds open for you. The cows are roaming around a smaller pasture and make their way over seeing Pascal. He breaks out into a smile and pats them all, calling each of them by a name. ''Pascal'': I milked them this morning but Mathilde is a new mother so I can probably get some more out of her. He makes his way over to a larger brown cow who stands off to the edge with a gaunt looking calf at her side. He takes a bucket and a stool and places it under her. ''Pascal:'' "Feel free to pet them, they're quite friendly." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Pet the cows.]] [[Wait for the milk.|Take the milk.]] ](else:)[ You see the cows off at a distance as they stand in a pasture which can be seen through the barn doors. You want to approach. They look so fluffy and well mannered. A particularly rotund brown cow stands with a wobbly calf watching you closely. (if: $chicken is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Chickens]] ] (if: $horses is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Horses]] ] (if: $pigs is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Pigs]] ] (if: $pigs and $chicken and $cows and $horses is "true") [ [[Check out the trough.]] [[Go back to the farmhouse.|Call out.]]] ]

(set: $chicken to "true")(if: $tour is "true")[(set: $egglocation to "true")Pascal leads you to the chicken coop in the barn. ''Pascal'': "Normally, this would be it's own building but with the forest this close I know the big ones will kick a fuss if anything predatory comes in." He leans into the coop with ease and lifts up a couple of the chickens, revealing that their nests are empty and that there is no eggs. With a groan and slight crack of his back he stands up to his full stature again with an apologetic look on his face. ''Pascal'': "Seems like I sold all the eggs, but I'm pretty sure I gave the priest up at the church a few extras and I'm sure Father Hyacinthe would be willing to give you some." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> (if: $cows is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Cows]] ] (if: $horses is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Horses]] ] (if: $pigs is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Pigs]] ] (if: $pigs is "true" and $chicken is "true" and $cows is "true" and $horses is "true") [ [[Thank Pascal for the tour.]]] ](else:) [You make your way to the chicken coop, a small hut tucked inside the barn. How peculiar. You'd seen the farms in your town, they were close but always their own distinct buildings. Looking through the fine grating of the coop, you see that the chickens are all on their feet, walking around, with no eggs left in their nests. It seems as though you will not be getting your eggs here unless the farmer has some extras. (if: $cows is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Cows]] ] (if: $horses is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Horses]] ] (if: $pigs is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Pigs]] ] (if: $pigs is "true" and $chicken is "true" and $cows is "true" and $horses is "true") [ [[Check out the trough.]] [[Go back to the farmhouse.|Call out.]] ] ]

(set: $horses to "true")(if: $tour is "true")[There are two horses on this farm, a big workhorse and a smaller pony. Both begin to grunt and nicker as Pascal grabs a pail and dumps it in a water trough, leaving it on a nail for them to bend their necks down to drink from. ''Pascal'': "Normally I'd offer for you to pet them, but these two are biters. Henri here has taught the little one bad habits." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> (if: $cows is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Cows]] ] (if: $chicken is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Chickens]] ] (if: $pigs is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Pigs]]] (if: $pigs and $chicken and $cows and $horses is "true") [ [[Thank Pascal for the tour.]]]] (else:) [ You poke your head in and the horses start to make noise. Enough noise that someone might find you snooping around. It'd be best for you to get out quickly. (if: $cows is "true")[ ](else:)[ [[Cows]] ] (if: $chicken is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Chickens]] ] (if: $pigs is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Pigs]] ] (if: $pigs and $chicken and $cows is true)[ [[Check out the trough.]] ] [[Go back to the farmhouse.|Call out.]]]

(set: $pigs to "true")(if: $tour is "true")[The bulk of the noise in the barn comes from the pigs. As you approach, there are pigs of all sizes, tiny little piglets to almost circular hogs that trudge their way around a pen inside the barn. Pascal approaches them and refills their water as he speaks. ''Pascal'': "My pigs are my prizes. I've won contests all over the countryside with these beauties..." He starts to ramble on about the pigs, but something in the trough catches your attention, a glint of the light hitting off something just barely sticking out of the food. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Check out the trough.]] (if: $cows is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Cows]] ] (if: $chicken is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Chickens]] ] (if: $horses is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Horses]] (if: $milk is "true") [ [[Thank Pascal for the tour.]]]] ](else:)[The bulk of the noise in the barn comes from the pigs. As you approach, there are pigs of all sizes, tiny little piglets to almost circular hogs that trudge their way around a pen inside the barn. (if: $cows is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Cows]] ] (if: $chicken is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Chickens]] ] (if: $horses is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Horses]] ] [[Check out the trough.]] ]

(set: $murder to "true")Thud. //Thud.// //''Thud.''// Following the sound coming from the ground, it leads you to the little hatch that Pascal said leads to his "butcher's station". There must be some sort of live animal in there that is trying to get out. As you open the door though, you are not presented with livestock, but a woman who desperately looks at you. A chain wrapped around her ankle limits her movement as she rushes for the door. ''Trapped Woman'': "Please, please, please get me out of here. He'll kill me." [[Try to help.|Bonus Ending 2 - Pascal Death]] [[Pretend like it didn't happen.|Wait at the doorstep.]]

(set: $death to it +1)(if: $murder is "true")[ (set: $ending to 10)You open the door wider, and begin to descend down the stairs. The woman continues to plead until her face changes to that of sheer horror. ''Trapped Woman'': "No!" There's something behind you. You begin to turn around and catch the edge of Pascal's scrawny form as something //CRACKS// against your head. It all fades to black. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You've died.|Ending Stats]] ](else-if: $evidence is "true")[(set: $ending to 11)You wake up in a room you do not recognize, the faint sound of wailing and begging echoing around the room. You cannot move. Your eyes staring only at the darkened ceiling ahead of you. ''Pascal'': "Ah, a shame you woke up. This would go a lot smoother if you hadn't." He appears above you, his kind smile gone. Instead, he looks dark, a crazed fire lighting his eyes as the glint of a knife catches your attention. ''Pascal'': "There's good food on you, you will feed my piggies well." The knife swings down, a mercy as he goes for your neck. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You've died.|Ending Stats]] ](else:)[''$playername'': "What do you feed your pigs? I was in the barn earlier and I thought I saw a hand?" Pascal freezes and looks at you. He takes back his hand and frowns. ''Pascal'': "You've been peeping around my barn, have you?" He bridges the gap between you in a few steps and you feels your chest grow hot, as if Pascal has just punched you. Looking down, you see a pitchfork, jammed through your chest. The last thing you see is the look of rage on his face as you fade to black. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You've died.|Ending Stats]]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

(set: $milk to "true")(if: $hand is "true")[You've seen more than enough about this farm, and quickly make haste back to the bakery to drop off the jug before setting off to find the next set of ingredients. [[Return to the bakery.|Ingredient List]]](else-if: $tour is "true")[You take the milk and look at the barn, and Pascal follows your eyes with a look of pride. ''Pascal'': "My pride and joy these animals... did you want to keep looking around or...?" (if: $chicken is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Chickens]] ] (if: $horses is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Horses]] ] (if: $pigs is "true")[ ] (else:) [ [[Pigs]] ] (if: $cows and $chicken and $horses and $pigs is "true")[ [[Thank Pascal for the tour.]] ]](else:)[Before you go, you want to see the animals at least once. Though, you should get back to the bakery and drop this off. You could always come back another time... [[Check out the barn.]] [[Return to the bakery.|Ingredient List]] ]

(if: $murder is "true")[You slink away from the house to the barn with hopes that Pascal has not noticed you've remained on his property. Approaching the impressive barn, you find it does reek of animals, but the sound of shuffling livestock inside compells you. ]The barn door opens, and you bring yourself inside. First your head, followed by the rest of your body. The animals do not seem to notice you. Which animal do you want to see first? [[Cows]] [[Chickens]] [[Horses]] [[Pigs]]

(if: $tour is "true")[You look over your shoulder to see where Pascal is, and for the moment, he's gone. ]As you get closer, you aren't wrong, there is most certainly something inorganic reflecting the small streams of sunlight inside the slop. As much as pigs can eat, something like that would probably be unhealthy or harmful, especially if a piglet gets to it first. It'd be good to get a closer look, but how? [[Reach in with your hand.|Discover the human hand.]] [[Find a stick.]]

(set: $hand to "true")(if: $tour is "true")[You look over your shoulder to see if Pascal is around. ](if: $stick is "true")[The stick hits something hard and heavy, and with great effort and a little finessing the stick through the slop, you manage to pop the item over the side of the trough. A ring. A ring with engravings covered in muck with a palid and sickly finger attached to an equally palid and sickly hand now draped over the side of the trough. It's thin and delicate, like that of a woman's, with long, slender fingers.](else:)[You shove your hand in, groaning slightly at the sensation as the cold, viscous sludge makes its way onto your hand as well. You feel the metal against your fingers and pull, realizing there's far more too it as you dislodge what it's attached to and reel back with far more effort than necessary. In your hand, sits another hand - without a body. Long slender fingers and slight wear that reminds you of your mother's hands, and on one of the fingers a simple engraved metal ring. Of coures the pigs are winning pigs, they eat incredibly well. Worryingly well. You can't allow this to continue, can you? Maybe, if you take the ring you can show it to someone and this will get shut down... or maybe you could mind your own business.] [[Take some evidence.]] (if: $tour is "true")[ ](else:)[[[Go find the farmer.|Call out.]] ](if: $milk is "true")[ [[Get out while you can.|Take the milk.]] ]

(set: $stick to "true")(if: $tour is "true")[You look over your shoulder to see if Pascal is around. ]You pick up a stick next to the trough. It's not very big, and not super sturdy, but the glint does not seem large itself. You shove the stick into the muck, and the thick ooze begins to part as you dig for the object. [[What is it?|Discover the human hand.]]

(set: $evidence to "true")You endeavour to take the ring in this moment. Grabbing the hand, you start to shimmy the ring off the finger, the putrid smell attacking your senses. You're going to the do the right thing. (if: $tour is "true")[''Pascal'': "You shouldn't be sticking your nose into matters that don't concern you, $playername."](else:)[''???'': "You shouldn't be sticking your nose into other peoples' business."] //THWACK// Your head rings with the sensation of something large suddenly battering against it as the world around you goes dark. The last thing you feel is your body collapsing against the slightly itchy hay of the ground below you. [[Wake up.|Bonus Ending 2 - Pascal Death]]

''$playername'': "Good day, my name is $playername, and I'm the baker's new assistant. He sent me here for ingredients." The farmer smiles and once he's done wiping his hand, he holds it out to you proudly. ''Pascal'': "Welcome to town. I'm Pascal, the one stop shop for animal goods." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> (if: $hand is "true")[ [[Ask about the hand in the trough.|Bonus Ending 2 - Pascal Death]] ] [[Shake his hand.]] [[Don't shake his hand.]]

You know what was just on there, but you take his hand either way. He holds it tight, tight enough that you question whether or not it will break, and gives it a firm shake. ''Pascal'': "That is a good handshake. You can tell a lot about someone by their hands. Now, how can I help you?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask for milk and eggs.]]

You know what was just on there, and decide you'd rather not take his hand. Pascal's eyes run up and down your body once before he slowly pulls back. ''Pascal'': "I see. I'll be sure to clean better next time. Now, how can I help you?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask for milk and eggs.]]

(set: $egglocation to "true")(if: $PDeath is "true")[You close the hatch once more with an apologetic look. You don't want any part in this. As cruel as that is. You return to the doorstep and wait for the milk. ]Pascal returns with a large jug of milk, but only that. He rushes towards you, a slight hobble in his walk. Maybe age and wear of work was starting to get to him. You meet him at the bottom of the steps. ''Pascal'': "My apologies, $playername. It seems I do not have any eggs left. But I have plenty of fresh milk for you. If you'd like, I gave the church down the way some extra eggs this morning, and Father Hyacinthe would probably be willing to give you some." ''$playername:'' "Thank you..." [[Take the milk.]]

It's a small room, so there isn't much to see. On a quick turnaround, you're pretty sure you've already seen what the place has to offer. There's a kitchen, a bed, a table of trophies. Thud. //Thud.// //''Thud.''// As you stand for longer than a moment though, the faint beating of wood comes from below your feet. It goes again, this time just as loud as something rattles underneath the wood. You recall Pascal mentioning a butcher's station somewhere on the property. [[Examine the trophies.]] [[Explore the kitchen.]] [[Follow the noise.]]

(set: $trophy to "true")You approach the only other table Pascal owns, and it is covered in trophies and certifications. Each one a dedicated prize to his pigs. Fattest, best, ugliest, roundest, most delicious... Pascal's pigs are something precious to him. Thud. //Thud.// //''Thud.''// The sound only grows louder as you stand there, as if someone is directly underneath you. (if: $mainroom is "true")[ [[Follow the noise.]] [[This is out of your league.|Wait at the doorstep.]] ](else:)[ [[Explore the kitchen.]] [[Follow the noise.]] [[This is out of your league.|Wait at the doorstep.]]]

(set: $mainroom to "true")You enter the room, which is both the kitchen and the bedroom but you focus mostly on the kitchen. It's small, a sink, a wood fire stove, and a simple table to eat at. Truly, Pascal always has lived alone. There is though, an impressive collection of knives in pristine condition. They look incredibly sharp, and a little bloody. Thud. //Thud.// //''Thud.''// It comes from beneath you. Looking down, there is nothing there, but the sound persists. It happens again, and again, as though something is knocking on the ground beneath the floor. (if: $trophy is "true")[ [[Follow the noise.]] [[This is out of your league.|Wait at the doorstep.]] ](else:)[ [[Examine the trophies.]] [[Follow the noise.]] [[This is out of your league.|Wait at the doorstep.]] ]

Ending $ending of 8 (if: $ending is > 8)[Congratulations, you've unlocked a bonus ending! Seems like there's more of these than actual endings, doesn't it.] Cakes Made: $cake Deaths: $death Playthroughs: $playthrough [[Play again?|Dear Player]] [[Credits]]

(set: $ending to 9)You look at Élisabeth Louise, her eyes are so hopeful. Without words she begs. You look at all these other people, most of them without emotions or with silent words asking you to look away from them. Her eyes bore through you; and you relent. You point at her and she lights up, rushing to you and grabbing your hands, giving you a kiss on either cheek. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "Thank you, thank you so much." As she runs towards the table, a wail comes from behind as Jeanne breaks down sobbing. ''Jeanne'': "Please, anyone but her! I'll die without her!" But she's gone. Élisabeth Louise quickly takes her seat at the table, tears of joy and fear streaming down her face in heavy waterfalls. Nothing could stop her now. The ground begins to rumble, splitting and cracking open beneath her. The river flows backwards, changing colour as something trudges out of it, gnarly black hands clawing on the ground as it hoists itself out of the water. It's inconcievable, how this thing keeps pulling itself from the river without end. Hideous and wrinkled in skin with a plethora of eyes and a maw that sports multiple sets of teeth. Without ever fully leaving the river, it raises up, covering the sky with it's dark body until there is no light left and snatches Élisabeth Louise from her seat. Before the creature takes her, she looks back and while the tears stream down her face, Élisabeth Louise smiles the most beautiful, joyful smile you'd ever seen. Then, with all of the offerings, she disappear - as does the creature. The light returns, and so does the conversation. Everyone but Jeanne goes on with their life as if you had not seen this just occur. Again, Benoit claps his hand on your shoulder. ''Benoit'': "An odd choice, but it went well. Hopefully this will go just as smoothly next year." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

I truly couldn't have done this without two incredible people. Art: Mell Davison Coding: Poe Check out more of Mell's incredible art on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/mellvetica?lang=en">@mellvetica</a>

The long shadow cast by the pointy steeple guides you through the town to the church. A beautiful, ostentatious temple of stone that stands out amongst the shacks and houses. The old stone gives room to new life, as ivy and vines crawl up the structure, but the surface is flawless - no dust or dirt in sight. At the steeple of the church stands a cross, unlike any you'd ever seen before. The crossbar sits in a "Y" shape, both arms tilting upward to the sky. A mistake in the design, surely. Or, perhaps emphatic display of praise. A small town like this couldn't afford to replace it... The heavy doors swing open fairly easily, and you find the church is not only open but well occupied. Off to the side, a long line of people stands waiting for a draped set of wooden boxes that seem connected. As someone exits one end of the box, they slip into the pews of the church while the line shuffles forward. [[Inquire about the line.]] [[Go explore the church.]]

You walk down the road towards the edge of town, the flowing river that the town sits on acts as your guide as you make your way to the mill. The strong sound of water flowing overpowers almost everything else around you. The crashing waves and the creaking of the mill leading you towards your direction. On your way up, you find a cart that struggles, its wheel looks to be broken. It's stopped entirely, the horse that pulls it resting nearby as a young man stares confusedly at his problem. [[Check on the cart.]] [[Continue on to the miller.]]

You make your way back to the bakery, having found other ingredients with relative ease butter had proven to be a problem. The bakery itself was a rather simple building of stonework and wood, but the real charm was how far you could smell the bakery from. Sweet breads and yeasty loafs warm and fresh from the oven waft down the roads leading you towards Benoit's shop. Lounging on the front step of the shop, an orange tabby lounges comfortably in the sun. It looks so happy, it's eyes squinted shut and mouth open in the warmth of the cement step. It doesn't have a collar, but there is a bowl of water by the front stoop. [[Play with the cat.]] [[Ignore the cat.]]

(set: $cowpet to "true")You reach out and pet one of the cows. It's fluffy and soft, and the docile cow watches you touch it. Pascal groans as he gets up, handing you the bucket of milk. ''Pascal'': "Here you go, this should be more than enough for the cake." [[Take the milk.]]

You have seen all there is to see about the barn, and you have your jug of milk. Your time at the barn is done and you know this. ''$playername'': "Thank you so much for the tour. It was lovely to see your animals." [[Return to the bakery.|Ingredient List]]

(if: $eggs is "true")[(set: $debts to "true")You return to the line, having spent a good time in the back, you notice the confession is done and people linger as Father Hyacinthe makes their way out of the confessional. Their face full of contrasts. Sharp and smooth. Beautiful and handsome. Haunting and comforting. The binaries broken as you cannot place your finger on where they sit. They tower over every man and woman in the room like a celestial being. Immediately, their eyes flit to you, with the bowl of eggs in your hands. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Stealing? From a church? How crass. Has your mother not taught you better? If not... I'm sure my community would be glad to." Their lips curl into an evil smile as the parishoners turn to you, a crazed look of desperation in their eyes. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "For those who remain, we teach of second chances. We teach that good things come to those who are patient and helpful... and should you help me now, your debts will be paid." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Try to run.|Bonus Ending 3 - Mob Death]]](else:)[You are more intrigued by the line of people all waiting for their turn to enter the curtained box. A few stand together, chatting amonst themselves and you make your way over. ''$playername'': "Excuse me... my apologies for interrupting, but I was wondering what is going on here? Why are you all lined up?" Their friendly demeanour remains, but there's something off about their smiles. Uncertain and scared. A man steps forward, his eyes glance towards the box before returning to you. ''Villager'': "Are you... not from town? We're waiting for confession. Father Hyacinthe holds confession every day for a time they see fit." [[Explain why you're there.]]]

As grandiose as the outside of the church felt, the inside supercedes it entirely. Ornate and luxurious, there is gold plating and expensive works of art that hang around the building. The marble interior something rare for such a small and quiet town. Light cascades through stained glass windows expertly made by artisans. But this is not your interest. There are a few places you can go: the back - where the priest would live, or the kitchen, maybe to find some eggs before you have to talk to anyone. [[Sneak into the back.]]

You get the message pretty quick that no one in line is willing to give up your space and you decide to nod and duck into the back of the line. The chattering of the villagers resumes as they all deign to ignore you until the line moves forward. The line shuffles forward at a pace you worry will leave you without ingredients or a cake. [[Wait until it's your turn.]] [[Cut the line.]] [[Leave the line to go explore.|Go explore the church.]]

You step out of line and make your way forward. You do not have the time to play this game. You must return and make a cake. ''Villager'': "Hey! There's a line!" Turning back, there are so many eyes on you. Boring into your frame. They shift uneasily, a growing anger. [[Apologize and go back in line.|Wait until it's your turn.]] [[Give up on getting in line.|Go explore the church.]] [[Stand your ground.]]

You bide your time waiting for the priest to finish the rite as the line slowly diminishes. It seems as though this will take some time. [[Continue waiting.]] [[Go explore the church.]]

There are plenty of people who can see you, but the door to the presbytry is tucked away to the side of the chancel. You're sure that if you are careful, you can make your way inside with little notice. Looking over your shoulder, you watch the line and the villagers in deep conversation. Now. You slip past the door and carefully close it behind you. You have snuck into the priest's living area. [[Go to the presbytery.]] [[Go to the kitchen.]]

The line goes quicker than you expected. As though the sins of the town are small, a peaceful place to live. You move forward as each parishoner dips into a pew, signaling the next person to enter the curtain. Soon, you find yourself face to face with the crushed velvet, and the empty seat waiting ahead of you. [[Go to confession.]] [[Call out to the priest.]]

You go inside, the small boxed room is just enough that you can turn around comfortably, but not much more than that. A small stool with a cushion waits for you to take your seat. To your side, connected to the other curtained box is a thick weave that obscurs your vision - but it's enough for you to make out the outline of someone on the other side. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Take a seat and we shall begin, my child." The voice is soft, but also quite stern. It is deeper than most women you've met, and higher than most men. The shadow through the other side leans forward and adjusts itself. [[Take a seat.]] [[Remain standing.]]

(set: $mob to "true")You need to meet the priest, and nothing will stop you. Even as the villagers leave the line and approach you. ''Villager'': "We said get back in line." You turn to find yourself surrounded, fearing villagers turning into an angry mob. You move to run out and your way is blocked. You turn to run to the confessional only to find the priest, etheral and tall standing there with knowing eyes and a small smile. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "You will be going to a better place, my child." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[A better place?|Bonus Ending 3 - Mob Death]]

(set: $death to it +1)(if: $debts is "true")[(set: $ending to 13)Debts? You look around as the parishoners left begin towards you. As you try to escape you are cut off and caught by some of the men. With raised fist, you are wailed upon, the village turning against you. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Forgive them, they're desperate. They do what they must." You feel two of the strong ones holding your arms down, your thrashing quelled as all you can do is feel their hands against you, stones against a sinner. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You've died.|Ending Stats]]](else:)[ (set: $ending to 14)They approach you slowly, as though their mind is not their own. Like corpses brought to life, they shamble in your direction. You try to run, but quickly you are caught by some of the men who pin you down. You lay there, facing up at the ceiling of the church. The marble and stone staring back at you as you realize this is your end. The rest of the concregation makes their way forward and one by one begin hitting you. It's slow and painful, but eventually one of the blows hits your head and you fade away. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You've died.|Ending Stats]] ] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

You look at the shadow and then at the seat, refusing to sit down and instead decide to remain standing. ''$playername'': "That's okay, I think I'd rather stand. I'm not actually here for confession." The person on the other side of the confessional sits up, suddenly paying more attention. Their tone remains inquisatory. But the question has something deeper underneath that you aren't sure you can put your finger on without looking at them. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "So what are you here for?" [[Ask for eggs.]]

You take the seat and turn around, facing the curtain. A subtle rubbing of wood indicates a small sliding door has been opened, and you see a small opening between the two confessionals. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Place your offering and go quietly pray for your forgiveness." Offering? What offering? ''$playername'': "I'm sorry... I'm not here for confession." ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Then, what could you possibly be here for?" [[Ask for eggs.]] (if: $religion is "true")[ [[Recall that confession is free.|Inquire about offerings.]]](else:)[ [[Inquire about offerings.]] ]

(set: $presbytry to "true")The priest's room itself is just as elaborate as outside. Tapestries and finely crafted furniture made of varnished wood decorate the room. In the room there is a bed with blankets made of fur, a heavy wooden wardrobe, a bookcase with thick leather bound tomes and a small basin for a sink. [[Check out the bed.]] [[Check out the wardrobe.]] [[Check out the library.]] [[Go to the bathroom.]]

(set: $eggroom to "true")(if: $follower is "true") [You follow Father Hyacinthe to the kitchen. It is a small room, which does not seem to be well used. If they are the only person living here, though, it would be understandable why it gets less use. Father Hyacinth takes a bowl, and places some eggs in it carefully. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "This should be enough for your cake, yes?" They run around and hand you the bowl, their knuckles white from their iron grip. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Take eggs.]] [[Sneak out.|Go check out another room.]]](else:)[ The kitchen is a small room, which does not seem to be well used. It reminds you of your new home, the one you've just made here. It reminds you of your last home before you left, and how lonely it could be to cook for one. You see a bowl with eggs sitting on the counter. [[Take eggs.]] [[Continue looking around.|Go check out another room.]]]

(set: $eggs to "true")(if: $follower is "true")[ You take the eggs from Father Hyacinthe and hold them to your chest. It's enough for a single cake. You cannot make a mistake. ''$playername'': "Thank you for your generosity." Father Hyacinthe smiles, but their lips purse thin, strained. There is no joy in this smile or in this person. ''$playername'': "If it's okay with you, I'd like to look around more." ''Father Hyacinthe'': "You can look around next time you come, I'm expecting to see you for mass, $playername. And confession, you will most certainly need it." There is no room to argue, and no room to escape. You must take your leave here. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Return to the bakery.|Ingredient List]]](else:)[ You take the eggs and look down at the bowl. Plenty of eggs, enough for a couple of cakes should you make a mistake. How fortuitous. [[Continue to look around the church.|Go check out another room.]] [[Take your eggs and go back.|Ingredient List]] ]

''$playername'': "Ah, I'm just here because the farmer said that he'd given some eggs to the priest and I was hoping to take some to make a cake for the saving day festival." Everyone in line begins to whisper. You look around. Your eyes lock with everyone else in line with their eyes all finding themselves on you. ''Villager'': "I see, well... You can wait in line or wait until it's done." The villager steels himself and you look around, watching as everyone digs their heels into the ground to wait. [[Join the line.]] [[Cut the line.]] [[Wait for confession to end.]]

As the line slowly makes its way forward, you too move forward in line. There is not enough time though. You must get ingredients, and you must make the cake - and the quicker the better. It's time to take matters into your own hands. You step out of line, drawing the eyes of everyone around you as you take a couple steps forward and call out. ''$playername'': "Father? My apologies but father? May I speak to you please?" The people in line start to grow louder. As you look around, the villagers turn to you. They look scared. Fear is a powerful emotion though, and leads to other things. ''Villager'': "Get back in line!" [[Get back in line.|Go to confession.]] [[Wait for confession to end.]] [[Stand your ground.]]

(if: $FHIntro is "true")[''$playername'': "I am $playername, the baker's apprentice. Pascal the farmer informed you had extra eggs I could inquire about so that I may make a cake for the festival tomorrow." There is a pause. The priest before you considers your words carefully before giving you a toothy smile. They open the curtain for you and step out of your way. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Of course, by all means. My apologies, I must have starteld you. Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll go get those for you now." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Wait for Father Hyacinthe to return.]] [[Insist to go with them.]]](else-if: $FHpatience is "true")[''$playername'': "I am the baker's apprentice, and I do not have enough eggs. Pascal the farmer pointed me in your direction so that I may make a cake for the festival tomorrow." A pause. The priest doesn't move, giving you a better look at them. Their face full of contrasts. Sharp and smooth. Beautiful and handsome. Haunting and comforting. The binaries broken as you cannot place your finger on where they sit. They give you a toothy smile, ever so slightly unsettling. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "My apologies, I didn't realize this was the situation. Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll go get those for you now." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Wait for Father Hyacinthe to return.]] [[Insist to go with them.]] ](else:)[''$playername'': "I am the baker's apprentice, and I do not have enough eggs. Pascal the farmer pointed me in your direction so that I may make a cake for the festival tomorrow." A pause. The priest doesn't move for a moment before getting up and throwing open your curtain. Before you stands a priest, dressed in a pristine black cassock and towers over you with great height. Their features are etheareal, hauntingly beautiful. So much so that the title "Father" seems to be out of place - for this rivals the beauty of Aphrodite herself. Their eyes look you up and down before smiling, a toothy grin and open the curtain for you to step out. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "My apologies, I didn't realize this was the situation. Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll go get those for you now." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Wait for Father Hyacinthe to return.]] [[Insist to go with them.]] ]

(set: $offering to "true")(set: $FHIntro to "true")(if: $religion is "true")[You have been to confession before. You remember extolling the "sins" of your childhood: not wanting to share, arguing with your brother, being impatient. Areas of childhood that you now recognize as normal. You'd never been asked to pay before, and knew that something was not right about this image. ]''$playername'': "Is this normally how you recieve donations?" There is sudden movement on the other side of the confessional as the shadow of the priest suddenly stands up and the curtains are thrown open. Whispers from outside start to build up but are quickly cut short as the curtain in front of you is ripped open. The blonde person ahead of you is towering and etheral. Blond short hair is pulled back and they are donned in a pristine black cassock that stands out against their almost translucent skin. It looks as though they have come from another world, and yet here they stand in front of you with a mix and match of confusion, rage, and self control. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Who are you?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Give your name.|Ask for eggs.]] [[Ask for eggs.]]

(set: $waitforFG to "true")You wait, looking around the area. The parishoners have started to dwindle. Those who finished their repentence taking their leaves for the most part. Only a few small groups stay to commune a while longer. No one seems to be paying you any mind. [[Look around the chancel.|Sneak into the back.]] [[Don't go anywhere and wait.]]

(set: $follower to "true")As the priest starts to leave, you find yourself following them momentarily - just a few steps - before they stop. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "May I help you?" A pause, before you get a chance to say anything they continue on. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Perhaps... you'd like to join me? Take a look around? We'd love to have you join us." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Go with them.|Go to the kitchen.]] [[Decide to wait instead.|Wait for Father Hyacinthe to return.]]

(set: $FHpatience to "true")You continue to wait, the line dwindles further. There are now just a few women from the village. As each one gets closer to the front, they break off from the conversation and prepare to enter the box - each with a pallor and expression as though they will never come out. An older woman breaks from the group, digging out a small coin purse that she holds in her hands as she faces the box, head bent forward waiting for the gallows to greet her. She steps in and comes out with time, no less pale than before but doesn't look up. There is no relief. Instead there is guilt and sadness that follows her as she steps into the pew and takes a seat. Following her, the priest leaves the box, bending ever so slightly in order to exit. They are an ethereal beauty with short blonde hair and skin so white it threatens translusence. Their eyes are fixed on you. Blue pools that follow your every move as they bridge the gap with long steps. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "An unfamiliar face, always welcomed in our home. How may I help you, my child?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask for eggs.]]

A few moments later, you see Father Hyacinthe returns with a small bowl of eggs. There aren't many, just enough for a single cake. It will have to do. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "My apologies, this is all we had to spare. I hope it is enough." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Be grateful.]] [[Make a complaint.]]

(set: $eggs to "true")''$playername'': "Of course I am nothing but grateful. This is plenty, thank you very kindly." You take the eggs and begin to make your leave. As you get to the door, you hear a voice from behind you. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "It is our duty to share, and to help our neighbour... but I will be looking forward to seeing you for our next mass, $playername." How odd. You could have sworn that was a threat. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Back to the bakery.|Ingredient List]]

''$playername'': "That's it?" You know it's enough for a single cake. Nothing more than that. Should something go wrong, then your cake would be ruined and so would the festival. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Excuse me?" You look up in a moment of defiance to find the priest's only centimeters away from yours. Their eyes open wide and their nose ever so slightly flared. They are furious. The villagers around you begin to scramble, many running for the doors as they quickly escape. You go to look over your shoulder at the fleeing parishoners. Before you could move, you feel at hand gripping at your chin tightly. You cannot move. Your stomach begs you to run. Before you can, you find your feet no longer touch the ground, dangling by the vice grip on your chin. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "I have helped you... and you say?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Thank Father Hyacinthe.]] [[Ask for more eggs.]]

(set: $eggs to "true")''$playername'': "Thank you... Father Hyacinthe." Did you sound scared? Does the tension in your spine relax? The hairs on the back of your neck are not at ease - but stand at full attention as you are let go. Your feet meet ground. Cushioning the bowl to your chest, the eggs survive the encounter. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "It is our duty to share, and to help our neighbour... but I will be looking forward to seeing you for our next mass, $playername. And you'd best show up for confession. You need it." How odd. You could have sworn that was a threat. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Back to the bakery.|Ingredient List]]

''$playername'': "I was just... I'm sorry, this is barely enough. Could you not spare more?" Your words barely squeak out past their hand. The hand squeezes. You squeak in response, no longer able to speak full sentences. Your feet dangle, as you hold onto the bowl of eggs. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "You should be grateful for what you are given, $playername." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Thank Father Hyacinthe.]] [[Kick Father Hyacinthe.]]

(set: $debts to "true")Father Hyacinthe lets you go. Your kick doesn't meet its target as its too busy catching the weight of your body. Father Hyacinthe takes a few steps back, as those who are left watch in horror and worry. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "For those who remain, we teach of second chances. We teach that good things come to those who are patient and helpful... and should you help me now, your debts will be paid." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Debts?|Bonus Ending 3 - Mob Death]]

(set: $bed to "true")You make your way to the bed and run a hand along the soft furs. How comfortable. How luxurious. [[Jump on the bed.]] [[Continue looking around the room.]] [[Go check out another room.]]

You open the doors of the wardrobe and find not cassocks or priest's wear, but a mix of clothing, each more intricately designed than the last. Men's pants, women's blouses, petticoats, pantaloons. A mix of the best of each gender. [[Try on some clothes.]] [[Continue looking around the room.]]

(set: $library to "true")The bookcase is big, spanning from floor to ceiling and filled with books of varying colours and thicknesses. Bibles from all over the world, philosphical tomes, fables and fairy tales. All of them have the title except for a worn down black book with the title rubbed off. [[Check the black book.]] [[Continue looking around the room.]] [[Go check out another room.]]

(set: $bathroom to "true")You go to the small basin for a sink and the toilet. You sit down and use the facilities and flush. That feels better. [[Continue looking around the room.]]

You look around, no one would notice right? You're here alone. Lauching yourself forward, you land with your stomach on the bed, letting the soft mattress and pillows cushion you, imprinting your shape for the brief moment that you lay there. [[Continue looking around the room.]]

(if: $presbytry is "true")[] (else:)[ [[Go to the presbytery.]] ] (if: $eggroom is "true")[] (else:)[ [[Go to the kitchen.]] ] (if: $eggs is "true")[ [[Return to the bakery with the eggs.|Ingredient List]] ](else-if: $eggroom is "true" and $presbytry is "true")[ [[Return to the line.|Inquire about the line.]] ] (else:)[]

(if: $bed is "true")[](else:)[ [[Check out the bed.]]] (if: $wardrobe is "true")[](else:)[ [[Check out the wardrobe.]]] (if: $library is "true")[](else:)[ [[Check out the library.]]] (if: $bathroom is "true")[](else:)[ [[Go to the bathroom.]]] [[Go check out another room.]]

(set: $wardrobe to "true")You see the many types of clothes in the closet, and look at them all. You want to try some on. What'd do you pick? [[Men's clothing.]] [[Women's clothing.]] [[A mix of both.]]

You slide on the outfit and look at yourself in the mirror. A jacket with fine embroidery, pants that give you the freedom to move. It feels nice. You catch your reflection in the mirror and admire it a bit before your time runs out. This is not a look that can stay. You had to know that. Playing dress up is always fun though. When you're done playing with the clothes, you put everything back as you found it. But, you can't help but wonder how a priest wears such elaborate and fine clothing. [[Continue looking around the room.]]

You slide on the outfit and look at yourself in the mirror. A beautiful skirt with plenty of ruffles, heels that lift you just enough off the ground to feel like a new person. It feels nice. You catch your reflection in the mirror and admire it a bit before your time runs out. This is not a look that can stay. You had to know that. Playing dress up is always fun though. When you're done playing with the clothes, you put everything back as you found it. But, you can't help but wonder how a priest wears such elaborate and fine clothing. [[Continue looking around the room.]]

You slide on the outfit and look at yourself in the mirror. A beautiful skirt with plenty of ruffles, a finely embroaidered jacket, heels that lift you a few inches off the ground and cuff links that sparkle like rare gems. It feels nice. You catch your reflection in the mirror and admire it a bit before your time runs out. This is not a look that can stay. You had to know that. Playing dress up is always fun though. When you're done playing with the clothes, you put everything back as you found it. But, you can't help but wonder how a priest wears such elaborate and fine clothing. [[Continue looking around the room.]]

You lift the black book out of the shelf and it is incredibly heavy. You struggle to hold it with two hands to a nearby table and open the cover. What comes with it is about half the pages, which have been glued together and hollowed to create a secret compartment. Inside there is a small satchel and papers. [[Check out the small satchel.]] [[Flip through the papers.]] [[Inspect the compartment.]]

(set: $bag to "true")The small leather satchel opens with the pull of a string and inside glimmers gold. Golden coins and small expensive trinkets like rings and jewlery. Where did it all come from? (if: $bribes is "true")[](else:)[ [[Flip through the papers.]]] (if: $compartment is "true")[](else:)[ [[Inspect the compartment.]]] [[Continue looking around the room.]]

(set: $bribes to "true")You unfold the papers which have been so pristinely hidden behind the satchel, placed flush to the back of the compartment to hide that they even exist. Their slight discolouring from the rest of the book gives it away. As you unfurl it, you find a ledger. Inside is an incredibly detailed list of secrets and rumours with monetary values placed with them. A blackmail list. (if: $bag is "true")[](else:)[ [[Check out the small satchel.]]] (if: $compartment is "true")[](else:)[ [[Inspect the compartment.]]] [[Continue looking around the room.]]

Once you take everything out of the compartment, it's now possible to see what this book originally was. Reading the text, you find bible passages. A holy book. What priest would defile a holy book for this? Deeper still, hidden amongst the traditional words of God, you find a word you've never seen before, in letters you do not recognize. Angular and full of sharp edges, much like the "cross" that adorned the steeple. <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5% 20%;">ᚨ ᛈᚱᛟᛗᛁᛋᛖ. ᚹᚱᛁᛏᛏᛖᚾ ᛞᛖᛖᛈ ᛁᚾ ᛏᚺᛖ ᛖᚨᚱᛏᚺ ᚢᚾᛞᛖᚱ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚷᚱᛟᚢᚾᛞ ᚹᚺᛁᚲᚺ ᚹᛖ ᚹᚨᛚᚴ. ᛖᚡᛁᛚ. ᛞᚨᚱᚴᚾᛖᛋᛋ. ᛋᚨᚾᚷᚾᛟᛁᚱᛖ, ᛒᛟᚱᚾ ᛟᚠ ᛋᛁᛚᛞᚨᚱᛏᚺᛁᚾ, ᛒᛟᚱᚾ ᛟᚠ ᛁᚲᚺᛟᚱ ᚨᚾᛞ ᚡᛁᛚᛖ. ᛒᛚᚨᚲᚴᛖᚾᛖᛞ ᚱᛁᚡᛖᚱᛋ ᛏᚺᚨᛏ ᚲᚺᚢᚱᚾ ᛋᚢᛞᛞᛖᚾᛚᚤ ᚱᚨᚷᛁᚾᚷ ᚾᛟᚱᛏᚺ. ᚨ ᛈᚱᛟᛗᛁᛋᛖ ᛗᚨᛞᛖ ᛚᛟᚾᚷ ᛒᛖᚠᛟᚱᛖ ᛁ, ᛟᚱ ᛗᚤ ᚨᚾᚲᛖᛋᛏᛟᚱᛋ, ᛟᚱ ᛗᚤ ᚨᚾᚲᛖᛋᛏᛟᚱᛋ ᚨᚾᚲᛖᛋᛏᛟᚱᛋ. ᚨ ᛏᚱᚨᛞᛁᛏᛁᛟᚾ ᚹᛖ ᛗᚢᛋᛏ ᚴᛖᛖᛈ ᛏᛟ ᚺᚨᚡᛖ ᛏᚺᛁᛋ ᛚᚨᚾᛞ. ᛈᛖᛟᛈᛚᛖ ᛗᚨᚤ ᚲᛟᛗᛖ ᚨᚾᛞ ᚷᛟ ᛒᚢᛏ ᛏᚺᛖᛁᚱ ᚠᛟᛟᛏ ᚠᚨᛚᛚᛋ ᛟᚡᛖᚱ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚲᛟᚡᛖᚾᚨᚾᛏ. ᛖᚨᚲᚺ ᛋᛏᛖᛈ ᛋᛖᚨᛚᛁᚾᚷ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚡᛟᚹ. ᛁᛏᛋ ᛗᛟᚾᛋᛏᚱᛟᚢᛋ ᚠᛟᚱᛗ ᚹᛁᛚᛚ ᛒᛖ ᚴᚾᛟᚹᚾ ᚠᛟᚱ ᛏᚺᛖ ᛋᚨᚡᛁᚾᚷ ᛞᚨᚤ, ᚨᚾᛞ ᛈᚱᚨᚤ ᛏᚺᚨᛏ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚱᛖᛁᚷᚾ ᛗᚨᚤ ᛈᛚᛖᚨᛋᛖ ᛁᛏᛋ ᚢᚾᛖᚾᛞᛁᚾᚷ ᛞᛖᛋᛁᚱᛖ.</div> For a moment, as your fingers brush over the letters you hear the sound of something deep. An ancient groan as though the earth itself shifted beneath you. It's best to put the book down. (if: $bag is "true")[](else:)[ [[Check out the small satchel.]]] (if: $papers is "true")[](else:)[ [[Flip through the papers.]]] [[Continue looking around the room.]]

(if: $delivery is "true")[The path wraps around the stone building, away from the river to the back side of the mill. The back is far messier than the perfectly presentable front. A broken cart, empty sacks, dried and dead grass. As if this was an entirely different building from the front. The door leading into the mill is slightly ajar. [[Ask for the miller.]] [[Leave the bags there.]]](else:)[The path wraps around the stone building, away from the river to the back side of the mill. The back is far messier than the perfectly presentable front. A broken cart, empty sacks, dried and dead grass. As if this was an entirely different building from the front. The door leading into the mill is locked. If not for the fresh prints leading away from the building, it would be safe to assume that no one used this door at all. A pair of voices begins to approach from around the corner. [[Hide.]] [[Try to unlock the door.]]]

Out for lunch, they must be back soon. You decide to wait a little bit, looking around the front of the building as you do so. Sometimes, what we need in the world is a well needed break... but growing impatient is normal too. [[Continue to wait.]] [[Follow the path.]] (if: $cart is "true")[] (else:)[ [[Return to the stopped cart.]] ]

(set: $cart to "true")You double back, taking the time to check in on the stopped cart. The driver doesn't notice you as you come up along the side. ''$playername'': "Is everything alright?" The driver looks over, a broad smile on their face. He's a young man, no more than his thirties with heavy freckling and deep dimples. He wears a large brimmed hat to keep the sun out of his eyes. ''Driver'': "Ah, yes, unfortunately, I've had a bit of a problem with one of my wheels and no replacement. It's not much further to my destination though." He bends down and hefts a bag onto his shoulder. It looks incredibly heavy, particularly by the way he waddles as he walks. But the bag slumps in a way similar to sand or flour. [[Offer to help unload the goods.]] [[Inquire about the goods.]]

You approach the door before anyone can catch you and try to slip something into the lock. As you begin to turn the mechanism, a voice behind you causes you to freeze. ''Miller'': "It seems we have an unwelcomed guest... You do know breaking and entering is a crime, correct?" With a thud, she wallops you over the head. [[Where am I?|Bonus Ending 4 - Jail]]

(set: $delivery to "true")''$playername'': "That looks heavy, can I help with that?" The driver's expression lightens and he smiles, handing you the bag. ''Driver'': "Thank you! I still have one more to get but if you can swing to the back door and knock with this code, they'll let you in." He demonstrates the code for you on one of the bags and rushes back to the cart to fill his arms once more. [[Follow his instructions.|Follow the path.]] [[Wait for him.]] [[Go to the front door.]]

''$playername'': "What are you transporting, if I might ask?" The driver pauses for a moment, an uncertain look on his face as he looks back to the mill. ''Driver:'' "Just some extra flour..." They're bringing the mill flour? The place that makes it? He squirms uncomfortably, walking up the road as quickly as he can with his heavy load. [[Call him out for lying.]] [[Don't press him.]]

You take a seat on the stoop, enjoying the breeze and the respite. As you sit at the stairs, you hear two things simultaneously. First, a pair of foot steps approaching you from ahead. As you look down the path a young boy rushes up towards the mill. Second, from inside the mill, the shuffling of people moving inside as someone appraoches the door. The top of the door opens, revealing itself to be a dutch door as a rather strong looing woman smiles at you and the boy who has now fully made his way to the door. ''Miller'': "Welcome to the shop! Are you here together or, can I help you?" [[Let the boy go ahead of you.]] [[You were there first.]]

(set: $death to it +1)(set: $ending to 15)You wake up in a small room with bars on the doors and windows. Ah, of course. You get up and look around the barren room. The sound of footsteps brings you to the door, where you find the face of Father Hyacinthe. ''$playername'': "Please, please help me. Get me out of here..." Father Hyacinthe smiles, as though you'd taken the words right out of their mouth. They open the door and a gentleman comes in, the sherriff, with rope and ties your hands together. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Rejoice, $playername. Despite what you've done, you will be the Reign for the festival this year. Come along." They lead you through town, the watchful and disdainful eye of the villagers boring through you. You catch Benoit, and try to lurch towards him but he looks away in shame. You are alone. A table is set for you overlooking the river and you sit down. There is a cake, not one you've made, and plenty of offerings around it. The ground trembles beneath you with enough force to almost knock you from your chair. A hand of crackled, wrinkled skin with long nails grips the ground as something pulls itself from the water. Seemingly unending, this creature continues to grow from the river until it manages to cover the entire sky over the town. A rough hand grasps against you as you are pulled from the table, and lifted high into the sky. Face to face with this creature of many eyes and multiple sets of teeth, you understand. You see now what it means to be the Reign; why it is called the Saving Day Festival. Before you can cry for help, you no longer exist. And for all you know, the town continues without you - just as it did before. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You've died.|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

You motion for the boy to go first, and he smiles gratefully as he rushes up, leaning on the door. ''Boy'': "Good day Mathilde, another bag of flour please. I've been working hard like you said to make bread for Mama. The doctor says she's improving but she looks really sick still." Mathilde leans down and grabs a bag of flour with a particular marking on it. A leaf. ''Mathilde'': "Of course, you're doing great. I'm sure she thinks your bread is delicious." She leans over the door to help ensure that the boy has a secure grasp on the bag. Once the boy is gone, she turns to you. ''Mathilde'': "Can I help you?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Buy the flour.]] (if: $sacks is "true")[ [[Stop the boy.]] ](else:)[]

You step forward first, not looking down at the young boy who impatiently pats his feet and looks down in shame. Life lessons were taught in every day moments, and when there is order you ought to follow it, no? [[Buy the flour.]]

(set: $flour to "true")You make your way to the makeshift counter and hold out a small coin. ''$playername'': "Benoit sent me here for cake flour..." Mathilde lights up and hands you a fresh bag of flour. It looks, exactly as it should. A simple burlap sack with the miller's name painted across it. ''Mathilde'': "This should do the trick then. I cannot wait to taste your cake tomorrow." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Thank her and leave.|Ingredient List]]

You duck behind the cover the turned cart as quietly as you can. The pairs of footsteps reveal to be a stout and sturdy looking middle aged woman, and the driver of the cart from earlier. [[Listen in on their conversation.]] [[Sneak back out front.]]

(set: $cart to "true")Instead of continuing on your way, you take a moment and approach the cart. The driver doesn't notice you as you come up along the side. ''$playername'': "Is everything alright?" The driver looks over, a broad smile on their face. He's a young man, no more than his thirties with heavy freckling and deep dimples. He wears a large brimmed hat to keep the sun out of his eyes. ''Driver'': "Ah, yes, unfortunately, I've had a bit of a problem with one of my wheels and no replacement. It's not much further to my destination though." He bends down and hefts a bag onto his shoulder. It looks incredibly heavy, particularly by the way he waddles as he walks. But the bag slumps in a way similar to sand or flour. [[Inquire about the goods.]] [[Offer to help unload the goods.]]

You grow closer to the watermill. An idyllic scene, a great sweeping wooden mill turns in the tide of the river which is connected to a stonework building. The loud sound of the river churning and the sounds of nature, birds chirping, the wind passing - it's so peaceful. Approaching the wooden door, you stop when there is a sign placed on the front, tied with twine: <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5% 20%;"> "Out for lunch. For deliveries go around back."</div> There is a path that seems to curve around the mill, leading to the back. Maybe the miller will be there... or you could just wait where you are... [[Follow the path.]] [[Wait for the miller.]] (if: $cart is "true")[] (else:)[ [[Return to the stopped cart.]] ]

(set: $sawdust to "true")''$playername'': "You're bringing the miller flour? Oh please. You can't be serious can you? Seriously, what is it?" You duck in front of the driver and stop him in his tracks. The parcel he carries is heavy, and as you block his attempts to evade you the weight grows to be too much for him. He drops the bag. ''Driver'': "Fine! Fine, it's sawdust. Are you happy now? It's sawdust, I don't know what they use it for but she offers to pay and at a good price too! For waste!" [[Offer to help him.]] [[Continue on to the miller.]]

You know he's lying, but you know better than to press a stranger for their secrets. It's not a good first impression, and knowing peoples' secrest comes with consequences. You might have learned that already. The driver takes your silence with an obvious sigh of relief and continues to hobble on his way, quick to exit the situation. [[Offer to help him.]] [[Continue on to the miller.]]

(set: $delivery to "true")The driver stumbles. Your hand shoots out and you catch the driver before he can stumble. ''$playername'': "That looks heavy, can I help with that?" The driver's expression lightens and he smiles, handing you the bag. ''Driver'': "Thank you! I still have one more to get but if you can swing to the back door and knock with this code, they'll let you in." He demonstrates the code for you on one of the bags and rushes back to the cart to fill his arms once more. [[Follow his instructions.|Follow the path.]] [[Wait for him.]] [[Go to the front door.]]

(set: $delivery to "true")Instead of proceeding ahead, you opt to wait for the young man to rush back to you with another heavy and loaded bag in his arms. ''Driver'': "You waited! Fair enough, why don't we go together?" [[Follow the driver.|Follow the path.]]

You follow the path up the main road. The path to the back of the mill is not as well tread, and you were not the delivery boy. You make your way to the front door. On the door, a paper reads in scratchy writing: (align:"=><=")["Out for lunch. For deliveries go around back."] You drop the bag at your feet. Not far behind you follows the driver of the cart, who sees you abandon the bag at your feet. His face contorts slightly, but you have gone far enough. He disappears behind the back once, before quickly returning to reclaim his goods. ''Driver'': "Thanks for the help..." He sounds insincere. [[Call him out for being insincere.]] [[Let it go and wait for the miller.|Wait for the miller.]] [[Wait for him to leave and explore.|Follow the path.]]

A small click of your tongue against your teeth is enough to show your true feelins about the situation. You've done plenty to help. Gone out of your way to help the driver bring (if: $sawdust is "true")[sawdust](else:)[their goods] to the mill. What more could they complain about. ''$playername'': "You're welcome! Ungrateful, truly." You watch the driver as he starts to make his way around the building once more. [[Wait for the miller.]] [[Wait for him to leave and explore.|Follow the path.]]

(if: $inside is "true")[You rush out front to the boy and stop him before he can get too far.] You place your hand on his back and guide him back to the door, looking at his bag and confirming that the leaf on the front of the package. ''$playername'': "I'm sorry, could you get this young man a new sack?" Mathilde pauses and watches you with a discerning eye. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Subtle call out.]] [[Frank call out.]]

(if: $delivery is "true")[You follow the young man behind the building and put the bags down. The sacks hit the floor with a satisfying thud. ''Driver'': "Thank you so much for your help. I greatly appreciate it." The man knocks on the opened door and a sturdy and stout woman opens the door, she smiles seeing him before pausing and regarding you. ''Miller'': "Who is this?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Let the driver introduce you.]] [[Do your own introduction.]]](else:)[You leave the bags of sawdust at the door. The door is locked and it seems like no one is there. You have done your job, and the driver seems to be following you as he slowly makes his way to the back door. Inside, there is shuffling of movement. There is someone else here. [[Hide.]] [[Sneak back out front.]]]

(if: $delivery is "true")[You walk with him to the door and with the driver's nod you poke your head into the mill. Inside, you see a stout, sturdy woman covered in flour pouring bags of the sawdust into flour. She panicks as she sees you. ''Miller'': "You aren't the usual--" As the door opens, she freezes seeing the driver. ''Miller'': "I see. Thank you. I'll send your payment when I'm in town tomorrow." The driver nods and heads back to the cart after thanking you a few times. ''Miller'': "Who are you." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Lie.]] [[Be honest.]]](else:)[You reach the back door and put the bags down. There is shuffling inside, like someone has just arrived. You knock on the door. ''Woman's voice'': "We're closed! Come back later!" ''$playername'': "Delivery!" The woman rushes to the door. A stout, sturdy woman covered in flour opens it the rest of the way. She eyes you up and down. ''Miller'': "You aren't the usual boy." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Lie.]] [[Be honest.]] ]

You watch the driver lay the sacks down at the woman's feet. They collapse like bags heavy bags of powder do. You're a baker's apprentice, this much you should know. ''Miller'': "Thank you, let me go and get your payment." Before she can slip inside, the driver slips off his hat nervously and looks around. ''Driver'': "Madame Mathilde, on my way up here, I saw an unfamiliar face headed towards the mill... but I do not see them anymore." It's you. He's talking about you. Her face contorts into a deep frown with impressive wrinkling between the eyebrows before she seems to snap out of it and smile. It's a business smile, kind in its appearance with nothing behind the eyes. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Sneak back out front.]] [[Stay hidden.]]

Before anyone can catch you, you make your way out front. At the double doors, Mathilde perks up as she sees you. ''Mathilde'': "Well if this isn't a new face? How can I help you?" A young boy walks away with the flour he has just purchased, a leaf print sitting on the bag. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Stop the boy.]] [[Buy the flour.]]

You stay put. The driver slinks off after saying goodbye and the miller, Mathilde, is about to go into the house when there is a knocking and the faint sound of someone calling her from the front of the house. A child's voice. Mathilde opens one of the sacks and grabs a bowl, filling the bowl with whatever is inside before heading deeper into the mill. [[Inspect the sacks.]] [[Sneak back out front.]]

(set: $sacks to "true")You find the open sack filled with... dust. Small particles of a beige material with flecks of green. It smells like the forest during rain. You dip a hand inside, feeling bigger pieces, harder pieces, this is not flour or any sort of material a miller would need but sawdust. You narrowly miss getting a splinter pulling your hand out of the dampened dust. It's a practice you've heard of, but never seen in reality. Flour could be so expensive, and mixing it with sawdust had been done to lower cost. An outdated practice. A show of poor craftsmanship. Some of the bags are labelled with a leaf painted on the sack. Opening it, you see a mix of the two, sawdust and flour. [[Go deeper inside.]] [[Sneak back out front.]]

(set: $inside to "true")You sneak inside and catch Mathilde pouring the bowl of sawdust into a bag and handing it over to little hands who seem to have trouble carrying the new heavy load. [[Stop the boy.]] [[Sneak back out front.]]

(set: $flour to "true")''$playername'': "I don't believe this is a good bag." You take it and hand it back to Mathilde. Her eyes squint as she takes the bag. ''$playername'': "And this time, for your prices, give us something genuine." Mathilde goes to say something but you grab her wrist. She knows you know, and she cannot lie here now. Mathilde nods but her jaw is set in stone. She grabs another bag, without a marking and passes it to the boy. He runs down the road. ''$playername'': "And mine?" She pulls out a second bag. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Take your flour.|Ingredient List]]

(set: $flour to "true")''$playername'': "One without sawdust." Mathilde freezes and the boy looks up at you with confusion. You hand back the bag and point at the leaf. ''$playername'': "Your code for sawdust inclusions right? Did you tell him that when you sold him the bag?" Mathilde goes to say something but you grab her wrist. She knows you know, and she cannot lie here now. Mathilde nods but her jaw is set in stone. She grabs another bag, without a marking and passes it to the boy. He runs down the road. ''$playername'': "And mine?" She pulls out a second bag. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Take your flour.|Ingredient List]]

You look at the driver and he speaks up first. ''Driver'': "Ah! My cart stopped and this good samaritan helped me bring your order up the rest of the way. Mathilde, this is... I'm sorry, I never got your name." ''$playername'': "I'm $playername, from the bakery. Benoit sent me to get some flour." Mathilde raises her brows and looks at the driver. Her face is a mixture of uncertainty and professionalism as she tries to smile away her thoughts. ''Mathilde'': "A pleasure indeed, why don't you come up front and we can get you on your way." You make your way to the front where there is young boy waiting for Mathilde. His face lights up when he sees her. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Let the boy go ahead of you.]] [[You were there first.]]

''$playername'': "I'm $playername, from the bakery. Benoit sent me to get some flour." Mathilde raises her brows and looks at the driver. Her face is a mixture of uncertainty and professionalism as she tries to smile away her thoughts. ''Mathilde'': "A pleasure indeed, why don't you come up front and we can get you on your way." You make your way to the front where there is young boy waiting for Mathilde. His face lights up when he sees her. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Let the boy go ahead of you.]] [[You were there first.]]

(set: $flour to "true")''$playername'': "I just moved into town, as the new baker's assistant. He's asked me to come and get some flour. I saw the driver needed a hand, and offered to help." Mathilde pauses and reaches inside, grabbing a bag of flour. ''Mathilde'': "One of Benoit's? Always happy to supply. Here, on the house." She looks like she wants to get rid of you quickly. Her brow begins to sweat and her eyes shift around quickly. [[Check the bag.]] [[Take it and go back.|Ingredient List]]

You inspect the outside of the bag, and then the inside. You run the flour through your fingers and let it fall a bit before you are satisfied. ''Mathilde'': "What are you doing?" (if: $sawdust is "true")[''$playername'': "Oh, I just wanted to check something..." Mathilde grows mad. ''Mathilde'': "You doubt what I've given you?" You look back up at her sternly and she freezes. It suddenly dawns on her that you know. She quickly slams the door in your face. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Take the flour and leave.|Ingredient List]]](else:)[''$playername'': "Just making sure that we have enough for the cake." You close the bag with a smile. ''$playername'': "A pleasure doing business with you." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Take the flour and leave.|Ingredient List]]]

(set: $flour to "true")''$playername'': "I just moved into town, and wanted to buy some flour, get settled in my new home. I saw the driver needed a hand, and offered to help." Mathilde pauses and reaches inside, grabbing a bag of flour. ''Mathilde'': "Take it, on the house. Think of it as a welcome." She looks like she wants to get rid of you quickly. Her brow begins to sweat and her eyes shift around quickly. [[Check the bag.]] [[Take it and go back.|Ingredient List]]

(set: $cake to it +1)You spend time and great care under the ever watchful eye of your mentor Benoit to make a cake. It's a simple cake, you have not been trained to do more, but it fills the bakery with a sense of comfort and joy that even Benoit cannot hide his smile. As you finish decorating, a hand claps down on your shoulder. ''Benoit'': "You've done well. But the biggest part is to come... the delivery. Your first delivery as a baker. Congratulations." [[Take the cake to the festival.]]

You have some time. Bending down, you sit next to the cat and pet it a little. The warm fur feels comforting against your hand. As you continue to pet the cat it starts to purr. The soft buzzing reflecting on the surface level as you feel the cat shiver happily under your fingers. [[Give the cat a name.]] [[Go inside.|Go find Benoit.]]

You leave the cat to its perch and enter the bakery. There is much else to do. [[Go find Benoit.]]

(set: $catname to (prompt: "What is the cat's name?", "Bisou") )''$playername'': "What do you think of $catname?" The cat meows, as if answering your question. Well, that had to be that then. Breaking into a big smile, you slip a finger under the chin for a few scritches before getting up. You have a cake to make and you can visit $catname again soon. [[Go find Benoit.]]

You enter the bakery, full of warmth and the scent of bread and sweets. To one side there's breads. Baguettes standing tall, loaves biled up, dinner rolls tossed together in a bag. Another corner features meat pies, an affordable quick meal. Closer to the counter are cookies, easy and quick buys that hopefully tempt customers. Along the other wall and closer to the front features cakes, more decorative than edible - a testament to Benoit's talent and hard work. Slipping into the back, there sits a tray of fresh madeleines, cooling on a rack. A light waft of vanilla and lemon has dominated the kitchen. They look absolutely delicious. [[Take a madeleine.]] [[Don't take a madeleine.]]

The madeleine is fresh, hot to the touch. You pick it up, tossing it around between your hands. The slight crisp to the edge snapping as you break off a piece and toss it in your mouth. Slightly dense, but perfectly fluffy with a hint of lemon and vanilla. They're prefect. ''Voice'': "Do you often pilfer from your place of employment?" Spinning around, you stand face to face with Benoit, your employer. A man of broad stature and imposing demeanor. He looks stern and strong, with arms built from kneading bread and lifting dough. When he smiles though, his face softens - like a perfectly risen dough. ''Benoit'': "You find everything okay?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask him where you can get butter.]]

Those are for customers - as delicious as they smell. You cannot just steal product from your work. You look them over one more time and turn around to find Benoit leaning against a door frame watching you. He is a man of broad stature and imposing demeanor. He looks stern and strong, with arms built from kneading bread and lifting dough. He smiles though, his face softening a little. ''Benoit'': "You find everything okay?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Ask him where you can get butter.]]

''$playername'': "Actually, my apologies, but I could not find any butter while I was out." Benoit nods and looks over the list, checking the ingredients. He quietly puts the recipe back where it belongs and moves about the kitchen with a deftness that only the owner of a space can have. Confident and effortless in his search, Benoit pulls out the milk jug you delivered earlier and a butter churn. ''Benoit'': "It's a bit last minute, but I guess we'll have to make due with some home made butter. Do you know how to make butter?" <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Yes.]] [[No.]]

Benoit nods and leaves the churn for you there. ''Benoit'': "Since you have this handled, I'm going to step out and do deliveries. That will be your first task after the festival, but for now I'll take it on. If you have any trouble, leave it for when I get back." You nod in return. The baker seems to be a very reasonable man. You help him load up his push cart and off before getting back to the task at hand: making butter. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Make the butter.]] [[Explore the bakery.]]

You shake your head and Benoit sets up the churn. ''Benoit'': "I see, I can teach you when I get back, but I have deliveries to do. You can join me if you'd like, but it would also be good for you to set up and get comfortable here if you'd like to stay behind." He begins to load up a pushcart with breads and pastries that will be used to make the deliveries with. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Explore the bakery.]] [[Wait for Benoit to return.]]

(set: $butter to "true")You pour some of the milk into the churn and begin to do the motion, up and down, up and down until your arms start to ache. A minute turns into two, which turns into five, and even then the butter is not formed. Eventually, after over ten minutes, you feel the ball of butter form inside the churn. Collecting it, you put it in a bowl for when it's time to make the cake. (if: $sugar and $flour and $milk and $eggs is "true")[ [[Make the cake.]] ](else:)[ [[Get all the ingredients.|Ingredient List]] ] (if: $explore is "true")[] (else:)[ [[Explore the bakery.]] ]

(set: $explore to "true")You have the bakery to yourself for a moment. With Benoit gone, it might be a good idea to get attached to your new work environment. The kitchen itself is not large. A wooden work table with flour still spread all over sits in the center of a room surrounded by counters. To the side, there is a wood fire oven that crackles with life. Across the room from it sits a contraption you don't recognize, a large wooden cabinet that seemed bulky. Something you'd have to check out. Sitting next to it on the counter a smaller wooden box, worn more heavily than anything else in this room with small intricate painted designs covering it. There's a door leading back to the front area, one out the back, and a final door which you can only assume leads to some sort of pantry that would store ingredients. What would you like to look at first? [[The meat grinder]] [[The oven]] [[The box on the counter]] [[The bulky cabinet]] [[The pantry]] (if: $sugar and $flour and $milk and $eggs is "true")[ [[Make the cake.]] ](else:)[ [[Get all the ingredients.|Ingredient List]] ]

(set: $grinder to "true")The grinder is an intimidating machine you are not familiar with. The bakeries you were used to didn't serve meat, in fact they only served baked goods without inclusions of any sort. Bread mostly, maybe a cake or cookie here and there. The heavy metal machine has a large crank, and a spout where ground up meats can come out of. [[Look at the spout]] [[Crank the machine]]

(set: $oven to "true")The oven is a simple device, but it's cold. You know that it won't be hard to start though, and if you wanted to you could probably start kindling the fire so that when it's time to make a cake you're ready. [[Start the oven.]] [[Save that for later.|Continue to look around the kitchen.]]

The decorated box on the counter stands out amongst the workplace because it reminds you of home. It reminds you of your kitchen, where you grew up eating good food, which you in turn wanted to make one day. In here would be the secrets to Benoit's business - all of his recipes. Anything you could ever learn from him. [[Look through the recipes.]] (if: $grinder is "true")[](else:)[ [[The meat grinder]] ] (if: $cabinet is "true")[](else:)[ [[The bulky cabinet]] ] (if: $oven is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The oven]] ] (if: $pantry is "true")[](else:)[ [[The pantry]] ] [[Wait for Benoit to return.]] (if: $butter is "true")[ [[Look over your ingredients.|Ingredient List]]]

(set: $cabinet to "true")Opening the bulky cabinet lets loose a wave of cold air. Heavily lined with metal, the cabinet seems to be a place to keep ingredients cool as milk, butter, and eggs find their places amongst the shelves. What a fascinating device. (if: $grinder is "true")[](else:)[ [[The meat grinder]] ] (if: $recipebox is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The box on the counter]] ] (if: $oven is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The oven]] ] (if: $pantry is "true")[](else:)[ [[The pantry]] ] [[Wait for Benoit to return.]] (if: $butter is "true")[ [[Look over your ingredients.|Ingredient List]]]

(set: $pantry to "true")The pantry is a small room, barely enough room for a person, just enough to store excess ingredients and even then it wouldn't be hard to make it overflow. What stands out though, is the overwhelming scent of fish coming from the small room. It hit like a wall when you opened the door. Concerning for dry ingredients. [[Find the source.]] [[Continue to look around the kitchen.]]

You look at the spout where the meat comes out. It's impeccably clean. Benoit must be very thorough in his efforts. What you do see, is a small fibre hanging off the spout tucked away in the corner. A small, orange hair. [[Take the hair]] [[Crank the machine]]

You crank the machine a couple of times. With nothing being fed into the grinder, there is nothing but air that comes out. But with that air is a small fibre, a hair, that puffs out of the spout and onto the counter. [[Take the hair]]

(set: $fur to "true")The hair is short, not but a few inches long. It looks thicker than regular hair, almost like fur. Slight ginger in colour, and you remember the tabby out front. [[Throw it out]] [[Leave it]]

You pull out a rubbish bin and throw the hair inside. At the bottom of the trash there seems to be collars, and plenty of them, hidden at the bottom of the trash. Burlap ingredient sacks sitting on top as if they were tucked in there on purpose. [[Pull out the collars.]]

You leave it as is. This is something you can clean up later, and Benoit might be particular about how things are cleaned. Most people who work in the kitchen are. (if: $cabinet is "true")[](else:)[ [[The bulky cabinet]] ] (if: $recipebox is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The box on the counter]] ] (if: $oven is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The oven]] ] (if: $pantry is "true")[](else:)[ [[The pantry]] ] [[Wait for Benoit to return.]] (if: $butter is "true")[ [[Look over your ingredients.|Ingredient List]]]

You begin to pull out ingredients, ensuring you have enough of everything. Once you have all the ingredients, you could make this by yourself. You hear the door of the bakery open with a little jingle, and a cat hiss in the background. Benoit makes his way to the back and opens the door. (if: $butter is "true")[''Benoit'': "Ah, you're all done, are you ready to make the cake? <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> (if: $hair or $catmeat is "true")[ [[Ask Benoit about his cats.]] ](else:)[](if: $sugar and $flour and $milk and $eggs is "true")[ [[Make the cake.]] ](else:)[ [[You're missing something.|Ingredient List]]] ] (else:)[''Benoit'': "Have you found everything okay? Let me get that butter going for you, it's very simple." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> (if: $hair or $catmeat is "true")[ [[Ask Benoit about his cats.]] ](else:)[] [[Follow his instructions.]] ]

The collars come in different material and quality. Some are simply pieces of fabric with names on them, while others are finely crafted works of leather that come from artisans. *Atchoum, Miette, Figaro, Patapouf, Bisou...* The names are not ones you'd give to children, but more like cats. Maybe Benoit owned cats? He didn't seem the type but many in this town were not like what they seemed to be. (if: $cabinet is "true")[](else:)[ [[The bulky cabinet]] ] (if: $recipebox is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The box on the counter]] ] (if: $oven is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The oven]] ] (if: $pantry is "true")[](else:)[ [[The pantry]] ] [[Wait for Benoit to return.]] (if: $butter is "true")[ [[Look over your ingredients.|Ingredient List]]]

''$playername'': "So... you have cats?" Benoit smiles down at the waterbowl outside of the door and nods. He takes a glass of water and walks over, dumping the excess into the bowl. ''Benoit'': "Yes, it's nice to have company. Wouldn't you agree?" (if: $hair is "true")[''$playername'': "Do you normally put your cats in the meat grinder?"](else-if: $catmeat is "true")[''$playername'': "Do your customers know that the meat pie could be their own pets?"] Benoit freezes and looks at you. ''Benoit'': "You've come here to learn. Not to judge. Drop it." His tone is sharp and curt, he is not playing with you. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[Drop it.]] [[Press on.]]

(set: $butter to "true")Benoit instructs you through the long and slow process of churning milk to butter, but by the end of it your forearms are tired. You've made butter. Sure, Benoit did most of the work himself, as he was much better prepared for suddenly having to make butter - but he gave you all the credit. (if: $eggs and $sugar and $flour and $milk is "true")[ [[Make the cake.]] ](else:) [ [[Check your ingredients.|Ingredient List]] ]

You start to look through many of the recipes. Baguettes, croissants, tarts, cakes, pies, which would you like to go through first? [[Benoit's Brilliant Baguette]] [[Classic Cookies]] [[Miraculous Meat Pies]] [[The Perfect Pound Cake]]

Ingredients * 500 g high gluten bread flour * 1 tablespoon active dry yeast * 1 tablespoon salt * 350 ml warm water Instructions 1. In the bowl, add the flour and yeast. Stir for 1 minute until yeast is incorporated. 2. Slowly add water while kneading at slow speed. 3. After 2 minutes, add salt. Knead for an additional 8 minutes. 4. Take the dough out of the bowl and divide it in 3 equal portions. 5. Roll each piece of dough with both hands to form a stick. 6. Dust each stick with a little flour. 7. Grease baguette pan by spraying a little oil. Place uncooked baguettes in the pan. 8. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour. 9. Using a sharp razor blade or a paring knife, slash the top of each baguette diagonally in four spots. Spray water on the baguettes. 10. Place water in a skillet or small baking dish on the bottom rack. This produces steam that lets the baguettes rise fully before a crust forms. 11. Preheat oven to 430F/220C. 12. Bake the baguettes until golden brown and crisp, about 25 to 30 minutes. [[Back to recipes.]]

(set: $catmeat to "true")Ingredients * 500 g beef^^* see note^^ * 2 g salt * 360 g apple, peeled and chopped * 43 g suet or butter * 177 ml apple cider * 10 g nutmeg * 10 g cinnamon * 64 g raisins * 64 g dried currants * 50 g chopped candied citron, should you like Instructions 1. Brown the meat over medium heat and add salt. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, suet, cider, spices and fruit. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. 3. Line a pie dish with pastry (see recipe) and pour the filling inside. Spread evenly before putting on top crust. 4. Seal the crust and cut openings in the middle for steam. 5. Bake in the oven at 200 degrees until crust is golden brown. NOTE: Beef growing expensive, ~~find alternative~~ alternatives below Atchoum - A little thin and sickly, received complaints of odd taste Miette - Too much hair, had trouble skinning Figaro - Too fatty, taken from the merchant's truck. Fed too well. Find a better balance Patapouf - Too young, good meat but doesn't yield enough $catname - Weight seems promising, cannot account for taste but gives good access to cat and able to track its growth. [[Back to recipes.]]

[[Benoit's Brilliant Baguette]] [[Classic Cookies]] [[Miraculous Meat Pies]] [[The Perfect Pound Cake]] [[Continue to look around the kitchen.]] [[Wait for Benoit to return.]]

Ingredients * 225 g butter * 225 g sugar * 565 g all-purpose flour * 5 g baking soda * 2 g salt * 125 mL warm water * 450 g whatever you'd like (raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, etc) Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a bowl cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. 3. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. 4. In an alternating pattern, beginning and ending with flour, mix together a third of the flour mixture into the butter mixture, followed by half of the warm water. Mix until it is all incorporated, but do not overmix. 5. Whatever you think will work, add it in. Nuts, fruits, bonbons, Benoit, this is where you can play. 6. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. [[Back to recipes.]]

Ingredients * 500 g sugar * 500 g butter, room temp. * 500 g flour, sifted with salt * 1 dozen egg * 1.5 g teaspoon salt * 60 ml cup fresh lemon juice * 15 g fresh lemon zest Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 165 degrees. 2. In a mixing bowl, mix butter and sugar until creamy. 3. Beat in your eggs one at a time. 4. Add sifted flour half a cup at a time until blended. 5. Add lemon juice and zest. 6. Pour into buttered and floured pan and bake until toothpick in center comes out clean. [[Back to recipes.]]

(if: $grinder is "true")[](else:)[ [[The meat grinder]] ] (if: $cabinet is "true")[](else:)[ [[The bulky cabinet]] ] (if: $recipebox is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The box on the counter]] ] (if: $oven is "true")[] (else:)[ [[The oven]] ] (if: $pantry is "true")[](else:)[ [[The pantry]] ] [[Wait for Benoit to return.]] (if: $butter is "true")[ [[Look over your ingredients.|Ingredient List]]]

Tucked away in the back of the pantry, you dig out dried fish. Dried fish? Why would Benoit need dried fish, no less to leave it in the pantry? *Meow.* A sound from behind you. Turning around, you see the cat from the stoop standing behind you, eyes trained on your hand. ''$playername'': "What are you doing here?" [[Give the cat the fish.]] [[Shoo it out.]]

You bend down and give the cat the fish. The cat snatches the food out of your hand and just as quickly is out the back door once more, back on the stoop enjoying its snack. [[Continue to look around the kitchen.]]

You put the fish back and turn to the cat. ''$playername'': "Shoo! Get out of here!" You wave your arms and the cat gets the message. It quickly dashes out of the shop and off the stoop, disappearing down the road. [[Continue to look around the kitchen.]]

(set: $fire to "true")It isn't hard to start the oven. You toss a couple of logs into the hearth and ignite them, kindling a fire that starts to warm the entire kitchen. [[Continue to look around the kitchen.]]

(set: $butter to "true")You know this isn't your fight to fight. Everywhere you've gone you've found trouble, or there's been the promise of it. You need this job. Even though you know better, you decide to drop it. (if: $butter is "true")[ [[Check your ingredients.|Ingredient List]]](else:)[[[Take the butter.|Ingredient List]]]

(if: $fire is "true")[''$playername'': "How can I drop it Benoit? You're feeding these people cats!" There is warmth against your back, as you realize he is pushing you closer and close to the ignited oven. ''Benoit'': "Do you think it's easy, $playername? To run this by myself? To afford everything in a small town like this?" You move to make your way to the back door, but he blocks you. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You're trapped.|Bonus Ending 5 - Kitchen]]](else:)[''$playername'': "How can I drop it Benoit? You're feeding these people cats!" Benoit looks at you with a heavy shigh and shakes his head. ''Benoit'': "I told you to keep your nose out of peoples' business, did I not?" He moves over to the counter, procuring a butcher's knifever is heavy and glints in the sunlight. You move to get around him and to the back door, but he trips you and you hit the ground with a thud. ''Benoit'': "Do you think it's easy, $playername? To run this by myself? To afford everything in a small town like this?" He stands above you, his foot on your ankle. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You're trapped.|Bonus Ending 5 - Kitchen]]]

(set: $death to it + 1)(if: $fire is "true")[(set: $ending to 16) You try to get around him but Benoit pushes you, and you fall inside the open oven. It hurts, it hurts more than anything you'd ever felt before. He closes the door of the oven on you, trapping you inside. Between the smoke and the smell of your flesh, there is no escape and you quickly succumb to your situation. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You've died.|Ending Stats]]](else:)[(set: $ending to 17)Benoit presses down on your ankle, and you hear the sharp //CRACK// of it snapping under the pressure. You let out a loud scream, but even still you try to crawl away. ''Benoit'': "Ah ah, you aren't going anywhere, $playername." He takes you by your hair, pulling your head back as you feel a sharp sensation against your throat. Your breath goes hollow and your hands reach up, feeling a warm liquid gushing from your throat. You try to speak, but nothing but gurgles come out as the world around you fades away. <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[You've died.|Ending Stats]]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

The Saving Day Festival is a celebration. The entire village has come, including all the familiar faces you met over the past twenty four hours. Jeanne and her daughter Élisabeth Louise talk with Father Hyacinthe, whose smile still unsettles you. Mathilde and Pascal chat in a corner, their watchful eyes trained on you. Benoit pushes you forward slightly. ''Benoit'': "Go place the cake on the table, and the festivities will get started." [[Put your cake on the table.]]

As you bring your cake to a table full of offerings in different shapes and sizes. Eggs, flowers, leather bound books, a beautiful intricate work of hand embroidery, sacks of flour, and more. Everyone from town has left something. Father Hyacinthe breaks from their group and takes center stage at the offerings, speaking loudly. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Thank you all for coming today to the annual Saving Day Festival." There is small applause around them. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "We particularly thank $playername, for joining us this year. In honour of this, we would like to present you with a gift. Would you do us the honour of selecting this year's Reign?" A group surrounds you, familiar faces surround you, the ones that stand out being those you have met. The farmer, the miller, the priest, your mentor, your neighbour, and the rest of the village gather around you, their eyes burrowing into your very being. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6bydnf.png" width="700px">] [[$playername|Choose yourself.]] [[Pascal]] [[Mathilde]] [[Father Hyacinthe]] [[Benoit]] (if: $ELWish is "true")[ [[Élisabeth Louise|Bonus Ending 1 - Elisabeth Louise]] ][[Jeanne]] [[Refuse to choose.]] (if: $poison and $ELTheory and $hand and $bribe and $sacks and $catmeat is "true")[ [[Everyone should be the Reign.]]]

(set: $ending to 1)You point at the old woman, a fitting choice that a ruler be the eldest and the wisest. (if: $ELTheory is "true")[Or simply because she should, like many monarchs before her, pay for what she's done. ]As you point to the feeble old woman, she smiles with a kind sadness - acceptance. Behind her though, someone does not accept it. ''Élisabeth Louise'': "Mama no! I'll do it! I want to be the Reign!" Benoit and Father Hyacinthe quickly hold the hysterical young woman back as she starts to sob. Jeanne takes your hand before making her way to the cake. ''Jeanne'': "I do hope you'll visit more often. You were so lovely to chat with." She takes her seat at the table, serving herself a slice of cake and eating it calmly. The ground begins to rumble, splitting and cracking open beneath her. The river flows backwards, changing colour as something trudges out of it, gnarly black hands clawing on the ground as it hoists itself out of the water. It's inconcievable, how this thing keeps pulling itself from the river without end. Hideous and wrinkled in skin with a plethora of eyes and a maw that sports multiple sets of teeth. Without ever fully leaving the river, it raises up, covering the sky with it's dark body until there is no light left and snatches Jeanne from her seat. The old woman, with all of the offerings, disappear within moments - as does the creature. The light returns, and so does the conversation. Everyone but Élisabeth Louise goes on with their life as if you had not seen this just occur. Again, Benoit claps his hand on your shoulder. ''Benoit'': "Well done, you were a good choice. Hopefully this will go just as smoothly next year." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyyo6.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

(set: $ending to 2)You point to the farmer, his face contorts in horror with the realization. (if: $hand is "true")[If he saw himself a god, picking and choosing who could live and die it was only fair to put him on his rightful pedestal.] He tries to break through the crowd but is stopped by Benoit and Father Hyacinthe who bring him to the table. As he is dropped into his seat, the ground begins to rumble, splitting and cracking open beneath him. The river flows backwards, changing colour as something trudges out of it, gnarly black hands clawing on the ground as it hoists itself out of the water. It's inconcievable, how this thing keeps pulling itself from the river without end. Hideous and wrinkled in skin with a plethora of eyes and a maw that sports multiple sets of teeth. Without ever fully leaving the river, it raises up, covering the sky with it's dark body until there is no light left and grips Pascal, who struggles helplessly against the hand. He screams and pleads for his life, regret overwhelming him. ''Pascal'': "Please! Help! Not like this, anything but this!" The scrawny man, with all of the offerings, disappear within moments - as does the creature. The light returns, and so does the conversation. Everyone goes on with their life as if you had not seen this just occur. Again, Benoit claps his hand on your shoulder. ''Benoit'': "Well done, you were a good choice. Hopefully this will go just as smoothly next year." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyT9i8.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

(set: $ending to 3)You point at the priest themselves, the announcer for the whole event. They pause, and smile, a wickedness in their eyes. (if: $bribes is "true")[Their money cannot save them now. ]They smile as though they cannot be touched, confidently sitting down. How wrong they are. They sit. The ground begins to rumble, splitting and cracking open beneath them. The river flows backwards, changing colour as something trudges out of it, gnarly black hands clawing on the ground as it hoists itself out of the water. Father Hyacinthe's face drops, going palid as they realize the severity of their situation. It's inconcievable, how this thing keeps pulling itself from the river without end. Hideous and wrinkled in skin with a plethora of eyes and a maw that sports multiple sets of teeth. Without ever fully leaving the river, it raises up, covering the sky with it's dark body until there is no light left and grips Father Hyacinthe. The priest is lifted from the table with a crazed smile on their face. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Yes, this is it! Take me with you!" The priest, with all of the offerings, disappear within moments - as does the creature. The light returns, and so does the conversation. Everyone goes on with their life as if you had not seen this just occur. Again, Benoit claps his hand on your shoulder. ''Benoit'': "Well done, you were a good choice. Hopefully this will go just as smoothly next year." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/6IA1LA.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

(set: $ending to 5)You look to your mentor, and he nods sagely, with understanding. (if: $catmeat is "true")[If only he had left those cats alone. ]He slowly takes his seat and neatly cuts a portion of the cake, eating as though he has no care in the world. Benoit has resigned to his fate. The ground begins to rumble, splitting and cracking open beneath him. The river flows backwards, changing colour as something trudges out of it, gnarly black hands clawing on the ground as it hoists itself out of the water. It's inconcievable, how this thing keeps pulling itself from the river without end. Hideous and wrinkled in skin with a plethora of eyes and a maw that sports multiple sets of teeth. Without ever fully leaving the river, it raises up, covering the sky with it's dark body until there is no light left and grips Benoit. In his last moment, he turns to you. ''Benoit'': "How delicious... what a fine apprentice you made, $playername." Benoit, with all of the offerings, disappear within moments - as does the creature. The light returns, and so does the conversation. Everyone goes on with their life as if you had not seen this just occur. The looming shadow of Father Hyacinthe appears behind you as they place their hands on your shoulders. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Come along now, $playername. You've done well. Let us prepare for next year's celebrations." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyWQb.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

(set: $ending to 4)You turn to the miller. Her face goes through the gambit of emotions, first confusion, to disbelief, than to rage. She lunges forward, trying to grab you. ''Mathilde'': "Who are you to choose me? How are you!" (if: $sacks is "true")[You hold no sympathy for a woman who could cheat a child out of real food. ]She grabs the collar of your shirt but is quickly pulled away by Benoit and Pascal, with help of Father Hyacinthe. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "Go, Mathilde, or we will be forced to make you." She tries to free herself, but is ultimately dragged to the table by Benoit and Pascal. Benoit seems unaffected but Pascal is haunted, his face going pale as he dashes back to join the group once she's seated. The ground begins to rumble, splitting and cracking open beneath her. The river flows backwards, changing colour as something trudges out of it, gnarly black hands clawing on the ground as it hoists itself out of the water. It's inconcievable, how this thing keeps pulling itself from the river without end. Hideous and wrinkled in skin with a plethora of eyes and a maw that sports multiple sets of teeth. Without ever fully leaving the river, it raises up, covering the sky with it's dark body until there is no light left and grips Mathilde. She turns around, pointing at you with accusation. ''Mathilde'': "Is it so wrong for me to want to survive? To do what I've done?" The miller, with all of the offerings, disappear within moments - as does the creature. The light returns, and so does the conversation. Everyone goes on with their life as if you had not seen this just occur. Again, Benoit claps his hand on your shoulder. ''Benoit'': "Well done, you were a good choice. Hopefully this will go just as smoothly next year." <img src="https://img.nickpic.host/hyyZNf.png" width="300px" height="300px" align="right"> [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

(set: $ending to 6)(set: $death to it +1)You look at everyone around you and shake your head. You do not know who is the best choice, or why you would want to pick them. ''$playername'': "I'm sorry, I do not know..." Father Hyacinthe's brows raise as they pause, nodding slowly. Before they manage to say anything, you feel your arms being held as you are dragged towards the table. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "A shame, it would have been easier for you to just make a decision." Looking up, you see Benoit and Pascal holding your arms tight. Pascal looks too overjoyed to be given this honour, but Benoit? He looks heartbroken. ''Benoit'': "If only you'd just picked, $playername." They seat you in the chair and rush back. Over the table you can see the river, which slowly starts to change from the clear bluish green hues of liquid to a sickly, viscous ichor. A hand of crackled, wrinkled skin with long nails grips the ground as something pulls itself from the water. Seemingly unending, this creature continues to grow from the river until it manages to cover the entire sky over the town. A rough hand grasps against you as you are pulled from the table, and lifted high into the sky. Face to face with this creature of many eyes and multiple sets of teeth, you understand. You see now what it means to be the Reign; why it is called the Saving Day Festival. Before you can cry for help, you are enveloped by... whatever this is. You never managed to get its name. And for all you know, the town continues without you - just as it did before. [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

(set: $ending to 8)''$playername'': "Everyone." There's a moment of pause as the town looks at you in confusion, including Father Hyacinthe. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "What do you mean?" You look at the people you've met and regard each and every one of them with their own secret that outdoes the others. Jeanne with poisoning her daughter's fiancé to trap her, Pascal who kills people to feed his prize pigs, Mathilde who mixes mouldy sawudst into the flour even though it's dangerous, Father Hyacinthe who bribes the town and strikes fear into their congregation, and even Benoit who makes mince pies with cat meat. None of them deserves to be better than the other. ''$playername'': "You're all going to be the Reign, and you know why." You shove Mathilde in first, who is grabbed by Benoit. Father Hyacinthe looks absolutely overjoyed, their eyes igniting in passion and frenzy as they lead the others to the table. The ground begins to tremble beneath you as the river, it's bluesh green tinge turning a viscous black ichor, changes colour. A gnarled, wrinkled hand claws the ground, pulling its form out of the river bed. ''Benoit'': "Run!" You see him shooing you away, and you take off running. It isn't until you get to the outside of the village, the screams and crashes of crumbling buildings follow you to safety. When you're gone, tucked away between the trees of the forest you see the town of Sangnoir is no longer. A wreckage in your wake, but with it goes the crimes of those who lived there... And you might be able to live with that. [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

(set: $ending to 7)(set: $death to it +1)You look at everyone around you and pick yourself. You know your life best, and you want to fully experience this town for everything it has to offer. Everyone around you begins to whisper. The surprise of your choice setting the town abuzz. Father Hyacinthe's brows raise as they pause, nodding slowly. ''Father Hyacinthe'': "I see, well then... if you would be so kind as to take a seat..." You make your way forward and sit down. Over the table you can see the river, which slowly starts to change from the clear bluish green hues of liquid to a sickly, viscous ichor. A hand of crackled, wrinkled skin with long nails grips the ground as something pulls itself from the water. Seemingly unending, this creature continues to grow from the river until it manages to cover the entire sky over the town. A rough hand grasps against you as you are pulled from the table, and lifted high into the sky. Face to face with this creature of many eyes and multiple sets of teeth, you understand. You see now what it means to be the Reign; why it is called the Saving Day Festival. Before you can cry for help, you are enveloped by... whatever this is. You never managed to get its name. And for all you know, the town continues without you - just as it did before. [[The End?|Ending Stats]] (set: $playthrough to it +1)

The kitchen is cozy, soft but warm sunlight coming through a window with a stained glass floral scene that casts colours into other areas of the room. Wood of green hue make up the majority of the furniture, but its all well worn. The elderly woman begins to rummage through the cabinet, squinting as peers through. Many of her containers look similar, but the labelling is large and relatively clear. Instead of sugar, she pulls out a large container labeled: POISON. Before she opens it, she finally seems to notice, quickly replaces the container with sugar and pours you a small bowl. [[Ask about the poison.]] [[Take the bowl of sugar.]]

You poke your head into the back room as Benoit slams a heavy lump of dough onto the counter. He doesn't seem to hear you come in. [[Approach him from behind.]] [[Call out to him first.]]

You come up from behind him and look around, causing the man to jump. ''Benoit'': "Salope!" It's clearly instinctual, especially as he gets bashful that he even said that in the first place. ''Benoit'': "You can't come up behind me while I'm working, okay? Just remember it for next time. How can I help you?" ''$playername'': "I can't seem to find any eggs... Pascal didn't have any." ''Benoit'': "Check with Father Hyacinthe, they often are given the extras." You nod and head back out. [[Make your way to Father Hyacinthe|Go to the Church]]

''$playername'': "Benoit!" He doesn't hear you and you call him again, this time louder. He stops, putting the bread down and looking around him. As if he heard something in his imagination. You approach now that he is not busy. Benoit turns around to see you properly, and smiles... ''$playername'': "I can't seem to find any eggs... Pascal didn't have any." ''Benoit'': "Check with Father Hyacinthe, they often are given the extras." You nod and head back out. [[Make your way to Father Hyacinthe|Go to the Church]]