LarkspursVampireEncounter

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ch1: soft - s4 (1), s7ch1 (1), s7ch4 (1) bold - s4 (1), s7ch4 (1) silly - s7ch1 (1,1), s7ch4 (1)

chapter 1: mind - scene 2 (+1), scene 4 (+1), scene 6 (+1) body - scene 2 (+1), scene 4 (+1), scene 6 (+1) heart - scene 2 (+1), scene 4 (+1), scene 6 (+1) magic - scene 2 (+1), scene 6 (+1) chapter 2:

ch1: establish some base stats. Larkspur and Axel get to flirt a bit. ch2: Meantan asks them to look into some reports in Arlathan for her, she's busy dealing with some bullshit in Treviso after all the blight took the city over. ch3: Axel and Larkspur meet Sula, he gives them a rundown on what's up, Hunter ends up showing them the area they're getting reports from then leaves because he's not about that life. ch4: Shenanigans in some ruins. Signs of vampire. ch5: Run into some ruffian artifact snatchers. More vampire signs??? ch6: Axel and Larkspur get cozy. Vampire cock block. ch7: Vampire fight!!! ch8: kissy <3

chapter 1: $ch1activity - tracks whether Larkspur chose to knit, exercise, read, or meditate "knit" "exercise" "read" "knit" $ch1s4choice - tracks which dialogue option Larkspur chooses "lonely" "cool" "flirt" $ch1s7activity - tracks what activity Larkspur chooses to do with Axel before Meantan comes in to be like 'hey go check this shit out kthxbai' $fishtank - when playing chess $chessmove - when playing chess chapter 2:

<div class="sidebar"> delucadarling </div>

<div class="sidebar"> Larkspur's Vampire Encounter </div>

/* putting some variables here that will get used throughout the story*/ <<set $mana to 5>> /*Larkspur's baseline stats Magic Body Heart Mind mana is different, it gets used when spells are cast*/ <<set $magic to 0>> <<set $body to 0>> <<set $heart to 0>> <<set $mind to 0>>  <<set $axel_bold to 0>> - bold is built through straightforward flirting and physical touch <<set $axel_soft to 0>> - soft is built through Larkspur being honest and vulnerable or when she's being cute <<set $axel_silly to 0>> - silly is built through Larkspur joking or doing funny things. This one isn't really in competition with the other two, it can be built simultaneously.

<<link "Variables" "VariablesSidebar">><</link>>

<div class="sidebar"> updated: 2/23/26 </div>

<<set $return to previous()>>  Magic: <<= $magic>>, Heart: <<= $heart>>, Mind: <<= $mind>>, Body: <<= $body>>  Bold: <<= $axel_bold>>, Soft: <<= $axel_soft>>, Silly <<= $axel_silly>> <<return "Return to game" $return>>

<h1>Larkspur's Vampire Encounter</h1> This whole thing is inspired by a bit of dialogue between Bellara and Emmrich about the existence or nonexistence of vampires. And then I applied it directly to OCs <3 <<button "Next" "ch1s1">><</button>>

The Lighthouse is lonely today. Larkspur basically has the entirety of it to herself, aside from the Caretaker and Manfred. The Caretaker is scarce though, and Manfred isn't the best conversationalist. It's rare for everyone to be out at the same time, particularly if there's nothing major happening. Today, everyone just had something to do except for her. Emmrich wanted to show Fi around the Necropolis properly, Neve has some undisclosed work to catch up on in Minrathos, Lucanis giving the same excuse before going to Treviso. Bellara and Davrin went to Arlathan to do some artifact and monster hunting respectively. Taash and Axel are off in Rivain to visit their families, while Harding and Meantan are doing the same in the south. Larkspur doesn't have any work to do anywhere, nor any family to speak of. So, she mopes. She could be doing a thousand productive things. Reading. Knitting. Exercising. Building up her mana wells, as Emmrich has urged her to do roughly a thousand times. She sighs for probably the tenth time today as she comes down the stairs to the library. <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1activity" "read" checked>> Read a book. </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1activity" "exercise">> Exercise. </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1activity" "knit">> Work on some knitting. </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1activity" "magic">> Build up mana wells. </label> <<button "Next" "ch1s2">><</button>>

<<if $ch1activity is "read">> <<set $heart to 1>> Of all activities to do, reading is certainly one of the most engrossing. It'll make it easier to forget she's clattering around the Fade all on her lonesome. She drags her fingertips along the spines of several hefty tomes, some more well loved than others. Every so often old books will disappear, while others will sneak their way in. The Caretakers system of organizing always seems to take over as well, no matter how often she and Emmrich set themselves to the task of fixing it. She finds several of the magical theory books she's started roughly a dozen times, but stops when she notices a new one. The title, embossed in gold, is //A Qunari's Way.// Intrigued, she pulls it out and flips through. It appears to be a fiction text from the first few pages she skims. There are illustrations, a few per chapter, and as she continues on it becomes clear this book is also a romance. And then as she gets closer to the middle it takes on a...more intense mood that makes her eyebrows raise her toes curl. Larkspur slams it shut before she can get too far in and scampers to her bedroom so she can properly enjoy it. <</if>> <<if $ch1activity is "exercise">> <<set $body to 1>> Well, if productivity is the name of the game, she can at least train her body while the others are out. She'd admittedly let herself go the past few months of hiding out in the Lighthouse, but now that she's doing more field work it's important that she be able to keep up with her team. They're all quite fit and active. She can't allow herself to fall behind too far. She starts by running up and down the stairs that lead up to the balcony of the Lighthouse proper. Manfred hisses encouraginly each time she passes him by. Once she's properly sweaty, she goes into her room. Though it's not at all uncommon to see the others (Davrin) strip down to train, Larkspur prefers a bit of privacy in that regard. There are veilfire lanterns set up around the room, which she lights with a few lazy flicks of the wrist before getting down on to the cold cobblestone floor to do sit ups. <</if>> <<if $ch1activity is "knit">> <<set $heart to 1>> Technically, knitting is probably the least productive thing she could be working on, but she does have a project she is trying to complete expediently that has already taken far longer than it should. She goes up to her room, lighting a few of the veilfire lanterns she's set around, and goes digging in the small chest she keeps her belongings in. The red and white balls of yarn are silky soft with a very fine weight to them. She has to be careful as she knits so she doesn't accidentally pull it apart. Once she's knitted it though, it's quite durable, especially as she's knitting it as two layers at once. Considering they're meant to be mittens, thicker will be better. She plops herself down on the wide stool at the end of her bed, legs tucked up beneath her, to knit and purl her way through the second half of the first mitten. It takes a good deal of concentration, despite the pattern being quite simple. She doesn't want to make a single error. <</if>> <<if $ch1activity is "magic">> <<set $magic to 1>> It pains her to admit, but she does really need to work on her mana wells. Larkspur can (and has) replenished her mana through her...rather unique skill. However, there are times where she can't simply drain mana from another being's lifeforce. Such as when dealing with people who have had blood magic done on them. Her power is a bit unpredictable still, and she couldn't bear killing someone from a lack of control. Plus, her best asset as a mage to the team will be her versatility. Magic can be used to solve many problems that //aren't// just someone running at the team with a sword. So, she goes up to her room, lighting a single veilfire lantern, and settles in on the rug with her legs folded neatly in front of her. Meditation is far from her favorite activity, Larkspur has always had a busy disposition, but it is one of the best ways to hone one's magical skils. To connect with the Fade. At least here, she doesn't have to reach far to touch it. The thought makes her mouth twitch into a smile that she quickly has to pocket, lest she let her thoughts wander too far away. No, she needs to focus. Become indominatble. Connect with herself and the world. She slows her breathing and her thoughts, laying herself open to the ether. <</if>> <<button "Next" "ch1s3">><</button>>

It's easy to lose herself in it. The Lighthouse is always quiet, beyond the slow creak of magical movement from the fixture above the library. In her room though, she can hardly hear it at all. <<if $ch1activity is "exercise">> Of course, that could be entirely due to the sound of her own labored breathing as she lowers herself on shaking arms. Her abdominal muscles are aching as she holds them taut. A drop of sweat falls from the tip of her nose which is a scant inch from the stone floor. She holds herself there for a moment before pushing herself up to the beginning position. Despite being disappointed in herself for letting her fitness falter quite so far, Larkspur can't deny that she's enjoying the burn. The ache. All the little tears in her muscles that will, for some reason, heal up better than before. She grunts with the effort of executing another perfect push up, heaving in a deep, gasping breath as she finally allows herself to lower herself (collapse) against the floor. <<elseif $ch1activity is "read">> It's been a little while since Larkspur has been able to read something just for fun. She's quite good at keeping her hands and body busy, and with everyone else running around so much, Larkspur had felt too guilty in the past few weeks to actually pick any pleasure reading up. Now that she's a proper member of the team though, putting herself to somewhat good use, she thinks she's earned a bit of down time with a good book. Especially when the book goes from intriguing, to sweet, to //deliciously// spicy within the course of a few chapters. There are things being done with rope and leather that she didn't even realize were possible. In fact, as she twists the book to the side to get a better look at the illustration for the current scene she's reading through, she's not actually sure this //is// possible. Surely the angle...and the tension? Larkspur sighs and shakes her head. Even if it's not possible, the pedant in her mind has, as always, lost out to the whims of her nethers. Who needs reality when fiction gets her hot and bothered just as well? <<elseif $ch1activity is "magic">> The meditation is...meditation. She struggles with it for a while, her thoughts wandering away and constantly needing to be herded back to center. Eventually, she's able to make contact with her life force. Not every mage can do it. Most can connect with their mana, no problem, but Larkspur has always had a bit of a...natural touch when it comes to life force. She suspects her mana wells have gotten all tangled up in her life force, that something is just not quite //right// with how her soul, magic, and life have been organized inside her. It would at least explain why she's got so much magical theory under her belt and very little in the way of practical use. She sees her life force, bright and warm, and reaches past it to brush up against her mana. It's cool and slick and tricky to wrangle. But she does. She forces it where she wants it, then breathes a little slower, deeper. With each inhalation, she feels her mana swelling up just a little. It shrinks with each exhalation, but not as much. She loses track of how long she stays in her meditation, but eventually she's brought out of her trance by the loud, desperate growl of her stomach. It seems she's forgotten lunch. <<elseif $ch1activity is "knit">> Knitting is a hobby of hers, but it's a productive hobby. It's one of the few she's allowed herself to continue pursuing during her time at the Lighthouse. The yarn is mostly from what the others have gifted her, though this yarn in particular was admittedly a special request. It's almost a shame once she finishes the first mitten and moves on to the second. Though the yarn is difficult to work with and she's being extra careful to not make a single mistake, she is having fun with it. And mittens, even this size and double layered, tend to knit up quickly. A few of the undead in the Necropolis still had nimble enough fingers to join her when she would knit. Sometimes she'd sit in the garden and wait for one of the undead workers to take note and wander over to see what she was doing. Then she'd hand over a set of needles and a ball of yarn, just to see what echo of memory would take hold of them. A lot of the undead tended to knit socks. She has roughly a dozen half-formed socks, always stopped midway through by some mortalitasi or other that would come to chide Larkspur for taking the undead away from their sacred duties. Personally, she's never understood why the undead shouldn't be allowed a few hobbies. Larkspur binds off the last stitch, then weaves in the tails. Holding the mittens up, she can't help but smile at her good work. All she can hope for now is that they'll be received with half as much eagerness as she has to give them. <</if>> "Wow," says Axel. <<button "Next" "ch1s4">><</button>>

An earsplitting shriek errupts from Larkspur's throat, her only balm against the surge of fear that strikes through her being that she has, apparently, scared Axel nearly as well as they scared her. "I'm sorry!" Axel exclaims. A single hand is twisted into the front of their shirt, like they think their heart may just try to escape past their sternum. "I apologize, I didn't realize you didn't hear me." They sound far more Orlesian than they usually do. Her intrigue at getting to hear their accent more helps to slow the frantic rhythm of her heart. Cute as it is though, she still finds herself feeling a twitch of annoyance around her eyebrows. She scoffs at their words <<if $ch1activity is "excercise">> and levers herself to sit upright on the cold floor before getting to her feet and crossing her arms over her chest. <<elseif $ch1activity is "read">> , sets the book aside (face down), and stands with her arms crossed. <<elseif $ch1activity is "knit">> , sets aside her project, and stands to face them with her arms crossed. <<else>> and shoves herself up to her feet before approaching them and crossing her arms over her chest. <</if>> Admittedly, she doesn't feel very intimidating with how far she has to tilt her head back to look all the way up at Axel. Sometimes she can't believe that they're apparently the smallest of their family. If they ever took her home for dinner, her head would probably fall off before dessert. "It's hard to hear when someone is sneaking up on you," she says, shaking her head. A comment on not realizing Qunari could be sneaky nearly makes it way out of her mouth, but she catches it just in time and dismisses it. Just because she personally hasn't known many Qunari doesn't excuse her from blathering out ignorance. Besides, Axel's size has never seemed to stop them from being as nimble and deft as the Crows on their team. Axel cocks their head. "You didn't hear me say hello?" Larkspur's eyes go a bit wide. She had not, in fact, heard them say hello. It would be tempting to assume they're teasing her, fibbing to be playful, but their words remind her that they shouldn't have had to say hello to catch her attention. "I didn't even notice you passing my wards," she says, pressing her fingers against her mouth. The wards are mostly to keep the room sound proof, but they also alert her should anyone pass them. Growing up as a ward of the Necropolis made Larkspur very protective of her belongings. She lets her arms drop, clasping her hands together in front of herself instead. "I apologize, I was clearly lost in thought." If they're annoyed, Axel doesn't show it at all. They tip their head, their long, silky black hair shimmering as it moves with the gesture. "No apology needed." Maker's breath they're gorgeous. She can hardly stand to hold eye contact with them, though she can't quite break it either. Eventually she gets a hold of herself and stops biting her lower lip long enough to say, "I thought you would be in Rivain until tomorrow?" Axel runs a hand over their shortened horns and shifts like they're suddenly nervous. "Ah, well. I did not realize until we were there that you would be here alone," Axel says, suddenly finding her wall hangings terribly interesting. "I thought perhaps you would like some company." Larkspur's heart thumps rapidly. <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1s4choice" "lonely" checked>> <<set $heart = $heart + 1>> <<set $axel_soft to 1>> Admit to being lonely. </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1s4choice" "cool">> <<set $mind = $mind + 1>> Play it cool. </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1s4choice" "flirt">> <<set $body = $body + 1>> <<set $axel_bold to 1>> Flirt with them. </label> <<button "Next" "ch1s5">><</button>>

"Oh," Larkspur says, twisting a strand of hair around her finger as she absorbs what they've said. Axel winces and says, "Unless you would have preferred the alone time, in which case I can go." <<if $ch1s4choice is "lonely">> "No!" Larkspur bursts immediately. Too loud, probably, but she feels so fiercely that she can't help it. Axel bbuttons, but then gives a small smile. Tugging her hair a little, Larkspur admits, "I've been feeling a bit lonely. Spending time with someone--with //you//-- would be quite nice, actually." For a moment she can't read their expression and she kicks herself mentally for being too desperate. Which she is, she likes Axel a lot and very much wants to be around them almost all the time. //Seeming// desperate is horribly unattractive though. Axel hums thoughtfully, then says, "Then I am glad I thought to come back." "You are?" she asks. They nod and she can't help a bright smile. "Well, good! Yes. I'm very glad too." <<elseif $ch1s4choice is "cool">> Larkspur's heart staggers at the possibility of them leaving now that they've arrived, but she plays it cool. "You can stay, I don't mind at all," she says, doing her best to seem less eager than she actually is. Unfortunately, her mouth decides to add, "I was glad to see it was you, once I was done being terrified." "Were you?" they ask, a smile pulling at their lips. Larkspur nods, unable to find the words to admit exactly how glad she was. So much for seeming casual. <<elseif $ch1s4choice is "flirt">> "But why would I want to be alone when I have the chance to be with you instead?" she asks, fluttering her eyelashes a bit. It does make her feel a little silly, flirting always does, but she can't deny it's fun. Especially with how Axel shifts, smiling down at her. "Is that so?" they ask, as if they're trying to not sound too delighted by it. Larkspur nods, tucking her hair behind one long ear. "I thought it would have been obvious that I look forward to spending time with you," she says. <</if>> She could be imagining it, but she swears Axel's chest puffs out a bit. "Then I am certainly glad I decided to come back." <<button "Next" "ch1s6">><</button>>

After a moment, Axel looks back to where Larkspur had been <<if $ch1activity is "read">> reading when they walked in <<elseif $ch1activity is "exercise">> exercising <<elseif $ch1activity is "magic">> meditating <<else>> binding off her knitting when they walked in <</if>> and asks, "So, shall we continue with what you were doing before I interrupted?" <<if $ch1activity is "read">> Larkspur chokes on her own spit, hacking and coughing at the very //thought.// Alarmed, Axel approaches and reaches out as if to pat her back but seeming unsure of how to do so one someone so much smaller than they are. Which is fine by Larkspur. Perhaps she can just choke to death. Within a few moments, she gathers herself and eyes watering says, "I'd actually much rather do something new." Axel just nods. Their eyes cut over to the book, which she double checks is in fact still face down thank the Maker. It's clear they're curious. She frantically tries to think of something--anything--else to distract them. <<elseif $ch1activity is "knit">> Larkspur feels quite shy all of a sudden, which Axel seems to take note of when she begins to fidget with her sleeves. Without meaning to, she looks over to where she had lain her project down before coming to chide Axel for scaring her. Axel's gaze follows before they begin to wander over to look. "Ah, you were knitting," they say. Pointing to her darning needle, they say, "I had only just seen you using that one." "You caught me as I was finishing," she admits. "What did you make?" Axel asks, considering the small pile of knitting that is, admittedly, a bit lumpy at the moment. Their curiosity increases, particularly when she inches along to block their view of the mittens. "It's a surprise," she says with a shy shrug. "Maybe we could do something else? Axel's eyes soften and they nod. "Of course. Anything you like." <<elseif $ch1activity is "magic">> Larkspur snorts out a laugh. "I suppose it could be interesting to see if one can induce magic." Axel gives a short noise of understanding. "I see. Interesting as that may sound..." "We can try something else," Larkspur finishes, already enthusiastic by the thought alone. <<elseif $ch1activity is "exercise">> "Well, maybe." Larkspur stretches out a bit (something Axel seems to take //some// interest in) to ease the delicious ache in her muscle. "I was going to take a bit of a break first." "Understandably." Axel rubs their chin thoughtfully. "Then what do you suggest?" <</if>> <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1s7activity" "chess" checked>> <<set $mind to $mind + 1>> Suggest a game of chess. (unfinished) </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1s7activity" "spar">> <<set $body to $body + 1>> <<set $magic to $magic + 1>> Ask to spar with them. (unwritten) </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$ch1s7activity" "walk">> <<set $heart to $heart + 1>> Invite them on a walk around the Lighthouse. (unwritten) </label> <<button "Next" "ch1s7">><</button>>

There are plenty of ways to keep oneself entertained while in the Lighthouse. Larkspur would know all of them by now. She considers each one by one. The library is quite extensive, with a varied selection, but <<if $ch1s4activity is "read">> given the book currently in her possession, she isn't sure she could handle it if Axel had also seen it at some point before her and realizes that it's no longer on the shelf. It would be far too mortifying to risk. <<else>> much as she does like the idea of quietly reading together, she would far rather get to know Axel more directly. <</if>> There's always something that needs to be mended, but even if they could still chat with one another while doing that, <<if $ch1s4activity is "knit">> she's had quite enough of needles and thread for today. Even if it's one of her favorite hobbies, doing it as a chore hardly ever appeals. <<else>> the idea of doing chores together is a bit too...domestic. She wants to have //fun// with them! <</if>> More appealing is the idea of the baths she'd discovered not too long after arriving at the Lighthouse. She still remembers Emmrich's complete dismay at their existence, cursing himself for not thinking to ask if there were any here. Larkspur, perhaps, enjoys her creature comforts even more than he does though, so it was one of the very first things she'd inquired the Caretaker about. <<if $ch1s4choice is "flirt">> After the bit of flirting they've just done, she can only imagine how they might take her inviting them to join her in the bath. The idea alone does some very lovely, very terrible things to her lower belly. But no. //That// would certainly be too far. She's never been naked in front of anyone she's been interested in before. There's no way she'd be able to handle that with someone like Axel. She'd end up throwing herself at them and possibly end up pregnant. <<else>> That thought is quickly dismissed though. As much as she might enjoy taking a peek at what's beneath all those breezy layers, Larkspur isn't sure she's ready to take her clothes off in front of anyone she's interested in like that. Besides, there's no telling how Axel would even take a suggestion like that. <</if>> That leaves her with just one thing left in mind. <<if $ch1s7activity is "chess">> <<include "ch1_s7_chess1">> <<elseif $ch1s7activity is "spar">> <<include "ch1_s7_spar1">> <<elseif $ch1s7activity is "walk">> <<include "ch1_s7_walk1">> <</if>>

"I could use a sparring partner," she says, making a little show of stretching out her arms. <<if $ch1activity is "exercise">> Axel curves an eyebrow up, making just as much of a show of looking her up and down. For a moment she can't believe their brazenness, until she recalls her current attire and what they walked in on. "I would've thought you had had enough rigor," they say, tone light but not quite teasing. Larkspur scoffs. "Absolutely not. I'm still fresh enough to whip you, at least," she boasts untruthfully. Her exercise hasn't worn her out entirely, but she's certainly not //fresh// by any stretch of the imagination. Though they clearly don't believe her, Axel inclines their head and says, "In that case, <<else>> Axel gives a short nod and says, " <</if>> I'd be happy to be that partner." <<button "Next" "ch1s7s_spar2">><</button>>

"Do you play chess?" she asks. The answer is plain on their face the moment she asks. "A little," they say with bright, sparkling eyes. They nod toward the door. "I assume we'll be borrowing Rook's set?" Larkspur does have a chess board of her own. Ivan had gifted it to her near the beginning of their courtship, and for obvious reasons she isn't interested in using it anytime soon. Besides, it's back in her quarters in the Necropolis. While she's never actually asked where Meantan's set came from, she has been invited to make use of it whenever she likes. Mostly she's played against the Caretaker and Manfred. It will be very interesting to play against a person. Together they weasel into Meantan's room, disturbing nothing but the chess board. It's a very nice set, really, even if it's entirely made of wooden pieces. It folds in half, creating a case that carries all the pieces inside, perfect for someone who travels as much as Meantan does. Or did, from what she's told Larkspur about her time with Varric and Harding before they finally tracked down Solas. "I'm honestly quite jealous," Axel says as Larkspur latches the case shut. She makes an inquisitive noise, looking up to see them staring in awe at the magical window looking out into an ocean of fish that takes up almost the entirety of the wall. A bright, blue-green glow illuminates the room from some unknown and never dimming source within the water. The fish swim lazily across the window. <label> <<radiobutton "$fishtank" "scary" checked>> <<set $axel_soft to $axel_soft + 1>> Admit that it's intimidating. </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$fishtank" "grab">> <<set $axel_silly to $axel_silly + 1>> Tell them to try grabbing a fish. </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$fishtank" "hungry">> <<set $axel_silly to $axel_silly + 1>> Suggest they may be hungry. </label> <<button "Next" "ch1s7_chess2">><</button>>

<<if $fishtank is "scary">> "I find it a bit daunting," Larkspur admits. Having never traveled outside the bounds of Nevarra City, the largest source of water Larkspur had ever seen before Meantan took her in was a large-ish pond at the very limits of the city. "Oh?" Axel asks. Larkspur nods. "I've never been in water deeper than a bathtub," she say, pointing to the unseen surface of the water beyond the border of the window's edge. "It's pretty unfamiliar and very strange. I don't think I'd be able to sleep in a room like this." "And yet undead and spirits wandering through would hardly phase you," they say, as if either of these things are equivalent. She furrows her brow. "Why would any of that phase me at all?" she asks. Spirits and undead are common and naturally occuring on the surface, it isn't anymore a surprise to come across them as it is to find a bird on a tree branch. People don't live at the bottom of the ocean. Ossuaries nonwithstanding. "It wouldn't, of course," Axel says quickly, though they're smiling in that sort of infuriating way that still makes her want to kiss them. Before she can get too annoyed or too tempted, she huffs and asks, "What makes you jealous?" <<elseif $fishtank is "grab">> A sly, vaguely naughtly, smile pulls at Larkspur's lips until she rolls them together. Smoothing her expression out, she tucks her hands behind her back as innocently as she can and asks, "You like it?" Axel hums an affirmative. "I do. I would happily trade rooms with Meantan given half the chance." "One of her favorite things is what happens when you grab one of the fish," Larkspur says. Axel looks immediately intrigued and doesn't even hesitate to turn toward the window, hand outstretched. Larkspur takes two large steps back. The moment their hand touches the magical boundary of the window, each point of contact from their fingertips immediately begins to shoot water out. Four strong streams hit Axel in the face and chest before they can even finish yelping out in surprise. They rip their hand back and the water immediately stops. After a moment of stillness, Axel turns, sopping wet with huge, surprised eyes. Larkspur slaps a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry," she says, holding back giggles. "I couldn't resist." Axel huffs and shakes the water from their sleeves. "I see, this is my thanks for leaving my beautiful Rivain--" "Nooo," Larkspur says, biting back her laughter as she steps closer. "Perhaps I should go back," they say, but she can hear beneath their upset tone that they're willing to be convinced to stay. It wasn't a very nice joke, she can admit to that much. Making it right would only be fair. "I can dry you off," she promises, hands already aglow. At this, Axel looks mildly uncertain, but nods. She steps closer and very carefully focuses her magic into her fingers. It's a bit nervewracking, given Larkspur is not well known to have finesse when it comes to casting spells most of the time. Outside of glyphs and rituals, she's better known for having solutions not unlike a hammer has for nails. Thankfully this time she manages to <<if $ch1activity is "magic">> cast a fine net over their body that wicks away the moisture in their clothes and on their skin. Within a few moments they stand entirely dry, as if they'd never gotten wet in the first place. <<else>> very carefully cast her magic over them, brushing away most of the water. There are a few damp patches left on their shirt, but their skin is at least dry. <</if>> "Better?" she asks hopefully. Axel runs a hand over their front and gives a short, slightly reluctant sigh. "You're very troublesome," they accuse, then smile. "But yes, much better. Thank you." "You don't have to thank me," she replies, dragging the toe of her boot along the edge of the rug. There are a few dark splotches from where water has splashed on it, but she chooses to pretend she hasn't seen them, instead raising her eyes to meet Axel's blue ones. The moment their gazes meet, Axel gives her a broad, wolfish grin. It's so unlike their usual quiet, secret little smiles that Larkspur has to consciously stop her jaw from dropping. They fold their hands behind their back and lean forward, bringing their face much closer to her own than it usually is. "I know I don't. And you shouldn't take it as a sign I intend to forget this," they say, a lilt to their words and a sparkle in their eye that says they like the fact that Larkspur can't speak a single word. Oh it's always terrible when beautiful people //know// they're beautiful! "You should know I give just as good as I get." Larkspur isn't sure if she's imagining it or not, but she swears she feels a prickle of sweat at the nape of her neck. Just what does a prank war look like with someone like Axel? They seem so sweet and inobtrusive. It puts her ill at ease. "Um. Well. Weren't you saying something about the window?" Larkspur asks quickly, gesturing said window. It's entirely unharmed by the puncture in the magical barrier, the fish similarly unphazed at all. "What is it that attracts you to it?" <<elseif $fishtank is "hungry">> "Did you have lunch before coming back?" Larkspur asks, watching as they seem to size up one of the larger fish in view. It looks like any other fish she's seen, but there have been more than one debate between Axel and Neve about the best variety of fish to eat. They also argue greatly on whether fish is better consumed battered and fried or freshly poached in broth. //"Yes,"// they say, an adorable pout on their face as they turn back to scowl at her. "That's not why I like it." "Tell me why, then," Larkspur encourages. Outside of their opinions on seafood, Axel isn't particularly chatty, especially in larger groups. She's eager to hear their thoughts now that they're alone together. <</if>> <<button "Next" "ch1s7_chess3">><</button>>

Axel gestures to the window, a smile lighting up their face in the blue-green glow. "It reminds me of home." "Is this what Rivain looks like?" Larkspur asks. It feels like a silly question the moment she asks it, so she attempts to save face by weakly adding, "From the water, I mean." "No, not exactly," they admit. Crossing their arms, they lean toward the barrier and the many fish lazily propelling themselves through the water. "The water is far more clear and the fish more colorful. There's reefs as well." "Reefs?" She can tell she's asked something ridiculous just by the naked shock on their face. Because it's Axel though, they don't tease her for it and instead soften, explaining, "It's a bit like...a forest for fish. Some kelp, some other strange aquatic plants and animals, all growing and thriving on layers of rock and coral." Coral is also a term she's unfamiliar with, but she feels she's been naive enough for one day, so she simply nods. Though they're describing their own home, it doesn't escape Larkspur's notice that Axel is far more worldly than she's ever been. Despite living in Rivain, they'd been part of their family's merchant ship business before joining the team. She doesn't know how far they've traveled, just that it's certainly farther than she has. There are so many things they must know that she couldn't possibly realize she doesn't. All she knows could be contained within a single room of the Necropolis. As she's thinking, Axel steps over and picks up the chess board from the ground before laying a hand on her shoulder. They look brighter for having spoken about their home, a glow to their expression that has nothing to do with the light coming off the water. "Ready to play?" they ask. She almost misses what they say just from admiring them a little too much. Thankfully, her response is only delayed momentarily. "Ah, yes, of course." She gestures awkwardly for the door and together they leave. <<button "Next" "ch1s7_chess4">><</button>>

Though the tiny table in her room is barely sufficient enough to house the board and her chairs barely sufficient to house all of Axel, they make it work. Even when Larkspur suggests relocating to the library, Axel waves her concerns away and simply sets the board up to play. Despite her own stuffy academic tendencies, Larkspur finds herself struggling to best Axel in a single game of the four they've played so far. They haven't even been playing for more than an hour, the handsome, damnable qunari is simply beating her with that little effort. "You're cheating," she accuses them as they take yet another of her knights. They don't react to the slander against their name at all beyond a quiet, smug little smile. <<if $fishtank is "hungry">> "Perhaps I am simply eating the pieces when you're not paying attention," they reply smoothly. <<elseif $fishtank is "grab">> "Perhaps some residual dampness is causing the pieces to slip away from the board while you're not paying attention," they reply with a cheeky shrug. <<elseif $fishtank is "scary">> "I'm sure you're simply out of practice. Were you at your full potential I have no doubt that I would be losing horribly," they reply. "Don't you patronize me!" Larkspur says, wagging a finger at them. Axel smiles more broadly. "And wipe that smile off your face." Though they obey, she can tell they're enjoying themself far too much by the way their eyes still glitter. <</if>> <<if $fishtank isnot "scary">> Their eyes glitter at her annoyed scowl. <</if>> With that matter mostly settled, Larkspur returns her attention to the board. Her eye moves across each hexagon, analyzing the pieces occupying them, their relative positions, and all her potential moves. "I might make some tea," Axel comments idly after several minutes of dead silence. "Don't rush me," Larkspur chides. Axel holds their hands up in a bid for peace. As she continues to stare a bead of sweat trickles down her neck. "Perhaps you should make me some tea as well." "I'll be quick," they say as they stand. Pausing for a moment, they add, "Though not too quick." With a huff, Larkspur waves them away. Once they're gone, she considers her next move carefully. <label> <<radiobutton "$chessmove" "cheat" checked>> Steal their tower. <<set $axel_bold to $axel_bold + 1>> </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$chessmove" "forfeit">> Forfeit the game. <<set $axel_soft to $axel_soft + 1>> </label> <label> <<radiobutton "$chessmove" "destroy">> Formulate the perfect strategy to destroy them!!! <<set $axel_silly to $axel_silly + 1>> </label> <<button "Next" "ch1s7_chess5">><</button>> ch

<<switch $chessmove is "cheat">> <<case "cheat">> Everyone thinks that just because Larkspur is a little sheltered and maybe sort of naive about certain things that she's not capable of being sneaky. It's the only reason Davrin hasn't figured out that she's the one who's been eating his snacks and why Harding's bow keeps ending up shoved under the couch whenever she leaves it on the kitchen table AGAIN. That is to say, sometimes winning requires alternative strategies. Like snagging Axel's last remaining tower piece and sneaking it amongst the other pieces of theirs that she's claimed. Just in time as well. <<case "forfeit">> She rubs her temples as she stares down at the board. Larkspur's not stupid. She //knows// this about herself. Growing up in the Necropolis under the wing of some of the best educated people in the entire continent had given her a huge boost that many others could only dream of. Reminding herself that she's smart doesn't actually help to shake any ideas out though. When she was young and struggling with casting her spells, her instructors would force her to do it over and over again until she was completely out of any mana to cast with. Even if she cried or threw a fit, they never relented. It did eventually force her into capability, but she resents it all the same. That was then. She's an adult now. She doesn't have to beat her head against the same stupid problem over and over until a solution finally manifests. She can simply give up. <<case "destroy">> Like hell will she let them win. Not without a fight. Larkspur has been dealing with a not insignificant amount of ennui these past several weeks, it's true. She's let her casting grow rusty, her body out of shape, and her mind foggy. It has been hard to be her usual joyful self. Finding the motivation do //anything// has been a task so daunting that she had to wait until Meantan //asked// her to join the team in the field to actually find a real use for herself. Sure, she read and organized and helped keep things running at the base, but admittedly even if she was putting in double effort (which she hadn't been) she'd only been producing half-assed results anyway. It's a miracle her airheadedness hadn't caused anyone on the team to simply trip her over the edge of the Lighthouse's courtyard to send her spinning into the abyss of the Fade. Well, no more. She's finally waking up and wiping the haze from her eyes. And she'll prove it right now by whipping Axel so thoroughly at chess that Fi will compose a song in her honor. <<default>> ERROR <</switch>>  "Here you are," Axel says, returning with a steaming cup of mint tea in each hand. They start to put hers down in front of her, only to realize there's absolutely no room to be found on the teeny, tiny table. "I'll just hold it," she says, reaching out for the delicate, porcelain cup. It looks positively miniscule in their hand, and they seem all too aware of this judging by the way they're holding it with all the gentleness of someone cradling a freshly hatched bird. As they pass the cup to her, she uses both hands to cradle it in response to their own care, her fingers brushing down along the length of theirs. It's a simple touch, yet one that nearly makes her drop the cup as pure pleasure zips up the length of her arms to settle at the nape of her neck. Was she not hugged enough as a child or something? Surely that would have to be why she struggles to choke out a "Thank you" as she pulls the cup free of their grasp, covering her awkwardness with a long drink of the scalding tea. "You're welcome," they say, bemused as they elegantly sit on a chair that seems almost large enough to be comfortable. Their gaze flicks down to the board, taking in all the pieces for the first time since returning. <<if $chessmove is 'destroy'>> As they take stock, they glance up with an eyebrow raised. <<if $axel_silly > 1>> <<set $mind += 1>> <<set $gameresult to "lose">> <<set _outcome to "destroysilly">>   "I believe it's your turn," they say. Larkspur rolls her eyes. "My goodness, you truly are a master of this game," she replies wryly. Axel grins and pointedly looks at their side of the board, where several of Larkspur's pieces have been claimed. "I wouldn't looks so pleased if I were you." "No?" they ask. "No. Because I'm about to send you home crying," she declares, shoulders back and chin up. Axel's eyebrows raise and they hum in faux awe. "From the boredom of awaiting your next move?" they ask, batting their thick, dark eyelashes innocently. Larkspur can't help but laugh. She enjoys this sillier, playful side of Axel. They always seem to enjoy a joke, but more rarely do they engage directly. "If it means I win, perhaps so!" she exclaims with enough energy to slosh a bit of tea out of her cup. "Ah, damn!" Swiping at her skirt, she fixes them with a hard look to dissuade them from letting out the laugh she can see building up in their chest. <<elseif $axel_soft > $axel_bold>> <<set $mind += 2>> <<set $axel_bold += 1>> <<set $gameresult to "win">> <<set _outcome to "destroysoft">>  "I could make a suggestion," they offer. Larkspur growls. "I don't need your help to beat you." She crosses her arms and fixes them with the hardest stare she can muster. "In fact, I'm going to make you regret agreeing to go against me." "I'm sure," they say too gently. Humoring her. A vein pulses in her temple. Do they really think her so soft? Stupid perhaps? If they do, she can't help thinking she hasn't exactly done much to discourage that. She's never been considered meek in her life, and yet it seems that the moment she's surrounded by extraordinary people she's become a shrinking violet. Thinking about the way Meantan faces every day with a bold determination makes her want to do the same. Starting by utterly destroying Axel. <<else>> <<set $axel_bold += 1>> <<set $gameresult to "lose">> <<set _outcome to "destroybold">>  "Should I go and make some cookies to go along with the tea?" they ask. Larkspur brandishes one of the few pieces she's managed to claim from them and begins to menace them with it. "It's my turn for as long as I like," she says. Straightening up, she lifts her chin and adds, "Considering I intend to utterly whip you, you should show a bit of deference." Axel gives a soft, rumbling chuckle that fills Larkspur with such a deep sense of pleasure and pride that she forgets to keep her haughty demeanor up. Just a moment later though, their expression shifts to something far more intense, eyes glittering. They lean forward and say, "I'd like to see you try." <</if>>  <<elseif $chessmove is 'cheat'>> Larkspur's palms go sweaty and she immediately pretends to be deeply involved in blowing the surface of her steaming cup of tea. She can't help noticing the way Axel's eye sticks to where their tower was before they left.  <<if $axel_soft > $axel_bold>> <<set $mind += 1>> <<set $gameresult to "win">> <<set _outcome to "cheatsoft">>  After a moment though, their gaze continues to look over the rest of the board, apparently none the wiser about the fact that they're suddenly deficient of a single piece. Larkspur hides her smile with another sip of the warm tea. <<else>> <<set $axel_bold += 1>> <<set $gameresult to "lose">> <<set _outcome to "cheatbold">>  It's as she's taking another sip that their eyes snap up to her face, half-lidded and very knowing. The surprise of it causes her to inhale the tea, which in turn causes her to cough and choke on it. As it turns out, mint tea //burns// in the nose. Axel's expression doesn't change as they wait for her to compose herself. "Careful," they say with a lilt. "There could be consequences for that." She tries not to gawp at them. They //know.// She thinks they know. If the do though, they don't actually call her on it. The smug bastard just crosses one long, elegant leg over the other and takes a //smug// drink with a //smug// smile on their stupid //smug// face. They must think she can't beat them even if she cheats! How dare they underestimate her! She'll show them. She'll make them regret not taking her seriously. <</if>> <<elseif $chessmove is 'forfeit'>> When it's clear Larkspur hasn't taken her turn despite all the time she'd been given, they give her a questioning look. Larkspur sighs and shakes her head, tossing her hands up. "I forfeit," she says. "I haven't beaten you a single time so far and it's quite clear I won't be winning at this point. So, I give up." <<if $axel_soft > $axel_bold>> <<set $mind += 2>> <<set $gameresult to "win">> <<set _outcome to "forfeitsoft">>  Axel's expression softens and they lean forward, one giant hand finding her knee beneath the table. Far from being cheeky though, their touch is light and soothing. "I understand. Perhaps we can choose an activity better suited to your skills?" There's a moment where Larkspur's mind slows, mulling over their words. Better suited to her skills. As if she isn't suited to chess, a game well known to require cleverness and dedication. She frowns deeply, scowls really, and Axel looks taken aback by her reaction. "I'm perfectly suited to play chess, even if I don't win every match," she replies snappishly. Axel's eyes widen. "I--No, of course you are," they stammer out, seemingly confused by the turn in conversation. "I did not mean to imply otherwise." "Well good!" She snatches one her pawns and slaps it down in position to take one of Axel's next turn. "Your turn." Bewildered, Axel nods and turns their attention to the board once more. <<else>> <<set $mind += 1>> <<set $axel_bold + 1>> <<set $gameresult to "win">> <<set _outcome to "forfeitbold">>  Oddly, Axel doesn't respond at first. They just scrutinize her in a way that has her squirming uncomfortably, pretending to become absorbed in her drink to avoid the way their gaze is peeling through her layers. "Huh," they say softly. Larkspur's eye twitches. "What?" she asks, unable to help herself. She had at first held a small hope that maybe Axel would feel bad for her and try to comfort her sore feelings about having lost so badly. Now that she can see that won't be the case, she wishes she had instead thought of an excuse for them to //need// to stop playing rather than admit she simply doesn't want to anymore. "I just didn't take you for a sore loser, that's all," Axel says breezily, raising their cup to take a long sip. As she stares at them, gobsmacked at their audacious speech, they glance over the rim of their cup for just a moment. The look in their eye is goading. "I am not!" she insists. Axel curves an eyebrow up. "I can't be a sore loser if I haven't lost." "Did you not just say you want to give up because you've been so badly beaten? I don't know what else to call that," they say, tone innocent but eyes mischievous. Heat rushes to Larkspur's cheeks, teeth clenched tight. Despite knowing it's precisely what they want, Larkspur can't help the sudden burning desire to make them eat those words. Growling, she says, "Fine, if you want so badly to play. We'll play." With a self-satisfied smirk, they gesture to the board for Larkspur to make her move. <</if>> <<else>> ERROR <</if>>  <<switch _outcome>> <<case "destroysilly">> They continue to play, laughing and joking quietly as they do. Larkspur, despite her promise to show them who's boss, finds herself lost in the joy of just playing. She makes several poor moves in a row, but Axel makes just as many, the both of them far too distracted by conversation and goofing around to really play well at all. "" <<case "destroysoft" "forfeitsoft">> They play for several minutes more in dead silence beyond the click of pieces being moved. Larkspur is too focused on the game at first to really notice how Axel seems to be tiptoeing as they cautiously move their pieces under Larkspur's watchful eye. It would be funny if she wasn't so irritated, though whether with herself or with Axel she's not yet certain. It's not entirely their fault, she supposes. She's been...less than useful on the team thusfar. Not a great healer, not a great fighter, not even much of a tactician. Maker knows what they even see in her. She sets one of her pieces down a little too hard, making Axel jump. Letting out a hard breath, she forces herself to calm down and says, "Sorry." <<case "destroybold" "cheatbold" "forfeitbold">> There's an intensity as they play now, each of them slapping their pieces down boldly. Tension crackles in the air, leaving a sharp taste in Larkspur's mouth that isn't washed away by the now tepid tea. <<case "cheatsoft">> Though Larkspur had deliberately stolen one of Axel's towers in order to win, she realizes she's winning...a lot more easily than she'd have expected. There have been a few times where Axel has moved a piece out of a favorable position or into the line of fire for one of Larkspur's pieces. <<default>> MISSING PASSAGE <</switch>>