Prince Blossom – Dating Profile Interview Script

PREAMBLE: Legend: INT – Scene takes place in an internal location. EXT – Scene takes place in an external location. FX – Effects (Audio/Visual). FADE IN/OUT – Transition. VO-FX – Voice-Over Effects.

– Scene description.

PB – Prince Blossom shorthand. ** – Mid-dialogue direction. Characters: Prince Blossom Scene 001: FADE IN:

INT: The highest spire of the Prince's most luxurious castle – Night.

FX: Sounds of the cold night winds and night creatures fading into a cozy candle-lit atmosphere.

VO-FX: Slight echo and reverb to mimic high spire conditions. The sound of the Prince should come from slightly afar.

The Prince lounges on his ornate bed, twirling a thornless rose and letting his mind wander in melancholy.

PB: Sighs.

FX: Barely audible wing flapping followed by bird feet resting on cobblestone.

The Prince notices a bird land on his windowsill.

PB: Oh. Well, well, well. Hello there, little one.

The Prince lets the rose fall on his bed and looks up toward the ceiling.

PB: Come to gaze upon the despondent prince, have you?

The Prince sits up on his bed.

PB: Lightly chuckles Or perhaps you're simply hungry.

The Prince gets up from his bed and picks up a slice of fruit tart he had on his dining table and brings it toward the bird.

FX: Sounds of picking up a ceramic plate and hardwood footsteps that get slightly louder as the Prince gets closer to the bird.

The Prince breaks off a piece of the tart and brings it toward the bird so that it can eat it. The Prince then takes a seat on the windowsill.

FX: Sounds of a small tart piece being broken.

PB: Here. Feast. A tart fresh from my kitchens. Pause Well, relatively fresh.

The Prince laughs seeing the little bird devour the tart.

FX: Bird pecking at the tart piece.

PB: Laughs Famished, were you? Slow down. There's more where that came from.

PB: If there's one thing I don't want for, it's warm baked goods. Lightly chuckles.

All of a sudden, another bird lands on the windowsill and begins to peck at the Prince's hand.

FX: Wings flapping quickly followed by bird feet hitting cobblestones and then pecking.

The Prince is slightly surprised at the newcomer.

PB: Oh, another one?

PB: Smiles More the merrier, I suppose.

The Prince hums lightly as if a thought just came to him.

PB: Hm… I wonder…?

The Prince puts the plate down on the windowsill and stands up. He then quickly moves toward the large ornate bookcase on the far wall.

FX: Sounds of the ceramic plate being placed on cobblestone, followed by silk cloths shuffling, and then hurried footsteps on hardwood moving away and getting quieter.

PB: Where is it…?

The Prince runs his hands over many books before finally settling on one.

FX: Sounds of a hand running over leatherbound book spines.

PB: Aha! Found it.

The Prince takes out the book and thumbs through it.

FX: Sounds of an old leatherbound book being taken out of a bookcase followed by the sounds of someone quickly thumbing through a book.

PB: Here it is. Hm… Interesting.

The Prince then walks back towards the birds.

FX: Sounds of footsteps on hardwood get louder as the Prince comes closer to the birds.

PB: Right, how should I do this?

The Prince puts his finger on a passage and reads it.

PB: “To imprint a message on any woodland creature, one must bind an honest contract between said creature and witch. The contract can be created with simple verbal order and then sealed through an offering of food.”

The Prince looks towards the birds peacefully eating the tart.

PB: The tart covers the food offering... Looks like I just have to make my intentions known then.

The Prince coughs to clear his throat and throws out his hand in dramatic flair.

PB: Clears his throat Creatures of the woodlands, hear me! I wish to initiate a contract and imprint a message upon you!

The birds stop eating for a second to look at the Prince, and then they continue eating again without a care in the world. The Prince looks a bit dejected because he expected more flair.

FX: A crescendo that swells up before being anticlimactically cut.

PB: Well, I suppose not all magics can have flair.

PB: Clears his throat Anyhoo. This is my message! Listen clear.

PB: I, Prince Apfel Octavius Blossom The Third, am searching for the fairest unwed hand in my lands and the lands beyond!

PB: Ever since my star foretold birth, I have lived a life of decadence and luxury as the oldest prince of Everius.

PB: In my youth, I served under the noble and courageous Sir Gallahad, servicing him in his quest to rid the land of dragons. But I much preferred the brief respites I got in the woodlands; where I lent my voice to the birdsong, frolicked amongst the greenery, and made chains of daisies to adorn my armor.

PB: Now, I am next in line for the throne of Everius but yet I yearn for something so much more than power.

PB: Ever since I could remember, I yearned for love. True love. Not the “love” that haunts my courts, the “love” that only exists for houses to consolidate power. A love that is nothing more than a transaction.

PB: No. I want more. I need more.

The Prince pauses and sighs.

PB: Sighs But alas, I have yet to find it. And my heart grows colder by the day I'm without it.

PB: Many people have asked for my hand in marriage, but I've rejected them all. Life is too short to settle for wooden clogs.

PB: If I have to go house by house with crystal slipper in hand until I find my one true love, I will.

PB: Perhaps that might seem overly picky to most, but in the end, when I find what I'm looking for. It will all be worth it. And that's what matters.

PB: So, here I am. Casting myself to the world in hopes that my love will heed my call and come to me.

The Prince pauses to catch his breath.

PB: Now, I shall describe myself, so that you may see me clearly.

PB: I am 5 foots and 11 inches in height, and weigh 12 stones or a 170 pounds.

The Prince blushes and clears his throat.

PB: Clears his throat And my other more…intimate measurements can safely be described as more than adequate.

PB: As for my age… Well, let's just say that a prince never tells.

The Prince squirms, disgruntled.

PB: But you can think of me to be around 30 winters…or thereabouts.

The Prince waves the uncomfortable information away.

PB: I am also a connoisseur of baked goods. From fresh bread to pastries, pies, tarts, and anything in between!

PB: And… If possible, I would be greatly delighted if my love could provide me with such goods.

PB: To eat the bread baked with love by the hands of my one and only would taste the sweetest of them all.

PB: I also quite enjoy the art of tea, and have imported many varieties from all around. And every morn, I bundle up in my silk robes to taste them and try to pick out the intricacies within.

PB: Beyond that, I spend my days visiting the many cordwainers within my kingdom and sampling their shoes.

PB: I also enjoy visiting my wonderful horses in the royal stables come evening. Taking them out to the woodlands and enjoying some time alone in nature is one of my greatest delights.

PB: And I would so very much enjoy sharing that experience with you. Taking you out to a flowery field surrounded by clean air and clear skies. Rolling within the flowers, hand in hand, and sleeping under the warmth of the sun with you by my side. Oh, how wonderful that would be.

The Prince breathes out deeply with a content sigh as if his mind is in some fantasy he has created. He then regains his senses.

PB: Uh, that's enough of the things I like, I think. I would like to give an accurate impression of my character, so I must mention the things I would much rather go without as well.

PB: I dislike heights. Oh, and cleanliness is paramount to me. Places full of dust and cobwebs are terrible for my constitution—unless I want to enjoy an evening of runny noses and watering eyes.

PB: I also dislike meat. I much prefer more delicate foods. I find meat to be bloody, greasy, and overall a flavorless slog to eat.

PB: And I despise the smell of metal. I smell nothing more than blood, death, and misery in their presence.

PB: Beyond all of that, I have so much I can offer you. And by my side, your every want and desire shall be fulfilled—as long as sword fighting isn't one of the skills you require.

PB: My three castles will allow you to live in whichever corner of the land you prefer.

PB: And I will adorn you with the finest silks and furs from all around the world.

PB: Nothing more will delight me like taking care of you. After all, it wouldn't be fit for a prince to do any less for his one and only. And… I would be remiss if I didn't say that I want that from you as well.

PB: I want someone affectionate, caring, someone that will see me for who I am, and accept me wholly. Someone that I can show my love to in its entirety, whether we're alone or otherwise. Stuffy etiquette be damned.

The Prince calms down after his long monologue and wonders what more he can say.

PB: Hm… What else can I say? I poured my whole heart into this and I—

The Prince suddenly quietens as if he just remembered something that he would rather not say.

PB: Oh. Right. If you're hearing this message, then you most likely understand the implications of it concerning me.

PB: Like my grandmother before me, I too dabble in witchcraft.

PB: I by no means support or condone the actions of my grandmother, the so-called “Evil Queen.”

PB: However there are so many tomes full of tremendous knowledge that my grandmother created that are now locked away in the forbidden wings of the castle, their lore lost.

PB: I've learned and slowly acquired great things from within. Things such as love potions, powerful plants that can cure great maladies, herbs that can enlighten even the most rotten food.

PB: Hells, I've even acquired a magic mirror that compliments me every day! Though, it doesn't do much else, however…

PB: I've been practicing the magics of my foremothers since I was just a boy, and now, finally, after so much failed searching, I will put it to use with this massage.

PB: I hope it finds you, my love. I hope we can finally be united.

The Prince pauses, takes a deep breath, and then throws out his hand.

PB: That is my massage. And I seal it through the power within my blood.

The birds eating the tart gain a magical metal ring on one of their legs. The birds are unfazed. The Prince then waves the birds away.

PB: Go! Go now! Spread my message across the lands!

The birds just look at the Prince. The Prince looks at the birds, unimpressed.

FX: Bird chirp.

PB: Sigh Agh, alright then. Go after you finish the tart.

FX: Happy bird chirp.

The Prince goes back to his bed.

FX: Footsteps on hardwood getting quieter as the Prince goes further away.

The Prince picks up the rose and smiles at it. He then whispers.

PB: I cannot wait to see you, my love.

FADE OUT:

Dexter Angelopoulos – Dating Profile Interview Script

PREAMBLE: Legend: INT – Scene takes place in an internal location. EXT – Scene takes place in an external location. FX – Effects (Audio/Visual). VO-FX – Voice-Over Effects. FADE IN/OUT – Transition.

– Scene description.

** – Mid-dialogue direction. Italics – Dialogue emphasis. DA – Dexter Angelopoulos shorthand. AS – Audience Stand-in shorthand. Characters: Dexter Dean Angelopoulos – Character VA: NaughtyMaus Audience Stand-in Scene 001: FADE IN:

INT: Mid-century drugstore – Evening.

FX: A store doorbell rings as two people open the door to the outside. Sounds of old cars permeate the store for a second.

Dexter enthusiastically waves at the couple leaving the store with their drinks.

DA: You two lovebirds have a great Valentine's Day now!

FX: The door to the store closes with a thud and one final ring of the doorbell.

Dexter idly wipes the counter, sighs, and mutters.

FX: Sounds of cloth being rubbed on polished wood.

DA: Sighs Seems like the old man left me to clean everything up aga—

The store door opens once again as someone new comes into the store.

FX: The same sounds of the door opening as before.

DA: Oh, hello. Sorry, but we're clos—

When Dexter looks up to see the new person that entered, he sees a disheveled-looking person that looks like they need a drink.

DA: …You okay, friend? You look haggard.

AS comes up to the counter.

AS: Had a rough day. Can I get a strawberry milkshake, please? With extra ice.

Dexter lights up at the request.

DA: Strawberry milkshake, comin' right up. We were just about to close, but I can see that you need it, so I'll make a special exception for ya.

Dexter begins to whip up a milkshake.

FX: Sounds of drink mixing.

Dexter speaks while preparing the drink.

DA: You wanna talk about what's bothering ya? I see something is.

AS smiles.

AS: Maybe later. What's your name?

DA: Name's Dexter. Dexter Dean Angelopoulos if you wanna be all fancy with it. Chuckles

DA: You?

AS: (Says their name)

DA: Nice name. Pleasure to meetcha. Haven't seen you around these parts before; new in town?

AS: Not exactly.

DA: Right… Well, here ya go.

Dexter passes the drink to AS.

FX: Sound of a glass hitting a wooden counter.

DA: One strawberry milkshake, heavy on the hail. My favorite.

AS takes a sip.

AS: That's a damn good milkshake.

Dexter smiles and lifts up his hat.

DA: Well, thank you kindly. Been doing this for a long time, so it better be good. Laughs

AS: How long is a long time?

Dexter puts his rag on his shoulder and thinks.

DA: Well… Let's see here. I remember coming in with my pops when I was 'round 5 – 6 and helping him out with odds and ends. I always enjoyed seeing him work the soda fountain.

DA: Then it just kinda happened from there. Somehow I became the soda jerker here whenever I wasn't in school or college.

AS: You went to college?

DA: Oh yeah. Studied medicine. My pops wanted me to run the family business someday.

AS: Do you?

DA: …What do you mean?

AS: That's what your father wants, what do you want?

DA: …Well, I, uh—

Dexter rubs the back of his neck.

DA: Nobody's ever asked me that before.

AS: So you don't want to take over the family business?

DA: No, I mean, it's not like that! It's not about me wanting the family business or not.

DA: It's just… Well…

AS takes a sip.

AS: Go on.

DA: Sighs I guess I want to experience more than the confines of a book or a drugstore. Be more than just “Dexter the Pharmacist.”

AS: What do you want to experience?

Dexter blushes and looks uncomfortable.

DA: I uh… I want to fall in love.

AS is surprised for a second.

AS: Oh, have you never been in love?

DA: …No. I've always just been told to focus on my studies, and that's what I did.

DA: And that didn't exactly leave me with time to pursue much else.

AS takes a sip.

AS: Okay. Well, imagine that I'm interested in you then. What would you say to me?

Dexter is surprised and blushes deeply.

DA: I— You!? Interested in me?

AS shrugs and smirks.

AS: Hypothetically.

Dexter calms down a little.

DA: Well… I don't know what I'd say. I've never talked to anyone that I fancied before, or anyone that fancied me for that matter. Wouldn't even know where to begin with flirting and all that.

DA: All I know of love is seeing the happy couples that come into our store from time to time.

Dexter smiles.

DA: Seeing how connected they are. How much they care for one another. I envy that, y'know?

DA: Soft chuckle Though I don't exactly get to dwell on those thoughts long 'cause my pops is almost always 'round to yell at me to mop the floor or tend the counters or some such.

AS: Tell me about yourself then. What you like, what you dislike.

AS leans in.

AS: What makes you, you?

Dexter thinks for a second.

DA: That's a hard question to answer… All I am is a small-town soda jerk. No matter what I may want, that's all I've ever been, to be honest.

AS: Really? Is that all you are?

DA: I guess… I guess some people in this world are born bold enough to be who they want to be, to catch their dreams and make them real.

DA: And others…are born into the background. Like me. Destined to look but never do.

DA: But maybe, just maybe, it's possible to change the way things are as well. I like to hope, anyway.

AS: I think it's possible. And I know you're more than just a soda jerk.

DA: I don't quite know, to be honest. I'm a simple man.

DA: I like sweet things and have a special place in my heart for strawberry and vanilla flavors. But some people would consider them boring.

DA: My favorite color is pink. What kind of man even likes pink?

AS shrugs.

AS: A man that likes pink. Nothing more, nothing less.

DA: I-I suppose. But…well, I do also like it because it's my lucky color.

AS: How so?

DA: Well, for one thing, I managed to catch two whole foul balls from my favorite baseball player Lou Gerigg while wearing my lucky pink shirt! Dunno 'bout you, but that's what I consider to be good luck.

AS: Chuckles Fair enough. And what about the stuff you hate? What makes your blood boil?

DA: I uh, I don't know if there's anything that makes my blood boil exactly. I'm not very prone to anger, unlike my father. Chuckles

DA: I guess I really hate messiness. Sticky messes, slippery messes, all messes are bad and inconvenient in my eyes.

DA: I suppose that is a tad ironic considering that my job is me working with sticky, messy drinks though! Gentle laugh

AS: Laughs

DA: I'm also not much of a fan of the loud music and gaudy clothing that is becoming popular these days. My father would get so angry when any 'hepcats' came to our store.

DA: But I don't mind, I suppose. It's just people having fun, I say. As long as I don't have to listen or dance to it, I don't mind. Though I doubt anyone would ask me to dance. I am a terrible dancer!

AS: Laughs Noted. I'll have to cross that off my list then.

AS: What else do you like? What do you do in your free time?

DA: Free time? Don't really get much of that, to be honest Laughs Uhm, I like reading and going to see romantic pictures. I love Gone with the Wind and Wuthering Heights!

DA: Picture films always make me feel so inspired. I've even thought of becoming a screenplay writer to create my own pictures one day! Though… I haven't had much time to pursue it.

AS: Huh, well, maybe we can go together sometime.

Dexter lights up.

DA: R-Really? You'd wanna go with me? Oh, woah, I would love that!

DA: Going to see a drive-in picture with some cozy blankets is the best.

AS smirks.

AS: Yeah. Cuddling under some blankets would be nice.

Dexter blushes deeply.

DA: I, uhm, yes. Cuddling under some blankets as the screen lights us would be wonderful.

AS: Where else would you take me if you had the chance?

DA: Where else? I would take you all around town! Or if you prefer, I would love to go on picnics out in the fields or go for a walk along the beach or park as well. Just…someplace where we can be alone and learn about each other.

AS smirks.

AS: Are you sure you don't want us to be alone for something else?

Dexter blushes and stammers.

DA: I— That's no—! I don't—!

AS laughs.

AS: I'm just messing with ya, big guy.

DA: Oh, hah. Good.

AS: Well what else do you do? You said you like reading, right?

DA: Yes! I love reading comic books. I collect 'em as well! Everything from Detective Comics to Famous Funnies, and even some from across the pond.

DA: A friend of mine works the general store. So, you will most likely find me there on my off days reading any new comics that he might have received.

DA: Oh! And of course, I enjoy making friends with the people that come into the store.

DA: You wouldn't think so, considering how shy I can be at times, but I am very good at lending an ear to weary folks and giving advice on their woes. I'd bet I have enough at this point to fill several books!

DA: Though, as it always is with those who give advice, I am the one that truly needs to follow them! Gentle laugh

AS: Laughs Good listener and self-aware. I'm surprised you haven't been snatched up yet.

Dexter blushes.

DA: Uhm, thank you.

AS: What else do you like?

DA: Well… Don't tell my pops, but uh, I may or may not have recently bought an Ariel Red Hunter motorcycle behind my parent's back. Been learning to tinker with it at home.

AS: Oh? You into motorcycles?

DA: Yes! I love motorcycles. I haven't had much time or money until recently to do anything more than admire the ones I see in magazines though. It almost feels unreal to have my own one now.

AS smirks.

AS: Maybe you can take me 'round town on it then.

Dexter blushes but tries to hold himself together.

DA: Well, uhm, just tell me where to pick you up.

AS: Laughs Gotten more confident, huh? I like it.

AS takes a sip of their drink.

AS: Tell me, Dexter. What do you even want in a partner?

DA: I— What do you mean?

AS: Well, aside from just wanting to uh, “have fun”, what more do you want?

Dexter blushes.

DA: I…I don't quite know. I'm open to exploring what there is out there and making the most of our time together. As long as they are by my side and are happy, I am happy.

Dexter pauses for a second to think further.

DA: I think the type of person I want most is someone with whom I can grow with, in all the meanings of the word. A person that I can change my destiny with. Our destiny.

DA: But uhm, who knows? Maybe I got it all wrong.

AS pauses for a second before chuckling.

AS: Chuckles Well, I think you got it just right, Dexter.

AS stands up and throws a couple coins on the counter.

AS: I'll see you around. It was nice talking with you.

DA: You too…

AS leaves.

FX: Sounds of AS walking on the hardwood flooring and then opening the door, making the doorbell ring, and closing the door.

DA: Huh…

Dexter then makes his way towards the door and turns the “open” sign to “closed” and looks outside.

FX: Sounds of Dexter walking on hardwood flooring and then turning a plastic sign on a glass door.

DA: Hm. Odd one.

Dexter then begins to move away.

DA: Oh! Tsk, dang it. I should've asked for their number.

Dexter walks back to the counter.

DA: Sighs Oh well, I'm sure they'll come around again.

FADE OUT:

WINNER'S Chapter 07 Scene 08 – Skinny dipping Isa Outline: – TIME: 11 PM – MC goes back to the party with Isa. They sit and talk a bit about what happened before Isa tells MC that she should clean up now that most of the people have left. MC helps her. After a small cleaning montage, she then slowly gets rid of her bikini and dips into the pool. She asks MC if he wants to come with her, and MC agrees. They play around a little in the pool and continue the conversation. MC learns some stuff about Sam and gets closer to Isa. Isa then gets out of the pool and says that she should dry off and wrap the party up. MC says goodnight and leaves.

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label b1c07ws08:

TIME: 11 PM

+1 Mandatory point towards Isa.

The only people in the party right now are MC and Isa. Everybody else has gone home.

MC and Isa go up to the bar.

Isa looks irritated.

ima “Ugh, I guess Brandon decided to split already.”

Isa goes behind the bar and takes a bottle of whiskey/vodka.

ima “It's so hard to find good help these days.”

Isa swings the bottle back and takes a gulp of the drink.

“She puts back the drink like a serial alcoholic.”

MC raises an eyebrow in concern.

mct “Jesus.”

Isa then puts the bottle down and coughs.

ima “Violently Coughs Argh, that's awful.” “{i}A serial alcoholic in making.{/i}”

MC gently takes the bottle from Isa and puts it back where she found it.

mc “Let's uh, go easy on the liquor, hm?”

Isa smirks at MC cheekily.

“A cheeky smirk appears on her face as her face flushes from the alcohol hitting her system. She replies in an amused way, but there's a heaviness that hangs off her words.” ima “Aww, but then how am I gonna numb myself?”

Isa puts a finger to her chin in a thinking pose.

ima “I'm too tired for sex, so that's out. And I don't have any xannies on me right now.”

Isa fakes a pout.

“She pouts at you. Her acting needs work.” ima “I need {i}something{/i}.”

MC leans against the bar and raises an eyebrow.

mc “Have you thought about {i}talking{/i} instead?”

Isa laughs out loud.

“She laughs as if you said the funniest joke. Her voice is hoarse.”

Isa looks at MC incredulously with a raised eyebrow.

ima “Please. What are you, my therapist?”

Isa moves away from the bar and stretches her hands above her hand in a relatively graceful pose. Giving MC a good look from behind.

“Even half drunk and desperately trying to snuff out her emotions, she still carries herself with a self-confident poise.” ima “If he couldn't get me to open up, you're not gonna be any better, Darling.”

MC looks thins his eyes in amused confusion.

mc “I think you have a fundamental misunderstanding of what therapy means.”

Isa then looks towards the pool.

“She softly chuckles at your words, giving them all the attention of a passing breeze. Her eyes are fixed on the pool.” ima “Hm…”

Isa starts to strip as she slowly moves toward the pool. She starts with her top.

ima “I think I know just the thing that'll numb me.” “Isa doesn't hesitate to take off her clothes. Seeing her bare skin sends ripples of excitement over your own.”

Isa turns towards MC as she throws her top on one of the sun chairs.

ima “You wanna join?” “Her words are open and cold. Implying that she wouldn't care no matter what you choose. But the shimmer in her eyes tells you otherwise.”

MC pushes himself off the bar.

He looks down at his shorts and chuckles.

mc “Chuckle Don't think I can give you much of a show when I only got this little thing on.”

Isa's closer to the pool now. She's taking off her panties/harness that she had on and putting it on the sunchair. She replies without looking back at MC.

“She replies casually, automatically, as if her thoughts aren't even here.” ima “Don't worry. I wasn't expecting one.”

MC raises an eyebrow as he moves closer to Silvia.

mc “What happened out there, Isa?”

Isa doesn't reply. She stands at the edge of the pool, taking in a deep breath.

“She doesn't reply. She smiles softly as she takes in a breath of the cold night air.”

POTENTIAL GLAMBOT: Isa then jumps into the pool. Pulling her hands close to her body and twirling midair so that she falls into the pool back first.

“She falls with total confidence. Twirling mid-air to allow the water to encompass her from behind.”

She then emerges from the pool and takes in a deep breath.

“As soon as she's in, she's out again. Taking in a deep breath of air. Her eyes are wide open now; she looks at you with a wildness that wasn't there before.” ima “C'mon!”

MC looks towards the mansion momentarily.

mct “Hopefully whoever is watching enjoys the show.”

MC takes off his shorts and throws them into the same pile as Isa's.

MC then jumps into the pool as well, splashing Isa and making her laugh.

“You jump next to her. Splashing her and making her laugh. Her voice sounds less heavy.”

A small montage of MC and Isa relaxing and playing in the pool. 3 – 5 renders.

“You feel the tension in Isa's body slowly melting away as you play around.” “Try as you might, however, you can't prevent Isa's body from affecting your own.” “Thankfully, she doesn't seem to notice.”

Isa then gets to the edge of the pool and pulls herself up.

MC clearly sees Isa's crotch while she's pulling herself up.

“Seeing her body glide against you was electric enough, seeing her all but present herself to you frees you of any control you had of your more stubborn parts.” mct “Fuck.”

He looks away as Isa settles on the edge.

“Isa breathes out a sigh of relief as she settles on the edge.”

Isa sees MC looking away and tilts her head in confusion.

ima “Huh?”

Isa then realizes what she was doing.

She laughs and covers her mouth with her hand.

“Finally realizing what she was doing, Isa covers her mouth as an involuntary laugh escapes her.” ima “Oh my God! Are you hard, right now?”

Isa looks amused, not angry.

“For a second, you fear that you fucked up, but her voice sounds more amused with a hint of flattery over any type of anger.”

menu: “What if I am?” # HINT: This choice has no significance.

MC raises an eyebrow and confidently looks at Isa with a smirk.

mc “And what if I am?” mc “I'm here swimming naked with a badass and drop-dead gorgeous woman. Wouldn't it be a little odd if I {i}wasn't{/i} turned on?”

Isa blushes and rolls her eyes as she squishes her legs together.

“Isa rolls her eyes at your words but the barely contained smile and the blush touching her cheeks is all you need to discern the truth.” ima “I was going to say sorry for getting you like that, but if you're going to rizz me up so blatantly, you get nothing.”

MC winks at Isa.

mc “Fair enough. But don't think I don't see you rubbing your legs together. {i}If you really need some release so bad, just say the word.{/i}”

Isa looks at MC in wide-mouthed surprise.

ima “You little—!”

Isa splashes MC with some water.

“I think you've had too much to drink” # HINT: This choice has no significance.

MC raises an eyebrow.

mc “I think you had too much to drink. You're hallucinating things.”

Isa smiles and rolls her eyes.

ima “Oh, uh-huh. {i}Of course.{/i} Not the male manipulator.”

Isa splashes MC with some water.

MC paddles closer toward where Isa is sitting.

mc “How do you feel now?” ima “About what?”

MC looks unimpressed.

mc “You're not making this easy on me, are you?” “Isa laughs easily. Much more at ease now than she was before.”

She smiles playfully.

ima “I barely know you, why would I share how I feel with you?”

Isa leans in towards MC playfully.

ima “If this is all a tactic to get into my panties, trust me, there are easier ways.”

MC keeps a soft smile on his face as he shrugs.

mc “Alright. I won't force you. I'm just giving you the option to vent to someone that doesn't have any preconceived notions about you. An outsider that just wants to listen.” mc “I thought you'd maybe appreciate that.” “Isa looks off into the middle distance as she considers your words while kicking her feet.” “She takes in a big breath to steady herself.”

Isa looks down at the pool ripples as she talks. She looks melancholic.

ima “Back there… Outside the gate. That was my ex.” mc “Hm. I figured considering the way she sucked your soul out.” ima “Chortles She was always weirdly good at kissing.” mc “Is she trying to convince you to get back together?” ima “In a way.” “Isa gently chuckles to herself.” ima “She wants me to help her blow up The Winner's Club.”

MC is surprised.

mc “...Literally or figuratively?”

Isa thinks for a second.

“Isa considers your words for a moment.” ima “Yes.”

They both laugh.

“You both laugh. At that moment, Isa seems more open with you than ever before.” ima “I genuinely think she would blow it up with actual explosives if she had the resources.” mc “{i}Does{/i} she have the resources?” ima “Chuckles Not since she got kicked from the Winner's and had to make it on her own instead of mooching off of me.” mc “Is that why she wants to…\“blow up\” the club?” ima “A part of it I guess. She thinks that we're \“ruthless vultures\” or some shit like that.” mc “Hm. What do you think?”

Isa closes her eyes and stretches with her hands above her head.

ima “I don't.” ima “I like the people here. We might not be all buddy-buddy all the time, but we still have a connection.” ima “And I'm not the type to {i}think{/i} myself out of a good situation. That was always more her forte.” mc “Okay, but why did she get kicked from the club? What did she do?” “Isa's expression darkens for a moment as if she's reliving memories she'd rather not.” ima “I was throwing an important party. And she decided to crash it and accuse me of \“stealing her valor\“. Whatever the fuck that means.” ima “{i}I{/i} am the one who manages all the party related events in the club. But I got some help from her because she seemed to be enthusiastic.” “A sad melancholic smile draws on Isa's face.” ima “That's part of what made me fall for her. She was so enthusiastic and no matter what she did, she made me feel like she did it because she truly cared about me. Not because she wanted something from me.”

Isa's face darkens again.

ima “I guess I was the fool on that one. There's always a give and take. No one gets anything for free.”

Isa then shrugs and yawns.

ima “Yawns She seemed to think that just because she helped a little, that meant that she was the one that got to control everything. And when I stood up to her, she blew up at me like some child and ruined the party.” ima “The club members didn't need more convincing after seeing all that, so we got rid of her. I didn't wanna be anywhere near her.”

Isa drops her shoulders in a tired pose.

ima “And now she's crawling back to me begging that I take her back.” mc “Will you?”

Isa throws her head back in annoyance.

ima “I hate that I love pathetic, groveling women.”

MC and Isa both softly chuckle at that.

Isa then suddenly looks around.

“Her soft laughter fades away as she looks around the party.” ima “Jesus. I'm getting pruney and I need to sort some things up a bit before the cleaning service comes tomorrow.”

Isa gets out of the water and stands up before stretching a bit. She then squeezes the water out of her hair.

ima “I can't afford to lose another or else I'll have to bring them in from outside the city and that's such a hassle.”

MC also gets out of the water.

mc “Chuckles Do you want some help?” ima “That's sweet, but no. I got it handled.”

Isa takes a towel from one of the sun chairs and wraps it around herself. MC does the same.

ima “I uhm… Thank you for hanging out with me, [mcname]. I'm glad you were here. I feel better now.” mc “Of course. If your ex decides to give you trouble again, feel free to call. I'll be there.” ima “Softly chuckles Thank you.”

Fade to black.

[NSFW] Sunny Day Jack – Audio Script

FADE IN:

INT: Y/N's dimly lit bedroom – Evening.

FX: Fade into distant, muffled sound of running water coming from Y/N's shower.

SDJ is alone in Y/N's bedroom.

SDJ: Contently sighs Your room...it's always so calming.

Jack takes a couple of steps before his eyes land on Y/N's shirt left on the bed. He hesitates for a moment, his gaze lingering on it.

SDJ: Oh…

SDJ: Chuckles Always leaving a trail of clothes behind, aren't you?

Jack picks up the garment with a gentle touch. The garment still feels warm with Y/N's heat and scent.

Most of Jack's dialogue from this point onwards should be whispered.

FX: Sound of fabric being picked up.

SDJ: Chuckles to himself happily It's okay. I know you are tired. That's why I'm here.

SDJ: As long as I'm with you, I'll make sure to look after you in every way. Sighs wistfully

Jack feels the fabric in his hands.

SDJ: Mm… Chuckles to himself You wouldn't mind if I…took a little whiff, would you? Just a little, please?

Jack brings the garment up to his face. Jack deeply inhales Y/N's scent.

SDJ: Gently moans and inhales You smell so sweet, Sunshine… You don't know what you do to me. Just your very scent teases me so much.

Jack closes his eyes, letting his mind wander as he imagines Y/N in the shower. His thoughts are sweet and loving.

SDJ: Softly sighs and whimpers I wish I could be there in the shower with you…

Jack rubs his legs together.

SDJ: Hold you, caress you, love you. Wash away all the pains and aches you endure every day. Be there for you in every way.

Jack then smells the garment again and gets more aroused. His thoughts start to become much more feral. He brings the garment down and touches himself over his pants.

SDJ: Breathes heavily I wonder what you're thinking about in there? Are you thinking of me? I hope so. I want to be the only one in your thoughts, the only one you need. Just me.

His fantasies turn into him getting into the shower with Y/N, surprising them, and pinning them against the wall.

SDJ: Softly chuckles I wonder what you'd say if I came into the shower with you? Would you be surprised? Turned on?

SDJ: Softly growls Mm, I'd love to pin you against the wall, your perfect hands in mine, and see the way your beautiful eyes look at me, the way you'd moan out for me…

SDJ: Hitched moans I want to lose myself in you; pin your body against mine and hear how your heartbeat betrays your excitement at my touch.

Jack puts his hand and the garment underneath his pants and begins to get himself off. His breath hitches and he can barely think about anything outside of the way he wants to sink into Y/N. The way he'd make them take every inch of him.

FX: Fabric shifting and being pulled. Very quiet/subtle sounds of Jack's hand hitting his thigh as he strokes himself.

SDJ: Mm… I love seeing the way you spread your legs for me. It makes me so needy for you. Just you. It makes me want to make you feel so, so good in every way.

SDJ: Just say the words and I'm there for you.

SDJ: Hitched moans Oh Sunshine, I want you badly. I know you'd take me so well, every inch of me. I know you'd be so good for me; I want to feel the way you'd tighten around my cock. So, so desperate.

SDJ: Softly growls My perfect slutty little sundrop.

SDJ: I'd kiss and nibble and mark you inside and out as mine. Just mine to hold and love and support. Would you like that? Hm?

Jack's arousal heightens. His breath catches in his throat from time to time as if he's close to cumming.

SDJ: Whimpers I wish I could feel your softness against me. I never want to be away from you, even the shower feels like too much of a distance. Moans Oh, Sunshine, I'm so close.

SDJ: I wish you were here to take it all, all of my hot cum. Feel the way it floods your insides.

SDJ: I'd hold you so close as I fill you up, kissing you and digging my fingers into your hips. I don't— Whimpers I don't want you to spill a single drop, understood?

SDJ: I want you to keep all of my cum nice and deep inside of you. Always full of me. No matter where you are or what you're doing, the wetness between those perfect legs of yours will be a mark of our connection.

SDJ: And— Breath hitches And when we're done. I'll hold you so close. You don't have to do anything. I'll clean you up, I'll make you decent, I'll bring you to bed. All you have to do i-is be mine—

Just as Jack is about to cum, he hears Y/N turn off the shower. Jack quickly composes himself and begins putting away Y/N's clothing into the laundry hamper.

FX: The sound of the shower turning off.

SDJ: Startled Oh! Oh, no.

FX: Sounds of hurried movements and fabric rustling.

Y/N comes out and is a little suspicious about Jack, but Jack charmingly deflects. Y/N razzes Jack about touching their stuff without asking, but they don't care too much.

FX: The shower door opens and Y/N steps into the bedroom.

Y/N: …Jack? What are you doing with my stuff?

SDJ: Laughs nervously Sunshine! What am I doing? Oh, just cleaning up a bit. You left all your clothes scattered on the bed. I didn't want you to come back to a messy room. Only the best for my beloved.

Y/N: Laughs and rolls their eyes You're such a neat freak. But thank you. I appreciate that.

SDJ: Are you, uhm…done showering?

Y/N: Yeah. Just forgot to take my moisturizer.

SDJ: Oh! You're looking for your moisturizer?

Jack moves towards where Y/N keeps their creams, grabs the moisturizer, and hands it to Y/N.

FX: Hurried footsteps on the floor.

SDJ: Here ya go, Sunshine!

Y/N: Uhm, thanks.

SDJ: Come back soon! I’m starting to miss you.

Y/N smiles, shakes their head, and goes back into the bathroom.

Y/N: It'll just be a second.

Jack sighs a breath of relief and thinks to himself that he should be a bit more careful next time.

SDJ: Whispers to himself That was close… You almost caught me touching myself to your… Anyway Clears throat I need to be more careful next time.

Jack looks down at the shirt in the hamper.

SDJ: Chuckles to himself …I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I just…took this for myself, would you?

SDJ: Whimpers Oh Sunshine, you don't know what you do to me…

FX: Fade out as fabric rustling sounds play.

FADE OUT:

Sunny Day Jack – NSFW Audio Script

FADE IN:

INT: Y/N's dimly lit bedroom – Evening.

FX: Fade into distant, muffled sound of running water coming from Y/N's shower.

SDJ is alone in Y/N's bedroom.

SDJ: Contently sighs Your room...it's always so calming.

Jack takes a couple of steps before his eyes land on Y/N's shirt left on the bed. He hesitates for a moment, his gaze lingering on it.

SDJ: Oh…

SDJ: Chuckles Always leaving a trail of clothes behind, aren't you?

Jack picks up the garment with a gentle touch. The garment still feels warm with Y/N's heat and scent.

Most of Jack's dialogue from this point onwards should be whispered.

FX: Sound of fabric being picked up.

SDJ: Chuckles to himself happily It's okay. I know you are tired. That's why I'm here.

SDJ: As long as I'm with you, I'll make sure to look after you in every way. Sighs wistfully

Jack feels the fabric in his hands.

SDJ: Mm… Chuckles to himself You wouldn't mind if I…took a little whiff, would you? Just a little, please?

Jack brings the garment up to his face. Jack deeply inhales Y/N's scent.

SDJ: Gently moans and inhales You smell so sweet, Sunshine… You don't know what you do to me. Just your very scent teases me so much.

Jack closes his eyes, letting his mind wander as he imagines Y/N in the shower. His thoughts are sweet and loving.

SDJ: Softly sighs and whimpers I wish I could be there in the shower with you…

Jack rubs his legs together.

SDJ: Hold you, caress you, love you. Wash away all the pains and aches you endure every day. Be there for you in every way.

Jack then smells the garment again and gets more aroused. His thoughts start to become much more feral. He brings the garment down and touches himself over his pants.

SDJ: Breathes heavily I wonder what you're thinking about in there? Are you thinking of me? I hope so. I want to be the only one in your thoughts, the only one you need. Just me.

His fantasies turn into him getting into the shower with Y/N, surprising them, and pinning them against the wall.

SDJ: Softly chuckles I wonder what you'd say if I came into the shower with you? Would you be surprised? Turned on?

SDJ: Softly growls Mm, I'd love to pin you against the wall, your perfect hands in mine, and see the way your beautiful eyes look at me, the way you'd moan out for me…

SDJ: Hitched moans I want to lose myself in you; pin your body against mine and hear how your heartbeat betrays your excitement at my touch.

Jack puts his hand and the garment underneath his pants and begins to get himself off. His breath hitches and he can barely think about anything outside of the way he wants to sink into Y/N. The way he'd make them take every inch of him.

FX: Fabric shifting and being pulled. Very quiet/subtle sounds of Jack's hand hitting his thigh as he strokes himself.

SDJ: Mm… I love seeing the way you spread your legs for me. It makes me so needy for you. Just you. It makes me want to make you feel so, so good in every way.

SDJ: Just say the words and I'm there for you.

SDJ: Hitched moans Oh Sunshine, I want you badly. I know you'd take me so well, every inch of me. I know you'd be so good for me; I want to feel the way you'd tighten around my cock. So, so desperate.

SDJ: Softly growls My perfect slutty little sundrop.

SDJ: I'd kiss and nibble and mark you inside and out as mine. Just mine to hold and love and support. Would you like that? Hm?

Jack's arousal heightens. His breath catches in his throat from time to time as if he's close to cumming.

SDJ: Whimpers I wish I could feel your softness against me. I never want to be away from you, even the shower feels like too much of a distance. Moans Oh, Sunshine, I'm so close.

SDJ: I wish you were here to take it all, all of my hot cum. Feel the way it floods your insides.

SDJ: I'd hold you so close as I fill you up, kissing you and digging my fingers into your hips. I don't— Whimpers I don't want you to spill a single drop, understood?

SDJ: I want you to keep all of my cum nice and deep inside of you. Always full of me. No matter where you are or what you're doing, the wetness between those perfect legs of yours will be a mark of our connection.

SDJ: And— Breath hitches And when we're done. I'll hold you so close. You don't have to do anything. I'll clean you up, I'll make you decent, I'll bring you to bed. All you have to do i-is be mine—

Just as Jack is about to cum, he hears Y/N turn off the shower. Jack quickly composes himself and begins putting away Y/N's clothing into the laundry hamper.

FX: The sound of the shower turning off.

SDJ: Startled Oh! Oh, no.

FX: Sounds of hurried movements and fabric rustling.

Y/N comes out and is a little suspicious about Jack, but Jack charmingly deflects. Y/N razzes Jack about touching their stuff without asking, but they don't care too much.

FX: The shower door opens and Y/N steps into the bedroom.

Y/N: …Jack? What are you doing with my stuff?

SDJ: Laughs nervously Sunshine! What am I doing? Oh, just cleaning up a bit. You left all your clothes scattered on the bed. I didn't want you to come back to a messy room. Only the best for my beloved.

Y/N: Laughs and rolls their eyes You're such a neat freak. But thank you. I appreciate that.

SDJ: Are you, uhm…done showering?

Y/N: Yeah. Just forgot to take my moisturizer.

SDJ: Oh! You're looking for your moisturizer?

Jack moves towards where Y/N keeps their creams, grabs the moisturizer, and hands it to Y/N.

FX: Hurried footsteps on the floor.

SDJ: Here ya go, Sunshine!

Y/N: Uhm, thanks.

SDJ: Come back soon! I’m starting to miss you.

Y/N smiles, shakes their head, and goes back into the bathroom.

Y/N: It'll just be a second.

Jack sighs a breath of relief and thinks to himself that he should be a bit more careful next time.

SDJ: Whispers to himself That was close… You almost caught me touching myself to your… Anyway Clears throat I need to be more careful next time.

Jack looks down at the shirt in the hamper.

SDJ: Chuckles to himself …I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I just…took this for myself, would you?

SDJ: Whimpers Oh Sunshine, you don't know what you do to me…

FX: Fade out as fabric rustling sounds play.

FADE OUT:

Cinderella Sample Scene

The castle is breathtaking. The blue spire-topped marble towers gleam in the midday sun, with an ethereal like shimmer to it all. It's almost as if it was plucked straight from a fantasy book.

You crack a small smile at your handiwork. You wondered if all this was necessary when you first started making the damn thing, but right now, standing on the bridge to the castle, flanked by unnaturally green shrubs, you think it just might have been.

You're going to meet Cinderella. Since you conjured her and the castle, you haven't been able to visit her as much as you hoped.

From what you gathered, Cinderella hasn't fully adapted to the life of a princess yet. No worries, you'll iron out the kinks in do time.

You're led in by the head butler to the great hall, after making sure you're comfortable, he quicky scurries off with the promise of bringing Cinderella to you.

Minutes pass before you hear hurried tip-taps of heels hitting the hardwood floor of the great halls. You turn to see the source of the sounds, but you only get a small glance before being forced into a bear-hug. You have a good idea as to who this might be.

“It's good to see you too, Cindy.”

She lets go of you, “Where have you been? You left me all alone!” She says with a mock pout.

“No, I didn't. You have Merlin and Candy for company,” You say with a smirk.

“Merlin and Candy!? Merlin's a huge bore and all Candy does is stay in the kitchen all day,” She says, now with a bit of genuine anger, it seems.

“Alright, alright. I'm sorry, I'll try and visit more often from now on,” You say with your hands held up, trying to calm her down a little.

“Well, alright. But that apology isn't good enough! To truly show you're sorry you have to go to the ball with me.”

“Wait, the ball? What ball?”

“The upcoming ball silly. Didn't Merlin tell you?” She says this like it's information you should already know.

“Oh, it'll be wonderful! Lords and ladies in fancy, colorful dresses. Delicious and exotic foods from all over the world as far as the eye can see,” She says with a glint in her eye.

“I always heard my step-sisters talking about them. Since then I wanted to go to one so bad and I finally get to! In my own castle no less!” She practically squeals in delight.

Step-sisters? Hm, you don't remember giving her that much backstory. You probably added it in by accident, yes, that's probably it.

“Oh please, oh please, you have to go with me!” She begs you, doing her best impression of a crying puppy.

“I'm sorry Cindy, I can't, I don't know how to dance.”

It's true, all the cosmic powers one can dream of, yet you cannot dance. Sad really.

“Dance?” She looks at you perplexed.

“Yes, dance. You know, the thing people do at balls.”

“Ah... I...I cannot dance,” She says looking down, barely above a whisper.

She starts sobbing, “No! NO! How can I go to the ball if I cannot dance!? I finally got a chance to go to a real ball and it's ruined!” She cries out.

You hug her, “Hey, hey. It's ok.” You say softly, “I can teach you.”

“Teach me? Of course! You can teach me!” She says, pulling back, with a wide smile on her face. Seemingly not noticing your earlier remark about not knowing how to dance.

Well, great. It looks like you'll have to learn how to dance now. Still, it doesn't seem that bad. If you can conjure castles and princesses from thin air, learning how to dance won't be that hard, right? Right!?

Fantasy Novel Sample

PROLOGUE:

It's a clear night out. Stars shimmer in the night sky like little diamonds. Your idle revere is interrupted by sounds of a small kerfuffle, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. You see your father all but dragging out an entranced woman from an ally to the side of the main road in which you're standing on.

There's barely a soul out and about in this damp and neglected corner of the outer city. The ones that are out are either too drunk or too high to notice anything.

“Come on, let's go,” says your father.

“Father, what is happening? What did you do to that woman!?”

He lets out a tired sigh that mists in the cold dark night, “You're old enough now, son. So It's my duty to pass my gift to you now. Gods know I should've done it before. I'll tell you more when we get home, so stay quiet, alright?”

You nod in the affirmative before moving to his side, stifling your curiosity and your growing apprehension as you start following your father through the damp winding alleyways of Saltrock. Gas lamps lighting your path. You never did like spending much time in the outer city, with its pungent odors and suffocating atmosphere.

Thankfully you're close to the exit. You leave without trouble, the half-awake guards barely noticing the somewhat odd spectacle of a scantily dressed woman being dragged about by a cloaked man with a child closely following.

You find yourself in your shanty apartment soon after. Filled with its damp walls, crumbling wallpaper, and the sound of scattering bugs, which is still better than your previous accommodations.

“Light a lamp and clear out the floor.”

You do as you're told, lighting a small gas lamp then bringing it to the living room, after which you start clearing out any junk on the floor.

After your father finishes moving the furniture he walks the woman—who has been standing slumped over like the dead risen—over to the middle of the room and gingerly places her down on the rough cut stone floor. She shows no fear, no reluctance. An unsettling smile rests on her face as if she's in perpetual ecstasy without a care in the world about what's happening around her.

Your father removes his tattered ebony cloak. His sun toned withered body glistens with sweat in the yellow lamplight. Tribal-like tattoos crisscrossing around from head to toe, covering almost all exposed skin.

He wastes no time getting to it, taking out some sort of chalk from his pocket; he starts drawing symbols that mean nothing to you around the woman while chanting in some language unknown to you. You are startled when the symbols begin to glow, slowly at first, but the more he chants the more they glow until they're almost hard to look at.

“Father,” you say, your voice shaking. “You are—”

“A sorcerer, son. I control the waves of magic just like those highborn bastards at the academy,” The corners of his mouth pull back into a snarl. “They outlawed our kind, hunted us like we were rabid dogs. I can feel them getting close as we speak. I'm not long for this world, son, but I'll do now what I should have done a long time ago. “Heh,” a distant smile settles on his face, “your mother always did say I was too late to action,” His smile evaporates as soon as it came, leaving a determined and resolute look on his face, “I do not have time to teach you as my father did to me. I will transfer my knowledge to you directly. The only thing those bastards are gonna get is a husk of a man.”

“What are you saying? Please father! Whose following you?”

Your father keels down on the floor in front of you, “Look at me son, I love you. I've loved you since the day I saw you as a babe in your mother's arms,” His eyes begin to water. “They've taken everything worth taking from me and now they are coming for us. But I won't let them take you, no matter what. You must live on for us son. Promise me this one thing.”

Your mind is a fog, you have no idea what you must say. You're frozen.

“Promise me!”

“I promise! I promise!” You cry out.

A strained, uneasy smile grows on his face, “Good.”

He gets up and goes to his cloak, taking out an ebony black, glass-like dagger that shimmers brilliantly in the dim lamplight.

Without pause, he goes near the lying woman—who by now looks like all life has been drained out of her—and cuts his palm letting his blood drip on the symbols on the floor as he begins chanting again.

“Father! Please, father, what are you doing!?”

He doesn't answer. You move to ask again but just as you do, your entire body starts to float. You want to panic but you can't, an unnatural calmness has overtaken you. You do not know if your eyes are betraying you but it feels like the whole world has darkened and is getting darker.

You try to shout for your father but he's gone, everything is gone. You're in an endless void. Thoughts that are not your own permeate your mind, slithering around like worms. Destroying the sanctity of your mind and rooting themselves deep inside without you getting any say in the matter.

“I'll always protect him.” “They're coming!” “I have to protect him.” “They're here!” “I'm sorry Emily.”

As soon as it came; it is gone. You feel a light breeze on your cheek as you stir from your slumber, dazed and confused at what the just happened and your surroundings. You're in a forest of green. A bed of leaves surrounds you as if it had saved you from a great fall.

You get up and try to get your bearings, but as if on cue, a sound like thunder reverberates through the land. You think it came from the direction of your home. You try to go towards the sound but can't, unnatural forces are compelling you to go in any direction but that. It's as if every fiber in your body is telling you to run, no, demanding that you run and never come back.

Try as you might you have no power here, so you obey and you run. You run as far as your malnourished legs will take you, tears streaming down your face.

With one last stray thought appearing in your mind.

“I love you, Damian.”

CYOA Sample

It was total chaos. The flood swept over the city in the blink of an eye. We had barely gotten out with the clothes on our backs. The oracle’s warning came too late. We had to abandon all our possessions and run for our lives. The swift work of druidic healers from the forest ensured that none died that day, but for some, they might as well have. The commoner’s district was flooded completely. The livelihood of hundreds washed away.

My family fared marginally better. We lived in the middle place, a place of humble merchants, poor nobles, and the guilds of the city.

The house of my forefathers that stood strong for generations was in ruin. My father did well for himself, but the cost of the repairs was too tall of an order, even for him. Yet he did it. In one mere week, we were back to sleeping on our own beds. I was too ecstatic at the return to luxury to question where he got the money.

The bright, warm light of the morning sun shines in through my window and blankets my prone body in its radiance and warmth. I wish I could stay like this for just a bit longer and let my aching body rest through the events of the last week.

But alas, I have things to do and places to be.

I jump out of bed and make my way downstairs and through the living room and out into the backyard of the house. I go to the well, situated on the far side, and begin scrubbing off a week's worth of filth using the cold January water.

Somehow surviving that ordeal without freezing to death, I make my way upstairs again and into my room. A young man of my standing needs to look prim and proper, as such, I put on my crisp, white poet’s shirt, and over it, my cerulean blue vest with gold trim and a pair of plain brown pants to cover my unmentionables.

I move towards the mirror on the wall to check out my attire and the body wearing it. I crack a smile at what I see, a relatively handsome young man of 20 winters, with a light complexion that glows in the sunlight. I try to strategically mess up my creamy brown hair to try and achieve that cute ruffian look all the girls like these days.

All of a sudden I hear the airy bellow of my dad, shouting my name from downstairs.

“Damian!” “Damian!”

I sigh, the work begins it seems.

“Coming Father!”

I shout as I quickly take my coin pouch and dagger before making my way downstairs.

I once again go down the stairs, taking a right this time to go into the store at the front of our house.

The moment I enter, I see my father pacing around the room with his ledger in hand, His face contorting into an uncomfortable expression that accentuates the age lines on his face.

He wears plain, brown, comfortable clothing. He’s a frugal man, never one to wear his more extravagant clothing without good reason.

After a second, he notices me standing at the door frame.

“You couldn’t wake up a bit earlier son?” He says, looking at me for a split second before returning to his ledger.

“I’m sorry, I was tired. Can you blame me?”

He sighs, “Suppose not. Anyway, I have something that needs to be done.” “Efran owes me— You know Efran, yes?”

I nod slightly, “Fisherman, right? I’ve seen him sell at the market a few times.”

“Mh-hm, yes. He’s also a boatwright and he owes me for hammers, nails, treated timb— The point is, it’s a lot.”

He takes a quick look at his ledger, doing that old people squint, “He owes me exactly 2562 gold.”

I let out an involuntary whistle, “And I’m guessing you want me to collect that money?”

“Exactly. He’s a good man, but I’m not exactly running a charity here am I?” “And God knows we need the money,” He says that last bit barely above a whisper, but I still manage to hear it.

“There’s no way he’s gonna have that money on hand.”

He lets out a tired sigh, “You’re probably right, his house was destroyed completely.” “Still, we need something. Go in asking for everything, then when he says no, try and get half at least.”

I don’t have much confidence in the plan, but there’s no point arguing about it with him. Even if I don’t get to collect the money, the journey would be worth it if I get to see Freya, Efran’s daughter.

With that thought in mind, I say a quick goodbye to my father before making my way out of the house.

Hm… I’m not exactly sure where Efran is, but basic common sense tells me that he’d probably be helping out with the rebuilding effort over at the commoner’s district.

The contrast is striking as I make my way through the middle place and into the commoner’s district. The destruction over in the middle place is nothing compared to what has been wrought in the commoner’s district. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, the livelihood of hundreds washed away in an instant. I begin to feel a pang of guilt about what I’ve come to do here. I doubt Efran could manage to cough up one-tenth of what he owes, let alone half.

As if to exacerbate the depressive mood, the cold January morning doesn’t help the rebuilding effort. People clad in heavy furs move debris to and fro with slow, exhausted movements, but I don’t see Efran among the people helping out here. I let a sigh escape me as I make my way towards the temporary camp set up in the middle of the district.

The moment I let myself into the camp, I see small campfires alight all over with people huddling close to absorb some of the precious warmth. The people that cannot properly help with the rebuilding effort tend to the sick and injured and keep the perpetual stews topped with whatever they can find to staunch the growing hunger of the people.

As I look over the morose display, I don’t notice the two people coming towards me from the side until they’re right upon me.

“Hey, didn’t think we'd catch you here.”

“Yeah, what are you doing here?”

Their voices familiar, I turn to look at them and realize instantly that they’re my friends, Sam and Bobby.

“Oh, sup guys,” I say, nodding up to acknowledge them. “I’m just on a little errand for my dad.”

“Ah...” Says Sammy, in apparent understanding.

“What a sad state of affairs,” Says Bobby, looking down and shaking his head in mock disappointment. “Your dear, dear friends are busting their asses doing what they can to help and you can’t even come by and say hi without an ulterior motive.”

“Oh please, come on. I was gonna come here regardless. Dad just wanted me to find Efran and I thought might as well kill two birds with one stone. I swear I didn’t forget about you guys.”

I did, I totally forgot. You can’t blame me, I’ve been going through my own shit.

“Uh-huh, of course you did buddy, of course you did,” Says Bobby, with a smirk that shows me that he has easily seen through my little lie.

“What is this oh-so-important errand anyway?” Says Sammy, crossing her hands with a slight smile on her face.

The dreaded question. How the fuck can I answer that without sounding like an absolute asshole?

“Dad wanted me to collect something Efran borrowed is all.”

“Well, he’s not here. Went to the Docks, I think,” Says Sammy.

“Yeah, I saw him going,” Says Bobby.

Looks like they aren’t gonna question me too much, thank god for that.

“Really? Thanks. Guess I need to head over there now.”

“Promise to drop by when you can?” Asks Bobby.

“I don’t think I can promise that, but I will try to come soon. That’s a promise,” I say, putting on my most sympathetic and charismatic voice.

“Alright, well take care then ya’ ugly bastard!” He says, with a cheeky smile plastered on his face.

“Says the guy who hasn't looked in a mirror before,” I say, returning it.

“That's cause I don’t have one anymore you inconsiderate cunt!”

Everyone laughs, and for a moment sadly far too brief, everything doesn’t seem so bad.

“Alright, enough fucking around. I really need to go. Bye B, bye Sam.”

“Hm,” Says Bobby, stoically, with his arms crossed.

“Bye Damian, take care,” Says Sammy, with an uncharacteristic soft voice.

As I take my leave, my eyes meet with her lime green eyes and for a moment, a very pleasant feeling runs straight through my spine and makes it oh-so-hard to break away.

The damp morning light doesn't do her form justice. She had her creamy blond hair tied tight in a practical bun and she wears the same browns and furs that every other person here wears, yet she wears them so elegantly, filling all the right places.

Of course, I’ve thought of her in that way before, but she’s two years older than me and I thought she wouldn’t really be into me because the three of us have been friends for as long as I can remember.

That disarming smile she gave me when she said goodbye makes me rethink all of that, however.

Never mind that, I can figure it all out later. Right now I have a job to do and if what Sammy said is true, Efran went to the Docks. That’s my next destination I guess.