Miscellaneous Moth

[Sleep Over] //tooltip: Spend the night with the moth-girl.
//available at sleeping hours, otherwise disabled with "It's too early for that."
//Cave menu or her menu? Leaning towards the latter, but the former's a bit empty.

It's growing fairly late, and although you can't see the sun down here, you're certain that the bog outside is quite dark and inhospitable. Right now, all you want is somewhere to rest your head, and Sylvia's bed looks like the most inviting place in the world. It's spacious and seductive, like a little patch of heaven, and best of all, you'll have someone to share it with.

The moth-girl herself catches you mid-yawn as she sidles up, giving you a knowing look. [if (sylviadom < 50) {[say:Would you like to come to bed, darling?] she asks, wrapping her arms around one of yours.|[say:Hmph, you look exhausted. Come with me,] she says, taking one of your hands and starting to pull you away.}] You certainly don't have any objections, given how much your eyelids are already drooping, so you [if (sylviadom < 50) {lead|follow}] her to the bed and sit down[if (sylviadom >= 50) { when prompted}].

Immediately, you feel glad about your choice to stay here, the soft bedding cushioning your rear as your head tilts back. Sylvia giggles at this direction and plops down next to you, her arrival shaking the frame just a bit. The two of you simply stay like this for a little while, and it really starts to sink in how heavy your limbs are.

//naked
[say:Well, it looks like you're all ready already,] the moth says, running a single hand over your bare thighs. You shiver from the contact, but more so because it reminds you of the cold cave air, which you so dreadfully need respite from.

//not naked
[say:It doesn't quite look like you're ready yet. Here, let me help,] the moth says, interrupting the silence. And before you can respond, her hands start to strip your [armor] with frightening skill. She's able to get you completely nude much quicker than you could yourself, but you push this fact out of your mind. There are more pressing things to consider, like the cave chill currently causing you to shiver.

//merge
[if (istaur) {It's a bit of a struggle to get you situated on the bed, but the two of you work together until you're both cozy|[if (sylviadom < 50) {Taking the initiative, you pull Sylvia up and on top of you, rolling the both of you over into a reclining position.|But you don't need to worry for long, as Sylvia has already anticipated your discomfort, wrapping her arms around you and pulling you over onto your back.}]}] You're quickly comforted by the wonderful sheets and pillows, and for her part, the moth-girl seems quite pleased with the arrangement. Like this, her cool chitin presses close against you, causing both you and her to shudder, though likely for different reasons. The moth's body temperature seems to be a bit lower than yours, but you're certain that that problem will be rectified with the coming rest.

And already, your eyes struggle to stay open. You'd like to enjoy the moment a bit more, but as your lover's cloying scent reaches your nose, you realize that it doesn't matter. The only thing that really matters is that you're here, in a place where you can forget about everything and simply be. No worries or concerns bother you as you let yourself slowly, gently slip off, your mind growing blank. The last thing you hear is soft, even breathing, and it sounds so nice that you can't help but join it.

[Next] //go to 6 am

Gradually, you begin to wake up. The first thing you become aware of is warmth, and after that, the smooth chitin caressing your [skindesc]. Next are the silky sheets, and finally, the dim glow of the luminescent fungus.

Your eyes flutter open, and you're struck by the impression that you don't really know what time it is. Without the sun to tell you, you have no idea if it's even morning yet. But rather than discomfort you, this thought is strangely soothing. For once, you don't have to worry about dashing off to the next place or if you're needed somewhere else. You've simply rested enough to wake, and so you did, and the simplicity of this is wonderful.

//if Dolores, choose randomly

//1
However, a call from behind startles you out of this reverie. [say:Mo-o-other,] comes the scratchy voice, [say:do you know where the—] Two purple eyes widen when they catch sight of you, your daughter standing before you with nothing but a towel to cover her. [say:Oh, you're here. I mean, g-good to see you. Or, ahem. Good morning, [Father], I—] As her arm raises in greeting, the towel dips dangerously, and Dolores dashes back to her room with a shriek.

//2
This reverie is shattered when a loud crash sounds from somewhere else in the cave. Your head whirls around, and as best you can tell, it came from the back hallway, but now there's only silence. A few beats of your heart, and the followup comes: [say:Oh, blasted— Sodding— [b:Drat!]] in your daughter's angry voice.

//3
You look up from your reverie at a soft humming sound that slowly grows louder and clearer as you listen. Eventually, it rounds the corner, and its source is revealed to be your daughter. Her dark hair is incredibly tangled and frizzy, to the point that you can barely even see her sunken eyes. She doesn't seem to notice or react to your presence as she slips by, grabs a little blue book from a shelf, and returns from whence she came.

//merge
You turn to Sylvia, but she continues breathing steadily, apparently having slumbered through this episode.

//no Dolores
You turn to Sylvia, who still slumbers softly. Her face looks surprisingly peaceful in repose, and you only now realize how much passion is usually there. The contrast is quite heartwarming, though, and you find yourself absorbed in looking at her every little detail. The way her eyelids flutter every once in a while. The way her antennae lazily wave above. The way she clings tighter whenever you start to move.

Still, there's no sign that's she's going to wake any time soon.

//merge again
Must be a deep sleeper. Unfortunately, the day does have to start now, though, so you gently shake her shoulder until she starts to stir.

[say:Hnmm,] she says, her eyes still not opening. [say:Please, [if (dolores) {dear, I'll tell you when you're older|a few more minutes, Mom}]. Just let me...] This thought isn't finished, and her breathing goes back to its steady pace, so you shake her once more. [say:Oh, [name]? Ah, sorry, I]—she yawns demurely—[say:I'm slow to rise.]

She rubs her eyes, and when her hands pull back, those deep violet pools are back to their full power. [say:I had a lovely dream. You were in it.] The moth-girl gives you a smile, but doesn't talk any further. When it starts to get mildly uncomfortable, you suggest that it's time to get up, and she agrees.

You arise, [if (isnaked) {stretch|get your clothes in order}], and turn back to the moth, who now sits on the edge of the bed with her hands in her lap.

[Next] //puts you into Sylvia's menu



//Dolores just talk option (or a proper one?)
You've never really seen Dolores eat, so you ask what kind of food she likes.

[say:Ah, well, ah... I suppose I'm just not a fan in general,] she responds, rubbing her arm. What does she mean, \"not a fan\"?

[say:I just don't like the food I eat very much. Most of it is fairly plain.]

//child
Well, she's still a growing child, and she probably hasn't had the opportunity to try out enough things. You're sure that her favorite food is waiting for her out there somewhere, though when you tell her this, she just grumbles.

//teen
Well is it the food she eats she doesn't like, or eating itself?

[say:Mmm, well I suppose that the selection around here isn't the best. There's fruits and such for the taking, but one is never quite sure whether such findings are even edible. At least Mother[if (isfeminine) {—or, ah, you know—| }]usually takes care of procurement. But she's always going on about how I should join her, about how I should get a taste for the thrill—] She glances at you, and her eyes widen a bit.

[say:That is to say, get a taste for, um, 'proper food'. Yes.] Dolores falls silent, her head turned away and her foot tapping. [if (tapestry done) {But after a few moments, she continues, [say:Well, perhaps it wouldn't be so unpleasant. [if (hikkiquest) {It's good to get out of the house every now and then, as you've shown me|Even if it would mean going out into the bog}].]|It seems like she's reluctant to say any more.}]






//Third option when she first runs away
[Take For Now] //tooltip- "It's better to reserve judgement, at least for the moment."
You're not really sure what the best course of action is, so you'd like to know more before you pass judgement. It would be irresponsible to just let her play around with something like this, but you wouldn't be doing your duty as her parent if you completely ignored her feelings. While her curiosity might have caused some problems, it's not something that you want to discourage. If it's safe, then there's no problem, but you'll need time to think things over.

When you explain all this to Dolores, she looks quite distressed at first, but your calm tone and logical reasoning slowly soothe her, until all that's left is some slight uncertainty.

[say:...Alright, [Father]. That does sound... reasonable,] she says, giving you a tentative look as she holds the book out towards you. You gently take it into your hands, being careful on account of its apparent age. //Same description of book


[Give Book] //tooltip- Let her have it after all.
You confiscated this book back when she ran away, but as you said you would, you've thought the situation over and come to a new conclusion. Though you might not be absolutely sure of the exact nature of this magic, you trust your daughter enough that you're willing to let her hold on to the book for now. However, you still urge her to be cautious as you hand it over. You want to make sure she's safe first and foremost.

Four chitinous arms quickly shoot out and latch onto the book, bringing it to your daughter's chest as she all but nuzzles it. You're a bit surprised at how affectionate she seems with this inanimate object, and apparently so is she, as after a few moments, she blinks and flushes slightly.

However, Dolores is quick to recover, clearing her throat and saying, [say:I cannot thank you enough, [Father]. You are quite right to put your faith in me, and I shan't let you down. I'll do wonderful things with it.] A stray finger strokes the aged cover of the book, and the little [caterpillar|moth] looks off wistfully. [say:It really is amazing to be blessed with the opportunity to study works like this. There just isn't much left...]

She lets the sentence linger, a contemplative expression on her face. Well if she's mature enough to think like that, you hope that she'll give just as much forethought to safety. As you're thinking this, a little spark seems to ignite in her eyes, and she gives you a big, almost dopey grin, looking her age for once.

[say:Oh, it's going to be great!]

You can't help but smile at her enthusiasm.



//Sylvia talk options
[Moths]
It strikes you that in all your time in Mareth you've never seen another moth, [if (Dolores) besides Dolores obviously|not even once]. You ask Sylvia why exactly that is—are they just rare, or did they come from another world like you?

She puts a finger to her chin and looks slightly askance. [say: Well, I haven't really thought about it all that much. Even as a child, I never met any others. Before she... passed, my mother told me about proper 'courtship'.] She turns to look you in the eye, a slight flicker of playfulness in hers. [say: Moths mate for life, and we aren't very fertile. It's fairly common for us to only ever have one daughter in our entire lifetimes, and more are viewed as a divine blessing. I suppose that that would naturally lead to a low population, and with the demons...]

She lets the word linger for some time, her downcast expression not suiting her in the slightest. Finally, she looks up once more, finishing somewhat somberly. [say: [if (dolores) We|I] might be the last one[if (Dolores)s] left.]

//First time
Despite the confident face she tries to put on, you can tell that thinking about this has dredged up some painful thoughts. What should you say to her?

[Protect] [Respect] [Hug] [Nothing]


[Protect] tooltip- Tell Sylvia you'll always be there for her.
The sight of her downcast gaze is just too much—you don't ever want to see that expression on her face. You quickly [if (singleleg) sidle|step] up to Sylvia and put your hands on her shoulders, proceeding to tell her about how you feel, about how you'll never leave her. You're not sure what exactly the future holds, but you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you want her in yours.

With each word, Sylvia's face morphs more and more, her mouth curving up at the same time as her lips start to tremble. When you're done, a single tear rolls down her cheek, but she quickly wipes it up.

[say: Thank you, [name], I...] She sniffles a bit. [say: I'll never forget that.] Her smile seems to finally stabilize, and the look she gives you is nothing but warm. [say: Sorry for the commotion. Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?]
//-Dom


[Respect] (or a better button name) tooltip- Compliment Sylvia for her strength.
Thinking for a moment, you start to tell Sylvia how impressed you are by her. She's borne all this weight by herself for years, without anyone to rely on, and not everyone could do that. As you communicate all this to her, Sylvia's face slowly brightens, settling into a smile, though its curve is somewhat sinister.

When you're finished, she lets the silence hang for a few moments, staring at you just long enough to make you uncomfortable before starting to speak. [say: Why thank you, [name], that's so sweet.]

She flutters closer, her arms surreptitiously slipping around you. [say: I could just eat you up right now...]

She remains there, huffing into your ear, doing nothing further. Maybe you should change the subject?
//+Dom


[Hug] tooltip- Comfort her in the best way you know how.
You can't stand the sight of her hanging there, dejected, and so you quickly sweep her up in a hug, shocking her out of her stupor. Without any words, she quickly returns your gesture, wrapping her arms tightly around your torso and pressing herself into your [chest].

After a few minutes of this, she gently whispers, [say: Thank you, [name],] her voice devoid of its usual liveliness. Eventually, she pulls back, her cheeks looking ever so slightly damp, but a genuine smile back on her face.

[say: Now then, was there anything else you wanted to talk about?]


[Nothing] tooltip- Don't respond at all.
You simply let the conversation dissipate, leaving the two of you to stand there in silence for some time.

Suddenly, Sylvia perks up, an uncanny smile plastered on her face. [say: Oh, but don't mind me, [name]. Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?]
//+1 hole in your heart


//Subsequent times
But despite a small quiver of her lip, Sylvia quickly composes herself, her face returning to the placid confidence you know so well. [say: Oh, but that's not something to dwell on.]

Do you have a different topic in mind?

//All options return to talk menu


[Bog]
You ask Sylvia how she likes it here. After all, this bog isn't the best place to live—it's humid, filthy, and full of insects. [if (silly) No offence intended.]

She looks at you somewhat quizzically, taking several moments to think about this. [say: Well, it's just where I've always lived. It's home to me. I have no reason to go anywhere else, so I'm fine just staying here, as long as there's still food and the demons don't get too close for comfort.]

She pauses for a moment before continuing. [say: I suppose I've even grown to like it. You can get used to just about anything...] The moth-girl looks back up to you. [say: Why do you ask?]

[Invite] [Curious]


[Invite] tooltip- You want to know if she'd like to live with you.
You make your offer, and her face immediately slackens, seeming somehow paler than usual. When she doesn't respond, you start to ask again, but the overwhelming pressure of the silence soon eats up your words, and the two of you are left staring at each other, nothing passing between.

Her eyes grow very intense for a moment, piercing you deeply. The twin black pools seem for all the world like great, yawning abysses. You're teetering on the edge, you feel like if you just leaned forward, you would fall, fall...

[say: No,] she says definitively, breaking the spell. [say: Thank you, but no. I doubt I could handle...]

She lets the point trail, apparently satisfied with this answer, but it takes several more moments before her gaze returns to normal. The awkward atmosphere suddenly hits you—it would probably be a good idea to find another topic...


[Curious] tooltip- You were just interested, nothing more.
You make a noncommittal gesture and tell her that it was just a passing thought. The moth seems to accept this just fine, giving you a warm smile as if your interest were the most precious thing in the world to her.

[say: Well, will that be all?]
//Both return to talk menu


//A message for when you visit Sylvia without having done so for over 3 weeks.
You check all of her usual haunts--the bookshelf, her bed, the small area she uses as a kitchen--but Sylvia doesn't seem to be around right now. Everything's in order, and the cave is otherwise normal, so you have no reason to panic at the moment. Still, she's usually overjoyed at your presence, so her absence [i: is] fairly unusual. It has been a while since your last visit, maybe she just wasn't expecting you?

Just as you're wondering what you should do, the barest of buzzing sounds is your only warning before a quartet of chitinous arms suddenly assault you from behind. They wrap around your front and entangle you, twelve fingertips now gripping you for dear life.

[say: I came as soon as I smelled you.] You feel a shuddering breath against the back of your neck. [say: I thought I was dreaming, I... You've been away so long.] The moth-girl releases her grip[if (dom < 50), allowing you to turn around| and then spins you around] to face her.

Her eyes are wide and manic. Her face trembles oddly, and you can tell that she's just barely restraining herself, although you don't know from what.

[say: Don't— Please don't leave me like that again.] She sucks in a deep breath, seeming to calm herself. [say: I just can't handle it. I almost... well...] She shakes her head. [say: No matter. Now then, what can I do for you?] Her smile is genuine, but her eyes still hold some of that wild energy.



//Dolores sneak question; tooltip- Why did she do this so secretively?
[if (book kept) Last time should have been more than enough evidence to trust you|Even after what happened last time, she should still trust her [father]], so why did she have to do all of this in secret? If she had just come to you first, things would have gone so much better.

Dolores looks genuinely ashamed of herself at this, merely tapping her fingers together while she thinks of a response. Eventually, she does start talking, although you can tell from the hesitance in her voice that she's having trouble expressing herself.

[say: I... It was almost like a compulsion. I had this absolute certainty that I had to do things like that, that it had to be by myself, that no one would understand. I know now that I was wrong to think so, but... I almost can't describe it. All I can do is to say that it shall never happen again, not so long as I know myself.]

She nods firmly, and that seems to be that. You suppose that you'll just have to trust her word for the moment.



//Talking to Sylvia about daughter boning; tooltip- Talk to Sylvia about the prospect of having sex with Dolores; one-time scene
You try to think of how to approach this topic, but nothing really comes to mind at first. Sylvia can be quite possessive, and she seems fairly protective of her daughter, so you don't know how well she'll take this. Mareth is, after all, a land with wholly different customs to your own, and Sylvia is a bit of an odd one besides. Still, it's the right thing to do, so you start to explain the situation as best you can.

However, the moth-girl just gives you a mildly confused look, as if this was entirely unnecessary. She waves an arm and says, [say: Oh, of course, that sounds like a lovely idea,] smiling pleasantly at you.

This reaction is quite unexpected, but before you can ask for a clarification, she provides one. [say: Well, you just love your family, right? It's... It's been a long time since I've had anything like a family, so I want nothing more than for ours to be as close as possible.] You think you see some shadow of pain behind her eyes, but you can't quite identify its source. And in any case, it's soon gone, replaced by her usual confidence with no trace remaining.

[say: And besides,] she says, smirking devilishly, [say: it's not like you'll be ignoring me now, right?] She punctuates this point by closing the distance between you and sliding a hand up your thigh.

Well, that solves that, you suppose.



//Dolores magic conversation after the story's done
Dolores's interest in magic hasn't always had the best of results, but as her [father], you feel obliged to learn more about this aspect of her life. And it couldn't hurt to make sure things aren't slipping again. You ask Dolores if she's still practicing magic after everything that's happened.

At this question, her eyes light up a bit, and she gives you a cryptic, almost weary smile. [say: Certainly, [Father]. Magic is the one thing I find truly beautiful in this wretched world, and it seems to love me just as much. I intend to pursue my passion until the day I perish.] She looks guilty for a moment. [say: Responsibly, of course.]

What she said about it being \"love\" raises an interesting point. Why [i: was] she able to use the book so well? It [if (used book yourself) was|seemed like] a fairly complicated ritual, but she was [if (stopped) almost] able to do it all by herself. Do moths have some natural affinity for magic? Was it all down to luck and circumstance? Is she just a prodigy?

Her smile widens just a tad, but she takes a moment to answer, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her dress. [say: Hmm... Well I can't say for sure, but it has always felt natural for me. I suppose, given that the book was with us in the first place, that there may be some relation there, but... I simply know this as my calling. I would find it difficult to explain to you, but surely there is something you feel the same way about?]

Interesting. You'd like to know more about how magic [i: feels] to her, since she often describes it in such odd ways.

[say: It's exquisite, far finer than any worldly delicacy,] she says with a somewhat snobbish pout. You suppress your reaction for her benefit. [say: However... nothing compares to the feeling of the magics in that ancient tome. Having tasted something like that once... I shall never forget that sensation.] Her eyes flash. [say: One day... One day, I will taste it again, on my own terms.[dpg]Well in any case,] she says, returning to her usual detached demeanor, [say: feel free to ask about these things at any time. I am always happy to talk about my interests.] A genuinely warm smile. [say: And to talk to you, [Father].]



//Home stalking; requires stalking enabled and hours > 16, random chance in camp
As the day starts to grow long, you survey your camp for a moment, considering the current state of affairs. However, your brief reverie is interrupted when you suddenly get the distinct impression of being watched yourself.

You don't quite know why, though. No matter how much you scan the horizon, no threat appears[if (hours > 19) , although it is dark enough that it'd be hard to see if there were one| despite the relatively decent visibility]. The area around your camp is fairly flat and barren, so it's not like something could sneak up on you all that easily, and [if (wall) your wall should do a good job keeping out|[if (companion on watch) you do have someone on watch for|you feel confident enough in your ability to deal with]] any undesirables, should the need arise.

Still, nothing seems to be here. How peculiar.

You turn back to what you were doing previously, but a flicker of white at the very edge of your vision gives you a start. You whirl around to face it. Nothing. Just the same lifeless expanse as before. Your heart pounds in your chest, and you feel sweat begin to bead on your [skinshort]. There's definitely something here, you're not imagining things. Collecting yourself, you start to slowly and methodically examine every hiding place you can think of. However, you still can't find your stalker in any of the nooks or crannies you come across. Maybe this was all just an overreaction after all.

And then you see her hovering there, just at the edge of your camp. A pale white body with six limbs terminating in purple chitin, and two wings beating fast enough to blur—there can be no mistake, it is your moth lover. Now completely still, Sylvia watches you intently, her face oddly devoid of emotion. When you meet her eyes, she does nothing. Does she not want to come over...?

A sudden smile flits across her face, and she promptly bolts off. You barely have time to register the motion before she's already out of sight and over the horizon. It seems she wasn't looking to visit.

You weren't even aware she knew where you lived.