*temp q1 1 *temp q2 1 *temp q3 1 *if CaraRelationship = 1 *goto ch1 *elseif CaraRelationship = 2 *goto ch2 *else *goto ch3 *label ch1 *set CaraRelationship +1 Back to Celewen Manor. *line_break *line_break On the day of the Grand Bazaar, it took a fair bit of time to ride there with Uncle Hawthorne and Sofie on horseback. However, Celewen is not particularly far by broomstick. You should be able to get there quickly. *line_break *line_break That said, there is another more tricky question. *line_break *line_break "${catname}," you whisper gently, kneeling down before him. "Do you want to come to Celewen Manor?" *line_break *line_break ${catname} seems to have understood your question. In moments, he is swatting the wicker basket with his paw gently. Seems that the answer is clear. In fact, he makes little protest as you drop him inside. *line_break *line_break "Broom," you shout, taking your broomstick as it flies into your hands. You check that ${catname}'s wicker basket is secure on your back, before mounting your broom and kicking off the groud, soaring in a shower of red sparkles. *page_break *image DWESart_CelewenVillage.jpg It does not take long to spot the thatched roofs of Celewen village. It is much less lively now, without the huge crowds, colorful tents and banners waving in the wind. The farmers labor in their fields, the festivities now a distant memory. *line_break *line_break While you supposed to be escorted by a Guardian even outside Seraphine City, you might be able to get away with it if you land straight at Celewen Manor. Alessia and Bastian are most certainly back in Seraphine City by now, but Lady Elvina might allow you around the manor as long as you behave yourself. *line_break *line_break Taking a deep breath, you circle over Celewen Manor, before landing gently on the stone steps leading up to the main door. Quickly, you release ${catname} from his wicker basket, letting him wander around before carrying him in your arms. However, just as you are about to knock, the door swings open. *line_break *line_break "${firstname}?" Lady Elvina says in surprise. "I sensed a magical aura, but I wasn't expecting to see you here. Did you mention that you were coming?" *fake_choice #Apologize for coming uninvited. "I'm sorry, Lady Elvina," you say placatingly. "I shouldn't have just come here like that." *line_break *line_break "Don't worry," Lady Elvina says, waving away your apology gently. "Still, was there something you wanted?" *line_break *line_break "I wanted to see Cara," you say. "I missed her." *line_break *line_break To your surprise, Lady Elvina breaks out in a warm smile. With a laugh, she gestures for you to come in. *line_break *line_break "I'm sure Cara misses you too," she says gently. "She should be waking up soon. #Admit that you came on a whim. "I just had a sudden desire to see Cara," you stutter, before giving a nervous smile. *line_break *line_break You certainly could have explained yourself better. Still, Lady Elvina smiles, and gestures for you to come in. *line_break *line_break "Don't worry, I'm not upset," Lady Elvina says reassuringly. "Cara misses you too. She'll be happy to see you." *line_break *line_break "Is she sleeping now?" you say. *line_break *line_break "She should be waking up soon," Lady Elvina says. #Tell her that you just wanted to see Cara. "I wanted to see Cara," you say slowly. "I missed her so." *line_break *line_break Granted, it does not quite excuse coming in uninvited. Nevertheless, Lady Elvina smiles, and gestures for you to come in. *line_break *line_break "She'll be happy to hear that," Lady Elvina says. "Just give me some warning next time." *line_break *line_break With that, she pushes open the door, and gestures for you to come in. *line_break *line_break "Is Cara sleeping now?" you say. *line_break *line_break "She should be waking up soon," Lady Elvina says. *page_break "She's up," Lady Elvina says, knocking on the door gently. *line_break *line_break "Apple taffy treat." *line_break *line_break With that, Cara opens the door, wearing her nightdress. Still, she smile affectionately as she sees you. *line_break *line_break "${firstname}, you're back," Cara squeals, hugging you again. *line_break *line_break ${catname} brushes against Cara for a moment, getting close to her magical aura. After some time, Cara lets you go, before reaching down to offer him some scritches. *line_break *line_break "Come in," Cara says. "There's something I want to talk about." *page_break "Well, it seems that I have a free day today," Cara says, scribbling on some parchment. *line_break *line_break *if TNGB_Myrica > 0 Cara's room is exactly as you remember from before, with the badly drawn paintings on the wall, the neat stacks of books and parchment on her desk as well as her large and comfortable bed. It is a simple space which she keeps neat and organized. *if TNGB_Myrica = 0 Come to think of it, you did not get to see Cara's room the last time you came. Still, you smile as you see the badly drawn paintings on the wall. The good ones are in the gallery downstairs. You recall that Cara gets particularly sentimental about her artistic 'failures' most of the time. On another note, she does have a large and comfortable bed. *line_break *line_break You sit next to her on her desk, watching as she stares thoughtfully at her calendar. Meanwhile, ${catname} curls up on her bed, taking a nap. After some time, Cara sets aside the parchment and talks to you again. *line_break *line_break "${firstname}, do you remember the Pool of Bliss?" Cara says. *line_break *line_break Brief flashes of a clear pool and a lush forest fill your mind. Can you place it? *fake_choice #I remember. "Your safe grove," you say. "You took me there when we were dreamwalking, right at the very end. A place in the Eterna Forest which you recreated in the Dreamscape." *line_break *line_break "You remembered," Cara says, smiling. "I'm so happy to hear that." *line_break *line_break You smile back at her. You could hardly forget the beauty and tranquility you saw. #I think I remember, but remind me. "I think I remember a pool," you say slowly. "But remind me." *line_break *line_break "It's a beautiful and clear pool, located deep within the Eterna Forest," Cara says. "It's a safe place for me to enjoy the serenity of nature." *line_break *line_break It is starting to come back now. You remember the special place Cara brought you to, right as your dreamwalking experience was drawing to a close. #I forgot. "I can't remember," you say sheepishly. *line_break *line_break "That's fine," Cara says gently. "It's a beautiful and clear pool, located deep within the Eterna Forest. A place of tranquility and solitude in the lap of nature." *line_break *line_break "When was it?" you say slowly. *line_break *line_break "Towards the end of our journey in the dreamworld the last time," Cara says, with a knowing smile. *page_break What happens now? For a moment, you expect Cara to take you to the dreamwalking pool again, for another round in the dreamscape. Instead, she says something entirely unexpected. *line_break *line_break "Would you like to see the actual Pool of Bliss?" Cara says teasingly. *line_break *line_break Your eyes widen. It is clearly a very special place to her. But now, she is opening it up to you. Has she invited anyone else? As if reading your mind, she answers. *line_break *line_break "You're the first person I'm inviting," she says, with a sweet and sincere look. *fake_choice #Ask her why. "Why me?" you say, surprised. After all, Cara likely has a few other close friends and confidants 'deserving' of such an offer. *line_break *line_break "I just felt like it," Cara says, with a guileless shrug. *line_break *line_break For someone like Cara, it is probably as good a reason as any. Someone who does not see the need to weigh her actions heavily. #Ask if her mother will mind. "Would Lady El- would your mother mind?" you say. *line_break *line_break "I doubt so," Cara says sincerely. "Mother trusts you, just as she trusts me." *line_break *line_break That seems fair. *line_break *line_break "I'll let her know before we go," Cara adds. #Thank her for the offer. "Thank you," you say, smiling. "I don't know what to say." *line_break *line_break "You don't have to say anything," Cara says. "Just come with me." *line_break *line_break You will be more than happy to do just that. *page_break "Take care of yourselves," Lady Elvina says, stroking ${catname}. *line_break *line_break "Sit behind me," Cara says, mounting her broomstick. *line_break *line_break Despite her unique gift, Cara is able to use a broomstick like any other sorceress. You climb on behind her, before putting your arms around her small frame. ${catname} meows contentedly in Lady Elvina's arms. Unfortunately, it seems that your feline companion prefers to rest for now. *line_break *line_break "Hold on tight," Cara laughs. *line_break *line_break With that, she kicks off the ground, taking off into the skies in a shower of purple sparkles. You hold on to her tightly as her broom steadily leaves the ground. Cara is a fairly gentle flier, preferring to take it slow. *page_break The Eterna Forest. Your eyes take in the crowns of green and the blue skies as Cara soars through the air. Cara is clearly an adept at flying, although you suspect her parents place strict limits on when she can fly around unsupervised, for her sake as well as theirs. *line_break *line_break "We'll be there soon," Cara shouts. "Let me know if you're comfortable." *line_break *line_break Where is the Pool of Bliss? Actually, it does not even take long. Before you know it, Cara brings her broom on a steady descent, before landing right in the middle of a clearing. *page_break *image SCSOart_PoolTNGB.jpg It is as beautiful as you saw in the dreamscape. *line_break *line_break Clear and calm waters beckon to you. All around, this sanctuary is protected by a natural circle of hedgerows. Yet, miraculous as it looks, it feels as natural as can be. It is not far from Celewen, which is likely how Cara chanced upon it. Nevertheless, this place seems perfect. A peaceful and tranquil world, providing a natural barrier from the outside. *line_break *line_break You feel your feet on the ground as Cara lands on the warm grasses. *line_break *line_break "We're here," Cara says lightly. "I don't have my bathing suit, so we won't be able to swim today." *fake_choice #Say something teasing to her. "You could always swim without it," you say, trying not to blush. *line_break *line_break "Not today," Cara says, trying to suppress a giggle and blush. #Ask her if she swims in the pool often. "Do you swim in these waters often?" you ask. *line_break *line_break "I do," Cara says. "The waters are cool and refreshing. I'm tempted to sprinkle some myrica leaves every now and then, but I want these waters to be as natural as possible." #Ask her what else is there to do. "Is there anything else we can do here?" you say, sizing up your surroundings. *line_break *line_break "We can take a walk," Cara says. "Next time, we can bathe in these waters." *page_break The two of you walk around in circles, enjoying the company of each other. Occasionally, Cara stops to pick a flower, before handing it to you or placing it in her hair. In between, the two of you talk about all manner of relaxing topics. *line_break *line_break "If you ever need someone to listen to you, I'm here," Cara says. "Truthfully, life at home is boring sometimes. I would enjoy your company." *line_break *line_break With Alessia and Bastian at Guardian Square, Cara has only the house servants and her parents for company. You know she passes the time by painting and reading, although you suppose she yearns for someone else to talk to at times. *line_break *line_break After some time, Cara gestures towards a large rock, before sitting down on it. With some hesitation, you do the same, mindful of the damp surface. Nevertheless, it is a welcome comfort after walking in circles. *page_break "${firstname}, feel free to come by Celewen Manor anytime," Cara says. "Just knock on the door." *line_break *line_break The two of you rest on the massive rock, looking up at the clear skies above you. Apart from her voice, it is calming and quiet, with just the twittering of birds and the sounds of a breeze. The perfect place to forget about your struggles. *line_break *line_break "There're plenty of things we can do together," Cara says. "Next time, we can swim in the pool. Just remember to bring your bathing suit. *line_break *line_break *label returnqns Now might be a good time to ask her some questions. *fake_choice *selectable_if (q1 = 1) #Can we dreamwalk again together? *set q1 0 For the first time, Cara hesitates. After a moment, she speak up. *line_break *line_break "I won't say no," Cara says delicately. "But dreamwalking with someone takes a good bit of energy. I can't do it too often." *line_break *line_break You flinch. Did you upset her? Nevertheless, she pats your hand reassuringly. *line_break *line_break "If I'm able to, we'll dreamwalk together," she says kindly, before adding. "But I'll need to determine the schedule." *page_break *goto returnqns *selectable_if (q2 = 1) #Do you want to visit me instead? *set q2 0 "At your cottage?" Cara says, giggling. "Is there anything to do there?" *line_break *line_break Truthfully, not quite. It is a place of solitude, away from the crowds of Seraphine City, although Cara already has that at Celewen Manor. *line_break *line_break "Probably not," Cara says, as you ponder your reply. "Don't take it the wrong way, but my mother wants me at Celewen or near it. She'll probably just tell you to visit me instead." *page_break *goto returnqns *selectable_if (q3 = 1) #Do you want to visit Seraphine City? *set q3 0 Cara did spend plenty of time living there while taking lessons at Guardian Square. Perhaps she still has some fond memories. Even then, this is a difficult question. The townsfolk there are no more trusting of a dreamwalking sorceress than the villagers in Celewen. *line_break *line_break "I'm tempted to," Cara says, shrugging. "Alessia and Bastian have offered to accompany me. But arrangements must be made to protect the townsfolk from myself." *line_break *line_break Cara speaks the last sentence forlornly. Either way, you have your answer. It will probably be something for the future if Lady Elvina can make the necessary arrangements. *page_break *goto returnqns #No more questions. The two of you continue to rest on the rock, talking with each other. After some time, Cara sits up. *line_break *line_break "It's getting late," she says, nudging you gently. "We should head back soon. Otherwise, mother might be cross." *line_break *line_break You stretch your limbs, scrambling off the rock and stumbling on the grass below. Cara stifles a giggle, before mounting her broomstick and gesturing for you to climb on behind her. *line_break *line_break "Hold on tight," she laughs, as you sit behind her. *line_break *line_break With that, she kicks off the ground, taking off in a shower of purple sparkles. *page_break The ending moments pass in a blur. You remember Cara flying you back to Celewen Manor. You had a bit of time to pick up ${catname} and say your goodbyes, before mounting your own broomstick and kicking off the ground. *line_break *line_break How much time did you spend with Cara? Going by the reddish tinge in the sky, probably hours. Still, you should be able to get back home before sunset. *line_break *line_break Cara will most certainly want to see you again. You should pay her another visit if you have the time to do so. *if mode != "story" *line_break *line_break *set exp +400 [i]You have gained 400XP.[/i] *line_break *line_break [i]You may continue to visit Cara. This is offered as a sidequest. Spending more time with her will help to build your relationship.[/i] *set activeside 1 *goto_scene Hub *label ch2 *set CaraRelationship +1 It is time to pay a second visit to Cara. *line_break *line_break "Broom," you shout. *line_break *line_break As your broom flies into your hands, you give ${catname} a curious look. Still, he seems more interested in lazing around at home today. Perhaps you can take him along next time. *line_break *line_break You check your things and offer ${catname} a final smile, before kicking off the ground and taking off into the skies. Will Cara be at home today? Most likely. *page_break "The weather is good today," Cara says, laughing like a gentle breeze. "Did you bring your bathing suit?" *line_break *line_break You nod. Seems that the two of you will be bathing in the Pool of Bliss today. Cara checks her things one more time, and gives her mother a hug, before mounting her broomstick and gesturing for you to climb on behind her. *line_break *line_break "Ready?" she says, as you climb on behind her. *line_break *line_break "I'm ready," you say, squeezing her shoulder gently. *line_break *line_break With that, she kicks off the ground, taking off in a shower of purple sparkles and soaring into the skies. *page_break *image SCSOart_PoolTNGB.jpg Before you know it, Cara brings you to a soft landing within the circle of hedgerows. The small and tranquil sanctuary is exactly as you remember it. Not to mention, the clear waters feel even more inviting today. *line_break *line_break With a wink, Cara skips over to a discreet spot to change into her bathing suit. You do the same, finding a spot behind the huge rock to change. Once you finish, you head out from behind the rock, just to see Cara already wading in the clear waters. *line_break *line_break "Come join me," Cara says, splashing some water gently. *line_break *line_break With a giggle, you run over to her, feeling your bare feet on the green grasses, before taking a few small steps into the pool. Cara laughs and shakes her head, waiting for you to join her. *fake_choice #Splash some water at her. Dipping your hands into the cool surface, you splash some water at Cara gently, listening to her playful protests as she splashes some water back at you. Still, you decide to take it easy. After all, Cara clearly wants this place kept pristine. *line_break *line_break "Doesn't it feel refreshing?" Cara says, gently splashing some water back at you. *line_break *line_break "Do you want to throw some potions in here?" you say teasingly. *line_break *line_break "Never," Cara says, laughing. "That's for my dreamwalking pool. I want the natural state of this place preserved." *page_break The two of you continue splashing around, hitting each other with water and laughing all the while. After some time, Cara stops and raises a hand, indicating that she needs to sit down. *line_break *line_break "That was just silly," she says, slowly lowering herself into a comfortable position by the side. You do the same, finding your own spot to sit. *line_break *line_break "We can talk for a bit, then play again," you say. *line_break *line_break "I think I've enough playtime for today," Cara says. "Talk to me." #Find a comfortable spot to sit and talk with her. "I just want to rest and enjoy the peace," you say. *line_break *line_break To make your point, you find a spot by the side, before sitting down. Cara has nothing in the way of objection, finding her own spot to sit and relax in the cool waters. *line_break *line_break "That sounds like a good way to spend the day," Cara says, giggling. *line_break *line_break You laugh along with her, before leaning back and looking up at the clear skies. *page_break "Alessia and Bastian are back in Seraphine City," Cara says wistfully. "I'm not sure when I'll see them again." *line_break *line_break "Do you miss them?" you say quietly. *line_break *line_break "Maybe," Cara says. "Alessia will probably request a charge in Celewen, just to move back here." *line_break *line_break "What about Bastian?" you say. *line_break *line_break "Bastian plans to settle down with Calindra, his charge," Cara says. "Calindra already owns a shop in Seraphine City. Not to mention, living in a small village probably isn't for her." #Ask if she has anything planned. "Do you have anything in mind?" you say, wading closer to her. *line_break *line_break "It's up to you," Cara says, shrugging. "We can play around, or we can sit and talk." *line_break *line_break What would be the best way to start? As you ponder the question, Cara answers with a light splash of water to your face. *line_break *line_break "Play with me," she says, laughing. *page_break The two of you splash around the pool, hitting each other with water and laughing all the while. But soon, Cara raises her hand and brings the fun to a stop. *line_break *line_break "I need to sit down for a moment," she says, panting. *line_break *line_break You nod, finding a spot to sit as Cara slowly lowers herself into a comfortable position by the side. You start to worry for a bit, but Cara quickly reassures you with a smile. *line_break *line_break "I'm fine, I just need a rest," Cara says. "Talk to me." *page_break Cara thinks for a moment, before speaking again. "Mother is thinking of hosting a ball. Would you like to come?" *line_break *line_break *if day > 15 Well, you did attend a ball not too long ago, one which sent you running around a castle and looking for clues. Still, you could probably tell Cara about your misadventures another time. *if ((day = 15) or (day = 14)) Well, you do have an important event scheduled on your calendar soon. A ball, you think. Still, as your mind begins to wander, Cara snaps you out of your thoughts again. *if day < 14 Come to think of it, you have not attended a ball for a while, although you have a feeling that one might be coming up soon. After a moment, Cara speaks again. *line_break *line_break "We might not be able to invite too many people," Cara says. "But I can make sure you'll get an invitation." *line_break *line_break That is certainly a nice thought. *fake_choice #I'd be happy to come. "I'll be happy to accept," you say, smiling. *line_break *line_break "Sounds good," Cara says, before adding sheepishly. "Mother is still making plans. Nothing is decided yet." *line_break *line_break You nod. If it does happen, you can certainly expect a letter from Cara. #I'm not sure if I can come. "Life is unpredictable for me," you say, laughing. "I can't promise anything." *line_break *line_break Which is the complete truth. Life has recently been a whirlwind of adventure for you. Cara does not seem the slightest bit upset, and responds with a laugh of her own. *line_break *line_break "That's understandable," she says. "I can't say that's the sort of life I'd be ready for." #Can I invite anyone else? "Can I bring someone else along with me?" you say. There are a good number of people you can think of inviting to come with you. *line_break *line_break For the first time, Cara stops short. After some thought, she speaks again. "I'm not sure. That might be a question for mother, if we do decide to have the ball." *line_break *line_break That seems fair. Perhaps you can work out the details a little closer to the date. *page_break The two of you continue the gentle conversation for some time, sometimes resting on the rock and sometimes playing around in the pool. Nevertheless, time passes quickly. Before you know it, signs of orange appear in the skies. *line_break *line_break "It's getting late," Cara says, shaking her head. "We should head back now." *line_break *line_break You nod, finding a quiet corner to get dressed just as Cara does the same. As soon as you are done, Cara mounts her broomstick and gestures for you to climb on behind her. *line_break *line_break "Time to go home," she says. *line_break *line_break With that, she kicks off the ground, taking off in a shower of purple sparkles. *page_break The ending moments pass in a blur. You remember Cara flying you back to Celewen Manor. With little time to nightfall, you said your goodbyes quickly, before mounting your own broomstick and kicking off the ground. *line_break *line_break You had certainly spent plenty of time with Cara today. Either way, it was still a fun and enjoyable way to pass the afternoon. With some speed, you should be able to get back home before sunset. *line_break *line_break Cara might want to see you again. You should pay her another visit if you have the time to do so. *if mode != "story" *line_break *line_break *set exp +200 [i]You have gained 200XP.[/i] *line_break *line_break [i]You may continue to visit Cara. This is offered as a sidequest. Spending more time with her will help to build your relationship.[/i] *set activeside 1 *goto_scene Hub *label ch3 *set CaraRelationship +1 Cara might be interested to see you again. You might be able to make some time to visit her today. *line_break *line_break ${catname}, to your surprise, swats his wicker basket gently. It seems that he wants to come along this time. With a laugh, you place him gently in his wicker basket and close the lid, before slinging it over your back along with your bag. *line_break *line_break "Broom," you shout. *line_break *line_break Your broom flies into your hands. You check your things one final time, before mounting your broom and kicking off the ground, taking off in a shower of red sparkles. *page_break *image DWESart_Harp.jpg "Some music today?" Cara says, strumming a gentle tune on her harp. *line_break *line_break As expected, Cara is at home today. She was the first to greet you when you knocked on the great doors of Celewen Manor. With ${catname} in your arms, she led you into the parlor, where she had been playing some soft melodies. *line_break *line_break [i]Joy of the Autumn Winds[/i]. You recognize the sounds almost instantly. It is a favorite of Cara's. Shivers fill your spine as the tunes fill your mind with pictures of the rolling woods. *line_break *line_break On the other hand, ${catname} seems content to rest on your lap, enjoying the warmth of your magical aura. Does he understand the music? Either way, he seems happy where he is. *page_break "Let's dreamwalk for a bit," Cara says, strumming a final tune. "I'd like to take you on some adventures." *line_break *line_break It does sound exciting. As Cara stands up, ${catname} gives you a curious look. Unfortunately, it would be best to keep him elsewhere while the two of you are dreamwalking. *line_break *line_break "I'll let him rest in my room," Cara says. "Follow me." *line_break *line_break It happens quickly. You drop ${catname} in Cara's room, watching as he finds a soft corner on her bed to curl up on. Cara takes a sip of potion, before gesturing for you to follow her to the dreamwalking pool. *page_break *image SCSOart_RoomPoolTNGB.jpg "Apple taffy treat," Cara whispers, before pushing open the door. *line_break *line_break You are back. The dreamwalking pool lies before you, filled with myrica-infused water. Cara moves quickly this time, shedding her clothes before sliding into the waters. *line_break *line_break "You don't have to come in," Cara says. "Truthfully, this will be quick. I don't have the strength to dream with someone for too long." *line_break *line_break You could join her in the pool anyway, or you could sit by the side. Alternatively, you could simply do without the dreamwalking and talk with her instead. *choice #Join her in the pool. *label cxaa *set q1 1 "One moment," you say teasingly. *line_break *line_break As Cara looks away, you slip off your clothes, before sliding into the cool waters. As soon as you are done, you splash some water at Cara to get her attention. *line_break *line_break "We'll make this quick," Cara says, holding out her hand. *goto cxcc #Sit by the side. *label cxbb *set q1 2 You sit by the side of the pool. Cara raises little objection, giving you a gentle smile. *line_break *line_break "We'll make this quick," Cara says, extending a hand towards you. *goto cxcc #Forgo the dreamwalking. Keep her company instead. "If you don't have the strength for it, we don't have to," you say, before adding. "We can talk with each other instead." *line_break *line_break "It's fine," Cara says, shrugging her bare shoulders. "It's something I want to do. I can do this, just not for too long." *line_break *line_break It seems like there is no arguing with her. *choice #Join her in the pool. *goto cxaa #Sit by the side. *goto cxbb *label cxcc "${firstname}, dream with me!" *page_break The sensation of a deep slumber overwhelms you in moments. Before you know it, you see yourself floating above Amity Lake, or at least, the dreamscape form of it. *line_break *line_break "Isn't it romantic?" Cara laughs, as she floats alongside you. She is wearing the same white dress from the last time you traversed the dreamworld with her. *line_break *line_break You look down, just to see a pair of figures walking along the grassy banks. As the two of you slowly drift closer to the mysterious pair, it is not difficult to work out who they are. *line_break *line_break Lord and Lady Celewen. The two of them look much younger. This was probably sometime before their marriage. *line_break *line_break "My parents, before I was born," Cara says, giggling. "Mother told me the tale of how father proposed to her right at Amity Lake. I don't know how it happened, but it's fun to try to imagine how it did." *page_break Suddenly, the two of them vanish. Instead, you find yourself sitting on a wooden boat with Cara, floating in the middle of Amity Lake. Cara laughs, before picking up a pair of oars with ease. *line_break *line_break "This is another place which holds a special meaning to me," Cara says, rowing the boat with no sign of strain. *line_break *line_break You nod, enjoying the scenery all around. But suddenly, Cara asks you an unexpected question. *line_break *line_break "Would you be able to take me there sometime?" Cara asks teasingly. *line_break *line_break That was unexpected. Is Cara not allowed to visit Amity Lake? Come to think of it, her mother places heavy restrictions on where she can go, largely for her own safety, so it seems plausible. That said, you would need to obtain her mother's permission, at the very least. *fake_choice #Ask if she has never been to Amity Lake. "Have you been to Amity Lake?" you ask. *line_break *line_break "Of course I have," Cara says, rolling her eyes. "I wouldn't be able to build it in the dreamscape otherwise." *line_break *line_break You raise your hands with a bland smile. Cara shakes her head for a bit, before continuing. "I just hope to be able to visit it again, with your company. When mother is ready to escort me there, of course." #Ask if her mother would approve. "Don't you need your mother's permission?" you ask delicately. *line_break *line_break Lady Elvina keeps her daughter under close watch, largely for her own protection. Cara would certainly not be allowed to fly to Amity Lake without her mother or another Guardian. *line_break *line_break "I do," Cara says, shrugging. "I'm just hoping that we would be able to go together sometime. When mother is ready to escort me there, of course." #Tell her that you would not be able to. "I wouldn't be able to protect you," you say delicately. "You'll need a Guardian." *line_break *line_break While a sorceress does not need a Guardian to accompany her at Amity Lake, a dreamwalking sorceress is a different matter entirely. Any of the non-magical townsfolk in the area could be much more hostile towards her than any other sorceress. *line_break *line_break "That's true," Cara says, shrugging. "In any case, I'll need my mother to escort me. Still, we might be able to go together sometime. With mother, of course." *page_break *if q1 = 1 Suddenly, the world breaks apart. In moments, you find yourself back in the waters of the dreamwalking pool, with the sensation of a rude awakening. Cara looks back at you, looking slightly disoriented, although she quickly recovers and splashes some water at you. *if q1 = 2 Suddenly the world breaks apart. In moments, you are seated by the side of the dreamwalking pool again, with the sensation of a rude awakening. Cara looks back at you, looking slightly disoriented, although she quickly recovers and gives you a smile. *line_break *line_break "My magic ran out," Cara says, shaking her head. "Still, I showed you what I wanted to. Shall we rest and talk for a bit? *line_break *line_break You nod, trying to steady yourself. *page_break The two of you talk for an entire afternoon. Still, evening arrives before long. You will need to return home before the sky is dark. *line_break *line_break The next few moments pass quickly. You pick up ${catname} and bid farewell to Cara, before mounting your broomstick and kicking off the ground. With luck, you should be home before night arrives. *line_break *line_break You have already spent quite a bit of time with Cara. While she would certainly be happy to see you again, you will also need to focus your attention on other matters as well. You should probably visit her again when there is less on your plate. *if mode != "story" *line_break *line_break *set exp +200 [i]You have gained 200XP.[/i] *line_break *line_break [i]You have completed Cara's questline.[/i] *set activeside 1 *goto_scene Hub