POV shift stories

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Before we begin, please set your Mordred's appearance. Eyes: <<cycle "$eye">> <<option "green eyes" "green">> <<option "blue eyes" "blue">> <<option "gray eyes" "gray">> <<option "brown eyes" "brown">> <<option "hazel eyes" "hazel">> <<option "violet eyes" "violet">> <<option "black eyes" "black">> <<option "amber eyes" "amber">> <</cycle>> Hair color: <<cycle "$hair">> <<option "dark brown, deep and rich and almost black." "dark brown">> <<option "chestnut brown, dark and lush." "chestnut brown">> <<option "light brown like honey." "light brown">> <<option "lush, dark blond." "dark blonde">> <<option "icy blond, cool and lush." "icy blonde">> <<option "golden blond, warm and lush." "golden blonde">> <<option "auburn, deep red." "auburn">> <<option "copper red, fiery." "copper red">> <<option "pure black like the midnight sky." "black">> <</cycle>> Hair type: <<cycle "$hair_type">> <<option "straight" "straight">> <<option "wavy" "wavy">> <<option "curly" "curly">> <<option "coily with corkscrew coils" "coilycurls">> <<option "coily and cloudlike" "coily">> <</cycle>> Complexion: <<cycle "$complexion">> <<option "ivory" "ivory">> <<option "warm beige" "warm beige">> <<option "cool beige" "cool beige">> <<option "rosy" "rosy">> <<option "tawny" "tawny">> <<option "olive" "olive">> <<option "light brown" "light brown">> <<option "sepia brown" "sepia brown">> <<option "golden brown" "golden brown">> <<option "russet brown" "russet brown">> <<option "dark brown" "dark brown">> <<option "warm black" "warm black">> <<option "cool black" "cool black">> <<option "deep black" "deep black">> <</cycle>> Mordred's agab (at this point in the story, trans Mordred is not yet out): <<cycle "$gender">> <<option "male" "male">> <<option "female" "female">> <</cycle>> Now on to the story! [[Meeting Gawain for the first time (Story for September 2022)|GawainMeet]]

<div class="titlelettersone" style='font-size: 100%;'>Llamagirl</div>

<div class="titlelettersone" style='font-size: 150%;'>The Bastard of Camelot</div>

<<set $eye = "unknown">> <<set $hair = "unknown">> <<set $gender = "unknown">> <<set $magic = 50>> <<set $swordsmanship = 0>> <<set $persuasion = 50>> <<set $intimidation = 50>> <<set $deceit = 50>> <<set $independent = 50>> <<set $pendragon_magic = "1">> <<set $water_magic = 50>> <<set $honest = 50>> <<set $confident = 50>> <<set $impulsive = 50>> <<set $calm = 50>> <<set $kind = 50>> <<set $defiant = 50>> <<set $emotional = 50>> <<set $affable = 50>> <<set $complexion = "none">> <<set $age = "a few days old">> <<set $controlled_magic = 50>> <<set $hair_type = "no">> <<set $chapt3_meet_gawain = 0>> <<set $chapt3_trick_add = 0>> <<set $Gawain = 50>> <<set $magictrick = "no">> <<set $chapt3_sorcerer = 0>> <<set $chapt3_salute = 0>>

<a href="https://nyehilism.itch.io/twine-template/">Twine Sugarcube Template</a> <a href="https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs/">Sugarcube 2 Documentation</a> <a href="https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2">Chapel - custom macros collection</a> <a href="https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros">Cycy's custom macros</a> <a href="https://unsplash.com/">Unsplash</a> for sidebar images (<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/P8LZaU52NME">light mode</a> and <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/pDKoVuXYKxU">dark mode</a>)

<<link "Stats" "stats">><</link>> <<link "Credits">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>

<<silently>> <<if $gender == "male">> <<set $pgen to 0, $child to "boy">> <<else>> <<set $pgen to 1, $child to "girl">> <</if>> <</silently>> Gawain trailed after Galahad, always within an inch of losing him in the crowd as his gaze kept wandering from the boy to the knights and dragons parading about. Keeping his eyes on his friend's golden head was a futile exercise in attention - attention which was tugged in ten different directions at the same time, everything around him vying for it. The Castle with its snow white walls, topped by reddish brown tiles; the wooden booths, painted with swirling motifs of vines and flowers, and the colorful crowd itself. The most recent culprit for stealing his attention was a spectacularly decorated, black-scaled dragon. He slowed and all but stopped as his gaze followed the spiraling, shimmering gold wrapped around dark, long horns, the chains interwoven elaborately in the space between them to create the impression of a gilded cobweb. Then the horns tilted, and blood red eyes filled his vision. The dragon winked at him and Gawain smiled widely. "Gawain." By the tone, he could tell this was not the first time Galahad had called out his name. "Come on. We're almost there." Gawain nodded and sprinted to catch up with his friend. Galahad had shouldered the brunt of the burden; he insisted on taking the heaviest of the swords and left Gawain with a meager pair to drag along. They were headed to the blacksmith's, and their destination soon become visible, nestled under a dark green pavilion and encircled by a sturdy counter. It was surprisingly empty, the sound of metal against stone rising harshly over the hubbub as the blacksmith worked dilligently at sharpening a long dagger. With a grunt, Galahad hauled up on the counter his bag of swords and daggers. Gawain followed suit - or at least, attempted too. The swords thumped dully against the wooden side of the counter as Gawain tried to keep the swords from falling. He'd pulled with all his might, but it only served to unbalance him. "Gala-" Before he could even utter the whole name, Galahad slipped the bag from his hands and heaved it up himself. He made it look so easy. The blacksmith had put down the weapon and approached them, wipping his brow with a cloth that had seen better days. The man was built like a barrel - if barrels had brawny, hairy arms. He presented no greeting, merely listening to Galahad as he relayed the count of swords and their family names; he silently accepted the coins Galahad passed him then hauled away the bags to a table within his red-hot sanctuary of flames and blades. Galahad too guided Gawain away, stirring him gently by the shoulder to the edge of the counter. "Wait for me here. I have some other errands to run." Gawain obeyed, but decided that if he were to wait he'd have to make himself comfortable. And the table, while perhaps not the coziest of places, offered a precious vantage point. As he clambered up, his gaze met the blacksmith's. He was eyeing him as if he were a cat that had leapt on the table and could at any moment hurl down anything in its path, on a whim. Gawain smiled brightly. "I'll just be waiting here, hope you don't mind." He tilted his chin up, getting a better view behind the counter, and a wave of hot air to the face. Within the shadows pooling the floor he spotted a crimson-scaled dragon that barely reached the man's knees. They must be the one in charge with the forge. "Oh! Hello there!" Gawain greeted them in their own, hissing tongue, and the dragon inclined their head in return. Gawain settled cross-legged on the table, carefully tugging his cloak from under his butt. It was a mint green embroidered with soft pink roses, and cascaded down to his ankles, light yet warm enough for the increasingly cool autumn weather. He'd been excited to wear it, and it matched nicely with his floral brocade boots. "What it's like being a blacksmith? Is it fun?" Gawain asked, propping his chin in his palm. The man shrugged bodily. "Watch." Then he turned around, picked up a sword, and got back to work. So Gawain obliged, and he watched. He watched as the man toiled away, tanned skin suffused in the warm orange of the fire and glazed by a thick layer of sweat. It must be uncomfortable, Gawain noted. Yet the man worked unhaltingly, finishing blade after blade with stoic efficiency. And while the whetting stone sharpened the blades, readying them for the trials ahead, taking in the repetitive motions had the complete opposite effect of dulling Gawain's mind. Boredom seeped through his mind like the heat of the flames under his clothes, but the former was the most unbearable. His fingers grew restless, a set tapping against his cheek, the other on his knee. He came to the conclusion that it was, in fact, not fun. He spun around in place, throwing his legs over the edge and letting them dangle. He scanned the crowd for both familiar and new faces, eyes roaming over tunics bearing the banners of Duchies from all over the Kingdom. He drank it all in. There was inspiration to be drawn for everywhere around him. Verses to wax poetic of the fancy participants, and the colorful fair that laid beyond, and to poke a bit of fun at those knights and dragons that strutted about and embellished their ventures. [[Continue|GawainMeet1]]

Name: Known as Mordred Leudonus of Lothia - but more often than not called Mordred Le Fay Age: You are 10 years old. //A description of your likeness// You have $eye eyes, much like your parents, $hair $hair_type hair alike your mother's, Morgana and $complexion complexion like your father's, Arthur. <<link "« Return to game" $return>><</link>>

He came to realize as he watched, that one could easily tell between the people of Lothia by the garbs they wore, with their distinct flowery and geometrical motifs, puffy sleeves and tufted ends of their laces. And it was a child dressed just like that who was slogging towards the blacksmith's pavillion, dragging along a hefty, stuffed bag. They looked about Gawain's own age; a squire like him. Their face was set with the determination to see their arduous task through, and gazing upon it, it dawned on Gawain that there was something both strange and familiar about that face. It was like a fragment of a melody he couldn't quite place, so he kept playing it again and again in his head, in the hopes that some spark of recognition may ignite. So he stared and stared, as memories unraveled slowly, trickling agonizingly slow from some dark recess of his mind. Perhaps it wasn't necessarily the whole face that was so familiar, but the features it was made of - and the $hair_type $hair hair that framed it. He'd seen some of those features in a potrait of a girl. A girl that was already a woman at the time he viewed it. But //that// hadn't really been the very first time he'd seen the features, had it? For even when he saw that picture, he'd had a stricking moment of revelation and thought to himself that if you were to take it and a picture of Arthur, match them one atop the other and then trace over them, the lines and curves resulted would be the two distilled to their very similarities, which were not insignificant. //Especially the eyes.// The eyes gave everything away. And he couldn't quite see them right now, but if he did, they could confirm beyond a doubt who he thought - hoped! - the person was. So Gawain waited, dangling his feet like a dog might wag his tail in excitement. Waited as they finished their strenuous journey to the blacksmith's counter. As they hauled up the bag and addressed the blacksmith, then stepped back to wait. And when they finally spun their head in his direction, ?eye eyes finding his, the song he'd been looking for exploded in his mind, loud and victorious. Mordred, ?child of Morgana Le Fay. Gawain hopped off the table and bounced over to ?them. "You are Mordred." He wasn't looking for confirmation; he simply wanted to let ?them know he had recognized ?them. To let ?them know ?they was being addressed by someone who had looked forward to this encounter, hoping the feeling was mutual. "I'm Gawain, son and squire of Sir Kay." He inclined his head in greeting, smiling with barely contained excitement. "It's so good to finally meet you!" <div class="choice">[["Finally?" Mordred croaked out. "You've been looking forward to meeting me?"|MeetMordred][$confident to $confident-2, $chapt3_meet_gawain to 1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Hello! It's good to meet you too. I've heard a lot about you." Mordred smiled.|MeetMordred][$kind to $kind+2, $affable to $affable+2, $Gawain_friend to $Gawain_friend+1, $Gawain to $Gawain+1, $chapt3_meet_gawain to 2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Hello! It's good to meet you too. I've heard a lot about you." Little did Gawain know, Mordred was merely playing nice.|MeetMordred][$honest to $honest-3, $Gawain_ally to $Gawain_ally+1, $Gawain to $Gawain+1, $affable to $affable+2, $chapt3_meet_gawain to 3]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Hello," Mordred said cautiously.|MeetMordred][$impulsive to $impulsive-3, $chapt3_meet_gawain to 4]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Hello." Modred seemed shy, yet happy.|MeetMordred][$affable to $affable+2, $confident to $confident-3, $chapt3_meet_gawain to 5]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Hello," Mordred said aloofly.|MeetMordred][$affable to $affable-3, $chapt3_meet_gawain to 6]]</div>

<<if $chapt3_meet_gawain == 1>> "Finally?" Mordred croaked out. "You've been looking forward to meeting me?" ?Their eyes widened, ?their words filled with disbelief, as if it was such a strange notion. As if it was such a hard thing to believe. Yet Gawain could barely keep a smile off his face - and if this wasn't proof enough, he said, "Yes! I've heard you're a powerful sorcerer!" Father had told him that the Le Fay were sorcerers who had an affinity for controlling the four elements, and that unlike Arthur, the magic had not skipped Morgana and Mordred. And Gawain was always thrilled to meet new sorcerers, especially if they were his age; though of course, this was not the sole reason he wished to befriend Mordred (but his mother had told him that it was always nice to start things off with a genuine compliment). Mordred shifted nervously, still quite befuddled, regarding Gawain carefully. <<elseif $chapt3_meet_gawain == 2>> "Hello! It's good to meet you too." Mordred offered a smile of ?their own in return. "I've heard a lot about you." His eyes widened. He'd hoped Mordred would have heard of him, but the things he'd heard at Court led him to believe it wouldn't be very likely to cast him in a good light. Yet the smile gave him hope. "Really?" Warmth fanned across his cheeks, and his smiled widened. It was quite flattering - or at least, he hoped whatever ?they's heard was so. "So you know who I am!" Then, he added: "I've heard you're a powerful sorcerer!" Father had told him that the Le Fay were sorcerers who had an affinity for controlling the four elements, and that unlike Arthur, the magic had not skipped Morgana and Mordred. And Gawain was always thrilled to meet new sorcerers, especially if they were his age; though of course, this was not the sole reason he wished to befriend Mordred (but his mother had told him that it was always nice to start things off with a genuine compliment). <<elseif $chapt3_meet_gawain == 3>> "Hello! It's good to meet you too." Mordred offered a smile of ?their own in return. "I've heard a lot about you." His eyes widened. He'd hoped Mordred would have heard of him, but the things he'd heard at Court led him to believe it wouldn't be very likely to cast him in a good light. Yet the smile gave him hope. "Really?" Warmth fanned across his cheeks, and his smiled widened. It was quite flattering - or at least, he hoped whatever ?they's heard was so. "So you know who I am!" Then, he added: "I've heard you're a powerful sorcerer!" Father had told him that the Le Fay were sorcerers who had an affinity for controlling the four elements, and that unlike Arthur, the magic had not skipped Morgana and Mordred. And Gawain was always thrilled to meet new sorcerers, especially if they were his age; though of course, this was not the sole reason he wished to befriend Mordred (but his mother had told him that it was always nice to start things off with a genuine compliment). <<elseif $chapt3_meet_gawain == 4>> "Hello." ?They crossed ?their arms, almost protectively so. Eyes guarded as ?they took in Gawain as if at any moment he might draw a sword and strike ?them. Gawain smiled wider, brighter, in hopes of mellowing ?their wariness. "I've heard you're a powerful sorcerer!" Father had told him that the Le Fay were sorcerers who had an affinity for controlling the four elements, and that unlike Arthur, the magic had not skipped Morgana and Mordred. And Gawain was always thrilled to meet new sorcerers, especially if they were his age; though of course, this was not the sole reason he wished to befriend Mordred (but his mother had told him that it was always nice to start things off with a genuine compliment). <<elseif $chapt3_meet_gawain == 5>> Mordred crossed ?their arms, hugging ?themself, and bit ?their lip, regarding Gawain unsure. A shy smile bloomed on ?their lips. "Hello." Gawain smiled wider, brigther. "I've heard you're a powerful sorcerer!" Father had told him that the Le Fay were sorcerers who had an affinity for controlling the four elements, and that unlike Arthur, the magic had not skipped Morgana and Mordred. And Gawain was always thrilled to meet new sorcerers, especially if they were his age; though of course, this was not the sole reason he wished to befriend Mordred (but his mother had told him that it was always nice to start things off with a genuine compliment). <<elseif $chapt3_meet_gawain == 6>> Mordred crossed ?their arms, raising an eyebrow. The effect was that of disinterested enmity, and it hit Gawain like a bucket of cold water. His smile faltered. Then came another splash, in the form of one cold word, "Hello." Gawain frowned. Had he done anything to warrant such a response? Had Mordred heard anything of him, that may have set ?their mind in such resentment before Gawain may even had the chance to earn it? Not that he ever intended such a thing; his motivation of even approaching Mordred was purely friendliness. He gnawed on his lip, conjectures swarming his head like hornets, mean and loud. He pushed past them, and resolved to right whatever wrong idea Mordred may have of him. Best to start things off with a genuine compliment, as his mother had told him. "I've heard you're a powerful sorcerer!" Father had told him that the Le Fay were sorcerers who had an affinity for controlling the four elements, and that unlike Arthur, the magic had not skipped Morgana and Mordred. And Gawain was always thrilled to meet new sorcerers, especially if they were his age; though of course, this was not the sole reason he wished to befriend Mordred. <</if>> <div class="choice">[["I suppose I am," Mordred said shyly.|MeetMordred1][$Gawain to $Gawain+2, $confident to $confident-2, $chapt3_sorcerer to 1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["No, I'm not," Mordred said shyly.|MeetMordred1][$Gawain to $Gawain+2, $confident to $confident-2, $chapt3_sorcerer to 2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["That I am!" Mordred grinned.|MeetMordred1][$Gawain to $Gawain+2, $confident to $confident+2, $chapt3_sorcerer to 3]]</div> <div class="choice">[["More like, dangerous," Mordred said gloomly.|MeetMordred1][$Gawain to $Gawain+2, $chapt3_sorcerer to 4]]</div> <div class="choice">[["I'm not that powerful," Mordred grinned. Internally basking in the compliment.|MeetMordred1][$Gawain to $Gawain+2, $confident to $confident+2, $chapt3_sorcerer to 5]]</div> <div class="choice">[["I suppose." Mordred smiled.|MeetMordred1][$Gawain to $Gawain+2, $affable to $affable+2, $chapt3_sorcerer to 6]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Whoever told you that lied to you." Mordred laughed.|MeetMordred1][$Gawain to $Gawain+2, $affable to $affable+2, $chapt3_sorcerer to 7]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What about it?" Mordred said impassibly.|MeetMordred1][$Gawain to $Gawain+2, $affable to $affable-2, $chapt3_sorcerer to 8]]</div>

<<if $chapt3_sorcerer == 1>> "I suppose I am," Mordred replied, playing with a cord of ?their shirt, gaze darting from Gawain to ?their restless fingers. "Of course!" Gawain assured ?them. "I've heard you are Le Fay, and that you can shoot fire out of your hands! And-and make sparks, and conjure wind!" He moved his arms wildly, drawing arcs in the air to demonstrate casting such magic. <<elseif $chapt3_sorcerer == 2>> "No, I'm not," Mordred protested, nervous fingers pulling at the lace of ?their shirt. Selling ?themselves short. Gawain wouldn't have it. "Of course you are!" He assured ?them. "I've heard you are Le Fay, and that you can shoot fire out of your hands! And-and make sparks, and conjure wind!" He moved his arms wildly, drawing arcs in the air to demonstrate casting such magic. <<elseif $chapt3_sorcerer == 3>> They grinned, putting ?their hands on ?their hips. Radiating the confidence that befits a powerful sorcerer. "That I am!" Gawain stared at ?them in awe. He could almost imagine Mordred, standing like that in the eye of a hurricane ?they summoned ?themself. <<elseif $chapt3_sorcerer == 4>> "More like, dangerous," Mordred corrected him, the corners of ?their mouth pulled down in a sad curve. "What?" It took Gawain by surprise. Magic was beautiful. Perhaps dangerous sometimes. Like a force of nature - wild and menacing yet oh so exhilarating. It hurt to see Mordred so downcast, especially when he'd meant for his compliment to bring a smile to ?their face. So he rushed to mend his mistake and reassure ?them, "No, magic can get out of control, but that's why you're learning!" He threw out his hands, as if waving away any concern that may linger in Mordred's mind. Away with those mean thoughts, as if they're merely annoying bees. <<elseif $chapt3_sorcerer == 5>> Mordred grinned, clearly relishing the compliment. Yet ?they put up a modest front, as Gawain learned one usually does in polite company, as some people have decided the best way to receive a compliment, apparently, is by entirely denying it. "I'm not that powerful," Mordred insisted and waved ?their hand as if to dismiss the thought, but the smile persisted. It didn't deter Gawain's admiration. He could almost imagine Mordred, standing like that in the eye of a hurricane ?they summoned ?themself. <<elseif $chapt3_sorcerer == 6>> "I suppose." Mordred smiled kindly, but dismissed the compliment. As if it was just a polite thing Gawain might say, that maybe not even himself belives; this won't do! "Of course!" he assured ?them. "I've heard you are Le Fay, and that you can shoot fire out of your hands! And-and make sparks, and conjure wind!" He moved his arms wildly, drawing arcs in the air to demonstrate casting such magic. <<elseif $chapt3_sorcerer == 7>> Mordred laughed, the sound light and affable. "Whoever told you that lied to you," ?they said, dismissing the compliment. Out of modesty, or insecurity, Gawain couldn't tell, but he wanted to make sure that Mordred saw how awe-inspiring it was. He chuckled, "No, you're the liar. I've heard you are Le Fay, and that you can shoot fire out of your hands! And-and make sparks, and conjure wind!" He moved his arms wildly, drawing arcs in the air to demonstrate casting such magic. <<elseif $chapt3_sorcerer == 8>> "What about it?" Mordred said and stared at him impassibly, the very picture of a wall. A gray, particularly high and sturdy wall that leaves nothing through and makes no exceptions for good-intentioned compliments. Gawain felt as if he'd run head first into it. He shook off the stinging feeling rising in his chest. Perhaps Mordred simply felt strange about compliments. Or perhaps it didn't seem quite so impressive to a sorcerer themselves. Gawain decided to explain himself. "I've heard you are Le Fay, and that you can shoot fire out of your hands! And-and make sparks, and conjure wind!" He moved his arms wildly, drawing arcs in the air to demonstrate casting such magic. <</if>> "I like magic!" Gawain continued, as a way of explaining his excitement. He looked away, eyes fixed hazily on the fire blazing on in the forge, and pulled at a cord of his shirt's laced up front. "But I can't do magic." Sometimes he wished he might have been able to do magic himself; and he could have, had he applied himself to praying to a faerie. But he learned quickly that he was more content watching magic be performed than being the one who cast it. He turned his attention back to Mordred, smiling. "I have a friend who is a sorcerer like you! Nimue!" Nimue had spoken of Mordred. She told Gawain the adults would sometimes leave her to play with ?them, and ?they'd talk about dragons and magic on and on. She spoke rather fondly of ?them, but it was sometimes hard to tell with Nimue. She always seemed to have her feelings held tightly to her chest like a hand of cards. Gawain liked to think he'd got a pretty good read on her though. That she needn't guard herself as much around him. "Nimue?" Mordred blurted out the name as if the girl herself had jumped from behind a stall to greet ?them. "Yeah! You do know her, don't you?" Gawain asked and Mordred nodded. ?They was rather young when ?they left for the Continent, after all. Perhaps ?they've forgotten Nimue. Gawain glanced at the blacksmith, than took a sweeping look around; the man was still working tirelessly - //tediously// - away at the swords, and Galahad was nowhere to be seen, thought that didn't mean he couldn't be around, swallowed up by the crowd. Still, Gawain reasoned they still had some time, and a fun thought had crossed his mind. "Can you do a magic trick?" he entreated Mordred. Nimue loved to indulge him - Gawain had a feeling she secretely loved to show off, which matched perfectly with his desire to see awesome magic. <div class="choice">[["Sure!" (Mordred wanted to befriend him.)|Chapt3Trick1][$affable to $affable+2, $Gawain to $Gawain+2, $Gawain_friend to $Gawain_friend+2, $magictrick to "yes", $chapt3_trick_add to 1]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Happy to oblige!" (Mordred wants to win the favor of the King's nephew.)|Chapt3Trick1][$affable to $affable+2, $Gawain to $Gawain+2, $Gawain_ally to $Gawain_ally+2, $magictrick to "yes", $chapt3_trick_add to 2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Sure!" (Mordred finds him cute. ❤) |Chapt3Trick1][$affable to $affable+2, $Gawain to $Gawain+2, $Gawain_friend to $Gawain_friend+2, $gawain_crush to $gawain_crush+2, $magictrick to "yes", $chapt3_trick_add to 3]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Sure, I'll show you something really awesome!" (Mordred wanted to show off.)|Chapt3Trick1][$confident to $confident+2, $Gawain to $Gawain+2, $magictrick to "yes", $chapt3_trick_add to 4]]</div> <div class="choice">[["I'd rather not," Mordred said. (Knowing people are watching.)|Chapt3Trick][$impulsive to $impulsive-2, $Gawain to $Gawain+2, $magictrick to "nocautious", $chapt3_trick_add to 5]]</div> <div class="choice">[["I'd rather not," Mordred said coolly.|Chapt3Trick][$affable to $affable-2, $Gawain to $Gawain-5, $magictrick to "no", $chapt3_trick_add to 6]]</div> <div class="choice">[["I'd rather not," Mordred gently refused.|Chapt3Trick][$affable to $affable+2, $Gawain to $Gawain+2, $magictrick to "nogentle", $chapt3_trick_add to 7]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What am I, a fair performer?" Mordred snappped. "Go ask them for tricks!"|Chapt3Trick][$affable to $affable-2, $calm to $calm-2, $Gawain to $Gawain-5, $magictrick to "no", $chapt3_trick_add to 8]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Sure, I'll show you a trick." Little did Gawain now, Mordred had a malicious trick in mind.|Chapt3Trick2][$kind to $kind-3, $Gawain to $Gawain-5, $magictrick to "bad", $gawainok to "no", $trick to "fire", $chapt3_trick_add to 9]]</div>

<<if $chapt3_trick_add == 1>> "Sure!" Mordred gave him a brilliant smile, and Gawain grew abuzz with excitement. What trick would Mordred do? Summon fire? Manipulate the wind? Oh! Maybe something that had nothing to do with ?their affinity? <<elseif $chapt3_trick_add == 2>> "Happy to oblige," Mordred smiled dazzingly and inclined ?their head ever so slightly. Gawain grew abuzz with excitement. What trick would Mordred do? Summon fire? Manipulate the wind? Oh! Maybe something that hasd nothing to do with ?their affinity? <<elseif $chapt3_trick_add == 3>> "Sure!" Morded smiled, wide and sweet, and Gawain grew abuzz with excitement. What trick would Mordred do? Summon fire? Manipulate the wind? Oh! Maybe something that had nothing to do with ?their affinity? <<elseif $chapt3_trick_add == 4>> "Sure, I'll show you something really awesome," Mordred promised with a wide smile and Gawain grew abuzz with excitement. What trick would Mordred do? Summon fire? Manipulate the wind? Oh! Maybe something that had nothing to do with ?their affinity? <</if>> As different possibilites unraveled in Gawain's mind, Mordred ?themself took a moment of deliberation, gaze weighing Gawain, likely trying to gauge what would work better towards impressing him. Then ?their gaze shifted around, considering what ?they had at hand to aid ?them. <div class="choice">[[Mordred decided to screw caution and make it impressive.|ImpressiveTrick][$impulsive to $impulsive+3, $trick to "dramatic", $Gawain to $Gawain+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred decided on something simple.|SimpleTrick][$impulsive to $impulsive-3, $trick to "simple"]]</div>

<<if $chapt3_trick_add == 5>> Mordred's fingers fiddled with the hem of ?their embroidery shirt, shaking ?their head as ?their eyes roamed warily over the crowd. Gawain followed ?their gaze, puzzled. What were ?they so nervous about? Was ?they afraid someone in particular would see ?them, and think ?they was slacking off ?their squire duties? Was ?they not allowed to do magic in public? That would be preposterous. Perhaps Mordred's just embarrassed. "Is anything wrong?" "There's too many people," ?they whispered. Gawain nodded slowly. Embarrassed, most likely. Gawain had felt nervous before, when playing a new song he'd learned or composed on his lute. "Then you can show me later when it's just the two of us," he proposed. After all, Mordred hadn't turned him down. <<elseif $chapt3_trick_add == 6>> "I'd rather not," Mordred said, oozing cold animosity. It hit Gawain like an arrow straight to the chest. "Please!" He wasn't sure what exactly he was pleading for; a trick or a nicer treatment. "Why are you so mean?" "Mean?" Mordred quirked an eyebrow. "You approached me, which was rude." Gawain's brow creased. The words made no sense to him; he'd been excited to meet Mordred, and he had only good intentions in approaching ?them. Was it something he said? Had he insulted ?them? Perhaps he'd crossed a line, posing the question - he was so used to always asking Nimue - though he didn't think it warranted such a cold response. "I just wanted to talk," he protested. <<elseif $chapt3_trick_add == 7>> "I'd rather not," Mordred gently refused. ?They looked apologetic, and it softened the blow, somewhat. "Oh." The sound came out deflated out of Gawain; but he couldn't be mad. Perhaps Mordred was simply embarrassed; perhaps he'd crossed a line asking ?them so soon. He collected himself with a bright smile. "Another time." <<elseif $chapt3_trick_add == 8>> Mordred's fists clenched. "What am I, a fair performer? Go ask them for tricks!" ?Their words cut harshly, deeply into Gawain, leaving him dizzy in wounded stupor. "Why are you so mean?" he asked, voice made shriller by unshed tears. Had he crossed a line? Perhaps it'd been too forward of him to ask - but had it warranted such a rude response? <</if>> <<include GalahadArrives>>

Mordred smiled, a devious little smile, and Gawain grew abuzz with anticipation. Oh, ?they must have something impressive in mind! Mordred reached out ?their hand, and Gawain followed its motion, captivated; a flame burst out of ?their palm, and his eyes widened. It hurtled towards him, coming at him so quick that all he had time to process was the sudden shift of excitement to anxiety before the fire caught his cloak. It bit into the fabric with a blazing hunger to consume. Gawain screamed, but he barely registered the shrill sound as all his attention went to the quickly spreading fire. His fingers had lost any of their nimbleness in this dire moment, moving by sheer desperation. Fumbling blindly at the cords of his cloak, pulling at them until it finally came undone and the cloth pooled at his feet, fallen in battle. He stomped on the fire, his training and lessons kicking, stomped until the flame was extinguished and all that was left behind was a blackened mark and the smell of burnt paper. And above it all, Mordred's laugh rose cruelly. His pulse drummed in his ears, yet the sound pierced Gawain like a poisoned arrow straight to the chest. He looked at Mordred, eyes stinging with unshed tears. He blinked them back. Mordred would have probably just laughed more. "What's happening?" Gawain spun around to face his savior. Galahad stood at the edge of the pavilion, taking in the disastruous scene with circumspect eyes. His gaze fell on the burned cloak at Gawain's feet then snapped to Mordred, hardened. No - sharpened, like a blade ready for action. "Mordred tried to burn me!" Gawain shouted and pointed at the culprit. High-pitched voice made shriller by the tears he fought to hold back. He was vaguely aware that his extended arm quivered. Galahad stepped up to Mordred. Gawain had never felt intimidated by Galahad, but this quality of his was not lost upon him. His tall height had the potential to be looming on its own; when you added to that the cold fierceness of his glare, he was a proper menace. And in this moment, this quality was completely employed to the task of defending Gawain. "Hurt Gawain again, and I'll see if you fight so well with a sword." This was going badly, oh so badly. And just because he asked for a simple trick. Gawain rushed to wrap the cloak back around him, singed as it was. He had to put a stop to this. "Galahad, please. Let's go. Let's take the weapons and go." Galahad didn't budge. He stared at Mordred for yet another beat, frame tense. Then his palms, balled tightly into fists, unfurled, and Gawain knew he'd succeeded. Galahad turned around, sparing no other glare Mordred's way. Instead he marched to the counter, asked for their weapons - be they finished or not - and, taking Gawain's hand in one hand and the bag of swords in the other, moved away from the pavilion. Despite the lingering anger, his grasp on Gawain was gentle. "Gally. Do you think I'm being too much sometimes?" He'd been called //overwhelming// a couple times, the word accompanied by tolerant smiles and mild tones. But he'd heard a less kind way to put it, too. He hadn't meant to hear - he wasn't supposed to hear it. But the word came back ringing like a coin in a metal cup. //Annoying.// Galahad stopped in his tracks and turned fully to Gawain. "You're not," he said, brief but resolute and squeezed Gawain's fingers. Gawain smiled faintly. His free hand was closed tightly against the soft fabric of his cloak, and he pulled at it now, bringing up the singed part of it. Tears lodged in his throat and he spoke thickly: "It's ruined." "We'll take it to a Weaver," Galahad said. "It'll be as good as new." This time, Gawain's smile reached higher, and he let the fabric drop. "It's better to stay away from Mordred," Galahad continued. "You've seen for yourself now; ?they're just as I told you." Gawain tilted his head, brow creasing. He was on the verge of tears yet he felt it would be unfair to judge Mordred so quickly. He wanted to believe he'd just caught ?them at the wrong moment; that he'd been too rude in his request. They weren't familiar. He shouldn't have asked for such favors when they'd barely met. He had to try at least once more to extend his hand to Mordred. Galahad squinted at Gawain, sensing his hesitation. "Gawain. Mordred //attacked// you." "Well, yeah but...I just asked ?them for a trick. It was rude of me." "No. It was not your fault." Galahad studied his face. "Sometimes you're too sweet for your own good, Gawain," he said quietly, then renewed his quick step. "Hey," Gawain said. "You didn't give me my bag." Galahad hummed in agreement, but made no movement to rectify the situation. Gawain couldn't complain. But there was someone who could and would. "Lance will say you coddle me too much." "Then I'll give it to you before we reach them." Gawain squeezed his fingers. "Thanks. Gally? Can we get some sweets afterwards?" Galahad simply smiled. Oh, that's a //yes//. [[The End|End]]

Mordred lips tilted up just the slightest bit. Whatever had ?they come up with? It must be something impressive! ?They turned towards the counter, calling out, "Blacksmith! Come here!" The man didn't look thrilled, but he dutifully placed down the whetstone and approached. It was at that moment that Mordred raised both arms. The fire in the forge mirrored the motion, growing bigger and fiercer, spitting and hissing. The heat carressed Gawain's cheeks as he watched, captivated. The blacksmith cursed, but didn't deign to reprimand Mordred. Gawain, however, turned to the sorcerer with a grin. "That's awesome!" Mordred glanced at him, and their gazes met; it was a brief moment, but the shared happiness warmed Gawain more than the fire. Then Mordred brought down ?their arms, and the fire tamed. ?They'd made it look so easy, so effortless. Gawain was vaguely aware other people had stopped to stare at the fire show, but his attention was solely trained on Mordred. <<include GalahadArrives>>

Mordred lips tilted up just the slightest bit. ?They held up ?their hand; Gawain followed the motion captived. ?They swirled ?their index in a circle and as ?they did, a gust of wind picked up around Gawain, cool yet refreshing against his skin. The wind snatched up his cloak like devious fingers and slapped it against his face, his vision filled with green. When he pulled the fabric away, he was grinning from ear to ear. "That's awesome!" Mordred had made it look so easy, so effortless. <<include GalahadArrives>>

"What's happening?" Gawain and Mordred turned at the same time. Galahad had arrived at the edge of the pavilion, his gaze shifting from one child to the other, circumspect. Face as if carved out of stone - cool and impassive. Gawain knew Galahad would not be too thrilled about this introduction, but he was confident he could manage the situation well. <<if $chapt3_trick_add == 6 or $chapt3_trick_add == 8>>>> This meeting was already not going too well...He had to make sure it wouldn't get worse. <<else>> After all, Mordred had been so nice to him. ?They were far from the unkind image Galahad had painted of ?them. <</if>> <<if $magictrick == "yes">> He stepped forward with a wide smile. "Galahad, this is Mordred! ?They showed me a magic trick!" <<else>> He stepped forward with a wide smile. "Galahad, this is Mordred!" <</if>> Galahad stared at Mordred. And stared. Gawain waited for a greeting, a reaction - even just him glancing away - but nothing came. Gawain's smile was neatly in place, but behind it he was growing wary. Galahad's gaze had the potential to be quite cold and intimidating, and it seemed to fully employ that quality then. <div class="choice">[[Mordred smiled genuinely at him. "Hello! It's nice to meet you."|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 1, $affable to $affable+3, $honest to $honest+3, $Galahad to $Galahad+2, $Galahad_friend to $Galahad_friend+1, $persuasion to $persuasion+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred smiled, charming. "Hello! It's nice to meet you."|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 2, $affable to $affable+3, $confident to $confident+2, $Galahad_ally to $Galahad_ally+1, $persuasion to $persuasion+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred smiled. (fake smile)|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 3, $honest to $honest-3, $Galahad_ally to $Galahad_ally+1]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred smiled shyly.|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 4, $confident to $confident-3, $Galahad to $Galahad+2, $Galahad_friend to $Galahad_friend+1]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred smirked. "So impressed by me you are at a loss of words?"|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 5, $confident to $confident+3, $Galahad to $Galahad-2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred looked away.|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 6, $confident to $confident-3]]</div> <div class="choice">[["What are you staring at?" Mordred demanded.|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 7, $calm to $calm-3, $intimidation to $intimidation+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[["Stop staring or I'll gouge out your eyes," Mordred threatened.|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 8, $affable to $affable-3, $intimidation to $intimidation+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred held his gaze confidently.|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 9, $confident to $confident+3, $intimidation to $intimidation+2]]</div> <div class="choice">[[Mordred held his gaze, bored.|Chapter3.4][$chapt3_salute to 10, $calm to $calm+3, $intimidation to $intimidation+2]]</div>

<<if $chapt3_salute == 1>> Despite the frosty greeting - or rather, lack of - Mordred smiled, open and affable. It filled Gawain with fuzzy hope. "Hello!" ?they said. "It's nice to meet you." Galahad didn't reply. Silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal, stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. Mordred's smile faltered. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 2>> Despite the frosty greeting - or rather, lack of - Mordred smiled pleasantly. It filled Gawain with fuzzy hope. "Hello!" ?they said. "It's nice to meet you." Galahad didn't reply. Silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal, stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. Mordred kept on smiling. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 3>> Despite the frosty greeting - or rather, lack of - Mordred smiled pleasantly. It filled Gawain with fuzzy hope. "Hello!" ?they said. "It's nice to meet you." Galahad didn't reply. Silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal, stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. Mordred's smile too looked strained. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 4>> Despite the frosty greeting - or rather, lack of - Mordred smiled. It was timid and small but it filled Gawain with fuzzy hope. "Hello!" ?they said. Galahad didn't reply. Silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal, stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. Mordred's smile faltered. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 5>> Mordred faced the frosty lack of a greeting with a smirk. "So impressed by me you are at a loss of words?" Well, this was either an attempt at humour, or a taunt. <<if $chapt3_trick_add == 6 or $chapt3_trick_add == 8>>>> A taunt, most likely. <<else>> Just Mordred's humour, Gawain decided. <</if>> Either way, it did not bode well with Galahad. The only response Mordred received was icy silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal. It stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 6>> Mordred ripped ?their gaze away from Galahad's frosty one. He'd have to have a talk with Galahad about that glare of his. Silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal, stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 7>> Mordred was not daunted by Galahad's frosty gaze. Instead, ?they thrust forward ?their chin and challanged him back: "What are you staring at?" Oh, this was a disaster. Silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal, stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 8>> Mordred was not daunted by Galahad's frosty gaze. No - ?they struck back with a threat of ?their own, this one most sharply voiced: "Stop staring or I'll gouge out your eyes." A wave of unease surged through Gawain. This was a disaster. The only response Mordred received was icy silence, punctured by the strike of a hammer against metal. It stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 9>> Mordred was not daunted by Galahad's frosty gaze. ?They held it steadfast, shoulders squared back. The picture of confidence. Galahad's gaze may be brewing a winter storm within its depths, but Mordred was all prepared and bundled up. Silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal, stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. <<elseif $chapt3_salute == 10>> Mordred was not daunted by Galahad's frosty gaze - on contrary, ?they held it impassively, silently conveying that there was nothing particularly impressive or threatening about his glare. Silence, punctured only by the strike of a hammer against metal, stretched on - like pulling a cloth in oppposite directions, feeling the strain build on the fibers of the fabric. <</if>> Finally, Galahad broke the stare, turning to Gawain. "Let's go, Gawain. Our fathers are expecting us. Are the weapons sharpened already?" He spoke clipped, still tightly coiled with tension. "Uh, I think so." Gawain hadn't checked; if they had been ready, the blacksmith would have called to him, wouldn't he? "I got distracted." Galahad sighed, weary and just a touch exasperated. Well, it wasn't fair. Gawain's only given instruction had been to wait. He told himself it was probably not directed at him, just the situation at hand. Galahad grasped his shoulder, stirring him towards the counter as he requested the weapons. It was time to go, and time to do his best to end this encounter on a good note. "It was nice meeting you," Gawain told Mordred as Galahad hauled up both of the bags. "I'll see you around!" He waved at Mordred, but Galahad slid his hand from Gawain's shoulder to his palm and tugged him away from the pavilion. Despite his clear vexation, his hold on Gawain was gentle. "I told you to stay away from Mordred," Galahad hissed before they could even step from under the pavilion. <<if $chapt3_trick_add == 6 or $chapt3_trick_add == 8>> "You did," Gawain confirmed. And even then he had no intention of actually heeding the words. Meeting Mordred hadn't gone exactly smoothly, yet he was determined to try again. Perhaps he'd been too forward in his approach, too rude with his request. "But dad told me that it's wrong to judge ?them based simply on rumors. That we should give ?them a chance." Gawain nodded decisively, mostly to himself. Galahad glanced at him askew. But his gaze had softened. "Gawain. You can't trust ?them." "Well. I suppose they do say trust is earned and all that," he conceded with a bright smile. "So we'll just have to work towards that." Galahad shook his head. "It's a bad idea." Now that his hastened step had led them far away from the blacksmith's, his step slowed and he turned fully to Gawain. "I don't want you to get hurt, Gawain." Gawain's smile wavered, but not for long. "Gally. Mordred deserves a chance." Galahad studied his face; Gawain squared his shoulders. The only thing his friend would find in his expression would be stark, firm determination. A shadow of a smile played over Galahad's lips. "Sometimes you're too sweet for your own good," he said quietly, then renewed his quick step. Gawain's smile mellowed to a content one. He'll get Gally to see what he saw, too. "Hey," Gawain said. "You didn't give me my bag." Galahad hummed in agreement, but made no movement to rectify the situation. Gawain couldn't complain. But there was someone who could and would. "Lance will say you coddle me too much." "Then I'll give it to you before we reach them." Gawain squeezed his fingers. "Thanks. Gally? Can we get some sweets afterwards?" Galahad simply smiled. Oh, that was a //yes//. <<else>> <<if $chapt3_salute == 8>> "You did," Gawain confirmed, way too cheerful. How could he not be? Meeting Mordred had been such a delightful surprise. "But dad told me that it's wrong to judge ?them based simply on rumors. And Mordred's really nice, Gally!" His mouth twisted then, remembering that Mordred hadn't been too nice to Galahad though. His friend voiced his thought: "?They threatened me." "It was a bit exaggerated. But you weren't being friendly either! You should try talking to ?them. Nicely." Gawain nodded decisively, mostly to himself. Yes, Gally had to at least try to give ?them a chance, and it was up to him to facilitate that. <<else>> "You did," Gawain confirmed, way too cheerful. How could he not be? Meeting Mordred had been such a delightful surprise. "But dad told me that it's wrong to judge ?them based simply on rumors. And Mordred's really nice, Gally! You should try talking to ?them, too." Gawain nodded decisively, mostly to himself. Yes, Gally had to at least try to give ?them a chance, and it was up to him to facilitate that. <</if>> Galahad glanced at him askew. But his gaze had softened. "Gawain. You can't trust ?them." "Well. I suppose they do say trust is earned and all that," he conceded with a bright smile. "So we'll just have to work towards that." Galahad shook his head."It's a bad idea." Now that his hastened step had led them far away from the blacksmith's, his step slowed and he turned fully to Gawain. "I don't want you to get hurt, Gawain." Gawain's smile wavered, but not for long. "Gally. Mordred deserves a chance." Galahad studied his face; Gawain squared his shoulders. The only thing his friend would find in his expression would be stark, firm determination. A shadow of a smile played over Galahad's lips. "Sometimes you're too sweet for your own good," he said quietly, then renewed his quick step. Gawain's smile mellowed to a content one. He'll get Gally to see what he saw, too. "Hey," Gawain said. "You didn't give me my bag." Galahad hummed in agreement, but made no movement to rectify the situation. Gawain couldn't complain. But there was someone who could and would. "Lance will say you coddle me too much." "Then I'll give it to you before we reach them." Gawain squeezed his fingers. "Thanks. Gally? Can we get some sweets afterwards?" Galahad simply smiled. Oh, that was a //yes//. <</if>> [[The End|End]]

Hope you enjoyed it!