An Unexpected Visitor at Moonrise Romanced

You unlock the door to Balthazar's laboratory. A rancid miasma of decay assaults your senses all at once. The rotten sweetness clags in your throat. Upon walking into the room, you see an array of gory sights, but no moonlantern. 1) [[Investigate the drow on the operating table.]] 2) [[Investigate the work desk.]] 3) [[Investigate the viscera.]]

You plunge your hand into the pile of guts and gore. It squelches between your fingers. You find nothing of note. 1) [[Investigate the drow on the operating table.]] 2) [[Investigate the work desk.]]

You look at the various tools, tomes, and beakers littered across the work space. There is evidence of some organisation at work, but you have no idea what that might be. 1) (link: "<Medicine> Check the beakers.")[<Medicine> Check the beakers. (go-to: (either: "Beaker Success", "Beaker Fail"))] 2) (link: "<Arcana> Read the books.") [<Arcana> Read the books. (go-to: (either: "Arcana Success", "Arcana Fail"))] 3) [[Examine the utensils.]]

A young male drow lies flayed on the table. He might have been handsome once, were his features not mangled by abject terror. 1) (link: "<Medicine> Look closer at the body.") [<Medicine> Look closer at the body. (go-to: (either: "Medicine Success", "Medicine Fail"))] 2) (link: "<History> Investigate the discarded clothing") [<History> Investigate the discarded clothing. (go-to: (either: "History Success", "History Fail"))] 3) [[Investigate the work desk.]] 4) [[Investigate the viscera.]]

<Success> The blood splatter and serrations all indicate that the man was still conscious when his organs were removed. Given the colour of his flesh, he likely died within the last 6 hours. 1) (link: "<History> Investigate the discarded clothing") [<History> Investigate the discarded clothing. (go-to: (either: "History Success", "History Fail"))] 2) [[Investigate the work desk.]] 3) [[Investigate the viscera.]]

<Fail> Blood is everywhere, making it hard to make out any details. What is clear, however, is that this man has very few organs left in his body. 1) (link: "<History> Investigate the discarded clothing") [<History> Investigate the discarded clothing. (go-to: (either: "History Success", "History Fail"))] 2) [[Investigate the work desk.]] 3) [[Investigate the viscera.]]

<Success> The clothes are finely made, but inexpensive. They are prominently adorned with the symbol of House Baenre, the most formidable drow House in all Menzoberranzan. ''Breoch:'' A Baenre? Why would one of their servants be somewhere like that? 1) (link: "<Medicine> Look closer at the body.") [<Medicine> Look closer at the body. (go-to: (either: "Medicine Success", "Medicine Fail"))] 2) [[Investigate the work desk.]] 3) [[Investigate the viscera.]]

<Fail> The clothes look drow in fashion and are covered with a symbol you don't recognise. ''Breoch:'' Baenre? This cannot be good. 1) (link: "<Medicine> Look closer at the body.") [<Medicine> Look closer at the body. (go-to: (either: "Medicine Success", "Medicine Fail"))] 2) [[Investigate the work desk.]] 3) [[Investigate the viscera.]]

<Success> In every beaker is an assortment of organs, carefully preserved. Some glasses are newer than others. Hidden amongst the vials, you spy an ornate glass jar, at least a century older than the other specimens. Inside are a pair of eyeballs: one an icy-blue, the other red. They look familiar to you. [[''???:'' Bryna?]]

<Fail> In every beaker is an assortment of organs, carefully preserved. Hidden amongst the vials, you spy an ornate glass jar. Inside are a pair of eyeballs: one an icy-blue, the other red. [[''???:'' Bryna?]]

<Success> The books are full of notes relating to advanced necrotic magic. There are blue-prints of containers capable of keeping organs alive after removal, and even a plan on how to apply that magic to a casket to keep an entire cadaver alive. Most of the writing is too complex for you to fully decipher their meaning. What is clear, however, is that these notes were written by a skilled necromancer. One that calls themself Varna Kradenza. ''Breoch:'' W-what...what did you say? [[''???:'' Bryna?]]

<Fail> One notebook is full of arcane scrawl and anatomical diagrams. The script is too complex to parse out its meaning. One detail you can confidently identify is a name: Varna Kradenza. [[''???:'' Bryna?]]

There are a variety of scalpels and forceps, all the typical tools a surgeon might need. In spite of the abundant gore in the room, the surgery utensils are surprisingly clean. [[''???:'' Bryna?]]

You turn toward the stranger's voice. You see a drow dressed in the Absolute's regalia staring at Breoch. There is nothing particularly remarkable about him: his hair is the pure white characteristic of drow, cut short into a shaggy style, and his eyes are as pale as moonstones. He is handsome, in the way most drow men are, but that isn't why you can't keep your eyes off him. Whoever this man is, he is somebody Breoch fears. The usually confident sorcerer, the one who walked fearlessly into the Shadowlands, now trembles before him. 1) [[Who are you?]] 2) [[Are you Varna?]] 3) [[Breoch, are you alright?]] 4) //[[ (Say nothing.)]]//

The drow smiles, but his eyes never leave Breoch. ''???:'' You haven't mentioned me? Then again, you always did like to keep me secret. He walks over to Breoch and yanks him by his throat into a kiss. Breoch yields to him, without reciprocation, his eyes glaze over as his arms swing limply by his side. ''Varna:'' But there's no need for secrets now, my dearest heart. I'm Varna, formally of House Kradenza, and Breoch's lover. 1) [[Stay away from him.]] 2) [[What do you want from Breoch?]] 3) //[[(Ready for an attack)]]//

The drow looks at you, silently assessing your worth. ''Varna:'' I'm glad to see he's told you about me. Given how long we've been together, it makes sense. I am curious though...what exactly has he told you? 1) [[That you had a messy break up.]] 2) [[You were a necromancer.]] 3) [[You met at Sorcere.]] 4) [[You'd been together for several years.]]

Breoch opens his mouth to speak, but only a whimper escapes his lips. The other drow smiles. ''???:'' What's the matter, my heart? You look scared to death... He moves closer and take's Breoch's hand. ''Breoch:'' Varna...? How...? 1) [[Stay away from him.]] 2) [[What do you want from Breoch?]] 3) //[[(Ready for an attack)]]//

''???:'' Oh my dearest heart, it is you! I knew you would return to me. He moves closer and holds Breoch's hand. ''Breoch:'' Varna...? How...? 1) [[Stay away from him.]] 2) [[What do you want from Breoch?]] 3) //[[(Ready for an attack)]]//

Varna appears to ignore you. He holds Breoch by the waist and presses his forehead to his. Breoch's hands move to hold Varna's arms; not quite pushing him away, yet not inviting him either. They slip into each other's arms naturally, as though they have spend years lost in the other's embrace. Just like this. Only now does Varna acknowledge you. ''Varna:'' You may be a True Soul, but I don't take my orders from you. I answer to Balthazar, whom you have been tasked with retrieving. 1) [[Let. Him. Go.]] 2) [[Why are you doing this?]] 3) [[I care about his happiness, clearly more than you do.]] 4) //[[(Attack)]]//

Varna appears to ignore you. He holds Breoch by the waist and presses his forehead to his. Breoch's hands move to hold Varna's arms; not quite pushing him away, yet not inviting him either. They slip into each other's arms naturally, as though they have spend years lost in the other's embrace. Just like this. Only now does Varna acknowledge you. ''Varna:'' Why should that matter to you? Unless...you believe you also have some claim to his heart? 1) [[Let. Him. Go.]] 2) [[Why are you doing this?]] 3) [[I care about his happiness, clearly more than you do.]] 4) //[[(Attack)]]//

Varna appears to ignore you. He holds Breoch by the waist and presses his forehead to his. Breoch's hands move to hold Varna's arms; not quite pushing him away, yet not inviting him either. They slip into each other's arms naturally, as though they have spend years lost in the other's embrace. Just like this. ''Varna:'' I'd suggest not fighting with me, True Soul. We are both chosen by the Absolute, we are not enemies. Though if you do wish to fight, then you will make enemies of us all. 1) [[Let. Him. Go.]] 2) [[Why are you doing this?]] 3) [[I care about his happiness, clearly more than you do.]] 4) //[[(Attack)]]//

''Varna:'' We're drow. Any relationship that matters always ends in blood. 1) [[Stay away from him.]] 2) [[What do you want from Breoch?]] 3) //[[(Ready for an attack)]]//

''Varna:'' And I still am. Although, I am far more accomplished now than when Bryna last saw me. 1) [[Stay away from him.]] 2) [[What do you want from Breoch?]] 3) //[[(Ready for an attack)]]//

''Varna:'' We did. I'd always thought it was strange that they would allow a sorcerer into Menzoberranzan's most prestigious wizard. Though, I'm grateful they did, or else we might not have ever met. 1) [[Stay away from him.]] 2) [[What do you want from Breoch?]] 3) //[[(Ready for an attack)]]//

''Varna:'' Years? Try decades. At least 70 years in total. Longer than most of you surface dwellers can expect to live. 1) [[Stay away from him.]] 2) [[What do you want from Breoch?]] 3) //[[(Ready for an attack)]]//

''Varna:'' I have waited too long to hold him again and I'll not be denied any longer. This //droc'uh faern// is mine. I was the one who issued the command for his capture and recruitment after all. Breoch snaps out of his daze. He scowls and tears Varna's hands away. ''Breoch:'' What do you mean? ''Varna:'' Well, you left so suddenly Bryna. I didn't know how else to find you again. You're my most precious gift from the Absolute. She is a far more generous goddess than our Dark Mother ever was. She provided me with the means to bring you to life and she granted me the power to make you mine again. An agonising screech pierces your skull as Varna harnesses the tadpole to dominate Breoch. You feel Breoch's anguish as he reaches out to you. 1) //[[(Sever the psionic connection.)]]// 2) //[[(Do nothing. You don't want to make Varna suspicious)]]//

''Varna:'' Love, of course. Though I don't expect you to understand. This //droc'uh faern// is mine. I was the one who issued the command for his capture and recruitment after all. Breoch snaps out of his daze. He scowls and tears Varna's hands away. ''Breoch:'' What do you mean? ''Varna:'' Well, you left so suddenly Bryna. I didn't know how else to find you again. You're my most precious gift from the Absolute. She is a far more generous goddess than our Dark Mother ever was. She provided me with the means to bring you to life and she granted me the power to make you mine again. An agonising screech pierces your skull as Varna harnesses the tadpole to dominate Breoch. You feel Breoch's anguish as he reaches out to you. 1) //[[(Sever the psionic connection.)]]// 2) //[[(Do nothing. You don't want to make Varna suspicious)]]//

''Varna:'' You dare to pretend to know him better than I do? He glowers at you, scrutinising your every feature. He sneers as he recognises the heart of your feelings for Breoch. ''Varna:'' Oh, now I see...you fell for his game too. Let me guess: Breoch has given you extra special attention, made you feel desired, valued, and has made no secret of his attraction for you? He's praised you, flattered you, helped you, and seemingly goes out of his way to make you feel wanted. You might even begin to think...that he loves you. ''Breoch:'' Varna...stop... ''Varna:'' What? Do you not like me revealing the tactics you use in your 'love games'? Your tried and tested method you'd perfected with the matriarchs of Menzoberranzan, a method which you now weaponise against your supposed allies. Whatever is going on between you two, it's nothing more than a game to you, isn't it? Breoch lowers his head, seemingly unable or unwilling to deny the accusation. ''Varna:'' This //droc'uh faern// is mine. I was the one who issued the command for his capture and recruitment after all. Breoch snaps out of his daze. He scowls and tears Varna's hands away. ''Breoch:'' What do you mean? ''Varna:'' Well, you left so suddenly Bryna. I didn't know how else to find you again. You're my most precious gift from the Absolute. She is a far more generous goddess than our Dark Mother ever was. She provided me with the means to bring you to life and she granted me the power to make you mine again. An agonising screech pierces your skull as Varna harnesses the tadpole to dominate Breoch. You feel Breoch's anguish as he reaches out to you. 1) //[[(Sever the psionic connection.)]]// 2) //[[(Do nothing. You don't want to make Varna suspicious)]]//

''Varna:'' Ha! You truly are a fool...destroy them, but leave Breoch to me. He hurriedly kisses Breoch. In an instant, a deafening screech cries out from a nearby scrying eye. As you turn toward the noise, Varna vanishes, leaving you to your fate. Getting into Moonrise Towers was easy. Fighting your way out might prove to be impossible. [[Homepage]]

(text-style:"fade-in-out")[Breoch Approves] You feel for the taut psionic web that Varna uses to ensnare Breoch. It takes some effort, but you eventually slice him free from his bindings. Varna growls at you. ''Varna:'' How did //you// defy //me//?! He squares up to you. You sense the machinations of his mind spinning behind his sharp eyes. This wizard is dangerously intelligent. You will need to act quickly to avoid blowing your cover. Breoch catches your eye, unnoticed by Varna. His tadpole nudges yours as he too plans his next move. 1) (link: "<Deception> We're all True Soul here. Equals under the Absolute.") [<Deception> We're all True Souls here. Equals under the Absolute. (go-to: (either: "Deception Success", "Deception Fail"))] 2) //[[(Instruct Breoch to play along with Varna.)]]// 3) //[[(Let Breoch decide how to handle Varna.)]]//

(text-style:"fade-in-out")[Breoch Disapproves. ] You suffocate his pleas for help. You watch as Breoch crumples under each lash of Varna's psionic whip. You feel each cut, but none of the pain, like watching surgery being performed behind glass. ''Varna:'' Bryna, tell your pets to leave us. I wish to speak with you. Alone. ''Breoch:'' //Straj! Vrinne'winnith! Usstan ann dos! Vrinne'winnith!!// ''Varna:'' You know how to make me stop, hm? ''Breoch:'' Fine! Fine...please...leave me... ''Varna:'' Because...? ''Breoch:'' Because I want to stay with Varna. ''Varna:'' Good boy... well, you heard him. //''Leave''// His words leave no room for argument. You both know what will happen next. As you close the door behind you, leaving Breoch alone with Varna, you are certain that you and the artifact avoided detection. Though at what cost? [[Homepage]]

(Link: "Homepage") [Homepage](goto-url:"https://bardic-perdita.neocities.org/")

<Success> ''Varna:'' Hm...it would seem we are, as you say, "equals" in the eyes of our revered Absolute. He returns to Breoch's side once more and holds his chin. ''Varna:'' We'll have to continue this another time, my heart. Perhaps I'll pay you a visit at your camp. Oh, and don't worry... Varna places his hand over Breoch's heart. ''Varna:'' I'll find //you.// Breoch breaks free from Varna's grip and remains frozen in place. He listens out for the sound of Varna's footsteps as they leave the lab. You are alone again. It's clear that Breoch is in no state to chat right now. That conversation will have to wait until another time. [[Homepage]]

<Fail> ''Varna:'' "Equals" you say? The pain takes your breath away. You have never felt the sting of a psionic dissection like this before. Your tadpole squirms and burrows deeper into your brain, desperately trying to escape Varna's all-seeing invasion. 1) //[[(Instruct Breoch to play along with Varna.)]]// 2) //[[(Let Breoch decide how to handle Varna.)]]//

Breoch nods and stretches. For a flicker of a moment, a wave of disgust washes across his face, but is quickly concealed. ''Breoch:'' //Shrome'cak//... Varna freezes and rushes to Breoch's side. ''Varna:'' Bryna? ''Breoch:'' You really did not need to go to such pains to make me yours. You have my heart, do you not? Both literally and figuratively... ''Varna:'' I do, don't I? My dearest heart...perhaps I should hide you away just as securely as your heart? Then I can never lose you again. ''Breoch:'' Surely you did not resurrect me to simply lock me away? We both know you can make better use of me than that. Breoch's smile is as charming as ever, but you can feel the weight of sadness in his words. They are spoken like a true actor, if the actor had no passion for their performance. 1) //[[(Stop Breoch.)]]// 2) //[[(Don't intervene.)]]//

(text-style:"fade-in-out")[Breoch Approves ] ''Breoch:'' Where is my heart, Varna? ''Varna:'' What? ''Breoch:'' My heart. The one you stole from my chest when you killed me. ''Varna:'' Stole?! I didn't steal anything. You promised your heart to me. You promised that your heart belonged to me alone...and I believed you. Even whilst you slept with any mistress and playmate that would have you, I believed in your love for me. Or was that all just a lie too? 1) [[You killed him?]] 2) [[Breoch cheated on you?]] 3) //[[(Say nothing.)]] //

At your silent command, Breoch changes tact. He delicately kisses Varna's cheek. ''Breoch:'' Though, I should not allow myself to get so distracted. Commander Z'rell has asked us to find Balthazar, and I have allowed myself to be delayed for long enough. ''Varna:'' You will come back to me. ''Breoch:'' Yes...there is still much more we need to do. Breoch returns to your side once more with his all too familiar charm and grace. Though his bravado is as fragile as ice. Talking to him now would surely shatter him. [[Homepage]]

''Varna:'' I may have a few uses in mind... A beat passes between them. The scene feels overperformed and repetitive, as though it has played out a thousand times, though this is your first time watching it. Breoch slowly kneels and holds Varna's hips. ''Varna:'' Oh, I have missed you, Bryna. Nobody can make me feel the way that you do. You made me yours, and now I can make you mine again. Breoch hesitates. He glances at you, his expression unreadable. ''Varna:'' Hm? I thought you liked an audience? ''Breoch:'' Not when it comes to you. I always wanted to keep you to myself. ''Breoch:'' I will meet you back at our camp. Do not wait for me. His words leave no room for argument. You both know what will happen next. As you close the door behind you, leaving Breoch alone with Varna, you are certain that you and the artifact avoided detection. Though at what cost? [[Homepage]]

''Breoch:'' He did. Varna strapped me to his autopsy table and-- ''Varna:'' Vivisection table, actually. You weren't dead when I started. ''Breoch:'' No, I was not. I was alive while you sliced me open and took whatever piece of me you wanted. I was still alive while you cut my still-beating heart from my chest and preserved it in a jar. ''Varna:'' And it still beats for me to this day. ''Breoch:'' I never lied about my love for you. Not once. Those 70 years, everything I did felt for you, that was real. I would have done anything for you, and quite often did. I...loved you. ''Varna:'' And now...? ''Breoch:'' ...I am here now, alive, because of you. The Absolute brought me here, brought all of us here, for some greater purpose. I need to find what that is. You understand that, do you not? ''Varna:'' Of course, my heart. I already know that you are my purpose, and I'm certain that she'll reassure you that I am yours. It will be much clearer once you hear it in Her voice. I'll be here when you need me, like I always have. ''Breoch:'' Thank you... //shrome'cak.// Varna laughs softly. There is a ghost of tenderness that still exists between the two drow. A ghost that is being exploited by Breoch. ''Varna:'' You haven't called me that for nearly 200 years...I've missed you. 1) [[We should go.]] 2) [[(Let Breoch continue.)]]

(text-style:"fade-in-out")[Breoch Disapproves.] ''Varna:'' He had never been faithful to me. I'd wait most nights for him to come home to me, but he would rather spend those nights in the arms of strangers. ''Breoch:'' I was playing the game! You know how hard it was for men like us. I did what I had to do to leverage some influence for us, for //you.// ''Varna:'' But mostly for your own ego, right? ''Breoch:'' I never lied about my love for you. Not once. Those 70 years, everything I felt for you, that was real. I would have done anything for you, and quite often did. I...loved you. ''Varna:'' And now...? ''Breoch:'' ...I am here now, alive, because of you. The Absolute brought me here, brought all of us here, for some greater purpose. I need to find what that is. You understand that, do you not? ''Varna:'' Of course, my heart. I already know that you are my purpose, and I'm certain that she'll reassure you that I am yours. It will be much clearer once you hear it in Her voice. I'll be here when you need me, like I always have. ''Breoch:'' Thank you... //shrome'cak.// Varna laughs softly. There is a ghost of tenderness that still exists between the two drow. A ghost that is being exploited by Breoch. ''Varna:'' You haven't called me that for nearly 200 years...I've missed you. 1) [[We should go.]] 2) //[[(Let Breoch continue.)]]//

(text-style:"fade-in-out")[Breoch Approves.] ''Breoch:'' I never lied about my love for you. Not once. Those 70 years, everything I felt for you, that was real. I would have done anything for you, and quite often did. I...loved you. ''Varna:'' And now...? ''Breoch:'' ...I am here now, alive, because of you. The Absolute brought me here, brought all of us here, for some greater purpose. I need to find what that is. You understand that, do you not? ''Varna:'' Of course, my heart. I already know that you are my purpose, and I'm certain that she'll reassure you that I am yours. It will be much clearer once you hear it in Her voice. I'll be here when you need me, like I always have. ''Breoch:'' Thank you... //shrome'cak.// Varna laughs softly. There is a ghost of tenderness that still exists between the two drow. A ghost that is being exploited by Breoch. ''Varna:'' You haven't called me that for nearly 200 years...I've missed you. 1) [[We should go.]] 2) //[[(Let Breoch continue.)]]//

''Breoch:'' Of course, we still have work to do. ''Varna:'' You will come back to me, won't you? ''Breoch:'' You have my word. ''Varna:'' And your heart. Breoch winces as Varna's smile widens. Breoch slinks back to your side. Varna continues his work on the drow cadaver. You look at Breoch, but he avoids your eyes. There is no chance of him talking with Varna still watching him. [[Homepage]]

''Breoch:'' I know ''Varna:'' We still have so much to catch up on. Our last night together ended far too early after you snuck out of my tower before I awoke. ''Breoch:'' W-well, I-- I --, ... ''Varna:'' Oh, I'm not angry about that. Not anymore. I suppose I should have expected it. For me, you've been dead for over 100 years. To you, it must feel like just the blink of an eye. ''Breoch:'' Wait...100 years? ''Varna:'' Well, closer to 150 years in truth. A lot has changed in that time. I'll drop by your camp one night and talk you through everything you've missed. ''Breoch:'' There is no need to trouble yourself. Our camp is rarely in the same place. I would hate for you to get lost in the shadows. ''Varna:'' Nonsense. Varna places his hand over Breoch's heart. ''Varna:'' I'll find you. I'll //always// be able to find you. Varna laughs as a new fear settles behind Breoch's eyes. A scrying eye approaches to summon Varna elsewhere in the tower. He bows his head as he leaves the laboratory. 1) [[Are you ok?]] 2) [[What a bastard.]]

''Breoch:'' I will be. For now, we have a job to do. [[Homepage]]

''Breoch:'' He wasn't always that way. Time can make bastards of us all. [[Homepage]]