YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."
Master of Ceremonies"I am a spinner of the Bloodspun Web. We know how to tread silently, how to be invisible... how to wear other people's masks. The guises of your subjects... are not particularly subtle. Their courtly sheen, too, conceals the faces of predators and killers, does it not? I had little difficulty inventing such a mask for myself."
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"
Master of CeremoniesKibellah does not look at you directly. Instead, she merely shoots you passing glances, as if she is not quite here. Her lips, however, bear a pleasant smile. "To me? Nothing unacceptable for the present circumstances."
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"
Master of Ceremonies"I am absolutely delighted." She sips her drink. "Last time, I failed to grasp the sheer beauty of moving in the highest circles, Domin'[Name]. I appreciate that you have arranged this evening for me — my second chance. I do hope that my demeanour suits the expectations of your inner circle better this time."
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I believe it does, yes. I only hope that you genuinely feel comfortable in this role."
Master of Ceremonies"Comfort was never something I aspired to earn, or was even taught. It has no bearing on my choice of thread."
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"
Master of Ceremonies"I merely wanted to offer my gratitude to your subjects, Domin'[Name]. I had to express my appreciation for all this, at least." She gestures at the decorations and the food. "Or should I be thanking you for doing all this with your own bare hands?"
YOU"I am the master/mistress of this planet! You should save your thanks for me!"
Master of CeremoniesKibellah looks at you, casually swirling the wine in her glass. Her gaze is suddenly clear. Without taking her eyes off you, she pours the wine on the floor and sets the glass on the table. "Well, thank you for showing me who you truly are. It is... an impressive feat for somebody of your status." She stands up. "Thank you also for solving a dilemma you were not even aware of. And now... I must return to my thread."
end of branch
YOU"It looked as if you were being coquettish with the master of ceremonies."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah smiles with just the corner of her mouth. "Did it, now? Is that not what people of your standing engage in — a game of insinuation, casual glances, ambiguous smiles, unspoken promises? If you read my words and gestures as truthful, you were mistaken. I am here with you and you alone."
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."
Master of Ceremonies"The better I understand the world you live in, Domin'[Name], the better a shadow I can be for you..."
Master of Ceremonies"Besides, does it matter what mask one wears? Any mask can be refashioned, moulded into a perfect fit..." Kibellah closes her eyes and goes still. She seems almost like a broken toy.
Master of CeremoniesWhen she looks at you again, her eyes are glassy, suggesting that all her thoughts are now turned inward. She resembles an empty shell, governed by a mere fraction of her mind, while the rest of it eludes your sight. You notice that her hand that is lying on the table is not completely still: her finger, with subtle twitches, is tracing a familiar pattern...
YOU"Kibellah... are you in the labyrinth?"
Master of CeremoniesShe tilts her head to the side. "I am searching for answers in the same place where I have always found them." She drops her gaze with an expression that invites no further conversation.
Master of CeremoniesSeveral long minutes pass. In the suffocating silence, Kibellah's aloofness becomes all the more disturbing. Finally, she takes a sip from her glass and says in a suave voice, "The hour is getting late. Could you please show me a view of the hive? I would like to see your domain."
end of branch
YOU[Touch Kibellah's hand] "Come back to me. Please."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah jerks her hand back, quickly and nervously. "What do you mean? I am here, with you. Where else could I be?"
Master of CeremoniesSeveral long minutes pass. In the suffocating silence, Kibellah's aloofness becomes all the more disturbing. Finally, she takes a sip from her glass and says in a suave voice, "The hour is getting late. Could you please show me a view of the hive? I would like to see your domain."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Ignore her behaviour and continue your dinner]
Master of CeremoniesSeveral long minutes pass. In the suffocating silence, Kibellah's aloofness becomes all the more disturbing. Finally, she takes a sip from her glass and says in a suave voice, "The hour is getting late. Could you please show me a view of the hive? I would like to see your domain."continues where this line first appears above
Master of Ceremonies"...and the finer blade I can be in the hand of the Undying One's servant." Kibellah lowers her head and remains motionless for a few moments.
Master of CeremoniesWhen she looks at you again, her eyes are glassy, suggesting that all her thoughts are now turned inward. She resembles an empty shell, governed by a mere fraction of her mind, while the rest of it eludes your sight. You notice that her hand that is lying on the table is not completely still: her finger, with subtle twitches, is tracing a familiar pattern...continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are acting strangely. It worries me."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah shakes her head. "When I was not 'strange,' I was mocked. Would you not prefer someone with more tact and propriety by your side?"
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are right. My servants have earned a great deal of praise."
Master of CeremoniesShe nods silently.
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Hmph. Forget I said anything."
Master of CeremoniesShe nods silently.continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Finally, you have stopped embarrassing me in public. That's something I can't complain about."
Master of Ceremonies"I can still do just that, Domin'[Name]. You had better choose your next words carefully." Kibellah shakes her glass slightly as if threatening to drop it.
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 5 of 12
Master of Ceremonies(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 6 of 12
Master of Ceremonies(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 7 of 12
Master of Ceremonies(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 8 of 12
Master of Ceremonies(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 9 of 12
Master of Ceremonies(no text)
end of branch
Entry point 10 of 12
Master of CeremoniesSomething has changed in Kibellah. As she stands next to you, you take in her posture, her movements, her gestures. Every detail in her appearance is different in some way. She has chosen to forgo the regalia of the Bloodspun Web on this occasion, and neither does she emanate an aura of frightening lethality. She casts an eye over the space prepared for you, then glances at the master of ceremonies. With a languid drawl, she says, "I must give credit to your subjects, Domin'[Name] — their eagerness to satisfy your wishes is enough to melt one's heart."
Master of CeremoniesThe master of ceremonies adjusts his attire and gives you both a ridiculous smile, seemingly hypnotised by the sound of Kibellah's voice. "A— anything to please His Lordship/Her Ladyship and his/her lovely companion..."
YOU[Look at Kibellah]
Master of CeremoniesYou remember Kibellah as she was at the first event organised by the High Factotum. Somehow, her former outlandishness has completely vanished, as if she had spent her whole life attending only the most lavish receptions and enjoying the high society of the upper decks. She even looks like she is actually enjoying all the attention.
YOU[Look at Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the people around you]
Master of CeremoniesThe servants and junior officers stand at attention. It seems that Kibellah's newfound parlour confidence has made a strong impression on them — all eyes are on her, as though she were emitting some form of invisible yet deeply alluring glow.
YOU[Look at Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the people around you]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This enthusiasm for social occasions is... unexpected, Kibellah."
Master of Ceremonies"My desire to appear among the people in your circle surprises you, Domin'[Name]? How so? Does it not please you that I wish to be part of your world, embrace it, surrender to it? I was rather... graceless on my first excursion out into the upper class. But that will not happen again."
Master of CeremoniesYou hear a murmur of adoration from all around you.
YOU[Lower your voice] "I enjoy watching you toy with these enraptured fools. Do go on."
Master of CeremoniesInstead of responding, Kibellah lowers her eyelashes and smiles with the corners of her mouth. A hard furrow on her cheek betrays the delight she takes in the predatory little game she is playing with your subjects.
YOU[Look at Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the people around you]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This enthusiasm for social occasions is... unexpected, Kibellah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the master of ceremonies] "Leave us."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah casts one more look at the man. "Thank you. You truly have gone above and beyond to impress your lord/lady."
Master of CeremoniesThe master of ceremonies seems to have forgotten about your presence entirely as he gives your companion his undivided attention. "Why, Mistress Kibellah, your praise is the greatest reward—"
YOU"Be very careful with what you say."
Master of Ceremonies"—the greatest reward," he finishes awkwardly. He glances at you with a more sober look in his eyes, bows quickly, and hurries off into the shadows.
Master of CeremoniesKibellah casts you a look. "Well, then... shall we?"
end of branch
YOU[Clear your throat]
Master of Ceremonies"—the greatest reward," he finishes awkwardly. He glances at you with a more sober look in his eyes, bows quickly, and hurries off into the shadows.continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Say nothing]
Master of Ceremonies"—for humble servants who bask in the radiance of your attention." He bows and scrapes before retreating with an overly courteous expression.
Master of CeremoniesKibellah casts you a look. "Well, then... shall we?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Hiss under your breath] "Your life is forfeit, you cur."
Master of CeremoniesHe stops abruptly. Lacking any better option, he bends into a particularly servile bow, then backs away, clearly wishing he could turn himself invisible.
Master of Ceremonies"You are so tense, Domin'[Name]. Come, a glass of wine will help you relax."
end of branch
YOU"I simply marvel at the change. I am glad that you have found a way to enjoy the pastimes that are customary to my peers."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah gives you an affectionate smile. "It is the least I could do to thank you for introducing me to it."
YOU[Look at Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the people around you]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This enthusiasm for social occasions is... unexpected, Kibellah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the master of ceremonies] "Leave us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I liked you the way you were before."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah lets out a soft laugh. "Time. Time flows on, changing everything it touches. Now is our chance to stop clinging to the past and let the inevitable take its course."
YOU[Look at Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the people around you]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This enthusiasm for social occasions is... unexpected, Kibellah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the master of ceremonies] "Leave us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It is as if you were someone else, as if the real you had hidden herself away from me."
Master of CeremoniesSomething inside Kibellah, in her momentarily unmoving gaze, flinches — but then immediately disappears again behind the veil of courtliness. "We all have our parts to play, Domin'[Name]. The truth oftentimes lies deeper than where our eyes and ears can reach."
YOU[Look at Kibellah]continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the people around you]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This enthusiasm for social occasions is... unexpected, Kibellah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the master of ceremonies] "Leave us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the master of ceremonies] "Leave us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This enthusiasm for social occasions is... unexpected, Kibellah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the master of ceremonies] "Leave us."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Look at the people around you]continues where this line first appears above
YOU"This enthusiasm for social occasions is... unexpected, Kibellah."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Address the master of ceremonies] "Leave us."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 11 of 12
Master of CeremoniesThe noise of the hive reaches the balcony as nothing more than a steady hum, like the rumbling of a distant ocean. The beautiful decorations and fine delicacies before you could easily make one forget the rot and suffering that permeate the sprawling city below.
Master of CeremoniesEver since you sat down at the table, Kibellah's gaze has been directed past you. Her newly discovered manners are just as refined as before, while suddenly resembling the movements of a marionette.
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
Master of CeremoniesKibellah's manners are impeccable — one can only wonder where this artful mastery of social customs came from. She glances at you as she lifts her glass.
YOU[Smile] "It appears you have managed to avoid terrifying my subjects with your very presence this time."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"What has happened to you? What is this bizarre transformation?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"A nice evening, is it not?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Care to explain that scene back there?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I was surprised when I heard you had voiced a desire to make another appearance."continues where this line first appears above
Entry point 12 of 12
Master of CeremoniesA tangled network of streets and bridges — the main hive — spreads far below. The people buzzing about in lit areas seem no larger than gnats at this distance.
Master of CeremoniesKibellah stares past the balustrade with wide eyes, seemingly mesmerised by the view, by the great, beckoning fall. She leans forward... and then clutches the handrail so tightly her knuckles turn white, gasping in wonder.
YOU"What's wrong?"
Master of Ceremonies"I've never..." Another stifled gasp. Then a laugh. "I have never seen such heights before in my life. No distance on the ship comes close to this. I feel like this emptiness might swallow me whole..." Kibellah turns to you and smiles, this time sincerely. "It's beautiful."
Master of CeremoniesShe cradles her face in her hands and stares out beyond the precipice once more. "When standing eye to eye with their fear, one can see their true desire. Mine is to be somebody who pleases you. I wish I could break every bone in my body just so I might build myself back up and become someone who truly deserves you. Today, I have tried on a mask — the same mask worn by those who spend their entire life in your presence..."
Master of Ceremonies"I am your blade. I am your shield. And today, here and now, I vow to do whatever it takes to become the perfect weapon in your hands. Already, I am changing, Domin'[Name]..." She looks at you with burning eyes. "Tell me: does this Kibellah please you?"
YOU"No! No, I need the real you, not a blade!"
Master of CeremoniesKibellah smiles as tears begin to drip from her lashes. "And there's the answer... as I knew it would be. The labyrinth does not hold the keys to every mystery — some must be found in other people. In you. You are my answer and my blessing... The blessing to be myself."
YOU"I love you."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah looks at you closely. Instead of speaking, she clings to you and gives you a long, breathtaking kiss filled with sincere warmth. When eventually she pulls away, she gingerly touches your cheek with her fingers.
YOU"I love you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should get some rest. Let's end the evening here."
Master of Ceremonies"Thank you... for everything." Kibellah laughs awkwardly. "I think I've had enough of your world's rituals for now. I guess I can't see any of them through to their appropriate conclusion..."
end of branch
YOU"Stay with me tonight. We have the whole palace to ourselves..."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah pulls you to herself. "Let's go. I want to leave this stage overlooking a whole world. I want to be alone with you — to be... true with you as never before."
end of branch
YOU"You should get some rest. Let's end the evening here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stay with me tonight. We have the whole palace to ourselves..."continues where this line first appears above
Master of CeremoniesKibellah recoils in confusion. "But... the Tenets... What about... I've tried so hard..." She freezes, tears glistening in her eyes. "I thought... it's what you needed the most... But the real me? How can I alone ever be enough for you?" She trails off, unable to meet your gaze, but her hand finds yours and grasps it desperately.
YOU"I love you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should get some rest. Let's end the evening here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stay with me tonight. We have the whole palace to ourselves..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"I will accept you regardless of whom you decide to be. No one can make that decision for you."
Master of CeremoniesShe lowers her head. "It is so strange to hear the Domin give me a choice... And yet I fear that such a choice might burden my soul too heavily in His eyes."
YOU"I love you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should get some rest. Let's end the evening here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stay with me tonight. We have the whole palace to ourselves..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You are beautiful in your desire to cast aside your humanity for the sake of perfection. You wish to be perfect? Then be perfect with me."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah closes her eyes. "Perfection..." She turns to gaze at the streets below. "All this time, I thought that the teachings of the Web were a blessing bestowed upon me so that I, its most devoted servant, might achieve such perfection. But only here, now... looking down upon the world..."
Master of CeremoniesHer whisper, barely audible, is filled with dark pride. "You and I, we are different from those down below. We are free to choose our own path. And if I have to break some antiquated code to become perfect... No, I won't leave the cult — but neither will I abide by its limitations."
YOU"I love you."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"You should get some rest. Let's end the evening here."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"Stay with me tonight. We have the whole palace to ourselves..."continues where this line first appears above
YOU"No. I am tired of your emotional tribulations. It's over between us."
Master of CeremoniesKibellah raises her chin, her eyes wide, and pierces you with her glare. The corner of her mouth twitches, baring her teeth in a crooked smile. "I see... Your wish is my command, Domin'[Name]. I return to where I belong, and leave you standing here at the top... alone."
end of branch
Master of CeremoniesShe reaches out a hand to you and gently touches your cheek, her fingertips sliding down your skin. "With you, I feel... different. Nothing like how the Tenets say I must. There is so much more to life than my clan's deck..." Her gaze goes blank. "And discovering it has unravelled my world."
Master of Ceremonies"I am your blade. I am your shield. And today, here and now, I vow to do whatever it takes to become the perfect weapon in your hands. Already, I am changing, Domin'[Name]..." She looks at you with burning eyes. "Tell me: does this Kibellah please you?"continues where this line first appears above
YOU"It's enough to make your head spin, isn't it?"
Master of Ceremonies"I've never..." Another stifled gasp. Then a laugh. "I have never seen such heights before in my life. No distance on the ship comes close to this. I feel like this emptiness might swallow me whole..." Kibellah turns to you and smiles, this time sincerely. "It's beautiful."continues where this line first appears above
YOU[Support Kibellah's elbow without saying anything]
Master of Ceremonies"I've never..." Another stifled gasp. Then a laugh. "I have never seen such heights before in my life. No distance on the ship comes close to this. I feel like this emptiness might swallow me whole..." Kibellah turns to you and smiles, this time sincerely. "It's beautiful."continues where this line first appears above