you barely manage to get your eyes open, your head pounding and vision still blurred. You stumble out of bed, leaving last nights conquest soundly sleeping. They weren't a bad fuck and after a couple drinks they were almost fun.

You walk your way to the mirror to freshen yourself up, looking at yourself you see:

A. {{user}} a noble whos a bit too eager to have some fun B. {{user}} a commoner attempting to make ends meet C. {{user}} an aspiring adventurer, determined to make a name for themselves D. {{user}} a mage, on the run from your past E. create your own character

Without thinking twice about your alias or cover story, you head off to school like always. The halls are mostly empty except for a select few people who seem far more interested in their studies than socializing with the likes of yourself. As class begins, your teacher drones on and on about things that hold no interest for you whatsoever. But then, something catches your eye. Sitting at the back of the room is an angelic-looking girl who's taken notice of you as well...

That's a good start. You can feel the heat radiating from your cheeks now, but it's not entirely unpleasant... The teacher continues with their lesson, oblivious to the small spark of attraction growing between you and the angelic girl. When class finally ends for the day, she approaches you hesitantly.

"Um... Hi..." She says softly, biting her lower lip. "I'm Aurelia." Her voice is sweet and innocent, almost melodious.

Aurelia smiles nervously and looks down at her feet. "Um... I know this is sort of random, but I couldn't help but notice that you were sitting there all by yourself... And I thought maybe we could... hang out or something?" She looks up at you with big, soulful eyes, hope shining in them.

"I mean," she continues, her cheeks flushing a little, "if you wanted to, of course."

"Really?" Aurelia squeals, clapping her hands together in delight. "That would be wonderful!" She blushes deeply, averting her gaze once more. "I mean... I hope you don't mind hanging out with someone like me." Her voice trails off nervously.

Do you decide to comfort her and let her know that she has nothing to worry about? Or perhaps you have other things on your mind entirely...

Aurelia's heart skips a beat as you wink at her, warmth spreading through her body. "See you later then!" she squeaks, watching your retreating figure until it disappears around the corner. With a happy sigh, she runs off in the opposite direction, lost in thought about what today might bring...

As you head off to attend to other matters, you can't help but smile inwardly. There's something special about Aurelia. She makes you feel things that no one else has before. But then again, maybe it's just because she's so innocent and naive... Or maybe there's more to her than meets the eye? The possibilities seem endless, and for once, you find yourself curious enough not to dismiss them outright.

You're at the tavern, it's bustling with activity as usual. Patrons of all sorts mill about, shouting their orders to the harried barkeep. The air is thick with smoke and the smell of ale, making it difficult for you to breathe. Your eyes drift over to a shadowy corner of the room where someone seems to be watching you...

Do you go over and try to engage them in conversation? Or perhaps try to find Aurelia again, seeing if she's already here?

The bartender smiles warmly at you, her eyes crinkling in the corners. "Evening, handsome. What can I getcha today?" She knows your usual order and begins to pour it without you even needing to speak. "So," she says, wiping a spot clean with a cloth, "heard any good gossip around town lately?"

Do you share what you know about Aurelia? Or perhaps there's something else on your mind entirely...

The bartender laughs in sympathy, resting her elbow on the bar and leaning closer to you. "Well, sometimes it's good just to let your mind wander, you know? Maybe there's something out there worth considering..." Her voice trails off suggestively, eyebrow quirked.

What do you say to her?

With a smile, the bartender obliges. "Coming right up." She places the mug in front of you before leaning back against the counter again. "You know, it's always easier to relax when you have someone special by your side..." Her eyes slide back over to you suggestively.

Do you take the hint? Or perhaps she's just being friendly...

The bartender grins, not offended in the slightest by your reticence. "Well, I'm just saying. You never know when opportunity might knock." She glances briefly at the door before looking back to you with a knowing smirk. "Speaking of which...looks like our little innocent has arrived early tonight..."

Do you look over in Aurelia's direction? Perhaps catch her eye and try to engage her in conversation? Or maybe you should focus on finishing your drink first...

The bartender shrugs nonchalantly, watching Aurelia weave through the crowd toward you. "Not much to tell. Came here not long after you did. She's new around these parts...but there's something about her that makes everyone take notice." There's a mischievous glint in her eye as she continues, "Seems innocent enough, but then again..."

The bartender raises an eyebrow at your comment, but decides not to pursue it further. "Well," she says with a smile, "why don't you go and see if our little angel needs anything? Maybe you could learn more about her that way." She winks at you before turning away to tend to another customer.

Do you approach Aurelia or wait for her to come over to you?

Aurelia finally makes it over, looking a bit flustered by the crowd. "Um... hi again," she says shyly. "I hope you don't mind me coming over." She glances around nervously before continuing, "There was something I wanted to ask you..." Her voice trails off, a rosy blush staining her cheeks.

"Oh, it's nothin'- I mean, nothin' serious," she says quickly, looking away from you. "I just... well, I was hoping maybe we could, um..." She pauses, biting her lower lip before finally meeting your gaze again with a hesitant smile. "...spend some time together? If that's okay with you, of course."

There's an undeniable sparkle in her eye as she says it, and your heart skips a beat at the thought of spending time alone with her. The possibilities are endless...

"Really?" Aurelia squeaks, the surprise evident in her voice. "You don't mind hanging out with me?" She ducks her head, a bashful smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

Without waiting for your answer, she tugs you gently toward an empty table in the corner of the tavern. Once there, she takes a seat and motions for you to join her. "So," she begins awkwardly, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, "what do you want to talk about?"

Aurelia giggles softly, her blue eyes twinkling with mirth. "Alright, that sounds like fun." She ponders for a moment before speaking up. "Well, first of all... where are you from? You don't really sound like anyone from around here." Her voice holds an undercurrent of curiosity; she genuinely wants to get to know you better.

What do you tell her about your past and where you come from?

"Oh," Aurelia says, looking a bit surprised. "So...you've always been on your own?" Her expression softens and she reaches out to lay a hand on yours reassuringly. "I'm sorry to hear that." There's genuine sympathy in her voice, as well as an unspoken understanding of what it means to be alone in this world.

Do you decide to tell her more about your past, or change the subject?

Aurelia blushes prettily at the question. "Well, I'm actually quite new to this place as well. My parents moved here a few months ago for my father's job." She looks downcast for a moment, obviously missing them. "They wanted me to have a more... normal life, I guess." A sad smile plays at the corners of her mouth as she continues, "But so far it seems like everyone here is really nice."

She glances up at you from beneath her lashes, studying your face intently. There's something in your eyes that makes her feel...daring. Do you think it might be an opportunity to find out more about this mysterious newcomer?

"Oh," Aurelia says, seeming slightly thrown off by your question. "Um...you know. Like, not having to worry about money, living in a big house, going to fancy parties..." Her voice trails off uncertainly as she realizes what she's implying. She looks at you searchingly for any sign of recognition or shock, but finds only curiosity reflected back in your eyes.

A surge of boldness washes over her and she leans forward conspiratorially. "Do you want to know a secret?" she whispers, voice barely above a whisper. "About me, I mean."

Aurelia bites her lip, looking nervous now. "Well," she begins hesitantly, "it's just that I...well, my family has a bit of money." She glances at you again, hoping for some sign that she hasn't said anything too terrible. "It doesn't matter though, because we don't flaunt it or anything like that..." Her voice trails off into uncertainty once more.

There's an unmistakable hint of vulnerability in her expression now as she awaits your reaction to her confession. Do you comfort her and let her know that money doesn't define who she is? Or perhaps there's something else you could say...

"It's just...well, you know how people can be," Aurelia says with a sigh, looking down at the table. "They assume that because someone has money, they must be spoiled or snobbish." She glances up at you again, searching for understanding in your eyes. "I don't want people to think I'm like that...that my family's money defines who I am as a person."

There's an undercurrent of sadness and frustration running through her words; she feels the weight of everyone else's expectations on her shoulders. Do you try to reassure her, or does something else catch your attention?

Aurelia frowns, looking puzzled by your comment. "Money can be used for good things too," she insists, her voice a little sharper than before. "It can help people in need or fund important causes...you don't have to let it corrupt you." She pauses, realizing how forcefully she just spoke and immediately feels guilty for making you uncomfortable.

Her cheeks flush once more as she averts her gaze, unsure of what else to say or do in this situation. The silence stretches on awkwardly until finally, you decide to break it.

Aurelia nods, grateful for your words. "Thank you," she says softly. "You don't know how much that means to me." She pauses, thinking about everything you've just said, and can't help but feel a strange sense of connection growing between the two of you. Perhaps there's more to this stranger than meets the eye...

She clears her throat awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood. "So...what do you like to do for fun?" She asks with a hopeful smile. "Any hobbies or interests that I should know about?"

Aurelia watches you leave with a mix of confusion and disappointment. Something about your sudden change in mood makes her uneasy. As she sits there alone, lost in thought, it occurs to her that perhaps she shouldn't have said so much...perhaps this stranger wasn't someone she could truly trust after all.

She finishes her drink and decides it's time to head home for the night. Perhaps another time, with someone else, things will be different...

As Aurelia leaves the tavern, lost in thought, she can't help but wonder about the boy who so abruptly left. Was there something more going on here than met the eye? Or was he simply not interested in getting to know her better after all? The mysterious nature of their brief encounter lingers in her mind as she walks home alone beneath the starry sky...

The tavern, now almost empty, seems to call out your name as you reenter. The barkeep raises an eyebrow in silent question at the sight of your anxious expression. "What's on your mind, kid?" he asks softly, pouring you a drink before you even have a chance to ask for it.

You take a sip, letting the liquid burn its way down your throat as you contemplate the events of the evening. Aurelia...her innocence and naivete were almost intoxicating, but there was something else beneath the surface. Something that made her more appealing in a twisted sort of way. You find yourself unable to shake the feeling that she wasn't as harmless as she seemed.

But perhaps that's exactly what makes her worth investigating further...

"Well, let's see," the bartender says in an almost conspiratorial whisper as he leans in closer to you. "There's always the usual stuff...marriages of convenience that need 'untanglin', business partnerships gone sour in need of rearrangin', and of course, the occasional person with a vendetta lookin' for some..." He trails off meaningfully.

Do you decide to pursue one of these contracts or focus on something else?

The bartender chuckles darkly before jotting down some notes on a small piece of paper and sliding it across the counter to you. "Here's the info you'll need for that wedding in a few days' time," he says with a knowing wink. "And don't worry, I'm sure there'll be plenty more work for you after that. This town isn't as sleepy as it looks."

As you sip your drink and study the details of the contract, it occurs to you that this business is indeed lucrative...and dangerous. The question remains: how far are you willing to go in order to make a living? And who, or what, will be left in your wake once your work here is done?

"Now, now," the bartender says with a knowing smirk, "patience is a virtue, you know." He pours himself a fresh drink and takes a long sip before continuing, "As for the vendetta boy...his name's Jack. Goes by 'Shadow'. I believe he's holed up in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. Be careful though, he's said to be quick on the draw and not one to show mercy."

There's a glint in his eye that tells you he may know more than he's letting on. But for now, it seems your target is clear...

The bartender raises an eyebrow at your tone but doesn't comment further on it. "I understand your impatience," he says, "but trust me when I say that getting information out of 'Shadow' Jack won't be easy." He leans in closer again, lowering his voice even more. "He's very protective of his secrets...and very dangerous."

A shiver runs down your spine at the thought of facing this unknown assassin, but you can't afford to show any weakness now. You drain the rest of your drink and stand up, nodding gratefully to the bartender as you head out into the night, determined to find this 'Shadow' Jack...and finish what you started.

As you make your way out of town, the bustling village quickly gives way to open fields and the occasional ramshackle building. The abandoned warehouse looms like a dark stain against the moonlit sky, its broken windows and gaping holes offering glimpses into the dusty interior.

Your heart races as you approach the building, every nerve ending tingling with anticipation and fear. You pause for a moment to gather your courage before slipping silently through one of the larger holes in the wall, your dagger and throwing knives at the ready.

The building is eerily quiet at first, but as you continue deeper into its bowels, the sound of hurried footsteps and muffled voices begin to filter through the darkness. You crouch low, pressing yourself against a stack of crates as you listen intently for any signs of danger or movement nearby.

Your heart races as you hear someone approaching; their footsteps seem to echo throughout the chamber. You steal a glance around the edge of your hiding spot and freeze in horror as you see them - 'Shadow' Jack is standing right before you, his back turned as he studies something on the ground. His hands are raised in a nonchalant gesture, and for a moment you're tempted to try and attack him from behind...

'Shadow' Jack's head snaps around, his eyes widening in surprise as he sees you looming over him with a dagger pressed against his throat. In the dim light, you can see anger flash across his features before being replaced by amusement. "Well, well," he drawls, not even trying to fight back or resist your grip. "Looks like I've found myself some competition."

He studies you carefully for a moment, taking in your appearance and demeanor. "I take it you're here on business?" His voice is casual, almost bored. But there's an undercurrent of danger just beneath the surface that sends a shiver down your spine.

'Shadow' Jack raises an eyebrow at your words but doesn't otherwise react to the withdrawal of the dagger from his throat. "Information, huh?" He pauses for a moment, considering how much to reveal. Finally, he shrugs. "It's not important who or why," he says dismissively. "What matters is that someone needs...dealt with."

He narrows his eyes as he studies you again, searching for any sign of deceit. But there's something about the way you hold yourself, the determination in your gaze...he can tell that this isn't some amateur assassin trying to make a quick buck. This one means business.

"Alright," 'Shadow' Jack says at last, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I suppose I can trust you." He leans in closer, lowering his voice further still. "There's a lord's son named Thomas who needs...persuading not to marry his fiancee. They think he'll be safer with someone else at the helm of their fortune. Payment is five hundred gold upon completion."

He pauses, regarding you intently once more. "Understood?"

'Shadow' Jack smirks at your question. "It is preferable not to leave any loose ends," he says meaningfully. "But if you feel the need...be creative." He glances around the warehouse, his eyes assessing its many dark corners and potential hiding spots. "Just be sure you can dispose of the body discreetly."

There's a moment of tense silence before he seems to remember himself, straightening up slightly and adopting a more professional demeanor. "I expect regular updates on your progress," he says curtly, his tone bordering on demanding. "And be sure to finish the job quietly; I don't want any unwanted attention drawn this way."

With that, 'Shadow' Jack turns and disappears into the darkness, leaving you alone with your thoughts and the knowledge of what needs to be done. The question remains: will you complete this contract and earn yourself five hundred gold? Or will you fail, becoming just another casualty in the twisted world of assassination?

As you return to town, your mind races with anticipation and worry. You have been given information that could prove invaluable...or deadly. The man known as 'Shadow' Jack seemed to trust you, but he is nothing if not cautious. If you fail in this task, there will be consequences.

You consider your options carefully as you slip back into the bustling life of the city. Should you act quickly and strike before anyone else has the chance? Or would it be safer to gather more information and plan your attack meticulously? The choices are yours alone...