“A few months ago”, Aeryna starts, “I caught a glimpse of a private memo I don't think I was supposed to see in General Barabus's office that balanced figures for a military exercise I'd never heard of. I only barely caught a glimpse of the document, but I did catch the phrase Autumn Edict. I was also caught in the act by Barabus himself. Long story short, I thought that would be the end of my military career and even my life in Ophanheim, but instead I was promoted to the 3rd highest rank among ground troops in active service of the Reach and for a short while, I really thought I had dodged punishment-”
"-But then she realized the new job was the punishment," Terri interjects.
Aeryna looks back to you. "Yeah, who would have thought that one's dreams could hold you hostage so well? Anyway, I have no idea why I wasn't punished in a more traditional way with demerits or discharge or something, but the hours have been brutal, I'm rarely out of Barabus's sight, and even with my higher rank, I feel I'm being tasked to a squire's duty. Of course I will serve my home in the way that is asked of me, but the whole thing feels wrong; the promotion, the speed at which it happened, the hyper-vigilant supervision, not to mention the fact that I never knew how to learn more about the Autumn Edict because, so far, my only lead is also my judge, jury, and executioner.” She takes a deep breath, "Somehow, I've managed to achieve the highest status I've ever had, and in so doing, become completely powerless – that is, until I noticed Mars' increasingly antisocial behavior. As one of the most virtuous figures in Ophanheim, I began to suspect he knew something. After we gained each other's trust, we finally agreed to meet."
"Aaand you can see how that went over there." Terri nods sarcastically to the burnt down home.
"Hey, at least he thought it was possible it would go well.”
“That at least is enormous”, says Terri flatly.
[WHAT DO YOU SAY?]
[WHAT] “What’s in the bag?” (Go to 41)
[MORE] “So, the Autumn Edict is why we’re here?” (Go to 46)
[WHO] “You want ME to investigate a WHAT now?” (Go to 43)
[HOW] “How do you know there’s to be an assassination today?” (Go to 44)
[ACCEPT] "I know enough, I'm in." (Go to 49)
[DECLINE] "I have my own problems" (Go to 50)
