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In Stars and Systems: Lying in bed

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(Siffrin) [Loop] |Mal du Pays| 7 days after the Inn-cident

“Hey Sif?”

He stares at your face with an intense curiosity, did you do something to upset him? Only when you try to turn your head away from him does he relent.

“Sorry, just want to make sure it's actually you. Gotta be better at getting the names right.”

You pull your cloak up to show off the darkless bracelet he crafted.

“So it is you Sif! How are you doing bud? Is the medicine ok? Do you need more rest? You know you don't actually have to join in on the family meeting! M'dame Odile said she was more than happy to- to- ATCHOO!”

…

“Sorry.”

You take a deep breath in and out, and wear your usual smile. “I'm fine Isa, you should be the one resting.”

His face sours with fear and sorrow. It's what happens every time you've talked. A cheery voice coming out of a rusty shaking pipe. You shrink. You feel awful that you couldn't find the strength to loop one more time. It's your job to make sure they all end up happy in the end. It's the role you're supposed to play. It's even your fault Isa is sick, you shouldn't have let Mal run off that night. It's your body, you have to manage them.

“Isa…”

It would be nice, if Odile could explain everything for you. If you could rest. Your fingers rub the front of your throat, circling the dark ovals of bruised flesh. No one has told you what happened to Halley yet. Do they think you'll do something bad if they say it? They must be alive. you can sense the wish that ties the two of you together. There's a soft buzzing of a wish flickering on the edges of your hearing.

If they don't trust you about Halley, they must not trust you to explain yourself this time either. They're all right, you don't want to talk about it. But it has to be you because…. because… because they're going to pretend like it's not that big of a deal again.

They still aren't asking you about the loops. At best you've let a few stories slip out and tried to explain the basics of what happened. No one has actually tried to force you to explain why you're so protective of Bonnie now, why you have to ask everyone to touch you more, why you keep your dagger tucked away in your bag now, completely out of sight.

“Sif… you wanted to say something? Do you need more water?”

There's still three full glasses of water at your table. Heheh, water you going to do with all of them? You'd say the joke aloud, but it still hurts to talk… or sip water.

Why don't you ask about anything I've been through? That's the thought you wanted to say, but actually saying it would make you look awful. Like it's his fault you haven't gotten over what happened to you. You're taking too long, say something to him. Tell him that everything's fine!

“I'll meet up with everyone in a bit. I just need a few minutes to prepare.”

“...If you're sure. Please don't push yourself.”

He doesn't want to hear your sob stories. Stop thinking that's what anyone wants.

“I'm sure!” You smile.

>>>

Ugh! If you have to hear another one of these blinding stairs squeak, you're going to be the one to burn this inn to the ground! Not to mention it takes forever to get anywhere, you aren't used to walking around with a cane.

Most of the party sits around one of the dining tables. Odile is relaxing on a chair near a lit fireplace. An image of the fire flashes in your head and you squeeze the cane's handle until you feel it buckle.

“Sif? Hey buddy. Feeling alright?”

You tuck a wide grin behind your fingers and giggle to yourself. “Ooh, wrong guess, Fighter~ Want to give it another shot?”

Ugh, this voice is all wrong. Not like you can change it though. You pull Stardust's cloak up higher to make sure your neck is out of view.

“Huh? Um… you must be Loop then, yeah?”

He's so cute when he's confused. You wave your wrist for everyone, now sporting a bracelet made of light shaded beads. You giggle at the housemaiden's slight panic and mild confusion with what's happening.

Odile closes the medical journal and looks up at you. “Lightening the mood and using yourself as a demonstration, how clever.”

You try not to look at her. The one who doesn't think you're real. You make your way down the rest of the stairs and take a seat alongside everyone else.

“Um, sorry but.” Mirabelle speaks up “What exactly is this meeting about? All Isabeau mentioned was that Siffrin had an announcement for us?”

“Yah! Za just said it was something really important.”

“They'll explain in a moment, Boniface. Loop, I can always talk for you. I'm sure you aren't keen on repeating everything you've all explained already.”

“Don't try to steal my stage light, Researcher~ I can talk for myself. Now then, let's get the more important part out of the way. Last night we ended up looping again-

“You looped again, Frin!? You crabbin' dummy!!”

Mirabelle immediately steps in. “Bonnie!! You shouldn't blame Siffrin for what happened!”

You can't help but give a soft smile. It's so simple having seen it from the outside looking in. Sure, they all have their own problems that can make talking more difficult. No one knows how to talk about all the traumas Siffrin has suffered in the loops. But it doesn't mean they don't care, even if it’s easier to assume.

You dig your fingertips into your palms.

Even though they only care about Siffrin. Taking that love for yourself would be selfish.

[They do love you, Stardust]

No one responds. Even in this head, you are alone.

“The kid's right, Housemaiden. I was being very foolish because it took so long for me to talk to anyone about what was going on. The innkeeper was someone from the island who held a very large grudge against us. They wanted to remain frozen in time forever, and because of our actions, they made a wish to force me to suffer. If I travel with you, we'll… I'll be putting you all in danger. So if you want to leave me behind-

“Yeah, that's not happening buddy.“

“How laughable that you'd think something like that would convince us to leave you behind.”

“We'd never abandon you Siffrin!”

“Yeah! You don't gots to worry, Happy Frin!”

…

Mirabelle tilts her head. “Happy Frin?”

You can help but laugh. It hurts. It hurts so much to force a noise out. Stars you sound like a dying horse but you can't help but laugh.

“You found me out kid, yeah I'm happy Frin!”

No one is laughing with you.

“...Right. I should explain. How did I do this before?... I'm… not Siffrin. I haven't been Siffrin for a very long time. You might remember me as Loop. I’ve been living in Siffrin's head for a while now. I won't go into the why, that's more the researcher's role than mine. And Siffrin is still here! And so is another.”

You look at the kid. “Normal Frin and Silent Frin.”

They beam, happy in the fact they noticed the difference between you all.

“We're the reason Siffrin has seemed so… different lately. We didn't reveal ourselves because we didn't think you'd ever accept us. Stars I still don't think we will be, but-

The fighter holds your hand. Ah, you were rubbing your scars. Yes, that explains it. You try to look up and see the faces of your supposed family, but you can't. The silence goes on for too long.

“Sorr-

“It’s nice to meet you Loop.”

Mirabelle is smiling at you. They all are. Tears start flowing out of your working eye. Mirabelle and Isabeau immediately start comforting you, Bonnie joins in later. They're all hugging you and telling you it'll be ok.

“So how come you ended up in Frin?”

“Bonnie! You can't just ask that!”

“It's fine, housemaiden. I'm here because Stardust asked me to be here.”

Whether you're the real loop or not, that much is true. That's the only thing about you that you know for certain is true. Bonnie tugs at your cloak

“Ok, but like you said that you've been stuck in Frin’s body for a while. But like how long is a while?”

“Oooh… well. My, what an excellent question!”

“And it's one you'll answer.” Odile chuckles softly from her chair.

“Fine. We've been hiding this since… a couple weeks after the King was defeated.”

“YOU TOOK THAT CRABBIN’ LONG TO TELL US?!!”

“LOOP! WHY THE CRAB DID SIFFRIN NOT TELL US ABOUT THIS AT ALL?”

Wha- you almost topple over in your chair; taken aback by the sudden explosive power from the housemaiden.

“Oh! Sorry. Sorry, sorry. I know it's not your fault, you probably don't know us that well compared to Siffrin, but…. Ooooooh! I knew he was hiding things again! They were closing themself off all over again!...”

She takes a moment to breathe in and out. Just like how you used to do it.

“Ok. I'm calm now. Still. It'd be nice if they were the one to explain everything instead of throwing it all on you.”

She isn't wrong, but it isn't like Stardust had a choice in this. Sometimes you're thrown in out of nowhere and have to improve your way through everything.

“Housemaiden, you're taking this better than the fighter? Why is that?”

Isabeau tries to defend himself but Mirabelle's eyes start to sparkle and jumps in first.

“Well there's something similar that happens to Pierre-Jacques-Erneste in issue #53 of the cursing of château castle! In which it's revealed that he betrayed the party due to a secret dark alter ego!”

“Sounds derivative.”

“It's not Madam!!! It's really nuanced and romantic! It's a beautiful tale of self-love and acceptance!”

The fighter interjects. “Wait, you mean like, he dated himself? Is that a thing?”

He looks at you. Stars, it's not like you're an expert on this. You stick your tongue out and look away.

“Who's to say~”

“Ok but, can we go back to me, apparently, not taking this well? I don't really think it's fair since I never had the chance to learn about this sort of thing.”

Mirabelle deflates a bit. “Well to be honest, I sort of thought it was something that only happened in stories. I never heard of anyone actually having this sort of thing before.”

“Mira, once again you have saved me from being the odd one out. What would I ever do without you?

“You two are dumb.”

“Bonnie. Behave.”

“What about you Bonbon? I'm guessing you didn't know what it was either. Want to make it an odd three out?”

“Nah, Nille already told me about it. There's this old guy in Bamboche who acts just like Frin. He's got the dis-so-so-tive idedeity dissed-order.

“Dissociative identity disorder, Boniface.”

“Yeah that one!”

You make a mental note to try and find this person once the kid is back home.

Oh, they're looking at you now. Then they look down, slowly counting on their fingers.

“Is something the matter, kid?”

“Hmm, so that means there's.. six people I gotta tell Nille about?”

Oh? What was that? A shudder ran all the way down to your bones and throughout your whole body. It felt cold, yet… you liked it. It felt like acceptance. Siffrin's whole party is conversing back and forth with you and each other. Asking you pointless questions like if you have a different favorite food, or what everyone’s pronouns are. You can't help but cry again. Stars, you're tired.

After you finish answering the housemaiden's question on whether you like cats or dogs better and is that different from siffrin, you raise a hand to gather everyone's attention.

“This has been a delight. But I think I've earned myself a bit more rest. We should all start preparing to leave tomorrow. Goodnight everyone!

The fighter quickly stands up “Here let me help you back to your room.”

Before you can even begin to protest or make a joke he continues.

“And I think I could use a nap too. I still have to sleep off this sniffle. So there's no need to make a fuss about a helping hand.”

“What, you think I'm exactly like Stardust do you?”

“No, but I could tell you were about to say you're fine on your own.”

Ouch.

The fighter strides over to you and in one swift motion, scoops you up into his arms. Your hands move to cover your face, making sure no one can see you blush. The housemaiden picks up your cane for you and the fighter and whisks you off to your bed. This isn't your family, this isn't your moment, it should be Stardust! STOP BEING HAPPY ABOUT IT… a tiny groan escapes your mouth.

“Oh sorry Loop. Are you uncomfortable?”

“nnnoooooo…”

“Alright?”

By the time you've come to your senses you realize you're already back to your room. You don't deserve him. What if the researcher is right. If you aren't the real Loop. Then you don't deserve this kindness. You aren't a real person. You…

“Well, here's the bed. You can get some rest- WOAH HEY UH, LOOP?”

You didn't mean to. But you ended up draping your arms around his shoulders. You're barely heavy enough to keep him down next to the bed. His back feels so warm.

“Can we stay like this Fighter? Just a while longer?”

“You could still catch my cold, Loop.”

“I'm fine with that.”

…

“Fighter… Isabeau?”

“Yeah, Loop?”

“I'm sorry I'm stealing your time with Stardust…”

“You're not.”

“I'm sorry I don't even know if I'm real.”

“Huh? Loop… you are real.”

“...I'm sorry I took so long to tell you. About everything.”

“I didn't mind waiting.”

Liar

He hands you a tissue and a glass of water.

“Let's get that water back into your system. Then we can focus on a nap. Ok?”

“...ok.”

“...look, Loop. I'm sure you know I love Sif. I absolutely love Sif. I really really really like Sif, but that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore you. You're all important to me.”

You don't want to cry in front of him again so a chuckle will have to do. He's too good for you. You don't deserve him. If only he knew who you really were. Then he and the rest of the party would hate you. Who could love something so pathetic?

“I should be the one apologizing actually.”

What?

“...What?”

He sighs and pushes you back. He's staring at your neck. You instinctively cover it up.

“I messed up, and I couldn't take down Halley in time. And you got hurt because of that.”

“…Fighter, you were sick, exhausted, stressed thinking about what was going on with us. It's ok for you to be a little off your game.”

“No. I can't accept those excuses. Not when you're… I'm sorry.”

What? When you're broken now?

“I'll be sure to tell Stardust for you. Go get some rest. I'll be fine on my own.”

“Are you sure? I can stay if you want! Do you need anything?”

“You know you can drop it. It doesn't matter to me.”

“Loop! I know you aren't being honest! If it still hurts then we can go to a healer tomorrow. I'll do anything for-

“I'm fine, Fighter!!!”

You didn't mean to scream. Stars, what is wrong with you? Your embarrassment is only outweighed by how much it hurt to shout that.

“...Loop… have a good nap.”

After an awkward silence, the fighter leaves the room. Exhaustion hits you all at once, you weren't ready to interact with them all at once. You weren't ready to talk to any of them again. You've already ruined your relationship with the fighter. You wish you had the strength to throw yourself out the blinding window! Ugh!!!

Despite your best attempts, exhaustion starts to overtake you. The bed gives off a soft thud as you fall into it. There's not even enough strength to get yourself underneath the covers. You'll die of frostbite or someone will tuck you in. Either way you don't care as you close your eyes.

Sleep washes through your body. Like a wave of numbness crashing over you. you're carried off into a deep slumber.

You're in the theater again. You know you've been here before but you can't remember when. The audience seats are currently empty. The red curtains behind you have closed, but you know the props behind it. A bed for two, a closed window with snow falling behind it. And a rug made out of some kind of creature. The old wood of the stage feels nice compared to the inn. It's well maintained and soft, it feels like an old friend.

No one's here. You should leave… but instead you mime a prop sword. The actions come second nature as you silently perform a scene of your favorite play. Brother against brother. Both fated to each be the other's undoing. The climax of the battle! An upward swing, parry, step back, swing right! A clash leaves both weapons knocked out of their hands, and the two brothers lying on the ground. Too tired to continue their feud… then they hugged. The raw emotion you saw that day changed you. It's such a shame no one will have that same experience again. No one will ever produce that play now. No one will ever remember that play. And soon you won't either.

Stepping outside, the lightless sky and sands blend together. You could almost call it a void if not for the observatory sitting next to the rolling waves of the ocean. The path from the theater is winding and rough. You never saw much of a reason to follow the well trodden road anyways. You’d estimate it would take fifteen minutes to travel and yet it took mere seconds. Time holds little meaning in dreams.

The stone and metal of the observatory is old. Not decayed or rusted, but sun-baked and worn. The kind of old that could convince you the building was a childhood friend you hadn't seen in years. Its dents, charming, and the scratches in the brickwork each tell a story. It feels like home to you somehow. Although… you aren't sure how you feel about the large tree bursting from its center. It splits open the ceiling dome, its leaves block the view of the night sky.

The interior isn't any better. It's too close to the clock tower for your tastes. Too much of Dormont has seeped its way into this world and corrupted it with bad memories. There's nothing for you on the top floor, only useless decorations. What you came for, are the lower floors. A spiral staircase that travels endlessly deep into the ground. Within the core of your mind lies three rooms, for you, Stardust, and the sadness. You knock on Mal du Pays door, and wordlessly, the being makes its way to the theater. You didn't even imagine the door opening or the conversation happening. It only felt like those things happened in retrospect. You stare at the door leading to your room. Funny… you don’t even know what it looks like. You suppose only you get to decide that, the one tiny ounce of freedom you have in this world.

You're no longer in the building. You must have lost track of time. Now you stand outside on a beach. The observatory is still visible behind you, and in front of you is a lightless fog, somehow even more dark than the pitch night sky. That's where it must be, everything you've forgotten.

(Loop?)

[Hello Stardust.]

(What are you doing out here?)

[I don't know. I just felt that I needed a break. I'm tired, and here I don't sound like nails scraping against a chalkboard... although I still don't know how I feel about this.]

You look into the reflection of the water; your starry form, visible to everyone. You desperately craved your original form and yet you still can't stand to be Siffrin. Maybe you weren't supposed to ever be happy.

(Sorry. I couldn't stop them.)

[Stop… just stop Stardust. I can't hear any more apologies today.]

(So- okay…)

[Do you think we'll ever cross this ocean?]

(I don't think we should. There's nothing out there for us. We'll just have to bear it until we die.)

You stare intently at the water surface for what must have been at ten minutes, before dunking your face underneath the waves.

(Loop?!?)

The brackish waters boil around you. Hundreds of air bubbles roar past you as the heat of your own form starts to affect you.

8…9…10…11…

You can feel Stardust try to pull you out but you remain fixed to your position. You won't leave, not until you can't hear anything else.

51…52…53…54…55…

When was the last time you had the chance to swim around? It was probably back a little before you met Bonnie. You say probably because you can't remember much before Dormont. Best not to think about what that says about you, or what the others would think if they found out.

197…198…199…

Your lungs don't hurt at all, makes sense, this is a dream… ah, finally. The simmering has stopped. You finally pull your head out of the water and let yourself fall back. That was refreshing.

(LOOP ARE YOU…ok?)

You stare into the water's reflection. It's your face. Not the blinding star you're supposed to be. Just you. You don't have Stardust's dyed ends though. Almost every part of your hair is a perfect darkless shade, except for the front. They aren't dyed like you thought at first, but spinning the hair in your hand confirms they're singed. A dark horseshoe section of hair running across your bangs. It's almost the opposite of Stardust's. That's good. You're not Stardust. You need every reminder you can get nowadays.

(Loop?)

[I'm fine… sit with me Stardust. For just a bit longer.]

Stardust sits next to you, trying to keep a bit of distance between the two of you. That doesn't stop you from sliding across the sand, placing yourself centimeters away from him.

[It's ok if I look like this, right?]

(Why wouldn't it be?)

[I… I don't know.]

(Liar.)

…

(Do, you still want me to call you Loop)

[Yes. I'm not you, even if I look like this, I won't be you ever again.]

(Ok.)

[Stardust?]

(Yeah Loop?)

[Can I… No, that's awful, nevermind.]

(We can't keep hiding things from them, was it?)

[Fine, ugh. Can I… can I rest my head on your shoulder?]

(Oh? Um… sure, I guess.)

It feels soft.

(Loop?)

[A bit of salt water got in my eyes, nothing more.]

(Oh. Right.)

[...Bold move leaving me to handle talking to everyone. You owe me for that.]

(Sorry, I… froze.)

[Did taking the time to breathe not help?]

(I couldn't calm down enough to remember.)

[Try touching the bracelets the fighter made for us. It'll help ground you. Remind you who's in control, and that they care about you.]

(Does that work?)

[Who knows~! But I bet it'll help anyways. Small little rituals like that. They're probably some form of wish craft. The kind we make for only ourselves. Or maybe it keeps your brain focused. Universe knows it could use the help~]

(Tha-

[Oh! Oh! I haven't done this in a while! Ahem. You got a memory of grounding, with this you'll be able to stay you in dire circumstances as long as you perform a small ritual!]

(You can still tell what I'm thinking, can't you?)

[Yes, well, I am literally inside your head now. And your thoughts are so loud, Stardust. You’re practically screaming them in here~!]

(Do you… want to talk about what Odile said last week?)

[No. Right now I want to look at the waves with you.]

(Alright.)

…

(Hey Loop?)

[Yes stardust?]

(I'm glad you're here.)

…

You're woken up. Isabeau is at the side of your bed. The sky is dark outside. How long were you asleep?

“Hey Loop? You, uh? Doing alright? You were crying in your sleep.”

The body shakes its head and retrieves a lightless bracelet from your nightstand.

“Sorry. It's Mal right?”

It nods and places the tips of its fingers on its chin and extends it to Isabeau, before pointing at the bracelet.

“Oh don't mention it. Really it's more a help for everyone than anything else. But I'm glad you like it. If at all possible I'd like to make even cooler versions for everyone at some point. Ones with shells and star shaped beads, and those crafted strings so it fits no matter what size your wrist is.”

You don't know about all that. You like what Isabeau made for you. You've actually started to enjoy your time in this body now. Before, everything was fight or flight, life or death. But now, for the first time since you can remember, you feel safe. You still don't trust this group. You doubt you’ll ever trust people. But for right now, you can enjoy their company, at least until it's time to return to your travels.

“Hey… could you answer something for me?”

The body backs away, but it still nods. You have an uneasy feeling about this.

“Did I upset Loop? I totally did, didn't I. I stepped in it and… I… nevermind. You shouldn't have to hear about this.”

Correct, you do not care about this. You could check Loop’s memories, you already have a vague idea of what he did. But you don't feel like prying. The body stands out of bed and begins packing the few things not in Siffrin's travel bag already. The body feels ready to leave and travel again. Isabeau will need one more night of rest to recover from his cold.

Speaking of, he's avoiding eye-contact with you. Why? Does he…? No, of course he doesn't like you. You're a sadness, you're completely unlikeable.

+Is that right?+

Huh!? Whose voice was that? That wasn't yours. It wasn't Siffrins. It wasn't even Loop. Who… is that right. You spin those words in your mind like a coin in your hand. You can’t be wrong, right?

The body places a hand on Isabeau's shoulder. He shivers. You're being gross. You want to remove your hand and run away but the body holds firm. Why is it so hard to control this stupid thing?!!??

“Uh, Mal. Do… Do you need something?”

He's still trying to avoid eye-contact. Blinding universe, what was the sign language to tell him what you want to say? You still haven't memorized the lessons that this group taught you. The body sheepishly points to its own eyes and then to his. You at least remember how to mark a question and hook the index finger at him.

“Your eye… to my ey- OH! You mean!…. Um. How do I put this? Nevermind, it's nothing, we can talk about it tomorrow.”

You stare at him.

“...”

S T A R E

“Ok, ok. It's that… It feels weird to talk to you I guess? NOT IN A BAD WAY! It’s more like, I'm talking to you and Loop while looking at Sif's cute face. And it feels… confusing?”

“...”

“Not that you aren't cute! In your own way! YOU'RE VERY CUTE! In that way a tiny creature can be so menacing. It’s cute in a weird way, you know?”

He thinks you're, cute?

“I shouldn’t have brought it up. My ba- wait, what are you-

The body moves on its own and plants a small kiss on his cheek. You didn't tell it to do that! Why won't it listen!?!

When you can control it you dash straight out of the room. It slams the door shut, and slumps against it in an embarrassed panic.

You should leave. Sleep outside in the snow again. Maybe you could convince the others to become a hermit…….. You couldn't feel his warmth. You touch the body’s hands. It doesn’t feel like anything. Nothing feels like anything to you.

But…

He thinks you're cute…

…

“Mal, are you still there?”

You knock on the door.

“Can I come out?”

The body scoots away from the door.

Isabeau sits next to it. This time he's looking right at you, and you can't even manage to look at him. He clearly wants to say something, but he can't find the right words. You couldn't handle words anyways. You still don't know why you did that.

The two of you sit in the hallway. Listening to the soft sounds of everyone else getting ready for bed. You'll be leaving this place soon. It feels awful. Like you should hate this place, fear it. But, it's where this group of strangers said they'd accept you and everyone else. You were so focused on protecting Siffrin, keeping him safe from every single person. Avoiding them. It's your fault all this happened.

You look at Isabeau. Study him. You could protect him as well. All of Siffrin’s family. You'll keep watch over them. It can be your role to play.

“Hey Mal?”

It jumps, you nearly forgot about the events preceding this.

“Look, I don't mind a kiss on the cheek from friends from time to time. But that wasn't a friend thing was it?”

The body looks down and buries its face into Siffrin’s cloak.

“Yeah I thought so. I’m going to have to say no. It’s like a different person in the same body, right? I think my feelings would get all tangled up. Plus we'd have to wait to hear what Sif thinks.”

The body nods. Of course he doesn’t like you like that.

“I'm not saying I'm against dating more than one person, but let’s try to get to know each other first, ok?”

You have trouble standing.

“Hey, you're shaking… is everything alright?”

It's hitting you all at once that this is over. Halley, the Inn, the party, and you had to make it even more confusing. Is it that you like him? Or are these Siffrin's and Loops feelings bleeding into you. What happens if Halley finds you again. You couldn't beat him, you're a worthless protector. How could you think about adding more people to protect? What happens if you wake up that night again?

“Mal?”

What do you look like? Are there features that look different from you compared to the others? Are you even real? You're not faking it right? No. No. NO! NO! You can't think like that ever again! It hurts. Your throat hurts. Did you get poisoned again!? You try to breathe in and out. It hurts too. It just makes everything worse! YOU MAKE EVERYTHING WORSE!

Then you see Isabeau's face. He's looking directly at you. It seems to help for some reason. Slowly, you begin to calm down as he continues to look at you.

“Let's talk about it tomorrow, ok?”

The body doesn't do anything. It’s tired now. You want to sleep. You feel Isabeau catch the body as you start to pass out. You'll be continuing your travels tomorrow. You hope it will be a kind one. But you know it won't. All of you were on a razor's edge from snapping today. You've all been too terrified to leave this place. But you still have to go; Boniface needs to reunite with their sister. So you will go, and you'll suffer for it. You have to accept your new role, the stage awaits you. But for now, you should relish the intermission. You feel the presence of someone watching you.

“Don't worry, you're safe now.”

Liar.

[End of Act 1]

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Hope you enjoyed [Act 1: The Inn-cident] There won't be a new chapter next week as we'll be attending Aikon Winnipeg this weekend. Also, understandably, we'll be taking a month long break from this project to avoid burnout. Although I give it maybe two or three days before the others start writing chapters again.

I hope you all look forward to reading [Act 2: The dreams of château castle] The part where Siffrin eats a bunch of donuts and travels to another world. Only real château heads will understand that reference.

But in the meantime while we plan out the next act. We decided to try a fun ask game. You can send us any writing prompt (within reason) and we'll try to write a small story around it. It doesn't even have to be in stars and systems related. We'll also answer any questions you want to ask the writers or the characters within this fanfic, if you'd want to send something simple instead.

But with that, we'll be starting our break. Thank you so much for reading this. It means a lot.

-🥐Siffrin

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