Delfarius wakes beneath the Tower’s dim crimson script. Past Delfarius remains beside him, and together they descend through a controlled shadow road, leaving Vaelith, Faelwen, and Nadron behind within the Tower’s guarded halls.
The road opens beneath Orosia’s capital, where gemlit streets wind between wealthy stone mansions. Mountain wealth glitters in shopfronts, balconies, and jewelers’ windows, while the Obsidian Tower remains far above the clouds.
Past Delfarius
No screaming, no collapsing realities, and no one demanding a decision before breakfast. Orosia may be the closest thing we have found to ordinary.
They emerge among early merchants and richly dressed travelers, a bustling mix of adult human men and women in bright wool coats, fitted vests, and polished boots. Nobody recognizes Delfarius, though several nobles glance toward the mountains and lower their voices beneath embroidered sleeves.
Past Delfarius
There it is again. The floating black tower has reached their drawing rooms before we have reached the nearest coffeehouse.
A pair of noblewomen, adult human women with elegant faces and elaborate pinned hair, dressed in jewel-toned gowns with jeweled collars pass with jeweled attendants, adult human men and women in slim dark formalwear, each carrying a small silver-handled parasol, whispering about an impossible fortress seen above the clouds and the architect who supposedly commands its storms. Their curiosity stops short of pursuit.
Past Delfarius
Shall we walk, listen, and pretend to be harmless visitors? For once, I would enjoy letting the city decide what it thinks we are.
“I tilt my head towards Past Delfarius, "Twins then?" I chuckle as we walk into the coffee shop to order some coffee.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Delfarius
Twins then?
Delfarius tilts his head toward Past Delfarius, chuckles, and continues walking despite the thin absence-strands holding his shadow fast. The coffeehouse doors open before them.
Past Delfarius
Twins, certainly. Though one of us is older, more dramatic, and considerably better dressed.
Warm coffee, roasted beans, and cinnamon greet them inside. Adult patrons in wool coats and embroidered waistcoats glance over, then quickly return to their cups beneath the city’s morning bustle.
Past Delfarius
Come along, twin. Let us order enough coffee to make Orosia regret giving us access to its finest beans.
They reach the polished counter without interruption. The barista, an elderly woman with silver hair, a russet shawl, and keen green eyes, sets out two dark ceramic cups as Past Delfarius orders.
Past Delfarius
Two strong coffees, please. And perhaps something sweet, before my twin claims he has no weaknesses.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep Orosia’s rumors from identifying Delfarius and Past Delfarius
“"Oooh Cookies." I lean down and notice that they have fresh baked snickerdoodles.”
Delfarius
Oooh, cookies.
Delfarius leans over the polished counter, the thin absence-strands tugging faintly at his shadow but offering no resistance. Fresh-baked snickerdoodles rest on a silver tray, their cinnamon sugar still glistening.
The Barista
Snickerdoodles, dear. They came from the oven moments ago. I can place two beside your coffee.
Past Delfarius
There. A weakness discovered at last. Cinnamon sugar has accomplished what prophecies, armies, and Astral conspiracies could not.
The barista sets two warm cookies onto a small porcelain plate. Their buttery scent rises through the coffeehouse, and a few nearby patrons glance over with quiet approval.
Delfarius
Fresh, warm, and entirely harmless.
The Barista
Careful, they crumble when rushed. Good things deserve to be enjoyed while they are warm.
“I take our order of coffee and the cookies and we find a table in the corner and sit. I look down at the absence stands and sigh. What is the deal with this? I wonder to myself alone and try to decern what is going on.”
SUCCESS (Good Spectral Analysis, rolled +0)
Delfarius carries the coffee and porcelain plate to a secluded corner. The thin absence-strands trail beneath him, pinning his shadow to the floor without hindering his steps.
He sits, setting the warm cookies between the cups. Cinnamon and roasted coffee soften the busy room while his spectral sight follows the strands into their colorless depths.
Delfarius
The strands hold my shadow, not my body. They are an anchor, not a chain.
The analysis resolves their nature: they are residue from the Obsidian Tower’s Seam, a stabilizing tether left by passage between realities. They mark him, but do not command him.
Each strand terminates in a quiet knot beneath his own shadow, keyed to his presence rather than the coffeehouse, the Tower, or any distant Astral watcher.
Past Delfarius
You have been carrying a door’s signature around like an inconvenient scarf. At least it appears loyal to you.
The strands remain harmless and responsive, capable of loosening when Delfarius wills passage or rest. Past Delfarius lifts his cup, leaving the cookies untouched for the moment.
+ New Item Acquired
Cookies
“I take the cookie and take a bite savoring the sweet taste then follow it with a sip of my coffee. I pull the absence strands into myself so my shadow looks like anyone else's shadow. "You need to try the cookie." I say to my past self”
Delfarius lifts one warm snickerdoodle, bites through its cinnamon sugar crust, and savors the sweetness before following it with a measured sip of coffee.
He draws the thin absence-strands inward. They slip beneath his shadow and fold into his outline until it rests naturally on the floor, ordinary and unmarked.
Delfarius
You need to try the cookie.
Past Delfarius
A direct command from the connoisseur of cinnamon sugar? Very well. I accept this sacred duty.
Past Delfarius takes the second cookie and bites into it. Cinnamon flakes onto the porcelain plate as his expression shifts from theatrical skepticism to genuine approval.
Past Delfarius
Damn it. You were right. Warm, sweet, and entirely harmless. Orosia may have earned another morning of our attention.
“"Well at least when they have fresh cookies here." I laugh softly. I look over and see Dorian. I chuckle as he notices two of me. I gesture for him to come over and join us.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Well at least when they have fresh cookies here.
Delfarius laughs softly and looks across the coffeehouse. Dorian Elsyin, a young adult man in a wine-red coat with dark hair and a star-cut ring, notices the two identical figures.
Dorian’s surprise becomes an amused pause. He studies Past Delfarius, then Delfarius, while nearby patrons suddenly find their cups deeply fascinating.
Delfarius gestures toward the empty chair beside the warm cookies, inviting Dorian to join them. The thin absence-strands remain folded into his shadow.
Dorian Elsyin
I was hoping this was the right coffeehouse. Two of you makes it considerably more interesting. I would be glad to join you.
Dorian crosses the room and draws out the chair. He sits beside the table, his attention moving between both Delfariuses as the star-cut ring remains quiet.
Past Delfarius
Excellent. Another witness to Orosia’s finest cookies, and perhaps someone willing to admit my twin has impeccable taste.
“"Oh yes, I guess your father did not tell you I had an identical twin, did he?" I say to Dorian sticking with the cover story I had made to him long ago. "Felrius, this is Dorian. He is the son of the man who I told you fell ill suddenly..." I smirk at my past self firstly for his cover name sounding like something naughty and knowing he will catch up with the cover story I built.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Deception, rolled +2)
Delfarius
Oh yes, I guess your father did not tell you I had an identical twin, did he? Felrius, this is Dorian. He is the son of the man I told you fell ill suddenly.
Delfarius gestures toward Past Delfarius with an easy smirk. The thin absence-strands remain folded into his shadow as the cover story settles neatly over the table.
Past Delfarius
Felrius. A pleasure, Dorian. My brother has mentioned your father’s unfortunate illness, though his account was remarkably brief.
Past Delfarius catches the concealed joke in the name at once. His answering smirk promises he will torment Delfarius about it later, but he plays the twin without hesitation.
Dorian Elsyin
No, Father never mentioned a twin. Then again, he kept many things from me. Felrius, I am pleased to meet you.
Dorian offers Past Delfarius his hand, accepting the resemblance and the explanation with only mild surprise. The star-cut ring remains quiet against his finger.
Past Delfarius
Likewise. We have been away from Orosia for some time, but family matters have brought us back. I hope your father’s affairs are settling.
✓ Quest Accepted
Preserve the coffeehouse refuge as private
Quest Complete
Keep Orosia’s rumors from identifying Delfarius and Past Delfarius
Skill Upgrade: Deception Mediocre→Fair
“I lean in closer to Dorian. "How has the mines been?" I say smirking in a way that Past Delfarius can catch that I made a deal with Dorian. "And have you had any more interesting conversations with the other noble houses here. Oh a ball would be fun." Past Delfarius laughs and remarks how long it has been since we have been to one.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Delfarius
How have the mines been? And have you had any more interesting conversations with the other noble houses here? Have you ever been to a ball? That sounds fun.
Delfarius leans closer, his smirk carrying a private signal toward Past Delfarius: their earlier deal remains remembered. The absence-strands stay folded into his shadow.
Dorian Elsyin
The mines are producing well, and the ledgers favor my house again. I have spoken with three noble families since we last met, each hiding a different appetite.
Dorian Elsyin
And yes, I have attended balls. They are bright theaters of perfume, music, veiled insults, and alliances made beneath the pretense of dancing.
Past Delfarius
A ball? How long has it been since we attended one? Long enough that I almost miss the masks, the music, and the terrible political flirting.
Dorian Elsyin
The next one is in four nights at House Valcaryn. Nearly every significant Orosian house will attend, including the three I have been cultivating.
Dorian’s star-cut ring remains quiet as he lowers his voice. His expression turns knowingly conspiratorial, while the coffeehouse carries on around their table.
“I lean in closer and take a bite of my cookie then take a sip of coffee afterwards, "Dorian here was such a shy lad before I talked with him. I gave him that ring that I had found." I smirk towards my past self. Past Delfarius looks over the ring and notices the deal that was made, and that the ring finds rich gem caches for Dorian. Dorian asks about the young girl and the goblin, since the last he saw me I was taking Pistol away with Stabby.”
SUCCESS (Fair Deception, rolled +2)
Delfarius
Dorian here was such a shy lad before I talked with him. I gave him that ring I had found.
Delfarius leans closer, bites into his warm cookie, and follows it with coffee. The thin absence-strands remain folded into his shadow as he smirks toward his twin.
Past Delfarius
The ring still carries the old bargain. It leads Dorian toward rich gem caches, yet the cover story is simple enough to survive scrutiny.
Past Delfarius
A fortunate discovery, then. Some found things possess a remarkable talent for rewarding the right owner.
Past Delfarius studies the star-cut ring without exposing its deeper resonance. Its quiet pulse confirms the bargain and the hidden veins of precious stone it reveals to Dorian.
Dorian Elsyin
That is how it happened. He found the ring, and it has favored my house ever since. But what became of the young girl and the goblin? The last I saw, you were taking Pistol away with Stabby.
Past Delfarius
They were companions of ours for a time. I trust my twin had a destination in mind when he led them away.
“I sigh. "Pistol. Well last I heard she and Stabby were in Tremble, finding what trouble they could there." I take a sip of my coffee. Dorian remarks on how far away Tremble is and Past Delfarius remarks on how fortunate it is that they are so far away.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Delfarius
Pistol. Well, last I heard, she and Stabby were in Tremble, finding what trouble they could there.
Delfarius sighs and takes a measured sip of coffee. The thin absence-strands remain folded into his shadow, holding it fast without hindering his hand.
Dorian Elsyin
Tremble is far from Orosia, and farther still from any road I would call safe. A frontier city seems an unlikely place for a young shadow weaver.
Past Delfarius
How fortunate that they are so far away, then. Pistol’s talent for discovering trouble is charming only when it happens somewhere else.
Dorian’s star-cut ring gives one quiet pulse beneath the table, and his expression tightens as he glances toward the mountain roads.
Dorian Elsyin
Tremble has been drawing adventurers, prospectors, and less reputable interests. If Pistol is there, someone will notice her eventually.
Past Delfarius
Then the city will learn an important lesson: noticing our friends is not the same as surviving the consequences.
“"I have a feeling that anyone who tried to bring trouble to Pistol will find their own troubles at her hands. Do not let her age fool you, she is quite capable. Though if you tell her, I will deny ever saying." I laugh over my coffee cup.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Anyone who brings trouble to Pistol will find trouble waiting at her hands. Do not let her age fool you. Tell her that, and I will deny ever saying it.
Delfarius laughs over his coffee cup. The thin absence-strands remain folded into his shadow as the warm room carries his amusement toward Dorian.
Dorian Elsyin
I believe you. The girl looked harmless until her shadows began moving like they had opinions of their own.
Past Delfarius
A glowing crypt map, a mechanical squirrel, and unstable shadow magic. Yes, Dorian, she is clearly the vulnerable child in this tale.
Dorian’s star-cut ring pulses again, stronger than before. His gaze shifts toward the mountain roads, and the amusement leaves his face.
Dorian Elsyin
Then I hope Tremble’s trouble has the sense to leave her alone. The ring has been pointing toward those roads since dawn.
Past Delfarius
That ring never points without finding something worth taking.
“I frown at the ring and put my cup down. "Can't even have a calm morning..." Past Delfarius tells me not to be hasty with the doom and gloom and just to enjoy my cookie and coffee. Dorian looks back towards us both and then talks more about the ball that is coming up, and the three noble families he has been trying to bring into his circle.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
Delfarius frowns at the pulsing star-cut ring and sets his coffee down with deliberate care. The effort to master his irritation leaves a brief hesitation visible in his tightened jaw.
Delfarius
Can’t even have a calm morning...
Past Delfarius
Do not rush toward doom and gloom. Enjoy your cookie and coffee first. The ring can wait long enough for breakfast.
Past Delfarius nudges the porcelain plate closer. Delfarius remains at the table, shadow anchored beneath him, while the ring’s pulse settles into a watchful rhythm.
Dorian Elsyin
The ball at House Valcaryn is in four nights. House Merrow favors trade alliances, House Valcaryn collects military influence, and House Sareth wants access to the mountain mines.
Dorian Elsyin
I have been cultivating all three families, carefully. Each believes I am becoming useful to them, while I am trying to make my own circle strong enough that none can dismiss my house again.
Dorian lowers his voice as the ring gives another restrained pulse. Around them, Orosia’s coffeehouse continues its ordinary morning, though the three noble names now hang over the table like invitations.
Quest Complete
Preserve the coffeehouse refuge as private
Skill Upgrade: Deception Fair→Good
“I take another bite of my cookie and then finish it a bit sad that it is gone. I lift my cup of coffee to my lips and speak over the cup, "And which house is the most beneficial to your goals?" Past Delfarius remarks on how we did enjoy the political dance and chuckles and asks Dorian if any of them have a young daughter he can marry.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Delfarius takes another bite of the snickerdoodle, then finishes it with a faintly mournful glance at the empty plate. He lifts his coffee, shadow still anchored beneath him.
Delfarius
Which house is most beneficial to your goals?
Past Delfarius
We did enjoy the political dance. Tell me, Dorian, does any of these houses have a young daughter suitable for marriage?
Dorian Elsyin
House Merrow has two daughters of marriageable age. They are clever, cautious, and tied to the trade consortium. House Valcaryn has one, Lady Seraphine, whose influence reaches farther than her father’s title suggests.
Dorian Elsyin
For my goals, Merrow is the most beneficial. Their trade routes would stabilize my house and open access to the mountain roads. Valcaryn offers military protection, but demands visible loyalty in return.
Dorian’s ring gives a quiet pulse beneath the table. He studies both identical men, recognizing the question beneath the question while the coffeehouse carries on around them.
Past Delfarius
A clever daughter, trade routes, and a family eager for influence. How wonderfully ordinary. I assume you have already decided which one would tolerate your ambitions.
“"Hmm which house was Lady Ilyth from. I fear I did not get her last name, and I am a bit shocked she has not called upon me. Then again I have been dreadfully busy." I smirk and Past Delfarius laughs at the ironically truthful words. Dorian tells me which house she is from.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +1)
Delfarius
Hmm, which house was Lady Ilyth from? I fear I never got her last name. I am shocked she has not called upon me, though I have been dreadfully busy.
Delfarius smirks over his coffee, the thin absence-strands still anchoring his shadow beneath the table. Past Delfarius immediately recognizes the ironically truthful complaint.
Past Delfarius
You have been dreadfully busy, yes. Throwing nobles through carriages, rewriting archives, and occasionally remembering to drink coffee.
Dorian’s amusement fades into recognition. His star-cut ring remains quiet as he sets his cup down and considers the question without hesitation.
Dorian Elsyin
Lady Ilyth was of House Elsyin. She is my kinswoman, and the noblewoman who traveled with Brunn and me to the Filigreed Diamond.
Dorian Elsyin
She has not called because she is wary, not forgetful. After the carriage incident and your sudden disappearance, she has been asking careful questions through intermediaries.
Past Delfarius
There you are. The missing surname, a family connection, and a woman prudently refusing to walk into our orbit uninvited. How refreshing.
“Me and Past Delfarius remember the one game of Splatter and look to each other and chuckle and both say, "Oops."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +2)
The memory of Splatter passes between Delfarius and Past Delfarius: a carriage, a falling noble, and the absurd certainty that the throw had been perfectly judged.
Delfarius
Oops.
Past Delfarius
Oops.
They look at each other and chuckle over their coffee. The thin absence-strands remain folded into Delfarius’s shadow, while Dorian watches the exchange with growing suspicion.
Dorian Elsyin
That is not the reaction of men discussing an ordinary family acquaintance. What exactly happened to Lady Ilyth?
Past Delfarius
She experienced a memorable change of transportation. Our twin’s aim was excellent, though the carriage was less resilient than hoped.
Dorian Elsyin
Then House Elsyin will not leave the matter alone. Ilyth survived, but her account has made several nobles very interested in finding the two mysterious brothers.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep House Elsyin from exposing the twins
“I lean in closer. I say to him quietly and with a low edge of a threat. "Well we were in our tower....Dorian. It would be hard for any to have seen us clearly from the ground." I narrow my eyes at him. Past Delfarius leans in and says that her fear was probably so great that she did not see anything clearly.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Intimidation, rolled -1)
Delfarius
Well, we were in our tower, Dorian. It would be hard for anyone on the ground to have seen us clearly.
Delfarius leans closer, narrowing his icy eyes. His quiet edge carries more menace than volume, and the coffeehouse suddenly feels much smaller around Dorian.
Past Delfarius
Her fear was probably so great that she saw nothing clearly. That would be the sensible conclusion.
Dorian’s star-cut ring gives one nervous pulse. He lowers his gaze, understanding the warning beneath the explanation and the consequences hidden behind it.
Dorian Elsyin
Of course. Ilyth was frightened, and frightened witnesses mistake shapes for certainty. I will tell House Elsyin that the matter remains unverified.
He folds his hands around his cooling cup, visibly abandoning the investigation. Around them, merchants murmur and spoons clink, unaware that a noble house has just lost its courage.
Dorian Elsyin
I will not ask further questions about the tower, the carriage, or the two brothers. Whatever Ilyth believes she saw, I will leave it undisturbed.
Quest Complete
Keep House Elsyin from exposing the twins
“I lean back in the chair and fold my arms. "Well I am glad that family matter is settled. Perhaps I could attend the ball. It has been some time, like Felrius said." I smirk at my Past self at how much it does sound close to fellatio. Past Delfarius narrows his eyes at me and remarks on how other things have been too long in waiting as well, remarking to my joke in his cover name.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Well, I am glad that family matter is settled. Perhaps I could attend the ball. It has been some time, like Felrius said.
Delfarius leans back in the chair and folds his arms, smirking toward Past Delfarius at the unfortunate sound of his chosen cover name. The absence-strands remain tucked into his shadow.
Past Delfarius
Yes, Felrius. Other things have been waiting far too long as well. I am sure Orosia will be fascinated by your sudden interest in balls.
Past Delfarius narrows his eyes, then lifts his coffee with deliberate composure. Dorian catches the joke, chokes back a laugh, and wisely studies the table instead.
Dorian Elsyin
Then House Valcaryn will receive you as my guests. I can secure invitations for both brothers, and your presence would give my family useful protection without exposing our arrangement.
Past Delfarius
Useful protection, political access, and an evening of terrible dancing. I withdraw my objections. Felrius and I will attend, and Orosia may discover what harmless twins look like.
Dorian’s star-cut ring settles into a quiet glow, accepting the arrangement. Around them, the coffeehouse continues its ordinary morning while House Valcaryn’s ball becomes their next destination.
✓ Quest Accepted
Attend House Valcaryn’s ball
“"I Farius, you are Felrius." I laugh. "Or am I the one who is Felrius." I nod towards Past Delfarius about the good pun with the balls.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Delfarius
I am Farius, you are Felrius. Or am I the one who is Felrius?
Delfarius laughs and nods toward Past Delfarius, the pun landing neatly between their matching faces and the promised ball.
Past Delfarius
A magnificent identity crisis. At the ball, we should introduce ourselves as Farius and Felrius, then switch whenever anyone asks a serious question.
Dorian Elsyin
House Valcaryn will assume it is an eccentric family custom. Orosian nobles forgive almost anything when it arrives dressed well and carries a useful connection.
Dorian smiles despite himself, and his star-cut ring gives a faint approving pulse. The coffeehouse patrons continue their morning, unaware that a noble entrance is being planned.
Past Delfarius
Then it is settled. Farius and Felrius will attend House Valcaryn’s ball, confuse the aristocracy, and consume their finest refreshments.
Dorian Elsyin
I will send the invitations by sunset. Come prepared to dance, deceive, or merely let Orosia wonder which brother it has offended.
“Me and Past Delfarius share a twinkle in our eyes and both remember a future song in another dimension and start to sing. "They're such big balls And they're dirty big balls And he's got big balls And she's got big balls But we got the biggest balls of them all."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
A shared twinkle flashes across the identical faces. Delfarius and Past Delfarius remember the impossible song from another dimension at the same instant, and the coffeehouse falls before their rhythm.
Delfarius
They're such big balls, and they're dirty big balls, and he's got big balls, and she's got big balls, but we got the biggest balls of them all.
Past Delfarius
They're such big balls, and they're dirty big balls, and he's got big balls, and she's got big balls, but we got the biggest balls of them all.
Their voices blend with effortless theatrical confidence, turning the Orosian coffeehouse into an impromptu stage. Patrons stare over their cups as the absurd melody gathers infectious momentum.
Dorian Elsyin
I have no idea what that song means, but I am suddenly certain House Valcaryn will never be prepared for your arrival.
The barista presses a hand to her mouth, failing to hide a laugh. Even the star-cut ring pulses in time, while Dorian sinks lower in his chair and Past Delfarius bows grandly.
Past Delfarius
Farius and Felrius have found the perfect ball song. Orosia will remember us forever, whether House Valcaryn is ready or not.
“I stand and smirk and continue to sing another verse from the song with a smirk to a patron who is lovely and make her blush as I lean into her space. "Some balls are held for charity and some for fancy dress But when they're held for pleasure, they're the balls that I like best My balls are always bouncing to the left and to the right It's my belief that my big balls should be held every night"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)