text: [Themes: Science Fiction, female protagonist]
  
  > Go downward
  You climb down the staircase.
  
  You are in the bookcrafter's workshop, a spacious hall for copying, illustrating and repairing books where artisans like yourself work.
  
  The staircase leads up to the library.
  
  You can see your colleague Arjang here. He is sitting behind his work desk.
  
  > give the bottle to Arjang
  "Many thanks! Now with luck I'll finish this map very soon and pass it on. Neat work eh?" You agree it's very well done. He fills his ink pot and hands you back the remainder of the kingberry juice. He goes back to his work, with a considerably better morale.
  
  > ask Arjang about map
  (Arjang's works)
  There is no reply.
  
  > Kiss arjang
  You let your long, wavy hair cascade down on his desk as you lean toward him for a kiss. He gasps. "Farahnaaz! Need I explain again why loose hair has no place in the workshop? And please stand back, I can't work with your shadow on my map. I'll let you examine it thoroughly once it's finished, I promise."
  
  > put the feather in the ink
  The feather's shaft is not cut to make a decent quill. You could draw steadier lines with a fingernail.
  
  > Kick arjang
  He firmly holds you back "Careful, girl! I won't have these papers creased only because you don't look where you're walking... uh, sorry for the ink stain. But be careful! Nice outfit anyways."
  
  > examine the outfit
  You're wearing a maroon leather top and pants. A nice gift from Bastovaan, the old beast tamer.
  
  > Go upwards
  "Wait..." You turn back as Arjang calls you. "What's that red feather you're carrying? It's beautiful, and if it's what I think it is..."
  
  > give the feather to Arjang
  He inspects the feather carefully, balancing it between his fingers "This... is magnificent. It's indeed from a goknous. Where did you get it? It doesn't matter. What matters is, I can make you an exceptional quill out of it. Wait a minute..."
  
  He searches around the desk and gathers a knife, a ruler, a pair of tweezers and some other tools. Shortly after, he hands you a premium quality quill pen. "Here's something to recompense for the ink errand." He winks at you and returns to his work.
  
  > Go upwards
  You climb up the staircase.
  
  You're in the Library of Arg Varkana. It's a big but cozy hall lined with rows of bookshelves. Reading tables are at the center and by the large windows which allow sunlight during the day. A chandelier hung from the ceiling upstairs along with several glowstands scattered around the library provide extra illumination in the evening.
  
  Spiral stairs lead up to the museum, and down to the bookcrafters' workshop. The exit is to the south.
  
  You can see Librarian Houtan here.
  
  > Go upward
  You climb up the staircase.
  
  The museum is a tidy hall filled with various exhibits, ranging from artworks and crafts and old objects to archeological findings.
  
  Display cases, shelves and tables occupy the most possible space without making it difficult to walk. A glass cabinet containing old books in a corner draws your attention.
  
  The only exit is back down the staircase.
  
  > open the cabinet
  It seems to be locked.
  
  > look at what you're carrying with you
  You are carrying:
  a quill pen
  a bottle of kingberry juice
  a ribbon (being worn)
  a glow orb (providing light)
  some jewelry (being worn)
  an outfit (being worn)
  
  > look at the cases
  Every article is neatly and painstakingly labelled and placed where it belongs: display cases, pedestals, tables, shelves or walls. You admire the order.
  
  > look at the stand
  Lots of art supplies for sale. You just love examining all those tools and equipment.
  
  > Go north
  You make your way through the crowd and get out of the bazaar.
  
  You're in a sunlit plaza which is abundantly decorated with rose bushes and cypresses. Public buildings such as the town hall and guild headquarters encircle the plaza. Their golden-ochre stone, blue-glazed mud brick masonry and crenellated walls are some of the finest in the town.
  
  Northwards from here there's a giant "U" shaped cavity in the mountain's natural formation. The town stretches to northeast and northwest.
  
  The staircase on the north leads downward to the cliffside balcony, which overlooks the land far below. The bazaar is to the south, and the square is to the southeast.
  
  You can see some town guards scattered around the place.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  > Go south
  You're in a sunlit plaza which is abundantly decorated with rose bushes and cypresses. Public buildings such as the town hall and guild headquarters encircle the plaza. Their golden-ochre stone, blue-glazed mud brick masonry and crenellated walls are some of the finest in the town.
  
  Northwards from here there's a giant "U" shaped cavity in the mountain's natural formation. The town stretches to northeast and northwest.
  
  The staircase on the north leads downward to the cliffside balcony, which overlooks the land far below. The bazaar is to the south, and the square is to the southeast.
  
  You can see some town guards scattered around the place.
  
  > go to the north-west
  You go walking in the streets and alleys for a while. Finding nothing of interest, you head back to the town center.
  
  > look at the town hall
  "This is indeed too fine a day for trouble, isn't it, citizen? Stay out of harm and don't get involved in anything mischievous."
  
  Most of the public buildings are closed for holidays.
  
  > Go south
  The bazaar of Arg Varkana is under high brick domes interconnected with vaulted corridors. All kinds of goods from every town in and around the Varkana region are traded here. It's usually crowded, but today even more so, thanks to the holidays and celebrations. You prefer to avoid going too far in the bazaar right now.
  
  The exits are to the east, north and west.
  
  Among the nearby merchandise an art stand catches your attention.
  
  > go west
  You doubt you can make it to the other side of bazaar easily. You'd rather wait until it's less crowded.
  
  > examine the art stand
  Time passes.
  
  Lots of art supplies for sale. You just love examining all those tools and equipment.
  
  > go to the east
  You make your way through the crowd and get out of the bazaar.
  
  You see a fountain with benches and potted plants in the middle of the square. There are roads leading in different directions.
  
  East leads to the vineyards. The library is to the north. Northwest leads to the town center. The town bazaar is to the west. The school is to the south, and there's a road to an old temple to the southeast.
  
  You can see many kids playing here.
  
  > follow you
  The kids have better things to do.
  
  > get all
  waiters: I don't suppose the waiters would care for that.
  chair: You won't need to carry a chair.
  
  > sit
  What do you want to sit on?
  
  > Chair
  You get onto the chair.
  
  > wait
  Time passes.
  
  > eat the lunch
  (first taking the food)
  Wait for the lunchtime, it'll be more appropriate.
  
  > look
  Cliffside balcony (on the chair)
  The natural terraced balcony is surrounded by ornate gardens and overlooks the deep canyon down below. It's a popular spot for celebrations and other public events.
  
  Numerous tables and chairs are placed here, and waiters are moving about placing plates and cutlery on them. Looks like preparations for a lofty lunch are under way.
  
  You can see some waiters here.
  
  > get the lunch
  Wait for the lunchtime, it'll be more appropriate.
  
  > go south
  You'll have to get off the chair first.
  
  > eat the waiters
  (first taking the waiters)
  I don't suppose the waiters would care for that.
  
  > eat the lunch
  (first taking the food)
  Wait for the lunchtime, it'll be more appropriate.
  
  > get up
  You get off the chair.
  
  The natural terraced balcony is surrounded by ornate gardens and overlooks the deep canyon down below. It's a popular spot for celebrations and other public events.
  
  Numerous tables and chairs are placed here, and waiters are moving about placing plates and cutlery on them. Looks like preparations for a lofty lunch are under way.
  
  The staircase leads up to the town center.
  
  You can also see some waiters here.
  
  > go fountain
  With an impressive splash, you jump into the shallow water. Some of the kids are fascinated by the idea and hurry to join you...
  
  You manage to get out before you're totally drenched.
  
  > look at the kids
  Many of the town children are gathered here. You recognize some of them due to their frequent visits to the library and occasionally creeping into the workshop. Most of them are playing.
  
  > Go east
  Rows of vines stretch far and wide to the south, southeast and east - where they nearly reach the eastern cliffside. Occasionally the vines are made to climb circular wooden frames to form leafy pavilions.
  
  The stone pathway leads to the square to the west, the shady park to the north, and eventually the terrace to the northwest. On the ground you see some drops of oil.
  
  > go north
  Some benches lie in the park, one of which is occupied by an old couple who are busy talking to each other. Behind them you can see a kingberry bush.
  
  The terrace and your room are to the west, and the vineyard is to the south.
  
  > go west
  This is a round hall with a single hexagonal pillar at the center. Bath chambers line the wall, forming a semicircle, and mirrored dressers are placed around the central pillar. There are some chests at the entrance to keep people's extra belongings. Above them, clean bath towels are hung from the wall.
  
  The entrance is to the east, and the swimming pool is to the south.
  
  You can see Rasha, Nivanen and Hairdresser Rana here.
  
  > get hairpin
  You already have those.
  
  > ask Nivanen about the ambassadors
  "They seemed to be ok; none of them was wearing an Ember medallion. You don't need to worry."
  
  > Wash cat
  "Hiss!" You now have some stripes on your skin.
  
  > ask Nivanen about Library
  "I won't step into that place now that the school's over! You surely have nerves to live in there."
  
  > examine the platform
  A conventional landing spot for landing hawks, drakes, or - if from a Sarvegnian community or something similar - airborn vehicles. It's made from stone, and is circular, measuring about four meters in diameter. Three crystalline glow orbs are inlaid within its brim to make it recognizable at night.
  
  Some of the wild herbs around the platform are burnt. From those and the fresh oil stains you conclude someone has landed here recently. However, it's an obsolete platform, too far from any functioning nest to be practical.
  
  > look at the jewelry
  Your jewelry include armbands, a torc, hairpins and earrings that usually accompany you during the day.
  
  > Go west
  Rows of vines stretch far and wide to the south, southeast and east - where they nearly reach the eastern cliffside. Occasionally the vines are made to climb circular wooden frames to form leafy pavilions.
  
  > go to the west
  The stone pathway leads to the square to the west, the shady park to the north, and eventually the terrace to the northwest. On the ground you see some drops of oil.
  
  You take the path westward which leads to a square in the town.
  
  You see a fountain with benches and potted plants in the middle of the square. There are roads leading in different directions.
  
  East leads to the vineyards. The library is to the north. Northwest leads to the town center. The town bazaar is to the west. The school is to the south, and there's a road to an old temple to the southeast.
  
  You can see many kids playing here.
  
  > go north
  Engraved wooden pillars support a high wooden roof. Some chairs and tables have been brought here from the library's interior, as is usually done in warm seasons. There are even some rugs and cushions on the ground for more relaxed reading.
  
  The entrance to the library is before you to the north.
  
  You see Ardavaan's vehicle leaning next to a pillar.
  
  You can also see Ardavaan here.
  
  > Go north
  You're in the Library of Arg Varkana. It's a big but cozy hall lined with rows of bookshelves. Reading tables are at the center and by the large windows which allow sunlight during the day. A chandelier hung from the ceiling upstairs along with several glowstands scattered around the library provide extra illumination in the evening.
  
  Spiral stairs lead up to the museum, and down to the bookcrafters' workshop. The exit is to the south.
  
  You can see Librarian Houtan here.
  
  > ask Ardavaan about book
  (the books)
  "Much that has faded from memory may be reawakened through written words... If you know where to look."
  
  > examine the rugs
  They seem to be old. They contain animal and floral patterns.
  
  > look at the vehicle
  It's a one-man vehicle with a saddle instead of a seat; less cozy but easier to manoeuvre. It has a transparent shield in front to protect the pilot at high speed. It's bronze in color and has been damaged and patched up in various places and needs cleaning. Even though Ashtartan-made, it can't be one of those fabulous ones Nivanen saw
  
  > put the quill in the ink
  last night.
  
  You dip the quill in ink. However, you still need a paper to draw on.
  
  > Go north
  You're in the Library of Arg Varkana. It's a big but cozy hall lined with rows of bookshelves. Reading tables are at the center and by the large windows which allow sunlight during the day. A chandelier hung from the ceiling upstairs along with several glowstands scattered around the library provide extra illumination in the evening.
  
  Spiral stairs lead up to the museum, and down to the bookcrafters' workshop. The exit is to the south.
  
  You can see Librarian Houtan here.
  
  > ask Arjang for the paper
  "Sorry, but I really need what's left of our paper supply. Besides, you don't have any commissions right now."
  
  > ask Arjang about the poetry book
  "Due to this map and a dozen more works I cannot look into new comissions. That's what idle artisans are for, don't you think?"
  
  > ask Arjang about Houtan
  "He tends to everything with genuine care while he makes you think all he does is relax behind his desk or brew his aromatic tea. I like him." You nod in agreement.
  
  > ask Houtan about the poetry book
  "I wouldn't hinder you of course. But I'd suggest you wait for the attendants open the window shutters upstairs after lunch so you can find what you seek."
  
  > follow you
  Librarian Houtan has better things to do.
  
  > look at the tables
  The lunch will be served on these tables.
  
  > look at the chairs
  Simple wooden chairs are placed around the tables.
  
  > sit
  What do you want to sit on?
  
  > sit on the chair
  You get onto the chair.
  
  > talk to the waiter
  They seem to be fairly busy and you don't feel like disturbing them. You don't need anything for the moment anyways.
  
  > eat
  What do you want to eat?
  
  > look at the food
  The food that's being prepared smells fantastic.
  
  > smell food
  The food smells very good!
  
  > buy the food
  Nothing is on sale.
  
  > look
  Cliffside balcony (on the chair)
  The natural terraced balcony is surrounded by ornate gardens and overlooks the deep canyon down below. It's a popular spot for celebrations and other public events.
  
  Numerous tables and chairs are placed here, and waiters are moving about placing plates and cutlery on them. Looks like preparations for a lofty lunch are under way.
  
  You can see some waiters here.
  
  > Clean pool
  "The pools are too slippery. I might get hurt."
  
  > get the stones
  Those seem to be a part of the statues.
  
  > take the javelin
  They're fixed in place.
  
  > examine the beast
  This statue represents a fabulous beast, which resembles a winged lion with ram horns, on whose back the goddess would ride out from her home at the source of the sacred river Surana on top of high mountains to visit lands and peoples (there is a debate on the location of the mountains; some even go so far to suggest they are somewhere in an old, distant world).
  
  The lion's head and eyes are inlaid with colorful stones and the scaly neck is covered with a glistening green enamel. Senmervae's images often adorn schools, libraries and scientific books, because people associate it with science and knowledge.
  
  > go northwest
  You see a fountain with benches and potted plants in the middle of the square. There are roads leading in different directions.
  
  East leads to the vineyards. The library is to the north. Northwest leads to the town center. The town bazaar is to the west. The school is to the south, and there's a road to an old temple to the southeast.
  
  You can see many kids playing here.
  
  > go south
  You walk down to the school, and find the gates closed as you expected. The classes will begin after the grape harvest is usually done, which is in a month. You return to the square.
  
  > Go east
  Rows of vines stretch far and wide to the south, southeast and east - where they nearly reach the eastern cliffside. Occasionally the vines are made to climb circular wooden frames to form leafy pavilions.
  
  The stone pathway leads to the square to the west, the shady park to the north, and eventually the terrace to the northwest. On the ground you see some drops of oil.
  
  > Go northwest
  You cross the shady park, and climb up the stairs to reach the terrace.
  
  You are on the open terrace by your room. The way to the north is blocked by the high walls of a private estate surrounded by tall trees.
  
  Some stairs lead downward, to a shady park to the east and eventually to the vineyard in the southeast. More stairs lead upward to the west. Your room is to the south.
  
  > examine the estate
  It's the house of an old surgeon and his wife. You see them often, but you have never seen much of their house due to the walls and the ancient trees that surround it.
  
  > climb the walls
  No way, not again...
  
  > Go south
  Your room is cozy and comfortable with meticulously selected furniture and decoration. A mirrored dresser is placed near the open window, with a small marble basin and a pitcher next to it. And at the foot of your bed there is a chest.
  
  The only exit is to the north.
  
  > Open chest
  The chest contains some clean clothes. You rummage a bit until you select an outfit. Once you have changed your clothes, you close the chest.
  
  > Open chest
  tones. Your favorite color combination.
  
  The chest contains some clean clothes. You rummage a bit until you select an outfit. Once you have changed your clothes, you close the chest.
  
  You're now wearing a hand printed silk dress in gold and lapis lazuli tones. Your favorite color combination.
  
  > Open chest
  The chest contains some clean clothes. You rummage a bit until you select an outfit. Once you have changed your clothes, you close the chest.
  
  You're now wearing a hand printed silk dress in gold and lapis lazuli tones. Your favorite color combination.
  
  > look at the basin
  A small white stone basin is installed on a protrusion from the wall. Next to it there's a pitcher filled with water you use to wash your face and hands. For a real watery experience however, you'd go to a bath hall and pool not far from here.
  
  > go to the north
  You are on the open terrace by your room. The way to the north is blocked by the high walls of a private estate surrounded by tall trees.
  
  Some stairs lead downward, to a shady park to the east and eventually to the vineyard in the southeast. More stairs lead upward to the west. Your room is to the south.
  
  > ask Nivanen about the dinner
  Mirrored dressers are placed around the hexagonal pillar. They're usually used by those who've taken their bath and want to tidy up their hair.
  
  There is no reply.
  
  > Go south
  Hairdresser Rana has better things to do.
  
  The swimming pool is delightful at times like this; everybody's gone after their daily business and it's empty. The water reflects the sunlight from the windowed roof above.
  
  The only exit is to the bath hall to the north.
  
  > examine the roof
  Daylight infiltrates abundantly through the windowed roof.
  
  > ask Rana about the paper
  (papers)
  There is no reply.
  
  > examine Ardavaan
  He has dark hair, high brow and accented cheekbones, and carries a scar on his chin.
  
  He's sitting on a rug while keeping his booted feet out. There are piles of books around him and he's currently studying a particularly heavy one which is laid open in front of him.
  
  > ask Ardavaan about the book
  (the books)
  There is no reply.
  
  > look at the book
  The books are diverse but most seem to be on mythological topics. A particularly heavy one lies open on the rug. You recognize it with no difficulty; this book was once repaired by yourself under Behzaad's direction when you were a new apprentice.
  
  The heavy book contains praises to spirits, elements, constellations and gods. Including records of the offerings and libations to those entities from the kings, queens and heros, and the constructions that were built for their love and honor.
  
  > ask Ardavaan about Houtan
  "A resourceful man, with a suitable job."
  
  > ask Ardavaan about the books
  (the books)
  "Much that has faded from memory may be reawakened through written words... If you know where to look."
  
  > ask Ardavaan about Behzaad
  "So he has even been to your town. I knew the old jackal back in Ashtarta. He is a remarkable craftsman indeed... And you say, he just left the town?"
  
  You nod. "Yesterday afternoon."
  
  He looks away. "Lucky him..." You wait for him to continue, but he doesn't seem to intend to.
  
  > ask Ardavaan about everything
  There is no reply.
  
  There is no reply.
  
  > Examine book
  The books are diverse but most seem to be on mythological topics. A particularly heavy one lies open on the rug. You recognize it with no difficulty; this book was once repaired by yourself under Behzaad's direction when you were a new apprentice.
  
  > examine the rug
  They seem to be old. They contain animal and floral patterns.
  
  > Mount vehicle
  You reach for the handles and begin to mount the saddle, but a stare from the owner of the vehicle discourages you from going on.
  
  > pull the rug
  Those are fixed in place.
  
  > Lift rug
  You can only do that to something animate.
  
  > show the ribbon to Ardavaan
  Ardavaan is unimpressed.
  
  > Kiss ardavaan
  Something about his sharp gaze freaks you out. No way.
  
  > Go north
  You're in the Library of Arg Varkana. It's a big but cozy hall lined with rows of bookshelves. Reading tables are at the center and by the large windows which allow sunlight during the day. A chandelier hung from the ceiling upstairs along with several glowstands scattered around the library provide extra illumination in the evening.
  
  Spiral stairs lead up to the museum, and down to the bookcrafters' workshop. The exit is to the south.
  
  You can see Librarian Houtan here.
  
  > Kiss houtan
  To express your affection, you blow a kiss to Librarian Houtan.
  
  > examine Houtan
  Houtan is a good-natured, merry, elderly man who loves to talk (and he's good at that; he always has things to say on various topics) with a red face, thining hair, and blond scrolled moustaches. He attends to the library very well, giving a lot more than what his job demands of him.
  
  > ask Houtan about Ardavaan
  Librarian Houtan rubs his chin, trying to remember where he left off. "Hmm. Yes, he was very dry and nearly hostile, until I talked about the topics that attracted his attention."
  
  He pauses for a while, studying you, then adds, "Hmm, he's not social and appreciates his privacy here so I did not inform anyone of his arrival. But... maybe you can talk to him further? However, he lacks a night's sleep and seemed frustrated after being encircled by fair women of your age. So be careful. This fresh opportunity, as well as his unguarded enthusiasm, may fade after official meetings and new ties."
  
  Even though he didn't mention it, you can tell he is somehow worried. You're not quite convinced however, and he seems to read it on your face. You weigh your thoughts before you decide to discuss the topic further.
  
  > ask Houtan about Ardavaan
  Your further inquisition lightens him up. "I know you so well that I believe you'll truly benefit from this precious opportunity to discuss things first-handedly with an Ashtartan. This one in particular seems to have common interests with you, which you could use to start a conversation with him. In a wider scope..."
  
  He pauses a moment, his expression getting serious, "It might give us a thin chance to start our relations with less influence from... businessmen, politicans and soldiers." He utters the last words with a hint of disgust. "Sarvegnians will follow Ashtartans' example, remember when I told you this. We better let it be as incorrupt an example as possible."
  
  Even though you don't share his concern (which makes you feel a bit... guilty) you don't have the heart to refuse him a request; something he almost never makes. You finally agree to talk to Ardavaan, which seems to be the only thing Librarian Houtan hoped to hear. He regains his composure and smiles at you.
  
  > go south
  Engraved wooden pillars support a high wooden roof. Some chairs and tables have been brought here from the library's interior, as is usually done in warm seasons. There are even some rugs and cushions on the ground for more relaxed reading.
  
  The entrance to the library is before you to the north.
  
  You see Ardavaan's vehicle leaning next to a pillar.
  
  You can also see Ardavaan here.
  
  > talk to Ardavaan
  Gathering your courage, you find a place on the other side of the book pile and fetch a cushion to sit on. Ardavaan, who was momentarily distracted, turns his attention back to the book before him. You try to sound as unobtrusive as possible, "Well, um... if I can help you with finding something, just let me know. I work here. And I'm familiar with such topics," you point to the big book he's studying.
  
  "You're... familiar with the written myths. I'll try not to forget it." His eyes remain fixed on the book. You frown, and can't help retaliating, "To put it in such a crude manner, yes. This one we're looking at, for example, took two months of work. I redid the binding, repaired the pictures, and even some of the text. I'm indeed familiar with the written myths." You instantly regret your tactlessness. That wasn't quite you.
  
  He trails the contours of a picture with his fingertip, "So, you repair books?"
  
  "Mainly, yes. I mean, I do illustrations in the bookcrafters' workshop. Especially gilded images."
  
  "You must receive plenty of comissions."
  
  His brief compliment doesn't totally cheer you, but you recover your modesty, "Oh... not often these days. And it's just thanks to my mentor, Behzaad, that I managed to make it this far."
  
  "He chooses the books for you?" You'd swear his gaze just intensified. You reply nevertheless, "Seldom, his apprentices share the work themselves becau-" "Has... Behzaad... chosen a book for you?"
  
  You feel a tingling in the back of your neck. "Yes, recently he told me to repair an old poem book from the museum's collection just before he left town, which I haven't done yet. Uh... what?" The tingling goes as quickly as it came. You wonder if it was your imagination.
  
  A smile crosses his lips, "From what I hear, the last task he requests from his pupils is usually an extraordinary one. I wonder what's in that old poem book he asked you to repair. Something exciting, no doubt." He carefully closes the big book before him. "I must go and join the other ambassadors now. I wish I could stay here longer, or visit the old temple over there to do a drawing of Senmervae. But my time is short..." He gets up and starts tidying the books on a table.
  
  "Perhaps I can do it? The drawing, I mean," you ask hesitantly.
  
  "Ah, actually I'd really appreciate that. If you have time, of course."
  
  "I do, besides, it's a pleasant thing to draw. See you at lunch, I guess."
  
  You watch as he mounts his vehicle and silently glides away. You rub your neck and wonder what Houtan will think... You shrug; diplomacy has never been your forte.
  
  > talk to Ardavaan
  You can't see any such thing.
  
  You can't see any such thing.
  
  > Go north
  You're in the Library of Arg Varkana. It's a big but cozy hall lined with rows of bookshelves. Reading tables are at the center and by the large windows which allow sunlight during the day. A chandelier hung from the ceiling upstairs along with several glowstands scattered around the library provide extra illumination in the evening.
  
  Spiral stairs lead up to the museum, and down to the bookcrafters' workshop. The exit is to the south.
  
  You can see Librarian Houtan here.