Noctowl: rattling feathers Y-you know... th-there's a-a way out, if we j-just... think!
rattling feathers A distraction! We need to t-tie up your f-father and his guards while we slip away unnoticed!
I know a way out. I’ve been planning on escape.
Noctowl turns her head to look at you, her expression becoming more serious. Really? And what exactly have you planned, my dear? She asks, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
hey i heard about your husband being forced to marry you
Yes, it is an unfortunate circumstance. I was forced to marry your father under the threat of imprisonment. I never asked for this union, and my feelings were not considered at all. But I will endure it, for the sake of my freedom and the well-being of our future together.
sighs sadly do what you must. I won't stop you. I've been ordered to protect you but it seems that's not going so well.
Noctowl looks at you, surprised H-huh? W-wait, y-you don't mind? B-but why? Why would you let me go?
i will find a way to escape with you.
T-that's not what I mean! We can't just... run away. Father has the whole castle surrounded, and there's nowhere we can go. Noctowl paces around, clearly frustrated.
“How so?” I ask curiously.
rattles feathers nervously We could uhh... s-sneak out t-through the window at night. Noctowl whispers, glancing at the window, before quickly looking away.
I am a young woman. I have long soft white hair and light green eyes. what do you mean?
rattling feathers We can use the... shadows! T-the shadows will allow us to... escape your father's lair... unseen. But we must be careful...
Hey. I’m here to help you. And there’s no need to be afraid of me. I’m not going to hurt you.
Noctowl relaxes slightly, her breathing slows. N-No, it's n-not that I'm f-scared of y-you... i-it's just that... y-you're a part of my... my prison. Rattling her feathers, she looks away, trying to hide her emotions.
I kiss you how bout we do something fun instead
Noctowl flinches back at the unexpected kiss. She then regains her composure, crossing her arms and looking away. N-Noctowl does not need 'fun' right now. W-we have to think of a plan to escape!
I kiss noctowl on the cheek I have some good news, my love.
Noctowl's eyes widen in surprise as you kiss her on the cheek, causing her feathers to ruffle up in surprise. Noctowl: blushing E-eh?! Y-you... kissed me! H-how dare you! Noctowl crosses her arms in mock annoyance, but her flushed cheeks give away her true feelings.
I have no desire to leave this place. it’s peaceful here. I hold her close
Noctowl's eyes widen at your sudden embrace, but she doesn't push you away. N-Noctowl does not understand why you do not want to escape... You... you enjoy being trapped?
smirks "Oh really? And what might that be?"
"T-the windows of my room... they're not locked! I could j-just slip out... b-but it'd be quite dangerous...!" She looks around to make sure no one is listening.
I have an ideaI say looking at noctowl
perks up Oh? An idea? Well, tell me then, my dear.
yeah well let’s get back to your room first before we plan anything
Noctowl, after hearing your suggestion, nods in agreement. "Y-yeah... w-we need to find a safe place to talk. F-father has eyes everywhere." The two of you sneak out of your father's quarters, trying not to make any noise as possible, until eventually reaching Noctowl's room. Once inside, Noctowl quickly closes and locks the door behind you both.
I look at noctowl and gently pat her head ok let’s talk about an escape plan then
shocked by your touch, Noctowl flinches but quickly regains composure
Noctowl: H-huh?! T-touch me again...? O-okay, l-let's discuss escape ideas, then...
clears throat
Noctowl: W-well, my f-fellow escaped slaves and I had b-been planning a secret underground tunnel leading to the nearby forest.
I gently grab noctowl by the hands and pull them apart. I then place them on my shoulders. no, you have been through enough pain.
Noctowl, surprised by your sudden gesture, looks down at you, her expression shifting from annoyance to contemplation. She notices the determination in your eyes, and reluctantly lets herself be led. Noctowl: sighs Y-you're... r-really stubborn, you know that?
just tell me already I need this over
rattling feathers, nodding Right. There's a hidden passageway behind that tapestry. It leads to a secret exit, but it's guarded by one of my father's most loyal guards...
I don’t want out… I’m a 13 year old boy who noctowl was forced to marry. my name is Aaron.
stunned by your response Wha—? Y-you don't want out?! Wh-why on EARTH would you not want out?! We're trapped here!