hxx-vacation-02

Two cattens are curled up in the meadow here, a [[void catten|void-catten]] and a [[sun-tabby catten|sun-tabby-catten]].\n\n<<print either("The air here smells sweetly of grass and earth.", "A dragonfly flies past, wings gleaming in the sun like jewels.", "Flowers in a polite harmony of colors sway in the breeze.")>>\n\n[[A path leads toward the sound of the sea|tealand]].\nOr you can [[head back along the cobblestone road|chessland]].

This game includes mentions of the hexarchate, but does not itself include some of the hexarchate's more //dubious// practices.\n\nThe game is suitable for general audiences.\n\nOtherwise: fluff, silliness, and improbable but friendly critters with the occasional helping of light, easily resolved angst.\n\nThis game is rated "Merciful" on [[Andrew Plotkin's Cruelty Scale.|https://www.ifwiki.org/index.php/Cruelty_scale]]\n\nEstimated playtime for a complete playthrough is 20 minutes.\n\n[[Return to game.|Start]]

There is a beach here of shining sand. <<print either("The waves surge in an endless tidal music.", "The sea reflects back sunlight like a scattering of jewels.", "The sea is a vibrant blue with foam-crowned waves.")>> <<print either("A snatch of mer-song drifts across the waves, rises in a soaring paean, then is no longer audible over the crashing of the waters.", "Gulls cry as they wheel overhead.", "A silvery fish leaps in a perfect arc, then vanishes into the waves.")>>\n\n<<if visited("meeting the octopus")>>A [[tea set|tea options]] rests upon a bench crafted from beautifully whorled driftwood.<<else>>A [[tea set|hidden octopus tea set]] rests upon a bench crafted from beautifully whorled driftwood.<<endif>>\n\nYou can [[go for a swim|swimland]].\nOr you can [[head back along the path to the meadow|cattenland]].

The water closes around your body, sun-warmed, foam rushing about you. For a time you swim close to shore, enjoying the sea's everywhere embrace, playing tag with the waves and tasting salt when one crashes over your face. Then you wade back toward the beach, enjoying the way your toes dig into the sand.\n\n<<if visited("extra chess set")>>You search for treasures, finding sand dollars and sandglass, but nothing else.\n\n[[You emerge from the waters and return to shore.|tealand]]<<elseif visited("foxmothland")>><<if visited("actual full set")>>[[You locate a chess set half-buried in the sand.|extra chess set]]\n\n[[You emerge from the waters and return to shore.|tealand]]<<else>>[[You emerge from the waters and return to shore.|tealand]]<<endif>><<else>>[[You emerge from the waters and return to shore.|tealand]]<<endif>>

Here you find a tidy little [[bodega]] with its door standing open in invitation. <<print either("A voice from within the bodega calls to you in welcome.", "The bodega's wind chimes jingle cheerily.", "The tantalizing smells of fruit and candy waft from within.")>>\n\nYou can [[return to your trusty starship|landing zone 2]] or [[continue down the shaded path|ravenland]].

Your biscuit is warm and golden, fluffy and buttery, with delightful green specks of scallion scattered throughout. It doesn't take long for you to gobble it up.\n\n[[Back.|pastries]]

You slept for most of the trip through the swirling void, as most travelers do. But now you're refreshed, and ready to breathe the sweet perfumed air of a pearled world.\n\n[[Back.|Intro]]

The foxmoth always plays black, to match its wings.\n\n<<print either("Although the foxmoth matches your gambit with a devious countergambit, you eke out a hard-fought victory.", "After trading black bishops, the two of you reach a draw.", "The foxmoth loses its queen midgame and concedes.", "After 1. e4 e5, you answer with Ke2?? yet pull off a clever victory.", "The foxmoth brilliantly employs the Najdorf Sicilian to defeat you.")>>\n\n[[Back.|foxmothland]]

You try one of the chocolate-dipped figs. The chocolate is rich and not too sweet, the flesh of the fig lusciously yielding and infused with complementary chocolate liqueur.\n\n<<print either("The foxen smiles at you and pops a fig into their mouth, too.", "The wind chimes jangle at a burst of wind, then settle back to a more sedate music.")>>\n\n[[Back.|bodega]]

<<print either("As you walk among the lavender bushes, their sweet fragrance rises around you. You close your eyes for a moment, breathing in, breathing out, allowing your mind to drift.", "The lavender bushes rustle gently in the breeze. Their intoxicating scent drifts toward you.", "You lean down and inhale the smell of the flowers, then stroke one of them softly.")>>\n\n[[Back.|flowerland]]

This squirrel is, not inappropriately, half-white, half-black, with smiling eyes.\n\n<<if visited("extra chess set")>>The squirrel is glad its advice helped you find a spare chess set.\n\n[[Back.|chessland]]<<elseif visited("actual full set")>><<if visited("foxmothland")>>The squirrel tells you that you can find a chess set for the foxmoth at the sea.\n\n[[Back.|chessland]]<<else>>[[Back.|chessland]]<<endif>><<else>>[[Back.|chessland]]<<endif>>

Your trusty starship rests in this <<print either("fragrant", "breezy", "sun-warmed")>> clearing, sleeping beneath folded wings, until you wish to set off again.\n\n<<print either("A pair of squirrels chase each other across the clearing, and are gone.", "The wind picks up for a moment, ruffling the grass.", "Birds whistle brightly to each other, staying just out of sight.")>>\n\nYou can [[follow the smell of flowers|flowerland]],\n[[head down a shaded path|bodegaland]],\nor [[amble toward a cobblestone road|chessland]].\n\nOr, if you've had enough of adventure, you can [[set off again|goodbye]].

[[Begin|Intro]].\n\n[[Content Notes]].\n\n[[Credits]].

The Swan Dancer's stars limn them in an arabesque. Twin candling stars form their outstretched hand, while a graceful arc of light delineates their wings.\n\n<<print either("One of the stars in that constellation reminds you of your home.", "A meteor streaks by in the sky above, then is gone.", "An unseen cricket chirps once, twice, then falls into silence.")>>\n\n[[Back.|ravenland]]

The books include titles such as //Odes to the Sicilian Kan//, //Best-Loved Openings of Sciurus Niger//, and //The Theory of Chess Fashion//.\n\n[[Back.|chessland]]

This Duelist is extended in a lunge from their wheelchair. A sharp blue star defines the tip of their sword.\n\n<<print either("A nightingale trills in the soft darkness.", "A breeze breathes against your skin.", "You imagine you hear a zither's subtle harmonics floating through the air like an embrace.")>>\n\n[[Back.|ravenland]]

The tea set includes a fine white kettle painted with dancing mers and two cups in their saucers, all resting in a dainty tray. The tray [[isn't quite level|tray askew]].\n\nThe kettle appears to magically fill itself with sweet clear water and to heat itself as well.\n\n[[Back.|tealand]]

Carefully, you lift the tray. A [[fairy octopus|meeting the octopus]] scuttles out, its eyes wide and startled. It waves a tentacle in tentative greeting.

One of the octopus's tentacles is grasping a black chess knight. Delicately, it deposits the knight before you, and you accept it with a nod.\n\n[[Back|tea options]].

Not only are the crackers crunchy, they are infused with rich, smoky bacon flavor, and the bacon bits themselves are meaty and satisfying.\n\n[[Back.|pastries]]

The foxmoth barks in pleasure, tail wagging, as it contemplates the gift you have brought. It invites you to a [[game|ninefox gambit]].\n\n[[Back.|foxmothland]]

<<if visited("organize chess pieces") and visited("black knight retrieval")>>A full set of [[chess pieces|actual full set]], now that you've retrieved the errant black knight, is neatly arrayed on the chess table. The [[piebald squirrel]] sits next to one of the [[books on chess openings]].<<elseif visited("organize chess pieces")>>A full set of [[chess pieces|chess pieces are almost go]], save for a missing black knight, is neatly arrayed on the chess table. The [[piebald squirrel]] is contemplating a stack of [[books on chess openings]].\n\n<<print either("In the distance, you hear the distinctive fiery song of a phoenix.", "A playful breeze passes by.")>><<else>>In this glen, a [[piebald squirrel]] sits at the edge of a chess table. The pieces are [[disarrayed|organize chess pieces]], and the squirrel looks puzzled.\n\nA small stack of [[books on chess openings]] rests to the side.<<endif>>\n\nA cobblestone road leads [[back to your trusty starship|landing zone 2]] or [[onward|cattenland]].

The tea set includes a fine white kettle painted with dancing mers and two cups in their saucers, all resting in a dainty tray. The kettle appears to magically fill itself with sweet clear water and to heat itself as well.\n\nA variety of options are arrayed on the tray: [[jasmine pearl]], [[black maple sugar]], [[chamomile]], [[ginseng]], and [[chocolate rooibos]].\n\nThe octopus watches you with great interest.\n\n[[Back.|tealand]]

You sing a wandering song of bamboo nights and meditative frogs. The void raven croaks a sometime counterpoint before flying off.\n\nYou wonder if you offended it when it returns, grasping a strand of tender young stars in its beak. They shine like a friend's smile.\n\n<<print either("A nightingale whistles its own commentary from a nearby tree.", "A breeze stirs the leaves.", "Moonlight leaves a filigree of pearl and silver upon everything it touches.")>>\n\n[[Back.|ravenland]]

The chamomile tastes like soothing dreams, with floral and apple notes. It makes you drowsy. You can [[take a nap|tealand nap]], if you like.\n\n<<print either("The sandpipers whistle to each other as they run along the shore.", "The murmuration of the waves are also soothing, in their way.", "The sun shines down on you with a gentle heat.")>>\n\n[[Back|tea options]].

The jasmine pearl tea has an enchanting fragrance that puts you in mind of night walks beneath a crescent moon. <<print either("You amuse yourself watching the leaves and petals unfurl in the hot water.", "The octopus pulses soft colors, like a welcoming aurora borealis, as it keeps you company.")>> You savor each sip of the tea.\n\n[[Back|tea options]].

The phoenix trills in delight when you produce the mango candies. She pecks at them delicately, her feathers glowing with joy.\n\n[[Back.|phoenix]]

The scone is just the right texture, a bit crunchy on the outside and delicately crumbly on the inside. It's clearly been made with the very best of cheddar, as sharp (or mild) as you like it.\n\n[[Back.|pastries]]

You can chant the names of the Aetheric Constellations, that by ancient sorcery are constant even across unimaginable distances: the Snowbird, the Octopus Mer, the One-Armed Soldier, and more. But this friendly planet will have constellations of its own, which you look forward to meeting.\n\n[[Back.|Intro]]

You emerge from your trusty starship. It folds its wings and settles down to nest in the clearing where it has landed, crooning softly.\n\nThe air smells sweetly of mingled flowers, and beyond the embracing trees the sky is a clear blue adorned with a few swirls of cloud.\n\nYou can [[follow the smell of flowers|flowerland]],\n[[head down a shaded path|bodegaland]],\nor [[amble toward a cobblestone road|chessland]].

The foxen is happy to chat with you about <<print either("the art of flower-arranging, especially as it pertains to astral irises", "their opinion of certain Shuos hexarchs", "the best sources for almond flour")>>. They offer you either [[yuzu|yuzu candies]] or [[mango|mango candies]] gummy candies.\n\n[[Back.|bodega]]

The bodega foxen helps you select the most luscious of the candies for the tropical phoenix's delectation.\n\n[[Back.|mango candies]]

For niqaeli.\n\nThanks to [[Glorious Trainwrecks|https://www.glorioustrainwrecks.com/node/5462]] for the Twine macros and the [[Visibone Color Lab|https://visibone.com/colorlab/]] for web-safe color assistance.\n\nThanks to my wonderful beta testers: Arabelle Betzwieser and Layla Lawlor.\n\nThanks to my friends and cheerleaders for the following inspirations:\n* bodega foxen, yuzu and mango gummy candies (niqaeli)\n* chess pieces and squirrel (Eller)\n* flowers, especially lilacs, lavenders, and irises (Isis)\n* octopus (Vass)\n* void raven who acquires you stars (Bast)\n\nv.1.0\nLast updated: October 21, 2021.\nPlease send any bug reports to yoon@yoonhalee.com along with the version number and screencaps. Thank you!\n\n--Yoon Ha Lee\n[[yoonhalee.com|http://yoonhalee.com]]\n\n<<if visited("goodbye")>>[[Back.|goodbye]]<<else>>[[Return to game.|Start]]<<endif>>

The foxen is happy for you to drink of their nectars: peach, passionfruit, apricot, strawberry, and [[more exotic fruits|exotic nectars]] besides. Each of the nectars tastes sweet and lightly refreshing.\n\n<<print either("The smells of the nectars mingle almost intoxicatingly from their bottles.", "The foxen wipes a speck of dust off the counter.")>>\n\n[[Back.|bodega]]

The yuzu gummy candies are sour-sweet and taste like a bright summer day.\n\n[[Back.|happy foxen]]

The Amiable Planet

I started coding this little Twine game during COVID-19 lockdown in Louisiana in 2020 because I missed things like running out to the bubble tea place or going for walks at the library's botanical gardens or attending fencing class or meeting my friends for Pathfinder. I dreamed of going on a vacation on an imaginary world where I didn't have to worry about social distancing and I could hang out with friendly critters and everything would be all right.\n\nI hope that this has brought you a little bit of peace and enjoyment, or a few moments' divertissement.\n\nIf this game pleased you and you are able and so inclined, I would be honored if you'd consider emailing an artist/writer/creator whose work has brought you joy and telling them about it, or doing something kind for someone in your life.\n\n--Yoon Ha Lee, October 21, 2021\n\n[[Back.|goodbye]]

Unlike the rest of the amiable planet, it is always night in this glen. The sweet, clear darkness contains this world's constellations: [[the Swan Dancer]], [[the Chalice]], and [[the Duelist]].\n\n<<print either("The trees murmur leaf-poetry to each other.", "A drift of pale petals flutters past you.", "A firefly flickers on-off, on-off, in a cipher of longing.")>>\n\n<<if visited("lullaby")>>A void-raven perches at the edge of its nest, joyously singing the song you taught it.<<elseif visited("ballad")>>A void-raven perches at the edge of its nest, joyously singing the song you taught it. Shy young stars glimmer in the leaves of its tree.<<else>>A void-raven is tucked into its nest, watching you with a bright-dark eye. You can [[sing to it]].<<endif>>\n\n<<if visited("lullaby")>>[[Investigate a passage illuminated by the raven's stars.|foxmothland]]\n[[Continue down the shaded path.|phoenixland]]\n[[Return down the shaded path.|bodegaland]]<<elseif visited("ballad")>>[[Investigate a passage illuminated by the raven's stars.|foxmothland]]\n[[Continue down the shaded path.|phoenixland]]\n[[Return down the shaded path.|bodegaland]]<<else>>[[Continue down the shaded path.|phoenixland]]\n[[Return down the shaded path.|bodegaland]]<<endif>>

The lychees are bursting with juice and taste almost as though they have just been harvested at the height of their ripeness.\n\n<<print either("The foxen is pleased for you to eat your fill, or not, whichever suits you.", "The foxen munches on one of the lychees themself. There appears to be a plentiful supply of them.")>>\n\n[[Back.|bodega]]

This strong black tea is flavored with maple brittle and peppercorns, for a delightful hint of sweetness. <<print either("You are reminded of brilliant maple leaves in the autumn.", "As you sip, you think of sun-warmed maple candies.")>>\n\n[[Back|tea options]].

The sun-tabby catten rolls over on its back and begs for [[belly scritches]].\n\n[[Back.|cattenland]]

There is only the faintest of lights here, and in the shadows of the shadows rests a foxmoth, its eyes candle-yellow, its folded wings the color of night.\n\n<<if visited("chess set gift")>>The foxmoth is happily contemplating far-reaching gambits with the chess set you gave it. It will be delighted to play a [[game|ninefox gambit]] with you, if you like.<<elseif visited("extra chess set")>>[[You have a chess set for the foxmoth.|chess set gift]]<<else>>The foxmoth remarks that it would like a chess set for its den.<<endif>>\n\n<<print either("The night breeze whispers bedtime stories to the grasses.", "The smells of dirt and decaying leaves mingle pleasantly here.", "A falling leaf alights on your hand, then drops away.")>>\n\n[[Return to the glen.|ravenland]]

Your starship's wings rustle as you enter. It has enjoyed its rest, but it is ready to leave. You nestle yourself in the cockpit and set out on another peaceful journey through the aetheric void.\n\nTHE END\n\n[[Credits|Credits]]\n[[A note from the author|author note]]

This is a selection you wouldn't have thought to find on a planet, even an amiable planet: nectars pressed from [[virtual particles]], and others of [[berries grown in accretion discs]], and even one of [[perfectly ripe quantum apples]].\n\n<<print either("The foxen helps themself to some peach nectar.", "You hear an owl call once, twice, from outside the bodega.", "You spot a well-loved cozy mystery on the counter with a ribbon marking the reader's place, and smile.")>>\n\n[[Back.|fruit nectars]]

<<print either("The irises nod serenely in the slight breeze from the doorway.", "The gentle fragrance of the irises is subtle but definitely present.", "You detect a silvery shimmer where the light caresses the irises' petals.")>>\n\n[[Back.|bodega]]

You emerge into a lush clearing sweet with ferns and mosses and the smell of recent rain. The light here is brighter, richer, touched with the luminosity of fire--but a warming fire, not a destroying one.\n\nIn the center of the clearing rests a [[phoenix]].\n\n<<print either("An iridescent butterfly flutters around the phoenix's head, then flies off on a mission of its own.", "A jeweled raindrop catches the light, sparkling prismatically, before it drops to the earth.", "The heady perfume of tropical blossoms reaches your nostrils.")>>\n\n[[Return along the shaded path.|ravenland]]

You inhale the dusky chocolate fragrance of the chocolate rooibos tea before taking a sip. The octopus waves its tentacles through the steam above its cup, then follows suit. It flushes a happy pink and lavender.\n\n<<if visited("organize chess pieces") and visited("black knight retrieval")>>[[Back.|tea options]]<<elseif visited("organize chess pieces")>>The octopus semaphores at you that it has something for you, and scampers away. Then it returns and climbs up the bench again. It's [[holding something in one of its tentacles|black knight retrieval]].<<else>>[[Back.|tea options]]<<endif>>

Your mochi, which is a tasty shade of pale green, is soft and chewy, and is just sweet enough to enhance the grassy flavor of the matcha.\n\n[[Back.|pastries]]

The fairy octopus has shifting rainbow patterns beneath its skin, and wise eyes. It waves its tentacles in a friendly fashion, and looks speculatively at the [[tea set|tea options]].

The flavor of the quantum apple nectar seems to fluctuate from moment to moment. Sometimes it's a bit tart, sometimes rosy-sweet. After you've finished it, you're not entirely sure what it was that you tasted.\n\n[[Back.|exotic nectars]]

The ube cream pastry you try is an attractive purple. The pastry itself is moist and sweet, while the rich cream inside fills your mouth with a burst of gentle milky flavor.\n\n[[Back.|pastries]]

You lift your voice in one of your favorite ballads, which describes the adventures of three merfolk siblings and their enchanted mirror, which never shows the same image twice. The raven tilts its head, listening, then launches skyward.\n\nYou wonder if you offended it when it returns, grasping a strand of tender young stars in its beak. They shine like a friend's smile.\n\n<<print either("For a moment, you imagine you hear the distant susurrus of the sea.", "The fragrance of night-blooming jasmine tickles your nostrils.", "A moth zigzags past, moonlight shimmering on its cloud-colored wings.")>>\n\n[[Back.|ravenland]]

You are at first worried that the belly is a trap, but the sun-tabby catten purrs so reassuringly that you give in and rub its belly. It purrs even more loudly, wriggling sybaritically. Its fur is silken-soft and sun-warmed.\n\n[[Back.|cattenland]]

<<if visited("iris retrieval")>>The foxen is delighted that you have brought them the coveted irises. They rummage in the back until they retrieve a vase for the [[irises|foxen irises]].<<elseif visited("bodega foxen")>>The foxen is happy to chat with you about <<print either("berry harvests", "their favorite kind of chocolate", "their gran's recipe for chess pie")>>. They seem wistful about the absence of irises in their bodega.\n\n[[Back.|bodega]]<<else>>The foxen is happy to chat with you about <<print either("Aetheric Constellations", "the best way to bake scones", "their favorite foxen operettas")>>. They mention in passing that they wouldn't mind some irises to decorate their bodega.\n\n[[Back.|bodega]]<<endif>>

<<if visited("black knight retrieval")>>The octopus seems satisfied, so you make more chocolate rooibos for yourself. It's just as rich as it was the first time.<<else>>The octopus brightens, its rainbow colors flaring, when you reach for the chocolate rooibos. Sensing its interest, [[you make tea for both of you|octopus tea satisfaction]].<<endif>>\n\n[[Back.|tea options]]

Patiently, you organize the chess pieces for the squirrel, starting with the pawns and ending with the white and black kings. After some hesitation, the squirrel darts about helping you gather up the pieces. It doesn't take long for the two of you to restore order.\n\nYou do notice, though, that one of the black knights is missing.\n\n[[Back.|chessland]]

The Chalice is tilted in the wheel of the sky. A single red star winks at its lip, as though ready to pour out a surfeit of wine-colored light.\n\n<<print either("A rustling of leaves interrupts your musings for a moment, then dwindles.", "Starlight catches on the wings of an erratic moth.", "You glimpse a falling star out of the corner of your eye.")>>\n\n[[Back.|ravenland]]

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The ginseng brew is honey-gold, and an invigorating warmth spreads through you as you drink your tea. <<print either("You imagine yourself with the strength of tiger spirits.", "The wind coming from the sea only refreshes you.")>>\n\n[[Back|tea options]].

You remember any number of songs from your childhood, or your travels:\n\n[[a pentatonic lullaby|lullaby]]\n[[a ballad of merfolk and mirrors|ballad]]

The void catten has blank black eyes. It lifts its head and sniffs in your direction, mewing softly, but not in distress. [[You can offer it your hand to sniff.|sniff]]\n\n[[Back.|cattenland]]

The octopus waves at you from the bench as you find a comfortable stretch of beach above the high-tide line and lie down. The warmth of the sand and the waves' susurrus lull you to sleep.\n\nYou dream of <<print either("mers braiding their hair in fanciful coiffures", "the Dragon Queen Under the Sea rising from the waters to blink benignly at you", "the best coffee you ever had, even if you don't turn any of it into theorems", "a pod of whales reciting their favorite poems across unimaginable distances")>>.\n\nAfterwards, you wake fully refreshed.\n\n[[Back|tealand]].

The chess set is exactly where the piebald squirrel said it would be. You retrieve it and surface long enough to verify that the elegant marble board and pieces are intact.\n\n[[Back.|swimland]]

You hold your hand out and murmur gently so the void catten can orient itself to the sound of your voice. It moves slowly forward until its head butts against your fingers. Its mewing becomes a contented purr as you are persuaded to scritch it behind the ears.\n\n[[Back.|cattenland]]

Your trusty starship's sensors assure you that the planet is not just habitable, but actively seeks visitors.\n\n[[Back.|friendly planet]]

You've heard strange echoes through the aetheric void, and listened to songs whispering of foxmoths and phoenixes. On a few occasions, while you dreamed in your ship's cradle, you thought you glimpsed such creatures. But it might have been your imagination.\n\n[[Back.|Intro]]

<<print either("The lilac tree's limbs sway in the wind like a dancer, its fragrance swirling around you.", "You lean against the lilac's sun-warmed trunk. A couple of lilac blossoms drift free and land in your hair. Their perfume tickles your nostrils.")>>\n\n[[Back.|flowerland]]

A friendly <<if visited("foxen irises")>>[[bodega foxen|happy foxen]]<<else>>[[bodega foxen]]<<endif>> in an embroidered green apron greets you when you enter. Their bodega is full of tasty delights, including [[lychees]] and [[chocolate-dipped figs]], a variety of [[pastries]], and a full selection of [[fruit nectars]].\n\n<<print either("The wind chimes hanging outside sing as the wind stirs them.", "For a moment the chattering of squirrels can be heard through the door.", "A golden-eyed sparrow hops in for a moment, pecks at a scrap of bread that seems to have been left out for it, then flies out.")>> <<if visited("foxen irises")>>A vase of astral irises adorns the counter, and the foxen smiles their gratitude.<<endif>>\n\nYou can [[exit the bodega|bodegaland]].

The subtle starry shimmer to the irises' petals tells you that these are astral irises. <<print either("The flowers are silken-soft, and have an elusive plummy scent.", "They lean toward you, exhaling a whisper of delectable fragrance.", "You walk among them, enjoying both their starry beauty and their subtle scent.")>><<if visited("bodega foxen") and visited("iris retrieval")>>\n\nYou can already see a few new buds forming where you plucked the irises for the bodega foxen.<<elseif visited("bodega foxen")>>\n\n[[You remember that the bodega foxen was hoping for irises|iris retrieval]].<<endif>>\n\n[[Back.|flowerland]]

Just beyond the clearing, you discover a gentle riot of flowers: [[a lilac tree|lilacs]], [[lavender bushes|lavender]] beyond them, and a scattering of [[irises]].\n\n<<print either("A mudderfly of delightful tawny browns flies among the flowers, then zigzags out of sight.", "Bees hum contentedly as they buzz from flower to flower.", "In the distance, a songbird whistles a cheerful melody.")>>\n\nYou can [[return to your trusty starship|landing zone 2]].

The cupcake you choose <<print either("is decorated with iridescent sprinkles", "has a swirl of pastel rainbow frosting", "is adorned with hearts drawn in edible pearl powder")>>. It's exactly as sweet as you wanted it to be, and tastes like a smile of welcome.\n\n[[Back.|pastries]]

The virtual particle nectar is fizzy, almost like a soda, and has a certain existential snap to it.\n\n[[Back.|exotic nectars]]

<<if visited("actual full set")>>You contemplate the elegant chess set with pleasure. It's ready for the next people who want to play.<<else>>You remember the black knight that the fairy octopus gave to you, and add it to the set. Now it's complete.\n\nIt might be your imagination, but your knight's twin looks contented.<<endif>>\n\n[[Back.|chessland]]

It's been a [[long journey]] beyond [[stars|local stars]] and [[things stranger than stars]], when at last you alight on an [[amiable planet|friendly planet]].

The vegan tea biscuits are delightfully crisp, with a slight but not overpowering hint of sweetness. They come in the shapes of <<print either("hearts", "paw prints", "scallops", "butterflies")>>.\n\n[[Back.|pastries]]

The chess pieces are beautifully made after the Staunton pattern. One of the black knights is missing, and you imagine that its twin looks a little sad.\n\n[[Back.|chessland]]

From the cockpit of your trusty starship you see the planet first as a whorled bead of soft, [[inviting]] blues and greens. It rapidly fills your viewport, embellished with the lace-scarves of clouds. All too soon you [[arrive|landing zone 1]].

The phoenix is clearly a tropical type, with her brilliant rainbow plumage--reminiscent of a macaw, if macaws were crowned with fire and glory. <<print either("She sings a dawnsong of greeting as you approach.", "Her eyes spark as she beholds you.", "She spreads her wings like a banner of welcome.")>> The world is yet brighter in her presence, as though she infuses everything around her with a special incandescence.\n\n<<if visited("mango candy retrieval" and "mango candy gift")>>The phoenix seems content now that she has tasted the mango candies.<<elseif visited("mango candy retrieval")>>[[You have candies for the phoenix.|mango candy gift]]<<else>>The phoenix expresses that she would love to eat a mango, but they are not yet in season here.<<endif>>\n\n[[Back.|phoenixland]]

Yoon Ha Lee

<<print either("The berry nectar is piquant and strangely dense, and it tickles your tongue as though with stardust.", "The berry nectar is the red of pyrope garnets, and tastes richly of singularity dreams.", "The berry nectar is a deep violet-blue, and it has an effusive, fragrant sweetness balanced by deep earthy notes.")>>\n\n[[Back.|exotic nectars]]

You pluck a few of the finest and starriest irises for the bodega foxen.\n\n[[Back|irises]].

The mango gummy candies burst with juicy flavor. They have all the flavor of the real fruit, but with bonus gummy chewiness.\n\n<<if visited("mango candy retrieval")>><<elseif visited("phoenix")>>You remember that the tropical phoenix longed for mangoes, and [[save a couple for her|mango candy retrieval]].\n\n<<endif>>[[Back.|happy foxen]]

Today the foxen's selection includes [[ube cream pastries]], [[matcha-flavored mochi]], [[gluten-free vanilla cupcakes]], and [[vegan tea biscuits]].\n\nFor savory options, they have [[cheddar scones]], [[scallion biscuits]], and [[bacon crackers]].\n\n<<print either("The pastries smell mouth-watering, and the foxen indicates that you are welcome to try anything that appeals to you.", "The foxen hums as they check their inventory.", "The pleasant warmth near the pastries suggests that they are freshly baked.")>>\n\n[[Back.|bodega]]