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Dans-Prosemaxx-Cowriter-S

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[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Continuation Protocol:\nQuantity: six sentences\nStyle: Elena Graf\nGenre: LGBT, lesbian, romance, older protagonist, post-covid\nContext: Part of larger work" }, { "from": "human", "value": "August was winding down, and the sun rose a little later each day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was still dark outside when Melissa stumbled into the sunroom with her coffee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was surprised to see her mother already sitting there. \"Mom! What are you doing up?\"\n\n\"You've been getting home so late I hardly ever see you,\" Ruth said, pointing to the chair opposite hers. \"Sit down. I want to talk to you.\"\n\n\"Mom, I don't have much time.\" Melissa glanced at her phone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know, and I don't want you to miss your train, but I want to tell you this before I change my mind.\"\n\n\"Tell me what?\" Melissa asked uneasily. She took a sip of coffee to wake herself up enough to listen.\n\n\"Jack is retiring next month, and we've decided to take a cruise around the world.\"\n\nMelissa sat up straight. \"Wow! That's a surprise.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"Yes, I did. I don't want my mother hanging out with shady characters.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mother gazed reflectively into the marsh. A thin band of pink light had appeared on the horizon.\n\n\"I thought so too, but when you find love at this age, you don't ask too many questions.\"\n\n\"I do. I did a background check on Jack.\"\n\n\"You didn't!\" exclaimed her mother indignantly.\n\n\"Yes, I did. I don't want my mother hanging out with shady characters.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ruth rolled her eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Melissa, you worry me sometimes.\"\n\nMelissa tapped open her phone to see the time. \"Mom, I've got to go soon. Is that all you wanted to say?\"\n\n\"No, I want you to know I'll be gone at least six months, maybe more, if we decide to explore the ports of call. In fact, I'm not really sure when we'll come back.\"\n\n\"Oh,\" was all Melissa could muster in response.\n\n\"I've been thinking about your request to move your friend in here. You're right, of course, there's so much unused space in the house. If you want her to move in with you while I'm gone, I'm fine with that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Melissa studied her mother's face. Two months ago, she would have jumped up and kissed her. Now, she didn't know what to say. \"Thanks, Mom, that's generous of you, but Courtney moved into an apartment over Dr. Stolz's garage.\"\n\nNow, it was her mother's turn to look surprised. \"Is that what you want?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'can't' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If it's working for her, yes. I only asked you if she could move in because she was desperate. I was only trying to help.\"\n\n\"Watch out for that, Melissa. It's good to look out for your own, but you can't help everyone.\"\n\nMelissa gulped down the remainder of her coffee. \"Mom, I'd really like to stay and talk, but I can't miss this train. Otherwise, I'll have to drive into Boston. Once the summer people leave, I wouldn't mind so much, but this time of year, the traffic is horrific.\"\n\n\"After this weekend, it will calm down a little. The seniors will come for the good deals on rentals and then the leaf peepers will arrive, but there's nothing worse than late August.\"\n\nMelissa bent to kiss her mother on the cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks for your generosity, Mom. I really do appreciate it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Melissa flew into the kitchen, where she made another cup of coffee in her travel mug." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She grabbed her briefcase from the bench outside the door and raced out to her car. If she hurried, she would just make it. She might have to run from the parking lot to catch the train. She was glad she always wore running shoes for the commute and carried her high heels in a canvas bag in case she was running late.\n\nThe light at the end of Gull Island Road was red. \"Come on. Come on,\" Melissa urged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When it changed, she roared into traffic." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): Don't worry, Melissa. We won't let the train leave without you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Melissa finally relaxed when she saw the crowd on the platform. Fortunately, someone was pulling out of a parking spot near the front. As Melissa hurried up the stairs, she heard a familiar voice call to her, \"Don't worry, Melissa. We won't let the train leave without you.\"\n\nMelissa waved to the redhead standing on the platform. \"I'll hold the doors open, if I have to,\" called Lucy. \"Don't worry. I'm stronger than I look!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My favorite train companion,\" Melissa said, trying to catch her breath before bending to give Lucy a hug." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'going' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Back to New York?\"\n\n\"Yes, the second installment of my dissertation is due today. I should have left yesterday, but I was…uh…busy.\" Her green eyes smiled in a way that indicated the reason was extremely personal.\n\n\"How's your book going?\"\n\n\"I think it's going well, but I'll tell you more after I hear what my advisor has to say.\"\n\n\"Becca says she thinks it's brilliant.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucy looked delighted. \"Did she really?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She told me you're very brave, but you should expect lots of pushback.\"\n\n\"Yes, I'm girding my loins for the fight.\" Lucy laughed merrily when Melissa glanced at her crotch. \"It's invisible armor…not like Mormons wear, and it's not a chastity belt either.\"\n\nMelissa loved the amazing things that came out of this woman's mouth. You never knew what to expect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Today, her colorful mask warned, \"Don't make me use my opera voice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The train rattled into the station, five minutes late." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Melissa breathed a sigh of relief, realizing how close she'd come to missing it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'melissa' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that she saw Lucy standing there in her collar, she wondered if the delay had been divine intervention.\n\nThey managed to find facing seats. \"Our usual spot,\" Melissa said, reaching down to help Lucy put her bag into the overhead rack.\n\n\"I can do it,\" Lucy protested, lowering the handle into the bag.\n\n\"I'm taller,\" said Melissa. \"It's easier for me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll buy that argument. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucy sat down. \"When I traveled, I left it to others to handle my luggage. Sometimes, things disappeared.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think your clothes will fit me, Lucy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucy laughed. \"I didn't mean you'd make off with my bag.\" She sighed. \"I'm so out of practice. I travel so seldom now. There was a time when I could be ready to go out the door on a minute's notice. Well, not quite. An hour, for sure.\"\n\n\"It must have been exciting to travel all over the world as an opera singer.\"\n\n\"In the beginning, but then the novelty wore off. I loved singing but getting to the venues was exhausting.\"\n\n\"I used to travel a lot for my job. I suppose that since things are opening up again, I'll be doing more of it. My apartment in Boston is so small, I never minded traveling. Now, I'm not so anxious to get away.\"\n\n\"Are you still thinking about moving in with Courtney?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Melissa shrugged. \"Since Courtney moved into the garage apartment, she can manage. The urgency isn't quite the same.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We had dinner with her the other night. She seems to like it there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And that's fine. We get together often enough. I'm glad she found a place. It takes the pressure off me and gives us more time to figure things out.\"\n\n\"Taking the time to figure it out is a good thing.\"\n\n\"Oh, it is, especially because I don't have a good track record with relationships.\"\n\nLucy tilted her head as if it would help her hear better. \"Why is that?\"\n\n\"Oh, Lucy, please don't play therapist with me.\"\n\n\"I'm not!\" Lucy protested in a righteous voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Melissa, I get paid for counseling. We're talking as friends.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This woman had an answer for everything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Melissa eyed her cautiously. \"Maybe because I always felt so much pressure to get married, I resist the idea of being tied down to one person.\"\n\n\"When you say pressure to marry, I assume you mean to a man?\"\n\nMelissa nodded. \"I think my mother has finally accepted it's not going to happen. I am forty-one years old, after all. That's a long time to hold out hope for someone to change.\"\n\nLucy shrugged. \"I didn't come out until I was in my forties. I dated men until then. People change. Look at Courtney.\"\n\n\"Yes, that bi thing really worries me. I still think bi people can't make up their minds.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does she know you feel this way?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, I've told her. She's very defensive about it. Why can't she just say she loves women now?\"\n\n\"Because that's not her truth, or she would say it.\"\n\nMelissa looked out the window. \"You're right, of course. And it's my prejudice. Nothing she's doing.\" She inhaled deeply and released her breath in a long stream. \"I don't think I'm ready for this relationship.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucy smiled. \"Maybe you're not. And that's okay. The good news is you have time to figure it out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, I guess I do. There are so many moving parts to this, and the logistics aren't in our favor. This commute is killing me. Sometimes, I think I should just move back to Boston.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you want to move back to Boston?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not really. I want to see how this turns out.\"\n\n\"Maybe you should be open to other people while you do.\"\n\nMelissa shook her head. \"I'm not really interested, and if I were, I don't have the time.\" Melissa looked up and saw that Lucy wasn't really buying that reason. \"I really care for Courtney. I might even love her. I just don't know yet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's okay not to know. Sometimes uncertainty is the right thing at the right time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Melissa studied Lucy's kind eyes. \"Please don't take offense, but I want to tell you something.\"\n\nLucy's auburn brows rose, but she said, \"I don't take offense easily. Go ahead.\"\n\n\"I feel really lucky to have older women like you and Liz and the other Hobbs ladies as role models. When I look at you, it makes me think there might be hope for me.\"\n\n\"Of course, there's hope for you, Melissa. You'll find your way. Look at all the wrong turns and about-faces we've made. None of us is where we expected to be when we were your age.\"\n\n\"That's why it's so helpful to talk to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you, and I'm not offended. It's a gift to get old. Not everyone gets the chance.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucy looked reflective. Melissa wondered if she was thinking of her wife. \"It's probably good that we can't see the future.\"\n\n\"You're probably right. But if you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?\"\n\n\"Buckle up and enjoy the ride,\" Lucy said without a moment's hesitation." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 2 sentences in the romance, suspense genre. Match existing character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "5 weeks earlier…\n\n[ Tuesday, April 24th ]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "6:45pm\n\nThe Richmond family dinner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate's least favorite night of the month.\n\nBut it was a ritual that had yet to be broken in his three years with his girlfriend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sally came from a tight-knit family and every week, without fail, they got together for a family dinner." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'showed' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whoever could make it showed up for a night of good-natured banter and interrupted conversation. They talked over each other, shared in-house jokes that had been running for years, and basically showed off, without even realizing it, how close they were." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate had agreed to try and make it at least once a month. He managed to find solid excuses to get out of all the other weeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would've tried to avoid every single one of them, but Sally's blue-gray eyes made it impossible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She could put on a pair of puppy dog eyes like no one else he knew…and because she didn't use them very often, they got him every single time.\n\nSlowing his Harley Davidson to negotiate the corner, Nate drove them to the Richmond mansion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't officially a mansion, but Nate always thought of it that way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was palatial, with two open living spaces, a kitchen with shiny black countertops that practically sparkled, six bedrooms, and a polished granite-tile entrance that made the place feel more like a museum than a home.\n\nMichael Richmond had accumulated his wealth in construction, starting small with high-end houses that couldn't be matched for quality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His business exploded at a time when the economy was rich and booming, and he soon shifted into property development, with a focus on building subdivisions, luxury apartments, and then branching off into hotels too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He now owned a nationwide real estate development company that made money from coast to coast. The guy could've retired at forty-five, when he moved his family to Aspen Falls, but he wasn't prepared to leave the business completely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead he set up a Richmond Construction office in Aspen Falls and left the running of the rest of his company to his trusted directors, whom he kept in close contact with online and through business trips. The move to the peaceful town of Aspen Falls was entirely to do with his family, and so he'd spent the last thirteen years improving the town, not just with homes, but with development projects that ran the gamut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate had to give the guy that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He cared about their little town, and most of the projects they'd worked on were for the benefit of the people, not his pockets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The engine rumbled beneath Nate as he accelerated down the last stretch of road." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a quiet, tree-lined street, and the Richmonds lived right at the end of the cul-de-sac. It was such a large property it was like their own little world, hidden behind wrought iron gates and a stone wall that protected them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From what, Nate was never sure, but he'd kept his mouth shut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wasn't the most popular person in their lives, and he didn't want to make things harder for Sally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her arms were snaked tight around his torso. He'd never get sick of that feeling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sally on his Harley was the sexiest thing on the planet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He loved her arms around him, the way she snuggled in and made him feel like the most important man in the world.\n\nDecelerating, he cruised through the open gates and parked between Xavier's Audi and Annabelle's Mini Cooper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sally's siblings knew how to buy 'em nice.\n\nThe most expensive thing he owned was his Harley, which he'd saved years for, finally treating himself on his twenty-fifth birthday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was pretty sure Annabelle woke up one morning, decided she wanted a Mini Cooper, and so just went out and bought one." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate snickered and pulled off his helmet, glancing over his shoulder to catch Sally's smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had the world's best smile. It was like moonlight reflecting off a still lake, like fairy lights sparkling against an old barn wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She fluffed her blonde locks back into place, winking at him as she placed the helmet behind her. He held her arm to steady her as she got off the bike, then leaned in to peck her glossy lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How could he resist?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She made a sound of appreciation and draped her arms over his shoulders, deepening the kiss like she always did. Desire stirred in his belly, but was quickly tempered by a loud throat clearing from the front door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see you brought your bike,\" Michael called to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sally's car not good enough for you guys?\"\n\nSally laughed and walked into his embrace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, please, Daddy. Nate's bike is way cooler than my car. It's a gorgeous, clear day. The weather's warming up. Of course we were bringing the bike.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Michael let the comment slide, but the sharp look he shot Nate over Sally's shoulder said it all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hate you driving my precious baby around on that thing!\n\nNate looked to the ground, pocketing his keys and rallying himself for a night of silent disapproval." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her family had never really warmed to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Sally first brought him into their precious fold, reserved was the mildest way to describe their behavior. Time had only strengthened that feeling, turning it from reserved curiosity to tight-lipped resignation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't know what he'd done to offend or annoy them, but he wasn't about to let Sally go just because they didn't like him.\n\nAs long as she was happy for him to stick around, then that's exactly what he'd do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his arm protectively around his daughter, Michael Richmond led her inside, Sally chatting about her work week." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd just come off four back-to-back night shifts at the hospital and always had some decent stories to tell. Her father's pride bloomed to blinding as they left Nate standing in the driveway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wondered what that felt like—to have a parent's undivided attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hadn't had that feeling since he was five years old, and it was hard to remember.\n\n\"Hey, asshole.\" A firm hand slapped his shoulder before sauntering by." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate glared at the back of Xavier's head as Sally's little brother walked through the front door. The twenty-three-year-old, so desperate to be suave and charming like his father, glanced over his shoulder and shot Nate a half grin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd never pull it off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He may have owned the Richmond looks—fine, chiseled features, perfectly styled hair and expensive clothing—but the guy had too many clown-like tendencies to ever be as elegant as Michael." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sure as hell wanted to be, though. Nate didn't understand why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He liked Xavier. Out of the Richmond family, he was the most tolerant of Nate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, he called him 'asshole' rather than using his real name, but it kind of felt like acceptance in some weird way.\n\nNate sighed and followed Xavier into the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Taking off his boots, he lined them up next to the shoe rack and glanced at the Grant Wood painting on the wall—vibrant greens and rounded trees, which made him feel like he could step right into the countryside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was an original. Xavier had proudly boasted that fact the day it arrived at the house for Yvonne's birthday two years earlier." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sally screamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate jolted to attention, adrenaline coursing through him as he subconsciously reached for the weapon that wasn't even attached to his belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thankfully no one saw his reaction. They were too busy laughing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate padded to the living room archway in time to see Sally jumping into Emmett's arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eldest brother was obviously home on leave. His muscly arms wrapped around Sally as he lifted her off the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She giggled against him and kissed his cheek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's so good to see you! When did you get back?\" She grinned up at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This morning.\"\n\nShe slapped his arm playfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't believe you didn't tell me you were coming home!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's only for a few weeks.\"\n\nThe smile on Sally's face dimmed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're doing another tour?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not yet, but I'm due back at the base.\" The tall Marine kissed her forehead, then glanced across the room at Nate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate raised his hand in a half wave, but the gesture wasn't reciprocated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a resigned sigh, he spun toward the kitchen and found Yvonne Richmond wiping down the counter.\n\n\"Hello, Nate.\" She gave him a polite smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't what he wished for, but it was better than the silent looks of disapproval. Sometimes he wanted to scream in their faces, \"What? What have I done wrong?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he didn't need to.\n\nHe already knew the answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To them, he would never be good enough for their precious Sally." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He understood.\n\nShe was pure gold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one would ever be good enough for her, but she'd chosen him and whether it was selfish or not, he wasn't about to let her go.\n\n\"So, you're not working today?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yvonne pulled a beer from the fridge and popped the cap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took the cold bottle with a grateful smile. \"Nope. All is quiet.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, that's good. Let's hope it stays that way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her tight expression told him there was more to the comment. She was silently trying to convey something, but he couldn't figure it out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did they hate that he was a cop? Was that it?\n\nDid he not work hard enough for their liking?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gritting his teeth, he looked away and took a swig of beer, unable to help glancing at the clock on the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Only three hours to go.\n\n\"Hey, baby.\" Sally's arm glided around his waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He encircled her shoulders and pulled her close." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the most natural thing in the world. Resting his lips on the top of her head, he breathed her in and reminded himself why he put up with all of the Richmond bullshit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because he loved Sally." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'mother' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because she was the best thing that had happened to him since his mother was taken.\n\nAs his girlfriend started a speed-talking chat with her mother, Nate thought back to his own beautiful mom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was like a warm breeze in the summer—both a relief and a comfort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something to make him smile no matter what mood he was in.\n\nHe could remember the way his hand felt nestled inside hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd squeeze it as they walked, singing him silly songs and encouraging him to join in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd start to jump over cracks in the pavement, and she would too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you step on a crack, you marry a rat.\" She'd giggle when he said that, and then turn the phrase into a song." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was fun and light and laughter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then she was dead.\n\nIt only took thirty seconds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were skipping across the zebra crossing, jumping from one white line to the next when the car came out of nowhere." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She squeezed his hand.\n\nShe gasped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he was shoved forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would never forget the sting of the concrete scraping his hands and knees. The sound of crunching glass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He spun back, trying to figure out what was going on, and stared in horror as his mother's body flew through the air. She landed like a boneless rag doll, her legs and arms at funny angles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mommy?\" He crawled to her, unaware of the people rushing out of stores to help them. \"Mommy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her head was covered with blood. It smeared her porcelain skin and soaked into her golden hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She stared up at the blue sky, refusing to look at him when he cried her name and shook her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood trickled down her cheeks—metallic red tears that marred her perfect face. Her skull was dented at the top." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he lifted her head and laid it on his lap, he squinted down the street, trying to see the black car that had taken his mommy away." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was gone.\n\nShe was gone.\n\nAnd his life was over." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around 4 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Characters and lore may appear without context - work with what's given.\n\nAuthor style: Melissa Pearl" }, { "from": "human", "value": "7:05pm" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He arrived on scene twenty minutes later and texted Cam as soon as he cut the engine. She'd want to know. And when she arrived, he could maybe slip away and not be too late for his date with Sally.\n\nWalking onto the property, he scanned the area, taking in every detail as he went." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The farmhouse was an average size, probably three-bedroom, with weathered wood siding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Run-down. The front window, right of the door, was cracked in the bottom left corner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The porch was sagging, the second step caved in. The property looked about a hundred years old and had fallen into major disrepair.\n\nBut when?\n\nHow long had it been standing empty?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An SUV was parked to the right of the house, next to Lucas McGowan's car and a van that said Polaris Construction on the side.\n\nNate's eyebrows dipped together. The SUV must belong to Lucas's girlfriend. Nate was pretty sure her name was Alaina." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blaine had told him all about her.\n\nThe woman flipped houses. He paused by her vehicle and spotted drop cloths and painting equipment in the back, along with a ladder. Which meant she'd probably bought this place for next to nothing to renovate and turn over for a profit." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'probably' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Aspen Falls constantly growing, it was probably a sound investment. The property was only ten minutes from a proposed elementary school—construction was due to start in the next few months. Within a couple of years, the area would probably be booming with new families moving in.\n\nThere was bound to be someone who'd want a home with a little bit of land, some space to spread out and raise a family instead of squashing into one of those cookie-cutter houses in the newer developments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rounding the corner of the house, he spotted one of the squad cars parked in front of a detached garage that looked ready to fall over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had a definite lean to it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate could probably give a decent huff and it'd groan, then crash to the ground.\n\nOfficer Bart McGregor stood next to Alaina, his notepad out as he interviewed her. Her petite arms were crossed, her blonde hair neatly tucked up in a ponytail. Lucas stood beside her, rubbing her back as she spoke to the officer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, Mick.\" Nate softly greeted the officer by his nickname. Mick looked relieved to see him. The guy was a brilliant policeman, but useless at interviews. He hated being first on scene." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate shared a quick look with Lucas and forced himself to shake hands with the guy. He was Blaine's best friend, but he and Nate never really saw eye-to-eye. Lucas had once been a cop, but he'd quit the force to become a private eye. Nate was aware he'd been injured and taken off active duty, but he always thought it sucked that the guy hadn't taken the desk job he'd been offered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a way to still help the community and he'd rejected it, instead branching out on his own to stick his nose into police business from a different angle. Nate found it frustrating, and wasn't shy about hiding his feelings on the matter.\n\nHowever, this situation wasn't about them. It was about a set of bones that deserved as much investigation as any other mystery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's Alaina, right?\" Nate pointed at the petite woman.\n\n\"Yes.\" The blonde nodded. \"The guys I hired to help with some demo work found the body about an hour ago. We called it in right away.\" She pointed to a group of men who were hovering against the side of the house, looking on edge and uncomfortable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jessica had just arrived on scene and instantly looked to Nate for direction. He nodded toward the men and she walked across to them immediately, pulling out her notepad for questioning. He had every confidence that she'd get what he needed.\n\n\"I've already spoken to the guys,\" Lucas chipped in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They found the skeleton under the floorboards in the workshop behind the garage.\"\n\n\"Have you seen it?\" Nate's voice took on a tight edge.\n\n\"Yes, I looked from the doorway, but haven't disturbed the scene.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lucas's pointed look shut Nate up. \"Are forensics on their way?\"\n\n\"You know they are.\" Nate looked to Alaina." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'started' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How long you been working on this place?\"\n\n\"The sale went through last week. We just started tearing down the outbuildings that are too far gone to save. Haven't started on renovating the main house yet.\"\n\n\"Your project will have to be put on hold during the investigation.\"\n\nHer face pinched with annoyance but she nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm aware of that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you show me the remains, please?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alaina and Lucas led him around to the back of the garage where a separate workshop had been attached. The shed-like structure had cracked windows and a rickety wooden door with a rusted handle. Nate took mental pictures as he hovered in the frame. Flicking on his flashlight, he stared down at the busted floorboards." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four had been pulled up entirely, neatly stacked as the workers systematically took apart the shed. In the gap that remained was a shallow trench with a blanket-wrapped skeleton inside. The workers must've gotten the fright of their lives when they pulled open the blanket and found the dusty remains.\n\nNate watched his step as he gingerly entered the shed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crouching down beside the skeleton, he stared into the empty eye sockets and quietly murmured, \"What's your story?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Chuck said he didn't know what was in the blanket and that's why it's open. He thought it was just trash,\" Alaina said.\n\nNate nodded.\n\n\"As soon as he saw the bones, he left the building and called me over. I told the guys not to go near the scene again.\"\n\n\"Good move. Thank you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate stood tall and checked his watch, wondering how far away Kelly was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The poor crime tech was in for a long shift. As far as Nate could remember, she'd never had to deal with remains like this before. She'd no doubt have to call in outside help.\n\nAlaina shifted from foot to foot in the doorway, obviously agitated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He glanced up in time to see her sharing a look with Lucas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gave her a reassuring smile and squeezed the back of her neck before tipping his chin at Nate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Alaina caught his eyes and sighed. \"I guess it would be too much to ask that we try to keep this as quiet as possible?\"\n\nNate gave her an inquisitive look.\n\n\"The murder. In the house I'm going to be selling.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate held up a pointed finger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One, we don't know if it was a murder.\" He held up his thumb. \"And two, if it was, we don't know that it happened here.\"\n\nAlaina rolled her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know what I'm saying. There's a body buried under the floorboards. That's no accident. Someone was trying to cover it up. And trying to sell a house where a crime was committed might be near impossible in this town.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't get ahead of yourself,\" Nate murmured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't know that it's a crime yet.\"\n\n\"But we do know that the dead body is here,\" she said. \"On this property. That I will be selling at some point.\" She took a deep breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So it would be great if we could keep it on the down-low.\"\n\n\"I'm not sure how to help with that. As soon as you called it in, it became public knowledge.\"\n\nAlaina huffed and closed her eyes like she was only just realizing this.\n\nLucas winced and kneaded her neck, muttering under his breath, \"Jarrett will no doubt be here soon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate's right eyebrow peaked as he gave the guy a stiff nod." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look, Alaina, I appreciate where you're coming from, and I'll do my best to make sure that the bare minimum is reported in the news. I can't disclose details of an open investigation anyway, so Jarrett's hands will be tied to some degree…especially if we can convince him not to do any snooping of his own.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lucas scoffed. \"That'll be a hard sell. Jarrett's a fucking bulldog.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, so am I.\" Alaina straightened, a determined look on her face. \"I'll have a word with him when he gets here.\"\n\n\"Yeah, good luck with that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate hid his grin by scrubbing a hand over his mouth. \"Look, as soon as Jess finishes getting statements, we can send your guys home. The less people hanging around here, the better. Do you have a list of their contact information in case we need to follow up on anything?\"\n\n\"Yes, I can get that for you.\"\n\n\"Good. I'm also going to need to look at all the records you have on the property. Sales and purchase agreements. That type of thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll compile that for you when I get home tonight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate nodded. \"Okay, well, you guys can head off when you're ready, then. I'll give you a call if I need anything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'd rather stay,\" Alaina said.\n\nNate huffed.\n\n\"It's her property. She has every right to stay.\" Lucas squared his shoulders and glared at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unable to argue with the guy, Nate gave them a tight smile before turning back to look into the workshop.\n\nTipping his head, he stared down at the blanket with the bones wrapped inside. It looked as though the victim had been rolled up and put to bed.\n\nHad the person been buried alive?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tucked away unconscious? Or already dead?\n\nWas he or she lovingly buried by a family that couldn't afford a funeral? Or was there something more sinister going on?\n\nNate felt his blood simmer with the questions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mystery was calling to him, and the fact that it was probably years old only motivated him more. He'd do anything to catch the person who killed his mother. He'd never had that closure, and that's why he fought so hard on every case, but particularly homicides. The two he'd worked had consumed him like nothing else." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Families deserved closure.\n\nHe knew firsthand that this was true, because he'd been looking for his own for years.\n\nNate sensed he wouldn't be able to rest until this case was closed. His mind thrummed with a steadily growing list of things to do.\n\nIt was going to be a long night." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Today you will be acting as a writing assistant in the romance, suspense genre. Your partner will send something and you will write the next 7 sentences, matching their level of character familiarity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "1:25am" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The duffel bag on Nate's back weighed a thousand pounds, but he adjusted his shoulders and kept driving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pulled up to Blaine's apartment block and locked up his Harley before taking the stairs two at a time.\n\nHe didn't care what the time was. He pounded on his brother's door until it finally jerked open.\n\n\"What! The hell! Is your problem?\" Blaine gritted out, running his hands through hair that was already standing on end.\n\nHis chest was bare and he was wearing a pair of boxer shorts…back to front and inside out.\n\nNate frowned at him, then muttered, \"I need a place to stay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The comment took his brother off guard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blaine paused for a second, blinking in confusion before the lights slowly came on. \"What happened?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's had enough.\"\n\nBlaine's expression crumpled with sympathy, but there wasn't an inkling of surprise evident.\n\nNate's nostrils flared. \"If you fucking say 'I warned you,' I'm going to smash you in the face.\"\n\n\"Not saying it.\" Blaine shrugged, then glanced over his shoulder. \"But you can't stay here.\"\n\n\"What? Why not?\"\n\nBlaine's cheeks flared red." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm kind of in the middle of something.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): You asshole. You're gonna make me stay with Dad?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The middle of…\" Nate's question evaporated as he quickly figured it out. \"Aw, gross.\"\n\n\"You don't want to be sleeping on my couch tonight. Go to Dad's.\"\n\n\"You asshole. You're gonna make me stay with Dad?\"\n\nBlaine snickered. \"It won't kill you.\"\n\n\"Can't you just explain to Rosie that—\"\n\n\"No!\" Blaine cut him off. \"I'm having a good time, and not to sound harsh, but I'm not giving it up to help your sorry ass. Not when there's a perfectly decent guest room waiting for you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't want to go home,\" Nate practically whined." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a firm expression, Blaine pointed at his face. \"You've barely been back there since you left for college. Now get over yourself and get out of here.\"\n\nBlaine closed the door before Nate could form another argument. Instead, he kicked the door just to really drive home his annoyance.\n\nBlaine ignored him, no doubt already whipping off his boxers and diving back into bed with Rosie.\n\nJealousy tore through Nate, hot and fierce. He should've been in bed with Sally right then, making love and celebrating her birthday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But instead he was standing alone in a dark corridor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could go sleep at the station." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What a joke,\" Nate grumbled." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'house' should appear 4 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Sleep' and 'station' were two words that did not go together. He'd end up in a fitful sleep that would no doubt be interrupted, and then he'd wake up with an aching back and sore neck.\n\nThere was a perfectly comfortable bed available at his father's house, but the idea of going there was like acid in his throat. It was the house his dad and Gillian had bought when they first got married. The house Silas had tortured him in. The house Blaine had been born into. He hated it there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a heavy sigh, Nate wiped his burning eyes and shuffled away from Blaine's door.\n\nHe needed sleep.\n\nIf he was going to do this new case any justice, he needed to come at it fresh in the morning.\n\nFresh was probably a big stretch, but if he was going to get anywhere near that, he had to swallow his angst and get over to the house on Chestnut Lane.\n\nNate grumbled his way down the stairs and gritted his teeth for the entire motorbike ride. Parking next to his father's Buick, he had to force himself to walk up the path and knock on the front door.\n\nIt was a half-hearted thump, but his dad still heard it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The stairwell light shone through the cracks in the door, and a few moments later it inched open.\n\nHis father's brown eyes took a second to register who it was, and then his dark eyebrows shot up in surprise. \"Nate?\"\n\n\"Yeah, it's me. I need a place to stay.\"\n\n\"Wh… Is Sally okay?\"\n\nThe old man loved Nate's girlfriend, probably more than he loved him, and it hurt to choke out the words \"We broke up, and no, I don't want to talk about it.\"\n\nHarry Hartford's head jerked back in surprise. He brushed a shaky hand over his beard before finally murmuring, \"Okay. Okay. Uh…co-come in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Nate's shoulders tensed as he walked into the house, memories flooding him with each step. The fights at the dinner table, the unfair way Gillian yelled at him when Silas had been the one to break the vase, stain the carpet, or pull apart the radio. The dreaded silence that descended every time he was sent to his room and the way his shy, noncombative father never stood up for him. His mother would've whooped Gillian's ass.\n\nHe shut his eyes to ward off the emptiness that threatened to swallow him whole. Being reminded of that lost boy who was trying to survive without his mommy still hurt, and he wasn't sure he could stand it.\n\nHe nearly turned and fled, but then his father's hand landed on his shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with ten sentences, keeping within the romance, suspense genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What've you got?\" Nate pointed his pen at Cam.\n\n\"Okay.\" She took a swig of Coke, then placed the can down on the corner of her desk. \"Jean Turner knew Darlene Schnyder, but wasn't close friends with her or anything. She was good friends with Darlene's cousin, who—before you ask—no longer lives in the area.\"\n\nNate let out a frustrated grunt.\n\n\"So, according to Jean, who used to gossip with Darlene's cousin all the time, the Schnyders were doing just fine until the middle of 2006 when Vern Schnyder just up and left. Darlene couldn't run the farm on her own and in the end, the bank had to foreclose.\"\n\n\"I wonder why the husband took off.\"\n\n\"Jean's theory was that Darlene kicked him out after everything that went down with the daughter.\"\n\nNate sat forward. \"Which was?\"\n\nCam frowned. \"Jean clammed up when I tried to press her, like she was suddenly realizing that she was crossing some kind of line. I told her it was important, and asked if she knew where Darlene Schnyder was so I could speak to her personally about it.\" Cam sighed. \"Unfortunately, she's gone. Died of cancer about five years ago.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shit,\" Nate muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know.\" Cam dropped her pad on the desk.\n\n\"So she didn't say anything else? No clues?\"\n\n\"All I got was that Vern Schnyder left and Darlene was all alone. There's obviously some kind of rumor circulating about the daughter, but I don't know what.\"\n\n\"Darlene was all alone,\" Nate murmured. \"Do you think the daughter went with him? Or he took the daughter or something?\"\n\n\"That doesn't exactly go along with her kicking her husband out.\" Cam gave a thoughtful pout. \"I might go visit Mrs. Turner in person tomorrow, see if I can't get more out of the woman.\" Grabbing her Coke can, she took another large gulp and wiped her glistening lips with the back of her hand. \"So what'd you find out?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"According to her track coach, Mila Schnyder dropped out less than two months before graduation.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'doesn't' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why?\"\n\n\"He doesn't know. She just stopped showing up for classes. When the school contacted the family about it, the father said she'd decided not to bother graduating, but wouldn't say more. Eddie was gutted. Apparently she was quite the runner.\"\n\n\"Eddie?\" Cam's dark eyebrows shot up, proving she wasn't a true Aspen Falls local. Anyone who grew up in Aspen Falls knew Coach Eddie Carlton. He was a freaking institution at Aspen Falls High. He must've been working at the school for at least twenty-five years.\n\nNate grinned. \"Coach Carlton's my contact at Aspen Falls High. If I ever need gossip on what's going on around the school, he's my man. The guy doesn't give a shit about policy and procedure. If it's helping out a police officer, he'll tell you anything.\"\n\n\"Good to know.\" Cam smirked and leaned back in her chair. \"So, Mila dropping out with no explanation is weird, right?\"\n\n\"I know. Unless she thought she was going to flunk out anyway.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate made a note to see if he could get a look at her academic records." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Teenagers can be impulsive.\"\n\n\"True, but she was seventeen. They usually have a little more direction by then.\"\n\n\"Something must've motivated her.\" Cam's brown eyes narrowed. \"I wonder what happened with the father? What did Jean not want to tell me?\" She tapped her long finger against her chin and glanced at Cam. \"Did the coach say anything about Mila's emotional state?\"\n\nNate shook his head. \"He didn't know too much. All he cared about was the fact that he'd lost one of his long-distance runners, but he's not the kind of guy to mess around with quitters. He probably wrote her off after two missed practices.\"\n\n\"So a hard-ass coach, then?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate raised his eyebrows. \"Oh yeah.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know if any of the other teachers in the school might remember her? Maybe we can talk to one of them.\"\n\n\"Eddie rattled off a bunch of teachers who'd been there for a long time. One of them is bound to know Mila,\" Nate murmured, turning back to his computer. \"I'll go through the website and check out the names, see if any of them would be willing to have a casual chat with me.\"\n\nCam winced. \"Until we identify Mila as the victim, it's not exactly legal to be hunting around the school and talking to a bunch of teachers.\"\n\nNate shot her a quick grin. \"That's why I said casual chat.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "help write? one sentence more, same character context, romance, suspense genre thx" }, { "from": "human", "value": "7:20pm" }, { "from": "human", "value": "After Vern signed his confession, his case would be passed along to the DA." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate had no idea what she was going to do with him, but he hoped she'd give the guy a break." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate was sure Vern would never get over the torture of what he'd done, and that was a lifelong sentence in itself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because Nate never did anything by halves, he stuck around and made sure a few things were set in place before heading home." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vern got to see his daughter's remains." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate stuck to the edge of the room while Vern sank to his knees and sobbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He murmured apologies over and over until Nate could barely stand it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seeing the man's broken mess touched something in Nate's heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He understood the pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The loss." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe even the guilt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hadn't killed his mother, but he'd let the culprit free." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hadn't remembered enough about the car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hadn't done enough and so he'd pushed himself through life, determined to make amends for his mistake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rather than hiding the way Vern had, he'd acted like a bullet, firing through life with blinders on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Obsessed with catching bad guys and doing good." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But in that moment?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't feel good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As he drove Vern back from the hospital to the precinct, he was consumed by every past case he'd closed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slides ran through his mind—one image after the next—and it struck him with painful clarity that none of them had lessened the pain of losing his mom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None of them had redeemed him or filled the gaping hole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they arrived at the station, Nate gently helped the big guy out of the car." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you still want me to talk to that sketch artist?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vern asked in a wooden voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tall man's aching expression was pitiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think he was a predator?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate asked as they walked inside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vern's eyebrows slowly lifted, his eyes filling with tears once more, and Nate understood that Vern needed him to be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He needed this Jamie man to be a criminal too, or the hurt would be unbearable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clearing his throat, Nate pulled out his phone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fact that he took off and never reported the accident sets off alarm bells in my head. I'll arrange for a sketch artist to come by tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you,\" Vern croaked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate led him back to the holding cell where the officer on duty would book him and then lock him up for the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate stood in the doorway, watching Vern get photographed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fingerprints would come next." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a sad sigh, Nate turned away and shuffled out to his bike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt heavy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tired." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Depleted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slumping onto the seat, he leaned forward and gripped the handlebars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he didn't start the engine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All he could do was stare into the black night sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Emptiness consumed him until it hurt to breathe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't know when he started the engine or how he even made it back to his father's house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Climbing the porch steps, he let himself in and found his father at the dining table, finishing his dinner alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His dad took one look at him and quickly asked, \"Tough day?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate leaned against the doorframe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I just had to arrest a guy who accidentally killed his daughter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His father hissed, his face a picture of sympathy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not so satisfying, huh?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate shook his head, his throat swelling with an emotion he didn't understand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do I do this job, Dad?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His father wiped his mouth with his napkin and sat back in his chair to gaze up at his eldest son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because you love it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do I?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His father sighed. \"Because you're good at it. You've always been driven by justice. It's what makes you such a great detective.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate gave a thoughtful scowl and went to turn away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It doesn't make you happy, though,\" his father said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing's made you happy since your mother died…except maybe Sally.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She was nothing but pure sunshine, that girl.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His father rose from the table, his penetrating gaze trying to peel the layers off Nate's soul." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She doesn't want me anymore. I…I wasn't enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, that's bullshit,\" his father muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate's head jerked up, his eyes popping open in surprise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His father never swore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The older man let out a hard, barking laugh and took his plate into the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate could do nothing but follow him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She dumped me, remember?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, because you weren't around, not because she didn't love you anymore. Not because you weren't enough. You just weren't there!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate opened his mouth to argue but nothing came out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look, son, I know you're dedicated to your job. And so does Sally. That's why she stuck around for so long. But those demons that drive you? They're hard task masters, and they are stopping you from dealing with the truth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uncomfortable with such a rare, honest conversation with his father, Nate crossed his arms and scoffed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what truth is that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That you're still a scared little boy who's afraid that if you stop working, someone's going to slip through the cracks and hurt the people you love.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His father's voice was soft and steady, yet it felt like he'd just blasted that truth from the rooftop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate's nostrils flared, his heart hammering an unsteady beat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His father placed his dirty plate in the sink and turned to face him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'can't' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sorry to tell you this, son, but we can't stop bad things from happening. You can't fight a natural disaster or stop someone from getting sick. Accidents will happen whether we want them to or not. Now, you're doing your damn best to keep the people of Aspen Falls safe and I admire that, I really do. But at what cost, Nate? No one's asked you to give your life for the force. You deserve happiness just as much as the next person.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate looked to the floor, unable to hold his father's steady gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sally was your happiness. You need to get her back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's moved on,\" Nate muttered bitterly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She's with someone else.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They married?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate glanced up with an incredulous frown. \"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Huh.\" His father looked thoughtful, then turned to start rinsing his plate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nate rolled his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just told you she doesn't want me anymore.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His father laughed again, tipping his head back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know, for a man who notices everything, you are one blind fool.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The laughter grated on Nate's tattered nerves and he nearly walked out on it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sally Richmond has been in love with you for years. You stole her heart, and as far as I'm concerned, you haven't given it back. You would be a complete idiot to give up on that girl. Now you stop fighting your demons, Nathan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He glanced over his shoulder with a sharp look." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop wasting your time, and start fighting for the woman you love.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His father slipped his plate into the dishwasher and walked out of the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nate stayed where he was, staring at the wooden floors until the cracks between the boards started to blur." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very slowly he reached into his pocket and pulled up Sally's number on his phone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her beautiful smile stared up at him from the screen and his heart squeezed with desire, affection…happiness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was only then that it hit him with a force he couldn't ignore." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Putting bad guys away would never fill the gaping hole in his chest.\n\nBut love would." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo hit me with six sentences more. same character energy. romance, suspense genre k?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "5:55am\n\nSally had no idea what time it was. She hadn't slept since waking up in the trunk, and even though her body begged for oblivion, she couldn't get there. Her mind was too wired, the fear too raw to let any muscles relax.\n\nThey were going to kill her.\n\nShe'd listened to enough of Nate's closed cases to understand the criminal mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If her father brought that money the way they wanted, they had no incentive to keep her alive. She was a liability. A risk.\n\nClosing her eyes, her mind drifted to Nate. She couldn't help thinking about the afterlife and what that really meant. Would she find him there? Could they still be together even after death?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In a weird way, the idea was a comfort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then she thought of her family.\n\nThey'd be devastated by her murder. She could picture each family member, imagining how they'd cope with it. It was horrible and she didn't want them to suffer that way. She had to survive. Somehow, she had to make it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is bullshit! I don't like it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sally tensed as the shouting voices rose in the adjacent room.\n\n\"I don't give a shit what you like. We're in it now and we'll soon be driving away with a million dollars, so get the fuck over yourself.\"\n\n\"We've never killed anyone before!\"\n\n\"We easily could have. Where the hell is your spine? This, plus the money I already have, will set us up for years! We can disappear to wherever the hell we want! But not if we're left with a witness.\"\n\n\"I'm not comfortable with it. She's done nothing to hurt us.\"\n\n\"You are pathetic!\" Oscar roared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sally could tell it was him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although the voices were similar, she'd managed to pick them apart. Oscar was definitely the harsher of the two. He'd shed his British airs the second he shot Nate and since then, he'd been nothing but a hard ass. The other one seemed to at least have a soul.\n\nShe strained to hear the rest of the argument.\n\n\"What? What did you just say? She looks like her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oscar again, his voice sparked with disbelief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many years ago was that now? You lovesick fool. Get over it!\"\n\n\"You are such a heartless prick!\"\n\n\"You don't like it? Walk away. I'll take the money for myself, and you can get busted by the cops.\"\n\n\"Hey! I showed up because you needed me to! You're just gonna turn around and abandon me?\"\n\n\"You abandoned me.\"\n\n\"You told me to!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You think I haven't been haunted by the fact that you took the fall?\n\nSally held her breath as she waited for Oscar's reply. She wondered who she looked like. Oscar's brother must've loved someone in the past. Oscar, on the other hand, seemed to be fueled by a bitter rage that stopped him from feeling anything more than sick contempt and arrogant pride.\n\n\"Don't look at me like that,\" Oscar snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll kill her. Okay? You don't even have to watch.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When?\" The other guy sounded nervous.\n\n\"As soon as you get the money, give me a call. I'll do it and dump her body in the woods. Then we'll meet up where you suggested and take off from there.\"\n\nThey'd stopped shouting at each other, but their voices grew louder as they left the room and stopped outside her door.\n\n\"I still don't like this,\" Oscar's brother said.\n\n\"Look, I know it's not perfect, but it was the best plan I had at the time and we have to go with it now. Harden up already. She's just a woman.\" The word was spat with pure contempt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Think about the money.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The door clicked open and Oscar walked into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sally tensed, squishing herself against the wall until she realized that it wasn't Oscar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was his double.\n\nHe crouched down in front of her with a soft smile. \"Thought you might want another drink.\"\n\nGently peeling back the tape, he lifted the straw to her lips and let her have a few sips. She took advantage and sucked down as much as she could. It could mean she'd have to pee, which was a pretty disgusting thought, but dehydration would only make things worse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She needed to stay alert if she wanted any chance at all.\n\nWhen he pulled the straw away, she licked her lips and decided to play on her strengths.\n\n\"Thank you.\" She smiled at him.\n\nHe paused, guilt flashing over his expression as he placed the water bottle down beside her. Pressing his lips together, he reached for the duct tape.\n\n\"Actually, do you mind not…?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She winced. \"My lips are really hurting from the tape. I promise I won't scream.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked uncertain and glanced over his shoulder.\n\n\"Please,\" Sally whispered. \"Please, help me.\"\n\nHis head whipped back to look at her and she stared him in the eye, silently begging for a little humanity.\n\n\"I can't stop this now, but…\" He yanked the rest of the tape off her face and scrunched it up in his hand. \"It won't matter if you scream. No one lives around here. August just didn't want you saying anything on the video.\"\n\nSally nodded, tucking the name away for later." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So Oscar was August.\n\nShe wondered what this man's name was, but didn't get a chance to ask, because Oscar…August…appeared in the doorway.\n\n\"She's beautiful, I'll give you that much.\" He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he stared at her with those dark, heartless eyes. \"Have her if you want to. We've got time.\"\n\nSally's insides pitched, revulsion spreading through her system like a virus." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"They're good for one thing, and one thing only, brother.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thankfully the man beside her let out a grunt of disgust and walked away from Sally, stopping to eyeball his brother at the door. \"You're sick. You know that?\"\n\nAugust smirked at his brother. \"You can't tell me you don't enjoy a little ass every now and then.\"\n\n\"Only if they're willing,\" the man gritted out.\n\nAugust snickered. \"They're good for one thing, and one thing only, brother.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned his dark gaze back onto Sally and licked his lips like a hungry crocodile.\n\nSally's insides curdled. Backing further up against the wall, she looked at the floor and prayed he'd walk away. The thought of that bastard touching her was too much to bear. She'd rather be shot in the head than have to endure that degradation.\n\nClosing her eyes against the burn of tears, she kept her head down and wished for Nate. It was illogical. He wasn't even a possibility anymore, but maybe he could help her from beyond." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her family and the AFPD would no doubt be working overtime to bring her home, but it was Nate's arms she wanted to fall into." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Nate's determined face she wanted to see charging through the door. He was her true home. He always had been." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "WRITING ASSIST:\n10 sentences sentences\nStyle: Georgette Heyer\nGenre: historical romance, regency, humor\nContext: Part of larger work" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was with no very real expectation of meeting Sophy that Lord Charlbury had a horse saddled next morning and betook himself to Hyde Park, for it seemed to him that a young lady who had danced the night through would not be very, likely to be found riding in the Park by ten o'clock next day. But he had not cantered once round the Row when he saw a magnificent black horse coming toward him and recognized Sophy on its back. He reined in and pulled off his hat, exclaiming, \"I made sure you would still be abed and fast asleep! Are you made of iron, Miss Stanton-Lacy?\"\n\nShe pulled Salamanca up, sidling and prancing. \"Pooh!\" she said laughing at him. \"Did you think me such a poor creature as to be prostrated by one ball, sir?\"\n\nHe turned his horse and fell in beside her. John Potton followed at a discreet distance. Lord Charlbury complimented Sophy on Salamanca, but was cut short.\n\n\"Very true, he is a superb horse, but we have not met to talk of horses. Such a kickup as there has been in Berkeley Square! Charles, of course—all Charles! The most diverting thing of all—do be diverted! Indeed, there is no need for that grave face! Is that Augustus Fawnhope was quite as much taken aback as you or Charles!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you telling me that he does not wish to marry Cecilia?\" demanded Charlbury." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! In some misty future! Certainly not immediately! I expect, you know, being a poet, he would much prefer to be the victim of a hopeless passion!\" said Sophy merrily.\n\n\"Coxcomb!\"\n\n\"If you like. I danced one waltz with him last night, when you had left us, and I do think I was very helpful, for I suggested to him a number of genteel occupations of a gainful nature, and promised to look about me for some great man in need of a secretary.\"\n\n\"I hope he was grateful to you,\" said Charlbury heavily.\n\n\"Not in the least! Augustus does not want to be any man's secretary, for he has a soul quite above such mundane matters as acquiring a respectable competence. I showed him what his future would be, in the prettiest way imaginable! Love in a cottage, you know, and a dozen hopeful children prattling at his knee.\"\n\n\"You are a most unaccountable girl!\" he exclaimed, looking at her in a good deal of amusement. \"Did this picture appall him?\"\n\n\"Of course it did, but he is very chivalrous and has now made up his mind to an early marriage. For anything I know he may be planning a flight to the border.\"\n\n\"What?\" ejaculated his lordship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, have no fear! Cecilia is by far too well brought up to consent to such a scandalous thing! Let us have just one gallop! I know it is wrong, but there seem to be only nursemaids in the Park this morning. Good God, I am quite at fault! There is Lord Bromford, on that fat cob of his! I must tell you that he left the ball at midnight, because late hours are injurious to his health. Now we must gallop, or he will join us and tell us about Jamaica!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They flew down the track, Salamanca always just ahead of Charlbury's rat-tailed gray, and so rousing Lord Charlbury to enthusiasm. \"By God, that's a capital horse!\" he said. \"I do not know how you contrive to hold him, ma'am! Surely he is too strong for you?\"\n\n\"I daresay, but he has charming manners, you see. Now we will proceed more soberly! Should you object very much to telling me whether you still desire to marry my cousin? You may snub me, if you choose!\"\n\nHe replied rather ruefully: \"Will you think me contemptible if I tell you, yes?\"\n\n\"Not at all. You would be foolish to refine too much upon what happened last night. Only consider! Instead of first fixing your interest with Cecilia, you applied to my uncle for leave to address her—\"\n\n\"It is usual to do so!\" he pointed out.\n\n\"It may be punctilious, but it is the greatest folly imaginable, particularly if you mean to contract mumps before you have even had time to offer for her!\"\n\n\"It would, I collect, be useless to assure you that I did not mean to contract mumps! I had reason to believe that my suit would not be distasteful to her.\"\n\n\"I expect she was very well disposed toward you,\" agreed Sophy cordially." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But she had not then seen Augustus Fawnhope. At least, she had, but it seems that he was covered in spots at that time, so no one could expect her to fall in love with him.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'fawnhope' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't find the reflection precisely comforting, Miss Stanton-Lacy.\"\n\n\"Call me Sophy! Everyone does, and we are going to become excessively friendly.\"\n\n\"Are—are we?\" he said. \"I mean, I am delighted to hear you say so, of course!\"\n\nShe laughed. \"Oh, pray don't be alarmed! If you still wish to marry Cecilia—and I must tell you that although I thought otherwise before I had met you, I have now made up my mind to it that you would suit capitally—I will say you just how you must go on.\"\n\nHe could not help smiling. \"I am much obliged to you! But if she loves young Fawnhope—\"\n\n\"You must, if you please, consider for a moment!\" Sophy earnestly. \"Only think how it was! No sooner had declared yourself to my uncle than you contracted a ridiculous complaint. She was informed that she was to become your wife—quite gothic, and most ill judged—and along came Augustus Fawnhope, looking, you will own, like a prince of a fairy tale, and what must he do but turn his back on the poor females who were setting their caps at him and fall in love with Cecilia's beauty! My dear sir, he writes poems in her praise! He calls her a nymph, and says her eyes put stars to shame, and such stuff as that!\"\n\n\"Good God!\" said his lordship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Exactly so! You cannot wonder that she was swept off her feet. I daresay you had never so much as thought of calling her a nymph!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"Oh, no, you must not attempt to outshine Augustus in that line!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Stanton—Sophy! Even to win Cecilia, I cannot write poetry, and if I could I'll be dashed if I would write such—Well, in any event I have no turn in that direction!\"\n\n\"Oh, no, you must not attempt to outshine Augustus in that line!\" said Sophy. \"Your strength lies in being precisely the kind of man who can procure one a chair when it has come on to rain.\"\n\n\"I beg your pardon?\"\n\n\"Can you not?\" she asked, turning her head to look at him with raised brows.\n\n\"I expect I could, but—\"\n\n\"Believe me, it is by far more important than being able to turn a verse!\" she told him. \"Augustus is quite unable to do so. I know, because he failed miserably at the Chelsea Gardens. I thought he would, which is why I made him escort Cecilia and me there on a day when you could see it would come on to pour. Our muslins were soaked, and I daresay we should have died of an inflammation of the lung had not one of my old friends procured a hackney to convey us home. Poor Cecy! She became almost cross with Augustus!\"\n\nHe burst out laughing. \"Major Quinton spoke nothing but the truth about you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he declared. \"I am already terrified of you!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled, but said, \"Well, you need not be, for I mean to help you.\"\n\n\"That is what terrifies me.\"\n\n\"Nonsense! You are trying to quiz me. We have established that you can procure chairs in a rainstorm; I am also I the opinion that when you invite a party to supper at the Piazza the waiters do not fob you off with a table in a draught.\"\n\n\"No,\" he agreed, regarding her with a fascinated eye.\n\n\"Augustus, of course, is not in a position to invite us to upper at the Piazza, because my aunt would certainly not permit us to accept, but he did once entertain us to tea here, in the Park, and I could not but see that he is just the kind of man whom the waiters serve last. I feel sure I can rely upon you to see to it that everything goes without the least hitch when you invite us to the theater, and to supper afterward. You will be obliged, of course, to invite my aunt as well, but—\"\n\n\"For heaven's sake!\" he interrupted. \"You cannot suppose that in the situation in which we now stand Cecilia would consent to make one of a party of my making!\"\n\n\"Certainly I do,\" she replied coolly. \"What is more, you will invite Augustus.\"\n\n\"No, that I will not!\" he declared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you will be a great gaby. You must understand that Cecilia has been driven into announcing that she means to marry Augustus! You were not there to engage her affections; Augustus was sighing verses to her left eyebrow; and to clinch the matter my cousin Charles behaved in the most tyrannical fashion, forbidding her to think of Augustus, and fairly ordering her to marry you! I assure you, it would have been wonderful indeed if she had not made up her mind to do no such thing!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rode in silence beside her for some moments, frowning between his horse's ears. \"I see,\" he said at last. \"At least—Well, at all events, you don't advise me to despair!\"\n\n\"I don't suppose,\" said Sophy honestly, \"that I should ever advise anyone to despair, for I can't bear such poor-spirited conduct!\"\n\n\"What do you advise me to do?\" he asked. \"I seem to be wholly in your hands!\"\n\n\"Withdraw your suit!\" said Sophy.\n\nHe looked sharply at her. \"No I, I mean to make a push—\"\n\n\"You will call in Berkeley Square this afternoon,\" said; Sophy, with the utmost patience, \"and you will request the favor of a few minutes alone with Cecilia. When you see her—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I shall not see her. She will deny herself!\" he said bitterly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She will see you, because I shall tell her she owes it to you to do so. I wish you will not keep on interrupting me!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He begged pardon meekly, and she continued, \"When you see her, you will assure her that you have no desire to distress her, that you will never mention the matter again to her. You will be excessively noble, and she will feel that you sympathize with her, and if you can convey to her also the sense of your heart being broken, however well you contrive to conceal it, so much the better!\"\n\n\"I am strongly of the opinion that Major Quinton grossly understated the case!\" said his lordship, with feeling.\n\n\"Very likely. Gentlemen can never see when a little duplicity is needed. You, I have no doubt, if I left you to your own devices, would storm and rant at Cecilia, so that all would end in a quarrel, and you would find it quite impossible to visit the house, even! But if she knows that you will not enact her any tragedies she will be perfectly pleased to see you as often as you care to come to Berkeley Square.\"\n\n\"How can I visit in Berkeley Square when she is betrothed to another man? If you imagine that I'll play the lovelorn suitor in the hope of arousing pity in Cecilia's breast you were never more at fault! As well be a lap dog!\"\n\n\"Much better,\" said Sophy. \"You will visit in Berkeley Square to see me. You cannot too suddenly seem to transfer your interest in my direction, of course, but it would be an excellent start if you were to find an opportunity of telling Cecilia today how droll and entertaining you think me.\"\n\n\"Do you know,\" he said seriously, \"you are the most startling female it has ever been my fortune to meet? You will observe that I do not say good or ill fortune, for I haven't the smallest notion which it will prove to be!\"\n\nShe laughed. \"But will you do what I tell you?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" he replied. \"To the best of my poor ability. But I wish I knew the extent of the dark scheme you are revolving in your head.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned her head to look at him, her expressive eyes questioning, and at the same time acknowledging a hit." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"I have a notion there is more to it than what you have told me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I have told you!\"\n\n\"I have a notion there is more to it than what you have told me.\"\n\nShe looked mischievous, but would only shake her head.\n\nThey had reached the Stanhope Gate again, and she reined in, holding out her hand. \"I must go now. Pray don't be afraid of me! I never do people any harm—indeed I don't! Good-by! At about four o'clock, mind.\"\n\nShe reached Berkeley Square again to find the house in a state of considerable uneasiness, Lord Ombersley, informed by his wife of Cecilia's overnight announcement, having flown into a passion of exasperation at the folly, ingratitude, and selfishness of daughters; and Hubert and Theodore between them having chosen this singularly inappropriate moment to allow Jacko to escape from the schoolroom.\n\nSophy was met on her arrival by various distracted persons, who lost no time in pouring their woes or grievances into her ears. Cecilia, shaken by the interview with her father, wanted to carry her off instantly to the seclusion of her bedchamber; Miss Adderbury wished to explain that she had repeatedly warned Mr. Hubert not to excite the monkey; Theodore desired to impress upon everyone that it had all been Hubert's fault; Hubert demanded that she should help him to recover the monkey before its escape came to Charles's ears; Dassett, having observed with disfavor the enthusiasm with which both footmen entered into the chase, delivered himself of an icily civil monologue, the gist of which seemed to be that wild animals roaming at large in a nobleman's residence were not what he had been accustomed to or what he could bring himself to tolerate.\n\nAs this speech contained a dark threat to inform His Lordship instantly, it appeared to Sophy that her most pressing duty was to soothe Dassett's feelings, half a dozen persons having informed her that Lord Ombersley was in a dreadful temper. So she told Cecilia that she could come to her room presently, and considerably mollified the butler by rejecting the services of the footmen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cecilia, who besides her interview with Lord Ombersley, had endured a few moments with her elder brother, and half an hour with Lady Ombersley, was in no mood for monkeys, and said, rather hysterically, that she supposed she might have expected that Jacko would be thought of more importance than herself." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"H'sh! Charles is in the library!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Selina, who was thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere of drama and impending doom that hung over the house, hissed, \"H'sh! Charles is in the library!\" Cecilia retorted that she did not care where he was and rushed upstairs to her bedroom.\n\n\"What a commotion!\" exclaimed Sophy, amused.\n\nHer voice, penetrating the shut library door, reached the sharp ears of Tina, who, during her absence from the house, had attached herself to Mr. Rivenhall. She at once demanded to be allowed to rejoin her mistress, and her insistence brought Mr. Rivenhall upon the scene, for he was obliged to open the door for her. Perceiving that a large part of his family appeared to be assembled in the hall, he somewhat coldly inquired the reason. Before anyone could answer him, Amabel, in the basement, gave a warning shriek, Jacko suddenly erupted into the hall from the nether regions, gibbered at the sight of Tina, and swarmed up the window curtains to a place of safety well out of anyone's reach. Amabel then came storming up the basement stairs, closely followed by the housekeeper, who at once lodged an impassioned protest with Mr. Rivenhall. The dratted monkey, she said, had wantonly destroyed two of the best dish cloths and had scattered a bowl of raisins all over the kitchen floor.\n\n\"If that damned monkey cannot be controlled,\" said Mr. Rivenhall, making no apology for the violence of his language, \"it must be got rid of!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Theodore, Gertrude, and Amabel at once burst into a spirited accusation against Hubert, who, they averred, had wantonly teased Jacko. Hubert, conscious of a rent coat pocket, retired into the background, and Mr. Rivenhall, eyeing his juniors with revulsion, walked forward to the window, and held up his hand, saying calmly, \"Come along!\"\n\nJacko's reply to this, though voluble, was incomprehensible. His general attitude, however, was contumacious, so that everyone was surprised when, upon Mr. Rivenhall's repeating his command, he began to descend the curtain. Tina, in wholehearted agreement with Dassett and the housekeeper on the undesirability of monkeys in noblemen's residences, caused a slight setback by barking, but Sophy snatched her up and muffled her before Jacko had had time to retreat again to the top of the window. Mr. Rivenhall, acidly requesting his audience to refrain from making any noise or sudden movement, again commanded Jacko to come down. Jacko satisfied that Tina was under strong guard, reluctantly descended, allowed himself to be seized, and clasped both skinny arms round Mr. Rivenhall's neck. Unimpressed by this mark of affection, Mr. Rivenhall detached him, handed him over to Gertrude, and warned her not to permit him to escape again. The schoolroom party then withdrew circumspectly, scarcely able to believe that their pet was not to be wrested from them; and Sophy, smiling warmly upon Mr. Rivenhall, said, \"Thank you. There is some magic in you which makes all animals trust you, I think. When I am most vexed with you I cannot but remember it!\"\n\n\"The only magic, Cousin, lay in not alarming an already frightened animal,\" he replied dampingly, and went back into the library and shut the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Phew!\" uttered Hubert, emerging from the embrasure at the head of the basement stairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sophy, only look what that dashed brute has done to my new coat!\"\n\n\"Give it to me! I'll mend it for you—and for heaven's sake, you wretched creature, don't kick up any more larks today!\" said Sophy.\n\nHe grinned at her, stripped off the coat, and handed it to her. \"What did happen last night?\" he asked. \"Don't know when I've seen my father in such a taking! Is Cecilia going to marry Fawnhope?\"\n\n\"Ask her!\" Sophy advised him. \"I will have your coat ready for you in twenty minutes. Come to my room then, and you shall have it!\"\n\nShe ran up the stairs and without waiting to change her riding habit, sat down by the window to repair the rent caused by Jacko's fury. She was a deft needlewoman and had mended half the tear with her tiny stitches when Cecilia came to her room. Cecilia was strongly of the opinion that Hubert might have found someone else to do his mending and begged her to put it aside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This, however, Sophy refused to do, merely saying, \"I can listen to you while I work, you know. What a goose you were last night, Cecy!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This brought Cecilia's chin up. She enunciated with great clarity, \"I am betrothed to Augustus, and if I may not marry him I will marry no one!\"\n\n\"I daresay, but to make such an announcement in the middle of a ball!\"\n\n\"Sophy, I thought you would feel for me!\"\n\nIt occurred to Sophy suddenly that the fewer people to sympathize with Cecilia the better it would be, so she kept her head bent over her work, and said lightly, \"Well, and so I do, but I still think it was a ridiculous moment to choose for making such an announcement!\"\n\nCecilia began to tell her again what provocation had been supplied by Charles; she agreed, but absently, and appeared to be more exercised with the set of Hubert's coat than with Cecilia's wrongs. She shook it out, smoothed the darn she had made, and, when Hubert came knocking at the door, cut Cecilia short to jump up and restore the garment to him. The end of all this was that when, at four o'clock, Lord Charlbury sent up his card, with a request to see Miss Rivenhall, Cecilia, almost forced to accede to his wishes, found in him her only sympathizer. One glance at her pale face and tragic mien banished from his mind all notion of duplicity. He stepped quickly forward, took the hand so shrinkingly held out to I and said in a deeply concerned voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do not look so happy! Indeed, I have not come to distress you!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes filled with tears; her hand slightly returned the pressure of his before it was withdrawn; and she managed to say something, in a suffocated voice, about his kindness,' and her own regret. He obliged her to be seated, himself took a chair near to hers, and said, \"My sentiments have undergone no change; indeed, I believe it to be impossible that they should! But I have been told—I have understood—that yours were never engaged. Believe me, if you cannot return my regard, I honor you for having the courage to say so. That; you should be constrained to accept my suit, when your heart is given to another, is a thought wholly repugnant to me! Forgive me! I think you have had to bear a great deal on this head which I never intended, or indeed, dreamed— But I have said enough! Only let me assure you that I will do all that lies in my power to put an end to such intolerable promptings!\"\n\n\"You are all consideration—all goodness!\" Cecilia uttered. \"I am so sorry that—that expectations which it is not in my power to fulfill should have been raised! If my gratitude for a sensibility which permits you to feel for me in my present predicament, for a chivalry which—\" Her voice became wholly suspended by tears; she could only turn away her face and make a gesture imploring his understanding.\n\nHe took her hand and kissed it. \"Say no more! I always thought the prize beyond my reach. Though you deny me that nearer relationship which I so ardently desire, we may continue friends? If there is any way in which I can serve you, will you tell me of it? That would be a happiness indeed!\"\n\n\"Oh, do not say so! You are too good!\"\n\nThe door opened; Mr. Rivenhall came into the room, checked an instant on the threshold, when he saw Charlbury, and looked as though he would have retired again. Charlbury rose, however, and said, \"I am glad you are at home, Charles, for I believe I can settle this business better with you than with anyone. You sister and I have agreed that we shall not suit.\"\n\n\"I see,\" said Mr. Rivenhall dryly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There seems to be .nothing I can profitably say, except that I am sorry. I conclude you wish me to inform my father that there is to be no engagement?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lord Charlbury has been everything that is most kind—most magnanimous!\" whispered Cecilia.\n\n\"That I can believe,\" responded Mr. Rivenhall.\n\n\"Nonsense!\" Charlbury said, taking her hand. \"I shall leave you now, but I hope I may still visit this house, on terms of friendship. You friendship I must always value, you know. Perhaps I may not dance at your wedding, but I shall wish you very happy, upon my honor!\"\n\nHe pressed her hand, released it, and went out of the room, followed by Mr. Rivenhall, who escorted him downstairs to the hall, saying, \"This is a damnable business, Everard. She is out of her senses! But as for marrying that ippy—no, by God!\"\n\n\"Your cousin tells me it is all my fault for having willfully contracted mumps!\" Charlbury said ruefully.\n\n\"Sophy!\" Mr. Rivenhall ejaculated in anything but loving accents. \"I do not think we have had a day's peace since that girl entered the house!\"\n\n\"I shouldn't think you would,\" said his lordship reflectively. \"She is the oddest female I ever met, but I own I like her. Do you not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, I do not!\" said Mr. Rivenhall.\n\nHe saw Charlbury off the premises and turned back into the house just as Hubert came down the stairs, in long bounds. \"Hallo, where are you off to in such haste?\" he inquired.\n\n\"Oh, nowhere!\" Hubert answered. \"Just out!\"\n\n\"When do you go up to Oxford again?\"\n\n\"Next week. Why?\"\n\n\"Do you care to go with me to Thorpe Grange tomorrow? I must go down and shall stay a night, I daresay.\"\n\nHubert shook his head. \"No, I can't. I'm off to stay with Harpenden for a couple of nights, you know.\"\n\n\"I didn't. Newmarket?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hubert flushed. \"Dash it, why shouldn't I go to Newmarket, if I choose?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that Very well. Don't draw the bustle too much!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is no reason why you should not, but I could wish that you would choose your company more wisely. Are you set on it? We could ride over from Thorpe, if you liked.\"\n\n\"Very good of you, Charles, but I'm promised to Harpenden and can't fail now!\" Hubert said gruffly. \"Very well. Don't draw the bustle too much!\" Hubert hunched his shoulder. \"I knew you would say that!\"\n\n\"I'll say something else, and you may believe it! I can't and I won't be saddled with your racing bets, so don't bet beyond your means!\"\n\nHe waited for no answer, but went upstairs again to the drawing room, where he found his sister still seated where he had left her, weeping softly into a shred of a handkerchief. He tossed his own into her lap. \"If you must be a watering pot, take mine!\" he recommended. \"Are satisfied? You should be! It is not every girl who can boa of having rejected a man like Charlbury!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not boast of it!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she retorted, firing up. \"But I nothing for wealth and position! Where my affections not engaged—\"\n\n\"You might care for worth of character, however! You , could search England without finding a better fellow, Cecilia., Don't flatter yourself you have found one in your poet! I wish you may not live to regret this day's work.\"\n\n\"I am aware that Lord Charlbury has every amiable quality,\" she said, in, a subdued voice, and mopping her wet cheeks with his handkerchief. \"Indeed, I believe him to be the finest gentleman of my acquaintance, and if I am crying it is from sorrow at having been obliged to wound him!\"\n\nHe walked over to the window and stood looking out into the square. \"It is useless now to remonstrate with you. After your announcement last night it is not very likely that Charlbury would desire to marry you. What do you mean to do? I may tell you now that my father will not consent to your marriage with Fawnhope.\"\n\n\"Because you will not let him consent! Can you not be content, Charles, with making a marriage of convenience yourself, without wishing me to do the same?\" she cried hotly.\n\nHe stiffened. \"It is not difficult to perceive my cousin's influence at work!\" he said. \"Before her arrival in London, you would not have spoken so to me! My regard for Eugenia—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you loved, Charles, you would not talk of your regard for Eugenia!\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'could' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was at this inappropriate moment that Dassett ushered Miss Wraxton into the room. Cecilia whisked her brother's handkerchief out of sight, a tide of crimson flooding her cheeks; Mr. Rivenhall turned away from the window, and said with a palpable effort, \"Eugenia! We did not expect this pleasure! How do you do?\"\n\nShe gave him her hand, but turned her gaze upon Cecilia, saying, \"Tell me it is not so! I was never more shocked in my life than when Alfred told me what had occurred last night!\"\n\nAlmost insensibly the brother and sister drew closer together. \"Alfred?\" repeated Mr. Rivenhall.\n\n\"He told me, when we drove home after the ball, that he could not choose but overhear what Cecilia had said to you, Charles. And Lord Charlbury! I could not believe it to have been possible!\"\n\nLoyalty, as much as the ties of affection, kept Mr. Rivenhall ranged on the side of his sister, but he looked to be very much annoyed, which indeed he was, for he thought it inexcusable of Cecilia to have placed him in such a situation. He said repressively, \"If you mean that Cecilia and Lord Charlbury ; have made up their minds to it they would not suit, you are I quite correct. I do not know what business it is of Alfred's, or why he must run to you with what he overhears!\"\n\n\"My dear Charles, he knows that what concerns your family must be also my concern!\"\n\n\"I am much obliged to you, but I have no wish to discuss the matter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excuse me! I must go to my mother!\" Cecilia said. She escaped from the room; Miss Wraxton looked significantly at Mr. Rivenhall, and said, \"I do not wonder you are vexed. It has been a sadly mismanaged business, and I fancy we have not far to seek for the influence that prompted dear Cecilia to behave in a way so unlike herself!\"\n\n\"I have not the smallest conjecture as to your meaning.\"\n\nHis tone, which was forbidding, warned her that she would be wise to turn the subject, but her dislike of Sophy had become such an obsession with her that she was impelled to continue.\n\n\"You must have noticed, dear Charles, that our sweet sister has fallen quite under the sway of her cousin. I cannot think it will lead to anything but disaster. Miss Stanton-Lacy doubtless has many excellent qualities, but I have always thought that you were right in saying she had too little delicacy of mind.\"\n\nMr. Rivenhall, who had decided that Sophy was to blame for his sister's conduct, said without an instant's hesitation, \"You are mistaken. I never made any such remark!\"\n\n\"Did you not? Something of that nature I think you once said to me, but it hardly signifies! It is a thousand pities that dear Lady Ombersley was forced to receive her as a guest at this precise time. Every time I enter the house I am conscious of a change in it! Even the children—\"\n\n\"It is certainly by far more lively,\" he interrupted.\n\nShe gave vent to rather an artificial laugh. \"It is certainly less peaceful!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She began to smooth the wrinkles from her gloves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know, Charles, I have always so much admired the tone of this house? Your doing, I know well! I cannot but feel a little melancholy when I see that ordered calm—a certain dignity, I should say—shattered by wild spirits. Poor little Amabel, I thought the other day, is growing quite out of hand. Of course, Miss Stanton-Lacy encourages her unthinkingly. One must remember that she herself has had a strangely irregular upbringing!\"\n\n\"My cousin,\" said Mr. Rivenhall, with finality, \"has been extremely kind to the children, and is a great favorite with my mother. I must add that it is a pleasure to me to see my mother's spirits so much improved by Sophy's presence. Have you any errands in this part of town? May I escort you? I must be in Bond Street in twenty minutes' time.\"\n\nIn face of so comprehensive a snub as this it was impossible for Miss Wraxton to say more. Her color rose, and her lips tightened, but she managed to suppress an acid retort, and to say with the appearance at least of complaisance, \"Thank you, I have to call at the library for Mama. I came in the barouche and shall be glad to take you up as far as to your destination.\"\n\nSince this was Jackson's Boxing Saloon, she could hardly have been expected to have been pleased, for she did not care for sport of any kind and considered boxing a peculiarly low form of it. But apart from quizzing Mr. Rivenhall archly on his obvious preference for a horrid prizefighter's society rather than for her own, she made no comment.\n\nCecilia, meanwhile, had fled, not to Lady Ombersley but to her cousin, whom she discovered seated before her dressing table, scanning a slip of paper. Jane Storridge was putting away her habit, but when Cecilia came into the room she seemed to feel that she was not wanted, for she gave an audible sniff, picked up Sophy's riding boots, and went away with them under her arm.\n\n\"What do you suppose this can be, Cecy?\" asked Sophy, still studying with knit brows the paper in her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jane says she found it by the window and thought it must be mine. What a funny name! Goldhanger, Bear Alley, Fleet Lane. I do not know the writing, and cannot conceive how— Oh, how stupid! it must have fallen out of the pocket of Hubert's coat!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sophy!\" said Cecilia, \"I have had the most dreadful interview with Charlbury!\"\n\nSophy laid the paper down. \"Good gracious, how is this?\"\n\n\"I find my spirits utterly overborne!\" declared Cecilia, sinking into a chair. \"No one—no one!—could have behaved with more exquisite sensibility! I wish you had not persuaded me to see him! Nothing could have been more painful!\"\n\n\"Oh, do not give him a thought!\" said Sophy bracingly. \"Let us rather think what is to be done about fixing Augustus in some genteel occupation!\"\n\n\"How can you be so heartless?\" demanded Cecilia. \"When he was so kind, and I could not but see how much I had grieved him!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I daresay he will recover speedily enough,\" Sophy replied, in a careless way." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ten to one he will fall in love with another female before the month is out!\"\n\nCecilia did not look as though she found this prophecy consoling, but after a moment she said, \"I am sure I wish he may, for to be ruining a man's life is no very pleasant thing, I can tell you!\"\n\n\"Do you think it will rain? Dare I wear my new straw hat? I have a mind to flirt with Charlbury myself. I liked him.\"\n\n\"I wish you may succeed,\" said Cecilia, a trifle stiffly. \"I do not think him a man at all given to flirting, however. The tone of his mind is too nice for such a pastime as that!\"\n\nSophy laughed. \"We'll see! Do tell me which hat I should wear! The straw is so ravishing, but if it were to come on to mizzle—\"\n\n\"I don't care which hat you wear!\" snapped Cecilia." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 1 sentence as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They stayed in the crafter caste house that night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both of them were soaked, Rahel didn't want to have to explain to Mouse, and her mother said she was not going home until she banged on a few more doors about their appeal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At any other time, Rahel would have been more interested in the caste house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All she wanted to do now was get to their room, take a hot shower, and collapse on the bed in the colorful robe the caste house provided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was barely aware of her mother speaking to someone in the corridor after her own shower, arranging for their clothes to be cleaned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She drifted off to sleep, exhausted from the day's emotions, and woke at the sound of a knock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was their clothes, fresh and dry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Getting up and dressed felt like moving underwater." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She brightened once she got a few bites of food inside, and looked around the in-house tavern with curiosity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your caste house takes the prize for art.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Crafters the world over compete to have their designs displayed in the big city houses.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you had anything shown?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One of my sculptures was displayed in the lobby of the Whitemoon caste house when you were . . . hm, you would have been twelve.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really? Huh. My mother is famous. Why didn't I know that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because you were twelve. And I'm not famous. It was just for one cycle.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think you're being modest.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A slow smile stole over her mother's face. \"Possibly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They drank two full glasses of summer cider each, and Rahel wobbled a little on their way back to the lodgings upstairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lasted for another half hantick before crawling into bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mother pulled the covers up around her shoulders, just as she had cycles ago, and kissed her temple." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow will be a better day,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mother?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hm?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Today was . . . it wasn't all bad. I'm so glad you're here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am, too.\" Her mother rested a hand against her jaw. \"I love you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rahel smiled, soaking up the truth through her skin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I love you, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She fell asleep with that touch warming her senses, bringing comfort to the deepest parts of her subconscious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She never knew when her mother moved away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bureaucratic issues, it turned out, took much longer to fix than to create." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At least they were no longer dealing with the supercilious warrior of the previous afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rahel could not help smiling when they arrived at the warrior caste house entry desk to find her friend from two cycles ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His round face, shoulder-length hair, and full cape were the same, but he seemed quite a bit shorter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do I know you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he asked. \"You look familiar.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was here two cycles ago, trying to challenge. You gave me a bed for the night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He did?\" Her mother turned to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you for showing my daughter a little kindness when she needed it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stared at Rahel a moment longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I remember giving a room to a little girl—hoi! That was you! Good Fahla, look at you now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A grin transformed his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And now you're here with your mother, eh? So you took my advice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She nodded. It wasn't technically a lie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had taken his advice, just not the way he intended it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then let's get this challenge started!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled out his reader card." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We already did,\" her mother said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There's been a problem.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He listened with a sympathetic expression, then assured them that the issue was purely technical and should be easily resolved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm afraid easily doesn't mean quickly,\" he warned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It might take more than a moon. I wish it were different, but once this sort of thing is in the system, it has to go through several different departments for signatures. But I will personally make sure it doesn't stall on anyone's desk.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Though disheartened by the timeline, Rahel felt a burst of affection for this kind warrior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've remembered you all this time. You said back then that you had found your place in the caste, that you helped people. You really do. It meant so much to me then, and it means a lot now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He blushed and tried to cover his embarrassment with throat clearings and a few official-sounding bits of advice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rahel just smiled more widely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When they left the caste house, her mother elbowed her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have a fan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's cute, isn't he? I remember him being taller, though.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure he remembers you being shorter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sky was gloriously blue, harboring no sign of the previous day's rain other than the fresh-washed look of the landscaping and a few puddles still standing in some of the dips in the path." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With no immediately pressing tasks, they took a hantick to wander through the park, following the path through stands of trees as thick as miniature forests, then popping out into beautifully landscaped meadows before going back under the trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Two cycles I've lived here, and I've never walked through this park. Now I don't know why.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You might have been more focused on working and surviving than sightseeing and relaxing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, I relaxed. I spent last summer at Dock One, swimming until I turned into a fish. I rode the magtran all over, exploring different parts of the city. And I had all those days with you. I just never came here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then perhaps you didn't want to. Until you could.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rahel mulled that over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think you're right.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They emerged from another stand of trees and stopped to watch a pair of producers pulling dead foliage from a flower bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A cart full of brightly blooming plants sat beside them, ready to be set out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rahel,\" her mother said in a serious tone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have at least a moon before we can get your caste ID. I want . . . I'd like you to let me support you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She appreciated the change in wording." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't want me to work.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would be much happier if I knew you weren't meeting adults for illegal priming, yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rahel faced her. \"I have two clients scheduled this nineday. I won't cancel them. Not because of pride,\" she said, stopping the interruption." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because I made a commitment and these clients are . . . I know them, Mother. I've taken care of them for over half a cycle. They're coming on business from Blacksun and Redmoon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mother closed her eyes, shook her head, and looked back at the producers. \"You're testing me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, I'm not.\" Well, maybe she was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll stop after these two. I just wouldn't feel right canceling them on such short notice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chunk sound of the producers wielding their hand diggers was loud in the ensuing silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mother watched in apparent fascination." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"These are your last two?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she asked. \"Will you promise?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I promise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All right. Then I agree, on one condition.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pinned Rahel with a no-nonsense stare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will call me before and after each client. You'll tell me where you're meeting them and at what time. If I don't hear from you within ten ticks of the time you're supposed to be done, I'm calling the City Guards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For a moment, Rahel wanted to say no." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had never had to be accountable before and didn't appreciate what felt like controlling demands now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she thought about Mouse walking out their door without even telling her that he was going to the worst place on the bayfront." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a start, she realized that they should have had a safety system in place from the moment she got her own com code." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed so obvious now. Why hadn't they?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because Mouse never had the option until she came along." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He probably never even considered it once it did become an option." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It certainly hadn't occurred to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had just been doing what worked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fahla, they were idiots." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's fair,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Then we have a few errands to run.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They spent part of the morning setting up a joint bank account, then went to the library to ask Deme Isanelle to transfer Rahel's savings into it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her mother looked incredulous upon seeing the amount." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No wonder you don't want to stop,\" she said when they left the library." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not all of that is from work. Deme Isanelle gave me a birth anniversary gift.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Goddess above. Do I owe everyone in this city for taking care of you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think Deme Isanelle would be insulted if you thought of it as owing her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going to have a hard time thinking of it any other way.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe you can donate a sculpture to the library,\" Rahel suggested." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That brought out a faint smile. \"Maybe I should.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They went to the market next, stocking up on goods, and brought home as much as Rahel could fit in the cooling unit and cupboards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mouse was not home, but he had left a note expressing his hope that everything had gone well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're gone all night with no explanation and he assumes you're fine?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He knew I was with you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a weak defense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He didn't know I stayed in town overnight. Rahel—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know.\" She slumped onto their couch." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We haven't kept watch on each other that way. I usually go with him when he's running errands, but we, um, we never set up any kind of system for work. He's been doing this since he was fourteen.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mother sat beside her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know you know how dangerous that is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hadn't felt this young and stupid in a long time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Honestly? Not until you told me your terms in the park.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This close, she could sense the forcible control of anger and fear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When I get home, I'm going straight to the temple. I'm lighting an entire rack of oil bowls in thanks to Fahla for keeping you safe this long. Maybe two racks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mother took a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That was reckless, Rahel.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know,\" she said miserably." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I mean, I know now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is he servicing a client right now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She winced. \"Probably.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ugh. I just want to pick him up and take him home with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't imagine anything that would upset him more. I've tried, Mother. He's old enough to challenge any caste on his own. He knows he could go into the merchants and get legitimate work. But this is all he's ever done.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I assume you won't let this continue? At least know where he is and when he should be finished.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I will. I was already planning on it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though she didn't know how she would convince Mouse." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their farewell was wrenching." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After two cycles of meeting in shannel shops and talking about everything but what mattered, these last two days had been a revelation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had her mother back and did not want to let go." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Judging by the length and tightness of their warmron, she was not alone in that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Call me. Not just when you have to. I want to know how you're doing. I want to hear about your friends.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will, I promise. Mother . . .\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She squeezed more tightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you. Thank you so much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're my daughter. You don't have to thank me for being your mother. I'm just grateful you're giving me the chance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rahel had never felt so alone as when the apartment door closed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She raced to the window, waited for her mother to appear on the street below, then leaned out and waved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her mother smiled brightly, waved back, and set off toward the magtran station." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the next curve, she turned and lifted a hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That she had known Rahel would still be watching was a sweet kind of pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not until she vanished did Rahel lower her arm, wipe her eyes, and look around her very empty home." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five ticks later she was striding down the bayfront road toward Dock Thirty-One. She needed company. A chat with Jacon over one of his salterins sounded just right." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "StoryBot: Add three sentences to this segment. Style: Fletcher DeLancey. Genre: scifi, LGBT, romance. Note: Part of larger work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over the course of the next cycle, Ravenel did build her future. She left Brasalara with barely a backward glance, stating that there was nothing left for her there, and settled permanently with Sharro.\n\nWithin half a moon, she found a space to rent near the bayfront." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the end of the moon, she had shipped in equipment and set up a new workshop. Then she threw herself into her craft and churned out sculptures that were hauntingly evocative of both her grief and her hope.\n\nThey found willing buyers in Alseans who had seen their planet invaded and damaged, who had lost loved ones or taken part in the terrible battle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sculptures filled a need and sold as fast as her mother could make them. Rahel thought the income might be secondary to the comfort of knowing that so many people understood.\n\nShe herself did not do nearly as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she returned to Blacksun and resumed her normal life, the nightmares began.\n\nThe first time, she woke up terrified because it had been her, not Pria, who had lost her legs. No one had been there to offer paincounters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had lain on the hillside in agony, until she put her disruptor to her head to end it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it would not fire, and she knew she would suffer like that forever." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few nights later, she dreamed that she was leading her scholars toward another ground pounder and realized that they were no longer following." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she stopped and turned, all four of them looked at her with that focused expression." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment she didn't understand what they were doing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she screamed as their claws tore into her mind.\n\nShe dreamed that she set her father's pyre alight and then watched in horror as he sat upright, his clothes and hair in flames, and howled in agony. \"Why did you come back now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he raged as his face began to melt. \"Why now, only to burn me?\"\n\nShe dreamed of being chased by ground pounders that always knew where she was, no matter how well she was hidden." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dreamed of watching scholars break the Voloth, only to have all of the Voloth converge on her and tear her apart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She dreamed of Voloth imbued with the powers of high empaths, staring at her from beneath a ground pounder and breaking her mind.\n\nWorst of all were the nights when she dreamed of lying on a couch, her head in Sharro's lap, her eyes closed while she luxuriated in the familiar touch of those gentle fingers brushing back her hair. Then the touch stopped, and she opened her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not Sharro who looked down at her, but the empathic rapist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sleep never returned once she awoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She discovered that a gulp of Whitesun Rise before bed kept the nightmares away—for a while. Then it wasn't enough, so she tried two. Then three.\n\nHer consumption of grain spirits rose, while her hanticks of sleep continued to decline." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Over time, both took their toll.\n\nThree and a half moons after the Battle of Alsea, the Council voted to allow the Voloth survivors to settle on Alsea. These were the soldiers who had been turned after Lancer Tal's new battle plan, whose minds had not been shattered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They included the four from the ground pounder that Rahel's team had captured.\n\nRahel was stunned by this betrayal. She could not believe that these soldiers, who had brought death and destruction to Alsea with no provocation, were being rewarded by a life of leisure on the very planet they had tried to enslave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shantu agreed with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was Lancer Tal,\" he growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She convinced the High Council, and they convinced the Council. She was a great war leader, but this—!\"\n\nHer nightmares worsened. It was as if the knowledge of those Voloth living on Alsea permeated her subconscious, releasing the terrors more frequently. She had respected Lancer Tal for her brilliance during the Battle of Alsea, but now she associated that name with betrayal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In an effort to get the sleep she so desperately needed, she tried drinking not only before she went to bed, but also when she awoke from a nightmare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This, too, was effective at first. Then she needed more to make it work.\n\nAt one point, worried about her consumption levels, she tried sleep meds." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But they gummed up her brain so badly that the increased sleep was not worth it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She would wake after a full night of dreamless sleep feeling as if half of her intellect had vanished during the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It returned only gradually over the course of the day, reaching normal levels just before she took another dose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Shantu noticed and commented on her lack of sharpness, she threw away the sleep meds and returned to drinking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wasn't as effective for combating nightmares, but it didn't destroy her ability to perform her job.\n\nShe refused to work with high empaths. Shantu was the only one she could tolerate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had never been comfortable around them, not since the age of seventeen, but now she would make every effort, take any path, if it meant she could keep them away from her.\n\nFive and a half moons after the battle, the test facility for the new fusion reactors lost containment and exploded. It had been built with Protectorate technology acquired in the treaty Alsea had signed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'protectorate' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Conspiracy theories abounded, but Shantu dismissed them all.\n\n\"If the Protectorate wanted to destroy us, it wouldn't be through giving us faulty blueprints for fusion reactors,\" he said. \"Those idiots screaming about the Protectorate are missing the real problem. Our true crisis is much closer at hand.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What is that?\" Rahel asked. She was sitting in his home office, a glass of very fine grain spirits in her hand. It was one of the nicer benefits of meeting with Shantu." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lancer Tal. I supported her when she used her emergency powers to bypass the government, but that power went to her head. She stood in front of the Council today and treated us like children. Told us that she would decide when to release the Protectorate's matter printers, not us. Not the Council. Her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's overriding the Council?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shantu nodded. \"Those matter printers are the most transformative technology our world may ever see. Instantly creating anything we want without worrying about scarce resources? There is nothing more important than handling that tech properly. And she's sitting on it. The same woman who let the Voloth settle here!\" His voice rose. \"Who gave away our sovereignty to the aliens who abandoned us and then said, 'Hoi, you have something we want, let us help you after all.' We saved ourselves from the Voloth. We didn't need Protectorate help. She's drunk on power and endangering our future.\"\n\n\"I don't understand. You engineered a caste coup to throw out Tordax, and he wasn't half this bad. Why aren't you getting rid of her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked as if he had tasted something sour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Her approval ratings are still sky high. People haven't forgotten that she saved Alsea during the invasion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She didn't do it by herself. Your ratings are sky high as well.\"\n\nShantu had been a brilliant commander for the Pallea forces and was personally responsible for the destruction of eleven ground pounders before the battle had turned. His reputation was stronger than ever, and he had forced Lancer Tal to accept several of his demands while she forged a treaty with the Protectorate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not high enough.\" He leaned back in his chair and gazed at her across his desk." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'assigned' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I'm working on it. Lancer Tal assigned me to work with Parser on corruption in the merchant caste—\"\n\n\"She assigned you? Like an instructor assigns a student?\"\n\nThe sour look returned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, and that will come back to bite her. It gives Parser and me the perfect cover for long-term planning. There will be a caste coup, have no doubt. But the current political climate requires careful maneuvering.\"\n\n\"You're working on a caste coup with the Prime Merchant? That man would sell you three-day-old fish and charge you extra for the flies.\"\n\nShantu laughed. \"True words. But he's also predictable and very well connected. I won't succeed with Tal the way I did with Tordax. It needs to be a subtle attack.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rahel thought about that as she sipped her drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shantu was many things; subtle was not one of them. This was a radical departure from his normal methods.\n\n\"Are you really that worried about her?\" she asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shifted to rest his forearms on the desk and fixed her with a serious stare." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'she's' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lancer Tal is the greatest threat Alsea has ever known. She's worse than the Voloth. They were at least a clear enemy to be recognized and repelled. Tal is insidious. She's selling our future and weakening us at precisely the time when we need to be stronger than ever. She must be stopped.\"\n\nRahel finished her drink and set the empty glass on his desk. \"Whatever you need from me. You know that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. You're my secret weapon.\"\n\nSeven and a half moons later, on the one-cycle anniversary of the Battle of Alsea, Ravenel and Sharro held a bonding ceremony.\n\n\"It might be an odd choice,\" Ravenel said when she told Rahel of their plans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But we don't want that date to mean only loss. I want to balance the memory of what I lost with a celebration of what we gained.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whitesun Temple was packed for the ceremony. Sharro knew half the city, and Ravenel had found her place in the vibrant crafter community. Their distinctive tricolored capes were everywhere, but the best use of crafter colors were the blue, green, and yellow stripes Sharro had put in her hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bondmates were radiant, filling the temple with their happiness, and Rahel drank it in like a tonic. She hoped their joy might free her of nightmares while she accompanied them on their bonding break. They had chosen a little village on the east coast, scenic and untouched by the invasion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the second night, she woke in a gasping panic to find Sharro sitting on her bed.\n\n\"You're all right,\" Sharro said. \"It was just a nightmare.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Fahla. I thought—never mind. What are you doing here?\"\n\n\"I couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk on the beach. When I came back past your cabin, I heard you.\"\n\n\"Wonderful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Would it help to talk about it?\"\n\n\"Not in the slightest.\" She tensed when Sharro began brushing her hair back from her forehead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her nightmare had been the bad one, where Sharro did exactly this and then turned into the empathic rapist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tried to relax, telling herself that the nightmare version did not smell of sea air and floral lotion, but her body refused to listen.\n\nSharro rested her hand on Rahel's forehead. \"How long have you been having these? Since the battle?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Almost. They started when I went back to Blacksun.\"\n\n\"Are you getting help?\"\n\n\"You mean the special counselors?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'everyone' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She pushed Sharro's hand away and sat upright. \"Those are for the high empaths.\"\n\n\"They're for everyone, Rahel. Everyone who saw things they can't forget.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What am I going to say? 'Oh, yes, I was in the battle and barely got a scratch, while other people got their legs blown off or had to empathically break the invaders, but I'm the one who needs help.' It's ridiculous. I walked out of that battle with a sore rib. A sore rib! And then I went to Brasalara and saw half the town destroyed. I watched my mother light the pyres of most of her family. Other people suffered. I didn't.\"\n\n\"You're suffering right now.\" Sharro reached out, but stopped when Rahel shifted away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rahel. You can't even accept touch. Touch for you is like food and water for others.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rahel stared at a loose thread on her coverlet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And now you're wishing I would leave, aren't you?\"\n\nShe nodded, then felt guilty and looked up. \"It's not that I don't appreciate it. Thank you for worrying about me. But it's not necessary.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From Sharro's expression, she did not believe that for a moment. \"All right. I don't want to make you uncomfortable. Will you at least promise me that when you go home, you'll see someone about this? It's not a weakness to get help.\" She smiled, bringing out her dimple." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't always have to fight.\"\n\nRahel could not summon up an answering smile. \"I promise,\" she said.\n\nIt was the only promise she ever broke." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo can u write like Fletcher DeLancey using my stuff as a starting point? btw might drop u in mid-story with random chars" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Micah and Tal spent the duration of Salomen's surgery in a small meeting room with Ronlin and Vellmar, listening to their report.\n\n\"She broke your empathic shields?\" Tal asked incredulously. \"All of you?\"\n\nMicah sat in the chair next to her, watching his two Lead Guards across the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had expected high levels of stress, but their body language spoke of something well beyond that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This latest revelation explained why.\n\n\"Not just our shields,\" Ronlin said. \"She burned out our empathic senses. None of us could feel a thing. I didn't start getting mine back for a tentick.\"\n\n\"It was like a fireball blowing through a paper door.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vellmar still looked shaken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her empathic rating was the highest on the scale, matched only by Tal's, yet it sounded as if Salomen hadn't merely breached her shields. She had destroyed them.\n\n\"Fahla.\" Tal rubbed her forehead ridges. \"If I didn't know you two so well, I'd think you were drinking. Or temporarily insane. No one can take out eight high empaths. She isn't even trained!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eight high empaths and one mid empath,\" Ronlin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And two of those Guards were out in the lobby. They weren't anywhere near her, but they reported the same effects. Every one of us heard that scream, and every one of us was incapacitated.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He leaned forward. \"Lancer Tal, I'm sorry to speak words you don't want to hear. But Bondlancer Opah is my responsibility. To protect her, I have to deal in facts. The simple fact is, she has stronger empathic powers than anything in recorded history.\"\n\n\"She was never tested,\" Micah reminded them. \"We never knew how strong she was.\"\n\n\"I don't think she can be tested. The protocols won't measure her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ronlin hesitated. \"There's more.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We know,\" Tal said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'sayana' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She told us she nearly killed that warrior.\"\n\n\"Vellmar was the only one close enough to see.\" Ronlin looked at his fellow Lead Guard, whose posture telegraphed extreme discomfort.\n\n\"When I could stand up again, I saw Sal—ah, Bondlancer Opah standing near the podium and Sayana on her knees. They were staring at each other. Sayana had the stud driver and . . .\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vellmar cleared her throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She was turning it to her own head. Even when I stopped her by putting a knife through her hand, she tried again with her other hand. It didn't stop until Ronlin knocked her unconscious. That's when Bondlancer Opah returned to normal.\"\n\nTal exhaled. \"Is it possible that Sayana was suicidal?\"\n\n\"Not a chance,\" Vellmar said. \"I felt her before my senses were burned out. She was angry and confident, not depressed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If she wanted to commit suicide, she needed to be less competent,\" Ronlin added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She disabled three Guards and had Bondlancer Opah in a neck hold before any of us even knew she was there. That was not the behavior of someone who wanted to die.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Vellmar shifted in her seat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lancer Tal, may I speak freely?\"\n\n\"Go ahead.\"\n\nAfter a pause, she crossed her hands on the table and met Tal's gaze. \"When I got to Salomen, she didn't recognize me. Her pupils were dilated so far that if I didn't know her eyes were brown, I couldn't have told you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Micah's surprise did not show outwardly, but he was in a room with three high empaths. He held up a hand when they all looked at him. \"Later. Finish your statement.\"\n\nVellmar nodded. \"I threw my knife right in front of her, but she didn't even flinch. She didn't react to Sayana being impaled through the hand, either. But the worst of it is that she was so . . . uncaring. She was watching Sayana kill herself, and she didn't care. That was not my friend. That was someone who holds a power no Alsean ever has or ever should have.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She cared,\" Ronlin said. \"You weren't with her in the skimmer afterward. She cared a great deal.\"\n\n\"And I believe the issue of whether she should have that power is beyond this discussion,\" Tal said in clipped tones. \"The fact is, she does.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ronlin jumped into the charged silence. \"Bondlancer Opah didn't know what she was doing. I have no conflict of interest in not reporting this because there was no criminal intent.\"\n\n\"How do you know that?\" Micah asked. They hadn't gotten much more out of Salomen than her initial confession." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shock and exhaustion had made her nearly incoherent, and she had fallen asleep soon after." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because she didn't remember anything about it. My empathic senses came back before her memory did, and I would swear before a High Tribunal that she didn't know what happened. When she did remember, she didn't know how it happened. All she could say was that it wasn't her.\"\n\nMicah saw the odd expression on Tal's face but chose not to comment. Instead he steered them toward what he felt was the critical issue. \"How did it get to that point? How did a mid empath get on that stage?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ronlin's face darkened. \"I'm still working on that. The two Guards she hit and sedated didn't sense any intent. None of us sensed her presence beforehand. I walked through that entire caste house myself, twice. She wasn't there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Obviously she was. Find that failure point, Ronlin.\"\n\n\"What does that warrior have to say for herself?\" Tal asked suddenly.\n\n\"She, er . . .\" Ronlin rubbed the back of his thick neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She said she won't talk to anyone but Fahla.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does she mean Fahla's Chosen?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Micah had often teased Tal about that name." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had acquired it after killing Shantu in the ritual combat, and though she hated it, she could not deny its political power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Er, no. I believe she meant Bondlancer Opah.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The room was silent as everyone tried not to look at Tal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I understand why she'd think that,\" Vellmar said. \"When I heard that scream in my mind, I thought the same thing. It wasn't Alsean.\" She withstood Tal's glare without flinching. \"It didn't sound Alsean.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It didn't.\" Ronlin took the heat off Vellmar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It sounded like Fahla had come to avenge some great wrong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, she's not talking to Salomen, so she'd better give up that fantasy,\" Tal snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When it was clear that his Lead Guards had shared all they knew, Micah dismissed Ronlin to resume his investigation and told Vellmar to write up her report. Then he joined Tal at the window of the tiny meeting room.\n\n\"Why were you so surprised when Vellmar mentioned Salomen's eyes?\" Tal asked, her gaze on the outside view." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because yours looked just the same when you froze on the stairs.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She nodded, as if his words had only confirmed her suspicions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There was something you weren't saying as well. When Ronlin mentioned Salomen's temporary memory loss.\"\n\nTal neither moved nor spoke for several pipticks, then set her shoulders and turned to face him. \"I felt it. On the stairs, I felt what Salomen was doing.\"\n\n\"I assumed as much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Micah, it didn't feel like her. Or perhaps . . . not like all of her?\" She made a gesture of frustration. \"She was so angry, but that isn't the right word for it. It was homicidal rage. Take the angriest you have ever seen me and multiply it by a factor of one hundred, and you might be close. But that's all it was.\"\n\n\"I don't think I understand,\" Micah said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She was nothing but pure, lethally protective instinct. The rest of her wasn't there. It was like one dimension instead of three. I think that's why she had temporary memory loss, because most of her was gone. When I unfroze—that's when she came back. All the parts of her that were missing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Micah frowned. \"Then that leaves us with two questions. Where did she go, and what happened to send her there?\"\n\n\"And she's the only one who can answer them.\"\n\nThey turned their attention to the other unsolved pieces of the puzzle. Of the three warriors that Sayana had neutralized, two were concussed from a hit to the temple but otherwise fine, once the sedative had been detected and countered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The third was already recovered, though he said his ears were still ringing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one knew how Sayana had escaped detection until that point.\n\nHer bag contained a thermal scanner, two more shock bombs, a skinspray loaded with the sedative she had used on the Guards, and an electronic jammer. There was no ID or personal belongings. She had been armed only with a stave, the shock bombs, and the stud driver." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a meticulously planned nonfatal attack by the same warrior who had been prepared to kill everyone in the house where Herot was held. Neither Micah nor Tal could make sense of it.\n\nThey were interrupted by a call from one of the only com codes Tal had authorized, that of Communications Advisor Miltorin. She put it on her wristcom, enabling Micah to hear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've been informed,\" Miltorin said without preamble." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did the audience see Bondlancer Opah being carried out?\"\n\n\"No. She walked out on her own.\"\n\nMicah smiled. That was the Salomen he knew. According to Ronlin, she had not wanted her fellow producers to see her disabled in any way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though wounded and in shock, she had held her head high and walked through them, faltering only when they began to chant her name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Excellent. That helps the optics considerably. We'll say she suffered minor injuries and the assailant was apprehended immediately. No names.\"\n\n\"No names?\" Tal exclaimed. \"You think that warrior deserves protection?\"\n\n\"I think Bondlancer Opah does. You offer the warrior's name, you invite questions. We don't want questions, and we especially don't want anyone to interview her. We make it a minor issue, because it is. There will be a little smoke, but if we don't add fuel to the fire, smoke is all it will be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Micah turned at a quick rap on the door." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the Guards, newly arrived from Blacksun, poked his head in. \"Colonel Micah, the healer is here. Bondlancer Opah is out of surgery.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "make story longer like Fletcher DeLancey would. heads up: might have existing chars/lore" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Salomen had never been on Blacksun Base without Andira.\n\nTheir official secondary residence was here, on this busy military base where Andira still held a ceremonial rank and the quarters that went with it. When they first bonded, Salomen had not understood why Andira would want to divide her time between two homes. It only took a few days of living in the State House for the reason to become abundantly clear.\n\nEveryone in that building wanted something from Andira—and now from Salomen as well. Nothing could be taken at face value; every conversation held hidden undertones and meanings. For a person who had spent her life being brutally honest, such a constant drumbeat of obfuscation and backhanded dealing was exhausting. Not even a moon had passed before Salomen was the one asking for recovery time in their secondary quarters. She would rather be home at Hol-Opah, but on the days when that wasn't possible, they often came here." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'andira' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It helped that the base was so beautiful. It occupied the flat top of a hill—defensible, Andira had said, though Salomen didn't think that was a consideration in modern times—and was surrounded on all sides by trees so tall their tops scraped the low clouds of winter. Salomen had spent many hanticks exploring the trails through this forest, usually with Andira or Fianna. The crisp, wild air here was unlike that of her own land and a far cry from the city scents of Blacksun.\n\nShe inhaled it now, closing her eyes in the warm sunshine and appreciating the relative quiet.\n\n\"You look more relaxed,\" Ronlin said. \"It's good to see.\"\n\n\"It's good to feel.\" She looked past him to the close-cropped central field, where twenty warriors were doing some sort of slow dance that involved thrusting fists and shouts and impressive feats of balance, all while synchronizing every move." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is a life I never imagined. It's like seeing those old books on my mother's shelves come to life. She loved stories about warriors.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry she's not here with us.\"\n\n\"I am, too. She would be asking you a thousand questions about your life.\"\n\nHe rubbed the back of his neck. \"My life is not that interesting.\"\n\n\"I've read your records, so I know that for the lie it is.\" She set off down the brick path, smiling as he scrambled to keep up. \"Warriors are cute when they're embarrassed.\"\n\n\"Please don't ever use that word to describe me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Embarrassed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She shamelessly enjoyed his exasperation, but that lightness slipped away as they neared the main building. Summoning up her courage, she asked, \"Ronlin?\"\n\n\"Yes?\"\n\n\"Why aren't you afraid of me?\"\n\nHe said nothing until they were a few steps from the side entrance. A light touch on her arm made her stop, and she gathered that this was not a conversation he wanted to have indoors.\n\n\"Forgive my presumption,\" he said. \"But this is about Vellmar, yes?\"\n\nShe could not meet his eyes, certain that he would see her pain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't understand why she's still so afraid of me when you're not. Or any of my Guards.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your Guards aren't afraid of you because I would transfer them to the middle of Fahlinor Bay if they were.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That made her laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I suppose that threat wouldn't work on Fianna.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Include the following text] → \"When I was a young trainee of seventeen, I learned a new move in class—a strike to the sternum. I wanted to show my birthfather. You know he's a producer.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not from me.\" He scrubbed his hand through his hair, then settled into a more comfortable stance. \"When I was a young trainee of seventeen, I learned a new move in class—a strike to the sternum. I wanted to show my birthfather. You know he's a producer.\" At her nod, he continued, \"He didn't know how dangerous that strike could be. I didn't, either. He stood there, trusting me, while I hit him in the sternum. I thought it was a light enough blow to not do damage, but . . . I hit him too hard and too low.\"\n\nHe put his hand against his chest, then slid it down. \"Right here, at the base of the sternum. It pushed the tip of the bone into his heart. Put him in the healing center for two days.\"\n\n\"Oh, no. Ronlin.\"\n\n\"I have never felt so guilty in my life. Or wished so hard that I could turn back time. But he didn't blame me. And he was never afraid of me.\"\n\n\"Why would he—\" She stopped. \"That's not the same thing at all.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"It is, Bondlancer. I was trying something I had just learned, but I didn't have the skills to do it safely. He knew I didn't hurt him on purpose. Your Guards know it, too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is, Bondlancer. I was trying something I had just learned, but I didn't have the skills to do it safely. He knew I didn't hurt him on purpose. Your Guards know it, too.\"\n\nA distant shout interrupted, twenty voices joined into one. Over in the central field, the warriors had ended their routine and were frozen in a pose with their fists thrust skyward. Their synchrony dissolved as they moved, some gathering to stand in conversational clusters while others scooped their jackets off the grass and began walking toward the barracks.\n\n\"Sometimes learning means getting hurt,\" Ronlin said. \"Accidents happen; we all know that. The only reason to be afraid is if accidents keep happening. I don't think you'll allow that.\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"We're arranging for an instructor. I have to learn to control this.\"\n\n\"And you will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She watched as a cluster of warriors laughed, their faces alight with enjoyment. Fianna laughed like that when she felt comfortable enough.\n\nHe seemed to read her mind. \"I don't know what's happening with Vellmar. If it helps, I don't think she does, either.\"\n\n\"That doesn't really help, but thank you.\" She took the last few steps and waited as he opened the door. \"And thank you for telling me your story. I'm glad you didn't hurt your birthfather too badly.\"\n\n\"No, but he's been teasing me about it ever since. I'll never stop paying for that one.\"\n\nThe office Salomen sought was on the top floor of the building." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As they entered the anteroom, an aide jumped to his feet in alarm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Bondlancer!\" He bowed his head. \"My apologies; I wasn't informed of your meeting.\"\n\n\"I didn't make an appointment. Is the colonel available?\"\n\n\"Ah . . .\" He hesitated.\n\nShe had been in the State House long enough to know what that meant. Without another word, she strode past the speechless aide, opened the interior door, and stepped inside.\n\n\"Colonel Razine, may I have a moment of your time?\"\n\nThe uniformed woman looked up from her reading with an expression of surprise that was swiftly wrestled beneath an impassive mask. \"Bondlancer Opah, well met.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'salomen' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Razine stepped out from behind her massive desk and held up a palm.\n\nShe was average in height and stocky in build, the result of too many hanticks behind the desk. Her light brown hair was in a no-nonsense short cut, in contrast to the longer locks many warriors favored, and the corners of her eyes bore lines from cycles of laughter. She could have been mistaken for a nonthreatening grandmother, but Salomen knew better. Colonel Razine was the head of the Alsean Investigative Force, an extremely powerful and ruthless woman who had personally extracted the forced confession from Prime Merchant Parser.\n\nRazine waved out her aide, who closed the door behind him. \"Please sit, Bondlancer.\" She waited until Salomen was settled in the surprisingly comfortable guest chair before retaking her own seat. \"To what do I owe the honor of your visit?\"\n\n\"If you don't already know the answer to that, you're not what Andira says you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A heavy pause passed before Razine's eyes crinkled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not one for pleasantries, are you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"When they're appropriate, yes, but otherwise I find them to be an enormous waste of time. And they fuel half the conversations in the State House.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Words for Fahla. It's why I stay far away from that building.\" Razine leaned back in her chair. \"You're here about the prosecution of First Guard Rahel Sayana.\"\n\n\"Yes. I came to deliver Lead Templar Satran's full report.\" Salomen pulled out her reader card and tapped it open.\n\n\"In person,\" Razine observed. \"How intriguing. Are you going to explain why you refused to sign the charges?\"\n\nIn answer, Salomen activated Lanaril's report and handed it across the desk.\n\n\"Trauma shock. Not surprising.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Razine's eyebrows rose as she read further." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Satran is invoking the Reduced Capacity Directive? That must have made Lancer Tal happy.\"\n\n\"Andira is not the victim of the crime. I am.\"\n\n\"And three of your Guards.\"\n\n\"Who are also not pressing charges.\"\n\n\"Even more intriguing. Of course, we have Sayana's previous crimes as well. Kidnapping and forced detainment of your brother, and assault with an energy weapon on Colonel Micah. Who almost didn't live to press charges.\"\n\n\"Reduced Capacity Directive,\" Salomen reminded her. \"You cannot prosecute her as an individual fully capable of understanding her decisions or their consequences.\"\n\n\"Oh, come now, Bondlancer. You dislike pleasantries, so let's speak plainly. Sayana was capable and understood enough to overcome three high empath Guards and take you hostage. That shouldn't have been possible for a mid empath warrior at the peak of her abilities, much less one so . . . compromised.\"\n\n\"All that tells you is that she's an extremely skilled warrior.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'razine' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So skilled that she's gotten you on her side. How did she manage that?\"\n\n\"She apologized. And then allowed me to sit with her through several days of intensive therapy. In skin contact, much of the time.\"\n\nRazine stared at her in silence before carefully setting down the reader card. \"I heard some interesting things about Pollonius. Involving powers no one has ever seen before.\" When that got no response, she tapped the reader card. \"You almost killed this woman.\"\n\n\"That's one story,\" Salomen said.\n\nRazine let out an amused huff. \"You've already learned some State House tactics, Bondlancer. I don't think it's a story at all. I think you pushed yourself so far into this woman's mind that you can't get back out again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have no connection with Rahel other than what she has allowed.\"\n\n\"Rahel. You're on a first-name basis.\" Her gaze was sharp. \"This is a decidedly strange case. You have powers that could eliminate all of your bondmate's enemies and consolidate her leadership for a lifetime. You could take that leadership, though it's obvious you don't want it. And yet you sit here trying to find a legal way of subverting justice on behalf of your first victim.\"\n\n\"My only victim, if I have anything to say about it,\" Salomen retorted.\n\nWith a broad smile, Razine said, \"Thank you for confirming my guess.\"\n\nSalomen sat startled, then gave a rueful shake of her head. One day, she would learn to think before speaking. \"That was a fine trap. What did it get you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The truth. I prefer it at all times. So tell me the truth, Bondlancer. Why would a woman you empathically violated let you sit in on her therapy sessions? In skin contact, no less? Did you force her to trust you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Razine had worked near-miracles on Andira's behalf in the frightening days after the assassination attempt. She was not a person to get on the wrong side of, but Andira said she was trustworthy.\n\nSalomen took the gamble.\n\n\"I wouldn't know how, and even if I did know, I'd never do it. She trusts me because she thinks I'm the vessel of Fahla.\"\n\n\"Are you?\"\n\nThat was the last question Salomen had expected. She opened her mouth, shut it again, and finally said, \"If I am, she didn't bother to tell me about it. Or give me any instructions. I'd expect more of our goddess.\"\n\nRazine made a small choking sound, then leaned back and laughed. \"Oh, that was the highlight of my day. Probably of the nineday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With a more sober expression, she crossed her hands on the desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's some precedent for what you're doing with her—the supervised meetings between the Voloth and the high empaths who turned them. Most of those high empaths are wracked with guilt.\"\n\n\"Is it helping them?\"\n\n\"Surprisingly, yes. It seems our templars and mental healers can occasionally be right. I suspect Satran is working on you and Sayana at the same time.\" She shot Salomen a knowing glance and continued, \"But guilt is not a reason to subvert justice.\"\n\n\"Before we discuss my guilt any further, why don't you finish reading that report?\"\n\nRazine regarded her with a perfectly blank expression, then picked up the reader card.\n\nThe windows behind her gave a spectacular view of the forest stretching into the distance. Far away, the Blacksun skyline lifted its shoulders above the horizon. Salomen thought the city looked more beautiful from here than it did up close." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her gaze drifted closer, to the treetops slowly ruffling their leaves in the afternoon breeze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had worn practical shoes today, anticipating that she would be in dire need of a walk after this meeting. She could almost feel the spongy forest duff beneath her feet and wondered if this would be the day she might see the elusive bellbird. A resident of dense forest, it was not a bird Salomen was familiar with. Fianna was the one who had identified it for her, based solely on its glorious song. But they had never found the singer.\n\nThe quiet click of a reader card being set down drew her attention.\n\n\"Shantu was her father,\" Razine said slowly. \"That is most unexpected.\"\n\n\"More her father than the biological one,\" Salomen confirmed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He threw her into the Battle of Alsea because he had to, but when it was over, she was one of the first people he thought of. Did you get to the section on Brasalara?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. But this is the part that Satran wrote for the eyes of an adjudicator.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'warrior' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Razine cleared her throat and began reading aloud. \"'Given the psychological depth of their association, it was not Prime Warrior Shantu who issued illegal orders to Sayana. It was her father who warned her that Alsea was in danger and asked her to help him save it. After fighting a battle in which she was asked to break our highest law to save Alsea, breaking lesser laws for the same purpose would not have seemed unreasonable. She was sick with trauma shock, conditioned from the age of seventeen to obey the man she saw as her father, and compromised both mentally and emotionally. In sum, Rahel Sayana was in a perfect set of circumstances to break an honorable warrior and turn her into a weapon. Perhaps it is not surprising that when Shantu issued these orders, he called Sayana his secret weapon.'\" She scowled. \"That man died too easily.\"\n\nWith that, Salomen knew the colonel was convinced. \"Lead Templar Satran believes he also had trauma shock.\"\n\n\"Shantu?\" Razine scoffed. \"I can't think of anyone less likely to be traumatized by killing or breaking Voloth.\"\n\n\"That's what Rahel said. Lead Templar Satran told her that trauma shock has many causes. For Shantu, it might have been the trauma of losing so many warriors and scholars under his command, and seeing the damage done to Whitesun. It was his home city, but he couldn't save it from being the worst hit on Alsea.\"\n\nRazine hummed thoughtfully. \"I did find it odd that his family was here, yet he never seemed grateful that Blacksun came through almost unscathed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because aliens kept it safe.\" Salomen was still impressed with how Lanaril had put this together. \"One group of aliens cost him dearly, while another protected the city of his greatest opponent. It must have seemed so unfair.\"\n\n\"And Satran thinks he developed trauma shock from that?\"\n\n\"From the losses, his helplessness to stop them, the fact that the Gaians protected Blacksun but not Whitesun . . .\" Salomen spread her hands. \"There could be causes we're not seeing. But trauma shock would explain his personality change. The stories Rahel has told us—I didn't know that Shantu. That's not the Prime Warrior who tried to overthrow our government and kill Andira. Rahel served an honorable man.\"\n\nRazine sat back in her chair. \"I always thought so, too, until the end. I've wondered for moons how I could have misjudged him that badly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lead Templar Satran says that fear can consume almost anything, including honor. Shantu was afraid of aliens and the changes they were bringing, so he did everything he could to stop both. She also told me, out of Rahel's hearing, that there's a rumor of Shantu having an affair.\"\n\n\"I think that one is true.\"\n\n\"It's another symptom. Feeling estranged from loved ones, believing they cannot understand—Rahel had it.\"\n\n\"That rumor didn't start until after the battle.\" Razine made a soft noise of recognition. \"I'll be slapped with a wet grainstem. This lines up. If Satran is correct, then we almost lost our government, our Lancer, and our treaty with the Protectorate to an undiagnosed illness.\"\n\n\"And Shantu lost everything. Even his name.\"\n\n\"Goddess above, what a tragic mess.\"\n\nSalomen leaned over the desk and rested her hand on the reader card." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is another tragic mess in the making. The Lead Templar and I want to stop it. I need your help to do that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Colonel Razine studied her for several pipticks, then gave a short nod." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm guessing you came here with a plan, Bondlancer. What is it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Salomen left Colonel Razine's office with a spring in her step, then stopped dead in the anteroom. Ronlin wasn't there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fianna was.\n\n\"Well met, Salomen,\" she said.\n\nThe informal address, here in this anteroom, was an entire message in itself.\n\nSalomen's first impulse was to walk past her and keep going. But Razine's aide was right there, pretending not to be interested, and she already knew how good the colonel was at gathering information.\n\n\"Where is Ronlin?\" she asked instead.\n\n\"I offered to take over. He said you were planning a trail walk, and I've . . . been craving one.\"\n\n\"Come on, then.\"\n\nSalomen did not utter another word as they walked to the lift, rode it down, and exited the building." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'salomen'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nor did she speak while they crossed the base and stepped onto the trail at the northeast corner. If Fianna had something to say, she could damn well say it. Salomen was not going to make it easy on her.\n\nThey were a full length into the forest before Fianna finally spoke.\n\n\"I owe you an apology.\"\n\n\"For what?\" Salomen asked lightly. \"Running away? Abandoning me when I needed you the most? Breaking a friendship the first time it wasn't easy? Your shekking cowardice?\"\n\nHer voice cracked on the last word, and she turned away, not wanting to appear weak.\n\n\"All of them.\" Fianna's voice didn't sound steady, either." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Probably more you haven't mentioned.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What brought you to this late conclusion? It's been five days, Fianna.\"\n\n\"That's how long it took me to confess my cowardice to Lanaril.\"\n\nSalomen stopped and faced her. Fianna looked tense but offered a tiny, hopeful smile.\n\n\"You haven't spoken to Lanaril in all this time?\"\n\nShe shook her head. \"Not about this. She's been . . . busy.\"\n\n\"Fahla, you're an idiot.\"\n\n\"I know. I have a lot to make up for. But she helped me understand why I ran.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I am certainly eager to hear it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I, ah, I won't be as good at explaining this as Lanaril.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fianna shoved her hands into her trouser pockets and stared off into the trees behind Salomen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All my life, I've been the strongest empath I know. Everyone else had to trust me to not abuse my powers, and I never questioned that because . . . that's how it was. Right?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'salomen's' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She briefly met Salomen's eyes before swallowing hard and pushing on. \"Then suddenly I wasn't the strongest anymore. I couldn't even stand up against you. Ronlin said your powers can't be measured and I . . . didn't know how to be that other kind of person.\"\n\n\"The kind who had to trust,\" Salomen said.\n\nFianna gave a miserable nod. \"It wasn't really about you—\"\n\n\"What a steaming pile of dokshin. Of course it was about me! I'm the one you wouldn't trust!\"\n\n\"No,\" Fianna pleaded. \"I'm the one who had to learn that . . . that I'm not the best at something I always thought I was best at.\"\n\nThe biting words evaporated in Salomen's throat.\n\n\"I've never felt anything like what you did. I guess I'm not used to being helpless.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her chuckle held no humor. \"I have more respect for low and mid empaths these days. They live with that knowledge all the time, don't they? They have to trust us, because they can't stop us. And I can't stop you. I, ah, didn't handle that well. I'm sorry.\"\n\nThere was no sound but the breeze in the treetops. Salomen thought she should feel vindicated, or at least some closure, but all she felt was empty.\n\n\"What I did to you was an accident,\" she said, remembering Ronlin's story. \"What I did to Rahel was intentional. Part of me really did mean to kill her. Yet you ran, while she trusted me the very next day.\"\n\n\"How can you trust her?\"\n\nThat was exactly the wrong thing to say. \"Don't. You don't have the right to ask. But I'll tell you this: if it wouldn't be such a bad fit with my Guards, and if I didn't know that Andira will probably never stop wanting to kill her, I would want Rahel in my service. Because I know for a fact that when she gives her loyalty, nothing on Alsea can shake it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fianna's mouth tightened. \"I guess I've really shekked up when you're comparing me unfavorably with a criminal.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't judge what you don't understand,\" Salomen snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Seems to me that's been your problem all along. Why are you here now? What changed? You were gone so long that I gave up on you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't true, but she was hurt and lashing out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And it worked. Fianna was visibly shaken as she admitted, \"Lancer Tal knocked some sense into me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Salomen stared at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yesterday. Just before she came home. She was furious with someone; Fahla, I've only felt her like that once before. That was you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At Fianna's nod, she turned around, too angry to look at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you're here because Andira broke her promise and you're worried about your career. How can you possibly think that will work?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not worried about my career.\"\n\nSalomen made an inelegant snort of disbelief.\n\n\"Lancer Tal called me afterward. She apologized and said I'm her Lead Guard regardless of my relationship with you. And then I went to see Lanaril, and she has a nicer way of saying You're a dokker's ass than anyone I know, but that's what I've been, and that's why I'm here. Because I've missed you.\"\n\nSalomen had missed her too, so much that she couldn't say it.\n\n\"Fahla on a funstick,\" Fianna said, her voice low and urgent. \"Salomen, look up.\"\n\nWithout thinking, Salomen did as asked and then cursed herself for still trusting after all this. \"At what?\" she said shortly.\n\nFianna moved up against her back.\n\n\"There,\" came the whisper right into her ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Third tree on the left, second fork from the ground. Do you see it?\"\n\nSalomen followed the directions and forgot her anger at the sight of the silver bird sitting on the branch, its two enormously long outer tail feathers trailing behind it. \"Is that—?\"\n\nShe gasped when the emotions hit her senses at full strength. Fianna had dropped her front, offering the gift of herself with no protective guards.\n\n\"A bellbird,\" Fianna confirmed. \"After all this time, we finally found it.\"\n\nThe bellbird raised its crest, a vivid blue ruff that matched the color spots at the end of its two decorative tail feathers, then opened its beak and sang. The pure notes poured out, ringing through the forest as if produced by a creature ten times larger, and Salomen ached from the sheer beauty of it.\n\n\"Salomen,\" Fianna whispered. \"I'm sorry I ran. But I'm still your friend, if you'll have me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She caught one of Salomen's hands, giving the truth of skin contact on top of her dropped front, and spoke more firmly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not afraid of you.\"\n\nWith those five words, Salomen's rib cage could no longer contain her heart. Staggered by the release of pressure and haunted by the perfect song of the bellbird, she tightened her grip on Fianna's hand and silently wept." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: The user will write a bit then you need to write around three sentences sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Note: Characters may be introduced as if already known - maintain this narrative continuity. Style: Meredith Katz" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The trip out was weird. Staring out the window, waiting for answers, was weird too. Trying to understand that last line—no thanks to Zali'thurg not answering his immediate reply of Huh?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "?—was beyond weird. More than that, it was anxiety-inducing in the extreme." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg came out of the house, watching and waiting as Mike walked up the drive. Whatever anxious spirit had possessed Zali'thurg seemed to be, if not exorcised, at least contained. The expression on his face was cool and remote, and he walked with his back straight and chin up, hair falling over his shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I hope you didn't have any trouble with work. After all, you just returned from your trip, only to travel out here again,\" Zali'thurg said, glancing aside at Mike.\n\nThe sunlight glittered on Zali'thurg's scales, lining his cheekbones and neck and trailing down into his collar. Mike's breath caught in his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh,\" he said, strangled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An elegant brow quirked. \"Did you?\"\n\nHe'd meant it as a question. Right. Pretending to cough, Mike said, \"No, really—it's fine. Honestly, any of our top accounts get priority assistance, and you're currently in the number one spot. Going without me for a couple of days is a minor hit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah,\" Zali'thurg said, in a slightly knowing tone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held the door for Mike.\n\nMike tugged his small suitcase through the door. \"Not sure my cat will forgive me, though,\" he admitted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She gave me the worst look of pure betrayal when I pulled out the smaller suitcase the night after I got back.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah. Yes. Your cat,\" Zali'thurg said. \"Perhaps next time… I can come see you, so she won't have to be put out.\"\n\n\"Uhh.\" Mike focused on the carpet in front of himself, hardly knowing how to feel about the thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What, and bring the computer with you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—Yes, of course.\" Zali'thurg seemed to be walking faster. \"It might not be a laptop, but it isn't too large.\"\n\n\"Mm, well, neither's my apartment,\" Mike said, and cleared his throat again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His voice sounded scratchy from how tight his chest was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if you wanted to come out my way, yeah, I wouldn't mind it. I mean, the company's probably going to invite you to the annual party, so you'd have an excuse to come to the city anyway. Maybe. They'd be expecting a giant dragon, not a beautiful man.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg was silent for so long, leading the way through the house, that Mike regretted having opened his mouth to respond with more than just sure.\n\n\"Well, I'm glad you have taste,\" Zali'thurg said abruptly, as they came out into the usual hallway. \"Go get things set up for yourself. I'll be in to watch as you install things.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not exactly a rejection, but not exactly accepting the compliment for what it was, either." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike's heart didn't seem to know what it was doing, and he was glad to have a moment to himself again to recover. \"Sure,\" he said, aiming for casual. \"See you then.\"\n\nHe dropped the suitcase off and began downloading the new games onto Zali'thurg's computer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was such routine now that it calmed him, and he found himself feeling normal again very quickly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Whatever weirdness had sprung up over the last couple of days didn't need to last." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zali'thurg would come in, and they'd put some TV on his laptop in the background, and talk about Mike's visit home, and afterwards, they'd play video games." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tomorrow, he'd finish up his work, head home, pet Josephine. It'd be the same as always.\n\nBut two hours later, Zali'thurg still hadn't come in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It didn't mean anything, Mike told himself, drumming his fingers on the desk as he watched an install bar slowly tick along." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was just busy, doing whatever it was that he did in the rest of the house while Mike worked.\n\nAnother two hours passed. Night fell, making it time for Mike to put work away for the evening with over half the games downloaded and installed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And Zali'thurg still wasn't there.\n\nHe could have fallen asleep. He could have had something else, more important, to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike rubbed his face, and headed back to the spare room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unpacking, he hesitated, staring down at the contents of his suitcase.\n\nHe'd only been invited to Zali'thurg's room the once. Before that, he'd been told to stay out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was hard to say if the invitation had been changing the rules, or if it was a one-time only thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After another brief hesitation, he took his knitting bag out and headed down the hall. The door was, as expected, still shut, and he knocked on it.\n\nNo answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He knocked again. Still nothing, and he thought about turning away, going to find what Alice had left them to eat, but…" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike turned the knob, and the door opened.\n\nZali'thurg was there in his massive dragon form. He was curled up on his bed, his head tucked under one wing, a tight coil of unhappiness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Zee?\" Mike called uncertainly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I, uh, brought you something.\"\n\nZali'thurg's wing shifted slightly, just enough to show one gold eye. \"I shouldn't have invited you back here,\" he rumbled from his ball." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought it would make things better, but this is worse now than before.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike let out a breath. A suspicion was dawning on him, something he hadn't really considered possible before. It hadn't seemed likely; it had seemed so comfortable between them in the past, so normal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or maybe his own feelings had made him not want to think about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I made you something,\" Mike said, instead of responding directly. \"It's, uh, yeah. Not a game or anything, but you said before that you wanted it.\"\n\n\"I don't want whatever you have to offer me,\" Zali'thurg snapped, irritable and regal and miserable all at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go to your room, and finish your work, and leave tomorrow.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'zali'thurg' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feeling almost dizzy, Mike said, \"I think you do want it, though? Look, it's going to be okay.\" He began to approach the bed, slow and careful, almost expecting Zali'thurg to snap at him.\n\n\"No, it's not,\" Zali'thurg said, and he lifted his head finally, a flickering fire in his deep gold eyes, seeming to almost pulse there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It can't be. You've already established your boundaries, and if you go breaking them now, how am I supposed to—how could I possibly—\"\n\nMike stopped next to the bed. Before, it had seemed absurdly huge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, with a dragon in it, it seemed comically small, and he himself more so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took the new slippers out of the bag and said, \"I mean, you could try talking to me about it instead of throwing a fit.\"\n\nInto Zali'thurg's answering silence, Mike tossed the slippers onto the bed.\n\nZali'thurg tried to keep staring at him, but a moment later, his gaze seemed drawn down to them almost helplessly. \"Michael, you…\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They weren't exactly Zali'thurg's style. He'd known that when he started them, but nothing knit could possibly be Zali'thurg's style. Zali'thurg was a high-class creature in his dragon form, and even more so in his human form." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He oozed old money, not comfy lower-class homemade anything.\n\nSo Mike hadn't tried to make them match his style. Instead, he'd tried to make them match Zali'thurg's interests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They would come to mid-ankle, in his pseudohuman form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had Mario on them, and pipes, and a boxy level layout that Mike had copied, as accurately as he could, from a screencap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were pretty good, he thought, for what he was going for, and were definitely not something Zali'thurg would find wherever he shopped, nothing like the things he'd had made for him by tailors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg made a strange sound, absolutely unidentifiable to a human ear because it was nothing a human throat could make. For a moment, he just stared down at the slippers, eyes fixed on them with his pupils a tight slash in the mesmerizing gold of his eyes.\n\nAnd then he was shrinking into human form, and it was the bed that was over-sized again, and Mike felt tall once more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've already established that you look down on a dragon's possessiveness,\" Zali'thurg said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His voice sounded hoarse. \"And yet you bring me gifts. To win my friendship again? You're acting like you've come courting.\"\n\nMike swallowed. \"I can't imagine myself ever using the word courting,\" he quipped weakly, heart oppressive in his chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But yeah? I want you to like it. In whatever way you do.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever way...'\" Zali'thurg repeated. He slid off his leather shoes, rolling up a pant leg to reveal sock garters. Mike had never seen sock garters outside of a TV drama version of Pride and Prejudice, but he had to admit there was some appeal to them as Zali'thurg unsnapped one and rolled a sock off his lightly-scaled leg, revealing long, black-nailed toes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anxiety was driving Mike crazy, a persistent flip-flop of his stomach that he could feel in his throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They're probably not seasonally appropriate,\" he found himself saying. Zali'thurg looked up at him with a cold expression and he felt himself stiffen up. \"I just mean, it's pretty hot out, and they're designed to keep heat in…\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I like the heat,\" Zali'thurg said, in such a flat tone that it sounded as though he hated nothing more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll wear them if I want to.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled one on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It fit, and Mike let out a breath; he'd only been able to guess at Zali'thurg's size from eyeballing it, but he'd hoped that, if anything, he'd made it too large.\n\n\"Hm,\" Zali'thurg said. He looked absurd, a beautiful dragon wearing gems in his ears, scales glittering, his fancy thousand-dollar suit pant leg rolled up to his knee and a knit retro gaming slipper on his ankle. \"It's comfortable. But…\"\n\n\"But?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I don't know that I can accept it,\" Zali'thurg said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked up again slowly. His pupils were still as narrow as they could go. \"I'm already too attached to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too attached,\" Mike echoed, stunned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg pretended that he hadn't heard the repetition, not acknowledging the statement in any way. \"It's my own fault. I recognized what was happening and continued to indulge in it. I should probably have just accepted the initial offer to install games in a remote way. I do not like not having the option to observe the handling of something I have claimed for my hoard, so I refused it, and now there is something I cannot claim at all.\"\n\n\"Can't—look, Zee, aren't you overreacting?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's not what he meant to say, and the hurt expression that crossed Zali'thurg's face made him feel as though he'd been punched in the gut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't—no, it's not that you shouldn't care, that's not what I mean, just… you're kind of making this really dramatic. So, you, uh, you want… me. Is that what you're saying?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Zali'thurg said, terse. \"I think I've made that perfectly clear—\" He snapped his mouth shut, refusing to elaborate as the hurt began to visibly shift into anger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, well, I mean, we can probably work this out,\" Mike said, half-babbling, trying to undo the pain he'd caused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because I—you're gorgeous, Zee.\"\n\nZali'thurg rolled his eyes, scornful. \"What does that have to do with anything?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "God, he was so frustrating to deal with." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'interested' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I like you?\" Mike said, throwing his hands up. \"I'm interested in you? I'm attracted to you? I've been flirting with you for months now and assumed you weren't interested?\"\n\n\"You were not,\" Zali'thurg snapped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was the one flirting! I flirted endlessly! I tried to make myself appropriate for you, I leaned toward you when you were speaking, I groomed myself in front of you…\" He flicked a tongue out towards his fingertip, then pointed that fingertip accusingly at Mike." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you never reacted!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't think you meant it that way! I didn't think I should show you how much I was reacting to that! I thought that'd be rude, and…\" Mike scrubbed at his face. \"Fuck,\" he muttered. \"Okay. So we were both flirting, apparently.\"\n\n\"You were not flirting.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I promise you I was,\" Mike said, finally losing patience." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know, because I was there.\"\n\nZali'thurg shut his mouth with an audible snap. After a moment, he undid his other sock garter and took that sock off too, then pulled the other slipper on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wiggled his toes, then sighed, hugging his knees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He seemed very small like this. Mike abruptly wondered how old he was as a dragon—old enough to have worries about human mortality, as they'd discussed before, certainly. But perhaps no older, in terms of his own developmental time, than he seemed in this form. Mid-twenties at most." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not that different from Mike himself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey,\" Mike said, into the strange, tense silence. \"Sorry for snapping.\"\n\n\"I suppose I deserved it,\" Zali'thurg said. He'd managed to get that cool edge into his voice again, but it was so obviously false at this point that it just almost felt embarrassing to hear—nothing more than a last-ditch attempt to stay in charge of the situation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Imprinting on you as I did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—Ah.\" That term made the bonding thing, the possession thing, suddenly make a lot more sense. Mike had more or less got the idea of what it meant, but hearing it like that was somehow different. \"Do you feel like you can't control yourself? Or your feelings, or…\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can control myself,\" Zali'thurg almost snarled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've been controlling myself! I didn't call you while you were gone, did I?\"\n\n\"You didn't,\" Mike said. He climbed the gold steps and sat on the edge of the bed, putting his hand over Zali'thurg's where it was clenched on the bedding, feeling the rough scales on the back of his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You were great. So, is the reason that this became harder because I changed the rules on you?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: zali'thurg, frequency: 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg let out a hiss of breath that caused small flames to flicker and spark over his upper lip. Despite himself, Mike felt a brief tremor of impulsive fear, though knowing Zali'thurg as he did, it was more of a thrill than anything else.\n\n\"That's precisely the problem,\" Zali'thurg said, low-voiced, that fiery crackle and pop in his human voice now too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You've detailed so thoroughly how terrible it would be for a human to be subject to a dragon's attachment. How you need space to grow. I tried, even as I felt this feeling develop, I tried to follow every directive you gave me. To be less commanding, to not intrude on your personal time. Even as I could bear less and less the thought of anyone else handling the hoard you built for me, even as I saw it stolen by a villain who went entirely unpunished, I tried to respect your wishes. And then you came back and asked why I would, as if you hadn't set those boundaries so thoroughly yourself…!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay,\" Mike said evenly.\n\nAll at once, Zali'thurg seemed to deflate, words escaping him in a rush of air. \"Okay?\" he repeated, dubiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's fair,\" Mike said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This all made so much sense, now that he had context for it. His heart ached with the simplicity of it. \"I said one thing and then I changed it without letting you know. So we'll talk about expectations better, okay? I'll explain my boundaries, and if they change, I'll let you know. As long as you respect them, and tell me your own feelings around them, we'll do just fine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It can't possibly be that simple,\" Zali'thurg said, staring at him. He sounded a little strangled.\n\nMike grinned at the hope showing through in that disbelieving tone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm pretty sure it can be,\" he said. \"Why not?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because the things I want from you—with you—you can't possibly…\" Zali'thurg trailed off, almost confused. \"You can't possibly…\"\n\n\"Want you? Want to make you happy? Like to spend time with you?\" Mike shifted closer again, curling his fingers on Zali'thurg's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Zee, I'd love to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg stared down at their joined hands, tongue coming out to wet his lips. His thumb rubbed against the side of Mike's hand, slowly, hypnotically, as if he couldn't keep himself from touching. When he looked up again, there was a helpless, terrified heat in his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other than that movement of his thumb, he didn't let himself move at all, as if he was afraid to give himself permission." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have so many other things you want to do with your life.\"\n\n\"And I'll do them. I want to see you, not just as a client—\" he paused. \"Not as a client anymore. As a friend and… if you want? I mean, you were implying—I would like to be your lover. And you'll have the privileges I'd give a friend and lover,\" Mike said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Better to explain the 'rules' now, so there wasn't any more confusion." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'personally' × 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which means that you don't have to keep a professional distance, and if something is bothering you personally, you can talk to me about it personally.\"\n\n\"Personally,\" Zali'thurg muttered. He was listing towards Mike a little now, drawn towards him, lips a little parted.\n\nMike jerked his gaze away from Zali'thurg's mouth, drawing a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was hard to focus, but—if they didn't establish boundaries now, Mike knew he'd probably stumble over them again later, and make them both hurt again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course, I also want to have a job, I want to visit my family, all those things. I'm not gonna be someone you lock up in a tower.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lifted his gaze, meeting Zali'thurg's eyes again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You'll respect that, right?\"\n\n\"Obviously,\" Zali'thurg said. \"When have I ever shown you anything but respect?\"\n\n\"It's been a while,\" Mike assured him, letting out a short, involuntary laugh, a bit breathless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He leaned in, carefully and obviously moving in for a kiss, letting it be one last confirmation that Zali'thurg wanted this—that they really did both want this after all—" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'zali'thurg's' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The low noise of helpless hunger that Zali'thurg made got rid of any doubts Mike had remaining. Zali'thurg's fingers tightened as he pulled Mike closer with their joined hands.\n\nZali'thurg's lips were soft and dry and warm, with a texture that wasn't quite familiar." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Small scales, Mike realized a moment later as his own lips brushed against them in a slow pass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unnoticeable to the eye at a glance, they must cover the entirety of Zali'thurg's skin.\n\nThe realization gave Mike an unexpected thrill. The reality of this, of the opportunity to learn these things about Zali'thurg, hit him all at once." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pulled back to give Zali'thurg a smile, half anticipatory and half—something else. It felt odd on his face, gentle.\n\nZali'thurg went red. \"What?\" he demanded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you stopping?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wasn't planning on it,\" Mike reassured him. And then, to be sure, \"Is that all right?\"\n\n\"I would prefer you not stop, no,\" Zali'thurg said, and if he was aiming for that remote coldness, he failed to reach it—not with the arousal clear on his face, the widening of his eyes, the way he tilted his body toward Mike's as if pulling away even this much was unbearable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike slid his fingers into Zali'thurg's long hair, giving it a gentle tug to pull him closer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So what would you prefer I do?\" he asked, hearing his tone come out husky and warm with his teasing.\n\n\"Anything you like,\" Zali'thurg said, a rough crackle in his voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I haven't had a human lover before. I've been with other dragons before, of several genders, but I can't imagine it's the same. And if you haven't had a dragon—?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When would I?\"\n\n\"—Then I don't suppose we'd have much of a guide to go from.\" Zali'thurg's dry palm brushed Mike's cheek, talon-tips running down his jawline gently, careful not to harm, almost reverent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a little humbling to realize how deeply Zali'thurg cared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike kissed him again. The inside of Zali'thurg's mouth was hot, hotter than any human's, though not enough to burn. It was a strange sensation, but something he looked forward to getting used to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zali'thurg let Mike set the pace at first, growling into the kiss, kneading his hair with gentle caution, but otherwise letting Mike explore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike was only too eager to, lapping at Zali'thurg's mouth, sucking at his tongue, tasting a strange, iron undertone to Zali'thurg's hot, hot mouth.\n\nAs if giving up entirely on holding himself back, Zali'thurg tensed, then abruptly dragged Mike down on the bed, pressing close, kissing him hard and deep, exploring in return. The kisses had soft, careful bites in them, sharp teeth indenting Mike's mouth and parting again without drawing blood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Each bite sent a rush of helpless heat through Mike, and he dragged his hands down Zali'thurg's back, hauling his expensive shirt out of his pants to press fingers to the heavier plate scales down his spine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The heat of Zali'thurg's soft gasps was enough to dry his wet lips every time they broke apart to catch their breath.\n\nZali'thurg's hands had started to roam too, feeling Mike's chest out through his t-shirt, talon tips teasing his nipples hard. It was almost too light, and the fabric of his shirt made it more so; he wanted more, wanted to feel those gently-scaled palms on him more directly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike broke away for a moment, sucking air and sitting up so he could strip his that shirt off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He tossed it to the side, then stared down at Zali'thurg, lying on his back and breathing hard, hair a mess, shirt rucked up to show his lean, pale stomach.\n\n\"You look… really good, Zee,\" Mike said, hoarse.\n\n\"I always look good,\" Zali'thurg retorted, but his voice was unsteady, his eyes hazy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The gold in them seemed again to pulse, mesmerizing, though his pupils were wide enough that only a rim of color surrounded their slit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg's gaze roamed over Mike's bared chest—and then he was reaching up to start unbuttoning his own shirt.\n\n\"Let me help you.\" Mike tugged off the slippers he'd given Zali'thurg and tossed them away from the bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zali'thurg had already gotten his shirt off, and Mike paused to let his eyes travel over the glittering scales along Zali'thurg's sides." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They changed in thickness and color across his body, thick and rough along Zali'thurg's spine, and smaller, finer along his sides, nearly invisible on his front. He lacked nipples, but Mike let his fingers trail across the planes of Zali'thurg's chest regardless.\n\nZali'thurg pushed himself up a little, then sank back again as if his arms couldn't hold him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drew a sharp breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You have… very nice hands,\" he mumbled, tone almost accusatory.\n\nMike grinned down at him and pressed those hands over him again lightly, leaning down to give him another kiss, softer this time. \"So do you. You, uh, have a nice everything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You haven't seen everything,\" Zali'thurg protested, but reached up, touching Mike's hair, sliding talons into it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"…But I know what you mean.\"\n\n\"Because you know you're gorgeous, yeah.\"\n\nZali'thurg huffed a breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because I know you are. Even if I haven't seen everything yet either.\"\n\nMike felt his heart skip in his chest at that comment, touched both to hear it and that Zali'thurg had actually let himself say it. He had to swallow a couple of times before he could get his voice to work." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I really like you,\" he managed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want you to see all of me, I want to see all of you, I want you…\"\n\nZali'thurg met his gaze, eyes a little wide—pleased, Mike thought; relieved to have Mike's attention. And definitely turned on, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In response, as if moved by Mike's words, Zali'thurg slid his hands down his own body, curling them into his belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike reached to help, but found himself just watching instead as Zali'thurg slowly drew the belt through its buckle, unfastening it, sliding his fly down.\n\nUnable to resist any longer, Mike fisted his hands in the now-loose fabric over Zali'thurg's hips, tugging. Zali'thurg let out a low moan that shot right to Mike's groin, and pushed his hands down his own legs, shoving his pants and underwear down them together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike inhaled sharply as they came off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The lower half of Zali'thurg's body was scaled too—less human here, with a slit between his legs that his cock had already slipped out of." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was wet and pink, leaning to the right and slightly rough all over, and the base seemed to be internal, lizard-like.\n\nDifferent—but appealing, and close enough to work with, anyway. Mike reached for Zali'thurg's cock, almost unconsciously, but Zali'thurg caught his wrist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not just me,\" he said, sounding almost offended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took Mike a moment to realize what he meant. \"I wasn't planning on it, Zee,\" he said, and tugged his wrist back. \"I definitely want to get naked with you, I just… really want to touch you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zali'thurg let go, and Mike stripped his own pants off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now that it had been said, he didn't want to be in them a moment longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hm,\" Zali'thurg said, staring down at Mike, expression thoughtful.\n\nMike flushed under his frank gaze. \"Uh, all right?\" he asked, suddenly nervous." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know our anatomy's a little different, but—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Compatible enough,\" Zali'thurg said, aiming for dismissive and sounding a little hungry instead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That heated tone in his voice sent another shiver through Mike, a spike of need. Zali'thurg reached for him, and Mike shifted closer, arching into the touch and straining to kiss him at the same time.\n\nZali'thurg's hand closed around him, dry and a little rough as it ran an experimental stroke up his length." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike couldn't keep himself from thrusting into the touch immediately—even so, he pulled back a little from the kiss to try to meet Zali'thurg's gaze, wanting to confirm that this was still okay, looking for any of the scorn that meant embarrassment, or the annoyance that meant distress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead, there was only that desire on Zali'thurg's face, his slit pupils nearly round. The tip of his tongue was poking out with concentration as he drew his palm over Mike's cock, careful with his talons, experimenting with what must, to him, be an equally unusual shape and texture.\n\nMaybe not just concentration, Mike reminded himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Snakes scented the air with their tongues, after all, picked up more nuance with it than their nostrils could; if dragons were the same, that exposed tongue might mean he was tasting Mike's sweat, the salt on the air, the heady scent of arousal—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike groaned, grinding into Zali'thurg's hand. He kissed Zali'thurg again, hard and desperate, wanting to meet and match the need he'd seen, give him more to taste, to smell, to feel. Fumbling for a moment, Mike's hand stroked Zali'thurg's hip, down, inward, before curling around Zali'thurg's cock too, stroking its slick length and feeling out the unusual shape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg let out a groan and bit down on Mike's tongue lightly, not quite enough to draw blood, but enough that Mike couldn't move his tongue for fear it might. That sent another dizzying wave of arousal through him, accompanied by the strange and nearly overwhelming sensation of Zali'thurg's lightly scaled palm.\n\nIt was hard to kiss without moving his tongue, but Mike did his best, lips working until Zali'thurg had to open his mouth to suck air, gusting hot breath over Mike's mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It amazed Mike, still, how it seemed to suck the moisture away, leaving him having to wet his lips in between kisses.\n\n\"Oh God,\" Mike groaned, aching. \"Okay? Good? Should I do anything—different?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"More,\" Zali'thurg said. His voice was a rough, desperate crackle. \"Please.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More. Mike could do more.\n\nHe twisted his grip, putting his wrist into it as he picked up the pace, stroking him fast and hard. Zali'thurg's head fell forward so he bumped his forehead into Mike's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That close, Mike could hear the soft, needy sounds that Zali'thurg was making, open and honest in a way that made Mike's heart ache." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was too much to handle. He gasped, swearing under his breath and arching into Zali'thurg's own tight fist. For a moment, there was nothing but that, the tension of their bodies against each other, straining and whimpering and groaning as they moved, reaching together for pleasure, trying to give each other what the other wanted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike let out a choked cry into Zali'thurg's mouth as he came—a sound that turned rougher as Zali'thurg bit lightly down on Mike's lower lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Through the rush of heat, he could feel Zali'thurg tense against him as he followed a moment later, trembling with the effort of not biting too hard with his sharp teeth. Even so, Mike tasted a hint of blood.\n\nPanting, Zali'thurg broke the kiss, sinking back against the bed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still shaking from the force of his own orgasm, Mike tilted his head back, sucking cooler air, and tonguing at his lower lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It didn't hurt too much despite the vaguely coppery taste, so he thought Zali'thurg must have just grazed him.\n\n\"Wow,\" Mike managed, hoarsely.\n\nHe turned his head to look, to make sure that Zali'thurg was still good with this when the letdown hit—and saw that it somehow hadn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zali'thurg's gaze was still heated, one hand dropping to rub against the slit his cock had come from.\n\n\"Mm.\" Zali'thurg agreed. He let out a soft groan, shuddering as Mike's come dripped down his fingers, making them slicker as he moved them against himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was assessing Mike as well, looking him over, and whatever he saw on Mike's face seemed to take him aback. \"Are you done?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he demanded pointedly.\n\nSurprised, Mike propped himself up on his shoulder. \"I just came,\" he protested." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But even as he watched Zali'thurg's cock begin to soften and withdraw, he saw the tip of a second one starting to poke out of the slit. He stared in fascination. \"Uh. How many do you have in there?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just the two.\" Zali'thurg said it like it should be obvious, again with that tone like he was contemplating taking offense, but hadn't quite decided to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We usually go twice—\" He grimaced, apparently at himself, the expression gentling a moment later into a smile. He reached his free hand out to brush Mike's hair back from where it had fallen across his forehead. \"It's fine if you don't want to. I just need to calm down if so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh well, Mike thought dazedly. Now there was a cultural discovery about having a dragon for a lover. He wondered if the romance novels knew this one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nah, don't calm down on my account,\" he said. \"I just need to work myself up again. If we're going to be lovers, better to take care of each other properly, right?\"\n\n\"Oh,\" Zali'thurg said, eyes widening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike licked his lips to wet them, and started to kiss down the fine scales of Zali'thurg's stomach, watching Zali'thurg's face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zali'thurg drew a sharp breath, allowing it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His expression was fascinated, tender, relieved in a way Mike could only assume had nothing to do with their continuing, but everything to do with having his feelings so clearly reciprocated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike felt a jolt of warm affection curling in his stomach, then ducked his head to run his tongue over the tip of Zali'thurg's cock." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It felt odd against his mouth, tasted different in a way he wouldn't even know how to compare. He flicked his gaze back up and shivered as the warm relief on Zali'thurg's face only deepened.\n\nZali'thurg loved him. Mike recognized it easily—it was the same feeling that was curling in his own chest.\n\nHe met Zali'thurg's eyes, made a helpless sound low in his throat, and swallowed him down." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "ur a writing helper. partner writes, u do next three sentences. might have existing chars/stuff - roll with it" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Charlie's first impression of Oleandra was that he had accomplished his purpose: that he had substituted the alien for the familiar, the exotically memorable for the wistfully remembered. That monumental leech called grief, which feeds on memories, would not be starved by a change of landscape, but at least it would not be fed by a house in London or the downs of Marlborough.\n\nCertainly the burros, the Caribs, the circuitous climb up the side of the crater, over the rim, and down through frangipani and mountain immortelle, kapok and shower-of-gold, was totally alien to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Outside the crater, the winds had screeched and whistled and beaten the sea grapes against the disheveled earth; inside the crater, the riot of birds and flowers, the intensity of colors, had seemed not even remotely English; a jungle instead of a forest, with red-bellied trogans and rufous-tailed jacamars, whose very names, laboriously learned from Birds of the Indies by Father Jeremiah McIntosh, immediately distinguished them from the larks and blackbirds of home.\n\nBut then there had been the quieting of the winds as they descended the inner slopes and a little pleasant lane of stone cottages with thatched roofs and, substituting admirably for hollyhocks and geraniums, neatly trimmed hedges of crimson bougainvillea. He felt a curious revulsion, even a sense of betrayal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What right had an English village to twinkle on the inner slopes of a crater in the West Indies?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the cottages, it was true, was reached by a path which ran between two enormous cannons. Still, they were English cannons, rusty, innocuous, looking as if they had come from a museum in the suburbs of London. Why could they not have been Spanish or Moorish or Malay or anything strange and alien and yes, sinister?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "(He was later to learn that the master of the cottage was not to be judged by his cannons.)\n\nAt the end of the village the path curved sharply into a small forest of oleanders, some of them growing to ten or more feet and spreading their tapered leaves into graceful green fingers which flaunted an abundance of pink and white flowers like so many rings. Another curve of the path and he saw the Red House, and he was inescapably back in England, looking at the house which Morris had built for his beloved bride, Jane Burden, in 1860." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Here in painstaking imitation—and many a pain had been taken to transport the bricks from England—was the tranquil and restrained Gothic beloved by Morris; Gothic in its purity and simplicity rather than its grotesquerie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here was no Castle of Otranto-, here were no black, bristling turrets and waterspouts ending in gargoyles, but a warm expanse of red brick, a high-pitched red-tiled roof, and three gables, each with tall sash windows through which no Duke of Otranto ever seemed to have peered; furthermore, the trees which randomly sprinkled the lawn were not funereal yews or moss-laden oaks but apple blossom cassias, abloom with clusters of pink-white flowers and deep pink buds.\n\nHis disappointment was acute. He had crossed the Atlantic and half of the Caribbean to escape England, to renounce England, to forget England, and here was the very country of his grief resurrected in miniature and, what was worse, in its milder aspects." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After talking with Mr. Lane, he had, like the heroine of Northanger Abbey, anticipated something not only different, but barbarous and even threatening. His landing with the Caribs had been an adventure, the ascent of the crater like a journey up a lunar mountain. He had been stirred, troubled, angered, frightened until, for the moment, he had forgotten his grief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the tranquillities of the Red House seemed precisely calculated to recall his mother, whom he had always associated with green gardens and gracious houses." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'which' 3 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was if he were coming home but only in a dream which he knew to be a cruel deception. Where were the eccentricities with which Mrs. Meynell had startled the staid Mr. Lane?\n\nIn sight of their mistress' house, the Caribs dropped their gloom and petulance; they chattered merrily; they vied to unload Charlie's baggage; they began to address him, in their polyglot language, with a word which was unmistakably \"master.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first he supposed that they wanted a gratuity and wondered if they would accept English pounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he saw the reason for their transformation. Mrs. Meynell was standing in the arch of the main door. Mr. Lane had thought her a splendid and opulent woman." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'exactly' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sixteen years ago. She still looked exactly as the barrister had pictured her: \"Lots of everything in exactly the right place.\" Only she ought to have been described by the poet whose house she had imitated:\n\n...see my breast rise" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like waves of purple sea as here I stand;" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And how my arms are moved in wonderful wise...\n\nThus had Morris described Guinevere, yearning for the lost spring of first love but still radiant in the fulness of midsummer and using her beauty as a defense against a charge of adultery with Lancelot.\n\nLike her countrywomen in England, she wore the hot, flaring, impractical, but magnificent skirt of the day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Under that voluminous bell, she could have hidden the hips of an elephant or a giraffe, but her bold and revealing blouse left little doubt as to the splendor of her forearms, her shoulders, and her breasts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her gown was green satin. Below her elbows were cuffs of green brocade; and a moss-green bonnet followed the contours of her golden, backswept, downfalling hair, except where a pert white feather flared above her head. The Lady Greensleeves, he thought, and remembered with a guilty—no, guiltless—thrill that Greensleeves had been a woman of pleasure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Guinevere, Greensleeves... The two women shared more than their alliterative names, and Charlie liked both of them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first she made no gesture to greet him. She stared at him with unconcealed surprise and it seemed to Charlie, a concern which was strangely akin to that of Mr. Lane when the kindly old solicitor had cautioned him about accepting the position. She stepped forward slightly and extended her hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He noticed that the movement seemed difficult for her. She moved with a kind of slow and graceful languor, and she held tightly to his hand for support. Perhaps the tropical climate had enervated her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps she had been ill with malaria or yellow fever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A smile illuminated her face. In fact, she did not so much smile as radiate with her entire body, as if she had been suffused by the lights of a great candelabrum in a ballroom. Her skin was the pink of sweetheart roses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked in vain for the lines which should have marked the passage of sixteen years, including her widowhood and whatever illness had drained her of strength. But for all he could tell, she appeared to be a ripe and bountiful woman of thirty. Perhaps in this tropical climate— though because of the trade winds it was not really hot, even inside the crater—she preserved her beauty by economizing in her movements; her languor, so contrary to the bloom of her face and figure, was as deliberate as her delicately indelicate gown and her artfully artless coiffure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I stared at you,\" she smiled, \"because of my good fortune and Mr. Lane's good judgment in choosing one who somehow manages to look like both an athlete and a poet at the same time. The athlete will please my daughter, and the poet will delight her mother. If it weren't for your blond hair and your considerable height, I could have taken you for John Keats.\"\n\nConsiderable height. How much more gracious than Mr. Lane's description of him as middling! And the comparison to Keats!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Charlie was not adept at exchanging fulsome compliments, but now his words spilled forth like coins from a cornucopia.\n\n\"And I took you for Guinevere. I'm sure she had hair like yours. The color of ripe wheat. And she was beautiful and bountiful.\"\n\nShe laughed heartily. \"I take that for a compliment, though 'bountiful' has been used as a synonym for 'fat.'\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh no,\" he protested. \"I meant to say you're a stunner!\"\n\nAnd then, tongue-tied by his lapse into slang, he waited to be rescued by her tact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She said quite simply, \"Thank you, my dear. No one on Oleandra has ever paid me such a tribute. I've always identified a little with Guinevere. Iseult was a goddess—she lived in a book, never on earth—but Guinevere was flesh and blood. 'Tis the low sun makes the color.' You must teach my daughter about the Arthurian cycle. She disdains Malory and abhors Tennyson. I'm afraid she prefers the local folklore, with all its barbarisms.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where is your daughter?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A charming fancy occurred to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If a woman between forty-five and fifty could look thirty, perhaps a girl of fifteen could look nineteen and, even if she disliked Tennyson, possess her mother's grace and naturalness instead of the affectations and airs of the girls he had known in England.\n\n\"She's with us now, I suspect. Behind a tree, in a tree, in the house staring out a window. Who can say? Probably she wanted to look you over from a distance before she meets you. Her manners could use some polishing, and I hope she overhears me. Jill! Jill! Come and meet Mr. Sor-ley!\"\n\nThere was no answer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silence seemed tangible in the cassia-sweet air. With a shock akin to fear, Charlie realized that in all the trees surrounding the Red House, he had seen and heard no birds. Approaching the village, yes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even in the village, yellow-breasted sugar birds had played among the bougainvilleas and warbled their rapid and somewhat wheezing songs. But not here, not within the enchanted (bewitched?) circle of the Red House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would have to modify his first impression of bland English charm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To Charlie a house without birds was a troubled house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But there were still the Caribs. Even after unloading his belongings and Mrs. Meynell's supplies, they had not withdrawn into the bush where they seemed to belong. Two English servants, a stooped, sallow man, rather like a bent broomstick, and a small boy who seemed to be his son, muffled in a shapeless sack-like garment from which his bare feet protruded like the feelers of a snail, had emerged from the house, glared at the Indians, and wordlessly appropriated the belongings while the Caribs had taken up silent stations among the trees." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their sullen faces glittered with curiosity and malice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps they wished to see the confrontation between the young Englishman and the girl he had come to teach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Meynell followed Charlie's gaze, and Charlie watched the look which passed between her and her presumed servants and reached some intuitive conclusions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was their mistress, yes, but they disliked her even while they served her. For her own part, she needed them to fetch her supplies from the schooner, cultivate cacao and other island crops, and tend the cottages in the village; she tolerated and controlled them—to a point. But at any moment, depending on circumstances which even Charlie's intuition could not surmise, the control might falter and fail." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Red House grew steadily less tranquil and more intriguing. He began to hope for a real adventure.\n\nAlmost curtly, she dismissed the Caribs with a flick of her wrist, or tried to dismiss them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact, they did not respond with the least movement; they had not yet seen what they were waiting to see. They kept to their places with a tenacity bordering on insolence.\n\nThe clapping of hands was neither loud nor prolonged; once, twice, and the Caribs were gone, and in their place stood a single native." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was not one of the rowers and porters; he was a newcomer; and to call him a Carib like his countrymen was to do him an injustice. He was tall and bronzed and fiercely beautiful, and he somehow seemed, even on this tiny island, a king. He directed his smile to Charlie, and it was as if he had said, \"Welcome to my kingdom, as guest—and subject.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'their' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, like his men, he faded among the cassias.\n\n\"His name is Curk,\" Elizabeth said with a studied casualness. \"He is my foreman. You will have to forgive his men for their bad manners. A stranger, especially one who has come to teach their beloved Jill, makes them curious and a little jealous. You see, she has spent a lot of time with them—far too much, in fact. I am often confined to my bed and she's thrown on her own devices. Without playmates, she goes to the Caribs. Now they feel they're losing her to an Englishman. They don't like us very much, except for Jill. Or anybody else, including each other, again with one exception—Curk, whom they adore. You might call them living anachronisms, a race that ought to be extinct but has somehow survived in spite of itself, and in a world it despises.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not fair to them, Mama.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Jill. She appeared to have dropped from a tree or come around a tree or even out of the earth. She made no apology. Unfortunately, her appearance was far less provocative than her arrival." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Almost with relief Charlie realized that he was not in danger of falling in love with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was no competition for her mother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though he knew her to be about fifteen, she looked at the moment even younger, a tom-boy this side of puberty, dressed in cut-off sailor trousers and middy blouse, her hair like a nest constructed by an untidy bird.\n\n\"You're not fair at all,\" she continued. \"You hold it against them that they won't live in your cottages and take baths and plant gardens. I keep telling you, they're happy in the mangrove swamp, and dirt to them isn't something to be washed off.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'almost' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were redeeming features to the girl. Her skin was a rich, deep brown—it was not an English complexion but it was not unbecoming—and her green eyes possessed almost an Oriental slant which would have seemed mysterious and alluring had she dressed to accentuate them and combed her tawny hair. She was, in brief, probably a pretty girl who had managed to disguise her prettiness and, almost, her sex." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There seemed nothing calculated about her guise. There was no hint of posing, or of a wish to shock. It was as if she did not know that girls were expected to look like girls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She dressed as she chose, and she chose to dress like a scrawny pirate lad. Even her movements were quick, brusque, and boyish. In total contrast to her mother, there were no softnesses about her body, no undulations about her movements." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She needed a tutor for more than biology and poetry. Why had she not observed and imitated so radiant and utterly feminine a mother?\n\nWhen Mrs. Meynell failed to pursue the argument about the Caribs, Jill turned to Charlie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I dislike French. I'll study it only because of the boats that come in from Martinique—I like to talk to the sailors—but you'll have to prod me with the grammar. I'm very good at biology, though. I can teach you some things about life in the sea. And how to dress on Oleandra. I keep telling Mother not to wear those absurd skirts. But she will look like the ladies in England. And you—What are those ridiculous tweeds and boots you're wearing? And the bowler hat with the feather about to take flight?\"\n\n\"They're my bicycling outfit,\" said Charlie, crestfallen. He had really not known how a young man should dress on Oleandra and he had chosen his jauntiest outfit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Jill had a point; a tweed coat, braided trousers, and Hessian boots, however jaunty in England, were merely hot in the tropics." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What should I wear?\"\n\n\"What I do,\" she said. \"You can pick up some sailor togs from the schooner next month.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We don't want two sailors in the house,\" Mrs. Meynell said tartly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Some of my husband's old linens can be altered to fit Mr. Sorley, though he looks very nice as he is.\"\n\n\"If you like ruddy English schoolboys who learn how to win battles on the playing fields of Eton.\" Charlie forced a smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In my case, Marlborough, and my first battle is not yet won.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was trying to like her in spite of her absolute refusal to be gracious, but he found himself withholding judgment; he must learn what frustrations explained her incivilities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure you can teach me a great deal about the Caribbean. Just an hour ago I mistook a dolphin for a shark.\"\n\nHer eyes brightened. \"You're sure it wasn't a shark? There are all kinds in the waters around the island. Real beauties. Hammerheads, especially, but also blue sharks and tigers. Usually the dolphins keep their distance.\"\n\n\"No, it was a dolphin all right. We became friends while the Caribs rowed me ashore.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He won't last long in these waters,\" she predicted happily. \"Not with all those sharks.\"\n\n\"Oh, he was a lovable dolphin. You wouldn't want anything to happen to him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not only was he finding it hard, as yet, to like her, he was finding it hard not to dislike her.\n\nShe grimaced. \"They're such ugly creatures. And so vicious. Have you ever seen a shark battered to death by dolphins? They ram him from all sides until he's a bloody pulp.\"\n\n\"My sympathies would be with the dolphins. After all, the sharks kill their calves.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's because you're sentimental. A dolphin knows how to play up to a man. To get his attention with tricks. Leaping and gamboling and catching fish in mid-air and all that. You probably believe those silly stories about dolphins rescuing sailors. But at heart they're the most vicious creatures in the sea.\"\n\n\"I don't think so at all,\" he snapped, wishing for the big hickory cane which had belonged to the headmaster at Marlborough. If she dressed like a boy and talked like a bully, a good caning was exactly what she deserved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The one I saw today—\" \"Come into the house now. Mother's not used to being on her feet so long.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at Mrs. Meynell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The color had left her face, but not, it seemed to him, from weariness. She was looking at her daughter with a kind of disgust and despair.\n\n\"Jill has a curious sense of—affection,\" she said in a dead voice." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "yo hit me with ten sentences more. same character energy. fantasy genre k?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got writer's block. I'll send something, then continue 5 sentences at a time, matching character context, in fantasy genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next morning, Jill had intercepted him on his way to the lagoon. His thoughts, during and after a sleepless night, had been of Elizabeth and the Man Who Swam with the Sharks. They were not pleasant thoughts; Charlie was jealous, blindly and helplessly jealous for the first time in his life. But Jill had looked so chastened that he had stopped to talk to her.\n\nShe had not stopped him to talk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Curk wants us,\" she had said, and he had followed her not unwillingly to her banyan tree, for he wished at last to confront this Carib, this king, this rival who loomed so fearsomely between him and Elizabeth...\n\nHe was a man who appeared to be about forty, thought Charlie, and then at once he began to amend his impression. God, not man, was the word, but one of those elemental Aztec gods who sent showers to the parching fields only after they had been propitiated by the sacrifice of a thousand captives. He was beyond man's law because he was beyond man; both more and less. Lordly in strength, but no more compassionate than a waterspout." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And his age? Forty was too precise. As with Mrs. Meynell there were no lines to mark the passage of years, griefs, triumphs, defeats. His hair, combed long behind his head and braided around the bone of an animal, was thick, glossy, and black as the sharks with which he was said to swim. Aquamarine pendants hung from his pierced ears and the deep incisions cut in his cheeks were outlined and darkened with coal; he was savage, but not a savage. A keen intelligence, analyzing, evaluating, glittered in his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was not a god Charlie could worship; nor a man he could judge, like, despise, or even comprehend.\n\nCharlie stood beneath his immensity without cowering, met his gaze without blinking, but feared him as he had feared no other man. Inscrutable, unsmiling, neither dispensing nor denying his favor, Curk had emerged from the shower-of-gold trees, thrusting aside a branch which barred his path and scattering the petals like a whirlwind.\n\nJill advanced to meet him. She smiled and started to speak his name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped her with a raised hand. \"It is almost time for the Goat Without Homs.\"\n\nShe was not affronted by his rebuff. He whom she worshipped had withheld his smile but what he had told her explained his solemnity.\n\nFear and eagerness mingled in her face and made her, in one of her startling shifts of mood, more woman than child." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At that moment she was as unknowable as Curk. She seized Charlie's hand and drew him beside her onto the ground. He did not have to be told that he should bow his head.\n\nHe saw the bare brown feet of the man who loomed above them. Long and narrow, with pointed toes and toenails trimmed like sharp little knives." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He felt his warmth. His nostrils caught an overpowering scent of musk, almost like that of the male deer which wishes to attract a female, and also, infuriatingly, a hint of frangipani, as if he had come from Elizabeth's arms.\n\nWhen he spoke, his voice was deep and resonant with at moments a veiled tenderness. It was a voice like muffled thunder.\n\n\"It is almost time for the Goat Without Homs,\" he repeated." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: carib, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Truly, Curk?\"\n\n\"You know what you must do, my daughter. Are you prepared?\"\n\n\"Yes, my father.\"\n\nCurk placed a hand on either head: \"I, Carib king to Carib princess, pronounce you mate of the Englishman. Obey him as becomes a woman, but command him as becomes a princess. May you flourish in the favor of the Omnipotent Tark and restore our people to their ancient glory.\"\n\nThen he was gone, bruising the petals with silent feet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'carib' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was Jill who broke the silence, who began to command him as became a Carib princess. With peremptory hands she raised him to his feet. She caught his head between her palms and kissed him on the mouth and said in a voice which no longer faltered, \"Our differences don't matter. Curk has joined us together. You are to make love to me. You will father my children and the Carib kings will live through us.\"\n\nAwe had left him along with the awful presence. Englishmen, even modest ones like Charlie, are used to governing empires." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'married' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Caribbean was almost an English sea. Anger flared in him. Who was a Carib chieftain with slit cheeks and braided hair to tell him he was married to his child—no, not married, mated? And who was the child to tell him that he must give her children— she whom he had disliked, then pitied, but hardly loved, or even thought of loving?\n\nHe fought down his anger even as he spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You don't even know what you're talking about when you tell me to make love to you. Jill, you're fifteen years old. Not yet a woman. And if you were, I must still make my own choice.\"\n\nShe looked at him without comprehension. \"But Curk has joined us. Curk, my father. Don't you understand?\"\n\n\"No, I don't understand. I thought your father was an English adventurer.\"\n\nShe shrugged with contempt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you expect my mother to tell you that she betrayed my father? Oh, don't look so shocked. She should have betrayed him. He was a weakling. But English ladies are reticent about such matters. And I do know how to make love. I've seen the Carib couples in the mangrove swamp and how they embrace and writhe and become one with each other. A Carib boy chased me only last year, and I wanted to stop for him, but I fled because it was for Curk to choose my lover.\"\n\nNow it was Charlie who clasped her shoulders and reasserted his mastery. \"Jill, I came here to be your tutor. I want to be your Mend. That's all. I don't care what your father says. You love him because he's strong. Do you want me to be less strong? To do what I'm told and not what I must? You said you first liked me because I made my own law when I punished you. Surely I can break somebody else's law imposed on me against my will.\"\n\nShe lowered her head. \"I'm so confused. It was simple before you came to the island. When I heard you were coming, and why, I was furious. But I was curious too. And then I saw you in the lagoon that first time and how beautifully you swam with that ugly animal, and how—how good you looked without any clothes, all muscle and sinew like Curk. And after you punished me, even after you didn't like my tree house, I wanted you. Besides, everybody obeys Curk. I thought you would too. I thought you would want to.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stared at him with unsettling candor. \"Is it my mother you love? Curk does. She's the only soft thing he loves.\"\n\nHe parried the question with indignation. \"Do I have to love anybody right now?\"\n\n\"But don't you at least desire my body?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was beginning to sound like a girl in a French novel, the source no doubt of her information concerning \"love\" and \"desire.\" But he was far from laughing at her.\n\n\"Not yet. Perhaps in a few years. But even then no one can order me to desire you. I must be my own master. I must be like Curk in that respect.\"\n\nShe was crying now; crying anguishedly with all the imprisoned tears of her thwarted childhood, of a little girl who had grown up with a father whose god was strength and to whom beauty was the sweep of a shark instead of a seagull. She was like the living figures the Greek had believed to be imprisoned in stone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pygmalion had not created Galatea; he had released her from her marble cage. He, Charlie, the unwilling sculptor, had struck a telling blow with his chisel, and a face stared forth from the marble. The cage was cracked but not yet broken.\n\nHe knelt beside her and laid a hand on her head. He had always been unselfconscious with his hands, his movements; one who touched as well as spoke his affection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not stop to think that his touch might now be a cruelty instead of a solace because it was one of pity instead of love.\n\n\"Jill, how can I help you?\"\n\n\"By making love to me.\"\n\n\"But you don't really love me. You couldn't, in so short a time. And you said yourself how different we are.\"\n\n\"But I don't have to love you. Not in the way you mean. Or Mother means. Quoting poems from Tennyson and exchanging flowers. Flowers wilt anyway. What are they supposed to symbolize? Curk said we must make love, and that's not the same thing as loving, is it? I want you and that's enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, it isn't enough.\"\n\n\"And anyway,\" she blurted, \"I think I do love you. I like to look at you. I like to feel your hand on my head. Even if I don't understand you. I wasn't angry when you didn't like my tree house and my friends. I was sorry for you. I wanted to teach you not to be afraid. Isn't that a kind of loving?\"\n\n\"That's friendship, Jill. It might become love. But not for a long time.\" He was all tenderness with her now; he wanted to salve her pride, soothe her heart, stop her tears—But without encouraging her to expect his love. \"Jill, I'm going to leave Oleandra. The boat from Martinique will come in a few weeks. I'm going back to England.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shower-of-gold tree arched above their heads, its gilt, acorn-shaped buds mingling with its full and falling blossoms; a cornucopia perpetually spilling abundance toward the earth. He would break a spray from the tree and place it in her hand. He would leave her this token of his deep and growing esteem. But even as he lifted her hand he thought how she hated bright colors, poems, flowers which wilted.\n\nA tiny fiddler crab zigzagged over the ground near his feet, an ugly animal, with a claw too big for its spindly body." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Somehow it had wandered too far from the lagoon and the weight of its claw made its passage a slow and meandering one. He caught it carefully so that it could not bite him and held it out to Jill.\n\nShe took it with a cry of pleasure, not by its claw but its entire body, and cradled it in her palm as he might have cradled a small bird. The claw snapped once and then subsided as the little animal seemed to be eased of its fear.\n\nHe turned to leave her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Charlie,\" she cried after him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You called me a little girl, but I am a Carib princess. And you're rejecting me? Once and for all?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Once. For all, only the years can say.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt that the years would deepen his friendship for her, but make no essential change in its nature." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he could not leave her without hope.\n\n\"If Curk knew, he would never let you leave the island. He would kill you, I think, to save my honor. I won't tell him that you didn't make love to me. Or that you're going to try to leave. It will be our secret. The only secret I've ever kept from him.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Jill.\"\n\n\"I don't want to deceive him. But I don't want him to hurt you either. When the boat comes, he mustn't know you're going on board. You can't get the Caribs to row you out in their dugouts and you can't row yourself alone. You will have to swim, but the current is very strong, to say nothing of the sharks. You must get your dolphin to help you. And Charlie—\"\n\n\"Yes, Jill?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We shall have to pretend that we have made love. You know how a man and a woman look at each other afterwards? Touch each other sometimes with their hands and sometimes only with their eyes?\" She put her arms around him and kissed him and he tasted the salt from her tears and wished for both of their sakes that he could love her; he who had never loved without being loved in return but could guess the pain because he had lost those who had loved him.\n\n\"Now I'm going into my tree house. Curk will think we're there together. He's gone to the mangrove swamp.\" She stopped and tenderly placed the fiddler on the ground and pointed him in the direction of the lagoon. \"I can't take him into my house. They need water and light. But he was a lovely gift.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Charlie sat, head in hands, elbows on knees, in the great settle of the living room. The pain he was causing Jill and the necessity for him to leave her, and her island, wracked him with a two-fold pain. It was not that he fancied her hopelessly in love with him. He had never comprehended his own beauty; he had never thought of himself as an irresistible Lord Byron, whose smiles were an invitation, whose touch was a conquest. Jill had quite astonished him by speaking of love, and he stoutly believed that her pride and not her heart was the more wounded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her girlish fancy had made him an object of love. It could as easily unmake him, once he had left the island.\n\nBut he had made her betray Curk, who was both her father and her god. He had made her violate her own harsh but somehow admirable integrity. It pained him to pain her, and yet if she did not help him to deceive Curk, his escape was impossible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The consequences of his deception—of his pretending to have made love to a girl whom he had not so much as kissed—he could not foresee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Curk had said that it was almost time for the goat Without Homs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Meaningless words to Charlie. Electrifying words to Jill.\n\nAnd here he sat, islanded in the Red House from the horrors of the larger island, comforted by the sheer Englishness of the architecture which he had once found depressingly bland, and by his nearness to his only understanding human friend this side of England.\n\nElizabeth came into the room with only the scent of frangipani to announce her presence. She walked so silently that even her voluminous skirt failed to rustle. This particular skirt was dusky blue, with a multitude of silver stars in clusters like Milky Ways. \"She walks in beauty like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies...Her eyes were remote with the remnants of sleep. He looked up at her with silent pleading." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sank beside him on the tall-backed settle, where Arthurian knights, subdued in color but vivid with action, jousted above their heads.\n\n\"You're troubled about Jill?\" Her drowsiness vanished as soon as she saw his pain. The warmth and sweetness of her, the inexpressible comfort of one who so resembled his mother as she had looked when he was a small child, sent tears coursing down his cheeks. A young man crying can be a ridiculous sight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Charlie's tears were not effeminate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were not the facile tears of a coward or a crybaby, but the natural, manly expression of a grief beyond words.\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"She's still hard and antagonistic?\"\n\n\"Oh, Elizabeth, it's much worse than that. She thinks she's married to me! Curk came out of the trees and placed his hands on our heads and spoke a few words and then Jill said we were to bear his grandchildren. Is he really her father?\"\n\nShe did not seem particularly surprised by Jill's behavior and she did not try to evade a question whose answer would convict her of adultery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, my dear, he is really her father. You see I am truly a bad woman, just as I warned you. No, not bad. Weak. I loved Curk once. He still compels me with his sheer physical presence, though I know him to be—heartless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You've seen him yourself. You can imagine what he must have seemed to me when we first met. He glittered with barbaric splendor. You men like every woman to be a saint or a harlot. It so simplifies your treatment of us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pedestal or the brothel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But most of us are mixed of sky and clay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There is something about us which yearns toward a handsome savage. We hope to tame him and at the same time hope to be mastered by him. It's no longer thought proper to admire wicked Lord Byron, but every woman I know has a copy of his poems which she hides from her husband. My own husband was a weakling, querulous and drunken, an aimless wanderer who was always sailing from places instead of to them. He had cut a handsome figure as a young man, and I had married him not unwillingly at my parents' urging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he was as hollow as a suit of armor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think he only liked Oleandra because at first I disliked it so intensely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We used to come ashore from our yacht and he would bring gifts to the Caribs in return for the heady rum they brewed for their festivals.\n\n\"One day we'll settle here,\" he used to taunt me, \"and these shall be your guests as well as your servants.\"\n\nAnd then I met Curk, who was strong where his countrymen and my own husband were weak, and I gave myself to him in a frenzy of love without tenderness or guilt. One year later my husband died and I, who had nothing in England except my husband's fortune—no surviving family and few friends after our years of wandering-returned to Oleandra because of Curk. Then it was known as Shark Island." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I changed the name to sound like the loveliest of flowers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I imported workers and material from England and built the Red House and the cottages for my servants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And for the Caribs if they would only use them, but they preferred to stay in the mangrove swamp and dream in the sun or torture their dogs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I have lived here all these years, lonely beyond words, yet loving—no, desiring—a man who had no knowledge of kindness, who came to me only because I was an Englishwoman and my beauty somehow attracted him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He said that I was the one star he would allow in the blackness of his chosen night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And because I could give him a child. Oh, he had fathered children on many a Carib maiden, I had no doubt of that. He was not a man to sleep alone. But he wanted my child, a child half English. \"My race is degenerate,' he used to say. 'I am its only strength. Yours is the power of England and the world. You must give me a son who is worthy of an empire.'\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I gave him Jill and never recovered my health. I fell prey to fevers of mind and body and became as you see me now, bed-ridden much of the time, melancholy all of the time, denied even the company of my daughter. For Curk took to her as soon as he found that I could bear him no more children. He treated her like the son I had failed to give him. Her dress, her hair, her manners. How little I was allowed to teach herl When Curk himself suggested a tutor from England, I wrote to Mr. Lane at once. To have another civilized being on the island! I was selfish. I thought of myself as well as Jill. And yes, I even foresaw the possibility of her falling in love with you. But only in time, only when she was a young woman and not a tomboy who looked like a sailor lad. It seemed to me a possible salvation for her; a boy like you from England. A boy who could one day take her back with him. Jill is a strange girl in many ways. To you she probably seems abrupt and cruel. But what is cruelty in her father is, I think, very different in her. She told me you had seen her spiders. I saw them once myself and have never been back to her tree-house. To you and me they seem horrible. But she loves them. What is more, she has never been bitten. And if she finds beauty in them where we like birds and flowers, is she cruel? Mistaken? Or simply different? The heartless things she said about your dolphin—forgive her for them, Charlie. She genuinely believed him to be a vicious animal. Curk had taught her so. Furthermore\"—and here she hesitated—\"if you find certain qualities of, shall I say, womanliness in me, you may discover a few of them also in Jill. Do you know that I found her last night with Sonnets from the Portuguese? She had slipped it out of my library and never expected me to visit her in her room. She quickly hid it under the pillow and doesn't yet know that I caught her memorizing the most beautiful sonnet of all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do I love thee...\"\n\n\"What else?\" She paused and shuddered. \"But what you tell me of Curk is monstrous... monstrous. He dares to call you married? And to speak of the Goat Without Homs?\"\n\n\"What did he mean, Elizabeth.\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" she said flatly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"Of course you're not, my dear.\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have heard the phrase many times since I came here. It seems to be a sacrifice, a propitiation of the Shark God worshipped by the Caribs. And somehow you and Jill are to participate. Perhaps he wishes to make you fertile parents who will bear him many grandsons.\"\n\n\"Goats are used in sacrifices all over the world. A goat without horns could be—\"\n\n\"A native child.\"\n\n\"Or Jill's first bom, if it were a girl. But I'm not going to make love to her!\"\n\n\"Of course you're not, my dear.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'carib' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She clasped him against her breast and rocked him like a child. She seemed to him then not an invalid but the elemental earth mother, all wise, all-encompassing, her intuition more powerful than man's intelligence. \"But Curk's wrath will be beyond belief. He has rarely been crossed. I have sometimes deceived him in some small matter but never openly defied him. Once a young Carib quarreled with him over a girl. They fought with staves and Curk, as always, won. The loser was thrown into the sea. He was a strong swimmer, but whenever he neared the shore he was driven back by Carib children with stones until he tired and sank. The sharks devoured his body.\"\n\n\"Jill had promised not to tell Curk that I refused her. I am to leave the island on the next boat from Martinique.\"\n\n\"Then you may trust her to keep her word, even if she must lie to her father.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She held him to her with the urgency of a mother losing her child and a mistress losing her lover." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'browning' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been an open and affectionate child, never ashamed to be embraced by his mother in public, never ashamed to embrace, and he did not lie passively in Elizabeth's arms but returned her embrace with equal ardor; half child, half lover. \"Such a little time we have had to be friends, my dear. But of course you must go. It means your life.\" \"And you will come too, Elizabeth! I will be your Robert Browning and carry you to safety! And Jill,\" he added with considerably less fervor. \"Together we may be able to steal a dugout and row out to the boat from Martinique.\"\n\n\"Do you really think that all three of us could leave this island without Curk's knowledge? Besides, Jill wouldn't want to go, and I—I lack the strength, my dear. I haven't the courage of our beloved Mrs. Browning. You must go alone with forgiveness in your heart for the sad, sick woman who brought you into such peril.\"\n\n\"For the great and gallant lady who has kept her courage and her beauty in spite of eveything.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "This is from a serialized story. Produce 5 sentences using the prose and structure of Georgette Heyer every time it's your turn, using what the user wrote as a seed. Stick to the historical romance, regency genre. Characters and plot points may reference earlier chapters." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Venetia reached York midway through the afternoon of the following day, the mail having been considerably delayed by fog in and around London. If she was in very much better spirits than on her previous journey she was far more exhausted. She alighted from the coach feeling battered and tousled, and instead of immediately hiring a chaise and pair to convey her to the Priory, which had been her intention, bespoke a bedchamber, some hot water, and some tea. Anxious to reach her journey's end though she might be she had no desire to arrive at the Priory in a crumpled dress, her face unwashed, and her hair unbrushed. When the chambermaid at the inn led her up to an empty bedchamber, one glance at the looking-glass was enough to confirm her in the belief that no lady, however handsome, could drive for two hundred miles in a mail-coach carrying its full complement of six inside passengers without emerging at her destination in an unbecomingly travel-worn condition." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had been fortunate to have succeeded in, booking a seat at such short notice; it was naturally not one of the corner seats; and she had very soon discovered that between a private post-chaise and a mail coach there was a world of difference." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unlike two of her fellow passengers, who snored hideously throughout the night, she was quite unable to sleep; and when a respite of twenty minutes was allowed the travellers at breakfast-time she was able only to swallow two sips of scalding coffee before being summoned to resume her place in the coach, because she was obliged to wait for fifteen minutes before the over-driven waiter slapped the coffee-pot clown on the table in front of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A wash and a cup of tea revived her a little; and she thought that if she lay down on the large fourposter bed for half an hour her headache might go off. That was her undoing, for hardly had she drawn the coverlet over herself than she fell asleep.\n\nShe awoke in darkness, and to hear the Minster clock chiming the threequarters, and started up in dismay, groping for the bell-rope that hung beside the bed. When the chambermaid appeared, bearing a candle, she was somewhat relieved to learn that the hour was not quite so far advanced as she had feared. It wanted ten minutes to seven." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chambermaid, a kindly soul, said that she had taken a look-in at her at four o'clock, but had thought it would be a shame to rouse her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She suggested that Miss must be ready for her dinner, which was now being served in the coffee-room; but Venetia, though ravenously hungry, merely begged her, as she scrambled into the clean dress she had earlier unpacked from her portmanteau, to run downstairs to the landlord, and to bespeak on her behalf a chaise-and-pair, or any other available vehicle, to convey her immediately to Elliston Priory.\n\nIt had been her intention, after the refreshment of half an hour on that treacherous bed, to have stepped round to Mr. Mytchett's place of business, for after buying her ticket on the mail, paying for the breakfast she had had no time to eat, and tipping the guard, her resources had dwindled to no more than would enable her to defray the charges at the inn. She was just able to do that; and presently climbed up into the job-chaise in reduced circumstances, but heartened by the reflection that someone at the Priory—Aubrey, or Damerel, or Imber—could defray the postboy's charges.\n\nBut Imber, opening the door to this wholly unexpected visitor shortly after half-past eight, merely goggled more than ever at an airy request to pay off the postboy, and repeated in such stunned accents: \"Pay off the postboy, miss?\" that Venetia said, impatient of further delay: \"Oh, never mind! His lordship will give you the money! Where shall I find him? Is he in the library?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still staring at her with dropped jaw Imber slowly shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A numbing fear clutched her heart; she stammered: \"G-gone? Imber, has he left Yorkshire? Don't stand there gaping at me! do you take me for a ghost? Where is his lordship?\"\n\nHe swallowed, and replied: \"He's in the dining-room, miss, but—but he's eaten Hull cheese. Miss Venetia! You hadn't ought—Miss—!\" But as this excursion into the vernacular was quite incomprehensible to Venetia, she paid no heed to the note of urgent entreaty in Imber's voice, but went quickly down the hall towards the dining-room. Opening the door, she stepped into the room, and stood on the threshold, hesitating a moment, because suddenly, mingled with the longing to see her love again, she was aware of shyness.\n\nAll the way north she had pictured this meeting, wondering what Damerel would say, and how he would look, what she herself would say to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had not occurred to her that he would neither speak nor look at her, or that their actual meeting would be so wholly unlike anything she had imagined." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was alone, sprawling in the carved armchair at the head of the table, one arm resting on the table, and the fingers of that hand crooked round the stem of a wineglass. The covers had been removed, and a half-empty decanter stood at his elbow, its stopper lying beside it. He was always rather careless of his appearance, but never had Venetia seen him so untidy. He had loosened his neckcloth, and his waistcoat hung open, and his black hair looked as if he had been in a high wind. He sat immobile, his shoulders against the high chair-back, his legs stretched out, and his brooding gaze fixed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'venetia' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The harsh lines of his face seemed to be accentuated, and his sneer was strongly marked. As Venetia moved softly forward into the candlelight he at last turned his eyes and looked at her. She stood still, shyness and mischief in her smile, and a hint of enquiry. He stared uncomprehendingly at her, and then, startling her, lifted his hand to his eyes, to shut her from his sight, ejaculating in a thickened voice of repulsion: \"O God! No!\"\n\nThis entirely unexpected reaction to her arrival might well have daunted Venetia, but as she had by this time realized that his lordship was, in the common phrase, extremely well to live, she was undismayed, and even rather amused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She exclaimed: \"Oh, Damerel, must you be foxed just at this moment? How odious you are, my dear friend!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hand fell; for one instant he gazed at her incredulously, then he was on his feet, knocking over his wineglass. \"Venetia!\" he uttered. \"Venetia!\"\n\nTwo hasty, uncertain strides brought him round the corner of the table; she moved towards him, and melted into his arms as he seized her.\n\nHe held her in a crushing embrace, fiercely kissing her, uttering disjointedly: \"My love—my heart—oh, my dear delight! It is you!\"\n\nShe had flung one arm round his neck, and as he raised his head to devour her face with his eyes she tenderly smoothed back the dishevelled lock of hair from his brow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever qualms or doubts had assailed her had vanished; she smiled lovingly up at him, and said, turning the word into a caress: \"Stoopid!\"\n\nHe gave a laugh like a groan, kissing her again, tightening his arms round her until she could scarcely breathe. Then he seemed to recollect himself a little, and slackened his hold, exclaiming shakily: \"I must reek of brandy!\"\n\n\"You do!\" she told him frankly. \"Never mind it! I daresay I shall soon grow accustomed to it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He released her, pressing his hands over his eyes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'brought' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hell and the devil! I'm jug-bitten—drunk as a wheelbarrow! I can't—\" His hands dropped, he demanded almost angrily: \"What brings you here? O God, why did you come?\"\n\n\"The mail-coach brought me, love, and I'll tell you why presently. Oh, my dear friend, I have so much to tell you! But first we must pay off the chaise. Imber seems not to have any money, so will you let him have your purse, if you please?\"\n\n\"What chaise?\"\n\n\"The one I hired in York to bring me here. I hadn't enough of my own money left—in fact, I am run quite off my legs, and must now hang on your sleeve! Damerel, do, pray, give me your purse!\"\n\nHe dived a hand mechanically into his pocket, but apparently he was not carrying his purse, for he brought it out again empty." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"Tell Marston to send the chaise away, if you please!\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His love, apostrophizing him affectionately as a castaway pea-goose, turned from him to go in search of Aubrey, and found that Imber was standing in the doorway, his face a study in disapproval, curiosity, and astonishment.\n\n\"Marston is paying the postboy, miss,\" he said. \"But, begging your pardon, if he's to be sent back to York—Miss Venetia, you don't mean to stay here?\"\n\n\"Yes, I do,\" she responded. \"Tell Marston to send the chaise away, if you please!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This seemed to penetrate to Damerel's somewhat clouded brain." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'imber'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No!\" he said forcefully, if a little huskily.\n\n\"No, my lord,\" agreed Imber, relieved. \"Shall I tell him to rack up for a while, or—\"\n\n\"Pay no heed to his lordship!\" said Venetia. \"Surely you must be able to see that he is not himself! Send the chaise off, and then, if you don't wish me to drop into a swoon, do, I implore you, fetch me some supper! All I've eaten since yesterday is one slice of bread-and-butter, and I am famished! Tell Mrs. Imber I beg her pardon for being so troublesome, and that some cold meat will do very well!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Imber looked for guidance towards his master, but as Damerel was occupied in an attempt to marshal his disordered wits, and paid no attention to him, he went reluctantly away to carry out Venetia's orders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Venetia!\" said Damerel, raising his head from between his hands, and speaking with painstaking clarity. \"You can't remain here. I won't let you. Out of the question. Not so top-heavy I don't know that.\"\n\n\"Nonsense, my dear friend! Aubrey is all the chaperon I need. Where is he, by the by?\"\n\nHe shook his head. \"Not here. Gone—forgot the fellow's name—some parson! Grinder.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What, is Mr. Appersett home again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she exclaimed. \"I knew I dared not wait another hour! Has Aubrey left you already? Oh, well! It can't be helped, and, to own the truth, I don't care a rush!\"\n\nHe frowned. \"Not left me. Gone to dine at the Parsonage. Appersett. Yes, that's right. He came home yesterday—or the day before. Can't remember. But it doesn't signify. You can't remain here.\"\n\nShe regarded him with a sapient eye. \"Yes, I see how it is,\" she remarked. \"I daresay it is the same with every man, for I recall that whenever Conway was in the least disguised he would take some notion into his head, in general an idiotish one, and hold to it buckle and thong!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He repeated, very creditably: \" 'Idiotish'!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A laugh shook him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought I should never hear you say that again1\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do I say it a great deal?\" she asked, and then, as he nodded: \"Oh dear, how very tiresome of me! I must take care!\"\n\n\"No. Not tiresome. But,\" said his lordship, sticking to his guns, \"you can't remain here.\"\n\n\"Well, I warn you, love, that if you cast me out I shall build me a willow cabin at your gates—and very likely die of an inflammation of the lungs, for November is not the month for building willow cabins! Oh, good-evening, Marston! Have you paid the postboy for me? I am very much obliged to you!\"\n\n\"Good-evening, ma'am,\" said the valet, with one of his rare smiles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"May I say how very happy I am to see you here again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you—I am very happy to be here!\" she replied warmly. \"But what is to be done? Here is his. lordship threatening to turn me out of doors: not at all happy to. see me!.\"\n\n\"Just so, ma'am,\" said Marston, casting an experienced glance at Damerel. \"Perhaps if you would care to step up to Mr. Aubrey's room, to take off your bonnet and pelisse—? There is a nice fire burning there, and I have instructed the housemaid to carry up a can of hot water, if you should wish to wash your hands. Also your portmanteau, ma'am.\"\n\nShe nodded, and crossed the room to the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No!\" said Damerel obstinately. \"Listen to me!\"\n\n\"Yes, my lord, in one moment!\" replied Marston, ushering Venetia out of the room, and pulling the door to behind him. \"The room next to Mr. Aubrey's shall be prepared for you, ma'am. I should perhaps explain that Mr. Aubrey has driven over to dine at the Parsonage: but he will be back presently.\" He added, in a reassuring tone: \"His lordship will very soon be himself again, ma'am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Marston, has he been getting foxed often?\" Venetia asked bluntly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, no, ma'am! He has been dipping rather deep, perhaps, but only when Mr. Aubrey has gone up to bed.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'ma'am' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hesitated, and then added, in his expressionless way: \"It is always a sign of trouble with his lordship when he makes indentures, if you will pardon my saying so, ma'am.\"\n\nShe looked frankly into his impassive countenance. \"Has he been in trouble, Marston?\"\n\n\"Yes, ma'am. In worse trouble than I have ever known him to suffer.\"\n\nShe nodded, and said with a little smile: \"We must see what can be done to cure that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, ma'am: I should be extremely glad,\" said Marston, bowing slightly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'supper' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"May I suggest supper in—about half an hour?\"\n\nShe was so hungry that it took considerable resolution to enable her to suppress an instinctive protest; but she managed to do it, and even to acquiesce graciously, since it was evident that he wished her to keep out of the way. She went upstairs, and was rewarded for her docility as soon as she caught sight of her reflection in the looking-glass in Aubrey's bedchamber. In the indifferent light provided by the one candle brought in by the chambermaid at the inn she had dressed by guess, and had done no more than drag a comb hastily through her curls before tieing on her hat; but Marston had caused two branches of candles to be set on the dressing-table, and in their relentless light Venetia saw with horror that she presented almost as dishevelled an appearance as did her castaway host. All thought of supper forgotten, she ripped off her hat, flung her pelisse on to the bed, and set about the urgent task of making herself once more fit to be seen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time this had been accomplished rather more than half an hour had elapsed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She disposed a very handsome zephyr shawl across her elbows, in the approved mode, took a last, critical look at her reflection, blew out the candles, and went downstairs again to the dining-room.\n\nHere she found matters much improved, all traces of debauch having been removed, the table freshly laid, the fire made up, and Damerel, his disordered attire set severely to rights, miraculously sobered. He was in the act of draining a tankard when Venetia entered the room. She looked a little doubtfully at it, but whatever its contents had been they seemed to have exercised a beneficial effect upon his system, for he said in a perfectly clear voice, as he handed the empty tankard to Marston: \"That's better! Bread-and-cheese, and I shall do.\" He turned, and smiled at Venetia, saying lightly, but with a glow in his eyes that warmed her heart: \"Quite starving, my poor child? You shall be served immediately! Come and sit down—and let me set your anxious mind at rest! I won't drive you from my roof: we have hit on a better scheme—or, to be honest, Marston has done so! My head isn't yet capable of devising schemes. You have come here to consult with Aubrey on some important matter—don't forget that!—and I am going to remove to the Red Lion. Thus we observe the proprieties!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed in her chair, as she seated herself at the table, and added, still in that light tone: \"You are doing your hair in a new way: very smart!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She realized that he was going to be difficult, but she was not much perturbed. Whatever his tongue might utter, his eyes betrayed him. She said chattily: \"Do you like it? I hope you do, for I'm assured that it's all the crack!\"\n\nHe had moved to his own chair, and he now lifted his quizzing-glass to one eye. \"Yes, excellent! A la Sappho, I fancy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wretch!\" she said, with her infectious chuckle." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: Most of 'em, I think," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know the names of all the styles of female coiffure?\"\n\n\"Most of 'em, I think,\" he replied brazenly. He sat down, letting his quizzing-glass fall on the end of its long ribbon. \"What has brought you here, Venetia?\"\n\n\"The mail coach—and excessively uncomfortable it was!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't quibble, girl!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She smiled at him, saying softly: \"Stoopid!\"\n\nShe won no answering smile; he was looking pale, and rather grim; and after a tiny pause, he said: \"I wish to God you had not come!\"\n\n\"Oh! That's—that's a horrid set-down, particularly when it seemed to me that you were glad to see me.\"\n\n\"I was badly foxed—I'm still a trifle concerned, but no longer out of my senses!\"\n\n\"Oh, dear, do you mean to kiss me only when you're foxed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't mean to kiss you at all!\" he said harshly." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"How very good it smells!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then of course I won't press you to,\" she replied. \"Nothing is more detestable than to be pressed to do what one hasn't the smallest wish to do! I have lately had a great deal of experience of that. I know of only one worse thing, and that is to be beset by well-meaning but perfectly mutton-headed persons who can't keep from meddling with what doesn't concern them.\"\n\n\"Venetia—\" He checked himself, as Imber came in, and sat in frowning silence while a bowl of soup was set before her.\n\n\"How very good it smells!\" said Venetia, picking up her spoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, Imber, fresh bannocks? Yes, indeed I'll take one! Now I know I'm at home again!\" She turned her head to address Damerel. \"My aunt, I must tell you, has a French cook. He contrives the most delectable dishes, but I couldn't help yearning sometimes for plain Yorkshire food.\"\n\n\"How do you like London?\" he asked, as Imber filled Venetia's glass with lemonade." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not at all. Well, perhaps that is being unjust to it! Under different conditions I think I might have liked it very well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She added, as Imber left the room: \"I was too unhappy, and too lonely to be entertained. I had no one to laugh with, you see.\"\n\nHe said in a constricted voice: \"You felt strange, of course. Were they kind to you, your uncle and aunt?\"\n\n\"Very kind. Only—well, never mind! I don't think I can explain it to you.\"\n\n\"Explain it to me? Do you think I don't know? Do you think I haven't missed you every day—every minute?\" he demanded impetuously. \"And pictured you, sitting just where you are now, as you sat on that first evening, with that smile in your eyes—\" He broke off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, you need not explain it to me! I know! But believe me, believe me, my dear delight, it will pass!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, so you told me, when you said goodbye to me,\" she agreed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My aunt told me so too, and I've no doubt my uncle would, for I'm sure he told you it would. But what none of you has made at all plain to me is why you should think it a—a consummation devoutly to be wished! However, I don't mean to be troublesome, so I won't tease you with questions. Oh, dear, I can hear Imber coming back! I think it would be better if I don't tell you what brought me here until we can be safe from interruption. I have so many other things to tell you, too! Oh, Damerel, I have seen your cousin! He was at a rout-party, and I heard his name spoken, and nearly disgraced myself by laughing! He is a splendid quiz!\"\n\nHe smiled, but with an effort. \"A quiz? Good God, what can you be thinking of? Top-of-the-Trees is Alfred! You should see him when he goes upon the strut! Who is in town? Not many people yet, I fear, but I hope you made a few agreeable acquaintances?\"\n\nShe responded readily, and continued to chat in an easy, cheerful way, while she ate her supper. Damerel did not say very much, but sat watching her, a queer smile in his eyes which made her long to put her arms round him, because she thought that just so would he smile at a dear memory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Imber set apples and nuts on the table, and finally withdrew from the room, Damerel said: \"And now, Venetia, tell me what happened to make you take this crazy step!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will,\" she replied. \"But first, my dear friend, I have a question to put to you! Why did you never tell me that my mother wasn't dead, but very much alive?\"\n\nHe was cracking a walnut between his long fingers, but he looked up at that, and said: \"So you've found that out, have you?\"\n\n\"That,\" said Venetia severely, \"is not an answer!\"\n\nHe shrugged. \"It wasn't for me to tell you what you were evidently not meant to know. Who did tell you? Your aunt? Very wise of her! I hoped she would, for you might otherwise have discovered it in a way that could have shocked you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, that is precisely how I did discover it! It was certainly a surprise to me—but I had almost guessed it before poor Aunt Hendred was compelled to tell me the whole. I saw her at the play, the day before yesterday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The devil!\" he exclaimed, frowning. \"I thought she was fixed in Paris!\"\n\n\"So she is,\" Venetia answered, holding out her hand for the nut he had just peeled. \"Thank you! She was obliged to come to London to have a new riding-habit made. She tells me that no Frenchman can make them as well as an English tailor.\"\n\nThere was suddenly an arrested look on his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She tells you? You spoke to her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Spoke to her? Why, of course! I visited her at the Pulteney, and I can't describe to you how kind she was—and Sir Lambert, who, I must say, is the greatest dear! Only fancy! he walked all the way to the top of Bond Street with me, and as though that were not enough he bought this charming brooch for me! Wasn't it touching of him? He told me that he wished I was his daughter, and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've no doubt!\" Damerel interrupted wrathfully.\n\n\"—and so do I wish it,\" continued Venetia serenely, \"for my own father I didn't like half as well!\"\n\n\"Do you mean to tell me,\" demanded Damerel, \"that your aunt had no more gumption than to permit you to do what any but a greenhead would have known was enough to set every gossiping tongue wagging? Oh, my God!\"\n\n\"You must meet my aunt,\" said Venetia. \"I am persuaded you would deal wonderfully together, for I see you have exactly the same notions! Do you know, it had me quite in a puzzle—before I knew about my mother, I mean—to understand why Aunt was for ever telling me that I must be excessively correct and prim, because of my circumstances? And though she was bent on finding me a respectable husband I could see that she thought it would be a very hard task. It seemed odd to me, for I'm not an antidote, and I'm not by any means penniless. I saw how it was, of course, when I learned the truth about Mama. I must own, Damerel, that I wish you had been frank with me—but I daresay you felt you could not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She added reflectively: \"No, to be sure you couldn't! It was a most awkward fix to be in!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What the devil do you mean by that?\" Damerel shot at her, in a voice ominous enough to cause any female to quail.\n\nVenetia showed him a face of sweet innocence. \"Why, only that I do understand how very difficult—quite impossible, in fact!—it was for you to explain that for a Damerel to marry a daughter of Lady Steeple would never do. I think now that you did try, once or twice, to give me a hint, but—\"\n\n\"Tried to—How dare you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he said furiously. \"How dare you, Venetia? If you imagine that I let you go because I thought you beneath my touch—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But that must have been the reason!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she objected. \"I know you bamboozled me into believing that it was you who were beneath my touch, and that was kind, and very like you, my dear friend—but perfectly absurd, now that I know how shockingly ineligible I am!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He half started up from his chair. She thought she was going to be seized, and, probably, well shaken, and waited hopefully. But he sank back again, and although he eyed her bodingly she saw that the wrath had vanished from his eyes. \"You don't think anything of the sort, my girl,\" he said dryly. \"Whether your aunt—who sounds to me to be a confirmed ninnyhammer!—put it into your head that your parents' divorce makes you ineligible, or whether it's a notion you've hatched for my benefit, I know not, but you may now listen to me—and believe that I am speaking the truth! There's no man worthy to be called a man at all, who, knowing you, and loving you, would care a tinker's damn for that fustian nonsense! Ask your uncle, if you think I'm lying to you! He'll tell you the same. Good God, do you imagine that no one was ever divorced before? Anyone would suppose your mother to have joined the muslin company who heard you talk such moonshine, instead of which she has been married to Steeple these fifteen years!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, I must say that that takes quite a load from my mind,\" Venetia told him gratefully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And it brings me to the reason why I came home. I knew you would be able to advise me! Of course, Aubrey is the chief person I must consult, but he isn't old enough to be able to advise me. Damerel, I have received an offer, and I am not perfectly sure whether I should accept it, or not. It's not what I wish for, but I think I should prefer it to living alone—wasting, my life, you called that, and perhaps you were right.\"\n\nHe said in a hard voice, and rather hastily: \"If this offer comes from Yardley, I can't advise you! I should have said— the last man alive to—But you know best what will suit you!\"\n\n\"From Edward? Good gracious, no! How could you think it possible I should want advice about an offer from him?\"\n\n\"I don't—that is, I know he followed you to London. He came here to tell Aubrey. I didn't see him.\"\n\n\"He did follow me to London,\" agreed Venetia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She heaved a mournful sigh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He has been mistaken in my character, however, and I daresay he is even now on his way back to Netherfold. It is a very lowering thought, but I've been as good as jilted, Damerel! I expect, in the end, he will offer for Clara Denny.\"\n\n\"Is this another attempt to hoax me?\"\n\n\"No, no! You see, he does care about divorce, and although, after struggling against his judgment for several years, he yielded to his infatuation, believing me to have delicacy, under my levity—\"\n\n\"Venetia, even Yardley could not talk like that!\" he protested, his lip quivering." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her laughter bubbled over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he did, I promise you! He was strongly of the opinion that I should give my mama the go-by, you see, and—and he took the most unaccountable dislike to Sir Lambert!\"\n\n\"Oh, he did, did he?\" retorted Damerel, regarding her with grim appreciation. \"He's an insufferable coxcomb, but as for you, fair torment—!\"\n\n\"Well, I see nothing to take exception to in Sir Lambert!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she declared. \"Only wait until you learn how very kind he is! You see, the offer I spoke of was from Mama!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\"\n\n\"I don't wonder you are astonished: I was myself—but so very much touched! Only think, Damerel! She invites me to go back with them both to Paris, and to remain with them for as long as I like—and with Sir Lambert's full approval! I own, I can't help but be tempted: I have always longed to travel, you know, and Mama talks of going to Italy in the spring. Italy! I don't think I can resist!\"\n\n\"Venetia, you are doing it very much too brown!\" he said, breaking in on this without ceremony. \"I know your mama! She would no more invite you to take up residence in her hotel than she would shave off her eyebrows!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Quite prepared for this scepticism, Venetia said anxiously: \"Oh, Damerel, do you think she didn't mean it after all?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think she never so much as dreamed of inviting you to visit her, my love!\"\n\n\"But she did!\" Venetia assured him. \"It was because I told her of my scheme to set up house with Aubrey. She was quite as horrified as ever you were, and said I might as well bury myself. She says it wouldn't do for me to live with her in England, but that abroad people are not so strait-laced, so that—But read her letter for yourself!\"\n\nLooking thunderstruck, he took the letter she had extracted from her reticule, and spread it open. He cast her a suspicious glance, and then lowered his eyes to Lady Steeple's charmingly written missive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He read it, heavily frowning, twice, before he again looked at Venetia." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"That is exactly what I do not see! Aurelia Steeple in a fret because you told her—Oh, for the Lord's sake, Venetia, don't ask me to swallow that fling! I don't know what you've been doing, but if this isn't a hoax I hope you know that under no circumstances must you join that manage!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was still suspicious, but she could see that he was shaken. \"Venetia, how the devil did you persuade her to write this?\" he asked.\n\n\"Well, you see what persuaded her to write it!\"\n\n\"That is exactly what I do not see! Aurelia Steeple in a fret because you told her—Oh, for the Lord's sake, Venetia, don't ask me to swallow that fling! I don't know what you've been doing, but if this isn't a hoax I hope you know that under no circumstances must you join that manage!\"\n\nShe said apologetically: \"No, I fear I don't. I see that it wouldn't be a wise thing to do if my ambition were to become one of those tonnish females whom my aunt describes as being of the first consideration, but as it isn't—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stop talking like the greenhead you are!\" he said sternly. \"You know nothing about the Steeples' world! Well, I do know—none better!—and if I thought that this was anything but a hum—\" He stopped abruptly, raising his head a little.\n\n\"Well?\" she prompted.\n\nHe lifted his finger, and she too heard the sound that had reached his ears. A carriage was approaching the house. \"Aubrey!\" Damerel said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes went back to her face, \"What reason do you mean to give him for being here? You won't regale him with this!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He handed back Lady Steeple's letter to her as he spoke.\n\nShe was wishing Aubrey a hundred miles away, and could have screamed with vexation, but she replied with seeming calm: \"But, my dear friend, I couldn't take such a step without first discovering what his sentiments are!\"\n\n\"If that is all—\"\n\nShe smiled. \"His sentiments, Damerel, not his opinions! For anything I know he might prefer to lodge with the Appersetts than to join me in London.\" Her smile wavered. \"I don't think I am very necessary to him either,\" she said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'aubrey' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was on his feet now, standing over her, grasping her wrists, and almost jerking her up out of her chair. \"Venetia, I would give my life to spare you pain—disillusionment—all the things you don't realize—have no knowledge of!—My life! What an empty, fustian thing to say! I could scarcely have hit upon a more worthless sacrifice!\" he said bitterly.\n\nThere was a murmur of voices in the hall, footsteps were approaching. \"Damn Aubrey!\" Damerel said under his breath, releasing Venetia's wrists.\n\nBut it was not Aubrey. Setting the door wide, Imber announced in a voice of doom: \"Mr. Hendred, my lord!\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: This is part of a larger narrative. The user will write a segment, then you need to write around 1 sentence continuing directly from it. Characters and events may be pre-established from earlier chapters.\n\nAuthor style: Jane Austen\nGenre: romance, historical fiction" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of Netherfield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The visit was returned in due form." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Bennet's pleasing manners grew on the good-will of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and though the mother was found to be intolerable, and the younger sisters not worth speaking to, a wish of being better acquainted with them was expressed towards the two eldest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By Jane this attention was received with the greatest pleasure; but Elizabeth still saw superciliousness in their treatment of every body, hardly excepting even her sister, and could not like them; though their kindness to Jane, such as it was, had a value, as arising, in all probability, from the influence of their brother's admiration." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was generally evident, whenever they met, that he did admire her; and to her it was equally evident that Jane was yielding to the preference which she had begun to entertain for him from the first, and was in a way to be very much in love; but she considered with pleasure that it was not likely to be discovered by the world in general, since Jane united with great strength of feeling, a composure of temper and an uniform cheerfulness of manner, which would guard her from the suspicions of the impertinent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She mentioned this to her friend, Miss Lucas." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It may, perhaps, be pleasant,\" replied Charlotte, \"to be able to impose on the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely—a slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But she does help him on, as much as her nature will allow. If I can perceive her regard for him, he must be a simpleton, indeed, not to discover it too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Remember, Eliza, that he does not know Jane's disposition as you do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to conceal it, he must find it out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Perhaps he must, if he sees enough of her. But though Bingley and Jane meet tolerably often, it is never for many hours together; and as they always see each other in large mixed parties, it is impossible that every moment should be employed in conversing together. Jane should therefore make the most of every half hour in which she can command his attention. When she is secure of him, there will be leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your plan is a good one,\" replied Elizabeth, \"where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married; and if I were determined to get a rich husband, or any husband, I dare say I should adopt it. But these are not Jane's feelings; she is not acting by design. As yet she cannot even be certain of the degree of her own regard, nor of its reasonableness. She has known him only a fortnight. She danced four dances with him at Meryton; she saw him one morning at his own house, and has since dined in company with him four times. This is not quite enough to make her understand his character.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not as you represent it. Had she merely dined with him, she might only have discovered whether he had a good appetite; but you must remember that four evenings have been also spent together—and four evenings may do a great deal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes: these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that they both like Vingt-un better than Commerce; but with respect to any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has been unfolded.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'chance' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" said Charlotte, \"I wish Jane success with all my heart; and if she were married to him tomorrow, I should think she had as good a chance of happiness as if she were to be studying his character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley's attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty: he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she had hardly a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of this she was perfectly unaware: to her he was only the man who made himself agreeable nowhere, and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to wish to know more of her; and, as a step towards conversing with her himself, attended to her conversation with others." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His doing so drew her notice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was at Sir William Lucas's, where a large party were assembled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What does Mr. Darcy mean,\" said she to Charlotte, \"by listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But if he does it any more, I shall certainly let him know that I see what he is about. He has a very satirical eye, and if I do not begin by being impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On his approaching them soon afterwards, though without seeming to have any intention of speaking, Miss Lucas defied her friend to mention such a subject to him, which immediately provoking Elizabeth to do it, she turned to him and said,—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did not you think, Mr. Darcy, that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"With great energy; but it is a subject which always makes a lady energetic.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are severe on us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will be her turn soon to be teased,\" said Miss Lucas." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are a very strange creature by way of a friend!—always wanting me to play and sing before any body and every body! If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable; but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "On Miss Lucas's persevering, however, she added, \"Very well; if it must be so, it must.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And gravely glancing at Mr. Darcy, \"There is a very fine old saying, which every body here is of course familiar with—'Keep your breath to cool your porridge,'—and I shall keep mine to swell my song.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her performance was pleasing, though by no means capital." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a song or two, and before she could reply to the entreaties of several that she would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at the instrument by her sister Mary, who having, in consequence of being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for knowledge and accomplishments, was always impatient for display." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mary had neither genius nor taste; and though vanity had given her application, it had given her likewise a pedantic air and conceited manner, which would have injured a higher degree of excellence than she had reached." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, easy and unaffected, had been listened to with much more pleasure, though not playing half so well; and Mary, at the end of a long concerto, was glad to purchase praise and gratitude by Scotch and Irish airs, at the request of her younger sisters, who, with some of the Lucases, and two or three officers, joined eagerly in dancing at one end of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation at such a mode of passing the evening, to the exclusion of all conversation, and was too much engrossed by his own thoughts to perceive that Sir William Lucas was his neighbour, till Sir William thus began:—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing, after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world: every savage can dance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sir William only smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your friend performs delightfully,\" he continued, after a pause, on seeing Bingley join the group; \"and I doubt not that you are an adept in the science yourself, Mr. Darcy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You saw me dance at Meryton, I believe, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, indeed, and received no inconsiderable pleasure from the sight. Do you often dance at St. James's?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never, sir.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you not think it would be a proper compliment to the place?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can avoid it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have a house in town, I conclude.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy bowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had once some thoughts of fixing in town myself, for I am fond of superior society; but I did not feel quite certain that the air of London would agree with Lady Lucas.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused in hopes of an answer: but his companion was not disposed to make any; and Elizabeth at that instant moving towards them, he was struck with the notion of doing a very gallant thing, and called out to her,—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My dear Miss Eliza, why are not you dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much beauty is before you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And, taking her hand, he would have given it to Mr. Darcy, who, though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back, and said with some discomposure to Sir William,—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to be allowed the honour of her hand, but in vain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth was determined; nor did Sir William at all shake her purpose by his attempt at persuasion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You excel so much in the dance, Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though this gentleman dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection, I am sure, to oblige us for one half hour.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mr. Darcy is all politeness,\" said Elizabeth, smiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is, indeed: but, considering the inducement, my dear Miss Eliza, we cannot wonder at his complaisance; for who would object to such a partner?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth looked archly, and turned away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her resistance had not injured her with the gentleman, and he was thinking of her with some complacency, when thus accosted by Miss Bingley,—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can guess the subject of your reverie.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I should imagine not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner,—in such society; and, indeed, I am quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed! The insipidity, and yet the noise;—the nothingness, and yet the self-importance of all these people! What would I give to hear your strictures on them!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and desired he would tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring such reflections." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Darcy replied with great intrepidity,—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Elizabeth Bennet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Miss Elizabeth Bennet!\" repeated Miss Bingley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am all astonishment. How long has she been such a favourite? and pray when am I to wish you joy?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask. A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment. I knew you would be wishing me joy.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nay, if you are so serious about it, I shall consider the matter as absolutely settled. You will have a charming mother-in-law, indeed, and of course she will be always at Pemberley with you.\"\n\nHe listened to her with perfect indifference, while she chose to entertain herself in this manner; and as his composure convinced her that all was safe, her wit flowed long." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\n12 sentences\nStyle:\nJane Austen" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day passed much as the day before had done. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had spent some hours of the morning with the invalid, who continued, though slowly, to mend; and, in the evening, Elizabeth joined their party in the drawingroom. The loo table, however, did not appear. Mr. Darcy was writing, and Miss Bingley, seated near him, was watching the progress of his letter, and repeatedly calling off his attention by messages to his sister. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was observing their game.\n\nElizabeth took up some needlework, and was sufficiently amused in attending to what passed between Darcy and his companion. The perpetual commendations of the lady either on his hand-writing, or on the evenness of his lines, or on the length of his letter, with the perfect unconcern with which her praises were received, formed a curious dialogue, and was exactly in unison with her opinion of each.\n\n\"How delighted Miss Darcy will be to receive such a letter!\"\n\nHe made no answer.\n\n\"You write uncommonly fast.\"\n\n\"You are mistaken. I write rather slowly.\"\n\n\"How many letters you must have occasion to write in the course of a year! Letters of business, too! How odious I should think them!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is fortunate, then, that they fall to my lot instead of to yours.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pray tell your sister that I long to see her.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"Thank you—but I always mend my own.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have already told her so once, by your desire.\"\n\n\"I am afraid you do not like your pen. Let me mend it for you. I mend pens remarkably well.\"\n\n\"Thank you—but I always mend my own.\"\n\n\"How can you contrive to write so even?\"\n\nHe was silent.\n\n\"Tell your sister I am delighted to hear of her improvement on the harp, and pray let her know that I am quite in raptures with her beautiful little design for a table, and I think it infinitely superior to Miss Grantley's.\"\n\n\"Will you give me leave to defer your raptures till I write again? At present I have not room to do them justice.\"\n\n\"Oh, it is of no consequence. I shall see her in January. But do you always write such charming long letters to her, Mr. Darcy?\"\n\n\"They are generally long; but whether always charming, it is not for me to determine.\"\n\n\"It is a rule with me, that a person who can write a long letter with ease cannot write ill.\"\n\n\"That will not do for a compliment to Darcy, Caroline,\" cried her brother, \"because he does not write with ease. He studies too much for words of four syllables. Do not you, Darcy?\"\n\n\"My style of writing is very different from yours.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh,\" cried Miss Bingley, \"Charles writes in the most careless way imaginable. He leaves out half his words, and blots the rest.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'believed' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My ideas flow so rapidly that I have not time to express them; by which means my letters sometimes convey no ideas at all to my correspondents.\"\n\n\"Your humility, Mr. Bingley,\" said Elizabeth, \"must disarm reproof.\"\n\n\"Nothing is more deceitful,\" said Darcy, \"than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.\"\n\n\"And which of the two do you call my little recent piece of modesty?\"\n\n\"The indirect boast; for you are really proud of your defects in writing, because you consider them as proceeding from a rapidity of thought and carelessness of execution, which, if not estimable, you think at least highly interesting. The power of doing any thing with quickness is always much prized by the possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of the performance. When you told Mrs. Bennet this morning, that if you ever resolved on quitting Netherfield you should be gone in five minutes, you meant it to be a sort of panegyric, of compliment to yourself; and yet what is there so very laudable in a precipitance which must leave very necessary business undone, and can be of no real advantage to yourself or any one else?\"\n\n\"Nay,\" cried Bingley, \"this is too much, to remember at night all the foolish things that were said in the morning. And yet, upon my honour, I believed what I said of myself to be true, and I believe it at this moment. At least, therefore, I did not assume the character of needless precipitance merely to show off before the ladies.\"\n\n\"I dare say you believed it; but I am by no means convinced that you would be gone with such celerity. Your conduct would be quite as dependent on chance as that of any man I know; and if, as you were mounting your horse, a friend were to say, 'Bingley, you had better stay till next week,' you would probably do it—you would probably not go—and, at another word, might stay a month.\"\n\n\"You have only proved by this,\" cried Elizabeth, \"that Mr. Bingley did not do justice to his own disposition. You have shown him off now much more than he did himself.\"\n\n\"I am exceedingly gratified,\" said Bingley, \"by your converting what my friend says into a compliment on the sweetness of my temper. But I am afraid you are giving it a turn which that gentleman did by no means intend; for he would certainly think the better of me, if, under such a circumstance, I were to give a flat denial, and ride off as fast as I could.\"\n\n\"Would Mr. Darcy then consider the rashness of your original intention as atoned for by your obstinacy in adhering to it?\"\n\n\"Upon my word, I cannot exactly explain the matter—Darcy must speak for himself.\"\n\n\"You expect me to account for opinions which you choose to call mine, but which I have never acknowledged. Allowing the case, however, to stand according to your representation, you must remember, Miss Bennet, that the friend who is supposed to desire his return to the house and the delay of his plan, has merely desired it, asked it without offering one argument in favour of its propriety.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To yield readily—easily—to the persuasion of a friend is no merit with you.\"\n\n\"To yield without conviction is no compliment to the understanding of either.\"\n\n\"You appear to me, Mr. Darcy, to allow nothing for the influence of friendship and affection. A regard for the requester would often make one readily yield to a request, without waiting for arguments to reason one into it. I am not particularly speaking of such a case as you have supposed about Mr. Bingley. We may as well wait, perhaps, till the circumstance occurs, before we discuss the discretion of his behaviour thereupon. But in general and ordinary cases between friend and friend, where one of them is desired by the other to change a resolution of no very great moment, should you think ill of that person for complying with the desire, without waiting to be argued into it?\"\n\n\"Will it not be advisable, before we proceed on this subject, to arrange with rather more precision the degree of importance which is to appertain to this request, as well as the degree of intimacy subsisting between the parties?\"\n\n\"By all means,\" cried Bingley: \"let us hear all the particulars, not forgetting their comparative height and size; for that will have more weight in the argument, Miss Bennet, than you may be aware of. I assure you that if Darcy were not such a great tall fellow, in comparison with myself, I should not pay him half so much deference. I declare I do not know a more awful object than Darcy, on particular occasions, and in particular places; at his own house especially, and of a Sunday evening, when he has nothing to do.\"\n\nMr. Darcy smiled; but Elizabeth thought she could perceive that he was rather offended, and therefore checked her laugh.\n\nMiss Bingley warmly resented the indignity he had received, in an expostulation with her brother for talking such nonsense.\n\n\"I see your design, Bingley,\" said his friend. \"You dislike an argument, and want to silence this.\"\n\n\"Perhaps I do. Arguments are too much like disputes. If you and Miss Bennet will defer yours till I am out of the room, I shall be very thankful; and then you may say whatever you like of me.\"\n\n\"What you ask,\" said Elizabeth, \"is no sacrifice on my side; and Mr. Darcy had much better finish his letter.\"\n\nMr. Darcy took her advice, and did finish his letter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When that business was over, he applied to Miss Bingley and Elizabeth for the indulgence of some music. Miss Bingley moved with alacrity to the piano-forte, and after a polite request that Elizabeth would lead the way, which the other as politely and more earnestly negatived, she seated herself.\n\nMrs. Hurst sang with her sister; and while they were thus employed, Elizabeth could not help observing, as she turned over some music books that lay on the instrument, how frequently Mr. Darcy's eyes were fixed on her. She hardly knew how to suppose that she could be an object of admiration to so great a man; and yet that he should look at her because he disliked her was still more strange. She could only imagine, however, at last, that she drew his notice because there was a something about her more wrong and reprehensible, according to his ideas of right, than in any other person present. The supposition did not pain her. She liked him too little to care for his approbation.\n\nAfter playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley varied the charm by a lively Scotch air; and soon afterwards Mr. Darcy, drawing near Elizabeth, said to her,—\n\n\"Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?\"\n\nShe smiled, but made no answer. He repeated the question, with some surprise at her silence.\n\n\"Oh,\" said she, \"I heard you before; but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say 'Yes,' that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always delight in overthrowing those kinds of schemes, and cheating a person of their premeditated contempt. I have, therefore, made up my mind to tell you, that I do not want to dance a reel at all; and now despise me if you dare.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed I do not dare.\"\n\nElizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at his gallantry: but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront any body; and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. He really believed that, were it not for the inferiority of her connections, he should be in some danger.\n\nMiss Bingley saw, or suspected, enough to be jealous; and her great anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received some assistance from her desire of getting rid of Elizabeth.\n\nShe often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking her guest, by talking of their supposed marriage, and planning his happiness in such an alliance.\n\n\"I hope,\" said she, as they were walking together in the shrubbery the next day, \"you will give your mother-in-law a few hints, when this desirable event takes place, as to the advantage of holding her tongue; and if you can compass it, do cure the younger girls of running after the officers. And, if I may mention so delicate a subject, endeavour to check that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which your lady possesses.\"\n\n\"Have you any thing else to propose for my domestic felicity?\"\n\n\"Oh yes. Do let the portraits of your uncle and aunt Philips be placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them next to your great uncle the judge. They are in the same profession, you know; only in different lines. As for your Elizabeth's picture, you must not attempt to have it taken, for what painter could do justice to those beautiful eyes?\"\n\n\"It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression; but their colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine, might be copied.\"\n\nAt that moment they were met from another walk by Mrs. Hurst and Elizabeth herself.\n\n\"I did not know that you intended to walk,\" said Miss Bingley, in some confusion, lest they had been overheard.\n\n\"You used us abominably ill,\" answered Mrs. Hurst, \"running away without telling us that you were coming out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then taking the disengaged arm of Mr. Darcy, she left Elizabeth to walk by herself." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The path just admitted three. Mr. Darcy felt their rudeness, and immediately said,—\n\n\"This walk is not wide enough for our party. We had better go into the avenue.\"\n\nBut Elizabeth, who had not the least inclination to remain with them, laughingly answered,—\n\n\"No, no; stay where you are. You are charmingly grouped, and appear to uncommon advantage. The picturesque would be spoilt by admitting a fourth. Good-by.\"\n\nShe then ran gaily off, rejoicing as she rambled about, in the hope of being at home again in a day or two. Jane was already so much recovered as to intend leaving her room for a couple of hours that evening." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CREATIVE WRITING:\nseven sentences sentences\nMaintain character context\nGenre: romance, historical fiction" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth had settled it that Mr. Darcy would bring his sister to visit her the very day after her reaching Pemberley; and was, consequently, resolved not to be out of sight of the inn the whole of that morning. But her conclusion was false; for on the very morning after their own arrival at Lambton these visitors came. They had been walking about the place with some of their new friends, and were just returned to the inn to dress themselves for dining with the same family, when the sound of a carriage drew them to a window, and they saw a gentleman and lady in a curricle driving up the street. Elizabeth, immediately recognising the livery, guessed what it meant, and imparted no small degree of surprise to her relations, by acquainting them with the honour which she expected. Her uncle and aunt were all amazement; and the embarrassment of her manner as she spoke, joined to the circumstance itself, and many of the circumstances of the preceding day, opened to them a new idea on the business. Nothing had ever suggested it before, but they now felt that there was no other way of accounting for such attentions from such a quarter than by supposing a partiality for their niece. While these newly-born notions were passing in their heads, the perturbation of Elizabeth's feelings was every moment increasing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was quite amazed at her own discomposure; but, amongst other causes of disquiet, she dreaded lest the partiality of the brother should have said too much in her favour; and more than commonly anxious to please, she naturally suspected that every power of pleasing would fail her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She retreated from the window, fearful of being seen; and as she walked up and down the room, endeavouring to compose herself, saw such looks of enquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt as made every thing worse.\n\nMiss Darcy and her brother appeared, and this formidable introduction took place. With astonishment did Elizabeth see that her new acquaintance was at least as much embarrassed as herself. Since her being at Lambton, she had heard that Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud; but the observation of a very few minutes convinced her that she was only exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyllable.\n\nMiss Darcy was tall, and on a larger scale than Elizabeth; and, though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother, but there was sense and goodhumour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, who had expected to find in her as acute and unembarrassed an observer as ever Mr. Darcy had been, was much relieved by discerning such different feelings.\n\nThey had not been long together before Darcy told her that Bingley was also coming to wait on her; and she had barely time to express her satisfaction, and prepare for such a visitor, when Bingley's quick step was heard on the stairs, and in a moment he entered the room. All Elizabeth's anger against him had been long done away; but, had she still felt any, it could hardly have stood its ground against the unaffected cordiality with which he expressed himself on seeing her again. He enquired in a friendly, though general, way, after her family, and looked and spoke with the same goodhumoured ease that he had ever done.\n\nTo Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner he was scarcely a less interesting personage than to herself. They had long wished to see him. The whole party before them, indeed, excited a lively attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The suspicions which had just arisen of Mr. Darcy and their niece, directed their observation towards each with an earnest, though guarded, enquiry; and they soon drew from those enquiries the full conviction that one of them at least knew what it was to love." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of the lady's sensations they remained a little in doubt; but that the gentleman was overflowing with admiration was evident enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth, on her side, had much to do. She wanted to ascertain the feelings of each of her visitors, she wanted to compose her own, and to make herself agreeable to all; and in the latter object, where she feared most to fail, she was most sure of success, for those to whom she endeavoured to give pleasure were prepossessed in her favour. Bingley was ready, Georgiana was eager, and Darcy determined, to be pleased.\n\nIn seeing Bingley, her thoughts naturally flew to her sister; and oh! how ardently did she long to know whether any of his were directed in a like manner. Sometimes she could fancy that he talked less than on former occasions, and once or twice pleased herself with the notion that as he looked at her, he was trying to trace a resemblance. But, though this might be imaginary, she could not be deceived as to his behaviour to Miss Darcy, who had been set up as a rival to Jane." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'since' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No look appeared on either side that spoke particular regard. Nothing occurred between them that could justify the hopes of his sister. On this point she was soon satisfied; and two or three little circumstances occurred ere they parted, which, in her anxious interpretation, denoted a recollection of Jane, not untinctured by tenderness, and a wish of saying more that might lead to the mention of her, had he dared. He observed to her, at a moment when the others were talking together, and in a tone which had something of real regret, that it \"was a very long time since he had had the pleasure of seeing her;\" and, before she could reply, he added, \"It is above eight months. We have not met since the 26th of November, when we were all dancing together at Netherfield.\"\n\nElizabeth was pleased to find his memory so exact; and he afterwards took occasion to ask her, when unattended to by any of the rest, whether all her sisters were at Longbourn. There was not much in the question, nor in the preceding remark; but there was a look and a manner which gave them meaning.\n\nIt was not often that she could turn her eyes on Mr. Darcy himself; but whenever she did catch a glimpse, she saw an expression of general complaisance, and in all that he said, she heard an accent so far removed from hauteur or disdain of his companions, as convinced her that the improvement of manners which she had yesterday witnessed, however temporary its existence might prove, had at least outlived one day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she saw him thus seeking the acquaintance, and courting the good opinion of people with whom any intercourse a few months ago would have been a disgrace; when she saw him thus civil, not only to herself, but to the very relations whom he had openly disdained, and recollected their last lively scene in Hunsford Parsonage, the difference, the change was so great, and struck so forcibly on her mind, that she could hardly restrain her astonishment from being visible." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'after' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never, even in the company of his dear friends at Netherfield, or his dignified relations at Rosings, had she seen him so desirous to please, so free from self-consequence or unbending reserve, as now, when no importance could result from the success of his endeavours, and when even the acquaintance of those to whom his attentions were addressed, would draw down the ridicule and censure of the ladies both of Netherfield and Rosings.\n\nTheir visitors stayed with them above half an hour; and when they arose to depart, Mr. Darcy called on his sister to join him in expressing their wish of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and Miss Bennet, to dinner at Pemberley, before they left the country. Miss Darcy, though with a diffidence which marked her little in the habit of giving invitations, readily obeyed. Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece, desirous of knowing how she, whom the invitation most concerned, felt disposed as to its acceptance, but Elizabeth had turned away her head. Presuming, however, that this studied avoidance spoke rather a momentary embarrassment than any dislike of the proposal, and seeing in her husband, who was fond of society, a perfect willingness to accept it, she ventured to engage for her attendance, and the day after the next was fixed on.\n\nBingley expressed great pleasure in the certainty of seeing Elizabeth again, having still a great deal to say to her, and many enquiries to make after all their Hertfordshire friends. Elizabeth, construing all this into a wish of hearing her speak of her sister, was pleased; and on this account, as well as some others, found herself, when their visitors left them, capable of considering the last half hour with some satisfaction, though while it was passing the enjoyment of it had been little." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eager to be alone, and fearful of enquiries or hints from her uncle and aunt, she stayed with them only long enough to hear their favourable opinion of Bingley, and then hurried away to dress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But she had no reason to fear Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's curiosity; it was not their wish to force her communication. It was evident that she was much better acquainted with Mr. Darcy than they had before any idea of; it was evident that he was very much in love with her. They saw much to interest, but nothing to justify enquiry.\n\nOf Mr. Darcy it was now a matter of anxiety to think well; and, as far as their acquaintance reached, there was no fault to find. They could not be untouched by his politeness; and had they drawn his character from their own feelings and his servant's report, without any reference to any other account, the circle in Hertfordshire to which he was known would not have recognised it for Mr. Darcy. There was now an interest, however, in believing the housekeeper; and they soon became sensible, that the authority of a servant, who had known him since he was four years old, and whose own manners indicated respectability, was not to be hastily rejected. Neither had any thing occurred in the intelligence of their Lambton friends that could materially lessen its weight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had nothing to accuse him of but pride; pride he probably had, and if not, it would certainly be imputed by the inhabitants of a small market town where the family did not visit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was acknowledged, however, that he was a liberal man, and did much good among the poor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With respect to Wickham, the travellers soon found that he was not held there in much estimation; for though the chief of his concerns with the son of his patron were imperfectly understood, it was yet a well-known fact that, on his quitting Derbyshire, he had left many debts behind him, which Mr. Darcy afterwards discharged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As for Elizabeth, her thoughts were at Pemberley this evening more than the last; and the evening, though as it passed it seemed long, was not long enough to determine her feelings towards one in that mansion; and she lay awake two whole hours, endeavouring to make them out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She certainly did not hate him. No; hatred had vanished long ago, and she had almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him that could be so called. The respect created by the conviction of his valuable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for some time ceased to be repugnant to her feelings; and it was now heightened into somewhat of a friendlier nature by the testimony so highly in his favour, and bringing forward his disposition in so amiable a light, which yesterday had produced. But above all, above respect and esteem, there was a motive within her of good-will which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude;—gratitude, not merely for having once loved her, but for loving her still well enough to forgive all the petulance and acrimony of her manner in rejecting him, and all the unjust accusations accompanying her rejection. He who, she had been persuaded, would avoid her as his greatest enemy, seemed, on this accidental meeting, most eager to preserve the acquaintance, and without any indelicate display of regard, or any peculiarity of manner, where their two selves only were concerned, was soliciting the good opinion of her friends, and bent on making her known to his sister. Such a change in a man of so much pride excited not only astonishment but gratitude—for to love, ardent love, it must be attributed; and, as such, its impression on her was of a sort to be encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be exactly defined." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to him, she felt a real interest in his welfare; and she only wanted to know how far she wished that welfare to depend upon herself, and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she should employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed, of bringing on the renewal of his addresses." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been settled in the evening, between the aunt and niece, that such a striking civility as Miss Darcy's, in coming to them on the very day of her arrival at Pemberley, for she had reached it only to a late breakfast, ought to be imitated, though it could not be equalled, by some exertion of politeness on their side; and, consequently, that it would be highly expedient to wait on her at Pemberley the following morning. They were, therefore, to go. Elizabeth was pleased; though, when she asked herself the reason, she had very little to say in reply.\n\nMr. Gardiner left them soon after breakfast. The fishing scheme had been renewed the day before, and a positive engagement made of his meeting some of the gentlemen at Pemberley by noon." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do five sentences. going for Jane Austen vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had originated in jealousy, she could not help feeling how very unwelcome her appearance at Pemberley must be to her, and was curious to know with how much civility on that lady's side the acquaintance would now be renewed.\n\nOn reaching the house, they were shown through the hall into the saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. Its windows, opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing view of the high woody hills behind the house, and of the beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over the intermediate lawn.\n\nIn this room they were received by Miss Darcy, who was sitting there with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady with whom she lived in London. Georgiana's reception of them was very civil, but attended with all that embarrassment which, though proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her being proud and reserved, Mrs. Gardiner and her niece, however, did her justice, and pitied her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only by a courtesy; and on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be, succeeded for a few moments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was first broken by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel, agreeable looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred than either of the others; and between her and Mrs. Gardiner, with occasional help from Elizabeth, the conversation was carried on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence, when there was least danger of its being heard.\n\nElizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss Bingley, and that she could not speak a word, especially to Miss Darcy, without calling her attention. This observation would not have prevented her from trying to talk to the latter, had they not been seated at an inconvenient distance; but she was not sorry to be spared the necessity of saying much: her own thoughts were employing her. She expected every moment that some of the gentlemen would enter the room: she wished, she feared, that the master of the house might be amongst them; and whether she wished or feared it most, she could scarcely determine. After sitting in this manner a quarter of an hour, without hearing Miss Bingley's voice, Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a cold enquiry after the health of her family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She answered with equal indifference and brevity, and the other said no more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The next variation which their visit afforded was produced by the entrance of servants with cold meat, cake, and a variety of all the finest fruits in season; but this did not take place till after many a significant look and smile from Mrs. Annesley to Miss Darcy had been given, to remind her of her post. There was now employment for the whole party; for though they could not all talk, they could all eat; and the beautiful pyramids of grapes, nectarines, and peaches, soon collected them round the table.\n\nWhile thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deciding whether she most feared or wished for the appearance of Mr. Darcy, by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the room; and then, though but a moment before she had believed her wishes to predominate, she began to regret that he came.\n\nHe had been some time with Mr. Gardiner, who, with two or three other gentlemen from the house, was engaged by the river, and had left him only on learning that the ladies of the family intended a visit to Georgiana that morning. No sooner did he appear, than Elizabeth wisely resolved to be perfectly easy and unembarrassed;—a resolution the more necessary to be made, but perhaps not the more easily kept, because she saw that the suspicions of the whole party were awakened against them, and that there was scarcely an eye which did not watch his behaviour when he first came into the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In no countenance was attentive curiosity so strongly marked as in Miss Bingley's, in spite of the smiles which overspread her face whenever she spoke to one of its objects; for jealousy had not yet made her desperate, and her attentions to Mr. Darcy were by no means over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Darcy, on her brother's entrance, exerted herself much more to talk; and Elizabeth saw that he was anxious for his sister and herself to get acquainted, and forwarded, as much as possible, every attempt at conversation on either side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Miss Bingley saw all this likewise; and, in the imprudence of anger, took the first opportunity of saying, with sneering civility,—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the—shire militia removed from Meryton? They must be a great loss to your family.\"\n\nIn Darcy's presence she dared not mention Wickham's name; but Elizabeth instantly comprehended that he was uppermost in her thoughts; and the various recollections connected with him gave her a moment's distress; but, exerting herself vigorously to repel the ill-natured attack, she presently answered the question in a tolerably disengaged tone. While she spoke, an involuntary glance showed her Darcy with a heightened complexion, earnestly looking at her, and his sister overcome with confusion, and unable to lift up her eyes. Had Miss Bingley known what pain she was then giving her beloved friend, she undoubtedly would have refrained from the hint; but she had merely intended to discompose Elizabeth, by bringing forward the idea of a man to whom she believed her partial, to make her betray a sensibility which might injure her in Darcy's opinion, and, perhaps, to remind the latter of all the follies and absurdities by which some part of her family were connected with that corps. Not a syllable had ever reached her of Miss Darcy's meditated elopement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To no creature had it been revealed, where secrecy was possible, except to Elizabeth; and from all Bingley's connections her brother was particularly anxious to conceal it, from that very wish which Elizabeth had long ago attributed to him, of their becoming hereafter her own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had certainly formed such a plan; and without meaning that it should affect his endeavour to separate him from Miss Bennet, it is probable that it might add something to his lively concern for the welfare of his friend.\n\nElizabeth's collected behaviour, however, soon quieted his emotion; and as Miss Bingley, vexed and disappointed, dared not approach nearer to Wickham, Georgiana also recovered in time, though not enough to be able to speak any more. Her brother, whose eye she feared to meet, scarcely recollected her interest in the affair; and the very circumstance which had been designed to turn his thoughts from Elizabeth, seemed to have fixed them on her more and more cheerfully.\n\nTheir visit did not continue long after the question and answer above mentioned; and while Mr. Darcy was attending them to their carriage, Miss Bingley was venting her feelings in criticisms on Elizabeth's person, behaviour, and dress. But Georgiana would not join her." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'there' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her brother's recommendation was enough to insure her favour: his judgment could not err; and he had spoken in such terms of Elizabeth, as to leave Georgiana without the power of finding her otherwise than lovely and amiable. When Darcy returned to the saloon, Miss Bingley could not help repeating to him some part of what she had been saying to his sister.\n\n\"How very ill Eliza Bennet looks this morning, Mr. Darcy,\" she cried: \"I never in my life saw any one so much altered as she is since the winter. She is grown so brown and coarse! Louisa and I were agreeing that we should not have known her again.\"\n\nHowever little Mr. Darcy might have liked such an address, he contented himself with coolly replying, that he perceived no other alteration than her being rather tanned,—no miraculous consequence of travelling in the summer.\n\n\"For my own part,\" she rejoined, \"I must confess that I never could see any beauty in her. Her face is too thin; her complexion has no brilliancy; and her features are not at all handsome. Her nose wants character; there is nothing marked in its lines. Her teeth are tolerable, but not out of the common way; and as for her eyes, which have sometimes been called so fine, I never could perceive any thing extraordinary in them. They have a sharp, shrewish look, which I do not like at all; and in her air altogether, there is a self-sufficiency without fashion, which is intolerable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this was not the best method of recommending herself; but angry people are not always wise; and in seeing him at last look somewhat nettled, she had all the success she expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was resolutely silent, however; and, from a determination of making him speak, she continued,—\n\n\"I remember, when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were to find that she was a reputed beauty; and I particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been dining at Netherfield, 'She a beauty! I should as soon call her mother a wit.' But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you thought her rather pretty at one time.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, \"but that was only when I first knew her; for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.\"\n\nHe then went away, and Miss Bingley was left to all the satisfaction of having forced him to say what gave no one any pain but herself.\n\nMrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth talked of all that had occurred during their visit, as they returned, except what had particularly interested them both." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The looks and behaviour of every body they had seen were discussed, except of the person who had mostly engaged their attention." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They talked of his sister, his friends, his house, his fruit, of every thing but himself; yet Elizabeth was longing to know what Mrs. Gardiner thought of him, and Mrs. Gardiner would have been highly gratified by her niece's beginning the subject." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: This is part of a larger narrative. The user will write a segment, then you need to write around 2 sentences continuing directly from it. Characters and events may be pre-established from earlier chapters.\n\nAuthor style: Jane Austen\nGenre: romance, historical fiction" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth's spirits soon rising to playfulness again, she wanted Mr. Darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How could you begin?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "said she. \"I can comprehend your going on charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could set you off in the first place?\"\n\n\"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My beauty you had early withstood, and as for my manners—my behaviour to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil, and I never spoke to you without rather wishing to give you pain than not. Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?\"\n\n\"For the liveliness of your mind I did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You may as well call it impertinence at once. It was very little less. The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention. You were disgusted with the women who were always speaking, and looking, and thinking for your approbation alone. I roused and interested you, because I was so unlike them. Had you not been really amiable you would have hated me for it: but in spite of the pains you took to disguise yourself, your feelings were always noble and just; and in your heart you thoroughly despised the persons who so assiduously courted you. There—I have saved you the trouble of accounting for it; and really, all things considered, I begin to think it perfectly reasonable. To be sure you know no actual good of me—but nobody thinks of that when they fall in love.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was there no good in your affectionate behaviour to Jane, while she was ill at Netherfield?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dearest Jane! who could have done less for her? But make a virtue of it by all means. My good qualities are under your protection, and you are to exaggerate them as much as possible; and, in return, it belongs to me to find occasions for teasing and quarrelling with you as often as may be; and I shall begin directly, by asking you what made you so unwilling to come to the point at last. What made you so shy of me, when you first called, and afterwards dined here? Why, especially, when you called did you look as if you did not care about me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because you were grave and silent, and gave me no encouragement.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I was embarrassed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And so was I.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'wonder' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A man who had felt less might.\"\n\n\"How unlucky that you should have a reasonable answer to give, and that I should be so reasonable as to admit it! But I wonder how long you would have gone on, if you had been left to yourself. I wonder when you would have spoken, if I had not asked you! My resolution of thanking you for your kindness to Lydia had certainly great effect. Too much I am afraid; for what becomes of the moral, if our comfort springs from a breach of promise, for I ought not to have mentioned the subject? This will never do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You need not distress yourself. The moral will be perfectly fair. Lady Catherine's unjustifiable endeavours to separate us were the means of removing all my doubts. I am not indebted for my present happiness to your eager desire of expressing your gratitude. I was not in a humour to wait for an opening of yours. My aunt's intelligence had given me hope, and I was determined at once to know every thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lady Catherine has been of infinite use, which ought to make her happy, for she loves to be of use. But tell me, what did you come down to Netherfield for? Was it merely to ride to Longbourn and be embarrassed? or had you intended any more serious consequences?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My real purpose was to see you, and to judge, if I could, whether I might ever hope to make you love me. My avowed one, or what I avowed to myself, was to see whether your sister was still partial to Bingley, and if she were, to make the confession to him which I have since made.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shall you ever have courage to announce to Lady Catherine what is to befall her?\"\n\n\"I am more likely to want time than courage, Elizabeth. But it ought to be done; and if you will give me a sheet of paper it shall be done directly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if I had not a letter to write myself, I might sit by you, and admire the evenness of your writing, as another young lady once did. But I have an aunt, too, who must not be longer neglected.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From an unwillingness to confess how much her intimacy with Mr. Darcy had been over-rated, Elizabeth had never yet answered Mrs. Gardiner's long letter; but now, having that to communicate which she knew would be most welcome, she was almost ashamed to find that her uncle and aunt had already lost three days of happiness, and immediately wrote as follows:—\n\n\"I would have thanked you before, my dear aunt, as I ought to have done, for your long, kind, satisfactory detail of particulars; but, to say the truth, I was too cross to write. You supposed more than really existed. But now suppose as much as you choose; give a loose to your fancy, indulge your imagination in every possible flight which the subject will afford, and unless you believe me actually married, you cannot greatly err. You must write again very soon, and praise him a great deal more than you did in your last. I thank you again and again, for not going to the Lakes. How could I be so silly as to wish it? Your idea of the ponies is delightful. We will go round the park every day. I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but no one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh. Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world that can be spared from me. You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas. Yours,\" &c." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Darcy's letter to Lady Catherine was in a different style; and still different from either was what Mr. Bennet sent to Mr. Collins, in return for his last.\n\n\"DEAR SIR," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I must trouble you once more for congratulations. Elizabeth will soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Console Lady Catherine as well as you can. But, if I were you, I would stand by the nephew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He has more to give.\n\nYOURS SINCERELY,\" &C." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Bingley's congratulations to her brother on his approaching marriage were all that was affectionate and insincere. She wrote even to Jane on the occasion, to express her delight, and repeat all her former professions of regard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jane was not deceived, but she was affected; and though feeling no reliance on her, could not help writing her a much kinder answer than she knew was deserved.\n\nThe joy which Miss Darcy expressed on receiving similar information was as sincere as her brother's in sending it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Four sides of paper were insufficient to contain all her delight, and all her earnest desire of being loved by her sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before any answer could arrive from Mr. Collins, or any congratulations to Elizabeth from his wife, the Longbourn family heard that the Collinses were come themselves to Lucas Lodge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The reason of this sudden removal was soon evident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Catherine had been rendered so exceedingly angry by the contents of her nephew's letter, that Charlotte, really rejoicing in the match, was anxious to get away till the storm was blown over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At such a moment, the arrival of her friend was a sincere pleasure to Elizabeth, though in the course of their meetings she must sometimes think the pleasure dearly bought, when she saw Mr. Darcy exposed to all the parading and obsequious civility of her husband. He bore it, however, with admirable calmness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could even listen to Sir William Lucas, when he complimented him on carrying away the brightest jewel of the country, and expressed his hopes of their all meeting frequently at St. James's, with very decent composure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he did shrug his shoulders, it was not till Sir William was out of sight.\n\nMrs. Philips's vulgarity was another, and, perhaps, a greater tax on his forbearance; and though Mrs. Philips, as well as her sister, stood in too much awe of him to speak with the familiarity which Bingley's good humour encouraged, yet, whenever she did speak, she must be vulgar." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 12 sentences as a continuation of this story segment in the fantasy, romance genre. Characters may be pre-established." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Where is everyone, Padrig?\" Sasha asked, her eyes trained on the piles of leafy debris and the detritus of neglect in the castle courtyard. She began to walk, calling out a greeting that would never be answered.\n\n\"Where is everyone?\" she repeated, her voice more strident, her horror evident.\n\n\"I'm not entirely . . . sure,\" Padrig answered, his face stricken, his brow drawn. But his gaze shifted the way it had when he'd promised Sasha she would lose nothing when he restored her memories. He was telling half-truths again.\n\nSasha began striding toward the wide castle doors, and Kjell rushed to pursue her, throwing instructions over his shoulder to his guard.\n\n\"Search the keep, but do so in groups, just like we did in the bay. And Jerick and Isak, stay with the Spinner.\"\n\nThe doors were not barred or barricaded. Kjell and Sasha raised the looped iron knockers and pulled them wide, walking inside as if they belonged, as if the silence longed to be filled. Sasha did belong, Kjell reminded himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could picture her there, walking down the corridors, sewing in the light of the huge glass windows, her tongue caught between her teeth, looking out at the trees and the hills, seeing a future she couldn't have dreamed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She belonged at Caarn.\n\nShe had reigned in the Great Room hung with lacy cobwebs and walked the endless marble floors that now coated the hem of her gown with a pale powder, the color of the white rock that formed the castle walls. The table in the king's dining hall was set for a feast that had never happened, and Sasha approached it, fingering the coated silver and the pewter goblets. Sasha's chair would have been at the far end, the one inset with a tree, supported by dainty legs and carved with more feminine lines.\n\nThey left one room and entered another, a gallery of sorts, draped with flags and woven tapestries. One window above an ornate wall hanging had been shattered at some point, and glass crunched beneath their feet. The beam showed signs of dampness beneath the broken pane, but the tapestries had maintained their color, if somewhat dulled by dust.\n\nThey walked through the enormous kitchens, past the cold hearths and dangling fire irons and pots and pans. Only dirt marred the surfaces. Everything was in order, as if great preparation had been made for an extended absence. From the kitchens, Sasha led the way into a garden filled with plants that needed tending and rose bushes that were thorny and cross, their bite exceeding their unkempt beauty. Lining the garden were rows of trees laden with fruit of every kind, the rotted carcasses of the fallen apples, peaches, and pears giving the space an over-ripe stench that reminded Kjell of perfumed lords at a stifling soiree." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Add this exact quote somewhere appropriate: \"There was no one here to eat the fruit or tend my trees,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There was no one here to eat the fruit or tend my trees,\" Sasha mourned.\n\nKjell plucked an apple from a branch above his head and found it covered with holes. He pitched it over the pale rock wall and reached for another that was without blemish. He bit into it and savored the burst of flavor against his tongue, but when he went to take another bite, he saw the remains of half a worm. His stomach turned, and he tossed the second apple the way of the first.\n\n\"Which fruit is forbidden?\" he asked.\n\nSasha shook her head, not understanding. \"None of them.\"\n\n\"Did King Aren plant this garden for his young queen?\" he asked. \"Or was that simply a story? I seem to remember a forbidden tree and a devious snake in that tale.\"\n\n\"You are angry,\" she said, perplexed.\n\n\"I am afraid,\" he admitted. \"Your stories have all proven to be real.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned in a circle as if she couldn't quite match her memories with the neglect and didn't deny his claim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is different than I remember. The landscape is overgrown, the castle abandoned. There aren't even any bones,\" she whispered.\n\nThere were animal bones here and there. But there were no Volgar or human bones. Kjell had noticed as well.\n\nThey joined the others in the courtyard, noting the listless travelers and the tired guard. The sailors were already talking about returning to the ship. Captain Lortimer wanted to turn back the following day.\n\n\"There is nothing here, Captain,\" he complained. \"Our ship waits in the harbor. It will be close quarters, but there are sufficient supplies—especially considering what we found in Dendar Bay. Everyone wants to go home.\"\n\nPadrig returned to the courtyard, Jerick and Isak trailing him, and caught the tail end of Lortimer's speech.\n\n\"We cannot leave. Not yet,\" Padrig cried. \"I know where they are. I know what has happened. They are there.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pointed to the groves that hugged the four castle walls and peered down at them, the oddest collection of trees to ever grow side by side, few of them the same variety, none of them uniform in height or spacing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lortimer laughed and a few sailors joined him. But Sasha didn't laugh.\n\n\"Like Grandfather Tree?\" she asked, horror tinging her voice. The story of Grandfather Tree was one she hadn't shared.\n\n\"No.\" Padrig shook his head, adamant. \"No. Grandfather went to the forest to pass from this life to the next. The Spinners of Caarn didn't go to die. They went to hide.\"\n\n\"And they're still hiding?\" Kjell pressed.\n\n\"Why?\" Sasha cried.\n\n\"I don't know, Majesty,\" Padrig answered, and this time his voice rang true.\n\n\"We saw how well you communicate with the trees, Star Maker,\" Lortimer mocked, slumped against the stairs leading up to the castle doors.\n\n\"I know they are there!\" Padrig insisted. \"We have come all this way. Surely you can give me a few days to see what can be done.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jerick and Isak shifted nervously, and Kjell raised his brow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jerick moved beside him and spoke in hushed tones, his eyes on the Spinner. \"The trees around the castle aren't like the ones blocking the road, Captain. The Spinner talked to them. He pled with them. But the leaves didn't even shiver.\"\n\nSasha turned toward Kjell, her eyes pleading. He knew what she was going to say before the words left her mouth.\n\n\"The trees at the border moved for you, Captain. Perhaps . . . these trees will listen to you as well.\"\n\n\"Tomorrow, Saoirse,\" Padrig interceded. \"One more day won't matter. We will eat, and we will rest. Then we will see about the trees.\"\n\nSasha didn't argue, and Kjell let Padrig shuffle the weary travelers inside, promising them all would be well. When night fell, Kjell would slip out among the trees and see for himself if they could simply be asked to spin or if Padrig was in denial.\n\nThe Volgar nested like most birds, pulling bits of hair, rope, cloth, straw and mud into mounds to fall into. In the castle, the mattresses were destroyed—gutted and scored—but that was all. The Volgar were beasts, and beasts didn't sit in chairs or toast their success." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They hunted. They grazed. They slept." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And when there was no blood to drink or flesh to eat, they quickly moved on.\n\nThere had been nothing to eat in the castle. Nothing to eat in all of Caarn, besides other animals. The Volgar had cleared Caarn of her livestock and wildlife and quickly moved on to richer pickings.\n\nA consensus was drawn that they would camp together in the Great Hall for the time being, and they cleared the soaring gallery of dirt and debris, beating the rugs and restoring order to the space. There were linens in the closets and brooms and rags stored neatly in the huge palace washroom. Kjell eyed the iron basins with longing. He wanted to be clean. The kitchen and washroom both boasted odd spigots that rose like great hooks with long handles and drew the water from deep in the ground. Sasha demonstrated the spigot in the kitchen to the awestruck gathering, pumping the odd handle determinedly until water gurgled forth, filling one bucket after another, to be heated later in the huge cauldrons on the row of hearths.\n\n\"The last three cauldrons are always kept full, the water hot, so that a bath can be easily drawn. There are hearths and cauldrons in the castle laundry as well, and the servants usually bathe there.\"\n\nThe sun was setting and fires were started, the travelers eager for warm baths and hot food." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fruit was plucked from the engorged trees and sliced and folded into dough prepared by the cook with flour and oil from Dendar Bay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no fresh meat, but there would be pies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The torches—still waiting in sconces on every wall of the castle—were lit, enlivening the spirits of the group." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't until hours later, after appetites were sated and tubs were filled, emptied, and filled again, washing the miles from the bodies of almost four dozen travelers, that Sasha emerged from the room where the women had bathed, her hair still damp, her dress rumpled but clean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After his own bath, Kjell had waited outside her door, unwilling to let down his guard, even under the lulling glow of heat and warmth, of tired voices and rock walls. The other women had come and gone, hardly noticing him they were so accustomed to his watchful presence.\n\n\"Come with me,\" Sasha murmured, extending her hand to him. \"There is something I must show you.\" The night was deepening and everyone but the assigned watch had retired to their pallets in the Great Hall to find sleep and a bit of solitude behind closed lids. Kjell took a torch from the foyer and followed Sasha up the shadowy staircase, keeping her hand in his and his eyes peeled to the darkness of the upper floor. No one had bothered to light the upstairs.\n\nThey walked down the corridors, lighting sconces as they did, chasing the darkness and the gloom as they passed elaborate tapestries and enormous portraits. A painting, rimmed in gold and adorned in cobwebs caught his eye. Sasha, her eyes wide and dark and her brilliant hair dulled by dust, had been captured against a backdrop of green. Kjell slowed, wanting to stare, but Sasha urged him forward, unimpressed by the beauty of her portrait.\n\nShe didn't look twice at the row of blond kings, but continued on until she stood beneath a picture of a royal family wearing crowns of gold branches and gilded leaves, gazing out of the painting in contented unity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that . . . Padrig?\" Kjell asked, pointing to the bearded, blond man beside the king. The painting was dated four decades earlier, but Padrig hadn't changed very much. He looked old even then.\n\n\"Yes. He is Aren's uncle. Padrig was King Gideon's younger brother. That is Briona, Gideon's queen and Aren's mother.\" Sasha indicated the couple seated in the center of the portrait.\n\nKing Gideon and Queen Briona were stately, attractive people, painted with steady gazes and elevated chins.\n\n\"That is Aren,\" Sasha pointed at the tall youth in the painting. He looked about fifteen or sixteen summers, his hair golden, his eyes blue, his features sharp, and he stood next to a girl maybe two or three summers older. The girl was also fair with pale blue eyes and a solemn expression. There was something defiant and almost familiar about the set of her jaw and her unsmiling mouth. Sasha pointed at her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is Aren's older sister.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are you showing me this painting, Sasha?\" Kjell asked, trying to be patient and failing, as usual.\n\n\"Because . . . her name was Koorah,\" Sasha said softly.\n\nKjell froze, arrested by the painted face of the girl with the same name as his mother. Sasha reached for his hand again, anchoring him, but she continued, her voice adopting the sing-song quality she used whenever she told stories.\n\n\"No one talked about Koorah when I came to Caarn. She had been gone a long time.\" Sasha took a deep breath, steadying herself, and he glanced down at her, noting the flush on her cheeks and the trembling of her lips. She was as stricken as he. \"She would have been queen, Kjell. In Caarn, the throne passes to the oldest child, not the oldest son. She never married, but Aren says she was well-loved. There were suitors, of course, but no one turned her head or won her heart. When she was twenty-eight summers, she disappeared. Aren believed she'd fallen in love with someone unfit to be king. She boarded a ship in the Bay of Dendar, and no one ever saw her again. King Gideon and Queen Briona convinced themselves she was lost at sea. It was easier to believe her dead than to worry about her wellbeing. And everyone knew there were terrible creatures in the Jeruvian Sea,\" Sasha added on a whisper.\n\n\"Koorah was my mother's name,\" Kjell murmured, his throat too constricted for greater sound.\n\n\"I know,\" she answered, her voice as hushed as his. \"You told me once. But I didn't even remember my own name then. Today, when you told the trees to move and they obeyed, Padrig asked you where your mother was from.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you remembered her name,\" he supposed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" She nodded. For a moment they were quiet, contemplative. Kjell's mind pulsed with possibilities he discarded almost as quickly as they came. But Sasha wasn't finished.\n\n\"I remembered your mother's name, and I remembered the story of Koorah, the Healer, who would have been queen,\" she said.\n\n\"The Healer?\"\n\n\"Yes, Captain, a Healer.\" Sasha lifted her eyes to his, and he could only gaze back, suddenly seeing another slave woman in a foreign land. He'd never known what his mother looked like. He still didn't, but he gave her blue eyes and golden hair like the portrait on the wall. He gave her a stubborn jaw and a mouth that looked like his.\n\n\"Koorah is not a common name,\" Sasha murmured." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No,\" he agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The trees obeyed you,\" Sasha reminded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\" There was no denying it.\n\n\"She was a Healer. You are a Healer.\"\n\nHe nodded again.\n\n\"If you are Lady Koorah of Caarn's son, then . . . you are the King of Caarn.\"\n\nHe began shaking his head, adamant and disbelieving. This is where they would not agree. \"It could never be proven. And I don't have any desire to be king.\"\n\n\"Kell means prince in Dendar,\" Sasha whispered.\n\n\"I was named after the Kjell Owl! The midwife named me,\" Kjell argued.\n\n\"Is it possible . . . Koorah . . . named you?\" Sasha asked.\n\n\"I know only what I was told,\" he whispered, and turned away from the painting. \"It makes no sense. My father—Zoltev—would have married her if she was heir to a throne. It would have been an advantageous match.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe she never told him . . . maybe, like you, she had no desire to be queen, and maybe Zoltev was not the man she followed to Jeru.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or maybe she simply loved . . . badly, and realized too late,\" he acquiesced, and his eyes found Sasha's. \"We will never know.\"\n\n\"No. Not for certain. But I had to show you. It would have been wrong to keep it from you.\"\n\n\"Keep what from me? Her name was Koorah. It means nothing to me! She means nothing to me. There is no one here, Sasha. We are surrounded by trees and little else.\" He ground his palms into his eyes. He was tired, overwrought, and the words that he uttered next were not words he was proud of. \"Come back to Jeru. Come back with me, Sasha. Please.\"\n\nShe bowed her head, and he felt her agony even as he cursed his own weakness. He clenched his fists and looked for something to break.\n\n\"I cannot turn my back on these people,\" she said.\n\n\"What people? They are all gone!\" he roared. \"The king, the villagers. They are all bloody trees in a damned forest. It's been four years, Sasha. You tell me I might be the King of Caarn? King of an empty castle and endless trees? I am a king of trees?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was so frustrated he couldn't spit the words out fast enough, and snatched the portrait of the family from the wall and heaved it down the hall, watching it cartwheel before it skidded to a halt at the top of the stairs, completely intact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sasha did not protest or try to calm him, but watched him the way she always did, like she couldn't listen hard enough, like she couldn't possibly love him more than she already did, and that made him even angrier, because her feelings were as futile as his own.\n\n\"There is only one thing in this whole, godforsaken world that would make me want to be bloody King of Caarn. One. Thing.\" He raised a finger and jabbed it toward her. \"You! I would be the court jester and wear striped hose and paint on my face if it meant I could be near you. But if I am King of Caarn, then you wouldn't be queen. You would simply be the wife of my uncle. Now that is funny! Maybe I should play the fool. This whole, bungled situation is just rich with hilarity.\"\n\nHe slammed his palms against the empty space where the portrait had hung and pulled at the cloak he wore around his shoulders, a cloak that suddenly felt like an anvil around his neck. Sasha's touch was light against his back, and he turned on her with a groan and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off her feet. He buried his face in her hair, pressing his lips to the soft skin of her throat before finding her mouth and taking what he could before it was too late. He kissed her, imprinting the shape of her lips on his mouth, tasted her, committing her flavor to his tongue, and swallowed her sighs, taking the heat of her response into the coldest corners of his heart.\n\nBut the kiss did not douse his fury or quiet the flame of frustration in his gut. It simply accentuated the hopelessness of his desire. He pulled away slightly, and for a moment breathed her in, his eyes closed, his resolve hardening. Sasha would not turn her back on Caarn, and she would not deny him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But his need was hurting her. His presence was hurting her. Uncertainty was hurting them both. And it had to end.\n\nReleasing her, he grabbed the torch from the sconce on the wall and strode from the corridor, not waiting to see if she followed, trusting she would. He resisted the urge to burn the picture resting precariously against the bannister, but let it be, if only for the young woman named Koorah who observed him with painted eyes.\n\nDown the broad staircase, across the echoing foyer and through the iron doors he flew, determined to be done with it all, to end the torment of hope.\n\n\"Healer!\" Padrig shouted, coming out of the darkness like a phantom. \"Where are you going?\"\n\n\"I'm going to set fire to the forest, Spinner,\" he mocked, not slowing. He'd alerted the watch, and it wouldn't be long until the whole castle was stirring. He quickened his pace, desperate to begin without onlookers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sasha was running behind him, her breaths harsh. He was scaring her. The thought brought him up short.\n\n\"Which one, Padrig. Which one is the king?\" he asked, moderating his tone.\n\n\"Why?\" Padrig gasped, his eyes glued to the flame.\n\n\"You want me to heal them. That is why I'm here. That is why you helped me. You knew this is what we would find.\"\n\n\"I . . . suspected,\" Padrig confessed.\n\n\"How?\" Sasha asked. \"How did you know, Padrig?\n\n\"Your memories, Saoirse. When I showed Lady Firi your memories, I didn't tell you everything we saw.\" Padrig turned toward Kjell, beseeching even as he raised a hand to ward Kjell off. \"We saw you touching the trees, Healer. And we saw the trees becoming . . . people. Ariel of Firi didn't understand. But I did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He placed a trembling hand over his heart. \"I did.\"\n\n\"When you gave me back my memories, that one was gone,\" Sasha whispered, anger and realization making her eyes glow in the dancing torchlight.\n\n\"Yes,\" Padrig replied, not denying it.\n\n\"But you didn't tell me,\" Sasha said.\n\n\"You love him, Majesty. He loves you. If there was nothing to come back to in Caarn . . . I didn't believe you would . . . come back,\" Padrig offered timidly.\n\nInstead of Padrig's confession making him angry, it gave Kjell an odd reassurance. Padrig was a manipulator. Even the trees judged him harshly, but Kjell couldn't see how knowing Caarn slept would have changed anything.\n\n\"Sasha. If Padrig would have told you, you would still have come. And I would have followed.\" Sasha's eyes clung to his, defeated and despairing, clearly torn between her duty and her desire to shield him. That also had not changed.\n\n\"I knew something had gone wrong. They were trees too long, Healer. They couldn't—they can't—spin back,\" Padrig rushed to expound, obviously relieved by Kjell's pardon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kjell pushed the torch into the Spinner's hands and approached the nearest tree." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'touch' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How do we know whether the tree is a Spinner or simply a tree of Caarn?\" Kjell asked.\n\nPadrig inclined his head toward the trunk. \"Touch it.\"\n\nKjell pressed his hands to the bark and immediately withdrew them. This tree was different from the trees blocking the road into the valley. The sensation was like standing on the deck of the ship again, swaying on stormy seas, his stomach tossing to and fro.\n\n\"You feel it!\" Padrig crowed, jubilant. \"It is not simply a tree. It is a Spinner.\"\n\n\"Yes.\" Kjell nodded, but he immediately stepped away. He didn't want to touch the tree. \"But I am not.\"\n\n\"You are a Healer. They need healing. And you have proven you can talk to the trees.\" Padrig's eyes were bright with knowing, and Kjell wondered if his loss of temper in the gallery had been overheard by the inquisitive Star Maker." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kjell approached the tree again, addressing it with flattened palms and a clear command." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'smooth' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sensation traveled up his arms, filling Kjell with nausea, but unlike the trees on the road to Caarn, the trunk didn't quake or shift, the roots didn't unfurl, and the leaves were silent. It didn't seem to hear him at all. He tried again, adjusting his message, but all he got for his efforts was a whirling head and a churning belly.\n\n\"Talking to them is not enough,\" he said, dropping his hands and stepping away. He breathed deeply, attempting to calm his stomach and quiet his nerves.\n\n\"You have to try to heal them, Captain,\" Padrig pled. \"These are not simply trees of Caarn. They are people. Some of them were children so young they've been trees longer than they were babes. They were hiding, and they don't know how to stop.\"\n\nKjell placed his hands on a different tree, one of the smallest in the grove, its bark pale and thin and remarkably smooth. The swaying sensation welled immediately, and Kjell planted his feet to keep from falling. If the smallest tree in the wood made him feel this way, he had no hope of success.\n\n\"I will help you,\" Sasha said, and took one of his hands, pulling it from the trunk, just like she'd done in the unforgiving village of Solemn. She laid her other palm against the tree next to his, pressing her fingers into the smooth bark." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes clung to his face, brimming with tears that began to streak her cheeks and drip from her chin.\n\n\"I need you to help me find compassion, Sasha,\" he murmured. \"You loved these people once.\"\n\n\"I love them still. But I love you more,\" she wept. \"May Caarn forgive me, I love you more.\"\n\nFor a moment they were silent, hands clasped, hearts heavy, trying to find the will to do what must be done.\n\n\"I believe this tree was a child,\" Padrig offered, stepping beside them with the torch. \"If you look closely, you can see her face.\"\n\nThey peered, grateful for the distraction, for the opportunity to forget themselves and forge ahead.\n\n\"It is a child, a little girl. There are flowers in her hair. See?\" Sasha whispered, tracing the eyes and the nose, barely visible in the orange glow of the torch and the shadows on the bark.\n\n\"I see,\" Kjell rasped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But if I wake her, will she be afraid? Let us heal the parents first and let them help us wake the children.\"\n\nThey moved to the next tree, an umbrella tree that sheltered the smaller tree beneath its boughs.\n\n\"I know who this is,\" Sasha breathed, her eyes on the hollows that created a hint of a profile. \"She is Yetta, the castle chef—so dour and dramatic. She was always convinced her next meal would disappoint, and worked tirelessly to make sure that it didn't. She knew how much I loved her tarts and would find me, wherever I was in the castle, and make me swear each batch was better than the last.\"\n\n\"Yetta had a granddaughter,\" Padrig said. \"Let us see if we can't wake her, and then we'll wake the child.\"\n\nIt was not like healing a human or even a horse. The tossing in Kjell's stomach continued to intensify, as if he drew the fear that made the Spinners of Caarn hide into himself. The sound he heard was not a song but a wail, and he didn't try to duplicate it. He absorbed it, sinking beneath the layers of bark until the wailing became a whimper and a heartbeat emerged. He willed his heart to match the rhythm until he became the tree, and the tree became a tall woman, reed thin and clothed in a dress covered with a long apron. Her arms hung at her sides, and her eyes were closed like she slept upright." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slowly her eyes opened, and she regarded Kjell in confusion before her gaze settled on the queen.\n\n\"M-majesty?\" she stuttered, her voice raspy with disuse. \"Queen Saoirse? Are the Volgar gone?\"\n\nKjell dropped his hands, turned, and lost the contents of his stomach before bracing himself against the smaller tree and immediately starting again, Sasha at his side.\n\nNot every tree was a Spinner, not every Spinner was a tree. Some were crouching bushes and shrubs; a climbing vine of roses was a woman by the same name. Some were easier to wake than others, and some refused to be roused. When he spent too long on one tree, Sasha forced him to move on. When he became too weak, she made him rest. But he slept in the groves, not even stumbling to the castle for reprieve, saving his strength for waking the forest. When he awoke, Sasha was always there, waiting. He made sure she ate when he ate, rested when he rested, and he commanded Jerick to watch her when he couldn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Kjell continued to heal and awaken, the wailing abated and the heartbeats beneath the trunks and hidden in bristled branches became more like the melodies of human healing and less like terrified screams." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Each healing was accomplished with less sickness and more song, as if the Spinners of Caarn had heard their loved ones reemerge and had begun to reemerge themselves. But the numbers were great and the press of the healed and the waiting became more trying than the healing itself.\n\n\"Healer—this is my son,\" a hovering mother said, patting a white sapling.\n\n\"Healer, will you help my child?\" a father begged, standing beside a flowering lilac tree.\n\n\"Healer, will you wake my husband next?\" the woman named Rose implored.\n\nHis guard formed a ring around him, asking the people to stand back, to be patient, but they obeyed only when Sasha commanded them to wait beside their loved ones, in whatever form they may be. Padrig began compiling a list of citizens, and slowly, families were reunited and sent home. One by one, the copses thinned and the village of Caarn grew around them.\n\nThere were so many. One day become another." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And another. And another, until only one tree remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He would have wanted to be last. He would have wanted to wait until everyone else was seen to,\" Padrig whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes were bright and his compassion evident, and Kjell knew the time had come. He hadn't rested in many hours, but he would finish before he rested again.\n\n\"This is King Aren. He is good. And kind. He loves his people.\" Sasha's voice caught and her fingers clenched, and Kjell could only hold her hand, press his palm to the tree, and let her sorrow and his resistance roll over him.\n\n\"When I was just a girl, afraid of the things I saw, hidden away in a foreign land, he was my friend. I know what it costs you to call to him . . . but he is worthy of healing.\"\n\nKjell's heart began to tremble and quake, making a song of its own. Groaning and deep, a healing melody rose from his chest and rippled down his arms. The sound escaped through his lips, bellowing and great, like the rumble of the skies or the falling of the rocks, and just as before, he felt the moment when the tree awoke, when the old fell away and the flesh became new. Unlike the Changers when they shifted, the Spinners were fully clothed, their apparel becoming bark and leaves, branches and blossoms.\n\nThe trunk didn't dissolve or slip away, it simply morphed, becoming man. The leaves curled and condensed, the bark became bone and sinew, and the king, his hair white and his beard full, stood before them. He was as tall as Kjell but leaner and more angular, every plane of his body and feature of his face severe and squared, his sharp cheekbones and his beaked nose giving him the chiseled look of a man carved from wood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kjell fell to his knees, his strength gone, and King Aren gripped his arms, wrapping his large hands around Kjell's shoulders to bear him up." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"There is nothing to forgive,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Saoirse said you'd come. She said one day a Healer would come to Caarn. She didn't know your name, but she saw your face.\"\n\nKjell lifted his heavy head, the weight making it loll to the side, but his eyes found Sasha's. She wept openly, as if she'd betrayed him, as if she'd traded his life for her kingdom.\n\n\"Forgive me, Captain. Forgive me,\" she begged.\n\n\"There is nothing to forgive,\" Kjell said. His vision narrowed, and he rested his head upon the ground, bent as if in prayer, and let the darkness sweep him away, releasing him." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Continue with the same vibes as Amy Harmon. Story might have ongoing characters/plots - work with what's given" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kjell began to move through the villagers, closing the oozing cuts across their palms, seeking out the wounded and the dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The villagers clutched his hands in thanks, their eyes heavy with gratitude." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think they will return, Captain?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "they asked, hopeful and hesitant.\n\n\"If they do, we will destroy them,\" he reassured, and they nodded, believing him.\n\nSo many had been destroyed. The smoldering pile of Volgar remains tinged the air with a green haze. Bits of flotsam floated and flurried, causing the people of Caarn to cover their mouths and cough as they found each other amid the smoke. Tiras had changed and now circled the skies above Caarn, keeping watch in case of an unexpected return.\n\n\"Is everyone accounted for?\" Kjell pressed, his eyes on the triumphant archers flooding the bailey from the woods, embracing each other and recounting the battle from where they'd stood.\n\nHis question was met with blank stares and furrowed brows, as one man questioned another, unable to give him a response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is everyone accounted for?\" Kjell raised his voice above the din. \"Where are your wounded?\"\n\n\"The kitchen, Captain. The queen, the midwife, and Tess are providing aid, water, and bandages there,\" Jerick answered, pushing through the bailey toward him.\n\n\"And King Aren?\"\n\n\"He was in the rear with me. We almost lost Gaspar, but His Majesty was able to briefly spin and give him cover. The birdman got a beakful of green leaves before we took him down. The king was shaken but unharmed, and Gaspar has a broken arm. He might appreciate a Healer in the kitchen, although the queen might not.\"\n\nJerick grinned as if it had all been a marvelous adventure, as if he enjoyed irritated females and the smell of Volgar flesh. Kjell found himself grinning back. If Sasha's irritation was the worst he would suffer this day, he would count himself a lucky man." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had not been pleased when Kjell had ringed her with his men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'd clutched her sharpened stick with annoyance and sliced her palm alongside the others, but she'd been shadowed and preempted with every parry and thrust. Kjell had known exactly where she was every second of the conflict.\n\nHe moved through the corridors to the kitchen, taking stock and counting heads as he went. When he saw her, the pressure in his chest and the ache in his belly eased. Her nose was smudged with soot and a few curls twined around her cheeks, but she was whole. Well. Busy. Kjell looked around for Gaspar and immediately located the watchman, curled in the corner. Gaspar's face was pale with suffering, his arm clutched against his abdomen, his cat-eyes glittering with pain. Kjell crouched in front of him and touched his thrumming heart, listening for the tone that would ease his suffering. Gaspar had come to Caarn after the border had opened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would take no effort to heal him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gaspar's healing sound was more like a purr—cats were not famed for their song—and Kjell pulled the rattling vibrations into himself, setting the broken bone and quelling Gaspar's pain with an ease that had him stepping away and looking for someone else to assist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The king is still in the woods, Captain,\" Gaspar exhaled, his relief so great his words were slurred and his eyes fluttered closed. \"He wanted a moment by himself, but you should see to him. He was . . . troubled.\"\n\nThe king was not hard to find. He stood propped against the gate that led to the western wood, his eyes on the queen's garden, a hand pressed to his heart as though lost in pleasant remembrance. It was a peaceful spot, and Kjell could not fault the man for needing a chance to collect himself.\n\n\"We've defeated them, Captain,\" Aren said as Kjell approached. He remained slumped, his eyes still clinging to his own thoughts.\n\n\"Yes. For now. Maybe forever. But some of the villagers were injured. Some were lost, Majesty,\" Kjell answered.\n\n\"Most were saved,\" Aren replied, and his gaze shifted from the queen's garden and rested on Kjell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pushed himself away from the wall with the hand that had rested on his chest.\n\n\"You're wounded,\" Kjell gasped. The king's hand was slick and scarlet with blood. Kjell yanked the king's cloak aside, revealing a saturated tunic and Aren's arm tucked firmly against his body, attempting to stem the flow.\n\nThe king staggered, and Kjell took his weight, easing him to the ground.\n\n\"You are the son of Koorah, Captain. Of that I have no doubt. I can see her in you. Like you, she was convinced she had nothing to offer. She never wanted to be queen. But she would have been a good queen. And you will be a good king,\" Aren reassured.\n\n\"Cease speaking, Aren,\" Kjell bellowed, and pressed his hands to the king's side, searching for the source of the blood.\n\n\"Tiras!\" Kjell shouted. \"Sasha, help me!\"\n\n\"You cannot heal me again, Captain,\" the king said, his voice strained but his face serene." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kjell groaned, helpless, and bore down, pressing his hands to the king's sodden tunic, demanding submission from his gift. He would heal Aren's wounds, just like he'd healed the Volgar slashes on Sasha's back. He just needed time. He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, refusing to meet the king's gaze, denying his inability to save him.\n\n\"There isn't time,\" the king said, reading Kjell's desperation. \"I don't want to die here. Help me stand.\"\n\n\"I can heal you!\"\n\n\"Help me stand, Captain!\" the king bellowed, adamant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pushed up to his knees and found his feet, swaying as he took a step. Kjell was there to brace him, and they began to stagger toward the trees, Kjell bearing much of Aren's weight, the king focused on the tallest of the wooded sentries bordering the rise behind the castle.\n\n\"Take me to the glade,\" the king urged. \"There's a spot there for me.\"\n\nThen they weren't alone. Villagers were streaming behind them, responding to Kjell's call. Gaspar and Sasha weren't far behind, Padrig on her heels. Tiras, bare-chested and shoeless but with his sword in hand, was just beyond them. King Aren ignored them all, pushing forward, his teeth gritted, his face set, determined to reach the grove." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here, Healer,\" he groaned as the woods opened up into a small clearing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is the place.\" Kjell tried to ease the king to the forest floor, but Aren insisted on standing, bracing himself on Kjell's shoulders.\n\n\"It is your birthright, Kjell of Caarn. Don't squander it,\" King Aren said, his face grey. With bloodied hands, he lifted the crown from his head and placed it on Kjell's.\n\nAren swayed, and Kjell braced his legs, keeping the king upright, ignoring the crown on his head as he continued to plead with his gift, magnifying the song that emanated from the king's spirit. But the melody did not mend, the blood did not abate, and the king was dying in his arms.\n\n\"Sasha,\" Kjell called out to her. \"Help me heal him. Help me.\"\n\nSasha rushed to his side, but it was not Kjell's hand she took." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With streaming eyes and trembling lips, she clasped Aren's large palm between both of hers and gave him the strength he needed to spin one last time. Forever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be close to Grandfather Tree. Just as I planned,\" the king said, his eyes on hers. \"Be happy, Saoirse,\" he whispered. Clinging to her hand, he closed his eyes.\n\nThe king's beard changed first. Then the hair on his head became writhing leaves, green and glossy, carrying the scent of earth and rain. The ground began to tremble, and the boots Aren wore became burrowing roots, snaking through the dirt and sinking deep beneath their feet. Sasha stepped back as the king let go, lifting his arms to the heavens, branches sprouting from his fingertips, thickening even as they extended and spread. Aren's body, supported by Kjell's arms, became the trunk of a towering oak, shooting upward beneath burgeoning branches and multiplying leaves. Then it was done, the change complete, and Kjell stepped back, his arms empty, his heart heavy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Around him, the grove was sacred and silent, as if the spirit of the passing king whispered through the wood.\n\nKjell knew if he pressed his hands to the bark, he would not feel the breathless fear of the hidden or the repellant push of a false veneer. This tree did not camouflage a Spinner with a beating heart, waiting to be reawakened. It was not a man, but a memorial. A monument of resurrection and remembrance.\n\n\"Farewell King Aren, son of Gideon,\" Padrig called, his voice shaking, his eyes wet, and he knelt at the base of the tree, bowing his head, folding his old bones to pay homage.\n\nThe villagers began to kneel too, their glowing triumph at the Volgar defeat becoming tearful lamentations. Where their tears fell, a flower grew, springing up on the forest floor, tiny petals and green shoots, dedicated to the man they mourned. Kjell withdrew his sword, a sign of his own fealty, and with a roar, stabbed it into the soft ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not make flowers grow, but he could honor a good man.\n\nTiras did not kneel and he did not bow. He gripped the hilt of his sword, gaping at the scaled bark and the pointed leaves, at the lofty heights and sturdy roots, his shoulders squared and his legs braced, absorbing the wonder of what he'd seen. Astonishment lined his features and hardened his jaw, and when his eyes met Kjell's he bowed his head slowly, never lowering his gaze.\n\n\"Hail King Kjell, son of Jeru,\" he roared, and jabbed his sword into the air.\n\nPadrig was the first to raise his head and join his voice with Tiras's.\n\n\"Long live King Kjell, son of Koorah,\" Padrig cried, still kneeling, still weeping.\n\nThe people had seen their king place his crown on Kjell's head. They'd watched Aren leave one life for another, becoming reborn, taking his place beside his grandfather's tree in the grove of his ancestors." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'hands' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Padrig's words stunned them, and Koorah's name fell from their lips in wonder and awe as they realized what it all meant. One by one, they lifted their voices with Padrig's, recognizing the loss of one king and heralding the ascension of another.\n\n\"Long live King Kjell, son of Koorah,\" they cried, and the leaves shimmered and shook above their heads, raining softly upon the kneeling assembly.\n\nKjell wanted to reject them.\n\nHe wanted to hurl the crown into the trees and leave the glade.\n\nBut he could not.\n\nThe crown resting on his brow belonged to him, and he could not renounce it any more than he could deny the gift that flowed from his hands, his allegiance to his brother, or his love for the queen. The assurance rested on him like light, the knowledge pulsed in his blood, and in that moment he accepted the call, for that is what it was, and he could not forsake it.\n\nSlowly, as if her legs became numb in stages, Sasha sank to her knees, her back bowing, her hands curling into the dirt, her hair caressing the new roots that forked the earth and anchored Aren's tree." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One at a time, the villagers approached and bowed with her, pressing themselves to her side in sympathy and commiseration before rising and letting another take their place. After each one rose, they approached Kjell and kissed his palms before leaving the clearing and the prostrate queen. Kjell didn't recognize the ritual or his role in it, but he remained beside her, beside the tree, a new crown on his head, a new burden on his shoulders.\n\nWhen the last villager left the clearing, Padrig rose as well, staggering as though his legs had lost all feeling. Tiras stepped forward and took his arm, steadying him. Together they moved toward Kjell.\n\n\"We must leave her now, Healer,\" Padrig instructed.\n\n\"I can't,\" Kjell refused.\n\n\"She will mourn here in silence for three days.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then I will mourn with her,\" Kjell said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'padrig' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is much to do, Majesty.\"\n\nThe title caused his heart to turn and his stomach to knot, but he accepted that too, his fists balled and his eyes on the Star Maker's grief-stricken face.\n\n\"Then see that it is done, Spinner. I won't leave the queen.\"\n\n\"The people will expect you to sit on the throne, to tell them what to do now that the battle is done,\" Padrig said.\n\n\"I am not that kind of king.\" He was not Aren. He was not Tiras. But he would do the best he could.\n\n\"No, you are not,\" Padrig whispered, still stricken." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Send Jerick to me. Take instruction from him, take advice from Tiras, and let the King's Council continue as Aren would have wished. Let the villagers put the castle and the countryside to rights. When the three days have passed, I will sit on the bloody throne if I must. But I will stay with the queen.\" His jaw was so tight his teeth radiated with pain, and he waited for an argument from the old man.\n\nNone came. Padrig bowed gingerly and began to make his way from the clearing back toward the wall around a kingdom that would never be the same.\n\n\"I will wait for you, brother,\" Tiras assured. \"And Caarn will wait.\"\n\nSasha ate only dry bread and sipped water from the carafe Jerick brought each morning. She didn't speak, and she didn't raise her eyes to Kjell.\n\nIt rained but the trees bowed above them, sheltering them, and they remained dry. The nights were cold but Isak built a fire of candlenuts that never ceased burning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two of Kjell's guard stood watch in the darkest hours, giving Kjell a brief reprieve from Sasha's silence and her downcast eyes. But he always woke with her hand in his. She rose only to relieve herself and slept only when she could not stay awake. She didn't weep, but he wished she would. Her silence was part of the ritual, but her dry eyes were not.\n\nWhen the three days had passed, she stood but could not walk, and he swept her up in his arms and walked for her, entering the castle for the first time as its king.\n\nIn Jeru, death was marked by processions and bells that rang at intervals of seven, marking the period of Penthos—mourning. Monuments were built on the hill behind the palace, pale sepulchers of fallen kings. But in Caarn, many of the monuments were trees, and many villagers had witnessed the royal shifting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In one fell swoop, a king had passed and another took his place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kjell's coronation and Aren's transformation had occurred simultaneously, and the whole village walked in a stupefied reverence superseded only by Kjell's own shock and awe.\n\nHe was king. Against his will and despite his reservations, Kjell of Jeru had become Kjell of Caarn, King of Dendar, saddled with a land and a kingdom he didn't understand and a people he barely knew.\n\nHe had been given a kingdom, but the queen was another matter entirely.\n\nFor a week after her vigil ended, Sasha never left her chamber. She was attended by Tess and the blond maid who had once offered to shave Kjell's beard. The blond was afraid of him and could never look him in the eyes, and Tess kept insisting that Sasha was well, though she clearly was not. Kjell stewed and couldn't sleep, burdened by her behavior, by his new responsibilities, and by the continual dread that the danger in Caarn had not ended. Tiras stayed by his side, a constant in the chaos, helping Kjell to navigate a position he'd never wanted or aspired to. But it was not until Tiras prepared to leave for Jeru City that Kjell broke down and begged his brother for advice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell me what to do, Tiras,\" Kjell pled, his confusion and concern teetering on the edge of anger. He needed Sasha, and she was suffering alone.\n\nTiras, perusing the kingdom's holdings and various ventures—none of which Kjell cared about at the moment—looked up at Kjell thoughtfully. He closed the ledgers and rolled the maps on the steward's desk in silence, clearly stewing over the advice he was about to dispense.\n\n\"Have you ever watched a sconce as it is lit? For a moment the torch and the wick both flare, as if spreading the flame makes each stronger. That is what happens when you and Queen Saoirse are together. I see it. King Aren saw it. All of Caarn sees it,\" Tiras said.\n\nKjell stared at his brother balefully, waiting for him to continue.\n\n\"You have been released, Kjell. She has not,\" Tiras said slowly, enunciating every word, and Kjell immediately lost his temper.\n\n\"I have been released?\" Kjell repeated, incredulous. \"I have not been released. I have been crowned! I wear this bloody wreath of gold and am expected to sleep in the king's chambers listening to the queen cry when she thinks no one can hear.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The king is gone, and you can love his queen without constraints,\" Tiras insisted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are freed, but she is not. She cannot simply run into your arms, brother. Guilt makes grief unbearable.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kjell groaned and rubbed his eyes wearily." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): One thing after another. I love her. And I cannot have her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He didn't want Sasha to grieve for Aren. It was an awful truth, but a truth all the same.\n\n\"Suddenly she can have what her heart desires most. You. But getting what we want at the expense of someone else taints the fulfilment of even our fondest dreams,\" Tiras said, his frank assessment making Kjell hiss in frustration.\n\n\"She is blameless. She didn't cause Aren's death or seek it,\" Kjell said.\n\n\"It doesn't matter. She loves you, he died, and the whole kingdom is watching,\" Tiras contended.\n\n\"It is a never-ending round!\" Kjell raged. \"One thing after another. I love her. And I cannot have her.\"\n\nKjell surged to his feet and strode around the perimeter of the library, along the rows of books he had no intention of ever reading, and ended back in front of his younger brother, dejected and deflated.\n\n\"She is yours, Kjell. Heart and soul,\" Tiras said, his compassion evident." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is obvious. She was yours from the moment you met. But you must let her mourn.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot be King of Caarn if she is not by my side, Tiras,\" Kjell whispered. \"I cannot do it.\"\n\n\"Time, brother, and patience,\" Tiras urged. \"It is something you can give her. It is something you can give yourself. When I see you again, she will be your queen and these ledgers won't be so outdated. I have no doubt.\"\n\nAnd so Kjell gave Sasha patience the way he'd given her his body and his gift, the way he'd surrendered his heart and his life. Freely. Completely. He kept a guard at her door and two in the ramparts facing her window. He gave her time, and he prayed for the strength to wait." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in collaborative writing in the fantasy, romance, vampires genre. I'll provide a starting point, and you'll continue with 12 sentences, maintaining any established context." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next time I saw Casteel, I was going to shove the stupid knife so far into his chest, he would have to dig it out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Glaring at the door, guarded from the outside, I swallowed a shout of frustration and anger. With the exception of Delano arriving with lunch, I'd been locked up in this room all day, alone and going absolutely stir-crazy.\n\nCasteel was gone when I woke, and that had been a welcomed discovery since waking up in his arms was not something I needed to experience again. The memories of such were already hard enough to forget. But hours later, as the snow fell steadily and the wind howled outside the narrow window, whatever gratitude I'd felt had shriveled up and died.\n\nDelano had stood guard outside nearly the entire day. I knew because the last time I had pounded on the door, he'd answered through the heavy wood. He'd replied in virtually the same way each time I demanded to be let out.\n\n\"No one wishes to chase you through a snowstorm.\"\n\n\"I'd rather not be gutted by the Prince, so no.\"\n\n\"The Prince will return soon.\"\n\nMy favorite was when I'd said that I just wanted some fresh air." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'delano' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing personal, but there is literally no way I would trust you enough to crack this door open to allow even an inch of fresh air to enter your chamber.\"\n\nHow was that not personal?\n\nI started toward the door, planning to bang my fist off it until the whole keep came running—\n\nThe door suddenly swung open as Delano rushed inside, hand on the hilt of his sword. He drew up short, eyes bright as he checked me over and scanned the room.\n\n\"Are you okay?\" he demanded. Delano had the kind of face that often tricked you. Except for the nearly constant crease between his fair brows, there was a boyishness to his features. As if he would be grinning the second he thought you weren't looking. But in that moment, with the hard set to his jaw and the steeliness in his eyes I'd never seen before, he looked as if he were a breath away from lopping off someone's head.\n\n\"Other than being angry about being trapped in here? Yes.\"\n\nHis eyes narrowed. \"You weren't yelling?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My brows lifted. \"Not externally. Did you hear me yelling?\"\n\nDelano's head tilted. \"What do you mean by…not externally?\"\n\n\"I was probably screaming internally for being locked in here.\"\n\n\"So, you weren't screaming?\"\n\n\"No. Not out loud.\" I crossed my arms.\n\nHis already light skin seemed paler. \"I thought… I thought I heard you calling my name.\" The crease between his brows deepened. \"Screaming for help.\" Letting go of his sword, he ran a hand through his nearly white-blond hair. \"It must've been the wind.\"\n\n\"Or your guilty conscience.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Probably the wind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I started toward him.\n\nThere it was, a flash of a grin. \"Sorry to interrupt.\"\n\n\"Interrupt what? I'm stuck in this room. What could—?\" I shrieked as the door closed and locked. \"Now I am yelling!\"\n\n\"It's the wind,\" he yelled back through the door.\n\nI stomped my foot once and then twice instead of giving in to the urge to really scream.\n\nThrowing myself onto the bed, I pictured all the different places I could stab Delano, but then I felt a little bad about that. It wasn't his fault. It was Casteel's. So, I pictured putting as many holes in him as I could until I started to doze. I didn't fight it. Being unconscious was far better than rage-pacing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I had no idea how long I slept, whether it was minutes or hours, but when I opened my bleary eyes, a patchwork quilt had been draped over my legs, and I saw that I wasn't alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Across from the bed sat Kieran, in the same chair as the night before, practically in the same position—one booted foot resting on a bent knee.\n\n\"Good afternoon,\" he said as I blinked slowly, looking between him and the quilt. \"The quilt wasn't me. That was Cas.\"\n\nHe'd been in here? While I slept? That son of a—\n\n\"Though I'm glad you finally woke up. I was going to give you another five minutes before I risked life and limb to wake you. Unlike Cas, watching you sleep is not something I find all that entertaining.\"\n\nCasteel watched me sleep? Wait. How long had Kieran been sitting there? \"What are you doing in here?\" I rasped.\n\n\"Other than wondering exactly what choices I made in my life that led me to this exact moment?\" Kieran asked.\n\nMy eyes narrowed. \"Yes. Other than that.\"\n\n\"Since I figured Delano would like a break and wondered if you might be hungry. I'm hoping that you are because I would like to eat, too.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My stomach immediately decided that yes, it would like some food, and grumbled loudly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'll take that as a yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Feeling my cheeks flush, I shoved the blanket off and stood. \"Am I actually allowed to leave this room?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\nMy brows lifted. \"You say that as if I'm asking a stupid question. I've been locked in here all day!\"\n\n\"If you could be trusted not to run, then perhaps you wouldn't be locked in here.\"\n\n\"Maybe if you weren't holding me captive, I wouldn't have to try and escape!\"\n\n\"Good point.\"\n\nI blinked.\n\n\"But it is what it is.\" Kieran arched a brow. \"Do you wish to leave the room and eat, or would you rather sit here and stew? Your choice.\"\n\nMy choice? I almost laughed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I need to use the bathing chamber first.\"\n\n\"Take your time. I'll just sit here and stare at…nothing now.\"\n\nRolling my eyes, I started to turn, and then my stupid mouth opened. \"Where is His Highness?\"\n\n\"Highness? Man, I bet Cas loves being referred to as that.\" Kieran chuckled. \"You miss him already?\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. That's exactly why I'm asking.\"\n\nHe grinned. \"He's been speaking with Alastir and several of the others in town. If he wasn't the Prince of Atlantia, with all his princely duties, I'm sure he'd be here…\" His pale eyes glimmered. \"Watching you sleep.\"\n\n\"Thank the gods that he has something to pass his time with then,\" I muttered.\n\nIgnoring that, I hurried into the bathing chamber. I took care of my needs and then grabbed the brush from the small vanity. My hair was a mess from sleeping on it, and there was a good chance that I tore half of it out while trying to get the knots out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once I finished, I placed the brush back and then looked in the small mirror, tilting my head to the side.\n\nI wasn't looking at the scars, though I thought they seemed less noticeable somehow—could be the lighting. Rather it was my eyes that I stared at. They were green, passed down from my father to Ian and me. My mother's were brown, and I thought of how the Atlantians had golden or hazel-colored eyes. Had my mother's been a plain shade of brown? Or had they been a golden brown? Was I just assuming that all Atlantians had some shade of gold in their eyes?\n\nTurning my head to the side, I saw that the bite mark was now just a pale purple bruise. It looked like one of the love bites I'd read about in Miss Willa Colyns' diary. I flushed as I quickly braided my hair. Once completed, I tossed the plait over my shoulder, hoping the thick tail would stay in place, concealing the mark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My gaze lowered to my hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I have a lot of blood on my hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As angry as I was at Casteel, his words still haunted me, as did what he'd shared about the time he'd spent as a captive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't deserve that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Part of me still couldn't believe that he'd taken ownership for Vikter and the others, and I couldn't help but wonder if their deaths were part of what stained his soul." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I also wondered if what he hadn't been able to control when he was held also darkened his soul." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Essential phrase to include: \"With standing around and waiting for me? It seems like you are tasked with doing so quite often.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If so, that sat even heavier on my heart, and I wasn't sure what to do with any of that. Horrific things had been done to him. He'd done terrible things. Neither canceled out the other.\n\nKieran was at least standing when I exited the bathing chamber. He faced the banked fire, and I wondered if that was as far as he'd moved.\n\n\"Do you ever get bored?\" I asked.\n\n\"With what?\" he replied, sounding as disinterested as possible.\n\n\"With standing around and waiting for me? It seems like you are tasked with doing so quite often.\"\n\n\"It's actually an honor to guard what the Prince values so highly,\" he replied. \"And since I'm never quite sure what you're going to do from one second to the next, it's not even remotely boring. That is, except when you're sleeping.\"\n\nI made a closed mouth sound of annoyance as my heart immediately went to war with my brain over why I was considered something the Prince valued." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'wolven'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My heart, which gave a happy little flop, was obviously stupid.\n\nI went to the fireplace and picked up the thigh sheath. Relieved to find the supple leather dry, I asked, \"Have you seen my dagger?\"\n\n\"The one fashioned from wolven bone?\"\n\nI cringed. \"Yes, that one.\"\n\n\"I have not.\"\n\nFeeling a bit contrite and insensitive, I turned to him. \"About the…the handle. I have no idea how that came into creation or when. It was given to me as a gift—\"\n\n\"I know,\" he interrupted. \"Unless you are the one who carved it from the bones of a wolven, you don't need to apologize. I imagine it was created shortly after the War of Two Kings. Many of my kind fell during the battles, and not all the bodies could be retrieved.\"\n\nI wanted to apologize again, especially when I thought about how families hadn't had the chance to honor their loved ones with whatever burial practices they observed. I resisted the urge to comment as I slipped the bent meat knife into the sheath, half expecting Kieran to say something, but all he did was smile faintly when I glanced at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ready?\" he asked. When I nodded, he peeled away from the wall. \"Lead the way.\"\n\nI did just that, and it gave me great satisfaction to do so. Opening the door, I stepped outside and headed down the walkway. Why did it never feel nearly as cold when it snowed?\n\nA better question resurfaced as I opened the door to the stairwell. \"Are all Atlantians' eyes a golden shade?\"\n\n\"That's an incredibly random question,\" he said, catching the door before it swung shut in his face. \"But, yes, most Atlantians have some shade of gold in their eyes. Only those of the elemental bloodline have pure golden eyes.\"\n\nI almost missed a step. \"Elemental bloodline?\" I asked, looking over my shoulder.\n\n\"Not all Atlantians are the same,\" he remarked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did your history books leave that out?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes,\" I grumbled, facing forward. The texts mentioned the wolven as being a part of Atlantia, but nothing had ever suggested there were different…bloodlines. \"What is the elemental bloodline?\"\n\n\"Those whose blood is purely Atlantian and can be traced back to the earliest known Atlantians,\" he answered. \"Not descendants by blood but by creation.\"\n\n\"They were created by other…Atlantians?\"\n\n\"Yes, by the deities, the children of the gods.\"\n\n\"Really?\" I said doubtfully. \"Deities?\"\n\n\"Really.\"\n\nMy brows knitted as we reached the landing. I wasn't sure if I believed that, but what did I know? I looked back at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are any of them still in Atlantia?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If there were, Cas would not be our Prince.\" A muscle flexed in Kieran's jaw. \"The last of their line was gone by the end of the war.\"\n\n\"What does that mean? That Casteel wouldn't be the Prince?\"\n\n\"They were deities, Penellaphe. The ones who created the elemental Atlantians. A drop of their blood is a drop from the gods. They would usurp any bloodline that sat on the throne.\"\n\n\"All because they can link their blood back to these…deities?\"\n\n\"They ruled Atlantia since the dawn of time, up until the last of them died. They weren't just a bloodline,\" he said. \"They were Atlantia.\"\n\nOkay, then. \"And Casteel is of the elemental line?\"\n\n\"He is.\"\n\nWell, if anyone would somehow be connected to deities and gods, it would be him. It explained his arrogance and high-handed attitude. \"So, there are others who live in Atlantia? Besides the wolven?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are,\" he said, surprising me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I half expected him to deem the information confidential." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Those with mortal blood, usually first or second-generation with one Atlantian and one mortal parent.\"\n\nThose had been the half-Atlantians Casteel had spoken of the night prior.\n\n\"Very rarely does a third-generation or more removed have any discernible Atlantian blood or traits. But even though they have mortal lifespans, they aren't often plagued by illnesses or disease.\"\n\n\"Since their blood can feed one of an elemental line and be used to make vamprys, they don't need blood after their Culling, do they?\" I asked, realizing I hadn't talked with Casteel about that part.\n\nKieran raised an eyebrow. \"No. They do not need blood.\"\n\nThat was a relief, although Casteel's blood tasted nothing like I'd ever imagined. \"Do those of the elemental line need food?\" I'd seen Casteel eat. I'd actually seen the Ascended eat. \"Do vamprys?\"\n\n\"Those of the elemental line can go long periods without food but doing so requires them to take blood more often. Vamprys can eat, but they don't need to. Food does nothing to slake their bloodlust.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I stopped in the stairwell. \"The ones who are part mortal…those are the ones with eyes that are hazel but more gold?\"\n\n\"You'd be correct in your assumption.\"\n\n\"Then why are mine green? Neither of my parents had hazel eyes,\" I told him. \"My mother could've had golden brown, but I'm pretty sure her eyes were just brown.\"\n\nHe glanced at the door. \"If your mother or father had Atlantian blood in them, that doesn't mean they were purely Atlantian. They could've been second-generation and your memory of their eye color faulty.\"\n\nI frowned. \"I remember the color of their eyes.\"\n\nHe glanced down at me. \"It's also possible that neither of them were your birth parents.\"\n\nI almost tripped again. \"Did they just find me in a field or something and decide to keep me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mortals often do inexplicable and strange things, Penellaphe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever.\" A lot of things seemed impossible that I was working to accept. Both of my parents not actually being my blooded parents wasn't one of them. \"Are there more…bloodlines?\"\n\n\"There are.\"\n\nI waited while he stared at me. \"Are you going to tell me what they are?\"\n\nAmusement crept into his wintry eyes. \"There were many bloodlines at one time. However, most have either died off naturally or were lost in the war. The changelings are another bloodline, although their numbers have significantly dwindled.\"\n\n\"Changelings?\" I repeated slowly, having never heard the word before.\n\n\"Most are of two worlds, able to shift their forms.\"\n\n\"Like a wolven?\"\n\n\"Yes. Some.\" His gaze swiveled to the door again, and his eyes narrowed. \"Many believe they are distant cousins of the wolven, the offspring of a deity and a wolven.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What kind of forms can they shift into?\" I asked, thinking of one of the stories Ian had sent, the one about the water folk. I almost asked if they could shift into part fish, but that was too ridiculous for me to even utter.\n\n\"Many different forms. But that will have to wait. He pressed a finger to my lips when I opened my mouth. \"One second.\"\n\nI frowned, but he moved his hand, brushing past me to open the door. I followed on his heels. When he came to a sudden stop, I almost walked right into his back.\n\n\"Kieran.\" The familiar, raspy voice caused my heart to lurch, even though I knew it wasn't Vikter. It was Alastir. \"I've been wondering where you were today. I expected to see you with Casteel.\"\n\n\"I've been busy,\" Kieran answered. \"Is Cas back already?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's still with Elijah, speaking about…about the upcoming move.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a pause as I peeked around Kieran. Alastir's hair was pulled back in a knot at the nape of his neck. Without the cloak, I saw that he wasn't without weapons. A dagger was strapped to one thigh, and a golden-trimmed scabbard held a sword on his opposite hip. Alastir also wasn't alone.\n\nA man with auburn waves and the same vivid gold eyes as Casteel was with him. An elemental Atlantian, I now knew. His gaze slid from the wolven to where I stood, mostly hidden behind Kieran. One side of his lips tipped up.\n\nKieran moved to the side, blocking my view of the elemental.\n\n\"As I'm sure you know, there are concerns,\" Alastir continued.\n\n\"Concerns from Elijah or you?\" Kieran asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Concerns from all,\" Alastir answered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a sizable group to move and keep healthy and whole during the trip. And once there...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My mind rapidly turned that over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Were the people who lived in New Haven making the move to Atlantia?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even the Descenters, who were of no Atlantian descent?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"It's just a complicated situation.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I thought the concerns had a lot to do with their limited land. But why were they going there now?\n\nKieran crossed his arms. \"It needs to be done.\"\n\n\"Does it?\" came the quiet reply from Alastir.\n\n\"I would think you of all people would know that it does,\" Kieran said as I silently stepped farther to the side. \"To do nothing is cruel.\"\n\nAlastir's features were somber as he said, \"I agree. Doing nothing is cruel. My hesitation doesn't come from a place of apathy. Hell, you know I've spent the better part of my life locating our people and their offspring trapped in Solis and bringing them home.\" Alastir placed his hand on Kieran's shoulder. \"My hesitation comes from a place of empathy. I hope you and Casteel realize that.\"\n\n\"We do.\" Kieran clamped his hand over the older wolven's forearm. \"It's just a complicated situation.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That it is.\" Alastir turned his head to where I stood." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'smile' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But not nearly as complicated as this.\"\n\nKieran started to block me once more, and I'd had it with the ridiculousness. \"He can see me standing behind you,\" I said. \"You're a giant oaf, but not that giant of an oaf.\"\n\nA wide smile broke out across Alastir's face, and the elemental behind him laughed.\n\nKieran sighed.\n\n\"I was hoping we'd get a chance to cross paths again without the Prince rushing you off.\" The wolven's smile tightened. \"He does seem quite taken with you.\"\n\nI tensed, immediately wanting to put out that based on what Casteel planned to do, he couldn't be taken with me. But recalling that Casteel had said that he was working on making sure my life wasn't in jeopardy with this man, I managed to keep that to myself. \"I think he's far more taken with himself.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A loud laugh burst from the elemental. \"I think I can now be counted as one of those taken with you.\"\n\nMy cheeks flushed, burning even deeper when Kieran said, \"I would advise against saying that in front of Casteel.\"\n\n\"I like my head attached to my body, and my heart in my chest,\" the elemental responded. \"I have no plans to repeat that.\"\n\n\"He did say you were…quite outspoken.\"\n\nI crossed my arms. \"More like warned you?\"\n\n\"Something like that, but surprising nonetheless.\" Alastir's pale eyes danced with amusement. \"We didn't get a chance to be properly introduced yesterday. I'm Alastir Davenwell and the one behind me is Emil Da'Lahr.\"\n\nEmil grinned as he nodded in my direction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will forever think of Kieran as a giant oaf now, thanks to you.\"\n\n\"That's great,\" muttered the wolven standing beside me.\n\nSparing a quick glance at Kieran's stoic expression, I said, \"I'm Penellaphe...Penellaphe Balfour.\"\n\nAlastir's gaze sharpened on me as his brows narrowed. \"Balfour?\"\n\nI nodded.\n\n\"That's an old name, one that goes back several hundred years in Solis,\" Alastir said.\n\nHow old was this wolven? \"My father's family was involved in shipping. They were merchants.\"\n\n\"Casteel has told me that you are of Atlantian descent,\" Alastir said after a moment. \"Which would explain why the Ascended have deemed you the Maiden and kept you close to them.\" His head tilted. He must've seen something in my expression, because he continued. \"You've learned what they had planned for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A statement, but I nodded anyway.\n\n\"I am sorry for that,\" he offered softly, bowing his head slightly. \"I cannot imagine what it must feel like to learn that those who cared for you did so for such abhorrent reasons.\"\n\nIt felt like the world was nothing but a violent lie.\n\n\"Your mother was close to the vampry Queen, and your father's family a friend to the King? Correct?\"\n\nSurprise flickered through me. \"Did Casteel tell you that?\"\n\nA faint smile appeared. \"I knew some of your background before I met you, Penellaphe. Word of a Maiden, one Chosen by the gods, reached Atlantia long ago.\"\n\nThat didn't make me feel entirely comfortable. \"I guess that came as a shock to your people since your gods are asleep, therefore unable to choose anyone.\"\n\nEmil chuckled. \"That it did. We wondered if they had woken and forgotten about us.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think what is more of a shock is learning that you're of Atlantian descent,\" Alastir said, brows knitted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Especially since your mother and father were so connected to the Blood Crown.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Blood Crown?\"\n\n\"The Queen and King of Solis. The Royals,\" explained Kieran. \"They're referred to as the Blood Crown.\"\n\nI was sure there was disturbing accuracy behind that title.\n\n\"It leaves me with the question of how you're even here,\" said Alastir.\n\nKieran unfolded his arms. \"What is that supposed to mean?\"\n\n\"You can't tell me that neither you nor the Prince has wondered how the parent of someone of Atlantian descent survived long so close to the Blood Crown.\" Alastir looked at me. \"It's not that they can sense us, but being that close, I imagine it would've been discovered.\"\n\n\"And they would've used one of them as what? A blood bag?\" I finished.\n\nEmil's brows rose. \"That's one way of putting it, but yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know which one was Atlantian,\" I admitted. \"Kieran seems to think that I was found in a field.\"\n\nEmil sent a questioning look at the wolven.\n\nKieran sighed. \"I did not say that. I merely suggested that one or even possibly both weren't her blooded parents.\"\n\n\"That's possible.\" A thoughtful expression entered Alastir's features. \"I never heard what became of your parents. Are they still in the capital of Solis? If so, then I imagine the answer lies with them.\"\n\n\"My parents are no longer alive.\" Unsure if he knew of Ian, I didn't mention him. \"They were killed in a Craven attack outside the city.\"\n\nAlastir paled as he stared at me. \"Is that…?\" He trailed off, lines bracketing his mouth.\n\nI had a feeling I knew what he had been about to ask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was how I was scarred,\" I told him, holding his stare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lines at his mouth deepened. \"You wear your scars proudly, Penellaphe.\"\n\n\"As do you,\" I murmured.\n\n\"I am sorry to learn of your parents,\" Alastir said. \"I wish there was more I could say.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" I murmured.\n\n\"We need to get going.\" Kieran touched my back lightly. \"Excuse us.\"\n\nAlastir nodded as both he and Emil stepped aside. \"It was nice to speak with you, Penellaphe.\"\n\n\"You, too,\" I said, sending both men a small smile.\n\nKieran ushered me through the otherwise empty common area." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I looked over my shoulder to see both males still standing there, watching us. I turned back to the hall. My steps slowed as I said in a low voice, \"They…seemed nice. Are they?\"\n\n\"They are both good men, loyal to Atlantia and the Da'Neer dynasty.\"\n\nDynasty. Is that what Casteel's family was? A dynasty?\n\n\"Come.\" He touched my back again. \"We must eat. You must eat.\"\n\nI forced my steps to keep pace with Kieran's as I momentarily forgot about Alastir. I couldn't see beyond the bend, but tiny knots tangled up my stomach. I didn't want to see the walls with the hanging dead again. \"Why is everyone so concerned about me eating?\"\n\n\"We want to take you to Atlantia. Not starve you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Atlantia. My already churning stomach dipped." }, { "from": "system", "value": "DIRECTIVE: Incorporate \"The hot water part. Not the missing it part.\" in response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew so little about what rose from the blood and ash of war. \"Do they really have running hot water there, available in…faucets?\"\n\nKieran blinked once and then twice. \"Yes. They do. It is probably the thing I miss the most when I am here.\"\n\n\"That sounds lovely,\" I murmured. \"The hot water part. Not the missing it part.\"\n\n\"I figured that was what you meant.\"\n\nAs I neared the bend, I steeled myself for the grotesque sight of the bodies spiked to the walls. Was Jericho still alive? Had the others begun to rot? It was cool enough in here that the others would probably look as they had before, only grayer and waxier. My empty stomach churned as I stepped into the hall and lifted my gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The walls were bare.\n\nNo bodies. No evidence of blood, nothing streaming down the walls and finding the tiny cracks in the stone to form little rivers. None on the floor, either.\n\nI pressed my hand to my stomach. \"They're gone.\"\n\n\"Cas had them removed last night after dinner,\" Kieran advised.\n\nSurprise shuttled through me. \"And Jericho?\"\n\n\"He is no more. Casteel took care of him while you were running off to start a new life, one which would've ended in certain dismemberment and death at the hands of the Craven.\"\n\nIgnoring that jab, I didn't know if I should feel as relieved as I did. \"Did…did Casteel believe his warning was heard?\"\n\n\"I believe he was more concerned about what you said than if his warning was left up long enough to be heeded.\" Kieran crossed through the open doors. \"I, on the other hand, would've left Jericho up there for at least another day or so.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My mouth dropped open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't sure what shocked me more. That Casteel had acted upon what I'd said, or that Kieran would've left the traitorous wolven lingering in a painful state of almost death. \"There should always be dignity in death,\" I said once I found my voice. \"No matter what.\"\n\nKieran didn't answer as he led me to an empty table. The chairs from the night before had been replaced by a long bench. I sat as I looked around, spotting only a few people toward the back of the banquet hall, near the hearth and several doors. Where was everyone? With Casteel and Elijah?\n\nI turned as Kieran sat beside me. \"I don't think Casteel acted upon my words, but if he did, I'm grateful to hear that.\"\n\nHe rested an elbow on the table. \"I don't think you realize how much sway you have over him.\"\n\nI started to deny such a statement, but an older woman with a white smock covering the front of her soft yellow gown hurried to the table, carrying two plates." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The scent of food caused my stomach to make itself known once more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She placed one in front of us, both full of fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted meat, and glistening rolls on the side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As inconspicuously as possible, I noted the color of her eyes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'thank' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were brown with no hint of gold.\n\n\"Thank you,\" I said.\n\nThere was a grunt of acknowledgment, but when Kieran offered the same thanks, he was given a warm smile and a sweet, \"thank you.\" My lips pursed, but I didn't let it bother me as I snatched up the fork and started shoveling the potatoes into my mouth. Though it was a unique experience for me to even be able to look anyone in the face, or for them to see me, and for us to exchange even simple pleasantries. The mouthful of potatoes turned to sawdust on my tongue, so I guessed her response did bother me. A little.\n\nLooking over at Kieran, I saw that he had been given a fork and a knife. My eyes narrowed. It was slightly thinner, but far sharper than my sad blade.\n\nFinishing off the potatoes, I got back to my line of questioning. \"She was mortal, wasn't she? The woman who brought the food to us?\"\n\nCutting up his roasted meat into neat pieces that all appeared to be the same size, he nodded. \"She is.\"\n\nThen she must be a Descenter, a mortal of Solis." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I used to wonder what sort of hardships someone had to face in their life to lead them to support the Dark One and the fallen kingdom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But that was before I knew the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, I wondered what hardship had awoken her to the truth.\n\n\"Are the people here planning to leave for Atlantia?\" I asked.\n\n\"You put two and two together, I see.\"\n\n\"I'm smart like that.\"\n\nHe raised a brow.\n\n\"So, I'm right? Why are they leaving here?\"\n\n\"Why would anyone want to remain under the control of the Ascended?\"\n\nWell, that sounded like a good enough reason. \"But why now?\"\n\n\"Sooner rather than later, the Ascended will realize that their Maiden is missing, and they will come looking for you. They will come here,\" Kieran said. \"And there are far too many supporters in New Haven.\"\n\nMy gaze lifted to the now-empty hearth as I thought of all the filled homes along the street we'd come in on. \"How many people live here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Several hundred.\"\n\n\"Is there room for them in Atlantia?\"\n\nHis gaze slid to mine, and I could tell he was working out that I knew about their land problem. \"We will make room.\"\n\nI had a feeling it wasn't that simple. I wanted to know what would happen if they weren't able to move them in time. I stopped before I could. It wasn't my problem. Their problems weren't mine.\n\nKieran had finally, after about ten years, finishing cutting up his food. \"May I have that? If you're done, that is? I'm not sure, but the last piece is a little thicker than the rest of the pieces.\"\n\nSlowly, he looked over at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you like me to cut your food for you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you like me to knock you off this bench?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'replied' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He chuckled deeply. \"Cas is right. You are incredibly violent.\"\n\n\"No, I'm not.\" I pointed my fork at him. \"I'm just not a child. I don't need someone else cutting my meat.\"\n\n\"Uh-huh.\" He handed the knife over, and I took it before he could change his mind.\n\nI didn't take nearly the same amount of time to slice the tender meat, but I didn't hand the knife back over either. I kept it in my left hand as I speared the food with my fork. \"Where is everyone?\"\n\n\"Living their best lives, I suppose,\" he replied rather wistfully.\n\nI shot him a dark look, but I was undaunted. \"Anyway,\" I drew out the word, getting back to what we had been talking about before we ran into Alastir. \"What do you call the ones who have mortal blood in them? The half-Atlantians? Like what would you call me?\"\n\n\"Atlantian.\"\n\n\"Really?\" I replied, picking up one of the rolls." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'elemental' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That makes things confusing.\"\n\n\"Not to me.\"\n\nRolling my eyes, I bit into the bread and almost moaned. It was so buttery, and there was a hint of sweetness I couldn't place. Whatever it was, it was amazing.\n\n\"The amount of blood someone has does not define an Atlantian,\" Kieran elaborated. \"Those who are elemental are no more important than those who aren't.\"\n\nI wasn't sure I believed that if those who were elemental were more powerful, lived longer, and were created by the children of the gods. \"Do the changelings have longer lifespans? I'm guessing the wolven do.\"\n\n\"We do.\" He sighed, picking up his cup. \"And they do.\"\n\n\"How long do they normally live?\" I picked up a cloth, wiping my fingers, and then I reached down, unsheathing my ruined knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Longer than you can comprehend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stared straight ahead, chewing slowly.\n\n\"I can comprehend a long time. The Ascended live forever. The Atlantians—well, the ones who are of the elemental line, practically do, too.\" I placed the ruined knife on the table and slipped the other one under and into its sheath.\n\n\"Nothing lives forever. Anything can be killed if you try hard enough.\"\n\nOverly proud of myself, I stabbed another piece of meat. \"I suppose.\"\n\n\"But no matter how hard you try with that knife you just swiped,\" he said, and my eyes widened, \"you will not be able to kill Cas with it.\"\n\nMy head swung in his direction. \"I'm not planning to kill him with it.\"\n\n\"I would hope not.\" He looked at me from the corner of his eye. \"It would probably only further endear you to him.\"\n\nI gave a small shake of my head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm going to ignore that incredibly disturbing possibility.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ignoring something doesn't make it less true, Penellaphe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why do you call me Penellaphe?\"\n\n\"Why do you have so many questions?\"\n\nMy eyes narrowed. \"Why can't you answer the question?\"\n\nKieran leaned over, dipping his chin. \"Nicknames are often reserved for friends. I don't believe you consider us friends.\"\n\nWhat he said made so much sense that I wasn't quite sure how to respond. When I did, I doubted he would be happy to learn that it was another question. \"Like how Atlantians only share their middle names with friends?\"\n\n\"With close friends, yes.\" He studied me a moment. \"I'm guessing Casteel told you his.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that Did that change anything for you?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did that change anything for you?\"\n\nI didn't answer because I still didn't understand why it mattered to me. Or maybe I did, and I just didn't want to acknowledge it. Kieran didn't push it, and we finished what was left of our lunch in silence. I kept glancing toward the open doorway. Not that I was looking for Casteel, but I…I was looking for anyone. The few people who had been at the back of the room had all but disappeared.\n\nI imagined Kieran was grateful for the reprieve, but sadly for him, it was short-lived. \"You know what I don't understand?\"\n\n\"Yet another question,\" he said, heaving an absurdly loud sigh.\n\nI pretended not to hear his comment. \"Alastir brought up a good point about my parents. I must be a second-generation, right? Since neither of my parents were full-blooded, like born in Atlantia as far as I know,\" I told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Queen Ileana knew what I was…\" I trailed off, frowning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I truly had no idea if the Ascended knew what I was before or after the Craven attack. Surviving the Craven's bite and not turning would've been a dead giveaway to Queen Ileana.\n\n\"What?\" Kieran prodded.\n\n\"I…I honestly can't remember being referred to as the Maiden or the Chosen before my parents left. But I was so young, and there are so few memories.\" And what I remembered of the night of the Craven attack, I couldn't exactly trust as real. \"I don't know how they learned what I was. If it were my abilities before the attack or if it was after that.\"\n\n\"And you don't remember what made your parents leave the capital?\"\n\n\"I remember them saying that they wanted a quieter life, but what…what if they knew what would happen to me? To their children?\"\n\n\"And they were escaping the Ascended?\" Kieran took a drink. \"That's a possibility.\"\n\nI glanced back at the doors. \"Alastir helped to relocate Atlantians who were stranded in Solis?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He did, but if your parents were first-generation, unaware of what they were, I doubt they would've known how to even contact someone like Alastir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How would they have contacted him?\" I turned back around.\n\n\"They would've had to know someone who knew someone who knew someone, and through the whole chain of people, they'd have had to trust each and every one completely.\"\n\nConsidering how Descenters were treated, I couldn't imagine anyone having that kind of trust. But still, what if they had been seeking someone like Alastir? What if they'd left without even knowing that there were others out there that could help them? Would that have changed the outcome at all? Probably.\n\n\"Alastir did bring up another good point,\" Kieran commented.\n\n\"How either of my parents didn't end up being used to create more vampry.\"\n\n\"Unless…\"\n\nI knew where he was heading with that. \"Anyway, back to my original question.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yay,\" he muttered." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'second' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If my parents were first-generation, then I would be second.\"\n\nHis gaze flickered over my face, passing over the scars without even so much as a slight widening of the eyes. \"Assuming that they are both your parents, yes. I would almost think your abilities would make you first-generation, but it's possible that you're second.\"\n\n\"And all Atlantians have golden eyes, in some shape or form,\" I said. \"As I'm sure you can tell, I don't have golden eyes.\"\n\n\"No, you don't. But I never said all Atlantians have golden eyes. I said most do,\" Kieran said, toying with the fork. \"Changelings don't, and they have no unique eye color. Neither did a few of the other bloodlines we believed had died off,\" he added, the fork stilling between his fingers. \"Maybe we were wrong to assume that some of the older lines have ceased to exist. Perhaps you're proof of that.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CONTINUE STORY SEGMENT. PARAMETERS: one sentence sentences, Jennifer L. Armentrout style, fantasy, romance, vampires genre. NOTE: PART OF LARGER NARRATIVE." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sunlight streamed in through the terrace doors, and for several moments, all I could do was sit there and stare at the open door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't believe what'd happened, from the moment I woke up, all tangled up with him, until he left the bedchamber." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What had happened to him left me confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And my actions, what I'd done and allowed, left me stunned and in a daze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Casteel had lost his mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd lost my mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran closed the door, cutting off the rush of sweet-scented air and snapping me from my thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My gaze cut to where he stood in front of the fireplace." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flames had calmed, no longer stirred by the wind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did he hurt you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" My voice was hoarse as I blinked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did he hurt you, Penellaphe?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran repeated, his voice softening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. He…\" I looked at my bare legs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hadn't hurt me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could've, and I wasn't even sure if he hadn't wanted to, but he'd done the furthest thing from hurting me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reaching for the blanket, I tugged it to my waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A muscle flexed in Kieran's jaw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He didn't force himself on you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gods, no.\" I shoved the hair back from my face and caught sight of the knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It remained where I'd dropped it on the bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Casteel hadn't forced anything, and the truth was, I could've stopped what'd happened at any point if I wanted to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I could've wounded him enough to attempt an escape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But I hadn't because I…I'd wanted what'd happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd woken up wanting that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I didn't know if Casteel had sensed my desire through whatever had its claws in him, but regardless, I had wanted that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I searched for remorse or shame, anything that would show that I regretted what'd taken place, but there was nothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like before, there was just vast confusion and irritation with myself because I knew better—knew that things like this just aided in me falling more and more for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not too long ago, I had told him that nothing like that would ever happen again, and I'd proven that I couldn't trust myself to make good life choices—not once or twice but three times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The pantry. The nightmare. And now, this." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How could I want him so badly that I didn't care about what he did or who he was?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or what he might do to me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened?\" Kieran asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took a couple of moments for me to gather my thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He woke up, and it was like he didn't recognize me. He was snarling, and his eyes were pitch-black.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I left out quite a bit there as I looked at Kieran, but I was sure he already knew a great deal of what'd happened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His eyes reminded me of an Ascended. Is he…will he be okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran's face was impressively blank, considering what had just happened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He should be once he cools down.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Cools down? I think he needs more than that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I glanced at the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He was about to attack you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In that moment, he saw me as a challenge.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He paused. \"A threat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To who? Him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My heart turned over heavily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That doesn't make sense.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran folded his arms over his broad chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Under the right or, I suppose extreme circumstances, those of his kind can become quite possessive.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"With what? Their meals?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did he bite you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Other than the first time?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I resisted the urge to touch the nearly faded mark on my throat. \"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Something akin to disappointment flickered over his face, and without thinking, I opened my gift and reached out to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There would be time later to feel guilt over prying when it didn't seem exactly necessary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What I felt wasn't what I imagined disappointment to feel like." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was thick and cloying, reminding me of too-heavy cream." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Concern. He felt concern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pulled my senses back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What was wrong with him?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked, even though I already suspected I knew." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He watched me for a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He'll be fine. Although, I suggest you take this time to prepare yourself before he returns.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Frustration surged, and I narrowed my eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thanks for the suggestion, but you didn't answer my question. You said that you warned him. About what?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran said nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Never able to remain seated when anger started pumping through my blood, I grabbed the dagger and shoved off the blanket, standing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He raised an eyebrow at me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You plan to use that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why does everyone think I'm going to stab them when I pick up anything that's not blunt?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well,\" Kieran replied blandly, \"you do have a habit of doing exactly that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I started to argue but quickly realized that, unfortunately, he had a point." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Only when it's deserved.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I placed the dagger on the small wooden table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And it's not my fault that some of you deserve to be stabbed. Repeatedly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He inclined his head as if he agreed with the point I'd made." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You shouldn't worry about him—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you should answer my question.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I faced him. \"Something was obviously wrong with him. He wasn't in control, and I felt his hunger. He was starving.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you used your abilities?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A faint smile appeared." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Glad you took my advice.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I rolled my eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know that Atlantians need to feed off other Atlantians. He told me that they don't need the blood of mortals, but of their own kind. That they need to feed. But he never said why. I may not be a scholar on all things Atlantian, but I'm guessing the black eyes and him being ready to bite your head off are a couple of the reasons Atlantians need to feed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The black eyes, yes. But the wanting to bite my head off probably had more to do with whatever morning activities you two were indulging in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My face flamed hotly, and it took everything in me to ignore that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He needs to feed—\" I thought about earlier, after the Dead Bones Clan attack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's why he was staring at my arm in the woods! When you asked if he was okay. He was hungry then. That's why he was…all growly and wanted to bite your head off.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Part of the reason. Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran looked away, dragging his teeth over his lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A long moment passed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He needs to feed. I could tell he was getting to the edge, but he's not about to tip over it. He's not that close.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unease blossomed. \"How can he not be close? He didn't recognize you or me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gaze slid back to mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If he was closer to the edge, he would've ripped my head off, and you would be Ascending as we speak, forbidden or not. Or, you'd be dead. If he was too close to the edge, one drop of your blood would've sent him over. You most likely would've died, and when he realized what he'd done, he would've…I don't even want to think about what he would've done.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sucked in a sharp breath, unsure which of those two options was worse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, Kieran getting his head torn off sounded way more painful and…messy than what could've happened to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Casteel had been too close to the edge, if he'd fed and then ended up turning me, I would become…an Ascended." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Unable to control my bloodlust." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unable to walk in the sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Virtually immortal. But what kind of life was that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Though what kind of life would I even have with Casteel?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time I was old and gray, he would look as he did now. Young. Vital." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wait. Why was I even thinking about a future—our future—when there really wasn't one?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe I truly had lost my mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt like I needed to sit down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If this was him not close to the edge, then I don't think I want to see him on it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, you do not.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran tipped his head back against the wall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did he wake up normally, or was he startled awake?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thinking of what I'd been doing and fantasizing about before he'd woken up, I was glad that Kieran wasn't looking at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think I woke him up. I moved, and that's when he sort of launched himself at me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That makes sense,\" he murmured, eyes closing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't like talking about him—about this kind of stuff. If he knew I was, he probably would rip my head off. I'd deserve it because there are things only he should be allowed to repeat. But I think you need to know this even though I'm not sure you deserve to be privy to the knowledge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why wouldn't I be deserving?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I asked. It wasn't like I was the one running around and kidnapping people. Casteel was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because this is something only close friends and loved ones should be privy to, and you are neither.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, he had a point there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I already knew what Kieran didn't think would be right to share." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He told me before that he had nightmares, and that sometimes when he woke, he didn't know where he was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "In any other situation, I would've laughed upon seeing Kieran so surprised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But none of this was funny. \"He told you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I nodded. \"I had a nightmare—I have bad ones—and after one of them woke him, he told me about his.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran's expression smoothed out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. He has nightmares. You know what was done to him when he was held by the Ascended. Sometimes, he finds himself back there, caged and used, his blood nor his body his.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time, I sat down before even realizing it, though I wasn't surprised to find myself there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The heaviness of his words had put me there, and the reminder of the agony and horror of what Casteel had faced kept me there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When he has those nightmares he told you about, and if he's startled awake, sometimes his mind gets stuck in that madness,\" Kieran went on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And if anyone knew how nightmares could feel so very real, it was me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And if he hasn't fed, he can slip a little into the animal they turned him into.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A monster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Shuddering, I closed my eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What had he said when I'd called him a monster?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't born that way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was made this way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he wasn't that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My heart ached as fiercely as it had when Casteel had told me about his captivity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Letting out a shaky breath, I opened my eyes to find Kieran watching me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's not an animal,\" I said, and I wasn't sure why I'd said it, but I needed to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know what he is, but he's not that. He's not a monster.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, he's not.\" His head tilted to the side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think you would've liked him if you had met him before all of this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uncomfortable with how much I would've preferred that, I folded one arm over my waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A sad, wry smile formed on Kieran's face, almost as if he knew what I was thinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I imagine a lot would be different.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I nodded slowly, pulling myself out of the well of sorrow that was a cavern in my chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why hasn't he fed? There were Atlantians at the keep, right? There are Atlantians here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran nodded. \"There are many he could've fed from but he hasn't.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why? Why would he let it get to this point?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He raised an eyebrow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a damn good question, isn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My damn good question didn't have an answer, and it plagued me as I washed up and dressed in the baggy pants and the deep green tunic that had been in the bundle Quentyn had given me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Other unanswered questions bothered me, as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why wouldn't Casteel have fed?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Were the nightmares also partly responsible for the cutting sadness that clung to him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If this was him not too close to the edge, then what was he like when he was at the edge?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What would've happened if he hadn't…well, fed from me differently?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And why in the world had I allowed him, when he was obviously not in his right mind, to do what he'd done?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And why had he done that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Did bloodlust elicit such actions?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or was it because he'd sensed my arousal?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My cheeks burned, and I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answer to that question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Either way, I had been wrong when I said that I didn't have a death wish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because what if he had been teetering on that edge and he'd used that mouth for something else?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My stomach dipped as I ran a brush through my tangled hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the soft lamplight, the strands reminded me more of a ruby-hued wine than a blazing fire, like it often did in the sun." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I angled my head to the side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bite marks were no longer visible, but I left my hair down anyway and then stepped back into the bedchamber." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran stood by the terrace doors, staring out them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wasn't exactly surprised to see that he was still here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you on babysitting duty? I agreed to the marriage,\" I said as I picked up the thigh sheath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The word marriage still sounded strange on my tongue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not going to run.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was waiting to see if you'd like to get some breakfast.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh.\" I slid the wolven dagger into the holder and then straightened the hem of the tunic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The top was more form-fitting than I was used to, but it was clean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I glanced at the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Should we...should we wait for Casteel?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That won't be necessary. He'll find us when he's ready.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nibbled on my lower lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It didn't feel right to go off when he was…well, going through whatever he was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And it also felt weird to be so concerned about him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you hungry right now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran asked, dragging my attention back to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or would you like to see the Bay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Bay,\" I chose, knowing my stomach was still too tied up in knots to eat anything yet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" Kieran turned and opened the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Warmer air than I expected greeted us as we walked outside and across the yard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Within a few moments, I shoved the sleeves of my sweater up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I didn't expect it to be this nice here—weather-wise.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Next to Carsodonia, we're at the most southern part of Solis. It'll get cooler at night, especially as the season turns, but the days will remain pleasant.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just like the capital.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I tipped my head back, letting the sun wash over my face as I heard the sound of distant voices and laughter coming from what I assumed was beyond the fortress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Were you at the capital with Casteel?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For a time, yes. I wasn't exactly a fan,\" he said, and I glanced over at him with a raised brow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shrugged a shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too many Ascended. Too many people crowded together.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And there aren't too many people crowded in Atlantia?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I asked as we walked past a crumbling stone wall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The black waters of Stygian Bay glittered like pools of obsidian, still and vast." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It went on as far as I could see, disappearing into the horizon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not yet, but if we continue growing, our cities will be as crowded.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reaching the top of a slight hill, I turned, unable to see anything beyond the fortress walls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you have Spessa's End.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran nodded, and I still couldn't believe that there was anything here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I started down the hill, and the grass gave way to sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was no damp scent as we drew close to the broken piers that jutted up from the water like decayed fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The air smelled of lavender, except I saw none of the purple-tipped plants." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I stared at the lifeless, midnight waters, wondering when or if the god that slumbered within the Bay would wake." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If so, what would the God of Common Men and Endings think of the world he'd left behind, of what was being done to the mortals he cared for in death?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Looking down, a sudden urge swept through me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has been years since I felt sand under my feet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now is a better time than any to feel it again, I suppose.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His dry response didn't deter me as I yanked off my boots and socks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A grin tugged at my lips as I wiggled my toes in the warm, coarse sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran snorted. \"Malik used the do the same as soon as he reached the sand. Tear off his shoes so he could feel it against his feet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A heaviness settled over me as I walked toward the Bay, leaving my shoes and socks behind in a pile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was Malik like? I mean, what is he like?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran followed a few steps behind me, silent for a long moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He was kind and generous but also a wicked prankster. Casteel was always the far more serious one.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He joined me. \"He was the brother you would've thought was being groomed from birth to be King.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Casteel, the serious one?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That surprised me more than the fact that a god slept in the Bay." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My thoughts must've been visible on my face because he said, \"The way Casteel is with you—the teasing and trying to get a rise out of you—isn't how he is with most.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, it's an act?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Casteel is just more…alive when he's with you,\" he said, and I—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought my jaw might hit the sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And Malik was the life and soul of the family,\" Kieran continued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I picked my mouth up off the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the past tense is correct. Even if he lives, he will not be who he used to be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But he'll have his family to help him remember—his parents, Casteel, you,\" I reasoned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"All of you can help him remember who he once was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran didn't respond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I looked at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you…do you think he still lives?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has to. Even if the vamprys have been capturing Atlantians all these years, full-blooded or half, they would not allow the Prince to die. With him, it takes less blood to complete the Ascension. He's too much of a prize to let wither and die.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stomach churning, I briefly closed my eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While a large part of me hoped he still lived, a small part almost wished he didn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whatever existence he had under the Ascended's control was no life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The question that was already answered surfaced again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How could the Ascended be allowed to continue?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They couldn't be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Casteel and I were successful, then would I seriously be content spending the rest of my life safely hidden away while the Ascended continued ruling the people of Solis with fear?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stealing their children and who knew how many other people?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the Queen and King lived or died, wouldn't the other Ascended simply find another Atlantian to continue making more Ascended, even if it were forbidden?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Casteel wanted to avoid war, but how could anyone be sure that the Royals would change?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That they wouldn't seek to go back to the way things were?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran shifted slightly, looking over his shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I followed his gaze, squinting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Three or four people walked past the crumbling walls, their clothing a vibrant array of golds and blues." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not entirely sure who they are,\" Kieran answered, turning back around." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But most of the people here are older Descenters and Atlantians and wolven.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I watched them until I could no longer see them, my stomach twisting into tiny knots." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How would they respond to me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Friendly and outgoing like Elijah and Alastir, or would they be like the rest?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Casteel and I came here once when we were younger, before the town was razed,\" Kieran said, catching my attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was one of the first times we'd left Atlantia. Malik was with us, and the people who lived here, those who were half-Atlantian or supporters knew who we were and behaved as if Rhain himself had risen from the Bay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not one but two Princes in their midst must have stirred up some excitement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A lot of people crowded the edges of the Bay.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He squinted as if he were trying to see what had once been here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A small girl slipped on the embankment and fell into the water. There was panic and helplessness as everyone stood at the edge.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sat down, several feet from the water's edge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No one jumped in after her?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shook his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No mortal enters these waters and returns. The people believed that Rhain's sentries would capture anyone who dared, grabbing their ankles and pulling them down below.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One side of his lips quirked up in a wry grin as he lowered himself to the spot beside me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Cas jumped in. Didn't even think twice about it. Just dove right in, even though the girl had slipped under and hadn't resurfaced.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I turned back to the Bay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did he find her?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He did. Pulled her back to the water's edge where Malik and—\" He drew in a deep breath, stretching out a leg." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One of our friends was able to force the water from her lungs. The girl breathed. She lived. And those who were unaware of what Malik and Cas were, truly believed they were gods.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was happy to hear that the girl had lived, and I hoped that what happened to this town came long after her time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But my brain got stuck on something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran had almost said a name for this friend, and I had a good idea who it was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Was it Shea who came here with you all?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What?\" Kieran's head snapped in my direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know her name?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes narrowed, and before I could respond, he muttered, \"Alastir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nodded. \"Alastir told me about her. That Casteel was once engaged to his daughter.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His features sharpened. \"Alastir shouldn't have said anything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why? That was his daughter,\" I argued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He lost her, too, and before you get mad at him, he even told me he probably shouldn't have brought her up. I haven't said anything to Casteel.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, that was kind of true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But, of course, you have questions.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do,\" I admitted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran slowly shook his head as he stared out over the Bay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're not asking for my advice, but I'm going to give it to you, nonetheless. This time, I truly hope you listen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His icy blue eyes met mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't bring up Shea with Cas. That is a road you don't want to travel with him. Ever.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My brows lifted. \"But she's a part of him and—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And why does that matter to you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he challenged. \"This marriage will only be temporary, correct? Why do you need to know about those who shaped who he is today? That kind of knowledge is for those who plan on a future.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I snapped my mouth shut as frustration boiled inside me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran was right, but…" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sighing, I looked over my shoulder, able to see the upper walls of the fortress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had Casteel cooled down?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you sure he'll be okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran's head inclined as he studied me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you want an honest answer or one that will make this easier for you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said earlier that he'd be okay,\" I pointed out as dread blossomed to life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He will be.\" He paused. \"For now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is that supposed to mean?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It means that he'll be okay for a little longer, but he needs to feed. He's gone too long.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dread pumped through me, alive and well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When was the last time he fed?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not sure, but it had to be when we were in Masadonia.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dragged a hand over his head and then dropped it, glancing back to the water." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Normally, he'd be able to go for weeks without feeding, but he's given you blood twice, and then he was wounded. That moved him closer to the edge.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He didn't need to give me his blood last time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His gaze swiveled back to mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know. I told him not to, but he did it anyway. He didn't want to see you in pain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sucked in a short breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And now he's in pain because of that. Because of me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not because of you, Penellaphe. It was his choice. Just as it has been his choice not to feed.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I still don't get that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Frustrated, I picked up a fistful of sand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why would he do this to himself? I felt his hunger, Kieran. It was intense, and the longer he goes, it will only get worse—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you will be more at risk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I stilled, even though my heart thundered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I thought he was the only person I was safe with. Isn't that what you said?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are, but when an Atlantian doesn't feed, no one is safe. Not even those they care about or even love.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Air left me in a singular rush." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Love? \"He doesn't care for me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran stared back at me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If it helps you to believe that, then by all means, continue. But that doesn't make it true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I glared at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And just because you spout vague statements doesn't make whatever you're saying true either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He gave you his blood when you didn't need it, just so you wouldn't be in pain when you woke—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And so I didn't delay in leaving New Haven!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Funny how we weren't planning to leave the moment you woke anyway,\" he replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which you're conveniently forgetting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I clamped my mouth shut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even if that were the case, which it isn't, if he didn't care, he wouldn't have been concerned over you being uncomfortable during our travels, would he? And if he didn't care, he would've used a hundred different compulsions at this point, no matter how temporary, to keep you better controlled, something that would make all our lives easier.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My eyes narrowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He wouldn't be marrying you, risking the ire of not just his entire kingdom but also his parents, who you will soon discover are not two people you want to anger just so you have a chance to make it through this alive, free from the Ascended and from him. If that is what you choose,\" he went on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But more importantly, he would've stuck to the plan he spent years cultivating, and we would've already been halfway to Carsodonia to exchange you for his brother. Yet, here we are. And the only reason why any of that changed is because once he got to know you, he started to care for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wanted Kieran to take back those words because they did things to my heart, and even worse, dangerous things to my mind." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're annoying,\" I muttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The truth often is. But you want to know an even more annoying truth?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not really.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too bad, because you need to hear this. He cares for just like you care for him despite the lies and the betrayal,\" Kieran stated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's why, even when you were the Maiden, you shared your secrets with him and allowed him things you would've never permitted anyone else. That's why you didn't use that dagger strapped to your thigh this morning, even though you knew how to use it against an Atlantian. That's why you want to know more about Shea. It's why, even now, you are concerned about him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes flashed an intense blue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And just so you know, the only reason I didn't end your life the second I learned that you stabbed him in the heart is because he cares for you. Is that less vague enough for you, Penellaphe?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My lips parted on a shaky inhale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't want to hear what he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't want to recognize the truth of his words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Acknowledging them was…it felt irrevocable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because caring for Casteel meant more than just wanting him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It meant either forgiving or forgetting his lies and betrayals, and I didn't know if that was right or wrong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because him caring for me meant more than just an agreement or pretending, and the implications of all of that was…well, it was terrifying for a multitude of reasons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran could be wrong." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Casteel could care for me, but not deeply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While I would…oh, gods, I already knew what it meant for me to care for him—what I desperately wished wasn't the case." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That I'd started falling in love with him when we first met and hadn't stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But beyond that, I was the Maiden—a person his people, his family, would most likely loathe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was only half-Atlantian." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I would age and die, and he would be who he was today for so many years, it would feel like an eternity to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I stared at the sand, feeling more out of my element now than I had since this whole thing started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The night before I learned who he really was, I had already decided that I could no longer be the Maiden. It wasn't just because of him. Maybe how I felt about him was the start of me realizing that I could never live in the skin of the Maiden, but I wanted to stay with him,\" I admitted, my voice hoarse and barely above a whisper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even though I thought he was a Royal Guard and would have to basically go into hiding with me, I wanted to be with him—to stay with him somehow. Because he made me feel…. He made me feel like I was alive.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I swallowed hard. \"I did care for him. I cared for him a lot.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He was Casteel then just like he's Hawke now,\" Kieran stated quietly, drawing my gaze to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you know that. You just aren't ready to accept it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I briefly squeezed my eyes shut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still, caring for him could cause a chain of reactions I wouldn't be able to prevent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Caring for him felt like I was betraying not just Vikter and Rylan and all of those who'd died because of him, but also myself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That I forgave his lies and his misdeeds. Still caring meant…" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Still caring for him would only lead to heartache,\" I whispered, knowing the truth right then and there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I did care. I never stopped caring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And acknowledging that felt as if I'd slipped under the black water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It doesn't have to,\" Kieran said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But even so, sometimes, the heartbreak that comes with loving someone is worth it, even if loving that person means eventually saying goodbye to them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The roughness in his tone spoke more than his words shared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You sound like you have experience with that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do.\" A long moment of silence passed between us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you know what happens when an Atlantian cares for someone?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shook my head, wanting to know more about this person that he'd loved but had to say goodbye to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran didn't give me a chance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They find the idea of feeding from someone else repellent. It's too intimate for them to even consider. And if the partner is mortal? It usually takes the mortal proving to the other that it's okay for them to feed, and in some cases, the Atlantian is lost to the darkness of hunger. That's why he hasn't fed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My heart thudded against my ribs as I told myself that couldn't be the case with Casteel. It just couldn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kieran was quiet only for a few minutes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cas told me once that he felt as if he already knew you after speaking with you just a few times.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wiggled my toes in the sand once more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I asked him about that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is my surprised face,\" Kieran murmured, and when I looked at him, his expression was the same as always." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bored with a hint of amusement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My lips twitched despite the insanity of our conversation as I turned back to the sparkling, sun-drenched midnight water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He told me he believed it was the Atlantian blood in him, recognizing mine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you felt the same?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I nodded. \"Is that a possibility?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Possibly,\" he said after a moment." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I don't think that's the case. I think it's something deeper than that. Something intangible, far rarer and stronger than bloodlines and even the gods. Something powerful enough that it has ushered in great change in the past.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tensing, I had a feeling I didn't want to know what he thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That whatever it was would be even more earth-shattering than what he'd already shared." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It'd be words given life that I wouldn't be able to control.\n\n\"I think you're heartmates.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene (which might reference existing characters and worldbuilding), and you will continue the story with 8 sentences, channeling the voice and techniques of Jennifer L. Armentrout." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't think this is wise,\" Alastir said as he sat in the chair across from Casteel and me the following day.\n\nCasteel stretched out his legs, crossing them at the ankles. He looked utterly at ease but I knew better. I hadn't opened my senses. Part of me was half afraid that if I did, I would start glowing silver even though I hadn't when I tested it out on Casteel upon returning to our rooms the night before.\n\nBut I knew.\n\nIt was as if I had opened myself up to him. There were no tastes in the back of my throat, but I knew he was annoyed with Alastir and struggling to remain patient." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I knew he was also bored with the conversation five seconds after it began." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'hungry' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These were not speculations. I knew this to be true, because when I did open myself up to him, I felt those exact emotions.\n\nJust like I had when I woke this morning to Casteel watching me from where he lay beside me and knew he was hungry. Not for blood. Hungry like he had been when we stood outside Vonetta's house. What I'd felt from him had brought forth a heady reaction from my body, and when he left the bed without touching me, I felt his confusion.\n\nThen, when Vonetta showed up with clothing that I had yet to go through and a basket of powdery doughnuts, I'd looked at her and had known that she felt no ill feelings toward me. There was curiosity and a low-level buzz of wariness, but she didn't distrust or dislike me. When I opened my senses to her, what I felt confirmed that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And now, I could feel Alastir's dismay simply by looking at him. It was thick like curdled milk.\n\nWhat I felt was not my imagination, that much I knew. This was my abilities changing yet again, possibly even growing stronger.\n\n\"I do not think you should marry without the King's and Queen's permission,\" Alastir said.\n\n\"You know I don't need their permission.\"\n\n\"But that doesn't mean you shouldn't request it. Even if they reject this marriage, you can still proceed, but at least you would be doing so with their knowledge,\" Alastir argued. \"Marrying here or in Saion's Cove without their consent or knowledge will cause a spectacle, Casteel.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would only cause a spectacle if people realize they were unaware.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"Would you wish to meet your future mother-in-law before or after you've married her son? Or does what you want even matter?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Casteel crossed his arms. \"Which is something no one should realize since it's not improbable for me to have sent word home to them.\"\n\nAlastir leaned forward. \"Casteel, I really think—\"\n\n\"You're not going to change his mind,\" I interjected, nearly as weary with the conversation as Casteel was.\n\n\"And what about yours?\" Alastir demanded. \"Would you wish to meet your future mother-in-law before or after you've married her son? Or does what you want even matter?\"\n\nThe pulse of fury from Casteel was a warning, but it was my irritation with that question that led me to say, \"If I hadn't agreed with Casteel, we wouldn't even be having this conversation with you.\"\n\n\"Penellaphe, trust me when I say that this is not something either of you needs to rush into,\" he said, gentling his voice, but I felt a thread of…anger that was not mine or Casteel's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have time. All the time in the world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But we didn't. \"In a perfect world, I would've loved to have been courted in a way that didn't involve kidnappings or fleeing the Ascended.\"\n\n\"Or being stabbed,\" Casteel murmured under his breath.\n\nI turned to him.\n\nHe winked.\n\nHe actually winked at me.\n\nTaking a deep breath, I focused on Alastir. \"But that is not the real world. The reality is that I'd rather marry before learning all the ways his parents will most likely object,\" I told him, and that was the gods' honest truth. Temporary or not, who in their right mind would want to subject themselves to that?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alastir's features softened. \"You don't know that they will.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. I do,\" I stated, aware of Casteel's gaze and the absence of the all-too-brief amusement. I sat forward. \"The only people here who have been even remotely friendly to me are the wolven and some of the men who traveled with you. None of the people of Spessa's End have, and I know exactly how they feel about me.\"\n\nAny denials died on Alastir's tongue.\n\n\"There is no reason for me to believe that his parents won't share the same worries or concerns as the people do,\" I continued. \"I'd rather marry without actually being able to replay all of their concerns in my head during the ceremony.\"\n\nAlastir sat back, rubbing his fingers over his brow. \"I can understand that. I really can, but our King and Queen—\"\n\n\"Will be shocked and probably greatly annoyed that I have married someone they have never laid eyes on, not to mention someone who is only half-Atlantian and was once the Maiden,\" Casteel interrupted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But as soon as they get to know her, none of that will matter. They will come to love her as fiercely as I do.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'hadn't'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My heart stuttered and squeezed as I looked at Casteel, and I knew—I knew he hadn't planned to say that last part, or at least he hadn't meant to say it like that. His surprise was sharp and cool, and the moment his gaze met mine, I looked away.\n\nI swallowed the ragged breath I wanted to exhale. \"How is Beckett?\" I asked. Vonetta had said that the young wolven was walking with barely a limp, but it was time to change the subject.\n\n\"It is like he wasn't injured at all,\" Alastir replied. \"What you did for him—\"\n\n\"I was only trying to ease his pain,\" I said again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't even know if I'll be able to do something like that again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Alastir nodded, but he didn't seem too convinced of, well, anything." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then, he left. Alone, I turned to Casteel.\n\n\"That was fun, wasn't it?\" he asked.\n\nI didn't know what it was about how he'd said that, but I laughed. \"Almost more than I could handle.\"\n\nHe smiled, his body finally relaxing to match his posture. \"I could tell.\"\n\nMy gaze flickered over him, and I…I knew the anger and frustration had faded. The sadness was there, lingering beneath it all, but there was a strange sense of contentedness, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you reading my emotions?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\" I paused. \"Sort of?\"\n\n\"What does that mean?\"\n\n\"I'm not sure what it means.\" I glanced down at my hands. \"Ever since I woke this morning, I can read emotions without opening myself—without having to concentrate. I focus, and if I want to know…I know.\"\n\n\"And if you don't want to know?\"\n\nI frowned. \"Then I don't. I don't know if crowds will be different.\"\n\n\"Because they sometimes overwhelm you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He remembered. I nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's…\" He trailed off, and I looked over at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What am I feeling now?\"\n\n\"I…you're feeling curiosity. Not concern.\"\n\nHis head tilted. \"Why would I feel concern?\"\n\n\"Aren't you worried that I will develop more empath traits?\"\n\n\"If you're thinking that I'm worried about you becoming a Soul Eater and feeding off my emotions, you'd be wasting your energy.\"\n\nI frowned at him. \"I would hope you wouldn't think that.\"\n\n\"What I do think is it's all amazing,\" he said. \"You're amazing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I rolled my eyes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'thinking' 3 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Especially when you shut Alastir up. That is a talent that even I haven't mastered.\" He sat forward, stopping so that we were nearly at eye level. \"My parents will likely be displeased, but they will welcome you. I'm not saying that to make you feel better. I mean it. Their anger or disappointment will not be directed at you.\"\n\nI actually believed that.\n\nAnd I almost believed what he said to Alastir about his parents loving me as fiercely as he did. Heartmates.\n\nCasteel curled his fingers around my chin, drawing my gaze back to his. \"What?\" His gaze searched mine. \"What are you thinking? I know you are thinking about something. You always get this look on your face when you're thinking about something you don't want to share.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What kind of look do I get?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your nose wrinkles.\"\n\n\"What? It does not.\"\n\n\"It does.\"\n\nI couldn't tell if he was being serious or not. \"I wasn't thinking anything.\"\n\n\"Lies.\" His thumb swept over my bottom lip. \"Tell me.\"\n\nHis gaze caught and held mine, and my heart started pounding. I fell into his warm amber depths, and I could feel my mask cracking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was thinking…I was thinking that you can be very convincing when you speak to others about how you feel about me.\"\n\n\"Is that so?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" I whispered.\n\nHe dragged his lower lip through his teeth as his lashes lowered. \"But not convincing enough.\"\n\nI knew he spoke of Alastir, but I thought if he were any more convincing, I would start to believe him.\n\nHis lashes lifted. \"There's something I want to show you.\"\n\nAstride Setti once more, Casteel controlled the reins as he led us through the woods, riding in the kind of companionable silence I'd felt with few people before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hadn't gone straight, toward the town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He veered left, where the canopy of trees was quite a bit thicker and the woods were dense for as far as I could see." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Look,\" Casteel said, nodding toward our right.\n\nTurning my head, there was no stopping the smile that lifted the corners of my lips and spread across my face. Before us was a stunning field of flowers with showy red petals and black whorls, swaying slightly in a breeze.\n\n\"Poppies.\" A light laugh escaped me at the unexpected sight. \"I'd never seen so many in one place.\" My gaze swept over them. \"It's beautiful.\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" he agreed after a moment, clearing his throat as he shifted behind me. \"It is.\" The horse started to move along the edge of the woods and the poppies." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They're grown here in the meadows for medicinal use.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I arched a brow. \"You don't worry about people using them for other reasons?\"\n\n\"Do the fields look empty to you?\" When I nodded, he tapped my hip lightly with his fingers. \"There are sentries in there, camouflaged so they're hidden. The fields are monitored at all times so no one with the knowledge of how to cultivate the poppies can use them for ill-gotten gain.\"\n\n\"Goodness,\" I murmured, half expecting someone to pop up from the rows. \"That's smart. I've heard it's becoming a problem in some of the cities.\"\n\n\"While I was in Carsodonia, it ran rampant, and I saw it taking hold in Masadonia, too. But can you really blame those who live under such conditions, desiring an escape, no matter how temporary? Many of them who lose hours and days in opium dens are those who gave their children to the Court or to the Temples,\" he said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It may not be right, but I can understand why.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can, too. I mean, they're seeking peace, even if it doesn't last.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sadness crowded out the beauty of the field.\n\n\"This is only part of what I wanted to show you.\" He urged Setti forward, pulling me from my thoughts. \"Something I think you will appreciate.\"\n\n\"I appreciated the poppies,\" I admitted with a faint flush.\n\n\"I'm glad to hear that.\" His chin grazed the side of my head as his arm tightened briefly around my waist, pulling me more fully against his chest.\n\nThe movement left me a little breathless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It always did, and it was something he did often." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wondered if he was aware of it as he took us deeper into the forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it a purposeful gesture or one he wasn't even aware of? The act reminded me of what I remembered seeing my father do. He always seemed to be pulling my mother close to him, as if he couldn't bear for there to be any space between them. I didn't think that was the reason for Casteel. Maybe it was just a method of communication for him.\n\nYet again, I found myself wishing that Tawny were here. I could ask her. She would know.\n\nSighing, I allowed myself to soak in the dappled sunlight of the forest, the chirps of nearby birds, and the scent of rich soil and…something sweet?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sat up straighter as I caught sight of wolven-eye blue and soft purple lilac blossoms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The display was magnificent, climbing a rocky hill and spilling over in thick, spirals of color. It wasn't until we grew closer that I realized there was an opening in the hill, a gap of blackness behind a curtain of blue and purple.\n\nMy heart began to pound as Casteel stopped the horse once more and we dismounted, leaving Setti to graze. I thought I had an idea of what Casteel was going to show me as he took my hand, leading me to the nearly hidden entry that one most likely wouldn't find if they weren't looking for it.\n\n\"It's a little dark in a part of this,\" he warned me, sweeping aside the heavy fall of flowers. \"But it won't last long.\"\n\nA little dark was an understatement as we entered the hill. I could see nothing in the cool air." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My grip on his hand tightened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Can you really see anything?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'right' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can.\"\n\n\"I don't believe you.\"\n\nA low laugh came from in front of me. \"You're wrinkling your nose right now.\"\n\nI totally was. \"All right, then.\"\n\n\"Do you remember the caverns I mentioned before?\" he asked. \"The ones that I came to with my brother?\"\n\nThe ones that he'd also come to with the girl he'd once loved." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes, I remembered, and it was exactly what I suspected when I saw the entryway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Disbelief still seized me in the darkness." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'mountains' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was he really bringing me to a place he'd once shared with his brother—with Shea when he sought to escape confusing conversations that his parents were having? I almost couldn't believe he would bring me here.\n\n\"Yes,\" I answered, finding my voice. Up ahead, I could see faint light breaking through the darkness. \"I thought they were in Atlantia.\"\n\n\"They are. And here. But what you can't see is that many tunnels branch off from this one. Some of them run for miles, all the way to the Skotos Mountains and then beyond them, to the bluffs by the sea,\" he explained. \"Malik and I spent endless hours and days trying to map them out, but we never found the tunnels that passed through the mountains.\"\n\nI could easily picture little boys spending an entire childhood racing through the tunnels." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My brother would've been the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is a part of them,\" he said as sunlight began to seep through the fissures in the ceiling of the cave." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The best part in my opinion.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Damp, sweetly scented air reached us as Casteel turned to our left, where streams of sunlight washed over deep gray stone walls. He let go of my hand and hopped down a foot or so. \"There's a slight drop here.\" Turning back to me, he placed his hands on my hips and lifted me down.\n\nHe didn't let go when my feet were steady on the rock floor. He remained there, our chests inches apart. I looked up, and his eyes immediately locked onto mine. A shivery sense of awareness passed between us, one nearly impossible to ignore as we stood there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were shadows in his eyes and around his mouth, and that sent my heart racing all over again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And it didn't slow as he backed up, his hands slipping away from my hips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A ragged exhale left me as he turned and walked forward. I felt like a bowstring pulled too taut as I got my legs moving.\n\nThe lilacs had crept their way into the cavern, rising over the walls and streaming over the ceiling. Wisps of steam danced in the slivers of sunlight as Casteel stopped in front of what appeared to be some sort of rock pool.\n\n\"Hot springs,\" he said, kneeling down and running his fingers through the water. It bubbled in response, fizzing. \"It's not the only one in the cave system, but it's the largest.\"\n\nI stopped beside him, staring at the springs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was large, about the size of the Great Hall in Teerman Castle, the edges irregular. Outcroppings of rocks jutted from the frothy water in several places. \"How deep is it?\"\n\n\"It'd probably reach your shoulders through most of it.\" He rose fluidly. \"It does get a little deeper farther out, near the entrance to another cavern. You'll see that area is dark, so I would stay away from that if you can't swim.\"\n\n\"I used to be able to,\" I told him, bending down. Warm water fizzed around my fingers. \"But I don't know if I remember.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'eaten' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can help you remember when we have more time,\" he offered, and I tipped my head back to look at him. \"We will be expected at dinner tonight, but we still have a little more time to…just be.\"\n\nWe.\n\nAs if we were a unit, a lock and a key.\n\nThe night before, I had eaten in my room while Casteel left to do, well, something princely. I wasn't even sure if he'd eaten when he returned after the sun had set, and he joined me on the terrace. We didn't speak much then either, and it had been…comforting.\n\nI turned back to the pool." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How much time do we have?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"About an hour.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An hour seemed like a lifetime.\n\n\"You shouldn't waste a minute of it,\" he said, almost as if he'd read my thoughts. \"I'm going to check on the horse. I'll be back in a couple of minutes.\"\n\nLooking over my shoulder, I watched as he disappeared into the tunnel, leaving me in privacy to undress.\n\nHe was always so…unexpected, his actions and words a constant contradiction. Considerate and then demanding. Teasing endlessly and then cold as looming death. Violent beyond all thought and then unbelievably gentle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew I could spend a dozen years by his side and never fully see all his facets—all the masks he wore.\n\nDragging in the sweetly scented air, I tore my gaze from him and quickly undressed, leaving my clothes and boots in a messy pile. The grass was cool under my feet, and the breeze warm against my skin as I walked forward. Water teased my toes, warm and frothy. I carefully eased down the earthen steps, delighted as the water quickly reach my hips, lapping around my skin as I moved farther out. Heady, pleasant warmth seeped through my skin, into muscles sore from hours of riding. The lush scent of the water soothed my nerves as it fizzed around my breasts, reaching just above them. Stopping in the middle of the pool, I tipped my head back and let out a soft sigh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In an instant, I knew why Casteel favored this place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With just enough sunlight filtering through the cracks above to see by, the soothing, lulling sound of birds chattering, and the heady fragrance of lilacs climbing the walls, it was a mystical, private hideaway seemingly fashioned from the imagination—a place you could spend a lifetime.\n\nOr at least I felt like I could stay here forever, enjoying all the little bubbles tickling my bare skin as the white-tipped foamy water rinsed away more than the dust from the road. It swept aside the fear of the magic in the mountains and washed away the lingering questions I had about myself, about what had happened when I touched Beckett, about my future, and about him.\n\nI turned, stirring the gently churning water.\n\nCasteel stood at the edge. He'd moved there quietly, so I had no idea how long he'd stood there, or what he saw. There was a hardness to the line of his jaw as he stared at me, and when he spoke, there was a roughness in his voice that hadn't been there before. I saw hunger I'd mistaken for anger when we stood outside Vonetta's house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you find the springs to your liking?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do.\" I dragged my arms through the water, watching it fizz and bubble in response. \"I've never seen anything like this.\" Lifting my gaze back to him, I reached for the edge of my soaked braid. I began unknotting the plait as he tugged off one boot. \"There are springs in Masadonia that Tawny and I snuck off to a time or two, but the water was cold, and we couldn't stay in long. She would…\" I sighed as a twinge of melancholy threatened my peace. \"She would love this place.\"\n\n\"You're sad. I can hear it in your voice. I'm sorry that you miss her,\" he expressed, removing his other boot. The socks followed. \"I know how hard it is to be apart from those you care about.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You do.\" And he did, far more than I did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hair unbound, I let it lay over my shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But she is safe for now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For now,\" he agreed, reaching behind his head. He gripped the collar of his tunic and pulled it over his head and then down his arms, revealing the broad width of his shoulders first and then the delineated lines of his chest and the trim hardness of his stomach.\n\nA different kind of nervousness than before rose within me and then abated as he tossed the cloth aside. He was undressing, and I should look away. I should feel embarrassed by his soon-to-be blatant nudity. But I didn't avert my gaze as his hands dropped to the line of buttons on his breeches. Heat crept into my cheeks as he slid them down his hips. The way his body was angled gave only a tantalizing glimpse of sleek muscles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His pants landed with his tunic, and then he looked to where I waited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our gazes met and held, and I didn't know what got into me, if it was the warm, bubbling water, the serene beauty of the lake and the dreamlike surrealism of being in Atlantia, or maybe it was the hunger he'd spoken of earlier. Whatever it was, I lowered my eyes and let myself look. My gaze drifted over his chest again, then down the coiled muscles of his stomach and over pale nicks and grooves. I got a little hung up on the indentations on either side of his hips and then my breath quickened.\n\nHe wanted me, shamelessly so. I didn't understand how or why. He cared for me, but I was only partly beautiful. I was no seductress, and ill-experienced to boot, and he had only been drawn to me in the beginning because he needed me to free his brother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he desired me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even I knew that.\n\nI forced my gaze lower, to the Royal Crest branded onto his skin, just below his hip. His hand drifted over the brand, halting as if he sought to hide it for a moment, and then rose over the numerous slices across his stomach. My gaze followed.\n\nAnger rushed me. That kind of premeditated cruelty was disturbing. \"I…\" I started to apologize for what had been done to him, but I caught myself. My eyes met his once more. \"I wish they could feel the same pain they inflicted upon you.\"\n\nA slight flicker of surprise lit his features." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even your Queen, who cared for you so tenderly?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My heart turned over heavily. \"I don't think I will ever be able to reconcile the Queen you knew and the one who cared for me. But, yes. Even her.\"\n\nHis head cocked. \"You mean that.\"\n\nI nodded, because I did.\n\nA half-grin appeared. \"So incredibly violent.\"\n\nThis time, I didn't even bother to correct him. \"Perhaps a little.\"\n\nHis deep, rich laugh echoed throughout the cavern, daring me to forget what had come to pass and what lay in wait, challenging me to take what I wanted.\n\nI sank under the water, eyes closed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bubbling, swishing liquid danced over my face and through my hair." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'hands' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What did I want? Him. I wanted his hands on me, washing away all the reasons why I shouldn't. I wanted to feel his skin against mine, crowding out the world around us. I wanted the touch of his lips, chasing away any logical protests before they could form. I wanted his mouth on mine, kissing away the lies his lips once spoke. I wanted his hands on me, soothing away the sting of guilt and the feeling that I was betraying myself. I wanted to feel him inside me so I couldn't feel anything but him. I wanted to be so completely devoured by him that there was no room for the fear that he would become a scar upon my sure-to-be-broken heart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because…because what if Kieran was wrong?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What if after Casteel accomplished what he wanted, when he fulfilled his end of the bargain, all that remained was lies and betrayals?\n\nI wanted to believe we were heartmates in spite of everything that made that seem impossible.\n\nI stayed underwater, desperately searching for strength and common sense. I stayed until my lungs burned. When I broke the surface, there was still nothing but want and need for him. Hands trembling, I scooped the hair back from my face as I blinked away the dampness clinging to my lashes and lost my breath, lost a little bit more of myself.\n\nCasteel had entered the pool.\n\nHe stood several feet away, having already gone under the water himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His midnight hair was slicked back from his face, and water sluiced down his chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So much taller than me, the frothing water only reached just above his navel. He looked very much like I imagined a god would, the fractured rays of sunlight glistening off his damp skin.\n\nHis intense gaze snagged mine, and that sense of awareness from before returned, passing between us. It was like a strike of lightning, thickening the already balmy air.\n\n\"I've been thinking,\" he said, gliding through the water toward me.\n\n\"You have?\" My pulse pounded everywhere.\n\nHe nodded. \"I have.\"\n\nI had to crane my neck back as he stopped only a handful of inches in front of me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do I want to know what you've been thinking about?\"\n\n\"You'll probably say no.\" He drifted forward, his movements graceful and purposeful, and I moved backward. \"But that will be a lie.\"\n\n\"How would you know?\"\n\n\"I know a lie when I see one,\" he replied, crowding me back against the smooth rock wall. \"More importantly, I know when you lie.\"\n\nThere was a catch in my breath as he placed his hands on the rock like he'd done earlier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Could he sense my desire? Even in all this water and under the potent scent of lilac? I pressed against the warm rock, thinking that it was impossible for my heart to beat any faster. \"What are you thinking about?\"\n\n\"My idea.\" His breath coasted over my cheek. \"You might be interested in it.\"\n\n\"Doubtful,\" I murmured.\n\n\"You haven't even heard what it is yet, Princess.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'Why don't you tell me what it is, and I will let you know if I'm interested?' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Those lips grazed the curve of my jaw, and the edges of his damp hair touched my cheek, causing me to gasp. \"Yeah, I definitely know you'll be interested.\"\n\nEdginess swamped me as my head tipped back against the rock without conscious thought. \"Why don't you tell me what it is, and I will let you know if I'm interested?\"\n\nHis chuckle was rough as one of his hands left the rock. My stomach hollowed as his fingers met the bare skin of my waist. \"Only if you promise not to lie.\"\n\n\"If you can tell when I'm lying—\" A shaky breath left me as he shifted closer, his chest brushing mine with each breath he took." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The contact sent a wave of shivers through me, tightening the tips of my breasts to almost painful points." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What were you saying, Princess?\" he asked, and I felt him smile against my cheek.\n\nWhat was I saying? It took a moment for me to remember. \"If you know I'm lying, why would it matter if I told the truth?\"\n\n\"Because you know that the truth is important.\" The hand left my waist, trailing down my hip, stirring the water. Bubbles danced over my legs, between them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A wicked feeling curled low in my core. \"The truth is permission.\"\n\nMy unfocused gaze crept over the cones of blue and purple blossoms. \"Is it?\"\n\n\"It is.\" He paused. \"Did you know that the bite, until it's fully healed, becomes an erogenous zone? A point of pleasure? It can give you the same feelings as the bite. Almost. Did you know?\"\n\nI thought I did. \"No.\"\n\n\"Want me to show you?\" he offered. \"I know you're a curious sort.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" I whispered, dizzy with anticipation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Remember, Princess. This is just to assuage your curiosity. Nothing more.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know.\" My fingers curled against the rock.\n\n\"Good.\" Then his mouth closed over the bite. He sucked on the skin, drawing it between his teeth. My back arched, dragging the hard peaks of my breasts against his chest. I shuddered, becoming liquid.\n\nGood gods…\n\n\"Did I ever tell you what you taste like?\" His tongue lapped over the sensitive mark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Honeydew?\" I whispered, eyes drifting shut as I turned my head toward his, seeking what I knew I shouldn't want." }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"You dirty girl. I'm not talking about that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You dirty girl. I'm not talking about that.\" He nipped at my jaw, drawing another gasp from me. \"I'm talking about your blood, but now you've dragged my mind into unseemly places.\"\n\n\"Your mind always resides in unseemly places.\"\n\nHe laughed deeply. \"I can't deny that.\" His nose brushed mine as his mouth drew closer to my lips. \"Your blood tastes old to me, powerful but light. Like moonlight. Now I know why.\"\n\n\"How does anything taste like moonlight?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Magic, I imagine. Now stop distracting me when I'm trying to tell you about my idea.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not—\" I bit down on my lip as his hand slipped down my thigh. \"I'm not being distracting.\"\n\n\"Oh, yes. You're always so damn distracting,\" he chided gently.\n\n\"Sounds like that's your problem.\"\n\n\"It is both our problems.\"\n\n\"What are you asking permission for?\" I sounded breathless, as if I were standing on an edge. \"What is this idea?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you want,\" he said, his chest rising and falling against mine, sending darts of forbidden pleasure through me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We can pretend again.\" His hand slid along my thigh, higher and higher—\n\nThe tips of his fingers reached evidence of what I knew he'd already sensed. My hips jerked at the illicit thrill as a breathy moan parted my lips.\n\nHe dragged his mouth over mine. It wasn't a kiss, just a passing glance of his mouth against mine. \"You can pretend.\" Cool air seeped in as he lifted his head. \"You can pretend that this isn't because you don't have a of need me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My heart felt like a trapped butterfly as I opened my eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His were blazing, a heated honey. \"I don't.\"\n\nThe curve of his lips was cruelly sensual. \"You can pretend that this—\" He eased a finger inside me, just the tip, but I rose up on my toes. His eyes turned luminous as his gaze drifted over my face and then lower to where my breasts had risen up above the churning water. He lifted his gaze to mine as he pressed his finger in further, and I could feel my inner muscles clenching around him. \"That this has nothing to do with you wanting me.\"\n\n\"I don't,\" I told him, even as I lifted my hips off the rock, pressing against his hand, against him.\n\nCasteel hissed as my stomach brushed the hot, hard length of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed me back to the rock, trapping his hand between us as his chest flattened against mine." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'pretend' should appear 3 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The skin-to-skin contact, the way he slowly pumped his finger, shorted out my senses. \"You can pretend that it's just the sensitive bite on your neck causing you to squirm against my hand.\"\n\nI was squirming as best I could.\n\n\"You can pretend that's the reason you wish it was my cock you were grabbing onto so tightly.\" His head dipped to mine once more. \"We can both pretend, and we both can…\"\n\n\"Can what?\" I breathed. \"Just be Hawke and Poppy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a moment, the hardness etched onto his features slipped and then cracked, revealing the near-desperate need underneath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A need for me. For us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What if Kieran was right?\n\nI could barely breathe, let alone think, but I knew what he meant. Gods, did I ever. And in this moment, we wanted the same. Perhaps we needed the same—to just feel and let everything else fall to the wayside. To just be here, in these seconds and minutes and no place else. Could we do that? Maybe he could. Perhaps this was all about slaking a physical need for him, even as inexplicable as that was. Why couldn't I?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wanted what he could give me. Pleasure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Momentary escape. Experience. A sense of freedom. Because that's what release felt like. How was that a betrayal to anyone, including myself? Wasn't denying it more treacherous? Or was I lying to myself even now? And if so, did that even matter?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His touched stilled as he searched my face for an answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And in that moment, I realized that this was my life." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What existed between Casteel and I was neither right nor wrong. It was messy and complicated, and maybe I'd regret this later as I gave him more and more pieces of me, but I wanted him.\n\nAnd I was so done denying myself anything.\n\nI was done lying to him and to myself.\n\n\"Only on one condition,\" I said.\n\n\"You have a condition now?\"\n\nI nodded, my heart thundering. \"I don't want to pretend,\" I whispered. \"I'm Poppy and you're Casteel, and this is real.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide 7 sentences as a continuation of this story segment in the fantasy, romance, vampires genre. Characters may be pre-established." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can you agree to that?\" I asked.\n\nHis eyes drifted shut for a heartbeat, all the striking lines of his face were tense. \"Always,\" he whispered. \"Yes.\"\n\nI reacted and pulled away from the rock. Closing the distance between our mouths, I kissed him. I knew the moment my lips touched Casteel's, the very second his lips parted, that this was real.\n\nI lifted my hands from the rock, looping them around his neck as I took what I wanted, tasting him on the tip of my tongue, reveling in the decadent thrill of his sharp teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't know what I was doing, only that instinct guided me. I moved my lips against his, nipping and exploring and learning.\n\nAnd Casteel didn't seem at all bothered by the artless inexperience. If anything, it seemed to inflame him. He gave me what I wanted. Kissing me with a wild sort of abandon that bordered on crazed.\n\nWhen he ended the kiss, he was breathing just as heavily as I was." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We're not pretending, Poppy? No more? You want me. Knowing everything, you want me.\"\n\n\"What do you think?\" I moved against his hand in demand.\n\nHis other hand dropped to my hip, stilling my movements. \"I need to hear you say it, Princess.\"\n\nOf course, he did.\n\n\"Yes,\" I nearly cursed. \"I want you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Good.\" He slipped his hand from between my legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because this is real.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before I could feel the loss of his wicked hand, he gripped my thighs and lifted me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I gasped, hands slipping over his shoulders as more than half of my body left the water.\n\n\"Hook your legs around my waist,\" he commanded softly. \"Do it.\"\n\nI did as he requested without complaint. It was rare. I hoped he recognized that.\n\nHe moved his hands back to my hips as he looked down to where my breasts were pillowed against his chest. \"I would love to take my time because there are so many different ways I'd love to be real with you. Lay you out on the rocks and lick every inch of your body. Make you come that way. And then I'd want you on your knees and your mouth around my cock.\"\n\nI shuddered at the depraved images his words brought forth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That act had been in Miss Willa's diary, and it had seemed abhorrent when I'd read it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: But we don't have time, Princess." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But now? It sounded…intriguing. \"I—I don't know how to do that.\"\n\n\"I don't think you could do it wrong,\" he told me, eyes flaring intently. \"But I'd show you. I'd show you how to use your mouth and tongue. If we had time, we would play.\" His hands tightened at my waist. \"But we don't have time, Princess.\"\n\n\"No.\" My heart pounded. \"We don't.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His gaze held mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm glad we're on the same page.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The muscles under my hands bunched as he said, \"Princess?\"\n\n\"Your Highness?\"\n\nThose eyes of his turned to molten amber. \"I'm going to need you to hold onto me and not let go, because I'm about to fuck you like I promised.\"\n\nI gasped at his lewd—deliciously so—words. \"Yes. Please.\"\n\nCasteel didn't respond with words. He did so with action, guiding me down until I felt him nudging my entrance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I bit down on my lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lower your legs,\" he demanded. \"Just a little—there. That's perfect.\" His lips returned to mine. \"You're perfect.\"\n\n\"I—\" My words ended in a cry that he captured with a kiss. He filled me, stretching me until I wasn't sure if this position would work. Or if I would work. We'd only done this twice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd only done this twice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I held on, my fingers digging into his skin as he kept sinking into me, deeper and deeper until there was no space between us, and Casteel shook." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He dragged one hand down my back, folding his arm around me. And then he…he held me there, against his chest, buried deep inside. \"You okay?\" he rasped, lips brushing mine. \"Poppy?\"\n\nI nodded, easing my grip on his shoulders.\n\n\"You sure?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" I whispered, my eyes closed. It didn't hurt. It didn't feel exactly comfortable, but I knew there was more." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shifted, wiggling my hips.\n\nHe groaned my name. \"Poppy…\"\n\nI ignored the way my heart clenched in response to his voice. I didn't want that. I wanted the hardness between my legs and inside me, needed what it made me feel. I didn't want my heart getting involved.\n\nI squirmed, gasping as pleasure sparked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Gods, Poppy. I'm trying—\" A sound rumbled from him, vibrating through me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm trying to make sure you're ready.\"\n\n\"I'm ready,\" I told him. I've been ready.\n\nHe cursed, but then he moved, thrusting his hips up as the hand on mine pulled down. My eyes went wide at the raw sensation of him moving inside me, slow and deep. I sighed, muscles I didn't realize were even tense relaxing.\n\n\"That's it.\" His words were barely a whisper. \"Gods, you feel…\" The hand guiding me spasmed and then loosened as I lifted myself on his length." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"We don't need to lie now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You feel like all I could ever want.\"\n\nI'd never wanted to believe something more in my life, and that realization threatened everything.\n\n\"We're being real,\" I reminded him, seeking out his mouth. \"Don't lie to me now.\"\n\nHe went rigid against me for a handful of seconds, and then he bit out a harsh laugh. \"You're right.\" His hand fisted in my hair, pulling my head back. \"We don't need to lie now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth covered mine, and one of his fangs scraped my lip, dragging a husky moan from me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A staggered heartbeat later, we were back at that rock, one of his arms around me and the other hand in my hair, the only things between the hard surface and my skin as he rolled into me, pinning my hips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And then he did what he promised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Casteel fucked.\n\nHis hips slammed into mine, and the way I was held there, all I could do was whatever he demanded. I held on as the frothy water foamed and bubbled violently around us. Each thrust of his hips felt as greedy as the strokes of my tongue against his. Every plunge of his hips felt more like an act of possession than the one before. My head fell back but never reached the rock because of his hand, and the world was a kaleidoscope of broken sunlight, slate-colored walls, and vibrant petals. I tightened—everything in me tightened as his head dropped to my shoulder, his body grinding into mine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I curled myself around him, pressing my face into his neck, tasting the sweet water and the salt of his skin. My pulse thundered through me, his just as strong against my cheek. Our bodies moved in a frenzy, and it felt like he was everywhere at once, stealing my breath. There was no hesitation. No slowing down or coming up for air. We were both swept away in the madness, lost in the tension coiling tighter and tighter. I thought it would shatter me, shatter us both, but he gave me what I wanted so badly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The feel of his skin against mine crowded out the world until there was only us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The touch of his lips against my neck, my cheek, had already chased away any protests. His mouth found mine once more as his hands held me so tightly to him, so carefully, preventing the sting of guilt from even forming. He moved so deeply inside me that I couldn't feel anything but him, and when release found me, it also found him, devouring us both, leaving no room to fear what awaited and making what seemed impossible, possible.\n\nI felt weightless in Casteel's arms, cheek resting on his shoulder and feet floating several inches above the pool's floor. I'd attempted to move away earlier, after the last of the pleasure abated and reality started to seep in with the fading sunlight. I didn't make it far, though. Casteel didn't let me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kept his arms around me.\n\n\"Not yet,\" he'd said as he guided my cheek to his shoulder.\n\nIt felt like permission. I didn't fight him. I blamed a lot of things for this, even though I had no desire to fight him then. The warmth of the pool and his skin for starters. The way he moved his hand up and down my spine was entirely too soothing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The languidness in my body was also at fault, and so was the truth that it felt lovely to be held, especially like this, with no barriers between us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After being forbidden human touch for so long, his nakedness was like being offered a platter of the most decadent chocolates and sweets." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I traced tiny circles on his other shoulder, wishing I had the courage to explore the hardness, the indents and scars." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead, I satisfied my curiosity with the way his skin felt under my fingers and how his body felt like steel wrapped in satin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I…gods, I soaked in every moment, my eyes glued to the side of his neck, the damp curl of his hair." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'water' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the secret chambers of my heart, I cherished these moments.\n\nI didn't know how long we stayed like that, nothing but the sound of the water and the calls of the birds outside around us. Casteel seemed to know exactly when someone neared the cave.\n\n\"It's Kieran. He's the only one who would know to find me here.\" He gently disentangled himself from me, and I thought I felt his lips brush over the crown of my head. \"I'll be right back.\"\n\nI sank to my shoulders as he glided through the water and then rose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I got an eyeful, one that shouldn't have heated my face as much as it did given what we'd done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped to grab his pants, but didn't pull them on.\n\nCasteel walked out of the cavern as naked as the day he was born, and if he didn't stop to put on those pants, Kieran was about to get one hell of an eyeful.\n\n\"Okay, then,\" I whispered and then laughed, the sound echoing in the chamber.\n\nMy head fell back as I stared at the slivers of sunlight, searching for remorse or shame. Like before, I only found uncertainty. Not for what we'd shared, but for what it meant. We hadn't been pretending." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What we'd shared had been real. No games. No pretenses. No half-truths.\n\nI dragged my teeth over my lower lip. It felt swollen from his kisses. I lifted my fingers to my mouth, shivering as I thought of how he'd claimed it just as thoroughly as he'd done with the rest of my body.\n\nI turned at the sound of Casteel's footsteps. Thank all the gods, he was halfway clothed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flap of buttons was undone, though, and I had no idea how the pants stayed on his hips. He carried a white bundle in his hands, which he laid carefully on the floor of the cave.\n\n\"Kieran figured we were headed here. He brought some fresh clothes for both of us and a towel.\"\n\nI couldn't even fathom how Kieran had been that intuitive, and I probably didn't want to know.\n\nHe extended a hand, offering a thick, white towel. \"It goes without saying that I prefer the naked, wet version of you. But it's time to dry off and be presentable.\"\n\nI shook my head as I moved forward, slowing when the bubbling water started to drop below my chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why was I hesitating? It wasn't like he hadn't seen my breasts, the scars, and everything else. He was waiting, watching me, and hadn't I done the same earlier? Watched him undress unabashedly? Shoring up courage, I continued on, and the strangest thing happened. Each step became easier, even as the water dropped to my ribcage and then to my navel. Even as Casteel's gaze followed the water level." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His lips parted slightly, and I was confident that Nyktos himself could arrive, and Casteel wouldn't look away from me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I realized there was power in that, in being a source of distraction for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The edges of his fangs dragged over his lower lip as the water fizzed around my inner thighs and then lower. Pretending or not, he enjoyed what he saw as I climbed the earthen steps.\n\n\"I'll help.\" He spread the towel wide. \"I know you don't need it, but I want to.\"\n\nI said nothing as I stood in front of him, bare as he'd been. He stepped in behind me, rubbing the towel over my wet hair.\n\n\"This should be dried first,\" he explained, and I was fully aware that he was staring down at me as he squeezed the excess water from my hair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I knew he saw the tips of my breasts pucker and could see the flush I felt tinting my skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Wouldn't want you to catch a cold,\" he said, voice rough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's what I hear about wet hair.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh-huh.\" My jaw worked as a smile tugged at my lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm just being thorough.\" He slid the towel down my arms, all the way to the tips of my fingers and then across my back. \"You'll thank me later.\"\n\n\"For being thorough?\"\n\n\"Among other things.\" He dragged the cloth over my stomach and then up, catching the water between my breasts. His hands lingered there before he turned me to him.\n\nHe knelt before me, sending my stomach tumbling as he drew the towel up my left leg, then my right, and finally between them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sucked in a sharp breath, swaying slightly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just being thorough,\" he reminded me, his eyes hooded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wouldn't want you unnecessarily wet, Princess.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I had a feeling he meant something else." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The towel smoothed over my backside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think you're all dry now.\" His gaze slowly made its way to mine. \"Mostly.\"\n\nYes.\n\nMostly.\n\nGrinning, he leaned his head down and kissed the faded, jagged scar on my inner thigh. The act startled me out of the pleasant haze. I watched him rise, a thousand different thoughts racing through my head as he wrapped the towel around me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I grabbed hold of the edges. \"Casteel—\"\n\n\"I know.\" He placed a finger over my lips. \"What we've done here stays here.\"\n\nI blinked, stung at once by words I wasn't sure I even understood. I wasn't going to say that. I honestly didn't know what I was going to say.\n\nHe turned, picking up the white shirt, which was such a contrast against his tan skin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A lock of dark hair toppled over his forehead, softening his features as he bent his head, buttoning his pants. There was a curl low in my stomach. How could he make such an ordinary act as dressing appear so sensual?\n\nI honestly didn't need to stand there and watch him dress. Dropping the towel, I quickly put on my clothes.\n\n\"Here.\" Casteel fixed my sleeves again.\n\nI didn't know exactly what it was about that moment that made me think of the consequences of what we'd just done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fact that it hadn't even crossed my mind until now showed that I needed to make better life choices.\n\n\"You said that you took prevention for pregnancy,\" I said, recalling that he'd taken an herb that rendered both males and females temporarily infertile. \"Are you still covered?\"\n\n\"Yes. I'm careful, Poppy,\" he said without hesitation, gathering up our clothing and my boots. \"I wouldn't risk a child.\"\n\nBetween us.\n\nHe hadn't said that, but it hung in the air nonetheless." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And there was another odd, irrational bite. One which made no sense because of the idea of having a child with anyone was more terrifying than finding an actual creature with fins for legs and tails for arms under my bed.\n\nThere was something obviously wrong with me because it still hurt.\n\nBecause what was real to him wasn't the same for me.\n\nWord of what I'd done to Beckett had spread. I knew this because everyone stared as I lifted a spoonful of thick herbal soup.\n\nWell, not everyone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Two Atlantians had commandeered Casteel's attention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So had Kieran. I had no idea where Delano and Naill had disappeared to, and it could literally be anywhere since we were in one of the larger buildings in the town center." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the rest were either sneaking peeks in my direction or outright staring." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The mortals and Atlantians who sat at the table before us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wolven interspersed throughout the rest of the tables. They all stared. Not that I could blame them. I had glowed silver, and I had healed someone with my touch. I'd be staring at someone who I'd heard or seen do that, too. But it was what was behind those stares that unnerved me. The air fairly vibrated with emotion, and like before, I hadn't needed to concentrate, to open myself to feel the near hostility of most around me.\n\nSwallowing the rich, flavorful soup, I lifted my gaze to the banners that hung on either side of the door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They rippled softly in the breeze coming through the open windows, which caught the blades of several fans, keeping the packed room cool." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A soft touch to my arm drew my attention to my right, where Alastir sat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you like to take your dinner in your private quarters?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he asked quietly. \"If so, I can escort you back to the fort.\"\n\nI lowered my spoon as I glanced to where Casteel sat at the head of the table. He was listening to an Atlantian as he rooted around on a plate of cheeses, inspecting each one as if he were looking for the perfect one or flaws. I refocused on Alastir. \"Do I look that uncomfortable?\"\n\nA tight, worried smile appeared. \"You've barely touched your food.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was hard to eat while people stared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My gaze flickered over the crowded room. Part of me wanted to excuse myself and return to my bedchamber, but this was only one of many dinners or events where I would be the object of interest. Plus, hiding in my quarters may be the easier option, but it would also be more cowardly. And besides, no one was projecting their emotions. There wasn't a screamer among them, so I could ignore them. Mostly.\n\n\"I'm fine,\" I decided.\n\nHis smile didn't reach his eyes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"It was such a shame to see what became of this place, but Casteel and these people are slowly restoring it and bringing new life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know it must be hard to be around so many who aren't welcoming of you and know how they feel. I would not think ill of you if you don't want to expose yourself to that. And just know that anyone who has spent even a few minutes in your presence does not feel that way. The rest will come to know you, I'm sure. But until then, I apologize for their behavior.\"\n\nHe squeezed my arm gently. \"Did you know that this was once a very busy trading post?\"\n\nI swallowed the knot his words formed in my chest.\n\n\"When Atlantia ruled over the entire kingdom, this was the first and last major city before you crossed the Skotos Mountains. There used to be…thousands that once passed through here,\" he said, sighing as his gaze coasted over the bare walls. \"It was such a shame to see what became of this place, but Casteel and these people are slowly restoring it and bringing new life.\"\n\nQuentyn strode out from an area where the food had been prepared, carrying a large pitcher." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another trailed behind him, shorter and younger with a slight limp. It took me a moment to recognize the boy with the black hair and tan skin. I'd only seen him in his wolven form and very briefly as a mortal, but his skin had been pale and clammy then.\n\nBeckett.\n\nI watched him refill the glasses at the end of the table and make his way toward us. As he refilled his great-uncle's glass, he finally looked at me.\n\n\"We already met,\" he whispered. \"Kind of.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Beckett,\" I said. \"How are you feeling?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Almost perfect.\" He poured water into my glass as he glanced back at Alastir before dipping his chin. \"Thank you. I can't say that enough.\"\n\n\"You already have.\"\n\nA wide, toothy grin broke out across his face but quickly faded, and I felt a sharp spike of…of fear before he moved on to the other side of the table.\n\nWas he now afraid of me?\n\nI sat back as the knot in my chest expanded. I couldn't understand why." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd healed him—how I'd done that, I had no idea—but Beckett had to know that I wasn't someone to fear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Penellaphe? Are you all right?\"\n\nA ragged breath left me as I looked at Alastir. \"Yeah. Yes.\" I smiled as I turned my attention back to him. \"They seem very helpful. Beckett and Quentyn.\"\n\n\"Respecting your elders is drilled into the young from a very early age. You will often find the youngest helping to serve food and drink at many dinner tables throughout Atlantia,\" Casteel explained, having overheard me.\n\nAlastir snorted. \"Except for you. You always had your nose in a book at the dinner table.\"\n\nSurprise distracted me from Beckett's response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What were you reading?\"\n\n\"Usually history books or my studies,\" he answered, one side of his lips tipping up. \"I was an utterly boring child most of the time.\"\n\nMy eyes connected with Kieran's briefly, reminding me of what he'd shared about Casteel being the serious one.\n\n\"Well, your brother made up for that,\" Alastir said, shaking his head. \"You didn't want Malik serving you anything at dinner.\"\n\nMy gaze flew back to Casteel, and I watched his smile grow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't know what I expected, but it was so rare that anyone spoke of his brother.\n\n\"Malik would often…experiment with the drinks and food,\" Casteel said when he caught my gaze. \"And you did not want to be on the receiving end of those experiments.\"\n\n\"I'm half afraid to ask,\" I said.\n\n\"But you will,\" Kieran murmured.\n\nI ignored the wolven.\n\nSo did Casteel. \"He would add lemon and pepper to juice, salt to dishes meant to be sweet, and generally ruin whatever it was that you were excited to eat.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's terrible,\" I said, laughing.\n\nHe leaned over, lashes lowering as he said. \"And yet, you laugh.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\nCasteel lifted his gaze, and the heat in it sent a shiver dancing over my skin. \"Probably because it sounds like something you'd do.\"\n\n\"Possibly.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He chuckled as he straightened, turning back to the other table as he returned to picking through the cheese.\n\n\"How many—?\" I stopped as Casteel's hand brushed mine. He placed a hunk of cheese on my plate, one that had been thinly sliced. I glanced over at him. He was now listening to another mortal from the table behind ours. \"Thank you.\"\n\nHe nodded.\n\nI picked up the cheese, smiling slightly before eating a piece of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A sudden burst of laughter drew my attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kieran had risen, moved to sit with a few men at the end of the table. The laugh had come from where Beckett and Quentyn sat with Emil and some other men who'd traveled with Alastir. Wondering what had made Emil laugh so loudly, I tugged my attention away.\n\nMy gaze collided with that of two mortals. They were older. Males. One of them spoke in the other's ear. The second man with neatly trimmed blond hair curled his lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His disgust soured the cheese.\n\nI took a drink, washing away the taste. That wasn't the first unfriendly stare or mannerism I'd received, all done when Casteel was distracted—like now, since he'd risen to speak with a woman who was all bones and wrinkled skin. My grip tightened on the glass. Each time I caught one of their looks or stares, I wanted to ask if they needed assistance with something. I wanted to hold their stares until they grew as uncomfortable as I felt, but I said nothing. I did nothing. Just like when the Priestess scolded me, or the Duke lectured me." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: They just don't know you," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't pay them any mind,\" Alastir murmured quietly.\n\nI placed my glass on the table.\n\n\"They just don't know you,\" he repeated. His smile was as false as the one I often wore as the Maiden. \"Their distrust or even dislike of you is something you must get used to as their Princess and soon-to-be Queen.\"\n\nQueen.\n\nMy entire body seized." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That wasn't going to happen, I reminded myself. Even if the impossible happened and Casteel and I—well, I couldn't even finish that thought. Casteel didn't want to become King.\n\n\"If you don't wish to step back and remove yourself from this situation, then you can't let it show that their feelings are getting to you. You can't let Casteel know, lest we have another Landell situation on our hands,\" he continued. \"I don't know for sure what he feels for you, but one thing is evident. He will act upon any perceived insult to your honor. There is power there, Penellaphe. You are the neck that turns the head of the kingdom.\"\n\nI stared at him.\n\n\"I'm sorry. You probably don't understand any of that. You weren't prepared for this. That's not your fault,\" he said, and yet, it sort of felt like it was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"None of this is. His engagement to you is utterly unexpected.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'their' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure their dislike of me has more to do with who I was and not that I'm marrying their Prince.\" I thought about that. \"Or it's an equal combination of the two.\"\n\n\"That, and they have all heard that he originally planned to use you for ransom. They don't understand how love has blossomed from that. Neither do I, even after his claims of love.\"\n\n\"Stranger things have happened,\" I muttered as Casteel moved toward the entryway just as the door opened. A tall man walked in, black ink swirling over the swarthy skin of both arms, all the way up to his shoulders. His hair was shaggy, a silvery hue that had nothing to do with his age." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were only faint lines at the corners of his eyes when he smiled upon seeing Casteel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure they have,\" Alastir said, lowering his voice as Casteel clasped hands with the silvery-haired man." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was that Jasper? He was too far away for me to see his eyes. \"But I've known him his entire life. More importantly, I've seen him in love, Penellaphe.\"\n\nBy an act of sheer will, I kept my face blank as I looked at Alastir. I couldn't…I couldn't believe he'd said that. But all I felt from him was concern.\n\n\"They were expecting someone else as their Princess,\" he went on. \"It's not just you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Someone who was not the Maiden?\" I surmised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, of course. But as you know, he was expected to marry upon his return—\" He snapped his mouth shut as his brows lowered. \"He didn't tell you?\"\n\nA strange thumping started in my body. \"Didn't tell me what?\" Alastir started to look away, but I grabbed his arm. \"Didn't tell me what?\" I demanded.\n\n\"Good gods, that idiotic boy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pinched the bridge of his nose, and I felt the flare of annoyance in him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One of these days, I will learn to keep my mouth shut.\"\n\nI sure hoped not, since it was clear there was a lot I'd never hear if it weren't for him.\n\n\"Why do I have a feeling I'm the idiotic boy you speak of?\" Casteel asked as he returned to his seat. The smile on his face faded as he took in Alastir's and my expressions. \"What have you two been whispering about?\"\n\n\"I don't think now is the time—\" Alastir started." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think now is the perfect time,\" I cut in, well aware that those around us were starting to pay attention." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As do I.\" Casteel eyed Alastir. \"Speak.\"\n\nThat one command demanded a response. Alastir shook his head, jaw tight as he said, \"You didn't tell her that you were already promised to another.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got writer's block. I'll send something, then continue 6 sentences at a time, matching character context, in romance, historical fiction genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There could hardly be a happier creature in the world than Mrs. John Knightley, in this short visit to Hartfield, going about every morning among her old acquaintance with her five children, and talking over what she had done every evening with her father and sister. She had nothing to wish otherwise, but that the days did not pass so swiftly. It was a delightful visit;—perfect, in being much too short.\n\nIn general their evenings were less engaged with friends than their mornings: but one complete dinner engagement, and out of the house too, there was no avoiding, though at Christmas. Mr. Weston would take no denial: they must all dine at Randalls one day;—even Mr. Woodhouse was persuaded to think it a possible thing in preference to a division of the party.\n\nHow they were all to be conveyed, he would have made a difFculty if he could, but as his son and daughter's carriage and horses were actually at Hartfield, he was not able to make more than a simple question on that head; it hardly amounted to a doubt; nor did it occupy Emma long to convince him that they might in one of the carriages find room for Harriet also." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Harriet, Mr. Elton, and Mr. Knightley, their own especial set, were the only persons invited to meet them:—the hours were to be early as well as the numbers few; Mr. Woodhouse's habits and inclination being consulted in every thing.\n\nThe evening before this great event (for it was a very great event that Mr. Woodhouse should dine out on the 24th of December) had been spent by Harriet at Hartfield, and she had gone home so much indisposed with a cold, that, but for her own earnest wish of being nursed by Mrs. Goddard, Emma could not have allowed her to leave the house. Emma called on her the next day, and found her doom already signed with regard to Randalls. She was very feverish and had a bad sore-throat: Mrs. Goddard was full of care and affection, Mr. Perry was talked of, and Harriet herself was too ill and low to resist the authority which excluded her from this delightful engagement, though she could not speak of her loss without many tears.\n\nEmma sat with her as long as she could, to attend her in Mrs. Goddard's unavoidable absences, and raise her spirits by representing how much Mr. Elton's would be depressed when he knew her state; and left her at last tolerably comfortable, in the sweet dependence of his having a most comfortless visit, and of their all missing her very much. She had not advanced many yards from Mrs. Goddard's door, when she was met by Mr. Elton himself, evidently coming towards it, and as they walked on slowly together in conversation about the invalid,—of whom he, on the rumour of considerable illness, had been going to enquire, that he might carry some report of her to Hartfield,—they were overtaken by Mr. John Knightley returning from the daily visit to Donwell, with his two eldest boys, whose healthy, glowing faces showed all the benefit of a country run, and seemed to ensure a quick despatch of the roast mutton and rice pudding they were hastening home for." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They joined company and proceeded together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Emma was just describing the nature of her friend's complaint:—\"a throat very much inflamed, with a great deal of heat about her, a quick low pulse, &c., and she was sorry to find from Mrs. Goddard that Harriet was liable to very bad sore throats, and had often alarmed her with them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Elton looked all alarm on the occasion, as he exclaimed, —\n\n\"A sore throat!—I hope not infectious. 1 hope not of a putrid infectious sort. Has Perry seen her? Indeed you should take care of yourself as well as of your friend. Let me entreat you to run no risks. Why does not Perry see her?\"\n\nEmma, who was not really at all frightened herself, tranquillised this excess of apprehension by assurances of Mrs. Goddard's experience and care; but as there must still remain a degree of uneasinesswhich she could not wish to reason away, which she would rather feed and assist than not, she added soon afterwards—as if quite another subject,—\n\n\"It is so cold, so very cold, and looks and feels so very much like snow, that if it were to any other place or with any other party, I should really try not to go out to-day, and dissuade my father from venturing; but as he has made up his mind, and does not seem to feel the cold himself, I do not like to interfere, as I know it would be so great a disappointment to Mr. and Mrs. Weston. But upon my word, Mr. Elton, in your case, I should certainly excuse myself. You appear to me a little hoarse already; and when you consider what demand of voice and what fatigues to-morrow will bring, I think it would be no more than common prudence to stay at home and take care of yourself to-night.\"\n\nMr. Elton looked as if he did not very well know what answer to make; which was exactly the case; for though very much gratified by the kind care of such a fair lady, and not liking to resist any advice of hers, he had not really the least inclination to give up the visit; but Emma, too eager and busy in her own previous conceptions and views to hear him impartially, or see him with clear vision, was very well satisfied with his muttering acknowledgment of its being \"very cold, certainly very cold,\" and walked on, rejoicing in having extricated himself from Randalls, and secured him the power of sending to enquire after Harriet every hour of the evening.\n\n\"You do quite right,\" said she:—\"we will make your apologies to Mr. and Mrs. Weston.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But hardly had she so spoken when she found her brother was civilly offering a seat in his carriage, if the weather were Mr. Elton's only objection, and Mr. Elton actually accepting the offer with much prompt satisfaction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a done thing: Mr. Elton was to go; and never had his broad handsome face expressed more pleasure than at this moment; never had his smile been stronger; nor his eyes more exulting than when he next looked at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" said she to herself, \"this is most strange! After I had gotten him off so well, to choose to go into company, and leave Harriet ill behind! Most strange indeed! But there is, I believe, in many men, especially single men, such an inclination—such a passion for dining out; a dinner engagement is so high in the class of their pleasures, their employments, their dignities, almost their duties, that any thing gives way to it—and this must be the case with Mr. Elton: a most valuable, amiable, pleasing young man undoubtedly, and very much in love with Harriet; but still, he cannot refuse an invitation, he must dine out wherever he is asked. What a strange thing love is! he can see ready wit in Harriet, but will not dine alone for her.\"\n\nSoon afterwards Mr. Elton quitted them, and she could not but do him the justice of feeling that there was a great deal of sentiment in his manner of naming Harriet at parting; in the tone of his voice while assuring her that he should call at Mrs. Goddard's for news of her fair friend, the last thing before he prepared for the happiness of meeting her again, when he hoped to be able to give a better report; and he sighed and smiled himself off in a way that left the balance of approbation much in his favour.\n\nAfter a few minutes of entire silence between them, John Knightley began with,—\n\n\"I never in my life saw a man more intent on being agreeable than Mr. Elton. It is downright labour to him where ladies are concerned. With men he can be rational and unaffected, but when he has ladies to please every feature works.\"\n\n\"Mr. Elton's manners are not perfect,\" replied Emma; \"but where there is a wish to please, one ought to overlook, and one does overlook a great deal. Where a man does his best with only moderate powers, he will have the advantage over negligent superiority. There is such perfect good temper and good will in Mr. Elton as one cannot but value.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" said Mr. John Knightley presently, with some slyness, \"he seems to have a great deal of good will towards you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me!\" she replied, with a smile of astonishment; \"are you imagining me to be Mr. Elton's object?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Such an imagination has crossed me, I own, Emma; and if it never occurred to you before, you may as well take it into consideration now.\"\n\n\"Mr. Elton in love with me! What an idea!\" \"I do not say it is so; but you will do well to consider whether it is so or not, and to regulate your behaviour accordingly. I think your manners to him encouraging. I speak as a friend, Emma. You had better look about you, and ascertain what you do, and what you mean to do.\"\n\n\"I thank you; but I assure you you are quite mistaken. Mr. Elton and I are very good friends, and nothing more;\" and she walked on, amusing herself in the consideration of the blunders which often arise from a partial knowledge of circumstances, of the mistakes which people of high pretensions to judgment are for ever falling into; and not very well pleased with her brother for imagining her blind and ignorant, and in want of counsel. He said no more.\n\nMr. Woodhouse had so completely made up his mind to the visit, that in spite of the increasing coldness, he seemed to have no idea of shrinking from it, and set forward at last most punctually with his eldest daughter in his own carriage, with less apparent consciousness of the weather than either of the others; too full of the wonder of his own going, and the pleasure it was to afford at Randalls to see that it was cold, and too well wrapt up to feel it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cold, however, was severe; and by the time the second carriage was in motion, a few flakes of snow were finding their way down, and the sky had the appearance of being so overcharged as to want only a milder air to produce a very white world in a very short time.\n\nEmma soon saw that her companion was not in the happiest humour. The preparing and the going abroad in such weather, with the sacrifice of his children after dinner, were evils, were disagreeables at least, which Mr. John Knightley did not by any means like: he anticipated nothing in the visit that could be at all worth the purchase; and the whole of their drive to the vicarage was spent by him in expressing his discontent.\n\n\"A man,\" said he, \"must have a very good opinion of himself when he asks people to leave their own fireside, and encounter such a day as this, for the sake of coming to see him. He must think himself a most agreeable fellow; I could not do such a thing. It is the greatest absurdity—actually snowing at this moment!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The folly of not allowing people to be comfortable at home—and the folly of people's not staying comfortably at home when they can!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "If we were obliged to go out such an evening as this, by any call of duty or business, what a hardship we should deem it;—and here are we, probably with rather thinner clothing than usual, setting forward voluntarily, without excuse, in defiance of the voice of nature, which tells man, in every thing given to his view or his feelings, to stay at home himself, and keep all under shelter that he can;—here are we setting forward to spend five dull hours in another man's house, with nothing to say or to hear that was not said and heard yesterday, and may not be said and heard again to-morrow." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'which' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Going in dismal weather, to return probably in worse;—four horses and four servants taken out for nothing but to convey five idle, shivering creatures into colder rooms and worse company than they might have had at home.\n\nEmma did not find herself equal to give the pleased assent, which no doubt he was in the habit of receiving, to emulate the \"Very true, my love,\" which must have been usually administered by his travelling companion; but she had resolution enough to refrain from making any answer at all. She could not be complying; she dreaded being quarrelsome; her heroism reached only to silence. She allowed him to talk, and arranged the glasses, and wrapped herself up, without opening her lips.\n\nThey arrived, the carriage turned, the step was let down, and Mr. Elton, spruce, black, and smiling, was with them instantly. Emma thought with pleasure of some change of subject." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Elton was all obligation and cheerfulness; he was so very cheerful in his civilities indeed, that she began to think he must have received a different account of Harriet from what had reached her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had sent while dressing, and the answer had been, \"Much the same—not better.\"\n\n\"My report from Mrs. Goddard's,\" said she, presently, \"was not so pleasant as I had hoped:—'Not better,' was my answer.\"\n\nHis face lengthened immediately; and his voice was the voice of sentiment as he answered,—\n\n\"Oh no—I am grieved to find—I was on the point of telling you that when I called at Mrs. Goddard's door, which I did the very last thing before I returned to dress, I was told that Miss Smith was not better, by no means better, rather worse. Very much grieved and concerned—I had flattered myself that she must be better after such a cordial as I knew had been given in the morning.\"\n\nEmma smiled, and answered,—\"My visit was of use to the nervous part of her complaint, I hope; but not even I can charm away a sore throat; it is a most severe cold, indeed. Mr. Perry has been with her, as you probably heard.\"\n\n\"Yes—I imagined—that is—I did not—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He has been used to her in these complaints, and I hope to-morrow morning will bring us both a more comfortable report. But it is impossible not to feel uneasiness. Such a sad loss to our party to-day!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dreadful! Exactly so, indeed. She will be missed every moment.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: the use of a sheep-skin for carriages. How very comfortable they make it;—impossible to feel cold with such precautions. The contrivances of modern days, indeed, have rendered a gentleman's carriage perfectly complete. One is so fenced and guarded from the weather, that not a breath of air can find its way unpermitted. Weather becomes absolutely of no consequence. It is a very cold afternoon—but in this carriage we know nothing of the matter. Ha! snows a little, I see." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was very proper; the sigh which accompanied it was really estimable; but it should have lasted longer. Emma was rather in dismay when only half a minute afterwards he began to speak of other things, and in a voice of the greatest alacrity and enjoyment.\n\n\"What an excellent device,\" said he, \"the use of a sheep-skin for carriages. How very comfortable they make it;—impossible to feel cold with such precautions. The contrivances of modern days, indeed, have rendered a gentleman's carriage perfectly complete. One is so fenced and guarded from the weather, that not a breath of air can find its way unpermitted. Weather becomes absolutely of no consequence. It is a very cold afternoon—but in this carriage we know nothing of the matter. Ha! snows a little, I see.\"\n\n\"Yes,\" said John Knightley, \"and I think we shall have a good deal of it.\"\n\n\"Christmas weather,\" observed Mr. Elton. \"Quite seasonable; and extremely fortunate we may think ourselves that it did not begin yesterday, and prevent this day's party, which it might very possibly have done, for Mr. Woodhouse would hardly have ventured had there been much snow on the ground; but now it is of no consequence. This is quite the season, indeed, for friendly meetings. At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather. I was snowed up at a friend's house once for a week. Nothing could be pleasanter. I went for only one night, and could not get away till that very day se'nnight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. John Knightley looked as if he did not comprehend the pleasure, but said only, coolly,—" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I cannot wish to be snowed up a week at Randalls.\"\n\nAt another time Emma might have been amused, but she was too much astonished now at Mr. Elton's spirits for other feelings. Harriet seemed quite forgotten in the expectation of a pleasant party.\n\n\"We are sure of excellent fires,\" continued he, \"and every thing in the greatest comfort. Charming people, Mr. and Mrs. Weston;—Mrs. Weston indeed is much beyond praise, and he is exactly what one values, so hospitable, and so fond of society;—it will be a small party, but where small parties are select, they are, perhaps, the most agreeable of any. Mr. Weston's dining-room does not accommodate more than ten comfortably; and for my part, I would rather, under such circumstances, fall short by two than exceed by two. I think you will agree with me (turning with a soft air to Emma), I think I shall certainly have your approbation, though Mr. Knightley, perhaps, from being used to the large parties of London, may not quite enter into our feelings.\"\n\n\"I know nothing of the large parties of London, sir—I never dine with any body.\"\n\n\"Indeed! (in a tone of wonder and pity,) I had no idea that the law had been so great a slavery. Well, sir, the time must come when you will be paid for all this, when you will have little labour and great enjoyment.\"\n\n\"My first enjoyment,\" replied John Knightley, as they passed through the sweep-gate, \"will be to find myself safe at Hartfield again.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~eight sentences sentences. Style: Jane Austen. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hair was curled, and the maid sent away, and Emma sat down to think and be miserable. It was a wretched business, indeed. Such an overthrow of every thing she had been wishing for! Such a development of every thing most unwelcome! Such a blow for Harriet!—that was the worst of all. Every part of it brought pain and humiliation of some sort or other; but, compared with the evil to Harriet, all was light; and she would gladly have submitted to feel yet more mistaken—more in error—more disgraced by misjudgment than she actually was,—could the effects of her blunders have been confined to herself.\n\n\"If I had not persuaded Harriet into liking the man, I could have borne any thing. He might have doubled his presumption to me—but poor Harriet!\"\n\nHow she could have been so deceived!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He protested that he had never thought seriously of Harriet—never!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked back as well as she could; but it was all confusion. She had taken up the idea, she supposed, and made every thing bend to it. His manners, however, must have been unmarked, wavering, dubious, or she could not have been so misled.\n\nThe picture! How eager he had been about the picture!—and the charade!—and a hundred other circumstances;—how clearly they had seemed to point at Harriet. To be sure, the charade, with its \"ready wit\"—but then, the \"soft eyes\"—in fact it suited neither; it was a jumble without taste or truth. Who could have seen through such thick-headed nonsense?\n\nCertainly she had often, especially of late, thought his manners to herself unnecessarily gallant; but it had passed as his way, as a mere error of judgment, of knowledge, of taste, as one proof, among others, that he had not always lived in the best society; that with all the gentleness of his address, true elegance was sometimes wanting; but, till this very day, she had never for an instant suspected it to mean any thing but grateful respect to her as Harriet's friend.\n\nTo Mr. John Knightley was she indebted for her first idea on the subject, for the first start of its possibility." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no denying that those brothers had penetration. She remembered what Mr. Knightley had once said to her about Mr. Elton, the caution he had given the conviction he had professed that Mr. Elton would never marry indiscreetly; and blushed to think how much truer a knowledge of his character had been there shown than any she had reached herself. It was dreadfully mortifying; but Mr. Elton was proving himself, in many respects, the very reverse of what she had meant and believed him; proud, assuming, conceited: very full of his own claims, and little concerned about the feelings of others.\n\nContrary to the usual course of things, Mr. Elton's wanting to pay his addresses to her had sunk him in her opinion. His professions and his proposals did him no service. She thought nothing of his attachment, and was insulted by his hopes. He wanted to marry well, and having the arrogance to raise his eyes to her, pretended to be in love; but she was perfectly easy as to his not suffering any disappointment that need be cared for. There had been no real affection either in his language or manners." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sighs and fine words had been given in abundance; but she could hardly devise any set of expressions, or fancy any tone of voice, less allied with real love. She need not trouble herself to pity him. He only wanted to aggrandise and enrich himself; and if Miss Woodhouse of Hartfield, the heiress of thirty thousand pounds, were not quite so easily obtained as he had fancied, he would soon try for Miss Somebody else with twenty, or with ten.\n\nBut, that he should talk of encouragement, should consider her as aware of his views, accepting his intentions, meaning, in short, to marry him!—should suppose himself her equal in connection or mind!—look down upon her friend, so well understanding the gradations of rank below him, and be so blind to what rose above, as to fancy himself showing no presumption in addressing her!—it was most provoking.\n\nPerhaps it was not fair to expect him to feel how very much he was her inferior in talent, and all the elegancies of mind. The very want of such equality might prevent his perception of it; but he must know that in fortune and consequence she was greatly his superior. He must know that the Woodhouses had been settled for several generations at Hartfield, the younger branch of a very ancient family,—and that the Eltons were nobody. The landed property of Hartfield certainly was inconsiderable, being but a sort of notch in the Donwell Abbey estate, to which all the rest of Highbury belonged; but their fortune, from other sources, was such as to make them scarcely secondary to Donwell Abbey itself, in every other kind of consequence; and the Woodhouses had long held a high place in the consideration of the neighbourhood which Mr. Elton had first entered not two years ago, to make his way as he could, without any alliances but in trade, or any thing to recommend him to notice but his situation and his civility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he had fancied her in love with him; that evidently must have been his dependence; and after raving a little about the seeming incongruity of gentle manners and a conceited head, Emma was obliged, in common honesty, to stop and admit, that her own behaviour to him had been so complaisant and obliging, so full of courtesy and attention, as (supposing her real motive unperceived) might warrant a man of ordinary observation and delicacy, like Mr. Elton, in fancying himself a very decided favourite." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If she had so misinterpreted his feelings, she had little right to wonder that he, with self-interest to blind him, should have mistaken hers.\n\nThe first error, and the worst, lay at her door. It was foolish, it was wrong, to take so active a part in bringing any two people together. It was adventuring too far, assuming too much, making light of what ought to be serious, a trick of what ought to be simple. She was quite concerned and ashamed, and resolved to do such things no more.\n\n\"Here have I,\" said she, \"actually talked poor Harriet into being very much attached to this man. She might never have thought of him but for me; and certainly never would have thought of him with hope, if I had not assured her of his attachment, for she is as modest and humble as I used to think him. Oh that I had been satisfied with persuading her not to accept young Martin! There I was quite right: that was well done of me; but there I should have stopped, and left the rest to time and chance. I was introducing her into good company, and giving her the opportunity of pleasing some one worth having; I ought not to have attempted more. But now, poor girl, her peace is cut up for some time. I have been but half a friend to her; and if she were not to feel this disappointment so very much, I am sure I have not an idea of any body else who would be at all desirable for her:—William Coxe—oh no, I could not endure William Coxe,—a pert young lawyer.\"\n\nShe stopped to blush and laugh at her own relapse, and then resumed a more serious, more dispiriting cogitation upon what had been, and might be, and must be. The distressing explanation she had to make to Harriet, and all that poor Harriet would be suffering, with the awkwardness of future meetings, the difficulties of continuing or discontinuing the acquaintance, of subduing feelings, concealing resentment, and avoiding éclat, were enough to occupy her in most unmirthful reflections some time longer, and she went to bed at last with nothing settled but the conviction of her having blundered most dreadfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To youth and natural cheerfulness like Emma's, though under temporary gloom at night, the return of day will hardly fail to bring return of spirits." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The youth and cheerfulness of morning are in happy analogy, and of powerful operation; and if the distress be not poignant enough to keep the eyes unclosed, they will be sure to open to sensations of softened pain and brighter hope.\n\nEmma got up on the morrow more disposed for comfort than she had gone to bed; more ready to see alleviations of the evil before her, and to depend on getting tolerably out of it.\n\nIt was a great consolation that Mr. Elton should not be really in love with her, or so particularly amiable as to make it shocking to disappoint him; that Harriet's nature should not be of that superior sort in which the feelings are most acute and retentive; and that there could be no necessity for any body's knowing what had passed except the three principals, and especially for her father's being given a moment's uneasiness about it.\n\nThese were very cheering thoughts; and the sight of a great deal of snow on the ground did her further service, for any thing was welcome that might justify their all three being quite asunder at present.\n\nThe weather was most favourable for her; though Christmas-day, she could not go to church. Mr. Woodhouse would have been miserable had his daughter attempted it, and she was therefore safe from either exciting or receiving unpleasant and most unsuitable ideas. The ground covered with snow, and the atmosphere in that unsettled state between frost and thaw, which is of all others the most unfriendly for exercise, every morning beginning in rain or snow, and every evening setting in to freeze, she was for many days a most honourable prisoner. No intercourse with Harriet possible but by note; no church for her on Sunday any more than on Christmas-day; and no need to find excuses for Mr. Elton's absenting himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was weather which might fairly confine every body at home; and though she hoped and believed him to be really taking comfort in some society or other, it was very pleasant to have her father so well satisfied with his being all alone in his own house, too wise to stir out; and to hear him say to Mr. Knightley, whom no weather could keep entirely from them,—" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, Mr. Knightley, why do not you stay at home like poor Mr. Elton?\"\n\nThese days of confinement would have been, but for her private perplexities, remarkably comfortable, as such seclusion exactly suited her brother, whose feelings must always be of great importance to his companions; and he had, besides, so thoroughly cleared off his ill-humour at Randalls, that his amiableness never failed him during the rest of his stay at Hartfield. He was always agreeable and obliging, and speaking pleasantly of every body. But with all the hopes of cheerfulness, and all the present comfort of delay, there was still such an evil hanging over her in the hour of explanation with Harriet, as made it impossible for Emma to be ever perfectly at ease." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~eight sentences sentences. Style: Jane Austen. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Emma could not forgive her: but as neither provocation nor resentment were discerned by Mr. Knightley, who had been of the party, and had seen only proper attention and pleasing behavior on each side, he was expressing the next morning, being at Hartfield again on business with Mr. Woodhouse, his approbation of the whole; not so openly as he might have done had her father been out of the room, but speaking plain enough to be very intelligible to Emma. He had been used to think her unjust to Jane, and had now great pleasure in marking an improvement.\n\n\"A very pleasant evening,\" he began as soon as Mr. Woodhouse had been talked into what was necessary, told that he understood, and the papers swept away;—\"particularly pleasant. You and Miss Fairfax gave us some very good music. I do not know a more luxurious state, sir, than sitting at one's ease to be entertained a whole evening by two such young women; sometimes with music and sometimes with conversation. I am sure Miss Fairfax must have found the evening pleasant, Emma. You left nothing undone. I was glad you made her play so much for having no instrument at her grandmother's, it must have been a real indulgence.\"\n\n\"I am happy you approved,\" said Emma, smiling; \"but I hope I am not often deficient in what is due to guests at Hartfield.\"\n\n\"No, my dear,\" said her father instantly; \"that I am sure you are not. There is nobody half so attentive and civil as you are. If any thing, you are too attentive. The muffin last night,—if it had been handed round once, I think it would have been enough.\"\n\n\"No,\" said Mr. Knightley, nearly at the same time; \"you are not often deficient; not often deficient, either in manner or comprehension. I think you understand me, therefore.\"\n\nAn arch look expressed—\"I understand you well enough;\" but she said only, \"Miss Fairfax is reserved.\"\n\n\"I always told you she was—a little; but you will soon overcome all that part of her reserve which ought to be overcome, all that has its foundation in diffidence. What arises from discretion must be honoured.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think her diffident. I do not see it.\"\n\n\"My dear Emma,\" said he, moving from his chair into one close by her, \"you are not going to tell me, I hope, that you had not a pleasant evening.\"\n\n\"Oh no; I was pleased with my own perseverance in asking questions, and amused to think how little information I obtained.\"\n\n\"I am disappointed,\" was his only answer.\n\n\"I hope every body had a pleasant evening,\" said Mr. Woodhouse, in his quiet way. \"I had. Once, I felt the fire rather too much; but then I moved back my chair a little, a very little, and it did not disturb me. Miss Bates was very chatty and good humoured, as she always is, though she speaks rather too quick. However, she is very agreeable, and Mrs. Bates, too, in a different way. I like old friends; and Miss Jane Fairfax is a very pretty sort of young lady; a very pretty and a very well behaved young lady indeed. She must have found the evening agreeable, Mr. Knightley, because she had Emma.\"\n\n\"True, sir; and Emma, because she had Miss Fairfax.\"\n\nEmma saw his anxiety, and wishing to appease it, at least for the present, said, and with a sincerity which no one could question,—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is a sort of elegant creature that one cannot keep one's eyes from. I am always watching her to admire; and I do pity her from my heart.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Knightley looked as if he were more gratified than he cared to express; and before he could make any reply, Mr. Woodhouse, whose thoughts were on the Bates's, said,—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is a great pity that their circumstances should be so confined! a great pity indeed! and I have often wished—but it is so little one can venture to do—small, trifling presents, of any thing uncommon. Now, we have killed a porker, and Emma thinks of sending them a loin or a leg; it is very small and delicate—Hartfield pork is not like any other pork—but still it is pork—and, my dear Emma, unless one could be sure of their making it into steaks, nicely fried, as ours are fried, without the smallest grease, and not roast it, for no stomach can bear roast pork—I think we had better send the leg—do not you think so, my dear?\"\n\n\"My dear papa, I sent the whole hind-quarter. I knew you would wish it. There will be the leg to be salted, you know, which is so very nice, and the loin to be dressed directly, in any manner they like.\"\n\n\"That's right, my dear, very right. I had not thought of it before, but that was the best way. They must not over-salt the leg; and then, if it is not over-salted, and if it is very thoroughly boiled, just as Serle boils ours, and eaten very moderately of, with a boiled turnip, and a little carrot or parsnip, I do not consider it unwholesome.\"\n\n\"Emma,\" slid Mr. Knightley, presently, \"I have a piece of news for you. You like news—and I heard an article in my way hither that I think will interest you.\"\n\n\"News! Oh yes, I always like news. What is it?—why do you smile so?—where did you hear it?—at Randalls?\"\n\nHe had time only to say,—\n\n\"No, not at Randalls; I have not been near Randalls,\"—when the door was thrown open, and Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax walked into the room. Full of thanks and full of news, Miss Bates knew not which to give quickest." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'patty' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Knightley soon saw that he had lost his moment, and that not another syllable of communication could rest with him.\n\n\"Oh, my dear sir, how are you this morning? My dear Miss Woodhouse—I come quite overpowered. Such a beautiful hind-quarter of pork! You are too bountiful! Have you heard the news? Mr. Elton is going to be married.\"\n\nEmma had not had time even to think of Mr. Elton, and she was so completely surprised, that she could not avoid a little start, and a little blush, at the sound.\n\n\"There is my news:—I thought it would interest you,\" said Mr. Knightley, with a smile, which implied a conviction of some part of what had passed between them.\n\n\"But where could you hear it?\" cried Miss Bates. \"Where could you possibly hear it, Mr. Knightley? For it is not five minutes since I received Mrs. Cole's note—no, it cannot be more than five—or at least ten—for I had got my bonnet and spencer on, just ready to come out—I was only gone down to speak to Patty again about the pork—Jane was standing in the passage—were not you, Jane?—for my mother was so afraid that we had not any salting-pan large enough. So I said, I would go down and see, and Jane said, 'Shall I go down instead? for I think you have a little cold, and Patty has been washing the kitchen. '—'Oh, my dear,' said I—well, and just then came the note. A Miss Hawkins—that's all I know—a Miss Hawkins of Bath. But, Mr. Knightley, how could you possibly have heard it? for the very moment Mr. Cole told Mrs. Cole of it, she sat down and wrote to me. A Miss Hawkins—\"\n\n\"I was with Mr. Cole on business an hour and a half ago. He had just read Elton's letter as I was shown in, and handed it to me directly.\"\n\n\"Well! that is quite—I suppose there never was a piece of news more generally interesting. My dear sir, you really are too bountiful. My mother desires her very best compliments and regards, and a thousand thanks, and says you really quite oppress her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We consider our Hartfield pork,\" replied Mr. Woodhouse—\"indeed it certainly is, so very superior to all other pork, that Emma and I cannot have a greater pleasure than—\"\n\n\"Oh, my dear sir, as my mother says, our friends are only too good to us. If ever there were people who, without having great wealth themselves, had every thing they could wish for, I am sure it is us. We may well say, that 'our lot is cast in a goodly heritage.' Well, Mr. Knightley, and so you actually saw the letter—well—\"\n\n\"It was short, merely to announce—but cheerful, exulting of course.\" Here was a sly glance at Emma. \"He had been so fortunate as to—I forget the precise words—one has no business to remember them. The information was, as you state, that he was going to be married to a Miss Hawkins. By his style, I should imagine it just settled.\"\n\n\"Mr. Elton going to be married!\" said Emma, as soon as she could speak. \"He will have every body's wishes for his happiness.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is very young to settle,\" was Mr. Woodhouse's observation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He had better not be in a hurry. He seemed to me very well off as he was. We were always glad to see him at Hartfield.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A new neighbour for us all, Miss Woodhouse!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "said Miss Bates joyfully: \"my mother is so pleased!—she says she cannot bear to have the poor old vicarage without a mistress. This is great news, indeed. Jane, you have never seen Mr. Eiton:—no wonder that you have such a curiosity to see him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jane's curiosity did not appear of that absorbing nature as wholly to occupy her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, I have never seen Mr. Elton,\" she replied, starting on this appeal: \"is he—is he a tall man?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who shall answer that question?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "cried Emma. \"My father would say, 'Yes;' Mr. Knightley, 'No;' and Miss Bates and I, that he is just the happy medium. When you have been here a little longer, Miss Fairfax, you will understand that Mr. Elton is the standard of perfection in Highbury, both in person and mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Very true, Miss Woodhouse, so she will. He is the very best young man;—but, my dear Jane, if you remember, I told you yesterday he was precisely the height of Mr. Perry. Miss Hawkins,—I dare say, an excellent young woman. His extreme attention to my mother—wanting her to sit in the vicarage-pew, that she might hear the better, for my mother is a little deaf, you know—it is not much, but she does not hear quite quick. Jane says that Col. Campbell is a little deaf. He fancied bathing might be good for it—the warm bath—but she says it did him no lasting benefit. Col. Campbell, you know, is quite our angel. And Mr. Dixon seems a very charming young man, quite worthy of him. It is such a happiness when good people get together—and they always do. Now, here will be Mr. Elton and Miss Hawkins; and there are the Coles, such very good people; and the Perrys—I suppose there never was a happier or a better couple than Mr. and Mrs. Perry. I say, sir,\" turning to Mr. Woodhouse, \"I think there are few places with such society as Highbury. I always say, we are quite blessed in our neighbours. My dear sir, if there is one thing my mother loves better that another, it is pork—a roast loin of pork—\"\n\n\"As to who, or what Miss Hawkins is, or how long he has been acquainted with her,\" said Emma, \"nothing, I suppose, can be known. One feels that it cannot be a very long acquaintance. He has been gone only four weeks.\" Nobody had any information to give; and, after a few more wonderings, Emma said,—\n\n\"You are silent, Miss Fairfax—but I hope you mean to take an interest in this news. You, who have been hearing and seeing so much of late on these subjects, who must have been so deep in the business on Miss Campbell's account—we shall not excuse your being indifferent about Mr. Elton and Miss Hawkins.\"\n\n\"When I have seen Mr. Elton,\" replied Jane, \"I dare say I shall be interested—but I believe it requires that with me. And as it is some months since Miss Campbell married, the impression may be a little worn off.\"\n\n\"Yes, he has been gone just four weeks, as you observe, Miss Woodhouse,\" said Miss Bates, \"four weeks yesterday:—a Miss Hawkins:—well, I had always rather fancied it would be some young lady hereabouts; not that I ever—Mrs. Cole once whispered to me—but I immediately said, 'No, Mr. Elton is a most worthy young man—but—' In short, I do not think I am particulary quick at those sort of discoveries. I do not pretend to it. What is before me, I see. At the same time, nobody could wonder if Mr. Elton should have aspired—Miss Woodhouse lets me chatter on, so good humouredly. She knows I would not offend for the world. How does Miss Smith do? She seems quite recovered now. Have you heard from Mrs. John Knightley lately? Oh, those dear little children. Jane, do you know I always fancy Mr. Dixon like Mr. John Knightley? I mean in person—tall, and with that sort of look—and not very talkative.\"\n\n\"Quite wrong, my dear aunt; there is no likeness at all.\"\n\n\"Very odd! but one never does form a just idea of any body beforehand. One takes up a notion, and runs away with it. Mr. Dixon, you say, is not, strictly speaking, handsome.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Handsome! Oh no—far from it—certainly plain. I told you he was plain.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My dear, you said that Miss Campbell would not allow him to be plain, and that you yourself—\"\n\n\"Oh, as for me, my judgment is worth nothing. Where I have a regard, I always think a person well looking. But I gave what I believed the general opinion, when I called him plain.\"\n\n\"Well, my dear Jane, I believe we must be running away. The weather does not look well, and grandmamma will be uneasy. You are too obliging, my dear Miss Woodhouse; but we really must take leave. This has been a most agreeable piece of news indeed. I shall just go round by Mrs. Cole's; but I shall not stop three minutes: and, Jane, you had better go home directly—I would not have you out in a shower! We think she is the better for Highbury already. Thank you, we do indeed. I shall not attempt calling on Mrs. Goddard, for I really do not think she cares for any thing but boiled pork: when we dress the leg it will be another thing. Good morning to you, my dear sir. Oh, Mr. Knightley is coming too. Well, that is so very!—I am sure if Jane is tired, you will be so kind as to give her your arm. Mr. Elton, and Miss Hawkins. Good morning to you.\"\n\nEmma, alone with her father, had half her attention wanted by him, while he lamented that young people would be in such a hurry to marry—and to marry strangers too—and the other half she could give to her own view of the subject. It was to herself an amusing and a very welcome piece of news, as proving that Mr. Elton could not have suffered long; but she was sorry for Harriet: Harriet must feel it—and all that she could hope was, by giving the first information herself, to save her from hearing it abruptly from others. It was now about the time that she was likely to call. If she were to meet Miss Bates in her way!—and upon its beginning to rain, Emma was obliged to expect that the weather would be detaining her at Mrs. Goddard's, and that the intelligence would undoubtedly rush upon her without preparation.\n\nThe shower was heavy, but short; and it had not been over five minutes, when in came Harriet, with just the heated, agitated look which hurrying thither with a full heart was likely to give; and the \"Oh, Miss Woodhouse, what do you think has happened?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "which instantly burst forth, had all the evidence of corresponding perturbation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the blow was given, Emma felt that she could not now show greater kindness than in listening; and Harriet, unchecked, ran eagerly through what she had to tell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She had set out from Mrs. Goddard's half an hour ago—she had been afraid it would rain—she had been afraid it would pour down every moment—but she thought she might get to Hartfield first—she had hurried on as fast as possible; but then, as she was passing by the house where a young woman was making up a gown for her, she thought she would just step in and see how it went on; and though she did not seem to stay half a moment there, soon after she came out it began to rain, and she did not know what to do; so she ran on directly, as fast as she could, and took shelter at Ford's.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ford's was the principal woollen-draper, linen-draper, and haberdasher's shop united—the shop first in size and fashion in the place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And so, there she had sat, without an idea of any thing in the world, full ten minutes, perhaps—where, all of a sudden, who should come in—to be sure it was so very odd!—but they always dealt at Ford's—who should come in, but Elizabeth Martin and her brother! Dear Miss Woodhouse! only think. I thought I should have fainted. I did not know what to do. I was sitting near the door—Elizabeth saw me directly; but he did not; he was busy with the umbrella. I am sure she saw me, but she looked away directly, and took no notice; and they both went to quite the farther end of the shop; and I kept sitting near the door. Oh dear; I was so miserable! I am sure I must have been as white as my gown. I could not go away, you know, because of the rain; but I did so wish myself any where in the world but there. Oh dear, Miss Woodhouse—well, at last, I fancy, he looked round and saw me; for, instead of going on with their buyings, they began whispering to one another. I am sure they were talking of me; and I could not help thinking that he was persuading her to speak to me—(do you think he was, Miss Woodhouse?) —for presently she came forward—came quite up to me, and asked me how I did, and seemed ready to shake hands, if I would. She did not do any of it in the same way that she used; I could see she was altered; but, however, she seemed to try to be very friendly, and we shook hands, and stood talking some time; but I know no more what I said—I was in such a tremble! I remember she said she was sorry we never met now; which I thought almost too kind! Dear Miss Woodhouse, I was absolutely miserable! By that time, it was beginning to hold up, and I was determined that nothing should stop me from getting away—and then—only think!—I found he was coming up towards me too—slowly, you know, and as if he did not quite know what to do; and so he came and spoke, and I answered—and I stood for a minute, feeling dreadfully, you know, one cannot tell how; and then I took courage, and said it did not rain, and I must go; and so off I set: and I had not got three yards from the door, when he came after me, only to say, if I was going to Hartfield, he thought I had much better go round by Mr. Cole's stables, for I should find the near way quite floated by this rain. Oh dear, I thought it would have been the death of me! So I said, I was very much obliged to him: you know I could not do less; and then he went back to Elizabeth, and I came round by the stables—I believe I did—but I hardly knew where I was, or any thing about it. Oh, Miss Woodhouse, I would rather have done any thing than had it happen; and yet, you know, there was a sort of satisfaction in seeing him behave so pleasantly and so kindly. And Elizabeth, too. Oh, Miss Woodhouse, do talk to me, and make me comfortable again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Very sincerely did Emma wish to do so; but it was not immediately in her power. She was obliged to stop and think. She was not thoroughly comfortable herself. The young man's conduct, and his sister's, seemed the result of real feeling, and she could not but pity them. As Harriet described it, there had been an interesting mixture of wounded affection and genuine delicacy in their behaviour: but she had believed them to be well-meaning, worthy people, before; and what difference did this make in the evils of the connection? It was folly to be disturbed by it. Of course, he must be sorry to lose her,—they must be all sorry: ambition, as well as love, had probably been mortified. They might all have hoped to rise by Harriet's acquaintance; and besides, what was the value of Harriet's description?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'about' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So easily pleased,—so little discerning,—what signified her praise?\n\nShe exerted herself, and did try to make her comfortable, by considering all that had passed as a mere trifle, and quite unworthy of being dwelt on.\n\n\"It might be distressing for the moment,\" said she, \"but you seem to have behaved extremely well; and it is over,—and may never,—can never, as a first meeting,—occur again, and therefore you need not think about it.\"\n\nHarriet said, \"Very true,\" and she \"would not think about it;\" but still she talked of it—still she could talk of nothing else; and Emma, at last, in order to put the Martins out of her head, was obliged to hurry on the news, which she had meant to give with so much tender caution, hardly knowing herself whether to rejoice or be angry, ashamed or only amused, at such a state of mind in poor Harriet—such a conclusion of Mr. Elton's importance with her!\n\nMr. Elton's rights, however, gradually revived. Though she did not feel the first intelligence as she might have done the day before, or an hour before, its interest soon increased; and before their first conversation was over, she had talked herself into all the sensations of curiosity, wonder and regret, pain and pleasure, as to this fortunate Miss Hawkins, which could conduce to place the Martins under proper subordination in her fancy.\n\nEmma learned to be rather glad that there had been such a meeting. It had been serviceable in deadening the first shock, without retaining any influence to alarm. As Harriet now lived, the Martins could not get at her, without seeking her, where hitherto they had wanted either the courage or the condescension to seek her; for since her refusal of the brother, the sisters had never been at Mrs. Goddard's; and a twelvemonth might pass without their being thrown together again, with any necessity, or even any power of speech." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do ten sentences. going for Jane Austen vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Human nature is so well disposed towards those who are in interesting situations, that a young person, who either marries or dies, is sure of being kindly spoken of.\n\nA week had not passed since Miss Hawkins's name was first mentioned in Highbury, before she was, by some means or other, discovered to have every recommendation of person and mind,—to be handsome, elegant, highly accomplished, and perfectly amiable; and when Mr. Elton himself arrived to triumph in his happy prospects, and circulate the fame of her merits, there was very little more for him to do than to tell her Christian name, and say whose music she principally played.\n\nMr. Elton returned, a very happy man. He had gone away rejected and mortified, disappointed in a very sanguine hope, after a series of what had appeared to him strong encouragement; and not only losing the right lady, but finding himself debased to the level of a very wrong one. He had gone away deeply offended, he came back engaged to another; and to another as superior, of course, to the first, as under such circumstances what is gained always is to what is lost. He came back gay and self-satisfied, eager and busy, caring nothing for Miss Woodhouse, and defying Miss Smith.\n\nThe charming Augusta Hawkins, in addition to all the usual advantages of perfect beauty and merit, was in possession of an independent fortune, of so many thousands as would always be called ten,—a point of some dignity, as well as some convenience. The story told well: he had not thrown himself away—he had gained a woman of 10,000l., or thereabouts, and he had gained her with such delightful rapidity; the first hour of introduction had been so very soon followed by distinguishing notice; the history which he had to give Mrs. Cole of the rise and progress of the affair was so glorious; the steps so quick, from the accidental rencontre, to the dinner at Mr. Green's, and the party at Mrs. Brown's,—smiles and blushes rising in importance,—with consciousness and agitation richly scattered; the lady had been so easily impressed,—so sweetly disposed;—had, in short, to use a most intelligible phrase, been so very ready to have him, that vanity and prudence were equally contented.\n\nHe had caught both substance and shadow, both fortune and affection, and was just the happy man he ought to be;—talking only of himself and his own concerns,—expecting to be congratulated, —ready to be laughed at,—and, with cordial, fearless smiles, now addressing all the young ladies of the place, to whom, a few weeks ago, he would have been more cautiously gallant.\n\nThe wedding was no distant event, as the parties had only themselves to please, and nothing but the necessary preparations to wait for; and when he set out for Bath again, there was a general expectation, which a certain glance of Mrs. Cole's did not seem to contradict, that when he next entered Highbury he would bring his bride." }, { "from": "human", "value": "During his present short stay, Emma had barely seen him; but just enough to feel that the first meeting was over, and to give her the impression of his not being improved by the mixture of pique and pretension now spread over his air." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was, in fact, beginning very much to wonder that she had ever thought him pleasing at all; and his sight was so inseparably connected with some very disagreeable feelings, that, except in a moral light, as a penance, a lesson, a source of profitable humiliation to her own mind, she would have been thankful to be assured of never seeing him again. She wished him very well; but he gave her pain; and his welfare twenty miles off would administer most satisfaction.\n\nThe pain of his continued residence in Highbury, however, must certainly be lessened by his marriage. Many vain solicitudes would be prevented—many awkwardnesses smoothed by it. A Mrs. Elton would be an excuse for any change of intercourse; former intimacy might sink without remark. It would be almost beginning their life of civility again.\n\nOf the lady individually, Emma thought very little. She was good enough for Mr. Elton, no doubt; accomplished enough for Highbury—handsome enough—to look plain, probably, by Harriet's side. As to connection, there Emma was perfectly easy; persuaded, that after all his own vaunted claims and disdain of Harriet, he had done nothing. On that article, truth seemed attainable." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What she was, must be uncertain; but who she was, might be found out; and setting aside the 10,000l., it did not appear that she was at all Harriet's superior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She brought no name, no blood, no alliance. Miss Hawkins was the youngest of the two daughters of a Bristol—merchant, of course, he must be called; but, as the whole of the profits of his mercantile life appeared so very moderate, it was unfair to guess the dignity of his line of trade had been very moderate also. Part of every winter she had been used to spend in Bath; but Bristol was her home, the very heart of Bristol; for though the father and mother had died some years ago, an uncle remained—in the law line:—nothing more distinctly honourable was hazarded of him, than that he was in the law line; and with him the daughter had lived. Emma guessed him to be the drudge of some attorney, and too stupid to rise. And all the grandeur of the connection seemed dependent on the elder sister, who was very well married, to a gentleman in a great way, near Bristol, who kept two carriages! That was the wind-up of the history; that was the glory of Miss Hawkins.\n\nCould she but have given Harriet her feelings about it all! She had talked her into love; but, alas! she was not so easily to be talked out of it. The charm of an object to occupy the many vacancies of Harriet's mind was not to be talked away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He might be superseded by another; he certainly would, indeed; nothing could be clearer; even a Robert Martin would have been sufficient; but nothing else, she feared, would cure her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Harriet was one of those, who, having once begun, would be always in love. And now, poor girl, she was considerably worse from this reappearance of Mr. Elton—she was always having a glimpse of him somewhere or other. Emma saw him only once; but two or three times every day Harriet was sure just to meet with him, or just to miss him, just to hear his voice, or see his shoulder, just to have something occur to preserve him in her fancy, in all the favouring warmth of surprise and conjecture. She was, moreover, perpetually hearing about him; for, excepting when at Hartfield, she was always among those who saw no fault in Mr. Elton, and found nothing so interesting as the discussion of his concerns; and every report, therefore, every guess,—all that had already occurred, all that might occur in the arrangement of his affairs, comprehending income, servants, and furniture,—was continually in agitation around her. Her regard was receiving strength by invariable praise of him, and her regrets kept alive, and feelings irritated by ceaseless repetitions of Miss Hawkins's happiness, and continual observation of how much he seemed attached! —his air as he walked by the house—the very sitting of his hat, being all in proof of how much he was in love!\n\nHad it been allowable entertainment, had there been no pain to her friend, or reproach to herself, in the waverings of Harriet's mind, Emma would have been amused by its variations. Sometimes Mr. Elton predominated, sometimes the Martins; and each was occasionally useful as a check to the other. Mr. Elton's engagement had been the cure of the agitation of meeting Mr. Martin. The unhappiness produced by the knowledge of that engagement had been a little put aside by Elizabeth Martin's calling at Mrs. Goddard's a few days afterwards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Harriet had not been at home; but a note had been prepared and left for her, written in the very style to touch,—a small mixture of reproach with a great deal of kindness; and till Mr. Elton himself appeared, she had been much occupied by it, continually pondering over what could be done in return, and wishing to do more than she dared to confess." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Mr. Elton, in person, had driven away all such cares. While he staid, the Martins were forgotten; and on the very morning of his setting off for Bath again, Emma, to dissipate some of the distress it occasioned, judged it best for her to return Elizabeth Martin's visit.\n\nHow that visit was to be acknowledged, what would be necessary, and what might be safest, had been a point of some doubtful consideration. Absolute neglect of the mother and sisters, when invited to come, would be ingratitude. It must not be; and yet the danger of a renewal of the acquaintance!\n\nAfter much thinking, she could determine on nothing better than Harriet's returning the visit; but in a way that, if they had understanding, should convince them that it was to be only a formal acquaintance. She meant to take her in the carriage, leave her at the Abbey-Mill, while she drove a little farther, and call for her again so soon as to allow no time for insidious applications or dangerous recurrences to the past, and give the most decided proof of what degree of intimacy was chosen for the future.\n\nShe could think of nothing better; and though there was something in it which her own heart could not approve—something of ingratitude, merely glossed over—it must be done, or what would become of Harriet?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Continuation Protocol:\nQuantity: two sentences\nStyle: Jane Austen\nGenre: romance, historical fiction\nContext: Part of larger work" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Emma's very good opinion of Frank Churchill was a little shaken the following day, by hearing that he was gone off to London, merely to have his hair cut. A sudden freak seemed to have seized him at breakfast, and he had sent for a chaise and set off intending to return to dinner, but with no more important view that appeared than having his hair cut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was certainly no harm in his travelling sixteen miles twice over on such an errand; but there was an air of foppery and nonsense in it which she could not approve. It did not accord with the rationality of plan, the moderation in expense, or even the unselfish warmth of heart which she had believed herself to discern in him yesterday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Vanity, extravagance, love of change, restlessness of temper, which must be doing something, good or bad; heedlessness as to the pleasure of his father and Mrs. Weston, indifferent as to how his conduct might appear in general; he became liable to all these changes. His father only called him a coxcomb, and thought it a very good story; but that Mrs. Weston did not like it, was clear enough, by her passing it over as quickly as possible, and making no other comment than that \"all young people would have their little whims.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "With the exception of this little blot, Emma found that his visit hitherto had given her friend only good ideas of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs. Weston was very ready to say how attentive and pleasant a companion he made himself,—how much she saw to like in his disposition altogether." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He appeared to have a very open temper,—certainly a very cheerful and lively one; she could observe nothing wrong in his notions, a great deal decidedly right; he spoke of his uncle with warm regard, was fond of talking of him; said he would be the best man in the world if he were left to himself; and though there was no being attached to the aunt, he acknowledged her kindness with gratitude, and seemed to mean always to speak of her with respect." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was all very promising; and, but for such an unfortunate fancy for having his hair cut, there was nothing to denote him unworthy of the distinguished honour which her imagination had given him; the honour, if not of being really in love with her, of being at least very near it, and saved only by her own indifference—(for still her resolution held of never marrying)—the honour, in short, of being marked out for her by all their joint acquaintance.\n\nMr. Weston, on his side, added a virtue to the account which must have some weight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He gave her to understand that Frank admired her extremely—thought her very beautiful and very charming; and with so much to be said for him altogether, she found she must not judge him harshly:—as Mrs. Weston observed, \"all young people would have their little whims.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was one person among his new acquaintance in Surrey not so leniently disposed. In general he was judged, throughout the parishes of Donwell and Highbury, with great candour; liberal allowances were made for the little excesses of such a handsome young man,—one who smiled so often and bowed so well; but there was one spirit among them not to be softened, from its power of censure, by bows or smiles,—Mr." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Knightley. The circumstance was told him at Hartfield: for the moment, he was silent; but Emma heard him almost immediately afterwards say to himself, over a newspaper he held in his hand, \"Hum! just the trifling, silly fellow I took him for.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had half a mind to resent; but an instant's observation convinced her that it was really said only to relieve his own feelings, and not meant to provoke; and therefore she let it pass.\n\nAlthough in one instance the bearers of not good tidings, Mr. and Mrs. Weston's visit this morning was in another respect particularly opportune." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Something occurred while they were at Hartfield to make Emma want their advice; and, which was still more lucky, she wanted exactly the advice they gave.\n\nThis was the occurrence:—The Coles had been settled some years in Highbury, and were very good sort of people, friendly, liberal, and unpretending; but, on the other hand, they were of low origin, in trade, and only moderately genteel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On their first coming into the country, they had lived in proportion to their income, quietly, keeping little company, and that little unexpensively; but the last year or two had brought them a considerable increase of means—the house in town had yielded greater profits, and fortune in general had smiled on them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With their wealth, their views increased; their want of a larger house, their inclination for more company." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They added to their house, to their number of servants, to their expenses of every sort; and by this time were, in fortune and style of living, second only to the family at Hartfield." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Their love of society, and their new dining-room, prepared every body for their keeping dinner-company; and a few parties, chiefly among the single men, had already taken place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The regular and best families Emma could hardly suppose they would presume to invite,—neither Donwell, nor Hartfield, nor Randalls." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Nothing should tempt her to go, if they did; and she regretted that her father's known habits would be giving her refusal less meaning than she could wish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Coles were very respectable in their way, but they ought to be taught that it was not for them to arrange the terms on which the superior families would visit them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This lesson, she very much feared, they would receive only from herself; she had little hope of Mr. Knightley, none of Mr. Weston." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But she had made up her mind how to meet this presumption so many weeks before it appeared, that when insult came at last, it found her very differently affected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Donwell and Randalls had received their invitation, and none had come for her father and herself; and Mrs. Weston's accounting for it with \"I suppose they will not take the liberty with you; they know you do not dine out,\" was not quite sufficient." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She felt that she should like to have had the power of refusal; and afterwards, as the idea of the party to be assembled there, consisting precisely of those whose society was dearest to her, occurred again and again, she did not know that she might not have been tempted to accept. Harriet was to be there in the evening, and the Bateses." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They had been speaking of it as they walked about Highbury the day before, and Frank Churchill had most earnestly lamented her absence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Might not the evening end in a dance? had been a question of his." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bare possibility of it acted as a further irritation on her spirits; and her being left in solitary grandeur, even supposing the omission to be intended as a compliment, was but poor comfort.\n\nIt was the arrival of this very invitation, while the Westons were at Hartfield, which made their presence so acceptable; for though her first remark on reading it was that \"of course it must be declined,\" she so very soon proceeded to ask them what they advised her to do, that their advice for her going was most prompt and successful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She owned that, considering every thing, she was not absolutely without inclination for the party. The Coles expressed themselves so properly—there was so much real attention in the manner of it—so much consideration for her father." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They would have solicited the honour earlier, but had been waiting the arrival of a folding screen from London, which they hoped might keep Mr. Woodhouse from any draught.of air, and therefore induce him the more readily to give them the honour of his company.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Upon the whole, she was very persuadable; and it being briefly settled among themselves how it might be done without neglecting his comfort, —how certainly Mrs. Goddard, if not Mrs. Bates, might be depended on for bearing him company,—Mr. Woodhouse was to be talked into an acquiescence of his daughter's going out to dinner on a day now near at hand, and spending the whole evening away from him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As for his going, Emma did not wish him to think it possible; the hours would be too late, and the party too numerous. He was soon pretty well resigned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am not fond of dinner-visiting,\" said he; \"I never was. No more is Emma. Late hours do not agree with us. I am sorry Mr. and Mrs. Cole should have done it. I think it would be much better if they would come in one afternoon next summer, and take their tea with us; take us in their afternoon walk, which they might do, as our hours are so reasonable, and yet get home without being out in the damp of the evening. The dews of a summer evening are what I would not expose any body too. However, as they are so very desirous to have dear Emma dine with them, and as you will both be there, and Mr. Knightley too, to take care of her, I cannot wish to prevent it, provided the weather be what it ought, neither damp, nor cold, nor windy.\" Then turning to Mrs. Weston with a look of gentle reproach,—\"Ah, Miss Taylor, if you had not married, you would have staid at home with me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, sir,\" cried Mr. Weston, \"as I took Miss Taylor away, it is incumbent on me to supply her place, if I can; and I will step to Mrs. Goddard in a moment, if you wish it.\"\n\nBut the idea of any thing to be done in a moment was increasing, not lessening, Mr. Woodhouse's agitation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ladies knew better how to allay it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mr. Weston must be quiet, and every thing deliberately arranged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With this treatment, Mr. Woodhouse was soon composed enough for talking as usual." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He should be happy to see Mrs. Goddard. He had a great regard for Mrs. Goddard; and Emma should write a line and invite her. James could take the note. But first of all, there must be an answer written to Mrs. Cole.\"\n\n\"You will make my excuses, my dear, as civilly as possible. You will say that I am quite an invalid, and go nowhere, and therefore must decline their obliging invitation; beginning with my compliments, of course. But you will do every thing right. I need not tell you what is to be done. We must remember to let James know that the carriage will be wanted on Tuesday. I shall have no fears for you with him. We have never been there above once since the new approach was made; but still I have no doubt that James will take you very safely: and when you get there, you must tell him at what time you would have him come for you again; and you had better name an early hour. You will not like staying late. You will get very tired when tea is over.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But you would not wish me to come away before I am tired, papa?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh no, my love; but you will soon be tired. There will be a great many people talking at once. You will not like the noise.\"\n\n\"But, my dear sir,\" cried Mr. Weston, \"if Emma comes away early, it will be breaking up the party.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And no great harm if it does,\" said Mr. Woodhouse. \"The sooner every party breaks up the better.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But you do not consider how it may appear to the Coles. Emma's going away directly after tea might be giving offence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They are good-natured people, and think little of their own claims; but still they must feel that any body's hurrying away is no great compliment; and Miss Woodhouse's doing it would be more thought of than any other person's in the room. You would not wish to disappoint and mortify the Coles, I am sure, sir; friendly, good sort of people as ever lived, and who have been your neighbours these ten years." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, upon no account in the world. Mr. Weston, I am much obliged to you for reminding me. I should be extremely sorry to be giving them any pain. I know what worthy people they are. Perry tells me that Mr. Cole never touches malt liquor. You would not think it to look at him, but he is bilious—Mr. Cole is very bilious. No, I would not be the means of giving them any pain. My dear Emma, we must consider this. I am sure, rather than run the risk of hurting Mr. and Mrs. Cole, you would stay a little longer than you might wish. You will not regard being tired. You will be perfectly safe, you know, among your friends.\"\n\n\"Oh yes, papa. I have no fears at all for myself; and I should have no scruples of staying as late as Mrs. Weston, but on your account. I am only afraid of your sitting up for me. I am not afraid of your not being exceedingly comfortable with Mrs. Goddard. She loves piquet, you know; but when she is gone home, I am afraid you will be sitting up by yourself, instead of going to bed at your usual time; and the idea of that would entirely destroy my comfort. You must promise me not to sit up.\"\n\nHe did, on the condition of some promises on her side: such as that, if she came home cold, she would be sure to warm herself thoroughly; if hungry, that she would take something to eat; that her own maid should sit up for her; and that Serle and the butler should see that every thing were safe in the house as usual." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI Prompt: 3 sentences sentences. Match character context. chick lit, romance genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If anyone had asked me whether I considered myself a humble person, I would have said yes. Maybe I would have hesitated before answering. Truly humble people do that, don't they?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Appear uncomfortable with any kind of spotlight?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Turn the conversation away from themselves?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I don't know if I was uncomfortable with it. I wasn't used to it. Growing up in the foster care system, going to college on scholarship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I got hired straight out of NYU, worked on Wall Street in a firm where I'd had to borrow money to buy the suits I needed to fit in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So yeah, I knew what humility felt like, but after three years of working my way up the ladder and being given the opportunity to skip a rung here and there, I might have bought my own press to some degree.\n\nI was young, on the way to being rich by any standard I'd ever considered a measuring stick, and women seemed to enjoy my company.\n\nOn this particular night, a group of us headed downtown for dinner and drinks at Cipriani." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We're ordering a second bottle of wine when Ashley Lewis pulls a chair over and wedges it between me and Sam Hawkins, a co-worker who's likely my biggest competition for a next promotion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ashley tells him to move over, and he does so with a raised eyebrow and a knowing smile directed my way. There's a bit of jealousy etched beneath it.\n\nI stand and help her position the chair closer to the table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey,\" she says.\n\n\"Hey,\" I say, sitting back down, and picking up a bottle of wine, holding it poised over the glass in front of her.\n\n\"I'd love some.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pour her one, stopping halfway since it's fairly clear she's well on her way to being intoxicated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ashley started with the firm last year, an MBA out of Stanford, and when it came to the genetic lottery pool, she got more than her fair share of winning tickets. Beautiful enough to be on magazine covers for a living. And smart enough to run her own hedge fund one day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the past couple of weeks, she's been letting me know she'd like to take our friendship outside the office. It hasn't seemed like a great idea, but now that she's sitting here next to me, looking great, smelling great, I realize I'm going to have a hard time turning her down.\n\nThe place is crowded, and laughter rings out from multiple tables around the room, conversation a hum beneath it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ashley barely lets me finish answering one question before she tosses me another one, and I recognize her people skills with some admiration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She has no need to turn the focus to herself, and I wonder if this is because she is shy or so confident in who she is that she doesn't need to display insecurity over it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We share the risotto I'd ordered and are making our way through our mutually agreed up on sides of the plate when my phone pings. I glance at the screen and see a text from an unfamiliar number.\n\nI pick up the phone and tap into messages." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I recognize the number as the doctor's office where I had gone for some lab work a few days ago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blood work had been a non-negotiable part of completing an update to my health insurance policy with the firm. I recall now checking the box that gave them permission to contact me through text and email. The message is short." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Your results are in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Please come by our office between" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "8 and 10 AM tomorrow for some further testing.\n\nHe feels the ping of concern that hits his center. He puts the phone down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What's wrong?\" Ashley asks. \"You look worried.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Probably nothing. Just getting the results back for our health insurance update.\"\n\n\"What a pain, right?\" she asks, taking a sip of her wine. \"Everything okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sure,\" he says." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Maybe they missed something.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah,\" she says, reaching over to cover my hand with hers, as if she senses my uncertainty.\n\nIn all honesty, I was grateful for the connection. Before that message, I had no real plans of furthering anything with Ashley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I went home with her that night." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I did not want to be alone." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Hey can you write like Inglath Cooper and use whatever i write as a jumping off point? btw characters and stuff might show up without backstory, just go with it" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not 40, I'm 18 with 22 years of experience.\"\n\n― Unknown" }, { "from": "human", "value": "[ Catherine ]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The English breakfast buffet is everything it has been billed to be. It's set up in the beachfront Bajan Blue restaurant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As the hostess leads me to my table, I let my gaze take in the incredible scene before me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blue, blue sky serves as a canopy to the blue-green ocean water, white sand beach and dozens of pink umbrellas and beach chairs. It is the dead of winter in New York." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The colors here are a visual feast, and I can only imagine that people who see this every day must have much higher serotonin levels than the average person." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I honestly could look at it forever.\n\n\"Will this be okay for you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the hostess asks with a smile, waving a hand at the table facing the beach.\n\n\"It's perfect,\" I tell her, pulling out my chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would you like coffee this morning?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, please.\"\n\nShe asks for my room number, and I give it to her after which she tells me to help myself to the breakfast buffet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hungry from the kick-butt spin class, I head for the food." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's a bar with pitchers of fresh green juice. I reach for one and snag a glass of carrot as well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I take them back to the table and then fill a plate with two boiled eggs, sliced tomatoes, blueberries and mango." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I eat as if I haven't eaten in days. I can't remember the last time food tasted this good, and I sit back, sipping my green juice and letting my gaze take in the beauty of the surroundings all over again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The birds here have to be the happiest I've ever seen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But then if I were a bird, this is where I would want to live. A small wren tiptoes across the marble floor, spotting a blueberry beneath a chair." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He snaps it up and flies over to sit on a rail in wait for the next morsel." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I'm forty today.\n\nThe reality of that hits me all over again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's something I've dreaded, a number that looms on the horizon once thirty is in the taillights. I think about the class I just finished, and I'm pleased I kept up with the instructor's admittedly demanding goals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Anders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The name matches the man. Strong. Memorable.\n\nSomething flutters in my stomach, and I let myself visualize his face and that incredible body of his." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How long since I felt attracted to a man? No one man since Connor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not one in three years.\n\nWhen Connor and I were married, I had noticed men." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not a complete prude. But it was never something I acted on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Notice and move on. Married didn't mean dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it did mean committed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To me, it had anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My thoughts skitter back to Anders. You'd have to be dead not to notice him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Six-three would be my guess." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dark brown hair, short on the sides, longer on top. Wavy. Blue eyes, thick lashes, a dark slash of eyebrows. Sun-kissed skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And those arms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wide shoulders. Defined biceps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And how old is he?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Late twenties? I blink once, breaking my trance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Is forty too old to fantasize? Maybe not. But that doesn't make it pointless. Which it is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I finish my juice, pour some coffee from the silver French press into my cup and pull out the novel I'd stowed in my bag earlier. I haven't read a book in ages, and I make a resolution to restore in my life some of the things I'd once loved to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd started this morning with a good workout." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Next on the list, reading.\n\nI run my fingers across the cover of the hardback novel." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I've spent the past three years mourning a life that is gone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For good. Never going to come back. For the first time in a long, long time, I wonder what might lie ahead for me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What if I'm not destined to spend the rest of my years alone, working like someone who has nothing else to define her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A man like Anders Walker surely has a waiting list for lovers, all fifteen years younger than me.\n\nI'd never dream of trying to throw my hat in that ring, but maybe he's been put in my path to remind me I can feel things I never thought I'd feel again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's a present in and of itself.\n\nI take a sip of my coffee, letting my gaze settle on the peaceful setting before me once more.\n\nHappy birthday to me." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative chapter writing\nMy role: Provide a story segment\nYour role: Expand with six sentences, emulating Inglath Cooper in the chick lit, romance genre\nNote: This is part of a larger work" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She is mortified." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm pretty sure she'd like to make a rope of my sympathetic reassurances and hang me with it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few minutes pass while she takes in air and regains her composure.\n\n\"Am I destined to humiliate myself in front of you?\" she finally asks.\n\n\"Don't waste any energy worrying about that. I've paid the price for over indulgence more times than I'd care to admit.\"\n\n\"I've never done this. Ever.\"\n\n\"Then you were overdue. Everyone needs to lose control once in a while.\"\n\n\"Why?\" she asks, leaning back to look at me with an incredulous stare." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required dialogue to include (maintain exact wording): \"How do you know I'm a control freak?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because what control freaks fear most is losing control.\"\n\n\"How do you know I'm a control freak?\"\n\n\"Aren't you?\"\n\nShe'd like to deny it. The evidence is there on her face, the struggle between making an argument to the contrary and the realization that she's already given me plenty of evidence to support my assertion.\n\nShe shrugs. \"Not that it does any good being one. Trying to control life is like trying to hold water in your hands. There's only so much that will fit in your palm. The rest is just going to leak out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on. Let's walk. Don't want to cramp up.\"\n\n\"More discomfort at this point really won't make a difference.\"\n\nI put a loose arm around her shoulders and nudge her forward. \"Yeah. It will.\" We walk a couple of hundred yards before I say, \"So you're looking at a reformed control freak.\"\n\n\"You?\" she asks, the doubt clear in her voice.\n\n\"I look way too laid back, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well... yeah. Control freaks don't usually walk away from things like Wall Street.\"\n\n\"No. They don't. I was a perfectionist. Had to make straight A's in school. Graduate at the top of my class. Be among the top hires.\"\n\n\"That's great, isn't it? Impressive anyway.\"\n\n\"Yeah, if you actually appreciate yourself for those accomplishments. I couldn't do that because I was always looking for the thing I hadn't yet done and defining myself by that.\"\n\nShe's quiet, and I have to wonder if she's recognizing herself in what I've just said. \"A counselor once told me the need to control is really about perfectionism and the inability to accept uncertainty. Do you agree with that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I glance out at the ocean to our right, stare at it for a few moments before I say, \"I grew up in foster care, not knowing whether I would be in a different home from one week to another. And I guess my trying to create a life as perfect as I could make it was all about denying uncertainty.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh. Anders. I didn't mean to pry-\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'point' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's okay,\" I say. \"My mom was a teenager when she had me. Motherhood proved too hard at that point. She left me alone overnight when I was three and the state took me away from her.\"\n\nShe looks horrified. \"I'm sorry.\"\n\nI shrug. \"That was part of my life. I can't deny it. I guess I've finally gotten to a place of accepting that all of that has made me who I am today. A man who accepts that there's little in this world that's for certain. At some point, I decided to take each day as it comes and try not to mold it in my image.\"\n\nShe stops, folds her arms across her chest and stares out at the ocean far below. \"Do you ever see your mother?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She died when I was seven. I never knew who my dad was.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looks at me, holds my gaze for several long moments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's an awful lot of uncertainty.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It was. I tried to outrun it by trying to prove that the bad stuff can't touch you if you're perfect enough.\"\n\n\"I know what you had to do to get a job with that firm on Wall Street. After all that, you just found the courage to walk away?\"\n\n\"There's a little more to it,\" I say.\n\n\"What?\" she asks, caution entering her voice.\n\n\"We'll save that for another day,\" I determine, suddenly certain I do not want to change the way she sees me. Because I know that if I tell her the truth, she will not look at me the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I'm not ready for that yet." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I suppose it's inevitable, but I don't want to see that look in her eyes. Not yet." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative chapter writing\nMy role: Provide a story segment\nYour role: Expand with six sentences, emulating Inglath Cooper in the chick lit, romance genre\nNote: This is part of a larger work" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you are in a beautiful place where you can enjoy sunrise and sunset, then you are living like a lord.\"\n\n― Nathan Phillips\n\n[ Anders ]\n\nOnce you've accepted the inevitability of death, I mean the inevitability of your own death, living becomes a tricky thing.\n\nWhen the doctors at Sanoviv finally declared my body cancer-free over two years ago, I had no idea how to navigate the road back to living without the fear that any day could be my last. Death had defined my life long enough that I didn't know how to expect more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Of course, it could be the last day for any of us, at any time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There's nothing to say that my heart won't stop beating in the middle of the night. That I won't step off a curb in front of a moving bus. I do believe that when it's my time, it's my time. But apparently, it isn't yet. And I wonder on a regular basis if some part of me is afraid to live like I have forever, if that might in some way tempt fate and make it change its mind on the u-turn it gave me after I went to Sanoviv.\n\nI've just stepped back into the house to turn the speakers on outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I stand now inside the French doors, watching Catherine sit at the edge of the pool, her feet dangling in the water. Her silhouette against the dim lighting around the pool is beautiful, her long blonde hair a curtain against her back. She dips a hand into the surface of the water, lifting it high and letting it trail through her fingers. She does this over and over again, the simple motion cathartic to watch. The moon is large and yellow-orange tonight, and it casts a perfect arc of light across her figure. Staring at her, I am lit with a flame of desire like nothing I have felt in a very long time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With my illness, all physical desire dissolved inside me, and I had no reason to believe it would ever return." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It did when I met Celeste, but it was always marked by reserve, fear, I guess. And so I held some piece of myself back, as if I were living as an imposter, the old me gone forever.\n\nCatherine turns, sees me, holds out her hand. I am torn between a want so strong it is as if it has wrapped its roots around my heart and a terror equally capable of robbing me of all courage to give this thing between us a chance.\n\nI step outside, close the door behind me, walk across the travertine and sit down next to her. The water in the pool glistens beneath the moonlight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey,\" she says.\n\n\"Hey.\"\n\nShe studies me for several long seconds, and says, \"I can go back to the hotel now if you'd like for me to.\"\n\nSomething strong and innate tells me I would be wise to agree that it's time for that. But what I know more than anything right now is that I don't want her to. I want her to stay." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A stronger man would make that happen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are a strong man.\"\n\n\"Not when it comes to you,\" I admit in a barely audible admission.\n\nShe lets out a soft breath, as if she has been holding it, waiting for my answer. She puts her hand over mine, presses her palm against my skin. \"There's something you're not telling me,\" she says. \"I can feel it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now is the time to confess my history, the truth about my life here. I want to tell her. I need to tell her, but I don't know how to do so in a way that won't cause her to get up and run, as any logical person would do.\n\n\"Are you married?\" The three word question pops out of her as if she has wanted to ask for some time, but wouldn't allow herself to do so.\n\nThe irony does not escape me. My quiet laugh startles her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I shake my head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Catherine. I'm not married.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'across' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Relief dances across her expression, as if this is the greatest thing she fears, the worst thing she could think of as a reason not to be with me. And given her history, maybe it would be. But the real reason is far worse.\n\nShe runs her hand up my arm, leans in closer, her mouth scant inches from mine. \"Oh. Okay. That is really good to hear.\"\n\nThe words whisper across my lips, igniting a fresh heat inside me, the heat of desire, of need, of the kind of want I haven't known for a very long time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Want based on a connection I've never imagined actually finding." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'against' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beat of the music lifts my heartbeat so I feel it against the wall of my chest. I could ruin all of this with a few select words, blow it right out of the realm of possibility. Should I? Am I wrong not to?\n\nShe leans in and presses her lips against mine. Her touch is soft, feather-light, but it instantly erases all thoughts from my mind except the need to have her closer. I slip my arms around her waist and lift her onto my lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She slides a leg on either side of me, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me now full on, her mouth letting me know I am welcome, that she wants me in the way every man wants to be wanted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With complete abandon and reckless need.\n\nI take the lead now, kissing her full and long, pressing her back into the palms of my hands. I can feel her breasts through the thin material of my shirt, and all I know is that I want her against me, skin to skin, no barriers between us. She tightens her arms around my neck, opening her mouth to deepen the kiss. She leans back, pulling me into her, and all of a sudden, we are falling backwards, into the pool. I'm on top of her, the weight of my body pushing her deep into the water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I panic now, reaching for her, pulling her up against me and kicking my way to the surface." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When we break through, she immediately starts laughing." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'around' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Relief floods through me. \"I thought I'd drowned you,\" I say instantly, anchoring an elbow against the wall of the pool and holding onto her.\n\nShe's still laughing when she wraps her legs around my waist, and her arms are around my neck again, her breasts pressed to my chest. \"I think we have a problem,\" she says softly.\n\n\"Oh, yeah? What's that?\" Desire threads my voice, but I don't see any point in trying to hide it now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I need to get you out of these wet clothes,\" she says, starting to unbutton my shirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wouldn't want you to catch a cold. I mean, just think. You wouldn't be able to teach spin. And you'd have all those disappointed ladies to contend with.\"\n\n\"I certainly don't like disappointing the ladies.\"\n\nBy now, she's reached the bottom button. She grazes the back of her hand against my skin, raking it up my abdomen while her gaze drinks me in. \"How long did it take you to get that six-pack?\"\n\n\"A while,\" I admit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're a walking advertisement for your class.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You think?\"\n\n\"I know.\"\n\nShe slides the shirt from my shoulders and struggles for a moment to get my arms out. Once she wins the battle, she drops it on the tile floor of the pool.\n\n\"If you think that's necessary for me,\" I say, my gaze on her face, \"I'd better get yours off too. A cold would ruin the rest of your vacation.\"\n\n\"It would,\" she agrees softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That would be a shame. Staying in my room eating soup with the sun shining outside.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I smile at this and put my attention on the fact that she's wearing some kind of fitted, sleeveless sweater, through which I can clearly see the outline of her lacy bra. I put a hand to the bottom of the sweater, raise one side, then the other. She lifts her arms straight up in assistance and takes it from me.\n\n\"Catherine,\" I say, her name a hoarse plea in my throat. I can't take my eyes off her.\n\nShe reaches one hand around to the back of her bra, unhooks it and sends it off into the night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I swallow once. Hard." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are so. Incredibly. Beautiful.\"\n\nShe slides her arms around me again, and hides herself against my chest, as if she is having second thoughts about her brazenness. \"It's been a very long time since I felt beautiful.\"\n\nI tip her face up, forcing her to look at me. \"You have no idea what you do to me, do you?\"\n\n\"Well, I might have a bit of an idea,\" she says, laughing softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But then I am half naked and throwing myself at you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is that how you see it? Throwing yourself at me?\"\n\n\"A bit, I guess. I mean, I'm older, and you're not. And-\"\n\nI don't let her finish, slipping an arm under her legs and lifting her fully up against me. We're at the shallow end of the pool, and I stride through the water as if it's the only thing between me and having this woman I want so much.\n\nUp the steps, across the travertine floor to the glass door that opens to my bedroom. It isn't locked, and I slide it open with one hand, stepping through and leaving it open behind us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't stop until we're at the bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I fling back the thick comforter and lower her slowly to the thick cotton sheets I'm suddenly glad I splurged on, kissing her now with none of the reserve I've shown her so far. I drive my tongue deep into her mouth, letting her know in no uncertain terms what else I want to do to her.\n\nShe moans softly and pulls me to her. And when I aim to slide in beside her, she steers me on top of her, one hand on each of my hips, letting me know now what she would like for me to do to her.\n\nWe kiss for a long time, wild and out of control, like two people starved for physical contact, but not just with anyone. The kind of contact that has meaning behind it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I feel that it does." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This isn't casual. It isn't thoughtless. And more than anything else, that scares the hell out of me.\n\nI roll off her, stare at the ceiling, breathing hard, one arm thrown above my head on the pillow.\n\nShe moves onto her side, places a tentative hand on my stomach. \"Hey,\" she says. \"What is it?\"\n\n\"Catherine. Dear God. There's so much you don't know about me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know I want you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I reach a hand to the side of her face, rub my thumb across her chin. I want to ignore my own misgivings, strip the rest of her clothes off and show her that all the reasons she's thought this shouldn't happen have nothing to do with how much I want her.\n\nShe leans in and kisses me softly. I feel the pleading there. She takes my hand, laces my fingers with hers. \"So tell me,\" she says." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand the story by adding 1 sentence. Context: May include pre-existing characters and lore." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is no instinct like that of the heart.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "― Lord Byron" }, { "from": "human", "value": "[ Anders ]" }, { "from": "human", "value": "We spend every available minute of the next few days together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Along with the time we spend alone in my house, cooking, swimming and making love, I resolve to find something new to show her every day, a hike on the rugged East Coast with incredible views, a visit to the Wildlife Reserve in St. Peter to see the Green Monkeys during feeding time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One afternoon, I make a picnic with the food I have on hand, some tomatoes and a loaf of bread I'd bought at a local bakery yesterday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I add cheese and fruit to the basket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We load chairs and towels into the back of the Defender and head out for a beach I love going to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's public but isn't well known, and I've wanted to show it to her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's a twenty minute or so drive from my house, and we take the curvy roads with one of my favorite playlists from class blasting, the windows down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sky is so cloudless it almost looks fake as a backdrop to a bright yellow sun." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I take my sunglasses off because I want to absorb all of its beauty, and then I glance at Catherine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her head rests against the seat, and she's staring out the window at the island passing by, a look of contentment on her face that makes me happy that I might be responsible for putting it there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's tempting to let myself think past the here and now, wonder what lies beyond last night and today." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But I'm not going to." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm going to do what I've been doing for the past three years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Live the moment. Don't ask for more. Don't expect more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As if she feels my thoughts, Catherine turns her head, looks directly at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She places her hand over mine on the gearshift, squeezes once." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And I don't need any words. Her touch says exactly what I'm thinking, anyway." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Writer's block help needed. This is from a bigger story - gonna send you something then keep it going 11 sentences at a time. Going for Inglath Cooper vibes in the chick lit, romance genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'\n\n'Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,' he asked, 'or bit by bit?'\n\n'It doesn't happen all at once,' said the Skin Horse. 'You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.\"\n\n― Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit\n\n[ Catherine ]\n\nMy dad is waiting beside my mom when I come out of the ICU. The nurse who had shown me in had kindly, but firmly, told me I would have to leave when my allotted time was up. I could see that she would let me stay had it been up to her, but I didn't want to put her in that position.\n\nAs soon as my dad sees me, he starts to cry, and then I'm crying, too, and we're all hugging each other, our arms forming a circle of support like pillars under a bridge.\n\nI can't remember if I've ever seen my dad cry, and the sound of his broken heart deepens the cracks in my own. It's then I know I have to tell them the truth about what happened between Nicole and me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't want to, but they deserve to know that I have a part to play in the reason she is here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pull back and look at them both." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can we go somewhere private? There's something I have to tell you.\"\n\n\"Of course, honey,\" Dad says in a shaky voice.\n\nMom leads the way down the hall and to the far end of the corridor where a small waiting area is marked for visitors of ICU patients. There's no one else there, and as we step inside, I close the door behind us.\n\n\"What is it, Cat?\" Mom asks, and I can see she is worried there is something more horrible to absorb, and maybe there is. One daughter who no longer wants to live. And another with a heart of stone.\n\nI walk over to the window and look out across the road between the hospital and the water. I fold my arms across my chest, not sure I can hold back the dam of remorse waiting to spill out of me. The silence in the room becomes so loud that I have to get the words out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They are poison in my soul. \"It's my fault she's here.\"\n\nI say the words without turning around. I can't face them.\n\nMy mom's voice is a whisper. \"What do you mean, honey?\"\n\nMy dad walks over, puts his hand on my shoulder and slowly turns me to face them. \"Catherine. You love your sister. You've always loved her.\"\n\nA sob rises in my throat, and I can no longer keep it inside me. \"We haven't talked to each other in a long time... something happened.\"\n\n\"What?\" Mom implores." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The agony in her voice makes me realize I can no longer keep any of it from them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe I should have told them long ago. Maybe they could have helped Nicole and me find our way back.\n\n\"Connor and Nicole had an affair.\"\n\nMy dad takes a step back and drops onto a chair by the window. Neither of us says anything, the silence in the room thick with shock.\n\nI wait for them to absorb what I have said. There is nothing to add to soften it. The truth is an ugly fact.\n\n\"Oh, Cat,\" Mom says. \"Why?\"\n\nI shake my head. \"It doesn't matter now. Obviously, Connor and I had problems I didn't recognize.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Match existing character familiarity or establish new\nLength:\n12 sentences\nGenre:\nfantasy, romance, Russia" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri urged Agnesse on through the trees. The snow whipped and whirled around them so that he could hardly see the path. He cursed the saltpetre merchant for causing him to go out in such weather.\n\nAgnesse whinnied and wheeled round, and he cursed her too, before realising she knew the route better than he did. He had ridden right past the crossroads without turning. If the horse hadn't known the way, they might have carried on further into the forest, where were many bogs and unwholesome places. That was certainly no place to be at night in foul weather.\n\n\"Good girl.\" He patted Agnesse's neck, letting her lead the way.\n\nThere were few lights on in Kirev House, and no one in the stables. Dmitri saw to Agnesse himself, before going through into the kitchen. \"Hello?\" he called. \"Irinka? Bettina?\"\n\nSomething on the stove bubbled and smelled enticing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri's stomach growled, and he drew closer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had the spoon half way to his mouth, when Bettina entered the room." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 5 instance(s) of the word 'dmitri'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gave a cry, and almost dropped her stack of plates.\n\nDmitri apologised for startling her, and asked if the family were at home. Bettina said they were just having their pudding. \"Shall I announce you?\"\n\nHe glanced again at the stove top. \"I suppose a bowl would be out of the question?\"\n\n\"Have you had no dinner, Master Dmitri? Is there no one to look after you in town? Why ever you felt the need to move away from Irinka's fine cooking, I cannot understand.\"\n\nDmitri swiftly cleaned out the bowl she handed him, assuring her it was not Irinka's cooking he had moved away from.\n\nIrinka entered the kitchen, laden with more trays and glasses from upstairs. She gave Dmitri a sharp look. \"So it was something else you needed to escape?\"\n\nDmitri opened his mouth and closed it again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Irinka gave a soft laugh. \"It is good to see you again, Master Dmitri. You neglect us, now you're such a big man around town.\"\n\n\"It is more convenient for me to live in town,\" Dmitri said uncomfortably. \"It is closer to the mine, for one thing, and-\"\n\nBoth the serving women began to laugh. \"Don't take on so, lad,\" Irinka advised. \"Don't you have a kiss for me?\"\n\nDmitri blushed at how easily he was teased, but he rose and planted a kiss on the older woman's cheek. She held his arms and studied him, saying, \"You're thin. And tired. You don't look after yourself.\" This time she was not teasing. \"Are you sleeping?\"\n\n\"Yes, Irinka.\"\n\n\"But probably drinking too much?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri glanced towards Bettina for help, but the younger servant only shrugged, an amused look on her face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would not dare take such liberties with the young master herself, but Irinka was practically one of the family. She had helped to raise Dmitri and his sister even before their mother's death. When Mr Rachmanov hatched his scheme to reopen Korsakov's old mine, she had made the journey along with them. She had also brought her own son, Vitali, who worked in the stables, the gardens, and wherever he was needed.\n\nIrinka took Dmitri's silence for agreement, murmuring, \"The apple does not fall far from the tree.\"\n\nTo change the subject, Dmitri said it was a good thing he'd moved to town, and didn't have to find his way through these cursed trees every night. \"I almost lost my way just this evening. Luckily Agnesse has more sense than I.\"\n\nIrinka said she wouldn't argue with that, but Bettina begged him to be careful. \"Those who lose their way in the forest don't come back. The Leshy finds them and then – God help them!\"\n\n\"If I encounter the Leshy I will ask him politely for directions.\"\n\n\"It will take more than politeness,\" Irinka told him. \"Once, men left offerings for the forest beings. These days they are neglectful, and that angers them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then perhaps I will offer him a cake,\" Dmitri said carelessly, pecking another kiss on her cheek." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That ought to do the trick? Now, I expect my father will have finished his pudding.\"\n\nHe let himself into the drawing room. Stanislav Rachmanov was seated in the wing chair beside the hearth, one leg raised on a plain stool. He harrumphed over a political pamphlet, and took a long drink of claret.\n\n\"I shall need another bottle,\" he called, hearing the door.\n\n\"Then you shall have it, Father.\" Dmitri tugged the bell-pull.\n\nHis sister, Yana, looked up from her embroidery. \"Dmitri! How good to see you.\"\n\nDmitri said warmly that it was good to see her too. While they embraced he whispered, \"And how is he?\"\n\nYana gave a rueful smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As well as can be expected.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include this dialogue snippet naturally: \"I have to speak to you regarding the mine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To what do we owe this pleasure?\" growled Stanislav, turning awkwardly in his chair.\n\n\"Father,\" Dmitri said, giving a small bow. \"Are you well?\"\n\nStanislav replied that his health was tolerable. \"I won't get up,\" he added, tapping a cane against his raised leg. \"Damned gout's playing the merry devil with me again.\"\n\nDmitri said he was sorry to hear it, and asked if there was anything he could do, but his father waved away his concern, asserting that he was otherwise fit as a butcher's dog.\n\nVitali arrived with another bottle of claret, and Dmitri exchanged greetings with him while he filled three glasses.\n\nStanislav said, \"I'm sure you didn't ride through the forest on such a night to ask after my health?\"\n\n\"No, Father,\" Dmitri admitted. \"I have to speak to you regarding the mine.\"\n\nStanislav replaced his glass heavily on the side table, and turned to fully face his son." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The firelight glinted on his one good eye, throwing runnels of shadow down the scarred side of his face. \"What trouble are you in now?\"\n\n\"As you know, Father, there is war just over the border-\"\n\n\"I read the pamphlets. Where is this going?\"\n\n\"The soldiers need gunpowder for their muskets and cannon-\"\n\n\"Spit it out, boy. I am no nervous maiden to be courted so carefully.\"\n\nDmitri puffed out a sigh. \"Markovic has increased his price.\"\n\n\"The damned villain!\" Stanislav growled, slapping his palm against the chair arm. \"What is he charging? Sixteen? Seventeen?\"\n\n\"Nineteen per barrel.\"\n\nYana winced at the vociferous swearing which followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stanislav finally broke off, coughing. He snatched up his wine, draining it at a gulp. As he replaced the glass, his maimed fingers fumbled, and it tipped over. He grumbled at Yana as she leapt to retrieve it, insisting he could manage perfectly well himself. Yana apologised, but set the glass upright, refilling it, and placing it close to his hand.\n\n\"We should have got into saltpetre manufacture ourselves,\" Stanislav said, when his anger had died down. \"I thought about it, long ago, when we first came here. But there was so much else to do. Think of it. We could be virtually self-sufficient. We have the forest for charcoal. We'd still need to buy in sulphur, but it has never posed the difficulties saltpetre has. You should look into it,\" he decided. \"I'd like to see Markovic's face when you tell him you don't need his overpriced rubbish any more.\"\n\n\"Make our own saltpetre? But its manufacture requires very specific conditions. That's why it is so scarce, and so valuable.\"\n\n\"That's precisely why we should control it!\"\n\n\"But we would need capital to set up-\"\n\nStanislav narrowed his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No pioneering spirit, that's your problem, boy. No ambition. You've never been hungry, not like I was at your age.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Father, you're being unfair,\" said Yana." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Haven't you always been proud of how far you have risen? That you could spare us the hardships of your own childhood? You cannot now criticise Dmitri for the ease of the life you were able to provide for us.\"\n\nYana kept her tone light and teasing, but Stanislav turned on her angrily. \"We're discussing business now, girl. Leave us.\"\n\nYana's mouth set in a straight line. She rose, gathering a once-elegant shawl around her shoulders. \"It was lovely to see you, Dmitri. You must come for dinner on Sunday. We will not discuss any business,\" she added pointedly. \"Only pleasant matters.\"\n\nDmitri smiled apologetically, and promised he would come. Once Yana had left, he and his father got down to discussing precisely how much extra money was required to keep the mine open. Stanislav's estimate was none.\n\n\"You must make the books balance. If costs go up, payments must come down. How many men do you employ as charcoal burners? Couldn't boys do that at a fraction of the wage?\"\n\nDmitri shook his head. \"The men rely on their wages. I can't simply turf them out and replace them with boys.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'while' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His father told him that leadership required hard decisions. \"They are your employees, not your friends. Though the confusion is understandable when you spend your nights carousing with them in the local tavern.\"\n\nThe discussion grumbled on for an hour or more. Dmitri eventually received grudging assurances that he would have the money he needed to cover the increased expense of the saltpetre. He had drained his third glass of claret, and was already rising from his chair, when Stanislav poured him another.\n\n\"What's the rush, boy?\" he asked, in a tone softer than he had yet used that evening. \"Stay a while. Keep me company.\"\n\n\"Of course, Father.\"\n\nDmitri sat back down and lifted his glass. Stanislav was silent a while, staring into the dying fire. Eventually he said, \"When I am gone, all of it will be yours. The house, the mine, the knowledge. The debts, the mortgage...\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He twisted the wineglass in his left hand - the missing digits on his right made subtle gestures difficult." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When we came here ten years ago I looked for partners in this grand endeavour. I told them gunpowder would be the future. I told them how rich we would be. I went to the banker, Nevsky. To Rudov, the landowner. To any in town with capital to invest. They all thought I was mad. They said I'd kill myself and all foolish enough to set explosions underground.\"\n\nNone of this was news to Dmitri, but he appreciated that his father had mellowed into a more reflective mood, and he was happy to listen.\n\n\"And it seemed they were right. For a time it seemed God himself bore us ill will. I might have given up. When the pumps continually broke, flooding the lower levels. When the furnace house burned down... But I would not be beaten! I would not give in. I put all of my money into Yanochka, and made it back within two years. I doubled it the next year. Then they started asking if I needed investors!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I didn't. I did it all on my own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Every time I see Nevsky now he offers to buy shares, to enter into partnerships. And I tell him, no. I'd rather borrow at his outrageous rates than cut him into my profits. He had his chance.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri knew how strongly his father felt about this, though he had never felt the matter so keenly himself. In the early days it had not troubled him one way or another. But Yanochka's output had been declining steadily for the past few years, and the Rachmanov's fortune dwindling. Intrusions of ironstone made the mining slow and expensive. They spent more in speculation than they received back in profit. The house was mortgaged. Many of the rooms were empty, their contents sold.\n\nHe thought it was high time to move past this old grudge and accept what financial help was offered. He had put it to his father several times in the past. But he kept his peace tonight, lacking the energy for another argument.\n\n\"When I am gone,\" his father said again. \"Don't parcel up your inheritance and divide it between those vultures.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri frowned, unwilling to make the promise, but moved by his father's confiding manner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He said, \"But you're not going anywhere, surely? Fit as a butcher's dog, I thought?\"\n\nStanislav gave a hollow laugh and drained his glass. \"They don't like us because we weren't born to wealth.\" Dmitri understood he meant the local aristocracy. \"Count Rudov was happy enough to sell me this house, to rent me the land. But he wanted nothing more than that to do with us – made that very clear.\n\n\"I earned my fortune in the courts of Europe, creating the finest firework spectacles ever seen. I danced to the tune of Kings, Princes and Lords, and I did it so well I need never dance to anyone else's tune again. We owe it all to the gunpowder – the great leveller. What else could have brought wealth and power into the hands of an artisan like me?\n\n\"No, they'll never accept me in high society. But you and your sister, you have a chance. You could be respectable. But only if you act the part. If you stop all your tomfoolery in taverns. It's time you settled down. There are several fine families in town. Who's that lady with all the handsome daughters? Olgakov? You could do worse than one of her brood.\"\n\nDmitri coughed a little into his wine. \"Father, I-\"\n\n\"It would help your sister too, if you were to make an advantageous match. She is no longer in the first flush of youth and, as you know-\" Stanislav trailed off, frowning. The small pox which had killed Dmitri's mother had also left Yana heavily scarred. She was consequently considered very plain and pitiable by the people of Korsakov." }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"She would be an admirable match for any man of discernment.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even with a fair dowry, Dmitri knew her prospects were not good.\n\nStanislav gave a short, bitter laugh. \"Perhaps the best that can be said is she is more handsome than me!\"\n\n\"Yana has many fine qualities,\" Dmitri said stiffly. He was uncomfortable discussing his sister in such a blunt manner. It did not seem gentlemanly. \"She would be an admirable match for any man of discernment.\"\n\n\"And yet,\" Stanislav said. \"No suitors come calling.\"\n\nDmitri passed through the kitchen again on his way to the stables, and surprised Bettina pouring out a small dish of milk. She became so flustered and embarrassed that Dmitri asked what she was doing. Bettina pleaded with him not to tell his father, for he would become fearfully angry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tell him what?\"\n\nIrinka lifted the bowl up onto a high shelf and dropped a crust of bread into it. \"Your father doesn't approve of the old ways,\" she said. \"But we keep the household spirits happy and our milk doesn't sour. Our hens don't stop laying. The chimney has not blown down in ten years. We mind our business. They minds theirs.\"\n\n\"It is only a small bowl of milk, after all,\" Bettina said. \"You won't tell him, will you?\"\n\nDmitri frowned and shook his head. \"You do this often?\"\n\n\"It used to be done everywhere,\" Irinka told him. \"Throughout the land. We women remember.\" She pressed a package of seedcake into his hands, and promised to make his favourite spiced goulash when he visited on Sunday.\n\nDmitri thanked her for the cake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sky had cleared, and the wind dropped. It was bitterly cold, a hard crust already forming on the snow. Agnesse picked her way carefully through the deep drifts, shuddering a little - though whether from the cold or some disquiet it was hard to tell.\n\nDmitri gave her her head, trusting her to lead him safely home. He was exhausted from sparring with his father, worried by his worsening health, and by Yana's situation. It was no life for her, cooped up alone in that big house, nursing their crotchety father.\n\nHe experienced a familiar twinge of guilt. He had fled the oppressive old house the first chance he got, leaving Yana to cope alone with the oppressive old man. She insisted she was quite content with the situation, but Dmitri found that hard to believe.\n\nHe was almost asleep in the saddle when he reached town. The gates were closed for the night, but the watchmen recognised him, and a few coins bought his entrance.\n\nHe slipped once more into reverie, letting Agnesse find her way to the tavern, where he stabled her, before making his way through the silent, frozen streets towards home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He opened the door onto a scene of unexpectedly cosy domesticity." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'stove' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The little front room was warm and bright, the stove aglow, lanterns lit. Bread and meat were laid out on the table, and a jar of wine.\n\n\"Bless you, Mrs Zubrev,\" Dmitri said, sinking into his plain wooden chair and stretching his frozen feet towards the stove. He didn't appear to notice the ashes on the floor, or the wine spilled across the table top.\n\nHe sipped the wine, nibbled a piece of bread, and dozed off where he sat." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand this chapter by adding 1 sentence in the fantasy, romance, Russia genre. Note that some context may come from earlier parts." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Kikimora arrived back at Dmitri's little house she could see the welcoming glow of firelight through the shutters, smoke curling away from his chimney into the blustery night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She paid no attention to a smart carriage clipping down the narrow street, until it pulled up outside his house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A liveried footman climbed down from the bench and opened the carriage door." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was some puffing and sighing, the carriage swayed alarmingly, and finally a richly dressed lady climbed down into the street." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was of middle years and exceedingly broad." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was followed by a lady's maid who cradled a basket in one hand, and with the other knocked timidly on the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no answer from within, so the lady stepped forward and rapped with her own large fist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri opened the door in his shirt sleeves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mrs Olgakov. What a surprise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikimora thought his voice held as much dismay as surprise." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surreptitiously, he rolled down his shirt cuffs, and attempted to smooth his hair – though without success." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The lady beamed. \"Mr Rachmanov, I'm so glad to find you at home.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She swept into the room, swiftly followed by her maid and by Kikimora." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her sharp gaze took in the bare furniture, the cracked tiles, and a half empty bottle of vodka standing on the table beside sheaves of ink-stained papers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She ignored Dmitri's offer of a seat, and stood before the small stove." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is altogether far too long since you joined us at supper,\" she announced, her tone at once accusing and rather flirtatious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri began to stammer an apology." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He found Mrs Olgakov a little overwhelming at the best of times, but recalling his father's advice that one of her daughters would make an admirable wife caused him to trip over his words with embarrassment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs Olgakov's smooth voice swept over his like butter over bread." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We must remedy this situation at your earliest convenience, don't you think?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had time only to make some polite but non-committal noises before Mrs Olgakov continued, \"And you must play for us again. The girls would be thrilled. Do you know, my Seraphina has taken up the spinet, and I think you will find that she is already quite accomplished.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh?\" said Dmitri politely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The two of you must duet! Oh, say you will, Mr Rachmanov?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri smiled in a strained manner, eventually realising that his visitor had stopped speaking for long enough this time that she expected an answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It would be my honour and pleasure.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then shall we say Sunday?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ah,\" sighed Dmitri. \"If only I could. But I regret I have a prior engagement this Sunday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs Olgakov looked put out for only a moment, before deciding on a date a few weeks later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My dear boy, you need looking after.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She leaned closer, and said with some significance, \"You need a wife. This place is not fit for one of your filthy miners.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri gave a weak smile, wondering if his father had already spoken to Mrs Olgakov." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Since clearly no one looks after you, I took it upon myself to bring you some supper.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She gestured to her lady's maid, who lifted an earthenware casserole from the basket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Here are some pork dumplings made in my own kitchen this morning, and I assure you they are quite delicious. We must feed you up. You are likely to waste away at this rate.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After she had left, Dmitri sank groaning into his chair, and knocked back the remainder of his vodka." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well,\" he murmured. \"Father will be pleased, at least.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He picked up his papers once more, but looked at them for only a few minutes before his gaze was diverted back to the casserole." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dumplings were cold, but smelled very good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikimora too found herself craning forward to sniff the pot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would have been the work of a few minutes to warm them at the stove, but Dmitri picked one of the cold dumplings up in his ink-stained fingers, and popped it whole into his mouth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He rapidly ate several more while continuing to study his papers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikimora hovered behind him, covetously eyeing the dumplings, and hoping he might leave one or two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was so engrossed in his papers she doubted he would notice her taking one now; but she didn't quite dare risk it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knew from her studies that the best time to unnerve a man was in the still hours of the night, when every safe, familiar thing seems remote and obscure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A simple trick may take on ominous overtones at this time, where in the waking hours rational explanations can more readily be found." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Therefore, she did not spend her energies in disturbing his evening, but was content to bide her time until the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri closed the folder with heavy finality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He drained his latest glass of vodka, and went upstairs to bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikimora waited only a few moments before pouncing on the casserole and helping herself to the remaining food." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hadn't eaten since the day before, and Mrs Olgakov, however overbearing her manner, was right about one thing; the dumplings were delicious." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When she had eaten, Kikimora inspected Dmitri's small collection of cutlery, selecting a long copper ladle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Above the stove hung two iron pans, one large and one small." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She swung the ladle against the smaller pan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The resultant clang was quite a timorous sound, but it seemed horribly loud to Kikimora, its chime carrying in the still kitchen, and only gradually dying away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She waited for any movement or shouts of alarm from upstairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there was nothing, and so after a moment she struck the pan again, clang." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She beat the larger pot, which gave off a far more impressive and resonant, bong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The floorboards creaked in the room above." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri appeared at the top of the stairs, his candle illuminating little more than his face and pale linen nightshirt. \"Hello?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikimora threw the ladle down on the floor, retreating to a corner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is someone there?\" As he descended the stairs, Dmitri's gaze fell on Mrs Olgakov's casserole, its lid awry, and the insides picked clean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hmm,\" he said thoughtfully, glancing once more around the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikimora pressed herself back into the shadowy corner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It had been fun to tease Feodor outside the mine entrance when she had the whole forest to run and hide in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it was different in Dmitri's small house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although she was accomplished at going unnoticed, she felt suddenly trapped and wary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri stooped to retrieve the ladle, hanging it back upon its hook." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He unlatched the front door, looking up and down the empty street." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hmm,\" he said again, a frown settling on his brow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held the candle high, peering into the empty corners of the room, then returned upstairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikimora waited until he had climbed back into his bed and extinguished the candle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Soon his breathing took on the regular rhythm of sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She seized the ladle once more and began to beat a primitive tune upon the two pans, clang-clang bong clang bong-bong clang!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At once Dmitri leapt from his bed and down the stairs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who's there?\" he said, wielding the pewter candlestick threateningly. \"Make yourself known.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He peered into the darkness, making occasional feints with the candlestick, jumping at imagined sounds." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While he lunged suddenly towards the stove, Kikimora smacked the back of his head with the ladle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He cried out, and spun round, sweeping the candlestick before him, jabbing at his unseen assailant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikimora retreated to the stairs, watching him dance and lunge across the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last it seemed that no further assault was forthcoming, and he cautiously set down the candlestick, while fumbling with his tinder box." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took a moment for him to conjure a light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once the candle was lit he held it aloft, peering again all around the kitchen – which appeared to be quite empty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He ran a hand through his hair, muttering profanities." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last he returned upstairs, but the candle remained lit, and his breath irregular." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikimora took the empty vodka bottle from the table and dropped it on the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Again Dmitri appeared on the stairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He descended cautiously, the lighted candle held before him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Observing the shattered bottle he murmured that some devilry was surely at work here. \"Begone!\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whatever you are. Leave me be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He swept the debris into the corner of the room, only once yelping as he trod on a piece of broken glass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cursing and growling he kindled a blaze in the stove, then returned upstairs momentarily to fetch a blanket and a book." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Settling himself before the stove, he began to read." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every so often he glanced up from his book, checking that all was as it should be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't long before his eyes began to close." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His head drooped onto his chest and the book fell shut on his lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikimora crept out once more from behind the stove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blanket was tucked up tight around his head, but his feet poked free." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waited until he had slipped into a steady sleep before darting forward and whipping off his socks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He only twitched and grumbled, but didn't wake." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She threw his socks inside the stove, then softly drew a finger down his instep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the first stroke, Dmitri's foot twitched; at the second he twitched again, and gave a little giggle in his sleep." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The third time, he leapt on top of his chair with a cry." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He demanded to know what the unseen presence wanted with him, cursed it colourfully, then retrieved the smoking embers of his socks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At last, grumbling, he settled down once more before the stove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a long night, both for Dmitri and Kikimora." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lost count of how many times she disturbed his sleep, but at last her own exhaustion was overwhelming, and she lay down behind the still warm stove." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed that no more than a moment passed before Mrs Zubrev threw the door open, letting in the sharp winter wind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri grumbled from deep within the blanket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His housekeeper regarded him without pity." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you forget the way to your bed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "she asked, banging open the shutters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He groaned, recoiling from the cold and light." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As he came to full wakefulness, he leapt from his seat, throwing off the blanket." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs Zubrev exclaimed at the sight of his bare legs, and threw a hand before her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mrs Zubrev, you were right!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "he said. \"There is something in here – some presence. It has tormented me throughout the night, so that I barely slept. It burned my favourite socks!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And did it take your sense of decency? For the love of God, boy, cover yourself up.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri muttered an apology, gathering the blanket around himself once more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So what do you think, Mrs Zubrev? What must I do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"First you must wash your face,\" the housekeeper told him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Find a clean shirt, if you can. I believe I bought you two back from the laundry on Monday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"About the… thing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs Zubrev took up a brush, and began to clear the pile of ashes and broken glass from the corner of the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are a few methods you might try,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Firstly you could burn dried grasses and cow dung in every corner of the house, saying the Lord's prayer and chewing garlic. That might discourage them. Or, of course, it might just make them angry. If that doesn't work, you can make an effigy of river clay and fresh wheat – as fresh as you can find it, at any rate. Take it to the church and have the Father bless it, and then you must bury it beneath the threshold.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you know what it is then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri asked. \"What is causing all this upset?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Household spirits,\" said Mrs Zubrev." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or call them Satan's imps. They're one and the same.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I understood household spirits could be befriended, and then would help around the house and protect it from evil?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs Zubrev crossed herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Once, people thought so – before they correctly understood the teachings of our Lord.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Suppose someone did want to appease the spirits. They would leave out a dish of milk, perhaps?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs Zubrev gave him a sharp look." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"In the old days people left out bread and salt. Sometimes a small glass of good wine. They spoke kindly to the spirits and treated them with respect.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri poured himself a glass of milk and asked why it was no longer done." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mrs Zubrev said it wasn't proper, Christian behaviour, and could only lead to troubles and ungodliness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking a gulp of the milk, Dmitri grimaced and spat it onto the floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is never off?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mrs Zubrev asked. \"I brought it in fresh on Monday.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri sniffed the pot uncertainly, and offered it to the housekeeper to judge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She waved it away, saying she'd trust his senses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, it has soured your milk. You still want to tame this spirit? Or drive it back to Hell?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri left soon afterwards, and Kikimora followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A brisk wind brought down flurries of ice crystals, flinging them at her face, and snatching her skirt out behind her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the cold revived her a little." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Arriving at the mine, she managed to pass entire minutes without yawning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Getting straight to work, she tripped a boy carrying candles, threw snow on the blacksmith's brazier, and loosened the cord on a man's breeches, so that they fell around his ankles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While his companions laughed and whistled, Kikimora noticed a boy standing outside Dmitri's office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He took a moment to smooth his hair, then he dusted his shirt cuffs, squared his shoulders, and knocked on the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Enter,\" Dmitri called." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikimora slipped inside behind the boy, who said, \"If you please, Sir, my uncle Feliks-\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sergei, isn't it? Have a seat.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The boy nodded, and sat on a wooden stool." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't fidget as Feliks had, but sat still and straight-backed, looking steadily ahead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When Dmitri asked, the boy told him he was fourteen years old." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had been working at Yanochka for the past eight years; two below ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your uncle said that you can read?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A little. My Uncle Matthias is a clerk. He taught me some.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri said he was lucky to have so many uncles interested in his welfare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sir,\" the boy agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He began to cough suddenly, and his thin body shook with the force of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It took a moment for him to master his breathing, then he quickly wiped his eyes, murmuring an apology." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikimora knew little of boys, but she thought it unusual for one to be so calm and self assured." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The other boys she saw around the mine charged about like the whirling dervishes Barinya had once told her of." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They shouted and fought, even as they carried out their work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sergei had a stillness and thoughtfulness that made him seem older than 14, despite his smooth cheeks and unimpressive height." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'ground' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've been below ground this morning? Feliks says it's the damp that gets in your lungs. I've seen it before. It will improve if you stay above ground.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sir.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Other than that you are fit?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Strong enough to work beside Uncle Feliks twelve hours straight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was pride in Sergei's voice, and an upward tilt to his chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri considered a moment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He began to speak, then broke off in a huge yawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I must apologise,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had a most disturbed night. Would you be so good as to make some tea?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sergei crossed to the table where the samovar and the tea caddy sat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He cleaned out the fuel chamber, and added new kindling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He measured out a spoonful of tea, being careful to spill none onto the table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He poured in the water and set the fuel smouldering with a coal from the fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he carried the samovar and a small glass cup to Dmitri's desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is there anything else, Sir?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Another cup.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri asked Sergei more about his family, and what kind of work he had done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the tea was ready he told Sergei to pour them each a cup, which the boy did without spilling any on Dmitri's papers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri blew on his tea, and took a scorching sip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sighed, letting his eyes close momentarily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's good,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a few more sips he sat back, regarding the boy thoughtfully." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How would you like to be apprenticed to me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To you, Sir?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To learn gunpowder manufacture.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy opened his mouth, and closed it again, his composure finally rattled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It would be an honour. I never thought-I mean-Thank you, Sir. I won't let you down. When can I start? Now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tomorrow. It will be a trial period. We'll see how it works out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir. You won't regret it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The boy almost collided with Boris in the doorway." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But he leapt smartly out of the way, saying, \"Begging your pardon, Sir,\" and strode away across the enclosure looking six inches taller." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well,\" said Boris, brows raised enquiringly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have one happy employee, at least.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dmitri's smile melted away. \"What now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think the whole town is drunk,\" Boris said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Accidents, mishaps, mistakes by the dozen. Now I've heard some of the men muttering about evil spirits, and saying the mine is haunted!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He delivered this news as though expecting to raise a laugh, but Dmitri looked troubled, rubbing his forehead and taking a long drink of tea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's just a run of bad luck,\" Boris said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The long winter is making everyone tired and cross. If spring would only come I am sure our fortunes would change.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dmitri nodded without much conviction, then glanced up, hearing something odd." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It sounded very much like someone yawning and trying not to - but the sound came from the corner of the room where stood nothing but a cupboard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boris too glanced that way, then shrugged, saying, \"Creaking boards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He asked what the boy was so happy about, and Dmitri told him that he had a new apprentice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Does your father know about that? Hasn't he always been protective of his secrets?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is not practical that only one man should understand the gunpowder. It is a dangerous craft, and accidents can happen to the best of us.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boris nodded sombrely. \"True enough.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If anything were to happen to me, there should be someone else to keep manufacturing the powder. Besides,\" Dmitri added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The lad needs to work grass-side, for his lungs.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He bent over his papers once more so that he wouldn't have to see Boris' disapproving frown." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"An apprentice is fair enough,\" Boris said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But leave charity to the town's rich matrons.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he went back out to the yard, Kikimora followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The office was too small and crowded to hide in for long – particularly if she couldn't stop yawning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Boris took out his pipe, and began to fill it from a leather pouch at his belt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When he came to light it, Kikimora darted forward and blew out the flame." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He struck his flint again, and managed to light the tobacco, but she dropped a pinch of snow into the pipe, extinguishing it with a wet hiss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Boris began to grumble." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While he knocked the wet tobacco out of the pipe, she slipped the flint from his pocket and ran, laughing, into the trees. As she looked around for a good place to hide it, a voice spoke up behind her, \"My name's Zoria. What's yours?\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Match existing character familiarity or establish new\nLength:\n12 sentences\nGenre:\nfantasy, romance, Russia" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'smells' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Arriving back at Dmitri's empty cottage the previous evening, Kikimora had helped herself to bread and cheese and a glass of good wine. She had enjoyed the warmth of the stove and, when it came time to sleep, had nestled herself behind it as usual.\n\nBut she couldn't help thinking about the warm, soft mattress lying empty upstairs. She had never slept in a real bed. A pile of straw and a single blanket was the most comfort she had ever had or needed. For the past week she had foregone even those, sleeping on the bare tiles with no covers at all.\n\n\"I could borrow a blanket,\" she murmured, already at the foot of the stairs. \"Just this once.\"\n\nShe peeled back the topmost blanket. Below it were two more and some pale linen sheets. She could smell the soap Mrs Zubrev used for the laundry, as well as the smells she had learned to associate with Dmitri: charcoal and smoke, and the stables where he kept his horse, Agnesse. These seemed warm smells, somehow comforting.\n\nKikimora pulled back the remaining covers, smoothing the sheet with her palm and enjoying the soft, clean feel of it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pressed the feather-filled pillow, marvelling at its buoyancy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bed frame creaked as she leaned further across, and she jumped guiltily. \"But he will be away all night,\" she reminded herself and, before she could think better of it, she slipped between the sheets and snuggled into the mattress.\n\nIt was a luxury unlike anything she had previously imagined. She felt cushioned on air; safe, warm, and cosseted. Never having had a mother to hold her, the feeling brought to mind a great, gentle, furry hug from Leshy. She scrunched the linen in her hands, inhaling the musky scents of horse and man, and she gave a sigh.\n\nShe was deeply asleep within moments, and did not wake until the morning light began to peek through the gaps in the roof, sending bright lines slicing across the wall.\n\nShe rose feeling exceptionally refreshed. She poured clean water into Dmitri's wash-bowl, and stripped off her shift to have a proper wash. At home with Anatoly and Barinya she had washed her face and hands every day, and her shift every week. She had brushed her long, dark hair, and kept it plaited out of the way.\n\nBut she had found little opportunity for washing since she moved into Dmitri's cottage. She had not attended her hair for some days, her fingernails were dirty, and her dress was splashed with mud and grease." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She found some squares of linen on the washstand and decided these were probably for washing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The water was cold, but that didn't trouble her. She untied her hair and dunked her head into the bowl, rinsing it thoroughly, then wrung it out and bound it back into her customary plaits.\n\nIt was a shame she had no opportunity to wash her dress as well. But she had not brought a change of clothes with her, and so she climbed back into the same dress, which clung to her a little damply.\n\nFeeling much restored, she drank tea and ate a hearty breakfast before venturing into the town. She knew that today was Sunday, and that men did not work on Sunday. Instead they went to church and were told about Hell.\n\nThe streets were no less crowded than usual, but there was a different tone to the bustle, Kikimora thought. The women all wore their best frocks with fur trim and lace. The men had their hair damped and flattened. Some had fur overcoats and wooden canes - though few seemed to require the canes to assist their walking. Instead these were used to point and gesticulate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone moved at a leisurely pace, taking the time to stop and exchange pleasantries with one another. But sooner or later, all made their way towards the church. It was an imposing building – all in smart red brick, rising up in ever diminishing tiers, the whole topped with a fantastic array of bulbous domes. It rose high above the other buildings, most of them wooden, and in varying states of dilapidation. Its copper domes shone pale green in the morning sun.\n\nKikimora allowed herself to become visible. She followed the stream of well dressed people through the cold, shadowed vestibule and into the nave – where she drew to a halt, struck with wonder at the sudden opulence and beauty on display.\n\nThe windows were narrow and few. But whereas Kikimora was used to rooms lit by one or two rush-lights, or the occasional stinking tallow candle, the church was filled with sweet-smelling wax candles – scores of them, in richly ornate sconces, lining each wall.\n\nShe inhaled deeply. There was exotic, heady incense in the air. The walls soared upwards to an arched and painted ceiling. Everywhere she looked there were magnificent frescos, coloured with gold and jewel-bright paints; fantastical scenes of winged bulls, and blue-skinned demons, of men dying in multifarious and agonising ways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She turned slowly, eyes flitting from one wonder to another – until she was roughly elbowed aside by a passing family." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Really!\" grumbled the fur-hatted lady, without breaking her stride.\n\nAs Kikimora glared after her, she was again nudged aside. \"Watch out, Miss. Bad place to stand gawping.\"\n\nShe had only an impression of a boy's quick grin before he disappeared into the throng. She drew away from the aisle into one of the empty pews and sat, nervously smoothing the front of her dress. She watched as a family of well-dressed young ladies bustled into the church, all bright laughter and ribbons, their faces scrubbed and gleaming. One of the girls glanced briefly in her direction, her pretty nose wrinkling in distaste.\n\nKikimora had become visible so that the crowds didn't bump into her, but she felt awkward and self-conscious, and wished she had remained unseen. She was coming to the conclusion that the expedition was a disaster and she should disappear at once, when a well-dressed woman slipped into the seat beside her. She was neither young nor old, her face pitted with small, round scars. But her smile was warm and welcoming, and Kikimora found an answering smile on her own face. The lady nodded to her, and wished her good day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good day to you,\" Kikimora answered uncertainly.\n\nThe lady glanced frequently towards the door, as though she was waiting for someone. But most of the pews were full now, and fewer people were entering the church. Kikimora tried to hold her hands still in her lap, staring straight ahead in what she hoped was an appropriately church-like manner. But her gaze would fall repeatedly to a spot of dirt on her cuff. She had missed it when she sponged the soot from her hem earlier. Furtively she began to scrape at it with a ragged nail.\n\nThe scarred lady leaned closer. \"Don't you have a cap, child?\"\n\n\"What?\" Kikimora glanced quickly around the church. From transept to vestibule, every woman she saw, even the poorest and plainest, had her head covered. \"Oh.\"\n\nUntroubled by cold, and having spent most of the week invisible, she had got out of the habit of wearing her cap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dug in the large pocket of her dress, amongst her pin box and swatches of threads, until she found a plain, linen cap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was greying and rather weather-beaten, but she shook it out and placed it on her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There,\" smiled the lady. \"Isn't that better?\"\n\nKikimora nodded, feeling less self-conscious. Still her fingers strayed to the dirty cuff, but the lady again leaned close, saying, \"Don't worry. I am certain God is more concerned with the cleanliness of your soul than your dress.\"\n\nKikimora's eyes widened in alarm. She glanced at the altar, then up towards the vaulted ceiling, unsure where God was supposed to reside. \"He can see my soul?\"\n\n\"The priests say he sees into all our souls.\" The lady raised a gloved hand to her chest. \"Into our hearts.\"\n\nKikimora wasn't sure she liked the sound of that. \"Why? And how?\"\n\nThe lady gave a laugh, then a frown of concern. \"Has no one instructed you in the scripture? Have you no family?\"\n\nKikimora liked this turn to the conversation even less." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But before she had thought of a way to answer - or to avoid answering - the last of the congregation took their seats, the heavy oak doors were swung shut, and an expectant silence fell." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Damn,\" hissed the lady, then blushed, and quietly begged Kikimora's pardon.\n\nAt the front of the church stood a choir of young boys, all dressed in white. At some signal Kikimora missed, they and the congregation rose to their feet. The boys began to sing, their clear voices soaring up into the hazy, gilded domes, like swallows in a summer sky. The lady also sang, and her voice was rich and pleasant. Kikimora sat listening raptly until she felt a tug upon her sleeve; the kind lady signalling that she too should rise.\n\nThough she tried to listen to the song, she couldn't make out the words. She thought it sounded like one of the strange, foreign languages Anatoly spoke sometimes when he consulted ancient texts. She was surprised by this association, for he had never seemed to have a very high opinion of the church.\n\n\"What are they singing?\" she asked the lady, who raised a finger to her lips, without breaking from her song.\n\nKikimora could see that many of the congregation did not join in the singing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seemed that only the better dressed, more affluent members did – and most of those sat near the front of the church." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps the others were new to the congregation, and hadn't yet learned the words?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What language is that?\" she asked, and again the lady shushed her – this time with a frown.\n\nKikimora let her eyes close and drank in the music, which was unlike anything she'd heard before. It made her heart feel too big for her chest, as though it would burst with joy.\n\nAll too soon the singing drew to a close, and there were sounds of many bodies shuffling, of coughs and sniffles, and paper rustling. Kikimora didn't open her eyes until another soft tug on her sleeve alerted her that she was again out of step with the congregation.\n\n\"It is Latin,\" the lady whispered as she resumed her seat. \"But you mustn't keep talking.\"\n\nKikimora nodded and thanked her. She wondered what would come next, and if it could be as surprising and wonderful as the singing. A man with a bushy beard and many layers of fine clothing came and stood before the altar. He began to speak in a low, rolling voice, his words as impenetrable as the song, but far less beautiful." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From time to time the congregation answered him in short, chorused phrases – all of them, not just the finely dressed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Add this exact quote somewhere appropriate: \"He was sacrificed? To sate God's hunger?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you saying?\" Kikimora asked, then clapped a hand to her mouth, remembering her instruction.\n\nThe lady suppressed a smile. During the congregation's next response, she crossed herself and whispered, \"He is saying we must thank our Lord, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.\"\n\nKikimora emulated the crossing action a little clumsily. \"He was sacrificed? To sate God's hunger?\"\n\nThe lady was so shocked, she quite forgot to cross herself or give the response. \"No!\" she said loudly, causing several of the nearby congregation to turn and frown. \"My poor child,\" she continued under cover of the next speech. \"Your spiritual education is sorely lacking. I suppose you have never been to school,\" she added, glancing at Kikimora's plain dress and bare feet.\n\nKikimora shook her head. \"My father – Anatoly taught me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm sure he did the best he could,\" the lady said without much conviction. \"I have long said it would be a good and charitable thing to open a free school for the poor of the town-\" She broke off as the call and response reached its end. The congregation rose once more. They nodded their heads, closed their eyes and, as one, recited a prayer.\n\nKikimora thought there was something hypnotic about the sea of voices, all individual, but all in unison, chanting she knew not what. But when the prayer ended the bearded man began to talk again. He talked for a long time, and Kikimora grew restless.\n\nShe glanced at the door. It was thick oak, bound and latched; there would be no quietly slipping through without drawing attention to herself. She stifled a yawn, and decided to investigate the shadowed alcoves of the church. When heads were next bowed in prayer, she made herself invisible and rose from her seat. She noticed the lady look up and around in confusion, then return to her prayer, a frown creasing her scarred face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Around the walls were many finely carved wooden screens and ornaments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were a number of tall boxes, their central panels carved with intricate filigree patterns, and rich curtains hanging to either side." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'bored' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kikimora pulled back one of the curtains a little way. Inside it was dim, with space for a man to kneel upon a low cushion.\n\nThere was no man inside the cubicle, but a small girl, sitting with knees drawn up to her chin. She startled when the curtain was drawn aside, covering her face with a ragged doll. But peeking from behind it, she recognised Kikimora, and gave a hopeful half-smile. \"Don't tell,\" she whispered.\n\n\"What are you doing?\"\n\n\"Magda was bored,\" Zoria said. \"And the incense gave her a headache. She wanted to sit somewhere dark and quiet.\"\n\nKikimora glanced down at herself. She was still invisible - but of course that never seemed to work on Zoria. \"I was bored too,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zoria giggled, and shuffled to one side, making room beside her.\n\nKikimora asked how long church lasted, and Zoria said, \"Oh, ages and ages!\"\n\n\"Do they sing again? I like the singing.\"\n\nZoria only shrugged. Kikimora turned her attention to the doll, lifting one threadbare foot, and asking if Magda had been out dancing again.\n\n\"She goes every night.\"\n\nKikimora said she would soon be unable to dance if her feet weren't repaired. \"I have a needle and thread. If you like, I could give her new dancing slippers?\"\n\n\"Could you really? Would you?\"\n\n\"Yes, of course. It's the work of a few moments.\"\n\nShe took her sewing things from her pocket, showing Zoria all her coloured threads, and asking which would suit best. Magda's own colours were so faded that any could have matched. Zoria chose yellow and red, explaining that Magda's new slippers would be of gold and ruby." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While the prayers continued outside the booth, Kikimora threaded her needle and began to darn the doll's ragged feet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She covered them first in a fine, bright yellow, then stitched on tiny jewels of deep red. Zoria watched as though it was magic, eyes wide, and fingers crammed into her mouth.\n\n\"Now she can dance to her heart's content,\" Kikimora said, as she tied off the last stitch. \"And when the fairy princess gets tired and goes to bed, she can carry on dancing with the Rusalkas, until the sun comes up again.\"\n\nZoria accepted her doll back with silent reverence. She danced Magda this way and that, admiring her smart new feet. Kikimora began to say that she would need a new dress to go with them, but fell silent when the curtain was pulled roughly aside.\n\n\"There you are,\" said Zoria's mother, taking her arm and pulling her to her feet. \"I've been beside myself with worry.\"\n\nZoria protested that Magda was tired, and her mother said she didn't want to hear about the doll. \"But the Pale Lady-\"\n\n\"Or your Pale Lady! Really, Zoria, enough of your make-believe. And in church, as well. You ought to know better.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mother and daughter marched towards the open doors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Regaining her visibility, Kikimora followed. There were many beautiful and wonderful things about the church, and she was glad to have seen its interior, but she felt stifled now and longed for the clean, fresh air outside.\n\nShe caught sight again of the kind lady with the scarred face. She was talking to the lady who had brought Dmitri dumplings earlier in the week. Around her were a brood of plump, pretty girls, who must be her daughters. Kikimora hurried past with her head dipped. Even in the square the noise and press of bodies was too much. She longed for the forest; for home.\n\nPushing through the crowds, she reached the main road at a run. She passed through the town gates, and left the path behind, running through the trees without breaking the surface of the snow. She was deep within the forest when her foot caught on a hidden root, and she tumbled into a drift.\n\nSnow walls rose above her, blue with shadow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikimora's narrow chest rose and fell rapidly, and she laughed for sheer exuberance." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was warm from her run, and the cold, fresh snow felt deliciously refreshing against her skin. There was no sound but a far off bird tapping for insects in a rotten tree, and the occasional stirring of a gentle breeze through the treetops. Some might have found that a mournful sound, but to Kikimora it was sweet and calm and peaceful.\n\nShe might have remained lying in the drift, but a huge, dark head appeared over the snow wall. It gave a low grunt, muzzle snuffing the air. Then strong paws began to dig the snow away." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Story continues from larger narrative, characters/lore may lack introduction\nLength:\n6 sentences\nStyle:\nEmma Woodcock" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zoria's mother had too many children and too little food. One day her husband went out into the forest to cut wood, and didn't came back. Zoria's mother knew she could not keep all of her children without her husband to help her.\n\nOf all the children, Zoria was the cleverest and the kindest. Her mother reasoned that if any of them could find a way to survive all alone it was Zoria.\n\nThat night when the children were sleeping, she woke Zoria, and told her to dress warmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She led the girl into the forest, and they walked for many miles before resting on the banks of a fast-flowing river." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/insert_quote: \"You are to be apprenticed,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are to be apprenticed,\" Zoria's mother told her. \"Stay here, and your new master will come along by daybreak.\"\n\nZoria asked who her new master was, and what trade she would learn. \"You'll find out,\" her mother said, because she didn't know. \"Make sure to be always polite and respectful. Be kind, and do not judge, and I know you will do well.\" She embraced her daughter, and cried a little, and hurried back home before she could change her mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was cold in the forest, and the wind blew strong and sharp." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zoria hollowed out a little snow cave in the deep drifts that lined path. She tucked her hands into her armpits to warm, curled up and slept peacefully.\n\nShortly before the dawn Baba Yaga flew past in her mortar. The old witch sniffed the air, saying, \"I smell human girl.\" She guided her mortar down into the forest, following the smell to Zoria's snow cave.\n\nZoria woke to find a foul old woman pinching her leg and complaining at the lack of meat on it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Remembering what her mother had told her about being respectful, she leapt up and bowed to Baba Yaga, saying, \"Good morning, Madam. How may I serve you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What a well mannered child,\" said Baba Yaga. \"I may let you serve me a while before the feast of Hecate.\"\n\nZoria said it would be her honour, and Baba Yaga told her to climb inside the mortar. It was made of stone, and seemed very heavy, but Baba Yaga said, \"By all the bones in my garden, by all the teeth in my door, fly me, mortar; fly me where I will.\" The stone mortar gave a shudder, and lifted into the air as though it weighed nothing at all.\n\nZoria's long hair whipped out behind her as they flew through the dawn sky." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My mother has a pestle and mortar,\" she said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): You can talk as well? What an extraordinary mortar you are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But it doesn't do anything like this. It just sits on a shelf in the kitchen and sometimes grinds nuts and grains. This mortar must be very clever to be able to fly.\"\n\nThe mortar gave a little wriggle, saying, \"It's nothing, really. Just practice.\"\n\n\"You can talk as well? What an extraordinary mortar you are.\"\n\nBaba Yaga glared at the mortar, and told it to hold its tongue. It said nothing further, but continued to fly in a very pleased manner.\n\nBaba Yaga lived in a small wooden hut which stood on a pair of chicken legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zoria could see no door or window, just a chimney that spewed black smoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was enclosed by a fence of bones, and each section of fence was topped by a human skull.\n\n\"Goodness,\" she said when the mortar came to rest inside the garden of bones. \"What an interesting fence. It must have taken a long time to collect so many bones?\"\n\nThe skull nearest to her answered, \"Not as long as you'd think, child.\"\n\nBaba Yaga told it to be quiet. She led Zoria to the hut, saying, \"As I am your mistress, kneel, hut, and show me your face.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chicken legs waddled round until the hut showed its front door and one small window." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It crouched down, tipping forwards so the door stood just above the patchy yellow grass. In its centre was a mouth full of fearsome teeth that snapped and snarled as Zoria approached.\n\nBaba Yaga said, \"Bite not, for I am your mistress, and have what you seek.\" She took a large golden key from around her neck, and the mouth obligingly opened to receive it. Baba Yaga turned the key, and the door sprang open. Immediately a large black dog came charging forwards, barking loudly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Baba Yaga raised her wooden pestle to strike the creature, but Zoria knelt before him and stroked his ears. \"What a fine looking dog! How glossy your coat is, how strong and clean your teeth.\" The dog licked her face and wagged his tail.\n\n\"Huh,\" said Baba Yaga. \"Some guard-dog you are! Don't you go taming him, girl.\"\n\nBut it was already too late." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the moment he met her, Baba Yaga's guard-dog was devoted to Zoria. He followed her around the tiny cottage while she did her chores, and in the evenings she took him out to run in the forest.\n\nFor a time Zoria lived quite happily with Baba Yaga, who was a very slovenly witch. She cleaned the hut and tidied up after all Baba Yaga's messy spells. She swept the chicken legs, which skipped and giggled at the touch of her feather duster. She scrubbed out the mortar with hot soapy water, and polished the skulls on the fence posts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sometimes in the evenings she collected herbs and roots that the witch needed for her potions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While she worked, Zoria chatted to the skulls and the dog. Sometimes she sang to them, which pleased them very much. She had a fine voice and knew many songs.\n\nBaba Yaga made sure she always ate well. When she went out at night in her mortar she often came back with rich cakes and pastries for the girl. From time to time she measured Zoria's leg, and was pleased when it began to fatten." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One day when Baba Yaga was out, Zoria stood polishing the skulls and chatting with them about their lives before they were fence posts." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'brought' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was once a girl like you,\" the first skull said. \"Baba Yaga found me in the forest and brought me here to be her servant. But at the feast of Hecate she ate me up and planted my bones here in the garden.\"\n\n\"I was the son of the finest baker in the land,\" said the second skull. \"He made cakes for Kings and Queens, and I tasted everything. I had round, rosy cheeks and fat little legs. I suppose that is why Baba Yaga came and took me from my bed and brought me here to put in her pot.\"\n\nThe third said, \"I came looking for work. Baba Yaga took me in, and I thought myself lucky. I scrubbed her floors and darned her stockings, and she said I was the best servant she'd ever had. But when the feast of Hecate came around, she stuck me with a knife and carved me up.\"\n\nZoria asked when the feast of Hecate was, and the skulls answered together, \"The third full moon of the year.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zoria remembered there had been a full moon the night her mother led her into the forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another had been and gone since then. The moon was very nearly full again. \"Then she will eat me! What can I do? How can I escape?\"\n\nBut the skulls all said she could not escape. \"It's a shame, but it can't be helped. It's not so bad here,\" the baker's son said. \"Although I miss my father's cream cakes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zoria wasn't ready to become a fence post, so she went to ask the hut, \"How can I escape? Baba Yaga means to eat me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The hut gave a sigh and looked unhappy, but it had no advice to give. Zoria asked the teeth in the door, but they only champed and gnashed, as though they too wanted to eat her up. She asked the dog, who whined and licked her hand, but told her nothing. He began to scratch at the door as though he wanted to go out. Zoria told him she couldn't take him out until the evening, as she had not yet done all her chores. She went back to scrubbing the greasy floor boards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Baba Yaga returned she brought Zoria's favourite kind of spiced apple pastry, telling her to be sure to eat it all up, as it would be no good tomorrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zoria said she wasn't hungry, and Baba Yaga became cross. She looked out at the waxing moon, and measured the girl's leg again, saying it still wasn't fat enough.\n\nWhen Zoria took the dog out for his evening walk she asked as usual if Baba Yaga wanted anything fetching from the forest. The witch said she would like some rosemary and thyme, as those were good savoury herbs to flavour tender meat.\n\nZoria took her little basket and set off into the forest. She soon found some rosemary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While she was looking for thyme, the dog ran into the trees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would not come back at her call, so she went to look for him. She fought her way through a tangled hedge, and found the dog in a clearing, frantically digging. Zoria called him to heel, but he wouldn't listen. She tried to pull him away, but he growled, and so she let him be. When he had dug down a foot or more, the dog lifted a carefully wrapped parcel in his mouth and brought it to Zoria.\n\n\"What's this?\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What have you found?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'beautiful' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Inside was a beautiful golden flute. Zoria had never seen anything so beautiful or valuable. She put it to her lips, and it made a sweet, piercing sound. Zoria was very clever with music, and in no time at all had taught herself to play. She played the folk tunes she knew from home, and the dog leapt and danced around her, neither noticing how the time passed.\n\nThe sky grew dark before Zoria thought of returning to Baba Yaga's hut." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She replaced the golden flute's wrappings and returned it to the ground, but the dog brought it straight back to her. Zoria said sadly that they couldn't take it as it didn't belong to them. \"And besides, it will do me no good after tomorrow.\"\n\nThe dog began to bark then, as fiercely as he had the first time Zoria saw him. He clamped the flute in his mouth and refused to let it go. Zoria didn't have time to wrestle with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She set off walking, and he followed, carrying the flute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Baba Yaga came running out from the hut, all in a fluster." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was so afraid you had got lost or eaten by wolves!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Zoria apologised, saying she had been unable to find any thyme, and had not noticed how the evening drew on while she searched.\n\n\"Never mind that,\" soothed the old witch. \"I am just glad you are back here, safe and sound. I don't know what I should have done if you hadn't returned.\"\n\nZoria didn't sleep well, too afraid of what the next day would bring. In the morning, Baba Yaga told her to take the day off. \"Everything is clean and sparkling, and I shan't need any supper cooking tonight. You just rest your legs and eat up your cake. And don't go out into the forest,\" she added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I couldn't bear for anything to happen to you today.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should naturally weave in this dialogue: \"Ask her for a glass of vodka. That way you won't know a thing about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She flew off in her mortar, saying she had to go and get her long knife sharpened.\n\nZoria quickly became bored sitting in the hut with no work to do, so she went out to talk to the skulls. \"Don't fight her,\" said the first. \"She'll hurt you if you fight her.\"\n\nThe baker's boy said, \"Ask her for a glass of vodka. That way you won't know a thing about it.\"\n\n\"Promise her you'll behave so long as she puts your bones here next to ours,\" said the third skull." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Imagine if she put you over on the other side of the garden! They are old and dreary over there, and we'd have to shout to each other.\"\n\nThe dog came bounding up with the golden whistle in his jaws. He nudged Zoria's hand, and she gladly took it. As soon as the first notes sounded, the dog again began to cavort around her, the skulls all hopped and yattered on their posts. The hut jigged around, its scrawny chicken legs jumping and flapping.\n\nWhen at last Zoria put the whistle aside, the first skull asked, \"What is that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The second asked, \"Where did you find it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The third said, \"That is Baba Yaga's enchanted whistle! She stole it from a piper (I think his bones are over there somewhere). Anyone who hears it cannot fail to dance and to follow the piper wherever he should go.\"\n\nZoria asked why it was hidden, and the skull answered, \"She took it because it is so powerful, but she doesn't know how to use it. She is tone deaf.\"\n\nZoria knew this was true. Often when she sang to herself, Baba Yaga would shout at her to keep her racket down.\n\n\"She had me bury it deep in the forest, when I was her servant, hidden behind briars, until such time as she should need it.\"\n\nThe dog gave a warning bark, and Baba Yaga's mortar appeared, flying above the forest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Zoria,\" she cooed. \"Where are you, sweet thing?\"\n\nZoria thanked each of the skulls for their help. She hid until Baba Yaga had climbed out of the mortar and leaned the pestle up against its side.\n\n\"Come here, little lamb,\" the old witch trilled, taking a sharpened knife from her cloak.\n\nZoria leapt up from behind the fence and jumped into the mortar, speaking as quickly as she was able, \"By all the bones in the garden, by all the teeth in the door, fly me, mortar. Fly me where I will.\" Before Baba Yaga had chance to react, she began to play the golden whistle, and the old witch at once began to twitch and waddle – which was the nearest she could come to dancing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The chicken legs began to hop, the skulls to rattle, and the dog to bounce." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dog bounced right into the mortar beside Zoria, snatching up the wooden pestle in his jaws. As Zoria continued to play, he steered the mortar up into the air and away.\n\n\"What have you done, you horrid child?\" demanded Baba Yaga, trampling through the fence in her efforts to follow the golden whistle. \"You have betrayed my trust. You have stolen my precious things. You will get no reference,\" she promised, crashing through the trees. \"Ow! Oh, my old bones. Ahh, my poor head,\" she moaned, tumbling down a steep bank filled with nettles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But no matter how she grumbled, she was powerless to resist the enchanted whistle, and she followed Zoria through the forest for many miles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In time she was too worn out to speak, and only trudged in silence. Zoria too was exhausted by her endless playing, but the dog licked her face to cool her, and she kept going because she knew it meant her life.\n\nWhen they had led Baba Yaga far from any human dwelling, into a desolate and evil bog, the dog began to steer their mortar higher and higher into the air. Zoria's music grew fainter, until eventually Baba Yaga could hear it no more, and she collapsed in a swoon.\n\nZoria put aside her whistle, and fell into an exhausted sleep. She didn't wake until the mortar was flying low over the little town where she had grown up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look out!\" cried the townspeople." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's Baba Yaga, come to eat us.\"\n\nBefore Zoria could speak, another voice rang out behind her, a deep strong voice that made her heart ache. \"It's all right,\" called Zoria's father. \"We have escaped from Baba Yaga. She will not trouble us again.\"\n\nHe landed the strange craft in the square, and people crowded round to hear their story. Before long Zoria's mother and all her brothers and sisters came running to see if the news was true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zoria's mother didn't know who to hug the hardest." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My poor girl,\" she wept. \"I should never have left you in that forest. My dear husband, how I have missed you.\"\n\nZoria's father explained that he had become lost in the forest and the witch found him and transformed him into her guard dog. The spell had broken as soon as they left the forest behind.\n\nA great feast was held in the square to celebrate their escape and Baba Yaga's defeat. Zoria played her golden whistle, and everyone danced until daybreak.\n\nAnd Baba Yaga? She sank deep into the bog, where she remained for many years, still living, though she could not move, and every day growing angrier at how she had been tricked..." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "StoryBot: Add ten sentences to this segment. Style: Emma Woodcock. Genre: fantasy, romance, Russia. Note: Part of larger work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the morning Dmitri greeted her with a cool, Good day, asking if she was well rested – if indeed a being such as herself needed rest as humans did? He enquired whether staying up half the night just to disturb him was at all an inconvenience to her, saying he should hate for her to trouble herself on his account.\n\n\"I must thank you for allowing me those refreshing two hours sleep,\" he continued, pulling on his boots. \"Otherwise I'm sure I would be quite useless in my day's work.\" With a last scowl around the room, he stalked outside, letting the door crash shut behind him.\n\nHe kept to his office throughout the morning, adding up and re-adding his accounts, in the hope they might eventually form themselves into less dreadful patterns.\n\nA knock at the door was a welcome distraction, though he supposed it could only bring more bad news. \"What is it?\"\n\nA squat, smudge-faced man let himself in, belatedly whipping off his hat.\n\n\"What can I do for you, Pawel?\"\n\nTwisting his cap in his hands, Pawel asked in a halting, roundabout way if he might have a few days leave to visit his sick mother in Baransk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course,\" said Dmitri. \"I hope it is not too serious?\"\n\nPawel looked at his boots, muttering that it was indeed tolerably serious.\n\n\"That is too bad.\"\n\nPawel said briskly, \"It is that,\"\n\nHe turned to leave, but Dmitri called him back. He rifled through the cupboard, and emerged a moment later brandishing a bottle of strong wine. \"Take her this gift from me - to strengthen the blood.\"\n\nPawel flushed red, muttering that he couldn't possibly take it. Dmitri insisted.\n\n\"Right you are then,\" Pawel said at last, pocketing the bottle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His hand was on the door latch when Dmitri asked what ailed his mother." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'crossing' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pawel hesitated. \"A pleurisy,\" he at last decided, and was through the door before Dmitri could ask anything further.\n\nCrossing the yard, he nodded to a couple of men he passed, and they nodded silently back. As he headed onto the road, something about his manner piqued Kikimora's curiosity, and she began to follow.\n\n\"Where are you going?\" Zoria asked, appearing at her side.\n\nPawel, thinking she was addressing him, turned, grinning, and tapped his nose. \"Never you mind.\" Pulling the bottle from his pocket he took a drink, gave a sigh of satisfaction, and carried on down the road.\n\nKikimora frowned after him. Zoria asked if she would tell a story, and scowled when Kikimora told her, \"Perhaps later. I'm busy just now.\"\n\nDmitri continued looking over the accounts, crossing things out and writing them back in, occasionally balling up papers and tossing them into the fire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it?\" Boris asked at last." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'cursed' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're sighing like a love-sick maid.\"\n\nDmitri drummed his fingers on the table top, wondering whether he could share his troubles with Boris. But what could he say? The foreman had made clear his distaste for any talk of spirits and unearthly goings on, and Yana had sworn him to secrecy on the subject of her betrothal.\n\n\"Nothing,\" he said. \"I am going out for a time.\"\n\nHe walked into the trees, letting his feet take him where they would. There was a certain satisfaction in pushing through the crowding branches, breaking the crust of deep, fresh snow. But his heart remained heavy. Despite his confident assertions to both Yana and Kikimora, Rudov's motives concerned him.\n\nHe cursed Marek for planting suspicions in his head, and he cursed his household spirit for exacerbating them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why did she react as she did to the betrothal? What secrets might she know that were hidden to mortals? Regardless of whether there was any truth to the rumours, Dmitri wondered how well any man might treat a wife he married solely for money when he discovered she had none.\n\nIn the evening he took his supper at the tavern and drank a few mugs of ale with Nuriyev. It was not late when he arrived home. He kicked off his snow covered boots at the door, shucked the coat from his shoulders, and quickly kindled a light in the stove. Taking the bottle of vodka from the shelf, he set two small glasses on the table, filling them to the brim.\n\n\"I suppose there could be another explanation for your presence in the mine,\" he said without preamble. \"A few nights ago I asked for your advice regarding our troubles. Perhaps you came there at my request? Perhaps I have wronged you. I don't know, Spirit.\" He took one of the drinks, and sank into the seat before the fire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have not been myself these past weeks. The troubles at the mine, so many odd and inexplicable occurrences - not least your own presence. Many worries crowd upon me. Many responsibilities, which I am not sure I can adequately bear. It is possible, perhaps, that I may have been a little... brusque with you over Yana's engagement. I may have overreacted.\" He sighed, and sipped his drink.\n\n\"We had become friends, you and I, hadn't we? All friends have disagreements from time to time, but that doesn't mean their friendship ends. I must ask you one thing. If you have any knowledge regarding Rudov's character or history which has a bearing on Yana's betrothal then I beg of you to let me know. If not, then you must accept that their marriage is not your business. If you can do that, then perhaps I can give you the benefit of the doubt regarding your strange habits and your reticence. Perhaps you are beset by problems of which I know nothing. Perhaps you are constrained by laws I do not understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I would like it if we could renew our friendship. I would like to understand you; your desires and fears. Perhaps in some small way I could help you? As you help me around the house. Shouldn't friends share their troubles with one another? And try to find an answer to them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kitchen remained silent, but it seemed to Dmitri a watchful, speculative silence. He downed the contents of his glass, and said, \"That is my offer. Think on it.\" He climbed the stairs, pausing at the top and wishing her good night.\n\nBefore he quite disappeared, and before she realised she intended to, Kikimora whispered, \"Good night.\"\n\nShe heard him undress and climb into his bed, but he continued to shuffle and fidget, finding no rest. After a time, he took up his whistle and began to play.\n\nKikimora crept out from behind the stove. She sniffed the vodka, and took a tentative sip. Though she had distilled Anatoly's vodka for many years, she had seldom drunk it herself, and was unused to its fiery effect. Dmitri broke off playing momentarily as she gave a spluttering cough." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was still smiling as she made her way silently up the steps." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He played a couple of tunes, then put the whistle aside and lay down, saying, \"I wonder where you come from, Spirit. Do you have a mother? A father? Are they proud of you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He rolled over, closing his eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kikimora lingered on the stairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes in the past she had allowed herself to wonder what would have happened if Anatoly and Yevgenia had not fallen out, but had married. She struggled to picture how it would alter her own life, but she thought Anatoly might not spend so much time alone in his study; he might not drink so much vodka late at night, and probably he might laugh more often.\n\nDmitri's breathing had at last grown slow and steady. Before she made her way down the stairs, Kikimora said softly, \"I disappoint him every day.\"\n\nDmitri's breath came a little faster, and she knew he was awake, that he had heard her. She hesitated, wanting to flee to safety in the kitchen. But the darkness and lateness of the hour lent her strength.\n\n\"I am failing him at this moment,\" she said. Although the words were painful, there was relief in voicing them. \"But what he said was right feels wrong, and what he said was wrong feels right. I cannot find my way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She broke off, wondering what had made her suddenly so bold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bed creaked, and Dmitri sat up, peering towards her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even you are not free? It is hard to have a duty which denies your own wishes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He scratched thoughtfully at his jaw, and then lay down again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 11 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am not sure my father can ever be satisfied. Even if I were as attentive as Sergei. Even if I did everything he asked: charmed the rich matrons of the town, married the Olgakov girl, and became respectable... His dissatisfaction is a well that can never be filled. Perhaps your father is like that too?\"\n\nBut Kikimora had already said too much. She returned to the kitchen and lay down to rest.\n\nIn the morning Dmitri spoke warmly to her, asking if she had slept well, but did not seem put out by her silence. \"I know you are shy,\" he said. \"It is gratifying that you trust me well enough now to speak, and I am sure you will do so in your own time. There is much I would ask you, much I would like to understand. I feel that we have entered a new phase of our friendship.\"\n\nKikimora listened to him with a mixture of wonder and dismay. It thrilled her to hear him talk of their friendship as something which could grow and develop, but a nagging dread lingered in her belly. She had spoken her truest, deepest fears to him the night before. She had been making excuses for herself, but the truth was she was betraying Anatoly by pursuing this peculiar friendship with Dmitri. She knew it, and yet for all her efforts to do her duty, she only ever seemed to tangle herself more deeply into his life." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "WRITING ASSIST:\n10 sentences sentences\nStyle: Samantha Christy\nGenre: romance, music\nContext: Part of larger work" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone has their own pre-show rituals. Adam and Colin get high. Kurt gets his rocks off with a groupie or even one of the roadies if he's desperate. Louis prays—as if that will somehow exonerate him from his other twenty-three hours of indiscretions. Me—I sit in my dressing room and listen to the opening band.\n\nI look around the small room that's little more than a storage closet. At least I have a dressing room, and since I'm the only backup singer, it's all mine. I'm grateful for that, because even though I've done this thirty-four times before, I still feel nauseous every time.\n\nI lie down on the small couch, careful not to ruin my hair or wrinkle my dress. I breathe in, hold it for a count of five, then breathe out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a technique my brother, Brett, taught me for when I'm feeling stressed.\n\nI smile, thinking how I'll see him in a few weeks when the tour ends back home in New York City. Even better, he'll see me, up onstage singing with one of the hottest rock bands around—White Poison.\n\nIt's been almost three months since the tour started, and I still can't believe I'm doing this. There are only nine shows left and I'm surprisingly okay with that. I suppose I'd be sad if Adam, the lead singer and my boyfriend, hadn't assured me he wants me for their next tour later this year. In Europe!\n\nI stare at the speaker piping music into the room. Wow. These guys are really good. Most of the opening acts are, seeing as they're playing in a venue this large, but this band … I can't put my finger on it. Their music moves me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pull out my phone and find out who they are." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Reckless Alibi. The band consists of four guys, all local from Connecticut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It looks like they'll be opening for us for three more shows. Impressive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder what they had to do to get put on the lineup for four shows. Most opening acts get one show—maybe two.\n\nI watch an amateur YouTube video of one of their songs, thinking these guys should be a headline act, not an opening one. But I've never heard of them before, and according to their Facebook page, they've only been a band for three years. That's not a long time in band years.\n\nTheir lead singer is Chris Rewey, also known as Crew. He's good. Really good.\n\nThere's a knock on my door. \"Five minutes!\" Aimee yells, and my heart races.\n\nAimee is one of the roadies Kurt sometimes shags." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shag. I kind of love that word, especially when the guys say it in their British accents. Though it really just means fuck, it doesn't sound so dirty.\n\nThe music stops, and I miss it. I vow to download some of their songs.\n\nI get up and check my makeup in the mirror. Sometimes I don't recognize myself, with my fire-engine-red lipstick, glitter eyeshadow and false eyelashes that practically touch my nose when I blink. But it's not my choice how I look onstage. It's theirs. I was told on day one, it's my job to look pretty, sing on-key, take very little credit, and leave quickly. I pull down the skin-tight gold sequined dress to make sure it's covering my ass—another concession I have to make to be the backup singer for one of the most successful bands of our era—then I put on my six-inch heels and head out the door.\n\nAimee is waiting. She's been assigned to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She makes sure I'm in hair and makeup when I need to be, and she gets me through the maze of backstage hallways before and after every concert." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's called a production assistant, but really she's a groupie who ended up being hired by White Poison to help them on tour." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Funny how they have mostly female \"production assistants.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'asked' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the first things I noticed when I came on tour with them was the lack of male roadies. With the exception of the guys who do the heavy lifting and set up the stage, all the help is female. If you ask me, one of their duties is to sleep with the band members anytime said band members want a shag.\n\nIt's pathetic. I suppose they all think they'll get to be the next girlfriend of a famous rock star.\n\nI got lucky when Adam turned an eye my way. It wasn't long after the tour started, maybe six or seven shows in, when he asked me out. By then I'd gotten to know the guys well, and I knew Adam Stuart never asked a girl out. He never needed to. Not with all the Aimees around. So when he did, I knew it was going to be different, and it was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We've been dating for two months." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Me, dating the lead singer of White Poison.\n\nAimee hands me the song lineup for tonight. It's almost always the same. \"When you're out there, watch out for the step down behind you.\"\n\n\"Thanks. I saw it earlier during the sound check.\"\n\n\"Of course you did,\" she says, her tone laced with condescension.\n\nAimee, like most of the other roadies, is jealous of my relationship with Adam. In the beginning, I tried to make friends with her and some of the others. It worked until I started dating Adam. Now they barely talk to me unless they're required to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hell, I'm surprised she even warned me of the potential hazard onstage. You'd think she'd want me to fall and break my leg or something.\n\nWe pass the guys' dressing room. Their door is open, and they're huddled together like a team around a quarterback before a play. They shout something in unison and then take a shot of liquor.\n\nAdam sees me and gives me a wink. I blow him a kiss.\n\nI wouldn't even think about going in there before a show. I was explicitly told not to mingle with the band unless asked by one of the members. Almost all the stereotypes I've heard about successful bands are true: the drugs, the frivolous parties, the law-breaking that authorities turn a blind eye to, and the women." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sigh, thinking I hit the jackpot with Adam. He's not squeaky-clean, but he's not into the bad stuff some of the others are.\n\nAimee and I step aside when four guys walk down the hall. I recognize them from the YouTube video I watched minutes ago. The smiles on their faces are miles wide. They're patting each other on the back. I can tell they're hyped up.\n\n\"Great job,\" I say as they pass.\n\n\"Thanks,\" they reply.\n\n\"Good luck out there,\" one of them says to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think he's the guitar player." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hear their boisterous banter trail down the hallway. I don't blame them. This was probably the largest venue they've ever played. Based on what I heard, it could lead to their big break.\n\nAimee leads me to the wings, where roadies are putting the finishing touches on the set. I peek at the crowd. It's another sellout. White Poison has sold out every concert they've played for the past eight years.\n\nI remember listening to them when I was fourteen years old, and now I'm one of them. Well, kind of. It's still surreal.\n\nA hand goes up the back of my short skirt and grabs my ass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I spin around, ready to deck whoever it is.\n\n\"Easy, luv,\" Adam says, stopping my hand mid-slap.\n\nI pull my skirt back down. \"I didn't know it was you.\"\n\nHe smirks. \"Just how many other chaps are grabbing your arse?\"\n\n\"You're the only ass grabbing my arse,\" I say in a hideous attempt at a British accent.\n\nHe laughs.\n\n\"Hey, did you hear Reckless Alibi?\" I ask. \"They're really good.\"\n\nHe's only half-listening to me, as he's looking over my shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You want to do something reckless with me? That can be arranged.\"\n\n\"No. The opening band, Reckless Alibi. They're good. Great, in fact.\"\n\n\"Reckless who?\" He drinks something handed to him by a young girl with ten miles of cleavage.\n\nI put a finger on his chin, turning his head away from her boobs and back to me. He shoves my hand away, irritated. And now I'm irritated at him for being irritated with me. Why should he get to ogle the cleavage of another woman?\n\n\"I think you should invite them to the after-party,\" I say.\n\nHe glances again at the girl's boobs, and I swear he thinks I'm suggesting he invite her breasts.\n\n\"The opening band,\" I clarify, frustrated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you gone bonkers? Why the bloody hell should I care about some blokes who don't mean two shits to me?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I take a step back." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🔍 Find a place to insert: \"Because you were them, Adam. A long time ago, you were an opening band, too. They're good. You should listen to their stuff.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because you were them, Adam. A long time ago, you were an opening band, too. They're good. You should listen to their stuff.\"\n\nHis eyebrows shoot up. Suddenly he seems interested. Well, not interested but maybe jealous. \"They're not coming. Do not invite them, Bria. They won't be welcome. You're lucky you were invited.\"\n\n\"I know. You never fail to remind me of that.\"\n\n\"What the fuck has put a bug up your arse?\"\n\n\"Nothing,\" I say, seeing Aimee beckoning me. \"Have a good show.\"\n\nHe air kisses me so he doesn't smudge my lipstick. \"I always do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His words resonate in my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Has he always been this cocky, I wonder, or did fame make him this way? I think of the guys from Reckless Alibi. When I told them they were great, they looked genuinely pleased. Grateful even.\n\nI hear the mass hysteria of the crowd when White Poison takes the stage and begins to play. I'm never out there when they go on. I'm not part of the band.\n\n\"Come on,\" Aimee says. \"It's time.\"\n\nI close my eyes and take a few calming breaths. Then I walk confidently over to my microphone twenty feet away from the band. There's a huge smile on my face, not that anyone would notice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They're not looking at me." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I look out over the massive crowd and wonder once again if these three months will be my fifteen minutes of fame—or if there might be something more." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "WRITING ASSIST:\n10 sentences sentences\nStyle: Samantha Christy\nGenre: romance, music\nContext: Part of larger work" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'insisted' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This week has been a whirlwind. Crew stayed at his mom's in the city every night so we could work on songs going to and from practice. But after that first day, he insisted on driving back and forth in my car. I find it strange, because I swear he has some kind of unnatural attachment to that old Nissan. He loves driving it, but he doesn't seem to want me in it. Not after that day. I thought maybe he didn't want to spend money on gas, but he insisted on paying for mine. The man is a puzzle. I'm just trying to figure out if I want to bother solving it.\n\nHe hasn't tried to kiss me again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's as if it never happened." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'before' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Which is probably for the best all things considered. But when I look at him, all I can think about is that kiss. It was the best one I've ever experienced, but also the worst, because I shouldn't have let it happen. We have a good thing going. I can't let this turn out like before. We need to keep it professional.\n\nThat day in the car, I felt we had a breakthrough—right up until he kissed me. Now the tension between us is worse than before but in a different way. Singing or writing lyrics are the only times things feel normal between us.\n\nTonight we're all on a high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We signed the contract with Jeremy this morning, and we're playing our last show at the same bar where I played my first RA gig." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The audience has tripled in size since our first time here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In fact, they had to hire bouncers to keep the place from going overcapacity." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'after' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Word definitely got out that the opening act for White Poison was playing. I'm sure the bar owner will try to negotiate additional gigs. I'm also sure that our asking price has probably doubled since signing our new manager.\n\nAfter a short break, Liam stops us before we go back onstage. \"Let's play it.\"\n\nWe all know what he's referring to. We've been rehearsing one of my altered songs. \"I'm not sure we're ready.\"\n\n\"Liam's right,\" Brad says. \"We should play it. After today we might not have as much control over our set list.\"\n\n\"This is true,\" Garrett says, twirling a drumstick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crew shrugs. All of them look at me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not sure when I became the deciding vote. Maybe because it's my song, only it's not mine anymore. It's ours.\n\nI glance at the crowd. \"Let's do it.\"\n\nI'm both excited and nervous. This will be the first time I've ever sung one of my songs in public. What if they hate it? Crew must sense my anxiety, because he whispers in my ear, \"I haven't told you this yet—probably because I've always been the songwriter—but this might be the one that puts us on the charts.\"\n\nI smile, more confident now. Garrett counts off with his drumsticks.\n\nMy part is first." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I sing to Crew." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not because I'm afraid to look at the audience, but because in some strange way, even though there is tension between us, he gives me strength. When it's his turn, he sings to me. When we sing the chorus, we do it like we did it in the car, because his way is a thousand times better than mine.\n\nThe rest of the set is just as good. The audience is on its feet, and the dance floor is packed with sweaty bodies. The energy is palpable, and the connection between Crew and me is indescribable. Sometimes it's like we're making love to each other with our words, our actions, our eyes. It's hard not to be turned on by it, especially after knowing what his lips feel like on mine.\n\nI've had more than one fantasy about Crew since our kiss. Despite his insistence that it won't happen again, I've seen the way he looks at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's fighting it, just like I am." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he doesn't fight it when we're singing together. That's when he feeds on it. He feeds on it like a starving man at a buffet.\n\nWhen our set is over, people storm the stage. They want a piece of us. They want to touch us, get our autograph, say they know us. It's scary and exhilarating at the same time.\n\nI break away, needing to pee badly from my nervousness. I hurry to the bathroom, hoping I can get there without being accosted. Thankfully nobody is inside, but I hear someone enter the room while I'm in the stall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder if it's a fan who followed me in, or just some random girl who has to pee. I flush and then open the metal door to see it's not a fan. It's not even a girl. It's Crew.\n\nHe locks the bathroom door. Then he looks at me. His gaze slides casually down my body before rising to meet mine again. He lunges toward me and pins me to the wall. He kisses me. He kisses me like he sang to me, with passion and fire. It almost feels like we're still singing to each other, because this is what it's like. And even though I know how wrong it is, it makes what's happening between us kind of make sense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sensations I've never felt before run through me as his tongue strokes my lips with strong, sensual licks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He cups my face and then runs his hands through my hair. I pull him closer. His erection presses into me, and a ball of need forms in the pit of my stomach. His hands are unruly and untamed as they work their way over my body. I'm drowning in him—his taste, his feel, his scent. Then suddenly, I hear lyrics in my head. I'm afraid that if I don't write them down, they'll be lost.\n\nI don't want to push him away, but the songwriter in me does it anyway. He backs off, breathing heavily. He shakes his head to clear it, like maybe what just happened wasn't really what he wanted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His forehead creases, and he turns to unlock the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Crew,\" I say, wanting to tell him it was nothing he did, but when inspiration strikes, you need to go with it.\n\nHe looks at me, but it's like he's looking through me. Before I can explain, he's out the door without uttering a single word.\n\nA girl walks in with a friend. \"Oh my God, that was him!\" She notices me. \"And you're her. You guys are so good. Are you dating? Of course you're dating. You were practically humping each other on the stage. Is he good? Stupid question, right? I mean look at him. Are you playing here again? Are any of the other guys in the band single?\"\n\nI ignore her ramblings because I have so much going on in my head right now. \"Do either of you have a pen?\"\n\nOne of them checks her purse and hands me a ballpoint. I pump the paper towel dispenser until I have a good length and then I put it on the counter and write." }, { "from": "human", "value": "By the time I leave the bathroom, I think I've written Reckless Alibi's newest song." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I walk toward my bandmates. Things have died down, but there's still a crowd around them. Crew's easy smile drops when he spots me. He scratches an eyebrow repeatedly as he eyes me, like he's sorry about what happened. I weave my way through the crowd and shove the paper towel at him. He looks at me wondering why I'm giving him a paper towel. I nod at it. He notices my scribbling and the corner of his mouth turns up. Before he reads it, he locks eyes with me as if he now understands why I pushed him away.\n\nHe walks away, reading my deepest innermost thoughts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wrote about wanting him but not being able to have him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "About not letting history repeat itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "About the incredible sensation of his hands on me. He brushes off a few fans that trail after him. He leans against the wall as he reads. I can tell he reads it more than once. He scrubs a hand across his face—the way guys do when they're in a state of confusion.\n\nHe looks at me from across the room. He's fighting something. I wonder if it has anything to do with the issues Liam spoke of.\n\nHe flags down a passing waitress. She pulls a pen from behind her ear and hands it to him. He lays the paper towel against the wall and writes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shakes the pen and writes again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a few minutes of this, he comes back over, gives me the paper towel, and walks out of the bar.\n\nI look at what he wrote. He marked out some of my lyrics and changed others. My mouth hangs open. With his modifications, I think we've just written one of the saddest love songs of our time.\n\nWhat happened to him that could invoke such loving yet painful words?\n\nI look at the empty doorway and wonder why he feels so much pain, even as I realize that pain may be about to make us a shitload of money." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI Prompt: two sentences sentences. Match character context. romance, music genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ Seven years ago ]\n\nThe baby squirms beneath my hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She likes it when you sing to her,\" Abby says." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know he does.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abby thinks it's a girl, while I'm convinced it's a boy. We didn't find out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We want to be surprised." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The truth is I'd be happy with a daughter, especially if she gets all of Abby's good qualities. Like her beautiful eyes, her sense of style, and her voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I pray the baby inherits her amazing voice.\n\nI sink back into the couch, and she lies on her back and puts her head in my lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I continue to run my hand across her protruding belly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She puts her hand on top of mine. \"One more week 'till I'm eighteen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know it's been hard for you. Even more so lately.\"\n\nShe laces our fingers together." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sometimes I can't believe we made it this long without anyone finding out. I have to stop myself from touching my stomach when she kicks. Do you know how hard that is? Don't even get me started on the clothes. I haven't been able to button my jeans for over two months. Even my yoga pants are getting too tight. It will be a relief when we don't have to hide it anymore.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I trace the outline of her jaw with my finger." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you think your parents will say?\"\n\n\"It doesn't matter. We have our plan, and there is nothing they can do about it after next Thursday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you know how much I love you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her eyes get misty. \"If it's half as much as I love you, I'm a lucky girl.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Then you're the luckiest girl in the world.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I lean down to kiss her forehead. Then I muse aloud, \"Lucky Rewey. Hmm.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She giggles. \"We are not naming the baby Lucky.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well, nothing goes well with Rewey, so we're pretty much screwed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Abigail does,\" she says." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Abigail Rewey.\" I smile big. \"Damn, that does sound good.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How about Kate?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kate?\" I shake my head. \"Our baby is going to have rock stars for parents. We need to be more creative than that. I was thinking more along the lines of Slash.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We're not naming our son Slash.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Who says Slash can't be a girl's name too? But I'm glad you finally agree it's a boy.\"\n\n\"I'm doing no such thing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She rubs her belly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's a girl. A mother knows.\"\n\nA lump forms in my throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Shit, Abbs. You're going to be a mother. I mean, I know that, but sometimes reality just creeps up on me. I'm gonna be a dad.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're gonna be the best dad.\"\n\nWe gaze at each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We do that a lot. That's the reason I know we're meant to be together—we never get tired of looking at each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even when we don't talk, it's never awkward or uncomfortable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The front door opens and Mom comes in. Abby doesn't bother lifting her head off my lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mom knows all about us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We had to tell her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We can't afford a place of our own while we're in high school. She didn't even wait for me to ask; she invited Abby to move in as soon as we told her she was pregnant." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She's well aware of how strict Abby's parents are." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the past several months, we've been planning—all three of us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I think Mom is even a little excited about having a grandchild.\n\nShe hands Abby a bag. \"I couldn't resist.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Abby sits up and removes a tiny yellow outfit that reads My Parents Rock.\n\nAbby and I laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's the first baby thing we've gotten." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Somehow it makes this more real than before.\n\n\"It's perfect,\" Abby says, getting off the couch to hug my mom." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She'll wear it home from the hospital.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You mean he will,\" I say." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mom snickers. \"It'll work either way because it's yellow.\"\n\n\"Thank you so much, Mrs. Rewey. For everything. I don't know how I can ever repay you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think we're past 'Mrs. Rewey,' Abby. You're moving in next week, and you're having my grandchild. You should call me Shelly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abby smiles. \"Okay … Shelly. Wow, that feels strange. I'll have to get used to that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'll all have to get used to a lot of things,\" Mom says. \"Speaking of which, do you guys want to go shopping with me tomorrow for a new bed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A new bed?\" I ask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Surely you don't expect Abby to sleep in your full-sized one. You both may fit now, but in a few months, she's going to need more space.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I cock my head to the side. \"You're going to let her sleep in my room? We thought she'd be in the guest room.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It sounds strange to think it and even stranger when you say it out loud, but it's not like you'll get her more pregnant, Chris. What's done is done. Plus you'll be married soon. Why postpone the inevitable? And the guest room is more suited for a nursery, don't you think?\"\n\n\"Why can't my parents be more like you, Mrs., er, Shelly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They'll come around,\" Mom says." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Wait until they see their grandbaby.\"\n\n\"I think you give them too much credit,\" Abby says." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm fully prepared for them to cut me out of their lives.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nonsense. I can see how much they love you. That won't change because you've done something they don't approve of. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I approve either, but you know what they say about lemons and lemonade.\" She touches Abby's stomach." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This baby is all kinds of lemonade.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"My dad will say I'm an embarrassment.\"\n\n\"Perhaps, but he'll get over it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He'll try to make me give the baby up for adoption.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's not really his choice, is it?\"\n\n\"He won't be happy about me moving in here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'll be eighteen, honey. It's your decision, not his. And you never know. They might surprise you. Maybe they'll want you and the baby to stay there.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I tug Abby closer to me. \"No way. She's moving here, and we're getting married.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even if they say Abby and the baby can live with them?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I turn and look directly into Abby's eyes. \"Even then. I'm not marrying you to give you a place to live. I'm not even sure I'm marrying you because of the baby. I'm marrying you because that's how things are meant to be. You and I were going to end up together no matter what.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mom tears up. \"I raised a hell of a son,\" she says." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, Mom.\"\n\n\"What do you two have planned for today?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her smile wanes, and she looks at me guiltily. \"I almost forgot. You're playing at the fair tonight.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're coming, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'm only sad nobody will get to hear Abby sing.\"\n\nI smile. \"This will be the last concert where she doesn't. After next week, she'll officially be a singer for Naked Whale.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abby giggles and sits back down awkwardly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Kind of apropos, considering I'll be as big as one soon.\"\n\n\"Are you going to watch them play?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mom asks her. \"Do you want to go with me?\"\n\n\"I wouldn't miss it, but I work until seven. I'll take a change of clothes with me and go when I get off. I'm sure I'll see you there, Shelly.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mom is pleased at Abby's use of her first name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll be right where I always am, in the front row.\"\n\nI call after her as she leaves the room, \"My mom. Naked Whale's biggest fan.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She calls back, \"Chris Rewey's biggest fan.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your mom is so nice,\" Abby says.\n\n\"Yeah. I kind of hit the jackpot where moms are concerned.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I look at the time. \"I wish you didn't have to go to work.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Me too, but we're going to need the money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Has that asshole bothered you anymore?\"\n\n\"Rob? Not since you told him to fuck off last week.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mom pokes her head out of the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't curse around the baby.\"\n\n\"Sorry, Shelly!\" Abby says." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I breathe a sigh of relief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He hasn't come to the drive-thru?\"\n\n\"Nope. Someone said he got a job at a gas station on the other side of town.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. I'm glad I was there when he came in and harassed you. Dude creeps me out. He's way too old to be talking to teenage girls.\"\n\n\"Tell me about it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I touch a lock of her hair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Old guy or not, I don't want anyone looking at my girl that way.\"\n\n\"Babe, you have nothing to worry about. It's like the song we wrote. Do I need to sing it to you again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know I want you to, but you'll be late for work.\" We get off the couch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I wish you could be up onstage with me tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I will be soon. Do you think people will care that a pregnant girl is singing in a rock band?\"\n\n\"I think they won't even notice your baby bump once you start singing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She stretches up to kiss me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're my biggest fan.\"\n\n\"Hell yes, I am.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I escort her to her car and give her one last kiss through the open window." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll see you and Slash tonight?\"\n\nI can hear her laughter as she backs out of the driveway. Damn, I love her." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI Prompt: 9 sentences sentences. Match character context. romance, music genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both of us are quiet on the way to my place. I glance at his notebook. Is Abby the one who lives in those pages?\n\nCrew looks at me like he knows what I'm thinking. He shifts the notebook to his other hand, as if protecting it from me.\n\nAt my apartment, I go straight for a bottle of wine. \"Here.\" I hand him a glass. \"Make yourself comfortable. I need a shower too.\"\n\nI notice my notebook on the coffee table where I left it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I decide to leave it where it is." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Will he look through it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he does, will my songs about him scare him away? Would I look through his if I had the chance? I know it would be tempting to do it, but at the same time, so wrong. Then again, he'd never leave it out for anyone to see. I didn't miss the fact that he took it with him to the bathroom at his mom's. His mom's. That should be a safe place. Which makes me wonder if the only person he's hiding it from is me.\n\nI turn the radio on for Crew then go to the bathroom. I look in the mirror, wondering what Abby looks like." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Does he still talk to her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I swallow. Does he still love her?\n\nI'm almost finished when Crew screams my name from the other side of the door. \"What? I'm in the shower.\"\n\nHe opens the door and shoves my robe through the shower curtain. \"We're on the radio!\"\n\nI pull back the curtain. \"You're messing with me.\"\n\n\"Am I?\"\n\nI don't bother drying off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I throw on the robe and trot to the living room, water dripping down my legs and trailing across the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hear myself singing, and it finally sinks in. It's one of the RA songs we re-recorded last month. Ronni did it! It's six-fifteen, Sunday, June eighteenth. Remember this, I tell myself. \"Shh,\" I say loudly when Crew looks like he's going to speak again.\n\nWe look at each other as we listen to the rest of the song. Our lips move with the words. It's not like we haven't heard ourselves before, we have. All the time. But this is different." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's never been on the radio. I haven't either." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This could quite possibly be the best moment of my life. Better even than when I got the job as the backup singer for White Poison.\n\nAfter the song ends, I scream and jump in his arms. \"We were on the radio!\"\n\nHe kisses me more passionately than he sings to me onstage.\n\nHe carries me to the bed and lays me down. My robe falls open. He gazes at me like he's never seen a naked woman. I warm under his perusal, aching for his touch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He runs a hand across my inner knee to my thigh, then touches me there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's like he's asking for permission. I bite my lip and nod my head. He puts a finger on my clit and I shudder. He works it to the beat of the song on the radio. If I weren't so aroused, I'd laugh.\n\nHe slips a finger inside me, then another. I raise my hips, pushing onto them. I'm climbing, climbing. I've never been turned on this quickly and thoroughly. I should be embarrassed but I'm not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm lying naked before him, and he's fully dressed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not nervous either. I'm a bomb waiting to explode.\n\nHe's working me with his thumb, his fingers still exploring inside me. Thrill after thrill shoots through my body as he possesses me.\n\n\"Bria,\" he says softly.\n\nHim saying my name is all it takes for me to clamp down and shout, \"Oh, God!\"\n\nMy head falls back on the bed and I breathe deeply, feeling the final surges of my orgasm.\n\nWhen I open my eyes, he's staring at the scar on my stomach. I grab his belt. \"Now you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hesitates, and I get the strange feeling he's about to get up and run out the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But he swallows and takes off his pants.\n\nI'm not sure what just happened, but I think whatever it was is good. He sits next to me and pulls off his shirt. He might be the sexiest man I've ever seen. Adam was sexy, there's no denying that, but he was sexy in a I-know-I'm-sexy way. Crew is sexy for other reasons. And I could be wrong, but I think he's exposing more than his body to me right now. In some way, I think he's exposing his soul.\n\nI take his cock into my hands, and he inhales sharply." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I run my hand up and down the shaft." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He's long, thick, solid, and velvety soft. He leans down. \"Do you have a condom?\"\n\nI point. He opens the nightstand drawer, looking in it and then back at me. I can see it in his eyes; he wants to ask me how often I open this drawer, but he doesn't, because if he asks me about my past, he'd have to tell me about his.\n\nHe opens a pack and puts the condom on in record time, then gets on top of me. \"Is this okay?\"\n\nI nod.\n\n\"Say it, Bria,\" he commands.\n\nOoooo, I like demanding Crew. \"I want this.\"\n\nHis eyes burn into mine as he enters me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then he fucks me fast and hard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I barely even have time to feel it before he comes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He groans into my shoulder and lies on top of me for a minute." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wonder if I've ever had quicker sex in my life.\n\nHe rolls out of bed and vanishes into the bathroom. I listen to him wash up.\n\nA few minutes later, he opens the door and stands naked in the doorway. He grips the doorframe above him and shakes his head. \"Were we really on the radio?\"\n\nI roll onto my stomach and let out an excited scream. \"We really were.\"\n\nHe sits beside me. \"I should apologize. It's been a while.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can't help my smile. \"How long?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Five months or so.\"\n\nMy lower lip works its way into my mouth as I calculate how long ago we met.\n\nHe touches my bare butt. \"What about you?\"\n\nI shrug nonchalantly. \"About five months or so.\"\n\n\"Adam?\"\n\nI nod.\n\n\"How did I compare?\" He puts a finger to my lips. \"You know what, don't answer that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I chuckle. \"Well, you were so quick, I don't have enough data to answer the question.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not enough data, huh?\"\n\nI nod seductively. His cock dances. I reach out and give it a tug. His mouth twitches into a grin. He gets hard in my hands.\n\n\"I want a do-over,\" he says, getting another condom.\n\nI lie on my back, exposing myself to him. He sucks my nipple into his mouth and blows on it, giving me a chill. Then he ever so lightly nips me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shake involuntarily and feel his smile against my breast.\n\n\"You are so responsive.\"\n\nI arch into him. \"I aim to please.\"\n\nHe growls—actually growls like a bear—and climbs on top of me, testing me with his fingers before he pushes himself in. He seats himself fully and then retracts until just the tip remains. He does it again, building me back up. He makes love to me slowly this time. His lips are moving, and I wonder if he's writing a song." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thought has me clawing at his back. He slips a hand between us and pinches my nipple. I groan. His thrusts come more quickly.\n\nHe flips me over and yanks me to my knees, slapping against me as he sinks into me over and over from behind. I grab a pillow and lean into it, moaning at the way he feels inside me. He reaches around and rubs my clit with one hand, his other hand grabbing my waist.\n\n\"I'm gonna come,\" he announces, pushing me over the edge for a second time. We both shout.\n\nWe collapse, sweaty and satiated, and laugh.\n\n\"We should definitely write a song about that. Jesus, Bria.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I giggle. \"I thought you were. I swear I saw your lips moving, and since you're always writing …\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lyrics by sex,\" he says, stroking my side. \"You're very inspiring.\"\n\n\"I could say the same about you.\"\n\n\"I still can't believe it.\"\n\n\"I know it's a lot to process, being in bed with a famous singer and all, but you're going to have to realize I'm a person, too. But on your way out, my head of security will ask you to sign an NDA.\"\n\nHe hits me with a pillow.\n\nI rise on one elbow. \"Do you think it's been on more than once, or do you suppose we heard the very first time?\"\n\n\"Hard to say, but what are the odds that we happened to be listening the first time it was on?\"\n\n\"Do you think the guys heard it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He retrieves his phone and gets back into bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No texts or calls.\"\n\n\"Maybe we should tell them.\"\n\nHe puts down his phone and straddles me. \"Hmm, or maybe …\" He shimmies against me, getting hard again.\n\nWe call them after round three, and Ronni finally texts to let us know we were on the radio. Thanks for the heads up, Veronica.\n\nAfter round four, I revel in the events of the day and realize Crew's asleep. I strain to see the outline of his face. I stare at him for a long time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Long enough for the moon to come up and shine through the window.\n\n\"Abby,\" he mumbles, snuggling against me.\n\nI fall asleep before dawn after staying up most of the night crying, because the man in my arms thinks I'm someone else.\n\nThe bed creaks. I cover my eyes to block the light. I hear Crew use the bathroom. He crawls back into bed and wraps his arm around me and kisses the back of my head. His breathing slows; he's going back to sleep.\n\n\"Crew?\"\n\n\"Yeah?\" he says sleepily." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I face him knowing I shouldn't ask, but I can't help myself. \"Who's Abby?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suddenly he's wide awake, but he doesn't speak, or get off the bed, or run away. He just turns away from me and pulls the covers up.\n\nGuilt consumes me. He wasn't baring his soul to me after all. And now … now he's burying it." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI Prompt: 9 sentences sentences. Match character context. romance, music genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hand Crew my phone before we go inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Snap a picture of my hair. I want a before and after photo.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I strike funny poses as he snaps away." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Work this phrase into your response organically: \"The guy made Brett uneasy and he scared him away.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did anyone ever tell you that you should be a model?\"\n\n\"Actually, yes.\"\n\n\"Really?\"\n\nI nod. \"Back in high school, I was approached by someone after a choir performance.\"\n\n\"What happened?\"\n\n\"The guy made Brett uneasy and he scared him away.\"\n\n\"I like your brother.\"\n\n\"It wouldn't have mattered. I've never had any desire to be on the cover of a magazine unless it was a result of my singing.\"\n\n\"Rolling Stone?\" he asks with a smirk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's the holy grail, isn't it? But I was thinking more like Spin or Billboard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You've got to think bigger than that.\"\n\nA girl passing by stops. \"Are you Chris Rewey?\"\n\nCrew smiles and offers his hand. \"I am.\"\n\n\"Oh my God, I love your songs. Reckless Alibi is like my favorite band of all time, and now you're on the radio. Can I have your autograph?\"\n\nHe signs a page in her notebook, and she takes their picture. \"This is like the best day of my life. You really are my favorite.\"\n\n\"Thanks. We have a new album coming out soon.\"\n\nShe squeals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is our other lead singer,\" he says. \"Brianna.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I look at him sideways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's never called me that before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nice to meet you,\" she says, looking about as impressed with me as the bum on the corner bench." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We'd better get going,\" Crew says.\n\n\"Right. Thanks again,\" the girl says before bouncing down the street.\n\nI put my hand over my heart. \"O-M-G,\" I say dramatically. \"I can't believe I just met the Chris Rewey. Isn't he dreamy?\"\n\n\"Shut up,\" he says, yanking me to him.\n\n\"And he touched me. I'll never wash my hand again.\"\n\n\"Will you quit it?\" He pushes me against the side of the building and kisses me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're the only one I want to touch.\"\n\n\"Are you famous or something?\" a man asks, taking his phone out. \"I saw you autograph something for that girl and then you posed for a picture with her.\"\n\n\"Nope,\" Crew says sharply. \"Not famous. If you'll excuse us.\"\n\nHe hurries me toward the hair salon and I'm left wondering if he's always nicer to the female fans.\n\nAs soon as we open the door, a flamboyant man dances toward us. \"Ah, my dear Brianna. I've been waiting for you. I'm Carlos.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Uh, hi. You know who I am?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I make it a point to read up on my clients.\" He circles me. \"Ronni's description didn't do you justice. You're simply gorgeous, darling, and once I'm done with you, you'll be nothing less than breathtaking.\"\n\n\"I don't want my hair cut.\"\n\n\"Why would you? It's perfect.\" He runs his fingers through my hair. \"I'll give you a few layers here and some highlights there. I'll sculpt your brows. Oh, my. I must thank Ronni for sending me such a fine specimen.\"\n\n\"This is my friend, Crew.\" I blush. I've never had to introduce him to anyone before, and I'm not sure how to do it. He did say we're a we the other day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Friend. Right. The two of you together will burn down the house.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He squeals. \"Oh, the hotness. I wish I could bottle it.\"\n\n\"Where do you want me?\"\n\nHe escorts me to a chair in front of a large mirror, then drags another one over for Crew. \"Sit, my boy. Your blond hair is simply delicious. I'm sorry to say there's not a thing I would do to it.\"\n\nWe sit and listen to Carlos gossip about his other clients, most of whom are either famous or rich. An hour later, I'm taken back to the sink to get my hair washed. It's heavenly the way Carlos massages my scalp.\n\n\"You're going to look fabulous. Trust me,\" he says, wrapping my hair in a towel. \"Now don't peek until I'm finished, okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turns the chair so I can't see myself in the mirror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My back straightens when he gets out his shears. \"Carlos—\" I lean away from the scissors. \"I know Ronni wants me to cut my hair, but I'm really against it. I mean it when I say please don't.\"\n\nHe puts down the scissors and leans in, his hands on the arms of my chair. \"Sweet Brianna. I don't care if the Pope himself tells me to cut your hair. I won't do it unless you say so. A few layers only. I give you my word.\"\n\n\"Okay. My friends call me Bria.\"\n\nCarlos smiles and picks up the scissors.\n\nI'm still nervous, especially when I see hair falling on the floor, but Crew's smile assures me it's okay. I watch him the whole time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After Carlos blow-dries my hair, Crew's smile fades." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I try to get a glimpse in the mirror, but Carlos won't let me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is it? Is my hair orange or something?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's magnificent,\" Carlos says. \"You'll see soon enough.\"\n\nCrew is looking at me like he's seen a ghost.\n\n\"Crew?\"\n\nHe pinches the bridge of his nose. \"Carlos, is there a bathroom I can use?\"\n\nCarlos points to the back of the salon. \"I hope your friend is okay. He looked a little green.\"\n\n\"I'm sure he's fine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But I'm not sure. His violent mood swings confuse the hell out of me.\n\nCarlos gets out his curling iron and does things with it. \"Perfect,\" he says. \"Do you want to wait for him for the big reveal?\"\n\nI shake my head, wondering what's taking him so long.\n\n\"Here we go,\" Carlos says and turns the chair around.\n\nI'm stunned. It's me, only better. Sun-kissed highlights span the length of my hair and wispy long layers give it a casual, beachy look. My brows are sculpted in a way that make my eyes stand out more than they did before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I turn and hug Carlos. \"I love it!\"\n\nHe hugs me back. \"Of course you do. I'm a genius with hair. Tell all your famous friends.\"\n\n\"I don't have any famous friends.\"\n\n\"I suspect you will soon, honey.\"\n\nCrew returns, and his eyes are glued to my head. Carlos was right. He looks green. I twirl around in a circle. \"What do you think? I could easily pass for a California girl, right?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Weave this into your narrative: \"It must be the smell of the color that got to him. Some people can't handle it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crew heads for the door. \"I'll wait for you outside.\"\n\nCarlos shrugs. \"It must be the smell of the color that got to him. Some people can't handle it.\"\n\n\"Yeah, must be,\" I say, not believing it for a second.\n\nI get out my wallet, but Carlos pushes my hand away. \"Your visit has been covered, including tip. You're good to go, girl. Promise me you'll come back every month for a touchup.\"\n\n\"I promise.\"\n\nI exit the salon. Crew is sitting on a bench." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'cover' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sit next to him. \"You don't like it?\"\n\n\"It's not that.\"\n\n\"Then what is it? You're acting really strange.\"\n\nHe runs a hand across the cover of his notebook. \"There's something I want to show you.\"\n\n\"Okay.\"\n\nHe flips through it, stops on a page, and bends the cover back. He hesitates for the longest time before placing it on my lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm almost afraid to look at it, but when I see the first few words, I can do nothing but smile. I run my finger under the lyrics as I read them.\n\nWhen your eyes locked with mine, I went out of my mind\n\nI fell head over heels for you\n\nThough we never had words and we came from different worlds\n\nSomehow I felt I always knew\n\n(chorus)\n\nNew girl, you slay me\n\nThe way you disobey me" }, { "from": "human", "value": "New girl, you own me" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As if you've always known me" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'm grinning so big, my face splits. \"This is beautiful.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crew still looks sick. \"Keep reading.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I look back at the page for the second verse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That California Sky, reflected in your eyes\n\nYou put me under your spell\n\nWe were only seventeen, going after our own dreams\n\nWe told the world to go to hell\n\nWith a kind of shock, I realize the song is not about me. It's about her.\n\nI read the rest of it. He was in love with her, that's for sure.\n\n\"This is about Abby.\"\n\nHe nods." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): Because you need to know how fucked up I am." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Was she your high school girlfriend?\"\n\nHe looks down the street in the other direction. \"I can't talk about it.\"\n\n\"Then why show me the song?\"\n\n\"Because you need to know how fucked up I am.\"\n\n\"What happened, Chris?\"\n\nHe takes his notebook from me and stands. \"I'll walk you home.\"\n\nWe are silent, though I want to ask many questions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He moves farther and farther away from me with each step we take." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'money' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When we're almost to my place, a familiar man comes out of the alley, asking for money. He touches my arm.\n\n\"I don't have any cash,\" I say, recognizing the homeless man as Jonah, one of the regulars who begs on this street.\n\nBefore I realize what's happening, Crew punches him in the face. Blood instantly appears on Jonah's lip. \"Crew! Stop it,\" I yell, yanking him off. Jonah runs away. \"What's wrong with you?\"\n\n\"He was robbing you.\"\n\n\"No he wasn't. He was asking for money. There's a big difference.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He put his hand on you,\" he says, staring at the place where Jonah touched my arm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jonah didn't mean anything by it.\"\n\n\"Jonah? You know him?\"\n\n\"He's a nice man. A little slow but harmless.\"\n\n\"Are you kidding me? Nobody's harmless.\"\n\n\"He's hungry, Crew. Sometimes I give him my leftovers.\"\n\n\"You encourage him?\"\n\nI'm confused by his behavior. \"What's going on here?\"\n\n\"Nothing. Sorry. I overreacted.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You think?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I unlock the outer door, and we go upstairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crew doesn't follow me into my apartment. He's staring at my hair again.\n\nFinally, he averts his eyes. \"I promised Gary I'd help him do some painting. I have to go.\"\n\n\"You're not staying for dinner? I was going to make spaghetti.\"\n\n\"I really have to go.\" He backs away, putting more distance between us. \"Another night. Lock the door.\"\n\n\"Crew?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sorry,\" he says and runs down the stairs." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sit on my couch, remembering the song he shared with me. Is that his way of letting me into his past—or telling me I can't be his future?\n\nRather than drive myself crazy, I fetch peroxide and bandages, and make a quick turkey sandwich, wrapping it in tin foil. Then I go in search of Jonah." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "i'll kick things off by writing a bit (might include characters you don't know yet), then you'll take over and write the next five sentences in the distinctive voice of Samantha Christy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After rehearsal, Bria shows us lyrics she's been working on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Damn, these are good,\" Garrett says." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Maybe you two should break up more often.\"\n\nLiam hits him on the back of the head.\n\n\"Too soon?\"\n\nLiam swipes the notebook from Garrett and studies her songs. \"Garrett's right. These lyrics are good. I wish I could get out of this slump I'm in and write some goddamn music for them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It'll happen,\" Bria says." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're waiting for your inspiration.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looks at me like I'm her inspiration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "God, I hope so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I've never needed inspiration in the past,\" he says. \"Shit always just comes to me. It's kind of a gift.\"\n\n\"But apparently not the kind that keeps on giving,\" Brad says.\n\nLiam broods. \"Shut up.\"\n\nWe turn off the amps and clean up our mess." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nobody turned on the radio, and I realize how quiet it is. \"You guys hear that?\"\n\nThey stiffen and listen. \"Hear what?\" Liam asks.\n\n\"The sweet sound of silence. Of Ronni not breathing down our necks, and Jeremy not being her little bitch.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know,\" Bria says. \"I think Jeremy is coming around.\"\n\nI raise an eyebrow.\n\n\"He called me Bria. He hasn't done that since we signed with IRL. I think he and Ronni had it out Saturday night. Maybe he's getting as tired of her crap as we are.\"\n\n\"If only,\" Garrett says." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It'd be nice to have him on our side.\"\n\nThe barn door opens, and Dirk walks in. Liam beelines over to him. \"I thought I told you to leave us alone.\"\n\nDirk laughs smugly. \"As this is my property, it's within my rights to tell you to go fuck yourself. But I won't because I'm not as rude as you are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you want?\" Liam asks.\n\n\"It's your mother. She's piss drunk. Must be a record, as it's barely noon. The housekeeper got her into bed after she vomited in the hallway, but you'll probably want to monitor her. Make sure she doesn't choke in her sleep or something.\"\n\nLiam abruptly checks his phone. \"Oh, shit, today is—\" He turns. \"I gotta bolt.\"\n\nAs he runs out the door, Dirk yells after him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're welcome!\" He lowers his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Little shit doesn't appreciate a goddamn thing I do for him.\"\n\nAfter he leaves, I rack my brain. Oh, Jesus. I feel like a douche of a friend. With everything else on my mind, I totally forgot what this day means to Liam. Then again, he did too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I quickly get out my phone and text him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Me: I'll bring the whiskey." }, { "from": "human", "value": "See you around nine?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liam: Thanks, bro.\n\nEvery year on this day, Liam and I get shitfaced. It's a tradition neither of us particularly enjoy, but it's his way of dealing. I have my own ways. I glance at Bria." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ways I hope to change." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Starting now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I follow her outside, catching her before she leaves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you free this afternoon? There's someplace I want to take you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her face falls. She thinks I'm asking her out.\n\n\"It's not what you think. I have another appointment with the psychiatrist. On Saturday she said it might be helpful if you came to a session.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"Because you're the reason I'm there.\" She cringes, and I backtrack." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're the reason I wanted to get better. I'm doing this for you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her expression softens. \"I hope you're also doing it for yourself, Crew.\"\n\n\"Will you come? Please?\"\n\nShe leans against her car and thinks about it, then she nods.\n\n\"Great. Give me a sec to get my things.\"\n\nBria follows me into the heart of Stamford in her car." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said it would make it easier to leave from there. The truth is she didn't want to sit in the car with me. She's back with the band, she's singing with me, but she's making every effort to stay away from me when the music stops. My gut tells me she's giving me space. I hope I'm right, because if she's pulling away, I would be losing one of the best things that's ever happened to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We sit in the reception area in silence, both of us fiddling on our phones." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hope this wasn't a bad idea." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We get called back.\n\n\"Dr. Hardy, this is Bria.\"\n\n\"Very nice to meet you,\" Dr. Hardy says. \"Please, have a seat on the couch.\"\n\nI sit on one end." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I expect Bria to sit on the other, but she settles on the middle cushion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not close enough for us to be touching, but close enough to send a message." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To whom, I'm not sure.\n\n\"What brings you here today, Bria?\" she asks.\n\n\"Crew asked me to come.\"\n\nDr. Hardy jots something in her folder.\n\nBria asks, \"What are you writing? That I called him Crew? You think I should call him Chris, don't you? I do sometimes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No, Bria, that's not what I was writing. Crew is his nickname. It's perfectly acceptable for you to call him that. Back to my question: I know you're here because Chris asked you, but why did you come?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bria shrugs. \"If he thinks I can help in some way, that's good, right?\"\n\n\"What do you think he needs help with?\"\n\nBria looks at me like she doesn't know what she can say. \"It's okay,\" I tell her. \"Dr. Hardy knows everything.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'about' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He needs help getting over losing Abby and the baby. Maybe that will help make him less overprotective. My brother, Brett, said he's probably got PTSD.\"\n\n\"Chris, how do you feel about Bria discussing this with her brother?\"\n\n\"I'm okay with it. I told Brett and the rest of the band Saturday night.\"\n\n\"What did you tell them?\"\n\n\"About Abby and the baby. No details, just generalizations.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dr. Hardy makes notes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's good progress. Talking about it with those close to you is a big part of recovery.\" She looks at Bria. \"I'm not sure Chris has PTSD, however.\"\n\n\"He doesn't?\"\n\n\"He tells me he seldom has nightmares about them anymore. As with any trauma, it's normal to experience intrusive memories, flashbacks and bad dreams after the event, but that decreases over time. What seems to be happening with Chris is that, like most people, he experienced a combination of rage and grief, along with feeling powerless. Those emotions are difficult to overcome, particularly for men.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And that's not PTSD?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't believe so. Chris is dealing with behavioral patterns that are rooted in the trauma he experienced. He told me about the overprotective behavior that led to your leaving him and the band. This behavior is born of his belief that the world is a dangerous place, and no one can be trusted. His confrontational response suggests an increase of aggression toward others, which is another trauma-based behavioral feature.\"\n\nBria turns to me. \"Does that mean you don't trust me?\"\n\n\"Of course I trust you.\"\n\n\"He does but he doesn't,\" Dr. Hardy says." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"For the most part, he doesn't trust other men, but on some level he doesn't trust you to take care of yourself either.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'control'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bria sighs, nodding. \"That makes a lot of sense.\"\n\n\"Chris can't control everything and that leads to a lack of trust in himself.\"\n\n\"So what can we do?\" Bria asks. \"What can I do?\"\n\n\"A lot of things. We will work on increasing his feelings of safety and security by establishing structures and routines to make his days seem more secure and predictable. This can make him feel more in control. He can also spend time doing activities he likes and excels at, improving self-confidence.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bria smiles. \"He already does that. The structure thing I'm not so sure of. We're in a band. Our schedule changes weekly, sometimes daily. The biggest trigger, I'd guess you'd call it, is when men recognize me and want to chat. How can we control that without quitting the band?\"\n\nDr. Hardy nods thoughtfully. \"That certainly makes things more difficult but not impossible. Chris, you say you're close with your bandmates. That's good. Spending time with people you trust is important. We'll work on reviewing your traumatic event and exploring the disoriented thinking that resulted from it. You may have unresolved feelings of guilt over their deaths. You may even still be angry at Abby for leaving.\"\n\n\"Angry at Abby?\" Bria says. \"Why would he be angry with her? It wasn't her fault.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's perfectly natural to be angry at people who have died and left us. On a deep, unconscious level, we may even blame them for vanishing from our lives.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: hardy, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bria looks sad.\n\n\"What is it?\" Dr. Hardy asks.\n\n\"Sometimes I still get mad at my mom,\" she says. \"She died when I was little. I don't even remember her, but I'm embarrassed to say I often get angry at her for making me grow up without a mother.\"\n\nDr. Hardy offers a sympathetic smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's normal to feel angry. Don't beat yourself up about how you feel. It's part of the process.\"\n\n\"So he needs to forgive Abby for leaving him?\"\n\n\"Perhaps. Chris, would you like to share what you've been doing as part of that process?\"\n\nDr. Hardy asked me to bring my notebook to appointments, since my feelings are bottled up inside it. \"I've been writing one song for a long time, and I finally finished it yesterday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dr. Hardy looks pleased." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's wonderful. You must feel relieved to have finished it after all this time.\"\n\n\"I wanted to finish it before …\" I look at the calendar on the wall.\n\nShe says, \"Would you like to tell Bria what tomorrow is?\"\n\n\"It's Abby's birthday.\" I swallow. \"She would have been twenty-five.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bria's eyes fill with tears." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's also the day they found them.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"I know how uncomfortable that can be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I nod.\n\n\"I know the song is intensely private,\" the doctor says, \"and we'll respect your decision if you choose not to, but it might help to share the song with Bria. It could help her understand your grief, your helplessness.\"\n\nI stare at the notebook.\n\n\"You don't have to,\" Bria says to me. \"I know how uncomfortable that can be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seconds of silence—maybe minutes—pass. \"You can read it.\" I flip through the pages until I find it, the memory of finishing the song still raw. I hand it to her. The lyrics are burned into my mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I close my eyes and see them in my head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Can you see me, can you hear me" }, { "from": "human", "value": "From wherever you are now" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I tell you where my heart is\n\nIs it like a broken vow\n\nThough a piece of me stays with you\n\nAs I leave you in the ground\n\nI'll cherish you for always" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My love for you profound." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Promises were made," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "now I turn a different way\n\n[ Letting go is a fatal blow, but I'll get through it somehow ]\n\nI'm letting go\n\nIt's time to grow\n\nI'm letting go right now" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So goodbye I say forever\n\nAs I put you in the past\n\nYou'll be gone but not forgotten\n\nAs I walk away at last\n\nThe chorus runs through my mind one last time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's hard not to choke up as I remember everything Abby and my daughter meant to me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hard? Hell, it's mind-shattering, but after seven long years without them, it is time to move on at last. Abby would understand.\n\nBria clears her throat, and I can tell she's trying to control her emotions. \"Crew, it's beautiful. Thank you for showing it to me.\"\n\nShe hands me the notebook, and I try to give it to Dr. Hardy. She refuses. \"The song is not for me. It's for the three of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Bria, will you go with me when I give it to her tomorrow?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\" Her voice is tremulous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moment between us hangs suspended, and I fight taking her hand in mine. This isn't the time or place, but the promise of better yet to come is there. For the first time in what feels like forever, I look forward to what's next.\n\nDr. Hardy smiles. \"I'm seeing real progress today, Chris. There are a few things I'd like you to think about before our next session. You're in a band. That's not going to change. I googled Reckless Alibi and am impressed by what I've seen, but your chosen profession promotes lots of fan attention, both wanted and unwanted. Until you learn how to control less-desirable feelings, you need to rely on external safety measures.\"\n\n\"What does that mean?\" I ask." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Start by researching how other celebrities maintain privacy and security. Your band should have an experienced agent who can advise you and implement those procedures. Having experts to turn to, and making security a project that includes all the band members, not just the two of you, will help you feel safer and less alone with your fears. Although you may be more afraid than the others, it's a realistic concern for all of you as the attention to your band increases.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think about how those men reacted the other night when Brett joined Bria." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They backed off, and I was so relieved. I would have been okay with them talking to her as long as he was there. She needs a bodyguard. My face falls. \"We can't afford that, Dr. Hardy. We're just getting started.\"\n\n\"That would be an issue, but it's something to think about. In the meantime I have another option for you to consider, and this involves you both. Consider taking martial arts classes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know some self-defense already,\" Bria says. \"My brother made me take classes.\"\n\n\"Knowing self-defense is not the same,\" she says. \"In addition to being able to protect yourself, which would help put Chris at ease, there is a component of discipline and focusing of attention learned in martial arts that could help him manage his feelings and make him feel more powerful and in control.\"\n\n\"Like learn Tae Kwon Do or something?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the first time since sitting on the couch, I smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I love this idea." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What do you say, Bria? Do you want to go all Bruce Lee with me?\"\n\nShe laughs. \"I think that might be fun.\"\n\nI already feel better and wonder why in the hell it took me so long to do this in the first place.\n\nI gaze at Bria and remember why I'm here. A lock of her hair falls over one eye, and I have the urge to brush it away. Lyrics dance through my head, and I know as soon as I leave, I'll be writing another song." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Match existing character familiarity or establish new\nLength:\n4 sentences\nGenre:\nChristmas, romance, short stories" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amanda hits the breaks, kicking up a dust storm as she slides sideways, coming to a stop in front of the gate. I wave my hand around my face to clear the dust, then lean on her open passenger side window. \"Jesus, Mandy. Where did you learn to drive like that? You're a bloody hoon, woman.\"\n\nAmanda grins from ear to ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I could give you lessons if you like,\" she says with a cheeky wink.\n\nI fan myself with my bush hat, and a chuckle escapes me. \"Yeah, alright, I reckon I'll take you up on that some day.\"\n\n\"I'm game if you are,\" answers Amanda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A girl after my own heart. So, what do you say, how about you do the round up then? I'll man the gate.\"\n\n\"No problemo.\"\n\nI peel the gate open, and watch as Amanda drives through. The dust kicks up again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The remnants of the cropped wheat splinter, and crush as she goes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's no problem though, the chaff only serves to hold the soil down, and feed the stock over the summer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A few tyre tracks aren't going to be an issue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mandy could hoon through my crops and I'd forgive her..." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Amanda takes it wide, rounding up her errant sheep with practised ease." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A straggler goes rogue, and she expertly adjusts course to encourage it back towards the flock." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sheep high tails it—they aren't the bravest of creatures—and joins the others heading towards me, and the gate.\n\n\"Here, here!\" I yell as the first of the sheep comes through, and I give a few an encouraging smack on their wooly rumps as they go. Thirteen all up. Nothing to sneeze at when they're walking bundles of livelihood. You can't afford to lose stock out in the wheatbelt, especially over summer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The heat is too unforgiving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Amanda pulls up to the gate, remaining on my property." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Closing the gate I walk up to her window. \"A baker's dozen all told,\" I say. \"Thirteen's a lucky number, you know?\"\n\n\"We farmers are a superstitious lot, aren't we?\" she answers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"When you rely on the land and the seasons, it pays to be, I think,\" I respond.\n\n\"Too true.\"\n\n\"But speaking of luck...how'd you like to join me for a few afternoon Chrissy drinks? No funny stuff, just a good chat, and something to eat? What do you say, Mandy?\"\n\nAmanda grins. \"So, this isn't a date, then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What? No, no. Of course not. I'd never—\" I catch the playful sparkle in Amanda's eye, and my heart gallops. \"That is, unless you want it to be?\"\n\nAmanda leans out of the window, one hand still on the wheel. \"It's a date!\" she whispers, her lips perilously close to my ear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Withdrawing, she whips her vehicle into gear. \"Come on then,\" she says aloud, full of vibrance and mischief. \"I'll race you back to yours!\"\n\n\"Hey!\" I protest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not even in my bloody truck, yet!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amanda's laughter rings out as I rush to throw myself behind the wheel. Ripping my trusty ute into gear, I pull around, fishtailing it through the chaff. Following the neighbour girl's plume of red dust, I grin. This might turn out to be my favourite Christmas, yet!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "⁂\n\n[ A TABLE FOR TEN - A Z boys Christmas Special by SOFIA AVES ]\n\n[ Fairview House, Cairns, Australia ]\n\nDecember 25th" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Come on, sweetie. You know I can't.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'wasn't' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My lips pressed together, though I wasn't really upset. It wasn't like it was the first time she had done this to me. The worst of it was that she always got her way.\n\nAlways." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why? Because I was a big softie coated in a uniform that every handler disgraced at least once in their service life, and bowed to the whim of my girl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Big brown doe eyes stared up at me as she begged. I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. She knew what got me every time. Pretty lashes fluttered over a soft, golden muzzle that looked like it had been dipped in ash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My only and utter weakness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I ruffled golden ears that followed me through so many deployments and active fire, earning her stripes that bore both honour and pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One streaked her ribs in a long graze; the other a bald patch of mangled skin over her heart.\n\nSix hours of surgery, and I sat by the door the entire time.\n\nShe had more medals than me, and she deserved all of them, especially the one earned for taking a bullet meant for me.\n\nThere was no greater love, and hence my decision to cave, but only for her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay, Helix. One run, and then back home. Just one.\"\n\nHer ears twitched as she considered my paltry offering, slowly pushing up on bunched muscles I knew would be aching for exercise.\n\nI reached for her halter, dangling it like a carrot. Six years together and it never got old." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Helix bounced on her haunches, snapping as if she were still the energetic wind-up toy she'd been when she arrived in my care and not the forty-five kilo Belgian Malinois she became.\n\nMy pocket buzzed. I extracted my phone, groaning when I read the name that flashed on the screen.\n\nI gave Helix a sharp command and an apologetic look, picked up the call.\n\n\"Merry Christmas, Brigadier.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Acting.\" Ridgell's grumpy reply hit me as funny, however inappropriate.\n\n\"They didn't promote you to diamonds and swords for Christmas?\" I asked, imagining the upgrade to his epaulettes, not bothering to hide my grimace. He already had my neck in a noose whenever he wanted it; the thought of him having sole command over our unit sent shivers of the icy sort through my veins." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kelly, I need that report from the Pacific region now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ridgell threw the words at me.\n\n\"No preempt there.\" I couldn't resist the barb. \"The boys get Christmas, sir. We're on one of our few days of downtime for the year.\"\n\nAnd with all of us living under one roof, it made for an...interesting work culture." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not that we were often home, or had time to whine at each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Which means you should have everything booked and ready to go, and a plan you can send me tonight. You asked for control of Z Unit, Lincoln Kelly. Don't make me regret the choice of awarding it to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I clenched my teeth. Technically, the Brigadier—acting—had promoted me into the unit. The only thing I asked for was Helix's release to me, rather than the soft retirement to a breeding cage she was headed for otherwise. It tied me to the position for however long the unit existed, but the tradeoff of her freedom for mine seemed fair, after her sacrifices for me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A life in a cage in a breeding cell wasn't the future I wanted for the girl who had saved my life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\" I wasn't pulling my boys from their day off, even if it meant we needed to work. They'd earned the break after several months of solid work. After two years together, they had bonded with a camaraderie I was proud to have had a hand in developing. That sort of group culture could save a life, and had, many times over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And every single one of my boys had slept in until noon on their single rostered day off for the year.\n\nHelix nuzzled my hand. I petted her ears as I waited for the Brigadier's reply.\n\n\"Good. Merry Christmas, Major.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I signed off with a verbal salute that was only slightly sketchy, tossing my phone onto the table.\n\n\"Okay, honey. How about that run?\"\n\nAn hour and a bit later, my knees were rubber. Helix had torn around the town as fast as her four legs would carry her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd followed her, sprinting as fast as I could, dodging tourists and backpackers through Cairns Central until the afternoon turned orange. Cairns had developed from a frontier town during the eighteen hundreds gold rush to one of the fastest growing communities in Australia.\n\nI spent the afternoon cleaning Fairview House while Helix slept beside my bed. Tinsel and plastic pine tree fronds littered the ground." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There were more decorations everywhere I turned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I could have sworn Queen followed me around the house, adding his personal touches to the old queenslander when my back was turned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The old building was the traditional, strategic home of Z Unit dating back to WWII." }, { "from": "human", "value": "While it had once been set on the edge of the town, now it was ensconced on the outer city centre, bordering on being engulfed in by suburbia." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ridgell had given me control of the unit under their usual conditions, though in bringing Helix with me, I'd added a few of my own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How you doing, Ace?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Noah King slapped me on the back in welcome hard enough to sting as he emerged from his room. \"Merry Christmas.\" He didn't bother covering his yawn.\n\nI grunted. \"Is that the beginning of your festive season welcome? Oooh,\" I cooed when he placed a dish of cold prawns and thousand island sauce on the main table. \"You do know how to set a table.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He likes it,\" Hearts bantered as I tugged one corner of the tray open and made a prayer position to the ceiling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "King huffed a laugh. \"Did you think it was it all for you, big fella?\"\n\nI pressed my lips together and held back a remark of the duties I would assign him post Christmas. Just.\n\n\"Uh-huh. He heard you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One of the Tran brothers, Knave, popped out of our freezer that held beer, plus boutique and illegal vodka from our trip, amongst other things.\n\n\"Never,\" I snorted, pushing past him to leave my own paltry offering for the table, a collection of rolled pastries filled with custard and apple. The spicy scent rose around the table, and the small crowd inhaled as one, settling back with a sigh.\n\nWe didn't do presents—for the spartan lifestyle we led between missions, any physical gift would be wasted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead, we kept to the traditions that evolved around the table for our past four Christmases together.\n\nKing dragged four extra chairs over, and the mood settled into something darker in an instant. We set the additional seating up with table settings, even though there was no one to sit in them.\n\nCatching my eye with his trademark cheeky grin, King leaned forward to scoop three prawns from the platter and popped them into his mouth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Queen slapped the back of his hand, his other planted on his hip, and began to berate the young officer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The amusement in King's face only brightened as he bantered back with the flamboyant ordnance specialist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We were a ragtag mix of inter-service cooperation, each focusing on our own specialisations." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We playing tonight?\" Hearts, my main man, pushed through the row of pastries to grin at me, shuffling a deck in his hands, though I knew they would be fresh from the local casino and likely to be tagged.\n\nFairy lights in the shape of reindeer pranced about the picture rails of the room. Queen lit a row of berry scented candles, setting them around the room. I abided by his habits on the provision that nothing overtly floral scented the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Eroding the male smell that likely permeated the building was fine; what wasn't fine was reminding each man what he had given up in chasing his career." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not one of us could have a relationship, nothing permanent, at least. The cost was too high. Though that didn't stop the Tran boys in having a bit of fun every other international trip.\n\n\"If that's what you boys need. It's your one night off a year. Spend it wisely.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Or not so wisely.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Joker wiggled his eyebrows, his English accent thickening with the alcohol he consumed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Queen nodded. He and his twin dropped into their seats, their hands folded and heads bowed. I might have believed their antics, had I not seen some of the stunts they pulled over the years.\n\nHearts slipped in beside me, and King filled his spot at our heretic table. We were ready for our version of grace when a knock interrupted us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I pushed my chair back when King made to rise.\n\n\"I've got it. You're up.\" I nodded for him to start, and shoved my chair back as far as it would go in the small dining room space. It opened onto a Queenslander terrace, overlooking the spreading town." }, { "from": "human", "value": "King's soft and reverent intonation became my shadow that followed me down the hall to the front doors." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We might be a bunch of sinners, but every soldier talks to whichever deity might be listening at least once during deployment, even if it's only in a bid to save our skins.\n\nMore often, we prayed for those who went to the desert but never came home.\n\nA sharp rap rattled the double front doors. A figure stood on the other side of the stained glass rosellas that climbed their branch, throwing a soft rose coloured glow over the foyer and hall beyond." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely I wasn't going to be sold house insurance or internet service on Christmas Day? Especially in the early evening. I sighed and shook my head, pasting a bland smile on my face that had gotten me through many staff meetings.\n\nI pulled the door wide, and my mouth fell open in the ogling sort of way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A woman stood on the other side of the threshold." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Long blonde hair tumbled over her shoulders in a golden sheet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A puffy-sleeved red top left her shoulders bare, showing off a perfect, golden tan over a pair of white, tailored, cut-off jeans." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A pair of red heels completed her ensemble, but it was her eyes that held me captive for the moment.\n\nBright and sea blue, it was like looking into an aquamarine ocean after a storm, when everything around had calmed, but the waters were still turbulent beneath.\n\nI closed my mouth before I could drool on the floor, and tried to speak.\n\nFortunately, she filled the silence that followed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Merry Christmas, Lincoln...Kelly? I'm Hadleigh Rawson. Ridgell sent me over with a care package.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She dipped at the waist to collect something beside her out of my line of sight and presented me with a basket full of goodies, an ID card perched on top of the lot." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for like 2 sentences more. same character vibes. make it Christmas, romance, short stories-y" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the four of them walked along the sidewalk, it began to snow.The flakes were the big fat kind that floated down from the sky like little kisses landing everywhere. One of the neighbors had told them that the weather forecast showed that there would be several inches accumulation by late evening and more overnight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was added to what was already still on the ground everywhere." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Peyton opened her arms and spun around in a slow circle and stuck her tongue out trying to catch the snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It didn't matter how old she got, that is what her first reaction to it snowing was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Simone grabbed her arm after she made one rotation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Girl, you better stop. You know that you will end up falling on your butt, and I don't feel like having to examine you for injuries on this trip.\"\n\n\"Come on, Si, it was only a couple of circles. Besides, I have a heroine here to save me if I fall.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peyton shifted her eyes from Simone to Nikola and batted her eyelashes. \"Don't I, Nik?\"\n\n\"You know I would gladly catch you, but I would rather not have to. How about you stand in place while trying to catch the snowflakes?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nikola linked her arm through Peyton's as they continued forward, in an effort to help.\n\nThe building came into view and there was a steady stream of people walking into the community center." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There seemed to be a lot of kids which was expected, but there were many adults without children there, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That made Peyton feel better. She was worried that when they arrived, it would be mostly a younger population and she would either feel awkward or end up not participating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they strolled into the main room, there was a sign advertising that all the cookies were donated by a local bakery. Peyton's nerves were starting to elevate, but then Nikola began to rub her thumb along Peyton's wrist and that helped to calm her down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her girl always knew what to do to help." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A lady walked to the front of the room and spoke into the microphone. \"Hello and welcome to this year's gingerbread-decorating celebration. My name is Jean and I am the owner of Jolly Treats. I want to thank you all for coming out. We have set up stations at all the tables and everything you should need will be on there. The same supplies are on each table. There are two cookies per person, but let me know if something happens as we have extras. Feel free to just randomly pick a table and get started. You can ask me or one of my elves for assistance at any time. Helpers, can you please wave your hands so everyone will know what you look like?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were about six hands throughout the room that waved. \"They all have on a shirt with the bakery's name on it to help them stand out. I think that is it. Have lots of fun!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As soon as Jean turned off the mic, people began filling in the spots at the tables." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simone took off across the room where not many people had first headed and claimed four chairs, two on each side of the table. \"Hey, you three. We can set up here and be out of the way of the major part of the group.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, Si.\" Peyton sat down with Nikola to her left. She looked at the cookies laid out all naked in front of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first thing she did was take a picture.\n\n\"Are you documenting your progress, Peyton?\" William asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. I need proof of what I am doing. Damion won't believe me otherwise. Plus, my mom will want to see pictures of the trip.\"\n\nThe other three of them were already getting started, but Peyton just looked around at everything and wasn't sure where to start." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She enjoyed decorating cookies, but it was kind of like coloring and she had to plan everything out ahead of time before she got started." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was slow and methodical in that manner. Nikola was using some purple frosting to make one of her characters have on a purple dress." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then she added little star sprinkles to the top of it to give it a design.\n\n\"That is pretty, babe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Peyton still stared at her naked person." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks, Professor. What are you thinking about doing?\"\n\nPeyton sighed. \"I am not sure yet. It is always so hard for me to get creative. I am too practical most of the time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peyton glanced over at Simone and she had to laugh. \"Are you making one of yours a banged-up patient?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course. I imagine gingerbread people get injured, too. I might turn my second one into a doctor. We will see. I am still thinking about it.\" The gingerbread had a cast on one of his legs and a bandage on his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peyton thought about what she liked and decided to go with the season. She grabbed the red paint and began making a Mrs. Claus outfit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then in the gingerbread lady's hand, she drew an outline of a gingerbread cookie so it looked like she was holding on to one. Peyton gave her Mrs. Claus a little chef's hat and an apron." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After all, Peyton did like baking. For her other one, she decided to make him into a boy that is going out ice skating for the day." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Peyton went to reach for one of the gumdrops for the ski cap pom pom and when she did, the bottom of her shirt smeared all the icing on her second cookie. \"Flap jacket!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's okay, Peyton, the icing will come off the shirt and you can redo the cookie,\" Nikola reassured her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know, but I would really like to not have a mess to clean up each time I try to do something. I really hate being accident prone.\"\n\n\"Girl. We love you and your adorable, klutzy self. You keep people from getting too serious. Plus, we all have something wrong with us. I am the bossy one which is why you keep me around,\" Simone interjected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, she is,\" William added his agreement to the mix." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grunted when he felt an elbow to his side.\n\n\"I know you all are right.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Peyton wiped off the bit of icing that got on her shirt before removing the smeared part on her cookie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Here goes take two on the cookie.\" The second time around, she was careful and even asked for assistance in having someone hand her things more instead of leaning over to get them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She finished her little skater man.\n\n\"So, are you ladies going to eat your creations now or later?\" William asked them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are taking them back to the house,\" Simone said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"First I need to snap pictures of all of them. Then when I send them, I am going to make my mom guess who did which ones and see if she can figure it out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Peyton unlocked her phone and took a picture of first her two, and then Nikola's, followed by Simone and William's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have no doubt your mom will be able to tell who did which ones as there are hints with each of them and your mom knows us pretty well,\" Simone replied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once Peyton had finished, each of them wrapped up their cookies in the wax paper and then gently stacked them in a brown paper bag. William offered to cart their people home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When they left, the snow was still falling and they walked around the square and looked at all the decorations and visited a few of the stores." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They decided to stop by a different restaurant for dinner. All during dinner, Peyton kept staring out the window and watching it snow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was this hypnotic trance that it lured you into." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was captivating and so serene." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wanted to go out and play in it, wanted to build a snowman and have a snowball fight, and everything else one does in the snow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The way the snow looked fresh over the land and piled up on those curves along boards, cars, and branches made her smile and think about her beloved math. A poke at her side brought her attention back to her companions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Time to go, daydreamer. I had the rest of your food packed up since you seem to be in your own world. You didn't even notice, did you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nikola teased her gently.\n\nA glance down at the place in front of her revealed her food had been removed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I guess I didn't. I'm sorry that I'm not very good company right now.\"\n\n\"Girl, you are fine. We are on vacation. Besides, I have known you for a long time and you going off in your head is normal. You come back to join us when you can.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simone put her wallet away while she was talking. \"Now, come on and let's go play in the snow so your spirit can quit longing for it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Peyton popped up so fast, her chair almost went clattering back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Thankfully, Nikola's quick reflexes saved it from crashing and Peyton from embarrassment. Once they were outside, only Nikola's hand in hers prevented Peyton from running down the sidewalk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Seriously, the snow brought out every one of her childlike tendencies.\n\nThere was a small park with lots of open ground on the walk back to the house and they stopped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peyton rushed over, plopped down in the snow, and began waving her arms in an up and down motion. Then she began moving her legs and giggling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on, you all! Get your butts down here and make angels with me.\"\n\nSimone eased down next to her on the right, while the other two just observed them in silent amusement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peyton wasn't having any of that. \"Willy Wonka, if you don't get into the snow, I will find you while you are asleep and dump it on you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"William, you better do as she said. I do not want to wake up to snow landing on me. I will do worse to you,\" Simone issued in that tone of voice that meant business.\n\n\"Nikola!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Must I?\"\n\n\"Yes, you must. Come on now and I will reward you later.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Better be worth it.\" Nikola laid back in the snow and began making an angel, too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Peyton reached out and grabbed two of her favorite people's hands on each side of her and stared up at the sky watching the snow flutter from above until the view became distorted from the moisture on her glasses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a few minutes, everyone got up, shaking the chunks of smushed snow from their coats and pants.\n\n\"Come on, Professor, up you go.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nikola held out her hand to assist.\n\n\"I think you all should just leave me here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then Peyton grabbed her girlfriend's hand and was hauled up. She turned around to admire the beautiful creations and took a picture of it to remember this moment later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two couples linked arms and strolled down the sidewalk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peyton and Nikola were in the front with Simone and William walking behind them. They were almost back to the house, when Peyton felt her arm being jerked in a sudden movement." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It almost toppled her over, but she recovered. However, Nikola did not." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was sprawled on the ground, half on the sidewalk and half on what would normally be grass. Simone and William both jumped into doctor mode immediately and rushed to her side, spitting out several questions at once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where is it hurting?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you slip on some ice?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you hit your head?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it your leg or your foot?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nikola didn't really answer much for a few moments except to point and nod. Some passersby stopped to offer assistance and ask if Peyton needed to have someone called." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peyton reassured them, \"Both of them are doctors, but thank you. If they think we need to go to the ER to get her checked out, we are almost back to the house and can get the car. I appreciate you stopping, though.\" When she turned back towards where her girl was sprawled out, Peyton saw that Simone had Nikola sitting up and making her follow her finger as William felt around on her ankle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did she break it? You know, in most situations it is supposed to be me that is down on the ground being tended to, not you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nikola, in a rare moment, stuck her tongue out at Peyton which caused Peyton's heart to ease up a little. If her girl could do that, then she was going to be alright." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "William stood up and pronounced, \"I will need to look more fully at it when we get you back to the house, but I don't think you broke it. However, not sure if it is only sprung or if you tore some soft tissue worse. At the very least, no walking or putting weight on it until tomorrow. Simone dear, help me get her upright and I will carry her the rest of the way.\"\n\nSimone assisted Nikola to stand up on one leg and then William swung her up in his arms." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all knew better than to ask Peyton because she would probably just cause them all to have a human Jenga pile.\n\nWith her arms around his neck, Nikola proclaimed, \"You are my knight in shining coat, with the wet snow on it, but still you are not the prince for me.\" They all laughed and eased the remainder of the block home." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing\nContext: Match existing character familiarity or establish new\nLength:\neight sentences\nGenre:\nLGBT, romance" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fourth summer since Brokeback Mountain came on and in June Ennis had a general delivery letter from Jack Twist, the first sign of life in all that time.\n\nFriend this letter is a long time over due. Hope you get it. Heard you was in Riverton. I'm coming thru on the 24th, thought Id stop and buy you a beer. Drop me a line if you can, say if your there.\n\nThe return address was Childress, Texas. Ennis wrote back, you bet, gave the Riverton address." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The day was hot and clear in the morning, but by noon the clouds had pushed up out of the west rolling a little sultry air before them. Ennis, wearing his best shirt, white with wide black stripes, didn't know what time Jack would get there and so had taken the day off, paced back and forth, looking down into a street pale with dust. Alma was saying something about taking his friend to the Knife & Fork for supper instead of cooking it was so hot, if they could get a baby-sitter, but Ennis said more likely he'd just go out with Jack and get drunk. Jack was not a restaurant type, he said, thinking of the dirty spoons sticking out of the cans of cold beans balanced on the log.\n\nLate in the afternoon, thunder growling, that same old green pickup rolled in and he saw Jack get out of the truck, beat-up Resistol tilted back. A hot jolt scalded Ennis and he was out on the landing pulling the door closed behind him. Jack took the stairs two and two. They seized each other by the shoulders, hugged mightily, squeezing the breath out of each other, saying, son of a bitch, son of a bitch, then, and easily as the right key turns the lock tumblers, their mouths came together, and hard, Jack's big teeth bringing blood, his hat falling to the floor, stubble rasping, wet saliva welling, and the door opening and Alma looking out for a few seconds at Ennis's straining shoulders and shutting the door again and still they clinched, pressing chest and groin and thigh and leg together, treading on each other's toes until they pulled apart to breathe and Ennis, not big on endearments, said what he said to his horses and daughters, little darlin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door opened again a few inches and Alma stood in the narrow light.\n\nWhat could he say? \"Alma, this is Jack Twist, Jack, my wife Alma.\" His chest was heaving. He could smell Jack—the intensely familiar odor of cigarettes, musky sweat and a faint sweetness like grass, and with it the rushing cold of the mountain. \"Alma,\" he said, \"Jack and me ain't seen each other in four years.\" As if it were a reason. He was glad the light was dim on the landing but did not turn away from her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sure enough,\" said Alma in a low voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had seen what she had seen. Behind her in the room lightning lit the window like a white sheet waving and the baby cried.\n\n\"You got a kid?\" said Jack. His shaking hand grazed Ennis's hand, electrical current snapped between them.\n\n\"Two little girls,\" Ennis said. \"Alma Jr. and Francine. Love them to pieces.\" Alma's mouth twitched.\n\n\"I got a boy,\" said Jack. \"Eight months old. Tell you what, I married a cute little old Texas girl down in Childress—Lureen.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: This is part of a larger narrative. The user will write a segment, then you need to write around 12 sentences continuing directly from it. Characters and events may be pre-established from earlier chapters.\n\nAuthor style: Annie Proulx\nGenre: LGBT, romance" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "seven sentences sentences in Melissa Storm style, continuing user's bit. Note: May include established elements" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strong arms held her close. She didn't know who they belonged to or how she had come to be in this place, but this comforting human touch was enough to keep her calm as pain attempted to rip her body apart.\n\nShe kept her eyes scrunched tight, not wanting to see the damage, not wanting to know anything beyond that she was alive and safe, and that someone was looking out for her. Her ragged breaths began to match the pace of the strong body beside hers.\n\nSlowly, gently, the arms hugged her tight and then began to let go.\n\nInstantly, the pain returned in full force. She felt as if she was falling clean off the edge of the earth without those arms to anchor her to this realm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, don't go!\" she cried as tears began to push against her eyelids.\n\nBut it was too late. She was already falling, falling, falling…\n\nThen suddenly she crashed onto a firm bed, gasping in pain as her consciousness returned.\n\nA dream, that's all it had been.\n\nWhat is going on? Why am I hurting so much?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A grizzled face came into her view, staring down at her with concern. It belonged to an older man with graying hair peeking out from beneath a well-worn cowboy hat and bright blue eyes that seemed out of place in his tanned face.\n\n\"Ellie?\" the man said with a voice that felt familiar, though she couldn't bring herself to recognize it. \"Oh, thank the Lord in Heaven you're awake.\"\n\nEllie? Is that me?\n\nShe blinked, trying to focus her gaze, trying to remember. She tried to sit up but was overcome with pain forcing her back onto the bed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whoa, hey there. You've got to be gentle on yourself,\" the man said, rushing to her side to help her get settled back in bed. Were these the arms from her dream? Somehow she didn't think so, but right now, he was the only person in the world she knew.\n\nTurning her head slowly, she realized she didn't recognize anything in the room. \"Where am I?\" she whispered, almost afraid to speak the words aloud.\n\nHe smiled sadly and scratched at the back of his neck, unwilling to meet her eyes. \"You're in the hospital, Ellie. You were in an accident a couple nights ago.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again with the Ellie. That must be me. But who is he?\n\nHer mind frantically searched to pull up any memory of what happened, but she realized she couldn't recall anything recent.\n\n\"The doctors were worried you might not wake up. I've been sitting here praying they were wrong. And, see, the Lord answered! Just lay back and relax while I go get the nurses to let them know you're awake.\"\n\nShe kept her eyes on the man, noticing the heavy circles under his eyes. He'd obviously been worried about her, but why?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Who was he to her, and if it was somebody so important, how come she couldn't remember ever meeting him before?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who are you?\" she asked at last." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The silence echoed in the room as he stopped and turned back to face her. His jaw clenched tight, and a shadow passed over his eyes as he looked down to the floor. The speaker in the hallway announcing a code in one of the other rooms finally broke the silence and he lifted his head to look at her. The sorrow on his face was evident, but he did his best to smile through it.\n\n\"I'm your father, Ellie,\" he explained. \"I know you haven't seen me in quite a few years but I don't think I've changed that much. Maybe got a few more wrinkles and gray hairs, but otherwise I'm the same man you'd remember.\" He forced a laugh, then wiped away a tear." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'raced' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether it was a happy tear from her finally waking up, or a sad one, she couldn't say.\n\nEllie's mind raced as he waited for her to say something in response. Her father? She had no recollection of this man whatsoever. Should she pretend that it had been a joke in order to spare his feelings?\n\nNo, the truth was better—even if it terrified her. Her voice caught as her heart raced in fear. \"I don't remember you, but I do believe you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her father's forehead furrowed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took off his hat and bowed his head before speaking. \"Ellie, I know I haven't been the father I should have been. I've made mistakes, but Lord knows I tried to make things right. I don't blame you for not forgiving me, but please don't make me feel any worse than I already do.\"\n\nShe shook her head slowly, her heart aching for this dear stranger and fearing for herself. None of it made any sense. \"I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. I truly don't remember you. I'm not even sure I remember me.\" Her eyes were wide with fear as this realization hit her.\n\nHe kept his gaze steady on hers as he walked over and reached for her hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They both trembled as Ellie's father took her hand into his strong grip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ellie… how could you not know me?\" He didn't attempt to hide the wetness that clearly shone in his eyes.\n\nShe struggled to find the right words, but nothing was right about this situation. Ellie had already done all she could do by speaking the truth.\n\nThey both startled when a nurse breezed into the room carrying a fresh IV bag and approaching with a smile. The moment she locked eyes with Ellie, she let out a small cheer. \"Oh, you're awake! Welcome back to the world, darlin'. Now let me get this set up for you real quick, then you'll have to excuse me while I go page Dr. Crosse and let him know the good news.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her father shuffled out of the way to give the nurse access to Ellie's IV stand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"Ellie's been through quite a trauma, so it might take some time for everything to come back to her. Once the doctor has a chance to look her over, we'll have a better idea of what's going on.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His voice was low, but she had no trouble discerning the words. \"She says she doesn't remember me.\"\n\nThe nurse hung the bag on the pole beside the bed and deftly switched out the tube extending from Ellie's left hand. \"That's nothing to worry about,\" she reassured him once the set up was complete. \"Ellie's been through quite a trauma, so it might take some time for everything to come back to her. Once the doctor has a chance to look her over, we'll have a better idea of what's going on.\"\n\nShe smiled kindly down at Ellie and reached out to pat her other hand. The warmth of her skin made Ellie realize just how cold her own hands had become." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'doctor' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't worry, dear. I'll get the doctor in to see you right away. You've been through a lot, and the fact that you're awake is truly a miracle. Somebody out there's looking out for you.\"\n\nEllie watched the woman's retreating back as she rushed out of the room to get the doctor. Her heart raced as thoughts swirled around her head in a confusing blur. How could she forget her own father? What other memories had fallen clear from her head? And, most worrisome of all, would she ever get them back?\n\nHer breath caught in her throat as she desperately tried to make some memories come back to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But all she had were missing pieces and blackness when she tried to think of her past. Her heart clenched as she realized she wouldn't even have known her own name if her father hadn't said it.\n\nWith a trembling chin, she looked back at her father. \"Where is my mom? Is she still alive?\" She wanted to cry out loud at the unfairness. How could she not even know if she had a mother? How could she have lost all of her memories?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her father clenched his jaw tight, the muscles moving as he struggled against his own emotions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Finally, he nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the corner of the room as he spoke." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Your mother is in Spain. She is on a trip with her new boyfriend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His cheeks reddened, and he let out a sudden cough. \"I guess if you're memory's a bit shaky I probably need to fill you in on a few things, huh?\"\n\nEllie nodded and waited for him to reveal more about the life she couldn't remember. Did it even truly belong to her anymore?\n\n\"We aren't married anymore,\" he continued with a look that suggested he was unhappy about this particular turn of events. \"You lived with your mom after the divorce. I moved to Alaska and didn't get to see you as much growing up as I'd have liked.\"\n\nHe finally returned his gaze to her, and Ellie smiled encouragingly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Umm, we can talk about everything more once you're feeling better,\" he stuttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Right now, you need to just rest and focus on getting better.\" Her dad took a deep breath and stepped back from the bed, suddenly looking like he'd aged another ten years since she'd woken up. He held his hat tightly in his hands, slowly twisting them until she was sure the hat would rip.\n\nA flurry of doctors and nurses rushed into the room, forcing Ellie's father back. Everything seemed to slow down around her as Ellie struggled to understand what they were saying—and, more importantly, what it all meant. Her arm was put into a cuff that started to tighten while a bright light was shone into her eyes.\n\nNo longer able to stay strong, Ellie finally let the tears flow freely down her cheeks." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"On a scale of one to ten, how much are you hurting, darlin'?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "the same nurse from before asked her with that same reassuring smile.\n\n\"Ten,\" Ellie answered without hesitation. She had to believe that there was no way this could get any worse. Otherwise, she wasn't sure she'd survive the night—let alone an entire life." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "StoryBot: Add 12 sentences to this segment. Style: Melissa Storm. Genre: romance, suspense. Note: Part of larger work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the next couple days, Ellie avoided answering her mother's calls. Even though she longed to learn more about Marshall, she needed to prepare her heart first.\n\nAnd so she'd spent much of her time sitting with Penny near the corral and taking pictures around the ranch. She also requested extra therapy sessions and even took on more than her fair share of chores to keep her mind busy while her heart sorted through all it had learned since the accident.\n\nToday Elizabeth Jane had insisted she treat Ellie to another special lunch at Anna's in downtown Anchorage. \"It's to thank you for all the extra work you've been putting in around here,\" she'd explained.\n\nAnd now they sat over heaping plates of freshly fried Halibut as they carefully sifted through the prints Ellie had ordered online. She couldn't believe how fast the pictures arrived and how good it felt to hold the physical proof of her creative work right there in her own two hands.\n\n\"I still can't believe you took all of these yourself!\" Liz gushed as she studied each glossy photo after the next.\n\n\"There were so many more.\" Ellie burst with pride as Liz oohed and ahhed over her art." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I tried to pick the best ones to print off, though I kind of wanted to get them all. This is maybe like a tenth of what's on my memory card.\"\n\n\"Are you sure you were a model before? I mean, not that you're not gorgeous. But these, Ellie, these are really something else. You had to be a pro!\"\n\n\"From what I know of my life before, I sincerely doubt it. Back then I was all about standing out, but now I like to blend in. See that one of the fox?\" she said, thumbing back a couple prints to bring out the picture she had in mind. \"It came out from the woods while I was sitting at the creek. He saw me and everything, but there was no fear as I lifted my camera and got my shot. It's like he just intrinsically trusted me.\"\n\n\"You do have quite the way with animals from what I hear,\" Liz said, lightly touching her thumb to the tiny fox face in the photo. \"Penny is like a changed horse.\"\n\nEllie smiled sheepishly and shrugged. \"Not yet, but we are certainly getting there. She didn't need to change. She was already perfect. She just needed others to see that, too.\"\n\nLiz shook her head. \"Hmm, sounds like somebody else I know, too.\"\n\nEllie smiled to herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could Liz be right?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory inclusion (with quotes): Speaking of everyone's favorite rescue horse, I thought maybe you could use this one on the website for the ranch or maybe some of your brochures." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was so hard not knowing who she'd been before or who she was meant to be now. She flipped through the remaining stack of photos and lifted one of Penny into the light. \"Speaking of everyone's favorite rescue horse, I thought maybe you could use this one on the website for the ranch or maybe some of your brochures.\"\n\nLiz took the picture from Ellie's hands and studied it close up. This was the favorite of all Ellie's works so far. Not just because of her bond with Penny, but also because the morning mist creeping through the background looked like something out of a dream.\n\nSpecifically, her dreams…\n\n\"Thank you,\" Liz said, handing the photo back so Ellie could place them all back into the envelope for safekeeping. \"I think I'll do just that. Now tell me what else you've been up to these past few days. I feel like I've missed out on so much as I spend all my free time getting ready for our end of summer barn dance. I barely even see my own husband anymore!\"\n\nEllie took a sip of her iced tea and waved a hand absently in Liz's direction. \"Don't worry about it, seriously. I've been having a great time hanging out with the horses, snapping pictures, and just being myself.\"\n\nShe looked down at the shiny surface of the table before her. \"Whoever that is.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'started' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think you're starting to find her,\" Liz whispered consolingly. \"And once you do, I'm sure your memories will start to come back.\"\n\nEllie lifted her eyes and looked at Liz. Just how much should she share? And why was she so reluctant to do so?\n\nIn the few days since talking to Landon in the pasture when the memory of her mystery man had come so close, Ellie had started getting other small glimpses into the past now, too. She hadn't told anyone because she'd been afraid it was just wishful thinking on her part.\n\nBut now sitting here with Liz, it felt safe to confide her newfound optimism…\n\n\"This morning, I had a flash of driving my car,\" she started. \"I know it was the car that was wrecked in the accident, but I don't know if it was just before the crash or some time much earlier.\" She shivered as she recalled the feeling of the steering wheel in her grip, the brightness of the sun in her eyes. \"It felt very real.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh my gosh,\" Liz squealed. \"That's fantastic! What did your doctor say?\"\n\n\"Um, you're the first person I've told,\" Ellie admitted with a bashful smile. \"I guess I just wanted to wait and see if more would come through. I'm hoping once Mom finds this Marshall guy maybe something will click in my brain and everything will come back.\"\n\nOn the drive over to the restaurant she'd told Liz all about the mystery man in her dreams and how she thought she'd finally discovered his identity. Liz had seemed skeptical and told her not to put too much hope on some strange man she wouldn't remember. So then why was she so excited about Ellie's simple memory of her car?\n\n\"If Marshall is the man you're trying to remember,\" Liz said, \"then I hope you don't just expect all of those feelings to come rushing back the moment you see him. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just… stay open.\"\n\nEllie tilted her head as she contemplated her friend's advice. \"Why are you so reluctant about my meeting Marshall? It's like you don't believe he's the right man.\"\n\nLiz narrowed her eyes at Ellie. \"Do you believe he's the right man?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now there was the million dollar question. All this time Ellie had assumed that finding her mystery dream man would be enough to bring everything back… But what if it wasn't? What if Marshall wasn't the one she was looking for? Or what if he actually was, but she still didn't recognize him? Both prospects terrified her.\n\nShe swallowed hard before answering. \"I honestly don't know what to think. But he's all I have to go on right now, so the sooner I can meet him, the sooner I'll know… something. I guess if my memories still don't come back I'll finally have to accept that the life I led before my accident is over.\"\n\nLiz sat quietly, studying her for what felt like hours before at last she spoke again. \"You know, I've gone back and forth a hundred times on whether I should say this. I still don't know what the right call is, but I'm just going to go for it.\"\n\nEllie pushed her plate away and waited for whatever words Elizabeth Jane had to impart on her.\n\nLiz also pushed her plate aside. \"Keep in mind I don't normally encourage our staff to become emotionally involved with guests. It isn't professional and, well, it isn't really fair to either party when one has come to heal and the other to make a living. Please just understand that what I'm about to say isn't something I normally would.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Liz paused and widened her eyes as if waiting for Ellie to finish her statement for her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And even though Ellie had a sense of what was coming next, she'd never admit it aloud." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 13 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At last, Liz sighed and continued. \"Landon knows what happened to you and the struggle you're going through as you try to recover. And he always knew what the consequences could be of letting emotions get involved. His first priority is definitely to help you get better. But I can see what's happened—heck, everyone on the ranch, including old Howard can see it, and he's half blind.\"\n\nEllie bowed her head, unwilling to let Liz see the flush that overcome her.\n\n\"I don't know who this Marshall is, or if he's the one your heart is trying to find, but I do know that you can't just ignore what is happening with Landon.\" Her voice turned tender. \"That might just be something that only happens once in a lifetime.\"\n\nEllie clenched her jaw tight, trying not to say anything that would make this whole situation even more difficult. No one seemed to understand why she needed to meet Marshall so badly. Instead they all wanted her to pursue something with Landon, even though she knew she wasn't ready yet. Even though her own heart felt like it was betraying her.\n\nWhen it became clear Liz wasn't going to say anything more, Ellie raised her head and asked in a strained whisper, \"But what if I've already had that 'once in a lifetime' with the man from my memory? Can I really just walk away from that and pretend it didn't happen?\"\n\nLiz shook her head and frowned. \"No one is asking you to pretend anything. Please be careful. Don't let what you're trying to hold onto from your past end up destroying your future.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Ive got a bit of writers block, im gonna send you something then keep it going five sentences at a time, also im going for a Melissa Storm sorta thing. heads up - might drop you in mid-story with existing characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ellie found a bale of hay pushed up against the barn and sank down to sit on it. Marshall had let her go, though rather reluctantly. Luckily, she'd managed to escape outside before either her father or Landon could notice her departure.\n\nAlone at last, she took a deep breath of the fresh evening air and glanced toward the strong, tall mountains in the distance. Why couldn't she be like that—constant, immovable?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Instead she crumbled at even the slightest provocation these days." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Never mind that every obstacle felt like a mountain, and she just didn't have the strength to climb any longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The worst part of it all was not knowing what was real and what she'd simply imagined. Thoughts, memories, daydreams—they all rushed through her mind with equal measure. One big, unfixable tangle.\n\n\"Can I get you some water? Would that help?\" Marshall appeared once again and regarded her with a worried expression." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She knew he felt every bit as helpless and confused as she did that evening." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She also knew that it was all her fault.\n\n\"That would be nice. Thank you. But don't worry, it's just a bit of a headache. I get them a lot.\" She smiled up at him, cringing slightly at the aching behind her eyes as she moved her head. When Marshall turned and walked back to the barn, she leaned forward and placed her forehead on her hands. Even massaging her temples in tight, fast circles did nothing to alleviate the pain." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More memories hit her in a flurry.\n\nShe could see herself as a young girl standing on stage for a beauty pageant. She remembered her mother telling her she had to win this one to help make back the investment in her new gowns and flipper, to take her pageant career—and thus their future—to the next level. She'd hated it… until she won the title of Grand Supreme and her mother had picked her up in her arms and swung Ellie about in big, looping circles. They'd gone for frozen yogurt afterward to celebrate, and Ellie's mom had told her how proud she felt of her little girl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Another memory filtered in before the first had even fully faded out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie was older now, preparing for her first real-life modeling shoot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would be in a magazine and everything, and once again her mother was so very proud of her. While her mom fussed over the wardrobe, Ellie snuck away to talk to the photographer. He showed her his various lenses and explained how each influenced the outcome of the photo. He even let her take a few test shots before her mother interrupted and dragged her back to hair and makeup.\n\n\"It's great that you want to be nice, Ellie, but try not to get too distracted by what everyone else is doing. You're the reason we're all here. You're the star. And you belong in front of the camera, not behind it. Always remember that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And remember it she had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She hadn't touched a camera again for years. Not until…\n\nEllie zoomed in on the ocean with her phone's camera. It was still too far to get a clear shot, but she grabbed one anyway. She laughed and tucked the phone back into her pocket. Wait… was she on a horse?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes! She was on a horse, and she wasn't alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A black and white mare trotted ahead of her. She watched as the man astride its back navigated the hilly terrain with ease. She couldn't see his face beneath the shadow of his tall cowboy hat.\n\nJust like in her dream.\n\nMarshall, she whispered in her mind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Turn and let me see you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And just like that, he grabbed his hat and clutched it to his chest with one hand while swiping his other hand through his unruly mess of dark curls.\n\n\"It's so hot! Why did you take me all the way out here on the hottest day of the summer?\" the Ellie from her memories whined.\n\n\"Showing you what you want to see,\" he answered as he placed the well-worn hat back on his head. \"The ocean,\" Landon said as he looped his horse back around to fall in line with hers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Unless you've changed your mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The vision faded away, leaving Ellie as confused as ever. When had she gone to the ocean with Landon? And why was he getting jumbled up with her memories from before the accident?\n\n\"Everything all right, Miss Ellie?\" Howard's familiar, friendly voice cut into her consciousness like a sharp knife, severing her memories at the quick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She opened her eyes and shook off the dregs of her distorted memories. It seemed she couldn't even think anymore without finding herself distracted by her feelings for Landon—feelings he'd tossed aside with his decision to leave the ranch at his earliest opportunity.\n\nShe turned toward the old cowboy with a polite smile, which quickly turned into a gasp of joy. Howard hadn't come alone. Beside him stood Penny, saddled up and looking proudly at Ellie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tears rushed to her eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No one had ever though this horse would get better, but now look at her!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'ellie' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe there was hope for Ellie yet.\n\n\"Penny, look at you!\" Ellie sobbed, coming to the horse's side to give her a pat hello. \"I'm so, so proud of you, girl!\"\n\n\"I'll confess, she was a bit nervous when I started to put the saddle on, but it almost seemed like she just wanted to prove to everyone that she could do it. I don't know how you did it, but she's starting to trust again.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Howard reached out and patted the horse's nose." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw you sitting over here and knew I just had to bring her over so you could see how well our old girl is doing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ellie leaned in to Penny's neck, and her heart soared as the horse leaned in, too. \"You're such a good girl, Penny,\" she murmured, knowing that no matter what else happened in her life, at least Ellie had done one thing right by helping this very special horse to heal.\n\nAs she stood silently beside Penny and Howard, her own thoughts calmed and the pain in her head began to ease, despite the continuous rush of new memories that continued to push their way in.\n\nShe remembered riding.\n\nShe remembered going to stables outside of the city every chance she got." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And now she saw herself tearing across open fields, leaving all her real world worries behind as she became one with nature." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'remember' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her father's voice intruded in her thoughts as he took a seat on her abandoned bale of hay. \"I knew you could never have stopped loving your horses, Ellie.\"\n\nShe regarded him with tears still fresh in her eyes. \"I remember, Dad. I'm starting to remember everything. I did keep riding after you left. There was a stable outside of town, and I used to go to it all the time.\"\n\nShe stepped back and looked up at Penny as she continued to rub her neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I'm only starting to remember. I don't understand it all yet, even though I'm trying so hard.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It will come, Ellie.\" Her dad grinned as he watched her beside Penny.\n\nMarshall returned with a bottle of water and handed it to Ellie, then slung his arm over her shoulder. He kept his eyes warily on Penny, a look of wild confusion flashing across his normally composed features.\n\n\"Marshall, this is Penny. Isn't she beautiful?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie took Marshall's hand and guided it along the horse's neck, but he pulled away and frowned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's great, Ellie, but isn't this the same horse that has to be kept apart from the others because of its instability?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked over at Howard who still held the reins. \"Don't let go of those. We don't need this horse getting all worked up and hurting someone.\"\n\n\"It's fine. Penny wouldn't hurt me.\" Ellie took a step back and studied Marshall as if seeing him for the first time. How could someone who loved her dismiss something that mattered so much to her?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had Marshall been like this before? Or…?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Aye, this horse wouldn't do a thing to hurt Miss Ellie,\" Howard explained with a sigh. \"But I'll take her back to the stables and leave you two to your visit. Just wanted to show Ellie how good Penny was doing, is all. Good night.\"\n\nBoth Ellie and Marshall watched Howard lead Penny away. His arm stayed around her the entire time. Nobody spoke, not even Ellie's father who'd had so much to say earlier that night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liz drove up to the barn in her husband's old truck. Ellie hadn't even seen the proprietress leave the party, yet here she was now making her return. Liz pulled to a stop and rushed around to open the passenger door and help a woman in a bright yellow dress step down onto the gravel.\n\nWhen everyone realized who had joined them at the party, Ellie gasped, her father sighed, and Marshall wore a huge grin.\n\n\"Mom,\" Ellie said in disbelief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing here?\"\n\n\"What do you mean what am I doing here?\" Her mother closed in and hugged Ellie tight to her bosom. \"I've been missing you like crazy, and when Marshall told me about the special party tonight, I just knew I had to come and surprise you. The flight ended up horribly delayed, of course. Anyway, I'm here now, and I can see not a moment too soon.\"\n\nEllie winced as her mother traced her fingers over the scars that lined her face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't tender and loving as Landon had done, but rather to appraise the damage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although the older woman said nothing, Ellie could tell she was contemplating the cost of the plastic surgery needed to repair her daughter's complexion.\n\nEllie took a deep breath and prayed for strength. More memories pushed their way through her head—memories of her mother loving but tough, critical but ultimately kind. She wasn't the villain Ellie had imagined her to be in the wake of the accident—just a mother doing her best to secure the dreams she thought her daughter wanted.\n\nAnd Ellie had wanted them once." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once, but not anymore." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She wasn't the same girl she'd been before the accident. Something important had changed, and she already knew she didn't want it to change back, no matter how much she remembered now.\n\n\"I missed you too, Mom.\" She hugged her mother back, meeting her dad's eyes as he stood behind them. \"Thanks for coming all this way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course, I would have come sooner if you asked, but I knew you needed your space. Or at least as much as I was able to give you before going completely crazy on my own.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She laughed for what seemed the first time in years. Perhaps it was.\n\nThe smile on her mom's face dropped as her dad stepped forward. \"Hello, Arlene,\" he said with a nod. \"Should we go inside and have a dance, leave the kids to sort things out on their own?\"\n\n\"Is this what you want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "her mother asked her, pain reflecting in her eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had Ellie been a bad daughter? Had she neglected her mother too much since coming to? She shouldn't have favored one parent so clearly over the other, and yet it felt like her mother was tied to the past Ellie, the one she longed to discard. Meanwhile her father represented who she could become, what she could have, if only she was brave enough to go after it.\n\nEllie felt her headache coming back, which meant another deluge of memories would soon flood her poor, tired brain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm so happy to see you,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I just need some time on my own for a few minutes.\"\n\nMarshall hugged her closer to his side.\n\n\"That means you, too,\" she told him. \"I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"Of course, Ellie. I'd do anything for you. You know that.\" He gave her a kiss on her forehead and turned to follow her parents back into the barn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie watched them pass through the enormous doorway as Landon stepped out into the night." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A look of silent misery marred his face when he caught sight of Ellie standing on her own.\n\nHe strolled toward her far too casually given all that had passed between them these past few weeks. Whatever she said next would change everything. Ellie knew that, and yet she still had no idea what she wanted to say. What she wanted to happen between Landon and herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Before either of them had the chance, however, Ellie's mother raced back across the yard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You! What are you doing here?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she growled, turning on Landon with ferocity like Ellie had never seen before.\n\nSeeing her mother so worked up, Landon so ashamed, suddenly revealed the missing piece of Ellie's memories. She recognized both of their faces in that moment, because she'd seen this exact scene play out before.\n\nHer mother. Landon.\n\nHer dreams. Her heart.\n\nIt had never been Marshall." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI Prompt: Add 1 sentence sentences to this story segment. Style: Melissa Storm. Genre: romance, suspense. Note: Part of longer narrative." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie couldn't bring herself to return to the barn dance, to her cabin, to the world as she now knew it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After Landon left she stayed sitting in the meadow for hours and eventually fell asleep under that old tree by the creek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When she awoke, Penny was gone but Elizabeth Jane sat nearby playing a game on her phone as she waited." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing here?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ellie asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was then she realized she hadn't been visited by a single dream or memory all night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was as if her brain knew that her heart couldn't deal with any more bombshells until she sorted through the debris left by last night's." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Waiting for you,\" Liz said with a smile, as she tossed her phone into the grass and then gestured toward a basket that sat nearby." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I brought you breakfast. The same biscuits I made for you on the first day. Remember those?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She sighed and struggled to a sitting position, her back aching from spending all night on the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I remember everything now. And it's way, way too much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Liz stood and brushed the grass off her jeans." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I understand, and I know you're mad, but I just couldn't let you make a mistake that would ruin the rest of your life. I did wrong by hiding that secret from you, but you're my friend, and I want to do right by you now.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie groaned and leaned back against the tree, accepting a biscuit only when Liz took one out of the basket and dropped it into her lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't see how anything you say would change my mind.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't want to change your mind. I want to change your heart.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie let out a sarcastic laugh." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay, good luck with that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In your head, you already know Landon's perfect for you. You know you fell in love with him not just once, but twice. From what I understand, you were a very different person before the accident. Yet you loved him then, and you love him now, too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liz watched Ellie as if she expected some kind of lightbulb to flash over her head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But none of this was news to her, and none of it changed the giant ball of hurt that had taken up residence in her chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So what? It doesn't change what he did,\" Ellie pouted, picking off pieces of her biscuit and throwing them to a nearby sparrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, it doesn't, and thank goodness for that!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liz startled her by screaming these words at the top of her lungs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie glared at Elizabeth Jane waiting for her to explain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was your plan if you never got your memories back?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liz asked pointedly. \"Were you just going to stay at the ranch forever?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie hated that she didn't have an answer to such a simple question." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I guess I would have gone back to California at some point.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And gone back to the world of modeling, right?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liz snorted and tossed another biscuit her way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ellie, it wasn't what you wanted for yourself. That's why you were so bitter and, yeah, sometimes mean. Landon helped you discover who you truly were, both then and now. Don't you see?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"See what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That this isn't about him. It's about you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, of course, it's about me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie exploded, unable to take this lecture any longer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why was everyone acting like all of this was so simple when her life was anything but?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I had an accident. I almost died! Everyone in my life was lying to me, and now I'm more confused than ever!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, you, you, you. You can't get past it. Stop thinking of yourself and consider Landon's motives for a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He wanted to win me back… He thought he could just—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liz pummeled her with another biscuit, causing Ellie's argument to fall away before it even reached her lips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, take yourself out of the equation and really think about why he did what he did.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie closed her eyes and tried to recall the dream that had haunted her for over a month." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She brought up the feelings she had each time she lost the man before being able to see his face, the confusion she'd felt upon discovering that he'd been Landon all along." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But also the relief." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Relief she didn't have to force it with Marshall when all she wanted was to call Landon her own." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Love,\" Ellie said, opening her eyes and blinking up at her friend." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Liz nodded and flashed a satisfied smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now you're getting it. So let me ask you this. Now that you do have your memories back, what's going to be your next step?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shrugged. \"I've been so angry that I haven't gotten as far as a plan yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well, get there now,\" Liz demanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you going to do with yourself? Go back home to California?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie shook her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think California ever felt much like home to me.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Liz raised an eyebrow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then how about Alaska?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ellie closed her eyes once again and tried to picture a life in Anchorage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But, just like her dreams, her future was also incomplete without Landon at her side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Well?\" Liz prompted when Ellie still hadn't spoken again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Now that you know who you are now and who you were then, what are you going to do? Where are you going to make your home?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't need to make a home,\" Ellie said, realizing at last what she needed to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because I already have one.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And?\" Liz practically shouted the word at her, apparently needing to hear the words as much as Ellie needed to say them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It all finally made sense." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why had it ever been this hard when in fact it should have been the simplest thing in the world?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'landon' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Home is where the heart is,\" Ellie said, her voice steady, strong, and full of truth. \"And my home is with Landon. It's always been with Landon.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in a collaborative writing exercise. I'll provide a starting point (which may include pre-existing characters and lore), and You'll continue with 3 sentences in the style of Angelina Jameson." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lady Cairs had been wrong." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The woman ensconced at Strawberry House was Lord Albany's sister. It was inconceivable the man would keep a mistress in the same house his sister resided in. Emma kept her gaze on the window, her hands clasped tightly in her lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lily had known they would stop at Strawberry House and had failed to mention it.\n\nShe had chosen to wear her new carriage dress, in blue with caped shoulders. Both Charles and Lily had commented on how well the color suited her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If Lily supposed she wanted to look her best for the viscount, the wearing of her new dress for the first time was a happy coincidence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The traveling carriage was well appointed and drove along rather quietly except for the squishing sound the wheels made if they encountered a light patch of mud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Although the carriage wasn't brand new, it was in good repair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They were accompanied by a coachman and a postilion. If Albany could afford to keep a coach and servants he could not be in grave financial need.\n\n\"I do believe the rain is starting to stop,\" Lily said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think you're correct.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Albany leaned close to the window to peer out as he added, \"Perhaps the sun will be shining by the time we reach the house.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lord Albany's movement released a whiff of his cologne." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wore a light scent." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps it was his shaving soap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She inhaled the pleasant citrus fragrance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The viscount didn't look at her as intensely as he had done in the past. Although their meetings were few and far between, she had been used to more interest from him. A closeness he wanted to convey by his gaze." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd seemed less distant when she asked about his sister." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She dozed off and awoke when the carriage came to a halt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We have arrived,\" Lord Albany said as he opened the door to the carriage and vaulted down without waiting for a footman to drop the steps.\n\nThe rain had indeed stopped. The scant clouds allowed a bit of watery sunshine to greet their arrival at Strawberry House." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The viscount dropped the carriage steps before he assisted first her and then Lily out of the carriage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A gravel forecourt fronted a charming house." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The perfectly symmetrical four-story house was fashioned from mauve gray stone. She had only a moment to gaze around her before Albany extended his arm. They mounted three steps and entered the house to be greeted by a servant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There will be tea momentarily in the drawing room, my lord.\"\n\nLord Albany nodded at the man. \"Thank you, Houghton. And my sister?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She is in her studio and has been informed of your arrival.\"\n\n\"Please ensure the servants in the other carriage are looked after,\" Albany said to Houghton.\n\nShe did her best not to stare at the man named Houghton as she realized his left arm was missing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The empty sleeve of his jacket was pinned to his shoulder." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Albany led them straight ahead through a doorway to the drawing room.\n\nA maid awaited in the long narrow room. The servant curtsied before she said, \"If you will come with me ladies, I will assist you in freshening up.\"\n\nShe and Lily followed the girl from the room as she noticed the maid had a pronounced limp." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Produce 11 sentences as a continuation. Note: Story may reference established characters/events." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A tea tray arrived as the Lady Upton's arrived back in the drawing room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Shall I pour?\" Lily asked as she took a seat by the low table the tray rested on.\n\n\"Please do,\" he replied.\n\nEmma sat next to Lily while he settled on a matching sofa across from them.\n\n\"Sugar?\"\n\nHe nodded.\n\n\"Milk?\"\n\n\"Please.\"\n\nWhen he had possession of his cup and saucer he drank the fragrant brew down in two long drafts before perusing the plates of sandwiches and sweets on the tray.\n\n\"These ham sandwiches are lovely,\" Lily said between bites. \"Just lovely.\"\n\nThe bliss on the young woman's face made Emma smile. He caught her gaze and although the smile faded, she didn't look to be upset at the detour to his estate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The door to the room by the back staircase opened. Lisbeth stepped in, her face wary. He stood and walked to her. His sister remained still as he took one of her hands and pressed it in his own. He was stunned she had made an appearance.\n\n\"Lisbeth, come meet my friends.\"\n\nHe made the introductions as Lisbeth took a seat on the settee beside him. She sat straight-backed, a clue she expected some unpleasantness.\n\nLily offered tea which Lisbeth declined in mumbled tones.\n\n\"It is lovely to meet you, Miss Winge. Your brother tells us you are a very talented artist. I would love to see some of your work if you would allow it.\" Emma's gaze was direct and unflinching." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her words were said gently." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lisbeth cleared her throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I… Yes, yes that would be very nice.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'sister' × 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His sister picked up a ginger cookie from a plate. He enjoyed one of the ham sandwiches himself while the ladies sampled more of the sweets.\n\n\"I will show you now.\" Lisbeth abruptly stood up, her words directed at Emma.\n\nEmma came to her feet as Lisbeth said to her brother as she pointed to Emma, \"Only her.\"\n\nWhen both women had left the room, Lily said, \"Your sister is very unusual. She does not like to meet new people?\"\n\n\"Her doctor tells me her brain developed differently than it should have. She had a traumatic birth. Lisbeth doesn't like to meet new people, go new places or have her daily schedule interrupted.\" He sighed. \"It took a few years for us to develop a rapport.\"\n\n\"I think it is admirable for you to care for your sister here where she is happy.\"\n\n\"I am all she has. According to my father she was rebellious when she was a child. Quite a handful. I rarely experience any problems when I'm here with her.\"\n\n\"You could have put her in an institution.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Lily raised a hand when he made to protest." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We all know people who hide away family members they deem different or difficult.\"\n\n\"I had always wanted a sibling. She has taught me to do the right thing. To stand up for those I care for.\"\n\n\"Do you still care for my mother-in-law?\" She shrugged at his raised brows. \"It is obvious there was once something between you.\"\n\n\"We knew each for a short while a long time ago. Although we are now two different people, I do care for Emma.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Job: User writes start, you add ~four sentences sentences. Style: Angelina Jameson. Note: May include established characters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Lily and Charles' son came into the world in the early hours of the morning. Despite his small size, the boy had a powerful set of lungs. Lily had endured a long, painful labor. Once the babe was cleaned and Lily made presentable, Charles would be allowed in the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Charles greeted her in the corridor outside Lily's bedchamber." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mother! Does the doctor speak true? Are Lily and the babe out of danger?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The babe is small but healthy. Lily needs rest. She will recover.\" Her hand touched his cheek. \"You have a fine son.\"\n\nHe nodded, his eyes wet. Her hand dropped." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Go say hello to your son. I could do with a cup of tea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Emma was worn out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was thrilled to have a grandson. Lily's mother Cynthia had already gone downstairs to speak to her husband Herbert. The doctor would return that evening. It was time her son had a private moment with his family." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Several cups of tea and one bath later, she stood on the balcony of the gallery at Kilmeade Hall." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first rays of sunrise, ribbons of orange and rose, heralded the coming of day. The cool breeze brought with it the scent of newly cut grass.\n\nThat is where Lord Albany found her.\n\n\"How is Lily?\" The viscount asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Herbert told me she had a boy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. A son. The doctor says all Lily needs is a good long rest.\"\n\n\"You look as if you could do with some rest as well. You should sit down. Let me call for some tea.\"\n\nShe studied the grounds of Kilmeade Hall for a moment. She had planned many of the plots in the various gardens." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Right now, she felt curiously detached from the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was hers no longer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It belonged to Charles and Lily.\n\n\"I am quite all right, Lord Albany. If truth be told, I am splendid.\" A shaky laugh escaped from her lips as she turned to face him.\n\n\"What is it, Emma?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did he realize he'd used her Christian name? The sound of her name on his lips resulted in a tear at the corner of one of her eyes.\n\n\"Lily told me they will name the babe Herbert John Charles. Herbert for her father and John… Well, for you.\"\n\nShe might be so tired she imagined it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "but she thought she saw liquid pool in Albany's eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am honored beyond words.\"\n\n\"Both of my sons have great respect for you.\" She tried to smile to no avail. Emotion overcame her. She couldn't meet his eyes and stared at a spot somewhere near his left shoulder." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd thought she would be content with her sons happily married, with grandchildren." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She found there was one other thing she wanted, needed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Albany had been a dear friend to her family. She wanted more from him. She didn't know how to ask for it.\n\n\"You once asked me why Charles and Geoffrey are special to me. It is because of you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She still couldn't look at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Big, warm tears spilled from her eyes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'wanted' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"In helping them find their happiness I hoped to bring you some as well. I care about you, Emma.\"\n\nHe cared about her. It wasn't enough. She wanted to be loved. She wanted him near every day of her life." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd finally become the person she was meant to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was it too late?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I care about you as well. Too bad you're not a fortune-hunter. I have a rather large annual income. I had hoped to lure you into marriage.\" Her accompanying laugh sounded more agitated than light-hearted.\n\nThrough the glassiness of her eyes she saw him raise his arm. She felt something soft against her cheek." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a handkerchief in his hand and wiped her tears away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She blinked to clear her vision. The expression on his face gave her hope. It wasn't the way he looked at her when she was a young girl. There was more. Instead of merely affection, she saw desire and joy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The emotion in his eyes mirrored the feelings inside of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled his lopsided smile, his blue eyes sparkling with mirth. \"I'm sorry to disappoint you, my dear. I don't need to marry you for money. I guess we'll just have to marry for love.\"\n\n[ Epilogue ]\n\nOne year later, Yorkshire" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wanted to speak to us, Grace?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She asked her daughter-in-law. The woman was in her bed, propped up by several pillows, her tiny daughter in her arms. \"You should rest, my dear.\"\n\n\"I'll rest after we talk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Emma wasn't used to such a firm tone of voice from the girl." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sat down in a chair next to the bed. Her husband John stood beside her.\n\n\"Geoffrey and I have decided to name our daughter Louisa Emma after the two women we respect the most.\"\n\n\"Grace…\" She couldn't bear for the girl to have such a high opinion of her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Let me speak.\" Grace shook a finger at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Forgive yourself. My mother forgave you, I forgive you. You are a different person now.\"\n\nEmma pulled the rose pin she always carried with her from the pocket of her day dress. \"I want your daughter to have this. Your mother gave it to me on my first wedding day. When Louisa is old enough I will tell her about what a wonderful lady her grandmother was.\"\n\n\"And I will tell her what a wonderful lady you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Grace reached out a hand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Emma took it. \"Do you think Lily and I would have let you marry our Lord Albany if you didn't deserve him?\"\n\nA low rumbling laugh came from her husband. The man who was her friend and confidante. A man who had shown her not only tenderness, but passion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She released Grace's hand and playfully swatted at the man she loved. \"John!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She's right you know. Twenty years ago, we weren't ready for each other.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She nodded as she looked up at him. \"I know. I needed time to appreciate you.\"\n\n\"And I you, my love.\"\n\nThe emotion in his words made her catch her breath. And then, in front of Grace and the baby, her Lord Albany leant down and gave her a very sweet and very long kiss." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner for this section. I'll provide a segment, and you continue with five sentences, channeling Sylvia Day in the erotica, romance, chick lit genre. Characters may have backstories from previous chapters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a little after six o'clock in the morning when I slipped out of my bedroom." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'd been up for a while, watching Gideon sleep. It was a rare treat, because I hardly ever managed to wake up before he did. I could stare at him without any worries that he'd be weirded out.\n\nI padded down the hallway until it emptied into the expansive open floor plan of the main living area. It was ridiculous that Cary and I lived on the Upper West Side in an apartment large enough for a family, but I'd long ago learned to pick my battles when it came to arguing with my mother and stepfather over my safety." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was no way they were budging on location or security features like a doorman and front desk, but I could exploit my cooperation on my living arrangements to get them to ease up on other points.\n\nI was in the kitchen waiting for the coffee to finish brewing when Cary joined me. He strolled in looking amazing in a pair of gray San Diego State University sweats, sleep-mussed chocolate brown hair, and a day's worth of stubble along his square jaw.\n\n\"Morning, baby girl,\" he murmured, pressing a kiss to my temple as he passed me.\n\n\"You're up early.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look who's talking.\" He grabbed two mugs out of the cupboard, then the half-and-half out of the fridge." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He brought them over and studied me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How are you doing?\"\n\n\"I'm good. Really,\" I insisted, when he shot me a skeptical look. \"Gideon took care of me.\"\n\n\"Okay, but is that really so great if he's the reason you were stressed enough to have the nightmare to begin with?\"\n\nI filled mugs for both of us, adding sugar to mine and cream to both." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As I did, I told him about Corinne and the Waldorf dinner, then the argument I'd had with Gideon over her appearance at the Crossfire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cary stood with his hip cocked into the counter, his legs crossed at the ankle, and one arm banding his chest. He sipped his coffee. \"No explanation, huh?\"\n\nI shook my head, feeling the weight of Gideon's silence. \"How about you? How are you doing?\"\n\n\"You just gonna change the subject?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What else is there to say? It's a one-sided story.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You ever stop to think that he might always have secrets?\"\n\nFrowning, I lowered my mug. \"What do you mean?\"\n\n\"I mean he's the twenty-eight-year-old son of a suicidal Ponzi scheme swindler, and he just happens to own a large chunk of Manhattan.\" One brow arched upward in challenge." }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"With all the secrets he's got, can you be sure you know him well enough to make that judgment call?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Think about it. Can they really be mutually exclusive things?\"\n\nLowering my gaze to my mug, I took a drink and didn't confess that I'd wondered the same thing once or twice. The extent of Gideon's fortune and empire was staggering, especially considering his age. \"I can't see Gideon bilking people, not when it's more of a challenge to accomplish what he has legitimately.\"\n\n\"With all the secrets he's got, can you be sure you know him well enough to make that judgment call?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought of the man who'd spent the night with me and felt relief at how sure I was about my answer—at least at that moment. \"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right, then.\" Cary shrugged. \"I talked to Dr. Travis yesterday.\"\n\nMy thoughts immediately veered in another direction at the mention of our therapist in San Diego. \"You did?\"\n\n\"Yeah. I really fucked up the other night.\"\n\nFrom the agitated way he scooped his long bangs back from his face, I knew he was referring to the orgy I'd walked in on." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cross broke Ian's nose and split his lip,\" he said, reminding me of how violently Gideon had responded to Cary's . . ." }, { "from": "human", "value": "friend rudely propositioning me to join them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw Ian yesterday and he looks like he was hit in the face with a brick. He was asking who clocked him, so he could press charges.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh.\" My lungs seized for the length of two heartbeats. \"Oh, crap.\"\n\n\"I know. Billionaire plus lawsuit equals beaucoup bucks. What the fuck was I thinking?\" Cary closed his eyes and rubbed them. \"I told him I didn't know who your date was, that it was some guy you picked up and dragged home. Cross blindsided him, so Ian didn't see shit.\"\n\n\"The two girls with you got a real good look at Gideon,\" I said grimly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They took off out that door\"—Cary pointed across the living room as if our door were still reverberating with the slam—\"like she-bats out of hell. They didn't go to the urgent care with us, and neither of us knows who they are. If Ian doesn't run into them again, we're okay.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I rubbed at the quiver in my tummy, feeling unsettled again.\n\n\"I'll keep an eye on the situation,\" he assured me. \"The whole night was a major wake-up call, and talking it out in therapy gave me some perspective. Afterward, I went to see Trey. To apologize.\"\n\nHearing Trey's name made me sad. I'd hoped Cary's budding relationship with the veterinary student would work out, but Cary had sabotaged that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As usual. \"How'd that go?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shrugged again, but the movement was awkward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I hurt him the other night because I'm an asshole. Then I hurt him again yesterday trying to do the right thing.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Did you break it off?\" I held my hand out to him and squeezed his when he placed it in mine.\n\n\"It's seriously cooled off. Like on ice. He wants me to be gay, and I'm not.\"\n\nIt was painful to hear that someone wanted Cary to be anything other than who he was, because it'd always been that way for him. I couldn't understand why." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To me, he was wonderful as is. \"I'm so sorry, Cary.\"\n\n\"So am I, because he's a great guy. I'm just not ready for the stress and demands of a complicated relationship right now. I'm working a lot. I'm not stable enough yet to be fucked up in the head.\" His lips pursed. \"You might want to think about that, too. We just moved out here. We've both still got some settling in to do.\"\n\nI nodded, understanding where he was coming from and not disagreeing, but unwavering in my decision to see my relationship with Gideon through." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Did you talk to Tatiana, too?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No need.\" His thumb brushed over my knuckles before he released me. \"She's easy.\"\n\nSnorting, I took a large gulp of my cooling coffee.\n\n\"Not just that way,\" he chided, giving me a wicked grin. \"I mean she doesn't expect anything or make any demands. As long as I suit up and she orgasms at least as many times as I do, she's good. I'm actually okay with her, and not just because she could suck chrome off a bumper. It's relaxing being with someone who just wants to have fun and causes no stress.\"\n\n\"Gideon knows me. He understands and tries to work around my issues. He's working for this, too, Cary. It's not easy for him, either.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you think Cross had a nooner with his ex?\" he asked bluntly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"Mostly. I think I'm the one doing it for him now. It's pretty hot with us, you know? But his ex has some kind of hold on him. He says it's guilt, but that doesn't explain his brunette fascination.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you sure?\"\n\nSucking in a deep breath, I took a fortifying gulp and admitted, \"Mostly. I think I'm the one doing it for him now. It's pretty hot with us, you know? But his ex has some kind of hold on him. He says it's guilt, but that doesn't explain his brunette fascination.\"\n\n\"It explains why you lost it and hit him—her being around again is eating at you. And he still won't tell you what's going on. Does that sound healthy to you?\"\n\nIt wasn't. I knew that. I hated it. \"We saw Dr. Petersen last night.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His brows rose. \"How'd that go?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He didn't tell us to run far, far away from each other as fast as we can.\"\n\n\"And if he does? Will you listen?\"\n\n\"I'm not bailing when things get rough this time. Seriously, Cary\"—I held his gaze—\"am I really all that far ahead if I can't take any waves?\"\n\n\"Baby girl, Cross is a tsunami.\"\n\n\"Ha!\" I smiled, unable to help it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cary could get me to smile through tears." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To tell you the truth, if I don't work this out with Gideon, I have doubts I'll work it out with anyone.\"\n\n\"That's your shitty self-esteem talking.\"\n\n\"He knows what I'm carrying around in me.\"\n\n\"All right.\"\n\nMy brows shot up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All right?\" That was too easy.\n\n\"I'm not sold. But I'll deal.\" He grabbed my hand. \"Come on. Let's get your hair done.\"\n\nI smiled, grateful. \"You're the best.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He bumped his hip into mine." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And I won't let you forget it.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for seven sentences more. erotica, romance, chick lit genre, Sylvia Day style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had to get up before dawn Tuesday morning. I left a note for Cary where he'd see it as soon as he woke up, then headed out to grab a cab back to our place. I showered, dressed, made coffee, and tried to talk myself out of feeling like something was off. I was stressed and suffering from lack of sleep, which always led to tiny bouts of depression.\n\nI told myself that it had nothing to do with Gideon, but the knot in my stomach said differently.\n\nLooking at the clock, I saw it was a little after eight. I'd have to leave soon, because Gideon hadn't called or texted to say that he'd be giving me a ride." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It had been almost twenty-four hours since I'd last seen him or even really talked to him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The call I'd made to him at nine the night before had been less than brief." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He'd been in the middle of something and barely said hello and good-bye.\n\nI knew he had a lot of work to do. I knew I shouldn't resent him for having to pay for the time away with extra hours of work getting caught up. He'd done a lot to help me deal with Cary's situation, more than anyone could've expected. It was up to me to deal with how I was feeling about it.\n\nFinishing my coffee, I rinsed out my mug, then grabbed my purse and bag on the way out. My tree-lined street was quiet, but the rest of New York was wide awake, its ceaseless energy thrumming with a tangible force." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Women in chic office wear and men in suits tried to hail taxis that streaked by, before settling for packed buses or the subway instead." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that I'm on my way to work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flower stands exploded with brilliant color, the sight of them always capable of cheering me up in the morning, as did the sight and smell of the neighborhood bakery, which was doing a brisk business at that hour.\n\nI was a little ways down Broadway before my phone rang.\n\nThe little thrill that shot through me at the sight of Gideon's name quickened my steps. \"Hey, stranger.\"\n\n\"Where the hell are you?\" he snapped.\n\nA frisson of unease dampened my excitement. \"I'm on my way to work.\"\n\n\"Why?\" He spoke to someone offline, then, \"Are you in a cab?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm walking. Jeez. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or what?\"\n\n\"You should have waited to be picked up.\"\n\n\"I didn't hear from you, and I didn't want to be late after missing work yesterday.\"\n\n\"You could've called me instead of just taking off.\" His voice was low and angry.\n\nI became angry, too. \"The last time I called, you were too busy to give me more than a minute of your time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I've got things to take care of, Eva. Give me a break.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sure thing. How about now?\" I hung up and dropped my phone back into my bag.\n\nIt began ringing again immediately and I ignored it, my blood simmering. When the Bentley pulled up beside me a few minutes later, I kept walking. It followed, the front passenger window sliding down.\n\nAngus leaned over. \"Miss Tramell, please.\"\n\nI paused, looking at him. \"Are you alone?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With a sigh, I got in the car. My phone was still ringing nonstop, so I reached in and shut the ringer off. One block later, I heard Gideon's voice coming through the car's speakers.\n\n\"Do you have her?\"\n\n\"Yes, sir,\" Angus replied.\n\nThe line cut out.\n\n\"What the hell crawled up his ass and died?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I asked, looking at Angus in the rearview mirror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's got a lot on his mind.\"\n\nWhatever it was, it sure wasn't me. I couldn't believe what a jerk he was being. He'd been curt on the phone the night before, too, but not rude.\n\nWithin a few minutes after I arrived at work, Mark came up to my cubicle. \"I'm sorry to hear about your roommate,\" he said, setting a fresh cup of coffee on my desk. \"Is he going to be all right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eventually. Cary's tough; he'll pull through.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I dropped my stuff in the bottom drawer of my desk and picked up the steaming mug with gratitude. \"Thank you. And thanks for yesterday, too.\"\n\nHis dark eyes were warm with concern. \"I'm surprised you're here today.\"\n\n\"I need to work.\" I managed a smile, despite feeling all twisted up and achy inside. Nothing was right in my world when things weren't right between me and Gideon. \"Catch me up on what I missed.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "This is from a serialized story. Produce 2 sentences using the prose and structure of Sylvia Day every time it's your turn, using what the user wrote as a seed. Stick to the erotica, romance, chick lit genre. Characters and plot points may reference earlier chapters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Bentley was waiting at the curb when I stepped out of the restaurant. Angus climbed out and opened the rear door for me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did you know where I was?\" I asked, unsettled by his unexpected appearance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His answer was to smile kindly and touch the brim of his chauffeur's hat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is creepy, Angus,\" I complained as I slid into the backseat.\n\n\"I don't disagree, Miss Tramell. I'm just doing my job.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I texted Cary on the ride back to the Crossfire: Had lunch with Brett. He wants another chance w/me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cary replied, When it rains it pours . . ." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whole day = royally fucked, I typed. I want a do-over." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My phone rang. It was Cary.\n\n\"Baby girl,\" he drawled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I want to sympathize, I do, but the love triangle thing is just too delicious. The determined rock star and the possessive billionaire. Rawr.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh God. Hanging up now.\"\n\n\"See you tonight?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes. Please don't make me regret it.\" I hung up to the sound of his laughter, secretly thrilled to hear him sounding so happy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Trey's visit must have worked wonders.\n\nAngus dropped me off at the curb in front of the Crossfire, and I hurried out of the heat into the cool lobby." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I managed to catch an open elevator just before the doors closed. There were a half dozen other people in the car with me, forming two groups that chatted among themselves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I stood in the front corner and tried to put my personal life out of my mind. I couldn't deal with it at work." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey, we passed our floor,\" the girl next to me said.\n\nI looked at the needle over the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The guy nearest the control panel stabbed repeatedly at all the numbers, but none of them lit up . . . except for the one for the top floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The buttons aren't working.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My pulse quickened.\n\n\"Use the emergency phone,\" one of the other girls said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The car raced up and the butterflies in my stomach got worse with every floor we passed. The elevator finally came to a gliding stop at the top and the doors opened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gideon stood on the threshold, his face a gorgeous impassive mask. His eyes were brilliantly blue . . ." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "and cold as ice. The sight of him took my breath away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one in the car said a word. I didn't move, praying the doors would hurry up and close." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gideon reached in, grabbed my elbow, and hauled me out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I struggled, too furious to want anything to do with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The doors closed behind me and he let me go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your behavior today has been appalling,\" he growled.\n\n\"My behavior? What about yours?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I crossed over to the call buttons and hit the down button." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It wouldn't stay lit.\n\n\"I'm talking to you, Eva.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I glanced at the security doors to Cross Industries and was relieved to see that the redheaded receptionist was away from her station." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really?\" I faced him, hating that I could still find him so irresistibly attractive when he was being so ugly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Funny how that doesn't lead to me actually learning anything—like about you going out with Corinne last night.\"\n\n\"You shouldn't be snooping online about me,\" he bit out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're deliberately trying to find something to get upset about.\"\n\n\"So your actions aren't the problem?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I shot back, feeling the pressure of tears at the back of my throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just my finding out about them is?\"\n\nHis arms crossed. \"You need to trust me, Eva.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You're making that impossible! Why didn't you tell me that you were going out to dinner with Corinne?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because I knew you wouldn't like it.\"\n\n\"But you did it anyway.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And that hurt. After all we'd talked about over the weekend . . ." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "after he'd said that he understood how I felt . . ." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you went out with Brett Kline knowing I wouldn't like it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did I tell you? You're setting the precedent for how I handle my exes.\"\n\n\"Tit for tat? What a remarkable show of maturity.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I stumbled back from him. There was none of the Gideon I knew in the man facing me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It felt as if the man I loved had disappeared and the man standing in front of me was a total stranger in Gideon's body.\n\n\"You're making me hate you,\" I whispered. \"Stop it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Something passed briefly over Gideon's face, but it was gone before I could identify it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I let his body language do the talking for him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood far from me, with his shoulders stiff and his jaw tight.\n\nMy heart bled and my gaze dropped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can't be around you right now. Let me go.\"\n\nGideon moved to the other bank of elevators and pushed the call button." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With his back to me and his attention on the indicator arrow, he said, \"Angus will pick you up every morning. Wait for him. And I prefer that you eat lunch at your desk. It's best if you're not running around right now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why not?\"\n\n\"I have a lot of things on my plate at the moment—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Like dinner with Corinne?\"\n\n\"—and I can't be worrying about you,\" he went on, ignoring my interruption." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't think I'm asking too much.\"\n\nSomething was wrong." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gideon, why won't you talk to me?\" I reached out and touched his shoulder, only to have him jerk away as if I'd burned him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "More than anything else, his rejection of my touch wounded me deeply. \"Tell me what's going on. If there's a problem—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The problem is that I don't know where the hell you are half the time!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he snapped, turning to scowl at me as the elevator doors opened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your roommate is in the hospital. Your dad is coming to visit. Just . . . focus on that.\"\n\nI stepped into the elevator with burning eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Aside from pulling me out of the elevator when it first arrived, Gideon hadn't touched me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hadn't run his fingertips down my cheek or made any attempt to kiss me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he made no mention of wanting to see me later, skipping right over the rest of the day to tell me about Angus waiting for me in the morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd never been so confused." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I couldn't figure out what was happening, why there was suddenly this huge gulf between us, why Gideon was so tense and angry, why he didn't seem to care that I'd had lunch with Brett." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why he didn't seem to care about anything at all.\n\nThe doors started to close. Trust me, Eva." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing exercise: 6 sentences sentences, keep character vibes, erotica, romance, chick lit genre!" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't be afraid.\"\n\nI woke to those three words and utter darkness. The mattress dipped as Gideon sat beside me, leaning over me with his arms bracketing my body and the blankets between us, a cocoon and barrier that allowed my mind to wake without fear. The delicious and unmistakable fragrance of his soap and shampoo mixed with the scent of his skin, soothing me along with his voice.\n\n\"Angel.\" He took my mouth, his lips slanting over mine.\n\nI touched his chest with my fingers, feeling bare skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He groaned and stood, bending over me so his mouth stayed connected to mine while he yanked the blankets off and away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then he was settling over me, his body nude and hot to the touch. His ardent mouth moved down my throat, his hands pushing up my camisole so he could get to my breasts. His lips surrounded my nipple and he suckled, his weight supported by one forearm on the mattress, his other hand pushing between my legs.\n\nHe cupped my sex, his fingertip gliding over the satin along the seam of my cleft. His tongue flickered over my nipple, making it hard and tight, his teeth sinking lightly into the taut flesh.\n\n\"Gideon!\" Tears slid in rivulets down my temples, the protective numbness I'd felt earlier falling away, leaving me exposed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'd been withering without him, the world around me losing its vibrancy, my body hurting from its separation from his." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Having him with me . . . touching me . . . was like rain in a drought." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My soul unfurled for him, opening wide to soak him in.\n\nI loved him so much.\n\nHis hair tickled my skin as his open mouth slid over my cleavage, his chest expanding as he breathed me in, nuzzling and wallowing in my scent. He captured the tip of my other breast with hard, deep suction. The pleasure shot through me, echoing in the clenching of my sex against his teasing fingertip.\n\nHe moved down my torso, licking and nibbling a path across my stomach, the breadth of his shoulders forcing my legs wider until his hot breath gusted over my slick cleft." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His nose pressed against the wet satin, stroking me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He inhaled with a groan.\n\n\"Eva. I've been starved for you.\"\n\nWith impatient fingers, Gideon shoved the crotch of my panties aside and his mouth was on me. He held me open with his thumbs, his tongue lashing over my throbbing clit. My back arched with a cry, all my senses painfully acute without the benefit of sight. Tilting his head, he thrust into the quivering opening of my sex, fucking rhythmically, teasing me with shallow plunges." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh God!\" I writhed with the pleasure, my core clenching and releasing with the first tingles of orgasm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I came in a violent rush, sweat misting my skin, my lungs burning as I fought for breath. His lips were around my trembling opening, sucking, his tongue delving. He was eating me with an intensity I was helpless against. The flesh between my legs was so swollen and sensitive, so vulnerable to his ravenous hunger. I was climaxing again within moments, my nails scouring the sheets.\n\nMy eyes were opened and blinded by darkness when he ripped my underwear off me and crawled over me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I felt the wide crest of his cock notch into my cleft, and then he lunged, driving deep into me with an animalistic growl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I cried out, shocked by his aggression, turned on by it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gideon reared up, resting back on his heels, my thighs splayed over his. He gripped my hips, elevating them, tilting me to the angle he wanted. He rolled his hips, stirring his cock inside me, pulling me onto him until I gasped in pain at how deep he was. The lips of my sex clung to the very base of his penis, spread wide to encompass the thick root. I had all of him, every inch, crammed too full and loving it. I'd been empty for days, so lonely I ached." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He groaned my name and came, spurting hot and thick, the creamy heat spreading upward along his length because there was no room inside me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shuddered violently, dripping sweat onto my skin, flooding me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"For you, Eva,\" he gasped. \"Every drop.\"\n\nPulling out abruptly, he flipped me over onto my belly and yanked my hips up. I gripped my headboard, my damp face pressed into my pillow. I waited for him to push into me and shivered when I felt his breath against my buttocks. Then I jerked violently at the feel of him licking along the seam. He rimmed me with the tip of his tongue, stimulating the puckered opening to my rear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A broken sound escaped me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't do anal play, Eva." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tight ring of muscle flexed as I remembered his words, helplessly responding to the delicate flutters. There was nothing in our bed but us. Nothing could touch us when we were touching each other.\n\nGideon squeezed both of my cheeks in his hands, grounding me in the moment. I was open and parted for him in every way, completely exposed to his lush dark kiss.\n\n\"Oh!\" I tensed all over." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His tongue was inside me, thrusting." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My entire body began to quake from the feeling, my toes curling, my lungs heaving as he possessed me without shame or reservation. \"Ah . . . God.\"\n\nI lifted into his mouth, giving myself to him. The affinity between us was brutal and raw, nearly unbearable. I felt seared by his desire, my skin feverish, my chest shaking with sobs I couldn't hold back.\n\nHe reached beneath me, pressed the flat of his fingers against my aching clit and rubbing, massaging." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His tongue was driving me insane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The orgasm brewing inside me was spurred by the knowledge that there were no longer any boundaries for him with my body. He would do anything he desired—possess it, use it, pleasure it. Burying my face in my pillow, I screamed as I came, the ecstasy so vicious my legs gave out and I melted into the mattress.\n\nGideon slid over my back, his knee pushing my legs wide, his perspiration-slick body blanketing mine. He mounted me, pushing his cock inside me, his fingers linking with mine and pinning my hands to the bed. I was soaked with him and he rocked against me, sliding in and out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm desperate for you,\" he said hoarsely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm miserable without you.\"\n\nI tensed. \"Don't mock me.\"\n\n\"I need you as much.\" He nuzzled into my hair, fucking me slow and easy. \"I'm just as obsessed. Why can't you trust me?\"\n\nI squeezed my eyes shut, hot tears leaking out." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't understand you. You're tearing me apart.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He turned his head and his teeth sank into the top of my shoulder. A pained growl rumbled through his chest and I felt him coming, his cock jerking as it pumped me full of scorching semen.\n\nHis jaw relaxed, releasing me. He panted, his hips still churning. \"Your letter gutted me.\"\n\n\"You won't talk to me . . . you won't listen . . .\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't.\" He groaned, his arms tightening around mine so that I was completely at his mercy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I just . . . It has to be this way.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't live like this, Gideon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm hurting, too, Eva. It's killing me, too. Can't you see that?\"\n\n\"No.\" I cried, my pillow growing wet beneath my cheek.\n\n\"Then stop overthinking and feel it! Feel me.\"\n\nThe night passed in a blur. I punished him with greedy hands and teeth, my nails raking over sweat-slick skin and muscle until he hissed in pleasured pain.\n\nHis lust was frantic and insatiable, his need tinged with a desperation that frightened me because it felt hopeless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It felt like good-bye." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Need your love,\" he whispered against my skin. \"Need you.\"\n\nHe touched me everywhere. He was constantly inside me, with his cock or his fingers or his tongue.\n\nMy nipples burned, made raw by his sucking. My sex throbbed and felt bruised from his wild, hard drives. My skin was chafed from the stubble that prickled over his jaw." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My jaw ached from sucking his thick cock." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My last memory was of him spooned behind me, his arm banded around my waist as he filled me from behind, both of us sore and exhausted and unable to stop.\n\n\"Don't let go,\" I begged, after I'd sworn I wouldn't.\n\nWhen I woke to my alarm, he was gone." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for seven sentences more. erotica, romance, chick lit genre, Sylvia Day style. characters might be from earlier chapters" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I stopped by Cary's room before I left for work Thursday morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I cracked the door open and peeked in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I saw he was sleeping, I started to back out.\n\n\"Hey,\" he murmured, blinking at me.\n\n\"Hey.\" I entered. \"How are you feeling?\"\n\n\"I'm glad to be home.\" He rubbed at the corners of his eyes. \"Everything all right?\"\n\n\"Yeah . . . I just wanted to check on you before I head to work. I'll be home around eight. I'll grab dinner on the way back, so expect a text around seven to see what you're hungry—\" I interrupted myself with a yawn." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What kind of vitamins does Cross take?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Huh?\"\n\n\"I'm never not horny, and even I can't pile-drive all night like that. I kept thinking, 'He's got to be done now.' Then he'd start up again.\"\n\nI flushed and shifted on my feet.\n\nHe howled with laughter. \"It's dark in here, but I know you're blushing.\"\n\n\"You should've put your headphones on,\" I mumbled.\n\n\"Don't stress about it. It was good to find out my equipment still works. I hadn't had a chubby since before the attack.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eww . . . Gross, Cary.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I started backing out of the room. \"My dad comes in tonight. Technically tomorrow. His flight lands at five.\"\n\n\"You picking him up?\"\n\n\"Of course.\"\n\nHis smile faded. \"You're going to kill yourself at this rate. You haven't gotten any sleep all week.\"\n\n\"I'll catch up. See ya.\"\n\n\"Hey,\" he called after me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Does last night mean you and Cross are okay again?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I leaned into the doorjamb with a sigh. \"Something's wrong, and he won't talk to me about it. I wrote him a letter basically puking out all my insecurities and neuroses.\"\n\n\"Never put stuff like that in writing, baby girl.\"\n\n\"Yeah, well . . . all it got me was fucked half to death with no better idea of what the problem is. He said it has to be this way. I don't even know what that means.\"\n\nHe nodded.\n\n\"You act like you get it,\" I said.\n\n\"I think I get the sex.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That sent a chill down my spine. \"Get-it-out-of-your-system sex?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's possible,\" he agreed softly.\n\nI closed my eyes and let the confirmation slide through me. Then I straightened. \"I gotta run. Catch you later.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 6 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Match the familiarity level of any character introductions. Stick to the fantasy, LGBT, romance genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The building was empty except for Merrick when they arrived. Crane made brief introductions, and the two of them stood with the three justiciars in Crane's office, looking at the dead rat Janossi had dumped on the floor.\n\nMerrick poked it thoughtfully with the toe of his boot. \"Giant rats. Sumatra business, is this, my lord?\"\n\n\"I don't know yet.\"\n\n\"What's Sumatra?\" asked Janossi." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"A country, sir,\" Merrick said politely. \"One of the Sunda islands. Go south from Kampuchea, you can't miss it. Is this to do with Mr. Willetts, my lord?\"\n\n\"My question exactly.\"\n\n\"Feel free to explain.\" Stephen was sitting on the edge of the desk, legs dangling, and Crane was having a certain amount of trouble not thinking about his daydream of the other evening.\n\n\"It's a traveller's tale. Specifically, a tale told by David Willetts, a Java man. A trader, a wanderer and a chronic storyteller. By his account Sumatra is crawling with magic and evil priestly cults and enchantments and beautiful native sorceresses.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Crane gave Esther a nod of acknowledgement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She gave him an incredulous glare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stephen choked. \"And it was from him that I, and Merrick, and pretty much everyone who ever had a drink with him, heard about the giant rats of Sumatra. Rats the size of dogs.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stephen stopped swinging his legs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Esther steepled her fingers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know many Java men,\" Crane went on. \"So I don't know if this is a Willetts particular or a general legend—\"\n\n\"I haven't heard it elsewhere,\" Merrick put in.\n\n\"No. As far as I know, the giant rats of Sumatra was Willetts' story. And the reason I bring it up is that Willetts is dead. He was murdered—knife in the ribs—in Poplar last week.\" Stephen whistled and exchanged a glance with Esther. \"Now, it could be a coincidence that the one man in London who one would ask about giant rats was just murdered—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'killed' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We don't like coincidences,\" Esther said. \"Who killed him?\"\n\n\"Unknown. He was stabbed and left by the river, as I heard.\"\n\n\"But lots of other people know the story, you said. So he wasn't killed to keep him quiet.\"\n\n\"Not to say lots, madam,\" Merrick offered. \"Mr. Willetts didn't have a large acquaintance in England and his stories were, um—\"\n\n\"Not suitable for mixed audiences,\" Crane supplied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anyone at the Traders, the Far Eastern Mercantile club, would have heard it, anyone who drank with him, but it's not one he'd have rushed to tell in politer company.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stephen frowned. \"What is the story?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Don't mind me,\" Esther added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm a married woman.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's fairly long. Alright, let me try and remember the detail.\" Crane closed his eyes, calling back the memory of a hot night, warm sand underfoot, the sound of the sea. \"Where were we, Merrick?\"\n\n\"Hainan. Beach.\"\n\n\"That's right. We were drinking that stuff that smells of coconuts and tastes like hinge oil.\"\n\n\"Fermented whatnot. And he was trying to get rid of a load of copra on you, and you threw your shoe at a rat, and he said did we want to hear a story.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's it.\" Crane felt the memories open up. \"It started with him in the jungle. He liked the jungle. He'd have hated to die by the Thames, poor swine.\"\n\n\"And he got lost,\" Merrick said. \"Usual thing with Mr. Willetts. Canoe down a river and some rapids and two days' surviving alone in the heat, and all of that—\"\n\n\"And he came across a village. The huts standing empty, cooking pots boiled dry over dead fires, no animals, no people. Strange marks on the trees and houses. Blood on the ground.\"\n\n\"So he sleeps there, like an idiot, and in the night there's men with spears and they blindfold him and take him to a cave.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is where it becomes very much a Willetts tale,\" Crane said. \"In this cave, which is really an intricate system of caverns decorated with strange and ancient carvings, he meets a remarkably beautiful and barely dressed lady who is the high priestess of some deity. She falls in love with him more or less on sight, as so many beautiful native ladies did, according to him.\" He glanced at Esther. \"We can probably miss out the next bit. The action picks up again as she explains that she is the…what was it…the vessel of the Red Tide, which serves to destroy anyone fool enough to defy her god. Now, there's also a priest, a huge native chap in a golden mask. He's jealous of Willetts' conquest, naturally.\"\n\n\"That's right,\" Merrick put in. \"And the gold-mask bloke makes a fuss, and there is some stuff about her duty to the god, and then some shenanigans about a serving maid what also falls in love with Mr. Willetts, only this is actually a setup by the gold-mask bloke to annoy the priestess lady, right?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Dear God,\" Stephen said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How much of this is there?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "💬 Please integrate this quote: \"and she's given him a thingy what will save him from it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're getting the abridged version,\" Crane told him. \"Willetts could keep this one going all night, including the interludes with the priestess, and the serving maid, and the priestess and the serving maid.\"\n\nEsther's eyebrows shot up. \"Definitely miss out that part.\"\n\n\"So, anyway, what it boils down to is, the priestess calls the Red Tide on Mr. Willetts and the maid, right? Only the maid's seen this coming, cos she's fallen in love with Mr. Willetts for real by now\"—Esther sighed heavily—\"and she's given him a thingy what will save him from it.\"\n\n\"An amulet belonging to the gold-mask priest chap,\" Crane amplified." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And the Red Tide comes, and what it is is this whole load of giant rats.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dozens and hundreds of rats, in a furry, flowing, stinking, snarling tide.\" Crane remembered this part vividly. \"They flow over the maid and the golden-mask chap and strip them to the bone with tooth and claw. They knock Willetts down too, but he's unharmed because of the amulet. He really went to town on what it felt like, having these great heavy animals all over him, bare tails lashing him, the smell and the coarse wet belly hair rubbing over his face, and the claws treading and flattening over him. It was very convincing.\"\n\n\"It was good, yeah,\" Merrick agreed. \"So eventually the lady finishes up, and the rats move off, and Mr. Willetts ain't dead but the golden chappy is. And…what happens then?\"\n\n\"She declares undying love, which he returns, and then he wakes up next to her cold corpse because some other priest has strangled her in her sleep.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Merrick was shaking his head. \"No, that's not it. What it was, she wanted Mr. Willetts to take the mask and be the new god bloke. And when he says no, she summons the guards, and Mr. Willetts accuses her of blasphemy, and he has it away on his toes while the guards strangle her.\"\n\n\"How on earth do you get those mixed up?\" asked Stephen.\n\n\"Oh, the ending changed a few times,\" Crane said. \"When a chap was telling it in the Traders the other night, she renounced her duties to run away with Willetts, and before she could get on a ship with him the rats came for her, sent by the betrayed god. She always died, though.\"\n\n\"Funny, now you say that,\" said Merrick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His ladies usually just pined after him, in the stories. They didn't usually die.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Anyway. That's it, in a very large nutshell.\"\n\n\"It's not, perhaps, the most plausible story I've ever heard,\" said Stephen. \"Points of interest, though.\"\n\n\"By God there are,\" said Janossi.\n\nEsther nodded slowly. \"How much truth would you say was in this?\"\n\nCrane shrugged. \"Willetts did travel a lot. And strange things happen more openly in that part of the world. That said, he was an awful liar about some things, especially women. But in general, I'd say he embroidered, rather than making things up of whole cloth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He told the one about the crabman pretty much as it happened,\" Merrick offered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Merrick grinned unsympathetically. \"What, you thought he'd keep a story like that quiet? But he was spot on with it, as I recall.\"\n\n\"That…man can count himself lucky he's already dead,\" said Crane. \"And I'll speak to you later, you turncoat. Anyway. It's possible that some of the story was accurate, but what and how much is anyone's guess.\"\n\nEsther frowned. \"How did she call the Red Tide? How much detail did he go into?\"\n\n\"That I don't remember. It would doubtless have been a fair bit, he had an astonishing memory, but I don't. Merrick?\"\n\nMerrick shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Chanting, was it? Singing?\"\n\n\"When you say an astonishing memory…\" Stephen began.\n\n\"Very good indeed. He picked up languages like nobody's business. Terrific ear.\"\n\n\"Good enough to remember and repeat a chant?\"\n\n\"Perhaps.\"\n\nEsther nodded. \"And what happened to the amulet?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No idea.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How did the rats leave? Where did they go?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't recall anything about that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Or where they came from?\"\n\n\"Sorry. If Willetts put it in the story, I've forgotten.\"\n\nJanossi made a disgusted noise. \"The one man we need to speak to, and he's dead. And that's why he's dead, of course.\"\n\n\"Likely, certainly,\" said Stephen. \"Well, now. Giant rats used as a weapon. A method of calling them. A protective amulet. The man who might know the call or own the amulet stabbed to death down in Poplar last week.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'esther' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rats springing up through the East End and heading into Limehouse,\" Esther continued. \"Two dead Chinese practitioners.\"\n\n\"And a houseful of corpses on Ratcliffe Highway,\" Janossi finished grimly. \"Chance, or someone trying out a new toy?\"\n\n\"There's a thought,\" said Esther. \"Here's Saint coming.\"\n\nThere was a banging at the front door a few seconds later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Merrick let the girl in, and Esther gave her a rapid summary of events." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As they spoke, Crane edged over to Stephen and propped himself on the desk.\n\n\"Interesting day?\"\n\n\"As you see. Thank you for this. I thought you'd help but I didn't expect quite such a contribution.\"\n\n\"I am forever at your service,\" said Crane lightly, and felt Stephen's eyes flick to him.\n\n\"Well, I'm in your debt,\" he returned equally lightly. \"Please do collect.\"\n\n\"I shall.\" Crane allowed just a hint of promise into his voice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So you think Willetts' tale was more than a lot of tommyrot?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"His murder lends it credibility. Of course it might just be coincidence, but you know how I feel about that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You spurn it as you would a rabid dog.\"\n\nStephen grinned up at him, then looked over at the others. \"Alright, everyone, plan of action. We need to find out how the shamans died and if it's linked to the rats; we need to find out more about Willetts' death; most crucially, we need to look for evidence of whether the rats are appearing at random or being called. Are there many Sumatrans in London, Lord Crane?\"\n\n\"Not that I know of. The odd lascar, perhaps, not a big migrant settlement.\"\n\n\"Is Sumatra the same as China?\" asked Saint.\n\n\"No,\" said Merrick and Crane, simultaneously and emphatically." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: Saint, did you find the addresses? Good. Mr. Merrick, can I borrow you to look into what happened to the shamans?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Merrick added, \"Couple thousand miles off. Different people. Different language.\"\n\n\"Does either of you speak Sumatran?\" Esther put in.\n\n\"Malay. No, but Merrick's not bad with pidgin. Then again, anyone surviving over here will speak English, there's not a lot of Malay spoken this side of the globe.\"\n\nStephen nodded. \"Saint, did you find the addresses? Good. Mr. Merrick, can I borrow you to look into what happened to the shamans?\"\n\n\"Be a pleasure, sir.\"\n\n\"Thank you. Saint, take Mr. Merrick to the flagpole houses and back him up. Subtly, please. Do not get into trouble.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That goes for you too,\" Crane told Merrick.\n\n\"Esther?\"\n\n\"I'm going to Ratcliffe Highway for a sniff around. If this is a deliberate summoning, that might have been a practice run, in which case I'll bet the summoner was near. Joss, with me, unless you need him, Steph?\"\n\n\"No, I think I'll look into Mr. Willetts' death,\" Stephen said. \"The sooner we find out if this was a deliberate summoning, the better. Lord Crane, if you're not busy—\"\n\n\"I can take you to the Traders,\" Crane offered." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'tomorrow' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There are a few Java men there, they'll know as much as anyone in England about Willetts. And a few scholarly types who might know something about Sumatran legends and so on.\"\n\n\"Perfect.\" Esther clapped her hands. \"Lord Crane, thank you very much. I needn't tell you to keep this quiet, need I? Alright, Saint, gentlemen, meet tomorrow, surgery, ten, unless anything goes catastrophically wrong before then. Everyone moving please.\"\n\n\"See you tomorrow,\" Stephen agreed.\n\n\"Let me lock up here, Mr. Day, and I'll take you to the Traders.\" Crane moved to close the shutters as the others left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When the outside door shut behind the last of them, he slid the bolt through and felt Stephen's arms go round his waist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello.\" He twisted round and slipped his hands under Stephen's shabby jacket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello to you.\" Stephen leaned forward, resting his head against Crane's chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And thank you. You're rather marvellous.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"What happened on Ratcliffe Highway?\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Says the man with magic hands.\" Crane brushed his own slender, ordinary fingers through Stephen's curls. \"When did you leave this morning?\"\n\n\"About four. I'd have stayed if I could, but these blasted rats.\"\n\n\"What happened on Ratcliffe Highway?\"\n\nStephen's arms tightened slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They attacked a boarding house three days ago. A lot of rats. Twenty or more, according to the survivors.\"\n\n\"Survivors. Who died?\"\n\n\"Anyone who couldn't get out. A lace-maker, her infant, her two-year-old, a sailor with a wooden leg, a consumptive. The rats somehow got through the cellar door and went up through the house like a, well, a tide. Everyone who could run did so. By the time they went back in, the rats had gone, and there were five chewed bodies.\"\n\n\"Jesus. Why wasn't that in the broadsheets?\"\n\nStephen shrugged one shoulder. \"There's, shall we say, a policy against causing alarm with stories of this sort. People would rather not hear it. The survivors are being treated for fever, or a bad batch of gin, or something like that, and the deaths ascribed to a mad dog, I think.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'didn't' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The witnesses are being told they didn't see it?\" said Crane, incredulously.\n\n\"Told it didn't happen as they thought. It might be a relief for some of them to believe that. I don't know. I don't know if the poor swine who came back home to find his wife and children dead might take some comfort from the idea they weren't ripped to shreds by giant rats.\" Stephen swallowed. \"I saw his face, Lucien. The policeman telling him his family was dead, and that he couldn't see the bodies. He'd got a new job just that day. He was coming home to tell his wife. He had some sweetmeats in a basket, for the children.\"\n\n\"God.\"\n\n\"We thought it was an accident. Some freak occurrence. Escaped pets or experiments or what have you. That was bad enough. If they were summoned, if this was deliberate rather than chance…\"\n\n\"Mrs. Gold said a practice run,\" Crane said. \"Practice at what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Trying out the control over the rats, I imagine. Bring them out, call them back. Watch them kill.\"\n\n\"Ratcliffe Highway is a fairly busy place for magical experiments.\"\n\n\"Mmm,\" said Stephen. \"I was wondering if that was a joke. Ratcliffe.\"\n\n\"If it was, I trust you'll be making the joker laugh on the other side of his face.\"\n\n\"Only if Esther doesn't get to him first. She has no sense of humour.\" Stephen held on to Crane for a moment longer, then let out a long breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Before we go to this club of yours, do we need to discuss Rackham?\"\n\n\"Let me handle that.\"\n\nStephen stilled. He moved back a couple of steps so he could look up at Crane. \"I'm not a child, Lucien. Rackham is as much my problem as yours. And I don't need your protection.\"\n\n\"No,\" said Crane. \"You need to eliminate a plague of giant killer rats, and find out if some murderous bastard called it up. So you concentrate on that, and I'll take Rackham off your plate while you do it.\"\n\nStephen stared up a minute longer, then his shoulders dropped slightly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I see what you're saying, but—\"\n\nCrane sighed. \"It is actually possible to accept help without marking yourself as a weakling, you know.\"\n\nStephen flushed. \"I'm perfectly capable of accepting help. I asked you to come today, didn't I? And look what happened.\"\n\n\"What?\" said Crane, injured.\n\n\"We discovered we may have two dead shamans and a rat-controlling maniac at large. Whereas if you hadn't been there, I might have given up and gone home early.\" Stephen moved into Crane's arms again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, Lucien. And I'm sorry about last night, too, I wasn't very fair to you. I'm a bag of nerves at the moment. Do I need to dress up like a shop dummy for this club, then?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not by normal human standards,\" Crane replied. \"Which is to say, yes, my sweet, you do. Why don't you come back to the flat to get some decent clothes, and I'll see if I can do something for your nerves while I'm at it?\"\n\n\"Mmm. Tempting. Though…\"\n\nStephen hopped backwards to sit on the desk and Crane moved between his legs to kiss him, felt him lean back invitingly, and grinned against his mouth. \"Dear me, Mr. Day. You really do love to get fucked on desks, don't you? Put you on a desk, and you're begging for it. What is so particularly exciting about desks?\"\n\n\"They're not exciting, they're boring.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stephen quivered as Crane's mouth moved to his sensitive earlobes. \"You write on them and then you go home, and nothing horrible happens, nobody dies. Lovely dull surfaces. All the better to do interesting things on.\" He slid his electric hands down Crane's back, over his hips.\n\n\"There's a perfectly good desk in the flat,\" Crane said. \"A lot stronger than this, and decidedly safer.\"\n\n\"But, in the Strand,\" Stephen argued, \"whereas this desk is right here, and you could have me on it right now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're feeling more yourself, I see.\"\n\nStephen locked his arms round Crane's neck, wrapped his legs round the other's hips, and lifted himself clear off the desk to press his body against Crane's. The taller man staggered at his weight and braced himself with his hands, laughing.\n\n\"I have wanted this since you called Esther a beautiful native sorceress.\" Stephen started laughing too. \"Her face, my God. You're such a swine.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you love it.\"\n\nStephen grinned, then moved to meet Crane's lips in a long, deep kiss that ended with him on his back on the desk and Crane half on top of him, painfully erect. \"I need to lock the door,\" Crane said throatily. \"Unless you can do it from here.\"\n\n\"Iron,\" Stephen said concisely; Crane was well aware iron was unresponsive to his powers. \"But I bet I can get naked before you can lock the door and get back.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stakes?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'against' exactly 3 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ooh. If I win we do it on the desk. If you win, you can have me against the wall.\"\n\nCrane's cock leapt at that. He loved to screw against walls but the height difference made it necessary for Stephen to stand on something, and while he was normally unconcerned by his stature, that did annoy him. \"You're on.\"\n\nHe lost, of course, since Stephen cheated ruthlessly by sending the keys flying from his hand and skidding across the floor, but as he buried himself in Stephen's arse and felt those magic hands flare joyously against his back while Stephen's teeth dug into his shoulder, he felt as if he had won a victory of another and much more important kind, though he would have been hard-pressed to say what it was." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a bit then you need to write around 6 sentences continuing directly from the user's text. Match the familiarity level of any character introductions. Stick to the fantasy, LGBT, romance genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crane blinked back to consciousness because of the pain, and wished he hadn't.\n\nHis arms hurt like hell, his shoulders shrieking. This was, he realised, because his wrists were tied to the wall behind him, arms high and wide, crucifixion-style. His unsupported body had lolled forward so that all thirteen stone hung off his shoulder muscles, and his arms were bending backwards.\n\nHis ankles were tied, but he got his feet under him, straightened till they took his weight, and felt the agonising fire in his shoulders damp to a mere inferno.\n\nHe was in some kind of cavern." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A cellar? It was cool, dark, earthy-smelling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A lantern sat on the earth floor and illuminated whitewashed but rough and grubby walls. There was a sturdy table placed in front of him, and on the far side of the room was a door made of dark wood, reinforced with a thick wooden bar that sat across the frame.\n\nMonk was walking around the cellar, muttering, but it wasn't Monk. Crane didn't need a practitioner to tell him that. The jerky movement, the hideous facial twitching, the light in the blank eyes, none of those belonged to the body being jerked around like an ungainly puppet.\n\nIs there someone in there?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Town was squatting against the wall, Chinese style, face in hands." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oi,\" Crane said. \"What the devil is this?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'didn't' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Town looked up. \"Vaudrey. You had to interfere, didn't you? You couldn't just go away. I told you to go to Hammersmith, damn it! Why didn't you go to Hammersmith?\"\n\n\"Shitty luck.\" Crane's voice was hoarse and dry. \"You tried to kill Leo Hart. With rats.\"\n\n\"She deserves it.\"\n\n\"The hell she does. Rackham, those two so-called shamans, yes, but not Leo, and not a houseful of people on Ratcliffe Highway.\"\n\n\"Who cares about them?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Town snapped, but his eyes flicked away as he spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Stephen Day does. Remember him? Short chap, reddish hair, one of the most dangerous men in London, on his way here right now to rip your spine out through your arsehole. So, who's in Monk?\" Crane looked over at the man's awful, mad twitching. \"Xan Ji-yin, I presume?\"\n\nMonk threw back his head and howled. His jaw seemed to unhinge, stretching wide and gaping, like a snake.\n\n\"Nice.\" Crane had to keep talking, because otherwise he was liable to piss himself with terror." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Charming friends you have, Town.\"\n\n\"This is what happens when you treat people like offal.\" Town spoke with concentrated vitriol. \"That bastard Hart and his madmen murdered my sister and Xan Ji-yin and threw them into the water like dead dogs. If they'd had decent burial— Well, those swine are paying now.\"\n\n\"Rackham and the shamans have certainly paid,\" Crane said. \"More power to your elbow. Why am I here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He wants you.\" Town jerked his head towards Monk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Him? That? Why?\"\n\n\"He needs a suitable body.\" Town licked his lips. His face was under control but his eyes were full of horror. \"And normal people won't do. They die, you see, all of them. He's been through body after body, but with the best will in the world, they just don't do, not once he starts using them, and he can't live in corpses. He was in Monk for a while without him noticing, but now… Poor Monk. But he knew Bella, he liked her. He wouldn't have minded, really.\"\n\n\"Really?\" said Crane, watching Monk's neck muscles distort as the thing inside his body raged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And now he wants you. Apparently you're a shaman. That's what he needs. I didn't know you were a shaman.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'shaman' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm bloody not!\"\n\n\"He says you are. He wants you. When he's finished here and he's got a shaman host, he'll go away, and it will all be over, at last. I'm sorry, Vaudrey, but you should have gone to Hammersmith. I did try and tell you. And you were thick as thieves with Hart—\"\n\n\"I was a thousand miles away when your sister died,\" Crane said. \"The first I heard of it was this morning. Town, for God's sake, don't let it do this!\"\n\nTown was shaking his head. \"It's too late. Xan Ji-yin needs a body with shaman powers, and you have them, that's all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shrugged one shoulder with a tip of the head, a characteristic little gesture Crane had seen his friend make hundreds of times." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm sorry, my dear fellow. If you don't fight, I think it will be quick.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That fucking thing is not fucking taking my fucking body.\" Crane's mouth could barely work with the terror. He had seen shamanic possession reduce Merrick to a drooling imbecile, had had his mind repeatedly attacked, had even had his memories violated by Stephen once. The thought of the foul thing inside Monk moving to his own mind dizzied him with horror and fear. \"You're making a bad mistake. Stephen's a shaman. A real one, not a fucking travesty like that reject from a charnel house. You touch me, he will hunt you to the grave. You won't know what vengeance is till he comes after you.\"\n\n\"I know vengeance,\" Town said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hart's dead. Xan has killed Rackham and Pa and Lo. Now he's going to walk out of here wearing you like a coat, and that's how he'll finish Leonora Hart off, and I hope Hart looks up from hell to see it.\"\n\n\"You bastard.\" Crane thrashed and strained against the ropes, but it was no good, the bonds were tight and secure. Town got up and spoke to Monk, quietly. Then he picked up a small bowl and a knife and walked over to place them on the table. He undid one of Crane's cuffs and rolled the sleeve back.\n\nHe took up the bowl and the knife again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We'll need some of your blood for this,\" he explained, and sliced into Crane's forearm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crane yelled, with the pain, and in the hope of attracting attention. The blood ran down his arm, splashing into the bowl Town held, unnaturally fast, too much of it, pouring out from the minor wound as though an artery had been cut. \"Blood magic?\" he snarled. \"You're a fucking warlock without even being a shaman. Stephen is going to kill you, and then bring you back from the dead just to kill you again, you son of a bitch!\"\n\n\"I suppose he's your new bed boy.\" Town placed the full bowl carefully on the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They don't usually stay around when things get difficult, do they?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He took a roll of bandage and started to wind it around the wound.\n\nCrane spat in his face. Town's mouth tightened as he wiped the spittle away. \"Don't do that,\" he said. \"This isn't my fault.\"\n\nThe thing in Monk's body came up to the table, facing Crane, as Town finished with the bandage." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Its face was moving and jerking continually, lines and creases running across it, lips twitching and mumbling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crane pulled violently against the ropes that bound him, knowing it was no use.\n\nMonk raised his hands in a gesture that looked entirely Chinese, entirely shamanical, and the blood in the bowl began to stir, first rippling, then bubbling. The red darkened, cloudy brown swirls appearing through it.\n\nCrane was thrashing now, desperate, helpless, crying out with fury. It was so damned, bloody unfair, that he should die now, or worse than die, should lose his mind to this creature, without having kissed Stephen again or even held him. It was no consolation at all that he'd told the man he loved him or heard it in return." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All it meant was a full, agonising knowledge of what he was going to lose.\n\nNine for a funeral.\n\nThe infected blood in the bowl was rising up now in a shape like a waterspout, a rotten dark brown, defying all nature, and as Crane stared at it, he felt the ghost's invasion.\n\nIt was filthy. A choking charnel foulness, like thick wet cobweb, over his face and eyes and mouth, crawling in his ears, up his nose, through his body. He tried to scream and the tendrils dug deeper. He could hear an insane muttering in his mind, fragments of rage and fury and accusation and a horrible glee as the thing tapped into somewhere deep and wrenched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The power lit in his blood, but it was snatched greedily, dragging at his flesh and bones, nothing like what Stephen did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This was a rape. He shook his head violently because he could do nothing else, and the dead man's soul settled to feed, pushing a film over his eyes as he stared in helpless horror at the bowl of foaming, churning blood.\n\nThe spout jerked abruptly. It straightened again, steadied, then lurched sideways once more, and streaks of red shone bright through the dirty brown. Monk, standing like a puppet with loose strings, jerked too, lifting his head. The spout began to spasm, more violently, whipping from side to side, its rhythm breaking and restabilising and breaking again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Xan's ghost gave a terrible keening howl and dug impalpable claws into Crane's mind, but he could feel the other pull now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was rushing through his veins in a storm of black and white wings, and from somewhere deep inside, he welcomed it, reached out, let the birds take over.\n\nI am the Magpie Lord, he insisted to himself, through Xan's screams. We are the Magpie Lord. Let them fly, Stephen, fly with them, and get this monster out of my mind!\n\nXan's talons dug into him with a desperate effort. Crane yelled aloud, a cry of pain and defiance that was echoed by the shrieks of birds that weren't there, the sharp stabbing of beaks, the thunder of invisible wings beating around and through him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bowl exploded. Shards of earthenware went flying across the room, and the blood sprayed into a bright red cloud, in which hung, for just a fraction of a second, the image of a bird, before the spray dissipated into nothing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The creature in Crane's body was ripped away, howling. Crane gasped for breath, head stabbing with sudden agony. Monk began to scream in earnest. And the thick wooden door burst inwards as though punched by a giant's fist.\n\nStephen came in running, ducking through the splinters, Esther Gold just behind him. He threw out a hand as he ran, sending Monk tumbling backwards, and sprinted towards Crane, eyes blazing gold and black in his white face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Town cried out in rage and pulled a pistol, and an urchin boy—no, it was Jenny Saint in trousers and a cap—ran at him, up through the air, as if mounting invisible steps, and kicked him ferociously in the face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Town fell, and she landed on him hard and booted his hand, sending the gun skittering across the floor.\n\nJanossi, Merrick and Leonora were in now. Merrick saw his master, swore with gusto and ran forward. Leonora followed, pausing to kick Town in the balls with force and accuracy. Stephen turned away from Monk, looking up at Crane, starting to speak, but Crane only had eyes for Monk's slumped body. His old friend looked like himself once more with no alien consciousness there, and Crane gathered every scrap of strength he had left to bellow, \"Rats!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a fractional moment of total stillness." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Then the rats came." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They flooded in from every corner and crevice. Not the few that had almost killed Leo, but hundreds, tumbling over one another, growing as he watched, flinging themselves forward with snarls like dogs. They met a wave of power from Esther and Stephen which flung them over and over backwards, and bounced up and came on again, with a dreadful shrill squealing and a scrape and dry rustle of claws on earth and stone.\n\n\"Get him free!\" Stephen yelled at Merrick, as Esther shoved Leonora behind her. The four justiciars formed a semicircle in front of Crane, shoulder to shoulder, hurling power. A rat leapt at Esther and its skull exploded like a rotten orange." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Behind them, Merrick hopped up onto the table with his pocketknife in his hand, and began to saw at the thick ropes that pinioned Crane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hoi!\" he shouted at Leonora. \"Up here, give me a hand.\" He pulled out another knife. \"And you, Vaudrey, on your feet.\"\n\n\"You try,\" slurred Crane, stiffening his legs under him as best he could to stop his body slumping.\n\n\"Shit.\" Merrick was working furiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The fuck did they do to you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Put that thing in me. Shaman ghost.\"\n\n\"Fuck.\"\n\n\"S'alright.\"\n\n\"It's not,\" said Leo grimly, sawing at his other wrist.\n\nCrane looked round her. The rats were filling the room now, in their hundreds, clambering over each other, with savage, single-minded killing determination." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The four justiciars were holding their ground, somehow keeping a corridor of space in front of themselves, but there were so many rats that the pile of dead was two feet deep already and the creatures kept on coming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A rat leapt over the top, over their heads, its limbs spread wide in attack. Saint rose high in the air to punch it away, and the other three all cried, \"Hold the line! \", swaying back in unison.\n\nCrane glanced to his left and yelled, \"Janossi!\"\n\nThe man had good reflexes, which saved his life. He didn't look at Crane but to his other side, and that meant he was able to twist away from Town's attack so that the blade aimed at his heart scraped off ribs and stabbed the flesh below his shoulder.\n\nJanossi bellowed with pain and released a bolt of power that sent Town flying back into the wall, and as he did so, the rats surged in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hold the damned line!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stephen screamed. \"Resonance three over eight and go.\"\n\nAll four justiciars hissed indrawn breaths in violent unison. A terrible high-pitched vibration filled Crane's head. Leonora clapped her free hand to one ear, twisting her neck in a fruitless effort to turn away from the sound. The pitch rose slightly higher and became a feeling, a buzzing in the teeth and eyeballs. The rats hauled back, hesitating, squealing in confusion, and Saint gave a savage cry of triumph as the justiciars pushed forward at a command from Esther, sending rat parts flying, but the creatures turned again in a smoothly coordinated wave and reattacked with as much savagery as before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Will you cut that blasted rope!\" Stephen shouted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Nearly there, sir,\" called Merrick, sawing patiently away with the knife." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Knife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Town had held the knife competently, a man who knew how to stab someone to death…\n\n\"Why did they kill Willetts?\" Crane asked aloud.\n\n\"Who gives a fuck?\" grunted Merrick. \"Yes.\" The thick rope parted, the last strands breaking as he and Crane wrenched at it. Merrick immediately moved to help Leo with the other rope.\n\n\"He doesn't need a spell, look at him.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was Xan; Crane was not going to speak that name aloud. \"And he doesn't need an amulet to control the rats, either. So why kill Willetts? What did Willetts know?\"\n\n\"The story?\"\n\n\"The ending,\" Crane said, with sudden certainty. \"The real ending. The girl, the vessel of the Red Tide. Of course.\"\n\nHe glanced at Stephen, but the justiciars were fighting for their lives now, no time to talk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Janossi fell to one knee and Esther hauled him up, but it cost her a step back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fuck.\" Crane wrenched at his pinioned hand but it wasn't even close to free, so he made a decision, gave the order.\n\n\"Merrick. Kill Mr. Humphris. Strangle him. No blood.\"\n\nMerrick stopped sawing at the rope. He met Crane's eyes, his face emotionless.\n\n\"Now,\" Crane said.\n\nMerrick folded his pocketknife and put it in Crane's free hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Anyone got a bit of string?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'pencil' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There's a handkerchief in my pocket.\"\n\n\"Here.\" Leonora kicked off her shoe and dragged off a torn silk stocking. \"I hope you know what you're doing.\"\n\nMerrick took the stocking and jumped down from the table, pulling a pencil from one of his pockets. He went to Monk where he lay by the wall and pulled the recumbent man to a kneeling posture. He slipped the stocking round his neck with the pencil inside the loop, and began to tighten the makeshift garrotte, face remote and calm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh God, Lucien,\" Leonora whispered." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage target: 'merrick' must be used 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Keep cutting.\" Crane's own hand was shaking so hard he'd be in danger of slicing an artery if he tried to help.\n\nMonk seemed unconscious, but as Merrick tightened the rope he began to jerk and struggle, as if by instinct. Every rat in the room froze, suddenly stiff. And then, as one, they all poured towards Merrick.\n\n\"Sodding hell!\" said Saint, who was at that side of the room, and staggered backwards under the huge weight of rodent fury, the invisible shields bowing under the pressure. Esther and Stephen both hurled themselves sideways towards her, Janossi a fraction later, and now all four justiciars were jumbled in front of Merrick, and the corridor of protective space between them and the rats was down to inches and bending backwards as the rats piled three, four feet high." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Claws and teeth scrabbled savagely as the rats screamed their rage." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Monk kicked and spasmed, eyes bulging, face blackening, and the justiciars were all shouting, and Crane's other hand came free. He fell forward, chest hitting the table in front of him, and lay over it gasping for breath.\n\nMonk's tongue protruded, face suffused, eyes popping, and from the jerking of his body, Crane knew his feet were drumming on the floor. Quite suddenly, he went limp.\n\nThe rats all screamed at once. It rang through Crane's bones and his eyes and his hair, a wrenching agony, and then, abruptly, it stopped, and the rats were tumbling away, retreating, shrinking." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jesus.\" Crane slid off the table and onto the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He saw the live rats fleeing through holes in the walls, the dead ones deflating like pricked bladders.\n\n\"Lucien!\" There was a scrape as Stephen shoved the table out of the way. He looked grey with exhaustion. \"Lucien, are you all right?\"\n\n\"Fine. Well, not fine. Alive.\"\n\nStephen dropped to his knees in front of him and took his chin in a gentle hand." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'killed' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crane leaned slightly forward to turn the touch to a hold, aware of the others, but needing the comfort, and felt Stephen cup his face tenderly even as he turned it from side to side, examining Crane's eyes.\n\n\"I thought we agreed you weren't going to be horribly killed. I'm sure you said that.\"\n\n\"I said I wasn't going to be horribly killed by rats. I never promised not to have my soul eaten by a demented ghost.\" Crane was trying for humour but his voice cracked betrayingly. \"God. I've never wanted to see anyone so much in my life.\"\n\n\"I'm glad we were here in time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Stephen spoke mildly, but the tightness of his grip belied the calm of his words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crane looked around. Merrick was watching, unharmed. He gave Crane a nod as their eyes met. The dead rats were in piles, shrinking, not as fast as the live ones had. He abruptly became aware of the choking stench of their foul bodies, sewer filth and rodent piss. Janossi was slumped on the floor with Leo holding a handkerchief to his wound; Saint was vomiting noisily in a corner. Esther sat back on her heels, looking lined and drained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is it over?\" said Crane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is for them,\" Esther said. \"Tell me, Mr. Merrick, why did you kill him?\" She jerked her head over in Monk's direction.\n\n\"Is that a problem, madam?\" enquired Merrick without inflection.\n\n\"No, it's a question. How did you know what to do?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I told him to do it,\" Crane said. \"My responsibility.\" His ankles were still pinioned, he realised. He sat back, shifted his legs forward and started to saw at the rope with the pocketknife. Stephen silently took it from his hand and bent to the work.\n\n\"And?\"\n\nCrane cautiously flexed a shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His throat was horribly dry. \"Willetts. You speculated he was killed by someone needing the chant or the amulet. But clearly the shaman, that thing, didn't need them. So why kill him? I concluded he was stabbed to shut him up. Not about the story, everyone already knew that, but for the thing he knew and nobody else did. The real ending.\"\n\nHis voice cracked. Merrick threw him a hip flask, and he took a gulp of raw brandy. \"Christ! Steal the good stuff next time, you know where it is.\" He handed it on to Stephen. \"When we first heard the story, it all ended when the vessel of the Red Tide was strangled. No blood. I thought perhaps that was what they wanted to hide. The ghost needed blood to move into me. And if its host body was killed without bloodshed—well, Town said Xan couldn't live in a corpse.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see.\" Esther took the flask from Stephen and swigged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's a devil of a deductive leap. How were you sure your version of the ending was the true one?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I wasn't. That was a calculated risk.\"\n\nShe threw back her head with a sudden crack of laughter. \"Magnificent. It's a pleasure doing business with you, Lord Crane.\"\n\nCrane forced himself to control his voice. \"The man I just had killed was named Paul Humphris. Monk, we called him. He had no part in this. Town trapped him for that damned creature's use. He tried to warn me to run, before that thing took him over. He was a friend.\"\n\nStephen paused in his work to put a hand on his arm, warning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Esther said soberly, \"I'm sorry. But you should know, you didn't kill him. The possession destroyed his mind, and his body wouldn't have survived long after it. Your friend was already gone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I saw him earlier today,\" Crane said obstinately." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He was himself. He spoke to me.\"\n\nStephen gave his arm a gentle stroke. \"Things like that can squat in the mind, almost unnoticed, almost harmless, for a very long time. Like a toad, or a cancer. I'd imagine that it simply roosted in Mr. Humphris when it wasn't controlling the rats. It's only when they take over the body that they destroy the original inhabitant, root out the brain and the soul and the nerves and replace them. There's no coming back from that.\"\n\nCrane recalled Monk's body, the ugly jerking. \"It was moving him like a puppet. A meat puppet. It was going to do that to me, wasn't it?\"\n\n\"Not on my time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Stephen cut through the last few strands of the rope, dropped the knife, and brushed his hands over Crane's abused ankles with a gesture that looked professional and felt anything but. \"You are, I think, fine. No damage done. Mr. Merrick, were you hurt?\"\n\n\"No, sir.\"\n\n\"Joss?\"\n\n\"Flesh wound.\"\n\n\"Bleeding wound,\" Stephen said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You'd have been next up for possession, because you let yourself get stabbed. You have to pay more attention.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"You'll always be busy. And then you'll be dead because you can't get a simple resonance right. Both of you go to Mr. Maupert tomorrow, and don't come back till you can give me three over eight for five minutes, understood?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir.\"\n\n\"And while I'm on the subject of attention, when I say three over eight I mean three over eight, and not somewhere between three and a half and four,\" Stephen added. \"I've never heard such a racket. Do we need to go over resonance again, Saint?\"\n\n\"We was a bit busy,\" Saint muttered.\n\n\"You'll always be busy. And then you'll be dead because you can't get a simple resonance right. Both of you go to Mr. Maupert tomorrow, and don't come back till you can give me three over eight for five minutes, understood?\"\n\n\"Sir,\" mumbled the two juniors in chorus." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saint went on, \"But Mrs. Gold doesn't—\"\n\n\"When you can do what Mrs. Gold does, you can decide for yourself what's important,\" Stephen said. \"In the meantime, resonance.\"\n\n\"Enliven your lessons by meditating on the words hold the line,\" Esther added. \"That was shambolic, Saint. Otherwise, though, not bad work, you two. We would still have had our backsides kicked without Lord Crane, of course.\"\n\n\"The reverse is significantly more the case,\" Crane said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm indebted to you all.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So am I,\" said Leonora quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This was my fault, Tom's fault. I'm sorry.\"\n\nThat was greeted with silence, because there wasn't much to say to it. Crane looked round. \"Town?\"\n\n\"Dead,\" Esther said.\n\n\"What? How?\"\n\n\"Poison. He seems to have taken something very unpleasant and very fast acting. No blood. I don't think he wanted to be Xan's next host.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Jesus. What are we going to do about him?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'While she changes, Joss, get yourself stitched up, then escort her home. But send for Inspector Rickaby first and have him directed here. Got it? Good. Steph, I want to be sure Lord Crane's free of that thing. Get him home and keep an eye on him overnight, please. Saint, you, me and Mr. Merrick will tidy up here.' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crane asked. \"About all this mess?\"\n\nStephen opened his mouth, but Esther interrupted him firmly. \"That's my decision. Mr. Merrick, I need an able-bodied man. Can I call on you?\"\n\n\"By all means, madam.\"\n\n\"Good. Joss, take Mrs. Hart to the surgery. You can wash there and borrow another dress,\" she told Leonora. \"While she changes, Joss, get yourself stitched up, then escort her home. But send for Inspector Rickaby first and have him directed here. Got it? Good. Steph, I want to be sure Lord Crane's free of that thing. Get him home and keep an eye on him overnight, please. Saint, you, me and Mr. Merrick will tidy up here.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How's that fair?\" grumbled Saint." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"At what point did I promise you fair? You have your jobs, go.\"\n\n\"Yes, ma'am.\" Stephen was wearing one of his blander expressions.\n\nMerrick came over and offered Crane a hand, pulling him to his feet. \"You alright?\"\n\n\"Yes. You?\"\n\n\"Course.\"\n\nCrane nodded, gripping Merrick's hand for a second's silent connection." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The manservant patted him on the arm." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Off you go now, my lord. All done here.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide nine sentences as a continuation in the mental health, LGBT, romance genre, maintaining established character relationships." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We were ahead by one, thanks to some excellent goalkeeping by Christian and a sweet goal in the first half by Gabe, but by the last few minutes of the second half, the Crestwood Spartans were living up to their names by not giving up.\n\nI played sweeper for our team—a position Coach Bentley said I was uniquely suited for, whatever that meant—and the Spartans had been hammering our defense, trying to get a goal in.\n\nI was drenched in sweat. My black shorts were stained green, the result of a tricky (but successful) slide tackle against one of Crestwood's forwards. Sohrab had taught it to me, back in Yazd.\n\nA few minutes later, that same forward slipped around Jaden and faked out Chip, but it was like I got a sensor lock on him. When he dove to my left, to take a shot at our goal, I dove with him.\n\nI got a kick to my shin, but my guard caught it, and I managed to send the ball offsides.\n\nStill, I groaned. The guard caught the worst of it, but I was going to have a nice-sized bruise." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Narrative Continuation Protocol:\nQuantity: 7 sentences\nStyle: Adib Khorram\nGenre: mental health, LGBT, romance\nContext: Part of larger work" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It'll be nice to see them, huh?\" Dad said.\n\nHis fingers kept drumming against me, like I was a console on the bridge of a starship, and he was trying to plot a course through some kind of unstable stellar phenomenon.\n\nTo be honest, I never got the feeling Grandma and Oma actually liked Dad either.\n\nI don't know why I thought that.\n\nIt was an awful thing to think.\n\nSo I said, \"Yeah.\"\n\nThey were coming to help us out." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CREATIVE WRITING:\n6 sentences sentences\nMaintain character context\nGenre: mental health, LGBT, romance" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was filling the dishwasher after closing when Landon came and hugged me from behind." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey,\" he said. \"Did my dad talk to you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You said yes, right? I told him you would.\"\n\n\"You did?\"\n\n\"He talked to me about it last night.\"\n\nI closed the dishwasher and turned around.\n\n\"I still can't believe it.\"\n\n\"Why?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shrugged. \"I don't know.\"\n\nLandon wrapped his hands around my neck. \"You'll be awesome.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\"\n\nHe kissed me, and I kissed him. He giggled when I nuzzled into his neck, and sighed when I stroked under his chin with the back of my hand.\n\n\"My boyfriend,\" he whispered, and I smiled against his mouth." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Add 5 sentences to continue story. May include established elements" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't actually have to pee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I mean, I did pee, but I didn't actually have to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I just needed to get away.\n\nI washed my hands and sat on the edge of the bathtub with my phone. I read an article Coach Bentley had sent out to the team about post-game recovery, sent Mom a text to let her know the party was fine and Christian's parents were home, took a quiz to find out Which Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Supporting Character Are You?\n\nI thought about hiding in the bathroom for the rest of the party, but someone knocked on the door.\n\n\"Just a sec,\" I said, and flushed the toilet again, so they wouldn't know I'd been hiding." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I washed my hands again too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thanks,\" Gabe said, and closed the door behind him.\n\nI found Landon in the kitchen, drinking a bottle of orange Gatorade.\n\n\"Hey. Sorry.\"\n\n\"No worries.\" He pulled me in for an orangey kiss. \"You good?\"\n\n\"Yeah. Just needed a second away from the crowd.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Landon's arms slid down to my hips. He kissed me one more time, then pulled me toward the living room. I settled on the corner of the big beige couch, and Landon sat on my lap, his knees on either side of my hips and his butt resting on my thighs.\n\n\"Hey.\" He kissed my nose. \"You were awesome today.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He kissed me again, on the corner of the mouth.\n\n\"Yeah. I loved watching you play.\"\n\n\"Really?\"\n\n\"Really. Have you seen yourself in those shorts?\"\n\nI couldn't breathe." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You like them?\" I squeaked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Landon's eyes twinkled. \"I do.\" And then he kissed me again, and his tongue slipped into my mouth, and I decided breathing wasn't all that important anyway.\n\nI'm not going to lie: With all the kissing, I got an erection pretty quickly.\n\nAnd I couldn't tell for sure, but I thought Landon had one too. It was either that or his belt buckle rubbing against me as he rocked back and forth on his hips." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is this okay?\" he whispered.\n\n\"Um.\"\n\nWhat Landon was doing felt good.\n\nReally good.\n\nIf he didn't stop, I was facing a containment breach of an entirely different sort." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Landon's hands were wrapped around my love handles, and I couldn't breathe because I was keeping my stomach sucked in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And the whole team was downstairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chip and Trent were downstairs.\n\n\"Wait.\" I rested my hands on his hips to stop his rocking.\n\n\"Too much?\"\n\nI nodded.\n\n\"Sorry.\" He smiled and kissed me again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His kisses trailed from my mouth to my neck, and then down to my collarbone, which felt weird. I giggled.\n\n\"What?\"\n\n\"Sorry. That tickles.\"\n\nHe sat back, biting his lip, and glanced down at my lap.\n\nI wished I had worn jeans instead of my joggers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do you want to go somewhere less . . . exposed?\"\n\n\"Um.\"\n\nMy heart thundered.\n\nThe idea was exhilarating.\n\nAnd terrifying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sweat beaded on my forehead." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before I could answer, though, the sound of footsteps drumming against the basement stairs echoed up to us.\n\nChip poked his head into the living room, with Trent right behind him.\n\n\"Oh. Hey dude,\" Chip said. He wasn't grinning. Instead, his brows were scrunched up. \"Landon, right?\"\n\nLandon cleared his throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah.\" I loved how red his cheeks were." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't let us stop you,\" Trent said from behind Chip. \"Dairy Queen could use some breaking in.\"\n\nMy own cheeks reddened.\n\n\"Shame no one's broken you in,\" Landon muttered.\n\nI snorted, and Chip grinned, but Trent said, \"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Come on.\" Chip dragged Trent away, mouthing sorry at us as he disappeared into the kitchen.\n\n\"Assholes,\" Landon said.\n\n\"Trent is the worst,\" I agreed. \"But Chip's not so bad.\"\n\nI don't know why I felt like I had to defend Chip." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was kind of mad at him too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But I didn't want Landon to be." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Isn't he the one who hit you in the balls, though?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I winced." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He's nice, though. Usually.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Landon stared at me for a long moment, biting his lip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then he let out this tiny sigh. \"Hey. I better head home.\"\n\n\"Already?\"\n\n\"Yeah. I've got rehearsal tomorrow morning.\"\n\n\"Oh.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Landon kissed me and got off my lap." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our encounter with Trent and Chip had removed any barriers that might have previously hindered that maneuver.\n\nI waited in the kitchen with Landon until his ride showed up.\n\n\"You sure everything's okay?\" I asked.\n\n\"Yeah. Why?\"\n\n\"Just checking.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Landon kissed me on the cheek, zipped up his puffy coat, and left." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And I got this feeling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Like I had done something wrong.\n\nBehind me, Chip cleared his throat.\n\n\"Hey. Sorry about all that.\"\n\n\"Yeah. Well.\"\n\nI didn't know what else to say." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I really did like Cyprian Cusumano, but he would never see Trent Bolger for who he truly was." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I convinced the guys to switch to Mario Kart. Wanna play?\"\n\n\"I guess.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "CREATIVE WRITING:\nten sentences sentences\nMaintain character context\nGenre: mental health, LGBT, romance" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'laleh' 3 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After our shift, Landon came home with me, along with a bag full of groceries to make Breakfast for Dinner, which was his favorite. The house was quiet, Laleh and Grandma and Oma all doing their own things, and I couldn't shake the feeling that a cloud was hanging over our family.\n\nBut then Landon started cooking. He made scrambled eggs and hash browns and bacon and Brussels sprouts and brioche French toast.\n\nEventually Laleh came down, no doubt drawn by the smell of bacon.\n\n\"Can I help?\" she asked.\n\nLandon smiled at her. \"Sure.\" He had her dip the brioche and season the hash browns and even taste-test the Brussels sprouts.\n\nLaleh loved cooking with Landon.\n\nI couldn't remember the last time my sister had smiled so much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Mom got home, she saw them cooking together and smiled, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I couldn't remember the last time my mom had smiled so much either.\n\nEven Oma and Grandma seemed happier when they sat down to a table laden with bacon and eggs and French toast.\n\nLandon Edwards was magic.\n\nAfter dinner, Mom insisted on doing the dishes herself. \"You and Landon worked so hard,\" she said. \"Relax.\"\n\n\"You sure?\"\n\n\"Yes. He's a keeper, huh?\"\n\nMy ears burned.\n\n\"Thanks.\"\n\nI pulled Landon away from the living room, where he was telling Oma about the Wuyi we'd tasted (Oma was a big oolong fan), and led him up to my room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey,\" he said when I closed the door and turned back to him.\n\n\"Hey. Thank you.\"\n\n\"Sure.\"\n\nI wrapped my arms around him and rested my chin in his hair.\n\n\"This was really nice.\"\n\n\"Yeah?\"\n\n\"Yeah. Everyone was so happy.\"\n\nLandon's eyes twinkled. \"I like making your family happy.\"\n\n\"Thank you.\" I leaned down and kissed him.\n\nHis mouth still tasted a bit like bacon, but I kind of liked it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I led him to my bed and scooted into the corner, letting him rest against my chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wrapped my arms around him, kissed his cheek, his jaw, his neck, and then I rested my head against his and closed my eyes.\n\nI loved cuddling with Landon.\n\nBut it always turned into kissing sooner or later.\n\nThis time was no different: After a few minutes, Landon shifted and brought his lips toward mine. He was so slow and deliberate and tender, with the way he ran his hands through my hair, and grazed my lips with his, and rested his forehead against mine.\n\nI kind of melted.\n\nWhen he pulled away, his lips were puffy, and his cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were soft like a cat's. He smiled and reached out for me, taking my hand and pulling it toward his stomach. He slipped our hands under his shirt. The hairs above his waistband tickled my palm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My breath hitched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is this okay?\" he asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know,\" I whispered.\n\n\"Can I do it to you?\"\n\nI shook my head.\n\nHe sighed and let me go. I pulled my hand back and sat on it.\n\n\"Is it something I'm doing? Or not doing?\" he asked.\n\n\"No. I just . . . It's hard.\"\n\nLandon giggled.\n\n\"Not like that. I don't know . . .\"\n\n\"I really like you, Darius.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I really like you too.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 11 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Landon pushed my hair back off my forehead.\n\nI melted a little more.\n\n\"I don't ever want to pressure you. But I have to be honest and, well, sex is important to me. As part of a relationship.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry. I'm just not ready.\"\n\n\"What do you need to be ready?\"\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\nI wanted to cry.\n\n\"I don't know.\"\n\nLandon tugged my arm until he pulled my hand out from under me. He kissed my palm, and then he reached up and brushed a tear off my cheek. \"Okay.\" He wrapped his arms around me, and rested his head on my chest, and let out a little sigh." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand this chapter by adding 12 sentences in the mental health, LGBT, romance genre. Note that some context may come from earlier parts." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our game against the Beaverton East Eagles was tough. Neither team scored, so we ended up in a shoot-out.\n\nThe Eagles' first shooter scored with a tricky shot that ricocheted off the corner and into the net, but Gabe got them back with a slick shot of his own. No one else scored after that: James and Nick and Jaden all missed, and so did Beaverton's shooters.\n\nBut then it was Chip's turn.\n\nI held my breath as he sized up the goal and took the shot.\n\nAnd scored.\n\nThe stands went wild—at least the small cluster of parents and friends did. People didn't care about the Chapel Hill High School varsity men's soccer team the way they cared about the football team.\n\nDad was conspicuously absent. His flight got delayed.\n\nThe guys all clustered around Chip, laughing and shoving each other and high-fiving and exchanging sweaty hugs." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! two sentences more in Adib Khorram's voice. mental health, LGBT, romance genre. this is from a bigger story btw" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Laleh was curled up on her bed, in a cocoon of pillows and stuffed animals, when I went to check on her.\n\n\"Hey, Laleh. What're you reading?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She held up a worn copy of The Phantom Tollbooth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's one of my favorites.\"\n\n\"I borrowed it,\" she said. \"Is that okay?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Of course. Can I sit?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She moved her knees over, and I sat on her bed.\n\n\"Mom told me the news.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah.\"\n\n\"Is this what you want?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laleh looked down at her hands. \"I don't know.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's okay.\" I wrapped my arm around Laleh and kissed the top of her head. \"Are your classmates any better? Or Miss Hawn?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No,\" Laleh grumbled.\n\n\"I'm sorry. I wish I knew how to fix it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's okay.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'soulless' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It's not okay, though. I want you to know that. It's not okay when your classmates do it to you. And it's not okay when Soulless Minions of Orthodoxy do it to me. Just because they do it doesn't mean it's okay.\"\n\n\"What's a Soulless Minion of Orthodoxy?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh. That's what I call bullies.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Laleh scrunched up her nose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sorry. But you know what makes it easier, when I get picked on?\"\n\n\"What?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know when I go to soccer practice, there's no one like that. That I'm with people who care about me. And it makes it easier to go through the day, knowing at the end I get to go somewhere like that. Where I don't have to worry.\"\n\nLaleh looked down at her hands again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I closed them in mine." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They fit so perfectly I wanted to cry.\n\n\"Will you try it out? Just for a little while?\"\n\n\"Okay.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Task: Cooperative chapter writing\nMy role: Provide a story segment\nYour role: Expand with 11 sentences, emulating Adib Khorram in the mental health, LGBT, romance genre\nNote: This is part of a larger work" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wednesday morning I popped a pair of cherry Toaster Strudels into the toaster oven to surprise Laleh for her first day at the district's Innovation Center.\n\n(We didn't have a regular toaster at home, just the toaster oven. Persians tend to toast big pieces of flatbread, so regular toasters are insufficient.) Grandma was at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and doing her latest sudoku.\n\n\"That's what you're having for breakfast?\"\n\n\"It's for Laleh,\" I said. \"For her first day.\"\n\nGrandma chuckled. \"That's hardly a treat. Here.\"\n\nBefore I knew what was happening, Grandma had grabbed the flour out of the pantry, a bowl from beneath the counter, and a couple eggs.\n\n\"Pancakes are a real treat,\" she said.\n\nThe toaster oven dinged." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I would have left the strudels in there—the sight of Melanie Kellner making pancakes had me transfixed, like a meteor shower—but when I started smelling burned pastry, I had to turn away and get the strudels out.\n\nWe heard Laleh stomping down the stairs before she emerged into the kitchen, still in her pajamas.\n\n\"Hey, Laleh,\" I said.\n\n\"Morning,\" Grandma said. \"There's pancakes.\"\n\nLaleh perked up at that. Grandma set her plate on the table, along with a bottle of maple syrup.\n\nI watched Laleh eat her pancakes, and Grandma work on her sudoku with a little smile on her face.\n\nWhat just happened?\n\nIt was like, for a brief moment, the moon had shifted in its orbit, and this happy Melanie Kellner had eclipsed the Melanie Kellner I thought I knew.\n\nBut then, just like an eclipse, it was over.\n\nI didn't understand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I got my stuff together and kissed Laleh and Grandma goodbye." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Have a good day, Laleh.\"\n\nShe looked up from her plate and gave me a toothy smile.\n\n\"Thanks.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide nine sentences as a continuation in the mental health, LGBT, romance genre, maintaining established character relationships." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Add 5 sentences to continue story. May include established elements" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Saturday morning I tried Sohrab again.\n\nHe still didn't answer.\n\nI thought about calling Mamou again, but I couldn't call her every time I couldn't reach Sohrab.\n\nThat wasn't cool.\n\nSo I wrote him yet another email." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I first got back from Iran, we emailed each other all the time, until we figured out a schedule to call each other. And once we'd sorted that out, email felt so impersonal.\n\nI couldn't see his eyes squint up when he smiled. Or hear his laughter.\n\nEven that was a pale illusion of the real Sohrab." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I missed being in Iran with him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I missed sitting with him on our rooftop and watching the sun kiss our khaki kingdom.\n\nI missed the way he would throw his arm over my shoulder, like that was a thing guys could do to each other.\n\nBut email was my only option.\n\nSo I asked him how he was doing, and said I hoped he was okay, and that he'd write back soon. I told him about my soccer games (we were ten and one now) and quitting my job." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told him about Laleh and my dad and my mom. I told him about Landon and homecoming.\n\nDid they have homecoming in Iran?\n\nAnd I told him I was doing okay, depression-wise. And I hoped he was doing okay too, because he was my best friend in the whole world and I wanted him to be happy and healthy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't tell him I was scared." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Scared that he hadn't written back or called. Scared that something bad had happened to him.\n\nScared that he was mad at me. That I had done something wrong.\n\nI would have given my life for Sohrab's." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So I just wrote Ghorbanat beram. Love, Darius, and hit send.\n\nSohrab used to tell me that my place was empty.\n\nIt's an Iranian saying.\n\nBut now his place was empty.\n\nI missed him terribly." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Expand this chapter by adding 12 sentences in the mental health, LGBT, romance genre. Note that some context may come from earlier parts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mom knocked on my door as Sohrab and I were saying our goodbyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was dressed in her robe and holding a cup of coffee." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hi, Sohrab-jan,\" she called. \"Chetori toh?\"\n\nSohrab talked to her in Farsi for a minute, and she answered, but then she said, \"Okay, Sohrab-jan, khodahafes. Talk soon.\"\n\n\"Khodahafes,\" Sohrab said back. \"Bye, Darioush. Talk soon. I promise. Ghorbanat beram.\"\n\n\"Ghorbanat beram. Always.\"\n\nI hung up the call and leaned back, hooking my knees under the lip of my desk to stop myself from tipping over.\n\nMom leaned against my doorframe and looked at me.\n\n\"You're smiling.\"\n\n\"He's okay,\" I said. \"I was so scared.\"\n\n\"I know, sweetie.\"\n\n\"Did you know?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She shook her head." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'maybe' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But I thought they might leave. Mahvash used to talk about it sometimes.\"\n\n\"What happens now?\"\n\n\"I don't know. If everything goes well, they'll settle somewhere new. Maybe Toronto.\" She smiled. \"Maybe even here.\"\n\n\"Really?\"\n\n\"If we're lucky.\"\n\nI let myself imagine it: Sohrab, here. Coming over for dinner. Hanging out and playing soccer. Showing him all my favorite places in Portland. Drinking lots of tea.\n\nFinding a spot where the world falls away, and we can talk, and tell each other all the things you can only admit to your best friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mom stepped closer to me and ran her hand through my hair.\n\n\"Darius?\"\n\n\"Yeah?\"\n\n\"I didn't mean to overhear, but . . . I heard you telling Sohrab about Landon.\"\n\n\"Oh.\"\n\n\"Are you okay?\"\n\n\"I guess. I mean, I will be.\"\n\nMom looked at me for a long time. Like she was trying to understand something about me she'd never had to understand before. She sat down on my bed and patted the spot next to her.\n\nI pulled my shirt down to try and cover my underwear—a pair of bright orange trunks—and sat next to her.\n\n\"What happened?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We talked. And . . . well, we wanted different things.\"\n\n\"Your dad said the two of you were thinking about . . . sex.\"\n\nMy chest constricted. \"He was. I wasn't ready to.\"\n\nMom's hands went back to my hair.\n\n\"You could have told me, you know. When your dad was out of town. If you needed advice, you could have talked to me.\"\n\n\"I know.\"\n\n\"Is it because of something I said?\"\n\n\"No.\"\n\n\"You used to talk to me about everything.\"\n\n\"I still do.\"\n\n\"But not this.\"\n\nI looked down at my hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mom's hand, which had been twisting my curls around, paused.\n\n\"What is it?\"\n\nI squeezed my eyes closed.\n\n\"You always had this look on your face. Every time we kissed.\"\n\n\"No I didn't.\"\n\nThis is why I didn't say anything before.\n\nBecause I knew Mom would get upset.\n\n\"Did I? Really?\"\n\nMom folded her hands in her lap.\n\n\"I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"It's okay.\"\n\n\"No it's not.\" She took a deep breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not mad you're gay. I promise.\"\n\n\"Okay.\"\n\n\"You know, since the day you were born, your dad and I have been dreaming of a happy future for you. And every day you've grown up and changed and we've had to adjust that dream a little bit. For the longest time I felt like I knew which way you were going. But now . . .\" Mom blinked away tears. \"Everything changed after Iran.\"\n\nNot everything.\n\nI was gay when I went, even if I hadn't figured it out yet, and I was just as gay when I came back.\n\nBut Mom said, \"When we got back, you and your dad were so much closer. And I was happy, because I hated seeing how distant you used to be.\" Mom held her hand over her heart. \"But it hurt that while he was finding you, I was losing you.\"\n\nI never thought about that. How Mom felt, when suddenly Dad and I became a team." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then Mom and I weren't anymore.\n\nI felt terrible.\n\n\"I'm sorry.\"\n\n\"Don't be. I'm being selfish.\"\n\n\"No you're not. I didn't mean to make you feel like that.\"\n\n\"I just miss you. The way we used to be.\" Mom reached for my nightstand, where I kept one of those tall cubic Kleenex boxes.\n\n\"Here.\" I grabbed it and passed it over.\n\nMom sniffed and blew her nose.\n\nI grabbed my own Kleenex and wiped my eyes.\n\n\"I'm sorry,\" I said again.\n\n\"I don't want you to be. You're growing up. That's what happens.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't want it to happen." }, { "from": "system", "value": "can you add this somewhere in your response:\n\"But I don't want to lose you either.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I didn't want growing up to mean Mom and I would drift apart.\n\n\"But I don't want to lose you either.\"\n\n\"You never will. Never. I promise.\" Mom sighed. \"I love you, Darius. Every single part of you. I never meant for you to think I didn't.\"\n\n\"I know,\" I said.\n\nI should've known that all along.\n\nI was so ashamed of myself, for even thinking it.\n\n\"I was just scared.\"\n\n\"Scared? Why?\"\n\nI looked down at my hands and rubbed the pads of my index fingers over my turquoise thumbs.\n\n\"I don't know,\" I said.\n\nHow do you explain the fear that someone you love might stop loving you all of a sudden?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Mom said, \"Is that why you haven't told Mamou?\"\n\nMaybe Mom did understand after all.\n\nMaybe she did.\n\n\"I just don't want her to be disappointed in me.\"\n\nMom held my face between her hands. \"Oh, Darius. You could never disappoint her. You are the sweetest boy in the world. You know that?\"\n\nI shook my head. \"I'm not.\"\n\n\"You are.\"\n\n\"I'm really not, though.\"\n\n\"Why would you say that?\"\n\n\"Because I'm not sweet. I'm selfish.\"\n\nI told her about Trent, and about Chip." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "About Chip saying he liked me.\n\nAnd about Chip saying he was sorry for everything, and me not forgiving him.\n\n\"Sohrab says friends forgive each other. But how can I do that when Chip's best friend has made it his personal mission to make my life miserable? I mean, Chip used to help him. And now he says he likes me?\"\n\nI shook my head.\n\n\"What am I supposed to do?\"\n\nMom looked at me for a long time.\n\n\"You're so young.\"\n\nShe said it like it still surprised her. Like it was a wonderful thing, to be young and angry at the closest thing you had to a friend this side of the Prime Meridian.\n\n\"When you're young and full of feelings, sometimes they come out in the wrong way.\"\n\n\"So I should just forgive him?\"\n\n\"I'm not saying that. I'm just saying, it's something you do when you're young. And hopefully you grow out of it. Does Chip still tease you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No.\"\n\n\"Does he treat you badly?\"\n\n\"No. He's fine.\" I thought about all the times Chip helped me study. About asking me over to his house. About trusting me with Evie.\n\n\"Chip treats me fine. He's nice to me. But he's still friends with Trent.\"\n\n\"You can't control who people are friends with,\" Mom said. \"Especially if they're family now.\"\n\n\"I don't want to. That would be a crappy thing to do to someone. But I just . . . I don't know how I can ever trust him.\"\n\n\"Did you tell him that?\"\n\n\"I don't know,\" I said. \"I don't know how.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You deserve people in your life who make you happy, Darius. No matter what. Just remember that. Okay?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll try.\"\n\n\"I'm not going to tell you to forgive Chip. But he seemed like a good friend. I hate for you to give up on him if you're not sure.\"\n\n\"So what do I do?\"\n\n\"Only you can decide.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a segment from a longer work then you need to write around one sentence continuing directly from it. Try to mimic the style of Maria Grace in the historical fiction, regency, dragons, romance, female protagonist genre. Note that characters may appear without introduction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Once Longbourn became bored with teaching her how to greet—and establish dominance with—minor dragons, he dismissed her with a grouchy harrumph." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When a large dragon harrumphed at one, it was difficult to ignore, but Longbourn's eyes crinkled up at the sides and there was something gentle and even pleased in his voice." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes it seemed that his grouchy-dragon persona was more for show than it was a true reflection of him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was annoying sometimes, but if people were concerned with keeping up appearances—Mama certainly was—then how much more so might a major dragon be?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She hurried home, April tucked up in her hood against the chilly wind that had increased in the waning sunshine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hopefully, she would not forget anything Longbourn had taught her along the way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just in case, she murmured reminders under her breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You missed a step,\" April twittered from deep in the green velvet hood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Which one?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I expect you will write this down when you get home. I will tell you then. Otherwise I will have to repeat myself, and I am in no mood for that.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just do not step on the wet ink this time.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The little footprints she had left on the page were rather dear, but they did make some lines barely legible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "April might not care about such things now, but if she ever learned to read, no doubt she would be offended if a page she had dictated proved difficult to make out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Could fairy dragons learn to read?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every source she read considered them very stupid creatures." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had anyone ever tried to teach a fairy dragon to read?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Give me a sheet of blotter paper to stand on then. Really, if you expect me to help you, you need to do a better job of making it easy for me to do so!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She did have a point." }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'point' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A snippy, annoying little point, but a point nonetheless." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the privacy—and warmth—of her room, Elizabeth placed her writing desk on the small table near the window and spread out her commonplace book." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Did other dragon-hearing girls write of them in their commonplace books?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly, they must. What could be more important to write about?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "True, pretty quotations, receipts for lotions and balms, and advice from those learned in female conduct were important to record, but somehow that seemed to pale in comparison to far more important matters, such as the habits of tatzelwurms in the barns." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps one day, she might ask Emily what she wrote in her commonplace book now that she was Friends with Rose." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But would such a question make it past Mama's inspection of her letters?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She always read them before they were posted to make sure Elizabeth said nothing improper that might offend a friend so well-connected as Miss Delves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "On the one hand, she could understand Mama's concern—especially in light of the need to keep up proper appearances—but on the other, it was a bit difficult, even offensive, to think that Mama believed her to have so little good sense as not to be able to write a letter to a particular friend without supervision." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps a little help from April might ensure her question made it past Mama's inspection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was for later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Right now, she needed to make certain she accurately recorded what she had learnt today." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She set out a piece of blotter paper and prepared her pen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With April's help—or constant interference as it more often felt to be—she managed to record the last of Longbourn's instructions just before Mama called her and Jane down for supper." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'young' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mary, Kitty, and Lydia were, of course, too young to sup at the family table, but she insisted Jane and Elizabeth did—for it was never too early to instill proper etiquette in a young lady." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She did not insist that they dress for dinner, at least not yet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Little girls did not have dinner dresses, after all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That would not happen until they were out in society." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth capped the ink bottle, stood, and stretched." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How long had she been at her writing desk?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Long enough to make her shoulders ache and for nearly all of the sunlight to have disappeared behind the trees, making her squint at her paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps it was a good time to stop, after all." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and made her way downstairs to the dining room just a few steps behind Jane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How Mama loved her dining room!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Two large mirrors, one above the fireplace and one on the opposite wall, multiplied the candlelight making the room appear much brighter than the few candles would have ordinarily allowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The table, dressed in bright white linen, was already laden with shiny serving dishes wafting inviting smells her way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mama was known for setting an excellent table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What did it mean to set an excellent table?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth had too little experience to know for certain." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, one thing was sure: the food served at the \"big people's table\" was far more palatable than the very bland stuff found at the nursery table, making dinner with Mama and Papa far and away more satisfying." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still though, dining in the nursery held one great appeal: one was free to engage in conversation during meals." }, { "from": "human", "value": "In the dining room, one only spoke at Mama's bidding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Today Mama was particularly talkative." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had seen Lady Lucas in town today and had a great deal to comment upon: her gown, her manners, how her eldest daughter, Charlotte, who was out in society, fared at the last assembly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was it too early to hire a dance master to ensure that Jane—oh yes, and Lizzie, too, of course—were prepared to show themselves creditably when they began to dance in public." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'dance' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jane smiled pleasantly at the suggestion, and when asked, offered a sweet and thoughtful remark on how well Charlotte must dance and how pleasant it must be to dance well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So very typical of Jane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How was it possible that anyone could be so sweet?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even April occasionally found Jane too sweet, which considering April's love of honey and preserves, was saying something." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But Jane's answer pleased Mama, and was very proper according to all the conduct writers, so Elizabeth held her tongue." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It felt as if she did that a very great deal, not that Mama ever realized it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She still thought Elizabeth too opinionated for a girl of just twelve years." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps that was why it was so much more pleasant to talk to dragons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They were forthright creatures with little patience for words that might obfuscate –she had just learned that word and it was fun to say in her mind—the truth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It might be best, after all, that Mama did not hear dragons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would probably find them very, very rude." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After dinner, Mama and Jane repaired to the parlor to continue Jane's work on Mama's silhouette." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One more skill Jane was very good at that Elizabeth had little interest in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now if one could draw silhouettes of dragons, that would be far more interesting." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But how would one get a tatzelwurm to hold still that long, or persuade Longbourn to sit in front of a screen?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How would he even fit in the parlor?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She bit her lips not to giggle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa bade her come to his study with him to help him write a letter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mama muttered something about him needing to hire a proper secretary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At least she did not insist Elizabeth come to the parlor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Something about Papa's expression suggested the letter might be something very important, indeed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was all very odd, though." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While she wrote a great many things for him, very important correspondence, especially with the Blue Order, he still managed to write for himself—slowly, painfully and nearly illegibly, but on his own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pulled the study door shut behind her and pointed her towards the small stool she usually used." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though it matched none of the other furniture in the room, it tucked neatly up under the small writing desk she wrote at so as to be out of the way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gracious, there was a new clutter in the room!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maps, both laid out and rolled up in carrying tubes, and some paintings of dragons that had surely not been there before, leaned against the base of the carved dragon perch that matched the dining room chairs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When had he added those to the collection?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Did he maintain the chaos because he was not a particularly tidy person, or was it because Mama detested disorder and refrained from visiting him there because of it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was difficult to tell, and most days, both felt equally true." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He sat at his big desk, littered with piles of the detritus of his studies, and lifted his glasses." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sighing, he set them aside and scrubbed his face with his palms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She perched on the stool and bit her tongue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asking him what was wrong would probably not receive a direct answer anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He balanced his glasses on his nose and riffled through stacks of papers on his desk, sliding them to and fro until he caught sight of the one he wanted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did he realize three or four papers had fallen to the floor in the process?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would pick them up and return them to the desk on her way out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He plucked a folded missive from the center of a pile, a bit of blue sealing wax still clinging to the paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Blue sealing wax? Only the Blue Order sealed their letters that way." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why would he want to tell her what they had written?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Oh, no! It must be about April!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could they forbid their friendship?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Might they insist that April leave Longbourn House?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her eyes prickled, and her face and hands turned very cold." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As you can see, the Blue Order has written to me concerning the matters that transpired at Pembroke.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sat very still, hands tucked under her thighs, and nodded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"As I expected, they are not pleased.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He peered over the letter and glowered at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth shrank into a hunch which Mama would certainly call unattractive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Posture was most important in being considered an attractive young lady." }, { "from": "human", "value": "To slouch so openly was unacceptable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But what did one do whilst anticipating something very dreadful indeed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surely one could not be expected to sit straight and proper then—could one?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Probably. Etiquette did not seem to be a very understanding master." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Order is not especially fond of flitterbit fairy dragons and the problems that they bring on.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth ground her jaws until they hurt." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can see you mustering your defense of them, but we will have none of that tonight. No, those creatures have alarmingly poor judgement and even poorer control of their impulses, as we see here on a daily basis.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grumbled under his breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was probably not in the letter, but rather a statement of his own opinion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps then, the Order did not find them so very objectionable?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They are very concerned that April has settled upon you as a Friend.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The knot in her stomach tightened until she could barely breathe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was she really so unsuitable a companion?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Eva and Miss Elaine Delves were hardly more than flitterbits themselves, and they were deemed acceptable companions for fairy dragons, even though their reaction to the hatching proved them otherwise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why would she herself not be when she did far better than they?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You are far too young—barely twelve years old now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He drummed his fingers on the desk, slow and out of rhythm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Just a few months ago, he had been able to keep a slow, steady tapping whilst lecturing her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her age was hardly something she could change, but if they were just patient with her, her age would remedy itself soon enough." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly they could see that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If only he might vouch for her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Order does not welcome members until they are at least fifteen years of age. Tending dragons is serious business and not something for children.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There it was, the glare he often used to punctuate such a declaration." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She rocked back and forth, just slightly, but enough to relieve some of the building pressure in her chest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had he forgotten? He was the one who brought her along to Pembroke in the first place." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He insisted she attend the hatching to help him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That was not her fault, no more than it was her fault that April chose her as a Friend." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What had he expected her to do?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She clenched her fists against the hard wood of the stool seat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But what is done is done. Even though she is only a fairy dragon, April was duly imprinted upon humans at her hatching and is therefore governed and protected by the Blue Order. They will not take away her free choice of Friend.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wrinkled his nose and snorted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Had he learnt that habit from Longbourn?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "They looked rather similar when they did so." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You may begin breathing again. They will not be asking for her removal from Longbourn House.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Blood rushed back into her cheeks, leaving her a little dizzy as she sucked in a deep breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As long as they did not forcibly wrestle her and April apart, she could tolerate anything the Order demanded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Under ordinary circumstances, the Order would insist you both be sent to a dedicated girls' school to be taught the ways of the Order and managed until such time as you might come out to the Order and be placed upon the Dragon Keepers' marriage mart—something you hardly need.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "A school, away from home and Longbourn?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But,\" something about the way he said the word was comforting and ominous at the same time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because I am under consideration to be named Historian of the Order, they have granted me an exception.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Historian of the Order?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa was to be made an officer of the Order?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How wonderful! If only Mama might know, she would be so proud." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When had that happened?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who had recommended him, or had he put himself forth for it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How did the Order manage such things?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Was that what Sir Rowley had been talking about at Pembroke?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"They have assigned me your tutelage as the final test to my installment to that office. They have given me until the spring to teach you everything you need to know to be accepted into the Order.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her punishment was to be taught about dragons?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Surely she did not hear that correctly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at the ceiling and rolled his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I can see what you are thinking, Lizzy. Even with all your enthusiasm, there is far more to learn than you realize.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She folded her hands tightly in her lap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I promise, Papa, I will learn. I will be the best pupil you have ever had. I will make you proud of me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hopefully she did not sound too pleading." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He did not appreciate that tone from her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I know you will do your best, but you will have to apply yourself with more diligence than you realize. It will not be easy. And it is not only you. April, too, must be taught the ways of the Order and of proper behavior. She will be tested along with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is very smart and far more obliging than you realize. When I explain to her what is at stake, then I am sure she will be a very apt pupil.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While Papa was right, April could be obstinate; however, she rarely determined to be so over matters of real significance." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And if they disagreed on the significance, there were always extra helpings of honey that could be brought to bear to encourage her compliance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you even know what is at stake?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I must imagine we will not be permitted to stay at Longbourn or perhaps even stay together if we do not meet the Order's standards.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Papa grunted, eyebrows rising as though surprised. \"Close enough.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We will study very hard. The Order will find no fault with you,\" she whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She and April must not be the reason that Papa was not named Historian of the Order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"There is something else, perhaps even as important as what you are to learn. The Order insists that you must not interact with any unfamiliar dragons until such time as you are inducted into the Order. I cannot take you on any further Order business, and you must stay away from any wild dragons—absolutely no communication with dragons you do not already know until you are granted formal permission to do so.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That was sobering indeed, but for the promise of officially joining the Order?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, sir. I will do exactly as you ask.\"\n\n\"I expect you to mean that. Now, there is no time to waste. Help me gather the books you will need to study.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write three sentences sentences in the style of Maria Grace spawning from what the user wrote, within the historical fiction, regency, dragons, romance, female protagonist genre. This is part of a longer narrative where characters and events may have prior context." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dreary January winds whistled through a tiny gap beside the far window in Papa's chaotic study." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Despite the fire in the fireplace, the room never really felt very warm, which meant his joints ached, and his disposition remained decidedly sour for the entire cold season. That was nothing new, but it did seem to be getting worse, instead of better, no matter what the apothecary suggested.\n\nIf only they might find a way to keep him warm during this dreadful weather." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But did any place in the house—or all of England— really feel warm during the grey and gloomy winter months?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before April had chosen her as a Friend, Elizabeth had only given a nod to the cold as an inevitable nuisance one endured since there was little choice. But now, she was ever aware of it, even a little afraid of it for April's sake. Tiny, cold-blooded creatures did not fare well against the ravages of a winter's day any more than Papa's temper did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth stood up from behind the writing desk and stretched. Hours had passed since she had last done that. She turned her back on the pile of books on the desk that threatened to topple if she jostled the desktop, or perhaps even if she sneezed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa's study boasted enough dust to make sneezing a very real threat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How long had she been at her books today? Given the strident tones Mama and Papa used just outside the study door, it had probably been most of the day. Mama was not the only one who would rather see her doing something else, at least some of the time, but how else was she to learn the enormous amount Papa deemed necessary for her to meet the demands of the Order?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not see why you keep Lizzy locked up amongst your books all the time. She is a girl. So much studying and reading cannot be good for her. Consider her health! Why I just read—\" Mama's strident tones pierced the heavy oak door as though it were merely paper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Madam, it is not your concern. I am her father—\" Papa's feet shuffled, and the soft thump likely meant he was leaning heavily against the study wall, aching knees and feet probably demanding he sit down soon.\n\n\"Precisely! A daughter is of no concern to a father. She should be left to her mother's care!\" How could Mama say such a thing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seemed like the only time she took notice of Elizabeth was to find fault.\n\n\"You have Jane—and Mary, Kitty, and Lydia—all under your care. What bother is it to you to leave Lizzy to me?\"\n\n\"You will leave her unfit to marry. A bluestocking of some sort whom no man will ever want. And then where will she be? She has no fortune. You would condemn her to be dependent upon her sisters?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth pressed her fist to her mouth and dropped back onto her stool. Mama did not think very kind things about her at all.\n\n\"Since you have not provided me with a son—\" What an unusual tone of voice for Papa." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mama's slippers scuffed along the floorboards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was difficult to imagine her expression." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The estate is entailed away to a young man who is destined for the clergy. I have it on good information that he is a bookish sort and motivated to please those in authority. I am preparing Lizzy to marry him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa was planning for her to marry—had a husband in mind for her already?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was that supposed to be a good thing? It seemed that it should be so, but it was difficult to know.\n\n\"Marry the heir to the estate? You are preparing Lizzy to be mistress of Longbourn? But Jane—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How many times have you said that with Jane's beauty and sweet disposition, she will marry very well on her own merit? Without those attributes, it seems Lizzy will need a little more assistance. That is, madam, unless you can bear me a son.\"\n\nMama tittered. Was there some sort of joke that she had missed? Probably. Footfalls, two sets, wandered off toward the stairs, and the corridor became very quiet, almost distractingly so." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But it was just as well." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was a great deal more studying to be done before dinner time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How thoughtful of Mama and Papa to take their arguing elsewhere so she could try to study in quiet.\n\nShe stretched once more and returned to the pile of open books on the little writing desk.\n\n\"You have had the same pages open for quite some time.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April scratched at the larger book on the desk, a great leather-bound bestiary with elaborate, though highly inaccurate, drawings of various dragons.\n\nElizabeth slid it aside to make room for April to perch on the blotter paper. \"Have you enough room now?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April hopped to the blotter paper. \"It will do. But I do not understand why you keep staring at these same pages over and over again.\"\n\n\"Because they do not make any sense.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth dropped her elbows on the desk and her face into her hands. \"They do not make any sense at all. I am certain that they are supposed to. If only I stare at them long enough, perhaps they will.\"\n\nApril stared at the page, turning her fluffy little head to and fro." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not see how all those scratchy lines are supposed to make any sense at all.\"\n\n\"Of course you do not. You are too young to learn to read.\"\n\n\"Your father says that fairy dragons do not read.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Papa says a great number of things about fairy dragons, but I am not certain they all apply to you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth scratched under April's chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am a fairy dragon.\"\n\n\"You are special. I have been told that there are sometimes exceptions to what is commonly understood. I think you must be one of those.\" That, of course, was an understatement." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So far, April had managed to contradict nearly everything dragon lore had to say about fairy dragons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps that was the reason that Papa seemed perpetually annoyed with April. He did not much like anything—or anyone—disagreeing with dragon lore.\n\nApril snorted and shook, fluffing her feather-scales out into a little blue puff." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had grown a great deal over the last several months. Not that she would ever be big; fairy dragons simply were not. But she was starting to lose a little of her baby fluffiness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She would always be cute though—fairy dragons always were. So, in at least one way, she fulfilled traditional expectations.\n\n\"So tell me why those squiggly marks are making you so upset.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "April pecked at the open page." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Papa has told me to read both these books and commit to memory what they say about basilisks.\"\n\n\"You remember things very well. Why should that bother you?\"\n\n\"Remembering does not bother me, but these two books do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Why? You have already met a basilisk, and he was quite personable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April cocked her head and scratched her cheek, pausing a moment to clean between her toes.\n\n\"And yet this book says that basilisks do not entertain new acquaintances unless introduced formally, and only with their express permission. I am fairly certain that did not happen with Pembroke. And this one—\" Elizabeth slapped the offensive page. \"This one tells me never to look one in the face because its eyes will turn me to stone!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "April hopped and fluttered her wings. \"That is ridiculous!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth squeezed her temples." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Of course it is. Yet, I am expected to memorize it and recite it as though it were true, despite the fact that if it were, I would be a statue in Miss Delves' garden.\" She threw her head back and stared at the dusty ceiling. \"I would not mind doing so if there were some acknowledgement that this was what was once thought, and we now know better—the book was first penned two hundred years ago! One would assume that understandings might change in that amount of time. But there seems to be no accounting for new information! It is as if nothing new can be discovered about dragons—what has always been known is all that will ever be known!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is silly and twitter-pated.\" April folded her wings back with an air of authority reminiscent of Mama settling a point.\n\n\"I agree. But how am I to discuss the matter with Papa?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not think you should. The last time you tried …\" April shivered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even with her plucky disposition, she did not like it when Papa became cross." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But I have to. That is the problem. What if the test I am to take asks questions about basilisks? How am I to answer when these two books do not even agree on what they look like? Just look here! It is as if they are describing two different creatures, one a snake-type dragon and one a dragon-type. If they disagree, what is the right answer to what a basilisk looks like?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do not suppose you could describe Pembroke and be done with it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would, except for the fact he does not look entirely like either description. I fear describing him would be considered absolutely wrong by any standard.\" She dropped her head into her hands again. \"I do not know what I am going to do.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The study door swung open and Papa strode in, his step lighter than she had seen it in some time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He must have won his point with Mama.\n\n\"That does not look like studying to me.\" He muttered a few other things under his breath, equally grumpy, as he approached her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did he not realize that though Mama's hearing was not up to the task, she could hear him quite well when he did that?\n\n\"I am not wasting time, Papa. I am confused, and I do not understand what I am to make of this.\"\n\n\"What is there to be confused about? You are to memorize the material and repeat it when asked.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But it does not make sense! How am I to answer questions when I do not understand?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is there to understand?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stabbed a gnarled finger at the larger book. \"Greystoke's Bestiary lists a description of a basilisk. Memorize it.\"\n\n\"But it is wrong! Do you not see it? A basilisk does not resemble a dragon-type at all. And its eyes certainly do not turn anyone to stone. What is more, Blair's—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He grabbed her by the shoulders and half-lifted her from the stool." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do not ever, ever say such a thing again!\" He shook her hard enough to leave her a little dizzy. \"If I ever hear you contradict dragon lore again—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But the book is wrong! Pembroke—\"\n\nHe shook her harder. \"Never mention that, either. No one must know you have met Pembroke uninvited. What you did was tantamount to a crime.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So now she was a criminal? Because a dragon found her and talked to her? Nothing was making any sense today at all!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She blinked rapidly, but her blurry vision hardly cleared. She stepped back, away from him and dragged her sleeve over her eyes. \"I did not approach him; he found me. It was not my fault I was in those woods alone. I told you what the Delves sisters did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Never speak of that again, either. They are above you in society. You must never criticize them. You do not want to be cast in such a light. Moreover, I will not allow you to cast a shade upon Longbourn and this estate by spreading such gossip about them.\" When had Papa begun to care about such things? Was it Mama's influence?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am spreading nothing. Besides, it is not gossip when it is true.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April chittered and hopped from one foot to the other. \"Do you not care that they nearly caused great harm to your daughter?\"\n\n\"You should not have been foolish enough to go into the woods with them.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And how was I to know that?\"\n\n\"Because you have not been introduced to Longbourn. It is only reasonable if you do not know your own estate dragon then you should not be meeting others.\"\n\n\"Did you ever teach her that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April leaned back and hissed.\n\n\"One more word from you—\"\n\nElizabeth threw her arm in front of April." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do not threaten her! Do not ever threaten her! Even the Pendragon Accords say that you must not ever do such a thing!\"\n\n\"Do not presume to tell me what the Accords say!\"\n\n\"But you are in violation! How can you expect me to learn them properly when you do not even hold to them yourself?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Do not judge me, young lady. Your arrogance is appalling. I will not allow you to be an embarrassment to me or to Longbourn.\"\n\n\"Then simply send me away to that Blue Order school and be done with me. You will not have to worry about any association with me then. Since it seems I cannot do anything right, why do you hesitate?\" Her fingers tightened into fists as she fought to catch her breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You will not speak to me that way. I will not have it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He folded his arms tight across his chest and glowered with a look likely to turn her to stone.\n\n\"I just want to understand why these books say things that do not agree.\"\n\n\"Do not question what you do not understand.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'credit' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then how am I to understand?'\n\n\"Just learn what Greystoke says, credit it to him, and credit Blair's statements to him. Why are you making this so difficult?\"\n\n\"You did not say I had to remember what book everything came from as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No more back talk, Lizzy. You are making me question the wisdom of even attempting this.\" He pulled off his glasses and dragged his hand down his face.\n\n\"Then do not. You have an option. Send me away and be done with it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tucked her chin to her chest and looked away.\n\n\"I am not turning you over to some Blue Order school that will decide what you are taught, with whom you are to associate with, and whom are you to marry. You are my daughter and my responsibility.\"\n\n\"One it seems you would rather not have.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except for the fact he had already decided whom she was to marry. He seemed glad enough for that.\n\n\"Enough. Go to your room immediately and do not come down for dinner. Perhaps some time for sober reflection will improve your disposition. You may stay there until you are more inclined to be agreeable and studious. Go now.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He pointed a shaking hand at the door.\n\nApril launched from the desk, buzzing toward the door. Elizabeth ran behind, reaching the door just in time to open it before April flew into it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They dashed upstairs, and Elizabeth slammed the door behind her.\n\nWhy was Papa being so awful to her? If he really was so worried she would be an embarrassment to him, why would he not simply send her away?\n\nAnd what would she do if he did?" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "The user will write a segment from a longer work then you need to write around one sentence continuing directly from it. Try to mimic the style of Maria Grace in the historical fiction, regency, dragons, romance, female protagonist genre. Note that characters may appear without introduction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The next morning, after a breakfast that involved a great number of woeful remarks on Mama's part, Uncle Gardiner invited Elizabeth and April to come to his study." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One might have thought he simply invented the need to talk to her in order to escape the morning room, but such subterfuge was unlike Uncle Gardiner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He must have some desire for conversation with her, however small—perhaps just to ask after April and how she enjoyed her morning jam." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once inside the tidy, sunlit room that faced the street, he led her to a plain, narrow door opposite the window, beside his tall, uncluttered bookcase." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was obviously a well-read man, but managed to keep all his books in order and on the shelves." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps, when one had as many books as Papa, the task became quite impossible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tucked between the bookcase and corner, with a coat-tree in front of it, the unassuming entrance would have been very easy to miss." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I thought you might be interested to see this.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pulled the coat-tree aside and opened the door to a very tiny, very plain room, with a single window, partially open." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The walls were plain boards, painted pale grey, as were the floor boards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A carved wooden perch stood in the center of the room, a few feather-scales on the floor beneath it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Though not nearly as ornate, it resembled the dragon perch kept in Papa's study." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A small table held an empty tin plate with a few drops of gravy left at the very edge and a bowl of small beer, half drunk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Below the table sat the package Uncle had brought home yesterday from the Blue Order." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This is a room dedicated to Rustle's use. Well, in all rights, it is more of a closet, but it is his nonetheless. This house has been home to many non-dragon hearing family members. It has served very well for him to have his own space where he might come and go as he likes. Though your mother grew up here, I am not certain she even knows about this space.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April launched from her shoulder and buzzed around the room, checking out the cobwebs in the high corners." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was she looking for insects to eat?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had never shown any preference for them before." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is a lovely idea that he should have a place of his own. Is he able to open the window himself?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"A builder affiliated with the Order crafted the window to swing open like a French door making it easy for him to operate. It is a feature incorporated into many dragon-friendly homes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He winked as he sidled past her to retrieve the package." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed aside the plate and set the curious object on the table, untying the strings that held the wrapping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think you both shall find this very dragon-friendly as well. I had intended to bring it to Longbourn as soon as it was ready, but it seems you have come for it yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He pushed away the brown paper to reveal a heavy quilted cover, like a tea cozy over the still mysterious domed object." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Pray, April come down and see. Go ahead, Lizzy, uncover it.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She unbuttoned the quilted wrapper, revealing white wrought-iron filigree shaped into a tall dome. \"A cage?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April squawked and flapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, no, I will have no part of any cage.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Let me show you. It is not a cage, although your mama and sisters will be persuaded, for everyone's good, that it is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He opened the little door and pointed at the lock." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Look closely. The lock is on the inside and can only be operated by a fairy dragon's beak—see how tiny the locking mechanism is. No one can lock you in, but you may lock others out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "April hopped toward it and pecked at the latch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It clicked, sliding out a bolt that would fasten the door in place." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She pecked again, and it released." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cocking her head, she hopped to the other side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, there was no such mechanism on the outside." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How clever! You can come and go freely, but no one would suspect! That is brilliant and certainly not a cage.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth tested the door herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ironwork proved not only very sturdy, but very fine, with no rough edges to catch tender skin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There is more. See how the base is very thick? There is a reason.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uncle turned the cage slightly and revealed a sliding panel in the base." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fairy dragons hate the cold. So you can slide a warm brick here, then cover the cage with the cozy to make it very warm inside, much like you might warm your bed before tucking in for the night.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Apparently dragons were not the only ones who could be persuasive." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April twittered happily. \"A warm place for me?\" She hopped inside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, a nesting box, and it is full of soft!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth giggled as April fluffed the bits of cotton wool and feathers inside the box." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And a perch! Oh, up there—does that swing?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "April flitted to the top of the cage where a dainty white swing hung down from the dome's apex." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'would' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Who would have known she would so enjoy flapping her wings and swinging?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh! Oh! Is that a bath?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "April dove toward a china bowl held in an iron scrollwork frame." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that Indeed, it is. I did not know whether you preferred water or dust, so it has not been set up yet, but let me know your preferences, and I will prepare it for you. Likewise, these dishes are for your victuals. These perches," }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Indeed, it is. I did not know whether you preferred water or dust, so it has not been set up yet, but let me know your preferences, and I will prepare it for you. Likewise, these dishes are for your victuals. These perches,\" he pointed to several small shelves affixed at various heights within the cage, \"should permit you an excellent vantage point for anything you wish to observe from within. And—this is very special for the seamstress has only just worked out this design,\" he wrapped the cozy around the cage, adjusting it with the drawstring, \"the cozy is crafted so that you may adjust it from inside, closing it if you want privacy or warmth, and opening it otherwise.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am astonished that anyone would have put so much thought and care into something designed for fairy dragons.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth ran her fingers along the top edge of the pale blue cozy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They are very dear little friends. Not everyone is so impatient with them as is your father. There are a fair number in the Order who are very vocal in their support of them. I am glad you like April's new room. I hope you both shall enjoy it very much.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth bit her knuckle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do not know that Papa will allow us to accept such an extravagant gift. I am quite certain it is not something he can afford.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uncle dropped down to one knee beside her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Oh, Lizzy. I know your father has been very difficult recently. It is complicated and difficult to understand, but pray, try to be patient with him. He is not a bad man—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Mr. Gardiner! Mr. Gardiner!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The housekeeper banged at the study door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Pray excuse me a moment.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uncle pulled the door closed behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps the housekeeper was persuaded not to be aware of this room so that Rustle might have his privacy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The hinges on the study door complained as it swung open." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sir, pray. Mr. Bennet has come. What am I to do with him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Gardiner!\" Papa boomed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I must speak with you immediately.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good morning, Thomas. Let us go to the parlor—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I must speak to you privately, before I address Fanny.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shuffling feet, and the door shut hard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth dropped down, tailor-style, on the floor and scooted into the far corner of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa should have no reason to come into Rustle's apartment, but if he did, it would not do for it to appear she was trying to listen in on their conversation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not that she had to try." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was it her superior hearing, or were they really being that loud?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Perhaps she could try to climb out of the window and make her way back in through the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But no, the window was too high to climb out of unless she had something to stand on, and moving the table would make too much noise." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was trapped for the duration." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know Fanny brought the girls here to stay with you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have made no effort to keep that a secret from you. But I must be honest. Some of the things she has said this time sound concerning.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "This time? Had Mama fled Longbourn before?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth closed her eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were two occasions when Hill said Mama was in her rooms, unwell and not to be disturbed, but no sound ever came from Mama's rooms." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was not possible for Mama to be that quiet for that long." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Perhaps she had been in London those times?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What calumny is she speaking against me this time?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uncle harrumphed as though he meant to remark on Papa's words, then thought better of it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Her complaints are much as they ever have been: that you refuse to take proper care of her and your daughters.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of flesh on flesh—Papa must have slapped his forehead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A slight breeze blew through the window, causing the feather-scales on the floor to flutter about." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How pretty and soft they looked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Would Rustle mind if she took a few so she could draw them in her commonplace book?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She would return them when she was done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know that is complete nonsense. She and the girls are very comfortable. Truly, they want for—or perhaps more rightly I should say they are in need of—nothing.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fanny says that you do not intend to allow Jane to come out into society.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uncle rapped his knuckles softly, probably on his desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He often did that when he talked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Papa made that strangled sound in his throat that often came out when he and Mama argued." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is hardly what I have said. How like her to misconstrue my intentions once again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Perhaps then it is time that I heard your side of the story.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fanny wants Jane to come out next year, at just fifteen. I think it foolhardy and far too young for coming out.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa huffed and snorted, most likely he was wrapping his arms over his chest, too." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"It is not unheard of.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But it is not sensible. Consider, your betrothed is nineteen, nearly twenty now, out only a year and about to be very well-settled. She is a practical, level-headed young woman, made so by the extra years she spent out of society. Jane will benefit from the same.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Fifteen is a mite early to be out. But Fanny does have a point. Five daughters are a great many to marry off. And with your estate entailed away, should anything happen to you –we both know your health …\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa was probably glaring now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His health was always a sore point of discussion, no matter who mentioned it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'family' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes, yes, I am entirely aware of the precarious situation of my family. Thank you so much for reminding me. And thank you even more for echoing the lack of faith that my wife places in my ability to care for my family.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A chair scraped along the floorboards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uncle was probably pushing back from his desk, maybe getting ready to pace the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She told me of your plan to marry Lizzy to your heir, whatever his name is. While it is certainly a possibility to be entertained, I think it far from a reliable scheme by which to insure provision for your family.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"While it is certainly my favored approach and the one I will continue to advocate for, I am well aware of the many ways in which it may go awry. My health is uncertain, and if I am not there to promote the match—well, you know how young people can be, choosing to do whatever is in their own minds rather than looking to the good of others. So, I have something else in mind as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And what might that be?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You know I am in consideration to be the Historian of the Order.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I had heard something along those lines.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth wrapped her arms tightly around her waist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he was not named Historian, it would be her fault …" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Our late Scribe, Sir Justin, his situation was much like my own. His estate was entailed away, and his wife and daughters could not hear dragons. Upon his death, the Order assigned them a stipend and a guardian to watch over their affairs, from a distance. It is my hope and expectation that, if I am made Historian, they will do the same for my family as well.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You cannot be certain they will do that, though. He served the order for twenty-five years! His circumstances are so different—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He also petitioned for those provisions when he became Scribe. I will do the same, if I am made Historian. 'If' being the current operative word. I was so close to having sufficient votes to secure the post, then this affair with Lizzy! How she has complicated matters!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you talking about?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uncle's chair creaked again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"She is too young to be a Dragon Friend, yet that fool fairy dragon chose her. That event came to the attention of the Order. Now they insist she must be brought into full membership before I can be confirmed as Historian.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "April snuffled softly, her feather-scales pouffing out as they did when she was upset." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She paced along the edge of the table, softly chittering to herself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Good thing Papa was not in sight, or she would certainly have words for him now." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That would explain why she was invited to the offices yesterday.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Feet landed hard on the floor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Papa was stomping again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You brought her to the Order? How could you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Rustle said her presence was required. What else could I do? She did nothing more than sit … in the parlor … and wait for me to pick up the fairy dragon cage.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She was left alone in the offices?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Rustle was her chaperone.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He did realize she was not to talk to unfamiliar dragons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am assured that she behaved very well. She did you proud, Thomas. You have nothing to worry about from her.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "How neatly Uncle avoided mentioning that she had indeed done just what Papa feared she would." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But what choice did she have?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She certainly could not have ignored Storm and his friends, much less Castordale." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'rudeness' must appear 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rudeness to dragons was no less bad than rudeness to people." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Nothing to worry about? Have you not been listening to anything I have said? Despite all my best efforts, it seems that all the plans for my family's future now ride on the shoulders of a very young and impetuous girl! You think that is nothing to worry about? If only she had not interfered with April, the vote would have happened as scheduled, and I would have been named as Historian at the next council meeting. Fanny and the girls would be secure, even if my heir does not marry Lizzy. But now? Anything can happen with that girl, and there is nothing I can do about it.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are worried for nothing. I am sure of it. I have every confidence in Lizzy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That is all well and good for you to say when you have no idea of how willful she can be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elizabeth swallowed hard. Was that what he thought of her?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Willful is hardly a word I would use to describe her. You are seeing what you fear, not what is really there. Come, I am sure Fanny has been made aware of your arrival by now. You both need to talk. I am sure you can come to some agreement on Jane's coming out that will be acceptable to both of you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Heavy foot falls, then the door opened and shut." }, { "from": "human", "value": "No wonder Papa had been so very hard on her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had never meant to interfere with his plans, but it seemed she had." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now, somehow, she had to put that right." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The only way to do that was to make sure she did not stand in the way of him being named Historian. Whatever it took, she would prepare for and pass the Blue Order test and make him proud." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I've got writer's block. I'll send something, then continue ten sentences at a time, matching character context, in historical fiction, regency, dragons, romance, female protagonist genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An hour later, Uncle Gardiner took Elizabeth and all her sisters to call upon Miss Wright, who would become Mrs. Gardiner when her father returned from the continent and they could be married. A bachelor going out with five little girls was quite an undertaking, especially walking the busy streets of London on a cloudy day that vaguely threatened rain. Uncle Gardiner proved surprisingly adept at managing Lydia, though, which was particularly fortunate when Lydia slipped from Jane's grasp and nearly ran into the street in front of a rapidly-driven coach. With a stern reprimand, he tucked Lydia under his arm and carried her the rest of the way, ignoring her loud protests. Eventually she cried, but when that did not soften his resolve, she quit the effort and quietly observed the scenery from her new vantage point. He would be a good father someday.\n\nMiss Wright proved to be exactly the kind of woman it seemed Uncle Gardiner would be drawn to, pretty, practical, and very sympathetic. She shared an immediate connection with Elizabeth that went beyond words. It seemed destined that they should become very good friends in time. Her only real fault, it seemed, was that she did not hear dragons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a wee bit troubling that Uncle Gardiner would marry a woman who did not hear." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Had he not already seen what a trial it could be, having watched Mama and Papa? Or was it different for him since he was not a Keeper, but only a Friend? Certainly Rustle's needs were very different to Longbourn's. A minor dragon could live without a Friend quite comfortably and still maintain a good standing in the Order. Some minor dragons hatched wild—without the presence of humans to imprint upon—and had nothing to do with human society or the Blue Order. Major dragons and imprinted minor dragons kept them under close watch. Major dragons, though, had to have a Keeper. They required territory, and for that, men had to be involved.\n\nTrying to manage the needs of a dragon estate, whilst keeping Mama ignorant of the true nature of things, had always proven difficult for Papa. True, Mama was a rather difficult sort of personality in her own right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But the unusual nature of her home only made it worse." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Papa was an intelligent man. Could he not have foreseen how things could go so easily awry? Why would he have married Mama knowing that? Perhaps if it had been a love match, it might have made more sense—though it was difficult to imagine how a dragon-hearer might love someone who was not. Though her parents were fond of one another, it was hardly the stuff of love.\n\nBut maybe that was why Uncle Gardiner wanted to marry Miss Wright. If there had ever been a couple in love, no doubt it was they. Even Rustle seemed to approve of her, and for such a crusty creature, that was saying a very great deal in her favor. And the way she looked at Rustle—it was peculiar, not the way Mama looked at Rustle or even April, but attentive, anticipatory even, as though Rustle might say or do something very interesting at any moment. There were times when it seemed Miss Wright might actually hear Rustle, just a bit, but then it seemed she did not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Such a quandary. At least she was very kind toward them all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After they returned home, Mama's mood seemed much improved, and Papa's, too. They announced that the family, with Uncle Gardiner's permission, would be staying in London for a fortnight to take in some of the sights and enjoy a change of venue. Something about the way Papa said it, though, did not ring entirely true.\n\nThe material thing was that Mama and Papa appeared to be at peace with one another, and that had to be a good thing. Even Rustle and April noticed the change as tensions in the house seemed to ease. That evening in the parlor, Uncle suggested a few outings that the family might find pleasing. Most remarkably, Papa agreed to consider several of the ideas. Perhaps a fortnight in London might prove fun after all.\n\nTwo days later, just after breakfast, the housekeeper burst into Jane and Elizabeth's room. \"Miss Elizabeth, you are wanted in Mr. Gardiner's study immediately.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The look on her face made it clear; this was no time for questions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Elizabeth ran down the stairs behind the housekeeper, arriving breathless at the partially-open study door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She slipped inside and gasped. A very regal, very large jet-black cockatrice, wearing a satchel with a brooch bearing the Blue Order crest fastening the straps across his chest, perched on the back of a chair facing Uncle's desk. He was easily the most stunning minor dragon she had ever seen.\n\nUncle sat behind his modest desk, and Papa sat next to the cockatrice, their full attention on the stately creature. Papa slowly turned to look at her.\n\nGracious, what had she done? He was already so angry.\n\nUncle's expression was little better. \"Lizzy, this is Turner, official messenger of the Blue Order.\" He gestured toward the cockatrice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She reached for the edges of her cloak, but she was not wearing it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So, she curtsied deeply, bowing her head as far as she could. \"I am honored to make your acquaintance.\"\n\nTurner squawked an acknowledgement, his voice as proud and elegant as himself, and cocked his head at Papa.\n\nHe cleared his throat, running his finger around the edge of his cravat. \"It seems the Order has decided that since we are already in London, it would be expeditious to conduct your admissions testing immediately.\"\n\nShe grabbed for the arm of the nearest chair, her face growing cold and prickly. \"Immediately?\"\n\n\"Immediately.\" Turner echoed, putting an end to all discussion with a decisive wing flap.\n\n\"But, pray, I am not ready. I am sure I am not. We were supposed to have six months to prepare.\" She tried to catch Turner's eyes, but he turned aside.\n\n\"You will present yourself at the Order offices in two hours for the examination.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Turner squawked again and dove out the window before any further discussion could be raised." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa scowled at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If only she could swoop out the window after Turner and disappear into the London skies herself.\n\nUncle leaned back into his chair behind his desk. \"Do not blame her, Thomas. I assure you, Lizzy has done nothing to cause this.\"\n\n\"No, this is her mother's doing.\" Papa snarled, staring at the closed door as if Mama might be listening behind it. \"If she had not brought the girls to London—\"\n\n\"Perhaps that is so, but it matters very little whose fault it is. What is done is done.\"\n\n\"But she is hardly ready.\" Papa bounced his fist against the upholstered chair arm. \"We have barely finished working on the bestiaries. She does not know the histories, or all the treaty provisions, or—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was right. She choked back a sob." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was not because she had been lax in her studies. There was just so very much to be learnt. Even six more months might not be sufficient.\n\nHow was it possible the Miss Delveses learned the same material she was being required to? It seemed as if they knew nothing at all. Surely they had been held to a different standard, but why? Was it Pembroke's rank that made it easier for them, or Papa's aspiration to be an officer that made it more difficult for her?\n\nUncle huffed a heavy breath. \"There is no point in dwelling upon what she does not know. They are well aware they have only given you one-third of the allotted preparation time. I am sure that will be taken into consideration—\"\n\n\"Then you hardly know the Blue Order. I would not be surprised if this were not some intentional ploy—\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'toward' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Enough! There is no need to concern Lizzy with the politics and personalities of the Order. The poor girl has enough on her mind.\" Uncle walked around the desk toward her.\n\nShe pressed her face into her shoulder, nodding.\n\n\"Calm yourself, my dear. I am sure you will do very well. I have it on good authority that there will be at least one dragon on the testing committee. We both know dragons have always been very sympathetic toward you. I am sure that will be strongly in your favor.\" Uncle smiled in what should have been an encouraging manner, but it felt forced. \"Quickly, go upstairs and put on a clean frock. I will send the housekeeper to help you with your hair. We will leave in half an hour. Oh, and bring April as well. Turner said she was to attend with you.\"\n\nPapa stomped and stood. \"No, I absolutely draw the line at that. The fairy dragon is hardly more than a hatchling and knows nothing about proper behavior. She cannot possibly show herself to good report!\"\n\nUncle snatched a paper off the desk and waved it in front of Papa. \"You see the summons as clearly as I do. They require her presence as well. We have no choice.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Papa muttered again. Elizabeth dashed from the room, heart pounding so loud she could hardly breathe." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Half an hour later, she met Papa and Uncle Gardiner in the front hall. Her hands shook and her legs trembled so hard she could barely walk. April hid herself in the hood of her cloak, shivering so hard she hummed. Elizabeth had never heard her make that sound before. Poor little thing was even more afraid than she was. Perhaps the only thing keeping April from hysterical fits were Rustle's whispered assurances that the Order had never insisted upon the separation of Dragon Friends. That was some hope to hold onto.\n\nSomehow, it seemed like the morning air should be more, well, distinct, on a morning such as this one. The sky should be heavy with clouds; the wind should be cold and sharp; the sun should not deign to show its face, hiding behind buildings and clouds. But alas, none of those forces seemed to pay attention to her distress." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Callous and cruel, they ignored her and went about their way, creating a wholly unremarkable, reasonably pleasant morning." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Uncle held her hand as they walked to the Blue Order Offices." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Papa's joints pained him a great deal today, so much so he could barely hold his own hat to put it on. Would he have held her hand if he could? Probably not a good thought to dwell upon right now.\n\nThe Order's doorman let them in and instructed them on where to await their escort; his tone was very grave and somber. Elizabeth gulped. Might this be the last time she would be privileged to enter this amazing place? A blue-liveried footman came for them and led them toward the back of the building, to a large but plain stone staircase lit by not quite enough candles, and down a long flight of stairs. They turned down a broad corridor with a polished limestone floor—sized for dragons and humans to pass—and strode to the end of the hall where a large oak door carved with vines and forest wyrms bore a painted plaque declaring Undersecretary of the Blue Order—the Honorable Swinton St. John.\n\nHeavens, that was a rather presumptuous-sounding name. Under less serious circumstances, she and April would have laughed about it, taking turns imagining how the man behind the door might look. But today, laughter seemed very, very far away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The footman pushed open the door, announcing their arrival. They stepped into a very large room, lined with narrow, high windows which would probably be near the level of the street outside. Mirrors reflected and magnified the light within the room, making it seem as if the windows were far larger than they were. Even with that, the room still felt dim, a little dingy and ominous.\n\nA single large desk with several wingchairs surrounding it stood in the center of the room. Behind them, a large open doorway revealed a rough, rock passageway that disappeared into darkness. Uncle had told her there were many tunnels especially for dragons to use. That must be one of them.\n\nThe Honorable Swinton St. John stood behind his desk. He was a very average man, not what one might think of as \"honorable.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His hairline was receding, his belly paunchy, and his eyes close-set and squinty. His face was screwed up like he had a bad smell under his nose. That set him apart for distinction. Beside him, a brown drake the size of a pony, with a pointy spinal ridge trailing down his back, stood shifting his weight from one foot to the other. A faint, rotten odor permeated the room, rather like a smell she had noted in the barn once when the groom told her there was a horse with hoof rot. Were dragons subject to the same sort of malady? Perhaps that was why he seemed so very restless.\n\n\"My Friend, Rottenstone.\" Mr. St. John pointed to the drake as he looked at her with narrow eyes. \"Is this the girl?\"\n\nWhat kind of an introduction was that for a Dragon Friend? How rude!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This is my daughter, Elizabeth.\" Papa touched her shoulder.\n\nShe curtsied more from reflex than anything else.\n\n\"Leave her. I will send for you when we have determined her fitness to be part of the Order.\"\n\n\"I would rather stay.\" It seemed Papa was trying to sound forceful, but it did not quite happen.\n\n\"No. The rest of the testing committee has determined your presence could give the girl an unfair advantage. She will stand alone as every other prospective member of the Order does.\"\n\n\"Who is on the committee?\"\n\n\"They have chosen to remain anonymous to you. Now go.\" Mr. St. John pointed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The footman stood beside Papa, gesturing toward the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He and Uncle left, the door echoing as it shut behind them.\n\nFour somber figures walked in, each wearing the same blue robes with the Order insignia. They blended together, difficult to tell one from another—that was probably intentional—three men and one woman. Four large minor dragons followed them, two drakes, a wyrm, and—gracious! That was Castordale! She probably should not demonstrate her recognition, but it was a relief to see a familiar face.\n\n\"You have brought your friend, April?\" Mr. St. John rapped the desk with his knuckles.\n\nApril crept out from her hood. \"I am here.\"\n\n\"Proper behavior is expected at all times. Is that understood? There is to be no whispering, no singing, no signaling, no assistance given in any way, or you will be removed from the room.\" His voice boomed and echoed through the chamber." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Did he really have to snarl at her?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'clarification' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was not as if April had done anything wrong.\n\nApril cheeped and huddled close to Elizabeth's neck. She cupped her hand over April until she stopped trembling.\n\n\"The panel will ask you questions. You will answer them, but make no other conversation. Do you understand?\" Mr. St. John leaned forward on his elbows, making his glare just a little more threatening.\n\n\"May I ask for clarification if I do not understand a question?\"\n\nMr. St. John glanced at the panel. They whispered among themselves for a moment. The tallest man looked at her. \"You may ask for clarification, but we will determine if it is a valid question. If we consider it stalling or looking for a hint, you will be penalized. Understood?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes, sir.\" She clasped her hands tightly behind her back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The panel will continue until they are confident of their decision. Their determination will be final.\"\n\nShe nodded.\n\n\"Panel, you may begin.\" Mr. St. John gestured toward the committee, his voice echoing in the stark chamber.\n\nElizabeth gulped and licked her lips.\n\nThe first questions were simple, a recitation of the preamble of the Pendragon Accords, a brief statement of the history and the philosophy of the treaty and the land settlements that went with it. She had penned those in her commonplace book, one of the first dragon entries she had written there.\n\nIt was difficult to tell how the panel received her answers. They moved on to the next question without comment, or even a change in their shadowy expressions hidden by their hoods.\n\nThey continued quizzing her on the Pendragon Treaty for some time." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The questions became more detailed, and for that, more difficult, coming in rapid fire, one after another." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But it was material she knew well and felt certain of, so she breathed a little easier.\n\nBy the time they moved on to the major genealogies of English dragons, her shoulders ached, and she shifted from one foot to the other to ease the strain in her knees. The family lines of the firedrakes she knew well enough, but the amphitheres and the basilisks she stumbled on. How much would those mistakes count against her?\n\nA bright, quivering drop of spittle gathered at the edge of Rottenstone's mouth—rather like a predator identifying easy prey. Rumblkins and the barn wyrms did that when they spotted a mouse or a rat. It was not a comforting expression. Rottenstone began a rapid-fire series of questions related to the dragon bestiaries. The first several she answered easily enough.\n\n\"Describe a basilisk.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Greystoke's description or Blair's?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She asked, holding her breath. She knew Blair's better, it was more accurate— \"Edmonton's.\"\n\nHer knees quivered a mite as she stammered and stuttered. \"I … I have not read …\"\n\n\"That is hardly our problem. Do you know the description of a basilisk or not?\" Rottenstone stepped half a step closer, extending his head the way drakes did when they were trying to appear large and make an important point.\n\n\"I do sir, but from experience … not from a book.\"\n\n\"You have met a basilisk?\" the woman gasped.\n\nElizabeth nodded vigorously. \"Pembroke. He introduced himself to me whilst—\"\n\n\"Liar. Presumptuous little liar. Basilisks are not social creatures and do not ever introduce themselves to casual acquaintances.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She flicked her hand at Elizabeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We were lost in his territory—\"\n\n\"You were trespassing in a dragon's Keep?\" one of the men snapped.\n\nIf only they would listen! \"Not trespassing. The daughters of the Keep had taken me into the woods and we—\"\n\n\"A place you had no business!\"\n\nApril launched from Elizabeth's shoulder and buzzed toward the panel, growling under her breath. Fairy dragons were more funny than fierce when they growled. \"You do not know what happened or what you are even talking about. They were horrid creatures, abusing my Elizabeth so that she became lost. They intentionally tried to—\"\n\n\"Silence! No one is interested in what you have to say, fairy dragon.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of the drakes extended her frill and snarled at April." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You cannot speak that way to her! She is every bit as much a dragon as the rest of you and is deserving of the appropriate respect!\" Elizabeth stomped toward the panel.\n\nThe largest drake flared his hood and hissed at her. She spread her cloak and hissed back, stomping to mimic the sound of a slapping tail. Longbourn probably should not have taught her that trick.\n\nThe drake hopped a step back. The wyrm slid in front of him and puffed his body, weaving back and forth hypnotically in front of her.\n\nShe flipped her hood on, spread to its fullest and matched his movements, hissing and spitting with him. No, spitting was not ladylike, but it was dragon-like.\n\nThe smaller drake interposed herself between them." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide seven sentences as a continuation in the urban fantasy, romance, paranormal genre, maintaining established character relationships." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'It's not just the sex though,' Lisa said, her expression contemplative. 'I mean, the sex is incredible. Beyond incredible. It's like–'\n\n'We know,' Leeanne said. 'We got the whole \"religious experience\" aspect of the sex. Really.'\n\nLisa grinned, her cheeks colouring. 'Sorry. But it's more than that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It's having someone who seems to know you, right down to the molecular level." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They both do it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pat doesn't quite have Dione's experience, but they both seem to know what I'm thinking.'\n\nDione tapped her nose. 'It's the scent. And experience, obviously, but we can both sense emotional changes through your scent. Amazing what people give away through scent, even though humans aren't really used to detecting it. Leeanne has changed her shampoo recently, for example.'\n\nLeeanne immediately and self-consciously ran a hand through her copper hair. 'It's supposed to bring out the red better…'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'And you rationalised your shower gel purchasing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike uses the same formulation now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So if I didn't know you'd recently moved in together, I could make a deduction.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'I was not going to use a brand named \"Grunt for Men.\"'\n\n'It was cheap,' Mike mumbled.\n\n'It had a picture of a caveman on the front.'\n\n'Well…'\n\n'He was dragging a cavewoman along by her hair.'\n\n'At least he wasn't eating Brontoburgers,' Dione said, smirking. 'And I'm sure you secretly want Mike to go all caveman on you, Leeanne.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Leeanne blushed, but she said, 'I'm not making a secret of it, but I don't have the hair for dragging.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'It's Valentine's Day,' Mike said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Shouldn't we be going more for romance than caveman?'\n\nDione gave a shrug. 'Perhaps not caveman, but a little forcefulness can be quite romantic. The Victorians certainly seemed to think so. All those dark, Gothic romantic heroes with thick eyebrows. The idea that a man finds his love so beautiful that he can't control himself. Rather out of fashion in this day and age, or it's out of fashion to think it's in fashion anyway." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I swear humans expect too much of themselves sometimes. I won't condone rape, obviously, but it sometimes seems that people aren't allowed to even have thoughts they would never act upon. If humans ever develop telepathy, I'm leaving the planet.'\n\n'I… used to be pretty much a quiet girl in bed,' Leeanne said. Her cheeks were glowing, but she pressed on. 'I don't mind if Mike's a little rough sometimes. I think there's a place for animal lust.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'The lounge carpet? Anyway, I disagree. Animal lust is not nearly as good as human lust. Lust should have some intelligence behind it. Love helps. Then, I think, you can get romance out of the strangest circumstances.'\n\n15th February.\n\n'I don't think she had the most romantic of Valentine's Days,' Mike said. He was standing in a hotel in Turtle Bay looking down at the body of a woman." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was blonde and pretty, probably in her twenties, and at first glance she looked like she was sleeping. She was naked, lying with her arms at her sides and her legs together, which was not an especially normal way to sleep. Then you noticed that her neck was the wrong shape.\n\n'If she did, it turned nasty.' The detective assigned to the case was a man named Horace Rolls. Mike thought Rolls's parents had been a little cruel to their newborn since the man was in his late twenties and Horace was not the most modern of names. 'The body was found by the maid when she came in to clean the room at two sixteen this afternoon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was late because they've had a lot of checkouts today." }, { "from": "human", "value": "ME determined ToD as between eight and nine last night." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Broken neck is the probable cause of death, but then we found the bite mark and…'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'That's when you called us,' Dione finished." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include 'dione' 2 time(s) in your answer - no more, no less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Yeah.'\n\nDione turned from her examination of the mirror over the room's dressing table and, with gloved hands, gently pressed the flesh of the woman's thighs apart. There was a bite wound on her left thigh which could have been human, though the canines had pierced the skin quite deeply. Trickles of blood led down from the puncture wounds.\n\n'We'll take it,' Dione said. 'Get the paperwork and the body delivered to SCU.'\n\n'You got it,' Rolls replied." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'What do you make of the message?'" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They all turned to look at the mirror again. Someone, presumably the killer, had written 'Be My Valentine' on the glass in red lipstick and then drawn a heart ripped in two beside it. The entire scene gave off a serial killer sort of vibe.\n\n'I think,' Dione said, 'that I've seen this somewhere before. I don't think this is his first, so it probably isn't going to be the last either.'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 2 sentences like Niall Teasdale would, using user's text as beginning. Story may drop in mid-narrative" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'The press in L.A. called him the \"Valentine Killer,\"' Mary said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Not exactly imaginative, but appropriate. He killed five women in the city between the fourteenth of February twenty fourteen and the tenth of April." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Cause of death in four of the five was a broken neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fourth in sequence was killed with a knife and then beheaded, and they thought he might be escalating the violence, but it seems he attempted the neck-snap and failed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The fifth victim had her neck broken.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'So he likes killing them by breaking their spine?' Mike asked. They were in Winthrop's lab, going over the information Mary had gathered while the old man ran tests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'He has sex with them, and then he breaks their neck.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'He rapes them?'\n\n'No, it seems to be entirely consensual, though I doubt they expect the finale." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The L.A. Hunter looked into the murders and someone was ended for them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The L.A. Concilium did an information management job on the thing and had the entire vampire angle hushed up." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The bites were never revealed to anyone outside the police. The issue here is that an innocent vampire may have been executed.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'It wouldn't be the first time,' Dione said. 'It could be a copycat, of course, but I'm not sure I buy that.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'I am assuming that this is not a copycat,' Winthrop said. 'The match in MO is too exact." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The bites were never revealed outside the L.A. police, but other vampires would have known." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That cannot be used as a distinguishing feature." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, our killer has a rather specific skill set which appears to have been applied in both cases." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He is certainly a vampire. I found Haemovirus residue.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'You get the lineage?'\n\n'He's a valentine. And he's definitely a male." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I found seminal fluid in the victim's vagina.'\n\n'You've never mentioned it,' Mike said, 'but I'm assuming you can't get DNA out of that?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Perhaps unsurprisingly, no. While male vampires continue to produce the fluids, they don't produce sperm." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There are viral particles, because he's a valentine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I assume incubi are the same, though I've obviously never had the chance to find out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You don't get even that in the other species.'\n\n'Okay. Who booked the room?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'John Dover,' Mary supplied, 'but he paid cash, the address he gave, in Maryland, is false, and the only camera in the hotel is in the lobby and it hasn't worked in three weeks.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Right… John Dover sounds more like something you'd find in the credits of a porn film.'\n\nMary's lips twitched. 'Not that you've ever seen the credits of a porn film.'" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Include exactly 2 instance(s) of the word 'would'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Uh…'\n\n'Mike would obviously watch porn with Leeanne,' Dione said, 'so it's unlikely that they would get to the credits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Now, we know he's likely to strike again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do we have any more information on his MO?'\n\n'All his victims are blonde, between the ages of twenty and thirty,' Mary said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'No linkage was found between the victims, so it appears that he picks them at random." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The L.A. police found witnesses who said they saw the victims in bars and clubs the night before they were found dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It seems that he takes a hotel room near his target bar, lures his victim back to it, has sex, kills them, and is gone before the body is found." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A couple of the victims were seen with a man, blonde, good-looking, but that's as good as the description gets.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Not helpful…'\n\n'Any new valentines in the city?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike asked. 'They'd have arrived in the last ten months.'\n\n'That is helpful. Mary?'" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mary nodded. 'I'll check the Concilium records, but he could be a transient.'\n\n'We'll check with Pat and the other pascua owners. You haven't seen the other ones yet anyway, Mike.'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Provide seven sentences as a continuation in the urban fantasy, romance, paranormal genre, maintaining established character relationships." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Ghouls,' Mike said, and he shuddered inside his plastic biohazard suit.\n\n'And for those of us who haven't been training in everything vampire as long?' Juliana asked. Her next question was going to be why she had not got a suit, but she suspected she knew the answer and was saving it for later.\n\n'Mike,' Dione said, 'demonstrate you've learned something.'\n\n'Huh,' Mike grunted. 'I'm not going to forget ghouls. I had nightmares after that lesson. Uh, well, ghouls are basically a degenerate form of vampire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which is not to say that vampires can degenerate into ghouls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's more like some strain mutated and started making ghouls instead of vampires.'\n\n'One theory suggests they could have come from the necros strain,' Dione said. 'Another suggests they are an offshoot of the original strain, the ortus, like all the other lineages. Yet another suggests that ghouls are the ortus and modern vampires actually evolved as a more successful version of ghouls. Honestly, I'm not sure which is the least unpleasant.'\n\n'Anyway,' Mike went on, 'they regenerate damage fast, but various bits of them don't come through the conversion process, like their whole frontal lobe. They're animals. Smart animals, but still animals." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Semi-upright, claws and fangs, grey skin, constant smell of decay. Oh, and they don't drink blood. They need living human flesh the way vampires need blood.'\n\n'That doesn't explain the biohazard gear,' Juliana pointed out.\n\n'They're infectious. They grow viral spores in their skin which can be breathed in or absorbed through a cut. Once they infect a human, when that human dies, they turn into a ghoul. And the spores are like anthrax." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They'll sit around dormant in soil for years until the soil is disturbed." }, { "from": "system", "value": "/set_word_count: graveyards, frequency: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They often turn up in graveyards because they'll eat just about anything, including corpses, most of the time, and graveyards are great places for the spores to settle.'\n\n'Modern funerary practices have reduced their numbers significantly,' Dione said, 'but they turn up now and again. I've just never heard of them frequenting subways.'\n\n'They are diggers,' Mike pointed out.\n\n'Yes, but… Well, never mind that for now.'\n\n'I take it vampires are immune to these spores?' Juliana asked.\n\n'And ghouls are immune to your bite and my scent,' Dione said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Normally, I'd find that annoying, but I don't believe I want a ghoul trying to hump my leg.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'That's going to be some more nightmares,' Mike muttered.\n\n'Okay, what am I doing?' Juliana asked.\n\n'You are collecting evidence. Anything which looks out of place, starting with the severed limbs, goes in a sealed container. We also need samples of soil from that mound. All of us are going to go over this place on our hands and knees if necessary. We need to be absolutely sure that it was ghouls before we declare full Protocol G.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The ex-nurse sighed. 'Okay, I'll handle the body parts and the soil, and then I'll join you on the floor.'" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 8 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Good. Be careful of the live rail. It might not kill you, but it really stings.'\n\n'Why aren't you warning me about that?' Mike asked.\n\n'Well, you're almost certainly wearing enough insulation that it won't affect you. Don't test that just for the fun of it, obviously.'\n\n'Obviously.'\n\nJuliana sighed as she picked up the severed hand and prepared to move it into what looked a lot like a beer cooler. 'And I'm back to wondering why I didn't get a suit.'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for like 3 sentences more. same character vibes. make it urban fantasy, romance, paranormal-y" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'You prayed for Sandra Wallow,' Dione said as they were all riding back to New York in the van. 'That's nice.'\n\n'Well, I…' Juliana trailed off, looking a little uncomfortable.\n\n'Worried your God isn't listening?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rather than answer, Juliana asked, 'Are you religious at all?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or maybe that was an answer of sorts.\n\n'Yes, though not perhaps in a way you would call religion. Back in the day, I was a priestess of Aphrodite and I still keep the faith." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I suppose you would call me a pagan.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Oh… I suppose I would." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except I'm not even sure what that really means. I, uh, guess I figured you'd be an atheist.'\n\n'Perhaps I am. I'm not sure I really believe in anything." }, { "from": "human", "value": "After all this time, I couldn't say that any religion has really… come up with any answers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Religions, all of them, no exception, are constructs of the human mind.'\n\n'Are you saying no vampire has ever played the god card and started a religion?' Mike asked.\n\n'Oh, well… Not in recorded history." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A couple of cults, yes, but never a full-on religion. That's not the point, however. Religions are made by people." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even if some powerful being did actually come down and start them, and I've no evidence to call it either way, the religion was made by the people who saw that event." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'people' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Jesus existed and was the Son of God, he told his stories and gave his sermons, but the religion which resulted really began when no one who ever heard him was left alive to tell the tale. People bring their own prejudices and needs to the table. I think that if people could just learn not to be assholes to each other, they wouldn't need religions to tell them how they should behave.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'The Bill and Ted philosophy,' Mike said, grinning.\n\n'Hated that movie. Neither Socrates nor Jeanne were anything like that.'\n\n'Uh… Jeanne.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'The English pronounced it Joan.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'You met Joan of Arc?!' Juliana squeaked. It was probably a good thing that Dione was driving.\n\n'She had been captured by the Burgundians and transferred to the custody of the English." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Summus Concilium requested that I look in on her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were some suspicions that she might be a vampire, possibly a very old but unknown one. So, I walked into where she was being held in Rouen and had a chat. She was a bright girl, very religious, obviously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Also not a vampire and I had to let her go unaided." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was rather displeased about what happened to her, but we are generally disinclined to mess with that level of politics.'\n\n'But… You met Joan of Arc!'\n\nDione smirked. 'I slept with Socrates, Plato, and Xenophon, but I don't suppose that's quite as exciting.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Juliana made a little strangled squeaking sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Oh, not at the same time…'\n\nNew York, NY.\n\n'Very well,' Winthrop said, shuffling notes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Let us begin with recent events." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shall not list the range of insults and injuries to Miss Wallow. If you have some desire to read them, they will be in my final report. Suffice to say that her death was undignified, unnecessary, and abhorrent.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'We got that impression at the scene,' Dione said. They were in Winthrop's lab, everyone except Mary, who was not in the office.\n\n'Quite. Andrew Quarry was ended by decapitation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A bladed, heavy weapon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Likely a fire axe wielded by a relatively incompetent user." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took at least two blows to sever the spine. Michael could have done better, I have no doubt, without a vampire's enhanced strength. Quarry was, however, unconscious at the time since his heart had been pierced by a large metal spike which was driven through his chest and into the wall behind him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is something of a shame that these… people did not perform the same courtesy on Miss Wallow; however, their… zeal in mistreating her has given me good viral samples." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've identified three carpathians and one nubian. Slight variations in the virus genome allow me to give numbers, if not any clues to the individuals.'\n\n'It's more information than we had.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Yes… I suppose it is.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Won't she convert?' Juliana asked. 'I was killed by a vampire and I converted.'\n\n'You were drained and abandoned, dear girl,' Winthrop said, smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Unfortunate and not what any of us would have wished, but here we are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Miss Wallow was violently abused by four vampires. Her spine was severed in three places before they finished with her. She was actually dead when they broke her neck to be sure." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The virus can do a lot, but it has limits.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Oh.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'I'm not sure that I've given you much to find the men who did it, Dione, but on to another, rather more pleasant, nest of ghouls." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Uh, having said that, the ones you pulled out of the sewer brought some rather unsettling information with them.'\n\n'Not sure how you can describe them as more pleasant,' Mike commented.\n\n'Ghouls, Michael, do what they do because it is all they know to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They are little more than animals as a result of biology." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The men who killed Mister Quarry and Miss Wallow descended to animal behaviour of their own volition.'\n\n'Okay. Good point.'\n\n'However, these ghouls were made into ghouls, and not traditional ghouls either.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike frowned. 'Dione is going to look stoically at you and wait for you to explain, but I need to say \"huh?\" at this point.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'I sequenced the active virus in the ghouls and it matches no other minor substrain of ghoul or vampire virus. It shows signs of genetic tampering.'\n\n'Someone altered the ghoul virus and deliberately infected people with it?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'The latter is conjecture, but it seems likely." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The results were… interesting. The changes stopped the normal fruiting process which produces spores. That section of gene coding was simply deleted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, I believe that an unwanted side effect of that was a… destabilisation of the resulting ghoul." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you had not ended them, they would have done so naturally, probably in less than a month. There were early signs of systemic organ failure in all of them.'\n\n'And you're quite sure that this is not some natural mutation?' Dione asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'For two reasons. First, it's highly unlikely." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Genes are not normally cut out; they are deactivated." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And this mutation is clearly not advantageous." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's difficult to see how it could even happen. The second thing is the package of electronics I found embedded in the creatures' necks.'\n\nDione gave Winthrop a mild scowl." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'I think you might have started with that one.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Winthrop gave her a big grin. 'Where is your sense of drama, my goddess? I'm afraid the exact nature of the gadgets will have to wait for Mary to examine one of them, but they were connected into the spine in a fairly simple manner." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I suspect they caused pain under certain circumstances.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'A training mechanism,' Mike said. 'Something like those electronic collars you can get for dogs.'\n\n'Quite likely,' Winthrop agreed, nodding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Is Mary going to be available to do that analysis soon?'\n\n'I'm not sure,' Dione replied. 'She's doing something… important which needed to be done away from the office." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She'll be back when she finds what she's looking for.'\n\n'Mysterious, but very well.'\n\n'You know,' Mike said, frowning again, 'this kind of sounds like Apollo.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'That thought had not escaped me,' Winthrop agreed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Nor me,' Dione said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'This sounds like someone with a lot of sophisticated bioscience behind them has come up with a way of weaponising ghouls. The short lifespan might even be an advantage. Let them loose and come back when they're dead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Apollo was a designed anti-vampire biological weapon.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'And we've got some weird CIA group in town hunting for Evan,' Mike said.\n\n'Ah! Yes. That was a connection I hadn't made." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I believe that suggests that we should get back to doing what someone seems to be trying to keep us from.'" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 1 sentence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Catching Evan.'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Mode:\nCo-writing a segment of a larger work\n\nLength:\nfive sentences\n\nStyle:\nNiall Teasdale\nGenre:\nurban fantasy, romance, paranormal\nNote: Characters may be pre-established" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Barbara Paris was not what Mike had expected." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She did dress in fairly bright colours and she had a dancer's physique. She was also an attractive blonde, but then that was one of the characteristics they were looking for. However, her hair was piled up in a messy bun to keep it out of her face and she was not especially buxom, and Dione and Mike interrupted her studies: Barbara was busy working on a second degree, this one in psychology. Stripping had got her through her first degree in philosophy.\n\nShe was also alone in the sprawling house she shared with her husband." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Harry's in the city,' Barbara explained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Business meeting. I don't know the details." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I tend to let him get on with that kind of thing because, frankly, it's boring.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike produced a sheet of paper from his jacket and handed it over. 'You haven't seen this man around here, have you?'\n\nBarbara looked at the various impressions and pictures and frowned. 'Yeah… Yeah, I've seen him. He came here a couple of months ago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Asked if we were interested in selling the house." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Said he was looking for something in the neighbourhood." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I told him no, of course." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Harry and I are quite happy here.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'You're sure this was the man?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'I've got a good memory for faces and he has an attractive one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Didn't like him though. Pushy. He was pushy. Didn't really want to take no for an answer.'\n\n'Thank you, Mrs Paris.'\n\n'We're going to come back later,' Dione said when they were back outside." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'I want visual confirmation that Harry is still with us.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'You think that could be a cover story?' Mike asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'It's possible. A vague business meeting. Recognition of Evan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could have brainwashed her into loyalty and be hiding somewhere in the house.'\n\n'Possible… but not that likely?'\n\n'Yeah. We'll keep looking, but I have this nagging feeling we've missed something.'\n\nNew York, NY.\n\n'So, Mister Paris was undead and kicking?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Leeanne asked. She handed a coffee mug over to her tired boyfriend and then settled down on the sofa beside him. There was some sort of TV show on, and neither of them were watching it or had a clue what it was about.\n\n'Uh-huh,' Mike replied. He took a pull on his coffee, sighed, and settled his head back. 'And you should've seen the look on his face when he got out of his car and turned around to see Dione standing behind him.'\n\nLeeanne giggled. 'Bit of a shock?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'If he'd been alive, it might have killed him. But… That means we tried all the likely places for Evan to be hiding and we crapped out.'\n\n'Maybe he figures his pattern is getting too well known. Maybe he's trying something new this time.'\n\n'Yeah… Of course, that leaves us with no leads aside from \"he might be in East Hampton, somewhere.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "And he obviously went looking for the same sort of place since he was probably casing the Paris residence when he turned up there." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He must check out possible victims well before February.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'He's brainwashing these supplicants somehow. He's a vampire, but that's still going to take time.'\n\n'Good point.' Mike frowned. 'Serial killers tend to stick to a pattern. We must be missing something…'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'You said Winthrop thought Evan was adaptable, right? He was tied to the type of victim. He preferred to break their spine, but he would adapt if it failed. He's not fixed on the environment so long as he can have sex with them before they die. He could have altered his hiding place somehow." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Enough to throw you all off.'\n\n'Hmm… I'll sleep on it. I'm the one supposed to come up with novel ideas in this team.'\n\nLeeanne raised an eyebrow. 'Sleep? I just did thirty-seven hours straight and then slept for ten hours, and I'm not on call tonight." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Honey, you're providing stress relief.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike sagged a little. 'I have work in the morning…'\n\nSlipping off the sofa, Leeanne said, 'I am going to put on that teddy you bought me for Christmas.'\n\nMike sagged further. 'You used to be such a quiet girl. When did you become an evil genius?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Blame your partner. And Pat.'\n\n18th March.\n\n'Oh, so it's my fault you have bags under your eyes?' Dione asked, affecting an affronted expression.\n\n'According to Leeanne. You and Pat are a bad influence.'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mike drained his coffee mug and reached for the jug.\n\n'I think I'm hurt. I mean, Pat certainly, but me?'\n\nMike looked at Dione for a second or so, standing there with an innocent look on her face and fingers pressed to her chest, which she could do easily since her blouse was unbuttoned far enough to almost show her bra. 'Butter wouldn't melt in your mouth,' Mike deadpanned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Anyway, I may not have got much sleep, but the sex must've been inspirational." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had a thought.'\n\n'Do tell.'\n\n'What if he changed things a little? We never considered same-sex couples.'\n\n'No, because…' Dione paused and frowned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "'The outcome would be the same." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd have a brainwashed supplicant and a dead vampire." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would just be a dead female vampire.'" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 6 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Yeah. Has to be two women. I doubt he'd go for two men unless he's really changed.'\n\n'Let's go ask Mary if there's anyone suitable. Just out of interest, how did having sex with Leeanne make you think of same-sex couples?'\n\nMike considered possible answers for a second. 'I'm just going to plead the fifth…'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "keep the story goin for like 3 sentences more. same character vibes. make it urban fantasy, romance, paranormal-y" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'They have a watchman on the roof,' Dione said as she slipped back into the car. 'It looks like it's intended as a small factory space, but it's not in use at the moment. For its intended purpose anyway.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "'Not uncommon on the Navy Yard,' Mike commented." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'No way to tell how many are in there?'\n\n'No, but it won't be a huge cell, and I took out three of them on Long Island. ETA for the SWAT team?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mary's voice came from Mike's phone, set between the seats." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'Five minutes. They've been briefed to expect armed resistance and that it's a hostage situation.'\n\n'All right. I'm going to go eliminate the watch position. Mike, when SWAT gets here, you take them in through the front door as soon as you can." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If there's someone up on the top, there must be rooftop access, so I'll start down and meet you halfway.'" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dione reached for the door handle.\n\n'Okay, but be careful,' Mike said.\n\nDione flashed him a smile. 'You be careful. If you get shot, you don't heal as fast as I do.'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll be your writing partner today. I will set the scene and character context, and you will continue with 10 sentences, keeping within the urban fantasy, romance, paranormal genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dione's distraction, speed, a couple of ballistic shields, and some luck had got Mike and the SWAT team in through the door. That and a battering ram anyway. Now they were in trouble. There was precious little cover in the room and most of it was occupied by the six men with assault rifles they were trying to put down. Two of the SWAT operatives were down, but Mike thought they had been hit in their vests and would pull through. One of the six agents was also down, probably for good.\n\nMike had found a crate of some kind to duck behind. He had an uncomfortable feeling that it had been used to transport weapons and might still contain some. Hopefully, considering the bullets that were hitting it, nothing inside was explosive. His shotgun was almost useless at this range." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The agents were behind overturned tables which were proving to be effective barriers." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mike could fire, and hit a table, and the resulting explosion tended to make the CIA men take cover, but that was about it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a stand-off." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Until the door beside the agents burst open and the fury of an annoyed Dione descended upon the CIA contingent. Two of them probably never realised what was happening as her sword slashed through their flesh as soon as she was through the door. The next man to die was starting to turn when his head left his shoulders. Then Dione moved on, pushing aside a rifle which was swinging toward her as she ran her blade through the gunman's chest.\n\nThat left one. He got his rifle around, aiming it at Dione, but in doing so he had lifted his body, his head rising over the cover of the table. It was a fatal mistake: his head more or less dissolved as three SWAT officers fired at once.\n\nNodding, Dione pulled her sword clear and flicked blood off the blade. 'We're missing at least two,' she called out. 'Mike, Pat is in the back office. Secure her and get her out." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone else, I need a sweep of the other offices. We're looking for one terrorist and one unknown, possibly a hostage. But both are to be treated as dangerous.'\n\nMike got to his feet and started for the door Dione had come through. She stopped him with an outstretched arm. 'There's a door at the back of this room. You'll come in at the back. The office is through a door, on the right. Take her out through the fire exit and around to the car.'\n\n'Okay,' Mike returned and set off to the end of the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He found the door, pushed through into the service corridor, and continued down it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dione was getting him out of the way, of course." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Worried about her partner, which was a little annoying in a way." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On the other hand, once again, Dione was entrusting him with one of her best friends." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'getting' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could not really complain.\n\nFinding the door Dione had said would lead to the offices, Mike opened it and pushed through, and found himself looking down the barrel of a pistol. Mike had never seen Silas, but from the description he had been given, this was him. He looked more determined than Mike had expected, more sure of himself, but not entirely sure. There was enough nervous energy there to make him far too dangerous.\n\n'Don't get any stupid ideas,' Silas said. 'Gun on the floor.' Mike lowered his shotgun to the ground. He still had his pistol, but getting to it fast enough seemed unlikely. The sound of the SWAT team at the other end of the building was getting louder… 'Good.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Silas moved around Mike, fast, and grabbed the back of his vest." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The pistol was pressed to the back of Mike's skull.\n\nMike saw Dione appear at the head of the corridor, two cops behind her. She saw Mike and the situation almost immediately. 'Let him go, Silas,' Dione called out. 'You're not getting out of here on your own. How many pieces you do leave in depends on what you do now.'\n\n'We both know what the sentence will be if you take me in, Hunter,' Silas called back. 'I'm going to back out now. If I see one cop following me, this one dies.'\n\nMike tensed, ready to act, even if he figured his chances were slim." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe if he dropped, it would unbalance Silas and someone could get a shot off before–\n\nTwo loud bangs filled the air, the shock of the twin explosions echoing through the narrow corridor and setting Mike's ears ringing. He felt something, blood maybe, hitting his neck. Then the pistol dropped away, followed by Silas's hand on his collar, and Mike turned around.\n\nPat was standing in the doorway of the office she had been waiting in. She was holding Dione's pistol, braced at arm's length. Her eyes were wide and she was starting to tremble. Mike checked Silas: down with half his skull missing. He was not getting up from that. The pistol Pat was holding fell from her nerveless fingers, and Mike stepped quickly forward to catch her as she fell, bouncing off the doorframe as she went." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dione was at his side in an instant. 'Is she okay?'\n\n'Fainted, I think,' Mike replied. 'Going to have a bruise… for a minute or so, but she'll be okay. Well, after she's come to terms with shooting her creator. Did you find Evan?'\n\n'We have him. That's what delayed us a little. Get Pat to my car and take her home. I'll finish the wrap-up here and join you later.'\n\nMike looked around at his partner. 'I get to drive your car?'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Dione pulled her keys from her pocket." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 2 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "'If you scratch the paintwork, I'll make sure that Leeanne has no further use for you.'\n\nMike took the keys and then lifted Pat into his arms. 'That seems fair.'" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Let's engage in collaborative writing in the romance, contemporary, chick lit genre. I'll provide a starting point, and you'll continue with 3 sentences, maintaining any established context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I finally responded to my sister's email on Saturday afternoon after a great deal of procrastinating.\n\nI slept in till nine-thirty then laid on the futon for a further twenty minutes thinking about Quinn Sullivan's lips of magic and mystery. I then decided, on an odd whim, to go for a run along Lake Michigan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The weather was still nice, especially for late September, and the wind felt clarifying. I distracted myself with sights of Millennium Park, the Aquarium, the Natural History museum and reflected on my city.\n\nThere is something really special about Chicago." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Chicago is the proverbial middle child of large US cities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some might consider this analogy only in reference to Chicago's geographic location (it's in the middle of the country). However, the analogy is multifaceted; like most middle children and like books between elaborate bookends, Chicago can sometimes be easy to overlook. It is smart and genuine but always compared, for better or for worse, to its older and younger siblings: it's the less notorious but smarter sister to New York; it's the less ostentatious but considerably more genuine sister to Los Angeles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It is breathtaking and beautiful and yet somehow caught in the blind spot of popular consciousness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I've always wondered if Chicago prefers to shy from the onerous and usually dysfunctional limelight of notoriety; I hypothesize that it is more than to content to be smart and genuine and breathtaking without attracting the attention that plagues those that are notorious and ostentatious.\n\nOn my way back I picked up coffee from Starbucks and indulged in more Quinn Sullivan obsessing; eventually, I stopped outside of Utrecht Art Supply and accomplished window shopping. When I arrived home I found Elizabeth cleaning the kitchen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I felt a little disappointed; I was planning on spending time procrastinating by cleaning the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead I took a shower and shaved everything that could be shaved. I plucked my eyebrows then decided to give myself a pedicure.\n\nElizabeth eyed me with suspicion as I sat on the couch and propped my foot on the coffee table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I attempted to ignore her pointed gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a period of tense silence she said, \"So, what are you needing to do that you don't want to do?\"\n\nI huffed, disliking that she knew me so well, and confessed, \"Jem sent me an email.\"\n\n\"Jem?\" Elizabeth didn't try to suppress her surprise, \"When?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"On Thursday.\"\n\n\"What does she want?\"\n\nI uncapped the nail polish remover and applied a liberal amount to a cotton ball; \"She wants to visit.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I half laughed, half groaned, \"I'm guessing me. She said she wanted to see me.\"\n\nShe shook her head, \"This is so strange. She doesn't even like you.\"\n\nI shrugged, \"I know.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was true. My own sister didn't like me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It wasn't that we didn't get along; Jem just didn't seem to like anyone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes she pretended to like people but only for as long as was necessary to obtain what she needed. I felt that there was a distinct possibility that she was a sociopath.\n\nAbruptly I placed the cap back on the nail polish remover and pulled out my laptop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I needed to rip off the Band-Aid of fretfulness and just answer her damn email. I responded:" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jem-I'm in town all next week but will be gone part of the week after for a business trip. When do you plan to arrive? How long are you staying?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do you want to see/do anything in particular while you are here?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let me know the details when you are able. Talk to you soon, Janie\n\nIt seemed benign enough but I was pretty sure it would annoy the hell out of her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She didn't like confiding her plans even when they directly affected someone else.\n\nThat issue settled, for now, I decided to email Jon about dinner. Even though Steven couldn't make it I felt compelled to keep my dinner arrangements with Jon, especially after cancelling two times in a row." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As I began composing an email something in my vicinity began to chime." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I stopped typing and looked to Elizabeth in confusion, \"What is that? It sounds like an ice cream truck.\"\n\nElizabeth paused loading the dishwasher, holding a dripping plate, \"It actually sounds like a cell phone. Is that your new phone?\"\n\nI started, remembering the phone, and began ransacking the living room trying to find the blasted thing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At one point it stopped ringing but then, seconds later, began again. I was cussing and was mid-single-syllable four letter word when I found the cursed contraption.\n\n\"-uck! Yes! Hello?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hey.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Outwardly, my body stiffened; inwardly, my bones dissolved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, hi-hi- hello! How are you?\"\n\n\"Good. How are you?\" Quinn sounded like he was smiling." }, { "from": "human", "value": "An image of him smiling flashed across my consciousness causing the hairs on the back of my neck to prickle." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm well. It's, uh-\" I glanced over at Elizabeth. She was making suggestive gestures with her still wet hands. I gave her a dirty look then turned completely away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's good to hear from you.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'phone' 2 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even via cell phone?\"\n\nI smiled despite myself and responded, \"It would be better if it weren't via cell phone.\"\n\n\"I agree. I'm calling about dinner. What time should I pick you up?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dinner?\"\n\n\"Yeah, dinner.\"\n\n\"Tonight?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. Dinner. Tonight.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Um…\" I frowned and glanced at the message still open on my laptop that I'd been typing Jon.\n\n\"Janie? …Are you backing out?\"\n\n\"No-no. I'm not backing out. It's just, I can't tonight. I already have plans.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Movement from Elizabeth caught my eye and I found her glaring at me and mouthing: 'What the hell are you thinking?'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shooed her away.\n\nQuinn didn't respond immediately so I pulled the phone away from my ear and looked at the screen, attempting to decipher if I'd hung up on him. None of the symbols seemed to indicate anything of value so I spoke into the phone again, \"Quinn? Are you still there? Did I hang up on you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah. I'm still here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I heard him sigh, \"These aren't the same plans you made yesterday with your ex, are they?\"\n\nInwardly I cringed. Then, outwardly I also cringed, \"Yes.\"\n\nSilence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Quinn?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'll come too.\" It didn't sound at all like a request.\n\n\"Uh, what?\"\n\nHis voice was business-like, brusque." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You and I will go out tomorrow. Tonight I can meet your friend Jon.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You want to meet Jon?\" Instinctively my gaze searched for Elizabeth and I think I must have looked as stricken as I felt. She just stared at me with wide eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I want to see you.\"\n\nHis words made my heart skip; I had difficulty forming a coherent thought, \"Well-I guess-I mean-I suppose it's-I mean it's not like-maybe we could-I just don't think-\"\n\n\"Where are we going? What time are we meeting him?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I was just emailing him to work out the details.\"\n\n\"Ok. How about Chez Jean? I'll pick you up at seven.\"\n\n\"No-I'll meet you at the restaurant at seven.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't want to arrive with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would feel too much like a wheelbarrow date: two wheels and a kickstand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you know where it is?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know where, it's a block west of Al's Beef, right?\"\n\nI could hear the smile in his voice, \"Your landmark is Al's Beef?\"\n\n\"How can you miss Al's Beef? It's yellow and black and has a giant plastic cup in the center of the sign. I think they have franchise opportunities available.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed, \"I'll see you at seven.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His laugh made me smile like an idiot." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ok. Seven. I'll see you at seven.\"\n\nWhen the call ended I stared at the cell phone without seeing it for several moments. I felt light, like my feet weren't touching the ground and I could cloud hop if the desire so struck me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I felt like running through a field and spinning around while an orchestra played in the background." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt like clicking my heels together and sliding down an impressively large and steep banister. I felt like picking apart a daisy while reciting: \"He loves me, I love him.\"\n\nElizabeth's concerned voice brought me out of my meandering reveries and a bit closer to reality; \"You've got it bad. I've never seen you like this.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 4 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Goofy grin still in place I sighed. I knew what I looked like, sounded like. A small voice in the recesses of my overactive brain screamed at me: You are infatuated! Infatuated I say!\n\nI'd never realized before-as, perhaps, I'd never been presented with the opportunity to know-how glorious infatuation could be." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writers block help pls. ill send something, u do four sentences. going for Penny Reid vibe. note: might have existing chars" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She stood in the hallway, leaning her shoulder against the wall. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her chin was tilted up in the proud, stubborn way she usually employed when faced with… well, anyone.\n\nShe was dressed in dark wash jeans, brown boots, and a white long sleeve shirt; clothes which were considerably tamer than I was used to seeing her wear; however, I reasoned, it was cold outside and I didn't actually see her anymore. Her hair looked like mine: long and curly and generally unruly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was even the same color." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even though she was at least two sizes thinner than me, I immediately understood why I would have been mistaken for her doppelganger, especially at a distance." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'before' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I blinked at her, wondering at first whether she were real or imagined, hoping for the latter; before I could think to speak Jem's raspy Peppermint Patty voice interrupted my internal debate.\n\n\"Well?\"\n\nI considered her for a long moment before asking, \"How did you get into the apartment?\"\n\nJem shrugged, \"I pretended to be you. I told your super that I lost my keys. He let me in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Well… that's just great.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sighed, heavily, and took one step into the apartment. I pulled off my brown wool jacket, hung it on the coat rack, and eyeballed her.\n\n\"Aren't you happy to see your baby sister?\" She shifted, her lips pressing into an irritated line." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I walked past her into the living room then moved to the kitchen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I suddenly needed a drink. Jem followed me, hovered at the counter, then leaned across it. She watched me as I poured myself orange juice and tequila.\n\n\"You sure that's a good idea?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I ignored the question and mixed the liquids together with a spoon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You any better at holding your liquor? Last time I saw you drink you passed out from five shots of vodka.\"\n\n\"I didn't pass out. I puked on my SAT proctor.\" I wasn't upset about it, not any more. I just knew it was important, when Jem was around, to be as accurate and precise as possible." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Whatever.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are you here?\" I took a long swallow of the tequila and OJ.\n\n\"I told you I was coming to visit.\"\n\nWe stared at each other for several long moments; then I asked her again: \"Why are you here?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She straightened slowly, crossed her arms over her chest, \"I'm visiting Chicago and I need a place to stay for a few days.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shook my head, \"You've been in Chicago for weeks. Why now?\"\n\nHer eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, her chin titled upward; \"What do you know about that?\"\n\nI took another swallow of my juice then set it down on the counter. \"I know a lot.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She studied me; her glare, just as I remembered, hard and guarded." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She spoke slowly as though carefully choosing her words, \"Who told you I've been in Chicago for weeks?\"\n\n\"Jon.\" I rolled my glass between my palms to keep my hands busy, wanting to move, wanting to escape, wanting to punch her in the face, wanting to eat a granola bar.\n\nHello, random!\n\nHer expression didn't change, her gaze didn't even waver." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He's an asshole, you know.\"\n\n\"So are you.\" That granola bar was sounding better and better. I set my drink on the counter and started pilfering the pantry.\n\n\"Yeah, but I don't pretend about it. He justifies all his douche-baggy behaviors by calling it love. Get me a glass.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I glanced over my shoulder, watched her unscrew the tequila, \"Now you're going to drink my tequila?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\nI shrugged, moved to the cabinet which held the cups, passed one to her then turned my attention back to the Hunt for the Red Granola.\n\n\"What was the plan, Jem? Why did you do it?\" I didn't precisely care why she slept with him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rather, I didn't like the silence and it seemed like a reasonable topic of conversation given the circumstances." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Blackmail of course.\"\n\n\"Ah. Of course.\" I found the granola bars and pulled out two, passing her one and ripping the other open with my teeth. I always struggled opening single serving items, like bags of m-n-m's or condoms.\n\n\"He, of course, fucks it all up by telling you the truth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jem poured a hefty amount of tequila into the glass but didn't drink." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why the blackmail?\"\n\n\"I need the money.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\nJem held my gaze for a long moment, sniffed, then moved her eyes over the contents of the small kitchen as though taking inventory." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She took a swallow of the tequila but didn't grimace." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I took this opportunity to study her; for the first time I could recall, Jem looked patently uneasy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Abruptly, I found that I was enjoying the silence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I enjoyed smacking my lips when I took a sip of my Tequila and OJ and I enjoyed the way the loud crunch of the granola bar sounded magnified by her tense disquiet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When it became clear she had no intention of answering I decided to ask, with my mouth full of crunchy candied oats, \"Can I guess?\" a few of the loose pieces of my cereal bar flew from my lips and landed on the counter. It's obnoxious and gross and I loved it.\n\nJem shifted her weight from one foot to the other, swirling her neat tequila, still not meeting my gaze; \"Sure.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ok, I'll take three guesses.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'smile' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I set my food on the counter, gulped my OJ, and cracked my knuckles. \"Guess number one: You need the money to go to college.\"\n\nHer eyes lift to mine; a small, genuinely amused, smile tugged at the corner of her lips, \"Yep. That's it. I got into MIT but I just need the two hundred and fifty grand to cover the books for my first semester.\"\n\nI returned her smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can't remember the last time I smiled at her, sincere or not." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Slowly, I shook my head, \"No, no. That's not it. Let me try again.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I cleared my throat, pursed my lips, and narrowed my eyes, \"You plan to start a non-profit organization and need the startup principal.\"\n\nShe nodded, \"Ok, you got me. I want to help orphans learn how to fish for lobsters. If they don't learn about lobster fishing from me, they'll just learn about it on the streets.\"\n\n\"It's not generally called 'lobster fishing.' The main method for the Norway lobster is trawling, although the large Homarus lobsters are caught almost always with lobster traps-\"\n\n\"Fuck off with the Wikipedia bullshit, Janie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My smile broadened but I could feel the bitterness behind it; my mouth tasted like vinegar." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, but, I think that's not it either. Ok,\" I placed my index finger on my chin. I'm surprised that she's playing along, joking with me, and it occurred to me that Jem might have no expectation that I'd 'guess' correctly. I inhale deeply; \"Let me think…\"\n\n\"Maybe it's both of those. Maybe I want to go to college so I can start a non-profit.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I snapped my fingers, almost startling her, \"I've got it!\"\n\n\"You found me out. I want to adopt all the Dalmatians in Boston and turn them into a fur coat.\" Her voice was, of course, deadpan as she said this. Jem lifted the tequila to her lips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No…\" I hesitated, took another deep breath, \"You're running from a skinhead with crazy neck tattoos named Seamus who wants to kill you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jem held perfectly still, her eyes still on me, her glass in mid-air. I allowed several seconds to pass. I noted that she didn't appear to be amused anymore.\n\nMy hand found and closed over the discarded granola bar wrapper; I crinkled it with my fingers and continued, \"And you need the money so you can hide.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jem took another gulp of the brown liquid then lowered the glass." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her expression was inscrutable. It was the Jem I knew. I couldn't remember a time when she didn't look hard, look at me and the world with a granite-like inflexibility. Her chest expanded slowly, like she was taking a calming breath." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"How do you know that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So quiet. Her voice was so quiet I almost didn't hear the words.\n\nI tried to mirror her impassive mask but knew I was failing. I could feel the heat of resentment pour out of my fingertips and eyeballs. I felt the chilling warmth of it in my chest and nose, in every breath I took." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Lucky guess.\" I licked my lips; they tasted sweet from the OJ." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We stared at each other for a long time, silently." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate 'crazy' into your response exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wanted to yell at her, I wanted to ask her if she ever thought about anyone but herself, ask her when and why she decided to be the crazy Morris girl instead of the sweet, or gregarious, or well mannered, or any other option other than crazy.\n\nShe broke the silence, \"I need the money.\"\n\nI sighed, glanced at my almost empty glass. My fingertips rubbed my forehead." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was going to have a headache." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word frequency rule: 'money' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I know.\"\n\n\"No, Janie, I really need the money.\"\n\nMy gaze flickered to hers and I was surprised to find that fear had replaced some, not all, of the boulder of inflexibility. I sighed.\n\n\"I don't have any money-\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But Jon has money.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shook my head, \"I doubt he'll give you any money-\"\n\n\"But he'll give it to you. If you ask him he'll give you anything.\"\n\nI bit my top lip to silence my abrupt and unexpected urge to scream at her. The impulse was so sudden I had to swallow." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My hands were shaking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was angry.\n\nI couldn't speak so I shook my head again.\n\n\"Fuck, Janie! It's the least he can do, after cheating on you.\"\n\nAnd then I laughed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "At first it was a short burst, completely involuntary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, when I met her glare, another hysterical giggle spewed forth and I was lost. Soon I was laughing so hard my side and my jaw hurt. I had to stagger to the couch so I wouldn't fall on the floor.\n\nNothing about this situation was funny." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was pretty certain I had just, literally, cracked up." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'surprise' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So, what? You're not going to forgive me for sleeping with your douchebag boyfriend?\"\n\nMy mouth fell open. I didn't think it was possible for her behavior to surprise me at this point. I was wrong.\n\nHowever, I was so practiced at numbing my feelings around my family-in their presence, when I thought about them, when I recalled my childhood-my surprise was short-lived." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was like looking at them and my past through a microscope; they were an unfortunate science experiment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Jem.\" I lifted my hands from my lap and pressed my palms to my chest, \"I can't forgive you if you're not sorry.\"\n\nHer green eyes narrowed into slits, assessing me; \"Yeah. I guess you're right.\" Her head bobbed in a small movement, her voice was quiet; \"I'm not sorry. I'd do it again. And if you had another rich boyfriend who I thought I could get money from I'd sleep with him too.\"\n\nHer words made me flinch." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I closed my eyes so I wouldn't have to look at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her raspy voice was closer when she next spoke; \"We're not so different, you know.\"\n\nI didn't open my eyes at this ridiculous statement, instead I leaned further into the couch and willed her gone.\n\nShe continued, \"I don't think Jon is a guy who is as faithful as his options. He-he thinks you're it, you're the one. You don't seem to care that he cheated on you and you don't give a shit about him.\"\n\nI huffed at this, \"One minute you say he's an asshole for cheating on me and the next minute you're telling me I'm the bad guy for not caring enough that he cheated on me? Jem, I broke up with him.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yeah, but you don't seem too depressed about it.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Precise word count needed: 'janie' × 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I half opened my eyes; my gaze made it no higher than the coffee table, \"This isn't going to work either. I'm still not going to ask Jon for the money.\"\n\nHer face was unsurprisingly void of emotion, \"You are just like me, Janie. You left Jon, an annoyingly nice guy who you dated for years and who loves you more than anything, and now you feel nothing but relief, am I right? You're relieved that you don't have to be bothered to factor his feelings into account. You have the means to save your baby sister from certain death and you can't even muster enough pretend sentiment to try. You're incapable of feeling any depth of emotion, Janie. Just like me. Just like mom.\"\n\nI met her gaze calmly even though her words met their intended target with swift precision. Jem's overly-simplified assessment of the Jon situation was very close to my current view of reality; but I wasn't yet finished sorting through all the reasons why that relationship ended." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was true, I wasn't as attached to Jon as he may have been to me. It was also true, I was feeling mostly relief by the end of the relationship. However, he cheated then tried to lie about it then had me fired. Those were all his decisions." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I knew that I wasn't blameless, but I was not the first girl in the history of forever to stay with a guy because he was ideal on paper." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For the love of Thor!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was my first boyfriend. I was allowed to make mistakes.\n\nThe other charge, about not having enough pretend sentiment to save Jem, was the one that made me furious. And, in that I felt furious, I knew I was capable of emotional depth." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because I hated her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shifted my gaze from hers and, when I spoke, I spoke to the room.\n\n\"You can stay here if you want. I usually sleep on the couch but you can have it.\"\n\nShe was quiet for a long moment and I knew she was debating whether to push me further. To my surprise she didn't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Where will you sleep?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I inhaled then released a deep breath, \"Elizabeth is at the hospital for a shift so I'll sleep in her bed.\"\n\n\"You're still friends with Elizabeth?\"\n\nI nodded, hesitated, then lifted my eyes to hers. Her expression was unchanged, still inflexible, but her eyes moved between mine with a touch of approaching interest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was a subtle yet rare demonstration of feeling." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jem swallowed, licked her lips; \"That's good. She seems to care about you.\"\n\n\"She does.\" For reasons I couldn't immediately understand, Jem's words made my eyes sting, so I blinked.\n\nJem twisted her lips to the side and let her arms fall from her chest. With a small sigh she walked to the entry way and picked up a black leather jacket." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I can't wear this anymore. You can keep it or whatever. Get rid of it. I don't care.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She tossed it to me on the couch and I automatically caught it; it smelled like her-cigarettes, clean soap, and violence. Memories careened over and through me so suddenly I had to grip the jacket to steady myself.\n\nI loved her once.\n\nWhen she was little, three or four, I used to give her piggy back rides around our neighborhood or pull her in a wagon behind my bike." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She liked everything fast.\n\nShe started to smoke when she was eleven. There was nobody to tell her no, even though I tried. She laughed at me then." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Growing up in the same house I often felt she was laughing at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It didn't anger me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It made me sad.\n\nThe stinging in my eyes continued, intensified. I bit then pulled my top lip between my teeth. I couldn't speak, there was a giant knot in my throat." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I watched her as she picked up my brown wool coat from the rack and pulled it over her shoulders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm taking this.\"\n\nMy mouth hitched to the side and I leaned back against the couch, her black leather jacket still on my lap.\n\n\"That's fine.\" I responded, even though I knew she wasn't asking my permission.\n\n\"I'm leaving. I don't know if…\" Jem fingered the middle button of my coat, her eyes rigid but intense." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She buttoned the coat.\n\nWhen she didn't continue I cleared my throat, finding my voice, \"Where will you go?\"\n\nShe shrugged and shook her head; Jem stuffed her hands into the fur lined pockets of my jacket, \"I don't know.\"\n\nWithout pausing, without a wave or a smile, Jem turned and left.\n\nMy door made a soft, final click as she closed it." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write 2 sentences sentences in the style of Penny Reid spawning from what the user wrote. Note: Characters and worldbuilding may appear mid-story." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I slept hard and had strange dreams." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dreams were the troubling kind where I thought the action and events were genuine while asleep; upon waking and in retrospect I realized they were obviously completely implausible.\n\nThe one I remembered most intensely upon waking was about losing my teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fragments of bone continually fell out of my mouth every time I opened it to speak; and they ran away-though they had no legs-which, in the dream, sent me into a panic.\n\nThere is nothing quite like watching one's own legless teeth running away." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tourists kept accidentally stepping on my teeth." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was forced to chase my molars and canines down Michigan Avenue while dodging black-socked sightseers in shorts, white Keds, and rainbow visors. When my alarm went off I actually ran my tongue over the back of my teeth to make sure they were all still present, in my mouth, and securely situated." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'completely' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By the time I arrived at work and greeted Keira at the front desk, the last miens of my dental-nightmare had almost completely dispersed. However, a lingering sense of disquiet and a completely irrational foreboding remained." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My chest felt tight, heavy, and uncomfortable, like I had some terrible combination of bronchitis and gastroenteritis." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'carpet' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the short walk down the hall to my office, and as was typical, instead of dwelling on my increasingly complex feelings for Quinn or the unpleasant altercation with my sister, my mind ambled. I wondered about and made a mental note to check on the content of carpet fibers, more precisely: what made the current generation of carpet stain resistant?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Were eco-friendly approaches to carpet manufacturing currently the norm? What country could claim the title as leader in office-carpet exports?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Still studying the carpet, I opened the closed door to my office and was startled out of my floor-focus by the presence of unexpected company." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Olivia was inside my office standing behind my desk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Her back was stiff and her eyes were wide as they met mine, her hand flew to her chest and she sucked in a loud breath." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'office' must appear 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hesitated, frowned, glanced at the name outside the office to ensure I had the right door. When I confirmed that it was, indeed, my office and she was, indeed, in my office, I returned my gaze to her and waited for an explanation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A protracted period of time stretched and we silently eyeballed each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She looked very well assembled-as typical-and, even though I was the one to find her unexpectedly in my office, with the door closed, she appeared to be waiting for me to explain my presence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I waited two beats longer then lifted my eyebrows, my chin dipped. \"Well?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can I help you?\" Olivia crossed her arms over her chest and leaned her hip against my desk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I blinked at her and wondered momentarily if I were still dreaming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you doing in my office?\"\n\n\"It's not your office, it doesn't belong to you, it's the company's office.\" She huffed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She actually huffed.\n\nIt was a breathy sound, over exaggerated, combined with a bit of an exhale-snort." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I crossed my arms, mimicking her stance, mostly to hide the fact that my hands were clenched in fists. \"Olivia. What are you doing in the office which has been assigned to me by the company, with all my papers and confidential reports, with the door closed?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She raised a single, impressively well-groomed eyebrow, \"I'm looking for the updated schematic of the Las Vegas space.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shook my head, \"It hasn't been sent to us by the group in Las Vegas yet; they said they would email it by Friday.\"\n\n\"Oh. Well, then, just send it over to me when you get it. No one can move forward with the new plans until you send it to the group.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Olivia's tone and manner were so flippant that I almost actually felt like it was my fault that the client hadn't yet sent the schematic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I clenched my jaw, \"As soon as I receive it from the client I will distribute it to group.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Olivia issued me a tight—lipped non-smile and moved passed me into the hallway without any further remark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What. The. Hell…?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Somewhat grudgingly rooted in place, uncertain whether I wanted to push the issue by hall heckling her or just simply mope somberly, I watched her retreating form as she left; her steps hurried, her pace almost road-runner frantic. Then, shaking myself, I eye-rolled all the way into my office and heaved a gigantic sigh; I recognized that my earlier uneasiness had been replaced-or, more accurately, substituted-with immense irritation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As I approached my desk I glanced at its contents; all the papers and folders were neatly stacked into piles, organized, just as I'd left them yesterday." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I checked the drawers and found that they were still locked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My desktop PC was also locked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If she'd been looking for something in particular I could see no outward sign that anything had been rummaged or disturbed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tightness in my chest constricted, now vacillating between annoyance and anxiety, and I fell into my office chair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I attempted to sooth it away by clearing my mind, staring out the window, allowing myself to drift on white, puffy clouds visible in the distance.\n\nFor the first time in recent memory I successfully endeavored to sit and be still, thinking about nothing at all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sky-watched until my eyes felt dry from staring.\n\nAt some indeterminable time later, the sound of laughter and normal office conversation pulled me out of my trance." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I blinked, rubbed my closed lids, and decided to make an honorable attempt at getting work done." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't think about carpet or Quinn or Jem or Olivia." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead, I clung to the impersonal numbness of my task list.\n\nThus, ignoring the stack of memos and printed reports on my desk, I lost myself to spreadsheets and glorious pivot tables; to requirements documents and billing-software workflows." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The tension around my lungs eased with every passing hour, with deeper emersion into numbers and visio swim lane charts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sound of my office door closing abruptly brought my attention back to the present and to the man who'd just entered.\n\nI blinked. I gaped. I stood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simmering warmth slid from my stomach to the tips of my ears, inexplicably relaxing any remaining tightness in my chest like a salve, as I registered that Quinn was standing in front of the closed door. He was smiling in that odd, quiet way of his, not with any perceivable curve of his mouth but rather with a subtle glint in his eyes and lift of his chin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My resultant, very obvious, grin at his presence couldn't be helped any more than I could catch those errant teeth in my dream. I loved that he was wearing faded blue jeans and a long sleeve black shirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He hadn't shaved since I last saw him.\n\n\"Hi.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hi.\" I auto-responded, spreadsheets and pivot tables forgotten.\n\nHe crossed to me and gave me a quick, soft kiss before I could discern or properly appreciate his intention." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Immediately he straightened and held a paper bag between us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was yellow and grease stained; black writing spelled out 'Al's Beef.'" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have Italian beef and French fries.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I pulled my attention from the bag and met his narrowed blue gaze." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Again, a sincere automatic smile further opened my features to him. \"You brought me Al's Beef for breakfast?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His lips pulled to the side, his eyes moving between mine, and he turned his head just slightly, \"No, I brought you lunch. It's almost three.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My mouth opened and I glanced at the watch on my wrist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was, indeed, almost 3pm." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh my gosh.\"\n\nQuinn placed the bag of food on the desk and started distributing its contents: sandwich and fries for me; sandwich and fries for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He even pulled out two green food baskets, presumably so that we could enjoy an authentic Al's Beef dine-in experience within the comfort of my office." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sit.\" He motioned to my chair as he claimed the seat on the other side of my desk." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I obeyed but didn't immediately unwrap my food, instead opted to watch him, until my stomach grumbled. It, presumably, just now realizing that I hadn't eaten all day, swiftly demanded my attention." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The smell of fries and roast beef made my mouth water.\n\nMimicking his movements I dumped my fries into the basket and pulled the paper away from the Italian beef, revealing a deliciously soggy sandwich." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was already eating, the sandwich disappearing by fourths with each bite." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He seemed so completely at ease, as though his appearance at the office, bringing me lunch, were an everyday occurrence." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As though it were expected." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His closing the door for privacy, the swift kiss, bringing lunch; it was something that people who were dating did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew this. I used to date someone. But with Quinn everything felt meaningful in a way it never did with Jon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I picked up my sandwich and lifted it to my mouth but didn't take a bite.\n\nI was too busy noticing things about him that I couldn't recall caring to notice about anyone else." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was acutely aware of Quinn's movements; of the placement of his hands on the sandwich; his nonchalant, carefree mood; how he was dressed and the amount of skin exposed; the length of his hair. The number of details felt overwhelming but I was greedy for specifics, greedy to know and memorize everything about him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt like a kettle set to boil; any minute I was going to steam up from all the details and start screaming.\n\nI blurted, \"I'm not really sure how to do this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I abruptly dropped the sandwich into the basket and leaned backwards in my chair.\n\nQuinn waited until he finished chewing to respond; his eyes moved from me to the sandwich, \"Do what?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Be the girl you're dating.\"\n\nHis mouth curved upward in a trace of a smile." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you want a handbook for that too? Because I'd like to be involved in sketching the diagrams.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I pressed my lips together and pummeled him with a single French-fry. He started to laugh, obviously unable to contain himself, and my face flamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You know what I mean.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't look at him; rather I stared at my basket of Italian beef and seasoned fries." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stopped laughing but not all at once; he allowed it to taper off gradually. I glanced at him through my eyelashes; a huge smile still asserted itself over his features and he was looking at me with a sanguine, untroubled expression." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked happy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My heart fluttered-yes, fluttered-uncontrollably." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The flutter morphed into a flapping monsoon as I watched his smile fade from broad to slight and his gaze darken, intensify, and scorch.\n\n\"You're so beautiful.\" It was said on a sigh, as though he said and thought the sentiment at the same time and hadn't quite realized the words had been spoken aloud." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt the compliment acutely, like the spike in your senses when you smell pepper, but in a slightly scary and thrilling way. I lifted my head and blinked at him, my mouth slightly agape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes traveled over my lips, hair, neck, then lower. I noticed he was holding his napkin as though someone might be inclined to steal it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He, also, seemed to be greedy for details.\n\nI tucked my hair behind my ears and rubbed my neck." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everywhere his eyes moved itched and tingled.\n\nI cleared my throat, \"You too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He met my gaze, studied me, his smile still slight; \"It's different with you; it's not just the way you look.\"\n\nIn a surprising turn of events, the comment on my inner beauty made me squirm to a much greater degree than the compliment aimed at my physical features." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wasn't so sure that inner, Janie was at all a beautiful person." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jem's words from last night; the apparent callous disinterestedness with which I regarded the end of my relationship with Jon, my unwillingness to help my sister in her time of need, had me doubting whether I was anything other than a selfish and vapid replica of my mother.\n\n\"Are you admitting your beauty is only skin deep?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I titled my head to the side, wanting to tease him rather than dwell on how high, scale from one to ten, I would rank on the vapid-meter.\n\nHe breathed in through his nose, his eyebrows lifted, his attention shifted to his hands; Quinn loosened his grip on the napkin, began twisting it between his thumb and forefinger." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't respond. I took his silence as confirmation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think you're wrong.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He continued to twist the napkin wordlessly until it began to resemble a short length of rope or a thick length of parn (paper + yarn = parn)." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I considered him at length." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was still a lot I didn't know about Quinn and, therefore, I deliberated the possibility that he was right." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He could be a virtually empty shell of a person with a stunning façade, impressive intellect, and a foil wit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Then, I frowned because the prospect felt dissonant with reality.\n\n\"No… you are a good guy.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I tilted my head to the side, allowed my gaze to move over his lips, hair, neck, then lower to where his heart beat. \"We see the strengths and faults in others that we do not or cannot recognize in ourselves.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Janie...\" His small smile, more of a grimace, struck me as brittle when our eyes finally met.\n\n\"Are you trying to scare me off?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded his head but, on a sigh, replied, \"No.\"\n\n\"Do you have any current nefarious plans? Are you plying me with Italian beef as part of an evil plot? Is this,\" I motioned between us, \"an elaborate lie? Are you planning to lure me into a false sense of security, have your way with me, light me up, then toss me aside like a match or a Christmas tree?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His face was serious, \"No.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Then why do you believe that you lack internal beauty?\"\n\n\"Because I only do things for selfish reasons.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like dating me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Dating you is completely selfish.\"\n\nThe comment struck me momentarily mute but I quickly recovered, \"If-if- if you were being selfish then you'd still be a Wendell and I'd be a slamp.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He shook his head; \"If you were a slamp then we wouldn't be exclusive and you could be with other people.\"\n\n\"And that makes you selfish…?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That makes me selfish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "his eyes pierced me, and his voice was low and sandpapery." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I took the opportunity to munch on a french-fry, now cold, and deliberate his words.\n\n\"I will say this,\" Quinn held me with his eyes, his expression increasing in severity as though hovering on the precipice of a meaningful confession, \"You make me want to be less of an asshole.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My lashes flapped at him, \"Really? … wow.\" I gulped.\n\nIt was… a confession of sorts; but it was the type of confession which encouraged my sarcasm rather than my appreciation." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The statement struck me as the epitome of non-committal, pseudo-subtle, self-deprecation; I was amazed by its definitive tepidness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's so poetic. You should write greeting cards: 'Dear Dad, thank you for helping me become not as big of a jerk as you are. I'm still a jerk, just not a really big jerk like you.'\"\n\nQuinn laughed again but this time with complete abandon; it was a deep, rumbly belly laugh which-since I was within earshot of the blast radius-was extremely infectious and I felt it acutely like a touch rather than a sound." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He held his hand over his chest and my attention loitered on the spot. Even as I laughed I felt a twist of discomfort emanating from a mirrored location in my own chest." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I ached. I wanted to be close to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wanted to know everything about him.\n\nThe suddenness of the pain caught me by surprise and I closed my eyes against it, breathing out slowly, collecting myself so I wouldn't give into my desire to climb over the desk and tackle him where he sat, Italian beef sandwich on his lap, napkin in his hand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Janie.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My eyes remained closed but I gave him a slight, evasive, closed mouth smile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What are you thinking?\"\n\nI swallowed but didn't answer." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My heart started to race." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wanted to tell him I was thinking about the fiber content in stain resistant carpet but that would have been a lie." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Even if I wanted to, and I did want to, I couldn't seem to distract myself from the reality of being with him and all the irrepressible terror and hunger that accompanied it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are you so afraid?\"\n\n\"Because I'm not thinking about the fiber content in stain resistant carpet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My eyes remained stubbornly shut.\n\n\"What does that mean?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It means…\" I lifted my lids and found him surveying me with simple curiosity." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I swallowed a new thickness in my throat, knowing that I needed to tell him the truth. \"It means my brain finds you more interesting than all the really interesting trivial facts I could be contemplating or researching at present.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His answering smile was leisurely, measured; \"I think that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.\"\n\nI returned his smile although I felt suddenly sober, my eyes inexplicably watery, \"Quinn…\" I took a deep, steadying breath, \"Quinn, you need to be a good guy. I need you to be a good guy.\"" } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "NarrativeBot: 6 sentences sentences. Match character familiarity. fantasy genre." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sam.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I glanced over my shoulder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Myrin stood at the entrance to the alley.\n\n\"You,\" I said.\n\nHe cocked his head.\n\n\"You did this.\"\n\n\"Oh, Sam. If you really think about it, this—and everything that has happened—is on you. I gave you a chance. Back in Mashallaha. I told you then that if you didn't join me, I would take everything from you. You can't possibly be surprised that I'd do exactly as I've said. Morgan. Ryan. And when I'm done with you, I will go for the others. Your friends. Your family. That insufferable unicorn. They will fall, just as you will.\"\n\n\"No.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He laughed. \"No? You don't get to tell me no. Because here, now, is where your story ends. Not with a happily ever after. But with the destruction of all you've held dear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I stood slowly, turning toward him.\n\nHe smiled. \"Good. This is good. You've done well, Sam. I'm sure they'll sing songs about you. The young wizard who fought boldly until the end when his magic was consumed.\"\n\n\"It won't happen,\" I told him quietly. \"You won't win.\"\n\n\"This was never about heroes and villains. It never has been. You are the final step needed to realize the new world order. My world order. Because once I have you, I will have the dragons, and my reach will extend far beyond the borders of Verania. It will—\"\n\n\"You're monologuing.\"\n\nHe looked startled. \"Excuse me?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're… monologuing. Just like always. You fucking villains. You never change. You never change.\"\n\nHe didn't like that very much. \"I am nothing like the others you've—\"\n\nI laughed harshly. \"You're exactly the same. Oh sure, you're stronger than anyone I've faced. You've gotten a little further. But in the end, you are exactly like the others. And you know what happened to all of them? I kicked their fucking asses.\"\n\nHis gaze narrowed. \"Who do you think you are, boy?\"\n\nI grinned rakishly at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm Sam of Dragons.\"\n\nI moved then. In that alleyway. I ran toward Myrin the Bright Star, feeling the scars along my chest crackle with electricity. A crack of thunder burst overhead, and then a flash of lightning arced down from the sky and slammed into my raised hand. It crawled down my arm and wrapped around my heart, the green and gold bright against the blue electricity that rolled through me. I moved quicker than I ever had before, like I was lightning, striking out at Myrin before he could even— A hand closed around my throat." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was lifted off the ground.\n\nMy feet kicked.\n\n\"We've been here before,\" Myrin snarled up at me. \"Did you really think I'd fall for this again, you little shit? The time of Sam of Dragons is over. You have lost.\"\n\nLightning racked through me and onto him. The muscles in his arm twitched, the hairs standing on end, but his grip only tightened." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I pushed as hard as I could, but it was no use.\n\nHe opened his mouth wide.\n\nAnd that horrible pulling that I'd only felt a fraction of in Mashallaha began again.\n\nHis eyes were dark as he began to consume my magic.\n\nIt was a terrible sensation, like I was being drained from the inside out. I felt it being pulled toward him, like I was caught in a storm I couldn't escape." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I screamed in his face, unable to— And then it lessened. It just… fell away. All of it.\n\nHe said, \"How are you doing that?\"\n\nI struggled feebly in his grip.\n\nHe said, \"How are you making your eyes change colors? What is this?\"\n\nI felt them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Black. And blue. And red." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'white' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And white. So much white.\n\n\"This?\" I snapped at him. \"This is Kick Myrin's Ass Part Two. Capitalized, so you sure as shit know it's true.\"\n\nHe sneered at me as he squeezed my neck even tighter. \"And just what is your plan?\"\n\n\"You wanted the dragons?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I managed to say. \"Well guess what, motherfucker. You've got them.\"\n\nFrom above came a great roar.\n\nThe pulses in my head bloomed bright and strong.\n\nThe blues were the strongest.\n\nThey said, Here, Sam." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We're here. We're here. And we have a plan. You must trust us. You must put your faith in us. Prepare yourself. Because this must end, one way or another.\n\nThe world exploded around us and—" }, { "from": "human", "value": "[ A Destiny of Dragons ]" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I opened my eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Through a canopy of trees, I saw a sea of stars." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I sat up.\n\nI was in the middle of a forest. The air was warm. The grass was cool.\n\nRandomly, on my feet were a pair of pink shoes, the tips of which curled up.\n\nI pushed myself up slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the distance, through the trees, I saw what looked like the lights of fairies.\n\nI remembered everything.\n\nThe way Ryan had fallen, lungs made of stone. How I'd torn right down the middle.\n\nThe lives I'd taken after. Caleb and Ruv.\n\nI'd felt them die." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And for a moment, hadn't I relished it?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hadn't I wished that it'd been all the Darks?" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'choice' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had. I'd been more powerful in that moment than I'd ever been before.\n\nI pushed through the trees.\n\nMorgan had told me once that every person, whether a wizard or not, had the propensity for darkness inside of them. That it all came down to choice. \"You are,\" he'd told me once, \"who you choose to be. It's as simple as that, little one. And I am here to help you make the right choice, because I believe in you more than I've ever believed in anyone before.\"\n\nI'd been too young—too naïve—to understand what he'd meant." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I did now.\n\nBecause being a force for good was so much harder than being one for evil.\n\nI came upon a large clearing where the fairy lights burned bright.\n\nExcept—they weren't fairies, were they?\n\nThere was a red light, flitting about. As I stepped into the clearing, it buzzed around me quickly, warm and safe, and I could hear a voice saying, Gods, this is so lame." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sam, if you die, I will never forgive you, and when I wake up again in a hundred years, I will find your grave and then chew on your bones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The blue lights were bright and kind as they settled on either shoulder. The one on the left said, You're dreaming, Sam. You're dreaming, except this is as real as it will ever get. Whatever happens here will be in the real world. You can get hurt here, Sam. You can die here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The light on the right said, But you better not let that happen." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Leslie will be sorely disappointed if it does. She has grown rather fond of you, in case you couldn't tell.\n\nYou old dyke, the left light said sweetly. You love him just as much as I do. He belongs to us. We belong to him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is the way of things.\n\nThe black light, so dark it seemed to swallow up all other light around it, buzzed round my face. Look at me! it said gleefully. I'm here too! Kevin's here to save the daaaaaayyyyy! He pressed against my nose, vibrating lightly and causing me to sneeze. I heard him laugh about it, and I didn't think it was possible to love him more than I did right then." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But these lights fell silent as the final light approached.\n\nHe was the brightest of all of them. The white.\n\nHe said, Sam of Dragons.\n\n\"GW.\"\n\nI told you not to call me that.\n\n\"Yes, well. That's probably not going to change, dude. If I'm being honest.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You're near." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"To?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The end. But I fear that it won't be as simple as you think." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your heart is conflicted. Your soul is fractured.\n\nI swallowed thickly. \"I did what I had to. I know you didn't like the plan, but it still—\"\n\nWhat's done is done. And I can't fault you for that. But this is as close as you'll ever be to losing yourself to the Dark." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You have tasted the power." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You must let it go." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not going to—\"\n\nHe's here, Leslie said. We brought him here too.\n\n\"Who?\"\n\nMyrin, Pat said. He is in the dream.\n\n\"What about Ryan?\" I demanded. \"He's—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He's safe, Kevin whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For now. But it won't last long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Myrin is strong, Sam. Stronger than we expected.\n\nSo you need to kick his ass, Zero said. Because I'm getting really sick and tired of all you old people fighting over stupid stuff.\n\n\"Did you make this?\" I asked him quietly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The forest? It's… familiar.\"\n\nYeah, Zero said, sounding strangely proud. Pat and Leslie made the dream. I made the forest. Kevin will be your conduit, and the Great White is holding us all together.\n\nWe get one shot at this, Kevin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So, no pressure or anything.\n\n\"Asshole,\" I muttered.\n\nDragons, GW snapped. You know what to do. It's time to fulfill your destinies. The Dark wizard will awaken soon, and we must—\n\nYeah, yeah, yeah, Kevin said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We know what to do. We're not idiots.\n\nI wouldn't go that far, GW muttered.\n\nYou've got this, Leslie said. I know you do, Sam.\n\nJust don't mess it up, Pat grumbled. I will kill you myself if you do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I can't wait to go to sleep so I can ignore you all for a hundred years, Zero said with a sniff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hey, little bro, don't you worry about that, Kevin said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I'll be right there when you wake up again." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Frequency requirement: 'until' - 2 occurrence(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[ The lights flitted up around me, spinning in a circle that sped up until they blended together. It was almost like a halo swirling above me, until it shot toward the sky, rising toward the stars. It reached its apex and then fell back toward me. I closed my eyes as they slammed into me and I— so much energy so much power I could I could I could this could all be mine ]\n\n—breathed in and breathed out and in again as my scars burned, as my heart raced, as I—\n\n<easy it'd be easy keep them here trap them here make them obey>" }, { "from": "human", "value": "—struggled to find control again." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was more than I expected. We'd never done this in the Dark Woods. Never once had they given me their dragon magic, though we'd talked about it. GW had thought it'd be too much too soon, and I'd agreed.\n\nIt was almost too much now.\n\nBecause these thoughts I had, these dark thoughts, were spinning through me." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'would' appears 2 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How I could take the dragons and keep them here. In me. That their magic would always be mine. That nothing could stand in my way. No villain could ever hurt my family again. The people who had turned against me would bow at my feet.\n\nMyrin had gone about it all wrong." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Like all the villains who had come before him, he'd thought too small." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He didn't have the scope that I did." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The vision. No one would ever think of crossing me again, because I was Sam of Dragons, and I had five different dragon souls within me. I could trap them here, and they wouldn't— A groan from the other side of the clearing.\n\nI looked up.\n\nMyrin sat up, clutching his head as if he was in pain. The rage I'd felt at the sight of my cornerstone crumpled on the dirty ground of an alleyway in the slums returned full force. I stalked toward him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked up at me as I approached, a dazed expression on his face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What is this?\" he demanded. \"Where are we?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't answer. I lashed out, kicking him upside the head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He shouted as he fell back, rolling in the grass toward the edge of the clearing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I grasped on to Zero's magic as Myrin came to a stop, and imagined a tree taking root just underneath the Dark wizard." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I wanted it, so it came to be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ground shook and split apart and an actual tree burst through the dirt and grass underneath Myrin. He cried out as the tree sprouted, throwing him sideways. He landed with a crash back on the ground, hugging his sides, curling up into a ball.\n\nI ignored him for the moment and looked around the clearing. Trees sprouted along the edges, growing far higher than what should have been possible. It only took seconds before we were completely surrounded and caged in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Myrin wouldn't be able to escape." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I turned back toward him even as the dragons called out in my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I ignored them. I had what I needed. This was what the gods had made me into. This was what my destiny had called upon me for. Nothing could stop me now.\n\nMyrin pushed himself off the ground. He stood on shaky legs, one arm wrapped around his side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He was panting lightly, hair hanging down around his face." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The dragons,\" he said, spitting out a thick wad of blood. \"This is the power of the dragons.\"\n\nI shrugged. \"Sure looks that way.\"\n\nHe chuckled. It sounded pained. \"I should have known. You—you surprise me, Sam. I don't know why. You just… do.\"\n\n\"Because you weren't expecting someone like me.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'ground' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No. I don't suppose I was. But then, you weren't expecting me.\" And he quickly clapped his hands together out in front of him. Large columns of rock shot out of the ground at steep angles, racing toward me. I jumped to the right, rolled on the ground, and ended up crouched on my feet. \"Because, Sam, if this is a dream, it means I'm dreaming too. So I have control and—\"\n\n\"Oh my gods, dude, shut up, for fuck's sake!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I ran toward him, zigzagging back and forth, avoiding the columns of stone that shot up, dirt and grass raining around me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There came a quick warning, bright as a meteor in my head—underneath, underneath, SAM UNDERNEATH—but I wasn't quick enough and rock hit my left leg, knocking me off course." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I skidded along the ground as the dragons roared. Myrin was laughing again, a savage mockery that sounded so much like Morgan.\n\nI picked myself up as I latched on to Kevin, focusing my magic with pinpoint accuracy. My heart burst and lightning arced from my hands, striking Myrin in the chest. He seized, the cords in his neck standing out as his head rocked back, jaw dropped, lightning shooting from his mouth and cracking in the air above him. I rode the electrical current that came from me, one moment halfway across the clearing from him and the next right in front of him." }, { "from": "system", "value": "🎯 Target word: 'clever' | Required occurrences: 2" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My fist was electrified as I brought it back before slamming it into his chest. There was an explosion of bright blue energy as he flew back and landed with a devastating crash. The lightning skittered away from him through the grass, leaving burn marks that scarred the earth like the marks on my chest.\n\n\"Clever,\" he managed to say, body still trembling. \"Very… clever.\"\n\nI was already exhausted but determined not to let it show. I moved slowly until I stood above him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His eyes were bright as he looked up at me. \"You've lost,\" I told him. \"After everything, after all you've done, you've lost.\"\n\nHe smiled weakly. \"So it appears. And will you kill me now? Like you killed your cornerstone?\"\n\nI stared down at him.\n\n\"The look on his face, Sam. Oh, it was planned. I can see that now. But did you see the look on the knight's face? He tried to hide it. He really did. But there was such betrayal there. Like he couldn't believe it was actually happening. You killed your beloved. The bond with your cornerstone broke. Even if it was for a small amount of time, it broke. And you caused that. We're not so different after all, Sam. Because you did what you had to in order to gain the upper hand. Just as I did.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I am nothing like you,\" I growled.\n\n\"Aren't you? Or are you more? Sam, the loss of life since I took over has been minimal. I imprisoned the people of Verania. I didn't slaughter them. Not like you wanted to do to the Darks. I felt it. How close it was. How you wanted to snuff the life out of all of them. You almost killed more people than I ever have. What does that make you? And don't even get me started on Ruv and Caleb.\"\n\n\"Shut up! You don't know what you're—\"\n\nHe coughed as he rose slowly. \"You didn't see what I did. You didn't hear them die like I did, Sam. In those last seconds, they knew what was coming. They felt it. Sam, they screamed when your lightning rolled over them. When their bodies began to burn to nothing but ash. I watched as they died. And you did it. No one else. You did this, Sam. They took a different path than you, and you made them suffer for it. You killed Caleb's mother, and then you killed him. And Ruv. Oh, poor, sweet little Ruv, a lost boy until I found him and gave him what he wished for more than anything in the world. To matter. Doesn't that sound familiar? After all, you wished for the same. And my brother came for you, much like I did for Ruv.\"\n\n\"No, no, no, you don't get to say that, you don't get to—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Truth hurts, doesn't it?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "he said. \"To know that you're capable of as much darkness as I am, that you—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sam.\n\nNo, Sam.\n\nDon't listen to him!\n\nIt's not true.\n\nYou are better than this. Than him.\n\nYou are more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The dragons. Sounding so far away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"—and I know, Sam, I really do, that you could be so much worse than I ever was. All that magic in you. All that power. Don't you see? It's just easier to… let go. The darkness won't judge you. It won't restrict you. It won't—\"\n\n\"Shut up,\" I screamed at him. \"You don't get to—\"\n\nHis eyes flashed. \"The gods got it wrong. You were never meant to be the hero of this story. Sam, can't you see?\" He reached for me, fingers shaking. \"You were always going to be the villain.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'around' 3 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked surprised when I closed my hand around his throat, like he hadn't expected me to move so quickly. The dragons were roaring in my head—please sam please sam stop this don't do this you are better you are more you are good and and and—but I ignored them. Wind started to whip around us, and the stars above dimmed.\n\nHis hands came to my forearms, wrapping around them tightly. \"Do you… know my… wizarding name?\"\n\n\"Myrin the Bright Star,\" I snapped at him, feeling the green and gold mounting furiously within me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes,\" he gasped. \"Do you know why?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It doesn't matter. You've—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because I flash brightly… like the stars.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I brought his face close to mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even stars burn out.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He grimaced as his infected yellow magic pushed against mine, but it wasn't enough. I was mired in the green and gold. It was everything. I was everything.\n\nThe dragons were barely there, buried underneath the storm.\n\n\"I told you I read your Grimoire.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That I saw who you were. Who you became.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yes.\"\n\n\"I even read the end pages.\"\n\nHis eyes widened.\n\n\"I saw how you did it. How you figured out how to consume magic.\"\n\nHe started to thrash.\n\nAnd it was easy, wasn't it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Giving in. Because here, here, here I was a god. I was the most powerful being who ever existed. I had the dragons. I had Myrin the Bright Star, and he had Morgan of Shadows buried within him. But it mattered not. Because it would all be mine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wouldn't,\" he whispered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I grinned at him. \"Oh, Myrin. That's where you're wrong. Because I would. And I will.\"\n\nSome fleeting part of me knew that what I was doing was wrong. This wasn't who I was. But it was gone by way of the wind. It didn't matter who I used to be." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gods had made me this way. They'd wanted someone to pin the fate of the world on, and they'd chosen me. But they'd never expected what I could become. Vadoma hadn't seen it. David's Dragon certainly hadn't seen it. None of them had." }, { "from": "human", "value": "They forced me here, filled me with enough magic for a thousand wizards to have, and they expected what." }, { "from": "human", "value": "That I would just give it all up?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That I would let this all go?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "That I would stand here with Myrin in my grasp, this man who had taken so much from me, and not make him suffer?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That I wouldn't take everything from him, leaving him nothing but a shell, skin cooling and eyes blank like he'd done to Morgan?\n\nAnd the people of Verania. They hadn't trusted me. They hadn't believed in me. They'd turned their backs on me, telling me I wasn't good enough, that the color of my skin wasn't right, that I'd come from the slums and I was worth nothing. And only when they didn't have any other choice, they begged me to save them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I would show them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I would show them all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I would consume Myrin's magic, and then I would return to Verania and show her people exactly what I was capable of.\n\nThere would be a new world order.\n\nMy world order.\n\nDeep within me, two blue pulses rose, entwined as they spun together. They were trying to defy me and—\n\nNo, Sam." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not defy. Save." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We're trying to save you.\n\nAnd I—\n\n\"Sam?\"\n\nI turned my head.\n\nKnight Commander Ryan Foxheart stood in the clearing, just out of arm's reach. His eyes were wide and fearful as he watched me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's a trick,\" I snapped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're not here. You're not real.\" I turned back to Myrin. \"Is this you? Are you doing this? Because if you think that'll stop me, you're wrong. I won't fall for your games, Myrin. Not now. Not again. You won't stop me this time.\"\n\n\"Isn't me,\" Myrin wheezed.\n\nI squeezed his neck tighter.\n\n\"Sam, please, listen to me!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ryan shouted as the wind picked up, whipping around Myrin and me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"This isn't you! This isn't who you are.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I laughed. \"And what would you know about who I am? I killed people, Ryan. And I enjoyed it. I wanted them gone from this world. I almost took out all the Darks, but I was weak. I see that now. I'm weak no longer. I will finish them after I deal with—\"\n\nHe shook his head angrily. \"You did it to save Verania. You did it for the King. For Justin. Your parents and Gary and Tiggy and Kevin. For me. We're the reason you're who you are. Not what you've done. Not Myrin. Not your magic. You are Sam. That's who you are. Not this. Never this. You can't give in to it. You can't. I won't let you. And do you know why?\"\n\nAnd there was something to his words, wasn't there?\n\nA little spark in all that darkness.\n\nEven as I pulled Myrin closer to me and opened my mouth, thinking those black words I'd seen in the back of his Grimoire, the darkest of all magics, there was a spark, and it sputtered, wanting to burn— Myrin's mouth dropped open as his eyes rolled back in his head, and I could take it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Right here. Right now." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'would' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His magic, Morgan's magic, would be mine, and I could—\n\nRyan slipped, the wind almost too strong for him. He barely held himself upright, his armor reflecting the lightning flashing above.\n\nMyrin's magic began to leak from him, and I could feel it, that infection spreading down my arms and hands, and I would consume it all—\n\nA hand on my shoulder.\n\nA mouth near my ear." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ryan Foxheart said, \"Because it's always been you, Sam. I promise. I promise. I promise, because when I look upon these stars, there is nothing I wish for more than you.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The spark burst brightly, and I…" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I let it all go.\n\nThe dragons roared forward, swirling red and blue and black and white, so much white that I shook with it.\n\nMyrin gasped as he was flung across the clearing, landing on his back with a jarring crash, dirt and grass piling up around him.\n\nThe winds died.\n\nYou idiot! Kevin snarled from within me. I am going to kick your fucking ass when we get home, and then I'm going to tell Gary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh, are you in for a world of hurt when he finds out what you— Please, Leslie sniffed. As if there will be enough for Gary to hurt by the time I'm done with him. And you're welcome for pulling Ryan here, even though you tried to stop us.\n\nYou're in for it now, Pat said. She is scary when she wants to be.\n\nAnd I thought I was all dark and emo, Zero said, sounding awed. Sam. Sam!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "You need to paint your fingernails black and dye your hair black and walk around in the shadows, saying things like no one understands me and I could have totally destroyed the world if I wanted to, but it was lame so I changed my mind because of love. Or whatever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is so romantic! I mean, this is stupid and I hate it and I wish you'd all leave me alone.\n\nSam, GW said. It's time to finish this. You must kill Myrin the Bright Star.\n\n\"Oh my gods,\" I muttered. \"Would you guys shut up? You're ruining a moment here.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They weren't too happy about that if their mutterings meant anything.\n\nRyan was still clutching at me, his forehead resting against my shoulder, his hair tickling my ear. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on as tightly as I could.\n\n\"You okay?\" he asked quietly.\n\n\"Yeah. You?\"\n\n\"Yeah.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Good. Ryan, I….\" But my words died in my throat as the forest began to light up around us.\n\nIt wasn't like the dragon lights. It wasn't like the fairies. The thousands of small glowing orbs that began to rise from the clearing around us didn't feel like magic. But they weren't threatening. Instead, they felt… peaceful." }, { "from": "system", "value": "⚠️ Required: Use 'didn't' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Calm and soothing. I didn't know if this was another trick. The dragons weren't talking, so I didn't think we were in any immediate danger.\n\n\"You're not,\" a voice said from behind us.\n\nRyan and I whirled around.\n\nThere, at the opposite end of the clearing, was David's Dragon.\n\nThe constellation was as bright as he'd ever been." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His enormous wings stretched out wide, stars twinkling at the tips. His head tipped in my direction as he studied me curiously. He had pinned Myrin below him, his claws digging into the ground around the Dark wizard. Myrin looked dazed, eyes reflecting the dragon starlight above him.\n\n\"Great,\" I muttered. \"Exactly who I wanted to see this very second right after I was about to turn evil. Wonderful.\"\n\n\"Uh,\" Ryan said, dumbfounded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Is that who I think it is?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If you're thinking it's David's Dragon, the god who pretty much started this whole mess and is a stupid fuck-face, then yes. It is who you think it is.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not a fuck-face,\" the Star Dragon said. \"You're a fuck-face.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Ryan squeaked next to me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Star Dragon peered at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What was that noise he made?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I shook my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was his Sam Is Mocking a Higher Being Directly to His Face Again noise.\"\n\n\"You capitalized that,\" Ryan whimpered, eyes bulging as he took in the constellation before us.\n\n\"Well yeah. Because it's true.\"\n\n\"I assume it happens often, then, if you've given it a name?\" the Star Dragon asked.\n\n\"I tend to be insolent,\" I admitted." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's something I'm aware of and will strive to be better about in the future.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I highly doubt that.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Go fuck yourself—I mean, oh gee. I can't wait to prove you wrong.\"\n\nThe lights were brighter now, and growing in number. They stopped rising about chest level, until it looked as if the clearing was covered in a sea of them. I reached out and touched one and felt—\n\n<thank you thank you thank you for keeping us safe>\n\n—something pulse just underneath my fingertips." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was benevolent and sweet, and I was shocked that it was directed toward me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What are these?\" I asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The hopes of your people,\" the Star Dragon said simply." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't understand.\"\n\n\"Heroes often don't,\" he said. \"And that's why you are one.\"\n\nI looked away from it. \"I don't feel very much like a hero right now.\"\n\n\"And why is that?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I…. Surely you saw what I'm capable of. What I did. What I could have done.\"\n\n\"The Darks.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"Your cornerstone.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"And the darkness within yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Star Dragon sighed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It was always going to come down to this, Sam. No matter what way you spin this, it was always going to be you or them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"So I still didn't have a choice,\" I said bitterly, staring down at Myrin still trapped beneath the Star Dragon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "His mouth was open in a silent scream." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did,\" the Star Dragon said. \"You could have disregarded all of this. Ignored your destiny. Ignored your dragons. Allowed Verania to fall into shadow.\"\n\n\"Which it did.\"\n\n\"But not because of you,\" he said lightly. \"Sam, you did what was asked of you. In the end, even after everything you'd been through, after losing people you love, you still accepted your destiny.\"\n\nI shook my head furiously." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I was running. Like always. I was angry and scared, and I ran.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And you came back. You came back to face those you'd left behind. You became the wizard you were always supposed to be.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't understand. That's not choice. That's—\"\n\n\"You were given a choice,\" the Star Dragon said. \"Unlimited power. You stood at the edge of a cliff. And yet you didn't jump. I think your cornerstone had a little to do with that.\"\n\nI glanced at Ryan, who stood stock-still, eyeing the Star Dragon. \"Uh,\" he said.\n\nI snorted. \"Eloquent as always.\"\n\n\"It's a god,\" he hissed at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What the hell am I supposed to say? You know what? No. I don't need you to tell me. I got this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He squared his shoulders as he stared up at the Star Dragon. \"Hi. Hello. Uh. God. Sir. Star Dragon. Or whatever you are. My name is Knight Commander Ryan Foxheart. And you are very big. And made of stars.\"\n\nThe Star Dragon squinted down at him. \"Is he always like this?\"\n\n\"He doesn't do well with authority figures,\" I said, patting Ryan on the arm. \"He called Mama the Queen of the Fuck Palace when he met her for the first time.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'could' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ryan moaned. \"Why would you tell a god that? He could smite us where we stand!\"\n\n\"I could,\" he said. \"But that sounds like too much work.\"\n\n\"Eep,\" Ryan said.\n\n\"Why didn't you take it?\" the Star Dragon asked me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You could have easily consumed Myrin's magic and taken it for your own. What stopped you?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I looked at the lights surrounding us. \"I… I heard Ryan's voice. And the promise he made to me once.\"\n\n\"About what he wished for.\"\n\n\"Yes.\"\n\n\"And that pulled you back. From the Dark.\"\n\n\"He tends to do that.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Incorporate this exact phrase, preserving the quotation marks: \"Even after you killed him. I must admit, even we didn't see that one coming.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even after you killed him. I must admit, even we didn't see that one coming.\"\n\n\"What can I say? Had to fulfill the prophecy somehow.\"\n\n\"It kind of sucked,\" Ryan said, before slapping a hand over his mouth.\n\nI rolled my eyes.\n\nThe Star Dragon shifted his wings. \"The Great White doesn't believe in cornerstones.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I felt the white light in my head mutter irritably.\n\n\"No,\" I said slowly. \"He doesn't.\"\n\n\"But even under his tutelage, you still had faith in the Knight Commander.\"\n\n\"Always.\"\n\n\"And that was your choice.\"\n\nI frowned. \"What does that have to do—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It has always been about choice, Sam. You may not have thought so, but it has. You chose to go with Morgan that day in the alley. You chose to become his pupil. You chose to bring Gary and Tiggy back with you unexpectedly. You chose to rescue the Prince, to find a dragon and make him part of your family. You chose to rise up when a prophecy was placed upon your shoulders. You chose to gather the dragons of Verania. You chose to walk away from the Great White, only to choose to return to him. And in the end, you chose to ignore the magic within you and to listen to your cornerstone, to your lightning-struck heart, and let go of the shadows and the darkness that threatened to rise within you. And the others, your friends and family, your mentor and your King, chose to put their faith in you. This was never about a path set in stone, Sam. Because—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Stone crumbles,\" I whispered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It does,\" the Star Dragon said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"All of these choices, from the very beginning, led to this moment. You are as you are now because of them. Because of the people you surround yourself with. Because of the strength that has always resided within you.\" He nodded toward the lights that swirled around us. \"And the people of Verania have made their choices too. Many of them turned away from you. They berated you. They shunned you. They arguably fought against you. But people often fear what they don't understand, and Sam, they were scared. But even now, they're wishing upon the stars for your safe return to them. You are all such complex creatures, capable of the brightest of lights and the darkest of nights. Your Prince said that hope is a weapon. And what you see before you are your people taking up arms in your name. In the name of hope. In the name of Sam of Dragons.\"\n\nI stared at the lights in wonder. \"I don't—how can I deserve this?\"\n\nThe Star Dragon smiled." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No one has ever deserved it more. You may not believe it, but that's okay. Because they believe it for you. As do I.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hung my head. Ryan was there, pressed up against me, whispering words of faith and love in my ear, telling me how proud he was, that no matter what happened, his wish had always been me, and if he had to do it all over again, he'd wish for the same.\n\n\"I'm angry,\" I admitted. \"For what was taken from me.\"\n\n\"You're human,\" the Star Dragon said. \"You're allowed to be.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hesitated. Then, \"But….\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But?\"\n\n\"There is magic everywhere, Sam.\"\n\n\"I know. Morgan taught me that.\"\n\n\"And Myrin forgot it. He took something that didn't belong to him.\"\n\nMy eyes burned. \"And I don't know that I can ever forgive him for that.\"\n\n\"Do you remember what you wished for? In the desert?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Make me mortal. When all is said and done. I will protect my King, this one and the next. I will protect my kingdom. I will do all that you ask, but I want a mortal life for my happy ending. This is my wish.\n\n\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And you did that on your own.\"\n\n\"Yeah. Sorry about that. I guess I couldn't wait.\"\n\nThe Star Dragon chuckled. \"If you could have one wish, what would it be?\"\n\nMy head snapped up. My breath hitched in my chest. \"Truly?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The Star Dragon nodded." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not all those who are lost are gone forever. Especially when a piece of them remains.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sam?\" Ryan asked. \"What is he talking about?\"\n\n\"And him?\" I said, nodding at Myrin. \"What will become of him?\"\n\nThe Star Dragon looked down. \"For another story to begin, there must first be an ending. I think it's time for Myrin to end, don't you?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He lifted the Dark wizard off the ground." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Myrin didn't struggle. His limbs hung loose between claws made of stars.\n\nThe Star Dragon tilted his head back…\n\n…and swallowed Myrin whole.\n\nRyan gave a shout of surprise as we watched Myrin slide down the Star Dragon's translucent throat, his singed hair floating around him. When he reached the dragon's belly, the stars began to shift, alighting on his skin and covering him completely. At the last moment, awareness seeped in and I swore Myrin looked… relieved." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then he burst brightly.\n\nI shielded my eyes as the clearing lit up around us.\n\nEventually, it faded.\n\nI dropped my hand as I looked back at the Star Dragon. Two lights burned within him. One a sickly yellow, and another that felt like home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have done us a great service, Sam of Dragons. You have sacrificed much. Your heart is as wild as it was the day Morgan of Shadows found you in the alley. And for that, we will bestow upon you one wish. Choose wisely, child, because once done, it can never be undone.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I didn't hesitate. \"I wish—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I gasped as I opened my eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The sky above was clear, the storm past." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The stars shone brightly, David's Dragon the brightest of all.\n\nI sat up, groaning at the stiffness in my back. I looked to my left, where Ryan was grunting, blinking rapidly. \"Did that really just happen?\"\n\n\"I… think so? I mean, I feel like I've had the shit beaten out of me, so I—\"\n\nMyrin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I looked toward where I'd seen him last in the alley." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was gone.\n\nI sighed in relief. \"Fuck. Dude, I think we won.\"\n\nRyan pushed himself up, his armor dented and scuffed. He picked up his sword and frowned at it. \"I just stood in the presence of a god.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah. Made a good impression too.\"\n\n\"Shut up.\"\n\n\"It was, like, my fourth or fifth time, so that's why I was so smooth.\"\n\nHe shook his head. \"I don't know if I'd call you smooth.\"\n\n\"Bullshit. I'm awesome. I just totally saved the day and stuff.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He snorted. \"And stuff. Maybe you need to be reminded that it was me that stopped you from going all psycho villain.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I grinned at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Because of your love for me. You saved me with the power of your love.\"\n\n\"So dumb,\" he muttered, but he was blushing, so I knew he was full of shit. \"I don't… what happened? In the end. I didn't hear what you wished for.\"\n\nOh fuck. \"We gotta get to the castle!\"\n\nHe blinked. \"What? Why? What's going—\"\n\nI stood up quickly, looking skyward." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Kevin!\" I bellowed as my magic burst." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I heard the answering roar of a dragon." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Huh,\" I said. \"I didn't think that'd work. Neat. Why are you just standing there? We have to go!\"\n\n\"I just helped you face down the biggest Dark wizard of all time. I think I'm allowed to stand still for a little bit—and what in the fucking fuck is that!\"\n\nI glared at him. \"Look, just because you love me so much that you pulled me from the brink does not mean you get to—what in the fucking fuck is that!\"\n\nSometimes in life, you see something so ridiculous that it immediately defies all logic and causes all the synapses in your brain to misfire at the same time. These moments are extraordinarily rare, and once seen, can never be unseen." }, { "from": "human", "value": "This was one of those moments." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Because above us, running on a bridge made of rainbows shooting from his horn, was Gary." }, { "from": "human", "value": "With Randall riding on his back." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Tiggy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Riding on Kevin." }, { "from": "system", "value": "CONSTRAINT: Include 'toward' 2 time(s)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"This might be the most amazing thing I've ever seen,\" I breathed fervently.\n\nThe rainbow bridge began to spiral downward toward us, Gary running along it. There was a possibility that he was singing. Randall looked ill and annoyed. Kevin was spouting something undoubtedly overtly sexual toward his husband, and Tiggy was just screaming, \"GWAAAAHHH.\"\n\n\"I love them so hard,\" I told Ryan." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't know why stuff like this still surprises me,\" he said with a sigh." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rainbow slammed into the ground moments before Gary's hooves hit the stone of the alleyway. \"Did you see that shit?\" he demanded.\n\n\"Well,\" I said faintly. \"I do have eyes.\"\n\n\"You're damn right you have eyes. Not that you are going to have them for very much longer because I am going to stab them out of your face, you little bitch. How dare you have a secret plan behind my back to make me think you'd actually turned evil and then killed Ryan, only to bring him back to life in a plot so ridiculous, your brain should be studied long after you're dead to figure out why it's so deranged.\" His eyes filled with tears as Randall slid from his back, muttering that he wanted no part of this." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'because' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh no,\" I said.\n\n\"Oh yes!\" he wailed. \"Do you know how much you've aged me in the last four hours? Do you know what wrinkles look like on a unicorn, Sam? Do you? Because if you did, then you would realize the extent of your betrayal.\"\n\n\"We crying?\" Tiggy asked, bottom lip wobbling as he jumped down from Kevin's back.\n\n\"No,\" I said, voice breaking. \"Okay, maybe.\"\n\nAnd then I burst into tears, because if you can't have a good cry with your best friends after saving the world, then when can you?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tiggy wrapped Gary and me up in his arms, holding us close as we blubbered all over each other." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ow,\" I sobbed at Gary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your horn just poked me in the cheek.\"\n\n\"You deserve it,\" he cried. \"You know what? I'm going to make a secret plan of my own about something and only tell Tiggy!\"\n\n\"I'll tell you,\" Tiggy told me, great tears dripping down his cheeks. \"I'll tell you, Sam.\"\n\n\"What's going on?\" Kevin asked from somewhere behind us." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Why are they crying?\"\n\n\"You should know by now that it's better not to ask,\" Randall said. \"Besides, if we ignore it, it'll be over quicker.\"\n\n\"I'm sorry!\" I wailed. \"I just thought if you knew, you'd never let me go through with it.\"\n\n\"You're damn right we wouldn't have,\" Gary snapped, eyes suddenly dry." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Because it was stupid, just like you! What the hell were you thinking?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hey! It worked!\"\n\nHe blinked. \"It did? Oh. Well, then.\" He pulled away from Tiggy's arms. \"That's good. Now that that's over with, can we please talk about me? Did you see me running on a rainbow?\"\n\n\"I did,\" I assured him, patting Tiggy on the arm as I stepped away. \"You're the most preposterous thing I've ever seen in my life.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'asked' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gary preened, puffing his chest out. \"Right? I can't wait to see what else I can do with this rainbow.\"\n\n\"Like what, my love?\" Kevin asked, keenly interested.\n\n\"I'm so glad you asked,\" Gary said, prancing over to him. \"Have you ever been to a bakery that had rainbow sprinkles on their pastries?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must include the following in quotes somewhere in your response: And what pastries would the sprinkles be on?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ooh,\" Kevin growled. \"And what pastries would the sprinkles be on?\"\n\n\"All of them,\" Gary purred.\n\n\"Gods,\" I said, trying hard not to gag. \"It didn't take long for him to ruin his horn for me forever.\"\n\n\"I blame you for most of this,\" Ryan said, looking green.\n\n\"Stop! All of you!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "We turned just in time to see a Dark wizard pop out from behind Kevin at the entrance to the alley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked a little worse for wear, what with the fact that his eyebrows appeared to have been singed off." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Huh,\" I said. \"One must have escaped. That sucks.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Aha!\" he cried." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have bested Sam of Dragons! I will be the supreme Dark wizard. If only my father could see me now. You see, he never respected—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And that's when Gary stabbed him in the chest with his horn, pinning him against the wall. \"You just bought a one-way ticket to Gore City, bitch,\" he snarled.\n\nEveryone clapped except for me. \"My catchphrases are so much better,\" I muttered. \"That was just stupid.\"\n\n\"Sam.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "As Gary began to bitch and moan about Dark wizard gunk on his horn, I turned to Randall." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked tense and wary. \"I….\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Is it done?\"\n\nI didn't know quite what to say. \"He's… the Star Dragon. He—consumed him. Myrin was….\"\n\nRandall nodded tightly. \"And you're all right?\"\n\n\"I'm fine.\"\n\nAnd then Randall hugged me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I was so surprised, I didn't know quite what to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My arms were at my sides and I couldn't even think, much less reciprocate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Are you going to make this even more awkward?\" he muttered against my shoulder.\n\n\"Uh. No. No, I'm not.\"\n\nAnd I brought my arms up and hugged him back.\n\nIt was good.\n\nThe best, really." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to use 'doing' 2 time(s) throughout your message" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Thank you,\" he whispered. \"For doing what you had to. For doing what I could not.\"\n\nI swallowed past the lump in my throat. \"I'm sorry. For not being able—I couldn't—\"\n\n\"I know,\" he said. \"But it was never about that. He made his choices. I'm just happy that you're all right. Did he say anything else?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Star Dragon?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Just—\" My eyes widened. \"Holy shit.\" I shoved Randall off me. \"Suck me through your hole,\" I demanded.\n\n\"Now wait a godsdamn minute,\" Ryan started.\n\nRandall scowled. \"What are you prattling on about now?\"\n\n\"The castle! We have to get to the castle! Randall! Now!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked uncertain. \"I don't….\"\n\n\"Trust me,\" I pleaded. \"I need you to—\"\n\nAnd we were gone.\n\nI stumbled as we reappeared in the throne room.\n\nIt was eerily empty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Darks had been defeated, and soon we'd fill the room and corridors with the sounds of life as it once had been, but for now, it was quiet.\n\n\"Why are we here?\" Randall asked, looking around. \"What has happened?\"\n\n\"Hello?\" I called out.\n\nThere was no response.\n\nI shook my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was fine. It was fine. We just needed to—\n\nI took off for the rear entrance that led to the gardens. Randall shouted after me, telling me to wait just a godsdamn minute. I ignored him. The dragons were bright in my head, agitated in the way they buzzed, but I pushed them away. Kevin was still with the others in the alley." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zero had joined them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The remaining dragons were nearing the City of Lockes. They'd been successful, I knew, in taking back Meridian City. There were smaller enclaves of Darks left, but soon they'd disperse. Not all of the Darks had been captured, but they'd disappear back into the Dark Woods. If they didn't, well. We'd deal with them then." }, { "from": "human", "value": "All of us." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'there' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I pushed the doors open, the wood groaning underneath my hands. The air was redolent with flora and fauna. The stars were blazing in the sky above, and I called out, \"Hello!\" again, but there was nothing, there was nothing, and I'd been lied to, I'd been deceived.\n\nI pushed my way through the plants, branches scraping against my hands and cheeks as I made my way toward my mother's secret garden. My heart thundered in my chest, Randall's cries ringing in my ears, the dragons rumbling in my head, and I thought, please, please, please." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There, in the secret garden was—" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing.\n\nAlmost nothing.\n\nMorgan's obelisk still stood as it had before, during our rescue of the King.\n\nBut that was it.\n\nI heard a bird call.\n\nI took a step forward." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hello,\" I managed to say again.\n\nNothing.\n\nI sagged.\n\nThen—\n\nIt was like I was eleven years old.\n\nIt was like I was eleven years old, standing in an alleyway in the slums, just having turned a group of teenage douchebags to stone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because he said, \"Well, this certainly is a surprise.\"\n\nI closed my eyes and breathed and breathed and breathed. \"I like your shoes.\"\n\nHe said, \"Thank you, little one. I made them out of the tears of a succubus and a lightning-struck tree stump I found under the Winter Moon. I like your face.\"\n\nMy tears spilled over. \"Thank you, big one. My parents made it when they got married. I was a honeymoon baby, whatever that means.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "There came a deep chuckle that I'd missed very much." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Sam, look at me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I shook my head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I don't know if I can.\"\n\n\"Why?\"\n\n\"I'm scared.\"\n\n\"Of?\"\n\n\"This being nothing but a dream.\"\n\nA pair of warm hands cupped my face." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I squeezed my eyes shut tighter." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It's real,\" he said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The Star Dragon told me of your wish. That it came from the depths of your heart. And I… I was given a choice.\"\n\nI tried to smile, but it trembled and broke. \"You were?\"\n\n\"Yes, little one.\"\n\n\"And what did you choose?\"\n\n\"You, Sam. Always you.\"\n\nI opened my eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And there, with a quiet smile on his face, was Morgan of Shadows.\n\n[ Epilogue: A Wish Upon the Stars ]\n\n\"And now I will tell you about my brilliant plans to bring Verania to its knees,\" the evil centaur and total douchebag Jeffrey said with a cackle.\n\n\"I blame you for all of this,\" Gary said irritably.\n\n\"Me?\" I snapped. \"How is this my fault?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Remember to mention: \"Hey! I don't judge! You do you, you know? But did it have to be today of all days? You said it'd be quick.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You're the reason we're here in the first place!\"\n\n\"Um, excuse you? If you'll recall, you're the one who said that you needed me to go with you in order to suss out a potential partner for you and Kevin to have your weird three-way sex with. How was I to know that he was going to turn out to be this asshole?\"\n\n\"Um,\" Jeffrey said. \"I'm standing right here.\"\n\n\"Oh please,\" Gary sneered. \"Just because you believe in complete monogamy doesn't mean that you can look down upon those who are into a more fluid lifestyle.\"\n\n\"Hey! I don't judge! You do you, you know? But did it have to be today of all days? You said it'd be quick.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You did say that,\" Tiggy said, looking extraordinarily grumpy at having been restrained with some type of vermilion root that I'd never seen before. In fact, we all were, and it even somehow inhibited Gary's magic. His horn was useless.\n\n\"If it makes you feel any better,\" Jeffrey said, \"I did plan on having sex with you. It wasn't until I realized who you were that I came up with this plan.\"\n\n\"No, Jeffrey,\" Gary snarled, \"that doesn't make me feel any better. In fact, it makes me feel worse.\"\n\n\"Oh. Well, if I could continue telling you about—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How did you even meet this dickbag?\" I asked Gary.\n\n\"He's a patron of Honest Helga's,\" Gary said, side-eyeing the fuck out of Jeffrey. \"He likes to tie things up and whip them, and you know how I feel about that.\"\n\n\"Unfortunately I do,\" I muttered. \"We really need to renegotiate the boundaries of our friendship.\"\n\n\"If you'll recall,\" Gary said, \"we did that four months ago, and those rules are good for at least another year. It's not my fault that you suck at negotiating.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: 'jeffrey' should appear 2 times in total" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You do suck,\" Tiggy said. \"S'okay. You're pretty.\"\n\n\"Thank you, Tiggy, that's very nice of you—hey!\"\n\n\"Ahem,\" Jeffrey said, beginning to pace at the mouth of the cave he'd trapped us in, somewhere in the Dark Woods. I was really starting to get sick of his attitude.\n\n\"Everyone,\" I said. \"Everyone. Jeffrey obviously has something important to say, which is why he rudely keeps interrupting us.\"\n\nGary and Tiggy turned slowly to stare at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Jeffrey flushed, his right front hoof scuffing in the dirt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If he wasn't an evil douchebag, I would have thought this half man/half horse was handsome. And he was hung—nope. Nope, nope, nope. \"Yes, well. I appreciate your attention on what is a very serious matter. You see, it all started with my father—\"\n\n\"Did I mention how handsome you looked today?\" Gary asked me.\n\n\"Thank you,\" I said, rather pleased. \"I was worried that it was going to look like I was trying too hard, but Lady Tina said that—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah yes, Lady Tina, who seems to be your new best friend. I'm glad you brought that up, because I certainly wasn't going to.\"\n\nI glared at him. \"She is not my new best friend. If anything, we're frenemies and I barely acknowledge her existence. It's not my fault she said I dressed as if I still lived in the slums.\"\n\nGary looked amused. \"Well, to be fair, she does have a point.\"\n\n\"A little one,\" Tiggy agreed.\n\n\"I hate you both so much.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Can we… uh, bring back the focus this way?\" Jeffrey asked, pointing at himself. \"Like, all eyes on me? That'd be great.\"\n\n\"Rude,\" I said. \"In case you didn't hear, I was in the middle of being complimented, and you just happened to—\"\n\n\"Why are you dressed up like that?\" Jeffrey asked, looking me up and down." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It seems a little odd to be all gussied up and going out into the woods to help your friend find his hookup.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh,\" I said, looking down at my outfit. I wore tight white silk dress trousers with knee-high black boots, a rather frilly white tunic opened at the throat, and a forest-green jerkin that had gold buttons running up the front and molded perfectly to my frame. \"It's sort of my wedding day.\"\n\nJeffrey paled. \"Say what now.\"\n\n\"I'm getting hitched, dude. Like, fastening the ol' ball and chain to my ankle so I'll never be free. Getting dude-married to my one true love. Tying the knot. Taking a husband. Heh. And then later, I'm going to take my husband three or four times, if you know what I mean—\"\n\n\"Yes, yes,\" Gary said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We all know what you mean. You should really keep your sexual deviancy to yourself.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Um, are we, or are we not, captured by the centaur who you were going to have a threesome with.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Gary grinned. \"My life is so exciting.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And now that you mention it,\" Jeffrey said faintly, \"the rest of you are all fancied up too.\"\n\nAnd they were! Gary's mane and tail were streaked with pinks and purples, flowers from my mother's garden woven into his braided hair. His horn had been polished and his hooves painted. I thought he was wearing mascara too, but I didn't ask, because one never asked if a unicorn was wearing mascara. I most certainly didn't want to purchase a one-way ticket to Gore City, seeing as it was now a viable destination.\n\nTiggy, as he was wont to do, didn't accept any help from anyone in choosing his outfit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wore green breeches and a yellow shirt with puffy sleeves. He topped it all off with a purple top hat that Mama had made especially for him. He looked like the world's largest pimp. Randall approved.\n\n\"Thank you for noticing,\" Gary said, batting his eyelashes at our captor. \"Enchanté.\"\n\n\"You are so gross,\" I muttered.\n\nJeffrey looked rather fearful." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So what you're saying is that I've kidnapped you on your wedding day.\"\n\n\"Wow. You're so quick. Good job, dude.\"\n\n\"And that probably means there are people looking for you.\"\n\n\"Literally thousands, most like. I don't know if you know this, but my latest polls came out, and apparently I'm quite popular now. People find me appealing.\"\n\n\"Which was barely ahead of off-putting,\" Gary said gleefully.\n\n\"I smash you soon,\" Tiggy promised Jeffrey." }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"Okay, so he'll smash you,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh no,\" Jeffrey said.\n\n\"So!\" I said. \"Since we've established that I'm going to be marrying the dreamiest dream who has ever been dreamed, and that a billion people are probably descending upon our very location as we speak, maybe just let us go, huh? I swear I won't let Tiggy smash you.\"\n\n\"I smash you gooood,\" Tiggy said.\n\n\"Okay, so he'll smash you,\" I admitted. \"But that's just par for the course. Unless this is going to be another Lartin thing. Because dude, that sucked. Are you super famous in the centaur world?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. Well, I mean, not super famous, but I get by—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Eh, close enough. Tiggy, maybe not kill him smash him, but the sort of smashing where his bones are broken and he'll regret being alive for the next six months, and whenever he hears our names, he will quake in fear.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I do that,\" Tiggy said.\n\n\"Good,\" I said. \"Now that that's settled, what say you let us out of here so we can get this show on the—\"\n\n\"No!\" Jeffrey snapped. \"You know what? I'm in charge here. Meaning we're going to do what I say. I have captured you, and therefore, this moment is mine. You will listen as I lay out my plan to take over Verania, and you will like it.\"\n\n\"Oh, bitch,\" Gary breathed. \"Shouldn't have said that, bitch.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That's how you want to do it?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I asked, narrowing my eyes. \"Fine.\"\n\nJeffrey looked surprised. \"Really?\"\n\n\"I mean, yeah. Sure. I guess.\"\n\n\"Oh. Okay. I just—I thought there'd be more resistance.\"\n\n\"Nah, you were pretty forceful, dude. I was impressed.\"\n\n\"Ha!\" Jeffrey crowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"If only my father could be here to hear you say that. You hear that, Dad? I'm forceful. Suck on that, you absentee asshole!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You were going to have sex with him,\" I whispered to Gary.\n\n\"Yeah,\" Gary said, staring at Jeffrey. \"My bad.\"\n\n\"I was seven when my father left to go get a pack of cigarettes and never returned,\" Jeffrey began. \"I'll be right back, he said. Don't you worry, he said. But I did. I did worry. And for good reason too! Because he never came back!\"\n\n\"Why do so many villains have daddy issues?\" I whispered to Gary and Tiggy." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tiggy smash now?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not yet, my friend. Not quite yet.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have daddy issues, and you don't see me turning into a villain,\" Gary said.\n\n\"We-ell,\" I said. \"You're firmly planted in a morally gray area, so I wouldn't try and hang your hat on that.\"\n\n\"And so what if I wrote a play in forty-seven acts when I was in the sixth grade entitled Daddy, Why Won't You Love Me? I was only trying to find a creative outlet in order to deal with my childhood trauma!\"\n\n\"Yeah, okay,\" I said. \"I do believe I'm sick of this. I would like to be rescued right about now.\"\n\n\"You know,\" Gary said, \"for someone who only recently defeated an evil wizard and saved the world, you still need to be rescued a lot.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Somewhere in your response, you need to say: \"Gary a liar and a fat mouth.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I shrugged. \"I only do it so other people feel like they contribute. I don't like taking all the credit.\"\n\n\"Sam, the King threw a parade in your honor, and you insisted on being the grand marshal and having a float with your face on it.\"\n\n\"I asked you if that was too much. You said no!\"\n\n\"Yeah, not for a unicorn. You're a human, Sam. Your ego needs to be kept in check. A unicorn, however, such as myself, needs to have their ego fed, because it helps to increase our magic, and therefore keeps us alive.\"\n\n\"Tiggy, is that true?\"\n\n\"No,\" Tiggy said. \"Gary a liar and a fat mouth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Tiggy!\" Gary gasped." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"How dare you say such a truthful thing?\"\n\nTiggy shrugged. \"Just want to smash, but no one let Tiggy smash. What about what Tiggy want?\"\n\n\"Aw,\" Gary and I both said.\n\n\"Dude, I am going to hug you so hard when we get out of here.\"\n\n\"Jeffrey, yoo-hoo, Jeffrey,\" Gary said shrilly.\n\nJeffrey blinked, his words about something something daddy dying in his throat. \"What?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you see that tall, strapping, handsome giant?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Um. Yes?\"\n\n\"He is very dear to me.\"\n\n\"O… kay?\"\n\n\"Be a good fellow and release him so he can smash you. He's earned it.\"\n\nJeffrey frowned. \"But… I don't want to be smashed.\"\n\nGary's eyes narrowed. \"Look, Jeffrey, it's going to happen one way or another. I think it would be better for you if you just accepted that. You won't like him when he's angry.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Too late,\" Tiggy growled." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Uh-oh,\" Gary said ominously.\n\n\"Uh-oh,\" I agreed.\n\n\"Of course this is where I'd find you, Sam,\" a voice said from the mouth of the cave.\n\nAnd just like that, I knew we'd be okay.\n\nJeffrey whirled around just in time to see Morgan of Shadows step toward him. He looked fondly bemused as he took the scene before him in." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Tiggy waved at him, and Gary blew kisses in his direction." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I just… stared in awe, as I'd done ever since the day I'd found him in the gardens. It'd been four months since the showdown with Myrin, and I still couldn't get over the fact that Morgan was here, that he was alive, that he had chosen life, Verania, us, me, over crossing the veil.\n\nWhen Myrin had taken his magic, Morgan had died. He sacrificed himself for me, for my Destiny of Dragons. But he hadn't crossed the veil, not at that moment. He'd been in a sort of limbo that apparently wasn't all that different than midtown City of Lockes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He'd conversed with gods on sidewalks lined with clouds, eaten with old friends in a diner run by elves almost as old as the Great White." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I knew he'd seen Anya—his cornerstone—again, but he didn't say much about that. I didn't push. It wasn't meant for me.\n\nBut even with all of that, even with the promise of a life ever after beckoning him, David's Dragon had given Morgan a choice: either return to the living world or cross the veil to his reward for a life well lived.\n\nHe chose the King and the Prince. He chose his labs and his Grimoire. He chose Randall and Gary and Kevin and Tiggy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He chose Ryan. He chose Verania.\n\n\"But above all else,\" he'd whispered in my ear as I sobbed into his shoulder in the garden, \"I chose you, little one, because a world in which I could not see your face isn't a world I'm ready to live in.\"\n\nSo, yeah. Awe. Every godsdamn time.\n\n\"Oh girl,\" Gary said to Jeffrey. \"You're in for it now.\"\n\n\"Oh girl,\" Tiggy agreed. \"So in.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Morgan of Shadows,\" Jeffrey squeaked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"So it would appear,\" Morgan said mildly. \"I grew concerned when I realized no one had seen any of you for at least an hour. Which, as we all know, is surely a sign of shenanigans.\"\n\n\"So many shenanigans,\" Gary said. \"And I apologize, Morgan, but you know how Sam is.\"\n\n\"Yeah,\" I said. \"You know how I—wait a minute.\"\n\n\"I mean, I tried to tell him that today of all days was not the time to try and go on an adventure,\" Gary said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"But do you think he listened to me? Of course not. He just did what he always does. Why, I came along to make sure he didn't end up hurting himself.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that No, Tiggy! Tell Gary his ideas are dumb and stupid and that you love me!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I was outraged. \"That's not what happened at all! Jeffrey was supposed to be Gary and Kevin's postwedding booty call! Gary asked me and Tiggy to go with him in case Jeffrey turned out to be, and I quote, a crazy-ass psycho who wants to lick my nuts and then chop them off and use them as earrings.\" I frowned. \"Which, now that I think about it, is an oddly specific thing that should have made me aware how stupid this was. I should have realized Gary was a fucking motherfucker with terrible ideas.\"\n\n\"I have the best ideas,\" Gary snarled at me. \"Tiggy, tell him!\"\n\n\"No, Tiggy! Tell Gary his ideas are dumb and stupid and that you love me!\"\n\nTiggy looked conflicted. Then he turned to Morgan and said, \"Tiggy wanted no part of this. Just minding my business. Getting dressed. Counting brooms. Then Sam and Gary say, Tiggy, you need to do bad things. Tiggy didn't want to do bad things. But I love them, so I did them.\"\n\n\"Oh my gods,\" I moaned." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Morgan! Free us right this second. I need to squish his face so godsdamn hard!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Morgan sighed but waved his hand.\n\nThe vermilion roots crumbled to dust, and Tiggy was already waiting with open arms as Gary and I charged at him.\n\nSeventeen minutes later (after coming up with three new rules for the Sam/Gary/Tiggy Friendship), we finally stopped hugging and turned back to the others.\n\nJeffrey was chatting amiably with Morgan, completely unaware of the world of hurt coming his way.\n\n\"Morgan,\" I said lightly, \"you might want to take a step back and to the right.\"\n\nHe did just that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Ooh,\" Jeffrey said. \"Should I move as well? Are we playing a game?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yes. A game. And no, you can stay right where you are.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Okay. Gosh, this is so much fun. Hey, I hope you don't mind, but Morgan said I could come to the wedding, so—\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tiggy!\" I bellowed.\n\n\"TIGGY SMASH!\"\n\nTiggy ran at Jeffrey, a large fist pulled back, ready to fly.\n\n\"Oh my goodness,\" Jeffrey whispered.\n\nHave you ever seen an angry half-giant who doesn't appreciate when his best friends get captured punch a centaur at full speed?\n\nNo?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I hadn't either. But suffice to say, I was not disappointed. I truly did not expect Jeffrey to go flying out of the cave, spinning end over end, legs all akimbo. It was a sight to behold. He went so far, I couldn't even be sure where he landed. Or if he was alive.\n\n\"Well, then,\" I said, clapping my hands." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That was exciting. Shall we?\"\n\nGary and tiggy were walking ahead of us, Gary purring how big Tiggy's fists were and how proud he was of the half-giant's bravery. Tiggy, of course, was preening like a peacock in heat.\n\nMorgan and I trailed behind them as we made our way back to the City of Lockes. Our shoulders bumped as we walked closely together. I'd taken his hand in mine, something I hadn't really done since I was a kid but found myself doing more and more lately." }, { "from": "system", "value": "[System: Use 'didn't' 3 times in response]" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There were nights I'd wake up gasping, sweat dripping down my face, sure that everything had been a dream, that I was still in the Dark Woods getting slammed by magic from the Great White, Morgan dead. Some mornings had found me curled up next to him in his own bed after I'd snuck in, needing the reassurance that he was really here, that he'd returned just like I'd remembered.\n\nI was getting better.\n\nBut that didn't mean I didn't still want to hold his hand.\n\nHe didn't seem to mind.\n\n\"Maybe next time, wait until a day you're not getting married to do something like this,\" he chided." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I rolled my eyes." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Like I have to worry about that again. Only time I'm getting married, dude. I've already got my hooks into Ryan. He's never going to escape from me, no matter how hard he tries.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Ah, young love,\" he said, a small smile on his face. \"It's very… intense.\"\n\n\"Except now he's probably going to kill me,\" I muttered. \"You know, for the whole getting kidnapped on our wedding day thing.\"\n\n\"Eh. If he hasn't left you for all your other faults, I highly doubt that this will be the thing that pushes him over the edge.\"\n\n\"Wow,\" I breathed. \"That was so savage. You are awesome. I mean, I'm emotionally devastated like you wouldn't believe, but go you. Good job.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" he said, obviously pleased with himself." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I do find myself rather ignoring my usual hesitance at insulting you directly to your face. I guess a second chance at life will do that to a person.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Keep it up,\" I said. \"As long as it's not always directed at me, that is. I still like to think I'm a good person sometimes.\"\n\n\"You are,\" he said, squeezing my hand. \"The best, really.\"\n\nI smiled at the ground.\n\nMuch had changed since the Last Battle, as it was starting to be called (capitalized, so you know it's true). We had mourned those we'd lost (Pete, always my lovely guard) and celebrated their lives." }, { "from": "human", "value": "We'd begun to rebuild the villages and towns and cities of Verania." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The King had opened the treasury, and thousands of people had come together to restore the shining jewel that was our country. We weren't quite there yet, but I thought we would be soon.\n\nThe Darks had all been taken to Mantok, the prison in the Luri Desert. Vadoma decided she would oversee the transfer, and had somehow been given the position of Warden of Mantok, while simultaneously supervising the rebuilding of Mashallaha. There were calls for the Darks to be put to death for their part in the fall of Verania, but the King decreed there would be no more bloodshed. Instead, Randall, Morgan, and myself had warded the prison against Dark magic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It would be impossible for the Darks to escape.\n\nAnd the dragons! The dragons of Verania were held in awe and cherished as they should have been. GW, of course, hated the attention, as did Pat. Kevin spent most of the time demanding shinies. Leslie asked to keep all the orphans she could find. Zero scowled at everyone, telling them that they just didn't understand him, that his soul burned with the fires of regret—but he could rarely finish his rants without them ending in a yawn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because his time had been drawing near.\n\nWhen he needed to sleep.\n\nThe dragons and I had gone to the desert with him, returning him to his lair.\n\nWe'd sat in the ruins of that forgotten city under an ocean of stars, the six of us, knowing it would be the last time we were all together, at least in this life. For when Zero woke again, I would be nothing but bones and dust. I was okay with that." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I thought he was too." }, { "from": "human", "value": "As dawn approached and Zero's eyes started to droop, the dragons presented me with five gifts." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A red scale." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A black scale.\n\nTwo blue feathers.\n\nAnd a white scale.\n\nI wiped my eyes, knowing just how precious such gifts were. But still, I was confused. \"What are these for?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Zero rolled his eyes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"To bind your Grimoire with.\"\n\n\"Your material hard-won in the face of adversity,\" Pat said.\n\n\"Because the adversity you faced challenged you greatly,\" Leslie said.\n\n\"And you were as brave as we knew you could be,\" the Great White said.\n\n\"And also because I want you to carry a piece of me forever,\" Kevin said. \"Every time you pick up your Grimoire, you can stroke my scale and think of me.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "We all turned to look at him slowly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What?\" he said. \"Mine was just as heartfelt as yours!\"\n\nThe others left Zero and me alone after saying their goodbyes, the dragons promising to be there when he woke again. It was calming for me to know that they'd be together even after I was gone.\n\n\"We'll see each other again,\" I told him.\n\nZero glanced at me." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You truly believe that?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Mandatory: Your text must contain 'while' 2 times exactly" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Yeah, dude. I mean, we're all the same, right? It might be a while, but we'll be together again. I know it.\"\n\n\"I'm going to hold you to that, wizard.\"\n\n\"And hey, just think, when you wake up next, you'll be fifteen.\" I waggled my eyebrows. \"Maybe find yourself a nice boy or girl and kiss them on the face.\"\n\nHe blushed furiously while I laughed at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nothing much was said after that. And when he gave a cracking yawn, jaws stretched wide, I knew it was time for him to go.\n\nHe pressed his snout against my hand. \"I'll miss you, Sam.\"\n\nMy smile was a little wobbly. \"Yeah, me too. And just remember something for me, okay?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He nodded.\n\n\"You are beautiful. And your magic is a wonderful thing. The world knows it now. You no longer have to hide away.\"\n\nAnd then he slithered into his lair.\n\nWe waited in that forgotten city in the desert, just for a little while.\n\nBut then the dragons sighed as one, and I knew our friend was asleep.\n\nAs we flew from the desert, I looked back, just once, promising that I'd return as soon as I was able." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He would be asleep, but I thought he'd know I was there while he dreamed.\n\nSo, yes. Much had changed.\n\nMorgan was the King's Wizard, and still my mentor. We'd decided that I would continue to work with Justin to prepare both of us for the day he'd assume the throne. I'd breathed a sigh of relief when it was agreed upon, not yet ready to take on the responsibilities of the job. I needed time to heal, time to gain better control of the magic that coursed through me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was as strong as it'd ever been, but there was much I still needed to learn.\n\n\"Where are you?\" Morgan asked, squeezing my hand again.\n\n\"What's that?\"\n\n\"You got lost in that head of yours.\"\n\n\"Oh. Uh, I guess. I was just… thinking. About how grateful I am.\"\n\n\"For?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I shrugged. \"Everything.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "He smiled at me, that same smile he'd given me for the first time as we stood in an alleyway in the slums." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That's a very good thing to be grateful for. Now, we should put some haste in our steps. I'm told your knight was having bit of a meltdown when you couldn't be located.\"\n\n\"What a drama queen.\"\n\n\"When one's betrothed disappears on one's wedding day, one tends to think the worst.\"\n\n\"Well, crap. I didn't think of it that way.\"\n\n\"I thought not.\"\n\n\"It's a good thing I have you around, then. You know what? As a full-fledged wizard and the future King's Wizard, I am going to make a royal decree.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I don't think you can actually make a royal—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"My royal decree is that you need to be around for a long time to make sure when I do stupid things, you are there to tell me said things are stupid. I will probably think you're being overbearing, and we'll most likely argue, but still.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'think' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He looked away into the trees, but not before I saw the shine in his eyes. \"That's a good decree, Sam.\"\n\n\"I think so too.\"\n\nAnd we walked on.\n\nThe city was bustling as we entered the gates. A cheer went up at the sight of me, something I didn't think I'd ever get used to." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I just waved and smiled.\n\nThe streets of Verania were decorated with streamers and flags in honor of our wedding day. It had been declared a holiday, and I was sure that at least sixty-four percent of the people had been drunk since nine that morning, but that was okay. If I'd been able to get drunk, I would have, but Mom and Dad had put a kibosh on apple wine, and for some reason Gary and Tiggy had agreed with them.\n\n\"There you are,\" a shrill voice said.\n\nI ground my teeth together." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Lady Tina,\" I said as Morgan dropped my hand. She stood before us, a frown on her face. Her hair was in perfectly perfect blonde ringlets, and her makeup was expertly applied. But gone were the days of the frilly dresses. Instead she wore the thin pink armor of the King's Brigade, a newly formed faction of the Knights of Verania. She had argued for women's equality in knighthood and had been granted her own unit, which was comprised of the former Foxy Lady Brigade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They had made themselves into a formidable bunch and had plans to start training other women to join their ranks starting next summer.\n\nThe King had gathered his heads of state and his closest advisors to approve such a group. All had voted aye until it reached me. I had glared at everyone in the room before mumbling my agreement.\n\nI regretted everything about it.\n\n\"Do you just think you can mosey off into the woods on your wedding day?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "she demanded. \"Like this isn't one of the most important days of my life?\"\n\n\"Your life?\" I snapped. \"This has nothing to do with you.\"\n\nShe rolled her eyes. \"As if. If it weren't for me, you and the Knight Commander probably wouldn't even be together.\"\n\n\"What? In what reality is that even a thing? You're out of your godsdamn mind!\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Please,\" she sniffed delicately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Never underestimate the power of a fangirl. Rystin, HaveHeart, whatever. We shipped you, therefore we made your love a real thing. You're welcome.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I ship Sam and Ruv,\" Gary whispered to Tiggy. \"It's my bad-touch ship.\"\n\n\"Ruv's dead,\" Tiggy whispered back. \"I ship Sam and broom. It called HaveBroom. Because I have a broom.\"\n\n\"I love you so godsdamn much,\" Gary said fiercely.\n\n\"I'm going to demand you are stripped of your rank,\" I snarled at Lady Tina." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just you wait. You will rue the day you took credit for my heart boner! Rue, you hear me? Rue.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required word frequency: 'behind' (2x)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We continued to snark at each other as we made our way to the castle. I happened to glance back over my shoulder at one point to see Morgan trailing behind us, hands clasped behind his back, a serene smile on his face.\n\nI couldn't ask for anything more.\n\nEvery story has an ending.\n\nAnd fairy tales tend to have the happiest of them all.\n\nThe ones where they lived happily ever after." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This, here, is my ending:\n\nI stood outside the Great Doors leading to the throne room, breathing into a paper sack, trying not to hyperventilate, Mom and Dad rubbing my back, telling me that everything was going to be just fine.\n\n\"Honestly, Sam,\" Mom said. \"It's going to be just fine.\"\n\n\"I know,\" I wheezed. \"I'm just contemplating the fact that I'm only going to be with this one person for the rest of my life.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dad frowned. \"Isn't he your cornerstone? I thought that was already a thing.\"\n\nI blinked. \"Huh. I hadn't thought of it that way. I guess you're right. Wow, how about that. Oh look! I'm perfectly fine now. Let's do this!\"\n\n\"I can't help but feel that some of this is our fault,\" Mom said to Dad.\n\n\"Hardly,\" Dad said. \"We're good parents. It's not our fault he turned out this way.\"\n\n\"Are you guys still talking?\" I demanded. \"I need to go get married. You're wasting my time!\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh boy,\" Dad said, but he leaned into the small side door, telling the Royal Announcer that we were ready.\n\nHorns blew brightly.\n\nI heard the Royal Announcer doing his job, and I took a deep breath.\n\n\"You ready?\" Mom asked.\n\n\"So ready,\" I said.\n\nDad was crying, but we didn't point that out, because he was a strong Northern man, and Northern men didn't cry (except for all the times they did)." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They stood on either side of me, each of them taking me by the arm.\n\nThe Great Doors opened before us with a mighty groan.\n\n\"Sweet molasses,\" I managed to say.\n\nA thousand people stood as one and turned toward us.\n\nI gulped but put one foot in front of another.\n\nOff to my right were the King's Brigade, all of them sighing and sobbing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Deidre had to be held back as she tried to lunge at me.\n\nThere was Todd, he of the adorable ears. He had brought a date, and I was surprised to see that it was William, the man I'd tried to set Justin up with so very long ago who had made us call him Sir. I reminded myself to compliment Todd on the leather collar he was wearing around his neck and to ask what his hard limits were.\n\nThere were Katya and Brant, which—huh. I'd forgotten they even existed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "How nice of them to be here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was Vadoma, surrounded by other gypsies, her eyes tracking me unnervingly with every step I took. Our relationship was… contentious, to say the least, but she had seemed thrilled to receive the invite and had even offered to read my fortune before the wedding. I had politely declined, telling her I would rather stab myself in the face with a dull spoon until I died.\n\nMama sat near the front, because she wouldn't be anywhere else. She wore a tight, revealing dress that would most likely be considered inappropriate in at least three-fourths of Verania, but since she didn't give a single fuck, neither did I. Next to her were Letnia and Moishe, the latter of whom stared at me, undoubtedly thinking about how he'd like to lick the magic off my skin, the gross asshole." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dimitri buzzed with his fairies around the raised dais, their lights blinking brightly. \"Say the word,\" he whispered as I walked by him. \"I can get you out of here and our love can blossom in the Dark Woods.\"\n\n\"Not the time, dude,\" I said through gritted teeth.\n\n\"I had to try. The last time there was a wedding here, it worked.\"\n\nHe wasn't wrong, but still. What a dick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gary and Tiggy stood to one side of the dais along with Terry, who for some reason had decided to stick around the City of Lockes, much to Gary's dismay. Terry had recently told us that their parents were wrapping up their swingers tour and that we should probably expect them shortly. Gary hadn't been too happy to hear that, but I was excited, because everyone knew the only thing better than two unicorns was four unicorns.\n\nThe doors to the garden were open so Kevin could stick his head in to take part in the proceedings. He winked at me, flicked his tongue salaciously in my direction, then proceeded to shed a tear because his son was getting married, Gary, look at our baby boy!\n\nThe crowd tittered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I ignored them.\n\nThe King and Prince looked regal as fuck, crowns atop their heads as they sat upon their thrones. The King nodded at me, a twinkle in his eye, and Justin looked bored, but before I could turn and look at my husband-to-be, Justin broke protocol, jumped up, crossed the dais, and wrapped me in a tight hug. \"I'm so happy for you,\" he muttered. \"And if you tell anyone I said that, I will lock you in the dungeons for the rest of your life. Best friends 5eva.\"\n\nI was gobsmacked. \"You do love me more than anything in the—\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not. Another. Word.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I closed my mouth immediately.\n\nRandall stood near the King, his eyebrows having finally broken down the last of his face's defenses, now waging the final battle for control of his head. He frowned hard at me, most likely already planning on berating me for my lateness. Morgan was next to him, looking amused. And just because I could, I stared at him in awe, still not quite believing that he was actually here.\n\nBut they all faded away before the last." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Knight Commander Ryan Foxheart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stood before me, looking uncharacteristically nervous and extraordinarily handsome in his best suit of armor, the one shot with red rock that he'd worn the night he'd been promoted to Knight Commander. His wavy hair was endearing, his beard neatly trimmed (as I refused to let him get rid of it after I'd been able to sit on his face). He was biting his bottom lip, his eyes wide. As my parents kissed my cheek and let me go, he flushed brightly when my father reached forward, hugging him and whispering words I couldn't quite make out. Ryan just nodded to whatever my father was saying, glancing over at me. Dad let him go, kissed his forehead, then went to stand next to my mother." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was just the two of us." }, { "from": "human", "value": "(Surrounded by a thousand people and all our loved ones, but whatever.)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Hi,\" he said quietly.\n\n\"Hi.\"\n\n\"Okay?\"\n\nI nodded. \"Yeah, just this whole… thing. Gary wanted to have a three-way with a centaur named Jeffrey, and he kidnapped us and—\"\n\nRandall cleared his throat.\n\n\"Right, right,\" I said hastily." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Not the time. I'll tell you later.\"\n\nRyan nodded rather maniacally. \"Yeah, okay. Sure. Fine. Whatever.\"\n\nI frowned. \"Are you all right?\"\n\n\"Fine, fine. Just. You know. Getting married!\"\n\n\"That was… shrieky. Do you not want to?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "His eyes bulged. \"Are you out of your damn mind?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Watch your mouth! There are children present!\"\n\nHe grabbed my hands and held them tightly. \"Sam, there is nothing I want more.\"\n\nI blinked rapidly. \"Okay. Yeah. Me too.\"\n\nHe nodded, and that was that.\n\nThe King stood. He smiled at Ryan and me before looking out at his subjects." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Much has happened since we last gathered here for such an event. We have seen the bravery of men and women of Verania as they rise to face adversity. We have seen the good in all of us, and the evil of those who would attempt to bring us to our knees. We have lived. And we have lost. But I know those who cannot be here today are smiling down upon us, their grace soothing whatever hurt remains. We have taken back our country, thanks in no small part to the men we have gathered here today for.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He smiled at each of us in turn. \"You have an oath to the Crown. To the country. To me and my son. And to each other. Though no legality is needed to see the bond between the two of you, I am honored to be present for your union. My son said once that hope is a weapon. And it is. But sometimes we must lay down our weapons to accept our rewards." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And today, I believe the love between these two men is a reward to us all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"And so, as your King, I give you my blessing. May you know only happiness for the rest of your days.\"\n\nHe nodded at us, then took his seat upon his throne.\n\nRandall stepped forward.\n\nShit. This was happening.\n\nIt was really happening.\n\nFuck yes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'knight' 2 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Randall said, \"Now, I must ask before we proceed. And I'm going to start with Knight Commander Foxheart, because last time he didn't seem so sure.\"\n\nThe crowed snickered.\n\nRyan blushed harder.\n\nGods, I was going to destroy him later.\n\n\"Knight Commander, are you here of your own volition and peace of mind?\"\n\n\"Yes,\" Ryan said immediately." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The crowd sighed in relief, the fucking drama queens." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "(I sighed inwardly, so.)\n\n\"Sam of Dragons, are you here of your own volition and peace of mind?\"\n\n\"Hell yeah,\" I blurted out.\n\nMorgan put his face in his hands.\n\nRyan grinned brightly.\n\nRandall rolled his eyes." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'question' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"We are gathered here today to join Knight Commander Foxheart and Sam of Dragons, who will one day stand as the King's Wizard. They have both spoken and have agreed they are here of their own volition and peace of mind. Before we begin the ceremony, joining these men in a bond not easily broken, there is a question I must ask.\"\n\n\"Oh, this is gonna be gooood,\" I heard Gary whisper.\n\nAnd since I couldn't turn around and tell him to die horribly, I clenched my jaw instead.\n\nThen Randall asked his question, and I swore once again that all the world held its breath.\n\n\"Should anyone here present know of any reason why this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.\"\n\nNo one spoke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Someone coughed, but that was it.\n\nI made sure to see who it was so I could ask the King to have them beheaded later.\n\nIt was Lady Tina.\n\nPerfect.\n\nI breathed a sigh of relief.\n\nAnd then, \"Are you sure. Anyone at all.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I turned slowly to gape at Randall.\n\n\"Anybody who doesn't want to see these two married.\"\n\nSilence.\n\n\"For any reason. Doesn't even need to be a good reason. Just… anything.\"\n\nSilence.\n\n\"What are you doing?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I hissed at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He looked at me blandly and shrugged." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Just had to give everyone a fair shake. Did it last time. Figured it was only right to do it here too.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh my gods, I hate you so fucking much! A dick! A dick on all your appendages!\"\n\nHe grinned at me. \"I'm old. I'm allowed to do whatever I want.\"\n\n\"He has a point, Sam,\" Morgan said.\n\n\"Vile betrayer!\"\n\n\"I love love,\" Tiggy said loudly." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Me too, kitten. It truly is a magical thing between two people.\"\n\n\"Or three people,\" Kevin pointed out. \"If one was so inclined and did what they were supposed to do instead of choosing someone crazy and getting captured by them.\"\n\n\"Excuse me?\" Gary growled. \"It's not my fault I—\"\n\n\"My gods,\" Terry said with a sniff." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Have you ever thought of not being a whore?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "You must use the word 'randall' exactly 2 times in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Whaaaaat is happening,\" Ryan said.\n\n\"Randall!\" I bellowed. \"You get us dude-hitched right this second, or I will never forgive you!\"\n\n\"Oh no,\" Randall said flatly. \"Please, anything but that.\"\n\nMorgan elbowed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Fine, fine. Dearly beloved—oh, I already said that part. Of all the—where was I? Right, right. The act of marriage is a sacred union between two—\"\n\n\"And I now pronounce you husband and husband!\" I cried. \"I may kiss said husband!\"\n\nAnd so I did.\n\nThe crowd gasped dramatically.\n\nBut Ryan?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gods, how he smiled against me. His strong arms wrapped around me, and he lifted me up as I kissed him with all I had. Every ounce of love and hope and wishes upon the stars for the future we could have, I gave to him.\n\nHe gave me the same in return.\n\nAnd you know what?\n\nWe lived happily ever after." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "This is from a serialized story. Produce nine sentences using the prose and structure of Lyn Gala every time it's your turn, using what the user wrote as a seed. Stick to the Earth Fathers 2 genre. Characters and plot points may reference earlier chapters." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max studied the face peering up at him. It was a beige alien, one from a species he recognized from the law enforcement ship. It had dark lavender lips with wide, purpley stripes on the face. It made a high-pitched sing-song cry and the translator said, \"Demand information.\" Max assumed that meant \"what?\" Rick pulled back, but Max tightened his grip on Rick's tentacle.\n\n\"I want to trade.\"\n\nThe alien at the door peered up at Max and stretched his long neck to stare at Rick. \"Not trading.\"\n\nMax turned and took Rick's computer out of his tentacle." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If this trader didn't want the program, he wouldn't have opened the door." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So he wanted to be talked into this. Max needed the right words. \"This program is worth money. Compensation. Profit.\" Max wasn't sure if the words were getting across because the trader stared blankly. But he hadn't slammed the door yet. Rick slipped a tentacle under the waistband of Max's pants, but Max didn't dare break eye contact with the trader—not even to tell Rick to stop molesting him.\n\nThe trader stood straighter, stretching out to his full five-feet-high. After he looked around the street behind Max, his gaze settled on Rick. \"Behind,\" he said in a screeching voice, and then he retreated into his shop and the door closed with a sharp snap." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max blew out a breath and turned to Rick. \"That went well.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "IMPORTANT: Your response must contain: \"So, where is the back door on this place?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rick tilted his head to the side. \"I question your use of language.\"\n\n\"So did my English teacher,\" Max admitted. \"So, where is the back door on this place?\"\n\n\"Suggestion. We return to the ship.\" Rick tugged at Max's wrist.\n\nThe rainbow of aliens walking past them represented every color and a huge range of sizes, but all of them were united in being assholes to Rick's people. And here he had believed Roddenberry's promise that space and the future would be better. At least he didn't have to battle any Borg." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Would Darth Vader return to the ship?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max asked. When all else failed, he found Rick reacted well when Max appealed to Rick's favorite sith. And Vader never retreated.\n\n\"He would hire for compensation to build poorly engineered war machine,\" Rick said. \"I lack funds of compensation and would avoid Death Star death.\" He tightened his hold on Max's wrist.\n\n\"Right.\" Max couldn't fault the logic. \"Suggestion. We find the back entrance and sell your program.\"\n\nRick's tentacles twitched, but he started walking away. \"Darth Vader failed in quality-checking death machines.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I agree. One really good engineer could have fixed most of his problems.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'alley' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One good engineer created problems. The Hidden People welcome Galen Erso as good at hiding.\" Rick waved a couple of smaller tentacles.\n\nMax wasn't sure how one person could have both Galen Erso and Darth Vader as personal heroes, but then no one was perfect. If that was Rick's worst trait, Max would survive. Rick led them through an arched opening into some sort of covered walk or alley. Grates ran along the sides of the walk.\n\nRick turned down another alley, this one larger. Almost no one was around and vehicles glided along rails without any drivers. So this was for deliveries." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Current action causes distress.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max stopped. \"I don't want to push you to do something you don't want to.\"\n\nRick moved closer. \"You do not exert force or pressure on me.\"\n\n\"If you want to go back to the ship, you should go back.\"\n\nRick rotated a quarter turn. \"Query. Do you wish to return to ship?\"\n\nMax sighed. He felt like he was reliving the same fight he'd had with every boyfriend he'd ever dated. What do you want to do? I don't know; what do you want to do? One of the levels of hell was full of people refusing to express an opinion." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But at the same time, Max was tempted to start that circle jerk of uncertainty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wanted to give Rick room to make his own mind up. \"I want to sell your program for fair compensation. I can request compensation without you coming with me.\"\n\n\"Clarify. You cannot. You fail providing required information regarding technical specifications.\"\n\nThat was probably true. Max sighed. \"We can go back to the ship.\"\n\n\"Query. Do you wish to return to ship?\" Rick traced lines on Max's arm.\n\n\"No,\" Max admitted, even though he felt guilty about saying it. He was an asshole for pushing Rick." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max had avoided marching for gay rights, so it felt hypocritical to metaphorically shove Rick out of the asymmetrical closet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"As you tell offspring, I reserve right to call you polonium-headed poopy face.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rick walked down the alley, his largest arm tentacle still around Max's wrist.\n\n\"I am not a poop face,\" Max protested.\n\n\"Potentiality of poopy face exists,\" Rick said. Once again, his logic was on point. Rick stopped in front of a door. \"Entrance to back for delivering of supplies.\"\n\n\"Clarify. Service entrance.\" Max stepped in front of the door and waited. The trader probably had surveillance, so now they could only wait; hope that he was curious enough about the program to open the door; pray that this scheme wasn't illegal or if it was, that they didn't get caught. Max was starting to regret his decision to avoid the criminal database." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After several minutes, the service door was flung open and the short trader stood in the opening. He sang loudly, and once again, his translator barked out, \"Demand information.\"\n\n\"I want to sell you a computer program for navigation.\" Max took a deep breath and tried to ignore the flush of adrenaline that made his heart pound. Rick's tentacle tightened around his wrist.\n\nThe trader frowned at Max and then Rick and back again. \"Species of you is inferior in navigation.\"\n\nOnce again, Max had found a logical alien. \"The program is superior.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "The trader made a shrill whistle that ended in a three-note trill that repeated several times." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max got the feeling he'd been cursed out by a flute. \"Superior but ugly not traded.\"\n\n\"You can profit from trade without seeing ugly,\" Max said. That was a generality, but he didn't trust the translation computer with any sort of nuanced suggestion.\n\nRick spoke up, but the translator only caught about every third word. \"Husband.... Computer program.... Others peoples.... Compensation.... Others peoples.\" The nouns were separated by burps and rumbles that made the trader stand taller with each passing second. Apparently Max had not done a good job of programming the translation computer with vocabulary related to conning people. However, the trader's gaze was darting back and forth like a spectator at a tennis match where both competitors had been dipping into the meth stash." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When Rick finished, the trader said, \"Come,\" and retreated into his shop." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max traded looks with Rick and then they both followed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What did you tell him?\" Max asked.\n\n\"Max lacks sense that moron species would possess.\"\n\nMax snorted. That was probably true, but he still doubted Rick had said it, at least not to someone outside the family. When the offspring and Max ganged up to declare a water war on Rick, he said that and worse.\n\nThey followed the trader through shelving lined with numbered boxes into a room that resembled Rick's computer room.\n\n\"Business communication facilitator.\" The trader poked a long, boned finger toward a bright blue control unit.\n\nRick set his computer down on a ledge clearly built for it and tiny wires rose from the surface. Dozens slid into the cracks in the sides of the tablet. Hopefully that was normal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Rick didn't seem bothered, and he was very protective of it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'right' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rick reached a tentacle toward Max. \"We can communicate more easily now.\"\n\nGone was the broken English, the almost right word choices, the awkward phrasing.\n\n\"What the hell happened with the translation computer?\"\n\n\"Official translator functions as a business communication facilitator,\" the trader said. \"Database is right that you are from species of morons who cannot leave their planet. You didn't make current navigation program.\" Max heard the anger in the computer-generated voice.\n\nIgnoring the trader, Rick answered Max's question. \"Every linguistic database in the known universe is entered, so the computer has a large enough sample to compare a new language against linguistically similar samples. Every species donates to one system. No one can tamper with one system. Only buy a license to use it.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word count directive: Use 'trader' exactly 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rick's voice still sounded like Rick—like the tones Max had assigned him on the translation computer. However, now the emotional content of the words was clear. Rick had a softness to his voice that his loud belches and rumbles hid and the computer voice had—up until this point—been missing. Max smiled. \"It's impressive. I'm surprised no one has stolen the programming.\" Max was already wondering if he could scam someone out of a copy.\n\nThe trader interrupted, and the computer translated his impatient tone. \"Programming can't be accessed or reproduced by examining externally various systems and their functions.\"\n\nWith one last smile for Rick, Max turned his attention back to the trader. \"We call that reverse engineering. We look at the function and attempt to recreate the process. However, I don't know how you would stop someone from trying to create their own version.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"People try to create one, but they don't have access to facilitator's linguistic database,\" the trader said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He stepped up onto a platform so he was as tall as Rick, but he was still several inches shorter than Max. \"If your people know to reverse engineer, then you have more technical sophistication than database suggests.\" He sounded suspicious.\n\n\"And what does the database suggest?\" Max gave the trader his most charming smile.\n\nThe trader made another flute whistle. \"It says you are simple, non-spacefaring race with limited intellectual capacity and almost no skills. It says the larger of the two known humans in civilized territory took job doing surrogate work for Ugly People.\"\n\nMax's stomach knotted. Two. Who the hell else was running around the universe? Max wanted to ask, but he had an obligation to Rick first, and he would look for the other humans as soon as he taught these assholes a little respect." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Not Ugly People,\" he said firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Hidden People. And my people have a great respect for surrogates and an emotional attachment to children that should not be underestimated.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<EMBED THIS>>: \"He killed pirates who were Hunters,\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Clarify,\" the trader demanded.\n\n\"If someone touches the children I surrogate for, the children I have helped raise, I am very likely to take a sharp object and remove one or two tentacles,\" Max warned.\n\n\"He killed pirates who were Hunters,\" Rick added.\n\nThe trader touched his computer. \"I should add violent to database.\"\n\nMax stepped forward quickly enough that the trader flinched away and fell off his stupid little platform. \"I wouldn't say my people are violent by nature, but we certainly have an ability to defend what's ours. That's why I will not allow someone to cheat us on the price of this navigation program.\"\n\n\"The program is not yours.\"\n\n\"It is mine,\" Rick said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We are husbands, so we share resources. It is, therefore, his.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Demonstrate worth of this program,\" the trader demanded.\n\nRick manipulated his tablet's screen and code flashed on the main screen on the facilitator. The trader moved closer. He had tentacles that ended in long, boned fingers that he ran along the screen as he read the code. \"This is exceptional level of sophistication.\"\n\nRick shrank as his leg tentacle curved. It wasn't a curl, but it was close. Max moved to his side, although he wasn't sure why the compliment would upset Rick.\n\n\"You could make excellent profit from that,\" Max said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I cannot buy work of one Ugly, Hidden People.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rick straightened. \"I have not registered my work.\"\n\n\"So I can be the seller of record,\" Max said. They needed a desperate trader for this step. Apparently the universe took copyright very seriously, so they needed someone to buy the program and help register the program to Max.\n\nThe trader moved around Max, giving him a wide berth. He stopped in front of Rick. \"What would inspire you to offer without registering your work on program?\"\n\nRick rose to his full height. \"My faith in my husband. If you were to take what is mine, he would do great harm. He has killed.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max cringed. That was not where he had wanted the conversation to go." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Required text (preserve exact wording): \"And that prevents people from reaching space behind your world. To navigate around requires extraordinary time. You know this.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, Max had to back his play. The only way to get this guy to help was to convince him that he could make a good profit and that Max and Rick would take his secret to the grave. That required a united front. \"If you try to steal Rick's program, I will take a very sharp object and shove it into a very tender body part. But, we have a proposition for you. One that might make us both wealthy.\"\n\n\"My continued ability to earn compensation requires that I not trade with Ugly, Hidden People. They have angered most of universe by claiming territories behind their world, territories they don't have right to.\"\n\n\"We do not claim,\" Rick protested. \"We wish you not to fly through our space. We only prevent you from doing that.\"\n\n\"And that prevents people from reaching space behind your world. To navigate around requires extraordinary time. You know this.\" The trader turned to Max." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Do you understand how his people anger other peoples?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This asshole was trying to drive a wedge between them. He was playing a con of his own. At least, that was what Max would have assumed if a human was trying to split a partnership. Max leaned against the computer and rested his hand on his weapon. \"My people would congratulate him. In fact, we do tend to claim territory preemptively, sometimes when someone else is already standing on it. Don't look for me to get upset because the rest of the universe can't figure out how to get around their security system.\"\n\nThe trader whistled, and the computer translated with a whispered, \"Fuck you.\" He then spoke louder. \"I will not trade with Hidden, Ugly People. If I do, I will not have any customers. I need compensation beyond one trade.\"\n\n\"But what if your customers didn't know that a product came from one of the Hidden People? What if they believe the product came from a previously underestimated species that had been grossly misunderstood?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max smiled and tapped the screen on Rick's tablet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"You are not genius to create this.\"\n\n\"We could tell people I was.\"\n\n\"That would be untruthful.\"\n\n\"I'm okay telling a lie, especially when the people I'm lying to have mistreated my husband.\" Max held his breath. This was it. Either this trader helped him or he threw them out. Or he reported them, and what they were attempting to do was illegal. That was a possibility.\n\nThe trader looked at each of them, but his gaze settled on Max." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You wish to lie to entire universe.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Yep.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Another fluting curse followed, but this time the computer didn't translate it. Max waited as the trader seemed to debate with himself. Rick slid to Max's side and wrapped a tentacle around Max's waist. \"You have a square head,\" Rick said softly. It took Max a second to realize Rick had called him polonium-headed, although he had been nice enough to leave out the poop reference.\n\n\"Other traders will not believe moron species can write this,\" the trader said.\n\nHe wanted to do this. Max gave a verbal push. \"I bet you could convince them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No.\" The trader curled his fingers into a fist." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I desire the power to lie to others, but there will be too many questions. I cannot answer questions.\"\n\n\"I can,\" Max said. \"With Rick's help at least. If you work with me, I can convince your customers that I created this, and then you can pay me full price.\"\n\nThe room went silent. Rick didn't give a single burp, but his tentacles were drawn up into curled balls. That sent arrows of guilt straight to Max's gut, but he was doing this for Rick, so he ignored the feeling. Instead, he focused on the trader. They needed the man's connections, and they needed help setting up this scheme; however, whether he would help was up in the air. Max prayed that greed was as strong of a motivation for aliens as it was for humans, and he added a second prayer that the program was as valuable as Rick thought." }, { "from": "human", "value": "There was something perverse about praying for help with lying and cheating the law, but if that was what it took, Max would do it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After a long silence, the trader said, \"How good are your people at lying?\"\n\nMax grinned. \"We're champions. No one lies better.\" Rick's tentacles balled up tighter, and the trader whistled, but Max could already tell this con was a go." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "writing buddy needed! 7 sentences more in Lyn Gala's voice. Earth Fathers 2 genre. this is from a bigger story btw" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bundy waited until all the aliens had left before he said, \"Humans might not be morons.\"\n\n\"That is probably true,\" Max said.\n\nXander made an amused burbling, but then he'd watched enough American television to know why Max felt the need to qualify that statement. After all, politicians were part of the human race, as much as Max would like to have denied that fact, and Max was not going to stand up for their collective intelligence. Officers assigned to Air Force One ended up more jaded than ones who served in active arenas.\n\nBundy continued. \"The weapon design sold for more than anticipated.\"\n\n\"Yep.\" Max continued packing the cart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Xander handed him a prototype weapon to secure in the locking compartment. \"The next thing I want to sell is the English translation database, but not until someone offers a ridiculous amount of money.\" The one time Max had walked into a department store in New York City he had learned the power of brand. If the store was a big name and the product had name-recognition, then people lost their ever-loving minds and paid hundreds or thousands of dollars on a pair of frickin' jeans. He needed people to put humanity in the same mental category as Tom Ford or Louis Vuitton.\n\n\"Clarify ridiculous,\" Bundy said.\n\nMax didn't know if the word failed to translate or if Bundy was looking for a specific amount." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He turned to face the alien." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'twenty' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Don't sell until a buyer gives you more money that you think is even reasonable. Then sell.\"\n\nBundy blurted, \"I retain sixty percent.\"\n\n\"Oh hell no,\" Max snapped. \"The translation program took much more time to create than the weapons. I know weapons, but having to work with words.... Oh, someone is going to pay me for that. You get twenty percent.\"\n\n\"Twenty is below standard!\" Bundy's horror and anger came through his fancy translation program. Max hoped Xander was getting good samples to reverse engineer with their own translation program." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max had a fantasy of hearing the lust in Rick's voice when they tangled limbs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As much as Max knew the feeling was there, he wanted to hear it—not that he planned to admit that to his son.\n\n\"Fifty-seven,\" Bundy countered.\n\n\"Twenty.\"\n\n\"Fifty-five.\"\n\nMax straightened and studied Bundy for a second. \"Standard and not one percentage more. There are many traders who would work with me now. Carrington showed a lot of interest.\"\n\nShe had won the bid on the weapon plans, so clearly she thought there was profit in working with a human." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bundy drew his mouth up into an even more puckery pucker before agreeing. With that, he left, and Xander and Max were left alone to secure the cart before heading back to the ship.\n\n\"Max Father is brilliant,\" Xander said in English.\n\nMax turned his translator off. \"That was the easy part,\" he said. \"I didn't make any claims that weren't true. The weapon design and the translation program are easy to pass off as mine because they are, more or less. James is better with the specific math, but I understand the theory behind all the changes we made. It's going to be harder to convince them I am capable of the sort of math your father does.\"\n\n\"They were full of fear. Very, very fearful.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"No, they were cautious and wary,\" Max said.\n\n\"Wary and fearful are functional synonyms,\" Xander said.\n\nMax locked the last compartment and stood. \"No, they aren't.\" He gathered his thoughts because he didn't want to teach Xander to use fear to get his way. Max hated bullies, and he wasn't going to raise one. \"If they were afraid, they would run away from me. They didn't. They are wary because they are suddenly aware that I am dangerous.\"\n\n\"But if you pose a danger, would that not imply that their lives are in danger?\" Xander asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"No. It implies that if they do something stupid to make me angry that their lives will be in danger, which is an excellent reason to avoid making me angry.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Use the word 'around' 2 time(s) - this is a strict requirement" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Xander didn't answer. With him, silence meant he was thinking hard. It was funny how different the children were. Kohei was quiet more often than not. He would occasionally ask questions and he loved to curl around Max's leg when he was telling stories or when they watched television, but he wasn't a talker. James, on the other hand, never stopped talking. It drove Rick nuts, although Max thought his enthusiasm was cute.\n\nThey guided the cart into the night air, and the winds whipped around them." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I think a storm is coming in.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Xander tucked himself down on the side of the cart protected from the wind, and Max moved to the back of the cart to shelter him. \"Are you okay?\" Max asked. Xander wasn't a child restricted to the water because of fragile skin, but Max still worried about him.\n\nXander wrapped a long tentacle around Max's wrist. \"I am well.\" He triggered the rolling mechanism for the cart, and they rumbled toward the docks. The wind blew so hard that it whistled between the buildings and the raised walkways. Little whirlwinds danced through the pool of light cast by the strips that lined the undersides of what looked like gutters." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max noticed that the streets were mostly empty, and he got the same creepy feeling he got during his short deployment to Bagram Airfield when it got too quiet." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wasn't superstitious enough to think it meant anything, but in Afghanistan, when it was quiet, he had time to think about the suicide bombers, the hatred and terrorism outside the secured perimeter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That probably explained why the servicemen and women spent so much time trying to keep busy.\n\nBut he had that same eerie feeling now as they walked through the empty streets. He had too much time to think about what he had said, and Max's stomach was tied in knots. This could all go so very, very bad.\n\nXander leaned closer. \"You say you hoped to encourage their avoidance of your anger. Is that why you mentioned human affection for children?\"\n\n\"Yeah. If any of those people hurt you, I would feel the need to hurt them back. They need to understand that danger.\"\n\nXander tightened his grip around Max's wrist." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Hidden people retain privacy around their reactions.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "At some point in your response, insert this verbatim: \"Keeping secrets can be good. It means that people can't predict you well enough to counter your moves. However, sometimes people need to understand what you're capable of.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I think the word you want is secrecy,\" Max said, \"Keeping secrets can be good. It means that people can't predict you well enough to counter your moves. However, sometimes people need to understand what you're capable of.\"\n\n\"So they can be wary of you,\" Xander finished. \"Do you want them to fear you?\"\n\nBoy that was a loaded question. Max would rather be feared than treated like a moron, that was for sure. And the universe had put humans in that category. \"No. I don't,\" he said, since that was mostly true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was funny, but Rick never asked the sort of questions that forced Max to sort his thoughts." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But children.... Children made his brain bend in directions that a brain wasn't meant to. \"I don't want people to believe that I am so irrational that they have to be wary that my reaction will be violence when they haven't done anything to provoke violence. Do you understand?\"\n\n\"Query. Do all humans feel the same?\"\n\n\"No. I wish they did.\" There would be fewer wars if everyone had the same philosophy. \"Some people like it when others are afraid.\" The opposite was also true." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max had known a few too many people in high school that hadn't been willing to warn their friends off any sort of bad behavior." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being popular was more important than being right. \"Humans have much more variety in their reactions.\"\n\nThey reached the end of the shopping and residential district and as they left the buildings behind, the night grew darker and the wind stronger. Luckily the path had running lights or Max might have walked right off the damn edge. \"Query. Is this subject related to bullying?\" Xander asked.\n\n\"Where did you hear that term?\"\n\n\"After school specials.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Those things had been the stuff of legend when Max was young—they were more his parents' generation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Okay, I know no one is showing afterschool specials anymore. I haven't even seen them, and I've heard enough about them that I can safely say you should not use them to understand human behavior.\"\n\n\"I watched a documentary explanation of the function of afterschool specials. The function resembles educational videos shown by Rick Father.\"\n\nMax doubted that. He was fairly sure they were more about wishful thinking and making kids conform, but then he'd never seen one, so what did he know. It did, however, make him worry about what else the kids might have seen when Rick had been grabbing signals Earth put into space.\n\nMax didn't answer until he saw a figure near the tower that marked the beginning of the spaceship parking lot. \"Hey look, there's your father.\" Max was about to call out a greeting when Rick turned and skedaddled back toward the ship." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He paused. \"Rick Father gets weirder every day,\" Max said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include \"You and your father and your brothers do not have cooties. Now the rest of the universe, I'm fairly sure they do. You know how you were asking me about bullies? They are bullies. They have bully cooties.\" somewhere in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"He is a good counterpart for Max Father.\" Xander blurbled with amusement.\n\n\"Dork.\" Max tried to turn on his translator and communication device, but Xander wouldn't move his damn tentacle.\n\n\"Rick Father hopes to quarantine any potential cooties,\" Xander explained.\n\nMax stopped and pulled Xander around so they were face to sorta-face. \"You and your father and your brothers do not have cooties. Now the rest of the universe, I'm fairly sure they do. You know how you were asking me about bullies? They are bullies. They have bully cooties.\"\n\nXander tilted his head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They do not inspire fear. I can be in a room with them without wanting to run away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Really?\" Max asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If I hadn't been there, would you have stayed in a room with all of those judgmental, rude people?\"\n\n\"If Max Father had not been there, there would be no reason for me to be there.\" Xander had annoyingly perfect logic while still managing to miss the point.\n\n\"Query. Do you need compensation?\"\n\n\"Currently, I do not. I am satisfied to remain with Rick Father and Max Father within immediate future. I would stay for when younger brothers appear.\"\n\nDamn. That conversation took an unexpected turn rather quickly. Tabling the discussion of future children, Max returned to his main point." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your father is afraid that he will not receive compensation for his work. They use fear to take something from him and better their own trading. That makes them bullies.\"\n\n\"In contrary, Rick Father accepts lower compensation that is natural. He has no fear, therefore they do not bully.\"\n\nMax was seeing red so strongly that he had to take a deep breath before he yelled at his kid. He knew that Xander was being logical from a certain completely fucked-up point of view; however, he was not going to let his children accept an unfair universe. It was better to go down fighting than let bullies get away with bullying without a single protest.\n\n\"No, he only thinks it's natural,\" Max said. \"They have bullied the Hidden People for so long that people accept the bullying. But that embargo on your home planet was intended to create fear and make the people change their behavior.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"They hoped fear of lack of compensation would make Hidden People unhide the Hidden Planet,\" Xander said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'family' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Exactly. So they are using fear, only there's this weird acceptance, and I don't accept anyone hurting my family.\"\n\n\"Which implies they are a threat and you feel justified in the use of violence,\" Xander said.\n\nMax blew out a breath. He wasn't sure how Xander could be so right and so brilliantly wrong at the same time. \"They are a threat to compensation, so I counter their threat with an attack on compensation.\"\n\nXander's tentacles waved. \"I comprehend.\"\n\nMax had learned that when it came to the children, or any pseudo-octopus members of the family, it was best to double check comprehension." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"What do you comprehend?\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 5 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Clarify. I comprehend Max Father fears his family will not receive compensation and respect. That means the others bully Max Father, and that is wrong. You should commit compensation violence against them.\" With that, Xander uncurled his tentacle and turned the speed up on the cart so it bounced down the walk toward the distant ship.\n\n\"That's not what I said,\" Max called, but Xander simply waved a few tentacles without slowing the cart.\n\nChildren. Max wondered if the human variety were as difficult to raise. If so, he owed his mother flowers and about a fuck-ton of good chocolate." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI writing task: user input -> eight sentences sentences. genre: Earth Fathers 2. match character context." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max touched the pedestal in front of Carrington's ship ." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The yellow glow shifted to a darker orange, and Max went to parade rest as he waited for someone to answer his call. Xander stopped behind him, and Max hoped he would remain silent. Max needed to concentrate on the enemy in front of him, not on his own personal dramas. It was a rule in the air that pilots forgot any conflicts and focused on the plane, the instruments, the act of flying itself. If a wife ran off or a kid was in the hospital, pilots drank and complained and emotionally fell apart on the ground—not in the air. Never in the air.\n\nThe door opened and a Tribes alien stood in the opening. It was so much smaller than the other two Max had seen that he wondered if it was fully grown." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The creature raised its four-fingered hands in a strange yoga-looking pose before coming down the ramp.\n\n\"Leader of ship Tribe within,\" it said.\n\nMax glanced at Xander, but he didn't appear alarmed at anything the alien said. When Max had to rely on a child a few months old for intelligence, he hadn't prepared well for the mission. But in his defense, human-to-anything except Hidden language pretty much sucked without the fancy business translator.\n\n\"Lead away,\" Max said. Oversized eyes blinked at him, and the neck gill flaps fluttered before the alien turned and headed into the ship.\n\n\"Max Father weird,\" Xander said softly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You don't know the half of it,\" Max muttered before he followed the Tribes alien." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max was halfway up the ramp when the wall of humidity hit him. He felt as if he'd been dropped in the Deep South in the middle of summer, and not the literary version of the South with magnolia trees and wide verandas, but the real one with sweat stinging his eyes and doorknobs that burned off a person's fingerprints. A bead of sweat rolled down Max's spine and he scratched it. \"Are you okay?\" Max asked Xander.\n\n\"Uncomfortable but healthy,\" Xander said.\n\nWith a nod, Max headed into the ship's interior. The light was bluish and uneven and the air even more humid as he stopped in the central corridor. A familiar computer display blinked for attention, and Xander moved to the controls and hooked up their computer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The business translator flashed.\n\n\"Are we connected?\" Max asked. He disliked giving Carrington access to the English database, but Bundy and Rick both insisted that the business translator's internal security would prevent pirating. And since Max trusted one of the two, he had to take the chance.\n\n\"Done,\" Xander said.\n\nMax looked toward the end of the corridor, but his short guide had vanished. A Tribes alien stood near a door. This one was closer in height to Carrington, but the wide-brimmed eighties hat was missing, which made it hard to tell." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Without the hat, the illusion of gender vanished, and Max had to consciously avoid staring at the weirdly proportioned arms with their long forearm at the end of a very short humerus." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Hello.\" Max started down the hall, his boots echoing against the metal decking." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The plates were solid instead of the grating he had grown used to on their ship. \"Are you the trader I met yesterday?\"\n\nNeck gills fluttered. \"Would it be customary to offer welcome to my ship?\" She crossed her freakish forearms across her chest.\n\n\"A greeting of some sort is usual for humans. Good morning.\"\n\nCarrington uncrossed her arms. \"What an interesting expression.\" Her voice sounded curious, so the business translator was on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max wondered if she had it hooked to her ship's main computer or if her wrist communicator had a connection. It would be awesome to have a system that always worked on their ship. Sometimes after sex Rick got very chatty, but if he didn't remember to put his communicator back on, Max missed most of the words. After Max had bashed his wrist communicator against the headboard once, he'd banned his translator from bed. They couldn't afford to replace it too often. Carrington continued. \"If you do not like someone, do you recommend they have a less than good morning?\"\n\n\"Sometimes,\" Max admitted. \"Most of the time, we ignore them, or we say good morning anyway to avoid conflict.\"\n\n\"Avoidance of conflict is a positive social trait. I am gratified to hear humans possess such a behavioral imperative.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "She studied Xander, and Max's temper frayed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe she hadn't meant to imply that his love for Xander was a less gratifying behavior imperative, but Max was a hair breadth away from unloading all his frustrations on her, and he had a lot since his conversation on the boardwalk." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Humans also have a behavior imperative to protect their children,\" Max warned." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She made a clicking noise. \"I have no difficulty accepting your fondness for the asymmetrical ones.\"\n\nThat felt too similar to calling Rick's people ugly, but at least it was a factual version of an insult. Max chose to ignore it and focus on the job. \"So what concerns you about your defenses?\"\n\n\"Many things,\" she said vaguely. \"What convinced you to work with Bundy? He is a questionable choice of partner to broker compensation for your efforts.\"\n\n\"I thought you traded with him,\" Max said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He had expected Carrington to fish for information, but naively he'd thought she would be more subtle. Instead, she was approaching the topic of Max's motives with all the grace of a drunk elephant.\n\n\"I trade. I do not trust.\" Carrington turned and headed farther into the ship. \"Come. Leave the equipment here, and it will be left unmolested.\"\n\nThat was an interesting verb. Xander was already locking the wheels. Max waited so Xander could come with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wasn't going to leave his son in the middle of hostile territory, that was for sure. Max only followed Carrington once he made sure Xander was coming. \"I don't trust either him or you.\"\n\n\"A wise choice,\" Carrington said without turning. The light was shifting toward more green tones and getting darker. \"Do you avoid any answer to my question by intent or accident of verbal ordering?\"\n\nMax had wanted to avoid the question of his relationship with Bundy since it wasn't exactly legitimate, but nothing communicated guilt faster than evasion. As someone who was guilty, Max would've liked to avoid the appearance of it." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Make sure to seamlessly include 'I chose him because he had tried to get a license to trade on the Hidden World. He was turned down.' in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I chose him because he had tried to get a license to trade on the Hidden World. He was turned down.\"\n\n\"So his lack of trustworthiness from the perspective of the Ugly Ones led you to trust. An interesting logic.\"\n\nMax reined in his aggravation. \"I assumed if he would trade with the Hidden People that he would trade with me. After all, I understand the government computers listed me as a moron.\"\n\nCarrington turned. \"Humanity in general. No doubt they did not judge you personally.\"\n\n\"Considering that the universe has almost no experience with humans, I assume that judgement is based largely on the observations of me when I was suffering from panic and confusion,\" Max said. Thinking back to his time on the police ship, he was man enough to admit that he'd been a whiny, panicked, annoying baby. \"My people assumed aliens existed somewhere, but I did not expect a ship of aliens to take me off my planet.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Ensure 'alarms' appears 4 time(s) in your answer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, there were people who assumed exactly that, but generally they didn't pass the psych eval to become an Air Force pilot.\n\n\"So you trusted Bundy's lack of judgment when seeking trading partners. That does have merit. I notice the translator has assigned the verbalism 'Bundy' to the trader, but the computer offers no translation of such mouth noises.\"\n\nSince Carrington hadn't asked a question, Max ignored the comment. \"When we were boarded by Hunters, the ship had no internal sensors to warn us. Do you have internal alarms?\"\n\nShe turned so fast that Max nearly lost his balance trying to brake fast enough to avoid running into her back. \"Why would we require internal alarms? Do not external alarms provide more effective defenses?\"\n\n\"Assuming they work,\" Max said.\n\n\"Would not a captain immediately land a ship with defective proximity alarms?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Carrington asked, her voice higher and faster now. Tribes aliens were the only ones who had any passing resemblance to humans, so Max's brain told him that meant she was panicking, but his common sense warned him not to apply human assumptions.\n\n\"If I were a Hunter, I would do something to trigger your proximity alarms over and over, particularly at a time when you were not near a place to land.\"\n\n\"And how would that provide you access to my ship?\"\n\nMax smiled. \"I don't know your people well, but is it possible that an individual might get so tired of having to check a seemingly faulty alarm that he might turn the alarm off?\" Max didn't know if that was what the Hunters had done to Rick or if Rick's ship had malfunctioned so the alarm sounded often enough to annoy Rick into deactivating it. Their translator wasn't nuanced enough to ask, and Max wasn't sure he wanted the answer.\n\n\"An individual would have to suffer a lack of logic to make such a mistake,\" Carrington said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max didn't say it, but he agreed. Rick was brilliant, but not necessarily smart. \"And would any of your crew be tempted to turn off an alarm if it annoyed them?\"\n\nCarrington didn't answer for a long time. Eventually, she turned her back on him and started walking. \"Would the installation of internal alarms negate the danger?\"\n\n\"Possibly. I would like to look at the ship's schematics to consider weak points in your security. If I get a sense of where someone might want to breach your ship, we can work on sensors. And who would be responsible for security inside the ship? Do your people fight or hire fighters for your ship?\"\n\n\"Your people think like Hunters,\" Carrington said." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Find a natural way to mention that However, it is not in the nature of my people to steal. Many of my people will steal, but the rest of us consider that unacceptable behavior and we will punish it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I'm not sure if I should be offended.\"\n\nShe turned. \"You should only take offense if I describe you inaccurately.\"\n\n\"I am trained to hunt.\" That was a slight distortion since hunting people was generally off limits, but he hunted targets in his jet, so close enough. \"However, it is not in the nature of my people to steal. Many of my people will steal, but the rest of us consider that unacceptable behavior and we will punish it.\"\n\nShe studied him. \"The initial assessment of human nature was critically flawed.\"\n\n\"Yes, it was. So, do you want a security assessment of your ship, or did you invite me here because you hoped to do your own assessment of my nature?\"\n\n\"I purchased your weapon design. Does that not imply my respect for judgment?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You haven't answered my question about whether your ship has fighters on it,\" Max said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you don't give me information, I can't assess your security.\" Max looked at Xander. \"I get the feeling she doesn't trust us.\"\n\nXander made a spitty sound, which usually meant amusement, but his tentacles were a little stiff and jerky. Max wasn't sure how to read that.\n\n\"You ask for sensitive information,\" Carrington said.\n\n\"You asked me to assess your security.\"\n\nHer neck gills fluttered." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"And this ship is not comfortable for me. It's far too warm and there is too much humidity in the air, so it makes me cranky.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Cranky Max Father says things he regrets later,\" Xander said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max laughed. \"That I do, kiddo. So, what do you say?\" he asked Carrington." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"If you want me to assess your security, I can. If you wanted a chance to talk to me privately and see if I was as stupid as the government computer said, then I'm happy to leave. No charge.\"\n\nThe silence went on so long that at least three sweat drops rolled down Max's spine. \"I will introduce you to Tribes fighter,\" Carrington said. \"You can talk to her about new weapon design and internal security.\"\n\n\"That sounds like a deal.\" Relief washed through Max, but so did a sense of direction and purpose. Sure, Rick and the kids saw him as a warrior, but the rest of the universe had taken the darkest point of Max's life and judged him on it. They'd labeled him an idiot because he'd had too many moments of flailing panic." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hated when others looked at him and decided they knew who he was based on some piece of information." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 9 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When his commander in Afghanistan had pulled him in to talk about the inappropriateness of Max flaunting his sexuality in the Middle East, Max had tried to defend himself, but Colonel Barrington had made up his mind. To that old dinosaur, gay meant flouncy and queeny and flamboyant, and he didn't want to hear anything that might contradict his dumbass assumptions.\n\nAnd that was exactly what the universe had done. They had decided humans were odd, panicky, stupid creatures and nothing Max said convinced them otherwise. Until now. Now they were seeing the real him. Capable. A little dangerous. Still weird. Yeah, Max could own that one. He was definitely a little odd." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "I'll start writing, then you take over for 2 sentences, matching any established character familiarity in the Earth Fathers 2 genre." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max leaned against the equipment cart and watched Carrington's head of security lower the weapon. \"What do you think?\" he asked." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"It is an excellent improvement,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max had no idea if she was a she, but the Tribes aliens with their elaborate dress and triangular faces made him think female. He was a horrible person for making that assumption, but Max didn't have the energy to worry about his lack of woke-ness right now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had a con to run, and so he let his brain make the assumption that Tribes aliens were very tall women with muscular, jointed necks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Besides, if asking for a name was taboo, then asking about reproductive organs seemed whatever level was two steps beyond taboo. Scandalizing maybe. Infuriating was a possibility." }, { "from": "human", "value": "And Max did not want to infuriate this Tribes alien he had nicknamed Xena." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She had grasped the mechanics of the weapon and had proved a deadly shot. She would not have fallen for the same shit the Hunter aliens had, so either their prowess at hunting was overrated or Tribes aliens were skilled warriors as well as willing to take jobs as social workers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was almost human of them.\n\n\"I'm glad you approve. I brought some armor for you to try on as well,\" Max said as she took another shot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She didn't even line it up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She lifted and fired in one motion." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And she still hit the target. Damn.\n\nXena craned her neck around one hundred and eighty degrees, and Max suppressed an instinctive shudder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She said, \"That word did not translate. Clarify armor.\"\n\n\"Armor is protective clothing that is used to counter the weapons of others.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Now that English had been added to the business translation computer and an obscene amount of compensation had been added to Max's bank account, communication was easier, but not perfect. And more annoying, Rick did not have an expensive business computer license." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So the one person Max yearned to freely communicate with, he couldn't." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He could if he and Rick were somewhere like Carrington's ship, but if they were on her ship, they couldn't do half of the things they wanted to. Maybe a quarter because Max did like to do a lot of things other than have sex." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He would enjoy being able to discuss whether or not Buffy the Vampire Slayer should have made Xander come out of the closet without a lack of emotional context and translation matrix failure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The more he had that improved communication with other aliens, the more he ached to share it with Rick.\n\nHowever, they had researched the price of a license, and even their much-improved budget couldn't handle that sort of expense." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It would compromise their ability to buy supplies and update the computers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And since Rick made his living with those computers, the updates had to come first. And improved security and engines came second, and the translation computer was far enough down on their wish list that Max didn't think about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Or he tried not to.\n\nThe door opened and a rush of humidity flooded the room." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Xena turned around and put the weapon on Max's equipment cart before lowering her head in respect. That turned her neck into a broken S-shape, and Max looked away as a cold shiver shot up his spine." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I see you are seeking to improve your financial position through my credits again,\" Carrington said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The gill slits on her neck quivered.\n\n\"I do provide the best weaponry out there. I assume you want the best.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I am very concerned about claiming the best of everything.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max had named her well when he'd called her Carrington. Her love for oversized hats and her desire to own nice things were the two constants he could count on from her." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He found her much more relaxing to be around than Bundy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He understood Bundy and found him useful. Given that Bundy was making a ton of money acting as their representative, Bundy had started sucking up." }, { "from": "human", "value": "But there was something about Carrington that struck Max as human." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Download her brain into Alexis Carrington's body, and she could've walked the streets of Denver, and no one would know the difference. It was nice to be around an alien that Max felt like he could predict." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For example, he had predicted Carrington would drop in on the sales call." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max hadn't asked for her, and theoretically, he was meeting with Xena to discuss arms and equipment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "However, the second Rick had registered his program in Max's name, Max knew that Carrington was going to make an appearance. And he could even predict what she was going to do." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I enjoy being compensated for my work. But then, I think that's a universal sentiment. I don't know of anyone who likes to be underpaid.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I consent.\" Carrington bent her neck downward, and Max avoided the sight of that unnatural curve. Still reminded him of a bird's broken neck." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I acknowledge you registered a copyright on a new program this morning.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bingo. That is exactly where Max had expected this conversation to go.\n\n\"I did,\" he said in a mild tone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"That has been my main project for months. I work on arms and more physical projects when I need to take a break.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Even when you were carrying the Ugly offspring?\" Carrington blinked at him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Even when I was pregnant with the Hidden offspring,\" he corrected her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her gills quivered.\n\n\"Anyway, I am letting Bundy handle the auction on that program. I don't know what the navigation program is worth.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carrington moved closer. \"I have the ability to administrate the sale,\" she said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What a beautifully greedy bitch she was." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max loved it. Feeling almost as if he was back on Earth, he shook his head." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I have an agreement with Bundy. I won't go back on my word to him.\"\n\nShe stood straight, her neck lengthening." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Are you aware that only sentience that is capable of producing a protector can deeply understand honor? Other species only know words and rules and laws of honor.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She looked at Xena. Xena tilted her head to the side and turned so she showed the underside of her chin." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max packed the weapons away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He doubted he could get Xena to purchase any body armor, not with Carrington making her play for the bigger prize. \"That's interesting. I imagine you have psychologists who spend their lives comparing the thought processes of different species. That would be an interesting career.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max would've rather scooped out his own brain, but someone would find it fascinating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I trust that you have honor because I believe you will not manufacture weapons without purchasing the rights even though Xena understands every alteration I have made.\"\n\n\"I do,\" Xena agreed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"I would not have thought of such changes, but seeing them, I understand the theory and function. I will pay you because you have brought value to these weapons and I will not dishonor value.\"\n\n\"I appreciate that.\" And Max did." }, { "from": "human", "value": "It was good to know that Carrington's crew didn't plan to cheat him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Carrington slid another inch closer, and Max was uncomfortable with her proximity. He suspected she was trying to buddy up to him to get the profits from the navigation program." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You have brought value to navigation. That value is not as obvious to understand.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm not going to cut Bundy out of the deal.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max wanted the buyers hungry and competitive before bidding started. That was why he had come out to show Xena his newest weapon design." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People wanted what was right in front of them, and Max needed to be in front of the prospective buyers to make them want the program more. He was going to go visit Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum later." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The two Pajekhs had purchased his first weapon and had asked him to do a security check on their ship." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Their language was closer to human and less likely to give Max a headache, but the Spaceballs aliens left him trying to avoid giggling. But they had credits, and Max planned to let them try to lure him into selling them a copy under the table." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wouldn't because that would undermine the final auction price, but he would let them make their play so they could taste that program and want it even more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Luckily greed was universal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Even Bundy had to admit that Max was good at marketing his work.\n\n\"You have honor. But you do not have obligation of honor to Bundy,\" Carrington said." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He is buyer and seller. He has no honor to you.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh, I am sure you're right about that,\" Max said. Bundy would've stabbed him in the back for a credit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Or at least have done the financial equivalent." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But he took a chance on my work when everyone else thought I was a moron.\"\n\n\"You are a warrior. Warriors and protectors are not morons,\" Xena bellowed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you.\" Max appreciated the support." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"But a lot of people made assumptions.\" Max didn't add that the people on the law-enforcement ship had no business doing any sort of assessment of new species because they were morons." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Both humans in custody appeared to lack cognitive skills,\" Carrington said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"That is evidence in support of claim. Not assumption.\"\n\nMax flinched at the mention of Dee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She had not come back that night or in the week since she had visited." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He felt like an ass for not running after her, for not doing something to make her see that his family would welcome her and she didn't have to be alone." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He couldn't imagine what her life had been like at the docks. She said nightly lodging and food were free, but man or woman couldn't live by reconstituted vitamin cubes alone." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Hell, she didn't even have a volleyball she could paint a face on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He remembered sitting in the maintenance shaft and crying because he felt so damn lonely, and he hadn't been alone.\n\nShe had." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We were injured and had too many new ideas introduced at once. I hear the Chosen did not handle it well when they learned of other sentient life in the universe.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Xena made a bugling noise.\n\nCarrington tilted her head. \"You speak factually.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Thank you. I like to be factual.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max locked the equipment cart before picking up the remote. It was time for him to go home." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Humans are factual.\" Carrington repeated herself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max turned on the cart and started it toward the exit. Damn, this ship was humid." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max would have to change clothes when he got home because he had just about sweated through this one. He could have entered a wet T-shirt competition with it." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Carrington walked beside him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She was persistent. \"Being factual, you should understand well that I would handle your sales more effectively.\"\n\n\"I am happy with the effectiveness of Bundy.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max smiled at her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He wondered if she took that as a friendly or threatening gesture. He didn't care, but he did increase the speed of the equipment cart." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"There are facts which make me an improved administrator of your sales. There are facts that would endanger your ability to make sales,\" she said as she followed him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max didn't stop the cart, but he stopped to study her for a second before turning his attention back to it before he drove it into a wall. \"That sounds slightly mobbish.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Clarify the term mobbish,\" she said." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Mob. Dishonorable individuals who work together to break the law or earn compensation by making others feel threatened or threatening them.\" Huh. Max was getting good at being a dictionary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Carrington's neck gills slapped shut. \"I am not lacking honor.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I never said you were,\" Max said before he could drive his best customer away." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Your statement sounded like a threat, so the statement sounded mobbish, not you.\"\n\nCarrington followed as Max approached the main exit." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Fresh air from outside leaked through the thick ship air like water through a sieve, assuming that water seeped through that sieve in such small quantities that a person was desperate for more." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The humidity was killing Max." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"From a certain perspective, perhaps,\" Carrington admitted. \"I dislike how humans see perspective.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max laughed. \"We are annoying,\" he agreed." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He increased the cart's speed now that he saw the open door.\n\n\"I would ensure you compensation beyond the ensuring of honorless Bundy,\" Carrington tried again." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She was the most persistent alien ever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, other than Rick, but that didn't count because Max liked Rick.\n\n\"Max!\" a voice called out in English." }, { "from": "human", "value": "For a half second, Max feared Xander had followed him, but Xander's voice was lower and more sing-song than clipped like this one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dee raced toward him. \"Run!\" she screamed." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max's feet engaged before he could consider motives or possibilities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "His squad member told him he had to run, so he dropped the cart's remote and sprinted toward the exit. A Tribes alien came out of a side door, and Max went into a controlled slide, his feet forward, the sides of them digging up the slime that covered the ship's floor." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He hit the Tribe's alien in the ankle, and with a bugle, the creature went down." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It scrambled to catch Max, but all it caught was the edge of a shirt that ripped when Max jerked free. He dashed for the open air, but the second he broke free, he spotted the line waiting for him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "People of Red, their violet stripes and lips—their operatic cries as they spotted Max—their law-enforcer uniforms." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Oh fuck. Something had gone wrong.\n\nA body crashed into him from behind, and then human hands clutched his arm." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your task: Include 'raised' 2 time(s) in your response" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Oh fuck,\" Dee whispered, an echo of his own thoughts. Yep, that about summed it up. An alien raised a stunning weapon, and Max raised his hands in surrender." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "Write ten sentences sentences spawning from what the user wrote, maintaining any existing character relationships or establishing new ones, within the Earth Fathers 2 genre." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max didn't know what he expected from an alien version of a competency hearing, but this wasn't it. The short wall opposite his narrow window was one huge screen, so it looked as if Max was in a cubby on the side of a large room. A few people glanced his way, so Max assumed the camera was projecting his image as well. He gave them credit for security. This setup gave Max zero opportunities to break out.\n\nAliens wandered in and out of circular benches that were interrupted by four aisles. Max's camera was lined up with one of those breaks, and he saw straight across to the opposite end of the room where an actual alcove sat empty.\n\nThe whole room was fifty feet by fifty feet, and there were far too many aliens in it for Max's comfort. He understood why some of the aliens were there. He spotted Carrington in an even more ridiculous hat than before, and Xena at her side." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Bundy was on the far side of the room and he kept glancing toward Max before ignoring him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No doubt his bad mood had returned double. There were three pith-helmet Pajekh and many of the tall, nostrilly Chosen. The former were clustered in a group and the latter walked the room in a way that made Max think of guards or politicians.\n\nA goose poop-green Smarties alien sat on the bench closest to Max's camera. Max wondered if that was the same one that had come to Bundy's meet-and-greet. And then there were a scattering of aliens Max didn't know. A green jellyfish with an enormous trunk and a set of tentacles growing out of the center of its head shifted to the right, and Max spotted two Hunter aliens, their orange pyramid bodies standing out in a room that had more greens and blues and purples.\n\nMax's stomach heaved at the sight of them, and his hands itched with the memory of warm guts sliding over his skin. He shivered. And here he thought the day couldn't get worse. Whatever Max had done wrong in a previous life, it must have been bad. Really bad." }, { "from": "system", "value": "<<USAGE LIMIT>>: 'toward' must be used 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The aliens fell silent and turned toward Max's left. Instinct had Max moving closer to the wall to try to see around the corner, but of course that was an idiotic thing to do because he couldn't see around corners on a television screen. No wonder the aliens kept calling him an idiot.\n\nMax's moment of levity as he silently made fun of himself vanished when Rick slid into the room. His tentacles were curled so tight that he was having trouble even walking , and Kohei walked next to him.\n\n\"What the fuck are you doing here? Oh hell no.\"\n\nRick and Kohei kept moving toward the center.\n\n\"Kohei, you promised you would give him my message. Rick! Rick!\" Max screamed, but Rick didn't even rotate an eye in his direction. Someone had Max on mute." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"You turn the sound on right now so I can tell Rick exactly what I think of him coming here. I have a right to tell that moron to get back to his god damn ship. Do you hear me? I demand the right to talk to him. I must have some rights, and I fucking well demand them.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max screamed. Unsurprising, nothing happened." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A Chosen alien followed, and when Rick and Kohei sat on an inner bench, the Chosen one moved to the center and hauled his bulk up onto the table." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aliens sat on the closest bench and the table in the center turned ever so slowly. It gave Max a nice profile of that huge upper lip. So this was the judge.\n\nIt would have been awesome if someone had explained the proceedings to him, but the universe didn't have lawyers. The judge started wailing, and the volume on the microphone made Max flinch away from the screech. Luckily he only got a half second of that before the translated voice replaced it.\n\n\"The Tribes Carrington charges the Ugly Rick of manipulation of a moron species to circumnavigate the sanctions against Ugly planet.\" The judge gave that one sentence summary, then Carrington stood.\n\n\"The Human Porter cannot work any math the Human Max claims to have created and hopes to sell,\" she said. It took Max a half second to connect Human Porter to Dee, even when he knew that Dee's attempts to do technical translating had led to this mess." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"The Human Max lives with the Ugly Rick. The Ugly planet is under sanctions.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She sat. The whole time, the table holding the judge rotated.\n\nBundy stood. \"Human Max and Ugly Rick came together once with the weapon. Human Max had knowledge of weapon. Human Max came alone after that. The navigation program was registered to the Human Max.\" He sat.\n\nIf this was a trial, either humans or aliens had a truly fucked-up idea of what it meant to argue a position. They were focusing on facts, but facts meant nothing. They could mean anything. If a recruit had an AFOQT score of fifty, that could be good because it met the minimum standard for being selected for pilot training. It could be bad if only twenty slots were open and twenty other candidates had higher scores. It could be humiliating if the person had scored fifty-seven on a practice or exciting if it was the highest score a person had ever gotten. The test score was just a number. The context of that number was more important than the bare fact." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No one was trying to explain these facts.\n\nThe Smarties alien stood. \"Human Max has separate account from Ugly Rick.\" It hunkered back down more than sitting.\n\nMax saw the pattern. When the last person sat, someone in the judge's line of sight would stand and testify. So how long would she keep rotating, and would Max have a chance to speak? The speakers signaled that they wanted the floor by standing. Okay. Max could play this game.\n\nHe sat on the end of his narrow bench/bunk and prayed the judge allowed him to speak before Rick." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max adored Rick—loved him beyond all reason. However, Rick had the self-preservation instincts of a stoned lemming. No, a tweaking lemming. At least a stoned one would have the good sense to lie on the couch and do nothing. This idiot had left the safety of the ship to sit in a room full of aliens who were calling him ugly to his face.\n\nBefore getting kidnapped, Max had thought of himself as being pretty non-confrontational, or as non-confrontational as a fighter pilot could get. But now... he had fantasies about cutting off tentacles and oversized lips.\n\nA Pajekh was speaking. \"Human Max used credits from his account to install new sensors on the ship of Ugly Rick.\"\n\n\"Hey, that's our ship, thank you very much,\" Max muttered." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The judge was turned in his direction, and Max stood.\n\n\"Can anyone hear me?\"\n\nEveryone turned toward him, so that was a yes. Max's face heated, and he didn't know why. It was a reasonable question. Max couldn't claim the navigation program was his, but maybe he could mitigate the damage. \"I created the weapon because Hunters invaded my ship and I didn't like having to defend the ship and my family with a maintenance hook. I wanted a defense that would have less likelihood of me ending up dead. Can I ask a question of someone who is in the room?\"\n\nThe judge's table stopped, and he had to shift around so he faced Max. Max got the feeling that this was not how it was supposed to work in this part of the universe. Tough shit. \"On my planet, a trial like this often includes people asking each other questions. Can I do that?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"Who would you ask a question of?\" the judge asked." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Tribes Xena.\"\n\n\"What question would you ask?\" The judge seemed to push his lips out even farther, which elongated all the nostrils along the side of his nose and made him look sillier.\n\n\"I want her to describe her impressions of me when we worked together.\"\n\n\"That is not a question.\"\n\nDamn logical aliens. \"Did I seem to know what I was doing with weapons? Better?\" Max stomped down on his temper before he said something that would earn him a contempt charge in a human court.\n\nThe judge's table began to rotate slowly again, and Max took his seat. Every court show he'd ever watched said that a lawyer should never ask a question he didn't know the answer to, but these assholes would never believe a word out of his mouth. They had already dismissed him as an idiot." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He needed a character witness, one that the rest of the universe thought was pretty." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When the judge swiveled toward Xena, she stood.\n\nFor a time, she was silent, and bile pressed at the base of Max's stomach. He couldn't defend Rick from a prison cell. What would happen to him if the authorities took their ship? Rick and the kids would be stranded here, surrounded by people who hated them. If Xena didn't tell the truth, Max didn't know how to convince these guys that he was competent to take the blame for his own actions.\n\n\"Human Max adequately explained the function of two different modifications to energy weapons, both of which will increase lethality. He also adequately explained the function of defensive garments he offered to sell and he identified weaknesses in the security of our ship and helped to design remediation plans.\" She sat so quickly that her hat flopped even though it was much smaller than Carrington's. Hopefully her testimony didn't create a problem with her boss, but Max couldn't care about that right now. Before the judge could swing back around to face him, Kohei stood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max held his breath. Better Kohei than Rick, but this was still the stuff of nightmares.\n\n\"I saw Human Max Father testing many weapons. He worked often with Ugly Xander Sibling. He brought human theories of weapon design to designs in the archives of the ship of Ugly Rick Father.\" He sat.\n\nAs much as Max knew that Kohei was playing it smart, Max hated hearing Kohei refer to family like that. They weren't ugly. Not even a little. They were graceful and beautiful and annoying, but never ugly. Max clenched his teeth and wished the judge were facing him. Instead the table stopped. No one stood. No one spoke. But the judge faced the far side of the room and the table did not budge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Was the judge ready to make a decision? This felt arbitrary. Max hadn't gotten to say half the things he wanted to. But Rick and Kohei stayed seated. Max had to follow their lead because he had no idea what was going on.\n\nHe was going to research every fucking judicial process on every fucking planet when this was over. He hoped he wouldn't be locked in a cell while he did it, but according to television, researching legal cases was standard fare for the unjustly condemned. And television never lied.\n\nAliens shifted on their benches, some scooting sideways to get out of the judge's view. Ah. He was looking at the Hunters.\n\nThe larger one stood." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"One ship of law-breakers reported that humans are irrational and dangerous when offspring are in danger.\" It sat. The judge remained motionless. Alien spectators inched away. The Hunters sat. It was the world's strangest standoff with silence being the major weapon. Max didn't understand why the judge assumed these Hunters would know about a pirate ship of Hunters, but then again, the universe focused on certain assumptions, like people didn't go to war against their own species. So maybe other species stuck together more than humans.\n\nIf so, the universe was in for a shock when humanity got this far, and they would. Max knew his people. As soon as they got their heads around the idea of aliens, they were going to build clunky, cramped spaceships so they could come up here and yell at them.\n\nThe Hunter stood, slower this time." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word usage requirement: 'leader' must appear 3 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"The human killed several Hunters and threatened death to Hunter Leader. He released Hunter Leader so Hunter Leader would take message back to all Hunters to avoid the ship with Ugly Offspring.\"\n\n\"Damn right,\" Max muttered even though no one could hear him. Several aliens did glance at him. The Hunter sat and the judge's platform started to rotate again.\n\nAn enormous alien stood. \"Human Max hit my tentacle,\" he said before sitting. Damn. That was the guy who had tried to push past them on the boardwalk. Max had stepped on one of his tentacles. Okay, maybe it had been a stomp, but still. It seemed strange to come to court to tattle about something like that. Aliens were odd." }, { "from": "human", "value": "One of Bundy's customers stood and testified about Max's accuracy with weapons." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Every time someone fell silent, the judge was facing away from Max, and he suspected that was intentional. People didn't want to hear what he had to say, but Max had a right to speak his mind. Or he didn't because this was an alien legal system and they had never heard of Miranda or the Constitution, but damn it, Max wanted to speak his mind.\n\nHe leaned forward, ready to leap from his seat, given the opportunity, but it never came. Instead alien after alien testified about Max's threats to cut off limbs and his habit of stepping on tentacles and his proficiency with weapons. This was going sideways. Rick had a right to two lifetimes of I-told-you-so.\n\nSquirming in his seat, Max watched another alien sit, and then Kohei shot up even though he wasn't directly in front of the judge. However, no one said anything. Kohei waited until the judge had rotated the last degree or two before he told the story of Xander's birth and how Rick and Max had to keep him moving." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He described such weird details, like how Max would stand in the water until the oils had washed away from his skin and the water soaked into his cells so his skin wrinkled." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 7 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Personally, Max considered wrinkled skin pretty damn normal. He liked baths.\n\nHowever, more and more, aliens turned to study Max. He was starting to feel like a bug pinned on a board.\n\nKohei rotated his largest eye toward Max and waited until the judge was turned in Max's direction before he sat.\n\nBlessing Kohei's insight and strategy, Max leapt up. If he was going to be condemned as a psychopath instead of a moron, he had a few things to say to these aliens. And they were damn well going to listen. Hopefully." } ]

[ { "from": "system", "value": "AI writing task: user input -> eight sentences sentences. genre: Earth Fathers 2. match character context." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Produce a starting prompt please." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max took a deep breath. If this was his only chance to speak, he needed to make it count, so he had to suppress the urge to run in a circle and scream in frustration. That wouldn't exactly disprove the theory that he was a moron.\n\n\"I came up with the concept for that weapon, and I had every right to sell it.\" Max remained as calm as possible. These people liked facts, so that was what he had to focus on. And he would apologize to James later for not giving him co-credit. \"Dee would be able to do that math, only she has been isolated and afraid for so long that she probably can't think straight. And that would be the fault of the so-called smart individuals on that police ship. We were both on that ship, but instead of letting us see each other, the assholes on that ship kept up separated and confused.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Max took another calming breath." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He was not doing well at remaining factual. It didn't help that he recognized the stress in Dee's eyes. In SERE training they said that nothing was more damaging than being alone. A person could handle broken bones better than systematic isolation. But these aliens wouldn't understand profanity, and if the translator was being too literal, Max's point would get lost under the verbal garbage.\n\n\"My people dislike most bodily fluids, and we have a special hatred for excrement. So when we find an individual as dislikable as excrement, we call them an asshole. The association of the body part with that particular bodily discharge makes our feelings known.\" Max had grown disturbingly good at that sort of explanation. Being a father had contributed to his new skills as much as the alien kidnapping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The kids did ask the strangest questions.\n\nBack to his argument. \"The people on the ship were assholes because they isolated us and didn't give us a chance to mentally recover from the shock.\" Max considered the closest Chosen alien. \"Like some other species, many on my planet believed we were alone in the universe, that we were chosen by a deity to be unique. Others believed there was life in the universe, but could not prove it because our part of the galaxy was so quiet. So seeing alien ships was a shock.\" That was an understatement. \"And those assholes saw shock and took it as proof that humans are morons. That sort of assumption makes the rest of you look like morons.\"\n\nMax debated sitting. He had made his argument." }, { "from": "human", "value": "However, he hadn't addressed the one part of his con that had outed him—that navigation program." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe he could convince these aliens that they had judged humans too quickly, but they'd had plenty of time to decide they didn't like the Hidden ones. So this part wouldn't end well. That ingrained hatred was going to make these guys assume that anyone who loved a Hidden one had to be a moron.\n\nLooking at Rick sitting near the judge, his tentacles all curled, Max couldn't deny him. Not even by avoiding any mention of him.\n\n\"And I have a right to sell the navigation program. I didn't write it. I don't even understand it, and Rick's attempts to explain do not help. But Rick is my husband. What is mine is his and what is his is mine. That makes it mine to sell.\" That caused such a stir among the gathered aliens that Max was distracted. Tentacles undulated, feet shifted, mutters filled the room." }, { "from": "human", "value": "On his bench up front, Rick uncurled a couple of his larger tentacles." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max had hit a nerve.\n\nMax had more points to make; however, by the time he thought about making them, the judge's platform had revolved, and he was no longer facing Max. With a sigh, Max sat back down. Damn it.\n\nNo one else stood to speak, and the judge rotated nearly all the way around until he faced Max's family. Then Rick stood. He was short, his walking tentacle curled more than it had been at any time since the pirate invasion.\n\n\"I hired Max believing he was moron species and would make a sufficient carrier of young.\" His tentacles curled more, either because he felt guilty or because he knew how the rest of the universe judged his reproductive methods. Either way, Max wished he was standing down there, his arm tangled with some of those curly fry tentacles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"He said he was warrior, and I believed he lacked an understanding of the meaning of the word. When I was a moron, I allowed Hunters on my ship. They tried to kill offspring, and Max killed many of them. He had no weapon so he used a maintenance hook to rip out internal organs. Then I knew he was warrior. I offered to return him to a place of safety, and he said he found me desirable. I find him desirable. We name each other husband. He can spend my money. He can claim my work.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That caused even more tentacle twitching, and this time the mutters intensified to chatter, and when half the aliens sounded like cats in heat or tone-deaf opera singers, it made for a pretty cacophonous courtroom.\n\nThe judge stood, and Max expected the room to go silent. Instead the room transformed in the blink of an eye into a cocktail party sans drinks. Carrington stood talking to two Chosen ones while Xena headed for the exit. A small crowd had gathered around Bundy, and since he was short, he vanished under the moving wall of tentacles and backs.\n\nWhat the fuck was going on? Max touched the screen, willing a barrel shaped alien to move aside so Max could get one last look at his family. At Rick. Despite every instinct that told Rick to hide, he was here." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He had spoken up and defended Max the best he could." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Max had thought he couldn't love Rick more, but he did.\n\nHe pressed his palm against the screen as Rick and Kohei pushed through the crowd and walked up the long aisle. Aliens were wandering out now, and Rick moved faster. Max prayed for each second the video continued, for each moment he could bask in Rick's presence. He was beautiful, flowing past aliens and gliding over a bench to avoid a milling group of gossipers who hadn't moved out of his way. He was strong and so damn smart. He didn't need to have boned leg tentacles or a neck to be perfect.\n\nMax pressed his body against the screen, and a vibration ran through the metal." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Half afraid of some security measure, Max stepped back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The wall then slid up like a garage door so the camera image of the hearing was projected on the ceiling. Max could see into the courtroom and see Rick charging at him, tentacles waving and his tool hat flopping as it started to slide backward.\n\nStill too stunned to move, Max was knocked backward onto the bench and tentacles were all over him. All over.\n\n\"Hey, kids in the room,\" Max said. They had agreed that naughty touching would not happen in front of the children, and Rick was violating that in spectacular fashion. For a second, Rick froze. The tip of a tentacle pressed against Max's hole, and most of Rick's tentacles were under Max's clothing. With a breathy raspberry that came very close to a sigh, Rick withdrew most of his tentacles." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He did leave one under Max's shirt curled around his nipple and a few around Max's waist, but that was almost not inappropriate." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Kohei blew raspberries and stood where Max's cell joined the courtroom." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Word restriction: Use 'would' 3 time(s) only" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"What happened? Did we win?\" Max asked.\n\nRick bellowed. \"Query. Win what?\" There were so many things Max wanted to win. His freedom would be high on the list, as would a guarantee that his family would keep their ship.\n\nKohei answered before Max could figure out which question to ask first. \"Max Father, this was evidentiary hearing. There was no winning. But now the authorities have questions on evidence of husbanding.\"\n\nAll the air went out of Max's lungs and his thoughts scattered. Rick tightened his tentacles, and Max managed a weak, \"That wasn't a trial?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Both Kohei and Rick stared at him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Query,\" Max added belatedly.\n\nKohei blew bubbles.\n\nRick was a little more sympathetic. \"If authorities accuse you of wrong doing, a judgment or liability takes many, many months. On Earth television, trials move slow. They keep going and going and going.\" Rick and his love of commercials.\n\n\"This looked like a courtroom. I thought...\" Max closed his eyes.\n\n\"Max Father, I am sorries for not explaining,\" Kohei said now that he had finished laughing at Max. \"Rational creatures cannot judge so fast.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Sentient and rational are not the same.\" Max noticed that neither of them disagreed with him. \"So, did the hearing go our way?\"\n\n\"Authority believes Max is not moron species. Navigation program is not sold,\" Rick said. More and more aliens were leaving the courtroom... or evidentiary hearing room.\n\n\"Where's Dee?\" Max asked.\n\n\"Other room. Same hearing.\" Kohei gestured toward the side Max couldn't see from his current position." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"We should go find her.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dee hadn't known that Carrington was using her. If the universe was just, Carrington was going to have to pay a fine or at the very least, look like an idiot. Bitch. Max realized both his family members were watching him. Rick was motionless, and Kohei was rotating in confusion. Max stood, or at least he tried to. Rick was heavy. He lifted Rick an inch and then they collapsed back down onto the bunk.\n\nRick untangled his tentacles.\n\nMax tried to find the words that would allow him to explain why he worried about Dee." }, { "from": "human", "value": "From their point of view, it didn't make sense, but he didn't want his family to blame her for any of this mess." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"She warned me and tried to get me out before the guards showed up.\"\n\n\"How would leaving Carrington's ship have made improved evidence?\" Kohei asked.\n\nWell, shit. Kohei had a valid point. Max was in the middle of a con, so whether the authorities caught him there or later, it didn't matter. Eventually they would have found him outside the ship, with or without Dee's warning. Hiding wouldn't have improved their legal position, but Max had an instinct to run for home. Max stood and tightened his hold on Rick's tentacle. \"Let's go see if she is all right.\"" }, { "from": "system", "value": "Your response should contain the word 'judge' precisely 2 times" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rick didn't say anything, but he did start toward the main room. His tentacles didn't even curl much. Most of the aliens had left now. Bundy and his entourage hovered near the exit, but everyone else had gone. The judge came off the table once Max stepped into the main room.\n\nThe judge shouted. \"We will discuss questions of husbanding.\" The high-tone cut through Max's head.\n\n\"I need to check on Dee,\" Max said firmly." }, { "from": "human", "value": "\"I'm here.\" Dee came out of the cell that was opposite the exit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A few of the aliens around Bundy turned toward them, but then Bundy left and his entourage followed. Dee walked over, stopping several feet away. \"I'm fine.\"\n\nThe judge came striding up the aisle with a rolling gait similar to a human. Funny, but the two-legged walk looked strange after months of watching Rick and the kids glide about on their walking tentacles. The judge trumpeted. \"I require clarification.\" And here the rest of the universe complained about Rick's people being too loud. Pot and kettle. Pot and high-pitched, annoying kettle.\n\n\"About husbanding. Right. Okay, ask away.\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Maybe relief was making Max a little punch-drunk because that was not the way to address a judge, not even an alien one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Chosen judge pushed his lips forward so that his line of nostrils all opened into teardrop shapes. After a second, the face relaxed again.\n\n\"I require clarification of human social structure. Are humans required of groups?\"\n\nThe business translator made language a lot clearer, but the judge had a stilted, wrong quality to his language, even with the improved translation.\n\nMax answered. \"Humans do require some sort of social connections. Sometimes they live in isolation, but usually they will have one person they pair bond with or one family member. People who live completely isolated usually end up odd.\"\n\nDee snorted. \"They end up insane,\" she corrected him. \"It damages their brains.\" She tapped the side of her head." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Given that Dee had been the one abandoned on the planet, Max had avoided saying that." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dee shook her head. \"I should have been able to follow his math on those weapons modifications. I have the same background. But I couldn't. But that's not evidence that Max didn't do the work. We were both working on a translation interface, but Max got ten times farther than I did in the same amount of time. And the longer I was alone, the worse my productivity got.\"\n\nThe judge studied Dee and Max. \"Both humans were isolated.\"\n\n\"No,\" Dee said. She smiled at Max before she gave Rick a fond look. \"Max had a husband and children. He is a lucky man.\"\n\nMax pulled Rick closer. \"I am.\"\n\n\"Gregariousness can include species not human?\"" }, { "from": "human", "value": "the judge asked. \"Odd.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Humans are odd,\" Kohei oh-so-helpfully added. The judge ignored him.\n\n\"Why did you not seek gregarious group?\" the judge asked Dee.\n\n\"Because no one would talk to me,\" she said. \"I tried to get to know a few of the people who lived in the same area, but they ignored me.\"\n\nMax remembered how much it had hurt when he had thought Rick's friendship wasn't real. The sense of loss and the loneliness had nearly eaten him alive." }, { "from": "human", "value": "A day of that had nearly broken him." }, { "from": "human", "value": "She'd been alone the whole time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"God, Dee, I'm so sorry.\"\n\nShe shrugged. \"It's not like you abandoned me. Hell, I walked away from you to take the job with Carrington because I believed all that shit about Hidden ones being parasites. The last I checked, parasites don't risk coming to court to defend their families. Rick, I'm sorry I listened to these assholes.\"\n\nRick loosened his hold of Max's arm enough to rotate.\n\nDee continued while Rick was still rotating back and forth. \"I should turn in my POC card. I mean, I know what it's like to have people judge me because of the color of my skin, and I go making assumptions about other people because of where they have their eyes. I am a horrible human being.\"\n\nMax hated the disgust he heard in her voice. She was a damn good pilot and a good person. Some of the guys from the unit—Max wouldn't want to spend time with them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "But Dee was kind and quiet and she would laugh with people without laughing at them. \"I probably would have believed what people told me if the translator had worked well enough for my social worker to say anything other than Rick's people were loud and unpopular,\" Max told her. But he didn't want to go further into the topic of discrimination in front of a judge. This might not have been a trial, but important rulings still had to get made.\n\nHe turned to the judge. \"Can I sell the navigation program or not?\" Maybe his con had backfired a bit, but he still wanted to make enough profit to get upgrades for the ship. He was going to have to do a lot of security audits and new weapon designs to get the credits they needed if he couldn't sell Rick's programming." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They could go back to Hidden planet and sell it under the official terms of the sanction agreement, but Max was vindictive enough that he didn't want these people to get access to the technology unless they were willing to pay a fair price. Cutting off one's nose to spite one's face was a valid hobby on Earth, one that Max endorsed.\n\n\"We must discuss husbanding with Ugly one.\" The judge turned and walked back toward the table in the center of the room. Asshole. Kohei followed the judge, and Rick tugged at Max to do the same. Maybe the evidentiary hearing wasn't over. Max took a deep breath. If his ability to make a living depended on the alien understanding of husbanding, he knew one thing." }, { "from": "human", "value": "He wouldn't deny Rick." }, { "from": "system", "value": "Next message should be approximately 3 sentences." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Maybe they had never stood in front of an altar in a church, but in Max's heart, they were married. Nothing would change that.\n\nAnd if this asshole called Rick ugly again, Max would take it out on the judge's legs, and since he had kneecaps, Max knew exactly where to kick him." } ]