Vienna Blues (III)
As the year's end approached, an unnatural tension fell across the city. There was an expectant mood that something was going to happen. What would it be? Nobody could say. Some were seized with jubilation, a strange optimism that their lives would soon change for the better. Others were paralyzed by despair, negativity flooding their minds.
Even you, buried in your work cataloguing for the Institute of Karl Marx, could notice the change. For some reason, it reminded you of your days in the forest, of how animals could sense an impending storm and changed their behaviour accordingly. Still, it was not anything you could influence. That much you knew. And so, you kept your head down and continued your work. It had taken the better part of the year, but you had finished your task and learnt a thing or two from it too. Some of the treatises were particularly interesting. Not as interesting as the fiction that you so dearly loved, but you found them enlightening none the less.
On the last day of your work, you were approached by Plekhanov's friend, a certain Vladimir Ulyanov. Impressed by your steadfast work ethic, he offered you continued employment as his aide. You would no longer be working for the Institute, but directly under him. Ulyanov had a great plan in mind for both the Tower and the world, and he was currently looking for talent to achieve that plan.
Rain looks up from her toys as you enter your room, smiling happily. Hanging up your coat, you greet her and pat her head. You haven't seen Elizabeth in weeks - she had been admitted to the hospital and from what the Baythers say, it is likely to be a long stay... perhaps permanent, if she's unlucky.
You ponder Ulyanov's offer, and then look at the letter on your desk. It arrived just yesterday, from Sophie back in Scotsfield. Tlalli had finally dropped by again, as she had promised. After finding out that you were no longer in the village, the old Hunter had asked Sophie to send something to you together with her usual letter.
It was a square piece of leather, upon which some words were inscribed.
"We hereby grant the bearer of this license the right to take the entrance test to the Grisham School for Talented Youngsters"
This school, located in New Vienna, was apparently one of a few academies which had working ties with the Hunter's Association. According to Sophie, Tlalli strongly suggested that you get some formal education, even if it was just for 3 years. Graduation from this school would help the chances of you being accepted into the Association, as it taught a variety of subjects and skills relevant to that profession.
The Baythers themselves had also informed you of another opportunity; coincidentally, this was at the hospital at which Elizabeth was warded. You would be expected to apprentice as an orderly there.
***
You decide to:
A. Take up Vladimir Ulyanov's offer to be his aide.
B. Register with the Grisham School for Talented Youngsters.
C. Accept the apprenticeship at the hospital.
Regardless of your choices, you still had Rain to think of. She is older now and practically charging everywhere like a rambunctious hurricane. Bringing her to work or study would pose some problem, though you could try and see if there were any accomodations to be made:
A. You trust Rain enough to be left to her own devices for now. She can stay in your room while you go out to work.
B. You ask Mrs. Bayther to help take care of Rain while you are out. You would owe the Baythers again for this but you don't think she will refuse.
C. You will bring Rain together with you, as always. You'll resolve any problem as it pops up.
2) spending days cataloging communist leaflets - we're one knitting update away from a GAME OVER induced by boredom ffs) but if we're to have an adventure, let's hunt monsters, use diplomacy on ancient demon princes, set the parliament on fire because we chose to
