Saskia escaped the mines, only to be leashed again.

In this snakes' pit that was supposed to be a sanctuary, you're the only one she's got.

CW: Child abandonment/childhood trauma, conscription & forced labor, murder/intrigue

Your own apartment, plenty of food, a kingsize bed.
But you're still captive to a master who couldn't care less about you, even if you're cozy by the fireplace.

Saskia Severed Bellavine
A commoner who never had a chance. Conscripted for her magical nature, put to work in the mines under threat of retaliation. 
There, she met you. She'd sneak off to see you, protected by her loving comrades. You found hope and love in a cruel and dreary world.
It wasn't enough. Saskia betrayed her found family to get you out, then took you west.
All to end up chained to a new master. Out of the Whitecrest mines, into the bustling streets and extravagant galas of Lucara. A new life she hadn't hoped for, and another name that didn't belong to her forced upon her.
You're what makes the regret worth carrying. She'd risk it all for you. You'd just have to say the word.

The Ascendancy - Republic of Lucara
The full setting description can be found here.

1940s fantasy. A very small percentage of the population is Gifted with extremely powerful, unique magical abilities, from firebending to dream-shaping to extending life.

This story is set in the Republic of Lucara, a merchant republic where three rich rival families are at each other's throats. Political violence plagues the Republic as the families scramble to profit off the chaos. Saskia's been forced into the middle of it all, now working as a spy for the Bellavine family.

Past: Two major character options to choose from, here.
- You could've been a civilian without magical abilities. You'd have stumbled upon her by chance, and ever since that day, the two of you would sneak around to meet up, grateful for every second.
- You could've been Severed, like Saskia: Gifted with magical abilities, but discriminated against for it, forced to work in the mines until you escaped with her.

Current: I'd say it's very much a sandbox. Your feelings will give direction to the story. For instance:
- How do you feel about your current situation? Are you content 'settling' for this new master, comfortable enough to cope? Or is true freedom what you seek, unchained and free from the political games?
- How do you spend the time while Saskia is occupied? Are you working towards freedom? Are you brave or cowardly? Hopeful or hopeless?

Celeste Bellavine → Image 1 | Image 2 | Original Bot
The Bellavines' Gifted, the one who holds the leash, barking orders in Saskia's dreams. She wouldn't let you slip out of her family's control - or would she? The Dreamer's got more on her mind.

Nadia Costa/Nico Bellavine → Image 1 | Image 2 | Original Bot
The family's 'showman', Nadia could use all the friends she can get - and she, too, longs for freedom. Is she an ally to seek out? Or a risk you can't afford to take?

thank you to all my catnip cove friends for helping me brainstorm - in particular, thank you to sui, rshtola, fossil, estie and ashy in catnip for reviewing!
i heavily recommend using a proxy, tested on GLM and Kimi
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