#keoanai hakana

[sailingshellsgames]

moodboard about how keo makes me feel ✨

Oh my gosh I'm screaming with happiness at this 💞 And scream-laughing at the sixth image!

I'm pretty sure this could be the mood board from Keo's perspective, too 😂

Thanks so much for your ask, frutillia!

[sailingshellsgames]

Hello! This is a popular ask for IFs, so sorry if you have answered this. Once in the relationship stage or maybe just very deep crushing stage, but if MC is inebriated, what would the ROs’ reactions be if they’re trying to talk to MC and they say they’re taken? Like very clearly talking about RO haha

Hi, Anon!

Omggg this is so cute. I love it. Answers below!

Wren: Thinks it's hilarious and adorable, and plays into it. "Oh? What a coincidence, I'm taken too." When MC turns to them, recognizing their voice they continue with a grin, "My partner's out with me tonight. They're the most beautiful/handsome/stunning person here." Bonus points if there's a mirror on the bar wall, because Wren will absolutely be pointing to it because yes, they are that cheesy.

Keo: Smiles, runs a hand over their mouth to hide it. Isn't sure how to reply, and in the moment of hesitation MC starts repeating they're taken, and nobody could compare to their partner who's so sweet, and strong, and handsome/beautiful/stunning. Keo tries a few times to interject, but eventually has to resort to putting a hand on MC's arm to turn them towards them. When MC realizes it's Keo and starts blushing, Keo just pulls them in for a long hug. Keo doesn't mention it again, but they're in a good mood the whole night.

Rin: Sighs dramatically. "Guess I'm fighting tonight, then." Turns to the rest of the bar and loudly asks, "Alright, which one of you idiots stole my girlfriend/boyfriend/partner?" When MC turns to reply, recognizing their voice, Rin just says "What?" in the most innocent tone imaginable. Doesn't let MC live it down, greeting them now and then with "Look, I know you're taken but hear me out..."

Thanks for your ask!

[sailingshellsgames]

bahahaha omg that's it that's Keo's romanced plot arc 🤣

Thanks as always for the laugh, randomusername001! 🧡

[sailingshellsgames]

As promised, here's a place where you can access some scenes outside of the main story!

Your support is so very appreciated, whether it's on ko-fi or tumblr❣️I admit I feel a little odd setting up a ko-fi at all since I've never considered myself to be very entrepreneurial 😅 But I really loved writing the vignettes and wanted to put them out there as an option for people, with the thought that over time I may post more extras there. As always, I'm delighted to be sharing Leas' world with you. Thanks for playing! 🤗 ☀️

(previews of the bonus scenes below)

[sailingshellsgames]

So, how did young MC and young Keo meet? Did they become friends instantly or was it a more gradual thing?

Hi, randomusername001!

This is something I've been dying to add as a choice to the game, actually! I just haven't found the right place to put it yet. It's possible it'll wind up in the second game, but I'm going to try to get it in the first. The options I've got in mind currently are:

Little MC and Keo hit it off right away and were inseparable from day one, leading to some pretty funny moments when instructors attempted to pair them with other people in class exercises (if you like bob's burgers, imagine this scene 😂)

MC and Keo became friends naturally over shared interests, would play a lot together outside their lessons and grew closer over time.

Keo was wary of MC at first (for all the reasons a little half-Fey child might be nervous about getting close with people), but slowly warmed up and became friends with them.

MC thought Keo was spacey and weird, but eventually warmed up and became friends with them.

MC thought Keo was spacey and odd, and related to that, leading to a fast friendship.

MC and Keo had a childhood rivalry that slowly developed into friendship when they realized they were good in competition, but unstoppable when they worked together (this one cracks me up imagining what menaces they'd be 😆).

MC and Keo didn't interact much until MC caught Keo in a vision and promised to keep the secret. After that, they started talking more and realized they had a lot in common and enjoyed each other's company, eventually becoming best friends.

And to answer the other half of your question, they Keo and MC met at the Den. They were part of the same cadre of recruits, so they had lessons together and lived in the same part of the compound after joining 🙂

Also, I haven't written this choice yet so if someone has an option they want but don't see in the list above, let me know. As long as it fits with the story, I'll add it 😉

Thanks for your ask!

[sailingshellsgames]

Keo is quite defensive at times of their Fey heritage and other times isn't so vocal about it. What is their standard for defending the Fey species?

They give the impression that they will argue with you if you assume Fey are all evil, but won't argue when you mention the dangers coming from interacting with them.

Hi solariaflumine!

I'm glad that's the impression Keo's giving because that's exactly how I imagine them! ☺️ As far as their standard, the first thing I think I have to say is, uh, they don't consciously have one 😅 Keo's very driven by emotions, much more so than logic. So they tend to just "do what feels right" and not spend much time defining what makes something feel right (honestly, not the best way to operate in the world but hey, I wanted to write characters with flaws lol).

But if I'm looking at it as, "what's going on in Keo's head that I know as the author" -> it's exactly how you described it. Keo knows the Fey are dangerous, just like Keo knows humans are dangerous. Keo also believes both are beautiful, nuanced, and worth knowing. So MC treating Fey cautiously makes sense to Keo, but throwing out all Fey as evil doesn't. They understand why some humans feel that way, but Keo has a lot of reasons not to view the Fey as entirely bad, and not to view humanity as entirely good.

And you'll have the option (depending on your choices) to explore some of those reasons in chapter 8... 👀

Thanks so much for your ask!

[sailingshellsgames]

How was Keoanai treated when they were younger, by their peers and the Den's staff?

What are Keoanai's thoughts on how Den Zarel operates?

Hi Anon!

Ooo I love backstory questions ^_^

When Keoanai first arrived to the Den they were extremely quiet (for fear of accidentally outing themself as half-Fey by acting too strangely). Eventually most of their peers stopped trying to socialize with them and Keo slotted into the "loner" role, with the exception of their friendship with MC. The Den's staff tended to view Keoanai as a good student and a well-behaved child who showed a great deal of respect to their elders - Keo was happy with this, since it meant more flying under the radar. They got a bit more attention from the adults when they found their niche in terms of training (combat being their greatest strength) and began to perform excellently, but by that point they felt more comfortable fielding conversations.

Keo's main viewpoint toward the Den is gratitude. It's the safest place for an Avir to be in human society, and it's where Keo's closest friends are. They take comfort in the fact that the Den allows them no-questions-asked access to the outside world as well as a foot in human society. They really like the clear structure of the Den's hierarchy and the way jobs are handed out/everything operates. Human cultural norms are something Keo had to learn well and quickly to survive, and structure makes that easier to do.

Also, just a little fun fact about question 1 - eventually MC and Keo make friends with Viara. If you play the route that shows you a memory in chapter 6 you can learn Keoanai's the one who later brings Tiane into their little group. I think Keo was lonely growing up and really treasured MC being their friend while they got their "social sea legs" if you will, and wanted to make sure Tiane had a few people around her too. What kind of cracks me up is that now that Keo's grown they're kind of ridiculously popular. I'm itching to get to chapter 8 where we finally explore the characters a little more in-depth around things like this.

Thanks so much for your ask! :)

[sailingshellsgames]

What would F!Keoanai's reaction to accidentally reading a poem MC has written for her:

She walks into the room and my heart skips a beat Her smile brightens up my day, makes my world complete But I dare not let her know, my feelings stay concealed For fear of losing her, my heart is forced to yield

She is my friend, my confidante, my partner in crime But deep down I want her to be mine, all the time Her laughter is like music, her touch so divine I can't help but imagine her as my valentine

Every moment spent with her is a treasure to behold But my heart yearns for more, a story yet untold I dream of holding her close, feeling her heart beat But for now, my feelings remain hidden, my love discreet

So I sit here quietly, watching her from afar Knowing that my love for her will never fade or scar I hope that one day, the courage to confess will arrive And she'll see the truth in my heart, the love that I strive.

Hi fanart-fic!

Alright, F!Keoanai's reaction first:

The door to MC's room is cracked open, so Keo steps in.

"I'm almost ready," MC says, rummaging through the trunk at the end of their bed without looking up. Keo smiles a little at the way MC recognizes her footsteps and leans against the desk, waiting patiently.

Her eyes wander as the seconds pass, until after a moment she notices the messy state of MC's desk. There's an half-empty mug stained from sitting overnight and a pile of papers, some crumpled on the floor. MC must be behind on paperwork. They've had a lot of jobs lately, and Keo can see several mission reports amidst the clutter.

Then something catches her eye. Lying out with the rest is a set of verses, a... poem? Keo's brows raise, a small smile finding her face as she glances at it; she hadn't known MC was a poet. Before she knows what she's doing she's read it end to end.

My heart skips a beat... Brightens up my day...

My friend, my confidante...

Love.

Keo stares at the desk for a long moment, heart racing. A sudden thunk as MC sets a canteen on the ground brings her back to herself, shifting nervously as she looks anywhere but the poem. MC goes back to digging, oblivious as they mutter something impatiently under their breath.

It's beautiful, some distant part of Keo thinks. The poem. MC is talented. The fact that it’s a romantic subject doesn’t necessarily mean anything. MC could just be practicing writing that type of poem. Honing their craft. But even so... Would it be so bad to imagine more?

Keo pinches the bridge of her nose. Yes, yes it would be. Getting involved with MC like that is something that would inherently put them in danger. And gods, it's not as if she even knows the poem is about her.

But what if it is?

Her throat tightens as the thought hits her too quickly to stop. Too many emotions flood her body, uncomfortable and wonderful and terrible, little desert roses the size of coins sprouting from her fingernails as her Fey blood reacts to it, more honest than the human part of her could ever be.

"There it is!" MC holds up a pair of training gloves, grinning triumphantly. Keo stands straighter, clasping her hands behind her back. "Lets-" MC stops, eyes darting to the poem, their body tensing almost imperceptibly. "Let's go," they gesture. "Come on, we don't want to be late."

Keo nods and follows them out, not trusting her voice as she carefully dusts off her hands, pocketing the roses that fall from her fingers.

She must miss one, though. The next time she's in MC's room, there it is on the windowsill. Right atop a little piece of folded paper.

___________

Okay, so if you'll allow me my own reaction now - WOW. Oh my goodness. You are such a talented poet, fanart-fic, this is beautiful! Thank you so much for writing this and for sharing it - I've been grinning all morning about it! 💞😯😍😍😍💛❣️ Wishing you a lovely day ~

Thanks so much for your ask!

[sailingshellsgames]

Keo’s first playlist song! We are kicking things off with a heavy dose of longing 😂 This song is a favorite of mine; I think it’s just stunning ❤️

[sailingshellsgames]

What would be Keoanai's reaction to MC proposing to them with a serenade?

Keoanai, my love divine/ With you, my heart will always shine/Like the rhythm of a perfect beat/ Our love will never know defeat.

In your eyes, I see my soul/ And with you, my heart feels whole/ Like the melody of a sweet refrain/ Our love will always remain.

With you, my heart will always sing/ As we dance to love's sweet rhythm ring/ For you are the music of my life/ Keoanai, my love, will you be my spouse?

On another note, what would be their ideal way of proposing and being proposed to?

Ohhh this is so cute I'm going to answer it for all the ROs, I hope you don't mind! (All of these are for ROs who've been in a long-term relationship with the MC, since I assume we're not up and proposing out of nowhere 😉)

Keoanai: Is confused at first - they love MC's voice, but why are they singing about them? As they process MC's words a swirl of emotions rises in them: affection at how cute they are, surprise at the sincerity of the words, an urgent need to reach out and touch them, to express the same love back to MC. They aren't good with words, but gods, they hope they can show MC how much they care.

When the last line hits them their lips part slightly in shock. It takes a long moment for them to respond, standing there blinking while poor MC waits.

Eventually a small smile finds Keoanai's face. They'd half-forgotten human marriage rituals exist. Their own parents certainly were never married, and it's not something they'd ever thought possible for themself.

Out loud, they say "Of course," still smiling, and draw MC in for a kiss. If MC wants a ceremony Keo's happy to oblige. But really, they'd known they'd be with MC forever from the start.

---

Wren: Listens attentively, stopping everything they're doing and watching MC with the warmest smile. They memorize the words as MC says them and silently marvel at their luck in having such a wonderful partner. They'd all but given up on romance by the time they'd come to Leas and then somehow, one assassin and a dashing rescue later here they are, being serenaded. It's funny how things work out.

Gods, they think, I hope they'll say yes when I ask them to marry me. They'd called in a favor to clear out the city's observatory for the occasion. Just the two of them, stargazing. They think MC will like it.

And then the last line is sung and Wren realizes MC's beat them to it. Wren almost wants to laugh at the irony but they're too busy sweeping MC into the biggest hug and telling them Yes, Absolutely, When does MC want to have the wedding?

---

Rin: "What the heck are you doing?" they ask as MC starts to sing, a reluctant smile breaking out on their face as they roll their eyes. They shift forward in their seat, planting their hand on their chin and watching MC with amusement. Their expression changes as MC goes on, shifting to something more vulnerable, more serious. Almost hesitant.

"You... You're serious?" Rin asks, swallowing hard. "You really feel that way? About all that stuff you said." When MC nods Rin runs a hand over their mouth, looking away for a moment.

"Come here," they say, standing up. "Please." When MC obliges Rin pulls them into a long, slow kiss. They try to ignore the voice in their head telling them this is all some kind of mistake, that nothing this good could possibly happen, and focus on the feeling of MC's skin on theirs. When they pull back, something occurs to them.

"Wait," they say, eyebrows shooting upward. "Did you just ask me to marry you?"

---

Thank you for your ask Anon! That was beautifully written and I feel absolutely spoiled to get to read it!!❣️💝💛💕

[sailingshellsgames]

Keoanai’s second playlist song ❣️ Have I mentioned “longing?” 😂

[sailingshellsgames]

Wishlist the Game on Steam

☀️ Steam Page (click the green button below the game images to add to your wishlist) ☀️

Demo Link

☀️ Play now ☀️

Other Links

☀️ Patreon ☀️

☀️ Ko-fi ☀️ 

☀️FAQ☀️

Leas: City of the Sun, an interactive fiction game

Enter the city of Leas, where humans dwell in safety behind city walls while strange and powerful Fey roam the wilds. Play as one of a rare few skilled enough to explore the outside world, an agent of Den Zarel.

After making a dangerous discovery you are sent on a mission that unfolds into an adventure that will unearth more than expected, and more than you alone can handle.

Fortunately, you’ll have help along the way: a lifelong friend hiding a dangerous secret, a mysterious and taciturn rogue, and an eccentric and charming mage unite under your banner to help save your city, and possibly, the world.

ROs

🧡 Keoanai Hakana

   Personality - An agent of Den Zarel and MC’s oldest friend. Capable, strong, and stoic, with a tendency to get lost in thought. Protective of the MC. The child of a human-Fey union, Keo has seen a great deal of both Fey and human society, and struggles to find the point of balance between them.

   Physical Appearance - Warm brown eyes flecked with gold, tan skin, dark hair usually pulled back in a messy bun, muscled.

🧡 Rin (last name unknown)

   Personality - Snarky, clever, and sarcastic to a fault, but fiercely loyal. Not much is known about Rin’s background - and Rin, meanwhile, seems reluctant to share much. Comes from Den Luana of Leas’ sister-city, Dalusin.

   Physical Appearance - Striking silver eyes, pale skin, black hair, intentionally nondescript clothing, aside from some silver rings and a small cloth tied around the neck.

🧡 Wren Iolenas

   Personality - Wren is witty, charismatic, and wildly intelligent. A traveling archivist of great renown, new to the city of Leas yet already surprisingly well-connected. Silver tongued when dealing with the nobility and always ready with a smile when MC wants to talk.

   Physical Appearance - Sharp brown eyes, deep brown skin, dark hair, shimmering gold tattoos along their hands and forearms, small scars on their fingers.

Highlights

Choose your gender (including nonbinary) and sexuality

Three romanceable love interests (LI genders determined based on player sexuality, all routes available to all players), and a no-romance route

Choose your specialty within your Den. Play as a prodigy, conjurer, diplomat, or focus on a bit of everything as a jack-of-all-trades, or specialize in nothing at all

Train skills and set your personality through choices

No wrong choices: skill checks can be failed, and the content and flavor of the story changed, but ultimately there is no “game over” screen, just different endgame outcomes.

Author Notes

Thank you for reading through this post! If you choose to check out the demo I hope you enjoy playing it as much as I did writing it. Either way, I’m happy to have you here :)

Game is currently in-progress, and will be submitted to Hosted Games when complete. You can check out the hosted games forum post here

[sailingshellsgames]

Love Interest Introduction Post

By request, here’s a brief non-spoilery writeup of the three love interests of the game, in order of when they are met :)

Keoanai Hakana - Or Keo, for short. The MC’s childhood friend, the two came up in Den Zarel together. Can be a bit spacey at times, but is always there and ready to help when needed. A “still waters run deep” person, and quite reserved. Has a soft spot for the MC (either as a friend or romantically, depending on the route you choose). That soft spot can manifest quite strongly, depending on how dangerous a situation is. Well-respected in your little community, capable, the model of a Den Agent.

Rin - A roguish type of unknown origin with more than a little snark to spare. A bit cagey but seemingly on board with the MC’s mission, it’s unclear how far Rin can be trusted. While often appearing aloof, there’s a great deal of passion that drives each of Rin’s actions. That passion is perhaps not buried quite as deeply as Rin would like, particularly where the MC is concerned, if choosing this route. The type of person who is not quick to offer loyalty, but once earned would do just about anything for a trusted friend or partner.

Wren Iolenas - A delightfully quirky researcher whose enthusiastic nature belies an incredible magical capability and intelligence. Fun-loving, optimistic, and surprisingly charming when not intently focused on work. Prefers to look on the bright side of life, no matter how grim things might get, but is also always ready with a shoulder to cry on in bad times. Caring, confident, and dedicated to leaving the world a better place. The type of love interest who deeply enjoys spoiling the MC, if choosing this route.