[h3][b]Prologue[/b][/h3]
[b]The Orphanage, late evening[/b]

The room was illuminated by a single candle, leaving most of it obscured by darkness. It didn't matter, though, because the most important part of it was clearly visible. The candle sat at the night table next to a bed on which laid the old man who, for years, has been the only parent you knew. 

You always knew Fritz as a vigorous old timer, with his clearly defined muscles lying hidden under the layers of clothing as he played the part of a kindly grandfather trying his best to raise his numerous grandchildren. He only showed the extent of his power when someone endangered the Orphanage and in the recent years that has become extremely rare. 

But now that strong body that you knew and that seemed so reliable has shrivelled up. There was no trace of muscles on old man’s body, just skin and bones. Fritz was so weakened by the illness he couldn’t even lift himself from the bed anymore. Even to eat, he needed the help of Mary, the oldest of the orphans. 

Right now Mary sat right next to his bed, trying not to cry. You and the other children were standing around it. The entire population of the Orphanage was crammed in here. The old man asked everyone to gather because he had something to say, which was in itself a very ominous act. 

[b]“Children…”[/b] His eyes darted around the room as he began to speak – something told you he probably couldn’t even see who was in the room – and it seemed as if he had trouble breathing. [b]“My time has come. I know that even without me saying, you rea-“[/b] his speech was interrupted by a bout of coughing. It took a few moments for him to continue.[b]”You realize that soon things will become very difficult for you. I tried to make some foundation for your future, but in this world nothing is certain.”[/b]

[b]“That is why I wanted to tell you, as my last lesson, to remain united. You are all young, and although there is a lot of potential among you, none of you is strong enough yet to face the challenges of this world alone. So remain together, cooperate, compensate for each other’s weaknesses and you will be able to survive and even thrive in this city.”[/b]

With those words he had another coughing fit and this time it was relentless. It took several minutes before Fritz  managed to push a few more words out. 

[b]“Be –[i]cough, cough[/i] – be there for – [i]cough, cough[/i] – each other…”[/b]

And then there was silence. No more words, no more coughs, no more ragged breathing. Fritz’s chest wasn’t moving. His eyes just stared blankly into the air. 

The silence was broken by a piercing shriek from Mary who fell onto the old man’s chest and cried. Other children joined her soon. Very quickly the entire room was resonating with wallows of orphans, orphaned once again. 

[hider=OOC]
Just describe your reaction, your plans for the future, and try to get the things going with other players. 
[/hider]