I have not finished what the game has to offer just yet, and I never comment, but, I wanted to say my piece.
This is my favorite IF ever. And I mean, EVER. I have, as someone with situational mutism myself, never, EVER seen a game where MC can be mute (at least by anything other than, for instance, also being deaf, or something physically being wrong And there's nothing wrong with that! But, as someone who has situational mutism, I dare say representation is lacking OR I have not come across it yet until now!). Of course, when the option arose, I HAD to choose it. It means so much to me that the option is there to not (be able to) talk, and Havard's reaction...
Which, speaking of him, I LOVE him. With all my heart, I adore Havard. His reactions, his care to the child, this is all so precious and comforting. I am also very curious and keen on and about the Ancient One that saved us, especially since it was hinted that he cared about us, extra. I wonder if we might meet him again! The twins. Oh, gosh. Where do I begin with the twins? The interludes had me laughing 'til I was wheezing. They are so wholesome and Azha is so funny. Every adult and their care and treatment of the children is so dear.
And that is another thing. Being able to play as a child, well, it never happens, at least not for a long time aside from a short and brief childhood segment or flashbacks of the same length. It is so fun to me to play as children, and, as another commenter pointed out, you do a fantastic job writing them. It really feels like children! Not to air my laundry or trauma dump, but let's just say that finally being able to play as a child is very near and dear to me! And, in this way, even if MC grows up, I will at least have felt as if I shaped them and saw them grow up. There is no better way to get attached to an MC!
Now, I don't want to dive deep into my own psyche, as I said, to avoid trauma dumping, BUT, I will say, I ADORE the trauma coping stats, the personal stats, the relationship stats, and most of all, your (MC's) reactions to everything. It is incredibly sad, yes, but also realistic, and it leads to many, many bittersweet and wholesome moments! (Yes, I am hugging Havard at every moment that I can. Why do you ask?) This writing, these stats, and the realistic ways of portraying and implementing them (I'm assuming MC trusting Havard without you inputting anything is if you choose repeatedly to trust him) are extremely comforting to me. Whilst I'm not going for the options myself (maybe in a future run) I must also praise and thank you for not shying away from portraying trauma so raw and true, like the self harm options. (And thank you for putting a trigger, too!)
This is getting so long, I apologize. I have much more to say, but I will wrap it up because I WILL keep talking forever.
In short, I have found myself emotional with this IF. I have cried and had to pause and within the same five minutes, laughed until I wheezed. I love the characters, I love the story, the setting, the stats and the choices. But most of all, I love MC and how you can shape them. And again, thank you for including a mute option! I cannot wait to see the story develop and go on, and will definitely be keeping a very close eye on this work! Here's to many more years and healing and perhaps adventures with MC and the cast.
Also, I am very normal about this IF ;).
PS: Why have I stopped playing for now? I am giving way too much deep thought about the four cool features I will have. Currently on an elvish demon with elemental heritage, but hesitating between cool black eyes and awesome horns.
Now, off I go to check out your other works that some comments mentioned. :D