197 rooms · levels 35–50
This is a very narrow path that once was well travelled, but has long since been forgotten. Forest creatures can be heard making sounds as they go through their happy little lives. Although the path has been overgrown, it continues to the west. To the east can be seen a more frequented trail.
This is the front porch of a medium-sized house. Several potted plants sit on the floor here and the sweet smell of the flowers blend with the sounds of birds chirping and the quiet rumble of the winds which makes for a very peaceful spot. Doubtless anyone or anything could do much more than relax in safety here. The front door of the house is a simple wooden one that does not have any designs carved into it nor even a keyhole. Perhaps the owners of this house do not fear strangers?
This is a small entry foyer that leads from the front door to the main sections of the house. The scent of cloves drifts through the air and the sounds of a music box can be heard faintly to the north. A set of hooks have been set into the wall where coats can be hung while a small wooden box has been nailed to the baseboard so that wet or muddy shoes can be placed on the floor without the worry of getting the floor messy. The exit from the house is to the south, and going north leads straight to the main room of the house. The door of a cloakroom extension can be found to the west.
Although coats that are used everyday can be placed on the hooks outside, this small room offers long-term storage of those coats which are not used much or for coats of visitors. The walls have been stained a different color than that of the foyer. The odds are that this color was the original color of the house, but was left alone when the rest of the house was renovated. The change was definitely an improvement as this room has a very gloomy personality. The foyer can be reentered to the east.
This is a large living room that is full of cozy furniture and deep, plush carpets. A beautiful old grandfather clock sits in one corner and the deep resounding ticks can be heard with a most hypnotizing regularity. There are two rocking chairs sitting on either side of a large couch. Pillows have been placed on the seats of both rocking chairs to give a softer feel to the person sitting in it. A mirror hanging on the wall looms over a small marble table. Upon the table sits a music box that plays a very peaceful melody. A small kitchen can be entered to the west, the foyer of the house is to the south, and a small room to the north links the rest of the house to the living room.
This is a small country kitchen that has a large wooden table in the center, a water basin equipped with an indoor water-pump, and an iron woodstove. Pots and pans hang on a rope that has been suspended above the table. Large amounts of food sit upon the table and a pot sitting on the stove boils with a delicious smelling stew. A small window can be found above the water basin, and a steady stream of sunlight pours through. To the north can be seen a small pantry while the living room can be found to the east.
The ambient temperature in this room is much cooler than out in the kitchen. There is no source of light in here except for the small amount that filters in from the kitchen. Several shelves have been hung on the three walls and they have been filled with food. In the back of the pantry, in the floor, is a deep groove. Flowing in the groove is a fast moving stream of very cold water in which several containers of various beverages are being chilled. The only exit from the pantry is to the south.
This is a small room that is barely four square feet in size. Two small rooms can be found to the north and to the east. The living room can be reentered to the south. The floor creaks under your weight for some reason.
This room has been reserved for the purpose of being a humble private library and study. A table with chair sits in a corner and one wall is covered with old books. On the table sits a few pieces of paper, a pen, and an inkwell. There is only a simple wool carpet sitting under the chair, leaving the rest of the floor bare wood. The temperature is a little on the low side, but that is not surprising considering that there is a large window that is open to the outside. The only exit is to the west.
This is a wonderful little bedroom. Two windows are on opposite sides and serve to flood the room with large amounts of bright white light. Above both windows are suspended pieces of cloth which can be unrolled so as to cover the windows at night. A fluffy bed stands against the back wall and is covered with thick blankets and soft white pillows. At each corner of the bed is attached a brass pole that suspends a canopy enabling the bed to be isolated from the room by heavy tapestries. A small night table can be found on one side of the bed and a single dresser finishes this room's complement of furniture.
This is an old, forgotten cellar that was once used to store things rarely needed. All that remains now are a few planks of wood, some rusty tools, a tapestry hanging on the western wall, and a lot of spider webs. The way up leads back to the house.
This is an old hallway, built underground for some reason. The woodwork and carpentry are nothing like those of the house above, and look centuries old. The ceiling is damp here, and a drop of water falls to the floor from time to time. A long, low passage runs back east to the cellar of the house, and the hallway continues to the west. The doorway to the north has the design of three crossed swords carved into the wall above it. A wooden sign has been posted on the wall here, and demands attention.
The hallway is much drier here than it is to the east. Again, the woodwork is nothing like that of the house and looks extremely old. A small doorway leads north, and above it, on the wall, a carving of a mask can be found: a simplified human face, with no nose, two closed eyes and a laughing mouth. The right eye has something oozing out of its eyelid, like tears, but it does not look like tears. The hallway runs on to the east and to the west.
The hallway narrows here. The doorway in the northern wall is lined with wood that has never been stained, its touch so smooth that it must have been sanded for an extra long time. Carved into the woodwork above it is a small cactus, and next to the cactus is a leaf. Fine sand has drifted out across the floor in front of it. The hallway returns to the east and goes on a few paces to the west, where it ends.
This room feels very small, but the sheer thickness of the mist here makes it impossible to tell where the walls are. Before long the ground becomes soft and fresh air can be smelled in the air. The hallway seems to still be to the south.
The mists clear to reveal a large field. The sun is gone from the sky and only a blanket of stars can be seen. Three groups of fires can be seen around the field, most likely encampments. The field continues in all directions.
The field ends here at the edge of a forest. The grass in this area is not as muddy as it is to the south indicating that it does not see as much traffic. The field continues to the west, east, and south. In the distance to either the west or the east can be seen camps hidden in the forest.
The sheer thickness of the forest makes an effective eastern wall here, preventing anyone or anything from leaving the field at this spot. The grass has been trimmed by a blade of some sort, so that it barely stands two inches tall. The field continues to the north, west, and south. The sound of drumming comes from the south.
This is the southern end of a large open field. To the west, north, and east can be found even more field while to the south is a dense forest. Directly south is a wide path that has been cleared by someone recently. Large amounts of grass, bushes, and branches have been thrown onto a large pile here. The sound of a drum sounds very close to the south. A pole has been stuck into the ground and upon the pole a flag has been hung.
The field ends very abruptly here at the edge of an extremely dense forest. From here you hear the distant sounds of talking, shouting, and laughing. A continuous beating of a drum can be heard far off to the south. Although the field does not continue to the west, it does continue to the north, east, and south.
The field ends at a corner here, defined by a very dense forest. Upon closer inspection, small paths into the forest can be seen to the north and west. Peering through the trees reveals several campfires dispersed throughout the forest.
The field ends here at the edge of a dense forest. A small path to the east has been cleared by someone that leads into the forest. Although the trees and underbrush are too thick to see where the path leads, sounds of laughter can be heard. The field continues to the west and to the south.
The dense forest surrounding the field creates a corner here. The forest is too thick to continue to the east or the south, but the field itself spreads towards the north and west. Every once in a while the flickering lights of campfires can be seen to the south while the sounds of a drum being played can be heard coming from the southeastern direction.
The field ends at a corner that has been defined sharply by a very dense forest to the west and south. The field only continues to the north and east from here. The grass is very tall here which would indicate that no one has walked here in a very long time. The sounds of drums can be heard in a southeastern direction.
This is a small area that has been cleared around the path so as to allow a few guards to walk around or sit down while on duty. Several pieces of wood have been assembled into a twelve foot high tower. The field can be reached to the west, while the camp lies to the east.
This is the center of the encampment. A modest fire pit has been dug into the ground here and although the fire has long since gone out, the coals are still hot enough to dissipate a great deal of heat. The ground has been cleared of underbrush and there are several dozen tracks in the dirt that signify that there were a large number of people walking about the fire. Pieces of uneaten food have been carelessly thrown about and from time to time a small animal of the forest can be seen scurrying out of the forest in an attempt to grab some dinner. The camp continues to the north and south, while the exit can be found westwards.
A large pavilion has been erected here to keep the weather off of the leader of this camp. A rope bed has been erected to offer a soft comfortable place to sleep. Only a few trees were cut down to make room for the tent and thus the forest offers three very secure walls around the pavilion. The only way to return to the main area of the camp is to head north.
This area of the forest is being utilized as a large sleeping area for the army that is camping here. No trees were felled and no underbrush was cleared from the ground, leaving only very uncomfortable places to bed. The sleeping area continues to the west, and the main camp area lies to the south.
This part of the forest, which has been reserved for the purpose of finding sleeping spots on the ground, is much more dense. The sky cannot be seen here, but the underbrush has managed to grow even more dense. The forest becomes too dense for walking through to the north, south, and west so the only viable exit is to the east.
The path ends here with a very small clearing in the forest. A hole has been dug into the ground and a fire has been lit. Some short logs have been set on their sides next to the fire in order to produce some seating. The path returning to the forest can be found to the south, but the camp appears to get larger to the west.
The forest opens up slightly here and there are several small kegs distributed about the ground. Sounds of shouting and talking can be heard to the northwest. Panning around suggests that this section of the forest has been overrun by a large number of people. Hopefully this is a friendly place. A big clearing seems to lie somewhere to the north.
This is the main entrance to the encampment. An iron basket has been placed on the ground and contains many red-hot coals that put off a lot of heat. The ground has been stripped of any vegetation due to all the traffic and now only dirt remains. An even larger open area can be found to the west, while the forest can be reentered to the east and to the south.
This is apparently the very center of a large encampment. A double sized fire pit has been dug in the ground and several logs are burning away. Under the logs are coals which heat several small pots full of various types of food. Logs and rocks have been dragged over to the fire so that plenty of seats are available to whoever wants to warm themselves by the fire. Torches have been thrust into the ground at the parameter of the clearing. The torches successfully illuminate the area, but the strange shadows produced by all the fire sources give a strange, eerie feel. The sound of talking, laughing, and shouting can be heard from all directions. Dozens of smaller campfires can be seen between the trees, but the forest is so thick that it is unclear as to how to get to them. The exit of the camp seems to be to the east, while more of the camp can be reached to the west.
The ground here is nothing but mud. The walls of the pit have been splattered with blood and countless roots stick out of the wall. The only exit is a rope that leads up and out of the pit. Along the circumference of the floor jut sharp sticks. Upon one of these sticks is a bloody head.
As if out of nowhere, a large number of spectators appear around the top of the pit. Shouts of bloodlust are screamed by several spectators while the rest simply grunt and hold their fists, daggers, and swords out over the pit.
This hollow in the forest is packed with sleeping soldiers, rolled in their cloaks among the roots wherever there is room to lie. The underbrush grows so thick that the sky cannot be seen; the only way through it is to the south, where more sleepers lie.
This part of the forest is used as a sleeping area by the army camped here. No trees were felled and no underbrush cleared, leaving only very uncomfortable places to bed. The sleeping area continues to the north, and a gap in the brush to the west lets out into the center of the camp; the brush springs closed behind anyone who pushes through.
This is the entrance to a very large encampment. Several trees have been cut down, stripped, and erected into a 15 foot tall arch. At the top of the arch hangs the skull of some unknown beast. Torches line the path that leads deeper south into the camp. The field can be found to the north. To the west can be heard the sound of horses.
The forest has been cleared away to make room for several horses which are all quietly munching on the vegetation that was gathered for them. The area is almost completely surrounded by thick underbrush so as to make the horses feel as safe as possible. The main path can be found to the east and to the south.
The path continues north and west from here. The ground has been cleared and the path is marked by several torches in the ground. The trees here are very old and loom overhead, blocking out the sky. Sounds of branch-breaking footsteps can be heard all around you, as can the sounds of many conversations being held.
In order to prevent unwanted strangers or possible enemies to enter the camp, a guard station has been set up here. There is a small fire burning in one corner, but no seats can be found anywhere. Small metal stakes have been hammered into the trees so as to make ladders up to the tops for the best vantage points. The path lies to the east, while the main camp lies to the west.
This is the center of this encampment. A huge firepit has been dug in the ground here and several rocks of various sizes have been carefully placed around the edge of the firepit to prevent the chance of hot embers flying out and catching the grass on fire. A large tent can be found to the north while the camp exits somewhere to the east.
This tent has been erected for the sole purpose of providing the King a suitable shelter from the elements. A large table has been set up here and upon it lies a map of the battlefield. The king has fallen asleep while studying his battle plans, so it would be wise to not disturb him. The only exit from the tent is to the south.
The King mumbles, drools a little on his map, and then wakes up. Blinking, he looks around in a disoriented state. Then he spots you and rolls his eyes while screaming at the top of his lungs why no one has stopped you from getting this far. He looks extremely mad right now.
Though once very quiet and peaceful, this area is now bustling with soldiers running in all directions and shouting at one another. The King's tent can be found to the north, while an escape from the camp lies to the west.
The guards have long since stirred from their slumber and are now very keen on doing their job to the best of their abilities. The camp lies to the east, the stables to the north, and the path out runs west.
Even though the whole camp is in an uproar, these horses do not seem to care, and go on munching their well-earned food. Their eyes stay fixed on the trees in front of them and their tails lazily swish the flies away. The exit of the camp lies to the west, and the guards' camp to the south.
The path continues north and east from here. The ground has been cleared and the path is marked by torches thrust into the ground. The trees here are very old and loom overhead, blocking out the sky. Angry shouts sound all around, and a hasty exit from the camp is in order.
This is the entrance to a very large encampment. Several trees have been cut down, stripped, and raised into a fifteen foot tall arch, and at its top hangs the skull of some unknown beast. Torches line the path that leads south into the camp, and horses can be heard to the east. The open field lies to the north; once out there, there will be no slipping back in past the guards.
This room is barren and has no windows, but colors keep flashing on the walls, floor, and ceiling. The intensity of the lights keep changing so rapidly that they become hypnotic. Music can be heard in the distance as well as laughing and cheering. The colors begin to become much more dramatic and reality begins to feel different.
This is the center of a small clearing in a forest. Straight ahead, to the north, is a large horse-drawn wagonhouse painted with all sorts of bright, lively colors; its wheels are covered with printed fabric and stage props are everywhere. In front of the wagon a small area is being used as a stage, where four actors in outlandish costumes give their best performance. Each actor wears a mask, yet they convey a wealth of expressions as the play goes on. To the south, spectators of every race sit together on the grass without a trace of hostility.
This is the small area in front of the wagonhouse that is being used as a makeshift stage for the four actors. Looking south reveals the faces of all those who have come out to see this performance. The stage can be exited to the west and to the east, and the seating area lies to the south.
This is the corner of the wagonhouse and the stage is directly to the west. The backside of all the props can be seen from this angle, and it is revealed that they are all made out of wood that used to be signs, houses, and ornate walls. Whether they assimilated this wood through legal methods or not is unknown. One end of the wagonhouse can be found to the north.
This is the front end of the wagonhouse. The hooks for attaching a pair of horses can be found here and a small seat has been installed for the driver. The horses that are used to pull this wagonhouse cannot be found and are probably tied up somewhere out of sight in the forest where they can feed and rest in seclusion.
From this side of the stage can be seen some areas to the north that the actors use when they are not giving a performance. Also to the north can be seen the door that leads into the wagonhouse itself. The stage is to the east and the seating can be found to the southeast from here.
The fog is thick enough to completely block out all sights. Things only half of a foot away fades away and disappears. The thickness of the fog gives off the feeling of being in a small room and not a large forest.
The only entrance to the wagonhouse can be found here. Three wooden steps lead up to the door which is about halfway up the end of the wagonhouse. The handle of the door has been locked with a chain and a padlock. A small camp can be found to the west while going to the south will return to the stage.
The inside of this wagonhouse is full of stage equipment such as costumes and makeup. Several small cots line one side of the wagonhouse where the exhausted actors sleep at the end of a long day. The wagon shifts its weight from time to time as you walk around. Hopefully the actors won't notice. The only exit is to the west.
The forest closes in slightly and the grass is higher here, making it a bit more difficult to walk. The light of a campfire can be seen to the west while the noise of the play can be heard to the south. The sounds of forest life are nonexistent here, but it is unclear as to why.
A small fire is burning steadily here and hanging above the fire is a large iron pot that steams with a delicious smelling stew. Some logs and rocks have been dragged over so that there are places to sit. The only exit from this area is to the east and to the south.
This area has a few props set up in it to form a simple stage. Since there is not room for many spectators, it is assumed that this stage is used by the actors to rehearse their lines or perhaps even work on new plays. A campfire can be seen to the north while the wagon, stage, and crowd of spectators can be found to the east.
A narrow aisle has been left unoccupied by the spectators, which allows movement throughout the seating area. The aisle continues to the north, where it heads toward the stage, and to the south, where more seating can be found. The seating closest to the stage can be found to the west and to the east.
This seating area enables spectators to have a very close view of the stage and the play being acted out on it. All the faces are pointed straight ahead and there is no talking to be heard as the play progresses. The only way to leave this area is to go west, where the aisle can be reentered.
This spot is crowded with people of various races sitting on the ground and quietly watching the play. There is no talking going on as everyone seems to be entranced by the sights and sounds that they are seeing in front of them. The aisle can be returned to by going east.
The aisle becomes a bit wider here, since far fewer spectators sit this far from the stage. People sit in the soft grass to the west and to the east, and the aisle leads back north toward the stage. Beyond the standing room to the west, a way leads out of the clearing.
The number of spectators here are few. Unlike the people closer to the stage, however, these have faces that are not as entranced. Idle chatter can be heard between spectators as if they are not really paying attention to what is being displayed on stage.
The grass in this area has been worn down and trampled by people coming and leaving the area. Mud has formed all over the place and thus has forced the spectators here to stand throughout the play. An exit from this field clearing can be found to the south, and better seating areas can be found to the northeast.
The forest clearing, which can be found to the north, becomes a small path to the west. The sounds of the play cannot be heard from here and the lack of forest sounds makes this a creepy spot indeed. The ground has not been cleared and so is very difficult to travel upon.
The forest closes in and becomes dense almost immediately. The path to the east cannot even be seen for more than a few feet and the only viable direction to go is to the south where the forest becomes even more dark and ominous.
The trees here all have very thick trunks and all ground cover has long since died from a lack of sunlight. All that remains is a dirt floor that is covered with a thin layer of dead leaves and branches. The small path that led here is to the north, but a very small clearing can be spotted to the south.
A single tree has been cut down here for no apparent reason by someone and the ground has become covered with a thick, lush grass that has been able to soak in the sunbeams filtering down from the hole above. The darkness of the forest can be found to the north and to the east.
Once again the thickness of the forest makes the ambient lighting very poor. No breeze blows through here and produces a very stale smell in the air. A small clearing can be seen to the west, while the more adventurous may choose to follow the path south where the forest becomes darker.
The trees here are of a different species and do not produce as thick of a canopy above. Small amounts of sunlight trickle down and creates a peaceful twilight. There is nothing but complete silence here as there are no members of the forest making a sound. The air is still here and the path looks as if no one has walked here in many years. The path returns to a lighter section of the forest to the north, but an eerie thick fog can be seen to the south.
A cold fog occupies this spot of the forest and you slowly begin to feel as if you are no longer in an open area. In fact, you no longer have the sensations of outside air.
The forest can no longer be seen, and the ground becomes firm and hard like wood. A light appears to the north, and the feeling of being indoors suddenly becomes unbelievably overpowering. The air becomes stuffy and the odor of aged dust fills the room.
Colors still flash across the bare walls, floor and ceiling, but they are fading now, and the laughing and cheering grows fainter with every flicker. The air turns cool and still, and a plain doorway shows to the north, back into the old hallway.
In the center of this clearing is a gigantic pit that is easily eight feet deep and 20 feet in diameter. Logs have been cut into seats and placed around the pit. Behind the circle of seats is yet another circle of logs that are taller so as to give the people sitting on them a vantage point. A stake has been hammered into the ground next to the pit and a thick rope has been attached to it. The clearing can either be exited by going down into the pit or returning to the main campfire to the east.
This room has obviously been designed with pleasure in mind. All the walls are covered with soft pillow-like cushions, and several large couches are dispersed about the room. Giant feather fans hang from hooks in the wall, waiting to be used on people trying to relax and forget their troubles. A table in the corner is covered with all sorts of delicate foods from around the world.
The floor of this room is covered with sand, as if a child had dumped her bucket of beach all over the place. A strong wind blows in from somewhere and stirs up the dust, making it hard to keep your eyes open. The air in here is hot and humid, but now and then a soft, green-smelling breeze comes from a doorway to the north. The hallway is back to the south.
This merchant specializes in middle-eastern style headdresses, belts, jewelry, and clothing for women. The headdresses and belts are made out of silver rings linked together and gilded with colored strings and jewels. The jewelry is made with superior craftsmanship and care. The dresses are made out of complicated designs and patterns. They are all designed to help keep out the large amounts of dust that is always suspended in the air. The only exit from the tent is to the east.
This is what appears to be the starting point for a row of merchants who have set up their various tents under the hot sun in hopes of selling their wares to eager customers. The first tent, a large one, stands on its own to west, while the path leads east.
As the path continues along its gradual incline up the hill another merchant's tent comes into view to the south. It looks as if it had once been a very large tent, but the high winds have taken its toll by collapsing one whole end of the tent. Merchant's Row continues to the west and east, where it continues up the hill.
This tent has lost its fight against the high winds of this area. Although a portion of the tent is still standing, a whole end has collapsed completely ending any chance of this merchant getting any business done. The only exit is to the north which leads back to Merchant's Row.
The path weaves slightly and comes close to a modest tent to the south. The tent is made from a canvas stretched over a simple wooden frame. Merchant's Row continues west and east, where it continues its merry path up the hill.
The merchant that owns this tent specializes in exotic fabric and trims for the use in clothes making. The offered fabric in question have styles and sizes ranging from thin fuzzy strips to extra wide bleached cotton sheeting. On a small rack sits dozens of rolls of carefully hand-stitched trim to complement any tunic, dress, or pants. The tent exits to the north.
The path which comprises Merchant's Row becomes much less defined here and forms more of a small field. The path can vaguely be made out as it heads up the hill to the east. To the north another path leads off into the distance. Following Merchant's Row west from here goes back down the hill towards a ravine.
This merchant offers one of the oldest forms of art and corporal modifications. Large sheets of paper line one wall of the tent and upon the sheets are drawn the various tattoos that can be put on the body for the rest of the owner's lifetime. On a small table near the back of the tent can be found a dozen straight steel needles of all sizes used in the piercing of the body. In a chair reclines a person while the merchant hovers over her and chooses the correct placement for a future set of earrings. The thought of seeing someone pierced makes the exit to the north look very appealing.
The best way to describe this stretch of the path is steep and dull. There are no tents in sight from here, and the hill rises sharply to the north, making it harder and harder to walk without running out of breath. Merchant's Row lies back down the slope to the west, toward a ravine. Singing can be heard far off, higher up the hill.
A path from the bottom of the hill joins this one from the west on its way up. The air has become very thin and breathing is more difficult. Singing drifts down from a camp to the east, and the path drops back south toward Merchant's Row.
A narrow trail begins an even steeper climb up the hill toward a large camp, from which laughter and singing can be heard. The trail is outlined by the occasional lit torch, and a small sign here has a single arrow pointing up the hill to the south. The only way back down to the valley is to the west.
Although the trail weaves in and out of short trees growing out of the hillside, a large open pavilion can be seen to the east. Under the pavilion is a group of people either sitting or standing around a campfire. From the large smiles on everyone's faces it can be determined that this is where a great party can be found.
This is a large pavilion that has only one wall. The other walls have not been assembled so as to make it easy for people to come and go freely. Several bottles of liquor and ale are being passed around the camp and a seemingly endless chain of songs, stories and toasts are being emitted by the various people. This appears to be the top of the hill and the only way down is to the west, but it is hard to walk away from the warmth and fun of this pavilion.
This is the middle of a wide ravine that has long since dried up. All that flows in here now is a very fine sand that blows with a fierce determination. The ravine marks the lower boundary of a hill that takes up the view to the west. The Ravine continues to the north and to the south, where some colorful tents have been erected.
The ravine becomes a bit more narrow, but much more deep here. The ground is a bit more packed here, but the high winds do not fail in its job to kick up as much sand as possible. To the north can be seen an area that is covered with a brown grass. A small dirt path begins here and leads up the gentle slope of the hill to the east. The ravine itself continues to the south.
The ravine to the south becomes extremely shallow and opens up into a field. The grass that covers this ground is not a dark green, but rather a light brown. Although an ugly sight to the eyes, it keeps the dirt firmly where it is supposed to be: on the ground. The field is occupied by people dressed up in mock armor and wielding mock weaponry. Why people would do such a thing when the real thing is available is beyond comprehension at this time. The backside of a camp looks like it can be entered by going up the hill to the east, while the ravine can be found to the south.
This is a small path that makes a rather steep climb towards the top of the hill. On the north side of the path can be seen a camp further up, while a good view of the tournament field can be seen to the south. Although the path is narrow, it has been lined with cacti that have been pulled up from the ground to produce areas that are safe to walk on.
The path opens up to the north here where a camp has been set up. A large fire is burning steadily and a few tents have been set up to offer shelter from the environment. The path continues to the east.
This is a good sized camp that has plenty of space to walk around in. In the center of the camp is a firepit that has a pile of wood burning with a bright light. A moderate sized tent can be seen to the north while a smaller tent lies to the east. The only exits from this encampment is to the south and to the west. The west exit offers a backdoor escape to the tournament field down at the bottom of the hill. The southern exit leads back to a small path which heads either up or down the hill.
This is a two-part tent. In the center of the tent is a curtain which effectively partitions the tent into two small rooms. The northern section is filled almost completely with a large cushion that looks like a very comfortable place to sleep. Various pieces of equipment has been stowed in the other section of the tent. The only exit is to the south.
This is a modest tent that is only large enough to contain a few blankets for sleeping purposes and a chest. The tent's height is just enough that an average sized adult can stand without having to stoop over, but claustrophobia does reign here. On both sides of the tent are two holes which allow air to pass through the tent. The only exit is to the west.
This is a path that runs from the bottom of the hill and continues to the up the hill to the east. Following the path west for a short distance takes you to a small campsite while another path can be seen far to the south. A number of prickly cacti have been cut down and used to mark the path, but the wisdom of such a move is not entirely clear since it only takes one person to make a wrong turn at night to get a person screaming in pain.
This is a small north-south path that links two major paths running somewhat perpendicular. In the distance to the north can be seen a campsite that has a large campfire burning. Merchant's Row can be found to the south. Directly to the west can be seen a large patch of cacti that looks painful to just look at.
With the large amounts of prickly cacti that grow here in this patch, it is quite odd that there would be an empty spot in the center. The cacti grow so high that all around only tiny sharp spears can be seen. A feeling of claustrophobia starts to set in and it becomes so intense that you have to close your eyes and pray that you don't trip or fall.
Sand lies drifted across the floor of this small room, and the last breath of a hot desert wind dies away behind you. The walls are old wood, not canvas, and a doorway to the north opens back onto the hidden hallway.
The direct route to the small tent is blocked by a giant tree. The width of its trunk suggests that it has been growing here long before anyone started camping around it. The bark is strong and does not easily mar by the scraping of sharp objects. High above the leaves sway back and forth in the quiet breeze.
The floor in this tiny room is not made from wood at all. Someone has taken the time to distribute dirt and plant grass. There is no source of sunlight, but the grass is a deep green. The color is so lush, in fact, that it becomes hypnotic. Staring at the single blades of grass becomes very comforting and before long small pinpoints of sunlight dance around the blades while the grass starts bending under some unseen breeze.
The floor of this tiny room is not wood at all: someone has spread dirt and planted grass, a deep green although no sunlight reaches it. A warm breath of air and the last sounds of a festival drift down from far overhead and fade away. A doorway to the east opens into a room strewn with sand.
This is a small, somewhat familiar, tent that can only hold a few people at any given time. A thick pile of blankets sit on the ground in one corner of the tent, while a small chest sits in the opposite end. The only apparent exit from the tent is to the south.
The grass here is much taller and more wild than the grass closer to the large pavilion to the east. A single solitary tent can be seen sitting to the north, while a field can be found off to the distant west. Sounds of laughter emanate from the pavilion indicating that its residents are having a quite good time.
This end of the pavilion is not as crowded as the southern half. Most of the people here are just here temporarily. They dart in, sit down quietly and watch the entertainment for a brief time before they stand and head out of the tent to the west.
The pavilion here is large enough for at least thirty people to come in out of the weather and sit on the grass floor. Several liquor bottles are going from hand to hand, and each time someone drinks, they tell a story, sing, or otherwise entertain the others. The rest of the pavilion is to the north, while a small opening leads out to the west.
The ground here is completely covered with a soft, green grass. Several people have gathered here to dance. The footsteps to some of the dances seem to be nearly impossible and the tripping dancers proves it. To the east is a very large pavilion that is full of people engaged in merrymaking.
This is the far northern end of an enormous field of grass. Children of all ages are running to and fro here, playing all sorts of crazy games. Some children are pretending to fight with real swords, some are playing badminton, while still others have gathered around two small tree stumps buried into the ground. On either stump stands a child, and they both hold an end of a rope. On a mark, the two children pull on the rope in hopes of pulling the other child off. A small path starts to the north while this field continues to the south. The sight of a large pavilion can be seen to the far east.
This is a very small tent that has no walls except for the one at the back. There is only one small table here and upon it has been set a number of porcelain, wood, and metal mugs. Only a few people come here, and only then after they have lost their own mugs and are no longer capable of carrying around some kind of alcoholic beverage with them wherever they go.
This field is void of anyone but adults. These adults behave in their own childish manners by dressing up in armor and fighting each other with wooden sticks. It appears that some kind of tournament is going on and so the only safe exits are to the north, south, and to the west.
The large field becomes less open as it ends at its southern boundary. Taking advantage of the large amount of traffic, a small merchant has set up her tent here. Some bells have been hung over the entrance to the tent, giving notice to those inside and outside that a customer has passed through the entryway. The field continues to the north from here.
This merchant has very few things for sale, but several men and women think it is a delightful diversion and take their time talking with the merchant and her helper while picking up object after object and inspecting it with slight amusement.
This is a lonely trail that leads people through a thick vein of trees that make up the western border of the large field. The grass has been killed by all the foot traffic here, and mud has begun forming from the rains that grace this area from time to time. The field continues to the west, and to the east.
The trail makes a quick detour past a camp of people pretending to be pirates. The only realistic parts of their charade are their foul language and an unloaded cannon they keep firing; each time it goes off, a crowd somewhere in the distance moans and complains. The trail grows wider but muddier to the west, and returns through some trees to the east.
The endless stomping of feet on this trail has caused the grass here to die off completely and leave nothing but mud. The recent rains that this area has seen has created a rather large pool of dark water. The trail continues to the north while it returns to where it came to the east.
The mud becomes thicker here and walking starts to become slightly difficult. Anything dropped here could easily be lost forever as the item would sink into the mud the moment it landed upon its surface. The sounds of talking can be heard from the forest all around, but the only indication of a camp lies to the north. The trail returns to the south.
The grass has been able to overcome the mud which reigns on the trail to the south. A small camp can barely be seen in the bushes to the west, while a more direct route to the camp lies to the north. The grass becomes mud off to the south.
Although there is no formal path or trail here, the tall underbrush moves aside easily as you walk through. The smell of something tasty comes from the camp to the north, while heading east will take you back to the main trail.
Three tiny tents have been squeezed into a very small open area in the forest here. There is no room for a campfire, but some hot coals placed in an iron pot is being used to cook some tasty smelling food. The only way out of this camp is to either brave the underbrush to the south or to walk to the trail that begins to the east.
The trail makes a slight detour here, curving toward a patch of high grass and large trees. From this vantage point a small hidden camp can be seen to the west. A meandering path wanders off to the east, and the trail runs south in a fairly straight line.
The path winds lazily around groups of trees and patches of bushes. The slow meandering personality of the path is soothing and relaxing, but it prevents anyone from seeing where the path came from or where it is leading to. Sounds of children can be heard from the east, however.
The path is wide here and narrows significantly as it travels into the forest to the west. To the south, a large field of wild grass can be seen spanning a long distance. Several children are running and playing various games to the south.
The stairs end here in a small room that links together three other rooms. To the north lies a cozy room that has been filled with many things to make it more comfortable. A poorly lit room can be seen to the west. To the east lies a small room which gives off the impression that nothing can be found behind the closed door.
Two small mattresses have been pushed together to form a single, double-width bed. Lots of soft sheets have been thrown over the mattresses producing a very nice place to sleep. A few tables sit along the western and southern wall, upon which dozens of small knickknacks have been laid out in a very orderly manner. Pictures have been hung on the wall to complete the overall effect of the room. The exit lies to the south.
This room is a prime example that a book cannot be judged by outside appearances. This room has been set up in a very pleasant way. A large bed sits along a wall. A white netting has been nailed into the ceiling and draped lazily over the bed, isolating the sleeper from the rest of the room. A desk sits on the opposite side of the room and upon it rests a huge abacus. Next to the abacus sits several pieces of paper which have been covered with small scribblings and calculations. Hanging on the front of the closet door are three dresses that are just simply gorgeous. The floor has been covered with a large carpet that feels soft and plush to the foot. The only exit from the bedroom is to the west.
The only window in this room has been covered up with paper, which prevents much light from entering. Although dark, it is not completely pitch black here so that a bed, a desk, and a dresser's form can be made out along the northern and western walls. The only exit is to the east.
This room contains only a single bed that sits in the very center of the floor. The bed is completely normal except for the fact that it is upside down. The ropes which normally suspend the mattress while the bed is sitting upright have been cut apart and then the ends tied back together. The purpose of such a thing is completely alien. The only exit from this room is to the south.
This appears to the be the main room of the house. Several comfortable chairs have been placed around the room, allowing the inhabitants of this house to sit together and chat about their past adventures. A small kitchen can be seen to the west, while a quiet room and a sunlit room can be found to the north and south respectively. A staircase heads up from here, making a right turn halfway up. The house's exit is to the east.
For a nice two-story house like this, a small kitchen has been installed. There is no way that a chef could work well in such a confined space. There is no running water, just a basin. A tiny woodstove sits by itself in the corner, but it is barely wide enough so that a single small pot could be heated at any one time. The kitchen's exit is to the east.
Large windows in the south wall allow a great deal of sunlight to come in and land upon the items in the room. The contents of the room includes a large bed, a wardrobe, a desk, and a tall bookshelf. The only exit from this room is to the north.
This is a large porch that has been attached to the front of this house so as to afford some sitting space during those nice summer evenings which almost demand that people sit outside as the sun goes down below the horizon. The entrance to the house is to the west, while the small path that leads away from the house is to the east.
A two-story white house sits amongst a field of grass to the west. A few trees have been planted to offer some shade, but they are too few and far between to make much more than a few shadows on the ground. The house is made entirely of wood and has a large porch attached to the front door. In the distance to the south can be seen a small group of buildings.
This is a nice trail that has been paved with large pieces of flagstone. Each stone has been carefully shaped so that they fit together tightly without the need for any kind of mortar. Along the trail has been planted the most exotic plants and flowers anyone has laid eyes upon. The trail continues north, where it meets up with a lone house, and to the south where some kind of plaza is seen. A small footpath, also paved, leads to a strange building to the east.
The building to the north here is of an architectural design that has never been seen before. Instead of beautiful carvings in wood, or hand-crafted stone masonry, the building is composed up of plainly cut stone. The stone is drab, and has no innate attractiveness of its own. Even the front door is a plain wooden door that has a simple doorknob and a slot for the returning of books late at night. A trail running north-south lies to the west here.
This is the entrance lobby of a small library. A long desk lies along the southern wall, breaking only to allow a passage from the front door to the lobby. On the north wall can be found the library's card system, which lists the entire contents of this library and where they can be found. Along the western and eastern sides of the library can be found the book stacks, and the exit of the library is directly south a few paces.
The books in this section look like they have been used extensively, but in a manner which is slowly destroying the books. Pages have been folded, partially ripped out, stained with ink and other liquids. Only a few of the books have their bindings completely intact. The other books have been temporarily fixed with the generous application of tape. The stack of books continues to the north, while the library's lobby lies to the east.
The bookshelves here have been filled with too many books. The books are shoved into the shelves so hard that it takes two hands to pry one out for inspection. As the occasional student walks by, her nose stuck in a book, the bookshelves creak and moan as if they are threatening anyone who would listen that they won't take this abuse and will break apart if their loads are not lightened. A hallway running perpendicular to this row lies to the north while the stacks continue south.
The western wall here has been scribbled on by what looks like wax pencils. Because the color of the wax is very similar to the color of the wall, the only way to read the writing is to move such that the sunlight coming in from the ceiling bounces off the writing. A study area lies to the east and the western book stacks sit to the south.
This library has set aside an incredible study area for the visitors to this place. Several long desks can be seen, along with two multilevel platforms that provide secluded, personal cubicles. Book stacks can be seen to the west and to the east, while a dark row of books lie to the north.
To the west and east sit eight-foot tall bookshelves crammed full of old books. From the condition of these books, it would be a safe bet to say that these books have not been opened in the last ten years. Thick cobwebs have been carefully spun from one bookshelf to the other, creating a white blanket above. The dust on the floor has not been disturbed in some time except by some kind of creature which leaves a three-toed footprint. The footprints lead south, where the ambient light becomes brighter. To the immediate north is a block of pure darkness.
The darkness in this room is staggering. The sounds of rustling paper can barely be heard in the background, but nothing can be seen. Feeling around reveals that there are walls to the west, north, and east, leaving only south as a viable exit from this darkness.
This is the eastern end of a wide hallway that crosses the library in an east-west direction. A short distance west takes you to an open area that is used for studying in a relatively quiet environment. A window in the ceiling illuminates the whole hallway, and suspended dust particles in the air create sun beams that shoot straight to the floor.
Books of all sizes and colors line the bookshelves on either side of this long row. Students dressed in strange attire pass you silently as they squeeze past you on their search for that elusive book. The row continues to the south and an open area can be seen to the north.
Several books in the eastern bookshelf have been removed and stacked in a disorderly fashion on the floor. The books in the opposite bookshelf have all been turned around so that the bindings face inward where the names of each book cannot be seen without having to pull out the books one at a time. The stacks continue to the north, while they exit to the west.
The path to the north opens up here into a large plaza. Marble benches have been placed in the center and encircle a large metal statue. The statue, being longer than it is wide, gives the illusion that the artisan had a phallic-oriented mind. The ground is covered with square marble tiles that shine brightly but are not polished enough so as to cause difficulties in walking. A large building can be seen off to the west, a smaller building can be seen to the south, and a building that looks like a pink castle is to the east.
This building is two stories high and is made of fancy bricks. The bricks, however, have a slightly pink hue to them and that combined with the architecture of the building itself makes it look like some kind of pink castle. The entrance is to the east, and the plaza can be returned to by heading west.
The building which lies to the west here is very short and seems to be partially set into the ground. A handsome door has been propped open so that people entering the building don't have to bother putting down their books just to fumble with a door. Blasts of hot air come out from the building from time to time, and the dryness seems to just suck up any water in the skin of those standing in front of the door. The plaza can be reached by heading back north.
This large building turns out to be a dining hall for the people who study in this area. Several large tables are scattered around the room, each able to seat at least eight people. A serving line can be seen to the west, where people go in with nothing in their hands and come out with a tray of foul smelling food. More tables lie to the north, and the plaza is back out to the east.
The table which occupies this space has nobody sitting at it. All but two of the eight chairs that belong to this table have been removed so that more people can cram themselves together at the other tables which can be found to the north. To the west can be seen the pile of dirty dishes used to serve up the food that everyone seems so unhappy about. The entrance to the dining hall is to the south.
Around this table sits eight quiet individuals who slowly consume their food. Upon their faces are the signs that the food served in this lovely place is not exactly the most exotic nor delicious in the world. Very little conversation is held here, as each person has their own book propped up on their tray so that perhaps the stories can take the focus off of the food and to something more interesting. A crowded table can be seen to the west, and the sounds of many conversations can be heard. An empty table, stripped of its chairs, is to the south.
Although the table was originally intended to sit eight people very comfortably, extra chairs have been brought over to allow twelve people to sit and eat their dinner. The trays upon which the various dishes of food offered by the dining hall services barely all fit on the table. Some people have been forced to turn their trays in different orientations so that they all fit together like some kind of puzzle. At least three conversations are going on at once, but they all remain on the light side to preserve a relaxed atmosphere where one could rest while eating their food. People finished with their food get up and head south, where a large deposit of dishes can be found. Another table can be found to the east.
After a diner has finished with all the food on his or her plate, the tray is brought over here and the dishes stacked in an orderly fashion in a deep tray of water. Although the apparent taste of the food is less than satisfactory, it must be noted that there are no dishes with food left uneaten. The entrance to the food line starts to the south, while an empty table can be found to the east.
A very short line of people comes out from the room to the west. The people all hold nervous chit-chat as they await their turn to enter the kitchen and receive their tray of food. The narrowness of the doorway west makes it quite obvious that once a person goes in, they will not exit from that same direction. Instead, to the south, an exit can be seen. The entrance to the dining hall can be seen off to the east.
The quick pace at which people pour out of the exit slows down remarkably as the push to get through the serving line lightens up. As each person comes out, they blink a few times and then look at their trays as if they have never laid eyes upon them in their life. With a shrug, the diners head north in search of a place to sit and consume their newly acquired food.
The serving line begins here with a stack of trays and a box of knives and spoons. Various kinds of food sit on several plates and diners pick up the food that they wish to consume. The speed at which the line moves is somewhat staggering. Selection of food seems to be obvious as no-one ever spends much more than a few seconds in deciding what to grab and place on their tray. The line continues south.
The tray of some unfortunate diner lies on the floor here, upside down. A pool of gravy and milk slowly makes its journey towards the lowest point in the floor. The line, however, ignores the spill and gracefully steps over the tray unhindered. The exit from the serving line is directly east, and leads back to the dining hall.
This building is unlike any you have seen. The floor, walls, and ceiling are made entirely of black marble, polished to such a finish that they act as mirrors and distort everything they reflect. There are no doors, only halls that seem to meet each other seamlessly, and it is hard to stay oriented. The only door that is easy to see is the propped-open one leading outside to the east; among the reflections, one real hall leads south.
The walk around the carousel turns here, in a corner of the chamber. A cart of spun sugar stands abandoned, its kettle still warm and the sweet smell hanging in the air, but no vendor tends it. The walk runs north and east.
Painted panels, chipped and faded, are stacked against the wall in this corner of the chamber: spare pieces of the carousel, with horses and clowns whose eyes have all been scratched out. The walk around the carousel runs north and west.
The floor here is made of the same highly polished black marble as every hall in this building. The only difference is a white line, drawn carefully to outline a corpse lying on the ground. Hallways seem to lie in every direction, but only the ones to the north and to the west are real.
The music is loud here, so close to the great clockwork box to the west, and the floor hums with it. Candle stubs of every color lie in a heap in the corner. The walk around the carousel runs west and south.
The walk around the carousel turns in this corner of the chamber. Small sticky handprints run along the wall at the height of a child, though no child has been seen down here. The walk runs east and south.
The echoes of unknown footsteps and voices can be heard here, and the thought that someone else is wandering about gives a burst of hope that a native guide may show up at any moment. The mirrors show exits in all directions, but only two are real: east and south.
The marble in this room is not polished at all, and its rough surfaces make this a very simple room that is not disorienting in the least. A ramp in the floor leads down into darkness, and the hallway to the north returns into the maze of marble. The faint sound of carnival music floats up from below.
This room is completely devoid of any items or furniture. The only thing seen is a massive oak door that hides something behind the north wall. The door has the faces of horses, young children, and clowns. The faces are arranged in a large circle, and in the center of the circle is a single face of some sort of demon. Except for the oak door, the only exit is to go up the ramp.
A huge carousel has been erected in this underground chamber. The carousel rotates at a moderate speed as eerie music plays in tandem. The carousel is highly decorated with hand painted panels, mirrors, and lit by strange candles that burn brightly and with different colors. The chamber is dark so the only light source comes from the carousel and dance around the ceiling, walls, and floor. There are several wooden horses, flying dragons, and even dancing clowns attached to brass poles. The poles are attached to tracks which turn in the same direction as the whole carousel, but at different speeds. This gives the carousel the illusion of surprisingly complex motion and interaction between the figures as they dance to the music in the pools of light. Laughing children can be heard, but none are riding any of the wooden figures. In fact, there are no riders on this carousel at all. By walking west or east, one could begin to walk around the carousel.
Moving closer to the speed of the various figures allows one to see the fine detail imparted on each figure. Some of the figures are painted so well, in fact, that they almost seem real. All of the figures' poles are attached to one of three tracks. Each track moves in the same direction, but at different speeds. Just standing in one place will take a rider around the carousel while still being passed by strange and exotic creatures.
The center of the carousel is an open area that is surrounded by brightly covered wood panels. The sight of the wooden figures floating on hidden tracks can be seen through the cracks left between the six panels. The ground here is sticky with a thick coating of blood.
Moving closer to the speed of the various figures allows one to see the fine detail imparted on each figure. Some of the figures are painted so well, in fact, that they almost seem real. All of the figures' poles are attached to one of three tracks. Each track moves in the same direction, but at different speeds. Just standing in one place will take a rider around the carousel while still being passed by strange and exotic creatures.
The source of the music being played for the carousel comes from a large metal-framed glass box that sits on the ground here. Peering inside the box reveals a complex clockwork that drives pulleys and gears to control several musical instruments mounted within. Walking either west or east will lead around the carousel.
Moving closer to the speed of the various figures allows one to see the fine detail imparted on each figure. Some of the figures are painted so well, in fact, that they almost seem real. All of the figures' poles are attached to one of three tracks. Each track moves in the same direction, but at different speeds. Just standing in one place will take a rider around the carousel while still being passed by strange and exotic creatures.
Moving closer to the speed of the various figures allows one to see the fine detail imparted on each figure. Some of the figures are painted so well, in fact, that they almost seem real. All of the figures' poles are attached to one of three tracks. Each track moves in the same direction, but at different speeds. Just standing in one place will take a rider around the carousel while still being passed by strange and exotic creatures.
The western side of this cavern gives the same view of the carousel as it rotates. The music sounds a bit louder to the north and slowly it becomes quite entrancing. Suddenly, the smell of spun sugar drifts over the air and your stomach begins craving the taste. The walk around the carousel continues to the north and to the south.
Although the view of the chamber has changed, the view of the carousel has not due to the fact that it continuously turns. The music which produces such an eerie feeling about this chamber seems to be coming from the north end of the chamber.
The foyer of this building has been highly decorated. The floor is covered by a thick carpet that dampens sounds to a whisper. The walls are covered with a hand-painted wallpaper, and from the ceiling hangs a gold chandelier. An oak coat rack sits by itself in one corner, but no coats currently occupy any of its tines. The building can be exited to the west, and the foyer enters the building to the north.
The floor here is covered by the same carpet that can be found in the foyer to the south. A large staircase rises gracefully here, taking people to the upper floor. An office of some sort can be seen to the east, but that room gives off an ominous feel that discourages entry.
A grand oak desk takes up space in front of a large window set inside the eastern wall. The glass of the window has been stained different colors along the outer edge making it look like some kind of gateway to another place. On the northern and southern walls hang gigantic portraits of the same person. The one to the north depicts a young man, but the one to the south depicts the same man that is almost a century older. The odd thing is that both paintings are themselves the same age. The carpet that can be found elsewhere in the building is also here, but in addition there is a thick carpet set down. The carpet is a deep red color, and in the center of the carpet has been painted two black horns. The exit from the room can be found to the west.
This area at the top of the stairs is similar in design to the main foyer of the building except it has all been scaled down since this room is smaller than the foyer. The stairs lead back down to the first floor and a small doorway leads to another room to the east.
This room is surrounded by three doorways that lead in all directions but south. To the west can be seen the top of the stairs. A hallway leads north from this room, where it appears that it meets up with a few rooms. Two comfortable chairs, covered with fabric, have been placed around a tiny table next to the office found to the east.
The smell of pipe tobacco has taken up permanent residence in the room, but there is currently no smoke. A window allows enough sunlight to make everything in this room visible. A heavy desk that is stained a dark brown color sits in front of the window, facing towards the western door. Two skinny chairs have been placed in front of the desk for the use of visitors.
The floor here becomes a simple wooden one. The walls are raw wood and the high ceiling produces an eerie combination that creates echoes of all sorts here. A small scribe cubicle can be found to the east, and this hallway, which continues north, leads to another small cubicle and a window. The friendlier environment of the waiting room can be found to the south.
The scribe who occupies this room must not be a very happy one. A small tilted table and a stool can barely be fit into this tiny space. The only source of light other than a candle is a thin slit of a window in the eastern wall.
The hallway ends here outside another small cubicle and in front of a large stained glass window. The window depicts several figures walking about and reading books. In the background can be seen a mighty castle which has majestic flags blowing in the wind. The hallway continues south.
This cubicle utilizes the same design as the other one, again with a tilted table and a stool shoved inside. Unlike the other cubicle, however, there is no window nor candle to give off light. The only light that this scribe can use is the light pouring in from the window in the hallway.
The floor is completely covered with hundreds of pieces of paper. The paper has been ripped or cut from countless number of books. A breeze blows in from the east causing paper to fly up into the air and begin to swirl all around. Before long so many pieces of paper are in the air that all light coming into the room becomes blocked. In the darkness the touch of paper becomes harder to notice.
The floor here is completely covered with pieces of paper, every page plainly ripped out of a book and thrown about. Walking around rips and crumples the pages, making you grimace with guilt. A doorway leads north, back into the hallway.
This is a small walk-in closet that is void of any items or clothing. The reason why the closet is not being used to store even a shirt or a pair of pants is completely unclear. There is no light in here so a majority of the closet is dark. The sound of crumpling can be heard coming from the ground.
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The path ends here at an old iron gate that hangs on its last hinge. Beyond the gate can be seen a house, surrounded by a well-kept lawn. The path returns to the east, where it disappears into the forest.
The lawn is covered with a thick grass that has been trimmed short. Small stone slabs have been laid down to create a small walkway that leads from the gate to the porch of the house. Well cared-for flowers line the walkway and a birdbath sits in the corner of the lawn, offering a cool bath to the forest's feathered inhabitants.
Just one step at a time Just one beat of your heart then be closer to destiny. And stranger than fantasy.. I knew at a glance, I knew from the start there had to be a place for me. There'd always be a place for me With someone I could live for. Someone I could die for. There's nowhere else I'd rather be. There's no way I could ever leave.
The hallway ends here against a wall of old, dark timber. Set in the western wall is a doorway, much smaller than the others, and the symbol carved above it is an open book. Scraps of torn paper lie in the corners, as if a wind that never reaches the rest of the hall had blown them out of that doorway. The hallway returns to the east.