A Walk in the Woods 1

On a cold and dreary night, (if: $you is true)[you](else:)[[you]] find yourself in [[the woods]] outside your childhood home. (visited:"the woods")[You think about the people who went missing. You think about the stories your grandparents told you. (visited: "They had a lot of stories about the woods to scare you.")[You're glad you remember those stories. Knowledge is power.](else:)[You wish you listened to them better. You don't remember those stories well anymore]] You were on your way home from work, taking a different path than normal, and didn't realize you wandered into the woods until it was already too late to turn around. Now the sun has set, and all you have with you is [[your bag]] and (visited:"your phone")[your phone](else:)[[your phone]]. It's dark, and you've lost your way. The dirt path in front of you is illuminated by bits of moonlight shining through the dense tree branches. Behind you are only trees and rocks. Ahead are dark trees and fog, but there's nowhere else to go but (if: $you is true)[[[forwards->forwards]]](else:)[forwards]. (if: (visited:"They had a lot of stories about the woods to scare you.") is false)[(set: $backstory to false)]{ (set: $bag to (a: "phone", "lunch", "wallet"))}

Your grandparents used to tell you about these woods. About how dangerous they were. They said there were monsters in the woods: goblins, wolves, fae, witches. (if: $emotion is "confident")[You used to roll your eyes at them. Those stories weren't real. Right?](else-if: $emotion is "scared")[Those stories ring in your ears now, making your regret ever stepping into these woods.](else-if: $emotion is "neutral")[Those stories used to scare you, but you know they were just that: stories. They weren't ever real. Right?](else:)[[They had a lot of stories about the woods to scare you.]] You remember hearing about people missing in town. That those people apparently went into the woods once and never came back. As you stand in the woods now, you hope you don't become one of them. [[You need to get out of these woods.->Beginning]]

You walk down the dirt path. The trees become denser as you walk [[deeper into the woods. ->part 2]]{ (set: $goblinLore to false) (set: $wolfLore to false) (set: $faerieLore to false) (set: $vampireLore to false) (set: $witchLore to false) (if: $playerName is "")[(set: $playerName to "human")]}

Your name is (input: bind $playerName, "") [[You are a man (he/him)]] [[You are a woman (she/her)]] [[You are gender neutral (they/them)]]{ (set: $you to true)}

On a cold and dreary night, you find yourself in [[the woods]] outside your childhood home. (visited:"the woods")[You think about the people who went missing. You think about the stories your grandparents told you. (visited: "They had a lot of stories about the woods to scare you.")[You're glad you remember those stories. Knowledge is power.](else:)[You wish you listened to them better. You don't remember those stories well anymore]] You were on your way home from work, taking a different path than normal, and didn't realize you wandered into the woods until it was already too late to turn around. Now the sun has set, and all you have with you is (visited:"your bag")[your bag](else:)[[your bag]] and (visited:"your phone")[your phone](else:)[[your phone]]. It's dark, and you've lost your way. The dirt path in front of you is illuminated by bits of moonlight shining through the dense tree branches. Behind you are only trees and rocks. Ahead are dark trees and fog, but there's nowhere else to go but [[forwards]].{ (set: $gender to "female") (set: $pronoun1 to "she") <!- personal --> (set: $pronoun2 to "her") <!- reflexive (object) --> (set: $pronoun3 to "her")<!- possesive -->}

On a cold and dreary night, you find yourself in [[the woods]] outside your childhood home. (visited:"the woods")[You think about the people who went missing. You think about the stories your grandparents told you. (visited: "They had a lot of stories about the woods to scare you.")[You're glad you remember those stories. Knowledge is power.](else:)[You wish you listened to them better. You don't remember those stories well anymore]] You were on your way home from work, taking a different path than normal, and didn't realize you wandered into the woods until it was already too late to turn around. Now the sun has set, and all you have with you is (visited:"your bag")[your bag](else:)[[your bag]] and (visited:"your phone")[your phone](else:)[[your phone]]. It's dark, and you've lost your way. The dirt path in front of you is illuminated by bits of moonlight shining through the dense tree branches. Behind you are only trees and rocks. Ahead are dark trees and fog, but there's nowhere else to go but [[forwards]].{ (set: $gender to "neutral") (set: $pronoun1 to "they") <!- personal --> (set: $pronoun2 to "them") <!- reflexive (object) --> (set: $pronoun3 to "their") <!- possesive -->}

On a cold and dreary night, you find yourself in [[the woods]] outside your childhood home. (visited:"the woods")[You think about the people who went missing. You think about the stories your grandparents told you. (visited: "They had a lot of stories about the woods to scare you.")[You're glad you remember those stories. Knowledge is power.](else:)[You wish you listened to them better. You don't remember those stories well anymore]] You were on your way home from work, taking a different path than normal, and didn't realize you wandered into the woods until it was already too late to turn around. Now the sun has set, and all you have with you is (visited:"your bag")[your bag](else:)[[your bag]] and (visited:"your phone")[your phone](else:)[[your phone]]. It's dark, and you've lost your way. The dirt path in front of you is illuminated by bits of moonlight shining through the dense tree branches. Behind you are only trees and rocks. Ahead are dark trees and fog, but there's nowhere else to go but [[forwards]]. { (set: $gender to "male") (set: $pronoun1 to "he") <!- personal --> (set: $pronoun2 to "him") <!- reflexive (object) --> (set: $pronoun3 to "his") <!- possesive -->}

They were like fairytales, if fairytales were written like horror stories. Your grandparents always told them like warnings. "Don't trust what you see in the woods(if: $playerName is 0)[.](else:)[, $playerName.] Don't tell a faerie your name; don't listen to the words of wolves or pale men; don't fall for a goblin's tricks; don't offend the monsters, (if: $playerName is 0)[](else:)[$playerName, ]or they'll never let you leave." [[The stories used to scare you.]] [[The stories never scared you.]] [[The stories still scare you to this day.]]{ (set: $backstory to true)}

Your grandparents used to tell you about these woods. About how dangerous they were. They said there were monsters in the woods: goblins, wolves, fae, witches. Those stories used to scare you, but you know they were just that: stories. They weren't ever real. Right? You remember hearing about people missing in town. That those people apparently went into the woods once and never came back. As you stand in the woods now, you hope you don't become one of them. [[You need to get out of these woods->Beginning]]{ (set: $emotion to "neutral")}

Your grandparents used to tell you about these woods. About how dangerous they were. They said there were monsters in the woods: goblins, wolves, fae, witches. You used to roll your eyes at them. Those stories weren't real. Right? You remember hearing about people missing in town. That those people apparently went into the woods once and never came back. As you stand in the woods now, you hope you don't become one of them. [[You need to get out of these woods->Beginning]]{ (set: $emotion to "confident")}

Your grandparents used to tell you about these woods. About how dangerous they were. They said there were monsters in the woods: goblins, wolves, fae, witches. Those stories ring in your ears now, making your regret ever stepping into these woods. You remember hearing about people missing in town. That those people apparently went into the woods once and never came back. As you stand in the woods now, you hope you don't become one of them. [[You need to get out of these woods->Beginning]]{ (set: $emotion to "scared")}

The [[goblin]] grins at you mischeviously, blocking your path with its tiny body. "Why hello, strange (if: $gender is "male")[mister](else-if: $gender is "female")[miss](else-if: $gender is "neutral")[fellow]. What's a human like you doing in the woods at this time of night?" The goblin asks with a snicker. "You poor, silly little thing must be lost. Why don't I give you a little help? In exchange for a favour, of course." It offers a wrinkly green hand out to you. You think about its offer. Should you [[refuse]] or [[accept]] the goblin's help?

Your grandparents told you some stories about goblins. (if: $backstory is true)[In some stories, they were helpful. In other stories, they were the villains. But in every story, they're tricksters. You remember a story about a baby who was stolen by a goblin. You remember a story about a goblin helping a boy get home. You remember a story about a flood caused by goblins that drowned an ancient kingdom. You remember stories about goblins leaving children gifts and stealing their blood and hair. [[You wonder how true the stories are. ->It's a goblin.]]{ (set: $goblinLore to true)}] (else:)[[You wish you remembered the stories better.->It's a goblin.]]

You look at the goblin and shake your head. It grins even wider and cackles maniacally, putting its hand down. "Perhaps you don't need help after all, human. You're more clever than the last human that stumbled around here." The goblin smiles at you. "A gift instead then. Maybe it will help you on your way, but feel free to refuse it too if you're so confident." The goblin takes out a [[silver pendant]] and offers it to you. { (set: $injured to false)}

You look at the goblin and hesitantly take its hand. It grins even wider and cackles maniacally, its finger griping your hand tightly, digging into your skin. "Well, aren't you just so nice," it laughs. "Here's a little advice: your kindness might just get you killed!" Its laugh brings chills to your skin. "It's best that you pay attention, silly human. Knowledge is power, after all, and you never know what you miss by taking things at face value. There's your help. Now for that favour." The goblin smiles menacingly. Its claws dig deeper into your hand, drawing blood. "I think for my helpful tip, I'll take a bit of your blood as payment." The goblin scratches your arm. Blood seeps out, and the goblin collects the red streams in a little bottle. It fills the bottle with your blood and then caps it and puts the bottle away. "Good luck on your way." The goblin smirks at you. "You'll need it, silly human." The goblin cackles. It runs off between the trees and disappears. [[Blood continues to drip down your injured arm]]. But there's nothing you can do about it. [[You continue on your way]].{ (set: $injured to true) (set: $bleeding to true)}

The pendant appears to glow in the limited moonlight. The posts of cross thin to sharp points. You can't tell if the sight makes you feel safe or endangered. [[You take the cross.]] [[You refuse the cross.]]

You take the cross from the goblin's hands. The metal is cold against your skin. The goblin grins. "Good luck on your way. I have high hopes for you, strange human." The goblin cackles. It runs off between the trees and disappears. You look at the cross again and put it in your pocket. [[You continue on your way]].{ (set: $bag to $bag + (a: "pendant"))}

You look at the goblin suspiciously and refuse to take the cross pendant. The goblin simply grins at you. "Confident, aren't you. Well, no need to be rude about it. Hopefully that arrogance won't be your downfall." It puts the pendant away. "Good luck on your way. But perhaps you won't need it." The goblin cackles. It runs off between the trees and disappears. You look where the goblin went. [[You continue on your way]].

The scratches in your arm aren't deep, but they are bleeding steadily. You don't have any fabric to wrap it with unless [[you rip your shirt.]] If you don't wrap it, you'll [[continue bleeding]] slowly.

You tear a strip from your shirt and tie it around your arm tightly. Blood seeps through a bit, but eventually stops. [[That's one problem solved]].{ (set: $bleeding to false)}

You look at the goblin and hesitantly take its hand. It grins even wider and cackles maniacally, its finger griping your hand tightly, digging into your skin. "Well, aren't you just so nice," it laughs. "Here's a little advice: your kindness might just get you killed!" Its laugh brings chills to your skin. "There's your help. Now for that favour." The goblin smiles menacingly. Its claws dig deeper into your hand, drawing blood. "I think for my helpful tip, I'll take a bit of your blood as payment." The goblin scratches your arm. Blood seeps out, and the goblin collects the red streams in a little bottle. It fills the bottle with your blood and then caps it and puts the bottle away. "Good luck on your way." The goblin smirks at you. "You'll need it, silly human." The goblin cackles. It runs off between the trees and disappears. You leave the scratches on your arm open. There's nothing else to do about it. [[You continue on your way]].

You look at the goblin and hesitantly take its hand. It grins even wider and cackles maniacally, its finger griping your hand tightly, digging into your skin. "Well, aren't you just so nice," it laughs. "Here's a little advice: your kindness might just get you killed!" Its laugh brings chills to your skin. "There's your help. Now for that favour." The goblin smiles menacingly. Its claws dig deeper into your hand, drawing blood. "I think for my helpful tip, I'll take a bit of your blood as payment." The goblin scratches your arm. Blood seeps out, and the goblin collects the red streams in a little bottle. It fills the bottle with your blood and then caps it and puts the bottle away. "Good luck on your way." The goblin smirks at you. "You'll need it, silly human." The goblin cackles. It runs off between the trees and disappears. Your wrap your bleeding arm with a piece of your shirt. The bleeding has stopped for now. There's nothing else to do about it. [[You continue on your way]].

The path continues with an eerie calm. (if: $injured is true)[Your arm throbs.] Hopefully (if: $injured is true)[no other danger finds you](else:)[nothing else comes your way]. You continue walking [[deeper into the woods. ->part 3]]

You walk along the path for a few minutes before you hear a strange sound. You stop. It sounds like a harsh crackling laugh. A small green blur jumps in front of you. It looks like a short, wrinkly man with green skin, its head comes up to your waist. [[It's a goblin.]]

As you travel along the path, the trees seem to grow taller and thicker. Their branches nearly block out the moon entirely, leaving you with little light to see. Something snaps loudly to your right. The sounds of the woods die, as if recognizing the unseen danger near you, leaving you alone with the sound of your shoes on dirt and gravel. It feels like something is stalking you, watching closely as you take each step. You hear a rumbling growl in the trees around you. A wide shadow passes by. You freeze as the shadows move closer. [[A large, silver wolf stalks in front of you, baring a sharp grin.]]

The [[wolf]] growls at you, showing its many sharp teeth. Its red eyes gleam through the shadow of the tree branches. "Hello, little (if: $gender is "female")[girl](else-if: $gender is "male")[boy](else-if: $gender is "neutral")[one]," the wolf croons. "You seem to be lost. It's dangerous to be out in the woods at night. There could be monsters out, waiting to eat you." It bares its teeth in a threatening grin. The wolf growls and sniffs the air. (if: $bleeding is true)[It pauses, its eyes expanding and staring at you intensely. Saliva starts dripping from its mouth.](else:)[It looks at you, pawing the dirt almost like a pitiful dog.] "I'm very hungry. Would you be so kind and give me a bite to eat?" The wolf asks. You [[consider the wolf's request]] and [[agree->Offer the wolf a bite.]].

You've heard many stories of wild wolves. It was a common danger, but something about the wolves in your grandparents stories felt more monsterous than normal. The wolf in front of you seemed more like the wolves from stories than the ones you normally saw in the wild. (if: $backstory is true)[You remember stories about wolves stealing flocks of sheep and leaving behind red pens. You remember a story about a boy who befriended a wolf that later mauled him to pieces. You remember a story about a girl in red who met a wolf in the woods that tricked and swallowed her whole. (set: $wolfLore to true)](else:)[You don't remember exactly what happened in those stories anymore though.] [[The wolf in front of you licks its lips.->A large, silver wolf stalks in front of you, baring a sharp grin.]]

You think about what the wolf said. It asked for "a bite to eat." (if: $wolfLore is true)[In all the stories you know, the wolf always eats the sheep, or the friendly boy, or the little girl in red. You don't want to give the wolf an opportunity to eat you. (if: (visited:"your leftovers") or (visited:"look for leftovers"))[Maybe if you give the wolf something to eat, it will let you pass. But then again, what if it eats you?] (else:)[Do you have anything in [[your bag->look for leftovers]] you could give it instead? Maybe if you give the wolf something to eat, it will let you pass. But then again, what if it eats you?] (if: (visited:"your leftovers") or (visited:"look for leftovers"))[ Maybe you can (if:(visited:"offer the wolf something else to eat") or (visited:"look for leftovers"))[offer the wolf something else to eat](else:)[[offer the wolf something else to eat]]. ] [[Refuse to feed the wolf.]] [[Offer the wolf a bite.]] (if:(visited:"offer the wolf something else to eat") or (visited:"look for leftovers"))[[Offer the wolf your sandwich.]]] (else:)[Maybe if you give the wolf something to eat, it will let you pass. But then again, what if it eats you?(visited: "your bag")[ Do you have anything in (visited: "look for leftovers")[your bag](else:)[[your bag->look for leftovers]] you could give it instead?] [[Refuse to feed the wolf.]] [[Offer the wolf a bite.]] (if:(visited:"offer the wolf something else to eat") or (visited:"look for leftovers"))[[Offer the wolf your sandwich.]]]

The wolf's maw curls up in a menacing grin. "Oh, you poor sheep. I told you there were monsters waiting to eat you." [[The wolf lunges at you.]]

It's teeth tear into your flesh easily. Any screams you make are drowned out by the wet sounds of your skin, muscles, and limbs being torn off your body. The wolf feasts on your corpse, ripping pieces of flesh off of your bones with its sharp teeth now painted red with your blood. [[All the better to eat you with.]]

You have died. You were eaten by a wolf. [[Try a different path?->restart]]{ (forget-visits: -1)}

You look into your bag. All you have is [[your phone]], [[your leftovers]] from lunch, and [[your wallet]]. [[You put your bag away->Beginning]]

Maybe you can call for help. You take out your phone and try to turn it on. Unfortunately, the screen stays black. The battery is dead. [[You put the phone back into your bag->your bag]]

You were really busy at work today and didn't finish eating the lunch you packed. There's half of a smoked deli sandwich left in your lunch container. [[You put your leftovers back into your bag->your bag]]

You open your wallet. You have your credit and debit cards, some half filled loyalty cards for some stores you frequent, and about thirteen dollars in cash and change. [[You close your wallet and put it back into your bag->your bag]]

On a cold and dreary night, you find yourself in (visited:"the woods")[the woods](else:)[[the woods]] outside your childhood home. (visited:"the woods")[You think about the stories your grandparents told you. You think about the people who went missing.] You were on your way home from work, taking a different path than normal, and didn't realize you wandered into the woods until it was already too late to turn around. Now the sun has set, and all you have with you is (visited:"your bag")[your bag](else:)[[your bag]] and (visited:"your phone")[your phone](else:)[[your phone]]. It's dark, and you've lost your way. The dirt path in front of you is illuminated by bits of moonlight shining through the dense tree branches. Behind you are only trees and rocks. Ahead are dark trees and fog, but there's nowhere else to go but [[forwards]]. { (set: $you to true) (set: $emotion to "neutral") (set: $backstory to false) (set: $bag to (a: "phone", "lunch", "wallet")) (set: $injured to false) (set: $bleeding to false) (set: $wolf to "neutral") (set: $wolfHunger to "neutral") (set: $wolfCompanion to false) (set: $pickedFlowers to false) (set: $faerieAnger to 0) (set: $faerieAware to false) (set: $faerieConfusion to false) (set: $cursed to false) (set: $vampireFriend to false) (set: $trespasser to false) (set: $witchAnger to 0) (set: $susWitch to false) (set: $witchFriend to false) (set: $shesAWitch to false) (set:$flowerHope to false)}

You remember the half eaten sandwich from your lunch sitting in your bag. [[Hopefully the wolf would find it tastier than you.->consider the wolf's request]]

You decide not to offer the wolf anything to eat. The wolf's eyes sharpen. It snarls at you, teeth glinting dangerously. "You have nothing for me to eat?" The wolf howls. "But I'm so hungry. What should I do? Maybe if I follow you, I'll find something to eat then" The wolf looks angry. You could [[change your mind->Offer the wolf a bite.]], you could [[let the wolf starve]], or you could [[let the wolf come with you]].{ (set: $wolfHunger to "high")}

You look into your bag and find your leftovers from lunch. There's half of a smoked deli sandwich left in your lunch container. You could offer it to the wolf. [[Hopefully it would find it tastier than you.->consider the wolf's request]]

You take your leftover sandwich out of you lunch container and offer it to the wolf. It looks at you confused. "What is that?" You tell the wolf that it's "a bite to eat." The wolf sniffs the sandwich curiously. It takes the food from your hands in one bite, chewing the warm meat and bread twice before swallowing it all. The wolf smacks its jaw and licks its lips clean. "It was decent, but I prefer more meat," the wolf says. "Thank you for the meal, but I am still hungry." You have no more food to feed the wolf with, and you tell it such. The wolf snarls but watches you carefully. "Maybe if I follow you, I'll find more to eat. May I come with you, friendly human?" You may have befriended the wolf, but it is still a wolf. (if: (visited: "protect you"))[You think having the wolf around will protect you from other things that may find you.] (else-if: (visited: "endanger you"))[You think having the wolf around will be a greater danger to you.] (else:)[You wonder if having it around will [[protect you]] or [[endanger you]] in the end.] [[You let the wolf come with you.->let the wolf come with you]] [[You ask the wolf not to follow you.]]{ (set: $wolfHunger to "low") (set: $bag to $bag - (a: "lunch"))}

The wolf howls in rage. "How rude," the wolf snarls. "If you have nothing for me to eat, then I will just eat you!" [[The wolf lunges at you.]]

The wolf smiles. Its tail sways back and forth, sweeping up dirt from the path. "How exciting. I wonder how this journey will go.(visited: "protect you")[ I'll do my best to keep you safe, of course, silly human.]" The wolf says with a smirk. It turns and paws at the ground, looking at the path into the woods. The wolf looks at you. "I supposed you'll be following this path for a while. Lead the way, human." [[You walk forward on the path.]] The wolf follows closely behind you.{ (set: $wolfCompanion to true)}

Maybe having the wolf around will deter anything else in these woods from attacking you. There are surely other dangers around, but hopefully the wolf you fed will protect you from them. (if: $wolfLore is true)[You remember hearing a story about a boy who befriended a wolf. You think maybe you could do the same, forgetting that the wolf eats the little boy at the end.] [[You consider this carefully as you decide whether or not to let it follow you. ->Offer the wolf your sandwich.]] { (set: $wolf to "a protector")}

You can't trust a wolf. (if: $wolfLore is true)[From stories, you know the wolf always eats its victims, even if they are its friends.] It may be pacified now, but you're sure the wolf will turn to bite you once it gets the chance. [[You consider this carefully as you decide whether or not to let it follow you. ->Offer the wolf your sandwich.]] { (set: $wolf to "a danger")}

The wolf frowns with a low growl. "How disappointing. But I understand, little human," it tells you. "You don't want the big bad wolf to follow you home, do you?" The wolf laughs to itself, raising its head as its laughter becomes a howl. When it's done, it lowers its head again to look at you. "Be on your way then, human. And thank you again for the meal." The wolf walks to the side, opening the path for you again. It turns and stands on the grass, watching you. [[You walk forward on the path.]] The wolf watches you go.{ (set: $wolfCompanion to false)}

You continue walking down the path (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[with the wolf by your side. The woods are silent as you travel further, as if aware of the predator beside you](else:)[alone. Other than the sound of gravel and the occasional animal in the grass, the woods are eerily quiet]. As you amble along, [[you notice the foliage around you beginning to change->part 4]].

The trees thin out, letting moonlight wash through the sparse branches and illuminate your path with a silver glow. The grass grows taller and wilder, swaying in the soft wind. You can see small flowers growing among the blades. Just off the path, you can see a small clearing of bright flowers. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[The wolf sees you looking at the flower clearing and smiles. "What pretty flowers. Why don't you go pick some?" It suggests, nodding its head towards the clearing. It's not a bad suggestion. You could go [[pick some flowers]], or you could [[continue walking]].](else:)[The path widens as you continue along it, twisting and turning around trees and patches of budding flower bushes. Until the path suddenly ends, disappearing in front of a [[grand, old tree]].]

You decide to follow the wolf's suggestion and go pick some flowers. Stepping off the path, you wade through the grass toward the clearing. The wolf carefully follows behind you. The moon shines clearly in the small open field, lighting the flowers with a delicate glow that makes them look ethereal. You carefully pick a small bouquet, choosing the brightest flowers that stand out to you. The wolf watches you from a distance. Happy with your selection, you walk back to the path and [[continue on your way]]. { (set: $pickedFlowers to true) (set: $bag to $bag + (a: "flowers")) (set: $faerieAnger to $faerieAnger + 1)}

You decide not to go pick flowers. It would just be a waste of time anyways. You keep walking forward instead. The wolf nods and follows behind you. As you continue walking, the path grows wider, twisting and turning around trees and patches of budding flower bushes. Until the path suddenly ends, disappearing in front of a [[grand, old tree]].

As you continue walking, the path grows wider, twisting and turning around trees and patches of budding flower bushes. Until the path suddenly ends, disappearing in front of a [[grand, old tree]].

Something about this grass circle makes your hair stand on end. It tickles something in your memory. Your grandparents told you something about such circles before. (if: $backstory is true)[You remember stories about mushroom rings and disappearing children. You remember a story about a child switched with a changling after it walked into a ring of mushrooms. You remember a story about a girl who walked into a flower circle and portaled into a world of fae only to dance until she died. You remember a story about a man who lost his memories for being rude to a faerie. You remember stories of tinkling fae and mischevious nymphs tricking travellers into never leaving. You remember stories of beautiful fae folk stealing names and stealing people away. You realize why the grass circle made you uncomfortable to stand in. [[This is a faerie ring. ->grand, old tree]] (set: $faerieLore to true)] (else:)[[[But you don't remember what it was.->grand, old tree]]]

As you stand in front of the tree, thinking of where to go next, you see a hand reach around it. A pale face peers out at you from behind the tree. Their face glows in the shimmering moonlight. The person smiles kindly at you. Your heart eases at the sight of another human. [[They step out from behind the tree.->The faerie steps out from behind the tree.]]

As you realize you're standing in the middle of a faerie ring, you see a humanoid hand reach around the large tree. A pale face peers out from behind it. Its features look human and perfectly proportioned. Far more perfect and beautiful than you have ever seen. Too inhuman to be real. They smile at you. You notice thin pointed teeth in its grin. [[The faerie steps out from behind the tree.]]

(if: $faerieLore is true)[The faerie flutters down gently, hovering above the ground between you and the tree. It's taller than you, but its hovering height makes it look even taller, forcing you to tilt your head up to look at it. Its wings are shiny and iridescent like an insect's, beating rapidly to keep it stationary in the air. The faerie lets out a tinkling laugh seeing your expression. "Oh my, you don't seem to be surprised to see me, my dear. Were you looking for faeries?" The faerie giggles. "What's (visited: "your name")[[[your name->you want to give your name]]](else:)[[your name]], darling?"](else:)[You notice they have a pair of wings on their back. They look like insect wings, shiny and iridescent, beating rapidly to keep them stationary in the air. You realize this a faerie. The faerie lets out a tinkling laugh seeing your realization. "Oh my, you seem to be quite shocked, my dear. Didn't you know there were fae around here?" The faerie giggles. "What's (visited: "your name")[[[your name->you want to give your name]]](else:)[[your name]], darling?"] [[You tell the faerie your name.]] (if: $faerieAware is true)[[You stay silent.]] (if: $faerieAware is false and (visited: "you feel uncomfortable") is true)[[You hesitate.]]

(if: $faerieLore is true)[Names are important. You know names are important. Your grandparents drilled the importance of names into your head with those (if: $emotion is "confident")[annoying ](else-if: $emotion is "scared")[haunting ] fairytales(if: $emotion is "neutral")[ that they used to tell you]. Names are important. Names have //power//. If you give a faerie your name, it gives them power over you. It lets them steal you away and control you. You think about the stories about fae charming people into telling them their names and then taking them away, replacing them, or draining them of their lives. [[You shouldn't tell the faerie your name.->The faerie steps out from behind the tree.]] (set: $faerieAware to true)](else:)[Something about the way the faerie says that makes (visited: "you feel uncomfortable")[you feel uncomfortable](else:)[[you feel uncomfortable]]. But you don't know why. (visited: "you feel uncomfortable")[ [[You don't feel comfortable telling the faerie your name.->The faerie steps out from behind the tree.]]] (else:)[Surely there's nothing wrong with telling the faerie your name, right? [[It's just a name.->The faerie steps out from behind the tree.]]] (set: $faerieAware to false)]

You give the faerie your name. They smile at you. (if: (visited: "You stay silent.") is true or (visited: "You hesitate.") is true)[See, that wasn't so hard now, was it? ]Welcome, $playerName. We are so glad to meet you," the faerie coos. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[Their eyes flicker to the wolf, frowning for a moment, before smiling at you again. "Even if you do bring dirty mutts to our home," the faerie chuckles beautifully.] (if: $pickedFlowers is true)["Oh, but you have not been a very good guest," they tut, shaking their head slowly. "You stole some flowers, didn't you. Plucked them from our meadow without even asking permission. That's not very polite of you." The faerie stares into your soul. You feel as if you can't breathe. "Reparations must be made, yes? Let's make a deal, $playerName" the faerie offers. "You do us a service, and we will forgive your theft. Does that not sound fair, $playerName?" [[You make a deal with the faerie.]] (if: $faerieLore is true)[[You refuse to make a deal.]]](else:)["You must have been wandering lost in the woods for so long, $playerName. You poor thing," they murmur, fluttering close to pet your hair. "Would you like to make a deal with us?" They offer. "You want to go home, right, $playerName? Let us take you home." They croon. You do want to go home. (if: $faerieLore is true)[But you know fae deal in trickery.](else:)[Maybe the faerie could really help you.] [[You make a deal with the faerie.]] (if: $faerieLore is true)[[You refuse to make a deal.]]]{ (set: $faerieConfusion to true) (set: $nameStolen to true) (set: $faerieAnger to $faerieAnger - 1)}

You don't respond. The faerie frowns momentarily. (if: $faerieLore is true)[It's smile seems sharper.] "Why so quiet dear?" The faerie lilts. "Won't you give [[your name->introduce yourself]]?" You stay quiet. The faerie's smile stretches to a wicked sneer. "It's quite rude not to [[introduce yourself]]. Won't you give us [[your name?->introduce yourself]]" (if: $nameCount >11)[Your head hurts.](else-if: $nameCount >=7)[You feel dizzy.] The faerie firmly insists that you //tell them// [[//your name//->introduce yourself]]. (if: $faerieLore is true)[You want to say no even though your body screams to give in. (visited: "another way")[Is there any other way to get out of this?](if: $nameCount >11)[There is no other way.](else:)[[[Is there any other way to get out of this?->another way]]] ](visited: "introduce yourself")[[[You give the faerie your name->You tell the faerie your name.]]](else:)[[[You tell the faerie your name.->You tell the faerie your name.]]] (if: $nameCount <11)[[You continue to stay silent.]](if: (visited: "another way")is true and (if: $nameCount <11))[ [[You ask the faerie to introduce itself instead.]]]{ (set: $faerieAnger to $faerieAnger + 1)}

(if: $nameCount > 11)[[[You want to give the faerie your name->You stay silent.]]](else:)[(nth: visit, "[[Give the faerie your name.->You stay silent.]]", "Give the faerie your name. [[Give the faerie your name.->You stay silent.]]", "Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. [[Give the faerie your name.->You stay silent.]]", "Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. [[Give the faerie your name.->You stay silent.]]","Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. [[Give the faerie your name.->You stay silent.]]", "Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. [[Give the faerie your name.->You stay silent.]]","Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. giVe the faerie your namE. give The faerie your name. give tHe faerie your namE give the faerie your nAme gIve the faerie Your name give the faerie yOur name give the faerie yoUr name give the faerie your Name give the faerie your naMe givE the faerie YOUR NAME. [[GIVE THE FAERIE YOUR NAME.->You stay silent.]]", "Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. Give the faerie your name. [[Give the faerie your name.->You stay silent.]]", "[[You should give the faerie your name->You stay silent.]]", "[[You should give the faerie your name->You stay silent.]]", "[[You should give the faerie your name->You stay silent.]]", "[[You want to give the faerie your name->You stay silent.]]")]{ (set: $nameCount to $nameCount + 1) (set: $faerieAnger to $faerieAnger - 1)}

The faerie's beauty twists into a vile scowl. "You test our patience and kindness, dear," the faerie hisses. It flies closer to you. Its face leans into yours. "You've been very rude, pet. A very poor guest indeed!" The faerie spits with a hideous look of disdain. (if: $pickedFlowers is true)["Not only have you refused to introduce yourself, refused our hospitality and kindness, you've also stolen from us! Stole flowers from our lovely meadow! And brought a dog to our door too." The faerie screeches. Its voice grates your ears. [[The wolf growls in response.]]](else-if: $pickedFlowers is false)["You refused to introduce yourself, refused my hospitality and kindness!" (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[ Its eyes land on the wolf watching behind you. "And you brought a dog to our door too." The faerie screeches. Its voice grates your ears. [[The wolf growls in response.]]]](else:)[The faerie screeches. Its voice grates your ears. Its beady eyes bore into you. It shoots forward and grabs you by the arms, holding you in the mushroom ring like a chain. "Selfish human. Rude human! You are undeserving of our kindness or mercy!" You feel yourself choking under the pressure of its grasp. "We curse you human," the faerie decreed, "We curse you. You will never leave these woods. You will stay and repent. [[You shall never escape.]]"]{ (set: $faerieAnger to $faerieAnger + 1)}

You don't want to give the faerie your name. Every story you remember tells you that giving it your name will end badly for you. But you can't stay refuse to speak forever. The faerie is getting angry. You see it begin to scowl under its saccharine smile. It will see your continued silence as rudeness and take offense. If you give up your name, you'll be under its control, but if you stay silent and offend it, you'll be at its mercy. [[How can you get out of this without offending the faerie further?->You stay silent.]]

The tree stands tall, dwarfing the sparse trees surrounding it. Its trunk is wide and sturdy, twisting up with many large branches bending in different directions. Its roots weave up through the dirt in thick coils, blocking your way forward even more. Surprisingly, the base of the tree is clear of all the thick grass and plants. There's only a thin patch of grass in front of the tree, with small flowers and mushrooms growing in and around it forming [[a circle]]. (if: $faerieLore is true)[[You stand in front of the tree in the middle of the faerie ring.]](if: $faerieLore is false)[[You stand in front of the tree in the middle of the grass circle.]]

(if: $faerieLore is true)[Even though you know you shouldn't, something in the faerie's gentle voice compels you. (text-colour:magenta)[[[You want to give the faerie your name->The faerie steps out from behind the tree.]]](else:)[[[You want to give the faerie your name->The faerie steps out from behind the tree.]]]]

You grasp the faerie's outstretched hand and shake it. The faerie's eyes expand as your deal is sealed. "How wonderful," the faerie titters. "I knew you'd make the right choice, pet." Your body feels numb, as if it is no longer your own. "Now, come with us, dear. There's a few things we need your help with. And then, we will take you home as promised." They grip your arm tightly. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[The wolf watches you with mild disinterest before stalking away. ]The faerie pulls you closer. [[You follow them into the tree.]]

The faerie's smile (if: $emotion is "scared")[chills you to the bone.](else-if: $emotion is "confident")[agitates you.](else:)[unbalances you.] You don't want to be tormented by it or its deal any more than you already have. The faerie's smile turns sour as you (if: $emotion is "scared")[shakily](else:)[slowly] step backwards away from it. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[You look to the wolf. It watches you, then it looks to the faerie. "If the human won't make a deal with you, I will, insect. So long as we can split the spoils." The wolf eyes you with (if: $wolfHunger is "low")[renewed](else-if: $wolfHunger is "high")[ravenous] hunger. The faerie looks at you and hums. Its hand caresses its chin, thoughtfully considering the wolf's deal. It smiles. You don't wait to hear its verdict. You make a run for it. [[The wolf chases after you.]]](else:)["Is that a no? You'd refuse my goodwill, $playerName?" Its once serene voice turns jagged and sinister. "You have already given me your name, foolish one," the faerie laughs, "do you really think you can escape now?" Regardless of if you can of not, you don't wait to test its patience. [[You make a run for it.]]]

What happened to you? You can't recall. Where are you going? You don't remember anything other than meadows. Who are you? You don't know anymore. [[You disappear from the woods.]]

You are lost. You were abducted by a faerie. [[Try a different path?->restart]]{ (forget-visits: -1)}

You run through the field as fast as you can. But it's not fast enough. (if: $emotion is "scared")[Tears stream down your face uncontrollably. ]You can sense the wolf chasing you, gaining on you. (if: $emotion is "confident")[You barely have time to scream.] [[The wolf catches you in seconds.->The wolf lunges at you.]]

You run through the field as fast as you can. You don't risk looking to see if the faerie is chasing you. Reaching the thicker woods, you ignore the path to zigzag between the trees, hoping it will keep the faerie off your tail. You lose track of how long you've been running. The trees begin to look the same, repeating and shifting into a maze of branches and shadows. [[What are you doing?]] [[Where are you?]] [[Who are you?]] (if: (visited: "What are you doing?") and (visited: "Where are you?") and (visited: "Who are you?"))[[You don't know.]]

[[You don't know.->You make a run for it.]]

[[You don't remember.->You make a run for it.]]

You don't know. You don't know, you don't know, you don't know anymore. You can't remember anything. Who are you? What's your name? What were you doing? None of the answers find you. You wander aimlessly, [[lost in the woods.]]

You are lost. You gave your name to a faerie and forgot who you were. [[Try a different path?->restart]]{ (forget-visits: -1)}

"If my presence is so offending, then maybe the human and I should leave," the wolf suggests with an underlying growl. (if: $faerieAnger >= 3)[The faerie fumes. Its wings vibrate incessantly, and its face warps with rage. "Horrible, terrible, pests!" The faerie cries. "Wicked human, we curse you! Thief, we curse you! Curse! Curse! May your wits fail you in your time of need. Leave our home and do not ever return!" The faerie's words sends a chill down your spine. The wolf turns to leave, pausing to look at you. [[You follow the wolf and leave.]] (set: $cursed to true)](else:)[The faerie glowers. "Such terrible guests are not welcome here," it snaps. "Begone, and do not bother us again." The faerie waves its hands dismissively with a sneer on its face. The wolf turns to leave, pausing to look at you. [[You follow the wolf and leave.]]]

The faerie releases you and disappears. It doesn't matter. Its curse takes hold of you quickly. Your limbs stiffen and solidify. Your toes seep into the ground, stretching and twisting and twining into roots. Your skin hardens, thickening into brittle, flaking bark. You reach up in futile escape. Your arms stretch upward and are petrified as branches. Your neck is fossilized next. Your head is frozen in place, staring at the moon above you. [[Your scream is silenced by the tree that consumes you.]]

You have died. You were cursed by a faerie. [[Try a different path?->restart]]{ (forget-visits: -1)}

You walk away from the grand tree(if: $cursed is true)[ feeling the weight of the faerie's curse in your skin]. The wolf leads you back to the dirt path. You see that it cuts off abruptly in front of the faerie circle but continues a ways to the side. [[The two of you continue on your way.->part 5]]

You give the faerie your name. They smile at you. "Welcome, $playerName. We are so glad to meet you," the faerie coos. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[Their eyes flicker to the wolf, frowning for a moment, before smiling at you again. "Even if you do bring dirty mutts to our home," the faerie chuckles beautifully.] "As agreed, we will tell you our name. We are Ha'alla of the M'ol Wo'od Fae." (if: $pickedFlowers is true)["But we have other matters to settle. You have not been a very good guest," they tut, shaking their head slowly. "You stole some flowers, didn't you. Plucked them from our meadow without even asking permission. That's not very polite of you." The faerie stares into your soul. You feel as if you can't breathe. "Reparations must be made, yes? Let's make another deal, $playerName" the faerie offers. "You do us a service, and we will forgive your theft. Does that not sound fair, $playerName?" [[You make a deal with the faerie.]] [[You refuse to make a deal.]]](else:)["Now that we are so acquainted, shall we make another deal? You want to go home, right, $playerName? Let us take you home." They croon. You do want to go home. (if: $faerieLore is true)[But you know fae deal in trickery.](else:)[Maybe the faerie could really help you.] [[You make a deal with the faerie.]] (if: $faerieLore is true)[[You refuse to make a deal.]]]{ (set: $faerieConfusion to true) (set: $nameStolen to true) (set: $faerieAnger to $faerieAnger - 1)}

You tell the faerie that you appreciate the offer but could not accept it and that it has been an excellent host, but you have overstayed your welcome and must go. The faerie appraises you with a serene nod. "Very clever indeed." It grins with all of its pointed teeth on display. "We have kept you company here long enough, certainly. We are grateful to have had your company." The faerie points to the side, revealing the familiar dirt path again. "Farewell, clever human.(if: $wolfCompanion is true)[ And do take your pet dog with you.]" The faerie flits back to the tree, disappearing behind it. You leave the faerie circle with a relieved breath. Turning away from the old tree, [[you walk back to the dirt path.->part 5]]

You remind yourself that fae deal in trickery, especially by using wordplay against their victims. [[Maybe you can use its words against it.->You ask the faerie to introduce itself instead.]]

You tell the faerie that you will not //give// it your name unless it gives you its name as well. The faerie appraises you with a laugh. "Very clever indeed." It grins with all of its pointed teeth on display. "We will not accept your counter-deal. You desire to return home, do you not? We have kept you company here long enough." The faerie points to the side, revealing the familiar dirt path again. "Farewell, clever human.(if: $wolfCompanion is true)[ And do take your pet dog with you.]" The faerie flits back to the tree, disappearing behind it. You leave the faerie circle with a relieved breath. Turning away from the old tree, [[you walk back to the dirt path.->part 5]]

The path leads you away from the ethereal trees and meadow and back to denser woodlands. The grass begins to wither, and the tree branches become barren the further you travel. Clouds pass overhead, partially blocking the moon. Trees become sparse again with many haven fallen over dead. In the distance, you see a wooden fence blocking a section of fallen trees. As you approach it, [[you find a tall man standing beside it.]]

The (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] is very (visited: "pale")[pale](else:)[[pale]], especially under the white moonlight that peeks through the clouds. He's dressed completely in black, as if he just came from a funeral, though you doubt there was one nearby at this time of night. The (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] offers a small smile when he sees you approach. (visited: "pale")[You notice that (visited: "his canines look particularly sharp")[his canines look particularly sharp](else:)[[his canines look particularly sharp]].] "Good evening." He tilts his head in greeting. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[His face scrunches when he sees the wolf behind you. "Walking the dog?" He jokes. The wolf growls disdainfully.] "I'm surprised to see someone else out at this time," he says. "May I ask where you're headed?" (visited: "his canines look particularly sharp")[As he smiles, you notice that his eyes have a [[red glow]] to them.](else:)[He asks with a smile.] [[You explain that you got lost on your way home.->lost on the way home]] [[You simply state that you're on a walk. ->on a walk]] (if: $wolfCompanion is true and $emotion is "confident")[[You say that you're walking the dog.]] (if: $vampireLore is true and $emotion is "confident" and $bag contains "pendant")[(if: $wolfCompanion is true)[ ][[You take out the cross pendant.]]]

The man isn't just pale, he looks deathly, as if all of the life was sucked out of him. There's a sunkenness to his face and a hollowness in his gaze that makes him look like a walking corpse. His appearance is distressing to say the least. [[You feel concerned for him.->you find a tall man standing beside it.]]

You explain your situation to the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man]. He nods sympathetically. "How unfortunate that you became lost," he says. "I am also searching for my way home. Perhaps we can accompany each other on this journey. May I walk with you?"(if: $vampireLore is true)[ You doubt the vampire's real goal is to go home. If you let your guard down, it will take the opportunity to kill you and drain your blood. [[You think of ways to protect yourself from it.]]](else-if: (visited: "red glow") is true)[ You aren't thrilled to have his company. Just being around him sets you on edge.] [[You let him join.]] [[You refuse his company.]]

You vaguely tell the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] that you are merely taking a walk. He nods along. "It is certainly a lovely night for one," he says. "May I join you?"(if: $vampireLore is true)[ You doubt the vampire's real goal is to go home. If you let your guard down, it will take the opportunity to kill you and drain your blood. [[You think of ways to protect yourself from it.]]](else-if: (visited: "red glow") is true)[ You aren't thrilled to have his company. Just being around him sets you on edge.] [[You let him join.]] [[You refuse his company.]]

You jokingly point at the wolf. It snarls at you and the man. The (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] steps back, watching the wolf warily. (if: $wolf is "a protector")[You're glad the wolf is protecting you as it promised.](else-if: $wolf is "a danger")[You're suprised that the wolf is more focused on threatening the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man](if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] instead of you.] "I see," he says with a weak chuckle. "Then I should leave you to walk your... dog. I must be on my way myself." He hastily bids you goodbye and leaves, walking away from the path. The wolf stares after the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man]. It does not move to follow you. "I think I will leave you now too, human," the wolf says. "I have found other prey to catch. Thank you for allowing me on this journey with you." The wolf smiles at you once last time. Then it turns and prowls in the same direction as the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man]. [[You continue on your own.]]

The longer you look at him, the more unsettling his appearance is. His teeth look unusually sharp in his grin. They almost look like fangs. [[You feel uncomfortable staring at them ->you find a tall man standing beside it.]]

His eyes are an unnatural red. They shine brightly even without visible moonlight. You could almost call them blood red. (if: $backstory is true)[His appearance reminds you of a monster from old horror stories. You remember stories of pale men with red eyes and fanged teeth. You remember stories of night men and women who stalked the edges of town, leaving withered corpses behind. You remember stories of blood-hungry people preying on the living, cornering innocents and draining them of their blood. You remember stories of dead men that thirst for blood called vampires. [[You suspect this man may be one of them.->you find a tall man standing beside it.]] (set: $vampireLore to true)](else:)[His presence disturbs you. [[You don't feel safe.->you find a tall man standing beside it.]]]

(if: $wolfCompanion is true)[Alone again, you](else:)[You] continue following the dirt path. The path twists and turns. The trees grow thicker and lush and lively again. Grass and moss cover the dirt and rocks on either side of the path. As you travel along the worn path, you see a little bypath leading up to a [[small cottage->part 6]].

You allow the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] to walk with you. He thanks you, and you continue down the path together. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[The wolf follows closely behind the two of you. (if: $vampireLore is true)[The vampire twitches at the wolf's growls. ](else:)[The man looks uncomfortable with wolf's presence. ]]As you move along, the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] breaks the silence with small talk. (visited: "on a walk")["Do you take walks here often?"](visited: "lost on the way home")["Have you been traveling long?"] he asks. "Apologies if that was too prodding, I just wanted to be better aquainted. My name is Killian. What is your name?" [[You tell him your name.]] [[You don't answer.]]

You deny the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man]. He frowns. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[He takes a look at the wolf behind you, and his frown deepens. "Perhaps that's for the best. I'm rather allergic to mutts. I'll leave you to walk your... dog and be on my own way," it grimaces. The vampire hastily bids you goodbye and leaves, walking away from the path. The wolf stares after the vampire. "I think I will leave you now too, human," the wolf says. "I have found other prey to catch. Thank you for allowing me on this journey with you." The wolf smiles at you once last time. Then it turns and prowls in the same direction as the vampire. [[You continue on your own.]]](else:)["Are you sure I can't convince you? It's rather late and dark. It isn't safe to be walking alone at this time," he says pointedly. [[You change your mind->You let him join.]] [[You stay firm in your decision.]]]

You take the silver cross pendant the goblin gave you out of your bag. The vampire's eyes widen. It flinches away from you and bares its fangs with a hiss. "Where did you get that? How did you know that I am a vampire?" The vampire glares at you. You don't bother answering its questions.(if: $wolfCompanion is true)[ The wolf leaps in between you and the vampire, growling and prowling toward it. The vampire slinks further away from you and the wolf, hissing at you both.] [[You tell the vampire to leave you alone.]]

It scowls and hisses at you. "Very well. I will leave." The vampire's bright red eyes burn into you. "You are not as easy prey as I thought."(if: $wolfCompanion is true)[ It looks at the wolf knowingly as it says so.] Not lingering any longer, the vampire vanishes into the shadows of the night. (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[The wolf's eyes follow the shadows. "I think I will leave you now too, human," the wolf says. "I have found other prey to catch. Thank you for allowing me on this journey with you." It spares you a brief glance and nod before racing away. [[You continue on your own.]]](else:)[ [[You leave the shadows and the fence post.->You continue on your own.]]]

What did your grandparents say ward off vampires? You remember characters protecting themselves with silver, crosses, and garlic. You don't have any garlic(if: $bag contains "pendant")[, but you do have the silver cross pendant from the goblin. [[Maybe that will deter the vampire from trying to eat you.->You take out the cross pendant.]]](else:)[ or crosses or silver though.] In some stories, vampires had to be invited have power over their victims. Usually it was invitations into one's home, but maybe this rule applied to other niceties? You hope it did and that the vampire wouldn't just outright attack you. It's been polite so far. Maybe if you careful and polite, it won't find any reason to kill you, other than its hunger, that is. Sometimes in stories, the protagonist would defeat the vampire by putting a stake in its heart or drawing it into sunlight. Unfortunately it was night: you don't have time to wait for the morning sun to scare it away. And you don't have a stake to kill it with either.(if: $wolfCompanion is true)[ You remember reading some modern stories that said wolves and vampires are enemies. You look at the wolf. It glares and growls agitated at the vampire. [[Maybe having the wolf around will keep you safe.]]] That's all you can remember. (visited:"lost on the way home")[[[Is this enough to keep you safe?->lost on the way home]]](visited:"on a walk")[[[Is this enough to keep you safe?->on a walk]]]

The wolf snarls and snaps at the vampire. It moves to stand between you and the vampire. The vampire scowls and stiffens. "Perhaps not. I'm rather allergic to mutts. I'll leave you to walk your... dog and be on my own way," it grimaces. The vampire hastily bids you goodbye and leaves, walking away from the path. The wolf stares after the vampire. "I think I will leave you now too, human," the wolf says. "I have found other prey to catch. Thank you for allowing me on this journey with you." The wolf smiles at you once last time. Then it turns and prowls in the same direction as the vampire. [[You continue on your own.]]

(if: $vampireLore is true)[The vampire](else:)[Killian] smiles. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, $playerName." You continue walking in silence until (if: $vampireLore is true)[the vampire](else:)[Killian] breaks it with a cough. "I'm so sorry. I'm just a bit parched." He coughs again. "Would you give me a drink?" (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[The wolf growls at the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man]'s words. ](visited: "your bag")[[You tell him you don't have anything to drink.]](if: (visited: "your bag") is true)[[You agree to give him a drink.]] (if: $vampireLore is true)[[You don't offer him a drink.]]{ (set: $vampireFriend to true)}

You stay silent. The (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[Killian] watches you closely. "It's alright if you don't want to share it. I understand," he (if: $vampireLore is true)[claims.](else:)[assures.] (if: (visited: "red glow") is false)[ His kindness and patience makes you feel guilty for distrusting him. [[You tell him your name.]]] (else:)[You continue walking in silence until (if: $vampireLore is true)[the vampire](else:)[Killian] breaks it again with a cough. "I'm so sorry. I'm just a bit parched." He coughs again. "Would you give me a drink?" (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[The wolf growls at the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man]'s words. ](visited: "your bag")[[You tell him you don't have anything to drink.]](if: (visited: "your bag") is true)[[You agree to give him a drink.]] (if: $vampireLore is true)[[You don't offer him a drink.]]]{ (set: $vampireFriend to false)}

The (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire's face contorted into a harsh glare. Its eyes flash dangerously. (if: (visited: "You think of ways to protect yourself from it.") is true)[ [[You take out the cross pendant.]]](else-if: $bleeding is true)[Its lips part to reveal a fanged sneer. "How unfortunate. Surely you didn't expect to walk away in that state?" The vampire smirks. Before you can blink, the vampire grabs you. [[A burning pain pierces your neck.]]] (else:)[Then it smoothens in an uncanny way. "Well if I can't convince you, then I suppose our paths diverge here," he says calmly. He offers you a stiff nod. "Best of luck (visited: "on a walk")[in your travels](visited: "lost on the way home")[on your way home], (if: $gender is "female")[miss](else-if: $gender is "male")[sir]. He turns and walks in the opposite direction. You watch the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[strange man] disappear in the distance. [[You continue on your own.]]]](else:)[man's face twisted into a scowl. (if: $bleeding is true)[Its lips part to reveal a fanged sneer. "How unfortunate. Surely you didn't expect to walk away in that state?" The vampire smirks. Before you can blink, the vampire grabs you. [[A burning pain pierces your neck.]]](else:)[Then it smoothens in an uncanny way. "Well if I can't convince you, then I suppose our paths diverge here," he says calmly. He offers you a stiff nod. "Best of luck (visited: "on a walk")[in your travels](visited: "lost on the way home")[on your way home], (if: $gender is "female")[miss](else-if: $gender is "male")[sir]. He turns and walks in the opposite direction. You watch the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[strange man] disappear in the distance. [[You continue on your own.]]]]

(if: $vampireLore is true)[The vampire smirks at you. Its](else:)[The man smiles at you. His] eyes glow a bright, menacing red. "Thank you for the drink, dear $playerName." In a second, he's on you. [[A burning pain pierces your neck.]]

(if: $vampireLore is true)[The vampire smirks at you. Its](else:)[The man smiles at you. His] eyes glow a bright, menacing red. "Oh, that isn't what I meant, dear $playerName." In a second, he's on you. [[A burning pain pierces your neck.]]

You apologize but don't offer the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] anything. His eyes twitch, but he continues to smile.(else-if: $bleeding is true)[Its lips part to reveal a fanged sneer. "Silly thing, surely you didn't expect to walk away in that state?" The vampire smirks. Before you can blink, the vampire grabs you. [[A burning pain pierces your neck.]]](else:)[ "I see," he mutters, "how unfortunate for me." (if: $vampireLore is true)[His eyes flash dangerously. (visited: "You think of ways to protect yourself from it.")[[You take out the cross pendant.]]] (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[He takes a look at the wolf behind you, and his frown deepens. "Perhaps next time. It's rather time that I left. I'll leave you to walk your... dog and be on my own way," he grimaces. The (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[man] hastily bids you goodbye and leaves, walking away from the path. The wolf stares after him. "I think I will leave you now too, human," the wolf says. "I have found other prey to catch. Thank you for allowing me on this journey with you." The wolf smiles at you once last time. Then it turns and prowls in the same direction as the vampire.](else:)[He stops walking. "I think it's time we part way," he states. "Thank you for the company(if: $vampireFriend is true)[, $playerName.]" He turns and walks in the opposite direction. You watch the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire](else:)[strange man] disappear in the distance.] [[You continue on your own.]]]

You're frozen in place as the (if: $vampireLore is true)[vampire holds you down, its teeth at your throat, sucking up your blood greedily.](else:)[man pins you down. His sharp teeth have torn open your throat, letting red rivers flow out your neck easily. The //vampire// sucks up your blood greedily.] (if: $wolfCompanion is true)[You can barely stand when the vampire is thrown off you by the wolf. Your body collapses onto the dirt. As you lay weakly on the ground, you see the two monsters clashing and clawing at each other. Blood and gore fly to the ground, pooling and mixing with your's. [[You lay on the ground as your blood drains out of you.->Your blood drains out of you.]] ](else:)[[Your blood drains out of you.]]

You have died. You were drained of your blood by a vampire. [[Try a different path?->restart]] (forget-visits: -1)

The cottage is made of stone bricks and roofed with straw thatching. Green vines creep up the walls with large waving leaves. The windows are blocked by thick curtains inside, and lush bushes sit under the windows beside the front door. (visited: "looks like a fairytale")[(if: $emotion is "scared")[The cottage has an ominous atmosphere around it. You feel unsettled by the sight of it.] (if: $emotion is "neutral")[It's strange to see a cottage like this here. You wonder who built it.](if: $emotion is "confident")[The cottage looks very cute and homely. You like how it looks.]](else:)[[[It looks like a house straight from a fairytale.->looks like a fairytale]]] It's very late, and you're tired from walking for so long. You could [[go inside]] to rest, or [[continue walking->don't go in]].{ (set: $susWitch to false) (set: $witchFriend to false) (set: $shesAWitch to false)}

(if: $wolfCompanion is true)[The faerie begins to frown at your prolonged silence. "It's rude of a guest not to introduce (print: $pronoun2)self," the faerie scolds, "and ruder to enter uninvited with a mutt." It gives the wolf a dirty look. The faerie flies closer to you, looking at you with a face of diappointment. "You offend us human," the faerie spits. "You offend us by bringing this dog into our home.(if: $pickedFlowers is true)[ And by stealing from us! You stole flowers from our meadow!" It screeches.](else:)["] [[The wolf growls in response.]]](else:)[The faerie begins to frown at your prolonged silence. "It's rude of a guest not to [[introduce (print: $pronoun2)self->introduce yourself]]," the faerie scolds. It flies closer to you, looking at you with a face of diappointment. "We are quite kind to ignore your poor behaviour thus far, but do not test our patience further, human," it warns you. You don't know what else to do. [[You tell the faerie your name.]]]{ (set: $faerieAnger to $faerieAnger + 1)}

[[You don't feel comfortable telling the faerie your name.->your name]]{ (set: $faerieAware to true)}

(if: $emotion is "scared")[The cottage has an ominous atmosphere around it. [[You feel unsettled by the sight of it.->part 6]] ](if: $emotion is "neutral")[It's strange to see a cottage like this here. [[You wonder who built it.->part 6]] ](if: $emotion is "confident")[The cottage looks very cute and homely. [[You like how it looks.->part 6]]]

You decide to go into the cottage to take a proper break from walking. You knock on the door. No one seems to be home. You test the doorknob and find that the door is unlocked. [[You walk inside.]]{ (set: $trespasser to true)}

You start to walk away when an [[old woman]] appears on the path in front of you. "Hello, dear," she greets you with a wrinkly smile. The old woman is covered in multiple dull, woollen shawls layered on top of each other. She's a bit shorter than you, or you think she would be if she wasn't so hunched over. In one hand, she clutches a worn, wooden walking cane. In the other hand, she holds up a a small oil lantern. On her arm is a woven basket filled with plants, herbs, and berries. "It's rather late to be walking around outside, dearie," she tells you. "Why don't you come take a rest for the night." The woman hobbles around you to the door of the cottage and pushes it open. She hangs the lantern on the post beside the door and turns back to you. "Would you like to come inside?" (if: $witchLore is true or (if: (visited: "looks like a fairytale") is true and $emotion is "scared"))[You are unsure about following her inside.] You debate whether you should [[accept her invitation]] or [[refuse it]]. { (set: $trespasser to false)}

Something about the old woman and her home makes you feel unsettled. In some ways, she reminds you of a witch. (if: $backstory is true)[You remember being told many witch stories. Your parents and grandparents (if: $emotion is "confident")[tried to use](else:)[used] witches to scare you away from staying out late or wandering off on your own. You remember stories about wicked women luring naive children into their huts and fattening them up as food. You remember stories about old witches kidnapping babies to cook and eat them. You remember stories of witches brewing potions from wild plants to poison unsuspecting men and women. You remember stories of these witches casting curses and hexes in vengeance against their enemies and people who disrepect them. (visited: "don't go in")[[[You wonder if this woman is actually a witch.->don't go in]]](visited: "someone behind you")[[[You wonder if this woman is actually a witch.->someone behind you]]] (set: $witchLore to true) ](else:)[You think you remember some witch stories, mostly from halloween and some horror movies. (visited: "don't go in")[[[But you doubt this kind old lady could actually be a wicked witch.->don't go in]]](visited: "someone behind you")[[[But you doubt this kind old lady could actually be a wicked witch.->someone behind you]]]]

Inside the cottage is a small but (if: $emotion is "confident")[cozy](else:)[tidy] living room and kitchen. It's well cleaned and lit as if someone was here earlier but left in a hurry. There's a worn armchair in the middle of the room sitting in front of the open fireplace. In the corner between the little kitchenette and front window is a small dining table with two stool seats. Old books, papers, and plants fill the multiple shelves and other surfaces. You move to sit in the welcoming armchair but are interrupted by the sound of [[someone clearing their throat behind you.->someone behind you]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1)}

You (if: $emotion is "confident")[happily ](else-if: $emotion is "scared")[warily ] accept her invitation and follow her inside the cottage. The old woman eagerly ushers you in. Inside the cottage is a small but (if: $emotion is "confident")[cozy](else:)[tidy] living room and kitchen. There's a worn armchair in the middle of the room sitting in front of the open fireplace. In the corner between the little kitchenette and front window is a small dining table with two stool seats. Old books, papers, and plants fill the multiple shelves and other surfaces. She shuts the door behind you and motions for you to [[sit at the table.]]

You try to refuse her invitation, but the old woman merely shakes her head and ushers you inside anyway. "Nonsense, dear, I insist. You look dead on your feet! Come! Come!" Somehow she ignores your protests and gets you inside. Inside the cottage is a small but (if: $emotion is "confident")[cozy](else:)[tidy] living room and kitchen. There's a worn armchair in the middle of the room sitting in front of the open fireplace. In the corner between the little kitchenette and front window is a small dining table with two stool seats. Old books, papers, and plants fill the multiple shelves and other surfaces. She shuts the door behind you and motions for you to [[sit at the table.]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1)}

You turn around and see an (visited: "old woman")[old woman](else:)[[old woman]] dressed in multiple woollen shawls hunched over in the doorway. In one hand, she clutches a worn, wooden walking cane. In the other hand is a woven basket filled with plants, herbs, and berries. She glares at you with a grim frown. "Now see here, young (if: $gender is "male")[man](else-if: $gender is "female")[lady](else-if: $gender is "neutral")[fellow], I don't believe this hut belongs to you." She hobbles inside toward you. "And I don't believe I invited you into my home." Her basket is dropped onto the little dining table, and she turns to give you a dirty look. She stands in front of you in the middle of the little cottage with both of her hands firmly on her walking cane. "Now you have broken into my home, you little brat," she spits. "How are you going to make amends to me?" She looks at you levelly, expectantly, and patiently. (if: $witchLore is true or $emotion is "scared")[You don't want to upset the old woman any more than you already have. ][[You apologize.]] [[You try to explain yourself.]] (if: $witchLore)[(if:(visited: "your wallet") or $pickedFlowers is true)[[You offer to repay her.]]]

You apologize profusely. The old woman continues to glare at you with suspicion, but she doesn't force you to leave. She huffs at your apology and points you to the dining table with her walking cane. You sit down on one of the wooden stools as she busies herself in the room. She quickly places a cup of [[tea->look at tea]] in front of you with a hard clunk. "Well if you're here, you'll be staying for dinner, I suppose," she grumbles. "You can call me Granny Agnes." [[You agree to dinner.]] [[You turn down the dinner.]] (if: $susWitch)[[You tell the woman that you should leave instead.->You say that you must get going.]]

You take a seat on one of the wooden stools at the matching dining table. The old woman sets her basket on the table and then flits around the room with speed suprising for a woman her age. She stokes the fire, drapes one of her shawls on the armchair, hangs a kettle of water over the heatrh, and grabs a number of small jars of dried leaves before sitting at the table opposite to you. "Tea, dear?" She doesn't wait for an answer before she's(if: $witchLore is true)[ [[mixing leaves]] ](else:)[ mixing leaves ]together in shallow bowl and moving to pour the mix into the kettle. [[You agree to tea.->tea]] [[You turn down the offered tea.->tea]]

You try to explain what you had done, but the woman just shakes her head and ignores you. "Excuses, excuses," she mutters. But she doesn't force you to leave. She points you to the dining table with her walking cane. You sit down on one of the wooden stools as she busies herself in the room. She quickly places a cup of [[tea->look at tea]] in front of you with a hard clunk. "Well if you're here, you'll be staying for dinner, I suppose," she grumbles. "You can call me Granny Agnes." [[You agree to dinner.]] [[You turn down the dinner.]] (if: $susWitch)[[You tell the woman that you should leave instead.->You say that you must get going.]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1)}

You don't recognize the plants she uses for the tea, but her collection of dried herbs and plants make you wary. [[Your suspicion that this woman is a witch grows->sit at the table.]] { (set: $susWitch to true)}

There's a cup of hot tea in front of you before you can even respond. The old woman sits down in front of you again with her own cup of tea, clearly calmer. "Oh, I'm so sorry dear, I haven't even ask your name yet," she fretted. "You can call me Granny Agnes," she insisted, "now, what's your name dear?" [[You tell her your name.]] (if: $witchLore is true or $emotion is "scared")[[You don't answer.->don't tell her your name]]

You introduce yourself to Granny Agnes. "Well, it's wonderful to meet you, (if: $playerName is "human")[dear](else:)[$playerName]." She smiles kindly at you. "It's so nice to have company. I haven't had a guest since the last snowfall." Granny Agnes sips at her tea. You look at your own cup of(visited: "look at tea")[ tea(if: $susWitch is true)[ suspiciously]](else:)[ [[tea->look at tea]]]. [[You drink the tea.]] [[You don't drink the tea.]]{ (set: $witchFriend to true)}

You fidget with the cup handle and avoid answering. The old woman narrows her eyes. She sighs and hold her teacup up to her lips. "If you don't want to tell a poor, lonely old woman, I suppose I can't reproach you," Granny Agnes laments. "In any case, it's so nice to have company. I haven't had a guest since the last snowfall." Granny Agnes sips at her tea. You look at your own cup of(visited: "look at tea")[ tea(if: $susWitch is true)[ suspiciously]](else:)[ [[tea->look at tea]]]. [[You drink the tea.]] [[You don't drink the tea.]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1) (set: $witchFriend to false)}

You take a (if: $susWitch is true)[cautious ]sip of the tea. It's the perfect temperature to drink. The tea tastes slightly nutty with a top flavour of flowery citrus and berries. It's a little sweet with a underlying bitterness that warms your throat. [[You drain your cup.]] [[You drink the rest of the tea slowly.]]

(if: $emotion is "scared" or $susWitch is true)[(if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] watches you fiddle with your cup without drinking. ]"You've barely touched your tea, dear." (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[She] looks pointedly at your full cup. [[You drink the tea.]] [[You still don't drink the tea.]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1)}

(if: $trespasser is false)[Granny Agnes claps her hands together excitedly. "Oh good!](else:)[The old woman huffs and nods. ]Just wait for a bit while I prepare, would you dear?(if: $poisoned is <= 2)[ Why don't you drink some more tea while you wait." She pushes the cup closer to you.](else:)["] (else:)[(if: $shesAWitch is true)[The witch](else:)[The old woman] nods with a huff, mostly ignoring your response.] (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else-if: $shesAWitch is true)[The witch](else:)[The old woman] darts around in and out of the cottage, cutting up leaves, roots, and cured meats to prepare the meal. A large [[cauldron]] is set on top of the fire, the water in it coming to a slow boil. (if: $poisoned is >= 2)[As you watch the old woman work, [[your body begins to numb and freeze in place.]] (set: $fastPoison to true)] (else:)[[Looks like she's making soup.]]

(if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] frowns at your answer. "Now, that won't do, dear. I insist that you stay for dinner," she says firmly. (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1)(if: $witchAnger >= 3)[Her tone falls lower, and she glares at you intensely. (if: (visited: "how to appease her") is true or (visited: "You offer her flowers.") is true)[You try to think of something to appease her anger.](else:)[[You try to think of something to appease her anger.->how to appease her]]](else-if: $witchFriend is true)[Her tone falls lower, and she glares at you intensely. You draw backing, worried about having upset her. (if: (visited: "how to appease her") or (visited: "You offer her flowers."))[You try to think of something to appease her anger.](else:)[[[You try to think of something to appease her anger.->how to appease her]]]] [[You agree to dinner.]] [[You refuse again.]] (if: (visited: "how to appease her") and (if: $pickedFlowers is true))[[[You offer the witch flowers->offer flowers]]]

(if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] frowns at your answer. "Now, that won't do, dear. I insist that you stay for dinner," she says firmly. (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 2)(if: $witchAnger >= 3)[Her tone falls lower, and she glares at you intensely. (if: (visited: "how to appease her") is true or (visited: "You offer her flowers.") is true)[You try to think of something to appease her anger.](else:)[[You try to think of something to appease her anger.->how to appease her]]](else-if: $witchFriend is true)[Her tone falls lower, and she glares at you intensely. You draw backing, worried about having upset her. (if: (visited: "how to appease her") is true or (visited: "You offer her flowers.") is true)[You try to think of something to appease her anger.]](else:)[[[You try to think of something to appease her anger.->how to appease her]]] [[You agree to dinner.]] [[You refuse again.]] (if: $pickedFlowers is true and (if: (visited: "how to appease her") is true))[[You offer the witch flowers->offer flowers]]

You quickly drink the rest of the tea and put the cup down with satisfaction. (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] smiles at you and refills your cup just as quickly. "Now, why were you out so late, dear?" (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] asks concerned. "You should know that it's dangerous to be walking out in the woods at this time of night," she scolded you. [[You tell her you got lost on the way home.]] (if: $witchFriend is false or $susWitch is true)[[You shrug.]]{ (set: $poisoned to 2)}

You continue to sip at the tea slowly. (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] nods at you and sips at her own cup. "Now, why were you out so late, dear?" (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] asks concerned. "You should know that it's dangerous to be walking out in the woods at this time of night," she scolded you. [[You tell her you got lost on the way home.]] (if: $witchFriend is false or $susWitch is true)[[You shrug.]]{ (set: $poisoned to 1)}

She narrows her eyes and clicks her tongue at you. "So, dearie, tell me: what were you doing out so late?" (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] asks concerned. "You should know that it's dangerous to be walking out in the woods at this time of night," she scolded you. [[You tell her you got lost on the way home.]] (if: $witchFriend is false or $susWitch is true)[[You shrug.]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1) (set: $poisoned to 0)}

You take the flowers you picked in the faerie's meadow and offer them to the witch. Her eyes gleam with greed seeing the flowers in your hands. (if: $witchFriend is true)["Oh, dearie, you shouldn't have!" She marvelled. "These are flowers from M'ol Wo'ods, aren't they. Such precious things, thank you so much, dear!" (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] takes the flowers with a thoughtful look. (visited: "You say that you must get going.")["So you must be going then?" (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[She] sighs. "Well, come then. Let this old woman at least see you out."]](else:)["For me? Oh, how kind of you dear," she says sweetly. (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] takes the flowers with a thoughtful look."] (if: $susWitch is true)[You think about (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes'](else:)[The old woman's] home and behaviour, and the suspicions you've collected.] (if: $emotion is "confident")[(if: $witchFriend is true)[[[You ask her if she is a witch.->ask if she's a witch]]](else-if: $susWitch is true)[[[You confront her about being a witch.->confront her witchiness]]]](else:)[(visited: "You say that you must get going.")[She seems to have accepted the flowers well. [[You hope that the flowers are effective in convincing her to let you leave.->You say that you must get going.]]](visited: "You turn down the dinner.")[She seems to have accepted the flowers well. [[You hope that the flowers are effective in convincing her to let you leave.->You turn down the dinner.]]]] { (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger - 1) (set: $bag to $bag - (a: "flowers")) (set:$flowerHope to true)}

The crone grins at you as your body fails to even twitch. (if: $poisioned >= 2)["Goodness, that paralytic worked faster than expected," she laughs. "That's not much of a problem. Do be a bit patient though, dearie."] With her preparations finished, (if: $shesAWitch is true)[The witch](else:)[The old woman] raises her cane and slams it on the ground twice. Immediately, the (visited: "Looks like she's making soup.")[remaining ]food she cut up for the soup fly(visited: "Looks like she's making soup.")[s] into the cauldron. She points a grisled finger at you and snaps her fingers. Your body suddenly rises up without your control. You float in the air until you're hovering over the boiling cauldron of soup. "Oh don't worry, dearie, the dinner's almost done, and you'll make a perfect final ingredient," the witch cackles. (if: $witchFriend is true)["Don't look so scared, dear. You'll only be in pain for a few minutes. It will be over before you know it," she said assuringly, to your horror.] [[You fall into the cauldron.]]

You watch her work: gathering ingredients, stirring the pot, tasting the broth. As she adds ingredients to the cauldron, their scents mix together and waft to you in a warm bundle. After you finish your tea, you move to go help her, but [[your body begins to numb and freeze in place.]]

Your skin immediately burns and blisters. Every inch of your body burns in the intense heat, your nerves scream in white hot, searing pain. The water bubbles and boils your flesh. The steam fills your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, lungs, cooking you from the inside. You can feel your organs bake in your body. Your skin is red and peeling off of you in think chunks. In the background of your pain, you can hear the witch cheerfully humming and smell the meaty scent of soup as [[you are cooked alive.]]

You have died. You were turned into soup by a witch. [[Try a different path?->restart]]{ (forget-visits: -1)}

The tea smells fragrant and sweet. It's slightly cloudy and pale green in colour with a slight pale blue tone. You don't recognize this tea or its scent. (if: $susWitch is true)[(visited: "You tell her your name.")[[[You aren't sure about drinking it.->You tell her your name.]]](visited: "don't tell her your name")[[[You aren't sure about drinking it.->don't tell her your name]]]](else:)[(visited: "You tell her your name.")[[[You wonder what tea this is.->You tell her your name.]]](visited: "don't tell her your name")[[[You wonder what tea this is.->don't tell her your name]]](visited: "You apologize.")[[[You aren't sure about drinking it.->You apologize.]] (set: $susWitch to true)](visited: "You try to explain yourself.")[[[You aren't sure about drinking it.->You try to explain yourself.]] (set: $susWitch to true)](visited: "You put the money away.")[[[You aren't sure about drinking it.->You put the money away.]] (set: $susWitch to true)]]

You tell (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[her] about the journey you've been on trying to get home. She nods along(if: $witchFriend is false)[.](else:)[ understandingly. You recount the encounters and trials you faced throughout the night so far. You feel unburdened telling her about the wolf, the vampire, the faerie, the goblin, and the long night you've had overall. (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] listens to it all sympathetically.] "You poor thing," she commiserates, "You're so strong dear. It's so lucky that you made it here now. Please, get some rest, dearie. You certainly need it." (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[She] pats your hand(if: $witchFriend is true)[ comfortingly] and stands up. "Are you hungry, dear? Would you like to stay for dinner?" She asks. (if: $susWitch is true)[She watches you with beady eyes, waiting for your answer. ][[You agree to dinner.]] [[You turn down the dinner.]] (if: $susWitch)[[You say that you must get going.]]

You just shrug and don't explain any further. (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] frowns but nods(if: $witchFriend is false)[.](else:)[ understandingly.] "Poor thing, you don't have to say a thing." she pats your hand. "You must have gone through so much. Please, get some rest, dearie. You certainly need it." (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[She] puts her teacup to the side of the table and stands up. "Are you hungry, dear? Would you like to stay for dinner?" She asks. (if: $susWitch is true)[She watches you with beady eyes, waiting for your answer. ][[You agree to dinner.]] [[You turn down the dinner.]] (if: $susWitch)[[You say that you must get going.]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1)}

You look at the large black cauldron. If you squeezed in, you could fit into it. (if: $susWitch is true)[[You're almost certain she's a witch.->You agree to dinner.]]{ (set: $shesAWitch to true)}

(if: $witchAnger <=3)[You tell (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] that you know she is a witch. She howls with laughter, clutching the shining flowers. "Oh, dear, how did you find out!" Her hand lifts off her cane to wipe tears from her eyes. The cane stays standing straight up without her help. Granny Agnes waves her hand and the flowers fly to the side and are gently laid on a desk. Other objects in the room go flying at the same time, landing in their rightful places. "Well, the cat is out of the bag now, isn't it," she says calmly. She smiles at you. (visited: "You say that you must get going.")["You must be on your way, yes?" The witch motions to the door. "Let me at least see you off, dear. You've given me a lovely gift, and I am one to repay goodwill.](else:)["Alright, you scamp. The witch motions to the door. "You say you will not stay for dinner. I assume that means you are leaving. Let me at least see you off, dear. (if: $flowerHope is true)[You've given me a lovely gift, and I am one to repay goodwill.] You stand up and walk to the front door, turning back at the door to look at the witch. (if: $witchFriend is true)[[Granny Agnes hands you something.->get a gift]]](else:)[[[The witch hands you something.->get a gift]]](else:)[ [[You stand up and walk to the front door.->time to go]]]](else:)[(if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] narrows her eyes and scowls at you. "What do you mean by that, dear $playerName? What an insensitive question to ask." She stares at you without addressing it further. (if: (visited: "You say that you must get going."))[[[You let it go->You say that you must get going.]]](else:)[[[You let it go->You turn down the dinner.]]]]

(if: $witchAnger <=3)[You ask Granny Agnes if is she is a witch. She howls with laughter(visited: "offer flowers")[, clutching the shining flowers]. "Oh, dear, how did you find out!" Her hand lifts off her cane to wipe tears from her eyes. The cane stays standing straight up without her help. Granny Agnes waves her hand(if: (visited: "offer flowers"))[ and the flowers fly to the side and are gently laid on a desk]. Other objects in the room go flying at the same time, landing in their rightful places. "Well, the cat is out of the bag now, isn't it," she says calmly. She smiles at you. (visited: "You say that you must get going.")["You must be on your way, yes?" The witch motions to the door. "Let me at least see you off, dear. You've given me a lovely gift, and I am one to repay goodwill.](else:)["Alright, you scamp. The witch motions to the door. "You say you will not stay for dinner. I assume that means you are leaving. Let me at least see you off, dear. (if: $flowerHope is true)[You've given me a lovely gift, and I am one to repay goodwill.] You stand up and walk to the front door, turning back at the door to look at the witch. (if: $witchFriend is true)[[Granny Agnes hands you something.->get a gift]]](else:)[[[The witch hands you something.->get a gift]]](else:)[ [[You stand up and walk to the front door.->time to go]]]](else:)[The old woman simply smiles at you. "Whatever could you mean, dear $playerName?" She stares at you without addressing it further. (visited: "You say that you must get going.")[[[You let it go->You say that you must get going.]]](else:)[[[You let it go->You turn down the dinner.]]]]

(if: $susWitch is true)[(visited: "look at tea")[You're almost certain (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[this old woman] is a witch.](else:)[You highly suspect (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[this old woman] to be a witch.] All the more reason not to upset her.] You rack your brain for a solution. Every story of witches that you remember affliates them with nature and plants and herbs. In some stories, they were even overly defensive of the plants in their gardens. (if: $pickedFlowers is true)[She clearly had an affinity for plants. You do have the flowers you picked earlier. (visited: "You say that you must get going.")[[[Maybe she would appreciate them.->You say that you must get going.]]](visited: "You turn down the dinner.")[[[Maybe she would appreciate them.->You turn down the dinner.]]]](else:)[(visited: "You say that you must get going.")[[[If only you had a plant of sorts to give her.->You say that you must get going.]]](visited: "You turn down the dinner.")[[[If only you had a plant of sorts to give her.->You turn down the dinner.]]]]

(if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] glowers at you. (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 2) "That's terribly rude of you dear," she scolds. The lights shake and flicker. (if: $witchAnger >=5)["Even a pig has better manners than you," she condemns. "Pigs and cattle, and cats and mice. All much better guests and friends than you humans(if: $trespasser is true)[ who dare disturb me]." The furniture shutters as she gripes and shakes her cane angrily.(if: $poisoned > 0)[ You sit frozen in your seat.] (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[The old woman] hems and haws as she stares at you. "A mouse would be better indeed. You'd be a finer mouse than you are a human," she sneers. Raising her cane, she slams the end on the floor three times. The walls shake and the lights rise to the ceiling as [[she curses you.]]](else-if: $witchAnger < 5)[Then she and the lights calm down. "But I suppose I cannot hold you here forever," she mutters. "If you insist on leaving, then I guess this is goodbye." [[She motions at you to follow her to the door.->time to go]] (if: $susWitch is true)[You think about (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes'](else:)[The old woman's] home and behaviour, and the suspicions you've collected. (if: $emotion is "confident")[(if: $witchFriend is true)[[[You ask her if she is a witch.->ask if she's a witch]]](else-if: $susWitch is true)[[[You confront her about being a witch.->confront her witchiness]]]]]]

Your body tingles. Your skin feels itchy. Then it feels constrictive. You feel your body warping and shrinking. The witch watches with a satisfied smirk as you're compressed into a small furry beast. [[You have been transformed into a mouse.]]

The witch places a silver coin into your hand. You look at it in your palm. It's engraved with a three petalled flower. In the center of the flower is a small, red, gem-like seed. "A fern flower seed," the witch explains. "Blooms only on Summer Solstice eve, and brings good fortune to those who have it. Let this be your compass home. Think where you want to go and hold the seed to the moonlight. The flower will bloom and point you in the direction you must go. It blooms for a short time, so be swift," (if: $witchFriend is true)[Granny Agnes](else:)[she] informs you. (if: $poisoned > 0)["And one more thing." The witch hands you a vial of some orange liquid. "For the tea," she tells you. "Least you freeze on the way home." She chortles to herself." (set: $poisoned to 0)] With that set, the witch ushers you out the door and bids you farewell. (if: $witchFriend is true)[[You wave goodbye and head back to the path.->part 7.1 (gifted)]](else:)[[[You head back to the path.->part 7.1 (gifted)]]]{ (set: $bag to $bag + (a: "seed"))}

You return to the dirt path you started on and take out the silver coin the witch gave you. The red seed shines a bit in the moonlight. You clasp the coin between your hands. Shutting your eyes, you (visited: "think of home")[think of going home](else:)[[think of home]]. You open your hands and raise the seed up, letting it bask in the moonlight again. As you held it up, you continued to think of home. [[The seed glows and grows in your hand.]]

You think of your house and the quiet neighbourhood it sits in. You think about your front porch, and your garden, and your little . You think about going home and taking off your worn shoes and putting your feet up in the living room. You think about having a warm meal, and a hot shower, and finally collapsing into your bed after this exhaustingly long day. You think about your neighbours, and your friends, and your family. [[You think about going home->part 7.1 (gifted)]]

The fern flower sprouts and blossoms. Its single pink flowering head sways and then [[points forward]].

Following the witch's advice, you walk in the direction that the flower points. When it turns its head, you turn and follow its guidance off the beaten paths, into fields, and back onto familiar and unfamiliar roads. Soon you find yourself on a recognizable concrete road. You're out of the woods and back in town. You follow the streets to your neighbourhood and finally reach your house. [[You go home.]]

Unlocking the door, you step inside. You're home at last. [[You get some well deserved rest.]]

You made it home. The end. [[Start again?->Beginning]]{ (forget-visits: -1)}

You follow the witch to the door. She lets you leave and tersely bids you farewell. (if: $witchFriend is true)[[[You wave goodbye and head back to the path.->part 7.2 (alone)]]](else:)[[[You head back to the path.->part 7.2 (alone)]]]

You return to the dirt path you started on and continue walking down it again. The moon shines brightly to illuminate your way. With no other options, you simply continue following the path as you have done all night. [[You keep walking.]]

[[And walking.]]

[[And walking.->return]]

The sky begins to lighten when you finally reach the end of the tree line and meet manmade streets again. You sigh in exhaustion and relief. After walking all night, you're finally out of the woods and back in town. You follow the streets to your neighbourhood and finally reach your house. [[You go home.]]

The world in the cottage is overwhelmingly huge. Your human mind trapped in a mouse body is frantic. The witch stands above you wickedly. You try to scurry away, but you trip over your four little legs, your long tail, your face, your snout, your new mousey everything. You can't seem to control your new body and limbs accurately. The witch reaches down and plucks your entire body off the floor easily as you squeak and flail uselessly. "A much better houseguest now indeed," the witch laughs. She traps you(if: $poisoned > 0)[r stiffening body] in her thick hands and walks toward her little kitchen. "Now, you will be staying for dinner, won't you." The witch cackles, jostling you in her shakes, knowing [[you can't do anything about it]].

You have disappeared. You were transformed into an animal by a witch. [[Try a different path?->restart]]{ (forget-visits: -1)}

You look into your bag, trying to think of something you could give the woman to repay her for trespassing. (if: $bag contains "wallet")[[You offer to give her money.]] (if: $bag contains "flowers")[[You offer her flowers.]]

(visited: "your wallet")[You take the thirteen dollars out of your wallet and offer the money to her.](else:)[You take out your wallet and count out the change you have. You have your credit and debit cards, some half filled loyalty cards for some stores you frequent, and about thirteen dollars in cash and change. You take out the thirteen dollars and offer the money to her. ] She scowls at you. "What do you take me for? A hostel?" The woman fumes. [[You put the money away.]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger + 1)}

You pull out the flowers you picked in the faerie's meadow and offer them to the old woman. She halts at the sight. Her eyes gleam with greed seeing the flowers in your hands. Finally she smiles at you, accepting the flowers from you giddily. "Why, thank you, dear. This does make amends indeed," the woman says. "Won't you have a seat, dear?" She points to the dining table, inviting you to sit while she put the flowers safely away. [[You sit at the table.->sit at the table.]]{ (set: $witchAnger to $witchAnger - 2) (set: $pickedFlowers to false)}

You stand there awkwardly and not knowing what to do. The old woman grumbles complaints but she doesn't force you to leave. She points you to the dining table with her walking cane. You sit down on one of the wooden stools as she busies herself in the room. She quickly places a cup of [[tea->look at tea]] in front of you with a hard clunk. "Well if you're here, you'll be staying for dinner, I suppose," she grumbles. [[You agree to dinner.]] [[You turn down the dinner.]] (if: $susWitch)[[You tell the woman that you should leave instead.->You say that you must get going.]]

Your request catches the faerie off guard. It's smile freezes for a few moments, then it begins to laugh. "My my, what a clever thing you think you are," it praises. It flies lower, closer to you. Its face leans into yours. "But we would be a poor host if we did not address you by name. How about we make a deal then," it whispers. "A name for a name. You give me your name, and I tell you mine. Do we have a deal?" It watches you with anticipation. You know fae deal in trickery, and you've managed to [[outwit]] it so far, but how long will that last? (set: $emotion to "confident") (if: (visited: "outwit") is true and $emotion is "confident")[ [[You change the deal.]]](else:)[ [[You agree to its deal.]]] [[You politely refuse its deal.]]