Trinity Forest

Our adventure begins in the Great Trinity Forest located in Houston, Texas. A dense, green sea of trees looms beyond a large and bending wooden sign. </style> <img src= https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pe19aw6vsf9wp1omwruth/Gemini_Generated_Image_5sf2a5sf2a5sf2a5.jpeg?rlkey=xteo8izlnjijpulvkicv9rf7g&st=ej5pgjwy&dl=1 width="700"> </div> Beyond the forest lie towering urban bottomland hardwood trees as far as the eye could see. Their leaves thick and full of crows, seen and unseen. A breeze of wind flutters parting the leaves to reveal their NEST. There's movement down below. The crows peer down. Two siblings, ''Natasha'' and ''Jabari'' unload their camping supplies from their SUV. The crows CAW in response. All at once like a choir. Their guttural sound is carried for miles with the wind. <audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mba7gaf4ml2001ss4b505/crows-cawing.wav?rlkey=qd0j3svw2xhbjny1uwvlx97nt&st=v72nbwei&dl=1" type="audio/wav" autoplay> </audio> NATASHA //^^(Esme’s best friend, cunning, empathetic, stubborn)^^// (jumps in response to the crows) “AH! Gross! What's with those things?" JABARI ^^//(Esme's ex, funny, brave, impulsive)//^^ "Relax. They're just birds." Natasha: "They're winged rats and they give me the creeps." (slipping on her backpack) "//She// should be pulling up soon. How long has it been since you and Esme have seen each other again?” Jabari: “Does it matter?” Natasha: “Considering the fact that you’re about to see her right now? Yeah. I’d say so, dufus.” Jabari (annoyed) “I don’t know. Look. You begged me to come so I’m here. Don’t make things awkward.” Natasha: “You mean like get you two back together? I'd //neverrrrr//.” Jabari (sharp) “...What was that?” The sound of gravel crunching beneath tires interrupts Jabari's train of thought. A car pulls in. Natasha perks up. Her arm shoots into the air, waving, until the car comes to a complete stop... ''ESME'' exits; followed by ''a man''. Natasha’s grin falters. Jabari turns to her, caught off guard. Jabari (hushed) “What the fuck? Did you know she was bringing someone?” Natasha: “No way! I would’ve told you!” They're cut short by Esme closing in on them. A faint smile dancing on her lips. Esme embraces Natasha but addresses Jabari curtly. Behind her, the man pops the trunk to collect their bags. Esme ^^//(Confident, loyal, sensitive)//^^ “Hey sis, you look good!" ... "Jabari. Long time no see.” Jabari: “Aren’t you gonna tell me I look good?” JOSH ^^//(Defensive, romantic, insecure)//^^ “Funny guy.” Jabari: “Only on the weekends.” Natasha: “Es, who’s your guest?” Esme: “This is my boyfriend, ''Josh''. Josh, this is Nat and Jabari.” Josh: “How’s it going?” --- (align:"==><===")[''EVERY CHOICE HAS A CONSEQUENCE''] (align:"==><===")[''SOME CHOICES (text-colour:green)[//GAIN//] RELATIONSHIP POINTS. OTHERS (text-colour:red)[//LOSE//] THEM ''] (align:"==><===")[''(text-style:"underline")[CHOOSE WISELY] ''] [//(Playing as Jabari)//] Will you be sarcastic or friendly? [[Sarcastic]] or [[Friendly]]

(text-colour:grey)[//(-1 Josh & Esme Relationship Point)//] Jabari (to Esme) “Wow you're moving fast these days. Do I get a thank you card for the warm up?" Esme (rolling her eyes) “Grow up, Jabari.” Josh (stepping forward) “Wanna watch your mouth?” Jabari (smirking, nonchalant): “Not really.” The air crackles with unresolved tension, ready to snap at any moment. Esme and Natasha exchange uneasy glances. Natasha (forcing a bright tone) “Okayyyy. Let’s get this show on the road. The hike to the log cabin is about 15 minutes, and we need to get that campfire going before it's dark. You guys ready?” Jabari: “Born ready.” The group gathers the rest of their camping supplies and [[Enters]] the Great Trinity Forest. <audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9b9g0qg1k1netdikaapaj/flurry-loop-22-twig.wav?rlkey=0ejbfll4m5hiq3i9im5e6xy8m&st=dukikk6d&dl=1" type="audio/wav"> </autoplay audio/> The leaves rustle softly, devoid of any wind--almost as if the forest breathed by itself.

(text-colour:grey)[//(+1 Josh & Esme Relationship Point)//] Jabari “Boyfriend. Nice." (to Josh) "You sure you’re ready for this? Esme doesn’t mess around when it comes to… camping.” Josh (cautious): “I’m sure I’ll manage.” Natasha: “Alright now that everyone’s here, let’s get this show on the road! The hike to the log cabin is about 15 minutes. We need to set up the campfire before the sun sets. You guys ready?” Jabari: “Born ready.” The group gathers the rest of their camping supplies and [[Enters]] the Great Trinity Forest. The leaves rustle softly, devoid of any wind--almost as if the forest breathed by it itself.

//(Now playing as Natasha)// Fifteen minutes later, the group reaches a clearing in the dense forest and spots the log cabin. </style> <img src= https://images.stockcake.com/public/0/b/a/0babb782-0706-4ed9-b2fb-5e0100f14da4_large/secluded-forest-cabin-stockcake.jpg width="600"> </div> They quicken their pace, all but Natasha. She sees something white etched in one of the trees. </style> <img src= https://cdn.leonardo.ai/users/9cab3298-3265-432c-a653-a143570dac82/generations/0c2b5093-93ba-4980-ab3e-2ab15ffbb852/Leonardo_Kino_XL_LOW_QUALITY_Realistic_SMALL_Hieroglyphic_symb_1.jpg width="600"> </div> //////Clue Found// //It resembles a hieroglyphic. // She stares at it too long and gets pulled in a trance. She hears voices calling to her, which will she listen to? [[Come closer...]] [[Over here...]]

Natasha snaps out of it and follows the group into the log cabin. The group begins their brief tour of the cabin. It’s short but Natasha leads the way with confidence. From the inside out, the floor plan includes a quaint living room with an old brick fireplace, a tiny kitchenette, a single bathroom– and only one bedroom. Everyone turns to Natasha. Natasha: "Hey don't look at me. The reservation online totally said two beds." Jabari: "And the Emmy goes to..." Natasha: "Don't start! You're the one who-" Josh (cuts in) "Hey it's no big deal. You girls should take the room. We’ll crash on the floor out here." Jabari: "We?" Esme: "Cool. Thanks babe, you're the best. Come on Nat." Natasha and Esme head into the bedroom to unpack while Josh and Jabari start setting up makeshift beds in the living room. Who do you want to spend time with? [[Esme and Natasha]] or [[Jabari and Josh]]

(text-colour:red)[Natasha's resolve -25 (75/100)] <audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wshdr26f93tpuhh0yemhk/horror-vocal-dark-song_D_major.wav?rlkey=a55ylviioqu8o8emdeggiv9s2&st=ij31xpfc&dl=1" type="audio/wav" autoplay> </audio> Natasha starts a brisk walk toward the hardwood tree. The voice beckons her closer, coaxing her to place her hand on it. She succumbs. White hot pain flashes throughout her palm. Natasha snaps out of it, quickly backpedaling, and bumps into Jabari who's followed her. Jabari: “Nat, what the hell? Didn’t you hear us calling you?” Natasha looks breathless. She pulls her hand back to inspect it. She’s (text-colour:red)[''bleeding'']. Jabari: “Shit. Come on. I have band aids and disinfectant in my backpack.” Jabari ushers a still dazed Natasha back in the direction of the log cabin. She steals a glance back at the hieroglyhpic. (text-style:"underline")[Her blood is smeared on the tree.] She turns back. Slowly, it begins ''////seeping////'' into the hieroglyphic. INT. LOG CABIN - SAME TIME Jabari tentatively tends to Natasha's gash. Concerned, Esme jumps in. Esme: "Nat! You ok? What happened? Natasha: "Yeah, I - the tree. It ..." Jabari: "How the hell did a tree cut you this deep?" Natasha: "I touched...this symbol." Esme: "What symbol?" Natasha: "The one painted on the tree." Jabari (worried): "But Nat I was right behind you. There was no symbol." Perplexed, Natasha's eyes scan the room. Only concerned stares gaze back at her. A heavy silence hangs in the air. Natasha (unconfident): "Maybe I shouldn't have ate that edible." INT. LOG CABIN - MOMENTS LATER With Natasha now tended to, the group begins their brief tour of the cabin. It’s short. From the inside out, the floor plan includes a quaint living room with an old brick fireplace, a tiny kitchenette, a single bathroom– and only one bedroom. Everyone turns to Natasha. Natasha (feigns surprised) "Hey don't look at me. The reservation online totally said two beds." Jabari: "And the Emmy goes to..." Natasha: "Don't start! You're the one who-" Josh (cuts in) "Hey it's no big deal. You girls should take the room. We’ll crash on the floor out here." Jabari: "We?" Esme: "Cool. Thanks babe, you're the best. Come on Nat." Josh and Jabari start setting up makeshift beds in the living room, while Natasha and Esme head into the bedroom to unpack. Who do you want to spend time with? [[Esme and Natasha]] or [[Jabari and Josh]]

//(Now with Esme and Natasha) // Esme: “OK. I know you didn’t know Josh was coming but did you seriously think you, me, and Jabari would be sleeping in the same bed together?” Natasha: “Maybe not all three of us. But the two of you..." Esme glares. Natasha (continued) "Oh lighten up! What's the big deal? We used to do it all the time.” Esme: “When we were twelve!" Natasha: “And teenagers! Well…up until you two started bumping uglies.” Esme: “Oh my God! Do you really want to talk about me fucking your brother?” Natasha: (pauses, shivers) “Forget I said anything. Anyways, it was cool of Josh to give us the room.” Esme: “Yeah, he’s a thoughtful guy. I think you'd like him.” Natasha: “Is that why you brought him?” Esme: “Not exactly. He seemed a little… bothered about 'Bari being here.” Natasha: “Does he not trust you?” Esme: “Are you kidding? It’s Jabari he doesn't trust.” Natasha: “I don’t blame him.” Esme: “What does that mean?” Natasha: “Oh come on. You and Jabari were each other’s first everything. For five years you were practically inseparable. Feelings like that don’t just go away.” Esme: “They weren’t all good years, Nat. Your brother is a lot to deal with." Natasha: “Trust me, I know. I also know that he still really loves you. And I know you love him.” Esme: “Loved. Past tense. Did you forget he broke my heart?” Natasha: “He was hurting too, Es. Can you honestly say had you stayed in Texas that you guys wouldn't still be together?" Esme: "It doesn't matter, I left! And I //love// Josh." Natasha: "Just... answer the question." //(Now playing as Esme)// How will you answer? [[Honest]] or [[Dismissive]]

//(Playing as Jabari)// Jabari: “Since this was your bright idea, I'll take the couch.” Josh: “Go for it.” The tension simmers beneath the surface. Josh: “Look, let’s address the elephant in the room. I know you and Esme have history. She’s a great girl. //My// girl. As long as you respect that you and me are good.” Jabari: “Respect goes both ways.” Josh: "Have I disrespected you? I'm just here to have a chill weekend, that’s it. But if there’s anything you need to get off your chest, now’s the time." Jabari lets out a low chuckle. Jabari: "Alright." [[Confront]]

//Clue Found// There is an assortment of ''bones'' arranged in a specific pattern. They spell a name. </style> <img src= https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/m586lkr1zbxs0hi6qmsua/Twine-asset-osseus.png?rlkey=6ddrkkwoxpej98y2x7p7twbdy&st=1958bogg&dl=1 width="500"> </div> (text-colour:red)[Jabari's Resolve -10 (90/100)] //Someone--or (text-style:"underline")[something]-- has been performing rituals in the area. // The sun begins to set. Jabari takes several cautious steps backwards. Eyes glued to the ominous array laid out in front of him. A net-like substance falls from the willow tree above and drips onto his face. He swipes it off and pivots; until his eyes land on an even frightening spectacle. Jabari: "The fuck...?" </style> <img src= https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/l170vwtmp8j60t5g9v9tk/twine-asset-willow-tree.png?rlkey=2p58ay8bfdxz7oeb8izcqzdrm&st=hin6tn13&dl=1 width="600"> </div> Dense spiderwebs cling to the trees. Webs too thick to be made by an average spider. //What could have done this? // (text-colour:red)[Jabari's Resolve -20 (70/100)] In the center of the tree is a partially ''unearthed totem'' hidden in the ground. [[Pick up the totem?]]

Jabari emerges from the dense foliage into the flickering light of the campfire, where the rest of the party sits, their faces illuminated by the flames. <img src="https://koa.com/blog/images/11-Kid-Friendly-Spooky-Campfire-Stories.jpg?preset=heroimagecropped" alt="Temple Entrance" width="600"> They look up as you approach. “Jabari, where were you?” Natasha asks. He hesitates for a moment to catch his breath, simultaneously scanning the campfire for any signs of what he thinks he's just witnessed. "What's that in your hands?" Esme asks. //What did you find? // [[Reveal the Note]] or [[Reveal the Totem]]

<audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uji98tkiz8ndo3t1ss1vc/thumpy-heartbeat.wav?rlkey=b4ozm73zjkaqz9g3bjuwak4ue&st=3jmmjp4u&dl=1" type="audio/wav" <autoplay> </audio> Crouching, Jabari lunges toward a thick underbrush. His heart hammering in his chest. He waits frozen. A few feet away from him, he sees what was lodged in the trap. Should he risk being seen to inspect it? [[Yes]] or [[No]]

Jabari quietly crawls out of hiding, snatches it, than crawls back into the safety of the bushes. //Clue Obtained// In his hand is a torn page. Handwritten scribble can vaguely be made out. (text-style:"blur")[ "[Osseus. Spider God. Creator of all bones inside of living things...bones belong to him but are returned once [...] Osseus can manipulate bones with a mysterious magnetic force... When he finds you, don't..." ]] Suddenly, Jabari catches a glimpse of a dark silhouette flitting between the trees. It moves with an unnatural grace. </style> <img src=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/12/9a/01/129a0134fc915cfe022ba9234acd9e65.jpg> </div> (text-colour:red)[Jabari's Resolve -50 (20/100)] <audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vdew2i2rgv7juyityl202/the-war-epic-horns-and-strings-loop_127bpm_D_minor.wav?rlkey=20wn9epymmh1hlewo1rkt0pjj&st=jh5dm9tp&dl=1" type="audio/wav"> </audio> Jabari sprints out of the clearing, never stopping to look behind him. [[Run back to the group]]

It's a gamble and Jabari's never been the lucky type. A dark silhouette flits between the trees. It moves with an unnatural grace. </style> <img src=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/12/9a/01/129a0134fc915cfe022ba9234acd9e65.jpg> </div> (text-colour:red)[Jabari's Resolve -40 (60/100)] <audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vdew2i2rgv7juyityl202/the-war-epic-horns-and-strings-loop_127bpm_D_minor.wav?rlkey=20wn9epymmh1hlewo1rkt0pjj&st=jh5dm9tp&dl=1" type="audio/wav"> </audio> Jabari sprints out of the clearing, never stopping to look behind him. [[Run back to the group]]

<audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9b9g0qg1k1netdikaapaj/flurry-loop-22-twig.wav?rlkey=0ejbfll4m5hiq3i9im5e6xy8m&st=dukikk6d&dl=1" type="audio/wav"> </audio> Jabari carefully steps forward and picks up the ancient looking totem. The totem has disturbing imagery carved into it. There's something unsettling about the way the faces seem to twist when you stare at them, almost alive. //Clue Obtained// Will you continue your investigation and [[Set off the trap]] or [[Run back to the group]]

Jabari's expression hardens. “Yeah? Then explain this!" Jabari presses on, revealing the totem he found. "This was near a hunter's trap I found in the woods. It was buried but someone dug it up. RECENTLY.” Natasha: "What am I supposesd to be looking at?" Jabari holds the totem up to the light. The glowing embers from the campfire illuminate details otherwise hidden before. There's disturbing imagery carved into it. Twisted faces and symbols that echo the hieroglyphic Natasha saw earlier. (text-style:"underline")[Her face pales in the flickering light.] Josh: (persistent) "That’s probably just some lawn ornament someone left out here ages ago. It doesn't mean there's someone in the woods." Exasperated, Jabari turns to Esme. Jabari: "Esme... you're smart. You agree this is sketchy right?" Esme’s eyes dart between Jabari and Josh. She chooses her words carefully. //(Now playing as Esme)// How will you respond? [[Supportive]] or [[Skeptical]]

“I did,” he said, his voice low. “Something that makes me think we're not alone out here.” Esme tunes in, skeptical. “What do you mean?” Jabari pulls out the ancient totem. “This was near a hunter's trap I found in the woods. It was buried but it looks like someone dug it up.” The group fell silent, the crackling of the fire the only sound breaking the stillness. Josh: "Man, you really need to lay off the horror movies." Natasha: "So, what? You found a creepy old carving and now you're freaked." Josh: "It’s probably just some ancient lawn ornament someone left out here a long time ago. It doesn't mean there's someone in the woods." Jabari, not backing down, holds the totem to the light. The glowing embers from the campfire illuminate details otherwise hidden before. There's disturbing imagery carved into it. Twisted faces and symbols--symbols similar to the hieroglyphic Natasha saw earlier. Her face pales in the flickering light. Jabari: "Are you two blind? Esme... you're smart. You agree this is sketchy right?" Esme’s eyes dart between Jabari and the totem. //Now playing as Esme// How will you respond? [[Supportive]] or [[Skeptical]]

Esme: "Yeah, that's pretty fucked. Maybe we should keep our eyes open… and stick together. Just in case." Josh reluctantly agrees. You can tell he still wants to challenge Jabari's theory. Natasha’s gaze lingers on the totem. Her fingers twitch involuntarily, as if the object is pulling her attention. A low whisper brushes her ears, like the wind carrying words just out of reach. Natasha (Internal Voice): (text-colour:red)[//“Come closer… find the truth… listen…”//] Natasha shakes her head slightly, trying to dismiss the voices. As Jabari and Josh go back and forth, a subtle, distant rustling catches Esme’s ear. She whips her head, narrowing her eyes toward the line of trees beyond their camp. <audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9b9g0qg1k1netdikaapaj/flurry-loop-22-twig.wav?rlkey=0ejbfll4m5hiq3i9im5e6xy8m&st=dukikk6d&dl=1" type="audio/wav"> </audio> ''SHH! ''Esme whispers to the boys. Before they can address her, a heavy exhalaiton of breath, like a huff—echoes from somewhere close. A few twigs snap under something heavy. Esme’s eyes widen, and she instinctively grips the closest person's arm for comfort, which so happens to be Jabari. //Josh noticed that// Esme: (low whisper) “[[Wait, what was that?]]”

Esme replies: "Okay, it’s definitely creepy, I won’t lie. But it’s probably just some old artifact someone left behind." Jabari (disappointed): "You too?" As the others debate, Natasha’s gaze lingers on the totem. Her fingers twitch involuntarily, as if the object is pulling her attention. A low whisper brushes her ears, like the wind carrying words just out of reach. Natasha (Internal Voice): (text-colour:red)[//“Come closer… find the truth… listen…”//] Natasha frowns, rubbing the back of her neck like something’s crawling just beneath her skin. As Jabari argues, a subtle, distant rustling catches Esme’s ear. She turns her head, narrowing her eyes toward the line of trees beyond their camp. ''SHH! ''Esme attempts to quiet the boys but she only gains their attention. Before they can address her, a heavy exhalation of breath—like a huff—echoes from somewhere close. A few twigs snap under something heavy. Esme’s eyes widen, and she instinctively grips the closest person's arm, which so happens to be Jabari. //Josh noticed that// Josh: (low whisper) “[[Wait, what was that?]]”

A large, dark shape moves into the edge of the fire’s light. A ''bear'', drawn in by the unfamiliar scent steps forward. The group panics, their shallow breaths in sync as the massive creature sizes them up. </style> <img src= https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a3/73/2b/a3732bb5c50e8a58625e49881e179a95.jpg> </div> <audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/um94rjvyspfrqd982hody/low-dissonant-bear-growl_65bpm_C_minor.wav?rlkey=yolzsqej1b8apnlxs16r66nbj&st=hifgksgs&dl=1" type="audio/wav" <autoplay> </audio> Esme: "Oh shit! A bear!" //How will you get out of this?// [[Scare]] or [[Distract]]

Jabari: "We need to scare it off!" Esme: "But how?!" Josh: "Yell and make noise! It'll back off!" The group stands tall, shouting and clapping their hands loudly together. The bear hesitates, but then charges forward, growling. Esme (panicking): "It's coming right at us!" Josh: “We need to get out of here!” Natasha stands frozen, staring at the totem. Her mind (text-colour:red)[splits]. The whispers intensify, drowining out the chaos around her. In a split second, Esme and Jabari bolt toward the opposite side of the campsite, while Josh yanks a limp Natasha to the other side. Jabari (alarmed): “FUCK! We need to put distance between this thing. Nat stay close to Josh. Let's meet back at the RV!” Jabari (to Esme): “Stay close to me!” Esme, wide eyed, nods. Josh and Natasha run deeper into the woods, leaving Jabari and Esme running in the opposite direction. The bear snorts, unsure which direction to chase, and retreats back into the trees. The artifact lays on its head, its eyes suddenly glowing (text-colour:red)[blood red] beneath the full moon.

Jabari: “We need to distract it!” Esme: “How do we do that?” Josh: “I have some snacks. I can throw them away from the camp!” Esme: “Are you sure that’ll work?” Jabari: “It’s worth a shot! Just do it!” Josh quickly grabs a bag of party-size chips and throws it to the far side of the clearing. The bear pauses, its attention shifting to the noise. Jabari: “Now, back away slowly!” The group backs away as the bear sniffs at the chips, distracted. Natasha stands frozen, staring at the totem. Her mind (text-colour:red)[splits]. The whispers intensify, drowining out the chaos around her. Esme (whispers, glancing back at Natasha): "Nat, come on! We should move while it's busy!" Natasha (ensnared): "(text-colour:red)[(text-rotate-x:184)[Zyra'en velth narak'tha..]]" Jabari: "Natasha, focus! We have to go now!" The bear suddenly loses interest and lunges. In a split second, Esme and Jabari bolt toward the opposite side of the campsite, while Josh yanks Natasha's limp arm to the other side. Jabari (alarmed): “FUCK! We need to put distance between this thing. Nat stay close to Josh. Let's meet back at the RV!” Jabari (to Esme): “Stay close to me!” Esme, wide eyed, nods. Josh and Natasha run deeper into the woods, leaving Jabari and Esme running in the opposite direction. The bear snorts, unsure which direction to chase, and retreats back into the trees. The artifact lays on its head, its eyes suddenly glowing (text-colour:red)[blood red ]beneath the full moon.

Turning his attention to the hunter's trap, Jabari bends down to pick up a rock. (text-colour:red)[Jabari's hands tremble slightly during actions requiring precision or steadiness.] Jabari aims then hurls a rock into the trap. The stone strikes with a sharp crack, and the trap snaps shut loudly, echoing through the stillness of the forest. </style> <img src= https://i.pinimg.com/736x/dd/15/a1/dd15a1d288921330734ef8e75a8b7434.jpg> </div> The remnants lodged in the trap scatter. The trees begin to rustle, signaling a presence hidden beyond his field of vision. <audio controls> <source src="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9b9g0qg1k1netdikaapaj/flurry-loop-22-twig.wav?rlkey=0ejbfll4m5hiq3i9im5e6xy8m&st=dukikk6d&dl=1" type="audio/wav"> </audio> Suddenly Jabari realizes he's all alone. Should he [[Hide]] or [[Run back to the group]]

(text-colour:grey)[//(+1 Natasha & Esme Relationship Point)//] Esme (defensive) "I wasn't exactly eager to leave him... I had to make a choice. And I chose my career. Do not make me feel guilty about that." Natasha: "I'm not, Es! Just... be straight with me: if you stayed in Texas would you still be with Jabari?" The room falls silent for a moment. Esme struggles to find a retort. Esme: "Let's just...finish up here and meet up with [[Jabari and Josh]]

(text-colour:grey)[//(-1 Natasha & Esme Relationship Point)//] Esme "I don't want to talk about this. We’ve been broken up for over a year. I’m over him.” Natasha: “Then why didn’t you give him a heads up that Josh was coming?” The room falls silent for a moment as Esme struggles to find a retort. Esme: "Let's just...get the s'mores together and meet up with [[Jabari and Josh]].

Jabari emerges from the dense foliage into the flickering light of the campfire, where Esme, Josh, and Natasha sit, their faces illuminated by the flames. They look up as you approach. “Jabari, where were you?” Natasha asks. He hesitates for a moment to catch his breath, simultaneously scanning the campfire for any signs of what he thinks he's just witnessed. "What's that in your hands?" Esme asks. //What did you find?// [[Reveal the Scrap Note]]

(text-style:"blur")[ "[Osseus. Spider God. Creator of all bones inside of living things...bones belong to him but are returned once.. Osseus can manipulate bones with a mysterious magnetic force... When he finds you, don't..." ]]

The trio squeezes in around the worn scrap of paper to read it. (text-style:"blur")[ "[Osseus. Spider God. Creator of all bones inside of living things...bones belong to him but are returned once.. Osseus can manipulate bones with a mysterious magnetic force... When he finds you, don't..." ]] All at once, they reply: =|= Josh: What is this? =|= Natasha: Ewww =|= Esme: Is this some kind of joke? |==| “I found something else,” Jabari said, his voice low. “Something that makes me think we shouldn’t be here.” Josh tunes in, skeptical. “What do you mean?” Jabari: “Out in the woods, I found these bones. They were arranged in a seriously fucked up way—like some kind of offering. There were webs and--I saw... I don't know what I saw..." Esme breaks the silence. “What are you saying?” Jabari: “We’re not alone out here. Not just the four of us.” The group fell silent, the only sound to be heard was that of the crackling fire. Natasha crosses her arms, confused and frightened. “Come on, Jabari. Knock it off. You're scaring me.” Josh: "Yeah dude, you watch too many horror movies." Esme glances at Josh, then back at Jabari. “Still. That’s really weird." (to Josh) "What do you think it could mean?” Josh shrugs dismissively: "It could be anything; but I don't think it's worth getting worked up over." [//(text-colour:grey)[(Because of your hostile relationship with Josh, he doesn't believe you. Did you find anymore evidence to convice him?)]//] (align:"==><===")[[Show the Totem]]

(text-colour:red)+(bg:yellow)[//Josh is now hostile towards you.//] (text-colour:grey)[//([-1 Josh Relationship Point])//] Jabari: "Get off my chest? I’m not the one with something to prove." Josh: “Esme chose me, and I plan to make her happy.” Jabari: "We'll see how long that lasts." Josh: “What’s that supposed to mean? You don’t know anything about us.” Jabari: “But I know enough about her. You’re just a placeholder until she figures out what she really wants.” Josh: "Which is you?" Jabari's silence speaks volumes. Josh: "Are you still in love with her?" The door creaks open. Esme and Natasha wander in, sensing the charged atmosphere. Esme: "What's going on here?" Before anyone can respond, Jabari exhales sharply. Jabari: "I need some air." Concern etches onto the girls faces as the door closes behind him. EXT. WOODS - SUNSET - SOME TIME LATER Jabari steps out wandering deeper into the forest to clear his head. The trees loom overhead, casting long shadows as the light begins to fade. The sun rays catch a gleam in the grass. It’s an ''OLD HUNTING TRAP'' seemingly set for something much larger than animals. A few feet away Jabari sees something resembling a ''RITUALISTIC OFFERING''. //What will you do first?// [[Investigate the offering]] or [[Set off the trap]]