The Mysteries of Yenidunya

[[Preface]] The ferry to the small yet idyllic island of Yenidunya is the shortest and easiest part of your long journey ahead. The seabirds welcome you as they fly past singing, casting their shadow on the surface of the sea around you, the sun shining so bright it makes your heart full in a way you only feel after a hearty meal with a loved one. You are not sure what you’ll find there but you have heard stories of treasures that Gilgamesh and Enkidu both lost here on one of their adventures, treasures that have never been found. As of yet... [[Next |01]]

You live in a small house with your grandparents in the main town of Ikitash. You have just turned 18 and it has come time for you to offer something to the Gods. However, you could not find or think of anything worthy to offer them. So as to not bring shame and disappointment, you leave. Set out on finding purpose in your life to then return home ready to offer what you find to not only your Gods but your family... [[Start Quest]] (set: $Merchant to false) (set: $PerfectPot to false) (set: $CrackedPot to false)

You walk off the ferry and onto the pier, the sea birds still high above and circling as they watch you walk along the harbour and towards the main road. There are clay houses lined across the bay leading to the heart of the town. You follow the flowers fixed on every street lamp and sign, each door adorned with blue stars. The town thrives as though it breathes its own air, you walk past grandmothers hanging their clothes on their balconies, men having tea and playing card games outside cafes and couples browsing through the market stalls as their shoes click clack along the polished cobblestone paths. You smile as you listen to the music filling the square, the stringed instruments being played by the musicians as if it were just for you. [[Next |02]]

A merchant with his donkey and cart captures your eye. He has a tent set up selling wares and wishes on the side of the square. Perhaps he can tell you more about the town. In the corner of your eye, you spot a little boy in rags standing at the other end of the square. You notice his eyes are glazed over as he stares back at you, only he seems nervous, turning his head and looking down the path on the left as you step closer. [[Walk towards the Merchant|The Merchant]] [[Follow the Boy|The Boy]]

"Hello, my brother! I am Kazim, may I interest you in my exotic wares?" A man appears from behind the stall with cheesy breath. [["What do you know about this island?"]] (if: $Merchant is true)[["Treasure?"]] ----------------- You manage to find //46 coins// in your backpack but it doesn't seem like enough.. SHOP Songs of Goddess Yenidunya - 60 coins The 'New Day' beverage - 55 coins Cloak made from Sphynx scales - 75 coins [[Leave |The Boy]]

The boy runs off, and you decide to follow. He is fast! But you are not far behind as you try and catch up to him. He runs through one of the side alleyways of the buildings, you chase after him, through dozens of side passages, his feet silent on the stones as if he weren't even touching them. While shifting through crowds and tight spaces, saffron tapestries are raised above you with only shafts of the sunlight seeping through, and warbled birds sing from the passing windows as you continue to chase him all the way to the outskirts of the village and towards the forest border. You hesitate for a moment, but proceed to pursue him into the forest, paying no attention to the fading light around you. You have run deep into the forest where it is dark. The trees act as a ceiling that covers the sky, the sun seeping in as beams in and amongst the trees. The boy has stopped running. He is standing with his back toward you. [[Caution and Kind introduction]] [[Humorous introduction]] [[Annoyed introduction]]

"Yes yes! The name Yenidunya translates to a new day and has myths and legends tied to it, the porters and traders tell me stories about the many people who have lost treasure here, some say it wasn’t lost but left on purpose to be kept here but no one knows why or where. If you find anything, help a poor man out won’t you." You wonder how poor this man could really be considering the prices in his stall. [[Back |The Merchant]]

"Well, I have only been here a day, but I know the island is named after a fruit tree with the same name, you can see them all around the island. Just between you and me my friend, the stories speak about a special treasure that is hidden in the words of the goddesses song, I sell a copy here in my stall if you want to try and find the clue..." [[Back |The Merchant]] (set: $Merchant to true)

"Hey boy, I don’t mean to scare you... I just want your help and to ask some questions." You fix your attention on him, however he is still and vacant. You notice the darkness around you as if something is right behind you, watching and waiting for you. [[Next |03]]

"Ooof! Thanks for stopping in the middle of a creepy forest." You bend over to catch your breath. "I haven’t run that fast since my cousins' wedding, and believe you me if you saw the bride you would have too." You peek up at him to see his reaction however he’s still vacant. [[Next |03]]

"Hey!" You shout irritably, The darkness envelopes around you. "Why did you have to run into this miserable forest!?" He doesn’t respond and that just irritates you more. "Hellooo, I’m trying to help you and you’re ignoring me? By the gods, kids these days, no matter what kind they're all the same." You roll your eyes. [[Next |03]]

You turn and you see nothing behind you, but when you look back at the boy, he is gone. Your spine snaps upright and you look around in disbelief. You hear a cracking of a tree branch behind you, and you quickly turn around to see he's there. However, you realise that he's not actually touching the ground... He comes closer as he mocks you, sticking his tongue out, flailing his arms and dancing. He starts to transform into a dark beast with hooves for feet and horns on his head. He is a Jinn! You have heard about Jinns but you didn’t think one would actually show themself to you. You take a few steps backwards and… SWISH, WOOF, CRASH. You fall down a hole. [[Next |04]]

You lie unconsious for a while, until you slowly get up and brush the dirt off your sleeves. You check the scratches and cuts you sustained, and look up at the light above you. The hole you fell down is covered with leaves and ivy as though you never interrupted it. "Strange..." You mutter to yourself, and you begin to walk forward, squinting while examining your surroundings. You make out a dimly lit grotto, the air moist from the water dripping down the rocky walls. Your heart sinks, "What am I doing?" you whisper. You look around to see if there is anyone in here with you, and you make out a faint light at the very end of the tunnel, and begin making your way toward it. "Hello." You seize up in fear as you look around in the darkness. "Hello?" You respond, and immediately after you do, "Hello." An ethereal voice greets you receptively. [[Who are you?]] [[Where am I??]] [[What do you want???]]

"You know who I am, certainly you have surmised already." You lift your furrow in confusion, "I cannot see you clearly, but I am certain that I don’t know who you are." "I am all, the birds in flight, the bones under the earth, the faded wheels of a merchant's cart. I am th–" The voice is interrupted "Get on with it! I think he gets the point." A second voice? "I must have hit my head hard on the fall," you mutter, scratching your head. "Why could you could not have just waited. Why do you always interrupt?" the first voice argues. "I am so tired of listening to your pompous prose and poems. You get more plaguing as each year passes," the second voice continued. "No need to show off and act as if you're much finer, especially considering how long it's been seen we've had a new guest." You feel as if you’ve interrupted something. [[Back |04]] [[Continue |05]]

"Well, you see–" the first voice is cut off by a second "You are–" A moment passes "Go ahead." Says the first irritably, "By all means," the second says curtly. You cannot see them, but you feel as if the first is frowning at the other. The first voice clears its throat. "Salutations! you have entered the Davern of Cavern!" There’s a pause, before the second whispers to the first. "It’s the other way round." "What?" "It’s the Cavern of Davern." "That’s what I said." "No, you said the Davern of cavern." "Don't be absurd, you're confusing our guest. Now, where were we?" "What is this place?" You ask. "Oh yes, it’s a cave." "..." "Cavern." "Same thing." "We don’t say Cave of Davern. We say Cavern of Davern." You interrupt with a question. "Is it true that this cave holds special powers?" "Indeed some have said, but we have yet to see any miracles here," says the second, as if it helped. [[Back |04]] [[Continue |05]]

"What do //we// want? You’re the one who came tumbling in here. What do //you// want?" "I want to leave." "What do you //actually// want?" The second progresses. "That //is// what I want!” after a few moments while walking toward the light. You ask them, “Do you at least know what's in here?" "Hmm... I don’t remember. Do you?" The second voice muttered. "No," the first voice trails off "I only remember, that I had a wife on the island and I miss her dearly..." The voice distressingly dictates. "All I remember is the pool of water," the second states. "Yes, and then you became like me," the first recollects. I may as well be talking to my toes. [[Back |04]] [[Continue |05]]

You reach the inner cave, the air is moist and the stalactites are dripping. The only light being emitted is from a circular pool with a cerulean glow to it. Two pots sit on the top of a small incline in the middle of the cave, the pool of water acting as a moat around them. You couldn’t make out why, but the water was flowing. There was no wind, depth or movement interacting with the water, and yet it was moving clockwise around the pots as if it were alive. You make your way to the pots, your heart is pounding and unsure, you’re about to jump over the water until... "I wouldn’t do that if I were you!" The first voice bellowed. "I thought I was rid of you," you retort. "It’s not that easy to get rid of us, trust me! This fellow has been a thorn in my side right from the start." Your interest peaked. "Start?" They both grow silent for once. [[Next |06]]

You notice the pot on the right has a crack on its side with wildflowers growing all around it, growing as though it is inspired by an irreplaceable understanding of the world. On the other hand, the one on the left is a solid, perfect pot seemingly useful for anything your heart could desire. "Not only do you need to choose," the first voice articulates, "but you must be pure in heart to be able to pass the Pool of Perpetuity." "What happens if I’m not?" You ask with unease. "You will become one of us." A third, defeated voice spoke. After a few moments of silence as you try to build up your courage, you jump over the water onto the incline in the middle, so far so good you think. With the two pots closer to you now, you feel a pressure on your shoulders, as though you will need to be prepared the consequences of your choice. [[Perfect Pot]] [[Cracked Pot]]

You stand in front of the perfect pot, and being this close you realise it’s half your size! You slowly pick it up, but it’s not as heavy. Just as you lift it out from its place, the walls begin to shake. Your only exit is the light ahead of you. You jump over the other side of the circling water and make a run for it. Despite a slight limp from the pain of your fall and having to dodge rocks crumbling around you, you manage to jump out of the cavern hole which has led you from a cliffside into the ocean. Submerged in the water for a few moments, you swim toward the pot as you find it, floating, and unbroken. You hold onto it and swim to the nearest shore, and as you do, you recognise the beachside and the pier with the ferry that you arrived from! The streetlights lights shine like bright stars as you pull yourself and the pot onto shore in the darkness, the only person you can see outside is an old lady, eerily standing at her door, looking at you. Unsure of how you have come to be in this situation and the unknown of how you will get out, you gain control of your breath and mind, just as you do the lady begins to come closer. [[Stay on the beach]] [[Walk into the light on the road]] (set: $PerfectPot to true)

You stand in front of the cracked pot, being this close you realise it’s half your size! You slowly pick it up, but it’s not as heavy. Just as you lift it out from its place, the walls begin to shake. Your only exit is the light ahead of you. You jump over the other side of the circling water and make a run for it. Despite a slight limp from the pain of your fall and having to dodge rocks crumbling around you, you manage to jump out of the cavern hole which has led you from a cliffside into the ocean. Submerged in the water for a few moments, you swim toward the pot as you find it, floating, and cracked. You hold onto it and swim to the nearest shore, and as you do, you recognise the beachside and the pier with the ferry that you arrived from! The streetlights lights shine like bright stars as you pull yourself and the cracked pot onto shore in the darkness, the only person you can see outside is an old lady, eerily standing at her door looking at you. Unsure of how you have come to be in this situation and the unknown of how you will get out, you gain control of your breath and mind, just as you do, the lady begins to come closer. [[Stay on the beach]] [[Walk into the light on the road]] (set: $CrackedPot to true)

You thought you should prepare yourself and stay where you are, despite the lack of light. She could just be.. taking a midnight stroll on the empty beach instead? You take the unlikely risk. [[Next |07]]

You thought it’s probably for the best to go into the light. It’s safer and warmer than the beachside. [[Next |07]]

She approaches teary-eyed. Astonishment washes over her face as she notices the pot, perhaps even recognition. "My boy!" she sounds surprised and her voice is raspier than you expected. She holds your shoulder in concern and looks down at the pot. "Please come in and be warm!" Her voice of concern is pleasing after the events that have just passed, but her strangeness within the circumstances lead you to rethink your choices. (if: $PerfectPot is true)[[Go inside]] (if: $PerfectPot is true)[[Stay outside]] (if: $CrackedPot is true)[[Go inside |Inside02]] (if: $CrackedPot is true)[[Stay outside |outside02]]

"It’s ok I have to go, it’s very late" She nods to inform you that she understands. "Please," she muttered in desperation, "can you at least tell me if you met my husband?" "I’m sorry miss, I have not met anyone.” You try to be cautious and sympathetic but confusion outweighs your intentions. "Let me give you a towel at least." She leaves to go inside her house and comes back, handing you a towel. The pot slips out of your hand as you wrap yourself with the towel, expecting it to shatter you're surprised at how it meerly bounces off the harsh stone onto it's base. [[Next |088]]

You follow her direction inside her beachfront house. The first thing you notice is the sudden warmth of nostalgia flushing over you. The room is cosy and outdated, it’s as if you were transported home with your family. She has dried herbs hanging, a picture of a happy couple on top of a radiant fireplace and a crimson couch at the entrance, with stairs leading up into the kitchen. “Are you cold? Can I get you a drink? Please sit.” She hands me a towel as I stand cautiously with my back toward the front door. She gestures to the couch. “Thank you, I am well.” I make my way to the couch and drag the pot with me, it still hasn’t even scratched. [[Next |Inside]]

She sits opposite you. Her face gives away that her mind is swirling with questions. Her eyes seem to dart in the direction of the pot, as if it were also her guest. "My boy, where did you come from?" You explained how a boy, who was actually a Jinn led you into the forest where you fell into the cavern where you met the the voices, the Pool of Perpetuity, the two pots leading to the destruction of the Cavern exit and the leap from the cliffside into the ocean. It all seems to escape from your mouth like a stream of consciousness. I expected her to be concerned for my mental sanity, but much to my surprise, she was eagerly receptive. “And the voices in the Cavern of Davern, did any reveal their name?” the woman inquired. You shake your head. You realise that you never shared the name of the cavern. She notices your confusion and turns to look at the picture on top of the mantle piece. She confesses, "My husband told stories of the water-bearer and her pots, a story passed down from his mother and hers. He had an obsession to find the reality in the fable and uprooted us to this island to trace it down however he never returned from the forest and now I suspect the Cavern. That’s us there." She points to the picture. "He had an admiration for prose and poems, and found the origin of the name Davern, from O'Dabhoireann, a mortal man who fell in love with the goddess Yenidunya. Upon his mortal death, she created the Pool of Perpetuity as a sanctuary for him. A place where they may always converse." "I’m sorry." You piece together that her husband may not have made it as far as you did. "Oh dear, no, nothing to be sorry about! I lost him long ago, you make me very happy to know that he was right. After all these years, even if we can't be together, we have now become part of the story." She turns and smiles. (if: $PerfectPot is true)[[Next |08]] (if: $CrackedPot is true)[[Next |10]]

“But miss what is the use of this pot?” “You must find that yourself, if could be anything. It has the sturdiness of an ox and yet the weight of a feather, it also keeps whatever you store in it perfectly out of harm's way. They say both were blessed by the goddess that lived in the forest.” You wonder what the other pots' benefit could have been. [[Next |088]]

"It’s ok I have to go, it’s very late" She nods to inform you that she understands. "Please," she muttered in desperation, "can you at least tell me if you met my husband?" "I’m sorry miss, I have not met anyone." You try to be cautious and sympathetic but confusion outweighs your intentions. "Let me give you a towel at least." She leaves to go inside her house and comes back, handing you a towel. The sun begins to rise and you thank the old lady for her generosity. When she heads back inside her house and you walk away that you notice the trail of flowers beginning to grow from the droplets dripping from the pot, even though the pot was completely dry. [[Next |12]]

"But miss what is the use of this pot? It’s broken." "Ah, but then why would you pick it if you knew it was broken? The story tells of a cracked pot which cannot sustain its contents. It carries only half of its water and the rest spills through the cracks, leaving behind a trail of water. But with each drop, a seed is nourished and in its place a beautiful wildflower sprouts. They say both pots in the Cavern were blessed by the goddess that lived in the forest." It makes sense now why there were flowers surrounding the pot originally. You look down and see the pot dripping now, even though the pot is completely dry, flowers have appeared. The sun begins to rise and you thank the old lady for her generosity. [[Next |12]]

You’ve earned one imperfect pot, blessed by the goddess of Yenidunya, and solved one of the mysteries of the island. You recognise how a pots may be cracked, but flaws can turn out to be a blessing, as the flowers create life along the path. Every one of us is unique and we have our own flaws, it is our little quirks and faults that make us and the world around us so interesting! You begin the new day watching the horizon shine onto the peninsula. END

The sun begins to rise and you thank the old lady for her generosity You’ve earned one perfect pot, blessed by the goddess of Yenidunya, and solved one of the mysteries of the island. You recognise the strength the pot has, and it's ability to carry anything and everything with pride, with no fault or defect. You begin the new day watching the horizon shine onto the peninsula. END