<h2>It begins now.</h2>You stand at the edge of the forest, the salty sea breeze caressing your face as the last golden rays of the sun wash over the shore. Yet something stirs within you, a longing that cannot be quenched by the gentle lull of the waves.
Then, as if summoned by your desire, a woman appears before you. Clad in a flowing white dress that seems to glow in the fading light, she extends a hand to you. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of green, lock onto yours, and a smile that seems to hold all the secrets of the universe graces her lips.
"Come, my beloved," she whispers, her voice a lulling melody that pulls at your heartstrings. "We must venture forth, deeper and deeper, until we find what we seek. We cannot tarry here any longer. Let us go on, and see."
With each word she speaks, you feel yourself becoming more and more entranced by her presence. Though you know not who she is, it feels as though she is a part of you, a missing piece of your soul. You can see yourself letting go, following her wherever she leads you.
But there is another sound. Not a sound that has a human voice, but the whispers of the sea. With each wave hitting the shore, a growing urge tells you to stay and rest awhile. And for a moment, you really want to.
Yet the woman near you does not seem to agree with you letting yourself go. She grows restless, her voice filled with passionate urgency. "There is nothing for us here," she insists. "Don't you see? Let us go, now."
A part of you longs to stay and listen to the song of the sea, but the pull of the woman's voice is too strong to resist. You would almost think, if you had not known better, that she was speaking the truth. That there is something for you out there, beyond the woods. Something that will fix everything.
[[Go to the woods with the woman->Woods]]
[[Stay on the shore, and listen to the sea's whispers->Shore]]
The soft whispers of the sea and the woman's words weigh heavily on your mind, tugging you in opposite directions. The call of the water seems to grow stronger, promising a sense of calm and serenity that you have longed for. Yet, the woman's warning echoes in your thoughts, a reminder of the dangers that lurk within the ocean.
As you look out at the endless expanse of water, you feel a sense of longing and uncertainty. The woman's hand in yours offers a sense of comfort, but her eyes betray a hint of disappointment at your decision.
"Stay here, my love," she says softly, her voice laced with resignation. "Waste your time away, but I won't leave your side."
Her words sting with a sense of reproach, as if she is silently judging your indecision. You feel a pang of guilt, as if you are disappointing her by not following her into the woods.
You take a step towards the water, feeling the cool waves brush against your skin. The whispers grow louder, urging you to let go of your worries and dive into the sea.
But the woman's voice cuts through the noise, her warning ringing in your ears. "The sea is a powerful illusion," she says, her eyes fixed on yours. "It can take everything from you and leave you with nothing."
Her words are a stark reminder of the dangers that lie beneath the surface of the water. You can sense the weight of the ocean, the power of the waves, and the endless depths that stretch out before you.
[[Stay on the shore, and listen to the sea's whispers.->GetintoSea]]
[[Maybe you can walk along the shore.->LighthousePath]]
[[Venture into the woods with the woman.->Woods]]“Okay, let's go then," you replied. Despite not having a clear sense of your surroundings and feeling uncertain about how much you could trust the woman, you didn't want to leave your only guide behind. You started following her, and soon found yourself surrounded by dense woods.
As you continued following the woman through the twisted woods, her voice seemed to echo in your mind, as if speaking from both the present and the past. Her words were cryptic yet meaningful, hinting at the mysteries and secrets hidden within the woods that only the brave were willing to uncover. You couldn't help but wonder if she was trying to convince you or herself to press on.
"Why are we really doing this?" you asked, suspicion coloring your voice. "What is it that you hope to gain?"
The woman turned to face you, her green eyes shining in the dim light. "There are many things to be gained, my dear," she replied, her voice low and hypnotic. "Knowledge, power, and the fulfillment of desires long buried within us."
You shook your head, still unsure. "What desires?" you asked her. "What is it that lies beyond these woods that you are seeking?"
The woman's smile widened, revealing a row of sharp teeth. "You'll see, my love. There are many forces that guide us all," she replied. "But rest assured. What lies ahead is worth the risk."
Despite feeling uneasy and suspecting that there was more to this woman than she was letting on, you couldn't shake the feeling that she held the key to a truth that you had been seeking your entire life. You felt drawn to her and the unknown that lay ahead.
[[A doubt emerges within you. ->Woods2]]You take a deep breath and decide to follow the woman. She seems to know what she's doing, and you don't want to risk getting lost or hurt in the woods. With a nod, you follow her as she leads you through the twisting trees.
You take a deep breath and decide to follow the woman. She seems to know what she's doing, and you don't want to risk getting lost or hurt in the woods. With a nod, you follow her as she leads you through the twisting trees.
As you walk, the woods grow darker and more oppressive. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. You can hear animals moving through the underbrush and the occasional rustle of leaves as a bird takes flight. Despite the eeriness of the woods, the woman seems completely at ease. She moves with a fluid grace, her steps confident and purposeful.
After what feels like hours of walking, you hear the sound of rushing water. You turn to the woman, but before you can speak, she looks back at you with a stern expression. "We mustn't be distracted," she says firmly. "We must stay the course."
You feel torn. The sound of the water is alluring, a potential source of refreshment and maybe even a sign of civilization. But the woman seems to be leading you away from it. You wonder what her intentions are and if you can trust her.
As you continue to walk, the sound of the water grows louder and more insistent. You can feel its pull, a magnetic force drawing you towards it. The woman seems to sense your hesitation and stops to face you.
"You must trust me," she says, her voice low and intense. "The path we must follow is not always the easiest or most straightforward. But it is the only way."
You look towards the sound of the water again, the temptation to explore growing stronger by the second. But you can't ignore the woman's words, nor the sense of urgency in her voice. Can you risk going off course and potentially getting lost in the woods? Or should you trust the woman and stay the course, even if it means potentially missing out on something important?
As you ponder your decision, you notice something strange happening around you. The trees seem to be twisting and turning, as if they were alive. The air grows thick and oppressive, and you can feel a sense of unease growing inside you.
Do you really want to follow her?
[[Follow the river and explore its secrets. ->RiverWoman]]
[[Stay with the woman and trust her guidance. ->GetLostwithWoman]]You take a deep breath, steeling yourself for what's to come, and finally make your decision. You turn away from the woman, ignoring the nagging feeling that you might be making a mistake. She doesn't react visibly, only saying, "Do what you must for now, love," as you walk away.
You start to wander aimlessly, the woods around you becoming increasingly unfamiliar with each step. The trees tower above you, blocking out limited light, and you begin to feel more and more disoriented.
Just when you think you're stuck in an endless loop of wandering, you spot a cabin in the distance. It looks like a haven, a place of safety, and you quicken your pace. As you approach, you realize that something is not quite right. There are several wolves surrounding the cabin, and they don't seem friendly.
You stop in your tracks, unsure of what to do. Before you can make a decision, the wolves start to move towards you, their eyes glowing in the dim light. You turn to run, but it's too late. They have already surrounded you, cutting off your escape.
Just when you think it's all over, an elder woman emerges from the woods, her eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light. She stands next to the wolves, and you can't help but feel a sense of foreboding.
[[There is something calm about her smile. ->ElderLadyAlone]]
You manage to cross the river with the help of a sturdy stick. As you walk, you pester the woman with questions, hoping to uncover more information about your strange connection. "How do we know each other?" you ask. "What's your name? What's my name?"
The woman just laughs, a melodic sound that echoes through the woods. "Oh, my dear," she says. "We know each other intimately. If only you could remember."
Frustrated by her cryptic answers, you frown and demand, "What does that even mean?"
The woman just shakes her head, and her long hair swirls around her like smoke. "It means what it means," she says enigmatically.
You walk in silence for a while, still hearing the rushing sound of the river in the background. As you navigate the twisting, turning paths of the woods, you begin to feel as though you're walking in circles. "Do you even know where we're going?" you finally ask the woman.
She just smiles cryptically, but before she can answer, a new voice interrupts. Suddenly, an old woman appears out of nowhere, and she says, "She never does."
[[Who is this old woman? ->ElderLadyWithWoman]]<h1>Begin, again</h1>You are standing at the edge of the woods, the salty sea breeze caressing your face, the twilight light barely illuminating your surroundings. A whisper calls out to you, loud and insistent, urging you to go to the sea. A sense of peace envelops you as you turn to face the sea, contemplating taking a step towards it. Before you can move, a woman appears before you, dressed in white. Her green eyes lock onto yours, and a smile spreads across her lips, bringing a sense of familiarity.
She extends her hand, and you feel a jolt of recognition. Memories slip through your mind, and you see her image smiling at you.
"Did we meet before?" you ask, trying to understand why you can't remember who she is. "You look familiar."
The woman's smile falters for a moment, and you catch a flicker of hope or excitement in her eyes, but it's gone in an instant, replaced by the same serene expression.
"Come, my beloved," she says, her voice once again a lulling melody. "We must venture forth, deeper and deeper, until we find what we seek."
You hesitate for a moment, trying to make sense of what's happening. How can you remember her when you've never met her before? And why does she seem to be in such a hurry?
"You haven't answered my question," you retort, looking at her expectantly. She shows you your intertwined hands and smiles. "We are one, beloved. And the answers are waiting for us. Let us go now," she replies with a purr.
You feel a sense of unease creep over you, but her voice is too alluring to resist. You know that you must choose again: venture forth with her into the woods, or stay and listen to the whispers of the sea.
[[Go to the woods with the woman.->Woods]]
[[Stay on the shore, and listen to the sea's whispers.->Shore]]As you turn away from the elder lady, the woman grabs your hand and leads you further down the path. You feel a sense of familiarity with her, but you can't quite place it. You want to ask her about it, but her energy is so overwhelming that the words don't come.
Instead, you look around at the woods that surround you, and the woman follows your gaze. "Do you like it here?" she asks, her voice soft and melodic. "I love it here. The trees are so beautiful, and they seem to have a voice of their own."
You're not sure what she means, but you nod anyway. "I can see why you like it," you say, trying to be polite.
She turns to you, her eyes shining with a fierce intensity. "But we can't stay here forever. We need to get to the other side," she says, her voice soft and yet filled with a longing that you can feel deep in your bones. "There's so much more out there, waiting to be discovered."
You watch her for a moment, her face bathed in the remaining light that filters through the leaves. There's a sadness there too, a bittersweetness that lingers on the edges of her smile. "But you still like being here, don't you?" you ask softly.
She nods, her gaze never leaving yours. "Yes, I do," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "Especially when I'm here with you."
[[You want to say something nice to her. ->WolfPackAttack2]]As you take each step through the woods, you expect the day to fade into night, casting more shadows to emerge and welcome the nocturnal side of the forest. But time seems to stand still, illuminating the woods with a strange light that adds to the eerie atmosphere. You wonder if you should just start running through it, hoping to reach the elusive thing that is worth the risk. The woman hasn't told you anything of substance to help you, so maybe finding your own way is the key.
"What if I want to find my own way?" you ask the woman, your voice filled with sudden excitement. Maybe she is the reason you are stuck in the woods. Perhaps you can find your way better without her.
The woman stops and turns to face you, her eyes locking onto yours. "Then you may certainly try," she replies.
You search her eyes to see if she is bluffing. Moments ago, she was so determined to get you to the other side of the woods, but now she seems almost bored.
As she stares at you, you catch a glimpse of a shadow moving behind her shoulder between the thick trees. An unpleasant feeling arises, telling you that she is not the only being in the woods with you.
Torn between the desire to continue on this journey with the woman and the urge to find your own path, the woods around you seem to close in, sensing your hesitation. The distant howl of a wolf sends a shiver down your spine.
The woman watches you, her eyes unblinking. "The choice is yours, my dear," she says. "But remember, I am here to help you understand."
The tension continues to build as you weigh your options. The woods feel more ominous, and you wonder if you will ever escape. The woman's cryptic words make you feel uneasy, but you can't deny that she holds the key to some truth that you've been seeking your entire life. You take a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves, and realize that this journey is far from over.
[[Continue following the woman and trust her guidance. ->TrustWomanWoods]]
[[Leave her, try to find your own way out of the woods. ->SkepticWoods]]
Before you can react to her sudden appearance, the elder woman raises her hand, and with a small command, the wolves disappear into the woods. Once they leave your sight, you turn your focus on the elder woman. Her stooped figure and wrinkled skin give the impression of great age, and her hair is as white as snow. Despite her frail appearance, her gaze is sharp and piercing, and you feel as though she can see right through you.
"You were wise to leave her," she says in a calm voice. "But roaming alone will not help you either."
So they know each other? It seems like everyone knows you and each other, but you don't have the faintest clue about who these people are, except for the feeling of connection that you feel right now.
You feel a wave of frustration wash over you. "Then what can I do?" you ask, your voice tinged with anger.
The elder lady smiles gently, as if she understands your frustration. "For someone without purpose, everywhere looks the same," she says cryptically. "Like a hammer that sees everything as a nail."
You frown, not quite understanding what she means. "I don't understand," you say.
The elder lady's smile widens. "You will, child," she says. "But first, you must live."
You are torn between asking for her guidance and getting angry with all these cryptic ways of hers. The elder lady senses your inner turmoil and waits patiently for your decision with a soft smile on her face.
[[Ask her guidance. ->ElderCompass]]
[[Get angry at her ways. ->ElderAngryEnding]]
As you approach the elder lady and ask for her guidance, she meets your request with a serene expression. "Very well," she says. "If you really think that you can manage, I can give you something that can help."
Eagerly, you inquire about what she can offer. The elder lady reaches into her pocket and retrieves a small, intricately designed compass. Handing it to you, she says, "This compass will help guide you on your journey. But be warned, it does not point north."
Curious, you ask whether you should follow north or not.
Amused, the elder lady chuckles softly, the sound reminiscent of rustling leaves. "It's not showing the north, child," she says. "Be patient."
Frustration prickles at your impatience, prompting you to question what that means.
She explains that sometimes the path to your destination is not a straight one. "You must trust that you can guide yourself to where you need to be, even if it takes you on a circuitous route."
Still skeptical, you wonder how you will know which direction to follow.
The elder lady tells you to trust your instincts, as they will lead you true. You hesitate, uncertain about your ability to trust your instincts. "What if I make a mistake?" you ask.
The elder lady's smile softens. "There are no mistakes, child," she says. She gazes into the distance, lost in thought. "The journey, you see, is a vessel for the soul's growth. It is the challenge of navigating the unknown that strengthens us, the obstacles that test our mettle, and the hardships that temper our spirit. Without these trials, we are but fragile vessels, unable to withstand the storms of life."
Taking a deep breath, you try to absorb her words. "Thank you," you say, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the old woman.
As she turns to leave, the elder lady imparts one more piece of advice. "And remember, child," she says, her voice echoing in the stillness of the forest. "Fear is the mind-killer. Do not let it rule you."
With that, she disappears into the shadows, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your compass.
[[What to do now? ->CompassDecision]]<<if visited("ElderAngryEnding") == 1>>
As you grab the elder woman's arm, anger flares up inside you. You demand that she guides you out of this wretched forest. But to your surprise, the woman just laughs, as if your anger is nothing to her. She looks at you with her piercing gaze, and says, "You are still unfamiliar with these woods. You do not understand them, and until you do, you will not be able to move beyond them."
You feel a sense of frustration building up inside you. You want to escape this place, to leave the woman behind and start anew. But the elder woman knows something you don't, and her cryptic words only serve to fuel your anger.
"You left behind a child who was unwilling to understand," she continues. "But you too are a child, still too unwilling to see the truth before you."
You feel a twinge of shame at her words, realizing that there might be some truth to them. But you push it aside, unwilling to face the reality of your situation.
"Then what am I supposed to do?" you demand. "How can I escape this place?"
The woman's gaze softens, and she places her hand on your chest. "You have a long way to go, child," she says. "But when you are ready, you will find your way."
As she touches your heart, you feel a strange sensation wash over you. It is as if a veil has been lifted from your eyes, and you see the woods around you in a new light. You realize that there is more to this place than you ever imagined, and that you have much to learn before you can truly leave it behind.
The elder woman's words echo in your mind, and a sense of calm washes over you. You are still lost in these woods, but for the first time, you feel like you might be on the right path.
As your consciousness begins to fade, you hear the woman's voice once more. "Remember, child," she says. "Sometimes letting go is the best way to move forward."
[[You close your eyes and let the darkness take you. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
You feel a heat inside of your body, an anger that just not coming out of a simple frustration emerging. Elder lady is not just annoying. For some reason you feel yourself filling up with enourmous hatred. You shake her, demanding for an answer.
She grabs your hand in return and with a single touch you are on your knees. But for your surprise woman doesn't look angry at all. She laughs, her eyes trained on you, while you panting from the boiling blood you have. "Child. Each time you get more angry but there is no use of violence. Anger was never your strong suit anyway,"
You try to move, raise up but your legs feel wobbly and makes it impossible for you to control and stand up. You feel a sense of frustration adds up to your anger. You want to escape, leave this behind. Neither the woman or this elder lady is telling you anything that is substiantial to help that.
"You are keep following that child, who is too short sighted. Obsessed with one thing and one thing alone," she continues as if she heard your thoughts. "
But you too are a child, still too unwilling to see the truth before you."
You feel a twinge of shame at her words, while your anger stills looming in the surface, you look at her. Boring your eyes into hers.
"Then tell me. Where will I go? What should I do?" you demand. "How can I escape this hellscape?"
Elder lady places her hand on your shoulder. "You have a long way to go, child," she says. "But stop running in circles, stop searching when you don't even know where to look. Then, and only then you'll find it what you seek."
And she moves her hand toy our heart, you feel a strange sensation wash over you. You feel lighter, and the anger, the forest, the woman everything loses its meaning. All you do want is to now rest. To let go.
As your consciousness begins to fade, you hear the woman's voice once more. "Remember, child," she says. "Sometimes letting go is the best way to move forward."
[[Do you know what you seek? ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>>As you take your first steps forward, you notice that the compass is not pointing in any particular direction. It spins around, seemingly at random, and you realize that the elder lady was right - it doesn't point north. You're not quite sure what to make of this, but you trust that it will guide you where you need to go.
As you walk deeper into the woods, you try to keep a sense of direction, but the compass remains indecisive, as if it can't make up its mind. You begin to feel restless and tempted to strike out on your own, to follow your intuition rather than the guidance of the compass.
As you ponder your next move, you notice a small clearing up ahead. The trees thin out, and a beam of light illuminates the ground. A sense of curiosity takes hold of you, and you feel drawn towards the clearing, as if it is calling out to you. You glance down at the spinning compass, uncertain of what to do. Will you follow the compass, or your intuition?
[[Follow where the compass is pointing. ->FollowCompass]]
[[Follow your intuition towards the clearing. ->FollowIntuition]]<<if visited("TheWomanThereisNoHelp") == 1>>
As the woman takes your hand and offers to help, you feel grateful for her presence. But her next words confuse and alarm you. "I know that you do," she says, her voice soft and comforting. "But we lost our chance for this time."
Furrowing your brow in confusion, you ask, "What do you mean? Lost our chance for what?" But before you can get an answer, the woman pulls out a knife and stabs you. The pain is excruciating, and your vision begins to blur.
As you fall to the ground, the pain from the woman's stab wound spreads throughout your body. You can hear the sound of your own labored breathing and feel the coldness of the ground beneath you. Your thoughts begin to race as you try to make sense of what's happening. Why did the woman do this? Was it all just a game to her?
But as you feel yourself slipping away, the woman kneels down next to you and whispers in your ear, "Do not resist me, my love." Her voice is both soothing and terrifying, and you feel both comfort and fear. You try to resist her, but your body is too weak, and you can feel yourself losing consciousness.
The woman leans in closer to you, her green eyes locked onto yours. You feel her warm breath against your skin, and a shiver runs down your spine. As she leans in closer, you can feel her soft lips press against yours. It's not a passionate kiss, but it's a gentle one that takes your last breath away. You feel all the pain in your body vanishing, and you're left with a sense of peace. As you take your last breath, you feel her soft lips on yours again, and then everything goes dark.
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
You look at the woman, mustering all the energy you have left. "I'm sorry for leaving. Can you help us out of here?" you plead, your legs killing you with pain. She appears lost in thought for a moment as if she is trying to decide. But after that, she takes your hand, playing with your fingers. "I know that you do. We have been doing this for so long," she says, her voice sad, still looking at your fingers. "I do not enjoy this either. If only you can do what we must."
You squeeze her hand that is holding you, hoping to give her assurance. "We can do it. Just tell me what we should do and help me out of here. We can find what you seek." She gets closer, looking directly into your eyes. Your body feels relaxed when she reaches out to play with the curls of your hair. "You have no idea how much it hurts me to do this, my love." Confused, you open your mouth, but before any word leaves your mouth, you feel a sharp pain in your stomach, making your leg pain feel like a simple pain.
You look down and see your shirt slowly turning red. It takes a moment for it to register that it is blood. You look back at the woman, trying to find an answer. But you only see the bloodied knife in her hand before you fall to the ground. You can hear the sound of your own labored breathing and feel the coldness of the ground beneath you.
As you feel yourself slipping away, the woman kneels down next to you and whispers in your ear, "I'm sorry for keep doing this, my love." Her voice is cracking while she caresses your cheek. You try to resist her touch, try to question her, but your body is too weak to do anything. You feel yourself slipping away, slipping away from the pain, slipping away from the woman, and everything.
Drawing closer, the woman's warm breath caresses your skin and you feel something wet dripping onto your face. As she leans in, her lips press gently against yours in a tender, yet sorrowful kiss. It's not a passionate embrace, but one that takes your last breath away. With her lips still touching yours, she whispers, "See you soon, beloved." The pain in your body vanishes, and you're left with a sense of peace as you take your final breath. The woman's lips linger on yours for a moment longer before everything fades to black.
[[Leave, stay. What good does it do to you? ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>><<if visited("ShadowyChoke") == 1>>
You nod, but the knot in your stomach betrays your true feelings. It seems increasingly unlikely that you will be able to continue on. The forest feels as though it is closing in around you, the shadows growing darker and more ominous with each passing moment. You can feel something watching you from the trees, a sense of dread hanging heavy in the air.
Suddenly, a rustling noise erupts from the bushes, causing you to stop in your tracks. Your heart races as you turn to the woman, hoping for some sort of reassurance.
"What was that?" you ask in a hushed tone.
"I do not know," the woman replies, her voice dismissive. "But we must keep moving." You are not sure whether or not to believe her, but you do not have any other choice but to follow.
Your senses are on high alert, every rustle, every breath feeling as though you are getting closer to whatever is making the noise. You turn to the woman, your eyes pleading.
"We must get out of here," you say urgently. "We need help."
The woman regards you with an unreadable expression, her eyes seeming to pierce straight through you. "Why don't you let go of yourself?" she says coolly. "I tire of these obstacles you put in our path."
You look at her, confused by her words. Before you can respond, however, a shadowy creature leaps out of the bushes. It is humanoid in shape, but instead of hands, it has long, sharp claws that grab you by the throat.
You scream for help, but the woman seems bored, standing idly by as the life drains from your body. You try desperately to shake the creature off, to break free, but your vision begins to blur and fade.
As the darkness creeps in around the edges of your vision, you realize with a sinking feeling that you are going to die here, in this place of shadows and despair. The woman looks on, unfeeling, as you succumb to the embrace of death.
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
As you trudge through the dense forest, your senses are on high alert. The trees loom above you like sentinels, their shadows twisting and turning as if they have a life of their own. You can't shake the feeling that something is watching you from the depths of the woods, a sense of foreboding growing with each step. You turn to the woman beside you, hoping for some reassurance, but she seems lost in thought. The rustling noise from the undergrowth startles you both, and you grip her hand tightly, ready to face whatever might come your way.
Suddenly, a rustling noise erupts from the bushes, causing you to stop in your tracks. Your heart races as you turn to the woman, hoping for some sort of reassurance.
"What was that?" you ask in a hushed tone.
"Ugh, this again," the woman replies, her voice annoyed. "Why are you putting obstacles in our path, beloved? You chose to follow me, so you must trust me."
You don't understand what she is talking about. She led you to this place, and now she's blaming you for the obstacles? Your confusion quickly turns to fear as the noises from the bushes grow louder.
You grab the woman's hand and try to pull her with you. "We have to leave, come on, we have to run!" you plead.
The woman breaks free from your grip, looking upset. "I'm tired of this charade. If you won't let go, stop coming back," she says coolly, turning her glinting eyes away from you to the noises that are getting closer.
You start running in the direction you came from, but the noises only seem to get louder and closer. After a few seconds, a shadowy creature leaps out of the bushes. It is humanoid in shape, but instead of hands, it has long, sharp claws that grab you by the throat.
You struggle to break free from its grasp, but the more you try, the faster your life drains out of your body. Your vision blurs, and with a sinking feeling, you realize that death is inevitable.
As the darkness creeps in around the edges of your vision, you take one last look at the woman. She stands there, unmoving, watching as you succumb to the embrace of death.
[[Are you stuck running in circles? ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>>As you stand on the shore, feeling the cool water lapping at your feet, you turn to the woman beside you. "I think I'll stay here for a while and explore the shore," you say. "It seems safer than venturing into the woods."
The woman's eyes seem to bore into you as she responds, "If that's what you really desire." Her voice is dull and lifeless, lacking the enthusiasm she had earlier. "We can take a look around," she continues, her tone flat.
You nod, feeling a sense of relief rising within you. The woman is the only anchor you have in this surreal experience, and the idea of her leaving your side doesn't feel right. "We'll be careful," you assure her. "Besides, you were the one who said there is something waiting for us, and we'll be safer exploring the shore and finding our way around without entering the woods."
The woman nods, and you start walking along the shore. The sand is cool and grainy beneath your feet, and the sound of the waves is a constant murmur in your ears, beckoning you to come closer. Every time you take a glance at the sea, you can feel the woman's apprehension, her hand tightening around yours, keeping you focused on the shore.
You walk in silence for a while, and the woman seems to relax somewhat, her grip on your hand loosening. "This is actually quite lovely," she admits. "I've never really spent much time by the sea. You seem to have a greater affinity for being elsewhere."
You raise your brow, wondering what she means by "elsewhere." You step a bit closer to her, smiling and hoping she will elaborate. "Why don't you just tell me what we're doing out here," you ask gently.
She smiles back at you, her eyes shining. "Why do you assume I know everything, love?" She reaches up to briefly touch your cheek. "Maybe I'm just following instructions."
You laugh at her response. "You didn't seem like someone who would follow anything a couple of minutes ago," you tease. She laughs with you, her demeanor becoming more relaxed. "I'm doing this so we can finally get some peace, my love," she says.
As you continue walking, you notice a change in the landscape up ahead. In the distance, you can see a small lighthouse. You can hardly believe your eyes. "Look," you say to the woman, pointing towards it. "It's a lighthouse."
The woman looks surprised as she follows your gaze. "How peculiar," she says, a hint of interest creeping into her voice. "I thought we moved past that."
[[To the lighthouse! ->LighthousePath2]]<<if visited("GetintoSea") == 1>>As you step towards the water, you feel the powerful call of the sea growing stronger. You can't deny it, and you quietly move towards the water. The woman stands there for a second, looking upset, but then she gets in the sea next to you. She comes closer to you and lays there with you.
The water is warm and welcoming, and you feel a sense of peace wash over you. You let go of all the confusion and uncertainty that has been weighing you down, and just let yourself be. You feel like you could stay here forever.
But then, you feel the woman's hand on your throat, her grip tightening as she dips you into the water. You struggle more and more to get up from underwater, but it's no use. Suddenly, your energy dies. You hear her voice echoing in your mind as you close your eyes, "Stop looking outside, beloved."
As you succumb to the sea, you realize that the woman didn't want you to stay in the water because she didn't understand it either.
[[Do you understand it now? ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
You can't deny the powerful call of the sea, and you quietly move towards the water. The woman stands there for a second, looking upset, but then she gets in the sea next to you.
As you lay there in the water, you feel a sense of weightlessness and release that you have never experienced before. The sea seems to hold you, cradling you in its embrace and washing away all the thoughts and doubts that have been plaguing you.
You close your eyes and let yourself sink deeper into the water, feeling as though you are a part of it, and it is a part of you. All the questions that have been troubling you seem to dissolve into the warm, salty depths.
But even as you surrender to the sea's embrace, a part of you still feels guilty for abandoning the woman. She trusted you, believed in you, and yet you have left her alone in the woods.
You open your eyes and look over at her, expecting to see disappointment or anger, but instead, you find her smiling softly at you. "I understand," she says, "sometimes, the only way to find oneself is to get lost."
You feel a wave of relief wash over you, and you smile back at her, feeling a sense of understanding and connection that you have never experienced before.
As you float there, surrounded by the endless expanse of the sea, you feel as though you have finally found a sense of peace and purpose. You know that the road ahead will not be easy, but for the first time in a long while, you feel ready to face it.
The End.
[[Restart|StartingPoint1][state.restart()]]
<<endif>>
<<if visited("LighthouseDeath") == 1>>
You turn to the woman, weighing your options. "I think staying might be the safer bet," you say, eyeing the glimmering light on the sea. "Besides, I'm curious about that light on the horizon. Maybe we can find some help out there."
The woman's eyes narrow, and you can see a flicker of anger in them. "I don't think that's a good idea," she says, her tone calm but her body language tense. "Why don't we leave it here? This place looks abandoned anyway."
You can sense that there's more to her reluctance than just concern for your safety. "What aren't you telling me?" you ask, searching her face for any sign of a hidden agenda.
She hesitates before answering, her eyes flicking nervously towards the stairs. "I just have a bad feeling about that light," she says finally, her voice soft and hesitant. "I don't think it's what you're expecting."
You consider her words carefully, wondering what she could be hiding. "What do you think it is?" you ask, trying to read between the lines.
The woman shakes her head, her expression troubled. "I don't know," she admits. "But I have a feeling that we're not going to like what we find out there."
Despite her warning, you feel drawn to the mystery of the light. "We've come this far," you say, trying to reassure her. "Unlike the woods, this is a real solid lead for us. We can't turn back now. Besides, I have a feeling that light might lead us to some answers."
The woman looks at you, her expression pained. "Fine," she says finally, her voice heavy with resignation. "Let's go downstairs and try to send a message to your light."
As you reach the ground floor, you feel a sudden sharp pain in your chest, and you stumble forward. You turn around to see the woman standing there with a bloodied knife in her hand, her face twisted in a mix of pain and regret.
"You're already over this path of your life, my love," she says, her voice barely audible. "It's time to move forward."
You feel the life draining out of you as you sink to the ground, your vision growing hazy. But even as your consciousness starts to fade, you can't help but wonder what the woman meant by her cryptic words.
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
The place feels familiar to you, like a safe harbor from everything. Perhaps the woman can learn to relax and forget about the forest here. You suggest, "I think we should stay. We can find help here. Even if that light isn't help, we are bound to see a passing ship that can take us off this island."
The woman turns to the glimmering light and says with anger, "Why don't you get tired of watching people passing by? You have watched enough. It's time to stop being an observer, my love." Then she takes your hand again.
"All I'm saying is that we don't know anything about the forest, unless you're not telling me something. We can be safe in here. I think I saw some food downstairs too," you reply, hoping to persuade her.
She resigns, "Fine. Let's follow the light," in a sarcastic tone. "Let's go downstairs and find a way to send a message to your light."
Although her demeanor isn't encouraging, you're glad she's not leaving you alone. You're sure you can find a way to make her believe you. If you can communicate with the light, you can save both of you from this twilight zone.
As you slowly descend to the ground floor and take a look around, you suggest, "There must be a radio here. The person who lived here must have communicated with ships somehow."
"Yes, observers do like to interject themselves occasionally. To feel alive, I suppose," she replies.
When you finally see the radio, a sharp pain strikes your chest, and you lose your balance. You turn around to see the woman standing there, a bloodied knife in her hand, her face twisted in a mix of pain and regret.
You reach out to her, grabbing the hem of her dress, and ask, "Why? Why did you do that?" You cough, trying to stay still, and plead, "I'm tired of you wasting away in here, my love. We need to move on."
You slowly lose your strength as you sink to the ground. "Help me..." you whisper with the last of your life force. As you let yourself be absorbed by death, a small whisper echoes around you. "I'm really trying, beloved."
[[Observe or Live? ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>>You inhale deeply and turn to the woman, speaking with a newfound sense of conviction. "Staying here won't help me find what I'm looking for," you state firmly, feeling the light on the horizon flicker and fade. The woman's face brightens, as if her wishes have been granted. "Excellent choice, my love," she says, taking your hand. "The woods are waiting for us. There's nothing here for us anymore."
You descend the stairs, unsure of what to expect. As you step out of the lighthouse, the cool sea breeze envelops you, and the sounds of the sea grow louder. It feels like the right decision to leave the lighthouse behind, as if it was a place stuck in the past.
Looking up at the sky, you see that twilight still hangs in the air, as if time has stood still. You can hear the sea calling out to you, its echoes ringing in your mind. The woman takes your hand, her excitement palpable. "We're going into the woods, aren't we? You see now that there's nothing for us here," she says, practically jumping with enthusiasm. "Come, beloved, let's not waste any more time. You're ready. You've been ready for so long."
You feel a sense of weariness; her energy is a stark contrast to your own. The call of the sea is still present, a tempting offer to let go and surrender to its embrace. The woman is like an anchor, someone to trust on the journey ahead, but right now, the sea is like a comforting bed, beckoning you to rest.
[[Start walking into the sea. Rest. ->GetintoSea]]
[[I can't disappoint the woman. Can I? ->Woods]] <<if visited("DrowningSequence") == 1>>
The woman's words soothe you, and as you ponder your options, she effortlessly lifts the hems of her white dress and crosses the river without hesitation. You watch in amazement as she navigates the water without getting wet. Emboldened by her ease, you decide to follow suit and attempt to cross the river without any aid.
As soon as you step into the water, you're hit by a powerful current. You struggle to maintain your balance, but the force of the water is too much, and you're swept away.
You look around, trying to understand how the river that the woman had so easily crossed had suddenly become deeper and more dangerous. Despite your efforts to swim, you quickly realize it's a losing battle. The current drags you under, and you're plunged into the dark depths of the river. Your lungs burn as you desperately try to hold your breath, but it's impossible.
The water pulls you further and further away from the woman, and you feel yourself losing consciousness. You hear her shouting your name, but her voice is faint and distant. You attempt to swim towards her, but the current is too strong. As your vision fades to black, the last thing you hear is the woman's voice filled with disbelief, "No, this can't be happening."
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
The woman's soothing words ease your mind, and as you contemplate your options, she gracefully lifts the hems of her white dress and effortlessly crosses the river without hesitation. You watch in awe as she glides across the water without getting even a drop on her dress. Once she reaches the other side, she turns to you and flashes a smile. "Hope you're ready this time, love," she says in a sweet voice, hiding a hint of annoyance. "I'm getting tired of you always pulling this on me."
You respond by saying, "What do you mean? We've never been here before." However, seeing her ease, you decide to try and cross the river without any assistance. As soon as you step into the water, you feel a powerful current hit you. Despite your efforts to stay on your feet, the force of the water is too much, and you're swept away.
You frantically look around, trying to understand how the river that the woman had so effortlessly crossed had suddenly become deeper and more treacherous. Although you try your best to swim, you realize it's a losing battle. The current drags you under, and you're plunged into the dark depths of the river. Your lungs burn as you desperately attempt to hold your breath, but it's impossible.
As you struggle, you notice the woman diving in after you, holding onto the hem of your shirt in an attempt to pull you up. However, despite her best efforts, you feel yourself slipping away. She tries a few more times, but it's as if there are rocks in your pockets, and you continue to sink deeper and deeper.
As your vision fades to black, you hear the woman's voice, filled with exhaustion. "Why do you have to make everything so difficult, over and over again?"
[[What is it that you are afraid of that needs to be drowned? ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>>You stop following the woman. You can't continue down the road when the voice in your head keeps telling you to go for the rushing sound.
"I think I have to go in that direction," you point towards the rushing sound. The woman stops for a second, as if weighing your decision, but then she smirks and says, "Well, I guess that won't hurt."
You cautiously make your way towards the riverbank, the sound of rushing water growing louder with each step. The woman walks beside you, her eyes fixed on the other side of the river.
As you reach the edge of the water, you can see that the current is strong, the water frothing and churning as it rushes downstream. You hesitate, unsure of whether it's safe to cross.
The woman turns to you, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just step in, my dear," she says. "The river will carry you across."
You look at her in disbelief, the idea of being swept away by the current filling you with fear. But the woman seems unfazed, and you begin to wonder if there's more to her than meets the eye.
A thought occurs to you, and you begin to search the riverbank for a sturdy stick or branch that could help you maintain your balance as you cross.
The woman watches you, a hint of impatience in her eyes. "What are you doing?" she asks. "There's no need for that. Just trust me."
You weigh your options, torn between the desire to trust the woman and the need to ensure your own safety. The river continues to rush by, its power and energy both mesmerizing and frightening.
[[Trust the woman and step into the river. ->DrowningSequence]]
[[Search for a sturdy branch or stick to help you cross.->RiverSuccess]]You push open the heavy wooden door of the lighthouse, and its hinges creak in protest as you step inside. The interior is dimly lit, with dusty windows filtering in thin streams of light. A set of stairs winds up to the top, while a small bedroom and living area are situated on the ground floor.
As you step further into the room, a sense of familiarity washes over you. It's as if you've been here before, though you can't recall ever visiting a lighthouse like this. You glance at the woman, hoping for some sort of explanation, but she simply looks around the room, avoiding your gaze.
You walk over to the bedroom, and the sense of deja vu only grows stronger. The room is sparsely furnished, with just a small bed, a nightstand, and a desk. As you approach the desk, you notice a leather-bound journal sitting on top of it, its pages filled with writing in a strange, indecipherable script.
"Look at this," you say, turning to the woman. "This journal is in my handwriting, but I can't understand a single word of it. Do you know what it means?"
The woman's eyes dart around the room, avoiding the journal and your question. "We should leave here," she says finally, her voice tense. "There's nothing for us in this place."
But you can't shake off the feeling that there's something important here, something that you need to uncover. You ignore the woman's warning and start climbing the stairs, determined to reach the top of the lighthouse.
As you ascend the spiraling staircase, your heart pounds in your chest, a mixture of excitement and apprehension. You reach the top and step out onto the observation deck, scanning the horizon for any signs of life.
However, the sea is empty, the waves rolling in a constant, hypnotic rhythm. As you watch the water, you can't help but feel a sense of connection to this place, as if you were meant to be here, watching over the sea like a silent sentinel.
Finally, you turn to the woman, hoping for some sort of explanation. "Why do I feel like I belong here?" you ask, but she simply shakes her head, her eyes downcast.
You can't shake off the feeling that there's something important you're missing, something buried deep within your subconscious. However, for now, all you can do is stand and watch the sea, feeling a sense of peace wash over you.
It's then that you notice it. In the distance, a faint light glimmers, bobbing up and down on the waves. You squint, trying to make out what it is, but it's too far away to tell.
You turn to the woman, your heart pounding with excitement. "Do you see that?" you ask, pointing to the light. "There's something out there!"
The woman's face grows pale, her eyes wide with fear. "We have to leave," she says urgently. "Now." However, you can't shake off the feeling that you're onto something, something important that could change everything.
Will you leave the lighthouse and follow the woman's lead, or will you stay and investigate the mysterious light on the horizon?
[[Stay in the lighthouse, you can find help in here. ->LighthouseDeath]]
[[She is right, something does feels off with this place. Leave now. ->OutsideLighthouse]]<h2>Begin, again</h2>
You are standing at the edge of the woods, the salty sea breeze caressing your face, the twilight light barely illuminating your surroundings. A whisper calls out to you, loud and insistent, urging you to go to the sea. A sense of peace envelops you as you turn to face the sea, contemplating taking a step towards it. Before you can move, a woman appears before you, dressed in white. Her green eyes lock onto yours, and a smile spreads across her lips, bringing a sense of familiarity.
She extends her hand, and you feel a jolt of recognition. Memories slip through your mind, and you see her image smiling at you.
"Did we meet before?" you ask, trying to understand why you can't remember who she is. "You look familiar."
The woman's smile falters for a moment, and you catch a flicker of hope or excitement in her eyes, but it's gone in an instant, replaced by the same serene expression.
"Come, my beloved," she says, her voice once again a lulling melody. "We must venture forth, deeper and deeper, until we find what we seek."
You hesitate for a moment, trying to make sense of what's happening. How can you remember her when you've never met her before? And why does she seem to be in such a hurry?
"You haven't answered my question," you retort, looking at her expectantly. She shows you your intertwined hands and smiles. "We are one, beloved. And the answers are waiting for us. Let us go now," she replies with a purr.
You feel a sense of unease creep over you, but her voice is too alluring to resist. You know that you must choose again: venture forth with her into the woods, or stay and listen to the whispers of the sea.
[[Go to the woods with the woman.->Woods]]
[[Stay on the shore, and listen to the sea's whispers.->Shore]]You decide to follow her lead. While the sound of water is alluring, the woman's determination and confidence make you think that she knows what she's doing, and you don't want to risk getting lost in the woods by following sounds. As you walk deeper into the forest, you begin to notice that the trees are growing thicker and taller, and the air is getting cooler and more humid.
After what feels like hours of walking, you start to feel a sense of unease. The woman's confident stride has turned into a hesitant shuffle, and you can see annoyance etched on her face. You realize that she's lost, and panic starts to set in.
"Where are we?" you ask, your voice getting nervous.
"I don't know," the woman admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought I knew the way, but I must have taken a wrong turn."
You look around, trying to orient yourself, but everything looks the same. Trees upon trees upon trees, all around you. You start to feel a sense of despair creep up your spine. Will you be able to leave these god-awful woods?
"We need to keep moving," the woman says, her voice determined. "We'll find our way out of here."
[[Your trust to her keeps thinning. ->ShadowyChoke]]
You turn to face the newcomer, surprised by her sudden appearance. She is stooped and wrinkled, her hair white as snow. She regards you with a piercing gaze, as if she can see right through you.
"This journey is nothing but the vain desires of this one," she says, nodding her head in the woman's direction. "You should go back, while you still can."
As the woman turns to face the elder lady, you can see the tension in her body. She looks ready to fight, her eyes blazing with determination. The elder lady, on the other hand, seems unfazed, as if she has seen this all before.
"You think you know everything, don't you?" the woman says, her voice dripping with disdain. "But you're nothing but stuck in time. You only move with what you know, but to venture to true depths one must be brave."
The elder lady regards the woman calmly, her expression serene. "One should understand the depths to move without getting lost or entrapping themselves," she replies. "Patience is key, child."
The woman's eyes narrow, and she takes a step forward. "I have no time for your patience," she says. "I have a journey to complete, and I won't let you stand in my way."
The elder lady simply shakes her head. "You cannot complete this journey without understanding the missing piece," she says. "But if you refuse to listen, then go on, we'll be seeing each other again anyways."
The woman reaches out and takes your face in her hands, trying to reach you. "Do not listen to her, my love," she says. "She's wasted too much time here. Just follow me, and we'll make it to the other side."
You feel torn between the two women, each with their own compelling arguments. Will you listen to the wisdom of the elder lady, or will you follow the woman and continue on your journey?
[[Listen to the elder lady and ask how can you go back. ->ElderWomanEnding]]
[[Follow the woman and continue on. ->ContinueWithWoman]]<<if visited("WolfPackAttack2") == 1>>
Before you decide what to say, you hear a low growl, and a pack of wolves emerge from the shadows, blocking your path. The woman does not seem surprised or scared; instead, she looks at them with a sense of calmness that you cannot understand.
Trying to take a step back, you are held steady by the woman who whispers, "Don't move," her eyes never leaving the wolves. "Just stay still."
The wolves start to circle around you, and you can feel their hot breath on your skin. Although you want to scream, run or do anything to get away from them, you cannot move. You are frozen in fear.
The woman steps forward, and the wolves immediately stop circling. They look at her, their eyes filled with an almost reverent fear. She holds up her hand, and they bow their heads.
It is unbelievable what you are witnessing. How is this possible? The woman turns to you, and her eyes are shining with a fierce intensity. "Don't be afraid," she says. "They won't hurt you."
You want to believe her, but you are still so scared. You try to speak, but your voice fails you. You want to ask her how she did that, how she made the wolves submit to her will, but you cannot find the words.
As you try to regain your composure, you hear a low growl. Opening your eyes, you see the wolves staring straight at you, their eyes filled with hunger. You are surrounded, and there is no way out.
You feel their sharp teeth sink into your flesh, and you know that this is the end. As your vision starts to fade, you hear the woman's voice, filled with sadness that breaks your heart.
"I don't understand," she says. "You need to let go of it, why can't you just do that?"
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
Before you can say anything, you hear a low growl, and a pack of wolves emerge from the shadows, blocking your path. The woman doesn't seem surprised or scared, instead, she looks at them with a sense of calmness that you can't understand.
You try to take a step back, but she holds you steady. "Don't move," she whispers, her eyes never leaving the wolves. "Just stay still."
The wolves start to circle around you, and you can feel their hot breath on your skin. You want to scream, to run, to do anything to get away from them, but you can't move. You're frozen in fear.
The woman steps forward, and the wolves immediately stop circling. They look at her, their eyes filled with an almost reverent fear. She holds up her hand, and they bow their heads.
"Let's see how this version will play out," she says under her breath, almost to herself.
You can't believe what you're seeing. How is this possible? The woman turns to you, and her eyes are shining with a fierce intensity. "Don't be afraid," she says. "They won't hurt you."
You want to believe her, but you're still so scared. You try to speak, but your voice fails you. You want to ask her how she did that, how she made the wolves submit to her will, but you can't find the words.
As you try to regain your composure, you hear a low growl. You open your eyes and see the wolves staring straight at you, their eyes filled with hunger. You're surrounded, and there's no way out.
You feel their sharp teeth sink into your flesh, and you know that this is the end. As your vision starts to fade, you hear the woman's voice, filled with a sadness that breaks your heart.
"If you're not ready, why are you making me do this to you again and again?" she says.
[[Why are you doing same mistakes? ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>><<if visited("ElderWomanEnding") == 1>>
As you move away from the woman, you decide to heed the words of the elder lady. You feel a sense of familiarity for both the woman and the elder lady. With a smile, the elder lady approaches you, while you hear the distant ramblings of the woman telling you that you're making a mistake.
You feel the elder lady's touch on your chest, her hand cold and light as a feather. It sends a shiver down your spine, and suddenly the world around you blurs and spins. You try to steady yourself, but your body won't obey. You feel yourself falling, falling, falling...
And then, darkness envelops you.
In the distance, you hear voices, distant and muffled. You try to make sense of them, but your mind is clouded, your body heavy. It's as if you're trapped in a dream, unable to awaken.
The woman's voice breaks through the haze, angry and bitter. "Stop getting in my way," she spits, her words laced with venom.
But the elder lady just laughs, a sound that echoes through the darkness. "I'm not the one who is in your way, dear," she says. "See you next time."
And then, the darkness swallows you whole.
You don't know how much time has passed when you awaken, or even if you're truly awake at all. All you know is that you feel different somehow, as if a part of you has been left behind in that other place. You attempt to move, but your body is heavy, as if weighed down by invisible chains.
And then, you realize that you're not alone. The elder lady is there, her wrinkled face gazing down at you with a mixture of sadness and compassion.
"I'll be waiting for you, child," she says softly. "But do not come until it is time. Stop hurting yourself."
With those words, you feel yourself slipping away once more, back into the darkness. Back to the beginning.
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
As you move away from the woman, you decide to follow the elder lady's advice. You feel a strange sense of familiarity for both the woman and the elder lady. The elder lady approaches you with a smile, but before she can reach you, the woman intervenes, putting her body between you and the elder lady. The woman's angry body language looks intimidating, but the elder lady doesn't seem fazed by it.
"I hate you. I hate how you keep doing this," the woman spits each word with ferocity towards the elder lady. But the elder lady calmly touches her shoulder, and as if something changed, the woman steps aside. Her eyes lock onto yours with resignation.
With the barrier of the woman gone, the elder lady stands in front of you. You feel her cold, feather-light touch on your chest, and suddenly the world around you blurs and spins. You try to steady yourself, but your body won't obey. You feel yourself falling, falling, falling...
And then, darkness engulfs you.
In the distance, you hear muffled voices. You try to make sense of them, but your mind is foggy, your body heavy. It's as if you're trapped in a dream, unable to wake up.
The woman's voice breaks through the haze, angry and bitter. "If you hadn't intervened this time, we could have made it," she spits, her words dripping with venom.
But the elder lady just chuckles, a sound that reverberates through the darkness. "You and I both know I'm not the one who is intervening," she says. "See you next time."
And then, the darkness consumes you entirely.
You don't know how much time has passed when you awaken, or even if you're truly awake at all. All you know is that you feel somehow different, as if a part of you has been left behind in that other place. You try to move, but your body is heavy, as if held down by invisible chains.
And then, you realize that you're not alone. The elder lady is there, her wrinkled face gazing down at you with a mixture of sadness and compassion.
"You keep coming earlier than you should have, child," she says softly. "Life is not an eternal uphill climb. Stop resisting."
With those words, you feel yourself slipping away once more, back into the darkness. Back to the beginning.
[[Where to go if not into the woods? ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>>You choose to follow the woman, ignoring the elder lady's words. You feel a sense of excitement and adventure, as though you're embarking on a journey to discover something new.
The elder lady smiles sadly and says, "Very well, follow her if you must. But be careful, dear. She expects too much from you. There is a time for everything, and this is not the time."
You ask the elder lady what her problem is with the woman, but she shakes her head. "That is not important right now. Just be cautious."
The woman impatiently grabs your hand and pulls you away. "Let us go, beloved," she says. "This woman is stuck in the past. There is so much more waiting for us."
As you follow her, a feeling of unease creeps up on you. The woman is so sure of herself, so confident in her abilities. But there's something about her that makes you question her intentions.
You try to voice your concerns, but the woman brushes them off. "Don't worry, my love," she says. "I know what I'm doing. Trust me."
[[In woman, we trust.->WolfPackAttack]]You stare at the compass, unsure of what to do. It's still pointing at random directions while you try to make a decision. While the elder lady seemed wise, she didn't directly mention following the compass. She only told you to trust yourself to guide your way out. In an eerie sense, you didn't trust the compass.
As you stand there, contemplating your next move, you notice a group of crows perched on nearby branches, watching you intently. With each passing moment, more and more crows join the group until they form a sizable flock. You can't help but feel a sense of unease as their beady eyes bore into you.
Suddenly, the crows take flight, cawing loudly as they circle around you. You feel their wings brush against your face, and you stumble back in fear. It's as if they're trying to prevent you from leaving, warning you of the danger that lies ahead.
Ignoring the compass, you make the decision to follow your instincts. You walk in the direction that feels right to you, but as you make your way through the thick forest, you feel a nagging sense of unease. You try to shake it off, but it persists, growing stronger with each passing moment. Suddenly, you feel the ground give way beneath your feet, and you tumble headfirst into a ditch.
Pain shoots through your leg, and you cry out in agony. You're trapped, with no way out. The world around you begins to blur, and you can feel your consciousness slipping away. A small voice in your head urges you to keep fighting, to find a way out and survive, but the darkness is closing in, and you're not sure if you have the strength to hold on.
[[I'll survive this. ->TheWomanReturns]]
[[Maybe it is time to let go. ->DyinginHole]]<<if visited("FollowCompass") == 1>>
You decide to trust the elder lady and let the compass guide you. As you make your way through the woods, following the erratic spinning of the compass, you begin to feel a sense of hopelessness. The constant circling is disorienting, and you feel like you're making no progress. But then, the needle starts to slow down, and you sense a change in the air. There's a feeling of anticipation, as if something is about to happen.
You quicken your pace, eager to see where the compass is leading you. The ground beneath your feet feels different, spongier than before, and you start to get a sinking feeling in your stomach. You pause and look down, noticing the grasses around your feet turning into a thick, soupy mud. You try to step back, but it's too late. Your foot sinks deep into the muck, and you feel yourself being pulled down into the swamp.
Panic sets in, and you frantically try to pull your leg out, but the mud only sucks you in deeper. You flail your arms and scream for help, but there's no one around to hear you. You're alone, sinking deeper and deeper into the murky swamp.
As you struggle, you glance down at the compass, hoping that it will show you a way out. But instead of pointing in a direction, the compass is now spinning wildly, as if it's lost its sense of direction. You feel a sense of despair wash over you as you realize that you're going to drown in the swamp. Your last thought is of the elder lady and how she tricked you with her compass.
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
Thinking through the elder lady's words, you realize that your best bet is to follow the compass. After all, why would she give you one if she didn't want you to use it, right? As you make your way through the woods, following the erratic spinning of the compass, you begin to feel a sense of hopelessness. The constant circling is disorienting, and you feel like you're making no progress. But then, the needle starts to slow down, and you sense a change in the air. There's a feeling of anticipation, as if something is about to happen.
You quicken your pace, eager to see where the compass is leading you. The ground beneath your feet feels different, spongier than before, and you start to get a sinking feeling in your stomach. You pause and look down, noticing the grasses around your feet turning into a thick, soupy mud. You try to step back, but it's too late. Your foot sinks deep into the muck, and you feel yourself being pulled down into the swamp.
Panic sets in, and you frantically try to pull your leg out, but the mud only sucks you in deeper. You flail your arms and scream for help, but there's no one around to hear you. You're alone, sinking deeper and deeper into the murky swamp.
As you struggle, you glance down at the compass, hoping that it will show you a way out. But instead of pointing in a direction, the compass starts pointing at you, as if it's lost its sense of direction. You start to wonder what it means and why it's pointing at you. Your body sinks deeper and deeper into the mud, and you can feel yourself losing strength.
Your last thoughts are still on the compass pointed at you. What is it trying to tell you? You hope to understand but darkness welcomes you once again.
[[Are you really listening me child? ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>>You try your best to get out of the ditch, but your leg hurts so much that you keep falling back down. Just when you think you can't go on any longer, you manage to crawl up a little higher. But as you try to climb out, you lose your footing and fall back down again.
As you lie there in pain, you suddenly notice the woman you left behind, staring at you from the top of the ditch. You're surprised and confused - where did she come from? Why didn't she help you get out of the ditch? The woman simply looks at you with a mysterious smile, as if she knows something you don't. How was she able to find you again? Was she following you the whole time?
"How did you manage to find me again?" you ask, struggling to sit up after hurting yourself over and over again.
The woman's eyes lock onto yours, and a calmness illuminates her face that you haven't seen before. She slides down into the ditch next to you, and you feel a sense of relief wash over you as you see those green eyes up close again. An urge to get close to her emerges within you.
"I've been with you all along," she says softly, placing a hand on your arm. "Even if you leave me, we are one, my love. You can't abandon what's yours."
You stare at her, unsure of what to make of her words. "What do you mean?"
The woman looks at you with pity, as if you're a hurt animal she just stumbled upon. "It matters not for the moment. What do you wish to do now, dear?"
You consider her words only for a moment, your leg still screaming at you to remind you that it needs attention. But you try to keep your focus on the woman. Maybe she was asking for an apology before helping you. But that also makes you feel angry. You have no idea what's happening. How can she expect your full commitment to her?
With all the power you can muster, you untangle yourself from the woman. The choice is yours now - obey her will and hope for the best, or let anger consume you over all of this nonsense.
[[Let anger consume you. ->TheWomanStabsYou]]
[[Ask for her help. ->TheWomanThereisNoHelp]]You lie there in the ditch, feeling the throbbing pain in your leg. The sense of exhaustion that has been creeping up on you seems to take hold, making you wonder if you have the strength to continue. This weariness isn't just physical, but comes from within. You can't muster the energy to care about leaving the forest anymore; it seems as though you've already lost the battle.
As you lie there, something begins to stir within you. A spark of resilience ignites and you begin to feel a sense of defiance. You've overcome challenges before, and you can do it again. You won't allow the forest to defeat you.
With a deep breath, you force yourself up, biting back the pain. You won't give up that easily. You've come too far and fought too hard to resign yourself to failure. Although you're tired and injured, you're not defeated yet. You'll find a way out of this forest no matter what it takes.
[[You try your best to push yourself up from the ditch. ->TheWomanReturns2]]
<<if visited("DyinginHole") == 1>>
You are sitting in the ditch, feeling pain shooting up your leg. You are tired, tired of walking, tired of trying, tired of everything. Part of you wants to keep going, to fight your way out of the woods and back to safety. But the other part of you, the part that's been growing stronger with every step, just wants to rest.
You close your eyes, feeling the coolness of the dirt against your cheek. It's not about giving up, not really. It's more like surrendering to the inevitability of the situation. You've done all that you can, and it's not enough. You're spent, drained of all energy and willpower. It's time to rest.
As you drift off into unconsciousness, you feel a sense of peace. You don't know what will happen to you, whether you'll be found or lost forever in the woods. But it doesn't matter. You've done what you could, and now it's time to let go. You surrender yourself to the darkness, feeling a sense of release as you slip away.
In the end, it doesn't feel like giving up. It feels like letting go, like releasing the burdens that have been weighing you down. You've found a measure of peace in the midst of chaos, a sense of rest in the heart of struggle. And as you take your last breath, you do so with a sense of acceptance, knowing that whatever comes next, you'll face it with courage and grace.
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
You are feeling pain in both of your legs, unable to move, unable to do anything but sit in the dirt hole you have find yourself in. You are tired of trying out, tired of running for a meaning. Elder lady, the woman, this god awful forest. When does it end? When will you find your way out of this mess?
You want to rest. Close your eyes and leave this whole place behind. The pain is not dulling but reminding you to let go. You grab the compass out of your pocket, trying to see what it is doing right now. Instead of turning like crazy, now it the pointy bit is directed at you.
"Of course, now you are pointing at stuff." you laugh, feeling the pain in every part of your body. Slowly you close your eyes, you lay yourself to the dirt ground, feeling its coolness in your body. It's not about giving up, not really. inevitability of the situation. You've done all that you can, and it's not enough. You're spent, drained of all energy and willpower. It's time to rest.
Your mind start to drift, you are leaving the pain behind. You don't care whether you die, or to be rescued. A sense of peace envelops you like a mother holding her infant. You've done what you could anyways. It's time to rest. It's not giving up. You surrender yourself to the darkness, feeling a sense of release as you slip away.
In the end, it doesn't feel like giving up. It feels like letting go, like releasing the burdens that have been weighing you down. You've found a measure of peace in the midst of chaos, a sense of rest in the heart of struggle. And as you take your last breath, you do so with a sense of acceptance, knowing that whatever comes next, you'll face it with courage and grace.
[[Maybe you should just rest with the whispers. -> New Beginning]]
<<endif>><<if visited("TheWomanStabsYou") == 1>>
You stare at the woman, your anger simmering inside you, and demand, "Why didn't you help me get out of this ditch? Why did you just stand there and watch me struggle?"
The woman simply looks at you with a mysterious smile, as if she knows something you don't. "I was in here with you the whole time," she says softly.
You shake your head in disbelief. "What do you mean? That doesn't make any sense! You could have helped me, but instead, you just slid next to me," you say, your voice rising with every word, and you feel your anger reaching a boiling point.
The woman's eyes lock onto yours, and a calmness illuminates her face that you haven't seen before. "My love, anger is not the answer. You are here with me now, and that is all that matters."
But her words only serve to fuel your rage. "That's not good enough! I demand an explanation! Why are we doing this? This is all stupid."
The woman looks at your furious figure with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "I understand your frustration, but you know in your heart that this is what we must do, this is what we must endure. And I'm here to help you, to be with you."
But you can't see past your anger. "That's ridiculous! I don't need your help! I don't even know who you are! Why should I trust you?"
The woman's eyes brighten with something you can't understand, and without warning, she pulls out a knife and stabs you. Your leg hurts like an itch when you feel a sharp pain within your chest. Without saying a word to her, your vision begins to blur.
As you fall to the ground, the woman kneels down next to you and whispers in your ear, "Do not resist me, my love." Her voice is both soothing and terrifying, and you feel yourself slipping away.
You try to resist, to fight against the darkness that's creeping in, but it's no use. The woman's words echo in your mind, and you feel yourself surrendering to her will.
You take one last breath, and as you exhale, you feel the woman's lips on yours. The kiss is soft and gentle, stealing away your last breath and forcing you to give up.
Your vision fades to black, and you feel yourself slipping away into nothingness.
[[You died. But that doesn't seem to be the end. ->New Beginning]]
<<else>>
You stare at the woman, seething with anger, and demand, "Why didn't you help me get out of this ditch? Why did you just stand there and watch me struggle?"
Unable to contain your frustration any longer, you continue, "Why did you bring me to this god-awful forest in the first place? I'm so tired of your stupid woods and your stupid words!" With a surge of passion, you grab her arm, the pain in your legs fueling your emotions.
The woman seems unfazed by your outburst, simply smiling as if this were all some twisted game. "This is your own fault, my love. I'm not the one who chose the wrong path," she sighs, her smile turning into a scowl. "Don't think for a second I enjoy this more than you do. All I want is for you to find your way."
"Then tell me how!" you exclaim, feeling the adrenaline fade and the pain growing more intense with every passing moment.
The woman's eyes soften as she gets closer to you. "I know, love. But if you stop resisting, we'll make it through these woods without any problems next time." She then adds, almost to herself, "I know we will."
Raising your brow, you ask, "What do you mean 'next time'? Let's just climb up here and go in the direction you know. Get us out of here." But before you can finish, the woman suddenly pulls out a knife and stabs you. A sharp pain shoots through your chest, and your legs feel like they're on fire. Your vision begins to blur, and without saying a word to her, you collapse to the ground.
As you fall, the woman kneels beside you and whispers in your ear, "See what anger does to you, my love." Her voice is both soothing and terrifying, and you feel yourself slipping away. "I know you can let go and do this."
Try as you might, you can't fight the darkness creeping in. The woman's words echo in your mind, and you feel yourself surrendering to her will. Taking one last breath, you exhale as you feel the woman's lips on yours. The kiss is soft and gentle, stealing away your last breath and forcing you to give up.
"See you soon, beloved," she whispers before fading away into the darkness.
[[Maybe it's time to stop getting angry. ->New Beginning]]
<<endif>><div class="logodiv"><div class="logodiv">
<img src="images/hello.png" alt="An illustration of the woods">
</div></div>
<p> Hey everyone! This is a small game that I’ve made to learn more about Twine and try to make sense of a dream I’ve had long time ago. Hope you guys enjoy it.
<br>By Fin Riley<br>
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